Date: Sat, 26 Oct 2002 13:11:21 EDT
From: AmateurishWriter@aol.com
Subject: My Little Star Gazer - Part Three

Warning: The following story is a work of fiction.  It is a fantasy.  It
never happened, except in the author's imagination.  This story may contain
sex between a legal aged teenage boy and a man.  The author does not
encourage or condone sex between adults and little children. If you are
underage, or this is illegal where you are, you already know what you're
supposed to do.  Delete this file and find something else.  If this kind of
story turns you off, delete this file and find something else.  If you're
looking for a story that has someone having sex in every other sentence,
this one is not it.

The author retains the copyright for this story.  Placing this story on a
commercial web site or in print without the authors permission is a
violation of that copyright.

Comments to AmateurishWriter@aol.com, pro and con and of a constructive
nature, will be gratefully received and acknowledged, if possible.  Flamers
will be ignored.


Special recognition - To my little star gazer for his continuing
contributions.


Near the end of Part Two -

The dream had left me very aroused.  I moved my gaze over him from head to
toe and back again, just drinking in his beauty.  He looked so sweet and
peaceful.  Then his words came back to me; "You can touch me while I'm
asleep."

I didn't dare ... did I?  But my desire overcame my inhibitions.  Ever so
softly I reached over and gently brushed his soft black hair from his
forehead.  ...  The intensity of my arousal now caused my hand to tremble
but I had to touch him more.  ...  I turned my hand over and with the backs
of my fingers I glided over the gentle roundness of his stomach and lower.
I hesitated as I reached the point where his limp penis lay over the top of
his leg.  I was ashamed.  I was sneaking, stealing.  My hand lingered on
his abdomen.

As I pondered my dilemma, Tosh's senses began to aid in my decision.  His
limp hooded penis began to lengthen and swell.  As I watched, it slowly
rose up from his leg and sought out it full size.  Finally, as it stretched
up along his belly, its crimson head began to appear from inside its
protective fold of skin.  I stared at its incredible beauty.  After a few
moments and an occasional gentle throb, a glistening jewel of liquid
appeared at its tip.

With a finger, trembling now with lust instead of guilt, I lifted that
single drop and brought its gleaming essence to my lips.  It was
unimaginably sweet.  I smiled to myself and let my gaze drift up to Tosh's
face.  His eyes were open, as I somehow expected that they would be, and he
too smiled.  It was a smile filled with love.


Part Three - A Weekend In The Country Continues
Chapter Seven - The Dream Ended With a Journey To The Stars

Tosh's smile dissolved into a gentle yawn and a stretch, arching his back
and kind of softly vibrating.  You know the way I mean.  As he did this his
hips moved closer to me and my gaze dropped again to his very hard penis.
Another drop had formed at its tip and, because he was very close now, it
was quite easy for me to quickly and gently lick it off.

"Oh!" He gave a surprised gasp.

I didn't look up or say anything.  I was too busy enjoying what was right
in front of me.  He was so hard.  Hard the way only a 16 year old can get.
Hard and almost vibrating with need and radiating amazing heat.  It was
intoxicating.  Tosh was intoxicating.  I didn't have to lean very far
forward for the moist tip to brush my lips.

"Yes.  Please, oh please."  Tosh softly pleaded.

With my hand resting on his hip, I parted my lips and let him push forward.
I felt the heat of his cock as its head moved over my tongue and into my
throat.  He paused and groaned as I closed down gently and ran my tongue
all around him to moisten his length for lubrication.  His cock responded
with a strong throb and the taste of his sweet pre-cum grew stronger.

Sliding my hand back over his round firm bottom, I used it to control and
guide as I started to pleasure my young lover.  First I pulled almost all
the way back off him tickling its now accessible and sensitive head.  I
tightened my lips just behind his perfectly shaped glans and sucked hard.
He trembled.  Then I moved slowly back down taking him deep into my throat,
running my tongue on his underside and swallowing so my throat squeezed
down on him.

"Oooohhh Jooooohhnnnnn." His moan was long and faded away at the end.

