Date: Fri, 4 Jul 2008 14:06:52 -0700
From: David Courson <dsc110875@hotmail.com>
Subject: Quarterback with the Emeral Eyes - Part 16

This story is fiction.  Any similarity to any persons living or dead is
merely a coincidence.  If you are not allowed by law to view this material,
please do not do so. If you are under 18 years of age, please leave now.
This is a love story between two boys in high school.  If that offends you,
I apologize and ask that you not read any further.  Otherwise, enjoy.

Check out the Quarterback Yahoo group.  There are photos, polls, databases,
other stories from readers and lots of fun questions and posts.  Come and
get involved at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Quarterback_with_the_Emerald_Eyes/

I want to thank Stephen and Vann for being my proofreaders on this story.
I appreciate your patience and your suggestions on how to make it better.
Thanks for everything.

And I would never forget George, thanks for keeping up with the group.
Without you, it probably wouldn't be as successful as it is.  You're the
best.  And to think, 1100 members now.  WOW!!!

Thanks to all of you, the readers, for your support and patience while this
chapter was being written.  It's ninety pages, more than I expected, but I
think it progressed as it should.  I want to thank you for your wonderful
e-mails and the push you guys give me to keep this story going.

One last thank you, then on with the story.  I want to thank Derek Hartley
and Romaine Patterson for their permission to let me write them into the
story.  I hope I did you guys justice.  And Derek, I tried to make sure
everything was spelled correctly.  If you find a few that might be
misspelled, please forgive me.  Thanks again and hope you enjoy.

        Quarterback with the Emerald Eyes -- Part 16

        The next morning, when I awoke, I felt something strange on my
hand.  Todd had me in his arms, as usual, but something else was irritating
me.  When I moved my hand from under the covers, I looked and realized it
was the ring.  I wasn't used to it yet, and it felt like my finger was
being strangled.

        I smiled, thinking back to what he had told me last night as I
stared at the gold band which was reflecting the little light that touched
it.  I grabbed Todd's hand and moved it up to my chest and held it tight.
I felt him stir slightly and kept still.  We still had an hour or so before
we had to get up to get ready for work, so I wanted him to sleep in.
Before long, I felt his hand push against my chest as he woke up.  Leaning
in the few inches, his lips made contact with my neck and I smiled.

        "Morning, baby," I said.

        "Morning to you, too.  How'd you sleep?" he asked me.

        "Wonderfully, as usual, when I'm in your arms."

        "Me too," he said, kissing my neck and shoulders again.

        I flipped on my back and turned my head to look at his wonderful
smile.  He leaned in and kissed me, and before I knew it, I had my arms
wrapped around his neck kissing him deeply.  Our tongues fought for
superiority, lashing in each other's mouths.  The texture of our tongues
were rubbing against each other, feeling the taste buds, teeth and lips.  I
broke the kiss and breathed deeply, staring into Todd's emerald green eyes.

        He smiled at me and lifted his head to rest upon his hand.  I
traced my finger along the bulge of his bicep and felt the vein traveling
along the length of the muscle.  I followed it up to his shoulder where it
disappeared deeper beneath the skin and continued my journey up to his neck
and chin.  When I reached his lips, I switched fingers and allowed my hand
to rest on his cheek as my thumb traced the fullness of his lips.

        He kissed my thumb and grabbed my hand with his free one, and
lowered himself to place his head on my chest.  I pulled my right arm from
between us, wrapped it along his back, and my left hand was locked with his
right fingers.

        "I'm so glad we met," Todd said to me.

        "I am too, Todd.  I can't imagine what the last year or so would
have been like if we hadn't."

        "I don't want to imagine it.  It's gonna be hard enough going to
school.  I'm afraid I'll miss you so much that I'll wanna come back home."

        "If you do, I'd leave you," I said with a wicked grin he couldn't
see.

        "What?" he said, looking up at me.

        "It's just that I don't want you giving up a dream because of me.
You've wanted this for so long.  I don't want our relationship getting in
the way of that.  It's going to be hell for me too, but I don't want to be
the reason you give up on your dream of NYU."

        He turned his body and lowered his head back to my chest, so that
he was looking at me.  "At least we've still got a couple months before I
have to leave."

        "Yeah, and don't be surprised if I kiss you more than usual and if
we make love more, too."

        "You think that I'd mind that?  Hell no.  Just touching you,
kissing you, and holding you makes me happy."

        "Me too, but when you leave we won't get to touch each other until
you come back.  I can't imagine not doing anything with you for months at a
time."

        Putting a silly grin on his face, he said, "Well, we can do other
stuff."

        "Like what?" I asked with a puzzled, but surprised look on mine.

        "Well, we can have cyber sex."

        "Cyber sex?" I asked, thoroughly confused.

        "You know, sex on the internet?"

        Trying to process what he was saying, I still had a look of
confusion.

        "You've never done that before?"

        "Todd, remember those people who gave me life?"

        "Oh, yeah.  Right.  Anyway, cybersex is when you're talking with
someone through instant messenger and we tell what we would do to each
other, sexually."

        "Really?" I asked, fascinated.

        "Yeah, it's pretty cool."

        "Have you done it before?" I asked.

        "Just once.  I was chatting with this twenty two year old, or at
least, that's what he told me, and I told him I've never done it before and
the next thing you know, he was telling me everything he would do to me if
I was with him and I was as hard as a rock.  I didn't know what to say,
exactly, so I just typed `hmmm' a few times and said stupid stuff letting
him know that I liked what he was describing."

        "Did you get off?"

        "No, not with him, or at least, not then.  During the conversation,
he sent me a couple pictures of himself, and he was hot.  Nice dick and
ass, and as he continued to type, I stared at his picture and got off to
that."

        "So, you jerked off to his picture?"

        "Yeah, it wasn't anything special, but it helped ease the tension."

        "When did all this happen?"

        "At least a couple of months before you and I met."

        "Do you still have his pictures?"

        "Nope.  I got rid of `em after I told you I loved you.  I didn't
feel right having some other guy's picture when he wasn't the one I loved."

        "You sure know how to suck up," I said and smiled at him.

        "Of course," he said, and chuckled on my chest.

        "Well, I guess I'll have to give you a couple of naked pictures to
take with you then, won't I?"

        "Well, you don't have to, but I would so love that."

        "We'll see, but you gotta give a couple to get a couple."

        "We could always film ourselves having sex so we can both have
something to watch."

        "I don't think I could do that.  I think it would be too weird
watching myself have sex with you."

        "Well, you wouldn't be watching you; you'd be watching me, just
like I'd be watching you."

        "Still, seems too weird," I said.

        "We could also have phone sex, that way, we can hear each other's
voice while we're jerking off."

        "Okay, you need to stop."

        "Why?" he asked, looking at me with a big smile.

        "'Because, you're getting me hard."

        He turned his head and saw the tent I was making with the sheets.
"Oh, you mean this?" he asked as he grabbed me.

        I took a sharp breath and said, "Ahhh, yeah."

        "I can take care of that for you."  Without giving me time to
protest, he put his head under the covers and took me in his mouth and
started working, at first, slowly and with passion but soon, with fury and
gusto.  A few minutes were all I was able to hold out before I started to
fill his mouth.

        When I was done, he stopped sucking me until I told him to
continue.  When he did, I put my hand on his head and said, "Oh God, yes,
baby.  Keep doing that.  Oh, it feels so great."

        My staggered breathing told him that the sensitivity was heaven to
me.  A few moments passed before I reached under the sheets and grabbed his
head and brought him up to me.  "Thank you," I said, before kissing him
deeply once again.

        After the passion of our kisses wore down, we both realized that
time had crept up on us.  We only had about forty five minutes before we
had to be at work, so we leapt out of bed and showered as quickly as
possible.  We dressed and ran down the stairs and gave each other a quick
kiss goodbye as we parted, each going to our own car.  Watching him back
out of the drive first, I noticed he had a silly grin on his face while
staring at me.

        I watched him leave until he was about half way down the street
before I backed up and I smiled to myself.

        I arrived at work several minutes late and gave the excuse that I
had caught every red light and traffic back up there was.  The manager
didn't seem too happy, but I didn't care.  I didn't like the job anyway, so
wasn't that worried.  I just wished there was a way to quit and go to work
at Brushstrokes with Joe.  It seemed like it would be a better job and a
more fun place to work.

        I didn't have to wait long, as later that day, that wish came true.
I had just organized a cart full of returns to put back on the shelf when
my manager came over to me.

        "Hey Blake, I need to talk to you," he said.

        "Sure Dan.  What's up?"

        "I've been looking over the schedule, and I know you can't work
nights, but I need you to start working weekends."

        "Dan, I told you when you hired me that I can't do that.  My
boyfriend's going away to college in less than two months; I have school at
night, and we are both working during the day.  The only time I get to see
him is on weekends."

        "I know, but some of the other employees aren't happy with that.
Their argument is that they've been here longer, and they should have the
option of not working on weekends before you."

        "Sorry.  You and I made that agreement, and I also told you that
after he left I could work anytime during my senior year."

        "Blake, it doesn't seem practical for you not to work weekends,
especially being a new employee.  I don't know of any business that won't
have you work on the weekends."

        Growing more frustrated by the moment, I said, "I do, and I believe
they're still hiring."  Pulling my uniform shirt off, leaving me in my tee
shirt, I said, "Should I come by for my last paycheck or are you going to
mail it?"

        Dan stood there for a moment, stunned, before he said, "I'll mail
it.  Just bring the pants back soon."

        "Actually, no I won't.  I bought these, remember?  The name tag and
the shirt are all you gave me."

        "Oh, right.  Then go ahead and punch out."

        Without another word, I headed back to the time clock and punched
out, then walked right out to my car without so much as a goodbye to
anyone.  Sitting in my car for a second, I pulled out my phone and called
Todd's work number.

        "Discovery store, Todd speaking."

        "Hey, Todd, you busy?"

        "No.  Whatcha doin?  On a break?"

        "No.  Actually, I just quit."

        "What?  Why?"

        "'Because Dan wanted me to start working weekends.  I told him that
with you leaving in two months, I wasn't going to sacrifice our time
together."

        "Blake, you shouldn't have done that."

        "I hated it there anyway."

        "What are you going to do now?"

        "I'm going to head over to Brushstrokes and see if Joe still has
something open."

        "Good luck.  I hope he does."

        "Thanks, me too.  So, how have things been there today?"

        "Slow as Christmas.  I've had a couple browsers and one buyer.  I
swear if the pay wasn't decent here, I would've quit a long time ago."

        "I don't think I could work in a boring place like that.  I need
some activity.  At least enough to keep me awake."

        "Yeah, I know.  Hey look, we just had someone else walk in," he
said, his voice lifting with his spirits.

        "Good, do you need to go help them?"

        "Nah, Mr. Avery is running some errands, so it's just me here."

        "Cool.  I wanna thank you again for this morning."

        "What happened this mor...  Oh, never mind.  I enjoyed it just as
much as you, baby."

        "Yeah, I know you did," I said.  Getting an idea, I added, "Well,
just think, tonight I'll be able to suck your cock and slobber over the
head and suck your balls and flick my tongue over your ass hole until you
start squirming."

        "Oh fuck, Blake," he said in a whisper.  "You've got me hard, and
someone's walking up here."

        "Just think, your cock in my throat, working the sensitive head
with my tongue and muscles."

        "God, you're evil.  I gotta go," he said, laughing.

        "Then when it's good and wet and hard as a rock, I want you to
shove it in my ass and fuck the living day lights out of me."

        "Bye," I heard just before the phone slammed down in its cradle.

        Laughing, I hit the end button and cranked the car.  Driving to the
upper lot of the mall, I parked a few spaces down from Brushstrokes and
headed inside.  Once there, I looked around and saw Joe was stocking the
tee shirts.  Walking over to him, I said, "Hey, Joe.  How's it hangin'?"

        Turning around, he saw it was me and smiled.  "Hiya, Blake.  Not
bad, just been busy.  What brings you around here?"

        "I just quit my job at the video store and was hoping you had
something open up."

        He smiled big and said, "It just so happens that I did have a day
spot open up a couple days ago and I was gonna call you this afternoon."

        "Great.  What happened?"

        "Tony, one of the employees, is moving to Savannah to be with his
boyfriend, and since I hired someone for the night position, I thought of
you."

        "Awesome," I said with a big smile.

        "You're eighteen now, right?"

        "Yup, this past Thursday, and we had the party on Saturday."

        "Did you have a good time?"

        "Oh, yeah.  It was great."

        "Did you get anything exciting for your birthday?'

        "Yeah.  I got a laptop and..." I held up my hand and showed him my
ring.

        "Oh, wow.  It's beautiful.  You're engaged?"

        "Oh, no.  Todd gave this to me as a promise that when he goes to
school, he'll be faithful to me."

        "A promise ring?  How sweet," he said, grabbing my hand to examine
the ring.

        "Yeah, it is, but I trust him.  He didn't have to get the ring."

        "He obviously loves you."

        "Yeah, well, not as much as I love him," I said, smiling big.

        Joe smiled at me and gave a small laugh then asked, "So, when can
you start?"

        "Is now too soon?"

        Looking at his watch, he said, "Well, I don't guess so.  We need to
fill out the paperwork, and then I could probably put you with Carl for a
couple hours today to show you the register."

        "Hey, that sounds great," I said.

        "Okay, it's about twelve thirty now, how about helping me stock
these shirts then we'll go in the back and fill out everything.  The clock
on your first day starts now."

        "Thanks, Joe.  I think I'm gonna like it here, but all I have is
this tee shirt.  I gave them my uniform."

        "You look fine.  Kinda sexy, actually.  The guys that come in here
won't be able to take their eyes off you," he said, smiling at me as he
grabbed another tee shirt.

        I grabbed a shirt, slipped it on a hanger and hung it up.  As we
worked, I told him about the upcoming weekend and Pride and how it was
going to be my first and hoped he could accommodate my schedule.  He said
it wouldn't be a problem and explained that he already had a dedicated
weekend staff.

