Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:53:49 -0400
From: chris james <drmeta4@gmail.com>
Subject: Adam Conquers Earth, Chapter 16

Dear Reader: the following is a story of adult fiction, persons under the
age of 18 are not permitted to view this material.

	The evolution of the characters in the plot of this story allows me
to have a bit of fun. Anyone with an overactive imagination might wonder
what an alien would look like, but here in the story they all look like us,
at least on the outside. You might think that being able to read minds
would be a lot of fun, but before you wish for something like that think of
the people you know...or think you do. All comments welcomed. Chris James.

<drmeta4@gmail.com>


			 Adam Conquers Earth (M/B)

Chapter Sixteen

	The camera zoomed in on Adam's face; a slow smile crossed his lips
as Puckett's voice could be heard in almost a yell.

	"So you don't know anything, is that it? And why doesn't that
surprise me."

	The view changed to a wide shot of the principal's office, Puckett
in his chair, fists clenched.

	"It just seems too coincidental that Butch gets locked in the
boiler room this past Friday night when you were here for the
dance. Adam...do you know how upset his parents are? It's a good thing the
custodian came in early on Saturday...the poor boy was...but I can see you
don't care," Puckett said.

	At that moment the door opened and Ms. Jones walked in. Puckett
stood up politely and she ignored him.

	"Adam...I think we need to talk," She said.

	"I was just..." Puckett began, but Jones held up her hand and
Puckett plopped back in his chair and froze.

	"Oh, you can do that too?" Adam said.

	"Human minds aren't that complex," Jones said. She sat on the
corner of Puckett's desk and smiled at Adam. "So why are you here, I
thought this planet was off limits to Regalians?"

	"It is, I wasn't planning to stay....I just came here for a
hamburger, and then the car died. Are you allowed to be here?"

	"I have permission to study the planet, I'm an anthropologist. I
have the exception for twenty-five cycles, and on Bubalia that means about
sixty-three Earth years. I decided to become a human for that time period,
it makes the study easier," Jones said.

	"Oh...so you've been here a while, what if you needed to leave?"
Adam asked.

	"I have a way out, but I can't help you get home, we're on
different sides of the galaxy. Do your parents know you're here?"

	"No, but my father will come looking for me sooner or later," Adam
said. "So why did you take this job?"

	Jones smiled. "This school is a gold mine of information. I'm
studying human development, where else would I be? Besides, this place is
fun, and we both seem to enjoy driving this man crazy."

	They both looked at Puckett; his blank face indicated that he was
unaware of the world around him.

	"Are you OK? I mean, can you wait for your father to come find
you?" Jones asked.

	"Yeah, I'll be fine. Only Steve knows who I am...I had to tell
someone."

	"Yeah, I like Steve, he reminds me of my grandson at home."

	"Oh come on, you aren't that old," Adam said.

	"I'm forty-eight cycles old, that comes to about a hundred and
sixteen years here. Another advantage of this planet, the oxygen is so rich
I haven't aged a bit since I arrived," Jones said.

	"Oh great, you mean I won't grow up while I'm here?"

	"Maybe, I'm from Orionian space, we have different genetics I
suppose."

	"So why...why did you reveal yourself to me?" Adam asked. "I might
never have known."

	"I think we both need to deal with Butch before you get yourself in
real trouble."

	Adam nodded. "I can alter their thinking about me, but I can't make
permanent changes. I know the rules; we aren't allowed to do that. But
Butch goes after Steve when I'm not looking, I can't always be there."

	Jones smiled. "Why don't you try being his friend? I think most of
his problem is that the other kids make fun of him; he really doesn't want
to be so mean. Just spend a little time talking to him, it might work."

	"Never thought of that," Adam said. "OK, I'll see what happens."

	"You might start by saying you're sorry for locking him in the
boiler room, and then maybe Puckett will calm down a bit." She stood up and
nodded, Puckett immediately became animated.

	"I was...when did you come in?" Puckett asked.

	"I was just telling Adam he needs to apologize to Butch," Jones
said.

	"Yes, that would be a good start," Puckett said.

	"I have class," Adam said, jumping up and walking out the door.

	"Cut," Alan said. "That worked well."

	"So are we going to lunch?" Brenda asked.

	"My pleasure," Wayne said.

	They had been shooting little scenes all morning, slowly working
their way through a long list of scripted moments between the major
characters. This first week of August was designated as a break for the
kids who were extras in the show, Alan was enjoying every minute of the
'quiet time.'

	Steve had the day off as well and was out with Jean and Tim looking
at real estate. Brian took Mark to La Mesa for lunch where they were
surrounded by the Hollywood crowd. Mark ordered and then looked around the
room.

	"Henry Dobbs is sitting over there against the wall," Mark
said. "He really zoomed to the top with that offbeat comedy last year. I
wonder what he's doing now."

	"You ought to ask Tina, she keeps track of what everyone is doing,"
Brian replied.

	"There's still a pretty big divide between the television and film
people...oops, he's looking at me," Mark said, smiling and nodding at the
man.

	"You're both entertainers, Mark; he has to know who you are."

	"We'll find out...he's coming over," Mark said.

	"Mark Harrison, isn't it?" Henry said.

	"Yes...Hello, Mr. Dobbs."