Being determined to make this a memorable first, I moved slowly.  My right
hand caressed his bum and my fingers explored places of future delights.  I
loved this boy and making him happy was my only desire.  My hand moved over
his smooth thighs and he lifted his leg for me, bending his knee and
placing his foot flat on the bed.  My hand now cupped his full large balls
and gently squeezed.  He shuddered and moaned in more passion.

Now, between his legs, I could run my hand back over his bum and ease a
finger into the crevice there.  He was warm and moist with perspiration and
my finger moved easily to that special spot and teased it gently.  He gave
another intense groan of pleasure.

The in and out motion of his penis over my tongue became slightly erratic
and I felt him swell.  Suddenly his body stiffened, pushed forward and his
penis began to throb urgently.  My mouth and throat filled with his sweet
nectar and its velvety warmth excited me.  I gulped greedily and savored
his essence.  There was so much.

He made a succession of deep soft nearly silent gasps and a "glll husshfff
hannnmm rllurrr" kind of sound, sort of like purring.  His leg stretched
out again and held my hand capture with my finger on the spot that had
triggered his orgasm.  His purring blended into deep breathing and finally
a soft sigh.

I slipped my hand free and moved up beside him and took him in my arms.  We
lay like that for a while with me caressing him wherever I could reach,
letting him bask in the softening warm waves of pleasure.

When Tosh had calmed, he tilted his head up and kissed me on the chin.
"Thank you John, you make me so happy."

I returned his cute kiss with a gentle peck on the end of his nose.
"Making you happy makes me happy."

"Now I must do something for you."  He began to move down.

I held him tight, stopping him.  "Tosh, I am happy and content."

"But you have not cum."

I giggled.  "I could never cum every time that you do and I don't need to.
You are sweet to be concerned but, honest, I am more than satisfied ..." I
paused and then added, "... For the moment."

He giggled in return and slipped back into a cozy cuddle.  "Then I will
give you something special in the morning."

We continued to cuddle and caress one another until our breathing slowed
and softened and we were peacefully asleep, holding each other safe.

Soon the sun was streaming in the window and I could hear a soft breeze in
the leaves on the tree just outside.  My brain began to wake-up and I
realized that my arms were empty.  Then I heard the shower running and the
water sounds focused my attention on my need to relieve myself.

Tiptoeing into the bathroom, I took care of my pressing need and did not
flush for fear that I might scaled my young friend who was humming happily
to himself under the shower.  I gently opened the door and smiled in
through the steam.

"Good morning Tosh.  Is there room in there for two?"

He giggled and quickly pulled me in, giving me a very wet and warm morning
kiss.

"I am all washed.  May I wash you?"  He ended his question with a shy
giggle.

"Mmmmm, sounds very delightful."

Tosh was very methodical and, starting with my hair, he worked his way down
until he was kneeling before me getting me to lift each foot so he could
wash between my toes.  I laughed and braced myself against the wall as it
tickled.  At the sound, he looked up at me and smiled.  Then I watched as
his eyes focused on my now very hard and throbbing erection.  After all,
being washed by a lovely boy is very exciting.  Especially one that I love
so very much.

He stretched up and kissed me at the base of my cock and I felt his chin
brush against my balls.  Then he kissed the tip and gave it a quick lick
with his soft tongue.  I expected him to take me in his mouth but instead,
he rose and shut off the water.

"Let's dry off and then, can we go back to our bed?"  An interesting turn
of a phrase; not "to bed" or "to your bed" but "to OUR bed".  I suspected
that we were not going to go back to sleep.  Heehee, I'm so smart
sometimes.

Tosh was quick to dry himself and then began to help me by rubbing my back
with his towel as I tried to balance on one foot while I put the other up
on the bathroom stool to dry it.  I nearly fell over as I switched feet and
he started to giggle.  Just as I finished he grabbed my arm and, in a
flurry of giggles and laughter, he hauled me out of the bathroom.

We stumbled into the bedroom where he playfully pushed me back onto the bed
and dove in after me.  He went for my ribs and arm pits tickling me
mercilessly and giggling hysterically.