        "What does that mean?  Dedicated weekend staff?"

        "It means I already have a full team for the weekends only.  That's
all they work, just part time for them to get more involved in the
community.  They all have corporate jobs and just wanted to do something to
fill the time."

        "So, no working weekends then?"

        "Nope.  If someone's out, I'd ask, but it's up to you if you want
to fill in, but no, weekends are covered."

        "That's great.  Todd's going away to New York, for school, in a
couple months or so and I want to get to spend as much time with him as
possible."

        "I understand.  When you're in love, you want to spend every waking
moment together."

        "Yeah."

        "How long have you guys been dating?"

        "Actually dating, about six months, but not actually dating about a
year and a half."

        "Okay, now I'm the one confused.  What does that mean, not actually
dating?"

        "It's a long story, you got time?"

        Looking at the pile of shirts, he said, "We have about three
hundred of these to get up, so yeah, I'd say we got time."

        "Okay, then.  Well, I met Todd on December 23, 2007 at the mall."

        I told him the story of everything, `cept how we actually met.  I
went with the clean version as to not shock him into thinking I was easy or
anything.  I told him about Paige, about our lovemaking on my birthday last
year, about the camping trip and then about me getting thrown out of the
house.  Everything of any significance, up to the present day, was told.

        "So, you've been living with Todd and his parents for six months
now?" Joe asked.

        "Yeah.  That's when we started getting serious."

        "How does that feel, living with his family?"

        "It's amazing.  I call them mom and dad and they know we sleep
together, and dad knows we have sex.  I think mom does too, but she won't
talk about it.  Anyway, they think of me as a son, so it works."

        "I think I'd feel uncomfortable knowing that his dad knows that I'm
sleeping with his son."

        "I was kinda weirded out at first, but then he and I talked and he
asked about us and I asked about he and mom, so we're even."

        "I still think I'd feel uncomfortable."

        "Yeah, well, it helps that we hang around nude, too."

        "What?  Everybody is naked?" he asked, looking at me and freezing
with his arms in mid air.

        "Well, not mom.  After she goes to bed, us guys get naked and just
relax.  I've seen dad with a hard on, so I know where Todd gets that from,"
I said, smiling big.

        He hesitated for a moment and asked, "You think Todd and his
dad..."

        "No, I asked the same question and he told me it would be gross.
They're just nudists, that's all."

        "Well, if it works, I guess, don't fix it, right?"

        "Right," I said, hanging the last of the shirts.

        "Okay, then.  Why don't we get that paperwork out of the way?"

        "Sounds good to me."

        I followed Joe through the store and he introduced me to the staff
as we passed.  Everyone seemed nice and I knew I was going to have a great
time working here.

        As I was filling out the paperwork, my phone rang and I looked at
the display and saw it was Todd.

        "Would you mind if I answer this?  I'll just be a minute."

        "Sure," Joe said, and went back to his own paperwork.

        "Hello?"

        "Hey, baby.  Watching some TV?"

        "No, I'm at Brushstrokes filling out paperwork."

        "Paperwork?"

        "Yeah, Joe hired me.  A morning position opened up."

        "Wow, that's awesome."

        "Yeah.  Pretty cool, huh?"

        "Very cool.  What time do you get off?"

        "Don't know.  Hold on."  I pulled the phone away from my ear and
asked Joe for the hours.

        "Nine thirty to five," I told Todd.

        "Great.  So, we'll still have the nights."

        "Yeah, and weekends.  He already has a staff for the weekends so I
won't have to work."

        "Cool," he said to me.

        "How's your dick, by the way?" I asked, and looked at Joe when he
looked at me.

        "It's down now, no thanks to you, you butt."

        "Hey, speaking of that, imagine pounding mine tonight when you get
home."

        "I gotta go," he said, frustrated again.

        "Love you," I said, laughing.

        "Love you, too.  See ya later."

        I hung up the phone and laughed once again.

        "Something wrong with his, ummm, you know?" Joe asked.

        "Nah.  I was teasing him.  He had a customer earlier, and I told
him that I was gonna suck him off and have him pound the day lights out of
me.  I got him hard then he had to deal with them.  Just a little phone sex
teasing."

        "Sounds interesting?" he said with a sly smile.

        "Yeah, it was, but I'm sure he'll make me pay up tonight."

        "Least somebody's gettin' it."

        "You don't have a boyfriend?"

        "Yeah, I do, but he's on a business trip.  Has been for a couple of
weeks."

        "When's he coming back?"

        "In a couple more," he said to me.

        "Wow.  So you're frustrated too, huh?"

        "Yeah, and Rosie ain't doing the trick."

        Lifting my eyebrow and looking around the office in concentration,
I thought for a second and was utterly confused.  "Uh, Rosie?" I asked.

        Joe held up his outstretched hand.  Pointing to his palm, he said,
"Yeah, Rosie palm and her five sisters."

        "Oh my God," I said, and started laughing, having never heard that
expression before.

        After a little more small talk while doing the paperwork, we
finally finished up, and I followed him out of the office, into the store.
Walking to the cash register, Joe called Carl over and introduced us again.

        "I just hired Blake, here, and I need him trained.  Are you up for
the task?"

        "Hell, yeah.  Don't mind a bit," Carl said.

        "Good," Joe said to him.  Looking at me, he said, "Get on behind
the counter and do everything Carl says.  He's about the best I've got,
just don't tell the others," and then he winked at me.

        "Don't worry," I said with a smile.

        As I came around the counter, a guest walked up, and Carl helped
them with a couple questions and finally their purchase.  Watching him, I
couldn't help but notice how cute he was.  He was about mid twenties, messy
blond hair, nice, soft brown eyes, goatee, about Todd's height, but with a
body not quite as thick as Todd's, and with not as much definition.  Stocky
would be a better way to describe him.  Not as big as Howie, but bigger
than myself.  Overall, he was a very handsome man.  When he was done with
the customer, he looked at me and asked if I had any register experience.

        "Not really.  This is technically my second job.  The first only
lasted about a month or so."

        "What did you do before coming here?" he asked.

        "I worked at the video store over in the in the main mall.  I just
quit this afternoon and came over here."

        "Wow, you're lucky.  Tony left just a couple days ago.  I've had a
few people ask for applications."

        "Well, Joe said he'd keep me in mind for when I turned eighteen, so
I figured I'd take the chance."

        "When did you turn eighteen?"

        "Five days ago."

        "Oh, so a baby gay?"

        "A what?" I asked, kinda offended.

        "A young gay guy, still in his teen years."  Looking at my
expression, he said, "You are gay, right?"

        "Yeah," I said, softening my features, now understanding what he
was saying.

        "Good.  I thought you might have been straight with the look you
gave me."

        "No, I just didn't understand the baby part.  Now I gotcha."

        "Cool.  I get along with everyone, so if I ever do anything to piss
you off, please let me know.  I won't ever do it on purpose."

        "Hey, it's cool.  I just haven't been exposed to the community for
very long.  Strict upbringing, so if you say something I don't understand,
don't think I'm dumb, okay?"

        "We gotta deal.  If you don't understand something, you can ask
me."

        "Great," I said, putting my hand in my pockets.

        "Well, it's pretty simple, really," he started.  He explained the
register, and about the merchandise, and what was tagged and what wasn't,
and where to find the price if the tag was missing.  By the time my day was
up, I was running the counter like I'd been working there for years.  Even
had a few guys flirt with me, but I only realized it after Carl pointed it
out.

        Before I left, Joe told me that he was going to have me work with
Matthew tomorrow in the movie rental section.  I shrugged my shoulders and
told him where ever he wanted me, I was willing to learn.  He thanked me
for the hard work of the day and told me to go home.

        When I pulled up, Todd was already there.  As soon as I stepped in
and closed the door, he grabbed me and turned me around.  Before I could do
anything, he picked me up on his shoulder and started up the stairs.

        "Oh my God, you're gonna drop me.  Put me down," I said, hitting
his back, playfully, but scared he was really going to drop me.

        "I'm not going to drop you, but you owe me," he said, pushing open
the bedroom door with his foot.  Flinging me on the bed, he unbuttoned his
pants and said, "Now, take care of my problem.  You're the one that caused
it."

        I looked up and saw his semi erect cock and smiled.  "How long you
been like this?"

        "Since I talked to you, just before lunch.  Now, I need some
release, and you gotta be quick.  Mom and dad'll be home soon."

        I didn't need any more persuasion to please him; instead, I sat on
the edge of the bed and started working furiously.

        "Oh God, that feels great," he said, placing a hand on my head and
closing his eyes.

        He got into it and before long, was fucking my face and throat.
About the time of his climax was the time we heard the car doors close from
mom and dad.  He wasn't in a rush, since we were done, and just stood there
as the final moments of his orgasm passed.  When it had, he pulled himself
out of my mouth and stuffed himself back in his underwear and zipped up.

        Leaning down, he kissed me and said, "Thank.  I sure as hell needed
that."

        "Anytime, babe," I said, smiling big.

        Grabbing my hand, he pulled me up and we headed downstairs to see
the parents.  As we arrived, dad looked over and asked, "So, how was your
day, boys?"

        "Mine was boring as usual, but Blake quit his job today."  He
looked at me and smiled a wicked smile to get me back for teasing him
earlier.

        "What" mom asked?  "Why'd you do that?"

        "'Cause they wanted me to work weekends after the manager and I
made a deal I didn't have to, so I quit."

        "What're you gonna do now?" dad asked.

        "I've already done it.  I'm working at Brushstrokes in the same
mall."

        "Really?" mom asked.  "I like that shop."

        "You've been to Brushstrokes?" I asked.

        "Yeah, one of my gay friends showed it to me and I go there every
once in a while to get a book or movie or something.  I get all of dad's
cards there, too.  Nice selection of sexy cards."

        "That's very true.  Like hundreds of `em," I added.

        "You think you're gonna like it?" mom asked.

        "Yeah, I really do.  Joe's a nice guy and the staff seems cool."

        "Good," she said, going back to the mail.

        Later that evening, while mom and dad were watching TV, Todd and I
slipped out for a night time swim.  When we got to the pool, we looked back
at the house and noticed they were no where to be seen, so we shucked our
swim trunks and jumped in.  It didn't take us very long before we were in
each other's arms, talking and kissing and just horse playing.  Around 9:30
or so, mom came out and told us good night.  When dad's last show was over,
he came out and was going to tell us good night, but instead, stripped off
his clothes and jumped in with us.

        We talked for a short while, and then dad concentrated on doing his
laps before bed.  He liked swimming at night because he said it wore him
out and made him sleep better, but also, the sun wouldn't be burning his
butt.  The last thing he wanted was to go into the office with a sunburned
butt and not being able to sit.

        The rest of the week basically played out the same.  I learned
about the movie rental side of the store and was put on the registers by
myself without any supervision, and things worked great.  A few guys
through the week flirted with me, and I caught on without Carl's help.  I
flirted back, which caused them to linger a little bit longer or make a
purchase, then supposedly forget something and come up for another
purchase.  I smiled, feeling good that a few people, other than Todd,
thought I was cute enough to flirt with.

        On Friday, I went in for work as usual, but it was to be only a
half day.  Joe was letting me go about noon, so that I could go and enjoy
the Pride festivities.  When Todd called me and told me he was on his way,
I looked at the clock and noticed he was gonna be about a half hour early,
and told him when he got there, not to even notice me.

        "Why?"

        "Because, I want the guys to see you and I wanna know what they
think without them knowing you're my boyfriend."

        "Basically, you want to see if they think I'm cute then make them
jealous when they find out I'm your boyfriend."

        "Well, kinda.  I just want to see if they think you're as cute as I
do."

        I could hear the smile in his voice when he said, "Fine, whatever."

        "Thanks, Todd.  See ya in a bit."

        "K, babe."

        When I hung up the phone, I went out to help a few customers while
I waited for Todd to show.  After I checked a customer out, I heard the
door open and heard Carl say hello.

        "Hi," I heard a familiar voice respond.

        "Blake," Carl said, hitting my arm.  "Holy, shit, would you look at
that guy?"

        I looked up and saw Todd browsing around the store.  "Yeah, he
looks nice."

        "Nice?  Are you fucking kidding me?  Hell, I'd have his babies,
he's so fine."

        I smiled as I continued my arranging of the jewelry, but I wiped it
off my face when I looked back up.  "Yeah, I guess he's kinda hot."

        "Damn, Blake, what is your type?  You've had so many guys flirt
with you this week, but you shoot every one of them down."

        Lifting my hand, I flicked my ring and said, "Gotta boyfriend,
remember?"

        "Oh, right.  Rub it in, why dontcha?"

        "Sorry," I said, smiling at him.

        "Damn, he's so hot," he said, looking at Todd again.

        "If you think he's so hot, why don't you go and talk to him?"

        "Oh, I couldn't do that," he said, shying away.

        "Why not?  It's not like you're gonna go over and say, `hey, I
wanna have your babies'.  You're just asking him if you can help him,
that's all."

        "I'd probably get tongue tied if I tried to talk to him."

        Looking at Todd, then back at Carl, I said, "I betcha I can talk to
him, and before I leave him, probably even get a kiss."

        "No fucking way," he said, looking at me.

        I looked at Todd again, and then said, "Yeah, I bet I can.  He's
just a guy."

        "Hold on," he said, and then looked around for a second before
calling Joe over.

        "Joe, what do you think about that guy over there?  The one wearing
the white tee shirt?"

        Joe looked over and said, "Holy, shit!!!  He's gorgeous."

        "Yeah, tell me about it.  Blake here thinks he can talk to the guy
and then kiss him."

        "What?" Joe said, looking at me.

        "Why not?  I bet I can go and talk to him and before I leave him,
press my lips to his.  I'm just trying to prove a point to Carl that you
have to take some chances."

        "Hey, I take chances," he said, defending himself.

        "Really?  When was the last time you took a chance and asked a guy
out?" I asked.

        He was about to answer, then stopped himself to think.

