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You are here: Home > Story Shelf > All Authors > The Eggman > A New Life | Chapter 40 | The Eggman

A New Life

by The Eggman

Chapter 40 - Winding Turns

We kissed for a long time - through the radio station's commercial break and well into another song before coming up for air. Draping my chin over his shoulder, I sighed and hugged Prez tightly for a few seconds. Having taken a few chances to mention his aunt and his feelings about summer vacation, I was worried that he'd be upset - but not my lover. After all that, he soothed my fears by telling me that I was the best thing that had ever happened to him. No sweeter words ever escaped his lips.

Our legs were intertwined and almost all of my weight was on him. Against my hip I could feel his growing erection and I was popping a bone too. I knew that he wanted to make love and I did too but it was still early and could wait until we talked a little more. I softly said, "I get sad when you're sad, you know?"

He sighed, "I know, babe."

"How can I help, Prez?"

Prez smiled and squeezed me tight saying, "You've already given me lots to think about." Moments later he whispered, "I hope I didn't insult your folks."

I didn't understand what he meant or why my parents might be insulted. After a few moments, Prez said, "Because I offered to pay room and board, ya know? Some people might've gotten angry about that."

I asked, "Did they seem angry?"

Prez quickly said, "Not really, just surprised. But I was stuck for a while there. I wanted to make the offer but, at the same time, I didn't want to upset them." He paused, cuddled a little closer then said; "At least that's done with."

I whispered, "Is there something else that needs to be taken care of?"

Prez hummed affirmatively and said, "Its way more difficult though."

Pulling back, I looked down at him curiously.

Prez smiled, "It's not you or anything you've done. Its death."

I frowned.

"I mean, the different ideas about life after death," Prez quickly corrected. Then he explained, "My Catholic upbringing tells me that my mom is in heaven and that one-day we'll be together again. I wish that somehow it could be proven though. It's almost as if religions were created partly to relieve the sadness we all feel when someone dies. Then they expanded on that, teaching us to live honorable lives so we'll be sure to go to heaven and spend eternity with our loved ones. It's a double-edged sword, ya know? Half the time it keeps me sane, believing that we'll be together again. The other half of the time it drives me crazy because there's no way to be sure that we'll ever see each other again." He paused then shrugged, "But other folks believe in reincarnation. What if a baby girl was born moments after she died? And lots of people try to communicate with spirits at séances. Like in the movie, Ghost? What if she's close by, watching me, helping me? But then again, some people actually worship snakes!"

I chuckled and Prez sighed, "I have to wonder if any of it is real. I'd like to believe that she hears me when I'm talking or thinking about her. If only I could know for sure."

I reassured, "All that matters is how you feel," and then quickly asked, "Remembering makes you feel better, doesn't it?"

Prez nodded, "Most of the time, yeah. But there was that one-day I woke up sick a few weeks ago. And what happened today felt good... until I found myself sitting on the floor!"

I grinned, "It was really like a visualization?"

Rapidly nodding, Prez said, "That same tingling feeling, like tapping into unused brain cells. Smelling her perfume though... man that freaked me out!"

I softly said, "You miss her, Prez. It's totally natural. When our dog Aldo died, I kept seeing him out of the corner of my eye, sprawled out asleep in his favorite spots. But when I did a double take, he wasn't there, of course. It's like the mind has the power to recreate what it's been used to dealing with. It took a long time, a couple of weeks at least, before I stopped seeing Aldo. And I'm only talking about our family dog! I remember when Mike absolutely refused to go into his dad's home office. A little while after his dad died, Mike said that he saw his dad in there at his desk. After that, Mike didn't go in that room again for a long time. Similar stuff must be happening to you."

With hopeful eyes, Prez asked, "So its just my mind playing tricks on me?"

I nodded, "I'll bet that's a big part of it. The funny thing about Mike's situation is that Mike's bedroom was once his dad's office. Last year they moved the office furniture upstairs and Mike moved his bedroom downstairs." I paused for a second, and then softly reminded, "It took about three years for that to happen, Prez. Give yourself time."

For a long few moments, Prez seemed to absorb what I had said. He sighed, "Today's been one of those day's." Looking deep into my eyes, he confessed, "I really am comfortable here, Keith. I always have been but sometimes it feels like it's time to go back to my home, almost like I'm a guest."

Pulling myself tight against him, I groaned, "Oh baby, you know you belong here now, don't you?"

He nodded, "Most of the time I do, yeah. But since that day a few weeks ago, when I woke feeling sick, I sometimes flash back. Today was a flash back sort of day, in lots of ways. And I immediately know its wrong so I feel a little... weird, as if I'm here visiting you, like last year. But since I am already home and there's no place else to go home to, I feel guilty. The moment I recognize it though, I start rationalizing to push the feeling away."

Softly, I kissed his forehead. With my lips still touching him, I softly said, "Adjustments, Prez. It's all mind games, reconciling changes. When you feel it happening, you'll need to tell me, okay?"

Prez nodded. He then asked, "What do you believe? About life after death, I mean."

Inhaling deeply, I thought about it then answered, "We've never been that religious but its definitely based on Christianity. I guess I've never really thought about it too much. When my dad's parents passed away, I was only about eleven years old. But I remember crying for selfish reasons because they were gone. When Mike's dad died, I was more worried about Mike than trying to figure out where people go when they die. Its not something we can really know about without dying."

Prez softly said, "I need to ask something so please don't get angry."

The way he apologizes before even saying what's on his mind always cracks me up. I grinned, "Don't worry, I won't."

Beginning to softly rub my back, Prez said, "Back when you were coming to terms with being gay and considering suicide - do you think that lack of faith had anything to do with it?"

"No," I quickly said and then explained. "What kept me from actually doing it was the few good things. Like, the fact that nobody in school ever bashed or bothered me.

"That winter it just seemed that everything was chaotic. Not only was I gay but also I witnessed a big argument between Mike and Derrick. I thought the fight was about or because of me. It seemed that all my relationships were getting worse all the time. And from my perspective, it was my fault, because I'm gay.

"But then Mike lost it when I mentioned suicide. After losing his dad? That was probably the stupidest thing I could've said. It's the only time he's ever hit me and meant it. But I didn't really mean for him to hear it either. I was angry with myself, mumbled and he heard. It was a bad scene but at least he cared enough to club me one and curse me out for even thinking it. Then one day my bad attitude got me in trouble here at home. The entire day, Drew was trailing me and I couldn't take it. Weeks later, when I came out, I found out that Mike talked to Drew. If my friends and family didn't care as much as they do, there would've been nothing stopping me."

I sighed then said, "Accepting that I was gay, that I wouldn't be considered normal by most people was really depressing for a really long time. I fought all those preconceived notions as best as I could but it would still drag me down.

"But at the same time I was depressed, I'd fantasize about someone that would want to be with me and have sex with me. What would it be like to have a boyfriend? Would we really be close friends? Could we be together for more than sex? Or would sex be the center our relationship revolved around? And even those little fantasies, as good as they were, made me feel guilty. Every dude wants his dick sucked but I'd ask myself if I'd want to suck dick too and not have any answer. What if it was really big? What if it just smelled bad and tasted even worse? What if anal sex was brutally painful? Until you actually have sex you just don't know what to expect. It's exciting and scary at the same time.

Prez nodded and continued rubbing my back. I smiled down at him saying, "That's over and done with, thank goodness! I found you and we answered those scary questions together."

Once I finished, Prez waited a few seconds then smiled, "Thank you," and his hand stopped moving around my back.

"For what?"

"For the honest answer and not getting upset," Prez said. "In some ways, it was different for me. Sex was something way in the future and not worth really thinking about. I'd resigned myself to being alone and just jack-off fantasizing about famous people. Male or female didn't matter, I'd feel guilty either way." Then he grinned, "That's one of the worst parts of being Catholic - how they teach you to feel guilty about every little thing!"

Cautiously and softly, I said, "You need to stop feeling guilty over your mom. You didn't kill her. And you sure didn't ignore her. You couldn't have changed things."

Prez sighed, "I know all that but I still feel guilty sometimes. And it's not just about her or how she was taken away." Prez reached up and began running his fingers through my hair. Then he softly admitted, "As great as it is living here with you, as considerate as your family is, I still feel like I'm intruding a little bit. There's no logical reason; I just feel that way once in a while. It bothers me too. Offering room and board was my way of fighting the guilt."

I sighed, "You are not a guest in this house, Prez. You are part of this family and have been since last June."

Prez nodded and smiled, "I think of it as living with my in-laws."

"However you want to consider it. Your happiness means everything to me."

Prez smiled, "You've made that abundantly clear," and then pulled me down again for another deep kiss. Moments later, his face slid around mine. He sighed, "I feel guilty about the fight too."

Squeezing him tightly for a few moments, I said, "Don't, baby. I sure don't blame you. Mike and Derrick have never implied anything."

"I can't wait to find out why he singled me out."

I reminded, "Mike was there too."

Prez said, "But Jake pulled the knife on me. He was smiling when he threatened to kill me, Keith. Like it would've made his day!" By the time he finished speaking, I realized that he was shaking.

I gently shushed him and hugged him tightly then said, "He's just a sick puppy, Prez. Think about it for a minute. If you or I don't like someone, we usually just avoid him or her. Jake jumped right past that alternative. He could've started a fistfight, without the knife. But he wanted insurance. In the office, he shouted slurs and threats in front of the police. Face it baby; he's not too bright." Prez giggled and I then said, "Given all that, I would bet big money that he's just sexually insecure. Whatever you and Mike said, even though you were joking, he took it to heart."

Prez sighed, "He should've just kept his mouth shut. I guess he thought that Mike and I wouldn't have a comeback."

I grinned and whispered, "Be good little fags and hide in a closet."

Prez softly snickered, "Fuck that!" and moved his hand from my back pocket to my back.

Since I had been laying on him for a pretty long time, I took the opportunity to roll back, pulling Prez along so he was lying on top of me. I softly asked, "Remember all those nightmares I had?"

He hummed affirmatively and then asked, "You're not still having them?"

I quickly said, "No, not for a long while. But, in hindsight, I've realized something about myself."

Prez started sucking on my earlobe and softly mumbled, "What's that?"

"I totally lost it that day," I admitted. "It was almost as bad as my worst nightmare. All I thought of was protecting you, saving the one person that made my life fun again, like when I was little. But when I'm alone and someone passes a rude comment, I usually think to myself, fuck you very much, but don't actually say anything. It's like I'll fight for anyone else's sake but not for my own."

Prez nodded and smiled, "I'm not the least bit surprised."

"Really?"

"That's you Keith. But don't forget how you handled Donofrio."

"That was just words though, probably like you and Jake in the locker room. I don't know that I would ever throw a punch in self defense."

"You would," Prez quickly stated, as if it were already fact.

"I love the way you make it sound so certain."

"It is certain," Prez quickly said, "Adrenaline starts pumping and everything goes on auto-pilot." After a few moments silence, he then pulled back and grinned, "I feel so much better."

I then said, "We're gonna have a lot of fun this summer. We can do whatever we want, whenever we want. I'm thinking about a camping trip somewhere."

Wide-eyed, Prez excitedly asked, "Where?"

I smiled and looked away saying, "Oh, I've got a few places in mind."

He giggled, "You love surprising me, don't you?"

I grinned and nodded, "It's one of the many things I love. Laying here with you and talking like this has got me so freakin' hard!"

Prez smiled widely and, glancing down at the bulge in my shorts, reached down then began firmly rubbing my bone. Looking in my eyes again, he softly said, "I've been so horny lately. It must be spring and the warmer weather," and then began fumbling with the button on my shorts. Once he got the button undone and the zipper carefully lowered, my lover reached his hand inside. He moved to kiss me and began fondling me. He then said, "Just like you enjoy surprising me, I'd like to surprise you once in a while. The suede jacket wasn't that expensive. And I really enjoyed getting it for you. Your reaction made it that much sweeter."

I grinned, "Like I might disagree while your hand is down my pants!"

Prez giggled, "I have pretty good ideas of what you'd like. I promise not to go overboard."

I nodded and chose not to argue, believing that we'd have a chance to talk more about it another time.

He can do absolutely amazing things with hands! Omigod! For a minute or two I groaned and writhed around while his magic fingers teased my hard dick. And Prez silently watched, smiling at me the whole time. He began sliding my dick between pairs of fingers - index and middle finger - middle finger and ring finger - and then back to index and middle finger. Involuntarily I bucked up off the bed into his hand.

He then began to get up off me and moved to pull my shorts off me. Prez grabbed the waistband and I lifted my ass. As soon as my bare ass hit the bed again, I sat up and helped him get his shirt off.

I grinned, "Are we bad?"

Pulling his arms out of the shirtsleeves, Prez smiled, "What do you mean?"

I said, "I dunno... it just seems that Mike and Derrick think we have sex too often," and then tossed his shirt over towards the closet.

Prez laughed and got up off the bed saying, "What's too much? Besides, it sounds to me like they have plenty of oral sex. They don't get too many opportunities for intercourse is all. And they're so jealous!" He then threw his head back and roared laughing!

Giggling uncontrollably, I got up and took my T-shirt off, threw it at the closet and then helped him get his jeans off. While I was tugging at his pants leg, I smiled, "As long as you don't think we're doing it too much."

I got his jeans off and started emptying the pockets, placing his keys, wallet and a few coins on the dresser. And while I did, Prez rolled his undies down. Then he peeked in the dog's crate and said, "Good boy. Shred that rope, you silly hound!"

In response, the dog's tail rapped at the sides of the pet apartment.

Tuning to me, my baby smiled and softly said, "Lately, there have been days when I've wanted some, oh, about every other hour."

My eyes almost shot out of their sockets! I giggled, "That's like eight times! Our dicks would be sore for the next two days!"

We wrapped our arms around each other in a tight embrace. Prez grinned, "It might slow me down but I would still want some. Don't you feel that way too sometimes?"

I rolled my eyes and nodded, "Seems to me, I spent most of my fifteenth year with my dick in my hand. Then I learned how much fun I could have with candles!"

Prez chuckled, "No one else has ever told me anything like that."

"Not even Derrick?"

Prez shook his head, "Not Mike either."

Pulling back and looking in his eyes, I asked, "You really don't find either of them that attractive?"

Wide eyed, Prez squeezed my buns and smiled, "Sure they're attractive. But so are you. I don't need to know how often they have sex or what kind of sex or how much they jerk off. Since I'm not in love with them, it probably shouldn't be that way. But I can't help dropping a little inside info now and then, just like they do."

I giggled, "Inside info?"

Prez nodded and explained, "Like last week, when I asked Mike how his new toy was working out? He was surprised I asked but he answered the question and added a little more information than I needed! It's just not at that level. But for reasons I haven't yet figured out, we all seem to enjoy teasing each other. It must be part of being gay, ya know?"

Smiling widely, I whispered, "I love you," and then went after his neck and throat.

 

---

 

We made love for two incredible hours. It was a few minutes after midnight when we turned off the stereo and fell asleep. But hours later, in the wee hours of the morning, while birds chirped loudly outside, I felt Keith behind me, grinding his hard dick against my butt! At first, I was still mostly asleep and just enjoyed it. I thought he would eventually stop and roll away like he usually does. But he wasn't stopping! And I was getting really excited! We'd never done it in the middle of the night like this before!

When he reached down to move his cock between my cheeks, I was pretty sure that Keith was awake. To prove that I was awake and more than ready, I lifted my right leg to give him access. As slippery as we already were, Keith easily slid inside me. He moved very slowly at first and then we began rocking to and fro. Leaning more onto me, Keith then reached for my hard dick and stroked it for me. After a while, he then pulled me backward onto him. In my mind, I flashed back to my first time because we wound up in almost the same position. Seconds before I lost it, I softly groaned, "Oh Keith, I love you."

And Keith hummed then hoarsely whispered, "As much as you need or want, lover."

Hearing him say that pushed me over the edge. While I was still shooting and panting like a dog, Keith whimpered and thrust up against my ass hard, letting loose inside me.

When we finally caught our breaths, Keith whispered, "Omigod! That was intense!"

Rolling off him, I stole a kiss then giggled, "I really, really enjoyed that!" Then I suggested, "This summer, any time either of us wants it?" I snuggled up close, rested my head on his chest and wrapped an arm over him.

Keith wrapped an arm around me and nodded, "Too much is when we're too sore to even try."

Lifting my head up off his chest, I peeked at the clock and said, "It's five-thirty. I'm not sore yet."

Keith giggled, "I was getting limp until you said that!"

I smiled, bounced my eyebrows playfully then reached for his cock saying, "Or we could get another ninety minutes sleep?"

He kissed my forehead and said, "Let's rest. Grind-a-thon starts around seven."

I kissed him goodnight but remained snuggled up with my hand resting near his package. Falling almost immediately to sleep, I dreamt of visiting my Aunt. Keith was with me too. It was a good dream and I hoped that real life would be that good.

Keith and I often talk about our dreams while we're in the bathroom getting ready for the day. He had summer camping dreams all night! I nodded and smiled thinking, no wonder he was so frisky at five in the blessed morning! But I liked it way too much to say a word. I was hoping for more nights of interrupted sleep just like that.

 

---

 

Back in our room and getting dressed for school, Prez reminded me that I needed to bring my SAT scores along. I got the envelope from the desk drawer and stuffed it into my chemistry book. Prez closed the bedroom door. Then we grinned and both double-checked that it was securely shut. Then we hurried out to the Four-Runner. Prez started the engine and moments later sighed, "The low fuel lamp is staying on," and then turned the engine off. Quickly, we unbuckled and ran to my car.

On our way to Mike's, I asked, "Have you figured your gas mileage?"

Prez hummed and nodded, "About eighteen miles per gallon around town. We haven't taken any long highway trips yet though."

Grinning, I patted the dashboard and said, "Twenty-four around town, closer to thirty on the highway."

Prez said, "Mine's bigger," and then quickly chuckled, "At least my truck is bigger!"

I chuckled, "Yours is plenty big."

After I completed a turn, Prez asked, "Did you have as much fun as I did last night?"

Reaching for his hand, I smiled, "Of course baby. We obviously needed it."

He softly smiled, "You were awesome!"

Pulling his hand up, I kissed it and grinned, "I aims ta please!"

Prez cracked up at my feeble attempt to sound like a Texan.

I turned onto Mike's street. Since we were running a little behind schedule, they were already waiting outside by the street. As I slowed and pulled up to the curb, I noticed that both Mike and Derrick were holding their hands up to their mouths with the index and middle fingers spread apart. Mike had his acoustic guitar with him again too.

Turning and looking at me curiously, Prez asked, "Wonder what that's about?"

Popping the trunk, I shrugged, "I'm almost afraid to find out."

Mike stowed his guitar then opened the back passenger side door. He slid in, giggling like a hyena. Grinning insanely, Derrick followed and closed the door.

As I pulled away again, Prez turned around, put his hand to his mouth with his two fingers spread and asked, "What's this?"

Mike roared laughing and Derrick giggled, "You're not doing it right." Then Derrick raised his hand to his mouth again but stuck his tongue out and licked between his fingers. Prez grinned and repeated the process, causing Mike to have some sort of hysterical breakdown. Derrick then nudged Prez's seat and roared, "Lickity-split! Get it?"

Breathlessly, Mike heaved, "Does it remind you of anything?"

We all about died laughing all the way to school! Taking the obvious tangents, we even agreed to use it as a signal! Derrick giggled, "Whenever ya see the sign it means, see ya later, we're gonna go have sex now!" Mike and I were still snickering as we split up and went into our homerooms.

 

---

 

Before homeroom, I crossed the hall and said good morning to Rebecca. As I expected, she wasn't as friendly as she once had been. But I told her about Mike's birthday party the previous evening anyway. When I had finished and asked if anything was new in her world, she pulled me aside and softly asked, "Why are you doing this?"

I answered, "Because we've been friendly for over a month and I'd still like to consider you a friend."

She looked up at me curiously for a long few moments and then said, "I don't know if I can, Prez. It still hurts too much."

I nodded understandingly then explained, "My father is the kind of man that likes to hold a grudge. Let me just say that he's one of the saddest people I've ever known. I refuse to be like him."

She nodded and sighed then started to walk away.

The bell rang and I quickly said, "This Friday our band will be doing a little after school show at our house. A few of our friends will be there too. Why don't you come over too?"

Before going into her homeroom, she said, "We'll see."

 

---

 

Immediately after homeroom, I walked with Mike as far as the main office.

Mike asked, "Have you and Prez decided which colleges you're interested in?"

I said, "We haven't even begun looking yet. Prez wants to stay in California and that's fine with me."

Mike said, "California's pretty big," and then asked, "How far away would you want to go?"

"It depends on which schools have the programs we want. As soon as I get done with the counselor, I'll know a little more."

The remaining steps were silent. When we got to the main office, Mike pulled me aside and asked, "Does Prez want to go very far?"

I answered, "We talked about UCSB once. Santa Barbara isn't too far." Noticing his concern, I asked, "What's the matter?"

He shrugged and sighed; "It's just not time yet, for a shit-load of completely selfish reasons, yeah, but also for another reason. It's too soon for Prez. Yeah, he wants to be alone with you but he needs to be here with family and friends too, don't you think?"

I smiled, "Don't worry, dude. We'll be talking a lot about it and we'll be talking with you dudes too."

Mike nodded and smiled, "See ya later."

While I waited for my turn to speak with the counselor, my leg was bouncing. I realized that I was getting nervous about college and moving away from home. In my mind I could picture Prez and I in our own place. It was a good feeling that I totally looked forward to. But moving away from the only home I'd ever known was kind of scary and a little sad too.

I would have to ask Prez how he felt when faced with his move from Texas last year. Every other time he'd mentioned his move, Prez seemed happy to have moved on. But he hadn't given up much, judging by the way that he's talked. If we moved far away though, we would be giving up a lot; namely our family and friends.

And then I wondered if it would be good for Prez to face another big move? Sure, it was still at least a year away but the more I thought about it, the more I felt like asking Prez if he'd mind staying closer to home. While I chatted with my guidance counselor, I asked specifically about colleges and universities within a two-hour drive of home that had good creative writing and film courses. Her computer printed a fairly long list of names, addresses and web sites. Then she handed me the list and a pamphlet that described how to write letters to admissions offices. By the time I stepped out of the office, there was less than ten minutes remaining in first period. So I slowly headed towards Prez's first period class, stopped by my locker and then hit the boy's room to take a leak. After washing my hands, I loitered another minute or so until the bell rang and then waited for Prez in the hall.

I watched Prez's blank expression brighten the second he noticed me waiting for him. Stepping up beside him, I said, "I just got done with the guidance counselor. There's at least twenty schools in the area I can apply to."

Prez giggled, "Cool! Another two days and I'll have my own list."

I said, "I hope you have as many options."

Prez smiled, "Around LA? I don't think it'll be a big problem."

I said, "So you wouldn't mind staying near home?"

Looking at me curiously, Prez said, "Whichever school has the best courses. And we can transfer credits to other schools if we feel like we want to try someplace else in the future. Right now, we just don't know enough to say where we'll be or when."

I nodded, "I had a talk with Mike after home room. He seemed... at least concerned... maybe a little scared."

Prez frowned, "There's no reason for him to be scared. No matter where we live or go to school, we won't forget our friends."

Then we walked into our English class and took the first of three exams to be taken over three days.

I wish that there were some way to stagger final exams. All those tests, one right after the other, only separated by PE and lunch is just too much for the average teenager to handle. Turning on my autopilot, I weaved my way through the halls towards the cafeteria.

Instead of spending another lunch period in the school cafeteria, we decided to go to Carl's Junior. Mike got his guitar out of the trunk then took a seat at one of the outdoor tables while the rest of us went inside to place our orders. Minutes later while Prez, Derrick and I were heading outside with our food, Jerry, Mack, and Gil walked in and said hello.

I asked, "Are you dudes staying here or heading back to school?"

Jerry answered, "We're staying here. We'll meet you outside."

I said, "Cool," and then followed Prez outside.

Mike was playing a blues tune that I never heard before. It sure wasn't a Stevie Ray tune - or at least I didn't think it was since Mike was playing his acoustic. It looked like Mike had gathered an audience too. When we went inside to place our orders, only one outdoor table was occupied. Now all but two tables were occupied. Shaun was sitting at the other table, watching Mike's hands and fingers like a hawk.

Prez sat down first and said, "How's it goin', Shaun?"

Without looking away from Mike's hands, Shaun said, "Good so far. I've got a trig test after lunch though. I may need medical attention by the end of the week."

Prez watched Shaun answer without even looking our way, turned to me and smiled; "I should be watching Mike's fingers too."

Shaun cackled but only glanced our way for a moment.

Turning to Prez, I chuckled, "Back to guitar again?"

Removing the wrapper from his chicken sandwich, Prez giggled, "For the moment."

Mike continued playing but turned and said, "Bass isn't that much different from guitar - just an octave lower and fewer strings."

Still chewing, Prez smiled, "I'll get a six string bass then."

Surprised, I turned to him and asked, "They make those?"

He nodded, "Five and six string, with frets and fretless." Then he smiled at Mike and said, "They don't make fretless guitars."

Shaun said, "Pedal steel guitars just have fret lines but no real frets."

Mike asked, "Really? You've seen one?"

Shaun nodded, "My uncle plays Hawaiian stuff on his. I tried to get him to play some Eagles with me once. It came out sounding... I dunno, country-Hawaiian!"

Quickly covering his mouth, Prez cracked up.

Derrick looked up at Mike and said, "Floyd used a pedal steel with lots of distortion and echo on a few tunes. It sounds really cool too." Mike nodded excitedly and then Derrick said, "Come on dude, take a break. Your burger's getting cold."

For another few seconds Mike played and created himself an ending. He then stood and handed his acoustic to Shaun.

Immediately, Shaun began strumming. Still chewing, Prez looked up at Shaun. Prez seemed surprised so I softly asked, "Something wrong?"

Prez shook his head and swallowed then explained, "That's an America song. My mom really liked them." Then he looked at Shaun and said, "That's America, right?"

Shaun smiled and nodded, "Sandman, another five chord wonder."

Derrick asked, "Can you sing it?"

Shaun nodded and looked around for a few seconds. I wasn't sure whether he would sing or not and it appeared to me, probably not. But then Shaun returned to the beginning of the song and started singing. I didn't know the song at all but he sounded pretty good, his voice wasn't quite loud enough but he seemed to be holding the tune. Impishly, Mike and Derrick smiled at each other. I turned to Prez and he was grinning widely, munching his fries.

I thought to myself, poor Shaun, and began laughing.

Confused, Shaun looked over at me and quickly I pointed at Prez, just so Shaun didn't feel that I was laughing at him and get self-conscious. Shaun nodded and continued. Then Jerry, Mack and Gil stepped outside.

Mack sat across from where Shaun was sitting. Jerry sat next to Mack and Gil sat beside Shaun. Mack and Jerry dug into their fries and began unwrapping their sandwiches. But Gil only took a small sip from his soda and watched Shaun. Moments later, Shaun finished singing and abruptly stopped playing. Mike, Derrick and Prez clapped and a few other people around clapped so I clapped too. But I turned to Prez and whispered, "Is that how that song ends?"

Shaking his head, Prez grinned, "The guy's hungry though."

When I looked over again, Shaun had put Mike's guitar back in its case and was sitting down next to Gil.

Mike said, "We're jammin' tomorrow after school, Shaun. Why don't you bring your guitar and join us?"

Turning and smiling, Shaun meekly said, "Thanks, but I don't think I'm any where near the same level as you dudes are."

Derrick chuckled, "You're a rhythm guitarist dude! What you play sounds good! The timing is right on and you've got a good voice."

To my surprise, Prez looked past me and added, "We'd like it if you tried, man. I'll bet that we could back you up pretty easily."

Mike excitedly said, "Yeah! We'll learn the tunes you know and try to teach you a song or two that we know."

Looking around Mike, Derrick said, "This Friday after school we're jammin' too." And then Derrick and Mike smiled widely at me!

Turning to Prez, I saw him grinning widely, his eyebrows pointing up playfully. The harder I tried to hold eye contact, the more he looked around! Soon he giggled, "Ya wanna start summer with a bang and have a few friends over?"

Still smiling insanely, Derrick and Mike batted their eyelashes and nodded excitedly!

I laughed, "Okay! I'll ask the 'rents tonight."

Mike turned to the other table and loudly said, "Party at Keith's house, Friday after school!"

Turning, I quickly added, "Let me just clear it but it should be alright."

Mack nodded and grinned, "Kewl!"

Jerry excitedly said, "This is the year dudes! Starting this summer and all through next summer, it's our time!"

Shaking his head, Shaun laughed loudly.

Everyone settled down and finished lunch. Derrick asked, "Were any of you dudes at the frolics?"

Everyone at the other table nodded or said that they had.

Mike asked, "How did we sound?"

Our four new friends looked at each other nervously for a few moments. Then Shaun turned and said, "You're good, very good, in fact. The music is tight and Keith's vocals are really great."

I involuntarily blushed and Prez softly giggled beside me.

Mack said, "It just wasn't very loud, ya know?"

And Jerry added, "Derrick's drums seemed way in the background."

Prez said, "It's a big auditorium. We'd probably need another board and at least two more speakers to fill a place like that properly."

Then Derrick explained, "We've been thinking about that already. I'd need to get six mics and another sound system to get the right mix."

Mike smiled, "We're planning on getting some additional equipment. That's what we'll be working for this summer, Derrick and I, anyway."

Prez added, "I'll be getting an acoustic bass really soon."

Shaun then said, "Your sound needs to be bigger for bigger rooms too, dude."

Stunned, Prez said, "Really?"

Jerry, Mack and Shaun all nodded.

Prez said, "In that case, you really need to hear us again this Friday. You can hear how we sound outside. Hopefully it'll sound better." Then he looked across the table at Mike and Derrick saying, "We won't always play at big auditoriums. But I guess we need to get prepared for next year's frolics." Mike and Derrick smiled and excitedly nodded.

I turned around so fast that Prez jumped in his seat a little. He smiled and softly said, "You don't have to but yeah, we'll play at next years frolics too."

On our way back to school, I thought aloud, "We could do this Friday jam at your house, Mike?"

Mike and Derrick looked at each other briefly. Then Mike shrugged, "We'd have to do it in the back yard though. There's not enough room on the other side of the yard for all our equipment. If something electrical gets wet, we're toast, dude."

Derrick added, "We'd have to move all our stuff there too."

Prez reached for my hand and I asked, "This isn't going to be a recurring theme all summer, is it?"

Mike chuckled, "Not at your house, at Doug and Brian's."

Derrick said, "With the help of their recording equipment, we could hear for ourselves what we sound like. Compare the tape we made in January to what we make over the summer, ya know?"

Mike added, "That room is sound-proofed, bro. Doug said that he's been in there putting down drum tracks at three in the morning and no neighbor has ever said word."

Derrick giggled, "Brian obviously had plenty to say though!"

A little stunned, I said, "Oh! I just don't want to spend the summer inside. Nights wouldn't be bad though."

Prez said, "Daytimes at the beach. I promise, this summer I will stand up and ride a wave all the way to shore without killing myself or anyone else!"

In the backseat, Mike and Derrick cracked up. Chuckling, I lifted Prez's arm and kissed the back of his hand. He rode plenty of waves to shore last summer. But he did it kneeling or squatting down low. Whenever he tried to stand, down he went!

 

---

 

That afternoon, after Keith left for work, I went to the kitchen and looked up my aunt's number. Picking up the phone, I heard Rush bark twice and looked out the window. Drew and Corey were out there playing with the hound - holding his rope toy high, out of the dog's reach.

Taking a seat at the counter stool, I stared at the phone a few moments, wondering what I could say to my aunt. Apologizing for being so distant for so long might not be a bad start, I thought. Finally, I tapped in the numbers, put the phone to my ear and waited for an answer. On the second ring, a large knot began forming in my throat.

There was a click after the third ring and then my Aunt Eileen's voice. "Hello?"

She sounded very much like my mom. I swallowed hard then said, "Hi Aunt Eileen."

She excitedly said, "Preston! Hello! How are you?"

I was a little surprised with her greeting. "I'm pretty good," I smiled. "Finals at school this week. My brain is mush." She giggled and I said, "Otherwise, I've been doing really good." I realized that even her general demeanor was very much like my mom's.

"You're excited about summer vacation, I'll bet, aren't you?"

I stammered, "Yeah. I was hoping... that... we could..." The knot in my throat prevented me from saying the words. For the first time since my mom died, I felt I was violating her memory - that I was already putting too much pressure on myself and on her. She had little reason to be so pleasant with me. But her tone voice made it clear that she was genuinely happy to hear from me.

After a few seconds silence, my aunt said, "We could, any time you'd like."

I cleared my throat and hoarsely said, "Next week, after school ends?"

She said, "Sooner if you'd like," and then teased, "Brisket for dinner tonight."

I started laughing but before I knew it, was sobbing unrestrained. I cried, "I'm sorry! I just couldn't. Don't even know if I can now. I do want to try though. I'm really very sorry!"

Then I realized that my aunt was crying almost as hard on the other end of the line. "It's okay! It was a horrible thing. There was so much... I thought I was ready but I really wasn't. Things worked out better for both of us. I'm sorry too."

Noticing Drew looking in and appearing worried, I forced a smile, waved at him and then went back to our bedroom. For several minutes, my aunt and I totally lost it, crying things across the phone line. She said that she had offered to help with the apartment. I didn't remember that or telling her no, that it was my job. I told her it was better that I did it myself. The two of us breaking down would've only slowed things down more. She had offered to take me in too. I didn't remember the offer or saying no either. She and the Hundsers agreed that it wasn't the time for me to face another change. I thanked her and glanced over at the clock.

Quickly, I said, "Damn! It's time for me to get ready for work."

She asked, "Are you sure, Preston? I'd very much like to talk more."

"I'm sorry, I told a friend that I'd pick him up on the way. We both work at Black Angus."

She sighed, "If you're sure." Then she added, "Please be careful driving, sweetheart." Hearing her say, "sweetheart" was like being thrown back in time and hearing my mom say it. I almost didn't hear the rest of what she said. "I've gotten so emotional that your uncle is cooking dinner now. You're all I have left, Preston."

My water works had only just begun drying up but hearing her say that I was all she had left had me sobbing again.

Then my aunt began insisting that I not go to work. "You're only sixteen! Please call in sick tonight. I'll get myself together and be there in an hour. You'll have dinner here..."

Through my sobs, I explained, "I'd like to but I can't. Next week, okay?"

"I'll hold you to that," she warned, and again she pleaded, "Be careful Preston."

Wiping my eyes and kicking off my sneakers, I said, "I will be careful. And I'll call again Sunday afternoon to make plans, okay?"

She said, "We'll talk more Sunday. Bye."

I said, "G'bye," and hung up then began racing to get changed into my work clothes. I should not have worn a button down shirt that day. Unbuttoning took forever; my hands were shaking so badly! Grabbing the little latch on my jeans' zipper was another exercise in futility! I looked at the clock again as I pulled one leg out and fell on the bed. It was 3:45. I couldn't even get undressed! Driving this way would be stupid, I reckoned. Still only half out of my jeans, I whispered, "Fuck it," and reached for the phone to call Derrick.

Their phone only rang once and Mike picked up. "Hello?"

Kicking my pants off, I said, "Hi Mike, it's Prez."

"What's up? D's waitin', dude."

"I can't drive. Think I'll just skip it tonight."

After a short pause, Mike said, "You okay? Ya kinda sound stuffy all of a sudden."

Sitting up and finally out of my jeans, I explained, "I'm not sick, just a little rattled."

During a pause, I heard Derrick in the background asking, "What happened?"

I said, "Tell D that I talked with my aunt and to get his buns to work."

Mike said, "We hear ya," and hung up the phone, which I found rather sudden, to say the least!

Lying back on the bed, I looked around the room and again got the feeling that this wasn't really my room. Again I picked up the phone and called work to let my boss know that I wouldn't be in. She wasn't pleased but since Tuesday's were slow, she was more understanding. I promised to make it up to her first chance.

Looking around the room and hanging up, I saw signs of me all over the place - things of my mom's and mine. I hated dealing with the recurring doubts. Realizing that I had to pee, I forced myself up and looked in the dresser for a pair of shorts. I remembered the day we moved the furniture around as I slipped into a pair of Keith's shorts. Padding across the hall, I struggled to remember the day I moved the last of my stuff to the Hundser's. There really wasn't that much. My mom's entertainment center and components were the only big things. And maybe a dozen or so small boxes went up in the attic. Pointing my dick at the bowl, I tried to remember exactly what was in the boxes and started leaking. I recalled a box of photo albums, the kitchen utensils, microwave and the china. After that, I moved in with a small suitcase of clothes and toiletries. The larger suitcase that I filled during our move to California was empty because so much was already at the Hundser's house.

Finished at the toidy, I went to the sink to wash my hands and tear stained face. As I was drying off, I smelled the towel. It was a very familiar smell - the smell of Mrs. Hundser's favorite brand of fabric softener. That's why I was here, because this is where I wanted to be. At least half of my things were here before my mom died. Being here is right, I reasoned. It was right then and it's more right now. Now I just needed to stop seeing the place as something other than my home. I began dreading the idea of being home alone without Keith near by.

There was a knock from the front door and Rush started barking, jolting me back to reality. I went to answer the door but Drew had beaten me to it. The second the door opened, Mike walked into the house. In his hand was his electric guitar case. At the curb, Derrick waved and pulled away. Mike smiled at me and cheerfully said, "Misery loves company."

I smiled, "Do I look miserable?"

Drew smiled widely, closed the door and returned to the living room.

Mike answered, "Not yet, but I just got here," and then nodded towards the garage saying, "Lets make some sounds."

He started walking in that direction and I followed saying; "I don't know Mike. My head's still spinning."

Stopping and turning in the hallway just before the garage door, he grinned, "There's no better time then now. Stop thinking and play what you feel, dude."

We went into the garage and Mike started setting up his equipment. I went to my amp, powered it up and said, "You want me to play sadly?"

Getting his guitar out, Mike said, "If that's what you feel."

I smiled, "This is a switch for me, I usually play happy to stop being sad."

"And that's cool too but this time, express what you feel. I know you can with words. Now do it with sound."

I looked down at the empty guitar stand and turned to Mike smiling, "Guess I need to get my bass out from under the bed."

"Or you could play D's drums or Jessy's keys? Whatever you want."

I shrugged, "I don't feel like pounding drums and couldn't do much with the keys. I'll be right back." And started for the garage door. Mike began playing soft, clean arpeggios just before I stepped back inside the house.

As I walked past the living room, Drew cautiously asked, "Do you dudes need me in there?"

Drew and Corey both appeared worried. Even Rush had his ears back, only tapping the tip of tail. I paused and smiled, "Not this time, Drew. Go ahead and do whatever you guys want. I'll be fine," and then continued on my way to our bedroom. Rush followed me.

I kneeled down to get my bass case from under the bed and Rush sat down right beside me, in my way! Petting him, I softly said, "It's okay, hound dog." He got up and trotted into his crate. I pulled the case out then Rush dropped a rawhide bone on it! Picking up the dog's toy, I grinned, "That's your toy, silly hound! Go be good and play." I put the bone in Rush's mouth. Then he turned and trotted out to the living room.

Quickly, I got my bass and returned to the garage. Plugging in my bass, I asked, "Key of E or A?"

Mike answered, "No key signature."

I giggled, "No key? How will we know how to build any kind of progression?"

"No progression either. No thinking - not about music anyway. We'll watch each other and feel what we play. A point-counterpoint thing, get it?"

Nodding I chuckled, "Got it, I think!" and then played just an open low E, letting it ring out. While the note hung deep in the air, Mike played a clean E minor ninth chord and followed it with a slow, melodic line with plenty of hand vibrato. Suddenly Mike stopped playing and held the last note he played. Reaching down to the fifteenth fret, I slid the G down to B, then walked down from A to the low G. Mike countered but stayed with the E minor ninth at a different position and the melody was similar to what he played the first time around. Back and forth, we continued on like that for about an hour. There was some dissonance every now and then but the way we resolved it made it actually sound good - like tension built and then released. We grinned at each other and stopped, letting our final notes hang lazily in the air.

I giggled, "My brain feels tingly!"

Simultaneously, we said, "Like after a visualization."

Surprised, I smiled, "You feel it too?"

Lowering the volume and taking off his guitar, Mike chuckled, "'Course, dude! Did you know that's what I did after my dad died?" I shook my head and Mike continued, "I didn't know that's what I was doing then but I had the same feeling lots of times. I'd just lay back on my bed with my guitar in hand, ya know? I'd play, just moving my fingers, play a chord, get its sound and then play a lead, over and over for hours sometimes. Then my mom would call me for dinner, I'd stand up and about fall on my face!"

I cracked up and Mike grinned devilishly at me. When I stopped laughing, I softly asked, "Did your dad know you liked guitar and music?"

Mike sat on his amp and nodded, "I got the Ibanez about a year and half before he died. I got my amp the Christmas before." Patting his Fender Twin reverb, Mike smiled, "I'll never get rid of this amp, dude." He paused and then said, "Learning was a bitch at the start but I really wanted to. Then after he died, I'd just lie around with my eyes closed sometimes, playing and listening... and remembering."

My eyes filled with tears immediately. I turned around, wiped my eyes and took off my bass, returning it to its stand. Before turning around, I said, "I want to remember but it makes me crazy too sometimes."

I heard footsteps. Then, only a few feet behind me, Mike softly said, "Life goes on. But you feel like it should've stopped that day for everyone. How can there be another smile? The first smile hurt like hell. How can there be another birthday or holiday? They hurt too, I know. We feel guilty because we're happy and happiness shouldn't still be allowed. It's one of those, 'damned if ya do, damned if ya don't' situations."

Spinning around with tears flowing down my face, I glared at him. Tears were flowing freely down his face too but it wasn't noticeable in his voice. He smiled and wiped his eyes saying, "If we're gonna be damned anyway, let's have a reasonably good time doing it. My dad told me more than once that if I loved guitar and practiced that I'd be great some day. Of course, back then I gritted my teeth through most bar chords and I wondered if it would ever happen. But good things did continue to happen. They're still happening too, don't ya think?"

Nodding, I forced a smile, stepped forward and hugged Mike tightly. For a good five minutes we stood there hugging each other. There was a lot of sniffling but no other sound. Just the two of us remembering and sharing the pain.

Then we heard a car pull into the driveway. We each took a step back. Wiping my face again, I sniffed, "It's probably Keith's dad."

Mike nodded and sighed loudly. He then asked, "Can I stay for dinner?"

Still trembling slightly, I grinned and nodded, "Neither of us is in any shape to drive." Then I turned off my amp and headed for the garage door saying, "I wonder what's for dinner. Don't think I've even looked in the fridge."

Mike said, "Wipe your face off in the sink, while you're there, dude. I gotta go to da toidy."

I thought, he's really not wrapped quite right. Stopping at the door, I chuckled, "Thanks, Mike."

He nodded, "D told me to wait. That if I said all that, you might get angry."

I shrugged, "He might've been right if it was said last November. You've got good timing though."

Mike leered and giggled, "So I've heard!"

Opening the door and going inside, I softly chuckled, "If you had popped a rod..."

He said, "That would be bad timing!" and then giggled at himself.

The whole time I was at work that Tuesday night, I absorbed what Prez had told me the previous night. From my perspective, most of it was completely understandable. Almost eight months had gone by since his mother's death. In that time, Prez has occasionally... well, phased out - for lack of a better term. Sometimes it would barely be noticeable. Other times he'd quietly reminisce for several minutes before snapping out of it. And thinking of her was causing him to question his faith in an afterlife. That doubt seemed to also be creeping into other parts of his life. All these months, he's lived with my family and me, in our house, without any problem at all. But now he says that sometimes he feels like he's visiting me, like last summer. And therefore, he also occasionally feels like its time to kiss me goodbye and head back to the apartment.

Thinking all that brought me to tears. And not being able to find any way to help got me so choked up that I quickly headed for the bathroom to wash my face and pull myself back together. But instead, I almost broke down weeping and remained in there for at least five minutes. To me, Prez was home. He'd been living with us twice as long as he lived with his mom in the apartment. What was it that was making him feel this way, I wondered. Thinking, at least he doesn't feel anything is wrong with our relationship, I stopped crying, washed my face and returned to work.

A few minutes after nine, I finished at the checkout counter, clocked out and said goodnight. On the way home, I thought about a few changes that had occurred since Prez moved in. Half of October and most of November were pretty sad but there were good days even then. Then I started worrying about Prez's first holidays without his mom. I watched him like a hawk as much as possible, even after my skiing accident, while I was hobbling around with one bad leg. When I asked myself, what happened next, I remembered that I started singing with the band; we met Doug and Brian, Jessy joined and we accidentally outted ourselves in front of Kim.

I asked myself, then what, and rattled through the list. A rainy Martin Luther King holiday weekend followed by our Valentine's Day weekend down in San Diego and a lot of band rehearsals. School, homework, spring break, John's birthday party, the frolics, the prom. Lots of things had happened but not one of them were reason for Prez to not feel at home. It didn't make sense to me.

Driving onto our street, I saw Prez's 4-Runner parked in front of the house. I asked myself, wasn't Prez picking up Derrick and driving to work tonight? Believing that I had misunderstood or that the plans somehow changed and Derrick drove them to work, I parked and walked to the front door. My dad's car was gone though, I noticed.

Opening the door and stepping inside, I said, "Hey. I'm home," and Rush came scampering to me, prancing around at my feet. Stepping into the living room and petting the dog, I smiled at my mom.

She smiled and asked, "Did you have a good night?"

I nodded and sat on the loveseat saying, "Yeah, pretty good. Just thinking a lot." Rush sat in front of me and panted contentedly. Then I realized the stereo was on in our room and said, "Oh shit! Did Prez leave the stereo on all this time?" and started to stand.

My mom said, "Preston didn't make it to work tonight."

Surprised, I sat again and asked, "Why? What happened?"

"Nothing bad," my mom quickly said. She then explained, "He called his aunt tonight and got pretty emotional. It was all over by the time I got home though. Mike was here with him."

I smiled, "He was?"

She smiled and nodded, "He's still back there with him."

I chuckled, "That's why the stereo is on! I'm surprised they're not blasting heavy metal!"

My mom grinned evilly, "They were but I asked them to lower it."

I nodded and relaxed a little then asked, "How is he now?"

"He was fine at dinner, poking fun at himself for getting so worked up," my mom explained. She then asked, "You encouraged him to call his aunt?"

I smiled and nodded, "He brought her up. I just pointed him in that general direction. I've been thinking about stuff we talked about last night too." My mom waited and I continued, "Everything he feels is just what you expected except for one thing that worries me. He says that he occasionally sees himself as just visiting, like last summer."

She nodded as if it were completely expected and said, "That's understandable too." Immediately noticing my stunned expression, my mom said, "Think about it, Keith. What caused the accident to happen?"

"Rain, slippery roads."

She nodded, "And the last weekend of October we set the clocks back."

Wide-eyed, I added, "And in April we jumped ahead an hour!"

She said, "It's been dark, dreary and rainy for six months - more so for Preston. Now the sun is shining again and it's bright later in the day."

It was so simple I couldn't help but chuckle, "Of course! It was drizzling back in April on the six month anniversary too!"

She smiled, "Your boyfriend is very perceptive but he doesn't even realize what he's doing sometimes."

Tilting my head, I frowned, "What do you mean?"

My mom sighed, "Over dinner, he mentioned some of what you two talked about last night. Specifically, we talked about life after death. He also mentioned some video game that he loves but hasn't been able to play lately? Something about discovering ceremonial burial, monotheism and theology?"

I grinned and nodded, "Civilization two."

She then said, "He's searching for the truth, Keith. That's why everything seems questionable to him. And the natural cycle of the seasons, emphasized by the end of a long El Nino rainy season, is making him remember. And it's causing him to want to learn about the things that he naturally forgot about. He's getting what he wants, in reasonably sized doses. It takes time to absorb new things."

Rush got up and went to the door. Moments later, my dad and Drew walked in.

Walking around the short entryway wall my dad smiled down and firmly grabbed my shoulder saying, "Hi. What's new with you?"

