Date: Sun, 5 Aug 2001 07:25:39 -0700 (PDT) From: Author James <authorjames2002@yahoo.com> Subject: Adventures of a Real Dark Knight 20 Disclaimer: This story, though maybe not in this chapter but in subsequent chapters, will have celebrities in it. I have no knowledge of their sexuality and this is not intended to imply their sexuality. This is all from my own mind. Scary!! People actually get a glimpse into my mind!!! Buffy, the Vampire Slayer, Angel and all related characters created by Joss Whedon. Copyright 20th Century Fox. Batman, and all related characters created by Bob Kane. Copyright DC Comics and Warner Bros. X-MEN, and all related characters created by Stan Lee. Copyright Marvel Comics and 20th Century Fox. Star Trek and all related characters created by Gene Roddenberry. Copyright Paramount Studios. I don't know for sure if I will use all the above elements, but just in case, I have myself covered. In this story, which has been floating around in my head most of my life, you will find many universes merging, as the above copyrights reveal. I hope you all enjoy this. I appreciate any feedback that you may want to give. This story doesn't deal so much with sex, sex, sex, but more of my feelings that I struggled with and am starting to come to terms with. Part of his background is mine. I do hope that you enjoy it!!! I have received many emails from people who have enjoyed it and some from those who do not. I would enjoy hearing from you. Any emails you send, please tell me what chapter and story you are commenting on. Thanks. jmsotc@yahoo.com Chapter 20 Gathering Information I awoke with Lance showering. I got up and dressed. I didn't need to shower since I had showered a few short hours ago. I went downstairs and started breakfast. Lance came downstairs not too much later and walked in the kitchen carrying the newspaper. "Good morning," I greeted. "Good morning. Did you sleep better after your late night stroll?" "Yes, I did. It helped me relax." "Good." Lance sat down at the bar and I reached my hand across it to hold his. He grasped my hand but kept reading. He was acknowledging my affection, and I enjoyed it. "Hm," he said. "What?" "There were several robberies this morning in downtown. One was at the teen center and one at the bank. From what the perpetrators say Batman showed up." "Batman?" "Yeah. I wonder why he's here." "That's strange," I replied, "him being here and all." Lance put the paper down and looked up at me. "Do you believe Batman exists?" "I've never seen him. But from what people said in Los Angeles, and now here, I guess he does exist. Maybe there is more than one Batman. That's possible." "It is. But I wonder how many men would be willing to do that?" "Who knows what things motivate people to do that kind of stuff." I finished cooking breakfast and served it up. "Was there any damage done to the teen center?" I asked. "I don't think so. That was their intent but...wait a minute...what was that kid's name that we talked to at the teen center?" "Robert Lakewind." "Oh my God! He was there last night!" "What?!" I replied sounding surprised. "Yeah! He was at the center when all this happened." "Was he hurt?" "No. But he did tell the police that Batman helped." "Maybe I should find him today and see if he's okay." "Yeah. Speaking of the teen center, I have some people downtown you can call. I'll put their numbers down for you to call them today. I'll leave the keys for the Lexus SUV in case you want to go into town and talk with them." "Okay." Lance and I finished up and cleaned our teeth. I gave him a kiss goodbye and sat down with the phone and a notepad and began to dial numbers. "Hello?" "Hello. My name is Eric McCoy. I'm calling about the teen center." "Yes?" "Do you know who is in charge of it? Who owns it?" "Right now the bank owns it. There are no owners." "What happened to it?" "From what I know, it never worked. None of the teens really used it. But that was back in the 50's and 40's. Lots of segregation of kids and everyone had support from each other." "But what about now?" "Now that segregation is no longer an issue, for some reason, many kids remained segregated. Some still have been taught that they are different from others. In this day and age, if you ask me, I think we need one now more than ever. It seems to be self-imposed separation and hatred. Its no longer government enforced, which means no more control over the activity. Random groups are getting violent with others. And because the government is not involved, it is more hidden and more difficult to find the perpetrators. "May I ask why you are calling about the teen center?" "I would like to get it started up again. But use it to help kids with differences." "That's noble of you. "Thanks." "If you give me your phone number, I can give it to someone who might be able to help you." After I did, she continued. "I'm not sure it will go anywhere. I would like to see it happen, but in reality, it doesn't seem possible. I wish I could be more positive for you." "That's okay. I understand." I hung up from the woman and stood up. Too many people seem to be giving up on these kids, these teens. No wonder they are having problems. At noon, I decided to meet Lance for lunch. I went to where he practices and found out he was at the civic center. I showed up and told the people whom I was. I guess Lance was talking positively about me and they recognized my name and let me in. I walked down the hall and entered the main auditorium. To my shock and surprise there were more singers on stage than I could count. I noticed several off the bat. The Backstreet Boys, Aaron Carter, BBMak, Savage Garden and NSYNC just to name a few. I found a chair as music began to play. Children need a helping hand Children need a promised land Let the children feel again That love is alive Children need a helping hand Children are so innocent Make this world a wonderland So give us a sign (So give us a sign) The groups were all singing together. Children have a heart of gold Sometimes they feel alone and sold They need someone to be around Reach out a helping hand So many children don't know what to do Cause no one's there to guide them through We are living in a world so cold Don't make them sad and sold They need a helping hand Children need a helping hand Children need a promised land Let the children feel again That love is alive (that love is alive) Children need a helping hand (day by day) Children are so innocent (show them the way) Make this world a wonderland (join us and stay) So give us a sign (So give us a sign) Lance stepped up and began talking. Children need a helping hand We all are called to change Into a world of hope A woman I did not recognize stepped up. Without war Without pain Children do have