        "If it takes you more than five seconds to answer, you can't
remember.  Now, are you going to talk to him, or am I?" I asked.

        He looked apprehensive, and chickened out and said, "You do it.
And kiss him, too."

        "Fine," I said, as I closed the glass door on the display case.
Walking out from behind the counter, I walked over to Todd and said, in a
little louder voice, "Hi, welcome to Brushstrokes, can I help you?"  Then
in a lower voice, I said, "Pretend you don't know me," and gave him a wink.

        "Uh, yeah, I guess so; I was just looking for a tee shirt for a
friend.  Something kinda funky, but cool."

         "Well, we have a big selection.  How big is your friend?"

        "About your size," he said with a smile.

        "Is he a special friend?" I asked so that they could hear.

        "Very special.  I really like him, but don't know what's going on,"
he said, more to me than for them.

        "Well, you can always go with a fun tee shirt, or you can make it a
statement tee shirt."

        "Well, I think he's more of a fun guy, but he likes to make
statements, too, I think."  Reaching out, he grabbed a shirt that just had
the rainbow colors on it.  "I think he might like that one."

        "Yeah, I like that one, too," I said to him.

        "Then I might just have to get it, then."

        Looking at the guys, I smiled and then looked back at Todd and
propped myself up on one of the clothes rack and started some small talk.
A few times, he smiled and gave a laugh and every chance I got; I looked
back and saw Joe and Carl still watching.  After a few minutes, I leaned
over and whispered something in Todd's ear and he pulled back with a big
smile.  Next thing they see is me leaning in for a soft, little kiss.
Pulling away, I told him that if he needed anything else, to let me know,
then walked back to the counter.

        As I did, I saw both Joe and Carl's mouths hanging open.  When I
arrived at the counter, I smiled and said, "See, that's how you do that."

        "How the fuck...What did you...Why'd he let you kiss him?"  Carl
asked.

        "I just talked to him, then made him laugh a little then leaned in
and told him I really wanted to kiss him.  That was the last big smile he
gave, then I did it.  A nice, soft, quick kiss."

        "Holy, shit, Blake.  I can't believe you did it," Joe said.

        "Just trying to show Carl it can be done."

        "I know it can be done, but...shhh, he's coming over."

        Joe and Carl stood up a little straighter as Todd approached.  "Did
you find everything you were looking for?" I asked.

        "Almost.  There's one thing I can't seem to locate, though."

        "Oh, yeah, what's that?  Maybe I can help again."

        "Actually, it's your phone number," Todd said, and glanced between
Carl and Joe.

        "You want my phone number?" I asked, smiling at Todd.

        "Yeah.  The way you kissed me was very nice.  I wouldn't mind doing
it again."

        "Well, my boyfriend might be a little jealous if I did."

        "Why is that?" Todd asked, still playing along.

        "Well, because he really loves me.  He gave me this ring for my
birthday.  I couldn't nor wouldn't do anything to make him distrust me.  I
love him too much."

        "Well, if he found out you kissed me, wouldn't that be a reason to
distrust you?"

        "No, I don't think so."

        "Why is that?" Todd asked.

        "Because, you ARE my boyfriend."

        "What?" Carl said, shocked.

        Not being able to hold in my laughter, I said, "Guys, this is Todd,
my boyfriend."

        "Oh, you little shit!!!" Joe said, hitting my arm.  "I actually
thought you had game.  I can't believe you tricked us."

        "Sorry, I couldn't help it.  I just wanted to see what you guys
thought of Todd before you knew who he was."

        "Well, you know, you little fucker, and you better not say
anything," Carl said looking at me and smiling nervously at Todd.

        Letting my laughter die down, I said, "Todd, this is Carl and Joe.
Joe owns the place."

        Reaching out to shake their hand, Todd said, "It's good to meet you
both.  Blake's said some nice things about you guys."

        Smiling at me, Joe said, "Well, he's a good guy, when he's not
tricking people, but over all, a nice kid."

        "Thanks, Joe," I said.

        "Baby, you ready to go?" Todd asked.

        I looked at the clock and saw that I still had some time left.  "I
still have about ten minutes."

        "Go on and clock out.  It'll be fine," Joe said.

        "Really?  Thanks Joe."

        After clocking out, we headed out to the car and got in.  Before
cranking the car, Todd looked over at me and just smiled.

        "What?" I asked.

        "Nothing.  Just wanted to look at you, is all."

        "C'mere," I said, reaching over and pulling him into a hug.
Pulling back, he kissed me with more passion than he's shown in public
before.

        The only reason we broke the kiss is because we heard someone
yelling at us.

        "Hey, stop rubbing it in."

        When I looked over, I saw Carl smiling at us.

        I opened the door and said, "Don't you have work to do, you little
bitch?"

        "Yeah, it's kinda hard when I see you making out with him.  Go on;
get outta here before I get grossed out."

        "Whatever," I said, rolling my eyes.

        "Have fun, you guys," Carl said, as he smiled and waved at us.

        Pulling out of the parking space, Todd asked, "So, what did he say
about me when he saw me?"

        "Oh my God.  Don't know if you want to know."

        "Why not?" he said, giggling.

        "Well, first, what do you think about him?  Think he's hot or
anything."

        "Compared to you, he looks like shit.  But if I was single, I'd
date him, I guess."

        "That's good.  This may not come as a shock then.  He said he'd
have your babies."

        Busting out laughing, Todd looked over to me and said,
"What?!?!?!?"

        "That's what he said.  I guess that means he's a bottom, or would
be for you."

        "Damn, I gotta get used to this stuff."

        "Get used to what?" I asked, kinda puzzled.

        Finishing his laughter, he said, "Guys talking about me like a
piece of meat.  I've heard a few guys in the mall say things like that too.
Talking about just wanting to fuck, or sleep with or whatever with me.  I
mean, is every gay guy horny enough to just want to sleep around?"

        "I don't know.  I'm always horny, but I don't want to sleep around,
just with you."

        "Same here."

        "What?  You mean you want to sleep with you too?  How
narcissistic."

        Todd punched my leg and said, "You know what I mean, asshole."

        Rubbing the place he had hit, I said, "Yeah, I know.  I love you,
too."

        Todd looked at me out of the corner of his eye and smiled.
Cranking the car, we turned onto Piedmont and headed down the block to the
Park.  Turning onto Tenth Street, we found a nice spot close to Pax's
place.  We decided to pop in to see if he was home before heading over to
walk around the booths.  We walked up and knocked and a moment later,
Tristian answered.

        "Don't you have a home anymore?" I asked.

        He gave a chuckle and said, "Yeah but don't spend much time there."
Right after saying that, two dogs came running over to the door, barking
with excitement.

        "Oh wow," Todd said, squatting down to pet them.  "They're
beautiful."

        "Thanks.  These are my babies: Abby and Watson."

        "Okay," Todd stated, still rubbing each dog with roughness along
their back and sides.  "Who's who?"

        Tristian laughed a little and said, "Abby's the chocolate lab and
Watson's the English cocker spaniel."

        "You guys are beautiful," Todd said in that baby talk people use.
"Yes you are.  Uh, huh.  Yes!!!"

        I smiled down at Todd and said, "What will it take for you to rub
me and talk to me like that?"

        Looking up at me, he said, "Bite me, huh?" then put his attention
back towards the dogs.

        "Well," I said, towards Tristian, in mock anger.

        "Honey, who's at the door?" I heard Pax ask from inside.

        "Todd and Blake."

        "Well, tell them to come inside.  Don't want all the cold air
escaping."

        "Come on in, guys.  Don't want to make the missus angry," he said,
and winked at us.

        As I passed Tristian, I gave him a hug and thanked him for inviting
us in.  Walking to the living room, I saw Pax closing a notebook and then
stand and remove his reading glasses.

        "Hey, baby.  How've you been?" he asked, taking me in a hug.

        "Not too bad.  Just working, that's about it."

        "Well, good, good."  Seeing Todd, he walked over and hugged him and
asked what we were doing over in his area.  He motioned for us to sit down,
and Todd took the winged chair and I sat on the arm and Pax and Tristian
took their place on the couch.

        "Well, you know I work over at Ansley," I started.

        "Yeah, at the movie store."

        "Nope, not any more.  I quit this past Monday and am working at
Brushstrokes now."

        "What happened at the movie place?"

        "They wanted me to work weekends and I didn't want to.  Not with
Todd leaving for school soon."

        "Yeah, I can understand that.  And I like Brushstrokes, too.  I go
in there every so often."

        "Well, you'll see me if you come during the day.  So, anyway, Todd
came down and picked me up so we could walk around the park and enjoy the
festivities and such."

        "Not much going on tonight.  Things will pick up tomorrow and
Sunday is the big day," Pax explained.

        "So, there's nothing happening tonight?" Todd asked.

        "Not that I can think of.  Hold on, let me check," Pax said and
walked over to a pile of papers.  He flipped through until he found the
local gay rag and opened it up to the daily listing of events.  "Says here
that there isn't much going on.  Just a concert of local talent, a couple
of acts.  Oh, here's something you guys might like.  They have a youth prom
from seven till eleven tonight."

        "A youth prom?"  I asked.

        "Yeah, it says there's no cover and no alcohol.  Just a safe dance
celebration for up to age twenty four."

        "That sounds like fun," Todd said.  "After all, we never did get a
full dance at our prom."

        Looking over, I said, "You really want to do it?"

        "Why not?" Todd answered.  "Is it formal?" he asked Pax.

        Pax scanned the listing and saw that it was being held outside.
"Wouldn't think so with this heat.  It's gonna be under a big tent over
near the lake.  Punk, rock, pop.  All types of music."

        "That does sound like fun," I said to Todd.

        "Cool," he said, and smiled at me.

        Pax leaned down to place the paper on the coffee table and noticed
something.  "Blake, what's that on your hand?"

        I lifted my hand to see what he was talking about and smiled.
"It's a ring."

        "I know that," he said, giving me attitude.  "Where'd you get it?"

        "Todd.  On the night of my birthday, he gave it to me."

        "You proposed?" Tristian asked of Todd.

        "No," he said, chuckling.  "Everyone thinks that, but it's just a
promise ring.  I told him that when I'm away for school, I won't cheat on
him or do anything to make him distrust me."

        "Oh, how adorable," Pax said, sitting back next to Tristian and
grabbing his hand.

        "I think it was sweet, but I told him he didn't have to get me a
ring for that.  I trust him completely," I said, taking Todd's hand.

        "But I wanted to."

        "I know, and I love you for it."  I leaned down and kissed Todd to
show my love and adoration for him and the ring.

        "Oh, that reminds me," Pax said, getting up and going to the
mantle.  Grabbing a card, he turned back and handed it to Todd.  "Tristian
and I won't be here next month for your birthday party, so I wanted to give
you this."

        "Where are you guys going?" I asked, as Todd grabbed the envelope.

        "We're going on vacation for a month."

        "Really?" I asked, with wide eyes.  "Where?"

        "Paris, which I've always wanted to go to, but I told him not to
spend his money on it.  He just won't listen," Tristian said.

        "Yeah, I know the feeling," I said, giving Pax an evil look.

        Todd opened the envelope and found a Visa gift card inside.  "Cool.
Can I ask how much is on it?  You didn't write it down."

        "Yeah, didn't want him to see it.  Fifteen thousand dollars," Pax
said, calmly.

        "WHAT???!!!" the three of us asked in unison.

        "Wait a minute.  You told me it was for five hundred," Tristian
said.

        "I know what I told you.  I lied," he said, shrugging his shoulders
and closing his eyes in that cool, collected kinda way.

        "Pax, you keep spending your money like this, you won't have any
left in a few months," Tristian said, concerned.

        Pax looked at me and I said, "You haven't told him, have you?"

        Looking at Todd and me, Tristian looked back to Pax and said, "Told
me what?"

        "Well, I guess now is as good a time as any."  Turning to Tristian,
Pax grabbed his hand and asked, "How do you feel about me?"

        "What's that supposed to mean?  You know how I feel."

        "Well then, tell me.  I don't care if the boys hear.  You know I
love them like brothers."

        Looking back at us `boys', Tristian inhaled deeply and said, "The
first time we started talking in the park, I looked at you and thought, `I
really like this guy.'  You're funny, witty, caring, loving, very handsome,
honest, charming, smart, and just fun to be around.  After our second date,
I hoped you liked me just as much because I wanted to spend the rest of my
life with you.  Still do.

        "After dating for a month and I slipped up and told you I loved
you, you didn't pull away or act weird.  Instead, you said you loved me
too, and that made me the happiest man on earth.  I love you with all my
heart, no matter how poor you get from spending your money on everyone
else.  I just don't want you to get to that point."

        "Oh, he won't," Todd said.

        I elbowed him in his shoulder, and he quickly covered his mouth.
Pax shot daggers at Todd with his eyes, but smiled at the slip.

        "Tristian, there's something I need to tell you.  I have been
honest with you on everything, except one thing."  Giving Tristian's hand a
little squeeze, Pax continued.  "My grandmother didn't leave me a couple
hundred thousand when she died."

        "Then, how can you afford all this stuff you keep buying?  The
vacation?"

        "Because," he said, smiling, "She left me close to two hundred
million."

        The room went silent, and we all stared at Tristian, waiting for
his reaction.

        After a few moments, Pax finally called his name.  "Tristian, are
you okay?"

        "I'm sorry, she left you what?" he asked.

        "She left me a hundred and eighty three million, and some change.
The money I spend is because I can afford to splurge on the boys and you
and some other friends.  That's why I asked you all the places you wanted
to visit.  I have the money for us to do that.  I'll never spend all this
money in my lifetime."

        "Okay, sorry, did you say million?" Tristian asked, still in
disbelief.

        "Yes, would you get off the money for a moment?" Pax said, growing
frustrated.

        "Pax, you gotta admit, this is big news, but why didn't you tell me
before?  Why did you decide to tell me now?"

