Date: Mon, 28 Apr 2008 06:28:28 -0700 (PDT)
From: Justin Richardson <justinr_88@yahoo.com>
Subject: Love is All that Matters chapter 18

Do not read further if you are not of legal age. All the
usual disclaimers and copyright laws apply. The following
story is the second volume in the "Doing Hard Time" saga.


LOVE IS ALL THAT MATTERS
~ Chapter 18 ~

From the Narrative of Caleb Fisher:

In the showers later that day, Julian stripped off without a
care in the world. Revealing that slim, boyish body -
although I did notice a few wisps of faint blond hair on his
chest - so casually in a room full of horny naked inmates
was always an invitation for trouble. I watched through
narrowed eyes, waiting for an inmate to pounce on him, and
wondered whether I should have to rescue someone who seemed
so eager to be fucked.

But I was in for a surprise. Mitch, the resident prison
villain who wasn't known for introducing new inmates gently
into prison life, noticed me looking at Julian and held up
his hands in surrender. "Hey man, no worries. We all know
he's your bitch. Hands off, I promise."

Another inmate called out, "But damn, Big C, how'd you get
all the pretty ones?"

Julian, who'd been listening in on the exchange as he soaped
up his lithe young body, gave me a cheeky wink, which didn't
go unnoticed by Mitch. He roared with laughter. "You've got
a feisty one this time, Caleb."

Julian was lucky that he wasn't within reach, and that we
were surrounded by other inmates, or there might have been
damage to that pretty face he was so worried about.


From the Narrative of Reid Scott:

I had expected to spend my Saturday night moping around the
house. I certainly didn't anticipate finding myself booked
for dinner at Gianni's, the Italian restaurant on Marina
Drive. Of course, it was entirely Harrison's fault that I'd
been dragged along on this double date. Somehow, though, I
couldn't find myself annoyed at the little guy for long.
There was something about his earnestness that had made it
hard to say no to him when he'd set me up with this Dean
guy.

"Your collar isn't straight," he mumbled and promptly began
to fiddle with it. I swatted his hands away. "You need to
make a good impression," he insisted.


"Stop fussing! Are you so eager to get me out of the house?"
I demanded.

He looked guilty and hurried to explain. "No, of course not!
It's just that it's your first proper date and ..." He
trailed off as I continued to glare at him.

Josh put a protective arm around Harrison and said, "Lay off
him, Reid. When did you turn into such a grump?"

I looked down. I felt ashamed of myself. Harrison was just
trying to help, after all. But somehow I had the horrible
feeling it wasn't going to work. Especially after Josh had
put his arm around Harrison, I felt what I did every time I
saw them getting affectionate with each other - jealousy.

"Oh look, Dean's here," said Harrison. I looked up. My date
for the night was surprisingly cute, albeit in a nerdy way.
His dark-brown hair was messy and had the tendency to fall
into his eyes. Like Harrison, he looked younger than his
twenty-two years, and I suddenly felt old.

Harrison was busy introducing us to Dean. I barely paid
attention as he said, "Dean, this is my boyfriend, Josh
Spencer. Josh, Dean Winters. And this is Reid Scott."

I snapped out of my reverie when Dean shyly extended his
hand to me with a tentative smile on his face.

"Pleased to meet you," I heard myself say as I shook his
hand. It was an automatic response and sounded cold even to
my ears. Dean's smile faded slightly. I quickly remembered
to smile back, although it took some effort. I told myself I
had to try and make it work, even if Dean wasn't my type.

                            * * *

An hour later, it was apparent that it had failed miserably.
 The food was excellent, the conversation wasn't too bad, if
 a little forced. But I just wasn't feeling a spark between
   myself and Dean. And I could tell that he had the same
realization, too. He seemed rather distracted and alternated
  between glancing out the window and attending Harrison's
                 efforts to make small talk.

    I excused myself to go to the restroom. The lack of a
  connection between me and Dean was obvious when he barely
glanced up from his plate of pasta. I saw Harrison give Josh
 a look as I left the table and headed toward the restroom.

   "Okay, what the hell was that about?" I was startled by
       Josh's voice as I washed my hands at the basin.

          I feigned innocence. "What do you mean?"


"Cut the crap, Reid. Why are you here, unnecessarily washing
   your hands, instead of trying to hook up with Dean out
    there? Harrison is really trying hard to make it work
             between the two of you, you know."

  I turned around to face him. "Yeah, the only thing you've
noticed out there is your boyfriend. In fact, you've been so
 busy making lustful glances at him so you failed to realize
 the lack of an `instant' chemistry between me and Dean. Not
  that it's his fault, or Harrison's. If you want to blame
 someone for that, you should blame yourself. How could you
  expect me to move on with you sitting right opposite me?"