"Dear God!" I yelped. "What have I unleashed!"

"The tickle monster!" He gleefully chortled and started in on my stomach.

Even though I had just gone, I nearly peed and had to, purely in self
defense, turn the tickle tables.  Tosh was now sitting astride me with his
knees on either side of my hips as he enthusiastically tickled my belly.  I
thrust up and he pitched forward into my clutches.  Then I did a mighty
roll to my right and was in control.  The startled look on his face was
priceless.

Before he could react I quickly completed the maneuver and it was now my
turn to be in control.  I leaned down and caught hold of a wrist in each
hand and finished the pin.  I had my wild young tickler in my power.

His startled look of a moment ago dissolved into a grin of sly
satisfaction.  I was staring into his eyes wondering what was going on
behind their gleaming gaze when I felt a stirring between us.  As I felt
his penis grow hard my own began to do the same and Tosh's eyes narrowed as
sleepy lust clouded them.  He pulled his hands down drawing me to him and
moaned, "Kiss me John, kiss me please."

I had to slide down a little and our now very hard cocks moved together.
Then our lips met as we both groaned in building passions.  The kiss was
deep and wet and long.  Our tongues were in constant motion seeking every
pleasurable spot.  Our moans and groans were the only sounds.  His legs
wrapped around mine as I moved to nuzzle into Tosh's neck.  He drew in a
short breath and followed it with a weak trembling mumble;
"Johhhnnnnn!!!??? Please take me now, pleeeaaase!!!"

His plea was so urgent that it filled me with a lust filled determination.
I had to show this dear sweet boy the depth of my love.  That no request
would go unfulfilled.  That I wanted him as much as he wanted me.  I had to
love him with a special sweetness, gentleness as well as a passion, that he
would remember forever.

Rising to my hands and knees I began to kiss and lick his neck and then
down his chest.  He writhed in pleasure under me, his moans feeding both
our fires.  I found a nipple as rigid and hard as a small pebble.  I
nibbled it gently and his hips rose up against me in response.  Continuing
my slow journey down his smooth golden body I left a wet trail as evidence
of my attentions to his pleasures.  My tongue circled and dug into his
belly button and I was rewarded with a kind of giggling groan.

He moved his legs and I lifted them, first one and then the other, to help
him spread them wide in his desire to open himself up to me, to my loving
him.  My lips and tongue continued down over his soft belly and around the
hard arrow of his love.  I nuzzled there, first one side and then the
other, breathing in the warm aroma of his maleness.  I grew lightheaded
from his scent but I did not linger as I did not want to prematurely set
off a volley of orgasmic spasms.

There were warmer, more sensitive and secret places to go.  Places that
boys like to waggle at other children and adults in defiance.  Places that
boys find intensely private and yet wildly irresistible to be spoken of and
even touched.  Places, when they are touched the first time in a session of
lovemaking, that send a jolt of electricity through a boy's small body.  A
bolt so pleasurable that he can't imagine experiencing it again but, at the
same time, is desperate for it to happen every time.

His large round and full testicles were pulled up under his penis with the
intensity of his passion.  I had to continue to be careful, lest I set him
off early.  When he realized my direction he spread his legs as far as he
could and gasped as I kissed him just behind his balls and then licked
there with a very wet tongue.  I knew that a jolt had just coursed through
him and I took that moment to reach in the night table drawer for the KY
jelly.

His eyes were closed and the look of love and lust on his sweet innocent
face was both foreign and natural.  I took and guided his hand up to his
leg so he held it up just behind the kneel He understood and did the same
on the other side.  Then I returned to my ministrations to the very center
of Tosh's sexual being that he offered so willingly and completely to me.

I kissed all around working my way in.  The pink flower of his entrance was
beautiful beyond description and as I got closer I could smell his scent,
the scent of sweet smelling soap and of boy, wonderful boy.  A boy who
loved me so much that he wanted me inside him, to be a part of his very
being.  My tongue found Tosh's innocence and he pushed back against it with
urgency and a long sighing moan of satisfaction.  Round and round my tongue
went, teasing and tasting.  I wanted to memorize his scent and taste as
much as I wanted to always remember his looks, his voice and the good
person that he was.