	"You may call me Hank, and who's this?"

	"Brian Simmons, nice to meet you," Brian said.

	"I don't want to disturb your lunch, I'm sure you're still on a
shooting schedule," Hank said.

	"Yeah, but we have time...will you join us?" Mark asked.

	Hank smiled. "Sure, just for a few minutes." He looked around and
sat down. "We're in the planning stages of a new film, very secretive you
know. But I've managed to catch a few episodes of your show; you have
something good going on there."

	"Thank you, I'm having fun. Brian is one of the directing
assistants, he's not allowed to have fun," Mark laughed.

	Hank laughed in return. "I know Alan very well, he's a good man. So
what's this I hear, you're writing as well?"

	"I contribute a little," Mark said.

	Hank nodded. "And they say you're modest about it. So...well, you
don't know this, but I'm producing my own films now and my next one might
have a place for someone like you."

	Mark's eyes went wide. "A role in your film?"

	Hank nodded. "Yes...to be fair we need to run a screen test on you
or the union will scream at me, are you willing to endure that?"

	Mark looked over at Brian. "Do I have time?" Then he looked back at
Hank. "When do you start shooting?"

	"End of September is the tentative date, maybe a little
later. Don't you want to know what the film is about?"

	"I do...but if you're in it then it has to be good," Mark said.

	"That would work into your schedule, we ought to be finished
shooting the show by then," Brian said.

	"You have an agent?" Hank asked.

	"Todd Mason, he's about to become my uncle...do you know him?" Mark
asked.

	Hank nodded. "Another good man, you're lucky, for the agent and the
uncle part. I'll have my assistant call him and we can set this all up."
Then he laughed. "Sure you don't want to know what the part is all about?"

	"OK, tell me," Mark said.

	"Cowboys and Indians, only this time the Indians
win...unfortunately you would have to be the cowboy."

	Mark grinned. "Let me guess, you're the Indian."

	"Yup, Indigo Proudfoot, that's me.  It would be a big part,
Mark...something to test your skills. I'll get you a copy of the script,
it's just about as crazy as what you're doing now...at least I hope so."

	"Oh, I like crazy," Mark said. "Thank you, Hank...I was just
beginning to wonder if anyone in this town was going to take me seriously."

	"I can see you have great potential, maybe this will be the vehicle
you need. I saw you sitting there and told myself I'd be lucky to get you
in my film," Hank said, scooting his chair back and standing up. "Finish
your lunch and get back to work. I'll send the script over to you at
Triton; just sorta keep it quiet if you would."

	"Won't say a thing," Mark said, "And neither will Brian."

	Brian nodded. "I'm his coach as well."

	"Coach?" Hank asked.

	"Yeah, martial arts," Mark said.

	"Cool," Hank said. "I'll talk to you guys next week after Todd gets
his nose in the middle of all this, OK?"

	Hank and Mark shook hands and the man walked out. Mark looked over
at Brian and grinned. "Fuckin' awesome."

	Brian nodded. "Crazy town...and all we did was stop in for lunch."

	Steve was pretty tired of looking at houses; there had been four so
far just today. Jean had found a reason to reject most of them. Tim kept
silent, deferring to Jean and watching Steve grow impatient. But both knew
she would have to make the final decision because this would be her house
once Steve was of an age to move out.

	Tim knew that convincing Jean and Frank to allow Steve to live with
him was going to be tough. The evolution from child to man was becoming
more apparent every day in the way Steve acted and accepted the
responsibilities in his life. His age was the only roadblock to making
personal choices and Tim knew the boy was ready to push the limits of his
mother's acceptance.

	Constance had been patient all morning, realizing that yet another
child star was in the making here and that the mother was on edge because
of it. For any family to feel like they had to hide away from the public
behind tall fences and locked gates was emotionally trying. But this cute
boy in her back seat was fast becoming a Hollywood favorite, just like Mark
Harrison.

	All the homes she had shown them seemed to fit the criteria for
security Tim had set out, she knew he was along for the ride until a choice
was made. But either the house was too big, the grounds too expansive or
the location too remote...Jean Biddle had some excuse each time.

	"This next house has been on the market for two months," Constance
said. "The estate of William Dunlop settled about six years ago and his
family shared out the parcels, each building a home on a piece of the
land. It may look like a tiny subdivision, but it's actually a small gated
community."

	They pulled up to the gates and Constance punched in a code on the
security station. A gate swung open to admit them and she drove up the
street towards a cluster of homes. Each house was different, and yet the
landscaping and privacy of each was assured by the layout of walls and
hedges.

	"There are five homes, but only three of them remain in Dunlop
hands," Constance said. "One now belongs to another family with a situation
much like yours, I can't tell you their name but you'll soon find out if
you take the house."

	They pulled in the driveway of a ranch style home that seemed
fairly ordinary on the outside. Constance could detect a bit of
indifference from Jean and smiled.

	"I know it looks plain here in front. I assure you it is anything
but inside and out back...shall we go see?"

	In fact the house was perfect for what Jean had in mind. Four
bedrooms, a modern kitchen and comfortable living space...and the yard held
a swing set. She stared at it for a moment and smiled.

	"This house has a nice feel," She said.

	Constance sighed, this was progress. Tim and Steve wondered what
Jean was thinking.