        "I didn't tell you before because I wanted you to like or even love
me for whom I am, not how much money I have.  And, I guess the reason I
told you now is because I figured it was about time to let you in on my
secret.  So far, my closest friends, Todd, Blake and you know."

        "Oh yeah, we told mom and dad," I said, giving him a face that
said, `please don't kill us.'

        Pax glared at me for a moment, and then said, "I guess that's fine,
too."

        "They won't tell anyone, but when they saw the check for Blake's
birthday, they, naturally, got curious," Todd added.

        "Understandable.  I just don't want anyone else to know, okay?"

        "Promise," we both said.

        "So, are you okay with this?" Pax asked of Tristian.

        "Yeah, I'm fine with it.  It makes the vacation a little easier to
accept.  I guess I'm just still in shock."

        "Yeah, I know.  It's a lot of money, but it's money we can use to
see all those places we've always wanted to see.  Money is to use to never
have to worry about anything again."

        "Pax, it's your money.  I don't want to use it."

        "Why not?" Pax asked, taken aback.

        "Because it's yours and we just met a few months ago.  I won't mind
if you want to spend some on me, but I still don't want you spending
thousands and thousands on me, and because it's not my money to spend."

        "Tristian, when are you gonna learn?  This is Pax you're talking
to," Todd said, reusing his own line from the computer store when he said
the same thing to me.

        "Yeah, no matter how much you protest, he's gonna get his way,
somehow," I added.

        "The boys are right, you know," Pax said, smiling at Tristian.

        "Okay, then, but give me some time with it okay?  Let's see how the
trip goes first."

        "Fine by me," Pax said, leaning in to give him a kiss.

        "Pax," Todd said, "Not to interrupt, but why so much money?"

        "Well, for one, it helps takes the burden off your parents a
little.  I've already talked to them and asked if it was okay to give you
some money and they said it would be.  I just never told them how much.
And also, if there's an emergency, God forbid, you won't have to worry
about how you're gonna get home.  That should be enough to last you through
the school year, if nothing else.  And next year, you'll get another one
for your birthday."

        "Pax, this is really too much.  I don't need this much money."

        "Todd, when are you gonna learn?  This is Pax you're talking to," I
said, smiling at him.

        "Touché," Todd said in return.  "Don't answer that, Pax.  I'll just
lose."

        "Damn, right you will," Pax said, laughing.

        "Well, we better get going," Todd said, putting his hands on his
knees and scooting to the edge of the chair.

        "Where are you two headed?" Pax asked.

        "We were going to walk through the park and see the booths and
such.  Just take our time and enjoy things," I said.  "Hey, you guys wanna
come with us?"

        "Thanks, baby, but it's too hot out there for me.  Besides, we're
gonna be there tomorrow and Sunday for the parades."

        "Parades?  As in, more than one?  I thought there was only the one
parade on Sunday," Todd said.

        "Well, tomorrow, you got the dyke march, and then Sunday, you have
the regular Pride parade."

        "A dyke march?" I asked.  "Wow, there sure is a lot more I need to
learn about this community."

        "Don't worry; you'll get your lessons over the weekend.  There will
be things you haven't seen before and some might even scare you," Pax
explained.

        I turned to Todd and said, "I don't know if I wanna do this
anymore.  I don't want to be scared."

        "Oh, baby, I didn't mean literally scare you."

        "I know, I was just teasing," I said, smiling at him.

        "Well, anyway, we should be going," Todd said again, nudging me off
the chair.

        On my feet again, I helped Pax up and gave him a hug.  "I love you,
Pax."

        "I love you, too, Blake," he said, pulling me back to look at my
face.  Placing a hand on my cheek, he gently and playfully pushed me away.
"Go on, get outta here."

        Pax, then grabbed Todd and pulled him in a hug, and Todd said,
"Thanks, Pax.  If I can ever do anything, let me know, okay?"

        "I will, just don't worry about too much while you're at school,
okay?  That's what the money's for."

        "Thanks, Pax, I love you," he said.

        As I heard Pax tell Todd he loved him too, I went up and hugged
Tristian goodbye.  After Todd hugged Tristian, he got on the floor for a
minute and played with the dogs as a goodbye to them.

        Walking us to the door, we all said goodbye one last time as Todd
and I walked across to the street to the park.

        A minute later, we heard Pax call our name.  When we turned, we saw
him jogging across the street with the same army green backpack we had used
a couple weeks ago in the park.

        "Here," Pax said, handing us the backpack.  "I put you guys some
water in here.  There's one of those freezer things that supposed to keep
things cold.  It'll be better than buying drinks in here.  They'll be like
three or four bucks."

        "Thanks, Pax, but I think we can afford it now," Todd said, taking
the pack from him and smiling.

        "True, but what's the point in buying if you got a fridge across
the street?" Pax asked as he turned back towards his home.

        "Sometimes, I think he's too sweet for his own good," Todd said,
watching Pax disappear back into his house.

        "Me, too," I agreed.

        Todd swung the bag over his shoulder and grabbed my hand and we
headed down to the booths.

        The rest of the day was a nice leisurely day, exploring everything
that was there for us to see.  A lot of the booths weren't occupied, but
instead were ready for Saturday when the main festivities were set to
begin.  Come seven that evening, Todd and I were at the tent for the prom.

        We had a blast.  Todd finally found out that I really couldn't
dance and he actually laughed at me.  At first, I went and sat down, with
my feelings hurt, but after a little coaxing from him, and his lips on my
neck, I smiled and he pulled me back on the floor.  I didn't move as much,
but tried to follow his footsteps and moves to make myself not look like I
was having a seizure.

        A few times he would smile at my dancing, and I would ignore him,
thinking he was going to bust out laughing again, but when the slow songs
came over the speakers, we made up for all the fast dancing fun we had.  He
would take me in his arms and pull me close and kiss me.  A few times, he
would even sing to me the songs that were playing.  I loved to hear his
voice in my ear, but when it was set to music, I felt like I had died and
gone to heaven.

        During one of the slower songs, I had my arms wrapped around Todd
with my chin on his shoulder and I looked around at all the other couples
there.  I would guess there were about two hundred other couples, dancing
and enjoying themselves without the worry of someone breaking them up,
yelling at them, or calling them names.  I saw them kiss, smile, laugh and
just be comfortable with each other.

        "This is amazing," I said to Todd without moving my head.

        "What's that, babe?" he asked, keeping his cheek pressed against
mine.

        "Look around.  All these couples and there's not a worry in the
world.  Everyone's having a great time."

        "Yeah, I was noticing that too.  It's nothing like our prom," he
commented.

        "Yeah, very true.  I guess I kinda miss Mrs. Rudd."

        "What?" he asked, pulling away to look in my eyes.

        "Not in a good way, but I kinda miss her trying to split us up.  I
just wanna see her face again when you kissed me."

        Todd understood what I was saying and he laughed and resumed his
position.  "Yeah, I wish we would have had a camera handy for that one," he
said, chuckling again.

        We slow danced for a few more minutes, until I broke the silence.
"I love you, baby.  I'll love you forever."

        I felt Todd squeeze me even tighter as he said, "Back at ya,
Blake."  Then he pulled away, slightly, just to allow our lips to meet.

        Over the course of the evening, we met a few other couples, gay and
lesbian.  The lesbians didn't seem as interested in talking as the gay
couples did, but everyone was polite and by the time the prom was over,
everyone had had a great time.

        That night in bed, Todd held me close and whispered in my ear that
his dream of dancing with me had finally come true.  When I reminded him of
my birthday celebration the previous year, he clarified his statement to
mean dancing in public.  He wasn't ashamed of who he was or who he loved
and this way, he was able to show it.

        Since we were going to be spending a lot of time outside and were
going to be getting more exercise this weekend, we decided to skip our
usual morning runs.  When we awoke, around eight, Todd got up and headed
for the shower while I stayed behind to wake up mentally.  When I was
finally able to move, I threw off the covers and stumbled to the shower.

        Opening the door, I said, "Mornin'," through a yawn.

        Todd smiled and moved to allow me access in the shower with him.
"Morning, baby," he said, pulling me in to stand under the spray.  He
grabbed me in a hug and held me so that the water streamed down over my
back.  I rested my head on his shoulder and a few minutes later, with the
warmth of the water and his hands around me, I dozed off again.

        "Come, on, Blake.  Wake up," I heard him say through his laughter.

        "What?" I said, coming to.  "Oh, sorry, I must have fallen asleep
again."

        "You did.  I thought you were just relaxing, but I started to hear
soft snoring and then started laughing."

        "I do not snore," I said, pulling back, looking at him.

        "In bed, no, but you did, just now."

        "Guess I'm more tired than I thought," I said, wiping my eyes
again.

        "Here," he said, grabbing the shampoo.  "Wash your hair and I'll
get your back."

        He put some shampoo in my hands and I started lathering my head as
he grabbed the soap, turned me and stared working my back.  When it was
soaped up as well as could be, he put the soap back and started giving me a
massage.

        "Oh, my God, that feels great," I said, letting my head fall
forward.

        "Just don't go to sleep again," he said.

        I shook my head back and forth letting him know I wouldn't.

        After a few minutes working the muscles in my back, he lowered his
hands to my lower back and finally, my butt cheeks.  He kneaded the mounds
of my ass, and I lifted my head slightly, wondering where he was going
next.

        Only a few minutes passed before I felt his fingers brush over my
hole.  I stepped forward and turned around.

        "Why are you always teasing me?" I asked with a smile.

        Grabbing me in a hug from the front, he said, "Because I can," then
he kissed me, softly.

        Breaking the kiss, I said, "Just remember, one day, I will torture
you until you go crazy."

        "I don't think you want to do that to me," he said and gave a
wicked smile.

        "Oh, yeah?  Why not?" I asked, looking at him and being serious.

        "'Cause, when I'd be able to, and when you least expected it, I
would torture you right back."

        "How?  You know I like you playing with my sensitive dick."

        Todd turned us and pressed me against the wall.  "True, but see, I
know..." he poked me in my side causing me to jump, and I gave him a look
of pleading not to continue.  "...you're very ticklish."

        "Todd, no, please.  It's too early in the morning for this.  Please
don't tickle me," I begged with a very worried look, but a smile as well,
on my face.

        "You still look tired," he said.  "Maybe if I tickle you, you might
actually wake up."

        "No, no, I'm awake, I'm awake," I said, opening my eyes wide to
show him how serious I was.

        "Yeah, but I can still see the sandman lingering around," he said,
then grabbed my sides with his big hands and just held them still.

        "No, no, no," I pleaded.  "Don't do anything, please," I said,
through my laughter.  "I'll do whatever you want.  Please, just don't
tickle me."

        "Now, if I let go, you promise you'll wake up?"

        "Yes, I promise.  I'm awake already.  You already woke me up," I
said fast, trying to get him to remove his hands from my side.

        "Okay, then," he said, removing his hands, but not before giving
them a squeeze, causing me to jump and laugh.

        "You bastard," I said, through my laughter.

        "It's no different than you sucking my dick after I've cum."

        I was about to say something, but thought twice.  He was more
powerful than me, and I knew if he wanted to, he could easily start to
tickle me again without any worry of my hands being in the way.

        He moved his left arm up and slammed it against the wall next to my
head and smiled.  I jumped, thinking he was trying to distract me and I
looked down to find his right hand hanging free.

        "Why are you so jumpy?" he asked, smiling at me.

        "I thought you were distracting me with your left hand so your
right hand could tickle me again."

        "Nope, the tickling is done for now.  Don't worry."

        I relaxed, slightly and looked into Todd's green eyes.  He smiled
at me and slowly inched his face closer to mine.

        "Love you," he said, before softly pressing his lips against me.

        I allowed his lips to touch mine and was going to let him do
whatever he wanted, but my body couldn't just stand by and wait.  I threw
my left arm around him and pulled him closer to me as my lips parted to
allow his tongue access.  After a few moments, I placed my right hand on
his side and slowly let it fall down to his hip.  As our make out session
played out, my right hand moved over and grabbed his limp cock and balls.
I saw his eyes open and I felt him smile as he continued to kiss me.

        As I started to excite him, his kisses became deeper and more
intense.  Before long, he was rock hard and pressing his body into mine.
Because of the friction from his hard cock on my body, my dick started to
stand at attention.  A few moments later, without any oral gratification,
he turned me around, facing the wall, and turned my head to one side to
continue kissing me.  He ran his hand through the soap still left on my
back and finally ran his fingers down to my ass.

        He played with my hole for a minute then finally poked a finger
inside.  When he did, I gasped and closed my eyes tight.  The feeling was
intense.  Soon, I was moaning in his mouth as his finger went farther and
farther into me.  After playing with my prostate for a few minutes, I spoke
into his mouth as I begged him to make love to me.

        I heard him chuckle in my mouth and rub his hand across my back
again to grab some lather.  When his hand disappeared, I had an idea he was
lubing up his cock.  A minute later, I felt his finger touch me, and then
felt his cock at my hole.  Pushing, lightly, he slowly entered me and held
still after the head punched through my ass muscle.

        I broke the kiss, saying, "Holy, shit."  I closed my eyes and
propped my head against my arm on the wall of the shower.

        I felt Todd grab my hips and slowly push further into me.  When his
pubic hair was rammed against my ass, he put his arm across my chest and
pulled me to him.  I let my head fall back on his shoulder and placed my
arm across his on my chest.

        "God, I love being inside you, baby."

        "Me, too," I said, through heavy breaths.

        He slowly pulled his hips away from me and then slowly pushed them
back towards my ass.  I turned my head and his lips connected with mine
again.  We made slow, sensual love for about twenty minutes before we
couldn't hold out any longer.  I reached up and grabbed the back of his
head with both my hands as our tongues continued to fight.  I let out a
consistent moan as I shot my load across the tile of the shower wall.  When
my ass constricted around his cock, he let loose, filling me with his
essence.

        We stayed still for a short while longer, as our lips continued to
kiss each other softly.  After a few minutes, I felt Todd fall out of me
and I turned and wrapped my arms around his neck as he wrapped his arms
around my back.