It was a simple question that I might've normally answered by saying, "nothing much," but I began giggling and then laughing. I was thinking, the season is new and my boyfriend is new, that's what's new!

Drew looked at me like I was a few bricks short of a full load and then went to the kitchen. My dad shrugged and, turning to my mom, smiled, "It wasn't that funny, was it?"

My mom shrugged, "We were just talking about our dinner conversation."

Walking over to the sofa, my dad said; "A thousand and one ways to say goodbye, a thousand and one ideas of what happens after we're gone." Then he sat and gave my mom a peck on the cheek.

The music from our room suddenly seemed louder, causing me to turn and look over my shoulder. Walking down the hall, Prez saw me and smiled, "I was wondering why you weren't home yet!"

It appeared to me that he was glowing all over. Getting up, I said, "I've only been home a few minutes," and opened my arms. Prez stepped in close for a hug and gave me a really passionate kiss! It only lasted five or so seconds but the kiss was so hot that it made my dick swell and throb! It would've only taken another few seconds before my hips involuntarily bucked! But Prez stepped back and softly smiled, "Do you want a soda, babe?"

I smiled and nodded, watching Prez walk confidently towards the kitchen. Damn, he looked so fine. He was wearing a pair of my shorts and his white Johnson motor T-shirt with the cartoon rowing team on the back. Above the picture were the words, "Stroke! Stroke! Stroke!" We cracked up when we saw it at the store so Prez bought it. Part of me wanted to follow Prez into the kitchen but I held myself back thinking, this is his house too, he can manage.

Mike purposefully bumped into me and asked, "Has Derrick called yet?"

My mom answered, "Not yet."

I grinned, "I didn't know he was expected to!"

Mike smirked, "Do you want to drive me home?"

Cocking one eyebrow, I mumbled, "Umm... no."

Smirking, Mike softly growled, "Bitch!"

Drew returned from the kitchen munching on a bagel. He swallowed, looked at me accusingly and softly frowned; "Your boyfriend cooked dinner... again!"

I chuckled and from the kitchen, Prez began laughing loudly. He returned with our sodas giggling, "It wasn't just me this time!" and handed me a glass.

My dad smiled, "I helped."

And Mike nodded, "So did I."

I grinned at Mike and groaned, "Oh no!"

My dad said, "Funny, I didn't hear anyone complaining while we were preparing or eating dinner?"

Prez nodded, "John's in his bedroom plotting my demise."

Drew quickly added, "And he's doing it all alone this time! I'll have nothing to do with it!" and then headed for his room.

Prez and I grinned evilly. Then the phone rang but no one moved to answer it. My mom and Mike looked at each other briefly. When she nodded, Mike spun around to answer the phone.

Turning to Prez, I looked deep into his eyes. In a second he noticed and held eye contact with me.

"Are you feeling okay now baby?"

He smiled and nodded. "There's still some more to resolve but I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel." Wrapping his free arm around my waist, he turned to look at my parents and said, "We'll be back in a few minutes," then led me down the hall. Rush hurried to follow, passed us and was lying down with a rawhide when we stepped into the room.

I asked, "You and Mike had a good time?"

Prez nodded, "Things are going to be so much better between us now. At some level, I was scared of him too, ya know?"

I nodded and sighed; "You hid it well, most of the time." We put our glasses down and I closed the door.

Prez came to me and said, "It was between us. But it's definitely out of the way now. How was work?"

I shrugged, "Good. I was thinking about what we talked about last night."

He nodded and asked; "You see the cycle?"

I nodded.

"Some things are gonna hurt."

"I'll help you get past it."

"Or pick up the pieces?"

I nodded again. "Or pick up the pieces."

There was a knock at the door. Mike hollered, "Hey! Don't go startin' anything yet!" and turned the knob. Mike stepped in the room, leering at us, as if we were already in the middle of something sexual. Prez giggled and shook his head.

I loudly said, "We were just talking."

Mike smirked, "Funny, I didn't hear anything but the stereo."

Squeezing me tight, Prez giggled, "Sometimes words get in the way."

Mike hummed suspiciously and walked towards the desk. Picking up a pile of paper and turning around still looking down at it, Mike said, "We got a lot done tonight, dude."

Without letting me go, Prez nodded and said, "Six songs in what? Less than three hours? That's pretty damn good to me!"

I asked, "You worked on songs all this time?"

Prez nodded, "Since dinner, yeah."

Still looking at the pages in his hand, Mike said, "We chatted and played a little bit before dinner too."

Prez chuckled, "Formless music."

Mike grinned and nodded, "You caught on pretty quick too."

Turning to me, Prez explained, "I played something then Mike played something. Then I played more and as I was finishing, Mike started. As he finished then I started again. Soon, we were playing with and against each other. It was definitely different!"

Mike looked up and grinned, "It's based on something D played for me once. Mahavishnu Orchestra, or something like that. The guitar player was killer but there was so much other counter-point stuff going on. At first it sounded like noise but then Derrick asked me to picture in my mind what the band was doing. It was probably never that popular but from a purely musical point of view, it's pretty cool."

Prez nodded, "He and Derrick practice like that sometimes..." He then smirked, "Playing with and against each other."

Mike grinned and nodded; "D should be here pretty soon. We can get him filled in tonight and share with Jess tomorrow."

I asked, "What's special about tomorrow?"

Prez said, "Just rehearsal."

And Mike quickly added, "With Shaun... if I have to hound him all friggin' day! I warned him though."

I chuckled, "If he doesn't want to, dude..."

Mike growled then said, "Some people just need the proper motivation! It's just a matter of discovering what motivates him."

Prez cracked up laughing but blushed bright red and I smiled at him.

Raising his hands and the pages above his head, Mike hollered, "That's it!" Then evil blanketed his face and he paced the room softly giggling; "I'll work on Gil tomorrow too! He obviously likes it when Shaun does his thing!" Stopping and looking at us, he paused and laughed, "In a manner of speaking, of course! You dudes gotta help!"

Prez and I collapsed against each other and cracked up.

 

---

A few minutes after ten, Derrick showed up. Mike and I then spent the next half-hour with Keith and Derrick in the garage, reviewing five songs by the Eagles and Sandman, by America. My mom owned a few older records by the Eagles and had a few on CD also. It seemed that all the songs Shaun knew were on the Eagles Greatest Hits CD. We reviewed Best Of My Love, Peaceful Easy Feeling, Desperado, Lyin' Eyes and Witchy Woman from that disk. Then we quickly ran through Sandman before Mike and Derrick had to leave for home.

Back in our room, Keith began undressing and said, "Ya know, in some ways, I'm glad you dudes want Shaun to join the band."

Taking off my T-shirt, I said, "So you won't be the front man so much?"

Sitting on the desk chair and untying his sneakers, Keith nodded, "But I'm also a little jealous too."

Reaching for the button on my shorts I paused, a little stunned and said, "Jealous? Really?"

Keith nodded and sighed, "I wish I could play an instrument."

I quickly said, "You do! Several different percussion instruments."

Keith smirked, "They don't count."

"Sure it does!" I quickly said, and dropped my shorts. "You quickly knew what to do with each of them but Derrick taught you proper timing. It takes rhythm and coordination."

Keith stepped behind me and began firmly massaging my shoulders. He said, "It's your dream though, Prez. I wouldn't want to face a life of gigs, getting my bowels all in an uproar before every show, worrying if my voice will finally crack in front of an audience."

I turned around and softly smiled, "Why do you do it then?"

He hugged me tightly and repeated, "Because Mike and Derrick have always wanted me to and you do too. And because it's fun hearing you all learn new songs. And it's fun when you start jamming."

Pulling him closer and squeezing tight, I whispered, "You put your own needs aside for us?"

He shrugged, "Each of you have done the same for me." I tried to hold eye contact but Keith kept looking around. He then softly grinned, "What I'm about to tell you makes me happy and a little sad too."

I nodded and waited anxiously.

Then Keith sighed, "Earlier tonight, while I was at work, I put myself in your situation."

"Aww Keith, don't..."

"Wait, it's mostly good, I promise," Keith quickly interrupted. He then said, "I realized how much I have and... well, you're it, baby. You're my best friend, my lover, my conscience... pretty much the center of my world."

With tears welling up in my eyes, I forced a grin and asked, "How is that sad?"

He shrugged, "Just admitting to myself that you're more important than a bunch of other important people in my life. And realizing just how few people you have in your life separate from me hurt too."

"I called my aunt tonight."

Keith nodded, "I heard you got upset?"

I nodded, "I wasn't the least bit nervous about it until I picked up the phone. After I heard her voice and how happy she was that I called, I started to lose it."

Noticing me getting choked up, Keith kissed me and nuzzled my ear whispering, "She's your family."

I almost broke down again whispering, "She said that I was all she had left." Pulling myself together again fairly quickly, I continued, "And she's right. My grandparents on my mother's side died when I was about two or three. I don't even remember them. It's only her and me on that branch of the family tree."

"She's important then."

"I told her that I'd call again Sunday to make definite plans for next week. I want you to come with me."

After a long pause, Keith softly asked, "What about your father's side?"

I thought carefully before answering, "There's not a single person I miss at all, in all this time. I'll bet they don't miss me too much either. They've never called. They never even sent a card when my mom died. That's cold, man."

Keith hugged me tight and softly sobbed into my shoulder. He was more upset than I was! And that caused me to leak more tears while I softly reassured Keith. I told him, "What I have now is more than I've ever had before. I'd like to be a part of my aunt's life and have her part of mine. But I'm not going to push it. I'd just like to be able to tell her about things that have happened, and what we know will happen, and what we hope will happen years from now."

Looking up again and searching my face, Keith sniffed and forced a chuckle, "That's what family does."

I suggested, "Bed time?"

He nodded but said, "Bathroom first."

I said, "Me too," and followed him across the hall. The house was dark and quiet. Rush wanted to follow too but I stopped him in the hallway and closed the bathroom door. Keith and I took places in front of the bowl and relieved our selves. We looked at each other and, noticing how much of a wreck we were, we began to smile. Finishing and flushing, we went over to the sink, cleaned up, brushed our teeth and then went to bed.

Getting comfortable and snuggling close to be held by my lover, I said, "I mentioned our Friday afternoon plans over dinner."

Wrapping his arm over me, Keith yawned, "Oh? What did they say?"

"It's cool. We can do it in the backyard but we stop at the first complaint. I said, no problem."

"Who else would be home in the middle of the afternoon to complain?"

"Your mom said, the lady down the street with the baby."

"Oh, okay. G'night Prez."

"I love you."

"I love you too."

We were exhausted and fell asleep very quickly.

The next day, before homeroom, I crossed the hall to say hello to Rebecca. She still wouldn't agree to coming over Friday afternoon. I smiled warmly and said, "Just show up. You're welcome anytime."

 

---

Argh! I despise finals! They want me to remember something from September when I can't remember what color boxers I put on most mornings! Gimme a break!

That day Mike brought his acoustic guitar again. And Derrick brought a tambourine and his bongos. We stayed at the cafeteria for lunch and then we went outside to quickly rehearse. Under the shade of a Sycamore tree, we sat in a circle. Around the circle to my right were Prez, Jessy, Nelson, and Derrick and finally, on my left, Mike. While we were out there, almost everyone from Mike's birthday party showed up, with the exception of Francis and Graham. I began wondering about them.

At the party Saturday night, they seemed to get along pretty well. Sure, they spent more than half the time alone together but so did everyone else. They didn't seem too enthused with the idea of a gay-straight alliance club either. Then I remembered that they left early too. Maybe they didn't really have to leave to meet a curfew? Maybe they weren't too comfortable? Mike had told me they were sophomores. I wondered if maybe they were separating themselves because of the year's difference?

A few minutes before the end of the period, Mike and Derrick stowed their instruments in the trunk of my car. Prez and I waited for them.

I asked, "Have you seen Francis or Graham this week?"

Prez nodded, "In the halls."

Frowning, I asked, "I wonder why they don't hang with us."

Prez grinned, "Mike said that they don't like our style of music very much. They've both acknowledged me in the hall though."

I shrugged, "There is a year's difference too."

Prez huffed, "I'd hope it's not because of that! At least musical tastes makes sense."

Returning from the car, Mike said, "We're as ready as we can be."

And Derrick smirked, "What are you two doing?"

Prez chuckled and bounced his eyebrows. The four of us began walking towards the school.

I grinned, "We were just talking about Francis and Graham. I haven't seen them very much since Saturday night."

Mike leered, "Would you like to?"

Chuckling insanely, Prez answered, "We did want to know who was cool and who wasn't."

Then Derrick said, "I found another bigot. In the hall this morning, after first period." He then softly growled, "Nothing trips my switch faster than those fuckers."

Mike quickly said, "It's over now," and Derrick nodded.

I asked, "What did you do?"

Derrick answered, "What I had to, I ignored him. If I try to be like you or Prez or even Mike, I'll lose it, I swear."

Mike reassured, "You'll get there in your own time, dude."

Nodding, Derrick agreed, "I'm not gonna fuck up my life over some worthless asshole like that."

Bumping into Derrick, Mike looked up at him and smiled, "I sure like it when you go into defensive bulldog mode though."

Blushing fiercely, Derrick giggled, "Don't call me that!"

We all cracked up. The warning bell rang and we said our good-byes, splitting up to go to our fifth period classes. While Prez and Mike headed for the gym, Derrick and I headed for the computer science wing.

I said, "They're lucky having PE this period. It almost cuts the day in half."

Derrick nodded, "Right before lunch was the best last year. Having PE first thing in the morning though..."

He paused to dial the combination to his locker and I said, "That's gotta suck. Last period is good though. It makes the day end a little faster."

Grabbing our books and handing me mine, Derrick said, "I hope we get decent schedules next year," and then closed his locker.

We started towards our class and I said, "This year was okay but I hope Prez is in more of my classes next year."

Derrick softly giggled, "If Mike were in all of my classes, he'd go out of his way to make me crazy. We'd wind up in detention and then in a frenzy when we got home again. And that's the best of several possible scenarios!"

Rolling my eyes because he said that in our school hallway, I just about died laughing as we walked into the classroom.

The teacher grinned at me wickedly and sneered, "I hope you're in the same cheerful mood after today's final, Mr. Hundser."

Out of the corner of my eye, I looked at Derrick. He was sitting there grinning impishly! Looking up at the teacher, I chuckled, "Prolly not but it's a good start."

The whole class started snickering! Unable to hold it in any more, Derrick finally threw his head back and laughed loudly.

There were only two days before the end of the school year. Everybody was ready to, "get the heck out of Dodge," as Prez says.

 

---

On the way home that afternoon, Mike and Derrick were sharing some ideas for our band.

Mike said, "To play outdoor parties we're going to need a few things."

Derrick explained, "To cover our gear and us, we're going to need a really large tent or cabana - a tarp spread over poles or something like that. The sun was pretty hot on John's birthday."

I grinned at Keith. "Did he say, poles?" and Keith began snickering.

But Mike continued on, "And we'll need some lights for possible night time gigs."

Derrick commented, "The night of John's party proved how much more light we need."

The Hundser's have several lights against the back of the house. There are two patio lights and, at each end of the back of the house, there are two spotlights. I agreed, "By seven-thirty we needed the spot lights turned on and by eight, that wasn't really enough."

From the driver's seat, Keith asked, "How much is all this going to cost?"

Mike answered, "We started a list the other night. I figure at least eight cans, two for each side of the rectangular area we occupy."

I said, "It sounds reasonable."

Derrick sadly said, "The cans are about forty bones each."

Keith yelled, "That's over three hundred bucks!"

Mike said, "Three-twenty, without tax. More like three-fifty."

I said, "That's not so reasonable any more," and Keith chuckled.

Derrick said, "A twelve foot by sixteen foot tent is another three hundred. But we could go to a surplus store to get a tarp and some poles."

I snickered, "There he goes with the poles again."

Nudging my seat, Derrick loudly said, "That would be much less expensive, a little over a hundred bucks."

Mike then said, "We've already got a few extension cords and power strips but we'll need a few more of those too."

I then reminded, "Jerry and Shaun think we need to push more air too. I need to look for a bigger amp."

Derrick then suggested, "Or you could go stereo, dude? Get one of those bass pod things?"

I shrugged, "That would be cool too. And another hundred watt bass combo amp."

Keith asked, "How much for one of those?"

Before I could answer, Mike said, "The bass pod is about two-fifty."

I said, "Another amp, about four hundred."

Pulling up to Mike's house, Keith loudly chuckled, "Where are we getting all this money?"

Opening the back door, Mike nudged his seat and said, "Jobs!"

Waiting on the other end of the back seat with his door open, Derrick said, "That's our priority this summer, dude." Then he and Mike stepped out and closed the doors, hurrying towards the house.

Keith turned to me and said, "That's not exactly my priority this summer."

I smiled and nodded, "It's not my only priority this summer. You know I have a bit more on my plate than that."

Keith grinned and chuckled, "Why do I see dollar signs in your eyes then?"

I smiled, "That's just getting the stuff we need so we can get work."

Reaching for my hand, Keith smiled warmly and sighed, "I'll have to keep you under control."

Looking deep into his brown eyes and seductive expression, I groaned desperately and sighed, "If it weren't for the band, my aunt and the few other places we want to go, we might not ever leave the bedroom all summer."

Smiling widely, Keith sighed, "Guess we need some other parts to our lives. You'll get only what you need for you though. Chip in for the other stuff."

I nodded excitedly, "Okey doke!"

Returning from the house, Derrick and Mike stowed their gear in the trunk then we headed home.

Derrick said, "I want to turn my platform into risers, about a foot or so higher off the ground."

Mike giggled, "Hopefully my mom won't freak out again this time."

I turned and asked, "Why'd she freak?"

Mike said, "Because we were using my dads power tools to build the platform." He then chuckled, "She was sure at least one of us would walk out of the garage with only nine fingers!"

Rolling over and resting his head on Mike's lap, Derrick sighed, "No one was dismembered though, obviously! I want to build fold down, collapsible legs on that thing. That way it's easily transported."

Keith said, "I hope one of you are planning on getting a van or a truck. Getting everything moved for the frolics took two cars and Prez's 4-Runner."

Mike said, "After I turn eighteen next year, bro. Probably a van but my mom's gonna fight it tooth and nail."

Derrick chuckled, "She didn't seem too thrilled the first time it was mentioned."

Mike assured, "By next year, I'll have even more reasons for a van. She'll give in, I promise."

Derrick softly said, "I think Jerry was right. The things we do over the next year will make or break us."

Taking Keith's hand in mine, I said, "It's time to plan for the future. What we're doing now sets the foundation."

Keith looked over and whispered, "You've been talking to my dad?"

I nodded, "And the rest of the family last night during dinner."

Bowing his head slightly, Keith said, "Sorry, my brain is finals frazzled. It's a good thing Shaun is coming. I might wind up mixing lyrics from several songs."

I asked, "Shaun is coming, isn't he?"

Mike nodded, "Gil too but he's got to leave for work by five-thirty the latest."

Pulling onto our street, Keith asked, "Where does Gil work?"

Derrick answered, "A small PC store off of Burbank Boulevard."

Pulling up alongside the curb, Keith parked the car. We all got out and helped get Mike's gear out of the trunk. Derrick had Mike's gig bag, loaded with the GT-3, cables and drumsticks. I took the acoustic case while Mike picked up his electric case. Heading towards the house, Keith frowned, "Nothing for me?"

I ran up and goosed him with the guitar case! He jumped and hollered then turned to me smiling wickedly. I seductively whispered, "I've got something for you."

Unlocking the front door, he whispered, "We did skip last night."

I nodded, "I don't expect any reason to skip tonight."

Behind us, Mike loudly said, "What was that?"

Wide-eyed, Derrick softly said, "You dudes didn't have sex last night? Sacrilege!" and Mike's jaw dropped.

Keith loudly said, "We don't have sex every night." Then he giggled, "Just most of 'em!"

Walking into the house to get Rush and my bass, I loudly said, "You two are so jealous!" and Keith snickered. I opened our bedroom door and Rush tore out of the room. Once he had inspected the living room and said hello to everyone there, he returned to me wagging his entire body. I pulled my bass from under the bed and said, "Time to go out, hound dog?" Before I even finished speaking and stood, Rush was out of the room.

When I passed through the living room, I heard Mike from the garage. "We're gonna have so much sex at Doug and Brian's." Derrick giggled. Mike loudly chuckled, "I swear dude, every time one of us gets hard - for at least the first few days."

I let Rush out back and Derrick hollered, "Ooooooomigod! We'll need vitamins!"

I heard the pop of the PA being powered on and Mike chuckled, "We never needed vitamins before, I doubt we will now."

Having overheard way more than I needed, I stepped outside with Rush and closed the door. Looking around the backyard as Rush sniffed out the perfect place to shit, I grinned and thought - it's all perfectly natural. This is my home and thankfully it looks like home right now. Even our two goofy friends verbally seducing each other was just right. There was only one thing missing... where the hell was Keith?

I turned around and saw him walk past the sliding doors into the kitchen. Stepping inside and closing the door behind me, I asked, "Where'd ya go, babe?"

Peeking into the fridge, he replied, "To the toidy. Then I changed my shirt and switched from sneakers to sandals." The doorbell rang as he finished speaking. Pulling out a two liter bottle of 7-Up, he said, "That's prolly Jessy. Get the door please, baby? I'll pour us some drinks."

Things have happened like this before but on that day it sent a chill down my spine. I didn't feel distant or separated like I sometimes do. As I answered the door, Mike and Derrick began playing Peaceful Easy Feeling in the garage. Jessy stood on the porch in front of Nelson and said, "Hey, Red," just like she almost always does. I smiled and said hello then showed them inside.

Nelson smiled, "How's it goin' Prez?"

Closing the door I said, "Really good. How about you?"

Following them to the garage, Nelson said, "I met with my guidance counselor today. UCLA is interested."

I patted him on the back and congratulated, "That's great, man!" then stopped at the garage doorway and said, "Excuse me, I have to get my bass."

Still playing his drums and over the PA, Derrick said, "Can we get a fan in here? It's already pretty warm."

I didn't hear any reply but seconds later, as I was returning to the garage, Keith joined me with the big box fan in his hand. While I got my bass on and plugged in, Keith sat the fan on top of the washing machine, blowing right at us.

The Hundsers have a two-car garage. Last summer, they kept both the Suburban and the Camry in there so you can imagine; it's pretty big. As you walk into our garage from the house, immediately to the left is a speaker stand pointing away, into the room. Along the wall on the right are the water heater, furnace, the washer and drier, and then a door to the yard and finally the PA mixer in front of a small work area. Along the far wall are Jessy's keyboard amps, my bass amp and the other speaker cabinet. The drums are set in front of the driveway garage door. Keith's bench and weights and Mike's gear are along the other adjacent wall with two microphone stands in the center of the room. When we rehearse, we're all looking into the room, towards each other or the washer and dryer.

Stepping up to the lead vocal microphone, Mike suggested, "Until Shaun gets here, lets work on School's Out." We all nodded and stopped tinkering about. Then Mike explained, "Key of E," and began softly playing the opening with Derrick tapping out the beat. "We play this through the verses," Mike demonstrated, and then switched what he was playing and so did Derrick. Mike continued, "This through the chorus and bridge and then back to the opening riff again."

The first time through as a band, Mike sang lead vocals while Derrick called out the changes. Of course, we all sang the chorus background vocals.

When we were finished, Keith said, "Not bad for a first time," and Nelson smiled widely at Jessy. Believe me, our first runs are usually pretty sloppy with Derrick holding us together on a wing and a prayer.

Mike then stepped up to me and played a section then said, "When I do that, you need to remember to accent the little hammer-ons, dude." Then he reminded me of the record by turning the tone all the way down on his guitar and playing the bass part. I nodded and quickly repeated the section with the hammer-on. Then we tried a second time. Mike started us off at normal volume and soon began singing.

Well we got no choice
All the girls and boys
Makin' all that noise
'Cause they found new toys

Derrick hollered, "Bridge!" and Mike sang.

Well we can't salute ya
Can't find a flag
If that don't suit ya
That's a drag

Derrick hollered, "Chorus!" and we all began singing.

School's out for summer
School's out forever
School's been blown to pieces
No more pencils
No more books
No more teacher's dirty looks

Mike screamed like he was on fire, threw his head back and wailed out the solo. Then Derrick shouted, "Verse!" and Mike hopped in front of the microphone again singing.

Well we got no class
And we got no principles
And we got no innocence
We can't even think of a word that rhymes

Derrick hollered, "Chorus and ending!"

School's out for summer
School's out forever
School's been blown to pieces
No more pencils
No more books
No more teachers' dirty looks
Out for summer
Out till fall
We might not go back at all
School's out forever
School's out for summer
School's out with fever
School's out completely

And Jessy made her first attempt at making her synthesizer sound like a ringing school bell being slowly phased out of existence. It was close but not quite right and we all started laughing. Suddenly, there was a loud knock on the driveway garage door. Moments later, Drew walked in from the house, smiling widely and beat red from laughing. Corey was with him and laughing still.

Turning to his brother, Keith asked, "Was there anyone hanging around outside, Drew?"

Drew giggled, "No."

Turning around slightly, Derrick knocked on the garage door. Moments later there was a shout and a knock back!

Facing Keith, I snickered, "Open the door please, babe."

Getting up and turning around, Keith pressed the button and the door began rising up. Once the door was up about a foot off the concrete, Derrick sighed, "Ah! Fresh air." Then he looked at Keith and smiled, "Can we keep it open at least part way, dude?"

Keith nodded, "As long as nobody complains," and the door continued sliding up.

As soon as his face was below the rising door, Shaun giggled, "That was awesome!"

Greeting Shaun and Gil, I smiled, "Hey dudes, we're glad you made it."

And Mike added, "I was beginning to expect a lame excuse tomorrow."

"No dude," Shaun giggled, "We'll both find out once and for all." Looking around the room, he said, "Don't anyone be afraid to tell me to take a hike."

Mike and Derrick and I groaned loudly but Keith and Jessy protested the most loudly. Keith whined, "You were really good Saturday night!"

And Jessy said, "For the last three days every thing that Mike has said to me has had your name in it somewhere."

Mike put his electric down, got another cord from his bag and then handed it to Shaun.

I asked, "You've got a pickup in your acoustic, Shaun?"

Bending down and opening his guitar case, he hummed affirmatively and said, "My uncle gave this to me last Christmas. It plays much better than my old guitar." Then he pulled out an Ovation acoustic and plugged it in. Mike plugged the other end of the cable into the PA and Drew turned up the volume on that channel. Standing up, Shaun slid under the guitar strap and played an open E string. Jessy played her E and I followed with mine. Shaun's guitar was just slightly sharp but he spent only a minute tuning the remaining five strings. Looking first at Mike and then around the room, he asked, "What would you like to try?"

Derrick shrugged, "Whatever you're most comfy with, dude."

And Mike said, "How about Peaceful Easy Feeling? I know you know that one."

Shaun nodded and his foot began tapping. He stepped in front of the mic and gave us a soft count. Then, as if we had all been doing it forever, we started playing right on the downbeat and just kept on going. Shaun began singing and Drew adjusted the volume a little for both Shaun's acoustic and vocals. Mike started picking arpeggios and I played a really bouncy country bass line. Jessy was playing Mike's acoustic guitar too. We sounded really good! And it was a good thing too because half way into the song, while Mike picked out the lead solo, Keith realized that the garage door was still completely open and a little audience was gathering in the driveway! I think all of us knew it except Shaun. He found out when he turned around to say, "That wasn't so bad."

Jessy grinned, "You're not hiking yet, dude." Then she sat at her keys and began playing Desperado perfectly. Shaun nodded and stepped up to the mic. Right on queue, he began singing softly and sweetly.

Desperado, why don't you come to your senses,
You've been out ridin' fences for so long now,
Oh and you're a hard one, but I know that you've got your reasons,
These things that are pleasin' you can hurt you somehow.

Shaun began strumming chords. Mike got his new E-bow out and played the counterpoint strings part and I added a soft bass line as Shaun sang the second verse.

Don't you draw the Queen of Diamonds boy; she'll beat you if she's able.
You know the Queen of Hearts is always your best bet.
Now it seems to me some fine things have been laid upon your table,
But you only want the ones you can't get.

At the next verse, Mike, Derrick and I began softly wooing in the background.

Desperado, you ain't gettin no younger,
Your pain and your hunger, they're drivin you home,
And freedom, oh freedom, well that's just some people talkin'.
Your prison is walking through this world all alone.

And Derrick came in adding a strong beat.

Don't your feet get cold in the wintertime,
The sky won't snow and the sun won't shine,
It's hard to tell the nighttime from the day.
And you're losin all your highs and lows,
Ain't it funny how the feelin' goes away?
Desperado, why don't you come to your senses,
Come down from your fences- open the gates.
It may be rainin', but there's a rainbow above you.
You'd better let somebody love you,
(Let somebody love you)
You'd better let somebody love you, before it's too late.

The ending retard was a little sloppy but for a first time, it sounded okay. Shaun was obviously pleased. I glanced at Gil. He was smiling, looking at the PA carefully and clapping. Everyone else in the garage was clapping, making Shaun feel welcome. So were the people out in the driveway and in the street! He really was very good.

Mike said, "Let's teach you a song now, dude."

Shaun smiled and giggled, "If you dare."

Derrick wiped his brow and suggested, "How about some Hootie? Hold My Hand?"

Mike agreed and reset his guitar processor so that his electric sounded like an acoustic. Then we spent the next minutes showing Shaun the progression. The second time around, Keith sat next to Nelson but sang the lyrics as we walked Shaun through the sections. He caught on fairly quickly. Most of our audience outside had wandered off, I noticed. Only a few really young kids were still out by the street. The third time around we tried it at tempo. Shaun played the rhythm guitar parts normally done by Mike. Without any difficulty at all, Mike adjusted what he was playing. Keith and I sang the lead vocals together, like we normally do. Having gotten used to our version without a lead guitar part, I was momentarily surprised by the added electric guitar arpeggios and power chords after the first verse. With his head thrown backwards, Derrick grimaced and slammed his drums as if they had somehow pissed him off. His beat was as strong and steady as ever though. Shaun was obviously enjoying himself, turning around periodically and watching each of us. When we were done, Derrick looked forward and chuckled, "That sounded way fuller! You're in dude."

Shaun cackled, "I'm liking this a lot!" He then glanced at his wristwatch, checked with Gil and said, "We've got time for another."

Mike said, "Show us the way."

Shaun thought for a few seconds then suggested, "Best Of My Love?"

Keith enthusiastically said, "Yeah! Go ahead dude."

Shaun began strumming his guitar and Jessy reached for Mike's acoustic asking, "C and D minor, right?"

Mike said, "That's the one," and began fooling around with the slide and echo. Shaun got a little freaked out and stopped playing just as Jessy started strumming. Looking at Shaun, Mike and Jessy stopped playing too. Shaun giggled, "Sorry. Lost it for a second there."

Keith joined Mike and I at the second microphone and said, "Take your time dude. Have another shot." Then Keith grinned at me and silently asked, "Happy, baby?"

I glared at him. "You know what this is going to do to me!"

He smiled wider. "I know!"

Shaun then counted softly. At the same time, he and Jessy began strumming the same chords in the same rhythm. It sounded every bit as sweet as the record. I played a little lead-in bass and Mike started playing country slide. Then Shaun began singing. He led and the rest of us backed him up. With three guitars, bass and drums we sounded really good all the way through the song - until we were close to the end.

Following the melody perfectly, Shaun sadly sang, "Whoa-ooo-ooh, sweet darlin', I wish I new how to end." Everyone inside and outside started cracking up but we held the rhythm another few beats. Then, one by one, we each played a C chord, Derrick crashed a cymbal and we fell apart in fits of hysterics!

Drew loudly laughed, "I may not know much but I know that's not how that song ends!" and turned off the PA with a loud pop.

Taking his guitar off, Shaun giggled, "We'll work on it another time."

Mike grinned, "There's gonna be another time?"

Turning to Mike, Shaun gleamed, "I guess so. When are rehearsals?"

Mike answered, "They've been Wednesdays and Sundays but with summer coming, they'll be when ever a few of us can get together."

Shaun asked, "Same place?"

Derrick grinned, "That'll probably change too."

Shaun chuckled, "As long as its not Friday night or Saturdays."

I assumed, "You work those days?"

Shaking his head, Shaun said, "Sabbath."

Disappointedly, Mike complained, "It must suck having to stay home Friday nights."

Putting away his guitar, Shaun shrugged, "It's not too bad. I can have guests. But going out to party? There are some things my folks won't budge on. But the other night, they were great when I told them I was gay."

Obviously surprised, Nelson's jaw almost hit the floor.

Shaun noticed and giggled, "Maybe I don't look gay - but I am." Then he grinned devilishly and chortled, "I just hope I don't look too Jewish, is all." We all cracked up laughing again and congratulated Shaun on his triumphant coming-out.

Just as we were all heading towards the street, Keith's dad pulled in the driveway. Keith wanted to introduce Shaun to his dad but unfortunately, they had to take off quickly and get Gil to work. Shaun rattled off his phone number and they waved goodbye. While Mike and Derrick chatted with Jessy and Nelson, Mr. Hundser met Keith and I in the middle of the driveway. He asked, "Has the door been open all afternoon?"

Shaking his head, Keith grinned, "No, about an hour, maybe longer."

Mr. Hundser nodded then asked, "Were there any complaints?"

Keith and I both shook our heads and I smiled, "A bunch of neighborhood kids came by to listen though."

Mr. Hundser smiled, "They usually do. With the door closed you've never seen them before. Are Mike and Derrick staying?"

Keith's head barely turned to look my way before I answered, "Not tonight."

Nodding, turning and heading for the house, Mr. Hundser said, "I wonder what's for dinner?"

Raising one eyebrow, Keith silently questioned me.

Once his dad was out of earshot, I slid in really close to Keith and softly giggled, "Best of my love? Uh huh."

Seeing the light, Keith loudly said, "Oh! Yeah, they really need to go home, I totally agree!"

Mike turned and asked, "You're throwing us out?"

Derrick loudly giggled, "You drove us here though!"

Turning to Derrick, Mike sarcastically said, "We've served the purpose for the moment. It would seem that we're dismissed!"

Grinning at me but speaking to Mike, Derrick suggested, "It's just possible that they've got other plans."

From the front seat of their car, Nelson and Jessy laughed, waved and then pulled away.

Heading back into the garage, Mike and Derrick chattered about what rude hosts we were!

Keith loudly laughed, "I'll drive you home! Get your shit together!" Another rant about their stuff being nothing but shit ensued. Keith turned to me and smirked, "I'm gonna tell my dad where we're going," and then he headed into the house.

The second Keith stepped inside Mike and Derrick stopped ranting. They finished packing their gear and turned to me.

Derrick grinned, "Gonna get some tonight?"

I nodded and chuckled, "You will too, in some manner or another, I'm sure."

Smirking evilly, Mike said, "You know how lucky you are?"

That question all but wiped the smile from my face. I only nodded thinking, yeah; I know how lucky I am. I've got a great foster family, two very good but totally whacked out friends and, over on the other side of the valley, an aunt that has missed me. Tilting his head curiously, Derrick waited for my answer. But Mike's eyes and smile widened. No doubt, he had a clue what was running through my mind.

Keith returned and said, "Let's jet!"

As we were walking to Keith's car, Derrick asked, "Would you dudes help us move Saturday? We'd like to get it done before I have to work that night."

Keith answered, "If I'm not working that morning, sure."

I asked, "Are you two going to the Pride parade on Sunday?"

Nodding, Mike answered, "We're already planning on it. My mom is going. So are Doug and Brian."

Keith popped the trunk and I asked, "Your sister isn't going?"

Stowing his gear in the trunk, Mike said, "My mom would rather she didn't this year." Picking up his electric, Mike looked at me and grinned evilly, "She thinks drag queens and Dykes on Bikes might be a little too much too soon for Lindsay."

"I can totally relate," Derrick said, "Drag queens are a little too much for me to handle too," and closed the trunk.

Walking to the driver's side door, Keith said, "We'll be marching with the PFLAG group."

Just before we got into the car, Mike loudly asked, "Really? You're going to march?"

Keith started the car and answered, "Yep. Maybe we'll watch another time but this year we're going to march." Pulling away from the curb, Keith then glanced my way and reached for my hand.

From the back seat, Mike softly asked, "Ya wanna?"

Half-heartedly, Derrick replied, "I guess. We should at least stick together."

I offered, "Do you guys want to join us?"

Keith said, "I'll bet your mom is marching with PFLAG too."

Derrick asked, "Did Brian or Doug say anything about marching?"

Mike replied, "No. But I wouldn't be surprised if they were marching with PFLAG too."

Derrick chuckled, "I guess we're marching then!"

Mike loudly groaned, "Shit! We'll be on TV and I haven't a thing to wear!" Wide-eyed and grinning, I spun around. Mike smiled widely, baring his pearly whites.

Keith chuckled, "Any rainbow colored frock will do," and we all started laughing loudly.

Over the sound of our laughter, Derrick loudly chuckled, "Why would a dude want to wear a dress? Even as a goof, it's pretty extreme."

I reminded, "To some, any sort of gay pride is radical enough."

Keith reminded, "Individual rights, just like ours."

Mike growled, "I couldn't even begin to wonder what it might be like to choose to be with a woman when I know damn well that I couldn't even begin to get emotionally involved with her."

Derrick added, "I tried but couldn't. Believe me, that was a bitch to deal with."

I asked, "Who did you try with, dude?"

Derrick said, "Do you know Janet Phillips, bro?"

I searched my brain for a face to put with the name. Then Keith softly said, "The cheerleader."

Wide-eyed, I spun around saying, "Whoa! She's pretty hot!" and Keith let go of my hand, flashing a suspicious grin. I laughed, "When someone's attractive, I can acknowledge it!" He smiled widely and softly snickered.

Mike then said, "She asked D out. They were together about a month, I guess."

Derrick nodded, "The best part was the day she asked me out. Conversations were always one-sided. Kissing her did absolutely nothing for me. Imagining us together naked was almost enough to destroy any self-confidence I might've had."

Shuffling closer to Derrick and wrapping an arm around, Mike then said, "About six months later, he came out to me."

Nodding rapidly, Derrick nervously chuckled, "I wish I could've said something sooner. Just Mike moving closer has had a huge emotional and physical response!"

Laughing and facing forward again, I reached for Keith's hand. Moments later, we pulled in front of Mike's house. Keith and I turned around to find Mike and Derrick making out. Facing Keith, I grinned, "No wonder they were so quiet the last minute or so!"

Nodding, Keith chuckled, "Your home, dudes!"

Mike began breaking away from Derrick. Once their lips were separated, Mike softly huffed, "Pool?" and moved off of Derrick.

Derrick nodded and panted, "Gonna have to."

Sitting up again, Derrick smiled, "See ya in the mornin'," and opened his car door. He shuffled out and Mike slid over saying, "If your not too busy later, give us a ring." Then he slid out of the car and stood up. Judging by the tent in Mike's shorts, he did indeed have at least eight inches! Mike closed the door, we all waved and said, "Later," and then Keith pulled away.

He asked, "How're you feeling today baby? Any of those moments?"

I answered, "Not one. Everything looks just like home today."

Keith smiled, "Good!"

Turning to him so I could see his response, I asked, "Would you like to go out after dinner?" I then quickly said, "My truck still needs gas and I thought we could at least check out the Carvin store, if they're open."

Keith giggled, "That's fine, baby. You're not thinking of sleeping anywhere else tonight, are you?"

I grinned, "Of course not! Why would you ask that?"

Keith started laughing and we had to stop for a traffic light. He turned to me and laughed, "You spent just one second too long looking at Mike's boner! And not two minutes after you said Janet was hot!"

I laughed, "So! She is very pretty."

Keith laughed again and started to pull away. We were both grinning from ear-to-ear but silent.

We pulled into our neighborhood and I admitted, "I'm horny."

Keith nodded me, "Me too." My stomach growled and Keith heard it. Squeezing my hand in his, he said, "Dinner first, whatever we feel like after that."

I nodded and watched the homes in our neighborhood breeze past the windows. It was all very familiar. I remembered last summer. On my bike and peddling franticly to make it to Keith's house. There was no reason to hurry really. I just wanted to get there and hold my lover. Glancing at Keith as he made the final turn, it abruptly hit me that now I didn't have to hurry back for an extra second with him. We had been living together for almost eight full months.

We pulled in front of the house. Keith turned off the engine; we unbuckled our seat belts and glanced at each other.

Keith smiled, "What?"

Smiling back, I shrugged, "I was just remembering last summer. How I used to peddle my ass off to be here and waiting before you got home from work."

Keith prompted, "And that makes you feel?"

I chuckled, "Silly." Then I explained, "How can your house look like anything but home to me? It's ridiculous to think otherwise. Even though I know all that, I have seen it differently. I can't wait for it to stop looking foreign."

Keith smiled and nodded. "It's summer again, Prez. To you, everything looks just like last year."

I nodded, "Your mom said it was cycles. Cycles of growth, of healing and of seasons. Our anniversary is just around the corner, babe. I don't want to do anything to fuck it up."

Reaching for my face, Keith softly brushed the back of his hand against my cheek saying, "The things you're feeling won't fuck up our anniversary. I can only think of one thing that could fuck it up."

It took only a second to reply. "Not having you there would be bad."

Rapidly nodding, Keith then asked, "Where else would I want to be?"

I asked, "Do you know what day of the week it is?"

He nodded, "A Wednesday, I think." Grinning widely, he droned, "We'll both be off work the whole day."

I laughed, "Whatever will we do?"

Keith's smiled waned. His eyes softened and he whispered, "Hold each other, listen to each other, make mad, passionate love a few times."

Reaching for his hand and kissing it, I then said, "Maybe we'll go out for dinner? We'll bring a blanket and my portable radio. Then we'll slow dance on the beach until we collapse and wake up there the next morning."

Keith smiled and nodded; "It sounds great to me!" My stomach growled again and Keith chuckled, "Let's have tonight's dinner first." Then he turned to open his door.

Hand in hand we walked up the to the front door. Waving his other hand, Keith softly reassured, "It's the same ol' place, Prez."

Before we reached the front door, it opened. Keith's dad stepped out, holding up a tape measure, a pad and a pencil. He smiled, "I'm glad your home. We need to measure the house. Your mom and I are trying to get an estimate of what siding might cost before we call a contractor."

Keith turned to me and grinned, "Okay, so it won't be the same ol' place for very much longer!"

I cracked up. Smiling but shaking his head sadly, Mr. Hundser said, "Come on, I need someone to hold the tape measure," and walked around us. For the next half-hour or so, we helped Keith's dad measure the house. Keith's mom called us for dinner just as we were finishing the measurements of the last section. A few minutes later, we walked in the back door. Mrs. Hundser, John and Drew were already at the table and eating.

Mr. Hundser ducked into the master bedroom to wash his hands. Quickly, Keith and I washed our hands in the kitchen sink. I was starving and hurried to take my seat at the table.

The moment I sat down, BBBAAAAAAAAAAARRROOOOOOOOOFFF! For a split second, everyone turned my way, obviously surprised. I all but self combusted.

Quickly, Drew covered his mouth, swallowed and cracked up laughing. Beginning to take his seat beside me, Keith smiled at me wide-eyed.

John loudly chuckled, "DUDE! At the table?"

At my other side, Keith's mom smiled and shook her head.

Blushing fiercely, I stood up and looked at my chair. Grinning, I picked up the whoopee cushion and turned to John saying, "This must be yours."

John giggled, "It's not mine."

Mr. Hundser returned and asked, "What in the world was that noise?"

John looked up at his dad grimacing. "Prez has a little gas, obviously!"

Passing me, Mr. Hundser saw me holding the whoopee cushion and said, "That's round two!"

Drew stood and said, "I'll take that, Prez."

Handing it to him, I grinned, "I thought you weren't getting involved?"

Beginning to serve himself, Keith glared mischievously across the table and chuckled, "Yeah!" Turning to his father, he asked, "What do you think dad? Is Drew an accomplice?"

Mr. Hundser smiled and turned to Drew asking, "What are you going to do with exhibit A?"

Drew paused and mumbled, "Give it back to Corey. It's his dad's."

Picking up the bowl of mashed potatoes, Mr. Hundser shook his head sadly and said, "An accomplice after the fact, disposing of evidence."

Looking across the table at his brothers, Keith chuckled, "You asked for it now!"

Serving myself, I wondered aloud, "How might I embarrass them?"

Drew whined, "No. Please."

Keith glance my way saying, "It would have to be public, just like this was."

Defiantly, John giggled, "You'll never get me!"

Quickly turning to John, Drew loudly said, "You just shut up! This is all your fault!"

Mrs. Hundser smiled, "Dinner is getting cold, boys."

Returning to our food, evil glances began shooting over the table. Mr. and Mrs. Hundser began talking about the siding.

About half way through dinner, Keith leaned close to me and whispered in my ear. "So it looks like we're planning."

Making my eyes wide, as if Keith had shared a great idea, I rapidly nodded my head. Noticing Drew watching, I batted my eyelashes innocently.

Drew paused and watched us suspiciously for a few seconds then returned to his dinner.

The Hundser's had stopped talking and I waited a few extra seconds before leaning close to Keith and whispering, "Ya wanna go out when we're done?"

Hamming it up, Keith grinned mischievously and nodded his head excitedly.

This time, Drew and John stopped chewing and glared across the table.

Snickering and looking at Keith's mom, I said, "I'd like to get some money out of my account. For summer beach parties, I need an acoustic bass."

She said, "That's fine. Do you know how much you'll need?"

Naturally, I knew what the basses at Guitar Center cost. All the models they had were between four and eight hundred dollars. But I wanted to get some other things too. Something mostly for Keith that I could at least say was for us. Keith was watching me though. My right leg slid next to his. I tapped him gently then answered, "Probably more than a thousand. I'd like to withdraw two thousand, just in case."

The Hundser's looked at each other for only a second or two. Then Mr. Hundser said, "If your absolutely certain, Preston."

I nodded, "I am. I'll need the bass. That's what I want to do with my life. And I haven't felt bad considering it."

Mrs. Hundser nodded then Mr. Hundser said, "Get a check and I'll endorse it."

Extremely enthused, I said, "Great! Thanks!" and concentrated on my plate. Beside me, Keith was bouncing his leg against mine. Turning and glancing at him, a silent conversation ensued while we finished eating.

"What are you doing?"

I grinned. "What?"

"I know damn well that bass was only a few hundred!"

I batted my eyelashes and grinned, "So! You said, whatever I wanted for me, didn't you?"

Keith sighed and reached for his glass. Finishing his water, he eyed me suspiciously.

Gathering my plate, glass and utensils, I said, "That was great, mom," and hurried to the kitchen. Keith was right on my heals.

Alone in the kitchen rinsing off our plates in the sink, Keith whispered, "I hope you know what you're doing."

I nodded and whispered, "I've been thinking like this for at least a month. It's never felt bad. I would've done it sooner but I kept questioning it."

We finished in the kitchen and I hurried back to our room. It was a little before seven. With Keith watching over me, I pocketed the money left over from Monday night and made out a check for two thousand dollars. He said, "I'll drive, okay?"

Scribbling my signature, I answered, "Sure, babe. Let's take my truck though."

Barely controlling the sound of his voice, Keith laughed, "Do we need the truck, Mister Moneybags?"

Tearing the check out, I then smiled at him and giggled, "No, but it still needs gas. We could take your car, if you want. Everything will fit... I think." Keith slouched and cracked up. He followed me out of our room to the dining room. I put the check down in front of Keith's dad.

Smiling at me and then the check, he asked, "Tonight?"

Handing him the pen, I nodded and reassured, "It really does feel like its time."

Mr. Hundser took the pen and signed the check under my own signature saying, "As long as you're ready." Then he handed me the pen and the check.

I smiled warmly at Keith's dad and said, "Thank you. You'll see, it's alright."

Keith asked, "Time to jet?" and headed for the front door.

I said, "Yep. Let's hit the bank first," and followed Keith out of the house.

My bank is less than a mile away. Getting in the car, I said, "I hope we make it."