	"You like this house, Mom?" Steve asked.

	"Yes, dear...why don't you go look at the bedrooms."

	Tim followed Steve back in the house and they went down the hall to
the bedrooms. "I suppose she wants me to pick one...guess this is the
place. Is she acting weird or what?" Steve asked.

	Tim put a hand on Steve's shoulder and the boy slid into his
embrace. "I knew she didn't want some huge mansion for the three of you,"
Tim said. "And I have a sneaking suspicion that there will soon be four in
your family."

	"Jeez, you think she's pregnant?"

	"Could be, your parents have had a lot of quality time together,"
Tim replied.

	Steve smiled. "Well so have we." And with that he leaned up and
kissed Tim.

	"Oh...sorry," They both heard from the doorway to the bedroom, Jean
was standing there. "I should have known," She said, and then she turned
and left.

	"Oh shit," Steve said.

	"You better go talk to her, she's probably in shock," Tim said.

	"Yeah...this could be bad," Steve said and he hurried after his
mother. He passed Constance in the kitchen talking on her cell phone and
saw the back door open. He walked out on the patio and saw his mother
standing at the railing looking at the swing set.

	"Mom...?"

	She turned and there were tears on her face. "Steve...how could
you?"

	"I...I love him, Mom. I've known that for almost six months now,"
Steve said.

	"He's old enough to be your father...this makes me very unhappy."

	Steve walked over and put his arms around his mother and gave her a
hug. "He means the world to me, Mom...it was my choice not his."

	"But why Steve...just tell me why?" Jean said.

	"Because I feel safe with him for one thing. I never knew how to
stand up for myself until I met Tim. You've known I was gay for a while
now; you've talked about it with him. He's never hurt me, he never
will. Nothing can stop what we have, Mom...I won't allow that to happen."

	"I don't know what to do," Jean said. "It's illegal for one
thing..."

	"You won't do anything except respect my privacy and my desires,"
Steve said. "Nothing will happen to Tim, I won't allow it. If I lose him
then you lose me."

	Jean looked in Steve's eyes and saw the truth in those words, and
she nodded. "I can't lose you, sweetie, I need you more than ever
now. You're going to have a baby sister very soon."

	Steve hugged her again. "I thought so, that's awesome."

	Jean sighed. "I suppose this house will do, it seems nice
enough...and there's room for a nursery."

	"And what about Tim?" Steve asked.

	Jean held her son at arm's length. "You're sure this is what you
want? I ought to be angry at you both for hiding things from me...but I
understand."

	"Let's take the house," Steve said. "And there's one other thing I
need to tell you now that you know, I'm moving in with Tim when I turn
sixteen. That gives you a whole year and a half to think about it, but it's
going to happen."

	Jean smiled. "I see my little man is all grown up and making his
own decisions now. You've never shied away from responsibility; I suppose
this is just another example of that. OK, you make your plans and we'll
just keep this our little secret. When the time comes I'll handle your
father, he wouldn't understand any of this."

	Steve leaned in and kissed his mother. "I love you, Mom...thank
you."

	"You have yourself to thank. If I didn't trust you none of this
would be possible. Now you go tell Tim, I'm sure he's worried. I suppose in
time he and I will work things out, but not now... today we have a house to
buy with your money."

	Constance seemed very pleased, this had been a slow year in the
market and commissions were hard to come by. Jean wrote her a personal
check for the deposit and they talked about the area. It would be several
days for the seller to sign off on the deal, but now the Biddle family had
a new home.

	Tim had left the house and walked the perimeter after Jean saw them
kissing, he wasn't sure what was going to happen. She could forbid them
from seeing one another, but he knew Steve would fight anything like
that. He was examining the windows along the side of the house when Steve
found him.

	Tim saw the smile on his face. "And...?" He asked.

	"All good, we're taking the house...and Mom is pregnant," Steve
said.

	"All good...she understands?"

	"I think so...she didn't even freak when I told her I was moving in
with you when I turn sixteen. You guys will talk about this later on, just
not now."

	Tim grinned. "I should have known you'd make this work."

 	"Yeah, she won't tell my father. So who do you think the famous
person is that lives around here?"

	"Besides you? I have no idea," Tim said.

	"Maybe Constance will tell us now."

	Jean and Constance were still in the kitchen since there was
nowhere else to sit except at the breakfast bar. Steve led Tim into the
room and he avoided looking directly at Jean.

	"OK, so who is the famous neighbor?" Steve asked.

	Jean laughed. "See, I told you he'd want to know right away."

	Constance smiled. "Im sure you know him, it's Michael Kane."

	"Oh wow, the guy is a fantastic actor," Steve said.

	"Yes, I like him too," Constance said. "He and his family moved in
about six months ago, and I believe they have some teenage kids about your
age."

	"Cool, easy way to meet the father," Steve laughed.

	"They're probably fans of yours as well," Constance said.

	"Steve forgets how popular he's become," Jean said. "But with that
gate down there I hope we don't get any more unexpected visitors...right,
Tim?"

	Tim had to look at her and all he got back was a warm smile. He
didn't know how she could be so calm after finding out her son was in love
with a man three times older, but she was.

	"The lot is secure and so is the house. I don't expect you'll be
getting any more unexpected packages on your doorstep," Tim said.