His hips moved and his moans spoke of his need.  With a generous dab of KY,
I began the process of relaxing his muscles to a point where he could take
in that part of me that he desired the most.  My middle finger slipped in
to the first knuckle and Tosh let loose a guttural groan.  "Yes, oh yes."

My finger met little resistance and sunk in to the second knuckle and I
felt him squeeze in reflex.  I waited and then withdrew a little before
sliding it back in.  After a few repetitions of this I added more KY and a
second finger.  Again Tosh groaned.  "Oh yeeaahhhsss."  Soon I had three
fingers awkwardly working into him and felt that it was enough.

When I withdrew them he pleaded. "Nooooo.  Mooorrreeee."

I raised up and put KY on my dripping hard on.  Leaning forward, I loomed
over him as I placed a hand by his side.  My hips brushed his thighs and he
opened his eyes.  "Are you sure Tosh?"  I asked, wanting it to be his final
decision, his wish.

His eyes were puffy with passion and filled by love.  "Please John.  I want
you inside me.  I want you to make love to me."

With my other hand I guided the head of my cock to his tender opening and
gently held it there.  His eyes widened a little and cleared.  I'm sure,
like I, he wanted to remember this moment forever.  I gently increased the
pressure and he smoothly opened up and allowed me inside.

The heat was intense and the smoothness an unbelievably soft caress.  I
trembled and looked into Tosh's eyes.  I felt him tremble as well.  But, I
saw no pain, only love.  Love deeper than just a moment before.  I looked
down and watched as I slowly continued to enter him and a new sensation
multiplied the others.  Tightness.  His flower was spread so wide and yet
he was so very tight.  My breathing was heavy now and as I completed our
joining, I had to stop to regain some control.  My feelings for this boy
were so intense, I was afraid that I would explode and end our lovemaking
even before he could enjoy it.

Gritting my teeth and holding my breath, I fought for control of my body
and finally won.  My hands slid under his sides and up to hold his
shoulders from behind.  This brought me very close to him and he spoke
softly in my ear.  "Finally John.  Finally we are one.  Together in love,
the way we were meant to be.  I love you so much John."

He squeezed me down there with his body and I throbbed inside him.  I
started to move.  Slowly.  Gently.  First short movements and then longer.
His legs locked around me and his heels dug into my backside.  His arms
held me tight and his fingertips dug into my back.  I felt his hard cock
rub sensuously against my belly.  He moved back against me and we began to
rock together.  We got to know our patterns and what felt best.

Again he whispered his love in my ear.  "You fill me up so John.  I love
you.  I love you being inside me."  We began to sing a quiet song of love
and passion as our soft cries of pleasure began to harmonize.

I have no idea how long we continued but all too soon I felt that itch deep
down behind my balls.  It grew to almost an ache and then I knew that no
matter what, I could not stop.  I could feel the tension growing in my
little star gazer as well.  Suddenly he threw his head back and issued an
intense but soft long rasping sigh and I felt his penis throb against my
belly and the hot wet stream of his love coat us down there.  His orgasmic
spasms squeezed down on me as I moved deep within him.  I thrust deeper and
froze there.  Huge heaving pulses of pleasure convulsed me as I filled him
with my essence.

I gasped in deep gulps as I strained against and within my sweet young man.
His arms held me tight as he too worked to keep me inside as deeply as
possible.  I don't recall an orgasm as powerful, ever.  After a few
moments, I rose to withdraw from him but he gripped my arms.  "No, please."
He took in another breath.  "Please stay in me."

I balanced on one hand and smoothed his hair back from his damp forehead.
He smiled and I leaned down and kissed him.  I felt myself losing my
erection and knew that, even though his legs held me tight, I would slip
from him.  "Tosh sweetie, I must."

He looked sad but nodded.  I rolled slowly to my left and we separated.
Then he rolled to face me, slipping his arm over me and resting his head on
my shoulder.  "Thank you John.  You were wonderful and I love you so much."

