Date: Sun, 5 Sep 1999 23:28:26 -0700 From: Donald Orluck <DonNrs2000@mindspring.com> Subject: Jason--A Love Story Chapter 7 Jason---A Love Story Chapter 7. Part 1. Authors note: I hope you have been enjoying my little story. I will be trying to incorporate some different styles of writing (flashbacks, simultaneous events in different locations, etc) in the next couple of chapters (I hope), to provide some variety to those of you who have been reading from the beginning. The chapters will also be coming out quite a bit slower now. I am back in school and the homework is astounding. So check back periodically for the further adventures of Don and Jason. I will try to post every two weeks or so. Again thanks for reading. Now on with the story... Jason and I decided to take a cab back to Dupont Circle. We enjoyed viewing the different architecture styles of the homes as we passed through the various neighborhoods. We pointed out different homes to each other that we found appealing in style and decor. In no time we were back in Dupont Circle and departed the cab to enjoy this part of D.C. on foot. As we made our way along Connecticut Ave, we decided to visit the leather shop first. Jason and I entered the little shop and immediately the smell of leather overwhelmed our senses. I commented, "Jason, I just love the smell of leather. It has a freshness to it that wakes the senses." Jason giggled, "I like the smell too Don, but what I'd really like, is to see you in a leather jock." I laughed blushing, "Jason, Oh my, does my baby have a little leather fetish?" Jason snickered, "Not really, but I can't help picturing you in a leather jock, tied to the bed with some leather restraints." I giggled while looking at the price tag on a leather jock, "Well Jason, at these prices that would be a pretty expensive game to play. Look at the price on this jock. It's sixty-nine dollars for this skimpy little thing." Jason laughed while looking at some leather restraints, "That's nothing. Four of these restraints would run well over one-hundred dollars." I devilishly replied, "You know Jason, rope and a cotton jock would be a lot less expensive, hint, hint." Jason's eyes brightly opened wide as he whispered, "Would you really let me do that to you?" I snickered, "You'd be surprised at what I would let you do to me." Jason continued, "Oh Don, we're gonna have some serious fun tonight!!!" Jason and I continued to browse throughout the leather shop, giggling and commenting on the ridiculously high prices on the merchandise. After about twenty minutes we left the shop and began walking to our next destination. Jason and I entered a small novelty store that displayed the rainbow flag above its door. The store had a large variety of T-shirts with various gay and lesbian wordings imprinted on them. The store also had a very eclectic variety of cards for any occasion. While Jason looked through the cards, I made my way over to the jewelry counter. I noticed a nice 14-karat gold chain with a beautiful gold heart charm attached to it. I asked the salesperson quietly, "How much does this chain and charm cost?" He answered, "We have a fifty percent off sale right now on all chains and charms, so this one would be sixty dollars, and that would also include any engraving." I replied quietly, "Kewl. I'll take it. How long would I have to wait for the engraving to be completed?" The clerk replied, "Our engraver should be back in one-half hour, so I would say about a hour and one-half." I whispered, "Great. My boyfriend is over there looking at the cards. I want this to be a surprise. Could you have the engraver etch 'Jason' on the front, and then on the back etch 'I Love You, Forever, Don' in a fancy script lettering." The clerk replied quietly, "No problem sir. I can have it ready by 8:00pm." I replied, "Perfect. I'll stop back after dinner to pick it up." I pulled out my credit card and prayed I had enough open to pay for the gift. The card went through with no problem. I wandered back to Jason, who was giggling to himself at some of the sayings on the cards, and I said, "Let's go babe. I want to price the rainbow dog collars at another shop I spotted when I was here last time. Brandon needs a new collar and I don't want to over pay for one." Jason commented, giggling, "Always the bargain hunter. I like that quality in my man. After the next shop, let's eat cause I'm getting hungry and I hear your stomach growling for food too." I blushed, snickering, "I had hoped it wasn't loud enough for everyone to hear. Guess I was wrong." Jason laughed, "Not too loud babe, I don't think they heard it across