Keith said, "Don't worry, Prez. If not tonight then we'll do it tomorrow." After we pulled away, Keith asked, "What do you want to get?"

I turned on the radio and said; "I definitely want an acoustic bass tonight. I'll look at bass amps too, if there's time. Let's also check out Circuit City." I lied, "Maybe I'll pickup a few CD's."

We made it to the bank with five minutes to spare. I hurried inside and Keith followed. I said, "You could've waited in the car, babe."

Keith chuckled, "No, I don't think so! Not with that much cash in your pocket."

We waited for the customer ahead of us then I stepped up to the counter. I showed the lady my ID. She checked it, nodded and asked, "Twenties and fifties?"

It took me two seconds to figure out what she was asking! I stammered, "Umm... no - hundreds, please." She lifted the tray and then began counting out twenty one-hundred-dollar bills. I counted with her, smiled, gathered the money and stuffed it in my pocket saying, "Thanks."

Outside, Keith chuckled, "You're really enjoying this!"

I grinned widely, "You have no idea how much I'd like to do with that money. It's our education, I know. I have to keep that priority in the back of my mind."

Keith softly said, "Prez, it's your education. It's not mine too. My parents already have college accounts for me and my brothers, remember?"

We got in the car and buckled up. Keith started the engine. I changed the radio station while he backed out. Once we were moving gaily forward, I said, "I almost did forget. All I want is to make our lives easier, Keith. Without that money we'd be scrambling to school and to work, paying our way the best we could but still needing loans."

"We'll still have to work."

"But we'll be able to concentrate on school and not worry about where our next meal is coming from, or how we're going to pay the rent."

We drove on silently for a few minutes. Stopping at the light leading to the 101 on-ramp, Keith said, "It's gotta be fifty-fifty, Prez. My parents may not have as big a stock portfolio, I don't really know. But I do know that we're not hurting. I can't let you use that money so we're living in the lap of luxury. I'd never be able to forgive myself."

I reached for his hand asking, "Are small loans, acceptable?"

Keith giggled, "Very small! And very rarely too!"

I laughed and asked, "Can I change the station?"

Reaching for the dashboard, Keith changed from his favorite station to my favorite classic rock station. They were playing the ending guitar solo of Hotel California. I turned it up a little and said, "Shaun was pretty good today."

Nodding, Keith agreed, "His voice is good for the songs he sings."

I grinned and squeezed his hand. "Do you still feel jealous?"

Keith snickered, "Not very. I do wish I could play an instrument though. Sometimes I really feel exposed."

I chuckled, "And you had jeans on!"

Keith giggled, "My undies were showin' and so were my titties!"

I smiled, "Your God given natural talent was showin' too. Now that I think of it, I don't think I'm done saying thank you..."

At the top of his lungs, Keith hollered, "PRESTON ALBERT O'BRIAN! Don't you dare!" and I jumped in my seat!

I laughed, "What?"

He sneered, "You can forget Circuit City, straight boy!"

My lover is no dummy.

Realizing that I shouldn't have mentioned the frolics or saying thank you, I balked, "I can't buy CD's?"

He chuckled, "Yeah... right."

Growling softly, I thought, he would never let me get anything for him again as long as he's around! I wished that I might've thought of going shopping last night with Mike.

We pulled into the Carvin parking lot a few minutes later and went inside. Closing time was eight. We only had forty-five minutes. The place wasn't that big compared to Guitar Center but they did have lots of stuff. Against one wall were all the guitar and bass amps. The PA gear was in the rear of the store. And to our left were dozens of guitars and basses.

A young man walked up and asked, "Can I help you?"

I said, "Yeah, I've seen your ads and thought I'd see if you had any acoustic basses."

The salesman asked, "Four or five string?"

I pointed at a model on the wall saying, "Can I try that five string fretless model?"

He nodded, turned and got the guitar. Then he walked away from us! Reaching into a box, the salesman turned around with a canvas strap and came back towards us asking, "Have you ever played a fretless before?"

Grinning and reaching for the strap, I said, "No, so I'll need your ears, I guess."

While I adjusted the guitar strap to a reasonable length, he said, "Once you get used to it, you'll prefer it, I'm sure." Then he handed me the bass.

It was light and thin compared to the bass I played at Guitar Center Monday night.

I started playing and Keith asked, "Why are there knobs?"

The salesman answered, "Its acoustic-electric."

Momentarily surprised, "Keith said, "Oh! Cool!" Then he looked at me and asked, "How does it feel?"

I shrugged, "It's definitely different. How does it sound?"

Keith nodded and said, "You're sliding into notes more, aren't you?"

I nodded, "Without frets I have to hear where the note is. It's a challenge."

The salesman said, "You're doing pretty good, for a first time." I was only playing a walking bass line purposefully to discover where the true tones were. I then started playing some funky slap bass and said, "It doesn't sound very loud. How does it sound to you, Keith?"

Keith shrugged, "I dunno. It's hard to tell without hearing it side-by-side with an acoustic guitar."

The salesman said, "I'll be right back," and then turned and walked away.

Keith said, "It's deep tones. Play higher."

I did as he asked and played high on the neck, concentrating on the D and G strings. Keith nodded and said, "That's better."

I began moving lower and Keith said, "It's deeper than I'm used to, isn't it?"

Noticing the salesman returning with an acoustic, I nodded and said, "The extra string is lower."

The salesman stopped beside me and said, "Stay in the key of G," then began finger-picking some bluegrass in the same key. Keith stepped back and smiled widely. We played for a minute or so and I purposefully concentrated on playing the lower strings then moved higher. The salesman then strummed a G chord a few times, I returned a similar pattern on the bass and stopped playing.

Keith chuckled, "That was great!"

I asked, "It mixed alright with the acoustic?"

Keith smiled and nodded, "It's perfect... dude." He just barely caught himself!

Wide-eyed, I smiled at my lover. Then I turned to the salesman and asked, "How much?"

The salesman replied, "Seven forty-nine. Hard shell cases are fifty-nine."

I said, "Cool. Can I plug it in real quick?"

Smiling, the salesman said, "I was going to suggest that. What type of amp do you have?" and he started across the room.

Waving Keith along, I followed the salesman and answered, "A hundred watt combo with a fifteen-inch speaker."

Moving down the row of amps, the salesman said, "We've got one just like it." I watched the salesman plug a cable into an amp about the same size as mine and power it on. But this one had an equalizer on it! I noticed the price tag - it read, $299.95. Plugging in the cable to the bass and turning the knobs up full, I then began playing. Keith went with the salesman to the amp. The salesman then started explaining it and adjusting knobs, sliders and buttons.

I thought, this amp was great too! The sound moved fluidly from booming to thin and everywhere in between. It was every bit as good as my Peavey, maybe a little better!

I stopped playing. Keith and the salesman turned to me. I said, "Wrap 'em up."

Keith almost jumped where he stood. He loudly giggled, "Them?"

I nodded, "The amp too, please."

Laughing hysterically, Keith wandered around.

Smiling widely and walking towards me, the salesman said, "Everything has a lifetime warranty."

I said, "And I can bring them back here for adjustments or repairs?"

He nodded and held out his hand, "I'm Glenn."

I shook his hand and said, "Preston."

Glenn said, "My pleasure. You know our factory is down is San Diego?"

Taking off the bass and handing it to him, I nodded and said, "Yeah. A friend of mine bought an electric guitar here."

"Give me his name and I'll mark it in the database," Glenn said, "Ten percent off his next purchase. Will this be cash or charge?"

We headed for the checkout desk and I answered, "Cash."

Keith stepped up behind me and asked, "No discount for real money?"

The salesman looked at him like Keith wasn't supposed to mention that. I turned and beamed at him. "Thanks, baby."

Glenn sighed, "We want loyal customers. We'll cover the sales tax." He then started tapping into his calculator. "Eleven-o-seven and ninety-five cents... you save... almost ninety-five bucks in sales tax."

I smiled, "Cool," and reached my hand in my pocket.

If you've never pulled a wad of hundreds out of your pocket in front of salesman before, let me just say, its funny. They almost drool! Suddenly, I was Glenn's best friend!

While I counted out hundred dollar bills, Glenn asked, "Is there anything else I can get for you, dude?"

Keith giggled, "Don't ask him that!"

After counting out eleven bills, I looked up and smiled, "Not tonight."

Glenn suggested, "We've got strings, every kind of cable, custom canvas amp covers, flight cases, anything you need."

Reaching into my wallet for eight singles, I chuckled, "You've been great, dude. This is enough for tonight."

Keith walked away, softly mumbling, "Enough for tonight, for this week, all summer even!"

Ringing me up in the register, Glenn said, "Let me get the case and the amp from the back." He handed me the sales receipt, turned and disappeared. I went over to Keith and said, "I'm stoked!"

Keith took my hand and smiled, "Really?"

I nodded enthusiastically and explained, "The bass I played at Guitar Center was only four strings, only acoustic and had frets. This bass has the extra string, it's electric too and cost less than that other one! And the amp is every bit as good as mine! My amp was almost four hundred bucks three years ago. This amp cost three hundred. I think I've gotten really good equipment at a very good price." Hearing Glenn returning, I then whispered, "Thanks for asking about a discount before. I was totally happy with the prices and quality but a dollar saved..."

Keith nodded, "As long as your happy, baby."

Squeezing his hand in mine, I reassured, "Very happy," and then turned and walked over to Glenn. He had opened a box with a new amp in it and was testing it out for me. It was then that I noticed the stereo RCA plugs on the amp. I could plug a CD Walkman into the sucker! Glen then showed me the case, opened it, and pointed out the plush blue interior. In the case were the strap that I used and a new set of strings. Holding his finger to his mouth, Glenn winked. I noticed Keith looking over my shoulder. Glenn then closed the case and reached to shake my hand saying, "I'll help you out with these. Just lead the way."

Keith and I walked out to the car with Glenn pushing a dolly behind us. We stowed the bass in the trunk because the amp wouldn't fit. The amp just barely made it into the back seat. I shook Glenn's hand again and so did Keith. The second my car door closed, I overflowed, "DOOOOOOOOODE! That amp is fabulous! I can plug a CD player into it and jam along!" Surprised, Keith glanced at me briefly and started laughing. I rambled on about the amp and the bass all the way home.

That bass was totally fabulous too! It was thin and comfortable like an electric and had a sleek ebony fret board. I immediately felt the difference between the rosewood on my Fender and the ebony on the Carvin bass.

Keith pulled in front of the house. I paused and smiled, "That's gonna be my favorite bass from now on, I can see it already."

After kissing my hand, Keith smiled, "I'm glad your happy, baby. I gotta admit, I was worried."

Reassuringly, I said, "It's part of my mom's legacy. That's part of what she wanted, I'm sure of it. Why else would she get so much insurance?" Keith shrugged and I answered my own question, softly joking, "So my basses were covered!"

Chuckling, Keith turned and got out of the car. I followed on my side and got the bass from the trunk. Keith suggested, "Let's open the garage door. We don't have a dolly and that thing's heavy!"

Glancing at my watch as we walked towards the house, I commented, "It's almost nine. Once we get it inside I want to try it out again, just for a few minutes."

Keith opened the door saying, "That's fine, baby. I'll hang out and listen."

Stepping inside, I said, "I'll need fine tuned ears for a while, until I get more used to it, anyway." Turning to the living room, I cheerfully said, "Hi! We're home!"

Sitting with his sons watching a baseball game, Mr. Hundser chuckled, "Hi! We know!"

Mrs. Hundser returned from the master bedroom and asked, "You were able to get what you wanted?"

Putting the case down in front of the loveseat, I smiled, "Sure did. It's really nice. I'll show you in a few minutes. We've gotta bring the amp into the garage first."

Keith and I started for the garage but barely took three steps before Mr. and Mrs. simultaneously repeated, "Amp?"

We stopped and Mr. Hundser asked, "I thought acoustics didn't need amps."

Noticing Mrs. Hundser glaring at Keith, I nodded and, without even thinking, turned and answered Keith's dad. I said, "It's acoustic-electric, actually. It swings both ways."

Drew snapped his neck turning to look at me then started shaking his head and giggling. Mr. Hundser's head sagged into his waiting hand and his shoulders started bouncing.

John looked around and said, "Oh! I get it!" then started snickering.

Behind me, Keith giggled, "I did everything I could, I swear!" and I turned to see him two paces in front of his mom. Quickly, I moved beside Keith and said, "They're things I really need."

Mrs. Hundser sighed, "If, in a few days, you feel a little regret, it's natural. You'll get past it."

I smiled and assured, "I got quality at a good price."

Mrs. Hundser nodded, "Go get the amp then. Show us what you're so obviously pleased about."

I picked up the case and followed Keith to the garage. Keith pressed the button and the garage door began opening. He said, "They expect you to regret it."

Putting the case down in front of Derrick's drums, I asked, "But what were you supposed to do? Hold me back?"

Keith smiled, "Like I might've even tried."

I asked, "Did you feel caught in the middle?"

Starting for the opening door, he shrugged, "A little."

Following, I asked, "When you started pacing the store?"

He hummed affirmatively and said, "But then I thought, at least I can make sure you get a good deal and don't spend a cent more than necessary."

I reached for his hand and said, "Thank you for that. I was a little excited."

We started for the car and Keith giggled, "That was obvious!" Then he turned and said, "You weren't like that in Guitar Center the other day. I've never seen you like that in any music store before!"

I giggled, "I've never been that stoked before! All I can say is, I think I did very well tonight." Releasing me, Keith unlocked the car again and walked around to the other side saying, "I'll push, you pull."

My eyes opened wide and I started bellowing loudly!

Grinning insanely, Keith then went off, yelling in the middle of the street. "It barely fit inside! We'll probably need a gallon of lube to get it out again!"

Bending in half and straightening up again, I roared and staggered around the lawn, hysterical. No one can expand on a bad choice of words like Keith. That's one of the many reasons why I love him! Flashing back to us fighting my Super Nintendo, I literally laughed until I cried.

Smiling widely, I watched Prez, his arms wrapped around his belly, staggering around the front lawn and laughing hysterically. I started thinking of some other suggestive stuff to say to keep him laughing. But after a few moments, I couldn't tell if Prez was laughing or crying. Still staggering around, it appeared that he was laughing but the sound was beginning to worry me. Walking around the car again, I went to him.

Even in the dark, it was clear that Prez's face was tear stained again. He noticed me standing about a meter or so in front of him. I reached for him and Prez threw his arms around me, burying his face in my shoulder. My goodness, he squeezed me tight! After another minute or so, he began hiccupping through his laughter. Slowly he tried to control himself but then he'd hiccup again and giggle at himself. But he was just catching his breath and didn't dare let the giggle break lose again.

Cautiously, I asked, "You okay?"

Nodding rapidly, Prez hiccupped, "I lo-ove you."

Holding him close and squeezing tight, I whispered, "Always and forever, baby." Giggling with him at every hiccup, I began rubbing his back to relax him.

After a few more minutes, Prez stopped laughing but occasionally hiccupped, causing his entire upper body to bounce slightly. He hoarsely explained, "It was just like our first night, with the Nintendo. You have a wicked mind, Keith Hundser, and I do love you very much."

Then I noticed my mom peeking past the curtains out the living room window. Moments later, my dad stepped outside and walked over to us. On his way towards us, he asked, "Is everything all right?"

Turning us around slightly but never letting go, Prez smiled, "The very best."

All I could do was smile and shrug.

Stopping besides us and looking at Prez, my dad said, "From the house, it almost sounded like you were upset."

Breaking our embrace but reaching for my hand, Prez explained, "I just remembered something from the night we met." He then hiccupped and giggled, "It cracked me up then and still does."

My dad smiled and nodded, "It's close to ten, let's go inside." Shifting his glance between us, he asked, "Do you need any help?"

Shaking my head, I answered, "No thanks, dad, we've got it. We'll be inside in a few minutes." The amp was bulky and heavy but we could easily handle it.

Nodding, "Give a holler if you change your minds," my dad then turned and headed back into the house.

Prez let go of my hand and we went to my car. Looking over the roof of the car at me, he grinned, "I'll yank on it," and hiccupped one last time. We opened the back doors and began removing the amp. In order to get it out, Prez had to push down on his end because the seat cushion held the amp up and it wouldn't go past the rear doorframe. At first, it only moved a few inches at a time. But once we got the amp about a foot past the door, it took only three more combined pushes and tugs to get it all the way out. I closed and locked my door while Prez set the amp down. "Whew!" he breathlessly said as I walked around the car, "It sure is built solid."

Closing the other car door, I asked, "Do you think this will last most of your career?"

He nodded, "Definitely. Maybe someday I might need another but I'd doubt that would be any time soon."

Grabbing hold of the amp's handle, I wondered, "A really big one, like I've seen in concert posters?"

Squatting down and looking up at me, Prez replied, "Yep, like that. But I won't get one until I'm sure that I'll need it. Did you see the one at the store? It was six hundred watts and two grand! I couldn't use an amp like that at home any way, it would be way too loud." Then he took hold of the bottom of the amp. We lifted and carried it into the garage, putting it down next to Mike's amp, across the room from Prez's other amp. While Prez began plugging it in, I pressed the button to lower the garage door. Then Prez got a cable and his new bass guitar out of its case. Seconds later, my mom and dad stepped in from the house.

My mom nodded and smiled, "It looks very nice." They had several acoustic bass models on display at the store; some with solid colors and a few with sunburst finishes. The body of Prez's bass was plain wood with no color, just a gloss varnish.

My dad suggested, "Can we hear it without the amp first?"

Prez smiled, "Sure," and then began playing. While he played, he again compared the other acoustic bass he had tried at Guitar Center to all the features that this bass had. He happily said, "And this bass was actually about fifty bucks less than that other one," then stopped playing. Stepping back, he powered on the new amp, adjusted a few knobs and started playing again.

My folks nodded and smiled at each other then turned to Prez again. He was shaking his bubble butt around and getting into his playing. Every now and then, he accidentally slid a little too far past a note but immediately slid back. As usual, he grimaced briefly. Over the sound of his amp, he then loudly explained, "There's no frets so it's a new challenge." About a minute later, Prez stopped playing and powered down the amp.

We returned to the living room and on the way, my mom asked, "I don't understand why you need another amplifier, Preston."

As we took our seats, Prez explained that some of our friends were at the frolics and that, from where they were sitting, the drums and bass weren't loud enough. Then he expanded on it, telling my parents about the list of other things that the band needed so they could be prepared for gigs. He finished, "I've been thinking of getting an acoustic guitar or maybe a keyboard too but I'll be busy for a while with the fretless bass. Those things can wait since I'm not certain what I really want yet."

My dad nodded and smiled, "You're thinking ahead for the band and your career, that's good. Please remember income taxes and your other responsibilities, though. I'd hate for you to have to sell off any of your investments."

Nodding, Prez took my hand and smiled, "I will and Keith will too, I'm sure."

Squeezing his hand in mine, I grinned, "You got that right!"

My mom then asked, "Is there anything left over that you could put back in your account?"

Prez nodded again and explained, "I'll be able to do that after I get a bass pod, probably tomorrow, after school. I'd like to be able to deposit three hundred, hopefully as much as five hundred."

Standing and walking towards us, my mom said, "I'm glad you're pleased." Then she leaned over and kissed Prez on the cheek and gave me a peck too. She yawned, "It's bedtime. Nighty-night," and started towards her bedroom. Rush got up and followed her.

My dad said, "I'll be along in a few minutes."

Once my mom had closed the master bedroom door behind her, Prez turned to my dad and asked, "Are you upset with me or Keith?" Rush returned and lay down near the loveseat so he could watch everyone in the room and the front door while he gnawed on a rawhide.

Slightly stunned, my dad quickly said, "Not at all. It would be irresponsible of us to just let you go hog wild, don't you agree?"

Prez nodded and softly said, "Please don't put Keith between us. Anything you have to say, I'll listen to. I hope you know that."

My dad smiled and nodded, "We do. It's good to hear again though."

Turning to Prez, I softly said, "I don't really think I'm in the middle too much. You asked me to watch over you when you're spending that money. The trick is knowing when to even try and stop you."

My dad added, "We all have the same goal, to make sure the money is there for college and beyond."

Prez said, "We were talking about college tonight too."

I grinned and corrected; "We were talking about college finances." Then I turned to my dad and asked, "I have a college fund, don't I?"

My dad quickly nodded, "Of course! There's one for each of you."

I asked, "Do you expect any problems?"

Shaking his head, my dad replied, "There's over a hundred and fifty thousand in your account. That should be more than enough for tuition, books and room and board over five years. With any luck, there might be some left over. Don't count on a lot though."

Prez asked, "How did you figure how much you'd need."

"Based on what it cost for us to go to UCLA," my dad answered. "Back then it cost about five grand a year in tuition and books alone. So we figured that would probably double. We both lived in the dorms the first year but discovered that moving into rented houses with a few friends cost about the same. Based on what it cost us - and then factoring in inflation - we figured on twenty-five thousand per year for room and board. Add it all up and it comes to about one hundred and fifty grand. Drew will need a little more. And John, more than that."

A preview of eleven o'clock news started. They were reporting on another kid that had shot up his school two weeks prior. Twice in May, there were school shootings - a kid in Tennessee and then only two days later, another kid in Oregon. The first kid only shot one person - his ex-girlfriend's new boy friend. The other kid went berserk shooting people in the cafeteria. Holding my hands out, I asked my dad for the remote and he tossed it to me.

I hit the scan button and Prez said, "I've got way more than that!"

My dad grinned, "Your mom was a smart cookie. She took everything into account. That's what accountants do."

Prez asked, "So I can figure on at least half of that money still being there six years from now?"

Nodding, my dad reminded, "Stocks are more volatile than other types of investments. Right now, that's working to your advantage. Knowing when to switch to more stable investments is the magic act. I'm thinking about various charitable contributions you might make that would lower your taxes."

Prez said, "Can we concentrate on stuff that works for gay rights?"

My dad nodded, "Anything you'd like."

I suggested, "Maybe children's hospitals too?"

Prez smiled and nodded, "I over estimated what college would cost. It's a nice feeling, being able to give some back somehow."

Grinning devilishly, I whispered, "Concentrate on charities instead of CD's at Circuit City... or whatever else you might be looking at in there!"

Prez snickered then leaned closer and whispered, "Hawaii after graduation!"

Rolling my eyes, I fell back into the loveseat and giggled. I caught my dad smiling widely at us.

He said, "There's school and work tomorrow. Good night, guys," and then stood up and went to the kitchen. Moments later, the kitchen lights went off and he went into his bedroom.

Catching Prez looking off into space, deep in thought, I asked, "What are you thinking?"

He softly said, "I see you and me, in our mid twenties, done with school, with good jobs and living in a nice house. And, if my charitable contributions have any effect at all, we'll be able to get married too. It's right there, at the tip of our fingers but still out of reach." He sighed then turned to me and grinned, "Nothing would make me happier."

Leaning closer to him, I whispered, "As long as you're there, baby," and kissed him. Prez wrapped an arm around me and held me for a few moments. When we broke the kiss, I turned off the living room TV and we got up. Rush raced us to the bedroom but we first stopped in the bathroom. While we were leaking, I asked, "What is a bass pod any way?"

Prez smiled, "It's like Mike's GT-3, multiple effects in one unit, but it's made for bass. And with stereo outputs, I can connect to both amps and really make the ground shake!" I chuckled and he said, "I think that'll move enough air in our school's auditorium." Beyond the bathroom door, Rush whined. Prez sighed, "Another priority for this summer is Rush. Now that he's trained, I haven't been spending enough time with him."

I agreed, "And he's not shy about letting us know it."

He said, "As soon as school is out, he'll get a morning walk every day." Prez flushed the bowl then turned to me and asked, "Are there any beaches we could take him to?"

Walking over to the sink, I told him, "There's a place just a short drive north of Zuma. That's where we took Aldo."

Prez smiled, "Very cool! Between walks and trips to the beach, maybe we'll wear him out and he won't be such a spaz."

While washing up, I asked, "Do you want to take him camping with us too?"

Taking the soap from me, Prez answered, "Maybe - but not always. I'll be too busy with you to watch him."

In the mirror, I caught his eyebrows bouncing.

We finished up and opened the door. I could swear that Rush actually squinted and glared at us like he was angry! Then he trotted across the hall and we followed. I closed the door behind me and, before I knew it, Prez was pressing his entire body against me, rubbing his hands over my torso. His hands slid under my T-shirt and he whispered, "Skipping nights is good sometimes, don't you think?"

Turning around and hugging him tight, I nodded, "We were pretty emotionally drained. In some ways, the talks we have are as good as sex."

Nuzzling my ear, Prez said, "I'm still a little bit shocked over something you said."

I softly asked, "Which something?"

Hugging me tight, he sighed, "It was so sweet! You said that I was the center of your world."

I nodded, "You are. If there's any decision to make, I ask myself - is it good for us? Is it good for you? Only then do consider my own opinion."

Inhaling deeply, he pulled back slightly and smiled, "I'm ready for some physical bonding." Then he passionately kissed me. Soon, he began working his way down and around my neck. I slid my hands up under his shirt. Getting the hint, Prez stepped back and leaned forward, allowing me to remove his shirt. He then took my shirt off and we quickly moved towards each other again for another hug and kiss. A rather strange thought flashed in my mind while our tongues slid around.

Prez pulled away and began attacking my neck and throat. It gave me the shivers! For a few moments, I didn't know whether I should mention my idea or not. Prez moved down to my right nipple. I figured that I'd better say something soon or it would all be over but the sweating! Softly, I said, "Prez?"

He hummed on my nipple and my brain spun wildly. Shaking the feeling away, I asked, "Would you like to try something?"

Standing up again and grinding his crotch against mine, he smiled, "Like?"

Looking up thoughtfully, I grinned, "What if we didn't actually have sex until Friday night? We could still do stuff, just because we need it, but not actually touch each other?"

Prez grinned, "Like last summer?"

I nodded, "When we were showing each other what felt really good."

Prez asked, "Can we use our toys?"

I kissed him and smiled, "You read my mind."

Quickly, Prez kissed me again. Then he stepped back, turned around and went to the night table. I followed and said, "I already feel like I could burst any second. In two days..."

Turning around with both dildos and the lube in his hands, he finished my sentence for me. "We'll ravage each other."

Taking the smaller, seven-inch dildo from him, I grinned, "Let me see if this thing feels anything like your thing!"

Prez chuckled, "This big one is close to how you feel inside me. Once it's in, there's not too much difference in width. I don't notice the difference in length at all. But its not as silky smooth siding in and out."

I asked, "Do you want to try the smaller one then?"

Shaking his head, Prez answered, "Not this time. Tomorrow night, after you've tried it and confirmed how it feels, then we'll switch."

Nodding, I stepped back and put the dildo on the desk. Prez followed and did the same. Then we continued making out and got the rest of our clothes off. There's nothing like having someone very special to be with. I couldn't imagine what it might be like if Prez and I didn't share the ideas we had. And that same freedom of expression flows over into our sex lives.

The other day, after Mike's party, Prez wanted to try something and I went along with it. It was fun and really good for both of us. This was my turn to suggest something different and Prez seemed to like the idea. He broke our kiss and reached around me for the big dildo. I turned around, picked up the lube and the other dildo. When I turned around again, I smiled and gently pushed him back away from me, softly giggling, "If we're too close, the whole idea will fly out the window!"

Taking two steps back, Prez chuckled, "I'm wondering if we'll manage to keep our hands off each other tomorrow."

Flipping open the tube of KY, I drew a bead of lube along the shaft of my cock and then drew a longer bead on the dildo. Then I handed the tube to Prez. I watched him do the same while I spread the lube around the dildo. Watching my lover lube his big dick, my cock lurched and my heart beat relentlessly against my chest. Omigod! I wanted to be the one stroking his dick! Prez tossed the lube onto a pillow then knelt on the bed and shuffled over while he spread the lube around the other dildo.

I got on the bed, knelt down and faced him, with my back to the entertainment center. Prez reached for my cock. Stopping him just in time, I giggled, "Not until Friday."

He forced a frown but then smirked, "Just testing."

Jacking my bone slowly, I giggled, "Uh huh, sure!" then reached back and lubed my butt.

Doing the same, he chuckled and asked; "Does this feel the same as last summer to you?"

I shrugged, "In some ways, yeah. But we've already learned what to do and how. The exciting part is not touching you when you're right there."

He nodded, "Can we at least hold hands?"

I nodded, "Sure, just not the dick, nads or any other erogenous zones."

Moving his dildo behind and underneath, Prez grinned, "Cool. Reach for my hand when you're about to shoot." Then he lowered himself onto the toy. "Damn!" Prez softly groaned, "It's got a much bigger and rounder head. Getting it inside reminds me of last summer."

Holding my dildo in place underneath me, I lowered myself down onto it. The head easily slipped inside. I paused and said, "This isn't anywhere near as fat as you are. I can already feel the difference." Then I easily lowered myself the rest of the way down. My butt was touching the blanket and I could feel the rubber nads on the base of the dildo. I sighed and began slowly stroking my bone.

Softly whimpering, Prez lowered himself down, pausing and backing off slightly before finishing. Prez huffed, "I love you, Keith."

I panted, "I know baby. We're together, feeling the same feelings at the same time."

The soft, loving expression in Prez's eyes made me want to start moving. I raised my self up slowly until I felt the head just inside me then lowered myself down again.

Omigod! Watching Prez jack his cock and ride that dildo like he would ride me while I was doing the same almost caused a major cerebral hemorrhage! He was watching me too, moving at the same pace I was. Soon we began to speed up and got slightly out of sync.

Prez groaned, "It's beating the hell out of my prostate. Only another minute, if I'm lucky."

That sent a shiver of blissful anticipation racing around my body. I whispered, "Cum, baby. I love seeing you shoot," and picked up my pace.

He heaved and squatted all the way down, jacking his cock like crazy, thrusting his hips to and fro. Even with a dildo that was bigger than my bone inside him, Prez kept looking at me, glancing from my face to my dick with a hungry, desperate expression on his face. A mammoth orgasm was building and I adjusted my pace so I could cum with him. I whispered, "Soon, baby."

Reaching for my hand, he whimpered, "Oh God, Keith," and threw his head back. I watched him franticly beat his meat and suddenly slow to a third of the pace. He held his breath for only two or three seconds then huffed and shot across the bed. Some landed on my chest and belly. Raising himself up and quickly slamming down again, his next shot landed on my hand, leg and hard dick. That set me off. I sighed and shot straight up in the air, drenching us even more.

Moments later, when we where able to focus again, we leaned forward and kissed deeply; still milking our leaking bones. Sliding his face to one side, Prez then whispered, "Omigod!"

I chuckled, "It was pretty good, wasn't it?"

Leaning back and pulling the dildo out, Prez grinned, "You saying that we were feeling the same thing at the same time almost set me off!"

Pulling the rubber toy out of my bum, I reminded, "That was one of the reasons why we got them."

Getting up off the bed, Prez said, "Tomorrow, we'll switch." I got up and followed him across the hall to wash off the dildos. While we were finishing the task, Prez asked, "Did it feel like me?"

I shook my head saying, "It's supposedly a half inch longer but I honestly didn't notice. What I did notice was the width. The half-inch in diameter you've got over the dildo makes a big difference. And, you're right, it doesn't feel anything like lubed flesh sliding in and out." Done with the dildo, I wet a washcloth with warm water and began wiping cum off me. Grinning mischievously at him, I softly giggled, "Power shooter."

Wiping himself off, Prez chuckled, "You got me too!"

When he finished, I pulled him to me, hugged him and grinned, "That must've been close to three feet."

Blushing and giggling, Prez shrugged. We padded back across the hall. I closed and locked the door then turned off the lights. Getting into bed, Prez asked, "Did you ever jack off last October or November?"

Walking around the bed in the dark, I truthfully answered, "Not successfully. I wanted to and tried but couldn't. Most of the time, it wouldn't even get completely hard. With you hurting so much, it was pretty impossible." Getting in bed, I asked, "Did you last January?"

He snuggled close and softly answered, "I didn't need to. You kept me satisfied even though you weren't able to finish. I don't think I went more than two days before you'd attack me again."

I yawned then said, "And I would've done it more if you had let me."

Reaching for me, Prez yawned, "We can last till Friday night."

Snuggling, I sleepily said, "After Friday, maybe we can try to be like Mike and Derrick for a while."

Prez giggled, "Just to see the surprised look on their faces!"

Hugging him tight, I whispered, "G'night, lover."

Safe and secure in my arms, he sighed, "Good night, babe."

---

Sunlight beaming in the room woke me before the alarm. Rolling over, I reached for Keith and held him tight. The room looked like it did last summer in many ways. Purposefully, to remind myself, I noted the changes. The desk was now where Keith's entertainment center was. My mom's entertainment center was where the dresser used to be. And behind me, the dresser now stood where the desk was last year. Again, I found myself fighting the feeling that I was visiting so I searched my brain for something else to concentrate on.

I thought of my new bass and amp. Then I wondered if there were any other multi-effects units for bass guitar and what they might cost. Silently, I thanked my mom for everything she had ever done for me. But I almost wished that she hadn't had so much life insurance. That money would be a constant reminder of her death for a very long time to come. All I could do was find appropriate ways to spend it and remember the price she paid. Tears welled in my eyes but I wouldn't let Keith go to wipe them away. They rolled freely down my face while I tried to make sense of everything. Half of me wanted to quickly spend every dime of that money. But another half of me realized it was for college and to start my life.

"That's right, sweetheart, it's for your life now."

"But it's so much, mom - three times as much as I'll need."

"I didn't know what you might need, Preston. As far as I was concerned, you might've stayed in the apartment. That would've meant you were responsible for rent and utility bills that you couldn't have afforded on your own."

"Didn't you think of Aunt Eileen or the Hundser's?"

"I thought of your Aunt. Being my only sibling, I knew that she'd be wrecked if anything happened to me. I also knew that you would be in shock for a very long time. As for the Hundser's, how could I ask them to support you? We'd only known them a few months."

"Am I still in shock, mom?"

"No, I don't think you are. You're confused, remembering me but still moving forward in your own life, as if you're living in two different time periods. You can stop it though. You have stopped it and will always be able to."

"Will it ever change?"

"Eventually. The memories will fade and become more pleasant in time."

"Are you angry because I spent some money yesterday?"

"Are you angry because I left?"

I thought long and hard about that question before answering, "Yeah, sometimes."

Keith rolled over. He gave me a peck on the cheek and ground himself against me. His eyes opened and he hoarsely whispered, "What's wrong baby?"

I softly whined, "She didn't answer my question."

"Who didn't?"

"My mom."

Blinking his eyes, Keith tried to focus and asked, "What was the question?"

"Was she angry because I spent some money yesterday."

Shifting to hold me, he groaned, "Oh, Prez." He kissed my forehead then asked, "It happened again, didn't it? You felt you were visiting?"

Sobbing, I nodded and held on to him for dear life. The clock radio turned on. While the DJ rambled on for a minute or two, Keith held me and softly reassured me. Then, in the background, I heard the DJ say, "This mornings traffic jam rock block is a left-over from last night. We were supposed to play it then but it got lost in the shuffle. This set is from Mike and Derrick for Keith and Prez, as an apology for a dirty prank, it says." Keith stopped talking and I reached to wipe my eyes. With the start of Open Arms playing in the background, the DJ continued, "For everyone else, hopefully this will make braving the morning rush a little easier to swallow." Then Keith began softly singing.

From the center of my soul, a hundred emotions seemed to burst out at once causing me to shiver. I couldn't smile, laugh or cry but simply held my lover and remained in a mild state of shock. Still singing, Keith got up and turned on the stereo. Quickly changing to the same station, he then turned up the volume and sang the bridge into the chorus. Then he beckoned me to him with his index finger. Swiftly, I shuffled out of bed and wrapped my arms around him. We began swaying slightly and Keith sang clearly through the entire song. I felt so alive - every nerve in my body seemed to be tingling. As the last notes were still ringing, Weird began to play. Keith never let me go. We continued swaying and he sang all of Weird while holding me close.

Strangely, while remembering the Hanson video, I saw myself traversing real life the days after my mom's accident. In my mind I saw doctors, nurses and priests, all with their faces blanked out. There were only two faces in my mind during that time - my mom's mostly bandaged face and Keith's face. I remembered my aunt and uncle at the hospital. Mike and Derrick would be at the Hundser's house late at night. All of them were faceless people, in a faceless crowd. Only Keith and my mom stood out.

After a brief station announcement, Don't Dream Its Over began playing. I stopped dancing and pulled back smiling, "They're playing our frolics set!"

Also smiling, Keith nodded and said, "I wish I had thought of it."

A little surprised, I asked, "They didn't mention it to you?" and Keith shook his head. I looked down and saw Rush sitting close by, wagging only the tip of his tail. Looking up at Keith again, I grinned, "I wonder why they did it?"

He shrugged, "Dunno. Maybe they were practicing last night. For Friday, ya know?"

Silently, we slow danced through the rest of the song. There was a brief station announcement and then Don't Worry Baby began playing. Turning, I glanced at the clock. It was about ten after seven. Facing Keith again, I suggested, "Might as well get started."

He nodded and went to the dresser. Handing me a pair of cotton sport shorts, he asked, "You're bringing the new bass today?"

Sliding the shorts up my legs, I said, "Yep! Mike's gonna be really happy."

Keith put on his shorts, then, just as I was about to call the dog; he took hold of my hand and said, "As long as you're happy, baby."

Back in the real world and in the current time frame again, I nodded enthusiastically; "I am now! Mike's timing is impeccable!" Then I slid close to him whispering, "And you're about the sweetest person in the whole world."

With Rush galloping around, Keith smiled and kissed me softly. Then we started for the door. Keith said, "They were supposed to play it last night."

I opened our bedroom door and Rush tore out of the room. As we walked down the hall, I said, "Last night would've been very cool too but this morning... you and the music really cracked the time warp."

Heading into the kitchen, he giggled, "Time warp?"

I nodded and let the dog out saying, "That's what I've been doing - flashing back and forth sometimes. Any little thing sets it off too."

Grabbing two small bottles of apple juice from the fridge, Keith asked, "What set it off this time?"

I shrugged, "Just the way we were laying and the way the sun was shining past the blinds into the room." Then I sighed, "I don't know how you put up with me."

Smirking, Keith handed me a bottle of juice and said, "The alternative is far less interesting in so many ways." He began drinking his juice but his eyes were smiling and glimmering in the sunlight.

He was right too. After being alone for so long, having someone to do things with is so much more fun. And it wasn't like we were doing much. We were just drinking juice while Rush inspected every corner of the back yard. But I wasn't doing it alone. I had been facing too many realities alone, I realized as I finished my juice. What I needed to learn was how to bring the memories into the present. Keith's mom has always told me to do just that. I guess I just didn't understand all that entailed.

Keith was smiling at me. I giggled, "I'm still here."

Mrs. Hundser walked in the room dressed but without her makeup on. She said, "Good morning! You two are mobile earlier than normal."

Taking my juice bottle and tossing them in the trash, Keith shrugged, "It's summer!"

Pouring a cup of coffee, Keith's mom smirked, "I'll remind you that you said that, two weeks from now when you're sleeping in until almost noon!"

Keith snickered briefly. Then I turned to him and suggested, "Ya know, just for the sake of being different, we could start our days a little earlier?"

He said, "But still later than school days?"

I nodded and said, "Eight."

He grinned and giggled, "Ten."

Passing us on her way back to the master bedroom, Mrs. Hundser said, "Nine it is." Just before she steeped in the room, she turned to me and asked "Would you like me to pick up sun-block at the market this weekend?"

I shook my head saying, "No thanks, we need to go get a few things tomorrow night anyway."

She nodded and said, "Don't forget to get it before you start going to the beach," then stepped into her bedroom.

Keith softly giggled, "Ready to shower, my fair skinned lover?" and started for the bathroom.

Following and chuckling at his silliness, I countered, "Any time, my sexy surfer stud!"

He giggled and groaned, "Oh jeez! Is that the best you could do?"

Dressed and ready for school, Drew stepped out of his room just as I said, "If I can be your fair skinned lover then you're my sexy surfer stud."

Rolling his entire head, Drew chuckled and walked past us as we ducked into the bathroom. Addicted to Love was playing so I immediately turned on my old boom box that now decorated our bathroom vanity.

We began getting undressed and Keith asked, "That's not really how you think of me, is it?"

Taking my place at the sink to brush my teeth, I grinned, "Sometimes. Other times you're my humble boyfriend or my polite partner or my smart schoolmate. Shall I go on?"

Stepping up beside me, Keith smiled, "As long as I'm not just a surfer stud."

I was just about to put my toothbrush in my mouth but paused and chuckled, "Sexy surfer stud!" Then I stuffed my toothbrush in my mouth. Silently, we brushed our teeth and grinned at each other in the mirror. When I finished, I leaned forward and checked my face in the mirror. We hadn't shaved since the prom the previous Friday and I definitely needed to.

I decided to quickly run the electric razor around my face. Keith picked up his razor and stepped into the shower. Done shaving, I stepped into the tub and picked up the soap while Keith shampooed his hair. His back was turned away from me. I was only washing my upper body but the sight of Keith's tremendously strong back made my dick rock hard. In the background, The Boys Of Summer played. Mike and Derrick had requested our entire frolics set as a rock block. I was determined to give them both big hugs at the first opportunity. Finished rinsing shampoo out of his hair, Keith turned around. Then he looked down and saw my condition. Smiling widely, he held out his hand for the soap. I wasn't quite done yet but handed it to him anyway. Then my lover washed my crotch and lovingly soaped my shaft. I smiled and whimpered. During those few seconds, I realized just how much Keith did that kept me from being sullen the last few months.

Rinsing the bar off, he began to wash himself then chuckled; "We can play after school but no touching yet."

Wide-eyed, I yelled, "Tit-for-tat!" and then took the soap back briefly, just to wash his dick and balls.

For the next few minutes in the shower and then drying off, we were silent. I knew that Keith was purposefully refraining from mentioning any dreams because I woke in a time warp.

Knowing what to say and when is a tricky thing in relationships. At a young age, I learned to be careful what I said because any little thing might've set my father off.

We went to our room and started getting dressed. I reached in the closet for a pair of jeans. Keith noticed and said, "It's gonna be hot again today, Prez. Why not wear shorts? It is allowed, ya know?"

I just hate my white, string bean legs. But I listened to him because, the last few days, I was very warm in the afternoons. I still put on socks and sneakers though. Grabbing my wallet and keys from the dresser and crossing the room to get my SAT scores from the desk, I said, "I'm gonna give Mike and Derrick big hugs for requesting that set."

Pulling up a pair of shorts, he said, "Cool." I paused to look at him. He sweetly smiled, "That was pretty cool. It sure brought you back to the here and now in a hurry. I'll remember to do that the next time you go into a time warp on me." Then he picked up a pair of sandals, sat on the corner of the bed and put them on.

Racing to the kitchen to let Rush in, pleasant thoughts of my lover crisscrossed my mind. He was way more than my sex surfer stud. I took Rush back to the bedroom. Appearing disgusted with the idea of another day at school, Keith was still sitting on the corner of the bed. But he was wearing the new shirt I bought him. Grabbing my new bass case, I smiled, "Come on, babe. Today and tomorrow, then it's all over."

Keith nodded and got up. We double checked the bedroom door, leaned in for a quick kiss and then hurried out to his car.

I joked, "Guess I'll just sell my truck."

Unlocking the trunk, he paused and looked up stunned saying; "Huh? What for?"

Putting my new bass in the trunk, I grinned, "I never drive it anymore. It's out of gas so I must need a new one!"

Squinting because he fell for it, Keith quickly kissed me and chuckled, "Get in the car!"

I got in and, moments later, we pulled away. Searching the radio but finding only DJ's and pitiful news, I settled on Keith's favorite station saying, "I hope we haven't heard our limit of good tunes for the day already."

He nodded, "Lots of people are talking about the school shootings."

I said, "That one guy that shot his ex-girlfriend's new boyfriend? That was somewhat understandable, compared to that other kid in Oregon. That dude just lost it and took his problems out on about 25 people. Only two died though, right?"

Nodding, Keith sighed, "He killed his parents too, probably the day before."

Quaking in my seat, I grimaced, "He slept in that house with two corpses! He was only fifteen too!"

Stopping at a light, Keith looked at me for a long few moments. I nodded and he took my hand, seeing that I was all right. Mostly, I was all right, but just barely. Part of me was angry at the loss of life for obvious reasons. Lots of people would be feeling the same grief that I was. I honestly felt sad for all those people that died way before their time and felt pity for the loved ones left behind.

Just before he drove forward again, Keith softly said, "When kids are bullied to the extreme, something is gonna happen."

"I was bullied and bothered a little too but I haven't killed any one because of it."

Shaking his head sadly, Keith softly chuckled, "Over red hair!"

I shrugged, "It's what I was born with."

Enthusiastically, Keith said, "And I love it too! And the freckles on your back...and your bush! Omigod!" Blushing madly, I chuckled. Keith glanced my way briefly then said, "I really do love your appearance, baby."

Squeezing his hand in mine, I said, "Just looking at your back muscles before caused that stiffy."

Pulling onto Mike's street, he loudly chuckled, "At this rate, we'll never make it until tomorrow night!" I snickered evilly for a few moments. Then I saw Mike and Derrick in the distance. I turned to Keith and said, "I'm gonna say thanks now." Keith smiled and nodded.

We pulled up to the curb. I got out, stepped up to Mike and hugged him tightly. At first Derrick was stunned but his expression quickly turned to confusion and he loudly said, "Hey! What's this?"

I smiled, "There's one for you too - for the set you requested last night."

Mike looked at me and said, "How did you know about that? They didn't play it."

Stepping back from Mike, I went to Derrick and explained, "They played it at seven this morning."

Acting shy, like he didn't want a hug, Derrick giggled and stepped back. I kept following him and he kept backing away!

Leaning over and looking into the car, Mike said, "Pop the trunk, bro."

I began going faster after Derrick. Turning and jogging away, he giggled, "It was Mike's idea!"

Chasing after him, I loudly said, "The DJ said, from Mike and Derrick though! Now stand still and take your medicine!"

Picking up the pace, Derrick laughed and ran into the street! There was no other traffic at the moment so I turned up the juice and tore after him. Just as we were approaching the car, Mike yelled, "You got a bass! Sweet!"

Running past the car, I hollered, "Last night," and continued after Derrick.

Derrick laughed, "Am I gonna have to run all the way to school?"

I chuckled, "Or let me hug you, ya bastard!"

Out of the car window, Keith hollered, "We're gonna be late again!"

Derrick changed direction towards the car and slowed down. We met half way and hugged each other. I asked, "You were jamming last night?" and Derrick nodded. I said, "This morning was perfect timing. Thank you."

He chuckled, "Any time, dude," and then stepped back asking, "What bass did you get?"

We started for the car and I answered, "The Carvin, a five string, fretless acoustic-electric."

Turning to me, he smiled, "I told you. I can't wait to hear it."

I said, "Lunch time today," and got in the car. Derrick followed behind me and Keith pulled away. Turning to Mike, I asked, "Did you open the case?"

Mike shook his head and said, "Nope."

I grinned; "Five string, fretless."

Smiling widely, Mike loudly said, "DUDE! That's awesome!"

Facing forward again, I chuckled, "I got another amp too."

After a second's stunned silence, Mike and Derrick both loudly laughed, "DOO-OOOOODE!"

Keith and I busted up laughing. The rest of the way to school, I described both the bass and the amp in detail. Mike had obviously studied the Carvin catalog and rattled off the model names. Tentative plans were made for a trip to Guitar Center that afternoon.

While I was digging through the contents of my locker, Rebecca came over and cheerfully said, "Good morning, Prez."

I did not expect her come to me! Smiling widely, I said, "Hey! How're you today?"

She nodded and stepped a little closer saying, "Better. I ... understand what you were saying yesterday."

Remembering what I had told her about my father, I nodded and smiled, "Friends?"

She nodded, "That's the best I can hope for?" I nodded and she grinned, "Then that's the way it'll be."

Pulling my books from my locker, I asked, "You'll come over tomorrow after school?"

She smiled and nodded, "I have to work at six though. I got a new job!"