I kissed the top of his head.  "You were wonderful too."

He looked up at me.  "Was I?  Do you really think so?"

"Oh yes Tosh.  It was like you, my little star gazer and his not so old and
grizzly bear, gliding on a journey through the stars in a soft bed of
starlight, making love and trading strings of pearls ... long strings of
pearls."

He giggled.  "I have part of you ... you are part of me now, you know."

I remembered good ole Paul from my first experiences saying something
similar.  He had said that we were like blood brothers.  I thought about
that for a quiet moment and decided that I would like Tosh to make love to
me as well.  I wanted to feel that he was part of me in the same way.
Later, in the middle of the next night while we cuddled in bed, we would
talk of this and how we had the same feelings of each possessing and
allowing possession of the other.

He reached up and put a finger to my lips.  "What are you thinking John?"

Giggling like him, I confessed.  "I want someday to feel the same way that
you feel now."

He rose up on an elbow and looked genuinely surprised and pleased.
"Really?"

I rolled to face him and kissed him passionately.  "Yes my love, really.
But," I chuckled.  "Not now because my stomach is growling."


Chapter Eight - A surprise

My thoughts had been to take Tosh to the local IHOP (International House of
Pancakes) for breakfast but we were a bit behind schedule for what I had
planned for the rest of the day.  So, after a quick second shower, I
rustled up some bacon, fried eggs, English muffins, Peach jam and coffee
which my young friend inhaled like he hadn't eaten for days.

"Oh wow!"  Tosh groaned as he chewed his fifth strip of bacon.  "You are a
good cook John.  Thank you for such a great breakfast."

I beamed.  It wasn't often that I had that kind of appreciation for my
humble cooking.  "That makes my day young fella'.  You are most welcome."

His smile in reply was beautiful.  "So, what are we going to do today?"

"Well, that's a surprise."  Chuckling, I added mysteriously; "I'm glad you
ate well because it's a long drive."

"Where?"  I loved this, for I could see that his curiosity was bursting
already.

"To see something that everyone should see every once in a while.
Something fun, exciting, entertaining, thrilling and happy.  All rolled
into one.

The drive flew by and we had a wonderful time as Tosh was full of questions
and I enthusiastically pointed out all the important sites that we passed
by on the Interstate.  Soon I began to see familiar temporary signs and
posters advertising our destination and I tried hard to divert his
attention before he caught on.

But the smart little guy finally got suspicious and asked; "John?  I keep
seeing those brightly colored signs.  There!  There, like that one.
Circus!  Is that where we are going?"

I kept my mouth shut but had trouble suppressing a smile.

"Oh wow!  That's it, isn't it!"  His excited expression made my day
... well, maybe it was the second or third thing that made my day.

I still didn't say anything and in a moment, we rolled down the exit ramp
and across the street into a huge field.  On the other side was the big
top.  Tosh's mouth hung open in total awe.

"Oh wow!"  I was to hear those words of understatement a lot in the next
few hours.  "I've only read about circuses in books.  I've never been to
one before."

A shiver went up my spine.  A shiver of pure joy and anticipation.

With the car safely parked near the exit, we started across the parking lot
to the field where the circus was sprawled out before us in all its
exciting and mysterious splendor.  As we walked, the air was filled with
the exotic and sometimes pungent smells of a circus.  Hay, roasted peanuts,
popcorn and cotton candy aromas were spiced by the odors of many different
animals and their inevitable dung.  When we arrived at the gate, the big
top dominated but before it were all the concession stands, games of chance
and skill and best and most mysterious of all, was the side show.

Tosh held back a little.  "Ah John?  Where are all the people?"  There were
only a few people in the concession area.

"That's part of the surprise Tosh.  Remember all those signs and posters?"

"Uh huh."  He looked confused.

"Well, I printed them, at a discount, for the organization that brought the
circus here.  So, they asked if I'd like to come to the show with a friend
and was given these VIP passes."  I held up two VIP passes.

"Oh?"  He still looked lost.  "Cool, but no one is here."

I laughed.  "That's part of the surprise.  We're here early for a tour and
a chance to meet one or two of the performers."