    Josh looked extremely guilty. "You mean . that's the
   problem? Look, I can leave if you want. I'll make some
                 excuse, um, let me think ."

 "No." I ran my fingers through my hair. "You don't need to
    do that. It's the first dinner you're eating out with
      Harrison too; I don't want to ruin that for you."

Josh looked at me sympathetically. "Reid, Dean's a nice guy.
 And you're a nice guy too. So what's the problem? You have
           to move on at some point; why not now?"

    I sighed. "It's just too soon. I knew it was from the
beginning, but I just didn't want to disappoint Harrison. He
    was so delighted with himself for trying to solve my
 problems. Dean is cute and all, but he just isn't my type."

  "Okay . but it's just this one time, right? I mean, this
  isn't going to stop you from trying with someone else, is
                 it?" he asked me worriedly.

 "I don't know. Maybe I'm just meant to spend my life alone,
                           Josh."

"No one should have to spend their life alone, Reid. There's
  always someone who's perfect for you. It's just not me or
            Dean. But you will find that person."

I smiled in spite of myself. "You sounded just like Harrison
  then. He must be rubbing off on you. I do appreciate his
   initiative, but it just isn't working. Don't force me,
                          alright?"

  Josh looked at me. "Okay." He put a comforting arm around
me. In that instant, I felt what Harrison must feel whenever
  Josh does that. But all it was going to do was put stupid
 ideas into my head. I gently pulled his arm off my shoulder
                   and left the restroom.



         From the Narrative of Harrison Ridgeway IV:

 I allowed a moment to pass in silence after I'd signaled to
  Josh to follow Reid to the restroom. I watched them both
 disappear into the restroom before turning to Dean. He was
             gazing distractedly out the window.

                           "Dean?"

               "Hmm?" He turned to look at me.

    "What's wrong?" I asked softly. "You're distracted."

             "Reid isn't really into me, is he?"

 I was unsure of what to say. I'd been so certain that they
   would hit it off, yet it had all turned out completely
               opposite of what I'd imagined.

   Dean continued, "It's okay. Guys as hot as him usually
 aren't interested in my type anyway. I was a bit surprised
 when I saw him. I didn't quite believe you when you said he
   was hot." He smiled wistfully. "He is very attractive."

  "No, Dean, it's not that. He isn't usually so . distant.
 There must be something on his mind. Maybe you guys can try
                  again some other night ."

  "That isn't necessary. I don't think it would work out on
    any other night either. I don't blame him for having
  something else on his mind; I guess I was distracted too.
              Problems with my ex-boyfriend ."

     "I thought you said you broke up with him?" I asked
                         curiously.

  "Yeah, I did. Before . well, you know." I realized he was
     referring to the gay-bashing. "But it's a lot more
 complicated than that. He keeps coming around my apartment,
begging me to let him back into my life. I'm not sure if I'm
  ready to forgive him. I mean, after what he did, I'm not
sure I'd be in my right mind if I did. But still . I guess I
         do have these lingering feelings for Marc."

 "Oh." I wanted to say more, but it was at that moment that
 Reid, closely followed by Josh, arrived back at the table.

  I noticed that Reid did make more of an effort to talk to
 Dean this time around, so whatever Josh had said to Reid in
 the restroom must have had some effect on him. But I could
 tell now that it just wasn't meant to be. I'd had such high
  hopes for Reid and Dean, but then I guess you can't have
                    everything your way.


After we'd parted ways with Dean, Reid sat quietly at the
back of the car while I was in the front passenger seat,
next to Josh, who was driving.

I turned around to face Reid. "I'm really sorry it didn't
work out, Reid."

He looked up with a sad smile. "It doesn't matter, Harrison.
I'm glad you thought of me and arranged this double date.
You've got to understand that while Dean seems like a great
guy, I just don't think he's the one for me."

If he'd lashed out or expressed annoyance, I wouldn't have
felt so bad. But the fact that he was being so nice about
the whole fiasco made me feels incredibly guilty. "I'm
sorry. You didn't need another disappointment after what you
already went through because of me."

"Harrison, there's absolutely no reason for you to blame
yourself. You should be proud that you tried to do something
for me. A lot of other guys in your situation probably
wouldn't care less about what happened to me."

"He's right, baby. I for one am proud of you," Josh said.

"Of course you would be - you're my boyfriend," I told him.
"But Reid ."

He interrupted. "I already told you - it's okay. I'm sure
I'll find someone. When I do, you'll be the first to know."
He grinned outwardly but I could sense that he was hiding
his true emotions. I felt very sorry for him.