Excitedly, I said, "That's great! Where?" and closed my locker.

She answered, "At Marie Calendar's," and I began chuckling. She smirked, "Why is that funny?"

I said, "Sorry, my friend Mike just quit a job there, a week or so ago. He was busing tables."

She shrugged and smiled, "I won't be busing tables but I'm sure I'll be setting them again." Then she asked, "Will a lot of your friends be at your place tomorrow?"

I nodded, "Probably so. We're all inviting people." Her head tilted and she grinned curiously. Quickly, I explained, "All of us in the band. Mike and Derrick will say something. Jessy probably will too. She'll at least bring Nelson along."

Her grin faded and she asked, "What about Keith?"

I rapidly nodded, "He'll find someone to invite. If you want, you can bring someone with you."

The bell rang and she smiled, "Thanks, maybe I will."

I said, "See ya later."

She nodded, "At lunch, hopefully," then turned and headed for her homeroom.

Taking my seat in my homeroom, I thought of the conversation with Rebecca. I was very pleased that she came around and decided not to hold a grudge. I certainly had no reason to dislike her. The best word to describe her general personality is, buoyant, I think. Bubbly is too extreme for her.

The teacher called my last name and I said, "Here." A minute or so later, there was an announcement over the PA. As I expected, my meeting with a guidance counselor would be before second period. Finally, I would have a list of schools to compare with Keith's list. And my name was within the first range to report to the office. Visions of Keith and I living a college life flashed through my head and remained there while I waited for my turn to speak with the counselor.

It seemed only moments later that a student stepped out of an office followed by Mr. Khullar, a rather short man of Indian descent. Some kids in our school refer to him as, "Ghandi in a suit and tie".

Holding his hand out, Mr. Khullar said, "Next, please."

Thinking, that wasn't a very long wait, I stood and followed him into his office.

"Good morning," he softly said, then closed the door behind me and asked for my SAT scores.

Pulling the slip of paper out of my English text, I cheerfully said, "Good morning," and handed it to him. The office was sparsely decorated with a steel frame desk and two filing cabinets. On the filing cabinet closest to the window there was a houseplant. Beside it, on the other cabinet, there was a family photo. Mr. Khullar had a wife, a son and a daughter.

Chanting, "Very good scores, very good indeed," Mr. Khullar walked around the desk and then sat down. Noticing the only other chair beside his on the other side of the desk, I stood and waited for him. Smiling up at me, he said, "Come, sit," and then he pointed at the computer monitor saying, "We both need to see the screen, yes?" Smiling at the high tone and accent of his voice, I sat beside him. He turned and asked, "You've been thinking of college, yes?"

I nodded and grinned, "Yes I have. A music degree is my primary goal. I'm pretty good at computer stuff too."

Turning to the PC, Mr. Khullar began typing. He pulled up my records. In front of me were all my grades for the last three-quarters. The fourth quarter grade for gym class was already submitted, I noticed. Our school gives only three possible grades for physical education class - an A or a P for passing, or an F. I got a P, probably because of the day last week when Keith kissed me outside the locker room and I didn't dress for class.

Referring to my computer class grades, Mr. Khullar said, "Yes, straight A's in that class. You'd like to stay that course next year, yes?"

Still remembering the major buzz I got from the kiss last week, I smiled, "Yes."

Typing in my choice, he asked, "And a math?"

I replied, "Statistics."

He tapped some keys and asked, "A science?"

I said, "No."

Pausing, he turned and said, "Science is good. Your chemistry grades are good."

I grinned, "They are but most of physics doesn't interest me. Maybe someday I'll learn a little about sound properties but gravity and the rest doesn't really interest me."

He shrugged, "If you're sure?"

I nodded, "I am."

He pressed a few keys then asked about my other class choices. Hoping that we might share more classes in our senior year, Keith and I had already discussed it with Mike and Derrick. I repeated them for Mr. Khullar. In addition to the computer and statistics class, I lined up another history, macroeconomics for another elective, a writing class for my English requirement, and of course, physical education.

Once we had finished filling my schedule for the next year, Mr. Khullar asked, "Tell me about college plans, please."

I dreamily sighed, "We'd like to stay in California." Remembering what Keith had said about a conversation with Mike, I said, "We want to stay within a reasonable drive of family and friends. Concentrate on schools around LA, San Diego, Santa Barbara and up by San Francisco but not any further north, if you can." Mr. Khullar tapped away while I rambled on, "Of course, a quality music program is important. I guess that most every school has computer courses."

He typed and nodded, "Some better than others."

I said, "It's important but a better music program would out weigh it and swing my decision."

Mr. Khullar finished filling in the form on the screen and pressed the enter key. I watched the screen and waited when Mr. Khullar asked, "Who is we?"

Turning to him, I smiled, "Excuse me?"

He said, "We. You said, we want this, we will that, we won't this. Who is we?"

Giggling at myself, I thought for a moment then said, "My partner and I."

Smiling, he nodded and said, "Music programs require auditions - usually in person but some allow recordings."

I said, "Not a problem."

We both turned to the screen. A long list of colleges and universities, prioritized by location and music programs was still loading! Near the top of the list, only about ten miles from home was a branch of UCLA. USC was on the list too. Both of those schools were on Keith's list.

Amazingly, to me any way, the Musician's Institute was also listed on the first page. Pointing to the name on the screen, I asked, "Is the Musician's Institute an accredited school?"

He nodded and clicked on the link. Surprisingly, they did offer bachelor of music programs! I wondered if Mike knew that.

Nodding to Mr. Khullar, I said, "A friend is thinking of going there."

He pressed the back button on his browser, returning to the main list. Moments later, he pressed the print button and the printer whirred into life.

Moving over to the printer, Mr. Khullar then said, "Music is good. It's very competitive, though. Take advantage of opportunities, yes?"

Standing and moving over by him, I said, "I always try to."

Mr. Khullar picked up two pamphlets and handed them to me saying, "These will help you decide and write letters to admissions offices. If you have questions, come back and see me, yes?"

I nodded and smiled, "Sure, maybe I will any way. Just to say, hi."

Smiling up at me, he asked, "You like my accent?"

Blushing, I nodded and chuckled, "Very much."

He then said, "You have a different accent too."

I nodded, "I'm from Texas."

Gathering the pages from the printer and handing them to me, he said, "It's unique."

Taking the pages and folding them, I said, "Not as unique as yours. Thank you for your time and help."

Stuffing the pages in my textbook, I extended my hand and he shook it saying, "Unique is good. Goals are good. Some don't have goals. They take more time." Releasing my hand, he showed me to the door and said, "Good luck."

I headed out of our school's main office and into the hall then glanced at my watch. There was almost fifteen minutes left to first period. Browsing through the list of schools, I slowly wandered the halls in the general direction of my second period English class with Keith. I had more options than Keith did! Figuring that writing courses had to be slightly more common than music, I was a little surprised. But then I realized that I had expanded my search slightly. One of the schools near the end of my list was UC Berkeley. Everybody has heard of Berkeley, I thought.

Waiting in a stairwell not far from our English class, I began daydreaming. A degree from Berkeley could be too cool! Is there a more liberal school anywhere in the world? I'd doubt it. And, if I recalled my California geography correctly, Berkeley was near San Francisco, the gayest city in the country! The people around there would be very cool. I imagined Keith and I walking down the street holding hands without a care in the world. No one would say a word. I'd wager that no one would even look at us strangely.

But it was so far away - it had to be around four hundred miles to the north. We might be able to fly home on occasion but that would mean finding someone to watch Rush. Whereever we wound up, I wanted my hound dog with me. Figuring on a drive maintaining sixty miles an hour, I guessed that would be almost six hours on the road. I couldn't see us driving all night on Friday's and then having to return Sundays. It could be done over a three-day weekend with both of us driving though.

The bell rang and I stepped out of the stairwell and into the hallway, facing the direction Keith would likely come from. About a minute later, I saw him and he obviously saw me. God, he was a shining beacon in a sea of humanity. I met him part way and asked, "How does Berkeley sound to you?"

Stunned, Keith loudly said, "Berkeley? Up near San Francisco?"

I nodded and smiled, "That's the one."

He shrugged, "That's awful far, don't you think?"

I said, "I know, going that far wasn't really in our plans. But the more I thought about it, the more it seemed, yeah, that's the place for us! Getting back and forth would take about six hours, though."

Noticing how excited I was, Keith patted my back all too briefly and chuckled, "We could at least take the drive and check it out this summer."

As if I wasn't excited enough, hearing Keith say that really got my blood pumping! Grinning provocatively, I glanced his way. Doing a quick double take my way, Keith's eyes got wide.

"You know what I'm thinking."

He giggled. "I know."

"I'm gonna sit on your dick and ride you until we both collapse!"

He giggled and rolled his eyes. "Not until tomorrow night! Still no touching, remember?"

Having momentarily forgotten that, I grimaced and whined. Chuckling hysterically, Keith guided me into my seat. Immediately, I wondered why he wanted to stand in front of me and sit me down. The answer came as he turned slightly and slid between desks to take his seat. He got another erection! It wasn't poking out directly away from him but I knew where to look and saw it quite clearly under his shorts. Grinning widely, I wondered how in the world we were going to manage another day. Last night, I had reason enough to eat him alive!

While the teacher handed out the last of our final exams, she said, "Tomorrow we can all kick back and glide. Remember to return your textbooks. But bring something to keep you occupied tomorrow, preferably something to read. If there's too much chatter, I'll find something to lecture you about." A bunch of kids grumbled.

From the back of the classroom, a girl said, "It's so ridiculous keeping us here the whole day. We all know we could accomplish the goals of the day in an hour or two."

The teacher grinned, "Think of it as quiet social time."

A bunch of kids chuckled or laughed and one kid loudly said, "That's an oxymoron, isn't it?"

The teacher nodded, "Like rap and music. You may begin." Immediately, everyone looked down and began taking the test. About thirty-five minutes later, I looked up and slouched back. Most of the California form tests were easy to me. I glanced at Keith, still busy, his head resting in his hand. For an instant, he reminded me of his dad. Almost hearing him, I grinned. He shook his head slightly and, I swear, his words flashed into my head: "The word, 'catastrophe' is used correctly in which sentence? It's used right in every sentence, for fuck's sake! Argh! I'll give ya a catastrophe! Choose option C, when all else fails."

Grinning, I looked down at my answer sheet. I chose C for that question too. Then B and then D and then, for the last question, A.

I glanced back over at Keith. He was grinning and staring at me like I did something ridiculous that I'd be embarrassed about later. Then he looked down and scribbled on his answer sheet and turned to me again.

A game of classroom charades began. Keith pointed at his eye, then his ear and then at me.

Eye - ear - me? I hear you? I heard you!

The bell rang loudly. Keith and I stood. I softly asked, "You heard me?"

Keith smiled and nodded excitedly. Grabbing our books and test sheets we eyed each other suspiciously. We handed in our tests and dropped our books in the big box at the front of the room then stepped out of the class.

The second we were out in hall, Keith exploded, "C then B then D and finally A, right?"

My spine froze solid and instantaneously thawed. I nervously chuckled, "Come on, Keith."

More loudly, Keith smiled, "That's right though, isn't it?"

I grinned, "It's what I answered. How correct they are remains to be seen."

Triumphant, Keith chuckled, "How did you do that?"

I shrugged, "We send each other little messages all the time."

He giggled, "Yeah, when we're looking right at each other! This time it was like, bang! And I wasn't even looking at you!"

I smiled, "Coincidence?"

He chuckled, "Yeah, just like the traffic lights last weekend. And how the Guitar Center sales guy pissed you off so you could get something better two days later!"

I chuckled, "For my next trick, I'll make you magically appear in your chemistry class on the other side of the school!"

Wide-eyed and stunned, Keith quickly checked his watch and grumbled, "Shit!" Then he looked in my eyes, smiled and transmitted, "See ya later, baby." He then turned and hurried in the opposite direction.

I watched him disappear down the hallway then walked into my next class. About an hour and a half later, I met up with Mike and Derrick outside the cafeteria.

Mike asked, "Carl's or Taco Bell?"

I shrugged, "I'd rather Carl's. Those broiled chicken sandwiches are good and plenty filling."

Mike grinned, "You had that yesterday. A burger won't kill you, ya know?"

I smiled and leaned closer to whisper; "I don't want to spoil my figure!" Simultaneously, they cracked up. Smiling widely, Gil and Shaun stepped up beside me.

I greeted them and Shaun asked, "Where are we eating?"

Turning to Mike and Derrick, I asked, "Carl's?" and they nodded.

Facing Shaun again, I said, "I got an acoustic bass last night. I'll be jammin' today too."

He nodded and smiled, "Cool. I brought my guitar too."

Mike said, "After our trip to Guitar Center this afternoon, we'll have some more percussion instruments."

With another girl beside her, Rebecca stopped outside our circle and smiled at me. I said, "Hi," and told her we were going to Carl's for lunch.

Rapidly nodding, she said, "We'll meet you there." Rebecca and her friend turned and headed for the exit.

Derrick nodded and smiled, "Stuff for the beach and any other acoustic jams. Bongos, a cowbell and a tambourine just aren't enough."

Mike agreed, "We need something deep, like a bass drum, but way more portable."

Keith stepped up beside me and said hello to Shaun and Gil. We started for the exit and Keith asked, "Where's Jerry and Mack?"

Shaun evilly grinned, "They made other plans for lunch." Gil smiled widely and blushed. We stepped outside and started for the parking lot.

Turning to Keith, Derrick said, "They'll be over for the jams tomorrow though."

And Keith nodded, "Everyone brings their own drinks and munchies. No beer though! I don't want my mom or dad coming home to any of that. We'd hear about it for weeks!"

Then Keith turned to Gil and asked, "Did Jerry say where they were going?"

Shaun snickered and Gil nodded, "He just said they were going home."

Mike cackled, "Sounds like its sausage for lunch!"

Derrick nodded and laughed, "Really big sausages!"

Shaun giggled, "If Jerry can't earn a living with basketball then he's got a promising future in porn." Again, Gil blushed.

Lightly nudging Gil, Keith giggled, "We all know it, dude. Jerry's hung like a horse!"

Gil blushed and sighed, "But do we have to talk about it? Especially when he's not here?"

Mike chuckled, "We've talked with him about it! At the party Saturday night."

And Derrick said, "If we can't talk about it with each other, then I guess we can't ever talk about it. Sorry dude, but I have to talk about it some time."

I noticed Shaun, looking down slightly but with a pleasant little smirk on his face. Then Shaun leaned close to Gil and whispered in his ear. While briefly wondering what Shaun whispered, I began to think about Gil. He was extremely quiet. While Drew is a little shy sometimes, Gil is virtually mute. Those two sentences he just spoke were the most I'd heard from him since the party. And he did say that his parents would flip if they found out he was gay. It was obvious to me that Gil spent so much time and effort hiding his sexuality that he was stuck in that mode.

The sad thing was, I could relate. Back in Texas, after Justin and I went our separate ways, people probably thought the same of me. Amongst my school peers, I didn't want to hear sexual innuendo - mostly because I couldn't relate. By the time I started high school it was everywhere too. I became an observer, sitting on the sidelines watching everyone else pair up while I tried to figure out what was so wrong with seeing both sexes as attractive. There was nothing wrong with it, of course. But that's not how I saw it then. And it wasn't how Gil was seeing things, I was sure of it.

Reassuringly, I said, "It's okay man," and, the next thing I knew, I was telling Gil all about Justin and the way I was generally treated back in Texas. I stopped only for a moment to tell Keith that I would drive over to Carl's with Shaun and Gil. Getting in the back seat of Shaun's car, I continued with the second half of the story - moving to California and meeting Keith.

As we pulled into the Carl's Junior parking lot, Gil said, "I guess I want it to change too, dude. But it's my parents. I couldn't tell them. And as long as I'm keeping it from them, I kinda need to keep it hidden all the time. God forbid, I slip and say the wrong thing at the wrong time by mistake." He then sighed and said, "After I move away for college, when I'm not living with them, maybe then."

Parking the car, Shaun said, "I wish you didn't think you had to leave town. I'm planning on staying around here."

Gil said nothing for a long few moments after we got out of the car. Shaun grabbed his guitar from the trunk of his car. Closing the trunk, he turned to Gil and suggested, "Maybe we could get a place of our own nearby?"

Stepping a little closer to Gil, I softly said, "You could start now, dude... with us."

Smiling at me, Shaun then moved closer to Gil and softly said, "Please relax a little. Show them some of what you show me."

Keith's car pulled into the parking lot. Mike was sitting in the front passenger seat, I noticed. As the car passed us, I also noticed the windows were closed but still heard heavy metal music blasting. I snickered. Shaun and Gil smiled at me. Quickly, Keith parked, popped the trunk and hurried out of the car. Closing his car door, he turned and chuckled, "Don't you ever leave me alone with them again!"

Heading towards him and nodding, I grinned, "Even one at a time, they are a bit much!"

Leaning over to grab his guitar case, Mike smirked, "Bitch, bitch, bitch!" Behind me, I heard Shaun and Gil chuckling at us.

And Derrick chuckled, "Can we have some cheese with that wine?" Keith glared evilly at them.

I reached into the trunk and got my bass case then we walked across the parking lot. Keith took my order inside. Gil did the same for Shaun and Derrick took Mike's order. Noticing Rebecca and her friend sitting at an outside table and already beginning to eat, I waved. Mike, Shaun and I meandered over to a table, got our axes out and immediately began tuning up. Once he finished the task, Mike asked, "Do you wanna try Take It Easy?

I said, "Sure."

Then Shaun finished and said; "I know that tune. Can we try Hold My Hand again afterwards?" He then smirked, "I already forgot the middle section leading to the chorus."

Mike grinned, "Sure, dude."

I prompted, "Give us a count when you're ready."

Shaun nodded and closed his eyes. His head began bobbing slightly then he counted off. Simultaneously, we each played the opening G chord and kept on going. On queue, Shaun began singing lead vocals. The fun began when I had to sing backup vocals with Mike. Keeping my voice from slipping and sliding into notes like my fingers were on the bass proved to be quite humorous! And of course, Mike tried to follow me when I was trying to follow his voice!

Leading up to the guitar solo, Shaun half laughed and half sang, "We may lose and may win. Though we will never be here again. So open up I'm climbing in. Take it easy." While Mike giggled and picked out the solo, Shaun grinned at me and I started laughing. Then Shaun chuckled, "We're losin' it! She's breaking up!"

Trying to concentrate but failing miserably, Mike threw his head back and roared, "Ah hahahaha! Sliding into notes on the bass is one thing! Try not to sing that way!" Everything got really sloppy and we stopped playing.

Excusing myself, I laughed, "It's fretless! I'll get used it!" Over at the other table, Rebecca and her friend were giggling hysterically.

Shaun chuckled, "You're playing fine, dude."

Nudging me, Mike giggled, "Sing with frets, fer cryin' out loud!"

Getting it back together and done laughing at ourselves for the moment, we tried again. This time I concentrated more on singing, allowing myself the time to get the feel of my new bass. Of course, I still made a few mistakes but we managed to keep our vocals together through the first two verses. Derrick stepped outside while Mike was playing the lead solo. Then Gil came out moments after Shaun began the final verse. While unwrapping his burger, Derrick sang backup vocals with us. About eight bars before the end, Keith stepped outside with our tray. Looking right at me, he added his voice to the mix as he walked to our table. Appearing slightly suspicious, Rebecca looked up at Keith as he passed.

We finished the song and a few nice people clapped as they got up and left the area. Getting up to stow my bass, I smiled and wondered - should I kiss Keith here at Carl's? I really wanted to and I could tell that Keith knew it. With those thoughts in my mind, my dick started getting hard. Sitting down beside him, I leaned close and whispered, "Rebecca's over there watching us."

Grinning and blushing, Keith then picked up a French fry and fed it to me. My dick tried to tear free of my shorts!

While we ate, we talked about the tunes we played the previous afternoon, dissecting various parts where we needed work. As we finished, Mike and Shaun began commenting on the song we had just played. Of course, a lot was said about the first attempt and my wandering vocal chords! Leaning slightly against Keith, I chuckled, "I have to learn how to play and sing all over again!"

Shaun warmly smiled, "The second time was much better, Prez."

Crumpling his trash, Mike grinned and nodded, "You lay back a little on the beat when you play anyhow. Take that time to adjust." Then he picked up a napkin to wipe his hands and face.

Derrick then said, "We need to know who's working when. I'm working Friday though Monday nights this summer."

Turning to check with Keith, I said, "We're working Saturday through Tuesday nights," and Keith nodded.

Shaun hummed and said, "I'll be working weekdays."

Mike said, "That's all right dude. I'm waiting for a job at Black Angus. Maybe we can get together and work on some tunes over the weekend?" Turning to see Shaun nod, I noticed Gil slouch a little bit. I glanced at Keith and I knew that he noticed Gil too. It was obvious that the poor guy felt left out - maybe even a little jealous of Mike. I wondered briefly if I might say something to Shaun. Or maybe it would be better to say something to Mike?

But my wondering suddenly ended when Keith asked, "When will you be working, Gil?"

Gil glanced down the table at us and then stopped at Shaun. After a long moment, Gil answered, "Monday through Thursday, ten till six."

Mike smiled, "We'll probably be moving over to Agoura Hills this weekend..."

Obviously shocked, Derrick loudly chuckled, "You're jinxin' it, dude!"

"I am not," Mike insisted, "I'm being positive."

Derrick giggled, "I'm positive that you'll freak out on me if we don't get to move!"

Shaking his head sadly, Mike smirked, "Another summer waking in the pool house..."

And Keith, Derrick and I chimed in, "roasting our asses off!"

Chuckling, I turned to Shaun and asked, "Remember those older dudes at the party Saturday night?" Shaun nodded and I said, "Hopefully Mike and Derrick will be house-sitting for them this summer."

Mike excitedly added, "They've got a room set aside as a studio, dude.

Shaun chuckled, "It sounds sweet!"

Derrick grinned, "That studio's gonna be flooded with sweet sounds this summer."

Mike enthusiastically nodded, "I feel a musical growth spurt comin' on." Smiling widely, we all turned to Mike. Falling slightly against Derrick, he loudly giggled, "One of many growth spurts, I hope!" and we all cracked up. Gil even lost it for a few seconds. Then he shook his head sadly but smiled widely at us.

Looking at Gil, I chuckled, "Are we bad?"

He snickered, "Very!"

Shaun giggled, "You love it too!" Smiling widely, Gil shrugged.

Grinning mischievously, Keith asked, "Have you got someone less rude, crude and socially unacceptable to hang with this summer?"

A snicker broke lose from Gil and he grinned, "No, I guess not."

Grinning insanely, Derrick asked, "Where's the fun in being nice?"

Mike said, "There's a time to be nice - like around parents and teachers."

Keith smiled, "Don't be that way with us, dude. It'll only cause us to be ruder and cruder."

Turning to Gil, I softly said, "There's no reason to be shy or distant with us, man."

Smiling and nodding, Gil explained, "It's rough, ya know? I've been raised to believe its wrong. Whenever the topic comes up on the news, my parents act like being gay is the most horrible thing in the world." He paused and we could see that Gil was uncomfortable. He then smiled at Shaun saying, "Until recently, I have felt guilty. But now I'm seeing how much more there is to it."

Shaun smiled brightly.

Turning around, Mike reached for his guitar and was soon strumming Hold My Hand. While Mike named each chord in the progression as he played it, I turned and got my bass. I sat down at the table across from Mike. Shaun got his guitar, sat down beside me and began copying Mike. Then Keith and I began singing and I began sliding my fingers around the neck of my bass. Just before the first chorus, Derrick slammed the table with his hands and began singing backup vocals with Mike and Shaun. It sounded really good at first but then Keith grinned at me and started really belting out the lead vocals, instigating me to do the same. We had practiced the song dozens of times as a band. Though we only had Derrick's table drumming and no keyboards, the two guitars, bass and our combined vocals sounded pretty good. Mike didn't care that he was playing acoustic guitar and nailed his solo. By the time we got to the last verse, sweat was pouring off me because it was very warm out in the sun and I was putting so much of myself into the lead vocals. Every time Keith and I sang, "I'm gonna love you, gonna love you, the best that I can", a huge shiver ran down my spine. The other people at Carl's that day didn't seem to mind the free entertainment. When we finished lots of folks applauded and we all smiled or said thank you. I noticed Rebecca standing and pointing at her watch, signaling me that it was time to head back to school. It was a good thing too because Mike was starting to show Shaun how to play Under The Bridge. I stood and grinned, "I might need a shower before gym class today!"

Gathering our trash, Keith stood and smiled, "It is really hot today. It's gotta be in the mid-nineties."

Rebecca stopped beside me and said, "That was really good! Play that tomorrow, please."

I nodded and smiled, "Sure thang."

Glancing back and forth at us, Rebecca's friend then asked, "What's tomorrow?"

Rebecca answered, "A little after school party. Ya wanna go with me?"

The other girl said, "Sure!" and started towards the parking lot.

Rebecca followed and happily said, "See ya!"

While I stowed my bass, I heard Derrick say, "We've got ten minutes, dude."

With my bass case in hand and ready to leave, I stood and turned around. Mike grumbled, "Already? Shit!" He and Shaun quickly stopped playing and stowed their guitars. Keith stepped up beside me with a handful of paper napkins and wiped my face saying, "We'd better get that sunscreen tonight." I smiled and nodded. On our way to the cars, Keith tossed the napkins in the trash. We started across the parking lot and Mike said, "We're heading over to GC later, Shaun. Ya wanna join us?" and we all stopped walking.

Shaun turned to Gil and said, "I need new strings anyway?"

Gil said, "Go ahead, dude! I gotta work tonight."

Shaun softly asked, "If your sure?"

Gil turned and smiled, "Give me a call after supper?"

Bumping into Gil slightly, Shaun grinned, "At seven on the dot." Before heading to his car, Shaun said, "See ya about three, Mike."

Mike nodded and smiled, "Kewl. Later, dudes."

I thought it better to let Shaun and Gil return to school alone so they could talk and followed Keith to his car.

Keith popped the trunk and Derrick said, "Playing fretless must be easier than I thought."

After stowing my bass, I turned to him and chuckled, "You missed the first attempt at Take It Easy!"

Stowing his guitar, Mike giggled, "That was ridiculous!" Then he closed the trunk, turned to me and grinned, "Once you finally stopped thinking and just played, every thing worked out much better."

I nodded and sighed, "It's almost always that way, I guess," then got in the car and Keith followed on the driver's side.

Opening the back door and getting in the car, Derrick sighed, "I wish I could just turn off and float during next two finals today."

Sliding in the back seat, Mike said, "I'm gonna feel a ton lighter tomorrow afternoon," and closed the door.

Starting the car, Keith said, "All my finals stop after today."

I said, "So do mine," and Keith began backing out.

Once we were out of the Carl's Junior parking lot, Derrick asked, "What's happening after dinner tonight?"

Keith and I grinned at each other briefly then I said, "There won't be any homework to deal with. After today, I won't have any books left to bring home, just a few notebooks, pens and pencils."

Turning on the radio, Keith said, "It's time to empty lockers and wrap it up dudes."

Derrick then suggested, "Why don't we go to the beach then? We could hit Guitar Center after dinner?"

I shrugged and smiled, "That's cool." There was nothing but DJ chatter on the radio so I reached and switched to another station, stopping when I heard a section of Living On A Prayer.

Mike then reminded, "Russ opened up a new surf shop somewhere on PCH between Malibu and Zuma. We should try to find it."

Keith loudly sang with radio, "We'll give it shot!" and immediately, we all began singing the chorus. Reaching forward again, I cracked it. Keith reached for my hand and continued singing the final verse. We pulled into our school parking lot, the four of us loudly singing the final refrains. Keith parked the car, turned off the radio and glanced around. He giggled, "Damn, we sound good!" and opened his door.

Derrick, Mike and I cracked up and we all got out of the car.

Hurrying across the parking lot, Mike chuckled, "You were singing in public again!"

Keith laughed, "It wasn't me! That was my clone!"

Derrick giggled, "Your evil twin!"

Mike laughed, "The half baked one!"

We stopped at the school doors and briefly gathered in a circle - Mike stood beside me with Derrick across from him and Keith across from me. I glanced around and saw no one nearby but noticed Keith, Mike and Derrick all looking around too. Mike quickly stepped forward and gave Derrick a quick kiss right on the mouth. Reaching for Keith's hand I did the same and whispered, "See ya later, babe."

We turned and went our separate ways. I got the same amazing rush that I did the other times Keith and I kissed at school. I really liked the feeling too and told Mike in just those words.

He giggled, "I feel like I'm walking on a big wet sponge! What's wrong with my legs!" The bell rang. Wide-eyed, we glanced at each other. Mike laughed, "Oh fuck!" and we took off running for the locker room.

Thursday after school, our finals were over, our lockers were emptied and each of us was carrying what little remained. As we walked across the parking lot to my car, Mike said, "Shaun's coming to the beach with us."

Nodding, I said, "Very cool."

Mike added, "He'll let Gil know and then come over my place so we can all go together."

I thought aloud, "We won't all fit in my car."

Prez reminded, "We could all fit in my truck. I still need to fill up the tank though."

Then Derrick suggested, "We could all fit in my car?"

Mike turned to him and grinned, "We'll sit Shaun between Keith and Prez."

In a very think Texas accent, Prez chuckled, "Like hell, you will! I'm driving."

Derrick whined, "Come on, dudes! You never let me drive anymore!"

Prez grinned, "You got to drive yourself to work Tuesday night."

As if he were amazed and thrilled beyond words, Derrick whispered, "Oh, wow!"

I unlocked the car, turned to Derrick and chuckled, "If it's that important to you, we could meet you there?"

Derrick shrugged and we all got in the car. I started the engine. Then Derrick said, "We could take two cars, I guess. It really is kinda silly to waste the gas though, isn't it? We're going to the same place."

Mike joked, "Everybody can drive their own cars. I'll hitch."

Prez turned slightly and smiled, "We'll take your car then, D. But I'm sitting next to Keith!" He reached to turn on the stereo then let his hand drop to the armrest between our seats; in position and waiting for me to take hold of it. I smiled at him, checked the mirrors and looked back as I put the car in reverse and backed out. Once I finished and had put the car in drive, Prez turned to me and grinned, "I really would like to put gas in my truck someday soon."

Taking his hand and remembering his weak joke that morning, I snickered, "Nah, just trade it in."

Squeezing my hand briefly, Prez chuckled, "I've only filled it up four times since I got it!"

I nodded, "That'll change soon. During dinner tonight, I'm gonna mention camping trips to my folks." In the back seat, Mike and Derrick softly chattered about possibly going camping.

Prez asked, "Do you think they'll be cool?"

After thinking about it for a few moments, I shrugged, "I dunno. I guess the location would matter to them."

Prez asked, "Where are we going?"

Maneuvering out of the parking lot, I answered, "There are two places I'd like to take you this summer. Mammoth Mountain is really pretty."

He turned and asked, "And where else?" Wanting to surprise him, I smiled and exposed the tip of my tongue slightly but didn't answer. Facing forward again, Prez softly chuckled, "Tease!"

I giggled and had to stop for a light. Then I turned and asked, "You've never been camping before?"

Prez shook his head and reminded, "Just backyard campouts."

Mike then leaned forward and said, "You'll love it, Prez. There's nothing like sleeping under the stars. It's amazing how bright they are when you're away from city lights."

Turning slightly, Prez asked, "You've been camping?"

Mike nodded, "With Keith and his dad."

Moving gaily forward with traffic again, I reminded, "Drew was there too. John was too young."

Mike said, "It was the summer after my dad died, wasn't it?"

I nodded and said, "Yep, at Mammoth Lake."

Turning to Derrick, Mike excitedly overflowed, "Wait till you see Rainbow Falls, dude. It's like going back in time thousands of years, it's so beautiful!"

Glancing briefly at Prez, I said, "There's some really great mountain biking trails there too. Pros train and compete there."

He smiled and excitedly asked, "When would you want to go?"

I grinned, "Hopefully, when we're off work next week. We'll see what the 'rents say later."

Prez smiled and softly groaned, "Oh, I hope that they're cool. I'd hate to throw a tantrum at the dining room table." Mike, Derrick and I cracked up.

Pulling in front of Mike's house, I stopped and Derrick said, "See ya in about an hour?" I nodded and he slid out. Grinning mischievously, Mike flashed the lickity-split signal then said, "Later!" and hurried out of the car.

The moment I pulled away again, Prez giggled, "I'm so unbelievably horny."

Briefly turning to him, I grinned and asked, "Ya wanna give up already?"

He loudly laughed, "It's only been a day!"

I chuckled, "We'll play with our toys then?"

Shaking his head sadly, Prez giggled, "We're gonna have to do something!" Then he pulled my hand over onto his lap. He wasn't just slightly excited - he was completely hard! I gave his hard dick a firm squeeze. Smiling widely, Prez groaned. His head fell back and his hand slipped away from mine. Grinning insanely, I continued playing with my lover's bone, watched the other traffic and drove us home. Stopping at the last light before our neighborhood, I glanced over at him. His legs were fully extended and his cock was throbbing. He was breathing short and fast. Prez turned to me, his eyes barely open and softly said, "Squeeze." I did as I was told. Slamming his eyes closed, he gasped, held his breath and pushed hard against the floor of the car for a few moments and then relaxed again.

I giggled, "Did you?"

He panted, "No but that was damn close!"

Again, I giggled, "Ya want me to stop?"

He turned and laughed, "I gave it to you a year ago! The day I tell you to stop, you can have me locked up somewhere!"

Laughing, I noticed the light turned green and crossed the intersection into our neighborhood. Once we were past the main road, Prez's right hand dropped and a second later, he was laying flat in the passenger's seat beside me. While I slowly continued squeezing and stroking his bone through his clothes, he softly chanted, "God, Keith, you are so great!"

Making the final turn and slowing the car, I excitedly said, "I love you too, baby."

I pulled up in front of our house and stopped the car but my hand was still moving against the bulge in my lover's shorts. Then I stopped and squeezed his shaft.

Turning towards me, he opened his eyes and groaned, "We're home?"

I smiled and nodded.

Then Prez sat up and pulled the seat lever, causing the back of the seat to bounce up and stop against him. Resting his right hand upon mine, he smiled, "You are so good to me." Then he lifted our hands and kissed mine before letting go. We got out of the car. Instead of starting towards the house, Prez met me and wrapped an arm around my waist. As we started for the house, he giggled, "You were touching me."

I shrugged and chuckled, "Only through your clothes."

He said, "I get to do the same to you then."

I grinned and nodded but, as if it were a great inconvenience, I sighed, "If you must."

Abruptly, he stopped and turned. Before I could react, he quickly reached for my package! I jumped a little and laughed because I had gotten rock hard playing with his dick in the car. My erection had gone down a little bit but I knew he could feel the remaining chubby. Smiling, he hummed suspiciously and stepped onto the porch then unlocked the front door. From our bedroom, Rush started growling and whining like crazy.

I followed Prez into the house. Prez hollered, "I'm gettin' there hound dog!" and went down the hall. Before Prez even opened our bedroom door completely, Rush barged out and danced around at Prez's feet. Then he ran to me and circled my legs as I walked to the back door.

I smiled at our wired mutt and firmly said, "Rush, sit." Fairly quickly, Rush sat down and panted. At nine months old, Rush was at least seventy-five pounds and could easily knock the sliding door off its railing so we had to teach him to wait until the door was completely open. Holding my palm inches in front of the dog's nose, I said, "Stay," and then unlocked the back door. I slid it open but Rush didn't move. I said, "Good boy. Okay, go out," and Rush bolted past the open door. He ran across the lawn to the Cyprus trees along the back fence.

Stepping up behind me and wrapping his arms around my waist, Prez smiled, "He still goes behind the trees, like when he was a puppy."

I chuckled, "We just wanted him to do his business by the trees, not behind them!"

Letting go of me and reaching to close the door, Prez seductively whispered, "Now I get to finish my business with you."

Taking him in my arms, I whispered, "Lately every moment with you is like making love."

Prez kissed me and then grinned, bouncing his eyebrows and asked, "If you'd rather not, we might be able to wait?"

I shook my head and then leaned forward to snack on his tasty earlobes.

With our arms wrapped around each other we began carefully moving towards our bedroom.

If you've never tried walking around with your lover attached to you, let me just say, it takes a while! Sure, we could've let go of each other and made the trip in a quarter of the time. But since these hugs were all the physical contact we were trying to allow ourselves, what the hell? Besides, his leg was grinding somewhat against my crotch and my leg was doing the same to him while we waddled.

When we finally made it to our bedroom, we took our shirts off and then coupled again. The moment our bodies touched, I sighed and Prez softly groaned. Then Prez reached down with one hand and moved my chubby into a more comfortable, upright position. Inching closer, he then pressed himself against his hand and held on to my lower back. I reached down for his ass and started grinding. For about five minutes we dry humped each other, becoming increasingly desperate for a little release. Then Prez pulled his hand out from between us and wrapped it around my upper back. Things were feeling really fine before but with his hand out of the way, we really went at it, grinding and humping and panting as we reached fever pitch.

Feeling that familiar pressure building in my cock, I whispered, "So close."

He hoarsely panted, "Way close."

All I needed was for him to cum and I would lose it too. "Go for it, baby," I softly encouraged, "Shoot in your shorts."

He huffed and ground against me harder. I pulled myself against him and dove for his neck. Prez moaned and whimpered then held his breath for a few moments. Suddenly his whole body became rigid and quaked in my arms. I could feel his cock throbbing through our clothes and against my own painfully hard dick. Prez let out a tremendous grunt and went limp in my arms as he lost it. For a second or two, I stopped and felt only his ejaculating bone against me. Hovering on the edge myself, I soon started kissing his neck and grinding away like mad again until I let loose in my boxers too. Drained, we held onto each other and swayed slowly, grabbing the occasional kiss as we came back to Earth.

Nuzzling my neck, Prez softly giggled, "These clothes are dirty now."

I nodded, "Time for a quick shower."

He suggested, "After we finish, we need to go right out - for gas and sun bock. We might as well pick up those other things we'll need for tomorrow night too."

Stepping back from him, I grinned, "My mom will give you no end of grief if you come home flaming red again."

Reaching for his belt buckle, Prez paused and smiled "Flaming?"

Beginning to remove my own clothes, I giggled, "You know what I meant!"

Pushing his soiled CK's and shorts to the floor, he chuckled.

I smirked and reached for his sensitive dick but he quickly jumped back out of my reach. Smiling and looking deep into his eyes, I beckoned him to me with my index finger.

Smiling widely and never loosing eye contact with me, Prez stepped towards me and reached for my hand.

"I'm your prom king."

"And I'm yours."

"I wanna be your every thing."

"You always have been the best part of me."

"I love you more today than ever before."

"And I'll always love you."

We kissed. Then Prez sat on the bed to take his sneakers and socks off. I kicked my sandals off and started across the hall. Following me, Prez said, "I don't think we broke the rules. Do you?"

Turning and smiling at him, I agreed, "We've never done that before!"

Moving past me and in front of the bowl, he giggled, "Not with clothes on!"

I took my place beside him and aimed my dick at the bowl. It takes a few moments after an orgasm to successfully urinate, especially when you're standing next to your partner. While we were waiting, I grinned and asked, "Speedo's?"

Prez shrugged, "I'd really like to rent a board today."

I smiled and nodded, "Just kinda half-hoping."

He shook his head and giggled, "Might as well surf in the buff!"

I grinned, "No, that sounds a little too risky!"

Prez finally started to relieve himself and sighed contentedly. Then he smiled at me and asked, "Why is there an urge to pee after an orgasm?"

I giggled, "I dunno."

He ranted, "I mean - I just took a leak about two hours ago. And it's not like I've been drinking quarts of fluids all day."

Shrugging, I asked, "Why is there an urge to shit after intercourse?"

Nodding and giggling, he agreed, "That's bizarre too. The muscles must get confused or something." Finished leaking, Prez shook his dick then stepped back from the bowl. Then he turned around and leaned over into the tub to turn the water on. Noticing his awesome back and bubble butt, I started feeling that pleasant tingle in my dick and turned away. I thought, at this rate, I might spend the rest of the afternoon in front of the bowl! Turning and glancing at me curiously for a moment, Prez then grinned and stepped into the tub, sliding the door closed behind him.

Over the sound of the shower, I hollered, "Ya know, at another place and time, this could be really embarrassing!"

Prez loudly giggled, "In a public restroom or worse, in the boy's room at school."

Disappointed with my bladder, I yelled, "Just standing around with my dick in my hand!" Since my dick and bladder obviously weren't cooperating, I considered joining Prez in the shower. But then the floodgates opened, I sighed and finally began to relieve myself.

Moments later, I was standing under the shower with Prez. Grabbing the soap, I said, "Better here than waiting and winding up in one of those stinky public beach toilets."

He grinned, "They're grosser than the toilets along the Interstate freeways."

Turning to rinse my front, I said, "The rest stops along I5 and I10 are pretty clean."

Prez reached around and took the soap to wash my back. Then he said, "The worst ones are in the desert."

Suddenly I realized that he was remembering the trip to California and turned to see his expression.

He loudly said, "I barely touched you!" but then he caught my meaning in my eyes and softly said, "I'm fine, babe," before turning me around again. While my lover washed my back I waited patiently. Then he said, "I can remember some things clear as day. I can't really remember many details of the first few days after the accident though."

Fearing the statement but speaking anyway, I said, "Anything you want to know, when ever you're ready, baby."

Moments passed and he finished washing my back then turned me around to rinse off. Prez stepped closer and kissed me then said, "Just tell me that I wasn't a complete asshole, barking or crying all the time."

I could see in his eyes that he wasn't kidding. I kissed him back then assured, "You were quiet and thoughtful, Prez. You never barked or shouted at anyone. I almost wish you had. To me, the scariest thing was how quiet you were. Besides, I was the one following you around every time you moved."

He forced a grin and said, "It was a no-win situation. Being here and wanting to be with you but wanting to remember her too."

I turned the water off then sighed and nodded, "You're allowed, Prez."

He nodded and grinned, "Be prepared, I'm gonna be asking about those first few days a lot."

Opening the shower door, I asked, "Ya wanna start now?"

Following me out of the tub, he said, "Yeah. I'll let you know when it's time to take a break. You need to let me know if you need a break too, okay?"

Nodding, I handed him a towel then got one for myself and asked, "Where would you want me to start?"

Drying himself off, he smiled, "At the beginning, that Friday."

I sighed and started, "You never showed up for our second period English class. I was worried and went to the office before lunch. They told me you left for a family emergency. I wondered what could've happened. Was it something with your mom or someone back in Texas? Not until I got home and heard the messages you left did I know what was going on."

Pausing for a moment, Prez asked, "I called here?"

I nodded, "Twice. The first call was little after ten that morning, probably right after you got to the hospital."

Hanging his towel to dry, Prez said, "I don't remember that." I hung my towel and followed him back to the bedroom. He reached in the dresser drawer and handed me my swimming trunks. Reaching for his own trunks, he asked, "Then what?"

Thinking back and trying to remember all the details from my parents, I answered, "Around lunch time, my dad called home and picked up the answering machine messages. Then he tried calling my mom but she was already with you. They were both with you when I showed up at the hospital around three-thirty that afternoon."

He stepped closer to me and softly asked, "How was I?"

I stared at him for at least five seconds. His eyes were clear. No tears were being shed and I sure didn't want to start any. I shook my head and answered, "You were tweaked, Prez - totally and completely wrecked, just like anyone else would be."

Stroking my arm gently, he looked down ashamedly and asked, "Am I hurting you now?"

I vigorously shook my head then asked, "Are you feeling sad?"

Prez paused for a second then grinned sheepishly; "A little but not a lot. I want to learn more." Then he went to the dresser and grabbed his keys and wallet.

Stepping up to him and taking his keys, I grinned, "If this is what we're gonna be talking about, I'll drive."

He snickered, "Fine," and then asked, "What happened next?"

I grabbed my wallet and started out of our room saying, "She was in intensive care. No more than two people were allowed in the area at any time. You were in there with my mom when I showed up. My dad and I talked for a while - mostly about you and me - our relationship. Then you saw me waiting in the hall through the glass."

We stopped briefly for beach towels and to let Rush back in. Prez followed me out of the house and said, "I ran to you, I'll bet."

I didn't want to burst his bubble. Yes, he did come quickly to me but he was totally destroyed and my mom had to help him get up from the chair. I nodded, "Yep, as quickly as you could."

We got in Prez's 4-Runner and I started the engine. Once we pulled away, Prez asked, "Then what?"

I shrugged, "You took me into the ICU. You held her hand and with your other hand, you held mine. And you were eerily quiet. Every now and then you'd say, 'This can't be happening.'" Remembering the almost empty fuel tank, I turned, headed for the gas station and continued. "My mom asked you if there was anyone that needed to know what happened. You told her, your Aunt and your dad. Then my mom went back to the apartment to call them. Your Aunt showed up with your Uncle around six that night, I guess. After my mom returned, my dad checked on Drew and John then came back to the hospital. While your Aunt visited your mom, we went down to the cafeteria to eat. But you didn't eat a thing. You had a few sips of water, at best. After only ten or so minutes, you stood and said that you were going back upstairs." Remembering that night, I smirked, "We all asked you to wait but you didn't hear a word and just kept on walking. I told my folks that I would get you. And I did catch up to you but you said that you weren't hungry and kept going your way."

Prez squeezed my hand and sincerely said, "I'm sorry, Keith."

Sternly but softly, I said, "Don't you dare say that! Anyone that experienced anything remotely similar would be as fazed and dazed as you were. Do you think Mike was any different? Do you think I would've been any different? Think again, baby. You have nothing to be sorry about. When we got upstairs, you walked directly into the ICU. Your Uncle came out and introduced himself to me. When I looked over again, you and your Aunt were hugging each other."

Prez excitedly asked, "We were?"

Pulling into the gas station, I nodded, "That's what I mean, Prez. When your Aunt stepped out of the room, I noticed just how fazed and dazed she was." Stopping along side the pumps, I turned off the engine. Then I turned to Prez and said, "You were both in shock, baby. We all were to some extent or another."

Prez nodded and smirked slightly. Then he sighed and got out of the truck. I followed on my side to keep an eye on him. I watched Prez press a few buttons then stuff a twenty-dollar bill into the automated pump. It turned on and I picked up the handle. Prez opened the tank cap for me and I stuffed the nozzle in the hole. While we waited, he softly said, "She didn't deserve it, Keith."

I nodded, "You're absolutely right. But think of it this way. She was unconscious the second her head hit the steering wheel. From that instant, she felt no pain. The worst part - for me, anyhow - was how it affected you. You didn't deserve it either."

Prez sighed, "Every new car has to have airbags now, thank goodness. I wish she had spent some money on a newer car with air bags."

Reaching for his hand and looking in his eyes, I stopped him from saying any more. It would only make him sadder and I couldn't bare that. I softly said, "Hind site is twenty-twenty, Prez. You can't help but wonder what if this or that was different. Don't dwell on it though baby. It doesn't fix anything."

Passing nineteen dollars on the meter, the pump began to slow. It approached twenty dollars and then crawled the last few pennies before stopping. Returning the nozzle to its holder, I noticed Prez shaking his head. Before I could ask, he softly complained, "Fucked up oil companies always raising and lowering prices on a whim. I'll bet that's only three-quarters of a tank!"

We got back in the truck and, while buckling up, I said, "There's nothing to feel guilty about. You dealt with it your way, baby." I started the engine and watched the fuel gauge rise to about seven-eighths full. Putting the truck in first gear and releasing the brake, I said, "Saturday was a full day of the same stuff at the hospital."

Prez asked, "What was I like at night, when it was time to leave the hospital?"

Damn! I wanted to sneak past that. After I pulled out onto the street, I sighed, "You were afraid to leave her; that something might happen when you weren't there."

Prez nodded, "There's a vague recollection of me crying and yelling - don't know which day it was or if it really happened like that."

"It wasn't quite as bad as you make it sound," I said, and then turned the corner. Pulling into a shopping center parking lot, I said, "It was Friday night. Like I said, you were afraid to leave her and wanted to be there every possible moment, even if it meant sleeping in a chair. It took all of us to convince you to leave with us. But it was your Aunt that finally changed your mind."