        "God, I love making love to you," Todd said, between kisses.

        "I love it when you do, Todd.  It makes me feels as if I'm in the
clouds every time."

        We kissed for a short while longer, before we finished up our
shower and got out before the water turned cold.  After we dried off, we
opened the door and headed back to our room but were surprised to find,
both mom and dad heading downstairs.  Instinctively, I jumped behind Todd
as Todd covered himself with his hands.

        "What are you two doing home?" he asked.

        "It's Saturday.  Don't have to work today, remember?" dad said, as
mom turned and looked down the stairs.

        "Oh, crap.  I thought it was Friday.  Guess I got confused," Todd
said.

        "You must've," mom said, still looking down the stairs.

        "We'll be down in a minute," Todd said, waiting for them to leave.

        Dad smiled at us as mom hurried down the stairs.  When she was out
of sight, Todd and I hurried to our room and closed the door.

        "Oh, shit, do you think they heard us?" I asked.

        "Don't know.  I don't think we were being too loud, but I'm not
sure."

        "You think dad would have come and knocked on the door if we were.
I mean, he does know that we do it."

        "He might have been embarrassed.  I don't know.  Now, I'm gonna
have a hard time looking at `em."

        "Don't do that.  Just act like nothing's wrong.  If they heard us,
they'll be the one's acting weird.  Or at least mom will," I explained.

        "I'll try," Todd said, grabbing his underwear and shorts.

        We dressed in shorts and a tee shirt and headed down stairs.
"Morning, guys," Todd said.

        "Hey, honey," mom said to him, looking at us.  "How'd you guys
sleep?"

        "Pretty good.  We had a good time last night.  They had a prom for
people under the age of twenty four.  We finally got to dance at a prom," I
explained.

        "Good for you guys," dad said.  "Where was it held?"

        "Near the lake in Piedmont Park," Todd said.

        "Good.  I'm glad you got to dance.  So, what are your plans for
today?" mom asked.

        "Just hang out at the park and see what happens," I said.  "Hey,
you guys wanna come with us?  There's supposed to be some acts on both
stages today."

        "Pax and Tristian are meeting us for lunch along with Kent and
Charlie and some other friends.  We might join you guys later for an hour
or two, though," dad explained.

        "That sounds good," Todd said.  "We'll have our phones, just give
us a call."

        "Will do," mom said.

        We turned to head out the door, and said goodbye to the parents.
Once outside, I said, "Well, if they heard us, they didn't show it."

        "Maybe we weren't as loud as we thought."

        "Yeah, maybe so.  So, where to for breakfast?" I asked Todd.

        "I don't know.  How about a breakfast bar or something."

        "Hey, that sounds great," I said, as he opened the car door for me
to slip in.  Once inside, he closed it and walked around.  I reached over
and unlocked his door so he wouldn't have to use his key.

        We headed toward town and decided on breakfast at the Flying
Biscuit.  We couldn't find a breakfast bar close to where we were, but
figured that a restaurant we haven't tried yet might be good.

        We weren't disappointed in our selection.  Portions could have been
bigger, but we were satisfied.  After we left, Todd said, "Hey, let's go
over there to the bookstore."

        We headed across the street to Outwrite Books, but before going
inside, I picked up the same paper that Pax had the day before and followed
Todd through the doors.

        "You wanna coffee or cappuccino or something?"

        "Yeah, caramel macchiato or if they don't have it, double mocha
cappuccino," I said.

        "Cool.  Go and get us a table, and I'll be there in a minute."

        I headed over to the corner of the store that was set aside for
tables and Todd headed over to the counter.

        I flipped through the paper until I came to the listing of events
and soon, Todd joined me with our drinks.

        "Anything going on this morning?" he asked, setting my cup down
next to the paper?

        "They have the viewing of the AIDS memorial quilt, starts at
eleven.  The Human Rights Exhibit, starts at eleven thirty.  They have
something for couples with kids.  Tonight, there's a lesbian party,
something for us young people again.  Oh, and they have a commitment
ceremony at eight tonight."

        "Cool, maybe we can swing by and see that," Todd suggested.

        "Sure.  We can see how it'll be for us if we want to do that one
day."

        "No `if', it will happen one day," Todd said, taking a sip of his
coffee and winking at me.

        I think I blushed for the first time in a long time.  I looked back
at the paper and went over the list of acts that would be performing today
and didn't recognize one of them.  "I don't know any of the musical acts.
I hope some of them are good."

        "Me too," Todd said, coming over to sit next to me to see the
paper.  "What's going on tomorrow?"

        "Looks like the parade starts tomorrow at ten, so if we want to get
a good spot, we need to be on the parade route about nine or so."

        "Yeah, but where?" Todd asked, looking at me.

        I set my cup down from taking a sip and said, "How about this
corner?  Says here the parade will come right down Tenth Street and turn on
Piedmont.  Seems like it would be a good spot, plus, we won't be far from
the park either."

        "Sounds good to me.  You wanna head on out?"

        "Nah, let's just sit here and drink our coffee," I said, closing
the paper and leaning against Todd.

        He threw his right arm over my shoulder as my head lay against his
right cheek.  We sat in silence for a few moments until we heard a little
clatter at the front door.

        "Shit, Romaine, how about watching where you're going?" said a
tall, medium built, handsome guy, followed by a beautiful, full figured,
medium height woman.

        "Sorry, Derek," she said through her laughter.

        Todd and I turned back around and settled back in our position and
watched the people passing by the shop.  A few minutes later, the two that
made a scene coming into the shop, came over and sat near us, talking over
some papers.

        A few times, I caught the woman looking at us, and I just smiled.
I couldn't take my eyes off them.  They looked like they were planning
something big, and from the little I could hear, my interest was peaked.
What were they up to?  I didn't ask, but was straining to hear all I could.
I know it was rude, but I felt they had some inside scoop about Pride, and
I wanted to know what it was.

        Todd finished his coffee and said he was in the mood for another
and asked if I wanted one.  I agreed and he left to go back to the counter.
As he did, I saw the woman's eyes follow him until he disappeared around a
bookcase.  Afterwards, she looked at me and noticed I was looking.

        "Sorry," she said.  "I think guys with muscle are sexy."

        "Yeah, me too.  That's why he's my boyfriend."  I looked at the guy
she was with and asked, "Isn't that kind of rude to say that in front of
your boyfriend, though?  That you find someone else sexy?"

        They looked at each other and busted out laughing.  "Oh, my God.
He is not my boyfriend.  He's gay and I'm a lesbian."

        I must have had a look of confusion on my face and she asked what
was wrong.

        "You're a lesbian, but you think guys with muscle are sexy?"

        "Yeah..." she started but the guy cut her off.

        "She's weird, I know."

        "Shut up," she said, giving a short pause between the two words.

        "What?" he said, basically shrieking.  "I'm only telling the
truth."  After he was done, he looked around and said he was sorry to
anyone staring at them.

        "Anyway, I just find guys with muscles sexy.  I like muscle,
especially on a woman.  Oh, my God, that's even sexier to me."

        "Okay, then.  I never really noticed a woman with muscles," I said.

        "You find them all over, but the military ones are nice," she said,
smiling big.

        "I guess I'll have to pay more attention," I said, as Todd came
back with our drinks.  "This is my boyfriend, Todd, by the way," I said,
pointing to him with my thumb.

        "Hey," he said, sitting back down next to me.

        I leaned on him again and she asked, "How long you two been
together?"

        I decided to stay quiet and let Todd answer it.

        "Officially, about five months, but unofficially, about a year and
a half."

        "Nu, huh, it has been six months," I said.

        "No, you lived in the car for January, remember.  Only after you
moved in did we start officially dating.  February, March, April, May, and
June makes five months," he said, lifting a finger for each month.

        "Oh yeah, you're right.  I thought it was six."

        "You lived in a car for January?" the man asked.

        "Yeah, long story short, I was thrown out of my house in January,
and I moved in with him the end of January, beginning of February.  I don't
remember."

        "You two live together?  How old are you guys?" he asked us.

        "Just turned eighteen, he's nineteen," I explained.

        "Wow, and you live together?" she asked.

        "Well, he lives with my mom and dad and me.  We took him in after
he was thrown out."

        "If you don't mind me asking, why were you thrown out?" the woman
asked.

        "'Cause I'm gay."

        "Oh man," she said.  "That pisses me off.  I don't understand how
parents can do that to their own kids."

        "Actually, it's probably the best thing that could have happened to
me.  Now I live with a family who loves me, and my boyfriend is always
there.  I don't have a worry in the world anymore."

        "Well, I guess some good came out of it," said the guy.

        "Oh, by the way, I'm Romaine Patterson, and he's Derek Hartley."

        "I'm Blake Moore, and he's Todd Blyth."

        "Good to meet you guys," she said.

        "So, I couldn't help but over hear a little of what you guys were
talking about.  What's going on with the stage and acts."

        "Oh, nothing.  We're the emcees this year," she explained.

        "And don't forget the Grand Marshalls, too," he said, finishing the
explanation, looking frustrated at her.

        "That's cool," Todd said.  "I don't mean to be rude, but should we
know who you guys are?  We're pretty new to the community, so I was just
wondering."

        "We host a radio show together," Romaine said.

        "Romaine, you're supposed to say we're in programming, remember?"
Derek said.

        Laughing, she said, "Oh yeah, I forgot."

        "Anyway, we do host a show," Derek said.

        "Cool.  What station?" I asked.

        "Sirius OutQ 109," he explained.

        I thought to myself for a moment and said, "The dial only goes up
to 108, how can I listen to 109?"

        "No," Derek said, laughing.  "We're on Sirius satellite radio."

        "Oh," I said, now understanding what they meant.

        "So, what's different about your show?" Todd asked.

        "Well for starters, we can say what ever the fuck we want.
Completely uncensored," Romaine said, emphasizing the word `fuck'.

        "That's right, and we're on the only gay and lesbian radio station
in the country," Derek added.

        "Oh wow," Todd said, showing the same amazement I had.

        "What do you guys talk about?" I asked.

        "Every fucking thing.  We have coffee klatch, desperately fucking
angry, what's your gay problem, the Monday mailbag..." Romaine stated, but
Derek cut her off.

        "Shocking confessions, guess my load, people watching, triple X
showcase and that's just a few of `em."

        "Damn," Todd and I said together.

        "How long have you guys been doing this?" Todd asked.

        "A little over six years now," Derek answered.

        "Wow, I've never even heard of you guys," I said.

        "Yeah, people know about Sirius, but not a lot of people know about
OutQ until they get the radio.  You should take a look at it.  You guys
might like it," Romaine said.

        "We just might do that," Todd said.  "So, where will you guys be?"

        "We'll be on the main stage in the park," Derek answered.  "But
right now, we gotta head over to the booth and say hey to the listeners."

        "Yup.  Listen, you guys stop by and see us and we'll get you some
tee shirts," Romaine added.

        "Cool.  We'll do that.  Have a great weekend, guys," Todd called
out as they started walking away.

        "You too.  Have fun," Romaine called back.

        After they left, I settled back on Todd for a few more minutes as
we finished our coffee.

        "You ready, Blake?" he asked.

        "No.  I just wanna stay here and lean against you all day," I said,
not wanting him to stop touching me.

        He gave a small laugh and said, "When we stop for the music later
on, you can lean up against me again, okay?"

        "Fine," I said, in mock frustration and pulled myself away from
him.

        Retuning our mugs back to the counter, he grabbed my hand and we
headed down to the park.  Walking through the neighborhood of tenth and
Piedmont streets, I was amazed at the couples I saw there.  Men with men,
women with women, kids our age, some younger of the same gender, and even
men with women.  All were having a great time and were without a worry or
fear of anything but the hot sun overhead.

        Heading down to the park entrance, I noticed there were a lot of
babies.  I saw Todd looking around and noticed it was the babies which
caught his attention.  As we crossed the street to go into the park, we
ended up behind a male couple with a baby being held over one of the
father's shoulder.

        He was looking back at us, staring, wondering who we were.  He had
his little hands in his mouth and Todd smiled and made a kooky face.  The
little boy smiled and gave a small laugh, causing Todd to smile bigger than
I've ever seen him.  Todd continued to play with the baby until, finally,
the father without the baby boy, who had blond hair, turned to see what his
son was laughing at.

        The man smiled at us and Todd said, "I'm sorry, but he's so cute.
I just had to see him smile."

        The other father, who had red hair, turned towards us as he
stopped..  We all stopped and he put the baby on the ground, but held on to
his hand to help him keep his balance.

        "He loves to smile, this one," said the father holding on to the
baby.

        "Yes, he does," said the other father in that baby talk as he
tickled his son's tummy.  The baby started giggling and pushed his dad's
hand away.

        "How old is he?" I asked.

        "About nine months," said the red-haired dad.

        "Oh, wow.  Did you adopt him?" Todd asked.

        "No, actually he's my biological son," said the blonde father.  "We
had a friend of ours to be a surrogate."

        "That's cool, I never even thought of something like that," Todd
commented.

        "Oh, are you two trying to adopt?" asked the red haired man.

        "No," we both said in a deep voice, and then smiled.

        Todd continued, "We've only been together for about a year and a
half.  He's still got his senior year of high school to finish."

        "That's amazing," said the same father.  "I didn't have the guts to
come out in high school.  This proves that the times are changing."

        "Yeah, somewhat," I said.

        "So, you two want kids?" asked the blond man.

        "I do," Todd said, "but he's not so sure, yet."

        "Well, when you realize it's what's missing and you both want kids,
you'll know.  You'll never love anything more," explained the red head.

        "Not even each other.  Your first priority will be your kids from
day one," said the blond haired man.

        "What's his name?" I asked.

        "Sam," said the two men, together.

        "Well, Sam," Todd started, getting down to the child's level, "You
have a good day, little man."  He reached over and poked Sam in his belly
and Sam giggled and grabbed Todd's finger.  He wiggled it around for a
second, and then looked up at his dads, and Todd stood.