	"OK, now we can go tell your father I just spent all your money,
that ought to freak him out," Jean said.

	Steve laughed. "I'll just have to make some more then."

	Constance drove them back to her office and Tim called James to
come pick them up. Jean looked at Steve and then Tim as they sat in the
back of the limo.

	"I want you to know this is awkward for me...for all of us." She
looked specifically at Tim. "I told Steve I trusted him to do what's
best...I have to believe you'll go along with that. I feel like a fool for
not seeing what was happening."

	"I'm sorry, Jean. We had no way of knowing how you would react, and
I didn't want you worried," Tim said.

	"Steve says he started this...is that true?"

	"Yes...he said he had feelings for me. This has never happened to
me before, but Steve was emotionally ready and caught me by surprise."

	Jean nodded. "I worry because he's physically smaller and..."

	"Whoa," Steve said. "I won't talk about what we do in private. Just
understand that Tim said the very same thing to me when we first discovered
these feelings. He can't hurt me, Mom, he won't. I never had anyone to
share my feelings with...my gay feelings. It's not something I could talk
to my mother about."

	Jean nodded. "I wouldn't expect you to, and you found someone all
by yourself because of that. I don't think being gay is a bad thing,
sweetie...you can't help but be yourself. But if I was worried that you
might find it hard to be gay, now I'm more worried that the partner you
chose will make that even more difficult."

	Steve nodded in return. "Yeah, it's like everyone is watching
me. At least the new house will make things easier on all of us. OK, I need
food, is anyone else hungry?"

	"Yes, we ought to get something..."Jean began, but the intercom
interrupted her.

	"Mr. Real," James said.

	"Yes?" Tim replied.

	"There's a late model blue Chrysler following us, three passengers,
all young females," James said.

	"Those are the girls who left you the package," Tim said. "That's
the car they drove."

	"Are we in danger?" Jean asked.

	"No, Mom...they're just extreme fans. Once we move in the new house
they won't be able to get to me, I'm sorry. Mark thinks I should just go
ahead and talk to them."

	"Oh? What for?" Jean asked.

	"All they want to do is start a fan club and Mark thinks it would
be easier if I controlled their access to information. Like set up an email
address where they could reach me privately and I suppose that means
allowing them to meet with me occasionally. If they feel special then maybe
they'll leave us alone."

	Tim nodded. "That makes sense, so how do you plan to talk to them?"

	"How about now...let's invite them to lunch," Steve said. "Tell
James to pull over."

	Tim relayed the request, amused that Steve was taking charge and
very aware that his mother was observing her son. Steve got out of the limo
and walked back to the blue car.

	"Good afternoon, ladies," Steve said through the open window. The
girls were stunned and didn't know what to say, so Steve smiled. "OK, I
know why you're following us. I just hope you don't plan on leaving any
more suspicious packages on my doorstep."

	The girl behind the wheel blushed at Steve's words and the
proximity of his face to hers. "Um...no, that was a mistake," She said.

	"You're Dana...right?" Steve said, suddenly remembering the name on
the box.

	"Yes...and this is Colleen and Michelle," Dana said.

	"OK, about this fan club...I guess we need to talk," Steve
said. "Are you busy or are you just wasting the afternoon following me
around?"

	He laughed as Dana nodded. "Fine, I have an idea...can I take you
to lunch?"

	All three girls squealed and Steve almost regretted the decision,
but Dana gazed at him with adoring eyes. OK, she had to be at least a high
school junior, and she was attractive, if Steve was into that kind of
thing, but he wasn't.

	"You...you want to take us to lunch?" Dana asked.

	"Yes, that will give us a chance to talk...OK?"

	"Ahh...that would be sweet," Dana said.

	"Then follow us, we're going to Zipper's. Just be cool, that's my
mom in the car along with my bodyguard, OK?"

	Dana nodded and Steve walked back to the limo where James stood
holding the door open. "They'll be following us to the restaurant, Jim,"
Steve said.

	Zipper's was last year's trendy Hollywood lunch spot, but Tim knew
the owners. Brent was working the front so Tim knew Michael was in the
kitchen today. Between them these two gay men had built a quality of
service in their restaurant that couldn't be matched anywhere else in town.

	Brent's eyebrows went up when Tim walked in with a young boy and
four women, not his usual cadre of followers. But he smiled and showed them
to a table on the upper level. Steve had made the introductions out in the
parking lot, and now the girls sat across the table from him.

	Tim sat back and watched Steve control the situation. Obviously
there had been some discussion with Mark about how this ought to work; at
least it left the boys in charge of the contact. But Steve had the right
idea about what the fans ought to see, and that meant lots of public image
and very little of his private life.

	Dana and the girls had already organized themselves, she was
president, Michelle the VP and Colleen came in as secretary. Steve got
their e-mail addresses and they talked about fan events. The studio would
provide photos, Steve would make appearances. He even offered to take them
on a tour of the set and allow them to view an actual day of
shooting. After an hour the girls seemed satisfied with the meeting and the
lunch. They left and Steve smiled.

	"That went pretty well."

	Tim looked over at Jean and grinned. "I figure he'll be governor in
about thirty years, you raised a smooth politician."