I parked in front of Long's Drugs, turned off the engine and looked at him carefully. His expression was blank but he wasn't shedding any tears. He forced a grin then we got out of the truck. Most of the way across the parking lot we were silent. I didn't want to feed him too much information and then have him break down crying. So I waited. Just before we stepped into the drug store, Prez said, "You say there's no need but I feel like I have to apologize, Keith."

Entering the store behind him, I reached for his shoulders, squeezed them firmly and whispered, "There's no need to, Prez. That first night, you couldn't sleep, do remember?"

He smirked, "No," and then looked up at the aisle signs.

Following him, I said, "We stayed up watching TV until about four in the morning. You were exhausted. How you stayed awake, I don't know. Neither of us asked the question, what's going to happen to us now? It was the first time something remained unspoken between us, I think. Then you finally passed out but I stayed awake another half an hour or so, just to make sure you didn't wake again. And even when I did let myself sleep, I did my best to make it a light sleep. Around seven Saturday morning you woke up and tried to slip away from me. I asked you what was the matter.

"The look you gave me that morning spoke volumes. In a flash, everything you had ever told me about your life in Texas ran through my brain. And then, all the horror of the previous day and the big question - would your mom die that day? But all you said was, 'Visiting hours start at nine.' I let go of you and followed you out of the bedroom."

Seeing a few hair clipping kits on display, Prez stopped and smiled widely at me. I snickered. Thankfully, Prez was just listening and absorbing what I was saying. He quickly did a price-feature comparison and picked up a kit. Noticing it was almost thirty bucks; I leaned closer and softly asked, "You don't have all your money on you, do you?"

He grinned, rapidly shook his head and whispered, "A hundred. We need this, some Nair, an enema kit, sun-block, some more Aloe and another rope toy or something for Rush."

I nodded and started calculating the items he was picking up. Further down the same aisle, Prez found Nair For Men, grinned devilishly at me, and picked up a bottle. The next aisle over, we found the sun-block. Prez picked up a tube of SPF30. Then we started scanning for Aloe. It was over by the baby lotions and other skin care products. In the back of the store, near the pharmacy, Prez asked me to grab an enema kit and pointed at the one he wanted. Turning bright pink, he softly snickered, "That's the only thing I'm a little embarrassed about getting!"

Trying to force a frown, I chuckled, "So naturally, you ask me to pick it up and carry it!"

Heading towards the front of the store, he laughed, "My hands are full! It just worked out that way, honest!"

After all those sad recollections, Prez was joking around. This was my lover. He was almost one hundred percent the same person I fell for the previous summer - able to quickly move from serious to silly in only a few moments. It was my job to answer his questions carefully to relieve the lingering doubts he had.

We stopped once more and picked up a huge rope toy for Rush. There was a picture of a Great Dane on the cardboard label! Turning to me, he grinned, "That should keep those jaws of steel happy for a long time." Prez paid for everything, handing the checkout girl five twenty dollar bills and got back less than ten dollars in change.

Stepping out of the store, I suggested, "Ya wanna share a soda?"

Abruptly stopping, he loudly asked, "Why didn't you say something in there?"

I grinned and answered, "So I could get us something."

Slouching, he huffed and then groaned, "I'm sorry babe..."

But I quickly interrupted, "These are the coolest kinds of things you could get for us, Prez." We started across the parking lot and I continued, "I can't keep up yet but some day soon, I'll be working with you and I'll be able to get us some nice things too. For now, let me get us an extra large Diet Coke at Mickey-Dee's."

He nodded and said, "I've got to learn to at least ask if you want to chip in, don't I?"

Unlocking the truck, I nodded and said, "That would be cool. We'll probably need lube next week. That's for me to get, okay?" Nodding, Prez tossed our sack of goodies into the back seat. We got in, buckled up and I started the engine.

After I backed out and started forward again, Prez asked, "So Friday and Saturday, I was pretty much totally out of it?"

I nodded, "After we got home Friday night, I called Mike and told him what was going on. He and Derrick were at the hospital for a while Saturday. Mike was completely destroyed; reliving his last hospital visit with his dad. While Mike and Derrick were with you, I called Black Angus and Blockbuster to tell them we wouldn't be in."

Prez nodded, "I remember them being there. I also remember a priest. How did he know to come?"

I answered, "Your Aunt did that," and dropped it right there. The truth of the matter was that Prez didn't want a priest there. He was hoping and praying his mom might somehow recover. Having a priest there to deliver the last rites only proved how slim her chances really were.

Humming thoughtfully for a few moments, Prez waited until I made a turn and then said, "My Aunt did a lot - stuff I would've completely forgotten about."

Pulling into McDonald's, I hummed affirmatively and told him, "She helped you with every decision you had to make... even at the funeral home."

Prez said, "She told me that she wanted to help with the apartment too."

Mildly surprised, I said, "I didn't know that," and pulled forward to place my soda order.

"My aunt said that she offered but I refused."

Moving forward more, I paid for the drink and shrugged, "It wouldn't surprise me in the least." Driving to the next window, I stopped and got our big cup of soda. I took a sip then handed the cup to Prez and began maneuvering out of the parking lot.

After a few moments silence, Prez softly asked, "Why do you say that?"

I grinned, "That's you, Prez - as independent and responsible as they come. All those things your father did? As frustrating as they were, they helped make you the person I love. You and your Aunt took care of everything. She co-signed everything too."

Thinking carefully for a few moments, I then softly said, "Even with all you were going through, the only time you ever mouthed off to me was one time, when I was putting away clean laundry and another time, when you were cleaning the shower."

Prez smirked, "I remember the shower incident. I apologized too, didn't I?"

Rapidly nodding, I said, "Yep. And with the clothes, I told you that you could help. So you got up and helped me." Remembering that day, I grinned, "We were accidentally bumping into each other at first, ya know, at the closet and dresser? Then we started purposefully bumping and hip-checking each other! When the job was done, you tackled me to the bed and started laughing. Five seconds later, you were holding on tight and crying again."

Smirking but slowly shaking his head, Prez sighed, "Those first few smiles and laughs really hurt."

I nodded and reached for his hand saying, "I know, baby."

He asked, "It hurt you too, didn't it?"

Not wanting to compare what I went through to his much deeper problem, I shrugged, "What I felt wasn't near what you were dealing with. I'd call it a learning experience. The only times I was totally lost was when you disappeared for a while. But I completely understand, Prez. Those times you were alone gave me time to talk with my folks. I made a few late night calls to Mike too."

He turned to me and repeated, "Late night calls?"

Humming affirmatively, I explained, "Back then, I was really upset too. My first instinct was to treat you carefully. But that's really hard to do with a boyfriend that now lives with you. Now and then I'd take a chance and try to make you think of something else - usually some joke or something silly I heard. Those first few times you laughed and then started crying, I wondered if I was helping or not. So I forced myself to be more careful." Remembering the way he stared deep into my eyes and poked my chest as he demanded to be treated normally, I giggled, "You did not appreciate that at all! So I called Mike a few times."

For a few moments, Prez giggled. Then he said, "Mike was really great the other night. No one else could've said what he did. It very much needed to be said though. I recognized that as soon as he said it."

Turning onto Mike's street, I smiled, "He's a true whack-attack. Somewhere under that heavy metal exterior is the same kid that I met in second grade."

Prez nodded, "While we were working on tunes Tuesday night, I told him to try and wear something other than black once in a while this summer. He's always wearing something black! It's a treat when he puts on his camouflage cargo pants."

Stopping in front of Mike's house, I chuckled, "Once upon a time, he wore blue jeans, like everyone else. He's been dressing in black since we started high school. At least that T-shirt his sister got him is white."

Prez checked his watch and said, "Three-thirty-six, we made good time."

I smirked, "He'll still bitch about the six minutes."

Opening his door but still looking at me, Prez giggled, "No doubt - just to get you going!"

Seeing Derrick open the front door of the house and step out with Shaun, I grabbed Prez's arm, stopping him from getting out of the truck. Derrick held up the lickity-split signal and Prez quickly did the same, just in time for Mike to see.

Shaun watched and smiled, silently wondering what was going on. As they approached, I could hear Derrick explaining our little signal and Shaun giggling hysterically. Mike caught up and hollered, "Late again!"

I grinned, "We stopped for a little petrol on the way!"

Opening the back passenger side door, Shaun then slid in the backseat. Mike followed and, picking up our sack of goodies, loudly asked, "What's this?"

Reaching into the back seat, Prez chuckled, "Gimme that!"

Swiftly, Mike pulled the sack close to him and smiled widely. Derrick slid in next to Mike and closed the door behind him. Then Mike opened the sack and peeked inside. Blushing and giggling his ass off, Prez faced forward. From the rearview window, I saw Mike pull out the huge rope toy for Rush. I pulled away from the curb and Mike shook the rope toy under Derrick's chin saying, "I suppose this could have several ticklish uses." Derrick and Shaun chuckled and Mike tossed the rope toy over his shoulder into the rear cargo area. Next, Mike pulled out the sun-block and passed it forward saying, "This is for you, obviously." Pulling the enema box out of the bag, Mike chuckled evilly, "What do we have here?" Then he innocently asked, "Is someone feeling irregular?" We all cracked up laughing. Shaking his head sadly but laughing loudly, Prez started dowsing himself with sun block lotion. Then Mike pulled the Aloe out and hummed thoughtfully.

Derrick said, "Something tasty for those late-night nibbling sessions?" Mike hummed and tossed it in the back.

Then Mike roared, "And clippers and Nair! They went fetish shopping!" and we all about died laughing. I turned onto the northbound 101 and chuckled while Derrick, Mike and Shaun teased us endlessly. So Mike would drop the subject, I flipped to KLOS and turned up the volume.

---

Amid much loud music, cackling and commentary, we blazed our trail up the 101 and onto Malibu Canyon before Mike, Derrick and Shaun finally lost interest and started singing along with the radio. Once I was done layering sun-block on my neck, legs and arms, I leaned back and glanced at Keith.

What a combination my lover is! But I was going to have to insist on driving us back home. We turned onto the Pacific Coast Highway towards Malibu.

Mike hollered, "Russ's surf shop is the other way, bro."

Keith yelled back, "Oh! Well it's too late now!"

I said, "Let's just check the parking lot real quick," and Keith nodded. Moments later, we were driving slowly through one of the lots. I happily said, "No problem getting a parking space today!"

Glancing back in the mirror, Keith asked, "Where's Russ's new digs?"

Over the music, Derrick loudly answered, "About halfway between here and Zuma, on the beach side."

Mike added, "It's a really small place, so keep your peepers peeled."

Derrick snickered, "I ain't peelin' my peeper! Its fine just the way it is!"

When I didn't hear a rebuttal from Mike, I glanced back. He and Derrick were kissing deeply.

Shaun grinned, "So much for three being a crowd!"

I hollered, "No back seat orgies!"

Mike turned and smiled, "Why not? We've got more than we need right here!"

Facing front again, I chuckled, "You'll never let me live this down."

Derrick said, "Eventually."

But Mike quickly hollered, "Not any time soon though!"

Derrick giggled, "Maybe we could steal their clothes again."

And Mike quickly chuckled, "Just to see if they still have pubes!"

Shaun loudly laughed, "You stole their clothes?" Mike and Derrick then began telling Shaun about Monday's joke.

Keith chuckled, "They're not to be trusted, Shaun."

And Mike hollered, "On the left Keith. See it?"

Veering left into the center turn lane and slowing, Keith nodded, "Yep!"

Russ's new surf shop was really just a large shed, like you might find at any Home Depot. But he had detailed it with paintings of large Palm tree leaves so it looked like a hut or a shack. We turned across the road and stopped in front of the shop. While we were all climbing out, Russ stepped out with a customer already holding a long board under his arm.

Waving, Mike loudly said, "Hey, Russ. How's the new biz?"

Russ smiled and said, "Location is everything. I might have a winner this time."

Glancing around at the various boards displayed against the front of the hut, Derrick nudged me and pointed at the white board with the surf conditions written out on it. All I saw was a bunch of letters and numbers and shrugged. Derrick explained, "SW mean out the southwest. Three and five mean three to five foot swells."

I smiled and nodded, "It sounds like a long board day for me."

Coming over by us and obviously overhearing me, Russ said, "Try a short board today, dude. It's really mellow. The five footers are few and far between."

Turning to Russ, Keith asked, "How much per hour, dude?"

Russ smiled, "For you, how's five?"

Mike excitedly giggled, "Awesome!" and reached into his pocket.

Slipping his hand into his shorts, Derrick grinned, "We'll only be an hour or so."

I reached into my pocket, pulled out a five-dollar bill and asked, "You really think I should try a short board? It's my first chance this season."

Taking my money with a smile, Russ shrugged, "Just give yourself extra space at first. And remember, it's better to bail then hurt yourself or anyone else." Nodding towards the hut, he grinned, "There are long boards in there too, if you change your mind."

Keith handed Russ a five and followed me into the hut. He softly asked, "Ya wanna get a long board?"

I shrugged and whispered, "I just don't want to make a fool of myself or hurt any one in the process."

Smiling understandingly, Keith nodded, "I'll get a short board. You get a long one." He paused and his eyes got wide as he softly chuckled, "And we can switch off!"

I giggled, leaned close and whispered, "More switching off later!"

Keith snickered and then we started browsing through the collection of boards. Minutes later, we were outside and laying our boards on top of my 4-Runner. We wrapped bungee cords around them, said goodbye to Russ and drove slowly down to the beach.

From the passenger's side front seat I could see the surf and the beach. Near the shore it was a beautiful day - probably around eighty degrees. A single wispy cloud was barely visible much further south. Breathing in deeply, I turned to Keith. He smiled and squeezed my hand briefly. In the back seat, Derrick was patting his knees in time to the music. In the center sat Mike and Shaun sat behind Keith. I guess I spent a few seconds too long looking back and they all began smiling wider at me then began making goofy faces.

I giggled and turned down the radio. Turning slightly and looking back again, I made eye contact with Mike and asked, "Did you notice Gil during lunch?"

Mike loudly giggled, "What do ya mean? Course I did! He was sitting right there!"

I grinned, "He's way jealous of you, dude." Mike's brow furled and he smirked disbelievingly then turned to Shaun.

Looking at me, Shaun cackled, "You're good."

Stunned, Mike snapped his neck turning to look at Shaun and I. Derrick began giggling and Mike shouted, "I have not hit on Shaun once! I swear! Not even once!"

Shaun giggled and nodded at me then turned to Mike saying, "Gil just doesn't understand yet. When you're teaching me, we get closer and Gil doesn't like that."

Mike hollered, "That don't mean anything! Its just music!"

Grinning, Shaun explained, "Still, he thinks that you're after me, dude."

Twice as loud, Mike screamed, "I'm after your guitar playing!"

Derrick, Keith and I busted up laughing. Shaun nodded, "I know that and it seems we all know that... except for Gil."

Slowing, Keith pulled into the Malibu parking lot. Mike slouched and huffed, "What are we gonna do?"

Grinning and blushing, Shaun giggled, "I'm under strict orders to not be left alone with you. Someone else always has to be there, preferably Derrick but anyone else would do."

Smacking himself in the forehead, Mike groaned, "Omigod!" Grabbing his stomach, Derrick doubled up and roared laughing. Keith, Shaun and I chuckled insanely while Mike grimaced and pondered the situation. Then Mike loudly said, "I'll just have to show Gil a little extra attention somehow."

Barely holding back his laughter, Derrick hummed jealously.

Shaun suggested, "He's really into chess and strategy games."

Mike sighed, "That figures. I suck at chess."

Maneuvering into a parking space and stopping, Keith giggled, "Good. It'll be easy for him to whip yer ass." Then he leaned forward and stowed his wallet in the glove compartment, reminding me to do the same.

Mike complained, "You're no help at all," and we all got out of the truck.

While we were removing bungees, Derrick asked, "Does Gil like games like Risk?"

Shaun nodded, "His top closet shelf is full of board games. I think that's up there."

Mike grumbled, "How am I supposed to show you chords without reaching for your hand and fingers once in a while? Jeez, I didn't reach for your butt or nothin'."

Hearing that, Shaun leaned against the truck and cracked up.

We each grabbed a board and started for the water. With every inhaled breath, I became more intoxicated by the fresh salt air. The sand was hot against the soles of my bare feet but not so hot that I felt pain or any need to hurry. About halfway down the beach, I turned to Shaun and asked, "So, how long have you been checking out Gil's bedroom closet?"

Shaun giggled, "A couple of weeks."

Smiling at me but continuing the conversation with Shaun, Keith asked, "Found anything incriminating yet?"

Shaun laughed loudly and stumbled briefly before answering, "He'd pound the shit out of me if I told you about it though."

Derrick shrugged, "Ain't nothin' new under the sun, dude. Maybe a few things we haven't tried..." He then stopped about twenty yards from the water line and suggested, "Here?" We all stopped, dropped our towels and pulled our shirts off. Then we picked up our boards and started for the water, paddling out past where the waves were breaking. Once we were lined up and waiting for a ride, Keith turned to Shaun and asked, "Ya wanna hear what Prez found in my closet?"

Shaun threw his head back and waved his hands laughing, "It's really not necessary!"

I turned to Keith and smiled, "There really wasn't much of interest in your closet. But let's discuss the night table drawer!"

Leaning forward on his board, Derrick giggled, "Let's go dude." He started paddling with Mike along side. Moments later, I saw them bounce up and stand on their boards.

Dagnabit! They make it look so easy! One slightly misplaced foot though and I'm leaning to one side, destined to fall into the drink!

Shaun asked, "How long have you two been together?"

While I studied Mike and Derrick, Keith answered, "A year this month, on the twenty-fourth."

I smiled at my lover and said, "We'll be celebrating for at least a week."

Keith nodded enthusiastically and Shaun smiled, "That's great! I hope Gil and I can make it last too."

Keith nodded understandingly and asked, "Still feels chancy, huh?"

Shaun nodded, "He's tough to read sometimes."

I assured, "It gets easier as you spend more time together."

Laying flat and paddling like mad, Shaun shouted, "I like taking chances!" then caught the next wave, leaving Keith and I alone.

It had been a very long time since Keith and I were alone, sitting on surfboards and waiting for a ride. Remembering that my mom was still alive back then, I got a chill down my spine and glanced to my right. Keith looked so fine with his wet hair slicked back and little water droplets sparkling on his body. It felt like my mom was watching me again. She had never really seen me at the beach with my friends. Of course, I had never invited her either but somehow, I felt she was seeing us right then.

In the distance, Mike and Derrick were paddling back out again. Keith and I moved closer together. I said, "Shaun's a great guy."

Keith nodded, "He's got himself a real challenge with Gil."

I grinned, "More of a challenge than you have with me?"

Keith giggled, "You're not too much of a challenge. All I have to do now is get you standing on your board for a whole ride!"

Determined, I smiled, "Say when."

"When!" Keith grinned, and immediately started paddling. I started after him and soon felt the water lifting the rear of my board slightly. Pushing up, my feet slid into a position. Unfortunately, it wasn't exactly the right position. I was leaning too far to the left and, in trying to regain balance, overcompensated. As I dove off the right side of the board, I heard Keith laughing.

Attached to my left ankle, my board was trying to race to shore. As the surf tugged and bent my body every which way like a rag doll, I struggled up for air. My hand hit my board and I grabbed onto it, eventually sliding back on and beginning to paddle out. I looked around to get my bearings and saw Mike to my left and Derrick to my right, paddling into the next wave. Mike loudly laughed, "Like this dude!" and bounced up. He moved each foot only slightly then planted them. Only his knees bent with the force of the water against the board.

From behind and closer to shore, I heard Keith yell for me. Once we were past the breakers, Keith asked, "Remember last summer when we went to Raging Waters?" That's a water park in LA where Keith took me to learn to surf last summer. Of course, we absolutely had to try Neptune's Fury a few times but most of the day we spent on little surfboards in simulated waves. I nodded and Keith reminded, "You easily dealt with that. Shift your feet in fractions of an inch."

I smiled, "I knew I overcompensated the second it happened. Let's try again."

Moments later we were paddling into another wave. Mike and Derrick were returning and giving me extra room to maneuver. Again I pushed up off the board and started to stand. This time I found my center of gravity but it felt like I would loose it if I stood completely. So I remained slightly hunched over but controlled my board all the way to the shore, where I stepped off into shallow water. Coming in beside me, Keith shouted, "Let's switch boards, Prez."

I hollered, "If you're sure you want to."

Stepping off his board in knee-deep water, Keith nodded, "You seem to be fighting the board. I think the long board might be too much."

Lifting my leg and loosening the Velcro strap, I smiled, "Did it take you more than one season to learn?"

Keith laughed, "This is only my third season! Before that, only boogie boards." We swapped boards and Keith said, "Humor me. I know you can do it."

As we started to paddle out again, I glanced over and joked, "Maybe I need a few years of boogie board practice then?"

"It's the same thing," Keith smiled, "only the ride lasts much longer this way."

The next wave was the smallest of the day, barely three feet. But I did stand up! Keith shouted congratulations then said, "Cut across diagonally. Follow me," and began to move away, across the front of the wave. I leaned to my right slightly, like I would on a skateboard or a bicycle. But the board moved too far and I tried to redirect it but instead, hollered and went splashing into the water again! I grabbed my board and thought - that ride lasted all of fifteen seconds! At least I didn't have so far to paddle to try again though. I waited until Keith returned. Once he was close enough, he laughed loudly, "I think you enjoy falling off as much as the rides!"

I giggled, "I do not!" but wondered if maybe he was right.

Sitting upright on his board beside me, Keith eyed me suspiciously. He asked, "Was it easier for you to control the board?"

I nodded, "Much easier." Then I grinned and admitted, "I do like feeling the power of the waves pushing my body around."

He smiled, "Be careful, baby," and then lifted his left leg, the one that was closest to me. There was a big nasty scrape from his knee and halfway down his leg!

I shouted, "Oh shit! That must've hurt!"

Keith shrugged, "Not so bad then. It's stinging like crazy now though."

Exaggerating a frown, I asked, "Ya wanna hit the beach?"

He shook his head and said, "Nah, we've only got time for a few more rides."

I nodded and grinned; "Guess I get to play doctor tonight!"

Keith laughed and signaled me to follow then lay down on his board, paddling into the next wave. During those last minutes, I actually stood and controlled my board through two entire rides! Not wanting to press my luck, I called it quits and waited on the sand for my friends.

Barely a minute later, Keith returned wearing a big smile. Wordlessly, he dropped his board, came to me and hugged me. He whispered, "I knew you could do it!" and squeezed me tight.

Hugging him back, I asked, "How's your leg?"

"Numb now," he replied, and then let go of me adding, "by tomorrow morning it'll be all tight and feel like alligator scales."

Rolling my eyes, I smiled, "You might get an infection. I'll have to take your temp as soon as we get home."

He laughed briefly then asked, "Orally?"

Grinning widely, I shook my head.

Seeing Mike returning, Keith softly giggled, "We're not gonna make it till tomorrow, are we?"

I leered, "We'll see."

Minutes later, we were all back in my 4-Runner. Keith drove us to Russ's to return the surfboards. Then we switched seats and I drove the remainder of the trip over the mountain. As I started up the mountain on Kana-Dume, KLOS began playing Free Fallin' by Tom Petty.

Shaun loudly said, "I know this tune," then turned to Mike and asked, "Do you dudes play any Petty?"

I didn't hear an answer for several seconds but then Derrick began singing along. Moments later, Derrick began drumming against the back of my seat. It was obvious that he was familiar with the drum part. Then he loudly sang the chorus. His voice was perfect for the song too! Shaun, Mike and I began singing the backup vocals. Keith reached for my hand and we smiled at each other briefly. Derrick sang the second verse and then the remaining four of us added background vocals during the chorus. Realizing how easily we were reproducing the record, a shiver raced down my spine. When the song ended I lowered the radio and turned to say, "That song's perfect for you, Derrick. We're gonna work on some Petty tunes this summer."

Mike added, "Hopefully we'll start making up new tunes this summer."

And Derrick said, "Mike's made up a few really catchy rhythms and riffs. The hook is everything, dude."

Glancing in the rearview mirror, I chuckled, "You've been holding back on us."

Mike smiled, "We've been so busy learning cover tunes that there just hasn't been time. That'll change the day after tomorrow though! More jams faster!"

Beside me in the passenger seat, Keith slouched and giggled, "I don't suppose anyone has thought of making up a list of tunes for tomorrow afternoon?"

I turned to Keith smiling and shaking my head. Behind me, Derrick asked, "Ya wanna make up a set list or just sorta wing it?"

Keith grinned, "I'd really like a clue of what lyrics I'll be singing."

Quickly, Mike said, "We'll start with School's Out."

Tuning to Shaun, Derrick asked, "You wanna join us tomorrow, dude?"

Shaun giggled and asked, "Do you think I'm ready?"

Derrick and Mike both began chuckling and encouraging Shaun. Mike then said, "We'll do Hold My Hand. And how about Take It Easy?"

Derrick grunted and said, "Desperado sounded really good too."

As we started going through the first of the three tunnels in the mountain, Mike smiled, "We'll do that one too then! You can join us for those three, at least. And I'll give you a tape of the tunes we cover later too."

Hearing no reply from Shaun, I figured he nodded and suggested, "How about one or two Crowded House tunes? And some Journey?"

Mike nodded, "It's Only Natural, Don't Dream It's Over, Separate Ways and umm... How about Don't Stop Believin'?

Keith asked, "Ya wanna start up rockin' and end with a few ballads this time?"

Mike replied, "Yeah, that's cool."

Shaun suggested, "You dudes do a good version of Weird. You've gotta do that one."

And Derrick nudged my seat saying, "And some of the ZZ tunes?"

Then Keith turned slightly in his seat and suggested, "How about a few Queen tunes? We Will Rock You sounds really good with Jessy's synth drums added."

And I added, "Crazy Little Thing Called Love too."

Keith giggled, "You dudes have to learn Bohemian Rhapsody. I love that tune!" Then he loudly sang, "Mamma-mia, Figaro!" and giggled at himself.

He'd never suggested it before. I beamed at him and felt my dick stirring in my trunks. Then Mike hollered, "Could you have picked a more difficult song?" and we all cracked up laughing.

Over our combined laughter, Keith scanned each of our faces and loudly asked, "Is it that hard to learn?"

Giggling, I nodded and then answered, "Tight vocal harmonies, at least two time signature changes and two key changes. It's pretty rough."

Settling back in his seat, Keith sighed and smiled, "Well, I wanna try it some day."

Not so mysteriously, we all stopped laughing and got really quiet for a long few moments. It would be great if we could somehow manage to pull off a good cover of Bohemian Rhapsody, I thought. Then Mike giggled, "Well it sure as hell won't be ready by tomorrow afternoon!" We all broke out of our trances and Mike suggested, "We'll do Living On A Prayer and Dreams."

Derrick added, "How about some Def Leppard and Hendrix? And for another ballad, how about As Tears Go By?"

Squeezing my hand in his, Keith giggled, "That's about two hours worth, I think. Are we stopping for dinner?"

Mike loudly said, "Definitely! We're asking my mom about moving out tomorrow night." Then he turned to Shaun and asked, "Ya wanna come to GC with us later?"

Shaun shrugged and softly said, "Gil's probably coming over my place after work. Would you pick up some strings for me?"

I stopped at the intersection with the 101 freeway and Mike gladly answered, "Sure dude. Tell me what brand and slip me a few bucks when we get back to my house."

Derrick then suggested, "If you and Gil came with us, maybe he'd chill out some?"

Shaun hummed thoughtfully then said, "Let me build his confidence privately first."

Wide-eyed, Keith and I smiled at each other then the light turned green. In heavy traffic, I slowly drove forward onto the 101 onramp. Mike giggled, "Private confidence building? Is that anything like growth spurts?"

Shaun laughed loudly and, since I had to stop again for the freeway meter, I glanced in the rearview mirror. Shaun's face was bright pink. Before beginning to drive forward again, I chuckled, "You're embarrassing him, Mike."

"I can deal," Shaun chuckled. Then he explained, "Before I divulge any information, I just gotta get Gil more secure."

Derrick turned to Shaun and smiled, "Gil's a big dude, built pretty solid."

And Mike nodded, "He's got a huge chest." Keith and I started snickering and Mike hollered, "What? I've never had P.E. with him so I have no clue what he's packin'!" Turning to Shaun, Mike added, "Saturday night was the first time I saw him with his shirt off."

Glancing in the mirror again, I saw Shaun smile widely and nodded, "About thirty-eight inches, he says."

Derrick then asked, "How much does he weigh?"

Shaun grinned, "About a hundred-and-seventy pounds - three quarters of it heart."

Mike wondered aloud, "Is he shy because he was hurt?"

Quickly, Shaun said, "No, it's not like that. Gil definitely knows where his interests are. He's just used to hiding it, like he said. Even though the situation couldn't have been any cooler, I practically had to drag him into the pool house last Saturday night. It took some convincing to get him to stay too. "

Derrick sighed then, a moment later said, "He's got some classic features."

Nodding, Mike then asked, "Is Gil your first?"

Shaun smiled, "My first real attempt at a relationship, yeah."

Mike snickered, "You know what I meant!" and Shaun giggled.

Then Derrick offered, "My first time was when I was twelve. It's not like we really did a whole hell of a lot either. The dude seemed totally into it but then afterwards, he just avoided me, like it was a one-way street and entirely my fault. That showed me just what kind of a friend he really was."

Shaun groaned, "That sucks, dude."

Derrick nodded and smiled, "So Gil was your first time?"

Shaun grinned, "I didn't say that."

Mike sighed and prodded, "How old were you?"

Shaun answered, "Fourteen," but didn't elaborate in any way.

Derrick chuckled, "Why are you being so secretive?"

Shaun giggled, "I don't kiss and tell."

Taking the Topanga Canyon exit off the 101, I said, "Good for you, dude."

Keith grinned, "They're just pervs, Shaun."

That's all Mike and Derrick needed to hear. After a brief uproar, they went off yelling at Keith and me, calling us Misters Sweet and Innocent! Turning his attention back to Shaun, Mike confessed, "My first time was when I was thirteen with Keith," and Keith nodded. But then Mike exaggerated, "It was fantastic! We did it all - in every room of the house!"

Derrick and Shaun howled. Turning again, Keith argued, "We did not go all the way! We just jacked each other off, in the middle of the night, in your bedroom!"

Mike giggled, "That's the way you remember it!"

Leaning forward, Shaun tapped my shoulder and chuckled, "You knew about this already?"

I nodded and giggled, "I know Keith's side of the story. Mike's version sounds much more interesting though!" Mike, Shaun and Derrick cracked up.

Keith turned, wide-eyed and flashed me a devilishly mischievous grin. With the others still laughing, Keith loudly groaned, "Ooo, you're gonna have to explain that one later!" but he never let go of my hand. Derrick, Mike and Shaun howled.

Turning on my directional, I checked my mirrors, glanced to my right and giggled, "I'm being bad?"

Nodding and squeezing my hand, Keith giggled, "Very bad."

Watching traffic as I exited the freeway at Topanga Canyon, I excitedly asked, "Will I have to be punished?"

That got Mike and Derrick laughing loudly at us again but Shaun hollered, "No kink!" before falling back hysterical. Derrick tickled Mike. Then Mike made buzzing noises and ran imaginary clippers over Derrick's trunks!

Only a minute or so later, I stopped in front of Mike's house.

Keith turned to Mike and threatened, "You'd best have a set list made up soon."

Mike nodded and sighed, "I know, I know," then turned to me and suggested, "GC around seven?"

I nodded, "Cool," then we said our goodbyes and the back seat emptied out.

As I started to pull away from the curb, I giggled, "He took everything out of the Long's sack and tossed it in the back!"

Keith nodded and chuckled, "Not before commenting on each and every item though!" Then he turned to me and grinned, "Speaking of comments - you don't really believe Mike's little bullshit story, do you?"

Reaching for his hand and squeezing it, I answered, "Course not, I was just playing."

Squeezing back, Keith said, "Good." He reached to change the radio station then took my hand again and said, "I was thinking, Friday officially starts at midnight."

I giggled, "One more day of school, babe. We've got a big afternoon planned too."

Keith nodded, "And then after dinner, the 'rents will probably go grocery shopping."

Grinning widely, I nodded, "I'll bet Drew will go over Corey's. Hopefully John will go out for a while too."

He turned and asked, "Should we do it in the bedroom or bathroom?"

I thought for a moment or two then answered, "It depends on where John is. If he's home, we'll do as much as we can in the bedroom, I think. We'll need a bowl of hot water, towels and some washcloths. Then we'll cross the hall for the rest."

Keith nodded but then remained quiet for the reminder of the trip home.

There's no doubt that we were thinking the same thoughts - making plans for our Friday night and visualizing how we thought it might proceed. I know that I was thinking some pretty wicked thoughts. But when I realized that Keith might be thinking of things to do for me, I began wondering what he would do!

As I made the final turn into our neighborhood, I had to move both my legs to press the clutch and brake pedals. That's when I realized I had gotten another erection. Since we would be getting out of the car soon, I was thankful that it was feeling comfortable against my left thigh and not demanding to be pointed skyward.

Pulling in front of the house, we noticed that both his parents' cars were in the driveway. It was quarter-to-six. Thanks to Mike, we had to gather all our goodies and put them back in the sack before heading inside. And since we were covered in sand, we had to take a quick shower before dinner too.

Closing the back gate of the 4-Runner, I giggled, "Got a chubby still."

Keith nodded and grinned, "Me too."

Stopping on the porch, we each brushed the sand off our feet then hurried inside. I went to the kitchen to say hello to everyone, creating a distraction while Keith went directly to our room with the sack of goodies. Crossing the living room, I said hello to Keith's dad and John. They were watching baseball on TV. Then I went to the kitchen and told Keith's mom about our trip to the beach. Since she was busy preparing dinner, she briefly scanned me and said, "You don't look too sun burnt. I'm glad you remembered to get some sun-block." I hovered near the stove, checked each pot and asked what was for dinner. Keith's mom answered, "Beef stroganoff."

I hummed hungrily and said, "I'm starved."

Keith returned with Rush's new rope toy. He smiled at me then stepped outside yelling, "Look what I got, Rush!" I watched from the kitchen window.

Momentarily stunned, Rush saw the new toy and froze for at least five seconds! Then he galloped at top speed towards Keith. Holding the toy high in the air, Keith repeatedly asked, "Is this yours? Do you really want it?" and then tossed the rope. Rush tore after his new toy and Keith stepped back inside saying, "I think he likes it."

Smiling and nodding, I said, "I hope he likes it enough to keep away from our clothes and bedspreads."

Mrs. Hundser assured, "He'll learn."

Then Keith beckoned me and started for the bathroom. As I followed I noticed an extra plate at the table and quickly asked, "Is Corey here?"

And Mrs. Hundser replied, "Not yet, they're on there way home. Dinner will be ready in about twenty minutes."

Stepping into the bathroom after Keith, I closed the door. Still wearing our trunks, we stepped into the tub. We untied the drawstrings then pushed our trunks down. Enough sand fell out to make noise!

Keith once told me that his mom had a fit after cleaning sand in every room of the house. That's why we leave our trunks on going into the shower.

Since we had both already showered several times that day, we quickly rinsed ourselves and our trunks. Then we hung our trunks to dry and grabbed towels. Minutes later, our hair was brushed, deodorant applied and we padded across the hall with towels wrapped around our waists.

While we dressed, I was quiet, remembering how things used to be in the apartment and back in Texas. We both went to the dresser to get T-shirts. Keith smiled and tilted his head curiously. I said, "I was just remembering how I used to get completely dressed in the bathroom after a bath or a shower."

Quickly pulling a shirt over his head, Keith then fixed his hair and nodded, "After your first couple of nights here, you just started doing what my brothers and I do."

Pulling a shirt on, I sighed, "I've always felt so comfortable here." My head popped through the collar and I smiled, "The next time I go into a time warp, I'm not going to let myself get sad."

Keith hugged me and whispered, "Feel whatever you need to, Prez. Just let me know about it somehow, ok?"

I squeezed him tightly and then whispered, "I only really feel two things anymore. Cheated is probably tops."

"Course ya do, baby. Anyone would."

I confessed, "When we were all together, out beyond the breakers before, I felt like she was watching. Almost the whole time we were there, I felt she was there, seeing me do what she never really got to see before."

After a few moments, Keith asked, "Was it a good feeling?"

I nodded, "Mostly. Just the cheated feelings again - that she could've and should've really been there. But then I wondered, when would I ever ask my mom to join us at the beach?" Keith chuckled and I continued, "In some ways its better. She can be where ever I need with just a thought. But thinking its better hurts too, ya know?"

He tightened his grip briefly then softly said, "As long as we remember her, she'll always be around. I remember how she used to smile when she caught us holding hands or hugging, like we are now."

I nodded and smiled, "It always made me feel good."

He kissed my cheek and said, "Me too," then pulled back a little to give me a really awesome kiss that left me weakened. After kissing, Keith started to step back but I held on tight, resting my head on his shoulder and moaned contentedly. Oh man, he felt so good in my arms. I didn't want to ever let go. Keith rubbed my back and we started to sway. The whole house seemed so quiet and peaceful for a few minutes. Then we heard the front door open and, moments later, we heard Drew and Corey laughing with John and Keith's dad. We continued holding each other and swaying another minute or two. Then I sighed, "I need to feed the hound but don't really want to stop."

Keith giggled, "I feel great too. A little surprised neither of us got hard."

Pulling back from him, I snickered, "They'll wait until we're eating or at Guitar Center - when we can't do a damn thing about it!"

Keith nodded and chuckled evilly then stepped back. I turned around to open the door and Keith took hold of my shoulders, following me out of our room. Mr. Hundser, John, Drew and Corey watched as we walked down the hall like a two-man train.

John smiled and teased, "Don't let go of each other!"

Keith giggled, "Not until it's absolutely necessary!" and I snickered insanely. If they only knew just how often we were touching each other! We could sleep on opposite sides of the bed but only if some part of us was touching. And the last day made it obvious that we couldn't completely stop touching each other either.

Minutes later, Rush was fed and watered and we were all gathering around the table. Picking up the bowl of noodles, Mr. Hundser said, "One more day of school," and we began to serve ourselves. Conversation quickly moved from school to summer vacation and the trip to Big Bear. That perked up my interest!

Keith seemed a little less enthusiastic than I expected though. Rarely saying a word about it, he seemed more thoughtful to me. Keith then told his parents, "I'd like to go camping alone with Prez this summer."

Momentarily, Mrs. Hundser stopped chewing, appearing very uncertain.

Mr. Hundser said, "We'd feel much more comfortable if Mike and Derrick went along. There's safety in numbers."

Mrs. Hundser swallowed and asked, "Where would you like to go?"

Keith shrugged and answered, "Mammoth Mountain is near the top of the list."

Concerned, she looked across the table at her husband and said, "It would take an entire day to get there." Turning to Keith, she asked, "Isn't there someplace closer you could go?"

Keith shrugged, "I guess. I just want Prez to see Rainbow Falls."

Drew nodded and smiled, "That place is awesome, Prez." Turning to Corey for a second, Drew then asked, "Could Corey and I go too?"

Mrs. Hundser inhaled deeply and let her breath out very slowly.

Glancing around the table, I asked, "Where is Mammoth?"

Mr. Hundser then answered, "North, close to the Oregon border." After another moment's thought, he suggested, "How about starting someplace close. The next trip could be slightly further away and so on."

Keith turned and grinned at me, silently transmitting, "Did I call it, or what?"

I smiled and then asked, "Is the Angeles Forest close enough? Can we camp there?"

Mrs. Hundser nodded and smiled.

Before dinner ended, I took a chance and asked the Hundser's if we could stay in the garage instead of moving everything out to the backyard and then back again. I explained, "We would only have to turn our stuff around, facing out towards the driveway." Not only did they say yes, they asked if any of our friends were staying for dinner. Of course, Mrs. Hundser reminded us to be mindful of our neighbors.

After dinner, while we were on our way to pick up Mike and Derrick, I said, "You didn't seem too thrilled about going to Big Bear."

Keith shrugged, "It could be fun. We could go if you really want. But I was thinking that we could make this summer slightly different than last summer."

I asked, "For my benefit?" and Keith nodded. Then I asked, "Do you want to go?"

"I want to be with you, baby. Remember, we would have to take time off work to go. But what if we asked to stay home that weekend? We'd have the house to ourselves for at least three whole days."

Understanding, I groaned provocatively then said, "I'm really going to have to think about this now. Staying home would definitely be fun but Big Bear has a special place near my heart."

Keith nodded and smiled, "Whichever you want, Prez. Either way, we're still going camping a few times."

Remembering those days at Big Bear last summer, I hummed thoughtfully and made the final turn onto Mike's street. As soon as I pulled up to the curb, the front door opened. Mike and Derrick stepped out and crossed the lawn flashing our lickity-split signal. I laughed out loud and Keith shook his head, chuckling softly. Mike had his electric with him and I popped the rear gate for him. After stowing his guitar, Mike slid in the backseat and, as if he were imitating milk commercials, innocently asked, "Got pubes?"

Briefly, I wondered what I was thinking when I tossed the sack of goodies into the back seat.

While Derrick got in the car, I giggled and Keith chuckled, "Ye-es! There's still one more day of school!"

As I pulled away, Derrick grinned devilishly and asked, "So are you just trimming or going bald?"

Keith laughed so hard that he couldn't answer and I chuckled, "We'll see how it goes."

Mike hummed then said, "They're so secretive. I'll bet they've already done it."

In the rearview mirror I saw Derrick nod.

Since neither Keith nor I said anything, Mike soon broke the silence and asked that we change the radio station to, "at least classic rock". The radio station was still set to Keith's favorite soft hits station.

Keith let go of my hand and reached for the radio but I stopped him and said, "Get the tape case please, babe." Keith leaned forward to grab my tapes from under his seat and I loudly asked, "Have you two been practicing a lot of Tom Petty tunes?"

Derrick answered, "Some but not a lot."

And Mike added, "We've worked on Breakdown, Free Fallin', and You Got Lucky."

Turning onto Ventura Boulevard, I loudly asked, "Why haven't you said anything before?"

Derrick shrugged and answered, "They're not very difficult."

Mike agreed, "Kinda boring actually."

"But they're cool tunes," I said, and then reminded, "most of We Will Rock You is boring for everyone but Mike." Keith glanced my way and we briefly smiled at each other.

Popping the tape into the player, Keith commented, "They're songs folks will definitely recognize. And I get to take a break while Derrick sings!"

Mike and Derrick started teasing Keith and, for the first time, I was ready to really yell for them to back off. But Keith was smiling and shaking his head through most of their rant. Then he turned around and said, "It's your dream, not mine. As long as Prez is into it, I'll be into it. But it's for him and for you two. Its time you dudes stepped up to the plate, don't you think?" Keith faced forward and I glanced in the mirror again. Mike and Derrick were looking at each other.

After a few moments uncomfortable silence, Mike softly said, "So cranky! Prez, something needs to be done here. Jeez!"

Keith smiled at me then continued, "I like the ballads a lot; even some of the faster rockers. But I've been singing lead on three-quarters of the songs. You dudes need to show off what you can do too. It's like, one of you may go off on a tune and you all start playing. Most times it all comes together. The only times it's gone off track is when Jessy starts playing that off-beat jazz stuff she plays." Then Keith turned around and teased, "And even that goes okay until the guitar solo!" One by one, Derrick, Mike and I cracked up.

Leaning forward a bit, Mike tapped my shoulder and asked, "Are you finding most things we play really easy lately?"

I nodded, "Variations on a theme. Once I commit the progression and changes to memory, it's done. Anything I play beyond that is just improvisation."

Mike then prodded, "But can you see the fretboard when you hear a song? Lately I can see what's being played in my mind. Only the faster, more difficult leads take some time to learn."

I nodded excitedly and answered, "Yeah. The more I concentrate the clearer it gets."

Derrick then commented, "It's all just various forms of the blues."

Nodding, I agreed and said, "Even jazz is blues based. It's just the syncopated swing beat that makes all the difference."

Mike huffed, "They use all those weird chords though. It's not enough to play dominant or major sevenths - they gotta use all those augmented and diminished chords. I'm working on it though. They're just new fingerings and my fingers aren't cooperating fully yet."

Keith then said, "It's not the rhythm part, Mike; it's the solos."

Repeating what my junior high band teacher had said, I suggested, "Play like a horn player, Mike- like you need to take breaths between phrases."

As if he were confused, Mike softly repeated, "Breaths? Like a horn player?"

Derrick then said, "Like you're singing, dude. The best solos are melodic and rhythmic. Inhale then play while you're exhaling, like a sax or trumpet player."

I pulled into the Guitar Center parking lot, found a space and parked. Mike and Derrick quickly got out and headed into the store. Smiling insanely, I turned to Keith. He had finally told Mike and Derrick some of what he had told me and I was very proud of him. Leaning over and pulling Keith towards me, I planted a big, wet one right on his mouth.

He often gets a wondrous look after I kiss him, like he doesn't know what he did or why I kissed him! Naturally, he had to kiss me back before we got out of the car. Keith waited for me and we walked into the store. Having been there so many times, I automatically knew where the bass effects were and we headed in that direction.

Using a Fender Jazz bass much like my own, I tried the Line6 Bass Pod out for about fifteen minutes. In some settings, I couldn't really hear a difference. I explained the problem to Keith and without saying another word he got up and waved a salesman over.

The salesman retrieved another cable and soon I was playing through two amps. The Bass Pod had some really cool settings but what bothered me most was the lack of a pedal for volume or wah effects. I asked the salesman if there were any units with an expression pedal, like Mike's GT-3. He said that I might like a DOD unit and wandered off to get one for me. A few minutes later, I was playing through a DOD Bass30 and two Behringer amps. For another fifteen or twenty minutes, I played and tried each of the effects unit's preprogrammed settings when Mike and Derrick returned.

Holding a stand and a very odd looking drum, Derrick loudly said, "It sounds awesome, dude!" Mike was holding a small cymbal and a cymbal stand but looking down at the effects unit on the floor.

I nodded and stopped playing then said, "Yeah, I think this one will work." Then I turned to Keith and said, "I just saved about a hundred bucks."

Shocked, Keith loudly said, "That other unit was four hundred bones?" Turning off the amps, I nodded. Keith grinned, "I'm glad you like this one better then."

Mike said, "DOD makes excellent guitar effects. This one should last a while."

Noticing the salesman coming our way, I nodded and smiled, "I hope so. Are you dudes red-eye?"

Mike nodded and giggled, "Not yet but lets check out and do that."

I looked at Derrick. He smiled and started whistling then patted the pocket of his shorts. Rolling my eyes, I giggled insanely.

The salesman returned and asked, "What do you think?"

Slightly distracted, I answered, "It's great. I'll take one and an extra cable too please."

Derrick then interjected, "Might as well ring us all up together."

We started for the checkout counter and I noticed a small black case in Mike's hand. I asked, "What's in the case, Mike?"

He looked back and answered, "With part of my birthday money, I thought I'd get a cordless microphone."

I glanced at Keith and chuckled, "Excellent! We'll each have our own mic now!"

Keith then tapped the drum Derrick was carrying and asked, "What's this called, dude?"

Derrick answered, "It's a Djembe. I'll use it as a bass drum at the beach."

Mike nodded and said, "It fits perfect with bongos."

We piled our stuff on the counter and waited anxiously for the salesman to announce the grand total. Moments later, he said, "Eight twenty seven." Keith's eyes about jumped out of their sockets!

I dug into my pocket and Mike did the same. Turning to Derrick, Mike asked, "Ya got seven bucks?" Then Mike put five one hundred dollar bills on the counter with my three hundred and twenty. Derrick dug two fives from his pocket and added them to the pile. Gathering our cash the salesmen then rang us up, returning moments later with our receipt.

Keith smiled insanely as we walked from the store. The moment we stepped outside, he loudly chuckled, "What exactly did you all just spend almost a grand on?"

I giggled, "Bass effects and a chord."

And Derrick added, "A Djembe drum, a splash cymbal and stand."