        "He really is beautiful," Todd said, grabbing my hand.

        "Thanks," said the red head.

        "Ya'll have fun," I called as we walked around them.

        "Thanks, you too," said the blonde.

        "God, I want kids," Todd said a few minutes later.

        "In due time, baby.  In due time," I said, smiling at him.

        We walked around the park and ran back into Derek and Romaine.  As
we passed, Romaine called us over and handed us tee shirts.  On the front
was the saying, `Everyday is a gay DNR day,' with the word gay crossed out,
to make it read, `Everyday is a DNR day'.

        "So, you guys decided what you're gonna do today?" Derek asked.

        "Just hang around here and enjoy the music," I said.

        "Cool.  We'll be on that stage over there," Romaine said, pointing
to the stage with a big Coke sign as the backdrop.

        "Alright, then," Todd said.  "We'll be looking for you."

        "See you guys later," Derek said.

        We continued to walk around the booths, now filled with food,
drinks, books, nick knacks for sale, hats and visors and such to keep the
sun off you and also lots and lots of suntan oils.  Since we both forgot
hats to shield the sun from our eyes, Todd purchased two with the Atlanta
Pride logo on them.  As he put one on my head, he pulled the visor down way
too far and laughed when I, instead of lifting the hat back to normal
position, leaned my head back to see through the little crack between my
cheeks and the hat visor.

        After browsing for a while longer, we decided to find a good spot
to watch the music acts.  Luckily, there was a tree close by with a few
empty areas, and Todd dragged me over and sat at the base of the tree.  I
looked around and was gonna sit next to him, but instead, he tapped his
inner thighs for me to sit between his legs.

        I did as instructed and leaned back on him as he draped his arms
around my body and placed his hands on my stomach.  We talked for a while
about the summer, our jobs, and mostly about his upcoming move to New York.
I, of course, got sad at the thought of him not being around but was also
just as happy that he had a dream to follow.  I still didn't' know how I
was going to live without him for nine months at a time, but only time knew
what was in store for me then.  That's one reason I'm in the position I'm
in today.

        The music started up, and there were a lot of acts.  Some were
okay, one or two were fantastic, but most stunk.  The ones that were bad,
at least to us, just weren't our cup of tea in the music genre.  They were
either hip hop, or rap, or something else.  We both enjoy country, rock,
pop, or easy listening, which we enjoy dancing to, of course, and even some
eclectic funk.  Those acts that were bad, to us, were just plain awful.

        In between acts, Derek and Romaine got onstage to fill time so the
next act could set everything up, and they seemed like a real comedy duo,
not radio hosts.  There were a few times Derek made reference to something
and only a few people laughed.  When I looked around, I saw it was people
older than Todd and myself and knew it must have been before our time.
Romaine did it too, but when no one laughed, she said it was one of his
jokes.  That got the audience going while Derek threw a staged temper
tantrum.

        After a couple hours, I started to get hot and thirsty.  As I
stood, I asked Todd if he wanted something to drink,

        "That sounds great," he said as he started to stand.

        "No, you stay here and keep our place.  I'll be back in a few
minutes.  Water or soda?"

        "Water, please.  Two bottles."

        "Great," I said, instinctively hitting my butt cheek to check for
my wallet.  When I didn't touch it, I started to panic.

        "What's wrong?" he asked.

        "My wallet's gone," I explained.

        "Are you sure you had it?" he asked.

        "Yeah.  I put my shorts on and grabbed my keys, my wallet, and my
phone."

        "Okay, last time I saw it, you put everything on the kitchen
counter, and I saw you put your keys and phone in your pockets.  I don't
remember your wallet."

        "I'm sure I did," I said, worried that someone picked my pocket.

        "Call mom.  If you left it, she would've seen it."

        I grabbed my phone and called mom, and after two rings I heard
laughter and finally her say hello.

        "Hey, mom.  Did you see my wallet on the island this morning after
we left?"

        "Yes, Blake.  You left it, but I didn't think you needed it.  Todd
has his, doesn't he?  Is everything alright?"

        "Yeah, he does.  Everything's fine now.  I thought someone had
picked my pocket.  That's all I needed.  How's lunch?  Sounds fun."

        "Ah, yeah.  Pax was just telling us a story; don't know how true it
is, though."

        "It's the truth, I swear," I heard Pax yell in the background.

        "Fine, I believe you," mom said away from the phone receiver,
laughing again.

        "Cool.  Tell everyone we said hey, and if you guys want to come out
later, just call us."

        "Thanks, Blake.  You two have a good time."

        "Thanks, mom.  Bye."

        I hung up the phone and held out my hand.  Todd grabbed it, but I
dropped my hand, and he looked at me.

        "I need money," I said.  "I left my wallet at home."

        He smiled and pulled out his wallet and handed me a twenty.  "Two
bottles," I confirmed as I walked away.

        I came back with three bottles of water, and Todd uncrossed his
legs for me to resume my seat.

        "Nice and cold," I said, handing them to him.

        "Great," he said, taking the cap off one and downing it completely.

        "Holy shit, you were thirsty."

        "Not really, I think I'm dehydrated.  I'm starting to get a small
headache."

        "Here," I said, pulling away from him.  "Switch with me and I'll
rub your neck and shoulders."

        "That would be great, thanks."

        We switched places and he leaned against me as I started working on
his neck.  I felt the tight muscles under the skin and knew he had some
tension there.  I heard him moan as I dug my fingers into his skin to work
out the knots I felt.  I worked on his shoulders, neck and back for about
fifteen minutes before he thanked me for the rub down.

        "Feel better?" I asked him.

        "Much.  Thanks, Blake."

        "Anytime, Todd."

        After a few moments silence, he asked, "Why'd you stop calling me
puppy?"

        "I didn't," I said.

        "Well, I haven't heard it in a while.  I like it."

        "Okay, puppy.  I'll remember more.  So, is your headache gone?"

        "I think so.  I don't feel it, so maybe the massage did help."

        "Good," I said, pulling him back against me and wrapping my arms
around him.  I lifted my legs slightly so he could have arm rests, and
after he got comfortable, he leaned his head back on my shoulder.

        We sat in silence, listened to the music, and watched the other
people around us having fun.  Some were just running around laughing, some
were throwing Frisbees, and others were just sitting around, making out,
talking, laughing, and whatever they wanted to do.  From our vantage point,
it seemed that they were all having a great time,.

        I was watching the stage, listening to Derek and Romaine, when I
heard someone say `awww' to my left.  When I looked over, I saw mom, dad,
Pax, and Tristian standing there, smiling.

        "Hey, guys," I said.

        "Shhh," Pax said, and pointed to Todd.  "He's asleep."

        "Really?" I asked, trying to see his eyes but couldn't.

        Tristian came around front and took our picture.  I looked at the
stage a couple times but then back at the lens as well.  When he was done,
I looked at mom as she grabbed dad's arm and put her head on his shoulder,
smiling.

        "Puppy," I said in Todd's ear.  "Todd, wake up."

        "Huh," I heard him say.

        "Mom and dad are here along with Pax and Tristian.  Come on; wake
up for a few minutes."

        Todd lifted his hands and wiped his eyes, and then he looked over
at them.  "Hey, guys," he said, stretching.

        "Get a good nap?" mom asked.

        "Yeah.  I didn't even know I fell asleep."

        "Wow, you must've been tired," Tristian said.

        "No, actually, just relaxed.  Blake gave me a shoulder and back
rub, and I guess it relaxed me so much, I dozed off."

        "Well, you two looked adorable," Pax said.  "Tristian even got the
pictures to prove it."

        "Tristian, you didn't take my picture, did you?" Todd whined.

        "Yeah, but don't worry.  You weren't drooling or anything."

        "Well, that's a relief.  So, what are you guys doing here?"

        "Just came by to see what you two were up to," dad said.

        "Just enjoying the music," I said.  "There have been a couple of
good acts, but others, not so much."

        "You guys wanna join us?" Todd asked, indicating the empty spots
next to us.

        "Well, I was kinda hoping for dinner," Pax chimed in.

        "Pax!!  How can you think of food?" mom asked.  "You ate like there
was no tomorrow at lunch and it's only five now."

        "What can I say?  This skinny boy needs food," he said, showing off
his figure.

        "You show me your skinny figure one more time, and I swear it might
be the last time," mom said, jokingly.

        "Come on, Christine.  You have a fabulous body.  You just need to
show it off a little more," Pax said.

        Before mom could respond, dad said, "I agree."

        She stopped what she was gonna say and looked at dad and smiled.

        "So, how about you two?" Pax said, looking at us.

        "I could use something to eat.  We haven't eaten since breakfast,"
I said.

        "Me too.  I wasn't hungry until you said something," Todd said.

        "That's `cause you were asleep," I said with a chuckle.

        "Mom, dad?  You guys in?" Todd asked.

        "Well, I'm not too hungry now, but I could use a drink," dad piped
up.

        "That sounds great," mom said.

        "Great," said Pax.  "How about you guys giving us a few minutes to
freshen up.  We're gonna hit the house."

        "I don't need anything, honey," Tristian said.

        Pax squinted at his boyfriend and then looked at mom.  "Christine,
you wanna come with me to freshen up?"

        "Yes.  I've gotta go to the ladies room, anyway."

        "Great.  See you boys in a few minutes," Pax said, extending his
arm for mom as they walked away.

        "So, you guys had a good time today?" Tristian asked as he sat next
to us.

        "Yeah, so far," Todd answered.  "We met those two on the stage
earlier at the bookstore."

        Dad and Tristian looked over and dad asked, "Who are they?"

        "They host a radio show on satellite radio in New York City," I
explained.

        "Not only that, but on their show, they're completely uncensored.
Way different from the South," Todd added.

        "Is that Derek and Romaine?" Tristian asked.

        "Yeah," Todd said.  "You know `em?"

        "Well, not personally, but I listen to them when I'm in the car.
They're kinda messed up but are funny as hell."

        "Messed up?" I asked, confused on his meaning.

        "Crazy," he clarified.  "Example: there's this one segment on their
show called `Guess My Load'."  Tristian gave a small laugh when he saw
dad's expression.  "I know what you're thinking, Don.  Anyway, listeners
call in, and Derek and Romaine get to ask them four questions each to find
out what they're carrying then they each take a guess.  Well, one of the
questions that they like to ask is, `Would Derek like your load on his
face?' or `Would Romaine', depends on who's asking it.  Double entrendre if
I've ever heard one, but that's just how kooky they are."

        "Sounds like they might be too much for me," dad said.

        "Nah, if you can live through and participate in the conversations
with Pax, they won't be anything you couldn't handle," Tristian said.
After a moments silence he asked, "So, what do you guys have planned for
tonight?"

        "Not much, but we want to be back by eight for the commitment
ceremony," I said.

        "What?" dad asked, a little alarmed.

        "Don't worry, dad.  It's just to watch, not participate in," Todd
said.

        "Oh, thank God," dad said, putting his hand on his chest and
breathing heavily.  Seeing our looks, he said, very quickly, "It's not that
it wouldn't be a good thing, but Todd has school and you have to finish
high school."

        "We know what you meant, dad.  Don't worry about it," I said,
smiling big.

        We all settled back and enjoyed the music.  When mom and Pax showed
back up, the main stage acts were just finishing up, and soon the youth
acts were going to start.  I forgot about those and really wanted to stay
and hear them, but my stomach overruled my senses, and we took off.
Walking back to Pax's home, we jumped into his SUV and headed up the road.

        "Where're we going, Pax?" Todd asked.

        "A little place called, `Front Page News'.  It's like a taste of
New Orleans.  Heaven," he said, looking back at the road.

        About five minutes later, we arrived at the restaurant and found it
just about packed to the rim with people.  They were having a great time,
laughing, talking, and even some were dancing to the music.  Pax was first
to the hostess stand and told the host how many there were in the party,
and the host excused himself to find a place for us.  Todd reached over and
grabbed my hand as we stood, watching the crowd.

        A few minutes later, the host came back and grabbed six menus and
asked us to follow him.  Up the stairs and around a wall we went until he
placed our menus on a table.  It was a big round table and had enough room
for us with room to spare.  We chatted a few minutes about the place then
all buried ourselves in the menu.  Even though mom and dad claimed they
weren't that hungry, they decided to order dinner anyway.  They figured
they might not find time to eat again if they didn't.

        After ordering, we talked and enjoyed each other's company.  They
asked us about our day, and even though Tristian and dad already knew, we
told mom and Pax.  We asked about theirs, and they started regaling us of
some of Pax's stories.  He started getting upset because they weren't
telling it right or leaving out details.  So, he started telling us of the
adventures of the afternoon with the correct stories and details.

        After laughing harder than we had in forever, our food came and we
enjoyed what had been prepared.  Everything tasted wonderful.  Todd had
some shrimp and asked if I wanted to taste it.  I knew I didn't like
seafood, but for him, I decided I would try it again.  After taking a bite
off the little guy, chewing and swallowing it, it only told me that I hated
seafood even more.  He laughed at my facial expression, but the only thing
I could think to do was drink my tea to get rid of the taste.

        "That was disgusting," I said, clearing my mouth of tea.

        "Ah, no.  It's wonderful," Todd said, taking another shrimp and
biting the tail off.

        "Whatever.  I knew I didn't like seafood, but had been willing to
try it again to please Todd.  Gross," I said.

        "If you didn't like it, why'd you try it?" Pax asked.

        "'Cause it has been a long time since I had any, and he asked.  I
figured I'd give it a try again.  It still tastes bad to me."

        "Thanks for trying," he said, then puckered his lips to kiss me.

        "Get that mouth away from me," I said to him.

        "Why?" he ask, pulling away, hurt.

        "'Cause, I already know I don't like seafood.  Don't want to taste
it again."

        "Sounds logical," dad said.

        "You're not helping, dad," Todd said, giving his dad a look that
said, stay out of this.  Dad raised his utensils in defeat, turned to mom
and smiled, then went back to his steak dinner.