	She nodded. "Yes, I see that. Better he stays in charge of this
whole fan business then allowing them to run wild and follow us
everywhere."

	"There will still be followers, Mom...the tabloids and their
photographers. At least if someone follows we now know it's the enemy."

	"Action," Alan said quietly, and still his voice echoed around the
tiny corner of the locker room.

	"Just stay away from me," Butch said. "I don't trust you."

	"I've never hurt you, but I don't really understand you," Adam
said. "Why are you such a jerk all the time?"

	"Who says I'm a jerk?" Butch said, immediately switching back into
bully mode.

	"I said that because you are, why are you always picking on Steve?"

	"He's such a nerd, and ..."

	"You're jealous? That's what I hear comin out of your mouth," Adam
said.

	"Jealous...of him?" Butch laughed.

	"Yes. He's no threat to you, he's a nice person but you don't seem
to care. You don't pick on me and I'm a bigger nerd than he is," Adam said.

	"Uh...I don't know," Butch said. "You...you're different, I haven't
figured you out yet."

	"Well we can go on playing tricks on one another or we can try and
be friends...which do you chose?"

	"Friends...us?" Butch laughed...and then immediately stopped. "What
would you do to me if I said no?"

	"I won't hurt you, Butch...but if you hurt Steve just one more time
then I might change my mind."

	Butch thought a moment. "If I say friends...will you tell anyone?"

	"Nope, that's our business...but Ms. Jones would like to know,"
Adam said.

	"Jones...I wish she was principal, she's cool. I gotta go before
someone sees us talkin."

	"Bye, Butch..." Adam said as the boy left.

	"Cut," Alan said. "And so dies Butch the Bully."

	Mark laughed. "Maybe...what if he flunks a grade?"

	Alan smiled. "You guys figure it out; I have a PTA meeting to shoot
tomorrow."

	Brian drove Mark home, stopping for a Chinese take-out dinner along
the way. Rosie was over at Todd's place making wedding plans.

	"You know what tomorrow is, don't you?" Brian asked, as he set the
food on the kitchen counter.

	Mark sighed, of course he knew, but it was time to play the tired
actor. "No...tell me?"

	"One year ago, this perfectly handsome young boy walked onto the
set of Beacon's World and I became the luckiest man alive," Brian said.

	Mark smiled. "Luck had nothing to do with it, you were everything I
wanted."

	He moved into Brian's embrace for the kiss he wanted, long and
slow...the passion was already there. Mark pulled back and grinned. "Let's
eat later."

	They adjourned to the sun room and washed before sitting in the
Japanese tub. They had both become adjusted to the very hot water of the
tub by now, and these moments allowed the body to relax and the mind to
forget the transgressions of the day.

	"I wonder if I should tell Steve what Hank offered me today," Mark
said. "He's going to be so jealous."

	"He'll get his opportunity; remember he has Tim looking after
him. You notice that Hank was impressed with your production role as well,
a lot of people don't know how deeply involved you are outside of the
character you play."

	"Yeah, it was sweet that Hank knew," Mark said.

	"You have quite a talent, old boy...and it grows more all the time,
just like you do," Brian said.

	"You talkin about my penis?" Mark giggled.

	"Well, there is that too...one of your better assets."

	"Hmm, you flatter me, mister...what else do you have in mind?"

	"I want to carry you off to my castle and make love to your body,"
Brian said.

	Mark laughed. "You don't have to ask for that twice, let's go."

	They dried off and ran upstairs to Brian's apartment. And as always
Mark sprawled on the bed as Brian stood looking down on the boy. What
changes a year had made in that sweet body before him. The first thing he
noticed was the scrawny adolescent had evolved into a powerful young man,
and yet the boy still had little hair except in the usual places.

	His cock had grown at least an inch, if not more. Mark could still
crank out two or three orgasms a night, each one just as powerful as the
one before it. But Brian was drawn back to that adorable face and those
soft brown eyes that made his heart melt. It was good that Alan had allowed
Mark to grow his hair back for the role. The lush cascade of coarse brown
growth framed his face and kept his features so very alluring.

	"What?" Mark said, "You're staring at me."

	"God...you are just so beautiful, sweetie...I can't take my eyes
off of you."

	Mark smiled, a sweet and seductive parting of his lips as his
tongue painted them with moisture. "How's about a close-up...hmm?"

	Brian crawled up on the bed and lay down in Mark's embrace until
the boy started to giggle.

	"I was such a little pervert when I first met you," Mark said. "I
remember forgetting my place on the set because I was looking at you behind
that camera."

	"Oh? You did that on purpose to attract attention?" Brian asked.

	Mark nodded. "I asked Rafferty if you could teach me."

	"Really? He never said that, what a devious little guy you were,"
Brian laughed. "You never told me that...why tell me now?"

	"I can't lie to the man who holds my heart. I just wanted something
to happen between us, I didn't know you were gay, I just knew what I felt."

	"Then I'm glad you did...look what you started," Brian said.

	The kiss when it came was long and tender and Brian pulled Mark on
top, feeling the strength as the boy slid into an embrace. And as only
experienced lovers could manage, Mark slid up and then sighed as Brian
penetrated him in one quick movement.