His eyes lit up.  "Oh my!  Really?  Can we choose who to meet?"

I was so pleased.  "Well, let's take the tour and then we'll ask.  How's
that?"

"Great!  Let's go!"  He grabbed my hand and dragged me, at a near run, the
rest of the way in through the main gate.

When I spoke to the guard he pointed us in the right direction and we
arrived at a small tent with a sign that said "VIP Tours".  After
introducing myself, the tour director called in a young lady named Angel.
She was dressed in a band uniform and was to give us our tour.

"Angel, thank you for taking us.  I'm John and this is my young friend Tosh
from Fiji.  Tosh has never been to a circus before."

"You're welcome and Tosh, it's a special treat to show a first timer
around."  She had a pretty smile and easily slipped into the role of tour
guide.  "This is one of my jobs here at the circus.  As you might guess by
my uniform, I also play in the band.  Everyone in the circus family has a
number of jobs to perform.  I also help feed the horses and I help in the
wardrobe department.  Also, everyone helps in clean up.  We like to leave
the grounds as clean or cleaner than when we arrived."

The tour started in the big top.  Angel showed us a display of photographs
in the entrance way that showed how the huge tent was erected with the help
of tractors, horses and elephants, not to mention scores of people.  She
explained the rigging that not only held up the tent but also provided for
the various aerial acts.

Tosh kept up with a steady stream of "Oh wow's" and "Oh my's" as we
progressed through the tent and over to the animal trainer's cage.  Angel
explained that the world famous animal trainer, and his teenaged son,
worked with lions, tigers, a leopard and a large bear.

Hearing about the bear got me a smile, an elbow in the ribs and a wink from
my little star gazer.

Then we moved on out the back and into an area that contrasted greatly with
the still quiet front.  It was a bustle of activity.  People hurrying here
and there with costumes over there arms, buckets of food for animals,
musical instruments, a unicycle, a giant pogo stick, a very long pair of
stilts and so on.  This was an outdoors back stage Angel explained, where
acts readied themselves to move into the tent and to one of the three
rings.  The opening and closing parades were formed up out here as well.

"Over to the left there," Angel pointed "is the living area and the school
for the children.  Whole families travel with the circus.  All the children
have at least a small part in the show and have chores to do.  They also
must go to school like other kids."

"Over to the right," Angel again pointed, "is a training area and right now
one of the largest families here is practicing.  They are a tumbling act
and even the children, right down to little Jenna who is 7, are included."

Just then a blond boy of about 12 or so, in a skin tight one piece pale
blue body suit, dashed past us and into the training area.  He looked like
he might have been late for practice and launched himself right into the
act.  Tosh was transfixed at the sight of the kid flipping and flying
around in the air.  I chuckled inside as I watched him nearly drool at the
very attractive sight of bouncing boy buns in the tights.  When Angel
turned away for a moment I put a finger under his chin and gently closed
his mouth for him.  I got a blushing grin in return.

Finally, we rounded the big top to the back of the animal area.  Most all
the animals were on view to the public which, as we had been enjoying our
tour, had begun to crowd into the front area.  Angel carefully explained
about humane animal care and proper training.  It was kind of cool to be on
the inside looking out at all the circus goers and feeling almost a part of
this clearly happy family of performers.

The tour came to an end and Angel asked Tosh who he would like to meet.  I
was not at all surprised that he asked if he could meet the animal trainers
and the family of tumblers.

"Gunner!" Angel called out and waved towards one of the lion cages.

"Hi Angel!" A tall strapping young man of about 17 waved back and came
trotting over.

"Gunner, this is John and Tosh.  I'm just finishing up they're VIP tour and
Tosh wanted to meet you."

We shook hands and Tosh shyly stood there.  Gunner asked me very politely,
"Is it okay if Tosh and I go see Major, my favorite lion?  It's quite
safe."

Tosh looked up at me very nervously and I smiled reassuringly at him.  "If
Tosh would like that, it's fine.  Just please be careful."  It was my turn
to show some nervousness.