        A few minutes later, I ran my hand across his crotch to show him I
was only teasing, but instead of it being a playful little gesture, he
jumped, kicking the table leg and sat up straight.  I jerked my hand away
and covered my smile, trying hard not to laugh.

        "You okay, Todd?" mom asked.

        Glancing at me, quickly, he said, "Uh, yes, ma'am.  Just had a
cramp that started to form in my leg, and I tried to shake it out, but
kicked the table.  Sorry."

        Everyone paid no mind to what happened, but Pax did look at me and
winked.  I smiled and went back to the lasagna before me and kept my hands
to myself so I wouldn't get either Todd or me into any more trouble.

        Throughout the evening, Pax kept ordering round after round of
drinks for the table, and even mom and dad's protests couldn't stop him.
Tristian just smiled, knowing there was no way to talk him out of it, and
by the time Todd and I had to leave for the ceremony in the park, all four
of them were just this side of plastered.

        After leaning over to me, telling me we had to leave, Todd dropped
his napkin on the table and said, "Okay, guys.  It's time to go."

        "What?  No," Pax protested.  "We're having so much fun."

        "I know, but you guys can have fun at your place if you want, but
Blake and I need to get to the commitment ceremony."

        "What?" mom asked, surprised to hear that.

        "We're just going to watch," Todd said.  "Not participate.  Now,
come on.  None of you guys are fit to drive and we're gonna be late if we
don't leave now."

        Dad and Pax fought over the right to pay the bill, but dad finally
relented after Pax stated he was the one that had invited everyone out.
Dad smiled, thanked Pax and put his credit card away.

        With me holding up Pax and Tristian and Todd holding up mom and
dad, we finally got everyone out to the car and Todd jumped in the driver's
seat and drove us back to Pax's place.  Parking a little down the street,
we ended up helping the couple we helped out of the restaurant up to the
house.  Along the walk, mom asked where the car was.

        "I don't know," Todd said, "But you guys aren't driving anywhere
tonight."

        "Of course they aren't," Pax said.  "They're staying in the spare
bedroom.  I won't let them leave; you have my word, Todd."

        "Thanks, Pax," he said.  I looked back, and Todd smiled at me and
rolled his eyes.

        When we arrived at the door, I grabbed the keys from Tristian and
unlocked it, and as soon as Pax was inside, he asked, "Who wants a
margarita?"

        Mom left the comfort of Todd's balance and stumbled inside and
said, "Oh, I do.  On the rocks."

        "Rocks?  All I got is ice, woman."

        "That's what I meant, bitch."

        Both Pax and mom started laughing harder than I had heard each of
them, and I looked at Todd, then dad as he said, "Oh, brother.  Tristian, I
have a feeling it's gonna be a long night."

        "You feel it too, huh?" Tristian asked.

        Todd and I helped the two guys in the door, and I set the keys on
the little table inside the door and told them to have fun.  Mom and Pax
were still laughing very loud that no one even heard me.  Closing the door,
I walked to Todd and said, "I can't believe all four of them are drunk."

        "Me neither.  I've never seen mom so wasted before," Todd said,
smiling.  "I'm glad I don't have to deal with them tonight."

        "Yeah, me too.  I'm just glad they're having fun."

        "Well, you know what this means, right?" he asked, lifting an
eyebrow.

        "What?" I asked.

        "We got the house to ourselves tonight," he said as a smiled crept
across his face.

        "That's right.  We could go skinny dipping and have sex next to the
pool," I suggested.

        "Actually, I was thinking of a nice long bath, low lighting, me
holding you in the water and making love before bed."

        I smiled, and got excited too, as I said, "I like that idea."

        Pulling me to him, he threw an arm across my back and placed his
hand on my lower side and said, "C'mon.  Let's head on over to the park."

        I placed my left arm across his back and my right arm went over his
stomach as I held onto his side on our little walk to the gazebo.  Once
there, we had a great view of the couples standing, waiting for the
ceremony to begin.  I would guess there were about a hundred and fifty or
so couples there, wanting to declare their love to the public.  I backed up
to the edge of the gazebo and hoisted myself up and sat on the railing and
pulled Todd backwards until he was standing in between my legs.  I grabbed
him under his arms and crossed my arms across his stomach.  After getting
settled, I put my chin on his shoulder.

        A few other couples came and watched with us as the preacher got
into position and tested the microphone.

        "Good evening, everyone.  Welcome to this year's Commitment
Ceremony."

        Polite applause scattered throughout the crowd, and after it died,
the preacher continued.

        "Now, before we begin, instead of saying spouse a, or one, or
spouse b, or two, I'd like to refer to everyone as partner and spouse, just
for clarification.  The persons to my left," he said, pointing straight out
to his left, "shall be known as spouse.  The persons to my right," lowering
his left hand and lifting his right and pointing straight out, "shall be
known as partner, because in the eyes of the Lord, there is no such thing
as second."

        The preacher opened a book and flipped through for the correct page
he needed.  Once he found it, he looked out over the sea of couples again
and began.

        "We have gathered here today for a momentous occasion, for you
couples to declare your life and love, as one, before the many witnesses,
the state, and the eyes of God.  God's wish for all his children is only
two things: That they are happy and they find love.  Today, we bring both
of those wishes and combine them together.  The couples that stand before
me are some of the very lucky people on this Earth.  Many people go through
life not ever finding love, but God wanted you to know how that felt and to
know how lucky you are.  Today, we only publicly declare it, as the love
you have brought you before me to help in that task."

        Shifting a little and glancing at the book, "Spouse," he started,
as he lifted his left hand and pointed out to his left.  The crowd gave a
small laugh at his clarification, once more.  "Do you solemnly swear to
love, cherish, protect, and be there always for your partner, in sickness
and in health, for richer or poorer, in good times and in bad for as long
as you both shall live?"

        A thunderous, scattered `I do' erupted from the crowd.

        "Wonderful," said the preacher with a beautiful smile.  "Now,
Partner," said the preacher, repeating his clarification of whom he was
referring.  "Do you solemnly swear to love, cherish, protect, and be there
always for you partner, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, in
good times and in bad for as long as you both shall live?"

        Again, another thunderous, scattered `I do' came from the crowd as
well as my lips.

        Leaning in Todd's ear, I whispered, "I do."

        Todd stood up straight and turned towards me and asked what I said.

        "I said I do.  When it's our time, you won't ever have to worry
about me not saying those words."

        "Does that mean..." Todd stopped talking for a moment and thought
about his next words.  "...You'll marry me?"

        "If and when it's legal in Georgia, we'll be the first ones in
line," I said, placing my hand on his cheek.

        Not another word was said as he leaned in and kissed me softly with
love and passion.  The rest of the ceremony was lost to us as we were lost
in our own little world.  Only the applause brought us back to reality,
which we joined in to show our congratulations to the many couples, that
night in the park.

        After the ceremony, we headed home and fulfilled Todd's romantic
fantasy as we took a bath together with candles lining the bathroom for the
dim lights and right before bed, we made love before falling asleep in each
other's arms.

        The following morning, we awoke at eight and got a quick shower and
grabbed a quick breakfast from the kitchen before heading out to get our
spot for the parade.  Before we left, Todd grabbed an old blanket and a
cooler and we filled it with a few sodas and lots of water.  On the way to
town we stopped, and I grabbed a bag of ice for the drinks.  I had
suggested it the afternoon before when I saw many other people with coolers
and decided it was better to bring our own instead of spending almost three
dollars on a bottle of water.

        We found the last spot on Tenth Street, up the street from Pax's
place and parked the car and walked back to the corner, in front of the
bookstore.  While waiting for the Parade to catch up to us, Todd went in
the bookstore and got us some coffee while we waited, to help wake us.
While he was in there, my phone rang.

        "Hello?" I said, knowing, already, it was Kelly.

        "Hey.  Damn, it's loud.  Where are you?"

        I put my finger in my right ear to hear her better and said, "In
Midtown, getting ready to watch the parade."

        "What parade?" she asked.

        "The gay Pride parade," I said.

        "Oh, I love parades.  I bet it'll be fun."

        "Why don't you join us?"

        "I'd love to, but I'm with Howie today."

        "Bring him along too.  The more the merrier," I said.

        "I don't know.  Don't think he'd be comfortable."

        "Well, you won't know if you don't ask.  Try teasing him with sex.
That'll probably work."

        "Blake," she said, almost in an embarrassing tone.

        "What?  All guys want sex.  Tell him he'll get some soon if he does
this for you.  Also, tell him Todd's here.  If he's worried about anything,
Todd'll protect him."  I smiled big, knowing he might take offence at that,
but figured if she told him, he might just come out of defiance to show he
doesn't need protecting.

        "Well, I'll ask.  Can't promise anything though.  I'll call you
back in a few."

        "Cool," I said, then told her I'd be listening for the phone.

        About ten minutes later, I saw Todd coming with our coffees as my
phone rang again.

        "Well?" I asked, instead of a `hello'.

        "Where are you guys?  He's coming with me."  She sounded excited
with the prospect.

        I explained to her the corner of the cross streets where we were.
She said they'd be down as soon as they could.  I told her the best place
to look for parking and told her where to go after that to get to us.
After hanging up the phone, Todd handed me my coffee and asked who I was
talking to.

        "Kelly.  She and Howie are joining us for the day."

        "Really?  Great.  This'll be fun," he said.

        We enjoyed our coffees and talked to some of the people around us,
and about thirty minutes after the parade started we finally saw it turn
down Tenth Street from Peachtree.  Right at that time, I heard my name
being called.  I looked to my right and saw Kelly and Howie crossing the
street.

        Coming up to us, Kelly gave Todd a hug as I shook Howie's hand.
"Glad you could come," I said to Howie.

        "I'm glad we could make it," he said, smiling.

        After Todd and Kelly finished up, she came to me and gave me a big
hug too.

        "So," I said in her ear.  "Did the promise of sex work?"

        "Like a charm," she said back.

        "Hey, big guy," I heard Todd say before he brushed Howie's hand
away and gave him a hug.

        Pulling away from me, I asked, "So, are you still a virgin?"

        Kelly blushed, and then said, "No."

        "And?" I said, prodding her.

        "Amazing," she said with a dreamy face.

        I smiled and asked, "That was a quick one to get him to say yes.
Did you guys do it this morning?"

        "No, silly.  A few days ago.  He might get more tonight, but we'll
see."

        "Well," I started, addressing both of them.  "Looks like you just
made it.  Here's the beginning of the parade."

        Everyone turned their attention to the street and I saw the first
car approaching.  Sitting on the back of the convertible was Derek and
Romaine, waving at the crowd, both of them in sunglasses, and Romaine in
the same ball cap she wore the day before, smiling big.  On the side of the
car was a banner with the Sirius logo and their names printed just above it

        "Who are they?" Kelly turned to me and asked.

        "They host a gay and lesbian radio show on satellite radio.  Todd
and I met them yesterday."

        "Oh," she said, and then turned her attention back to the parade.

        As the car passed, I waved at them, and Romaine noticed me, pointed
at me, and then waved again.  I pointed at Todd, and she did the same thing
to him.  Getting Derek's attention, she pointed us out to him and he waved,
too.  After exchanging waves, they turned down Piedmont Avenue as the rest
of the procession continued.

        Along the parade, there were lots of guys in nothing but underwear
and Kelly elbowed me every time she saw a cute one.  I had to lean in and
remind her that she had a man.

        "It's not that.  Just look how cute they are.  And those
underwear," she cleared her throat and finished, "They fit just right."

        "Kelly!!" I said and laughed.  After my laughter died, I leaned in
and whispered, "I agree.  Especially on the tight underwear."

        "Uh, huh," she concurred and laughed.

        There were other groups such as the HRC, GLADD, PFLAG, Atlanta
Queer Youth and many, many more.  Now, when the drag queens showed up,
Kelly got confused.

        "Wow, those women must be hot under those dresses," she said to me.

        "Kelly, those women are men, dressed as women."

        "What?  No.  They can't be," she said, stunned.

        "Why not?" I asked.

        "'Cause, a lot of them look better than me.  They look too
beautiful to be men."

        I laughed at that and said, "Trust me, they are.  If you lift those
dresses, you'll find a surprise you weren't expecting."

        Kelly laughed and turned her attention back to the parade.

        When the final float came by, a lot of the crowd dispersed and
started walking towards the park, but the four of us waited until the rest
of the spectators passed by, and then we joined them behind the end of the
parade.  We weren't walking as fast as the others and were soon left with
gaping holes on all sides of us.  We were leisurely talking and taking our
time as the rest of the crowd was rushing to get to the park for the
entertainment.

        As the four of us were talking, I looked up and saw some protesters
with signs that said that gays were going to hell and other negative
messages.  When the crowd passed by and I was able to see the sign holders,
I froze and turned around to hide my face.  The three of them kept walking,
but then stopped and looked back at me.

        "Blake, what's up?" Todd asked.

        I couldn't say anything, but instead, stood still, hoping I would
disappear into the very space surrounding me.

        Todd walked the few steps back and asked, "What's wrong?"  A look
of worry was present on his face.

        Finding my voice, I said, "Those protesters over there," and nodded
my head towards the crowd holding the signs.

        When Todd looked, I heard him say, "Oh shit."

        Howie and Kelly came back and then looked over, and she said,
"What's wrong?  I don't get it."

        "See the protesters over there.  The one holding the sign that
says, `Hell is waiting for all gays', is Blake's mom."

        "What?" Kelly practically screamed and turned to look.

        "What the hell is she doing here?" I asked of Todd.

        "I don't know," he said, turning back to look at her.

        With them gathered around, I turned back, hoping they would hide me
from being seen.  They all turned to look at me and suggested we walk back
and head down Tenth Street into the park and I agreed, but when I looked
up, I saw her walking towards us.

        "Oh shit.  She's coming over here."

        The three of them turned and made a wall between her and me as I
heard her approach.

        "You corrupted my son," she said to, I would assume, Todd.

        "Me?  What did I do?"

        "You turned him gay; you made him a sinner," she explained.