	Now he could sit up, their eyes locked in mutual passion as Brian
slid in and plumbed the depths of his body. Mark shuddered as that familiar
hardness filled him; it was the best feeling in the world. But he rocked
back and forth, knowing what that did for Brian...what it did for the both
of them.

	Brian thrust upwards in time to Mark's rhythm, feeling his cock
sliding into the heated depths and knowing Mark would be the first to let
go from the stimulation. That first dance always lasted no more than a few
minutes; the passion had been building in them both all day long. He could
see the boy trembling with the urge for release, his cock rubbing across
Brian's stomach and the stimulation of his prostate built an incredible
force that could not be ignored.

	Mark gasped and leaned back, pressing himself down on Brian's cock
as his back arched and his orgasm sprayed out across that muscular chest
before him. It was the culmination of his moment in the performance, and
the clutch of his inner muscles around Brian's cock produced the curtain
call to Act One as he felt the flood burst inside.

	Ever so slowly Mark lay down on Brian's chest and they shared the
pounding of their hearts as their minds drifted, clutching at the moment
and never wanting it to end. They had shared that perfect moment as lovers
time and time again, but the feelings never lessened. Mark knew that all it
would take was a glance at any point in their day for them to share these
feelings yet again.

	The lessons in Tai-chi, and the combat training, had given Mark
better control of his body at times like these. His mind could now focus
the energy they created at passionate moments, he'd never felt so alive. If
nature was kind they would still share these feelings through the years
ahead. For Mark could look down into Brian's eyes and see the passion never
waned, they would be lovers for life.

	The crazy world of acting, learning to be someone else in a role
and assuming it at a moment's notice, all faded away as Mark became the
lover. This was too real to fake, too desirable for all the good it brought
into his life. Loving his man was beyond the realm of acting, it became the
essence of his life, the focus of his existence.

	"Hey, sweetie...where did you go?" Brian asked.

	"I was a million miles away...and yet never closer," Mark
replied. "You do that to me."

	Rosie and Todd were married on a quick trip to Las Vegas and came
home to a small celebration that Brian and Mark had cooked up. The ladies
from Rosie's Bridge group and the Biddles attended the afternoon
event...and life moved on for the moment. The newlyweds would take a
honeymoon when time permitted and Mark wasn't so busy.

	Todd was pleased when Mark told him of Hank's offer and they sat
down to decide what kind of agreement should be reached. Mark wanted to
secure the role before telling anyone about it, and Todd thought that a
wise decision. A FedEx package arrived for Mark at the Triton office on
Wednesday and Brian locked it away in the Jeep until they could finish the
day's work.

	The screen test was arranged for Saturday morning so there would be
no interference with Alan's shooting schedule, for not even Alan knew about
the offer.

	"Action," Alan said.

	"Beverly...I want you to meet the new Butch Peterson," Adam said.

	She looked up from her locker and forced a smile. "Uh...I know
Butch, Adam," Beverly said, eyeing the large boy suspiciously.

	"No, you really don't...he's my friend now, and we've been working
on...um, things."

	"Nice to meet you, Beverly," Butch said. "Thanks to Adam I'm
changing my attitude, no more Mr. Bad Guy."

	"Oh...OK, that sounds nice."

	Butch was dressed in a button down shirt and clean stone-washed
jeans, no more black shirts and torn up pants. He'd trimmed his unruly hair
and put on his father's cologne. The outside was a dramatic change, the
inside still a work in progress. Adam was determined to make Butch the most
popular boy in school.

	"I have class, talk to you later," Butch said, and he smiled before
he walked away.

	"Oh My God...what have you done to him?" Beverly asked.

	"Different, huh? He just needed friends and a makeover, he's trying
very hard," Adam said.

	"I see that...he's kinda cute too."

	"You think? Would any of your friends go out with him?" Adam asked.

	"Maybe...everyone still thinks he's a bad ass, but we'll see. I bet
Denise would like what he's become, she likes big strong boys," Beverly
said. "In fact she's having a party next Saturday, do you think Butch would
go if he was invited?"

	"He might...am I invited?" Adam asked.

	"Adam Vernon...if we asked you to a party would you come? You've
avoided almost everything social this year; I don't understand you at all."

	"If you invite me I'll make sure Butch is there...and then we can
talk," Adam said. "There's something I've needed to tell you for the
longest time."

	"Um...fine, you're both invited, I'll tell Denise. But you better
show up, Adam...I'm tired of these games. Seven o'clock Saturday, and be
sure Butch is on his best behavior."

	"He will be, we'll be there," Adam said.

	"Cut," Alan said. "Well done."

	Friday went on like that, shooting bits and pieces of several
episodes where the main characters interacted. Having the rest of the
season under script made all the difference to the scheduling, they could
cruse along now. The kiddies would be back on Monday, but Mark was focused
on the following morning...his big screen test.

	Two days ago he had torn into that FedEx box and extracted the
script for 'Cowboys and Indians,' the working title of Hank's new
film. Brian drove them home as Mark began reading through the book. There
was an occasional chuckle and then Mark started laughing. He slapped the
book shut with a sigh.

	"OK, no more until we get home...you do realize that Hank is
perfectly insane, this film is gonna blow audiences away," Mark said. "I
have to be in it."

	"That good? I'll read it when you're done," Brian said. "Have you
figured out what it's about?"