Finally, Mike grinned, "A Shure wireless mic, pop-screen, a mic stand and strings for Shaun."

Glancing at me and Mike, Derrick grinned, "We still got a hell of a discount - about a hundred bucks worth."

As I unlocked the back of the 4-Runner, Keith howled, "Was it good for you?"

Mike, Derrick and I grinned at each other for only a second. Simultaneously, we all agreed that only sex was better than getting new stuff for our band and Keith cracked up.

We hurried home to try out our new toys for a few minutes. During the drive, Derrick sang Tom Petty tunes from the back seat. Everything but Derrick's new drum was brought into the garage. We lined up three microphone stands and hollered for Drew to join us in the garage. While we waited for Drew, I set up my new effects unit and plugged into both amps. I tinkered with the amps for a while to get a good mix that wasn't overbearing then got my new bass.

At first, Derrick setup his new splash cymbal to the far left, above the high-hat. Since that felt uncomfortable, he moved it to the far right, over the floor toms. After a small adjustment, he was satisfied and doing light drum rolls, ending with a splash.

Drew finally came in the garage and helped us set the PA volume balance for the new microphone. Of course, we had to try a quick tune. Glancing at his watch, Keith suggested, "It's getting late. Make it something light."

Derrick nodded and said, "I wanna hear some bass too though. How about Every Breath You Take?" Keith and Mike nodded then Derrick began tapping his sticks and counting out the beat. On the count of four, Derrick hit his snare and we began playing. As I played, I realized that the song was written for a fretless bass and really got into the song. Mike's lead arpeggios sounded perfect and Keith's vocals were equally impressive.

Without any warning, as we started the first bridge, I felt my mom watching and got a shiver down my spine. Struggling to concentrate, I looked up and saw Keith's parents standing in the doorway. Mrs. Hundser was swaying gently and they were both smiling.

Noticing his parents, Keith turned to me and sang, "Since you've gone, I been lost without a trace. I dream at night, I can only see your face. I look around but it's you I can't replace. I feel so cold and I long for your embrace. I keep cryin', baby, baby, please."

Briefly, my eyes filled with tears but I continued playing. It wasn't only Keith's singing that caused me to get misty-eyed. It was the Hundser's interest in our band. My mom always encouraged me but my dad never did. It would've taken far too much effort for him to show a little interest. Of course, it hurt to know that my only surviving parent didn't give a shit about me. But Keith's parents were not only tolerant but interested in our band, very much like my mom was.

Even without Jessy's keyboard parts, everyone played on queue and we sounded really good. Moments later, Mike and Derrick started singing background vocals and I snapped out of my self-induced trance to join them.

Later, when we had finished the song to applause, Keith turned and clapped at each of us excitedly saying, "You are all so much better than you were last winter!"

Drew nodded and smiled, "Way, way better."

Still clapping, Mr. and Mrs. Hundser entered the garage.

Mrs. Hundser hugged Keith and pulled him over by me, smiling so proudly and wrapping her arms around us.

Mr. Hundser went over to Mike and Derrick. After congratulating them, he said, "I'm a bit surprised, Mike."

Mike grinned, "About?"

Mr. Hundser smiled and said, "I thought every guitar player knew Stairway To Heaven but I've never heard you play it once."

Shaking his head and giggling, Mike turned up his guitar and started playing the tune perfectly. Mike smiled, "It's pretty easy and well... it's just played too much," and stopped playing, letting the final chord ring out.

Mrs. Hundser then prompted, "Play the whole song, please."

Keith turned to his mom and giggled, "I don't know the words!"

Smiling widely at us, Mr. Hundser challenged, "A real band would at least try," and Keith cracked up.

Glancing around at each of us, Derrick chuckled, "The gauntlet has been tossed! I'll give it a shot."

Nodding, Mike giggled and started over from the beginning.

Having never played the song, I quickly asked, "What key, Mike?"

Without pausing, he stepped up to his new mic and answered, "A minor," then hummed the flute part. Then Derrick began singing the lead vocals. I listened, waited and watched with Keith and his parents. Derrick's voice wasn't near as high as Robert Plant's but he was remembering the lyrics and holding the tune pretty easily. A minute or so later, Mike stepped on his GT-3, switching from an acoustic guitar sound to a clean electric with lots of reverb. Derrick sang the third verse and I came in with a totally improvised melodic bass part. Moments later, Derrick came in with his drums. Then Mike switched from clean to raunchy and played the solo note-for-note. Up to this point everything sounded pretty good.

But then Derrick started screaming the final verse.

There's no two ways about it - it sounded bad. I grinned and Keith turned away, giggling his ass off. Obviously, Mrs. Hundser was somewhere between amused and repulsed! Drew covered his mouth and turned candy-apple red. In the middle of the third line of the final verse, Derrick started giggling at himself while he drummed and screamed! Then, to add insult to injury, Mike helped "sing" the last few lines. By this point, Drew and Keith were hysterical but Mike, Derrick and I held on to the bitter end and finished the song.

Taking off his guitar and scanning the room, Mike asked, "Well, what do ya think? Gold or platinum?" Chuckling, I took off my bass.

Drew softly offered, "Keith could've sung it."

Spinning around, Keith glared at his brother and smirked, "Or you could sing it for me?"

Drew blushed and said, "The music was really good. Even Derrick's vocals were good." Looking at Derrick, he paused and giggled, "Until the very end."

Derrick grinned, "If any one of us were that good, we wouldn't be here."

Mr. Hundser grinned, "That was pretty good. There aren't many that would've even tried." Then he chuckled, "I'm glad you don't take yourselves too seriously."

Smiling or chuckling, we all turned to Mrs. Hundser. She noticed us waiting for her opinion and turned to her husband saying, "It reminded me of the live version in that movie we saw."

Mike's eyes bulged and he yelled, "You saw The Song Remains The Same? I don't believe it!"

Nodding, Mrs. Hundser grimaced, "Believe me, its one of my least favorite movies." Mike and Derrick laughed.

Mr. Hundser agreed, "It makes me glad I never paid for concert tickets."

Derrick loudly laughed, "Omigod!"

Shaking his head sadly, Mike chuckled, "I'd love to see Zeppelin live!" Then he sighed, "It'll prolly never happen though."

Putting away my bass, I grinned and said, "Maybe if Page and Plant could get it together again?"

Standing and stretching, Derrick said, "It's too bad we missed the last tour."

Mike began to put his gear away and agreed, "If they do it again, we're there, dude." Keith's parents started to leave the garage and minutes later we followed. Stopping in the living room, Mr. Hundser asked, "Will the party be over by the time I get home from work?"

Mike nodded and said, "Definitely. We need to talk with my mom tomorrow night."

Keith's mom grinned, "Be flexible, Michael. She'll give some if you give some."

Mike huffed, "I'll try," and then whined, "I want this so bad though." The Hundser's both nodded and smiled.

On our way out the front door, Mike glanced at Keith and said, "I'll have a set list put together by morning."

Keith nodded, "I'll bring the lyrics notebook. It'll give me something to do at school."

We started towards Mike's house, talking about music and our band the entire way. Over the last few days, Mike and Derrick had made it clear that they wanted to concentrate on jamming this summer. This day was no different. Derrick and Mike had both had short conversations with Jess and knew that she would be equally enthused.

Learning cover tunes and reproducing them is only one part of being musician. The greatest thrill is in the creativity - building a song from the ground up. For example, most of the songs we cover fade out near the end. Of course, playing live, fade outs aren't possible. So we have to create appropriate endings using some part of the song's main theme. Sometimes the band might repeat a section and end suddenly or, other times, we might tag a standard progression on the end and hold the final chord. And we all love to jam around blues variations.

When we got back home, Rush came running to me with his new rope toy. I praised him and sat down on the floor to play tug with him. Rush was so happy that his whole body wagged while he fought to pull the rope away from me. We watched each other intently. I could tell that Rush was preparing to pull with all his strength and when he did, I let go of the rope, sending him staggering back. With the rope still hanging out of his mouth, he immediately returned to me and growled as if to say, "Very funny! Now let's play!"

From the loveseat, Keith talked with his parents about our camping trips. Keith's mom insisted that Keith's dad joined us for the first trip, just to ensure that we would know how to setup the tent and would build safe campfires. The problem was our work schedules. Mr. Hundser had weekends off but Keith and I would be working those days. I then suggested an overnighter on a Friday evening. The Hundser's agreed. Then Keith suggested that we plan on a camping trip the next week.

By this point, I was holding the rope with both hands and Rush was practically pulling me over. Mrs. Hundser gave me "the look". I got the hint, let go of the rope and smiled, "Wanna go out, Rush?"

With his toy hanging out of his mouth, the dog quickly trotted to the back door and sat down. I got up and Mrs. Hundser smiled, "Thank you."

Before leaving the room, I turned to Keith and he smiled, "I'll be out in a few minutes, baby." Heading towards the backdoor, I realized that Keith called me "baby" in front of his parents again and smiled. While outside playing with Rush, I wondered what Keith was talking to his parents about. It was probably our afternoon conversations about my mom's accident. I didn't have long to wait before Keith stepped outside.

Tossing the rope for Rush to chase, I turned and asked, "Is everything okay?"

Tilting his head curiously, Keith smiled, "Course. Why wouldn't it be?"

Rush returned with the toy and dropped it in front of me. I leaned over and tossed it again then asked, "What were you talking with your folks about?" Across the lawn, Rush was vigorously shaking his head from side-to-side, to kill the already lifeless rope.

Keith answered, "I asked if we could stay home this summer instead of going with them to Big Bear. They already figured I would ask that."

Rush was laying down, still pawing at the rope. I said, "Oh. I thought maybe it was the chat we had earlier - about my mom's accident."

Keith smiled, "Nope. I'm pretty sure they'll let us stay home but they're thinking about it." But his smiled waned quickly as he spoke and he started across the lawn. I followed and Keith bent over Rush. Then Keith said, "What's the matter boy?" Squatting down and looking at the dog, I soon saw that Rush was really struggling to get the rope out of his mouth. Keith huffed and whispered, "Shit. The rope must be stuck on a loose tooth."

Noticing a few red splotches on the new white rope, I got a little concerned and said, "He's bleeding a little too," then tried to hold the dog's paws still. But Rush wouldn't have it and whimpered briefly.

I straddled the dog and Keith knelt down saying, "It looks like only a few strings."

Rush looked up at me, obviously sad and frustrated. I could almost hear him say, "I'm going to have this thing attached to me the rest of my days. All the other neighborhood dogs will laugh and point."

We both looked inside the dog's mouth. A hunk of strings were caught between two loose teeth. Keith tried to break the strings but the dog cried out and he quickly stopped. Shaking his head, Keith smiled, "Let me just get scissors and a flashlight. I'll be right back." Then he hopped up and hurried into the house. I looked down at Rush and reassured him until Keith came back only moments later. While Keith snipped strings, I held Rush still.

Minutes later, the rope was removed and the strings pulled out of the dog's teeth. The moment I got off him, Rush bounced up and danced happily around us while we chuckled at a very grateful hound-dog. Then I tossed the rope across the yard. Rush wouldn't even chase it! He looked up at me and then ran to the back door.

We started for the house and Keith giggled, "You didn't really expect him to fetch it, did you?"

I smiled, "I was hoping."

Keith snickered, "Maybe tomorrow but definitely not tonight," then opened the door.

As we walked in, Mrs. Hundser was shuffling towards her bedroom. She waved and yawned, "Nighty-night," then went in her room and closed the door.

Opening the fridge and peeking inside, Keith said, "I'm a little hungry. Do you want anything, Prez?"

Stepping over by him, I leaned close and whispered, "I'm hungry all right."

Keith snickered, closed the refrigerator door and whispered, "Before or after midnight?"

Taking him in my arms, I softly said, "You've been so great in so many ways the last few days. I think both - before and after midnight."

He hugged me tight and tenderly kissed me. Then we got ourselves two glasses of water and I called Rush. We said goodnight to Keith's dad and returned to our room with Rush tagging along.

Stepping up to the entertainment center and turning on the receiver, Keith wrapped his arms around me and whispered, "Was this a good day?"

I nodded, "A really good day," changed to his favorite station and lowered the volume then turned to face him.

We started swaying slowly. Keith softly asked, "Nothing I said this afternoon upset you?"

"Nothing," I whispered.

"Can I ask why you're interested in all that?"

I sighed, "Only because of these time warps, ya know? I really don't enjoy feeling like its last year, like I don't really live here. I want to get past it. This just seemed like a way to accomplish that." Nodding, Keith hugged me tightly for a few moments. I then asked, "It bothers you?"

He shrugged, "I'm only scared that it will bother you - maybe make you restless at night."

I offered, "I could talk with Mike about that stuff, if you'd rather."

Keith shook his head and suggested, "Why don't we just wait and see if you toss and turn tonight?"

Hugging him back, I softly admitted, "I hope I don't wake you. I really want to talk with you about it. Derrick won't let me go there - he'll take a tangent and we wind up talking about something else."

Keith asked, "Like?"

"He'll ask me something and make me tell him something about her. Or he'll compare my family to his."

Keith nodded, "Looking for the positive stuff instead of focusing on the negative. Like while we were at the beach. You said it was good that she was there with just a thought. But thinking it was good made you feel bad."

Barely choking back my tears, I nodded and whispered, "Guilty of liking some things better now." Keith began rubbing my back and within seconds, I was sobbing. He tried to reassure me but I held onto him and softly cried, "I miss her so much. But I'm so tired of it, Keith. I'm holding back the sadness and doing an okay job of it, I think." Keith hummed affirmatively then I continued, "But then I'll have another flashback - another little shadow that reminds me she's gone. When I'm busy I have a fighting chance but if I'm not busy..."

Keith softly hushed me, reminding me of all the things my mom taught me and the things he loves about me. Then he whispered, "This day and all the days ahead will be better. She promised you that."

Composing myself, I nodded and wearily sighed.

In the most soothing tone, Keith reassured, "Now it's my job to keep you happy."

Stepping back but not letting him go, I smiled, "You do a great job of it."

Keith nodded and smiled, "You care for me. I care for you. Next day, same thing."

Leaning forward, I kissed him and then whispered, "I love you, Keith." He kissed me back and, in a few moments, we melted together.

---

When we finally went to sleep, I was spooned up behind him. When the radio woke us up, our positions were reversed. Like many other days, Prez yawned, "G'mornin', babe," and kissed my neck, sending shivers down my spine.

Before my eyes have even opened, my lover has empowered me with his trust and confidence. He gently wakes me with hugs and kisses. Becoming conscious again, I feel his morning wood against my butt then stretch and rollover for our morning grind. Prez was really playful that morning as we rolled and humped away; reminding me that it was our last day of school, assuring me that I would sing well that afternoon and reminding me of how much sex we were going to have all summer long. Minutes later, while we were in the shower, he began finger-combing my pubes, bouncing his eyebrows and giggling.

On our way to pick-up Mike and Derrick that Friday morning, I asked, "You slept alright?"

Behind the wheel, Prez smiled and rapidly nodded, "I dreamt of her but they were all good dreams." He then asked, "You?"

"Like a log," I answered.

Prez asked, "Have you invited anyone over this afternoon?"

I nodded and said, "Yep. Will, Zack and Alex."

Prez nodded and giggled, "Cool. I invited Rebecca, her friend and Greg Kovac."

I glanced his way and he briefly looked in my eyes. He didn't say it but I clearly heard him chuckle, "Hornball Zack, sneakin' peaks."

I laughed, "Zack does not have the hots for me!" Prez cracked up and I playfully insisted, "Bi ain't good enough. They're thinking of hiring us for dances anyway. Besides, Zack's too thin for my liking."

Prez chortled, "You know, statistically speaking, most skinny dudes are really hung."

I laughed, "You've been looking?"

Prez bellowed, "Not me!"

"You're completely innocent!"

"Absolutely!"

Pulling into Mike's neighborhood, I felt the need to remind Prez of something and quickly said, "That dildo was pretty big."

Prez turned and smiled, "It sure set you off fast."

That was an understatement! I nodded, "And later, when you entered me, what did I say?"

Blushing, Prez softly said, "That I felt as big."

"Every bit as big," I corrected, and then grinned, "You got me off twice again." Omigod, it was great! After sucking him off, I climbed on top of him and soon was able to slide his once again hard dick inside me. After I shot my first load, I was still feeling great and begged Prez to finish inside me. We changed positions; putting me on my back and Prez drove it home, setting me off a second time.

Slowing down and stopping in front of Mike's house, Prez nodded, "I had to make up for the awesome blowjob." Then he tugged on the front of his shorts and softly complained, "The damned thing's getting hard again!"

I noticed the front door opening and quickly said, "Okay, be cool, don't let them know we did anything last night."

Throwing his head back and grabbing his stomach, Prez roared.

Carrying the Tinky Winky stuffed doll and Mike's gig bag, Derrick stepped out the front door, followed seconds later by Mike. Prez popped the rear gate and Mike quickly stowed his guitars. Derrick slid in the back seat saying, "G'mornin'."

Looking in the rearview mirror, Prez asked, "Did you find some Velcro?"

Mike slid in the backseat and Derrick nodded, "It's only a two inch strip. We'll see if it's enough to hold Tinky upright."

Handing me two copies of the set list for this afternoon, Mike said, "We're out of duct tape too, dudes."

Prez huffed, "Aw shit!" and pulled away from the curb.

I glanced over the set list and said, "While you dudes move stuff around, I'll run back out and get a roll."

Mike said, "Cool."

And Prez smiled, "Thanks, babe."

Derrick snickered, "What kind of roll are you getting exactly?" Mike and Prez giggled.

Slamming my eyes shut for an instant, I then turned around and hollered, "A roll of duct tape, you perv! I was going to offer to get some Velcro too!" Prez cracked up.

Mike heckled, "Such a cranky bitch."

After we crossed the Topanga Canyon intersection, Derrick asked, "You dudes skipped another night?"

Smiling, Prez and I both nodded.

Leaning over and resting his head on Derrick's lap, Mike yawned and wondered, "I don't know what you dudes are trying to prove lately."

After a few moments wordless exchange with Mike, Derrick then admitted, "We quickly got to the point where jacking off alone at night just got to be ridiculous." He paused and giggled, "I mean, we're gonna do it anyway so why not together?" After glancing down at Mike, he then added, "Even if all we share are kisses through a handjob, it's important."

Mike enthusiastically admitted, "For me, it's an awful lot."

There was the unmistakable sound of smacking lips then Derrick softly said, "For me too."

Prez smiled, "So you admit that you do something at least once a day?"

Mike nodded, "Almost every day."

Derrick explained, "Sometimes we snuggle and just drop off to sleep. You dudes must know." Prez and I nodded.

While we waited to make the final turn into the student parking lot, Prez quickly turned and silently asked, "Should we tell them?"

Smiling widely, I transmitted, "Nah! Maybe in a few days," and Prez snickered then pretended that he was coughing as he drove gaily forward and parked the 4-Runner.

Most of my last day of school was spent reading lyrics, remembering the songs and psyching myself up for another show. The seniors seemed to be roaming the school at will, getting their yearbooks signed. It surprised me that lots of juniors also bought yearbooks. Will and Zack had bought copies. They asked me to sign their yearbooks so I wrote short memories about the frolics, gave them my home phone number with hopes that we'd get together over the summer and scribbled my name. Prez had brought a Bass Player magazine and read that during second period English.

At lunch time, we all decided to stay at school but ate outside. Finished eating, Mike smiled and handed Jessy the tattered Black Angus gift certificate we had won at the frolics. Of course, he insisted that his mom washed his jeans while Prez and I laughed hysterically at him. But then Derrick pulled out a new gift certificate and cheerfully told Jessy that "she was glue that really pulled the band together." Prez and I readily agreed and told her to take Nelson out for a good dinner. Jessy was very happy and gave each of us a big hug.

At the end of the day and the school year, we gathered and hurried across the parking lot to Prez's 4-Runner.

Prez asked, "You okay babe?"

I smiled and answered, "A few butterflies but they're not so bad this time."

Mike shook his head and snickered, "You'll be fine, dude. It's gonna be fun, wait and see."

Prez assured, "It'll be mostly friends we invited."

Derrick said, "Don't sweat it, dude. We'll start moving the gear around while you run to the store and get duct tape, okay?"

I nodded and grinned, "No problem." Another opportunity to surprise Prez had presented itself! While Prez drove us home, he chatted with Derrick and Mike about the songs they would be playing, reminding each other of various cues. That gave me the opportunity to dream about my night alone with Prez.

With a little luck, I could get the entire house emptied out for about two hours tonight. That would be enough time for Prez and I to play and be somewhat mellow when folks came back home, I figured. But I wondered if there might be something I could get for Prez - maybe something to add to our play time - but what? I couldn't waste too much time while I was away though. They would need the duct tape to secure all the wires and cables before they could start playing.

Prez pulled in front of our house, turned off the truck and leaned over to kiss me. The back door opened and Derrick got out. Then Prez softly said, "Thanks again for doing this, babe."

I kissed him back. From the backseat, Mike coughed, "'Scuse me," then stuffed a ten dollar bill in my hand and said, "Hurry back, dude," before climbing out.

I nodded then turned to Prez and said, "See ya later, lover."

Prez giggled, "I don't know what's got me more jazzed - this little concert or what we're doing later."

I laughed, "What we're doing later; might as well admit it."

Mike yelled, "Come on, Prez! We got shit to do!"

Prez shook his head and smiled, "Be careful and hurry back."

I nodded and said, "You'll hardly know I'm gone," then hurried out of the 4-Runner and into my Camry. While I drove I thought of the stores near Sav-On. There was a Ralph's supermarket, Mail Boxes Etc., a health and fitness club - virtually nothing that might be useful.

After parking, I saw a woman walking out of Ralph's with helium party balloons and thought, they might be cool. After we shaved each other and made love, we could inhale the helium and speak with high, squeaky voices!

I went into Sav-On and quickly found the duct tape then raced up and down the aisles. Finding nothing and prepared to get balloons, I paid for the tape and headed for Ralph's.

While I was waiting in line though, something really funny happened. A little boy, about ten, I guess, was helping his mom out of the store and carrying a small round cake. Well, the kid tripped, the cake went flying and the kid landed in it - face first! He got up, looking so pitiful, his face covered with white icing. Stunned, his mother yelled, "Oh, Brent!" then smiled and in a flash, just cracked up laughing.

The little kid hollered, "This is not funny! Our desert is ruined!"

Getting out of line, I snickered all the way to the back of the store and scanned the dairy shelf. It caught my eye in a flash and I grabbed two, paid the cashier then hurried out of the store.

By the time I got home, Drew and Corey were there already and helping set things up. Nelson and Jessy were there also. So were Rebecca and another girl. It looked like all the equipment was moved into the new positions - facing out into the street. All the amps and the drums were lined up even with the front of the garage. Three microphone stands were setup about six feet in front of that. The mixer was in the middle of the driveway. Drew hollered, "Get the tape, Cor."

Turning on a dime, Corey ran to me. I reached in the plastic sack for the tape then tossed it to him and hurried into the house. Moments later, my stash was hidden on the bottom shelf in the back of the fridge. In case Prez decided to come in or ask what I was doing, I swiftly got six large cups, filled them with ice water, grabbed two and headed for the garage.

Hovering over his amp and Tinky Winky, Mike looked up and frowned, "It took you long enough. Did you get any Velcro?"

Smiling and shaking my head, I handed Mike a cup and said, "The tape alone was eight bucks."

He huffed and said, "Where's my change?"

Rolling my eyes, I snickered, "Shipping and handling."

Mike hollered, "I'll give you handling!" Off in the distance, Prez giggled.

Noticing Prez on his knees, taping down cables by the microphones, I moved closer to Mike, smiled and whispered, "I got some stuff for me and Prez for later. I'll pay you back - if you just stop yelling."

Turning briefly to see where Prez was, Mike then faced me again and softly snickered, "Shaving cream?"

Heading back in the house, I giggled, "Close but not quite!"

A minute or so later, after I had brought the remaining cups of water outside, I noticed Jessy, Mike and Derrick in position, ready to start. A few steps away from the mixer, Prez was talking with Gil and Shaun. Beyond them, loitering on the front lawn and further down the driveway were John, Tommy, Kim, Jerry, Mack, Greg, Will, Alex, Zach and at least a dozen more neighborhood kids.

Climbing over amps, I asked, "Are we ready?"

Jessy said, "Whenever you are, Keith."

Mike stepped up to his mic and loudly said, "We're ready, Prez. We need to do a quick sound check." Moments later, Prez was putting his new bass over his shoulders. I picked up my tambourine then Mike said, "Drew, a little more reverb on my mic for the first song."

Drew looked down then hollered, "Try again, dude."

Starting out softly and getting louder, Mike said, "test, Test, TEST," and then chuckled, "Kewl!" Turning around, Mike said, "Let's try a medium blues shuffle, in D minor," and Derrick began tapping his sticks together then began laying down the beat. Shaking and beating my tambourine, I tried to keep up. Prez began playing and then Mike, followed immediately by Jessy. I noticed Jerry and Mack talking with Will and Zack but of course, couldn't hear a word. Then Jerry tapped Drew on the shoulder. Moments later, Drew ran to one of the bass amps and turned it up. Jerry pointed at the other amp and Drew went over to turn it up a notch. Prez noticed all this and began giggling hysterically as Drew hurried back to the mixer. Derrick began changing his drumming pattern slightly and I looked over at him. He noticed and nodded, signaling me to keep slamming my tambourine. Mike went over to Jessy and they fed off each other during the middle-eight. Just before returning to the main theme, Mike turned and strutted towards Prez. Noticing Mike's challenge, Prez grinned and shook his tight little ass over to Mike. Then they turned away but leaned against each other, back-to-back, while Mike played a short solo. When he finished, Jessy took a turn on her synthesizer but I swear, it sounded like a real sax player. We returned to the middle-eight progression again then afterwards, Jessy, Prez and Mike all turned to face Derrick and me. With three thunderous beats, they ended the jam and I stuffed my tambourine between my knees to keep the bitch quiet for a few seconds. My hands were already raw by this point. But our audience seemed a little larger and they were all clapping.

After quickly playing the old 'shave and a haircut, two bits' phrase on his bass, Prez stepped up to his mic and happily said, "Howdy, we're Old Habits. Can anyone tell me what day this is?"

A few kids glanced around and muttered, "The last day of school."

Prez teased, "That's real enthusiastic."

A little more loudly, John and some of his friends said, "It's the last day of school."

Prez chuckled, "I still can't hear you!"

Way louder, kids shouted, "It's the last day of school!" but Drew, Corey, Greg, Rebecca, Jerry and Mack seemed the loudest, probably because they were closest to us.

Mike started bouncing and Derrick tapped his sticks then they began playing School's Out. Putting down my tambourine, I picked up my cowbell. Prez and Jessy soon began playing. Mike sang lead vocals and the rest of us backed him up.

Out by the street, I noticed John greeting some more of his friends. Kicked back on the lawn were Nelson and two of his friends. Parked cars were lined up in front of the house and across the street. Needing to only keep a simple beat on the cowbell, I found myself counting heads in the audience. By the time Mike finished the first song, I had reached thirty, stopped counting and told Derrick.

Smiling widely and throwing his head back, Derrick began pounding out We Will Rock You. Jessy joined with synthesized drums while Mike and Prez stomped their feet and clapped. I put down the cowbell and stepped up to the mic then started singing. The amazing part was while we were singing the chorus' and instigating the crowd to join along; they actually did as they were told! Then Mike played the guitar solo and I watched our audience while I stomped my feet and clapped along. A few were sitting on the lawn but most were standing in the driveway and street, some playing air guitar along with Mike. It was a kick to see!

With little more than a few seconds pause, Derrick began tapping his sticks. Quickly remembering the next song in the list, I picked up my cowbell again then moved over by Prez. Jessy picked up Mike's acoustic guitar and moments later, she and Mike began playing. Then Mike shouted, "Come on!" prompting Prez and Derrick to join in playing The Road.

After the intro, Derrick and Mike sang:

"Every day I get up from off the floor
I keep on coming back for more and more
So many times I get it in the face
I keep on running ' til my dying day

"Rain on the roadway, thunder in the sky
The light of day disappears from sight

"As the road opens up in front of my eyes
These wheels are burning up the miles
As the road opens up in front of my eyes
The only limitation is in my mind

"I drive awake my eyes are on full beam
The wind is screaming into my slipstream
Something keeps pulling me back from sleep
Whatever it is I want to see

"These wheels are burning up the road tonight
The fuel is pumping into my mind

"As the road opens up in front of my eyes
These wheels are burning up the miles
As the road opens up in front of my eyes
The only limitation is in my mind

"I'll be there when it all comes down
I'll be there
I'll be there when it all comes down
I'll be there
When it all comes down"

Hopping back away from the microphone, Mike played the solo perfectly then he stepped back up to sing the last chorus'.

"As the road opens up in front of my eyes
These wheels are burning up the miles
As the road opens up in front of my eyes
The only limitation is in my mind
The road
Fuel is pumping gasoline into my mind
As the road opens up in front of my eyes
The only limitation is in my mind
The road"

After the song ended and while the audience applauded, Jessy put the acoustic guitar back in its stand then returned to her keys. Derrick paused for a quick drink then began tapping his sticks. Mike started playing the opening to Give Me One Reason and a few moments later, Jessy began singing. Strutting around with Prez, I slapped the tambourine and shook maracas. Nelson got up and his friends followed, moving close to the mixer, dancing in place right in front of us during the whole song.

Glancing around the driveway, front lawn and street and wondered how many people were here watching us. It seemed like a lot more to me. After Jessy finished, everyone clapped but Nelson and his buds whistled and hollered loudly. I leaned close to Prez and said, "Lots of people showed up."

Prez nodded and giggled, "Way more than we invited!"

Mike called, "Shaun, come join us for the next two, dude." The audience clapped as Shaun got up from the lawn and walked along the driveway.

I asked Prez, "What's the next one?"

Pushing his bass away from his body, Prez looked down at the set list he had taped there and softly said, "Hold My Hand."

I nodded and asked, "Why aren't you playing your new bass?"

He snickered, "I'm not ready yet," and then we went to the center microphone. Moments later, Shaun started strumming the opening guitar part. Then Prez and I began singing.

Last January, when we added the song to our list, I was originally going to sing the song alone. They tried the song in several different keys for me but we didn't like the way it sounded. So we started playing it in the original key with Prez singing lead vocals. Since he started the song singing weakly but eventually got stronger, I stepped up to the same mic and sang along, instigating him to sing it like we knew he could. That made all the difference in the world. And Prez's voice is really perfect for the tune.

The song really sounded so much fuller with Shaun's rhythm guitar in the mix. The audience obviously agreed and clapped loudly.

While Shaun was still with us, we played Take It Easy, with Shaun doing a really enthusiastic lead vocal. With three guitars bass, drums and my percussion, we backed him up.

When we finished the song to loud applause, Shaun took off his guitar and waved then went back to the crowd. Prez stepped up to the mic and explained, "Shaun's learning the tunes we cover but will be joining us more often."

Mike menacingly growled, "Soon, right? Right!" and Shaun nodded, laughing hysterically while more applause traveled around the crowd.

Corey ran towards us and went to Prez. Prez leaned over and started laughing hysterically. Corey grinned impishly then hurried back to the mixer and Drew.

I smiled curiously at Prez but then Jessy started playing the opening keyboards to Separate Ways (Worlds Apart). Prez, Mike and Derrick then joined. Recalling the lyrics, I got myself psyched; felt the anger of lovers separated and started singing. When the song was finished, I went over to Prez and asked, "What was so funny before?"

He giggled, "There's sixty-two people here, not counting the other people across the street and at the houses close by!" My eyes shot so far out of their sockets that my hands automatically moved up to catch them!

Mike started playing the opening riffs to La Grange and Prez, still snickering, bopped over to the mic. Since I didn't really need to participate in this song, I stealthily wandered away from the stage area to take a look around. While Prez sang, I noticed Rebecca and her friend get up and begin dancing. Greg Kovac noticed and quickly got up to dance with them.

I went to Jerry and loudly asked, "How many people do you think are here?"

Jerry smiled and looked around then leaned over slightly to answer, "About a hundred, give or take."

Shaking my head, I laughed, "I'm surprised the cops aren't here!"

Mack smiled, "They're driving around the neighborhood, dude."

"Oh shit!" I groaned and half giggled.

"Don't worry about it," Jerry grinned. "Look around. Everyone's either dancing or just kickin' it. Let the vultures hover. Nobody's breaking any laws."

"Chill dude," Mack said, and then chuckled, "Check out your boyfriend." I turned around to see Prez and Mike having a guitar duel, both of them smiling and getting into it. Mack then tapped my shoulder and said, "It sounds great too."

Jerry smiled and agreed, "Way better than in the auditorium."

Mack looked up at Jerry and said, "Prez can really shake the ground."

Jerry nodded, "We could barely hear him at the frolics and thought... well, that he sucked." I smiled and shook my head.

"He's switching between guitar parts and bass parts," Mack noticed, "Just watch his fingers, dude. They're all over the place!"

I grinned and said, "Inside the closed garage, the sound of his bass bounces around a lot." Glancing at them, I giggled, "I won't even mention any of the other things he can do with his fingers!" Shoving me, Mack and Jerry cracked up.

A minute or so later, I was back with the band. Prez and I sang It's Only Natural. Then we played Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Living On A Prayer, Dreams, Don't Dream It's Over, Rock Of Ages, Something So Strong, The Joker, Don't Stop Believin', and Every Breath You Take. Shaun joined us again for Desperado. Derrick then sang As Tears Go By followed by Jessy and Mike on Wonderful Tonight. Finally we played Weird then thanked our friends and everyone else that showed up.

For a little more than an hour and a half, we played for our friends and neighbors, stopping about quarter-to-five. A few of our friends had to leave before we finished but most stayed, helping us breakdown the gear and move it all back into the garage. By the time my dad got home about half past five, everything was put away. I introduced Mack and Jerry to my dad. Wordlessly, my dad pointed out a few small messes on the front lawn, mostly plastic bottles and wrappers that we still had to cleanup though. With eight of us to accomplish the task, we were done in no time. Mike and Derrick then caught a ride home with Jerry and Mack.

On our way back in the house, Drew asked, "Can I get a ride over Corey's?"

"Sure," Prez replied, and then asked, "How long till you're ready?"

Drew said, "I just need to grab a few things. I'll be ready in five minutes." Prez and I nodded then Drew and Corey hurried into the house.

My dad was in the kitchen, hovering in front of the fridge, already changed out of his suit, wearing shorts and a polo shirt but barefoot.

I asked, "What's for dinner?"

"Nothing's been taken out of the freezer," my dad replied, "I guess its barbequed burgers and hot dogs. Let's see what your mom wants before we start anything though."

At that, Prez turned to me with that wicked little perverted grin on his face. Smiling widely, I transmitted, "Yes lover, right after dinner." Noticing my dad curiously watching us, I asked, "Are you and mom going grocery shopping tonight?"

"Probably so," my dad answered. He then asked, "Are you two going anywhere?"

Prez smiled, "After our little show, I'm pretty tuckered out."

Turning to my dad, I said, "Guess we're staying home tonight."

Facing Prez, he asked, "How was your afternoon?

Prez happily answered, "It was really good. There were a few little flubs but not anything major that caused us to stop."

Surprised, I turned to him and asked, "What flubs?"

"Derrick broke a stick during La Grange," Prez recalled. "During Dreams, Mike had to bend a little further because he started on the wrong fret and I slid further than I should've during The Joker but compensated."

Shaking my head, I told him, "I didn't notice and doubt anyone else did."

Shrugging, Prez giggled, "I said they weren't major."

My dad smiled, "I'm glad it went well," and then asked, "Where's John?"

I answered, "He's walking Kim home and should be back any minute."

Carrying his backpack, Drew came in the kitchen with Corey a step behind. Drew asked, "Can I go over Corey's for dinner, dad?"

My dad smiled, "You're spending the night?"

Drew blushed, smiled and nodded. Then he turned to me and asked, "Are we playing tennis tomorrow morning?"

As we walked to the door, Prez softly reminded, "We might be helping Mike and Derrick move."

I told Drew, "If that's not happening, then sure, we'll play."

Corey grinned, "We'll call about eight."

"Eight!" I hollered incredulously. Drew and Corey snickered. I then grinned, "How about nine?"

John walked into the house as we walked outside.

"Its cooler earlier," Drew briefly explained.

Unlocking the truck, Prez teased, "Or maybe you're just looking for an advantage?"

Drew nodded and smiled then Corey giggled, "We'll take any breaks we can get!" We all got in the 4-Runner but somehow, I didn't think he was talking about tennis anymore. After climbing in the front passenger seat, I quickly turned and looked at Drew. He was smiling still but not blushing. On the other side of the backseat, Corey was still grinning impishly though.

After we pulled away, Drew said, "You guys were really good this afternoon. A lot more relaxed."

Prez nodded, "We were playing for our friends."

"And half the neighborhood!" Corey chuckled.

After turning onto Topanga Canyon, Prez asked, "How was the mix though, Drew?"

Glancing back, I saw Drew shrug and answer, "Good, I guess."

"You don't seem too certain," I said.

Again, Drew shrugged, "When we went to Guitar Center and I talked with that salesman about sound systems, I learned a little bit."

Surprised, Prez asked, "You were checking out sound systems?"

Wishing that Drew hadn't mentioned it, I sighed and closed my eyes.

Drew answered, "Uh huh. The dude said that everything needs to plug into the PA; not just the microphones - amps too. That's the best way to control the mix."

Prez nodded, "I know. But we're not ready to invest in something that could do all that. We need to get paying gigs first." Prez concentrated on traffic a few moments then said, "To play bigger gigs, there's a lot of other equipment we would need - more speakers, compressors, graphics equalizers, bigger power amps and mixers. The trick is figuring out when to make those investments."

Without even thinking, I suggested, "Talk to Doug and Brian about it."

"Mike and Derrick already have," Prez said.

Drew then said, "Zack was saying that the band would play some dances next year."

Prez said, "Yeah. We'll probably need to rent some equipment for those."

"Like what?" I asked.

"It depends on what we get over the summer," Prez answered, and pulled in front of Corey's house. "If Derrick gets another small PA system for his drums, we might not need too much."

Corey said, "Thanks, Prez," and got out of the back seat.

"I'll call around eight tomorrow morning," Drew smiled, and began shuffling out.

I hollered, "Nine!" and Prez snickered.

Drew snickered, "We'll play at nine. I'll wake you up around eight," and then turned to follow Corey. Still snickering, Prez pulled away from the curb.

"You're enjoying this."

Prez shrugged, "We can wake up by eight. We'll wear each other out and crash before midnight."

I shrugged and asked, "Ya wanna grab a flick from Blockbuster?"

Stopping at a light, Prez asked, "Is there something you want to see?"

"Men In Black," I lied.

"We saw that last summer at Big Bear."

"And this summer, we'll watch it in the privacy of our bedroom."

Thinking silently, Prez then grinned, "That works for me."

Minutes later, we were at Blockbuster. While I went to pick up MIB, Prez browsed. We met at the checkout counter a few minutes later. Prez had picked up 'Twister' and explained, "It's got great special effects and Van Halen on the soundtrack." I handed the two boxes to Sherry, one of my co-workers and an assistant manager. Prez reached into his pocket for cash and I glared menacingly at him. His head tilted curiously then he smiled, "Ooo! I'm being bad again?"

Glancing at Sherry briefly, I then turned to Prez and whispered, "No supper for you!"

Leaving me at the checkout counter and starting out of the store, he softly chuckled, "Off to bed without dinner!"

Smiling widely, Sherry said, "He's cute."

I always thought so. Paying for the tapes, I grinned, "He thinks so," but became suspicious of her interest in Prez.

While she rang up our tapes, Sherry asked, "Have you checked the schedule?"

"Not yet. When am I due here?"

"I know you wanted longer days but we really won't need you until one."

"Oh! That actually works out okay," I said, and walked around the counter to retrieve the tapes. "I'm here till nine?"

Sherry shook her head and said, "Ten, with an hour break at five. The same hours on Sunday."

Immediately, I thought that I would miss seeing Prez before he took off for work. Then I thought, at least we would get home about the same time, smiled and said, "Thanks. See you tomorrow," and then stepped outside.

Prez was waiting in the 4Runner and singing along with the radio. Opening the passenger side door and sliding in beside him, I told him what hours I would be working the next two days.

"That's not too bad," he said, and then looked around before slowly backing out.

Once we were moving forward again, I disappointedly huffed, "I wanted to see you before you went to work."

Taking my hand and squeezing firmly, he said, "It'll be alright."

The six o'clock news break began on the radio. After the traffic, weather and stock market reports, they mentioned a train derailment in Germany where a hundred people were killed. Prez gasped and loudly said, "That's horrible!" then quickly flipped to my favorite station.

Turning and watching him carefully for a few moments, I gently squeezed his hand and asked, "Are you okay?"

He nodded but then let go of my hand to wipe his eyes. "Why can't they tell us good news once in a while?" he asked.

Shaking my head, I sighed, "I don't know, Prez." But then I thought of the little boy at Ralph's and told him about it.

Driving into our neighborhood, Prez snickered, "Aw, the poor kid probably thought he fucked up."

I grinned, "His mother didn't yell at him, she was the first to start laughing. And you had to see his face, covered with icing."

Prez giggled the rest of the drive to our house. When we got home, my mom and dad were waiting for us in the living room.

"Sorry we're late," I said, "We stopped for videos."

My mom said, "We thought we'd go out for dinner tonight. Would you like to join us?"

"Where?" I asked.

My mom smiled, "Benihana's."

Prez asked, "Where's John?"

My dad answered, "He's in his room, getting ready."

Sitting down on the loveseat, Prez and I shared a brief wordless conversation. I then faced my parents and asked, "Would it be alright if we stayed home?"

My parents glanced at one another then my dad grinned, "If you'd like to be alone, just say so."

Simultaneously, Prez and I snickered, "We'd like to be alone."

Standing, my mom giggled, "I thought so," and then started walking down the bedroom hallway.

"There are burgers and hot dogs in the freezer," my dad reminded.

Prez nodded and promised, "We'll keep the mess to a minimum."

Knocking on Drew and John's bedroom door, my mom asked, "Are you ready, John?"

Seconds later, the door opened. John stepped out of his room and followed my mom into the living room. John asked, "You're not coming?" Prez and I shook our heads. John said, "Too bad for you!" and starting imitating the Benihana chefs; flipping imaginary knives complete with sound effects.

Chuckling at John, my dad stood and crossed the living room. Taking John by the shoulder, he said, "We'll probably be home between eight-thirty and nine," and led my family out of the house.

The moment the door closed, Prez hopped off the loveseat and smiled, "We've got almost three hours!"

Chuckling at his enthusiasm, I admitted, "I was hoping for two! Let's go!"

We made a beeline for the bedroom and quickly shed our clothes. I reached behind the desk for our sack of goodies. Prez turned on the radio in the bathroom and changed the station to light jazz. Taking my lover in my arms, I excited giggled, "You know what this means to me?" He shook his head and I softly said, "It means we're comfortable doing anything with each other. That we totally trust each other and we're committed to each other."

Smiling, Prez shivered in my arms then leaned in for a quick tasty kiss. Resting his head on my shoulder, he sighed, "I want to see you bald and then watch it grow back. I want to see your chest hair thicken and get like your dad's. And thirty or so years from now, I want to watch it turn grey."

Squeezing him tightly, I glanced up and whispered, "You're my proof that there really is something good guiding the universe." We kissed again, hard and long.

When we separated, Prez grinned, "You want me to shave you first?"

I nodded, looked down at his perfect pubes and mostly erect dick. "God, I love your pubes!" I excitedly giggled.

Prez picked up the bottle of Nair For Men and grinned, "They'll grow back the same." He read the instructions on the back of the bottle aloud. "Shake well before each use. Squeeze lotion onto palm and gently apply to desired areas in a thick even layer. Do not rub in. Wash hands immediately and thoroughly after application. After four minutes, test a small area first. If hair removes easily, rinse off lotion with lukewarm water using a washcloth. Do not rub. Do not use soap. Pat dry. If hair does not remove easily, leave on another few minutes. But not exceeding ten minutes. Wait twenty-four hours before reapplication."

I grinned, "I doubt either of us has enough hair to worry about reapplication."

Prez nodded and said, "Warning. Test product on small area. Irritation or allergic reaction may occur even after prior use without adverse effects. Not for use on face or head. Do not use on nipples, perianal or genital areas." He stopped, looked at me and grimaced, "That means we have to use clippers and the razor around those areas."

Pointing at the light hairs beginning to thicken around my navel, I said, "I want this gone too."

Slightly stunned, Prez asked, "You do?" and I nodded. Nodding slowly, Prez ran a finger from the top of my pubic mound to my navel and said, "I'd like these to stay though. You've always had a great treasure trail."

Running my index finger from the top of his pubes all the way up his chest, I said, "Just this one time, let's remove all our belly and chest hair."

Prez smiled, "If you're sure."

I nodded and asked, "Are we doing armpits too?"

He smirked, "I wasn't planning on."

Agreeing, I said, "This one bottle should last a long time then."

Putting the bottle down on the vanity counter, Prez said, "Let me just get my watch." Naked, he padded across the hall and soon returned saying, "How about we test this stuff on the top of our thighs, away from the genitals?"

"Sounds good," I said, and then grinned, "If its gonna cause any rash, I'd rather be scratching my leg than scratching my ass."

Prez giggled, put his watch down then picked up the bottle of lotion and shook it vigorously for about a minute. Then he popped the top and squirted out a small amount. Handing the bottle to me, he said, "Ready? It's gonna be cold." Bracing myself, I nodded and he quickly applied the lotion to my upper left thigh.

Squirting out a small amount, I quickly applied some to a hairy area of his upper thigh then picked up his watch. "Its six-twenty-two," I said, "Counting down."

His erection had deflated somewhat be he still had a chubby going. My own dick was in a similar condition.

While we washed our hands, Prez giggled, "We can't let Mike or Derrick see us naked for a few weeks."

I grinned, "No skinny dipping in Mike's pool or in the ocean."

Prez grinned and sighed, "I really like doing that too."

I chuckled, "It feels great, don't it?"

He nodded enthusiastically then checked the watch. "It's like waiting for water to boil," he huffed, "three minutes to go."

"Maybe if we kept occupied," I suggested, and then went across the hall to our room, returning with a deck of cards. "Blackjack," I said, and then shuffled and dealt the cards.

Checking his cards, Prez grinned, "I'll stick with these."

I checked my cards and gave myself another one. Of course, it had to be a face card. I went over and smirked, "You win."

Turning over his card, I saw he had a pair of eights. Prez smirked, "It figures. Now that we're not playing for anything, I'll win every hand." Then he checked the watch and said, "Another minute, babe."

I dealt another hand and Prez won again. Prez turned on the hot water and I got a washcloth. He reminded, "Don't rub it off," and I giggled. "You know what I meant!" he laughed. "There will be plenty of rubbing later."

Nodding but still giggling, I gently wiped the lotion off my thigh, revealing a hairless area of white skin and handed the washcloth to Prez. He wiped himself then hummed thoughtfully. "There's still some hair there, don't you think?" Leaning over and looking closely, I agreed, "Stubborn follicles. We'll wait five minutes when I do you."

Prez nodded, began shaking the bottle again and said, "Turn around babe." I did as he instructed, leaned over the vanity and waited patiently while my lover applied the lotion all around my ass. Prez then checked his watch, announced the time and began washing his hands. While he was cleaning up, I applied lotion to his bubble butt. There are really fine hairs on the cheeks of his ass. I'd doubt anyone besides me could even see them. Once his hands were washed and dried, Prez dealt the cards and waited while I finished cleaning up. After another two hands of Blackjack, I leaned over and Prez gently wiped the lotion off me, rinsing the washcloth often with warm water.

We played another quick hand of cards before I wiped the lotion off of Prez. While rinsing the washcloth, I commented, "Your ass is so white now it practically glows!"

He smirked, "So is yours!"