        "No, I didn't.  He was gay before he met me.  Neither of us knew
when we met."

        "That's a lie.  You made him gay, I know you did."

        "Mrs. Moore, I didn't, I swear."

        "All of you are going to hell.  This is all against God."

        "What's against God is abandoning your own children for something
they can't control," I heard Kelly say in a not so nice voice.

        "I couldn't and wouldn't have a sinner living in my house.  It goes
against God's word."

        "Like you haven't sinned?" Todd asked, growing angry.

        "How dare you accuse me of sinning!  You don't know me.  You don't
know my life."

        "I know that kicking one of your kids out of the house doesn't make
God smile.  It doesn't make him happy," he continued

        By this time, I had snuck around to the other side of Howie, who
was the farthest from her and peeked around his body to look.  After Todd
said his last statement, she raised her hand, as if she was going to slap
him, but I intervened.

        "If you hit him, you'll have to deal with me."

        Coming out from behind Howie, she stopped dead and stared at me.

        "What are you doing here?" I asked.

        Lowering her hand, she said, "I'm here spreading the word of God,
praying for the souls of you people."

        "Spreading God's word?  I thought God said to love all people.
Holding a sign of hate isn't spreading his word, now is it?"

        "You people are a freak of nature and it goes against his
teachings."

        "Signing away the rights of your kids does the same thing.  God
doesn't teach hate.  If I'm going to hell for being gay, you'll be right
there with me for abandoning one of his children."  I walked over in front
of Howie, Todd, and Kelly to stand directly in front of her.

        "God has forgiven me.  He helped me realize you were the spawn of
Satan."

        "Oh really?  So, you fucked him, too?" I asked, pissed beyond
belief.

        The next thing I knew, I was looking at Kelly's feet and felt the
sting of my mother's hand against my cheek.  Feeling Todd move, I put my
arms out to keep him where he was.  He stopped, but kept his chest against
my back.

        "That's something else you'll have to beg for forgiveness for.
Don't forget to pray when you get home," I said, slowly lifting my head
back to look at her.

        "I didn't raise my child to talk to me this way," she said,
surprised at my response.

        "That's right.  You tried to raise me to believe what you believe;
to hate other's who aren't like you.  Well, it didn't work.  In fact,
signing away my rights was the best thing that could have happened to me.
I now have a family who loves me, a new mother and father who love and
accept me for who I am, friends who don't care that I'm different from
them, a job where I can be myself and not hide behind a façade, and a
boyfriend who loves and supports me for being exactly who I am.  I'm the
happiest I've ever been, thanks to you letting me go.  I don't need you.  I
don't need any of you," I said, feeling a tear fall down my cheek.  "And,
by the way, Barbara, I'm no longer your child, remember?"

        I started walking away and when I was far enough away from her, I
wiped the tear that fell, angry with myself for letting it show.  I glanced
back and saw Todd give her a look that could make time stand still with his
anger before he followed.  My mother was still standing, staring at me as I
left.  When I felt the three catch up to me, I thought of something else
and stopped.

        Turning back, I said, "Oh, and don't think I won't be at granny's
birthday."

        "You wouldn't dare," she said.

        "Don't think I won't.  Especially if you don't want to tell the
family how you threw me away like a piece of trash.  Why I'm not there but
everyone else is.  This is just a warning to let you know to expect me, and
if you try to stop me, you will regret it."

        I didn't wait for a response, but instead, continued to walk
towards the park.  Once out of range of my mother, I stepped behind a tree
and caught my breath.  Todd came around and looked at me, and I busted out
in tears.  He wrapped his arms around me, and I buried my face in his
chest.  It sickened me to know I was crying for the loss of my family
again, especially after the way they treated me.  After a few minutes, I
pulled myself together, and Todd took me in a hug.

        "Don't let her ruin this day.  It's not worth it."

        "I know," I said, pulling out of the hug and wiping my eyes.

        "You okay, Blake?" Howie asked.

        "Yeah, I'll be fine.  Just kinda pissed me off, that's all."

        "That's understandable," Kelly said, putting her hand on my
shoulder.

        "I'm sorry you guys had to see that," I said to Howie and Kelly.

        "Don't worry about it.  Hey, you want me to go and grab her and
carry her to the center of the crowd and tell everyone who she is?  They
might strip her naked and humiliate her," Howie suggested.

        I knew he wasn't serious and had to laugh at the thought of her
covering herself and running for her life.  "That won't be necessary.
Let's just go and have a good time."

        Todd draped his arm across my back and we turned and headed in the
park.  When we arrived at the field where the stage was, we both remembered
the cooler and blanket at the same time.

        "We forgot..." he started.

        "Everything in the car," I finished.

        "Damn.  We'll, I'll be back in a few minutes, guys," Todd said as
he turned to leave.

        "Hey wait up," Howie called.  "I'll come with ya."

        As they left, I sat on the ground and crossed my legs and said to
Kelly, "You can sit in my lap if you don't want to get your pants dirty."

        "Thanks, Blake, but I'm good."  She sat next to me with her feet
planted flat on the ground and her arms encircling her legs, holding them.
She continued to glance around then back at me a few times.

        "Is everything okay?" I asked her.

        "Not really.  Your mom kinda pissed me off.  I can't believe she
slapped you."

        "It was the first time.  She never raised a hand to me before.
Neither her nor dad."

        "But for her to call you those names.  What kind of mother does
that?"

        "One that doesn't care, but that's in the past.  I have my future
to look forward to, and with you guys, Don and Christine, and especially
Todd.  I couldn't have asked for a better future to look forward to."

        She was about to say something, but I thought of a question to side
track her, as I wanted to move from the subject.

        "So, what was it like with Howie for the first time?" I asked,
smiling big.

        She closed her mouth from her original statement or question and
smiled.  "Oh, my God.  I couldn't believe it.  I was so scared, at first,
but then things just kinda progressed and it was amazing.  He took me to
dinner, then to the movie, `Love Rules'.  The one with Drew Barrymore and
her real life boyfriend.  Oh, what's his name?" she asked as she tried to
think.

        "Justin Long?" I asked.

        "Yeah, that's him.  Anyway, it was a romantic comedy and, during
the movie, he put his arm around me, and I snuggled up to him.  Afterwards,
he took me home and mom and dad were visiting my grandmother in Macon, so I
invited him in for something to drink and some TV watching.  Next thing I
knew, we were making out, and I lead him to my bedroom.  We woke the next
morning with him holding me in his arms."

        "Yeah, feels great, doesn't it?" I asked with a smile.

        "Like nothing I've ever felt before.  Just completely fantastic."
She paused for a minute then asked about me and Todd.

        "Us?  We're doing great.  Couldn't be better.  I showed you my
ring, didn't I?"  I asked, moving my hand to her so she could see.

        "What?  No."  Grabbing my hand she asked if he proposed.

        I laughed, as usual, when someone asked that.  "No.  He promised to
be faithful to me when he goes to college."  I took the ring off and handed
it to her and told her to read the inscription.

        "'I'll love you, always'.  That's so romantic."

        "I know," I said, taking back the ring and slipping it on.  "Things
between us, right now, are perfect."

        "I'm happy for you, Blake.  I actually started worrying in school
that you might not find anyone for a while.  It made me sad to see someone
so wonderfully smart, caring, and funny as you be alone."

        "I would've found someone if it wasn't Todd," I said, kinda hurt.

        "Oh, I know that, but you were always studying.  And, it was before
I knew you were gay, too.  I just figured that during high school, you
might not find someone and after you went to college, you might relax a
little.  You know, away from the parents and all."

        "Oh, okay, I know what you mean now," I said, rubbing her back to
show there were no hard feelings for the misunderstanding.  "And to think,
if I hadn't found Todd, you might not have found Howie."

        "Very true.  Don't think I even noticed him before Todd came out.
Todd was always the one I focused on before."  She smiled a wicked smile
and asked, "So, is he really big?"

        I laughed at her question and said, "I already told you."

        "I know, but tell me again.  Is he?"

        "About eight and a half, kinda thick.  Very nice."

        "Cool," she said with a dreamy look in her eye.

        "Wipe that fantasy outta your mind.  He's mine.  All mine," I said,
with an evil laugh.

        "My fantasies don't include Todd anymore.  Only Howie."

        "Well, how big is Howie?"

        "I don't really know.  He's big enough to satisfy me, completely,
and many times over, but I didn't measure it or ask."

        "Well, take a guess.  Show me with your hands."

        She positioned her fore fingers about six inches apart and after I
showed my approval, she showed the girth by putting her finger and thumb in
a circle, just bigger than a half-dollar coin.

        "Holy shit," I said.  "He's thicker than I am."

        "And believe me; I can feel it, too.  Oh my God, did I feel it,"
she said with a smile on her face.

        A few minutes later, the boys came back, each carrying a handle to
the cooler with the blanket on top.  I grabbed the blanket from them and
Kelly helped me stretch it out.  After it was down, she lifted her shirt
off and I just about panicked until I noticed she had on a bikini top.

        "I thought you were stripping, right here, in front of everyone," I
said to her.

        "Hell no! I don't have the balls for that.  I just figured I might
as well get a tan while I'm here."

        She reached in her bag and started rubbing sun block on her torso,
arms and legs.  When she was done, Howie asked if she wanted him to get her
back.  She smiled and handed over the bottle to him and lay flat on her
stomach.  As he rubbed the lotion in, Todd looked at me and asked if I was
going to take off my shirt.

        "Not yet.  I think I might wait until it gets a little hotter."

        "You're not worried about your body, are you?  You know it looks
great."

        "To you, maybe, but everyone else might not think so.  But no, just
want to sit back and relax a little first.  I'll get rid of it later."

        Todd removed his shirt and afterwards, removed his shorts to reveal
the blue running shorts he put on as we dressed.  He had told me to put a
on pair too, in case I got too hot or wanted to get some sun on my legs, so
I had.

        Folding the shorts he removed, he placed them in front of the
cooler and sat down.  He nodded his head for me to join him and I crawled
over and got between his legs.  "Aren't you going to put some sun block on?
You don't want to burn."

        "Don't have any," he said.  "Guess I'll take the chance."

        "Here," Kelly said, grabbing the lotion from the ground in front of
her, where Howie put it.  "Use mine," she said, handing it to him and
finally seeing him in his short shorts.  "Damn, Todd.  You should've just
worn a thong, as short as those are."

        "Can't let everyone see the package.  Gotta save something for
Blake here," he said, winking at her.

        "That's right," I said, taking the lotion from him.  "Lay down.
I'll do it for you."

        Todd lay back with his arms at his side as I put some lotion in my
hands and rubbed them around to warm the thick liquid.  I started at his
neck and worked my way down to his ankles, since he had on his shoes and
socks.  After he turned over, I did his back and legs.  When I was done, he
told me thanks but didn't turn back over.  I lay next to him and watched
the stage.  Derek and Romaine had just walked on and were talking to each
other, off mic, and soon started the festivities.

        "Hello, Atlanta!!!" Romaine yelled.  "And welcome to Atlanta Pride,
2009."

        The crowd that covered the field started applauding and whooping
and hollering at their welcome.

        "Damn, what a great crowd this year," Derek said.

        "Hell, yeah.  Might be the biggest so far," Romaine agreed.

        Again, there was more cheering from the crowd.

        "Well, for those of you who don't know us, I'm Romaine Patterson
and he's Derek Hartley.  We host a radio show on Sirius Satellite Radio."

        "Aptly titled, Derek and Romaine, located on Sirius OutQ 109,"
Derek said.  "We're honored to be here this year to help you guys celebrate
Pride."

        More hooting and hollering from the crowd ensued for a few moments
before they were able to talk again.  When they were, they reminded
everyone about not getting too hot, to drink lots of fluids, use sunscreen,
and about the vendors and security within the park.  They also went through
the basic rules that were put together for everyone's safety.  Once that
was over with, they went straight into announcing the first act then left
the stage.

        As the music started, the fun began.  We saw people dancing and
having a great time.  Other people, like ourselves, just listened and
talked while the acts performed.  There were kids and adults of all ages
having fun, dancing, running, laughing, hanging out, running into friends
and such.  All in all, it looked as if everyone was enjoying themselves.

        I got tired of propping myself up on my elbow and decided I wanted
to lie down and watch the stage, but didn't have a pillow.  I took a look
around and the only thing that even remotely resembled a pillow was Todd's
nice, firm ass.  I scooted down and lay back, placing my head on his one of
his ass cheeks.

        "What the..." he asked, looking back at me.

        "Hey, I wanted to put my head on something soft," I smiled at him.

        He shook his head and put his face back on the blanket.

        "How's it feel?" Kelly asked.  "Hard or soft?"

        "Depends.  If he flexes, my head starts bouncing.  If he's relaxed,
it's nice and soft.  Come give it a shot."

        "What the hell is this?" Todd asked.  "Use my ass as a pillow day?"

        "Yeah," I said.

        I heard Kelly move and finally heard her say, "Oh, yeah.  It is
nice and soft."

        A second later, we both grunted as our heads flew in the air about
two inches with the force of his flex.  Landing back on the hard muscle,
Kelly said, "No thank you.  I don't want a headache today.  I'll put my
head on the ground.  At least that doesn't move."

        "You can rest it on my leg, if you want," Howie suggested.

        "Thanks.  Move over here for me," she said.

        Howie did as he was told and a few minutes later, she settled in.
The time passed slowly that day.  As Kelly and I got into the music, Todd
and Howie chatted about football and college.  Howie said he wanted to go
to the University of Georgia and was hoping to play on the team.  Until
then, he was going to give his senior year on the team his all and
concentrate on being the best defenseman in the hopes of a scout from the
university noticing him.

        Derek and Romaine introduced a great band, and their music over
took the crowd.  Todd and Howie even stopped their conversation to tune in
and listen.  After a while, Todd turned over, and I was upset I lost my
pillow.

        "Hey.  Where am I gonna put my head now?" I said in a mock whine to
Todd.

        "Don