	"That's easy, he has a synopsis right up front," Mark said, and he
began to read:

	"The year is 1903; the setting is Arizona, somewhere on the
Colorado River delta. Darby O'Brien has just arrived in Tombstone from his
home in New York to claim his uncle's ranch left to him in the will. The
boy knows nothing about horses, cows or survival out here in the West; he's
a tough city kid.

	"The town clerk points him down the road and tells him to ride for
half a day to reach the ranch. Darby buys a horse from the stable and rides
out to see the ranch where he meets Indigo Proudfoot who has been squatting
on the land for three years..."

	"I never rode a horse before, Brian...is it hard?" Mark asked.

	"No, falling off is hard," Brian chuckled. "Don't worry about it,
you're supposed to be the green kid from back East, at least you won't have
to act that part. I'm sure they'll teach you anything you need to know."

	The screen test was like nothing Mark had ever
experienced. Fortunately he had a mind for absorbing dialogue because in
film there were no cue cards. Mark didn't use them, he'd never felt the
need. But here he was given some time to review the four or five lines, and
then he had to recite them back. They gave him a cowboy hat to use as a
prop, something to do with his hands, a chance to be creative.

	The camera shot him in several poses, differing angles of the body
and face. And then it was time to talk. Not that Hank and the other three
people in the room hadn't heard him speak before, this was all a formality.

	Mark remembered reading that in the early days of film all speaking
parts were dubbed after being shot. Silent films had developed into
'talkies' and yet the sound technology hadn't kept up quite as fast. But
all the famous actors of the silent screen didn't make the cut into
recorded sound, voices were as unique as the roles they often played...some
were terrible.

	So taking a cue from his stage work, Mark began the scene with a
bit of activity. He frowned and removed the hat, wiping his brow with the
sleeve of his shirt and pretending to look up at the hot sun.

	"I don't understand why folks don't take me seriously, Indigo?"
Darby's line read. Mark reached into his past stage work and remembered the
role he played as Tiny Tim. For that he'd had to learn an English working
class accent, it was close to the Irish accent he was sure Darby would
have, so he used it now. "They all had to come out here at some point and
figure out what it takes to survive."

	"Not all," Hank said from the other side of the camera.

	"Granted...you were here first, but someone had to teach you. When
did you first learn to ride a horse?"

	"About the time I stopped drinking my mother's milk," Hank said.

	"Oh...that soon?" Darby's line read. Mark looked up at the 'sky'
and put the hat back on his head, pulling one side down at a jaunty
angle. "So...are you gonna teach me?"

	"What for...you won't be stayin," Hank said.

	"You think I can't handle it?" Darby said. "I got some news for
you; I never quit anything I started. So you teach me to ride and I might
let you stay on for a while."

	Hank laughed. "Little man thinks he's tough, but we'll see. Yes, I
teach you to ride so you can make it back to Tombstone in one piece when
you leave."

	"Thank you...but I won't be a goin anywhere," Darby said.

	"You Irish, about as stubborn as an Apache squaw," Hank said.

	"Damn sure, just don't forget it...what's a squaw?"

	"OK, Mark...that was great," Hank said.

	Mark knew that Hank, the director and the studio would look at his
screen test before they made any decisions. Films had a multi-million
dollar budget, casting was critical to a return on that investment. But
Todd had told him that Hank's agency had already begun contract
negotiations, it was all coming together very fast.

	Hank looked nothing like a Native American; he would have to endure
the hours of makeup in the transformation. But if his past films were a
good indication of his success at assuming different roles, becoming the
character Indigo would be a breeze.

	Ralph Prentiss was directing this film, as he had directed the last
four blockbusters starring Hank Dobbs in a variety of characters. The
teamwork was important to the success, and as Mark handed the hat back to
the prop girl he saw Hank and Ralph huddled in the corner.

	Mark felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up at Brian. "You did
that well, I think Hank wants to tell you something positive today."

	"So they're talking it over now, that's pretty soon don't you
think?"

	"Mark Harrison is a known quantity, it's only a matter of the
director's image of the character, and I think Hank controls that
too. Producers get what they want, and Hank wants you. Having you in his
film means he gets the hottest young star in Hollywood, it means you have
drawing power at the box office. And since this is your first film they'll
offer you a good salary, but it won't break their budget."

	Mark nodded. "Yeah, Todd said something about residuals...you think
they'll do that?"

	"They might, leave that up to Todd, that's what you're paying him
for," Brian said.

	Hank led them to his office a short time later and Mark had to
laugh when he saw the room. Shelves filled the walls and each of them held
props from past films. Hank was a collector of Hollywood memorabilia. The
swords Errol Flynn used, revolvers from John Wayne films and various hats
from dozens of famous heads.

	Hank smiled when he saw Mark admiring his collection. "I suppose I
went a wee bit overboard with my little hobby, but you'd be surprised how
well they inspire me sometimes."

	Mark nodded. "I have a few teddy bears so far, fan stuff."

	"Give it time," Hank said. "So, Ralph and I agree...you're perfect
for the part, will you do it?"

	"Yes, I want in," Mark said. "But I don't know anything about
horses and all that Western stuff, you guys will have to teach me."