Next we applied Nair to our bellies and chests, carefully avoiding the nipples. It was almost seven by the time we were finished with the hair removal lotion. Prez began opening the clipper kit and said, "I'm wondering how we can do this without making a big mess."

I sure didn't want to waste any of our private time vacuuming the bathroom floor either. After a few moments thought, I lifted the toilet seat then straddled the bowl, facing forward and said, "This should help. Hair will fall right into the toidy."

Prez smiled and nodded then plugged the clippers into the wall socket. He then applied a drop of oil and snapped on a small plastic guide. Prez knelt down in front of me and, out of habit; I rested my hands on his shoulders. Turning the clippers on, Prez looked up and smiled, "Don't get hard. Think of Barbara Bush and Margaret Thatcher having sex."

"Omigod!" I laughed, "It may never get hard again!"

Carefully, Prez began removing my bush. Within a minute, there was only stubble above my dick. Methodically, he then clipped the hairs where my crotch and thighs met. Then he looked up and said, "Pull your dick and scrotum up please, babe. And don't move!"

Wide-eyed, I loudly said, "I wouldn't dare!" and did as he said.

Concentrating on the task at hand, Prez softly said, "If I hurt you, I'll never forgive myself."

Tapping him on the head, Prez looked up and I softly affirmed, "I trust you, baby."

Taking a deep breath, he then started lightly running the clippers over my sack. I could feel the clippers tugging hairs slightly and gritted my teeth but he never slipped. Soon, he turned the clippers off and stood up grinning.

"Nothing left but stubble," he proudly announced. Setting the clippers down on the counter, he then opened the medicine cabinet and grabbed the shaving cream and a new disposable razor. Prez reached for me and, as I went to him, he softly said, "I'll do the area above your dick but there are a few hairs really close to the base of your dick."

I nodded and smiled, "I'll take care of those when you're done."

"Thanks," he grinned, "my nerves are about shot to hell."

Squirting shaving cream onto his palm, Prez then spread it around my pubic mound and started shaving me. Applying small amounts of shaving cream to my nips, he quickly ran the razor around each then wiped me clean. When the front was done, he then asked me to turn around, lean over the counter and spread my ass cheeks. He then shaved the hair in the crack of my ass. When he was finished with that section and had wiped me off, he reached between my legs, tickling the area between my sack and hole saying, "That's the only area left that I can get for you. There's only one way to get at it."

Lying down on the floor, I raised my legs till my knees were resting near my shoulders. Prez spread more shaving cream around down there and removed the last of my pubes. He stood and offered me a hand to help me up. Feeling the relief of an orgasm but not actually having one, I bounced up, hugged and kissed him then whispered, "You were so gentle. I hope I can do you the same way."

"I know you will," Prez softly said, and then kissed me back.

Picking up the razor, I then went after those few hairs near the base of my dick. Pulling the skin on my dick taught, I lightly shaved them off. When I finished, I smiled at Prez and commented, "I haven't looked like this in a long, long time."

He asked, "When did you start growing pubes?"

I hummed thoughtfully then answered, "Right after my twelfth birthday, I think."

Straddling the toilet, he nodded, "The summer before I turned thirteen. My voice changed first."

Picking up the clippers, I remembered, "Mike started before me but there were other kids in junior high that didn't start until well after they turned thirteen."

Prez giggled, "You were looking around?"

Kneeling before him, I looked up, nodded and grinned, "Everyone wonders how normal they are. At least I wasn't the last in my class to reach puberty."

Starting at the base of his dick, I ran the clippers upwards, removing most of his pubes. Without me asking, Prez pulled his dick and sack up so I could get the area behind his nads. Finished, I stood up and frowned.

Prez grinned, "Aw, babe. They'll grow back the same - I promise."

"I sure hope so."

"Even if they do grow back a little different, now we can keep each other trimmed," Prez reminded. He then ran his fingers along the very top of my right thigh, where it meets the crotch and warmly smiled, "You know I like to lick and kiss you there?" I nodded and he playfully bounced his eyebrows saying, "No more pausing to pull pubes from my teeth."

Putting the clippers down, I giggled, "You are so twisted sometimes!"

Moving away from the toilet, Prez grinned, "You love it too!"

I couldn't argue.

He then leaned over the counter and spread his cheeks for me. Most of the hair wasn't between his cheeks but was at the top of his crack. It took virtually no time to shave the remaining hair off his ass. I wiped his bum off then Prez stood, picked up the razor and carefully shaved the last remaining signs of adulthood from his dick and sack. While he did, I read the instructions on the enema box aloud.

Prez waited for me to finish then said, "I wasn't expecting to have to lie down on the bed."

I shrugged, "It says to lie on our sides. We could put a towel underneath?"

He sighed, "It would be lots easier if we did it all in here. It's only two steps from the vanity counter to the toilet."

Opening the box and removing the contents, I nodded, "I don't want to risk making a mess either. Let's do it here."

Prez said, "Me first this time."

Everything needed was included in the kit - a mild soap, about a yard of rubber tubing, two anal tips and a really large rubber bag. Also, there were extremely detailed instructions that I started to read aloud. Those chubbies we had been sporting for most of the last hour quickly began to get erect and very hard as I continued reading. Suddenly, Prez loudly giggled, "Okay! That's enough!" I stopped reading and smiled at him. "It says we're supposed to be relaxed!" he chuckled. Glancing down at our erect cocks for a moment, he then looked up at me and giggled, "Another word and I'm gonna say, the hell with the enema, just fuck me now!"

I cracked up, put the instructions down and reached for his hand.

"I'm sure that I wouldn't do this with anyone else, Keith."

"Same here, baby. Are you ready?"

He nodded and leaned over the counter then turned on the hot water. Picking up the small tube of lube that came with the kit, I opened it and applied some to my fingers. With my other hand, I spread his cheeks and gently loosened his hole as I had many times before. This was no longer a task or a medical procedure; I was making love to him. He sighed at my touch. His now hairless sphincter winked at me, opening and closing, begging to be filled. It took all my self control to not do just that. But I had to do something.

Letting go of his cheek but still massaging his hole I leaned over him and began licking his back. Prez whimpered and began preparing the enema bag, attaching the tube, adding soap and filling it with water. I continued licking; drenching his muscular back with my saliva. After minutes of this, Prez softly said, "Please, babe," and held up the already filled bag.

Taking it from him, I then gently guided the tip of the tube into his anus. Before allowing the water to flow, I softly said, "Ready, lover?"

He nodded, "Uh huh."

"Let me know when you're full," I instructed.

"Okay," he whispered. I slowly twisted the nozzle open. Seconds passed. It took longer than I expected for Prez to finally say, "That's enough." Quickly, I twisted the nozzle closed then gently pulled the tube out of him and got out of his way so he could go directly the toilet. Beginning to straighten up, he grunted then hunched over again before waddling backwards to the toilet and sitting down on it. His bowels emptied with a long splash and Prez's eyes opened wide with surprise.

The filled rubber enema bag could hold about two liters. I'm sure that Prez took most of it and then expelled it. Over the last year, I had been in the bathroom with Prez dozens of times, maybe even a hundred - and never has he made a noise quite like that! Never in all my life have I made a sound that could even compare! Beginning to panic, I loudly asked, "Are you alright?"

Still sitting on the bowl, he nodded and grinned, "Maybe I need to check and see if any important organs dropped out too!"

Groaning loudly and smirking slightly, I put the enema bag down. Then I went to him and asked, "Did it hurt?"

Shaking his head, Prez quickly said, "No babe, nothing hurt at all really. Just some lower abdominal cramps when I tried to stand upright but they went away as soon as I leaned over again." He reached for toilet paper, wrapped a really big wad of it around his hand then wiped himself saying, "A learning experience. Don't stand upright when I do you," and then flushed the toilet. Appearing confused for a moment, Prez then stood and hugged me. "That really scared you - didn't it?" he whispered.

I nodded and asked, "How'd you know?"

He stepped back but held onto my hands and looked down at my completely flaccid dick. "A window to the soul," Prez smiled. I hadn't even noticed. Sounding much like a Civil War Confederate general, Prez devilishly grinned, "Never fear - the south shall rise again."

---

Looking down at my dick, Keith smiled, "It didn't affect you much, I see."

It hadn't. My dick wasn't completely hard but chubby and pointing directly away from me.

But since Keith's nerves were momentarily rattled, I took him in my arms for a few minutes. In between kisses and nibbles, I told him how wonderful he was. The time he took rubbing lube over my hole, kissing and licking my back made all the difference in the world. He turned a clinical process into one of the most intimate sexual experiences of our lives. Beginning to feel that I was getting a rise out of him, I began grinding slowly and promised that I would go just as slowly with him.

He hoarsely panted, "I trust you, Prez." Then he tenderly kissed me.

After another tight hug, he stepped away from me and then leaned over the counter. I emptied the bag then began running the hot and cold water together. Keith and I agreed when the water temperature seemed just right. While I added the soap and water, Keith switched the tip at the opposite end of the tube.

My intention was to spend at least as much time loosening and lubing his hole as he did on me. But he soon began moving his hips and gyrating his ass. In the mirror I caught his expression. He was enjoying it, at least as much as I had, whimpering and giggling at himself. I whispered, "Say when, babe."

"When," he nodded.

Taking the tube in my left hand, I didn't bother spreading his cheeks but let my fingertip guide the way. On target, I slid the tip inside him. Breathing deep and fast, he grinned, "Not nearly as much as I was hoping for."

"Soon, babe," I softly promised.

Keith turned the nozzle on the bag and closed his eyes, his smiled fading. After about a minute, he grunted and swiftly turned it off. Carefully moving back a step, he handed me the bag. "Omigod!" he grunted as he waddled backwards, "I hope I didn't over do it."

Having just learned for myself what really full bowels felt like, I nodded and grinned. He sat and relieved himself.

Fill an old two-liter bottle with water then put a small hole in the bottom of the bottle and turn it upside down into your toilet. Let one and a half liters out .Even if you only wait for one liter to empty out, that's still a really long time to be dumping!

I knew then why he was worried when I was on the toidy. Finally, he stopped and slouched on the porcelain thrown then grinned and blushed. Wrinkling his nose, Keith snarled, "Spray some air-freshener please, baby." Snickering, I grabbed the can from under the vanity and he suggested, "Out in hall too or the 'rents will think we're sick or somethin'."

While I was out in the hall, the toilet flushed. Turning around, I found Keith bent over the tub. Smiling at his awesome form, I put the air-freshener away and joined him in the tub saying, "I took four showers yesterday and this is my third today."

Wetting down, Keith grinned and nodded, "Me too."

Picking up the soap and working up lather, I waited until he raised his hands above his head. Telling him to, "stay like that," I then washed his armpits, down his sides and front then slowly and gently around his hairless dick and balls. Occasionally, my gaze had to move from his eyes to watch what I was doing but every time I looked up, there were his chocolate chips, watching me intently. Neither of us needed to say I word. He turned and I washed his back, paying special attention to his buns and crack, knowing that in a few minutes my face would be there.

He rinsed and grinned mischievously, took the soap from me then kissed me as we swapped places in the tub. Water could not dowse the inferno building within me. The more my lover caressed and washed me, the more my cock ached and my mind spun, delirious with passion. Watching him through dime-slot eyes, my thoughts wandered.

This was the boy I lived with, I reminded myself. He was the boy that introduced me to my new home. A place I took an immediate liking to as soon as I saw how close we would be to the ocean. Why he chose me, I'll never really understand. He's been my lucky charm since I arrived in the state. But even my lucky charm and all our love couldn't prevent my mom's accident.

It sucks so bad that my mom didn't get to see what our relationship became.

I asked myself, would we still be together if she had lived and immediately answered, yes, of course. Events may not have been exactly the same but the major things, I think would've all been the same if she had lived; the main difference being, where I slept.

Finished washing me, Keith turned me around. Immediately taking hold of each other and kissing, I then whispered in his ear; "Everything would be the same if she had lived Keith. She should see us, how we are now. It's a jip."

"A couple more days, Prez. Share it with your aunt. Judging by what you've said about your phone call, I think you're both ready." Pulling back to look in my eyes, Keith smiled, "I think you're eager to ser her."

I smiled and nodded. He was right on target.

Keith reached around me to turn the water off and we got out of the tub. Minutes later, we were dried and the bathroom was clean. We purposefully avoided deodorant, certain that we wouldn't be leaving the house. After we hid all our stuff in our room, I noticed Rush's crate and loudly remembered, "I forgot to feed Rush!"

Keith huffed then smirked, "Let's take care of that real quick."

I glanced at the clock and saw it was seven thirty. Quickly, Keith and I put cotton sport shorts on and went to the kitchen. I went outside and Rush came galloping across the yard. Kneeling down, I apologized to him real quick. He only seemed happy to see me, licking every part of me. I asked him if he was hungry and Rush became perfectly still for a second, glaring at me. Then he ran to the door and I brought him inside.

Waiting impatiently to be fed, Rush paced the dining room. Shaking my head, I asked Keith, "Do you think I'm a bad dog owner?

Filling the dog's bowl with kibble, Keith then turned and grinned, "Come on, Prez. He spends his days in our room. He deserves to have plenty of yard time." Keith then put the dog's dish down on the floor. Rush went to his dish. Noticing that I was still unconvinced, Keith said, "It's too hot during the summer to keep him out all the time but we've got a refillable water dish out there for him. He's cool and safe inside during the hottest part of day. He needs to be out playing for a few hours. Then he's inside for the night. The dog is happy, baby."

I smiled and remembered, "Only a happy hound rubs his face in the carpet after he eats. Still, I'll try to give him extra attention this summer."

Leaning against the counter beside me, Keith snickered, "Imagine Rush on the beach."

"I wonder if he'd like the ocean."

Keith shrugged but smiled, "Maybe. But imagine him with the gulls."

I nodded and grinned, "Rush was born to chase birds and hunt. He's made that clear every time we took him to the park; chasing birds, rabbits and other little critters around."

He smiled and whispered, "If it moves, he'll sniff it out."

Going to him and giggling, I playfully repeated, "Sniff it out?"

He nodded and grinned, "I know how your mind works. I said that on purpose."

I tickled him and he jumped away from me, into the dining room. We circled the table twice.

Finished eating, Rush growled and chased us both back to our bedroom. Keith and I jumped onto the bed, huddled together against the wall, pretending we were frightened of the dog. Knowing better but doing it anyway, Rush circled the bed then quickly jumped up and back off again. But I was so close to Keith that I could smell him. And damn, he smelled so tasty! Then Keith noticed my smile waning and kissed me. Rush continued circling the bed for a while but we were too busy to care.

We only broke away from each other long enough to remove our shorts, close the bedroom door and turn on the TV then met in the center of the bed.

---

Across town, Lindsay Gibbons went upstairs to watch the TV in her room, leaving Mike, Derrick and Mrs. Gibbons alone.

"Ma," Mike began, "we need to talk about a great opportunity."

Suspiciously, Mrs. Gibbons smiled and wondered what her son was talking about. Was it something to do with the band? She hoped that he didn't want money from his trust fund again. What sort of 'great opportunity' was it? But she didn't ask those questions and merely said, "Really?"

Mike carefully asked, "You liked Brian and Doug, right?"

Mrs. Gibbons nodded, "They're very nice." She had only met them the night of Mike's birthday dinner but had been hearing about them on and off for months.

The two boys glanced at each other briefly. Then Derrick said, "They're taking a vacation this summer, all of July."

Sternly turning to her son, Mrs. Gibbons mind was a whirlwind of possibilities but she waited patiently for the bottom line.

Mike smiled widely and helplessly chuckled, "They want us to watch their house while they're away."

Pressing the mute button on the TV remote, Mrs. Gibbons sighed, "That's a lot of responsibility, boys."

"We can do it, easy," Derrick assured.

Mike enthusiastically said, "It'll be fun!"

Derrick added, "And a great opportunity to see what it's like to do for ourselves."

"Do you realize what that means?" Mrs. Gibbons began, "It means cooking and cleaning up afterwards."

"We know," the boys chimed.

She continued, "Doing all your own laundry, mopping floors, vacuuming, cleaning toilets."

"We know."

"You don't do any of that here?" Mrs. Gibbons reminded.

"Derrick washes clothes and he even taught me how. And we try to cook!" Mike laughed. "They even taught us a little over Memorial Day. They'll teach us more if you just give us a chance."

Mrs. Gibbons wondered, "How will they teach you more if they'll be on vacation?"

Again, the two boys glanced at each other. Then Mike said, "We can move in anytime we want. Once we get permission."

Hearing that, Mrs. Gibbons turned to Derrick and reminded, "You'll need to ask your mother."

Derrick nodded, "I know, it won't be a problem."

She sighed, "They're grown men."

Mike smiled, "Who else should we learn from?"

Mrs. Gibbons mumbled, "It's what you might learn from them that scares me."

"That's easy," Mike giggled.

"Music, how to cook," Derrick offered.

Mike added, "How to be independent."

Sheepishly, Derrick softly reminded, "How to be a gay couple in a world that frowns upon us."

Mrs. Hundser admitted, "It's that part that frightens me."

Mike shook his head to realign his thoughts and asked, "How does that bother you? They've been a couple since 1980."

Mrs. Gibbons didn't know that fact. She and Mike's father married in 1977, only three years earlier. She asked the first question that came to mind. "How old are they?"

Mike answered, "Brian was born in 1960."

Derrick said, "Doug was born in 1961."

The two men were only four or five years younger than she was. "What else do you know about them?" Mrs. Gibbons asked.

After a brief wordless collaboration, Derrick said, "They were in the Air Force when the met."

"Doug taught Brian how to play guitar," Mike offered.

Derrick said, "Brian was and still is a really good artist."

Mike told his mom, "Mostly cartoons but he draws with charcoals too."

Mrs. Gibbons was mildly impressed and asked, "Anything else?"

"Like what?" Mike asked, and then said, "They asked us if we could watch their house. They trust us, mom."

Sensing her son's defensiveness, Mrs. Gibbons offered, "This is big. I think we all need to sit down, Doug and Brian too, and discuss this."

Mike said, "Doug had to work tonight but Brian's home."

"They thought you might want to chat about it," Derrick smiled.

Mrs. Gibbons then asked, "Is your mother home, Derrick?"

Nodding, Derrick got up and left the room to use the phone.

Mrs. Gibbons and Mike watched each other intently. Looking down, Mike softly asked, "Please tell me it's not because they're gay."

Moments passed. Mrs. Gibbons didn't want to admit it but sexuality was part of her concern. When his mom didn't answer, Mike huffed, "I knew it." Another few silent and tense moments passed.

Derrick finished on the phone. His mom and Brian were on the way over. As he returned to the living room, he heard Mike softly say; "It's the way I am. And Derrick and Keith and Prez and Shaun and about a dozen other dudes I now know. Are we all automatically untrustworthy because we like dick?" Derrick tender footed back two steps, into the kitchen and listened.

Mrs. Gibbons huffed, "Its not that I want to be this way, Michael. I just... I really don't know any better. It's even hard for me to understand how you're gay."

Slouching back in his seat, Mike smirked, "You know you and dad had nothing to do with it. If you don't know it, you really need to."

Mrs. Gibbons began shedding tears. Seeing this, Mike also became more upset. After clearing her throat, Mrs. Gibbons softly sobbed, "I can't see you like other gay men, Michael. I'm afraid of the things you're doing and will do in the future."

"What things?" Mike softly sobbed.

Unable to actually describe her feelings, Mrs. Gibbons said nothing.

More loudly, Mike cried, "What?" Standing up, Mike hollered, "Do you think I'll become some strung out leather queen?"

Mrs. Gibbons vigorously shook her head but managed to reply, "Every mother is afraid of drugs."

"They don't do drugs," Mike loudly said, and sat back down. He huffed, "They fucked around in there twenties and got burned," Mike reluctantly said, "It almost broke them up too. It took a year for them to get past all that." Another few moments passed. Shaking his head, and feeling antsy, Mike stood again and hollered, "D, where the hell are you?"

Jumping slightly, Derrick then walked into the living room.

The moment his boyfriend entered the room, Mike asked, "You heard all that?" Derrick nodded and Mike said, "She's afraid of us." Derrick went to Mike and their hands clasped briefly before Derrick moved behind Mike. Effortlessly, Derrick's hands slid around Mike's waist and Mike took hold of them. Feeling more balanced, Mike sadly explained; "I'm starting to feel really uncomfortable here, ma. We need to show affection but can only do it if there's nobody watching. So we go out to the Hundser's or over Doug and Brian's, where we can be more comfortable."

Still shedding tears, Mrs. Gibbons, hoarsely said, "I don't want it to be this way." She composed herself and tried to explain, "All my life, gays were considered dirty. But you're my son and I know you at least as well as you know yourself. Neither of you are dirty. You're built like a brick shithouse and so handsome. Both of you are. If you were straight, I wouldn't worry half as much. The thought of you two - out there - all those men looking at you, wanting you, offering you the moon just to get in your pants. I worry about you two as much as I do Lindsay. Now that I think of it, since you are already going out more often than she is, I probably worry more."

Stunned for a few moments, Mike and Derrick both remained still, looking at Mrs. Gibbons sadly. Then Mike looked back at Derrick and they smiled.

Mike reminded, "And the fight back in April?"

"Oh, that made my day and some very interesting nightmares," Mrs. Gibbons groaned. "I wondered, was that the first of many bashings? Every day I wonder what condition you'll be in when I get home. When you're late, my imagination runs wild. With every second that passes, I wonder if you'll ever make it home again."

Derrick meekly offered, "We have to defend ourselves."

Breaking away from Derrick, Mike moved closer to his mother and softly said, "Don't make us feel like we need to defend ourselves here at home."

Derrick moved closer too and said, "We thought moving out for the summer would be good for all of us."

Looking up at them, Mrs. Gibbons pleaded, "Call me every day," and sniffed.

Mike giggled, "Agoura Hills is only a few miles away, not across the country, ma."

Derrick smiled and reminded, "You think we won't be coming over to use the pool or beg a decent meal?" Then he assured, "Doug and Brian won't turn us into deviants."

Glancing quickly at Derrick then grinning devilishly at his mom, Mike mumbled, "Can't improve on perfection."

Quickly reaching forward, Mrs. Gibbons swung hard but Mike bounced away and cracked up.

The doorbell rang. Mrs. Gibbons got up and hugged Derrick then her son. "Let me just freshen up," she said as she left for the bathroom.

Heading for the door, Derrick said, "My turn."

Mike slouched and softly griped, "Not again."

Planting a smile on his face and getting Mike to force a smile, Derrick opened the door.

---

Once Rush was content and gnawing on a rawhide, Keith and I began making out. After a few minutes of humping, I whispered, "This requires pubes." Keith giggled and kissed me hard. Then he began moving into a sixty-nine position. We remained in that position for a while; long enough to get our cocks, balls and holes drenched with spit. Then Keith stopped and said, "It's time."

Suddenly, I got the impression he was going to sit on my cock again, like he had the previous night. But, after a quick kiss, Keith got off the bed and said, "Close your eyes."

He walked across the room to the door and I wondered, "Where are you going?"

Pausing at the open doorway, he grinned, "Close your eyes. I promise, you'll love it," and waited until I did as he said. The moment my eyes closed, he took off. I giggled when Rush growled and opened my eyes as the dog chased after him. Lying there, I heard a cupboard door slam and then the refrigerator door. Grasping my bone at the base, I pointed it at the ceiling and quickly closed my eyes before Keith returned.

Our bedroom door closed. Keith said, "Not now, Rush. Go be good."

I giggled with anticipation as Keith climbed back on the bed saying, "Keep 'em closed, Prez."

"I will," I nervously chuckled.

Keith straddled me, began fondling my dick and then I heard a click. He leaned over to mouth my cock, I thought. But then I heard and felt something cold and wet being sprayed on me. Opening my eyes wide but only seeing Keith's hairless white ass, I loudly laughed, "What is that?"

He giggled and then began licking the stuff off me, humming hungrily as he munched my privates. Minutes passed, during which I laughed hysterically, continuously asking what he was spraying on me every few moments.

Then Keith swung around and off me, his face covered with splotches of whipped cream and proudly held up two cans. Licking his lips provocatively, he giggled, "Want some?" We had teased and provoked each other with talk of adding whipped cream to our play time but never actually done it until that night.

Sitting up and grabbing a can from him, I loudly laughed, "You bet your lily white ass, I do!" He kissed me softly, running his tasty vanilla flavored tongue around my mouth. While still kissing, I waited until we had stopped giggling then raised my can and squirted some whipped cream between our open mouths.

Keith then pointed up and behind him. Breaking our kiss, I looked up and saw a rainbow colored balloon. He softly smiled, "We'll play with helium later."

Beaming all my love through my eyes, I gently pushed him down. Once he was flat on the bed, I made myself a bannana-nut sundae.

Letting his mother in the house and closing the door, Derrick briefly glanced at Mike. "Do we even mention the 'great opportunity'?"

Mike shrugged. "It didn't work too well last time but we might as well give it a shot."

Turning to her son, Mrs. Siebert saw the two boys silently communicating. She smiled and remembered the first time she caught Derrick watching other boys. He was only eight years old. The Siebert's were visiting family and her son was with his cousin, Charlise. The other boy that Derrick was watching was a neighborhood friend. He was a stocky boy, very much like Mike Gibbons was.

"What decision did you call me here to help you make?" asked Mrs. Siebert.

Gesturing towards the sofa, Mike smiled, "Why don't you have a seat?"

Tilting her head suspiciously and smiling, Derrick's mom walked over and sat down, waiting patiently.

Mike's mom returned from the bathroom appearing as if she hadn't shed a single tear. She cheerfully greeted her guest. "Hi, Anne."

She smiled, "How've you been, Laura?"

"Good," Mrs. Gibbon sighed, and then asked, "Would you like a cup of coffee?"

Mrs. Siebert glanced up at her son and Mike. Neither had moved since she sat but only turned slightly when Mike's mom appeared. Sitting back more comfortably, she smiled, "Tea, please."

Laura Gibbons turned to her son, and said, "Come with me, Michael. If you're really going to do this, let's start now."

Slouching, Mike softly whined, "Ma-aa! I can boil water!" He followed his mother out of the living room as directed anyway.

While they were alone in the kitchen, Mrs. Gibbons began sharing her fears and worst nightmares with Mike. Holding her son's shoulders, she gazed deep into his eyes and whispered, "I'm not afraid of you. I'm afraid for you."

As soon as Mike and his mom left the living room, Anne Siebert grinned at her son. "Well? Don't just stand there." She patted the next sofa cushion and said, "Just tell me this time."

Remembering that he had never actually told his mom about his sexuality, Derrick shuddered briefly then walked over and sat down beside her. He began, "You know Doug and Brian?"

Mrs. Siebert nodded, "Only what you've told me about them. They're musicians."

Derrick nodded and offered, "Brian will be here soon so you can meet him."

Eyeing her son suspiciously, she asked, "Why do I have to meet him tonight?"

"Mike's mom met them both Monday," Derrick cautiously explained. "They were here for Mike's birthday dinner."

Mrs. Siebert smirked, "That's nice but doesn't really answer my question."

Unable to hide from his mother's piercing gaze, Derrick grinned, "I really want to do this, ma."

She sighed, "Do what?"

Derrick smiled, "They want us to watch their house while they're on vacation."

Not bothered but becoming more suspicious, Mrs. Siebert prompted, "And?"

"For all of July."

"And?"

"We could move in anytime, for the whole summer."

Gathering her patience, Mrs. Siebert sighed and her head sagged for a moment. She then looked at her son and asked, "Why would you want to live with them? For what purpose?"

"Well," Derrick started, "they could teach us lots of stuff - how to be independent; how to cook, and probably most importantly, how to be professional musicians."

Folding her arms across her chest, Mrs. Siebert stubbornly said, "None of those reasons are enough to live there."

Desperate, Derrick groaned, "They've been together almost twenty years, ma. I want it to be that way with Mike."

From the kitchen, Mike hollered, "Me too!"

And Mrs. Gibbons loudly said, "Hush!"

Derrick giggled and turned back to his mother. She sighed, "They're adult gay men. Aren't you afraid of... what they might want from you?"

Stunned and speechless for a moment, Derrick felt his temper flaring. Fighting to contain it and remembering what Doug had recently taught him, he counted to ten as he slowly inhaled though his nose then counted again as he slowly released it.

Mrs. Gibbon entered the room with a cup of coffee. Mike followed, carefully carrying a small tray with a tea pot, cup, sugar and cream. Rolling his eyes at Derrick, Mike then placed the tray on the end table besides Mrs. Siebert. She softly said, "Thank you," and began preparing her tea.

Derrick then explained, "We met two other dudes that lived with them for a while. They seemed to have survived pretty well. Besides, neither Doug nor Brian has ever made any moves on us."

Mike turned to his mother and repeated, "They're a couple - monogamous for almost twenty years." Sighing, he looked down at his bare feet and sorrowfully said, "I think they'd be hurt if they knew that you didn't trust them."

"They're not predators because they're gay," Derrick assured.

And Mike added, "If they weren't musicians, I don't think I'd have as much fun there. We sure wouldn't have as much in common."

Looking at her son and then Mike, Mrs. Siebert defensively said, "I don't know much of anything about them and have not formed any opinion one way or another. The question needed to be asked, whether you've thought of asking it or not." Then she smiled at Laura Gibbons and asked, "We've always known, haven't we?"

She nodded, "Since Michael was seven."

Quickly turning to both women, Mike said, "What?"

Mrs. Siebert reached for Derrick's hand and said, "I've always known. Maybe I was tougher on you than I should've been. We thought we had done something..."

Tears welled in Derrick's eyes. He smiled, "It wasn't that bad. Only dad, really."

Mike glared at his mother and asked, "You've known since I was seven?" Mrs. Gibbon's smiled and nodded. Mike loudly laughed, "How? I didn't even know!"

"By your choice of friends," Mrs. Gibbons admitted.

Uncertainly, Mike asked, "From Keith?"

Mrs. Gibbons smiled, "Not just him, and not just Derrick. Every friend you've ever brought home. They were all the cutest boys you could've possibly found." Smiling, Mike tilted his head and his mother continued, "When other boys were discovering that girls weren't so yucky after all, you found them more so." She then sighed, "I'm just not ready to sever the umbilical chord, Michael."

Mrs. Siebert agreed, "Neither am I. But we're going to have to give our young men the chance to grow."

Mrs. Gibbons softly grumbled then sternly looked up at her son saying, "I'm not going to simply turn you lose on their home. You are going to learn how to cook, as much here with me as with them."

"We can go?" Mike excitedly asked.

"You will learn to clean up after your own messes," Mrs. Gibbons added.

And Mrs. Siebert chimed in, "We won't let you be an embarrassment to anyone but yourselves." Facing Mike's mom, she suggested, "For the rest of June, we'll treat work nights like school nights."

Mrs. Gibbons smiled and nodded. Mike groaned and flopped into a chair. Then his mother said, "When you're not working, you can spend your days and nights there. In July, either I or Derrick's mom will be periodically stopping by..."

"Unannounced," Mrs. Siebert added.

"And if we find anything amiss!" Mrs. Gibbons loudly threatened.

Mrs. Siebert smiled, "Then you can just chalk up August as a loss."

Glaring wide-eyed around the room, Derrick groaned then said, "Define anything amiss."

Mrs. Siebert said, "Breakfast dishes will not be left in the sink until dinner. They will be rinsed and put in the dishwasher before you leave the house. The kitchen and bathrooms must be kept reasonably clean."

Grinning impishly, Mike wondered aloud, "Unannounced isn't such a good idea, ya know? We could all wind up really embarrassed."

Both women smiled and nodded. Derrick's mom suggested, "We'll call just before we leave. You wouldn't be able to clean much in ten or fifteen minutes but you could at least get dressed." Blushing fiercely, Derrick giggled. Mike nodded and, noticing his mother's blush, struggled to contain himself but a few snickers escaped.

Mrs. Gibbons set the next rule. "Beds will also be made first thing in the morning - not once a week, when you wash the sheets. And not five minutes before you climb back into it at night!"

Mike half cried and half laughed, "You're taking all the fun out of the whole thing!" and Derrick snickered.

"You're already pretty good at laundry," Mrs. Siebert admitted.

Mrs. Gibbons smirked, "But not so good at putting it away. They just pick from the clean pile and then dump into the dirty pile!"

Mrs. Siebert nodded, "Add on top of that anything Brian or Doug may need you to do."

Hearing their names and turning to Derrick, Mike asked, "I wonder what's keeping Brian?"

"Since Doug is at work, he was in the studio," Derrick answered.

Facing Derrick's mom, Mrs. Gibbon's said, "You might as well give Derrick his room and board money."

"Only for July and possibly August," Mrs. Siebert agreed.

Mrs. Gibbons then smiled, "Have you two thought of how you're going to budget your money? Food doesn't magically appear in the refrigerator."

"If you try eating out every day, you'll be penniless in two weeks," Mrs. Siebert assured.

"They've already taken us to the market with them," Derrick happily answered.

Mike added, "They said that there's some stuff they stock up on over the weekends but they get fresh fruit and veggies whenever they need to."

Smirking at her son, Mrs. Gibbons snickered, "And you haven't been to the grocery store with me in years!"

"I guess that's another part of our training?" Mike giggled.

Wide-eyed, Mrs. Gibbons nodded. Then there was a knock at the door.

Mike jumped up and hurried across the room. Opening the door, he greeted Brian and showed him inside. Glancing quickly around the room, Brian chuckled, "So, how's it goin'?"

Mike grinned, "You dudes called it, almost exactly!" and pointed at the chair he had been sitting in.

Derrick stood and introduced Brian to his mother. Brian and Mrs. Siebert shook hands and greetings.

Shaking her head sadly, Mrs. Gibbon smiled, "I hope you know what you're getting yourself into."

Crossing the room, Brian laughed, "You two did most of the work!" He sat and then asked, "What rules are we playing by?"

Taking a seat on the sofa beside Derrick, Mike answered, "Well, for this month, we'll be living with you part time."

"Work nights here. With you the nights we're off," Derrick said.

Turning to Brian, Mrs. Gibbons then said, "And during that month, you and Doug can re-assess your decision."

Mike hollered, "Ma-aa!" and Brian cracked up laughing.

Smiling at her son for a moment, Mrs. Gibbons loudly laughed, "You're just barely housebroken!" Mike groaned and slouched back in his seat, trying to force a grin into a disapproving frown. Mrs. Gibbons shook her head sadly and reminded, "Did you offer our guest something to drink?"

Briefly, Mike glared at his mother but knew this was just another test. He then turned to Brian and sweetly asked, "What can I get for you, dude?"

Brian smiled and said, "Nothing right now, thanks." Shifting between Mike and Derrick's mothers, he then softly said, "Let's get something out of the way. Doug is my partner. We're not looking for boy-toys, only someone to watch our house while we're gone."

Both women were slightly stunned by Brian's directness. Grinning slightly, Mike and Derrick weren't the least bit surprised. Brian continued, "Being gay men, we're at a disadvantage. Although we're capable of raising a child, the laws don't make that easy. Even foster parenting is difficult for us. But we can make a place in our home with parental approval and for the right reasons." Brian paused, looked at Mike and Derrick and then asked, "You met Matt and Tom?"

Derrick nodded and Mike said, "At your Memorial Day party."

Brian then asked, "You know they lived with us for over a year?" Mike and Derrick shook their heads then Brian turned back to the women and said, "Tom's father was an alcoholic child abuser. Matt was a guitar student of ours. We offered Tom refuge and a few months later, Matt moved in too."

For Derrick, this hit very close to home. His father wasn't an alcoholic and didn't become an abuser until he realized that Derrick was gay, but the situations were similar. Mrs. Siebert asked, "Is it common for fathers to become violent?"

"Less common these days," Brian answered. "Doug's father was exactly like Tom's father. Many men believe that having a gay son is an attack upon their manhood and very existence. Of course, no such attack ever happened. It's only a matter of individual perception.

"We know a lot of gay men that have been in extended relationships of one sort or another. And we know more than a few that wouldn't ever consider any brand of commitment. On the other hand, there are gay men that want families so badly that they suppress their sexual desires, choosing to live a heterosexual life. Just as there's diversity in the heterosexual community, the same exists in the homosexual community."

Mike said, "Just like some straight men sleep around, so do some gay men."

"We want to be together, like them, when we reach middle age and old age," Derrick repeated.

Mrs. Siebert said, "You make it sound like a secret - some magical bit of wisdom."

Mike and Derrick glanced at each other, smiled and simultaneously chuckled, "Yeah!"

Smiling widely, Brian leaned back and struggled to contain a belly laugh.

Mrs. Gibbons relaxed and groaned softly. She then asked, "That's what this is about then - as much for music as it is to learn how we make it last?"

Mrs. Siebert giggled, "That's so simple!" She then took her son's hand and asked, "After all that happened last winter, why am I still with your father?" Stunned silent, Derrick pondered the question but could only shrug. "Because I love him," Mrs. Siebert answered. "I've loved him for more than twenty-five years of marriage. I love the life we made together and both our sons. Until recently, how many times did your father raise a hand to you?" Again, Derrick shrugged. Mrs. Siebert said, "They were very few and very far between and always with good reason. Brian answered the question for us already. You represent weakness in him. It's completely untrue, neither of you are weak. No one sees him any differently because he has a gay son. But he sees himself differently. Only you two see each other differently, really."

Brian softly assured, "You didn't cause it, Derrick. He created the belief all by himself."

During a silent moment, Mrs. Gibbons turned to her son and said, "I choose not to see anyone because I still love your father. If and-or when I meet another man like that, I'll reconsider but not until then."

"So love keeps you together?" Mike asked.

Mrs. Siebert answered, "Not by itself. It's simple choice. My leaving Derrick's dad would only reinforce any feelings of inadequacy. And the fact is - he is so much more than an adequate husband or father." Glaring intently at Derrick, she firmly promised, "I will see a day when you and your father can exist civilly in the same room together."

Mrs. Gibbons then said, "I chose your father above all others. His feelings were my feelings. I chose to be faithful and considerate of him. He chose to be faithful and considerate of me."

Brian then said, "That old saying, 'the grass is always greener' is for people that can't stay monogamous." He paused then cleared his throat and smiled, "Because they're always looking for that better patch."

Mike snickered insanely. Derrick smiled warmly at his mom, "So you and dad won't split up?"

"Not over you," she affirmed and squeezed Derrick's hand. "You're my son and I want to spend time with you. If your father and I divorced over this, I can't be sure that I'd still want to be with you. A divorce could cloud our relationship - mother and son. That is not an option. Your being gay cannot cloud twenty five years of marriage either. So I play the middle man, insuring you grow up safe and sound while reminding your father that you're doing well."

Derrick grinned, "Does he ever ask about me?"

Mrs. Siebert assured, "He doesn't need to and I usually don't give him a chance." Brian chuckled and Derrick's mom continued, "He has two sons and I will always tell him everything I know about both of you. Later, I'll tell him that you'll be house-sitting for friends in July."

Mike and Derrick smiled at each other. For much more than permission to move, Derrick softly said, "Thanks, mom."

Then Mrs. Siebert turned to Brian and said, "I suppose we need to visit your home."

Brian nodded, "Anytime - tomorrow morning if you like. Just give a call."

Mrs. Gibbons said, "Brian, you don't have to do this."

Brian explained, "With our lifestyle, playing at clubs until three in the morning, we can't do it any other way." He paused and grinned, "Besides, Doug likes to play drill sergeant once in a while."

Both women grinned uncertainly and Mike asked, "What do you mean by drill sergeant?"

Brian shrugged and smiled, "He'll teach you something once - what he expects and how. If he has to do it twice, he becomes impatient."

Mrs. Siebert asked, "Tell me more about Doug, please?"

Brian grinned and said, "Doug is a walking enigma. He's got an IQ over one hundred and forty but you'd never know it by meeting him. At work, he builds and repairs computer networks. At home he writes music, plays guitar, bass, keyboards, trumpet, saxophone and drums. And I've never met a more sincere man in my life."

Sincerely twisted, Mike thought and giggled at himself.

"What sort of job do you have?" Mrs. Gibbons asked.

"Accounting and management; I run the two pubs we own - one in Anaheim another in Newport," Brian answered.

Derrick and Mike didn't know that the two men owned the pub they were at in January. But neither said a word about it because they hadn't asked their parents if they could go that night.

Mrs. Siebert then asked, "What sort of arrangements have you made for them?"

Brian replied, "We have a two bedroom house. They'll have the guest room, a full size bed, a desk, dresser and a closet. The guest bathroom is theirs to use and to keep clean." Turning to Mike and Derrick, he continued, "There will be advantages of course, but you know what we expect. We won't cleanup after you."

"We know," both boys chimed.

Brian reminded, "Doug can be a bitchy queen when faced with a mess. He warned you that he'd wake you at four in the morning to clean up. Don't doubt it for moment, he'd do it and not think twice about it."

Both boys laughed, "We know!"

Turning back to the two women, Brian asked, "And your rules are?"

Mrs. Gibbons said, "It sounds like our goals are very much the same."

"They want to learn what it's like to be independent," Mrs. Siebert knowingly smiled.

"And they will," Brian cheerfully promised.

Mike reached for Derrick's hand then turned and smiled widely at him. With his free hand, Derrick tapped his watch. Mike looked down and saw it was near ten thirty. Facing his mother, Mike said, "I need to call Keith."

Mrs. Gibbons reminded, "It's getting late."

"I know but he's expecting a call," Mike explained as he stood, "They were going to help us move but now that's not really necessary."

Watching his lover cross the living room, Derrick said, "We'll have all month to move stuff."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

By ten that Friday night, we had emptied our cans of whipped cream, devoured each other, made love, cleaned ourselves up and played with the helium balloon. Still entwined, we were watching Twister in our room when Rush began growling and woofing softly. Moments later, the front door opened. Beyond our closed bedroom door and over our TV, we heard my parents and brother come in. My dad said, "John, get your brother and Preston to give us a hand with the groceries."

Prez looked up at me and frowned, "I don't wanna get dressed."

I grinned, "I'll go out naked if you will."

He whined and then sighed, "Not this time," as he rolled away.

Getting up from the bed to find our clothes, I grinned, "Even John's got more pubes than we do now!"

Pausing, Prez smiled, "I'll bet most of ours grows back by the end of the month."

John knocked on the door and hollered, "Keith? Prez? Come on, we went food shopping."

I pressed the stop button on the VCR and Prez loudly answered, "We'll be right there." As he picked the sheet and blanket up off the floor and tossed them on the bed, he softly added, "As soon as we find our duds."

Giggling, I went to the closet for clean T-shirts. Finding our shorts, Prez said, "Here we go," and came over to me. I turned around and handed him a shirt. "Why do we need shirts?" he asked.

Wide-eyed, I reminded, "I had hair around my nips and you had some right between your tits!"

Prez softly chuckled, "They're gonna find out sooner or later," and handed my shorts to me.

I grinned, "Make it later so they have to wonder when we did it."

Prez giggled, "You are a wicked, wicked man."

Seeing a few red splotches on his chest and belly, I sighed, "I hope you don't get a rash from the Nair."

Prez shrugged and asked, "Is there any on my ass?" then turned around. Seeing a few splotches on his buns, I nodded and grimaced, "Do you feel itchy or anything?"

Frowning, Prez grumbled, "No," and then sighed, "I was hoping to keep certain areas trimmed. Guess I'll have to deal with clippers and the razor." We pulled our shorts and shirts on then unlocked the bedroom door. The second it opened, Rush barreled past us. Prez impatiently huffed, "Hound!"

Heading directly outside, we met my mom at the Suburban. She asked, "What did you have for dinner?"

Prez smiled, "We haven't eaten yet."

I thought - not real food anyway.

Picking up two plastic grocery bags, my mom sighed, "I thought not. There's fresh turkey breast and rolls in one of these sacks."

I assured, "We'll grab something as soon as we're done here."

Before heading into the house, my mom briefly glanced at me. Our eyes met and I swear I could hear her razzing me. "You had sex again! And forgot to eat! You villain! My son is a sexual fiend!" Uncontrollably, I snickered and she started for the house.

It was a very warm night - probably close to ninety degrees and the sun had been down over an hour. Prez picked up the two gallons of milk and turned to me smiling. "What?"

Reaching into the back of the Suburban, I softly giggled, "My mom thinks I'm corrupting you!"

Prez hummed thoughtfully then grinned, "We could strip and show her how I've corrupted you?"

Picking up four sacks filled with bottles of juice, I turned and smiled, "I'd better get rid of those empty whipped cream cans." We started for the house. My dad and John were stepping off the porch.

Nonchalantly, Prez asked, "How was Benihana?"

"Pretty great. You missed it," John enthusiastically teased.

Walking past us, my dad grinned but said nothing. Feeling slightly paranoid, I began softly chuckling. Tilting his head curiously, Prez smiled at me. I whispered, "They know. Only John seems oblivious."

Prez melodically teased, "They sure don't know everything."

I snickered, "Maybe that's why I feel so paranoid."

Stepping onto the porch, Prez said, "Poker face time."

Nodding, I tried to force the grin off my face as we stepped inside. In the kitchen, my mom was putting the groceries away. She opened the refrigerator door for Prez and asked, "Did you feed Rush?"

Putting the milk away, Prez nodded, "We just couldn't decide on our own dinner. Burgers didn't sound too appetizing. Turkey sandwiches sound really good, though."

Putting the sacks of juice down on the floor beside the pantry, I turned and waited for Prez then we started outside again. On his way inside, my dad said, "There are only a few more sacks left. Check that the truck is locked when you're done, please."

As he and John passed, I said, "No sweat."

Climbing up onto the Suburban's bumper, Prez reached in for the last sacks of groceries. His bubble butt was only a few feet away and level with my face. Turning, I watched my brother and father step into the house. No one else was around. Swiftly, I stepped forward and grabbed my fair skinned lover's waist then started nibbling on his cloth covered butt.

Falling forward into the Suburban, Prez hollered, "AH!" and started laughing hysterically. "You are so bad!" he loudly laughed. Turning to face me, he giggled, "We just finished devouring each other!"

Sliding one hand slowly up the inside of his shorts, I grabbed a fistful of cheek and grinned, "Your butt was right in my face. I think I'm past turning away and it just seemed to be the right thing to do."

While I continued snacking, Prez returned his attention inside the truck and picked up the few remaining grocery sacks. He handed them back to me and I released my hold on him to take them. Prez stood, hopped down off the bumper and grinned, "You're incorrigible."

"I know," I smiled, and took his hand then we started for the house.

Everyone was in the kitchen. My mom concentrated on the refrigerator and freezer while my dad and John were loading boxed and canned food items into the pantry. "I need to get you guys ready for court next week," my dad said. "Let Mike and Derrick know that we all need to get prepared."

Prez nodded and I said, "We're expecting a call from Mike or Derrick tonight anyway. I'll let them know when they call." Then I began gathering stuff to make our sandwiches.

For some reason, John snickered.

Then my dad asked, "Which nights might work?"

Prez and I shared a brief glance then he answered, "Wednesday night might be good. I just need to see when my Aunt plans on having me over for dinner."

My dad offered, "If nights are too cluttered, I could put aside time at the office?"

Glancing at the clock, Prez said, "It's almost ten thirty. Something must've happened." Then he came to me and asked, "Should I call them?"

I nodded and, as Prez turned, the phone rang. "That's gotta be them," I grinned.

Prez answered the phone. "Hello?" Then he turned and nodded, "Hey, Mike." Walking over to me and listening for a few moments, Prez then said, "Oh! Okay, cool!" Then he softly tapped my shoulder and mouthed, "They can move in July." Returning his attention to Mike, Prez said, "Just a sec. Keith's dad wants to start preparing us for Jake's trial."

After another few moments, Prez asked, "The trial starts Monday, the fifteenth, right dad?"

My dad nodded, "That's right. Expect at least two days in court."

Prez relayed, "Yeah dude, the fifteenth. We could go to the offices or do it at night?"

Another few moments of silence passed and I began eating my sandwich. Then Prez asked, "How much time will you need, dad?"

My dad shrugged, "At least an hour with each of you - probably closer to two."

Prez said, "About two hours each." Then he giggled, "Yeah, I know!" He paused and wondered, "I don't know, probably playing tennis." He then turned to me and asked, "Tennis tomorrow morning, right?"