"Oh, Major is quite old and docile but we wont take any chances."  Gunner
was reassuring.  "Ready Tosh?"  Tosh gave a nervous but eager nod.

I called out as the two boys strolled away towards the cages.  "I'll go
watch the tumbling Tosh."  He looked back over his shoulder with a knowing
leer and waved.

Angel took me over to the practice area and introduced me to Anton who
turned out to be about 65 and the tumbling boy's grandfather.  "I must go
get ready for the show now John.  Anton or his grandson, Sasha, will show
you how to get back out to the midway.  Oh, and don't forget the sideshow.

"Thank you very much Angel.  You were very informative, an excellent tour
guide."

I made to offer Angel a tip but she politely declined.  "Thank you but no,
John.  It's all part of my job.  I hope you enjoy the show."

"Well, I'm sure we will.  It has already been a treat."  I gestured toward
the main gate with my thumb.  "Did I see a box by the ticket booth for
contributions to a retired performers' fund?"

"Yes," she smiled.  "There's one out there."

"Then this will go in there."  I held up the folded bill in my hand.

She gave me a pleased smile.  "See you in the big top then."

I returned my attention to the tumblers and Anton.  He was a weathered but
wiry and athletic looking man and quite quiet.  He offered me a seat to
watch but only spoke in answer to my questions about the family and the
act.  They were from Russia.  He was the last of his generation and no
longer worked in the act but managed it.  His two sons and their wives and
children made up the act.  There were 11 in all but young handsome Sasha
and adorable little Jenna seemed to be the scene stealers, especially Sasha
... at least as far as I was concerned.

Every now and then I stole a look over at Tosh and Gunner.  They had been
to each cage and now were walking up to one that was painted bright red
with blue bars and yellow and black circus style lettering that spelled out
"Major - Retired but still King!"  I watched in awe as Gunner put his hand
on the huge forepaw of the apparently sleeping lion.  His paw was hanging
out between the bars and as he felt Gunner's touch his eyes slowly opened
and his great head lifted.  He sniffed Gunner's hand, which still rested on
the old lion's paw and then his tongue slipped out to give a clearly loving
lick as his great eyes closed again.

My attention returned, for a moment, to the tumblers as I didn't want to
appear rudely uninterested and then I glanced back at Tosh and ... "Oh
geez!"  A gasp escaped my lips as I saw Tosh's hand being sniffed and
licked by the lion who now was very fierce looking.  At least to me.

Anton turned to look and chuckled, "Do not worry.  That old lion's teeth
are so bad, he can only eat hamburger."

"Oh Lord."  I moaned.

Anton laughed again.  "He is just a gentle old cat and sleeps most of the
time."

Just then Gunner started scratching behind the lion's ear and I was sure
that Tosh would follow his lead.  As I rose to my feet and was about to
call out, I saw my sweet boy's hand venture between the bars and scratch
the big ear through a graying mane.  My shout froze in my throat as I felt
Anton's hand on my arm.

"Do not call out.  It really is quite safe."  As he pulled me back to sit
down I saw the lion's eyes close in obvious pleasure.  "Your young man must
be very special for Gunner to let him do that."

My young man ... I wondered at his choice of words ... "Yes, he is a very
sensitive boy and knows the animals where he lives very well.  I suspect
that he has a way with them."

"And you, as well?"  Anton was looking at me but without a hint of
disapproval.

I was sure that my ears were bright red as I gulped.  "It shows that much?"

The older man patted my knee and smiled.  "Only to those who recognize that
look and know about such things."

I relaxed a little.  "He is a very special young man.  I will be sponsoring
him, a kind of father away from home, when he goes to the university here
next fall."

Just then I heard Tosh call to me as he ran over from the cages.  "John!
John!  Did you see?"

"Yes." I laughed.  "Oh Lord yes.  My heart is still in overdrive."

I looked back toward the cages and saw Gunner grin at Tosh's excitement.  I
waved my thanks and gave him a thumbs-up.  I could see him laugh as he
waved back.

"Tosh.  This is Anton who is grandfather and manager of the tumbling
family."