	"No, that's good actually," Hank said. "I had to learn myself some
years ago. I think this role is made for you; we'll have a lot of
fun. Maybe you can teach me some of that martial arts stuff."

	"Brian will come along wherever we go, you can join us in the
Tai-chi exercise every morning," Mark said. "You think this is a done
deal?"

	"We agree, we'll let the agents fight out the details," Hank
said. "We'll start the location shooting in two months while they work on
the town and ranch sets. We have Betty Anne Parsons, Barry Craig, Steven
Thompson and Michael Kane playing bit parts in the film. I think it's going
to be a very professional company of players."

	"Whoa, impressive cast," Mark said.

	Hank smiled. "Yes, we're going to be formidable...and I can't wait
to work with you."

	"Me? I'm the rookie."

	"Maybe, but you bring fresh energy into the equation," Hank
said. "I've done sixteen films in the past ten years and each of them wore
me down a little more until I feel like I need something different, that
difference is you. I've worked with babies and animals, but never a
teenager. I thought this would be new and exciting...and to tell you the
truth, I've had you in mind since I first saw that Adam pilot."

	Brian looked over and saw Mark was blushing; he'd never received
such high praise from someone he admired so much in the business. Mark
would give this film his all; Brian just hoped Hank was ready to receive
it.

	"So," Hank said, rubbing his hands together. "We're having a
cookout for the cast in a couple of weeks, I want you guys there. Bring
dates if you want, bring a few friends. Oh, you can bring that little
co-star of yours if you want, Mark...I know my daughter wants to meet him."

	Mark laughed. "Steve? Yeah, he's become a real fan attraction. He's
gonna be off the wall when I tell him I'm going to be in a film with you."

	Hank nodded. "I'd write him into the script, but I think you guys
need to split up and get your careers going. He'll do well on his own; he's
got the looks and the talent. Bring him along; I might have a few people
he'd like to meet."

	Mark nodded. "I will, he'll be there."

	Brian drove them home and Mark hit the number four on his speed
dial, two rings and Steve picked up.

	"Hey, sweetie," Steve said. "How's your day going?"

	"All good," Mark said. "What are you and Tim doing?"

	"On our way to Long Beach for a little sailing...wanna join us?"

	Mark looked over at Brian. "They're going out on the boat, can we
join them?"

 	"Sure," Brian said, "We can get there in about thirty minutes."

	"OK, we'll be there in thirty, Steve."

	"Cool, Tim already has dinner plans for the four of us...see ya."

	Mark hung up. "They're waiting, seems Tim has dinner planned for us
as well. I'm so glad Steve's mom is aware of what they have going on."

	Brian nodded, turning onto the 405 and heading south to Long
Beach. "I think Steve called his own shots for that deal, I bet Jean has
her hands full."

	Mark laughed. "Maybe it's because she has a tummy full, I don't
know if I could handle a little sister."

	"So...you going to tell Steve what happened today?"

	"I have to, and not just because of Hank's cookout. He'll be
jealous, I know that much, but his chance is coming. Maybe he'll meet
someone that likes him for a role. I sure didn't expect Hank to offer me a
part."

	"And what do you think we ought to do about that 'bring a date'
comment, people are going to wonder sooner or later," Brian said.

	"Yeah, Steve and I talked about that last week too. We have a whole
fan cub full of girls if we need escorts, but I think we need to hold off
on that unless it's an emergency situation." Mark laughed. "Now if I win a
best supporting actor nomination for Hank's film I'll find a date."

	Brian laughed as well. "Yeah, that might do it; you could very well
win something like that."

	"Jeez, I was joking," Mark said.

	"I'm not," Brian replied.

	The rest of the ride was pretty quiet, Mark was lost in thought. It
wasn't until they parked and walked down the pier that Mark snapped out of
his reverie. Captain Steve was waiting, and Mark really knew the boy was
destined for his own fame and fortune. Together they shared this silly
television show, but Steve would find a film role of his own very soon.

	They all shared hugs and Tim smiled. "Got a phone call last night,
we're going to have company in a few weeks."

	"Oh? Who's coming to town?" Brian asked.

	"Namuko is bringing Kenji and Edward for a visit; he wants them to
see the U.S."

	"Sweet, that's awesome," Mark said.

	"I thought maybe you boys would like to show them around a bit on
the weekends, it probably won't be until next month. I know they'll be
interested in your studio work," Tim said.

	"I think we can arrange that," Brian said.

	"Oh, yeah...I have some good news too," Mark said. "Hank Dobbs is
casting me in his next film."

	"Oh Wow," Steve yelled, "That's great."

	He gave Mark a hug while Tim and Brian shared a glance. Both men
knew of Steve's desire to be in films, Mark had just made it there first.

	Mark held Steve back at arm's length. "There's only one boy in the
film or I would have made sure you got into it too. But Hank likes your
work, he said so. And next weekend he's having a cookout, and wants you and
Tim to be there. Says he'll introduce you to people that can make a
difference in your career."

	Steve nodded and Mark could see the tears forming in his eyes.
"Thanks for thinking of me."

	Mark nodded. "I can't ever forget you, Steve. I have it all figured
out, and someday you're going to be a bigger star in films than I will ever
be...I mean that."

	Steve smiled and wiped his eyes. "Maybe, I'm just happy for you.
Let's go sailing."