                             ***

In bed later that night, I asked Josh what he'd spoken about
with Reid in the restroom. He told me.

"Then it is all my fault," I said. "I should have known
better than to arrange a double date with you there as well.
I mean, I knew that he wasn't completely over you and -"

"He doesn't blame you," Josh stated. "You heard what he
said."

"I know, but still -"

"Look, I meant what I said earlier, in the car. I'm proud of
you, Harry. You care about other people. That's what I love
most about you - not your looks, or your boyish innocence."

I raised my eyebrows. "That's all you love about me?"

"I'll show you what else I love about you in a bit, but
first I need you tell me that you aren't going to beat
yourself up over this."

"I won't. But tomorrow I'll have to go and apologize to Dean
for setting him up on that disastrous date. I really thought
I was doing him a friendly turn. I just hope he doesn't hate
me now."

"No one could possibly hate you. It'll be fine, you'll see.
Now I'll show you what I meant earlier about my undying love
for you." Josh then turned his attention on my naked body.


From the Narrative of Caleb Fisher:

"And what exactly do you think you're doing?" I asked, after
watching Julian strip down to his underwear after the guard
had declared lights out. Now he had his thumbs hooked into
the waistband of his boxers, about to slip them off as well.

"What's it look like? Getting ready for bed." He cracked
another of his goofy grins. "Don't tell me you've never
slept in the buff before."

"You're going to be cold," I observed.

He shook his head. "Nah, I'm used to it. My cellmates before
this tended to keep me naked 24/7. Besides, it'll be easier
for both of us if you don't have to rip my clothes off me in
the middle of the night."

"Christ!" I exclaimed. "How many times do I have to tell you
I'm not going to fuck you? I'm not keen on fucking boys,
alright?"

The young upstart actually smirked at me. "Then explain
that," he said, nodding towards my crotch.

I looked down, and was mortified to find my pants tenting
lewdly. I felt the blood rush to my face. I'll admit, since
my experiences with Harry over the last few months, I'd been
viewing the young male body in a new light. And Julian
certainly was a fine specimen of that. But that didn't mean
I was going to bend my rules for him.

"It's a perfectly natural reaction when someone parades
themselves naked in front of you," I said stiffly. "Now, for
fuck's sake, go to bed or play with yourself or whatever,
just don't disturb me."

Julian gave a shrug, as if to say, `have it your way'. "But
I'm not staying up for you to change your mind," he said
aloud, as he lay down on his bunk and pulled the blanket
over his nude body.

"I won't," I muttered, climbing into my own bunk and trying
to get some sleep.

True to his word, the sound of gentle snoring soon came from
his bunk. I was just about to drift off to sleep myself,
when he started mumbling, "Ten bucks for a blowjob."

"What?" I turned over in my bed to stare at him.

He didn't seem to hear me. He continued mumbling, "I'll suck
you real good, promise."

I realized he was talking in his sleep. "Julian!" I hissed.

He was silent for a few seconds. Then, in response to a
voice only he could hear, he replied in a resigned tone,
"Alright, you can fuck me too."

I might not be an expert in that psychological shit, but
even I can tell desperation when I hear it. What had this
kid been through, to allow himself to be fucked for ten
dollars? I got off my bed and shook him gently by the
shoulder. "Julian! Wake up."

His blue eyes shot open, and for a split second, I saw pain
and vulnerability in them. Then, almost instantly, his usual
grin was back in place. "Knew you'd change your mind," he
said with obvious satisfaction at being proven right (in his
mind, at least).

I quickly set him to rights. "For fuck's sake! I only woke
you because you were talking in your sleep. You thought you
were still hustling on the streets."

There was another brief flash of pain in his eyes. "Kind of
hard to forget it sometimes." Then he shook his head, as if
to clear it of unpleasant thoughts from the past, and
grinned. "But you're here now, so we might as well take care
of the business at hand." As he said this his hand brushed
lightly against my crotch.

"Julian, don't -" My protest was cut off as his hand slipped
into my pants, and wrapped around the shaft of my hard cock.
I let out a guttural groan; I couldn't deny that it felt
good to have a hand other than my own around my cock.

Before I knew what was happening, he was on his knees and
had my boxers down around my ankles.

I was sufficiently clear-headed to be concerned about him
kneeling on the cold, hard concrete floor. "Sure you don't
want to put some clothes on? It can't be comfortable being
on your bare knees on that floor."

He made a sound that was a cross between a laugh and a sob.
"I remember this one guy, right? He insisted I strip naked
before getting down on my knees to suck him off in a back
alley. Every thrust had me scraping my knees on the asphalt.
And he didn't even pay me well for it."