With my mouth full of partially chewed sandwich, I smiled and nodded as my brother and father walked past and into the living room.

Wiping mayonnaise off the corner of my mouth, Prez grinned, "No, probably not. Keith works at one tomorrow... Sure, stop by on the way back." Prez giggled, "O-tay! See ya then. Bye." He then turned off the phone, sat beside me and gave me a peck on the cheek before taking a big bite out of his sandwich.

Before taking the last bite of my sandwich, I asked, "They can't move until July?"

Prez nodded and chewed then swallowed. "Part time - work nights at home, the rest over at Doug and Brian's." He then smiled widely, "Mike's gotta go grocery shopping and help his mom cook for the rest of the month!"

I chuckled, "We should've gotten him a fire extinguisher for his birthday!"

Prez giggled, "I've never seen him cook anything." then took another bite from his sandwich.

I recalled, "Back when we were about eleven, I guess, we wanted a midnight snack. Mike said that he could make us grilled cheese sandwiches. We go to the kitchen and he butters four slices of bread then opens the oven! I'm like, dude! Grilled cheese is made in a frying pan, not baked in the oven!" Prez snorted and I continued, "He said, the cheese melts quicker in the broiler."

Heaving, Prez quickly put his sandwich down then covered his mouth, swallowed and cracked up.

Finished stowing groceries, my mom came over to us and grinned, "And it did melt quicker."

I laughed, "We only left the kitchen for a minute, I swear! The next thing we know, the smoke alarm is wailing!" Smiling widely, my mom shook her head sadly. "Mr. and Mrs. Gibbons came running downstairs and there's Mike and me, trying to smother the flames with pot lids." Grabbing his stomach, Prez leaned forward and then back, roaring with laughter.

"You're both lucky neither of you were burned!" my mom loudly reminded.

Quickly, I stifled my giggles but Prez only tried and failed then cracked up again, earning him a swat from my mom. Picking up the sandwich again, Prez took a bite and then seemed thoughtful while he chewed. After he swallowed, he smiled, "You make a great turkey sandwich, babe."

I grinned, "You're just really hungry."

He nodded and leered, "What I want is dessert," then chomped on the final piece of his sandwich.

Our prep work in the bathroom took about an hour and a half, leaving us another hour and a half for play time. But we were fully erect for most of the time we spent shaving each other. Needless to say, we were boiling over by the time we started making out. Our first orgasms happened quite accidentally during the whipped cream foreplay. Glancing around and finding no one close by, I whispered, "Wanna try for three more?"

Still chewing, Prez nodded excitedly. Then he picked up both our plates and started around the counter for the sink. Opening the dishwasher, Prez looked at me and beamed, "Six would be a new record!" and then stuffed our plates inside.

Knowing that I would be exhausted by morning, I laughed, "Plan on losing big time tomorrow!"

Returning to me, Prez confessed, "I love playing tennis and I'm pretty good at singles matches. But I haven't played doubles too much."

Grinning, I nodded, "Same here. I'll try not to bean you too often."

He reached for my hand then we walked past the living room and said goodnight before adjourning to our room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

During the remainder of Twister and all during Men In Black, we made love. It was about one thirty in the morning when we turned the TV off and cuddled in the middle of the bed. At seven-thirty, the clock radio went off. Keith grumbled and smacked the snooze button. Sleepily searching for each other, we met in the middle of the bed. Out of habit, we reached to grope each other's morning wood. Simultaneously, our eyes shot open and we both gasped then quickly let go.

Carefully reaching for his package, Keith groaned, "Oh damn!"

Fondling my own hurtin' unit, I turned to Keith and said, "Six times in seven hours is obviously too much."

Keith began kicking the covers down and I helped. Then he sat up, looked at his chubby dick and mumbled, "It don't look bruised." Then he leaned over and inspected my worn out wiener!

I giggled, "Maybe we shouldn't have jacked each other off for the grand finale?"

Smiling up at me, Keith said, "It was worth it."

I nodded, pecked his cheek and agreed, "Every minute."

He then frowned and huffed, "No grinding this morning."

Pulling him down beside me, I situated myself with my head resting on his chest then smiled and contentedly sighed, "Just cuddling." Keith kissed the top of my head and gave me a brief but firm hug. The clock radio turned on again but we didn't move. Songs played but we didn't sing. We simply laid there, basking in our love until the second alarm went off at ten minutes to eight.

Keith sighed, rolled away and turned off the alarm. Rolling back, he then tenderly kissed me and whispered, "I love you."

I replied in kind then we got out of bed. Keith unlocked and opened the door then peeked down the hall. With a nod, I was assured the coast was clear and followed Keith, naked across the hall and into the bathroom for a quick shower.

Just as we were finishing up, Keith asked, "What will you do this afternoon once I leave for work?"

I shrugged, "Probably practice my new bass." Leaning back to rinse shampoo from my hair, I remembered my conversation with Mike and said; "Mike and Derrick might stop by - after the beach."

Keith nodded, "Cool. You dudes can jam while I work and slave!"

Laughing, I pulled him to me. Then there were loud knocks on the bathroom door. I turned off the shower and Keith stepped out of the tub yelling, "A few more minutes."

From beyond the closed bathroom door, Drew hollered, "Why'd you shower? You'll only be sweaty and needing another one when we're done."

Turning to me and shaking his head sadly, Keith whispered, "I should tell him exactly why we needed a shower and watch his face combust."

I giggled and suggested, "Wait until we're on our way to the courts."

Keith toweled down normally and I was just about to remind him to be careful when he firmly rubbed his crotch. Stopping and becoming perfectly still, Keith dropped the towel and grimaced, "Clothes are going to feel like steel wool the whole day."

I groaned "God forbid!" then cracked up.

Seeing the humor in the situation, Keith reached forward to towel my privates but I saw mischief in his eyes and quickly spun around.

"You'll be sorry," Keith teased.

Shaking my head, I wrapped my towel around my waist and seductively explained, "Every twinge I feel down there is going to remind how and why it got that way. I'll probably be fighting erections most of the day."

Keith whimpered, "I hope we're both feeling better by tonight," and then turned and opened the bathroom door. The second he stepped inside our room, he tore the towel off. Turning and smiling insanely, he softly giggled, "I can't believe my dick hurts! It's never hurt before!"

I laughed and asked, "Would you mind if I wore a pair of your boxers?" Boxer briefs would be a little too confining, I figured.

"Not in the least!" Keith roared, and then headed for the dresser. Together, we carefully dressed ourselves, taking far longer than usual.

Soon, Drew and Corey were knocking on our bedroom door. I opened the door and, entering the room Corey quickly explained, "It's almost ninety degrees out there already."

Drew nodded, "It's supposed to hit a hundred today."

Keith tossed me a T-shirt and then put on the polo shirt I had gotten for him. Moments later, Keith and I were in the kitchen filling four liter-sized travel jugs with ice and water. Mr. Hundser was sitting at the table and I could hear water running from the master bath. Corey and Drew returned from the garage, each holding two tennis rackets. Then we went out to my truck and started for the courts. Keith navigated and I drove. But every time I moved my legs to step on the clutch or brake, my dick tingled. Keith was fidgeting in the passenger seat too, occasionally grinning my way and pulling the cloth away from his crotch.

We got to the courts but had to wait about twenty minutes for one to free up. We used that time to stretch out. Then Drew and Corey took one side of the court while Keith and I took the other. After some practice serves, we volleyed for service. Since neither Keith nor I could run very well, Drew and Corey won first serve. It was the first of many wins.

We lost the first game without even getting a chance to serve. Drew and Corey were hysterical. The score was thirty-love in second game, in their favor, when I lucked out and got the ball past Drew.

Bouncing a ball with his racket, Keith asked, "You wanna serve?"

Shaking my head, I chuckled, "I'd just as soon not!"

Keith smirked, "The next one is yours," and then wandered into position behind the white line. For a long while Keith bounced the tennis ball, preparing himself.

Smiling triumphantly, Drew hollered, "If you're trying to psych us out, it's not working!" and Corey cracked up.

Shaking his head sadly, Keith grinned at his brother and then caught the ball. I faced the net. Moments later, the ball shot past me. Keith had put a lot of power behind the serve. It was in and Corey had little chance of getting near it. He tried anyway but didn't succeed.

Disappointed, Drew hollered the score. "Thirty-fifteen."

Keith bounced a ball to me and I moved behind the line to serve. I didn't want to delay the inevitable uncomfortable feeling between my legs and quickly served. The ball hit the net.

"Fault!" Drew and Corey hollered.

Turning to me, Keith grinned, "Now you get to try again!"

Scowling, I walked back behind the white line. How I wished that I had a detachable penis at that point. My wiener really would've been much happier resting at home. I'd keep it under the pillows in bed, ready to be snapped on again, I thought and grinned then served the ball. It wasn't my most powerful serve but it made it across the net and very close to the corner in the opposite court. Drew easily returned it and Keith bounced sideways to slam it back at Corey. We kept that volley alive for a while before Keith (purposefully?) slammed the ball way out of bounds.

The rest of the games in both matches went the same way. Keith and I were trying but eventually our dicks would prevent us from taking another step. We lost both matches; the first, six-zip and the second, six-one.

On the way to the car, Drew chuckled, "You were so slow! I swear I've seen old ladies move faster."

Corey smiled and huffed, "You didn't have to throw so many points either. We had some great volleys going."

Keith grinned and whispered, "Oh yes we did." Putting on my purest angelic expression, I snickered.

Drew looked at us curiously but before he could say anything, I challenged, "It won't be so easy next week."

Smiling impishly, Corey reminded, "We could get a court right away if you dudes could get your butts out of bed."

Shaking his head, Keith firmly said, "No way. It's summer vacation. Eight's the best we can do."

Corey turned to Drew and suggested, "How about we meet them here next week?"

Drew nodded thoughtfully, "We'd still get here before them."

"So," Corey said, "we'll get a court and start playing."

I unlocked the truck and we all piled in. While I backed out, Keith flipped stations on the radio, eventually stopping on KLOS where The Rolling Stones were playing Gimme Shelter.

The previous night, Keith and I had tentatively planned on meeting Mike and Derrick at the beach, if we had time. It was only a few minutes after ten in the morning. Turning to Keith briefly, I asked, "Still interested in the beach?"

He shrugged, "The cold water might do us good."

"Wake yer lazy asses up!" Drew giggled.

Keith's head sagged for a moment then he tightly squeezed my hand and looked up smiling mischievously. He innocently asked, "Ya wanna know why we're so worn out?"

Drew shrugged, "You stayed up too late?"

I shook my head and started giggling. Letting go of my hand, Keith smiled, spun in his seat and shouted, "We made love six times between six and one in the morning!"

Slouching back in his seat, Corey roared laughing.

Stunned but smiling widely, Drew put his hands over his ears and loudly laughed, "I'm not hearing this!"

But Keith was possessed and continued, "We started with whipped cream and ate each other from head to toe!"

Over Corey's constant laughter, Drew disbelievingly chuckled, "Yeah, right."

I loudly laughed, "It's true!"

Nodding and smiling, Keith looked at me and seductively said, "It was so hot... and so much fun... but now our dicks are tingling." I warmly smiled at my lover. My dick stirred briefly but the head rubbed against my boxers and immediately shriveled.

Covering his ears again, Drew shouted, "I'm not listening! I don't hear a word!" Then he turned and smiled at Corey and loudly laughed, "Don't encourage them!"

Driving into our neighborhood, I checked with Keith again. "Are we going to the beach?"

Keith nodded, "We'll only be able to stay an hour or so but yeah, let's cool off."

"Shall we get changed or go as we are?"

He shrugged, "Might as well go as we are." Then he grinned and loudly said, "No matter what we wear, our units are hurtin' fer certain." That set Corey laughing again. Briefly, I glanced in the mirror to find Drew smirking but candy-apple red.

I asked, "Do you guys want to come to the beach with us?"

Drew complained, "So you can goof on us some more?" and Keith snickered.

Corey giggled, "Catch ya another time, okay?" Facing Drew, he said, "I wanna take a shower anyway."

I dropped Drew and Corey off at home then started for the beach. The slight fidgeting Keith was doing turned into passenger seat acrobatics the moment we pulled away from the curb. Pulling the cloth away from his crotch, he softly said, "I can't take it anymore," and proceeded to unbutton his shorts.

I giggled, "What are you doing?"

"Flashing you," Keith grinned. Grabbing the waistband of his shorts, he loudly chuckled, "It just needs room to breathe for a few minutes!" Then Keith braced himself, lifted his ass and pushed his shorts and boxers down to his ankles. He smiled and sighed. "That's way better."

I laughed my ass off. But while my laughter subsided, I kept seeing my lover's adorable flaccid dick out of the corner of my eye. My dick began lengthening again. But even the uncomfortable rubbing against my clothes didn't keep it from getting completely hard. Swallowing hard, I softly said, "Keith?"

He said, "Yeah, baby?"

I turned to look at him. He looked at me. Half groaning, he giggled, "Oooo-migod!"

"I have to, babe. I promise to be gentle."

Keith nodded and my right hand moved into his lap; my fingers resting lightly on his dick. Immediately relieved, I concentrated on driving. We got on the 101. Keith's breathing was heavy. Glancing at his dick, I noticed it was engorging with blood.

"Does it hurt?"

Keith shook his head rapidly and said, "It's a little uncomfortable against my sack. Pick it up for a moment, please?" I did as he asked, lifting the base of his chubby with two fingers. He huffed, "Whew! That's better." I didn't put his dick back down though. It was twitching in my fingers, getting harder. I was only holding hit by the base! Keith turned and smiled at me. I smiled at him. He giggled, "It's the most comfortable it's been since we woke up!"

I grinned, "I need to exit soon though."

Keith said, "When you need to, let it go," then he laughed, "But pick it up and hold it again, please!"

"No problem!" I laughed. A minute or so later, I gently put his chubby down, turned on the directional and moved right to exit at Malibu Canyon. Keith groaned and reached for his crotch. I said, "Soon, babe - as soon as I get past this light," and then turned left onto Malibu Canyon and gently picked up my baby's sore member.

Keith sighed. A moment later, he asked, "How's yours?"

We glanced at each other and I grinned, "Hard and sore."

Keith suggested, "Pull into the gas station over there and drop your shorts. It'll feel so much better."

That sounded like a plan! Pulling into the gas station and past the pumps, I quickly put the truck in neutral, set the brake then carefully lowered my fly and lifted my ass. When my drawers were down around my ankles, I tried to step on the clutch and accelerator but my feet were too confined. Reaching down, I pulled my left foot completely free of my clothes. Keith snickered.

Lifting the brake, I smiled at him. "This is so sad," I giggled, and put the truck in gear.

Keith nodded enthusiastically and said, "But ya know what? I'm kinda looking forward to later tonight, after work. We'll both want to be naked and we'll want to play..."

"But may not be able to," I added, and then pulled back onto Malibu Canyon.

"Leaving us with some kissing and gentle petting."

I hummed provocatively then smiled, "Sounds fun."

Keith giggled, "A little frustrating!"

"But it'll be like strip poker. We'll be forced to wait."

"Even if we are feeling better by then, I'll still be careful."

I nodded, "No intercourse and no hand jobs."

"Mouth's only."

We glanced at each other. Both our dicks were pointing skyward, completely erect. I rested my hand where his pubes used to be; the base of his cock nestled between my index and middle finger. Reaching for my dick, Keith held me the same way. Content and comfortable, we drove the next twenty minutes to Zuma that way, holding our dicks with our pants on the floor.

The funny thing was, we forgot all about paying the parking lot attendant at Zuma! We had to see the booths in the distance before we remembered that we had to stop and pay two bucks to park! Laughing hysterically, Keith quickly pulled his boxers and shorts back up. But I was screwed, with my clothes wrapped around my right ankle!

Keith looked in the back seat and giggled, "Damn! Drew took everything into the house! There's nothing to cover you with!"

Thankfully, there were lines of cars waiting to pay the attendant. The first time I came to complete stop; I hurried to pick my drawers up and, in the process, accidentally scraped the steel zipper against my previously comfortable chubby! "Ah!" I hollered, and a stream of obscenities escaped my lips.

"What?" Keith hollered.

Glancing his way and grumbling under my breath, I saw that he was genuinely confused and concerned. "The zipper scraped my fucking dick!" I complained, and glanced his way wearing a crooked frown.

Keith's eyes widened. "You didn't scratch it, did you?"

"Not enough to draw blood," I grumbled, "But that fucking hurt!"

The car behind me honked his horn, reminding me to release the emergency brake and move forward. I stopped again and turned to Keith.

Slouching in the passenger seat, with his hand over his mouth, Keith struggled to contain himself.

"Very funny," I grinned.

Dropping his hand to his belly, Keith roared laughing, "We are so screwed! Literally!"

Reaching into my left pocket, I got two bucks to pay the attendant and then moved forward again, shaking my head and snickering at Keith. I rolled down the window and paid to park then moved forward and rolled the window up again.

Keith giggled, "I can hardly wait for work - my clothes feeling like sandpaper against the head of my dick - the sudden uncontrollable urges to thrust my hips forward - it should be very interesting!" He then reached for my hand, kissed it and said, "I love that we did it together, Prez. I really do."

I grinned, "But we'll know better to stop ourselves next time."

"It's weird," Keith started, "all those school day boners, as uncomfortable and embarrassing as they are, compared to now? I never realized how much my dick just hangs comfortably without giving me any trouble at all."

Parking, I nodded, "Now our dicks feel every step we take."

Squeezing my hand, Keith assured, "Cold water's gonna feel great!"

Leaning over and kissing him, I then grinned, "I can't wait. Let's go."

I left my wallet in the glove-box, opened my door and took off my sneakers. We then started for the sand.

Keith said, "Head straight for the water. We'll swim down to the surfer's area."

The sand was very hot, burning the soles of our feet and causing us to hurry. Fast walking made our pricks throb and burn. I groaned and Keith grumbled then we took off running for the water. Moments later we were diving in. The water was at least forty degrees cooler than the outside air and it was a bit of a shock at first but as soon as I stood in chest deep water, I realized that my dick felt way better. A swell picked me up and I kicked my feet to keep my head above water. Yep, I could move my legs without my dick sending warning signals to my brain.

Keith moved closer to me and triumphantly said, "This is what we needed!" I smiled and nodded. "If my dick still feels weird after work," Keith said, "I'll just park my ass in a tub of cold water until you get home."

I nodded, "I'll do the same before work and again after, if I need to."

"Let's find Mike and Derrick."

"Should we tell them?"

"I dunno, it's a little embarrassing but I have to admit, it's funny."

"But if we don't tell them, they'll eventually find out for themselves."

Keith grinned and nodded. Then we started swimming down to the surfer's area. Zuma is a large beach - I'd guess more than a mile long. It took a long while to get near the surfing area. Bobbing in deep water, we searched for Mike and Derrick but couldn't find them. We started for the beach but remained in waist-deep water, waiting for our friends. A few minutes later, I saw Mike on the sand, carrying a board and wearing wet suit. We both hollered his name several times before he finally turned around.

Mike waved for us to follow him and pointed further up the beach, shouting something unintelligible to us.

"Derrick's already on the beach," Keith said.

But I didn't want to get out of the water, snickered and waved Mike to us!

Keith asked, "Aren't you cold?"

Still waving for Mike, I nodded, "Yeah but my pecker feels great!"

Keith laughed and waved for Mike too. We could see Mike sag and huff but then he hurried towards us. Leaving his board on the beach, Mike jogged towards us hollering, "What the fuck? D's waiting, dudes."

"Why are you wearing a wet suit?" I asked.

He loudly replied, "We've been here since nine. The water's too cold, don't you think?"

Keith smiled, "It's refreshing, actually." I enthusiastically nodded and chuckled.

Suspiciously, Mike glanced at each of us several times. He devilishly grinned, "You did it, didn't you?"

I innocently asked, "Did what?"

Mike leered, "You shaved your pubes. The hair on your chest is gone." Turning to Keith and reaching for his nipple, Mike grinned, "You too?"

Turning, Keith laughed and blocked Mike's hand.

Shaking his head sadly, Mike smiled, "You're gonna regret it."

"Why?" Keith and I asked.

"I ain't sayin'!" Mike chuckled.

Keith dared, "So you did it once too?"

Throwing his head back, Mike laughed, "Just me though, not D."

I asked, "Why not Derrick too?"

Mike grinned and shrugged, "We were browsing old photo albums. He wondered what I looked like without so, the next time he saw me naked, he got his wish."

Keith grinned, "Why will we be sorry?"

Wide-eyed and smirking, Mike turned and headed for the beach.

We followed Mike out of the water and Keith checked his watch. "We've only got a few minutes before we have to start back," he sighed.

"I'm feeling way better. How about you?"

Keith briefly reached for my hand and smiled, "I'll be ready for playtime tonight."

"No matter what playtime happens to entail," I agreed.

"Are you guys jamming while I work?"

"I think so but I'll ask."

By the time we had made it to where Mike and Derrick had laid out there towels, Derrick was already giggling at us. They were already planning on leaving soon so we could jam for a few hours before work. Gathering up their stuff, we started for the parking lot. Mike and Derrick would stop home to shower and change. Derrick would bring his work clothes over our house. The 442 was parked close by and Derrick gave us a lift to my 4Runner. Then, in separate cars, we started over the mountains and through the tunnels for home.

On the way, our shorts and underwear began to dry and became very stiff. But Keith and I agreed our wieners felt way better. As soon as we got home and said quick hellos, we went directly to our room and swiftly peeled off our clothes.

Stepping towards me, Keith pointed at my waist and said, "You're a little pink, baby." Then he knelt down before me!

I giggled, "Keith!"

Without looking up, Keith said, "I'm just checking for zipper scratches. Your thing is tender enough. We don't need to deal with that too." Turning his head and carefully lifting my meat, Keith inspected for damage. He stood saying, "Not a mark, thank goodness." Then he moved behind me and said, "But you're skin definitely doesn't like Nair, Prez. Remember to put some talcum powder on your butt and chest before work."

Turning and taking him in my arms, I kissed him gently and softly assured, "Everything's getting powdered today. Thanks, babe."

Tilting his head curiously and smiling, he asked, "For what?"

"For checking me out just now... for just being you."

"I'm just making sure my favorite toy will work when I need it."

Stepping back and pointing at his scraped leg, I said, "The salt water tore off all the scabs. You're almost as good as new."

Keith nodded and smiled, "Would you mind if I took a bath?"

"Not at all, babe. Mike and Derrick won't be here for a while," I replied. "I'll soak my ass after you leave for work."

While I pulled out my new bass, Keith wrapped a towel around his waist and then went across the hall. Sitting down on the edge of the bed, I slowly played scales and arpeggios on my new bass; listening carefully to be sure I was hitting true tones. Almost done with all twelve keys, I got up and went to the CD rack on top of the entertainment center to find something to play along with when Rush started whining at the bedroom door.

I opened the door briefly to let him in and closed it again behind him since I was still naked. Rush danced around me and I greeted my wired hound. Putting my bass down on the bed, I then sat on the floor and gave him some attention. Just as I had trained him to, Rush sat at attention before me, wagging his tail and panting contentedly while I scratched and petted away. After a minute or two, Rush got up, seemingly satisfied. I watched him trot into his crate and turn around with his oldest shredded rope toy in his mouth. He brought it to me and growled.

Remembering that he had hurt himself two nights ago, I was happy that he wanted to play tug again. Reaching for him, I teased, "Gimme that toy!" and Rush backed away, growling. Swiftly, I reached for the toy and grabbed it but didn't tug. I didn't want him to get hurt again and windup associating rope toys with pain. When he tugged, I offered little resistance and praised him when he took it away from me. Rush and I played tug for about fifteen minutes, until Keith returned from the bathroom.

Smiling down at Rush and I as he passed, Keith suggested, "We could take Rush to the Pride parade tomorrow."

I hadn't even considered it and enthusiastically said, "Sure we could!" then asked Rush. He responded to the tone of my voice and spun around happily, eager to go right away. Standing, I grinned and, in my best L.A. tone, asked, "How's your unit, dude?"

Pulling his towel away, Keith chuckled, "Purdy damn good, thanks. How's yours?"

I smiled, "Still tingly but better."

"We learned two things today." Keith playfully chuckled, "First, six hours of constant sex is a bit too much." I nodded and then Keith opened the dresser drawer for clean boxers saying, "Second, cold water is the surest cure for hurtin' units."

I giggled, "A new appreciation for shrinkage," and Keith cracked up.

Pulling his Blockbuster polo shirt over his head, Keith finished getting dressed. He went to the VCR, pressed the eject button and said, "I'll bring these tapes back."

Going to him for a hug, I softly smiled, "Next time let's get something to watch, not just listen too."

Turning in my arms and returning my hug, Keith asked, "Are there any movies you want to see yet?"

I shrugged and thought aloud, "Deep Impact for Elijah and Armageddon for Ben Affleck."

Keith smiled and nodded, "I think they both start next week," then kissed me. It was a long lingering kiss, telling me that he enjoyed our first day of vacation and he didn't really want to leave. I didn't want him to leave either and held on till he pulled away and sighed.

He whispered, "I gotta go, baby."

I nodded and stepped back saying, "I'll miss you."

He nodded and whined, "I wanna stay here with you too," but got his keys from the dresser. Turning to me again, he smiled, "Later, lover."

I said, "Have a good night," and watched as he left the room and closed the door. Dreamily, I sighed and recalled the time we had spent together that day. He's so perfect for me in so many ways. Wrapping one of Keith's towels around my waist, I padded across the hall to sit in the tub for a few minutes before Mike and Derrick showed up. In a vain attempt to lessen the shock of cold water, I sat my bare ass down in the cold tub then turned on the water. The water from the faucet seemed very cold against my feet but as the tub slowly filled, I didn't find it too unbearable. Grabbing the soap, I began washing my feet. Working my way up each leg, I paused and then carefully washed my crotch. It was probably the least amount of time I've spent washing there in the last four years!

I briefly wondered when I had last chosen a bath instead of a shower. I couldn't remember. Not once here and never at the apartment - only showers. Vaguely, I recalled having the flu the winter after I turned fourteen and having taken a bath then. That was as much to lower my fever as it was to wash though. Finished washing, I put the soap back in the tray and leaned back to relax. I really need to take more baths, I thought as I rested.

My down time was cut short when there was a knock at the door and Rush began barking. Realizing that it had to be Mike and Derrick, I sat up, opened the drain then turned on the shower. I rinsed real quick then turned off the shower.

From beyond the door, Mike hollered, "We'll meet you in the garage, Prez."

Grabbing a clean towel, I answered, "Okay, I'll be right there," and toweled off. Wrapping the towel snugly around my waist, I then went back to our room to dress. I opened the door and took a single step inside the room. Before I knew it, Mike had grabbed my arm, pulling me three more steps into the room and tugged the towel off me! Derrick quickly closed the door and began chuckling evilly, pointing at my hairless crotch.

Without even covering up, I turned to Mike and loudly asked, "What is this fascination with seeing me naked? All school year, we've changed and showered together!" Pointing down at myself, I said, "It's the same as always, just hangin' out!"

Hysterical, Mike giggled, "This is an occasion though!"

I watched as Derrick wobbled to sit on the edge of the bed. He barely choked out, "Did Keith do it too?"

Heading for the dresser, I nodded and warned, "I'm telling what you two did too!"

Derrick groaned and Mike mooed sarcastically as I pulled on a pair of boxer briefs. In the mirror I saw them both step up behind me and I quickly spun around.

Derrick smiled, "Don't be pissed, dude. We all do it."

"I'm not pissed," I playfully chuckled, "but I don't trust either of you!"

Then they glanced at each other, nodded and reached for their shorts. Simultaneously, they dropped their drawers. I looked up at the heavens wondering what sort of twisted brains God handed them at birth.

Mike chuckled, "Check it out, dude."

Looking him in the eye, I said, "I've seen your dicks." Then I turned to Derrick and grinned, "Both of 'em!"

Nodding reassuringly, Derrick said, "Just look down. It's okay."

I did as he said. His blond pubes were neatly trimmed to a "V" shape above his dick and his scrotum was hairless too, as best as I could tell. Mike tapped my shoulder. Turning to him, I looked at his crotch and found his pubes similarly trimmed. "Don't play shy boy with us, dude. School's over. We all like looking, even when we've seen it before."

Behind me, Derrick said, "I've only briefly seen your dick maybe five or six times, dude." I turned to him and he still had his shorts around his ankles. "It's great, bro. I really like it."

Hearing that from my best friend really made my head spin. Uncontrollably, I blushed, glanced down at his package and grinned, "Thanks. Yours is pretty cool too."

Behind me, Mike said, "Starting next June, we'll always trim ourselves, right D?"

Derrick nodded and said, "We'll try different stuff occasionally, maybe even go bald once in a while."

They pulled their shorts back up and I noticed neither had underwear on. Moving aside, Mike said, "It's cool, dude. Strut your stuff; you've got more hanging down there than lots of dudes."

Facing him, I shrugged, "Not as much as others though."

Derrick chuckled, "So what? The magic act is when they get hard." Looking past me at his boyfriend, Derrick then smiled and softly asked, "How big does it get?"

Stunned beyond words, my eyes shot open and I started laughing.

Mike laughed, "Tell the truth now. We'll see it someday and know if you've told one of your Texas tall tales!"

Looking at him, I asked, "Do you really hit eight inches?" He and Derrick nodded. "Damn!" I whispered, "That's almost three times your normal state."

Nodding again, Mike giggled hysterically, "Keith told you?"

I nodded and looked into Derrick's eyes. Without my asking, he held up his right hand and said, "Seven inches."

I sighed and said, "Six and a quarter."

Glaring disbelievingly, Mike hissed, "Keith said six inches."

I shrugged and giggled, "It's grown a bit since last summer, thank God."

Sitting again, Derrick said, "You about double in size, bro. That's very cool. I hang four inches but don't double in size. Some dudes only manage five inches. That's average. Some even less than that!"

"Dicks are as diverse as the personalities they're attached to," Mike said happily.

Derrick smiled and nodded enthusiastically then suddenly bounced up and said, "Get dressed, dude."

Mike encouraged, "Let's make some new sounds."

Reaching in the dresser again for clean shorts, I asked, "Can we please play with some sort of progression though?"

"Sure," Mike chuckled.

Derrick suggested, "Play some jazzy walking bass, Prez. Mike wants to practice improvising over jazz changes."

Moments later, we were in the garage. I played my new bass through the effects box and both amps. Derrick laid down an appropriate syncopated rhythm while I walked through various jazz progressions, announcing each chord as I changed. Mike's improvisation started slowly and melodically, becoming more intricate as we played. Only once did I hear him play a rock lick but it was short and he quickly went back to jazz. Over the PA, we challenged and encouraged each other. It seemed we had only just begun when Derrick's watch alarm started beeping but over an hour had passed. Quickly, we created an ending then hurried back to the bedroom.

While Mike watched, Derrick and I started changing into our black pants and white shirts for work. While dressing, I purposefully faced them. Derrick stripped down to his birthday suit, putting on clean boxers for the first time since they got out of school yesterday, he said. We continued chatting about jazz and the progressions we had played in the 442. Mike kissed Derrick goodbye. Then he turned and smiled knowingly at me before getting out of the car and heading for his house. I hopped into the passenger seat.

We pulled away from the curb and Derrick asked, "You okay, Prez?"

I nodded, "Sure, why wouldn't I be?"

"Just checkin', bro."

It took me a minute to figure out why he asked and I chuckled, "You two are voyeurs, you know that?"

Derrick chuckled and nodded, "With an occasional attack of exhibitionism!"

Nodding, I snickered, "You really like my dick?"

Throwing his head back, Derrick roared for at least a minute. Then he nodded and chuckled, "I've always known you had balls but now I know how big they really are!"

I laughed, "They're not that big!"

"By the way, the doc left a bit more skin on you then on Keith or Mike. Did you realize that?" I shook my head and Derrick nodded, "That's why I was lookin' so long. Only a little of the tip is exposed. Your pud's pretty chubby too!" Derrick giggled.

I cracked up. I had just got out of a tub of cool water too. And I sure wasn't playing with it in there! Wanting it to feel better so I could play with Keith later, I left my wiener alone. Regaining the ability to speak, I roared, "I can't believe we're talking like this! We're practically flirting!"

"In a playful way," Derrick agreed. Then he softly said, "We're all attracted to each other in so many ways. It's weird to admit it, but it is true." After a short pause he said, "It won't ever go much further than playing, Prez. Don't you think it would be cool to spend a few hours just hangin' out naked together? Mike and I don't get as many chances as we'd like and we're definitely looking forward to having that freedom at Doug and Brian's."

Understanding and agreeing, I grinned, "After they've left, of course."

"Of course!" Derrick chuckled. Then he quickly lost his smile and confided, "Ya know, last night, talking to our mothers, I about lost control."

A little worried, I asked, "Why? What happened?"

He sighed, "They both wondered if Doug & Brian have ever hit on us."

I frowned, "That's almost laughable."

"I know," Derrick nodded. "I can't think of one single time when either has touched me anywhere below the shoulder. Same with Mike. I just couldn't believe our mom's even mentioned it." Shaking his head, he then grinned, "But we've seen them tease and goof around with each other. Nothing too intense, ya know?" I nodded and Derrick giggled, "Can you image us, twenty years from now? The things they said that were hip in the seventies and eighties, they just went off on! Oh! And they showed us a few pictures of their band, from back in 1986." Derrick laughed, "Imagine Doug and Brian with big hair!"

Both men have short brown hair and Doug's is starting to thin on top. I snickered insanely and shook my head, "I can't see it."

Derrick chuckled, "Just as funny as they were to us, we'll be to kids in twenty years."

"That's a scary thought," I heartily agreed.

"I intend to have lots of great memories to look back on when I'm pushing forty," Derrick firmly stated.

I nodded, "And someone special to remember them with."

Pulling into the Black Angus parking lot, he smiled, "Common roots and experiences, definitely." He parked and we both sighed.

I held my hand up for him. Derrick swiftly and firmly shook it. We smiled at each other. He's got the most intense hazel eyes; almost hypnotizing. It started to feel a little awkward. Bouncing my eyebrows, I teased, "You've got an awesome uncut dick too!"

Stunned, Derrick threw my hand away and shoved me. Quickly, he turned to get out of the car.

Getting out on my side, I loudly laughed, "Made ya blush!"

We started for the restaurant and Derrick giggled, "Fucker! You did not!" For the rest of the night, whenever we were in the kitchen together, I teased Derrick mercilessly. It was a really fun night, even though we were extremely busy. Summer vacation had started and the people were out again. Thankfully, the soreness in my pee-pee eventually dissipated to a very pleasurable throb. At ten that night, we weren't taking more customers but half of the tables were still full. Derrick and I stayed until about eleven fifteen and made good bucks for the extra effort but there were still a few parties hangin' around too.

We were quiet most of the way to the Hundser's. As we pulled into the neighborhood, I asked, "Why don't we all go to the Pride parade together?"

Derrick shrugged and nodded, "Sounds good." He then huffed, "I can't believe we need to be there at nine in the morning! We'll have to be showered and out of the house by eight - eight fifteen the latest. I'm gonna be draggin' ass, dude."

I nodded, "Keith has to work at one. We wanted to hang out for a while but we're gonna have to leave by noon."

"Cool," Derrick nodded. "I might catch a short nap before work tomorrow night." He paused and grinned devilishly. "Then again... the house will hopefully be empty for a while."

I giggled, "We had a whole three hours alone last night."

Slowing and pulling alongside the curb, Derrick sighed, "I am so tired of being completely quiet. We were in the pool-house for awhile last night. At least we could make a little noise when we felt like it." He stopped the car in front of the house.

Offering my hand, I reassuringly said, "Soon, dude."

He shook it and smiled, "See ya in the mornin'."

Nodding, I said goodnight, turned and got out the car then waved as he drove off. Starting for the house and noticing our bathroom light on, I wondered if Keith was in there. That thought alone flashed an image of Keith in my mind. He was naked, kicked back in the tub, completely relaxed. My dick responded and lengthened in my pants.

Smiling widely, I stepped inside and was greeted by Rush. In the living room, Mr. Hundser, Drew, Corey and John were watching Apollo 13 on HBO. I said hello then hurried back to our bedroom. It seemed my dick was completely healed and wanting to point skyward for the first time that day.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My wiener was back to normal too but just to be sure, I plopped my ass in another tub of cool water soon after I got home. Kicked back and relaxed, I started daydreaming. I pictured Prez, standing in our room and playing his bass. My pecker lengthened in the water. Concentrating, I removed his clothes, leaving him standing in CK boxer briefs. That was a familiar sight and easy to imagine. I rolled his underwear down his ass while he chuckled and continued playing his bass. Taking a seat on the corner of the bed, I watched my lover dance in place to the music he was creating. His flaccid dick and meaty nads swung between his legs. Giving my now fully erect bone a hard squeeze, I was happy that it didn't make me cringe. Maybe we could have a little more fun that we thought we'd be able to tonight.

While that was a nice thought, I was just looking forward to seeing him. I wanted to slow dance with him. We hadn't danced at all since the prom.

There was a soft tap on the bathroom door, startling me back to reality. Prez stepped in saying, "It's just me, babe."

Sliding the shower door open, I smiled, "Hey sexy."

Snickering, he lowered the toilet seat and sat down asking, "How's your thing?"

"See for yourself," I teased.

Leaning forward he looked at my cock and smiled, "Me too."

Him too?

He was hard too?

"Lemme see?" I softly pleaded.

Without further ado, he stood. While unbuttoning and unzipping, he stepped close to the tub then let his pants fall. I could see it beneath his boxer briefs, settled comfortably along his left thigh. My bone lurched at the site, splashing down back into the water.

Running his fingers seductively around the waistband of his underwear, Prez took his sweet time exposing himself to me. It must've taken several minutes for him to get them lowered below his nads. With my every heartbeat, my cock bounced in the water. Even hairless, my lover is just so sexy.

Reaching for him and sliding a wet hand up between his thighs, I asked, "It's feeling better?"

He nodded and smiled, "I would do that all over again."

Giggling, I nodded enthusiastically but joked, "No morning tennis or other un-necessary running next time though." Then I reached for his bone and gently wrapped my hand around it.

Prez sighed contentedly. Then he smiled down at me and said, "It was around six the last time I took a leak. I gotta go." As if it were a great effort, I let my hand slowly slide down his leg and frowned. Quickly, Prez grabbed my hand and returned it.

For a short while I inspected his unit. It looked different, way longer and fatter, probably because he was completely hairless. Letting go of it, I pulled Prez toward me. Giggling, he held onto the wall with his hips forward, practically kneeling on the edge of the tub. Cupping some cool water in my hands, I then wet his rod. He sighed, "Ooo that felt nice."

Encouraged, I turned and knelt. Smiling up him, I said, "Lemme know how this feels," and then lapped the water off of his cock.

My lover ran his fingers through my hair and sighed, "Incredible."

Once the water was gone and all I could taste was flesh, I forced myself to stand and said, "Let's go across the hall before we get carried away in here."

Prez whined but stepped back and offered his hand to help me out of the tub. Taking his hand simply because I wanted to, I stepped out. Prez pulled his pants up while I toweled off a bit. He said, "Your dad and brother's are occupied with TV. I'd doubt they'll even notice us." Reaching for the doorknob, he asked, "Where's your mom?"

Wrapping the towel around my waist, I shrugged, "Probably watching something different in her bedroom."

Nodding, Prez opened the door. Unbuttoning his shirt, he walked into our room and I followed; closing and locking the door behind us.

While Prez undressed, I finished toweling off. Seeing him pull his pants off, standing there in white socks and CK's only, I quickly said, "Leave your underwear on, baby."

Prez glared curiously at me then a smile swept across his face and he shrugged, "Can I take my socks off?" I nodded. He leaned against the desk and raised each foot, tossing his socks onto the closet floor. Then he rested his ass on the desk and smiled at me.

Nodding, I smiled, "Those CK's really accent your package, Prez."

Looking down at himself, he smiled, "You think so?"

"Definitely," I enthusiastically grinned. "They look great on you, no matter what condition your dick is in. Tightie-whities really do you justice."

Prez snickered, "Shall I take them off?"

Shaking my head, I hung my towel over the chair and turned to him. "We haven't danced since the prom, you know?"

Smiling widely, Prez crossed the room and nodded, "You'll have to wear something too then." Moments later, he pulled my black Speedos out of the drawer. Snickering, I went to him and quickly put them on.

Stepping closer to me, Prez rested his hands on my hips and started slowly swaying. Taking him in my arms we slowly swayed to the stereo. Quickly lowering the volume and changing the station to soft jazz, Prez then said, "While I was at work tonight, I smelled something really great every time I passed this couple at the bar. The guy was wearing a fantastic after-shave but I couldn't just walk up and ask what he was wearing. Later on, I saw the lady leaving her table and followed her. I excused myself and asked what after-shave her husband was wearing. She said it was Paco Robanne. I'm gonna get some for you."

I had seen advertisements for that brand in GQ magazine but they never had any samples so I had never smelled it. But if Prez liked it that much, it had to be pretty good. Snuggling closer, I whispered, "If you want, baby."

We swayed silently another minute or two. He rested his head on my shoulder and softly said, "After you left for work today, I went and soaked in the tub." I nodded and he continued, "Mike and Derrick got here before I got out of the tub. They said they'd meet me in the garage." His head popped up off my shoulder and he grinned, "The next thing I know, they're ambushing me in the bedroom doorway! They tore the towel off me and cracked up when they saw me."

Shaking my head, I smirked, "Bastards! Their day will come!"

Prez said, "What was really weird was that I didn't even really try to cover up. And to make the situation even stranger, they then dropped their drawers to show me that they did a little trimming too. It must've been last night. There was a lot more of Mike's bush the last time I saw it in the locker room."

I snickered, "Oh, so it's okay for them but not for us, huh?" Grinning evilly, I promised, "Some day, dude. They'll leave a base uncovered and I'll take advantage of it, believe me."

Prez chuckled, "Make sure I'm there to witness it!"

I reminded, "You still need to get John back for that whoopee cushion gag."

"I had an idea for that," Prez said. "With John, I want to be a little careful. I don't want him thinking that I want to see him naked or anything." I nodded and Prez then whispered his idea in my ear. It was evil. It was twisted. It would be embarrassing! For John, it would've been infinitely more embarrassing on a school day but any time would be fine. Prez would wait for our first day off together though so that he would be more likely to know if his scheme worked.

For a few minutes more, we swayed slowly with the music. Around midnight, we separated. Prez let Rush out once more then returned and came to bed.

The clock radio went off at eight and I slapped it hard. Prez snuggled up behind me and kissed my neck. "Tomorrow, we'll sleep in until at least nine, okay babe?"

With my eyes still closed, I mumbled, "Definitely," and kissed his neck. But there was a shirt there! Breathing in, I could tell he had already showered. Opening my eyes, I asked, "How long have you been awake?"

"Only about an hour. I had a very strange dream that woke me up."

"About your mom?"

He shrugged, "She was in it but it was mostly the four of us. It's almost completely forgotten now."

Stretching, I yawned, "Thank goodness," and then started to get out of bed. Turning around, I asked, "You've finished in the bathroom?"

Prez nodded but grinned, "Want some company anyway?" With a nod, Prez got up. He made it to the door before me and checked the hall. Then we went across the hall. The Pride parade was all we really talked about. Both of us were excited about it and a little disappointed that we had to leave by noon. More than anything, we looked forward to the day when Pride would become an all day and all night celebration; hopefully right after we turned twenty-one.

While I took a long morning piss, Prez leaned against the sink. When I moved to the sink to brush my teeth and run the electric razor over my face, Prez lowered the toilet seat and sat. I think that he remained there while I showered. When I was done, my lover didn't hand me the towel but wordlessly insisted on drying me off himself. The task finished, Prez kissed me then led the way back to our bedroom. I started dressing for the day.

Prez asked, "Do you want breakfast, babe?"

I shrugged, "Just a big glass of OJ and a granola bar or two."

Heading to the door, he said, "Hopefully we'll get the chance to stop for lunch somewhere," and then left the room before I could say I word.

Buttoning my shorts and going after him, I loudly asked, "Have you eaten, Prez?"

Stopping and turning between the dining and living rooms, Prez grinned, "Everyone's eaten but you, babe." Stepping up beside him, I saw my whole family and Corey around the table finishing breakfast. Prez asked, "How about an egg, cheese and sausage sandwich on an English muffin with that juice?"

Nodding, I smiled and gave him a peck on the cheek then went back to our room and finished dressing. Minutes later, I had eaten and everyone was scurrying around the house. Letting the dog inside, Prez led him to our room and quickly returned. Taking my hand, Prez put the little gay flag bracelet on my right wrist. Much to my surprise, Drew and Corey and even John were coming with us. They went in the Suburban with my folks. Prez drove to Mike's but relinquished driving duties to me. Mike and Derrick ran out of the house carrying shirts, sneakers and socks. Derrick looked damp still. He had obviously just gotten out of the shower.

Mike said, "Let's jet, bro. My mom and sister left ten minutes ago."

"We've got plenty of time," I replied as I pulled away.

Turning slightly in his seat, Prez asked, "Your sister is coming?"

Both Mike and Derrick nodded, I saw from the rearview mirror. Then Derrick said, "She wanted to."

Mike agreed, "Made a pretty big stink about it last night and again this morning."

Derrick snickered, "She opened your mom's eyes."

Mike grumbled, "Maybe my mom will stop worrying about us and concentrate on Lindsay."

Face it dudes," I grinned, "you're both deviants!" Prez chuckled and I said, "Don't try to deny it either! I heard what happened yesterday afternoon."

Snickering hysterically, they both leaned forward to put on their socks and sneakers. Mike teased, "You're just jealous!"

I loudly laughed, "I've seen both of you dozens of times! And you've seen me!"

Prez giggled, "So now I'm getting caught up, is that it?"

Mike and Derrick only grinned at each other for a brief moment. Then they both started unbuttoning their shorts. Seconds later, they were pushing them down to the floor! Glancing back briefly, Prez shook his head and roared laughing. No matter how much Prez and I goofed on them, they remained that way until we exited the 101.

I think we all had a really good time at the Pride parade. Our group was so large that we wound up carrying the large PFLAG sign. Drew, Corey, John and Lindsay were in the center position. So we could see something of the crowd and the parade, the four of us decided to take the outsides of the pole that held up the sign. Prez and I were on one end and Mike and Derrick on the other. Our parents filled out the remaining areas. Behind us were another fifty PFLAG supporters. John and Lindsay were hysterical at several points because there were dudes dressed in drag in front of us the whole way. The one in the center was the Statue of Liberty. On either side of him were Liza Minnelli and Cher.

The parade started at ten that morning and lasted two hours. Along the sidewalks were all sorts of people - straight couples, gay couples, lesbian couples. There was so much going on and so many people I wanted to talk with - other teenagers in the PFLAG group mostly. But we just didn't have time. It was half past twelve when the four of us left Hollywood. I still needed to stop at home, grab my Blockbuster shirt and get in my own car to drive to work. But we couldn't stop talking the whole way home. The next year, we planned on watching the parade instead of participating in it. And we would take the night off work too so that we could hang and not have to hurry anywhere.

As we pulled into our neighborhood, Prez said, "Sunday night will be slow. I'll be home a little after ten, babe."

I nodded, "And I'll probably be home only a few minutes before you."

From the back seat, Mike softly snickered, "And we'll be naked by ten thirty."

"The latest!" Derrick giggled.

Mike hollered, "Why wait?" They then both unbuttoned and dropped their shorts again!

Prez roared laughing, undid his safety belt and followed suit! Snickering, I stopped in front of the house. Planting a big wet one on him, I groped his package then whispered, "Have a good night, baby. See ya later." Turning to the backseat briefly, I teased, "Anyone else need any fondling?"

Derrick sarcastically smirked, "Sure, start us up then run off to work!"

Mike playfully lisped, "Teathing queen!"

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We support Ukraine — Мы поддерживаем Украину — Ми підтримуємо Україну
We support Ukraine — Мы поддерживаем Украину — Ми підтримуємо Україну