Tosh was very polite and greeted Anton quite formally.  "I am pleased to
meet you sir."

Anton smiled, more to me than Tosh and I could see the approval in his
eyes.  "Thank you young man and I am pleased to meet you as well.  Would
you like to meet my family and perhaps tumble with them?"

Introductions were made all around and when Tosh met Sasha I could see a
spark of interest on both their faces.

"Sasha!"  Anton spoke up.  "Why don't you go show Tosh some beginning
tumbling moves?"

Sasha beamed.  "Sure Grandpa!  Come on Tosh!"

The two boys dashed off to the practice mats and within minutes Tosh was
rolling around and doing somersaults and cartwheels with Sasha.  Then Sasha
and his father showed Tosh some more complicated moves and I was relieved
that Tosh declined to try all but the tamest.

Soon it was time for Sasha and his family to get ready for the show and
Tosh and I to check out the sideshow.

As I got up, Anton handed me a calling card.  "John, you seem to be a good
man and Tosh a good boy.  While the circus winters in Florida, we make our
home up here.  Perhaps, when Sasha comes home next winter, Tosh would like
to see him.  Our address and phone are on this."

I was amazed.  "That would be very nice for them but you only just met us."

He patted my arm.  "Oh, circus people learn early to judge people quickly."


Chapter Nine - The side show

Anton gathered up his troop and they all waved as they headed off to change
for the show.  I watched as Tosh's eyes followed the handsome young Sasha.
Then he giggled as he caught me watching the young lad's round buns move in
his tights.

I laughed.  "He's cute isn't he?"

Tosh blushed innocently.  "Yes he is."

I put my arm around Tosh's shoulders and pulled him snug to my side.
"Well, I have someone who I love with all my heart and he's everything to
me."

"Me too."  Tosh echoed but I noticed his eyes return to a last glimpse of
Sasha as he passed from sight.

He's young, I thought to myself, and he will need the companionship of boys
his own age.  I must be sure that he knows that I approve.  Further, I must
make sure he does not feel guilty and that he would be letting me down.

I felt a tug on my arm.  "What are you thinking John?"

"Hmmmm?  Oh.  Just about you."  I winked at him.

Side shows have something for most people.  As we walked along I found that
Tosh and I had similar likes and dislikes.  Deformed animals were sad.  But
interesting and exotic ones were, well, interesting.  Tricks like sword
swallowing and knife throwing were cool.  The fat lady, with a long beard,
was surprisingly happy and friendly.  At one stop I swung a large mallet
trying to ring the bell at the top of a large pole.  I failed.  Tosh did
too but his effort went twice as high as mine ... perhaps it was rigged and
the man liked Tosh better.  The fortune teller was a Gypsy lady, naturally.
When she took our hands and looked into her crystal ball she got a knowing
smile on her face.  She rambled on about the usual things and then
pronounced; "You both are very much in love."

We both sputtered and giggled at that one.  Thanking her for an enlightened
reading, we beat a hasty retreat to a nearby hot dog stand.  With two chili
dogs and small sodas, we ambled through the rest of the stands giggling
over comments warning each other of future chili farts.  After my last bite
I played the ring toss game a few times and lost hopelessly.  The last
stand was the rifle range with its moving metal targets that gave out a
satisfying and healthy clang.  The sound reminded me of a lady friend who
sometimes felt the need to clank naughty people over the head with a frying
pan.  Anyhow, Tosh and I got a bit competitive and finally he won,
presenting me with a rather enormous brown teddy bear which we had to put
in the car before going into the big top.

When we returned from the car and presented our VIP passes we were ushered
into a special box across from the band and raised up just enough to give
the best view but not be too far away.  As Tosh put it; "We're still close
enough to smell the elephant dung."

I near split my sides on that one.

Just then I saw Angel wave from the band and pointed her out to Tosh who
waved excitedly back.  Shortly the ring master came out in his top hat and
tails and announced the all too familiar cry; "Ladies and gentleman and
children of all ages! ..."  The show greatest show on Earth was about to
begin.


Next: Part Four - The Circus, followed by another surprise