fantasy Their thoughts are far away and free Dreaming of a wonderland They live (in a children's world) If we could live in perfect harmony Wonderland could be reality Without war and without pain And no one dies in vain That's the Promised Land The part of someone dying in vain took my mind to Hunter. I missed him. If there was some kind of support group available to help him, he may not have killed himself. Children need a helping hand Children need a promised land Let the children feel again That love is alive (that love is alive) Children need a helping hand (day by day) Children are so innocent (show them the way) Make this world a wonderland (join us and stay) So give us a sign (So give us a sign) Rappers came up and began rapping. I did not recognize them. Children want to find their own way Getting stronger day by day Children have a heart and soul Don't let them live without a goal Children make the world go round Don't destroy what they have found Set an example but be consequent Be confident with a helping hand Children need a helping hand (give them a helping hand) Children need a promised land (show them the way) Let the children feel again (need a helping hand) That love is alive (that love is alive) Children need a helping hand Children are so innocent Make this world a wonderland So give us a sign (So give us a sign) The large group froze and I began applauding. My heart was taken away with this performance. Of course, I didn't realize I was the only one applauding. Several people looked back in my direction. "Who are you?" someone yelled out at me. "What are you doing here? You should not be here!" I stood up as this rather short and stout man came waddling up to me looking furious. "I'm here to see Lance." "No fans are allowed in here! The people at the front desk should have known better!" Lance came walking up to me. "Stan," he said interrupting Stan's tirade, "this is Eric." "I don't care who it...oh, he's your..." "Yes," Lance said with a head nod. "Oh. Okay." Stan turned and left. "Hi," Lance said grabbing my hands and interlocking our fingers. "What brings you down here?" "I was going to surprise you with having lunch with you. But you weren't where you were supposed to be. They gave me directions here. So here I am." "It's a very pleasant surprise." "Are you sure you should be holding my hands in front of these guys?" I asked. "Why not?" "Many of them may have a problem with us being a couple." "Nah, not really. Hollywood is more understanding than the rest of society. Some of these guys are gay, too." "Really?" "Yep. Like Nick Carter, his brother Aaron, Christian from BBMak, and Darren Hayes from Savage Garden. Those are the ones I know of for sure. There may be more and probably are." "Wow. I never knew. I mean, I sort of knew about Darren Hayes and Nick and Aaron. But I didn't know about Christian." "Oh, yes. He's very gay. A very masculine gay man. And he hides his homosexuality well." "Most of you do. Look at all the girls that go crazy over all of you. Especially you. If you I didn't know you were committed to me, I would be so jealous I would have to kill every girl who showed interest in you. Every guy, too." "You're impossible," Lance said with a laugh. He leaned in and kissed me on the lips real quick. "Come on. I'll introduce you." "Okay." After the introductions, lunch was brought in for everyone. Nick came up and gave me a hug when he saw me. "Hi, Eric! I'm so happy to see you! How are you?" "I'm doing okay." "You left the Center? Why?" "I came down here to be with Lance." "That is so sweet and so cool that you are doing that." I sat by Lance to eat. JC sat on the other side of me. I noticed Christian looking at me often from across the room, as well as Aaron and Darren. Why were these guys looking at me? Did I have food on the corner of my mouth? Was my hair messed up? I tried to ignore their looks and glances. "What are you doing down here in Orlando?" Kevin asked. "I came to be with Lance." "Any plans for down here?" Daniel, from Savage Garden, asked. "He's planning on opening the teen center," Lance answered. "He wants to help the teens in this area." "That's a great cause," Ste, from BBMak, replied. "Thanks," I said, feeling shy around all these famous men and women. We finished eating and I headed toward the door with Lance right behind me holding my hand. "I'll be right there," Lance called back to someone. I stopped and turned to him. He turned to me and looked into my eyes. "I love you," I said. "I love you, too. How about going out to dinner tonight?" "Sounds great." "We can go to the Iceberg Lounge. Remember they have one in L.A.?" "Yeah, I remember." "The owner of the franchise started it here. It's a great place to eat. Let's go." "I'd go anywhere to eat so long as I was with you." Lance grinned at me and kissed me. "I'm so blessed to have you," he said. "Me, too, baby." "See you tonight." I watched Lance, and his cute butt, as he headed back toward the larger group. Then, I turned and walked out. I drove home and made some more phone calls concerning the teen center. It appeared that there was some government funding available to run the teen center. But they needed it to be in someone's name for it to be run. When I asked about the government putting it in their name, they said that was fine, but they had the final say on what was encouraged in the center. I didn't want that. Not that our government can't be helpful, but if enough members of society complained about support for homosexuals, which I most certainly was planning to do, the government could change our policy or change the managing of it. I didn't want that. This was my idea...and no one was going to take credit for it, nor was someone going to tell me what I could and could not do at this center. The only roadblock was getting enough money to purchase the place. To Be Continued... Some of you asked for it! Now you have it! More celebrities, especially certain one's in particular...like Christian from BBMak! One of the readers requested him, so he got him. But don't worry. You haven't seen the last of any of these guys. And BBMak will play a part later on in Eric's adventures. But I don't want to ruin the surprise for anyone. Speaking of surprises and wondering about things, what about the way Christian was eyeing Eric? What is behind that? And what about Aaron and Darren doing the same? What do you think is going on in their minds? Email me! I'd love to hear what you have to say! The song that I typed out is a real song that many of these people sang together. I don't know where or when they sang it. It's an awesome song! I love the whole thing, from the music to the singing! More good stuff coming up! Keep reading! Hope you enjoyed it so far and tell me if you did or didn't!