"Jesus Christ! Get up, Julian," I ordered. "Get off the
floor."

He looked puzzled as he staggered to his feet. "What'd I do
wrong?"

"I don't know what it is you're trying to achieve here. One
moment you're falling over yourself for me to fuck you, and
the next you totally kill any sex drive I might've had by
telling a story like that."

He looked curiously at me. "You're way too nice to be in
prison. What the fuck did you do to end up here anyway?"

"I killed a man," I said curtly.

"Jesus," breathed Julian. "I can't believe you'd do
something like that."

"I caught my wife cheating with him and tried to throw him
out of the house. But then he grabbed a knife off the
kitchen counter and that was it. Fifteen years for
manslaughter, eligible for parole in ten. That's two years
from now."

"That's funny," remarked Julian, seeming to have gotten over
the details of my crime. "I get out in two years as well."
He gave me a sideways glance. "A wife, huh?"

I rolled my eyes. "Don't go thinking you're going to be my
first. I've had another guy in here before you. Though I
never went so far as fucking him."

"Bet you I can give a better blowjob."

I snorted. "Yeah, I bet you can."

"What's that supposed to mean?" he said, looking wounded.
"Guys used to pay me to suck them off!"

"I've heard," I muttered under my breath.

"Look, I'll prove it to you, like I was going to before you
got all concerned for my knees."

I sighed. "You aren't getting back on the floor."

He shook his head. "Lie down, and I'll do it right here on
the bunk."

I raised my eyebrows. It was going to be a pretty tight
squeeze on the narrow bunk. But my cock was amazingly still
hard, and Julian was gazing pleadingly at me.

"Alright," I said, laying on my back. Julian clambered over
me and knelt on either side of my legs.

His good humor was restored, and he winked at me. "Prepare
to be amazed."

My retort died on my lips as he wrapped his lips around my
cock. He wasn't kidding when he said he was good. Harry had
improved vastly since his first blowjob, but even his best
effort paled in comparison to Julian's. I could see why
people would pay money for one of his blowjobs. Although,
the way he was deep-throating my cock, I wouldn't pay ten
dollars for him - I'd fork out a hundred!

His throat muscles expertly massaged my cock to an orgasm. I
came with a loud groan, shooting what must have been a
rather large load considering my recent deprivation, down
his throat. He swallowed it all without gagging or spilling
a drop, and sat back on his haunches licking his lips like
an extremely contented cat.

"Told you I was good, didn't I?" he smirked.

I had to agree. "It was fucking amazing."

"Alright then, we're ready for the main course."

I realized he was referring to anal sex, and quickly put a
hand out to stop him. "Hold on there a minute. I don't have
a condom or lube."

"I don't think we need to worry about lube," he replied,
fondling my shaft which was still slick with his saliva. "As
for condoms ... well, I'm clean; are you?"

"I'm clean," I confirmed. I looked at him with narrowed
eyes. "Are you sure you are?" I asked, feeling quite
justified in asking given his history.

He looked hurt at being questioned this way. "My boyfriend
made me get tested, alright? I know it was stupid to not use
condoms those first few times, but I guess someone up there
likes me: the test was negative."

I interrupted. "You have a boyfriend?" My surprise was
evident in my tone.

"Had," he corrected. "He dumped me for `being self-
destructive' - that's what he called it. Although I guess I
proved him right by stealing that car and landing in here."

"You stole a car?" I asked in astonishment.

He said defensively, "I know it wasn't the smartest thing to
do, but I had to get away, go somewhere and start over. I
wasn't thinking straight. Eric had just broken up with me."
He sniffed, and his eyes looked suspiciously wet in the dim
light from the corridor.

I acted impulsively and wrapped my arms around him. Julian
started, and then relaxed in my arms. I held him for a few
moments before releasing him.

Julian rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand, looking
sheepish. "So about that fuck -" he started to say.

I shook my head. "Not tonight, okay? I think you need to get
some rest." I put my finger to his lips to muffle his
protests. "There'll be plenty of time for that later," I
added. "Now go to bed."

Looking reassured, he nodded and lay down on the bunk in the
narrow space between me and the wall. As I made to leave his
arm snaked around me and pulled me back. "Stay," he
whispered. "It is kind of cold."

I resisted the urge to snort and stayed where I was. Soon he
was fast asleep, his arm still around me. Sleep, however,
didn't come as easily to me. What in the world had I let
myself in for?

                     To be continued ...

Hearing from you guys is, for me, the highlight of writing
this story. So please, do send in your comments to
justinr_88@yahoo.com, and I promise I'll get back to you.
The next chapter should follow soon.