the street." I laughed as I took Jason's hand and pulled him out of the store. I thought to myself, "I don't think he noticed me at the counter. I hope he will like the gift. I hope they don't screw up the engraving." Jason spoke, bringing me back to the here and now. "Which other store did you want to stop in Don?" I replied, after looking at the different storefronts, then pointing my finger towards a building up the street. "That one over there Jason, that's the one." Jason and I quickly walked towards the store I had pointed at. We walked in and I made a beeline right for the section that displayed the dog collars. Picking one up to read the price, I commented, "Jason, the collars are ten dollars here. The other place had them for only eight dollars. Would you mind if we stopped back in there after dinner?" Jason replied, "I don't mind at all Don. Anything for Brandon and his master!! I'd like to look around in here a bit more, so how about after dinner you run back over to the other store while I browse in here?" I replied happily, "Sure thing babe," relieved that I would be able to pick up my gift without Jason noticing. We turned, exited the store, and walked towards the restaurant I had mentioned to Jason earlier. I softly spoke, "Jason, you do like Thai food, don't you? Because we can go somewhere else if you don't." Jason replied happily, "I don't know Don. I've never had Thai food before, but I want to try it, especially since you said this restaurant has awesome food." I smiled at Jason, took his hand, and pulled him towards the restaurant as I commented, "Your gonna love this Jason. The food is so tasty here, and beautifully displayed too." Jason laughed, "I can tell my baby used to be a restaurant manager. I love you Don." I giggled, I love you too, babe." Jason and I entered the restaurant. Fortunately, there were not many patrons, so Jason and I were seated immediately. Jason began to scan the menu with his eyes, as I was letting my eyes glide up and down his beautiful face and shoulders. I already knew that I would order the house soup and pineapple glazed roast duck. Jason glanced up at me and caught my starry-eyed look and smile, and spoke softly, "Don. You should look at your menu and decide what you want for dinner." I replied seductively, "Jason, I already know what I'm ordering for dinner. I was just checking out what I want for dessert." Jason blushed, "Oh! Ok love. You can have all the dessert you want later my prince." I blushed and then commented, "Jason, try the house soup. It is fabulous. It's sort of like chicken and rice, but with a very rich flavor." Jason nodded yes as our waiter came to the table. He asked brightly, "Are you gentlemen ready to order?" I looked over to Jason and he spoke, "Yes. I'll have a bowl of your house soup and the Thai roast pork. Oh, and the iced tea to drink." The waiter then turned to me and smiled as I spoke, "I'd like the house soup also, and I will have the pineapple glazed roast duck. I'd like the Thai iced tea also to drink." The waiter quickly left the table, making his way to the bar to place our drink order, and then went in the direction of the kitchen. While waiting for our drinks and food Jason commented, "There are two neighborhood type bars I want to take you to see. One is called the Fireside, but I don't remember the name of the other. They are both on P. Street though, so I know I can find the second one as we walk along." I replied, "That sounds like fun Jason. Neighborhood bars would be great for tonight, because I think I'm to tired for any dancing." Jason seductively commented, "Me too, besides Don, I have other plans for your energies tonight." I giggled, "Oh Jason, what might those plans entail?" Jason snickered, "I vaunt to bite your neck my love." I giggled as the waiter brought the drinks and soup to the table. Jason took a sip of the soup and smiled brightly as he spoke. "This is awesome Don. The flavor is so intense." I replied, "See darlin', I wouldn't steer you wrong. Just wait till your main entree arrives." We continued sipping on the soup and soon the waiter returned with the main course. Jason's entree was beautifully presented. The roast pork was mixed with a delicate, light brown, gravy; along with pea pods, carrot slivers, and diagonally sliced green onions. Next to the pork sat a generous helping of white sticky rice garnished with parsley sprigs. My entree consisted of generous chunks of boneless roasted duck, mixed in a thickened pineapple sauce with seared chunks of pineapple. The entire mixture was resting on a bed of sticky rice; garnished with parsley sprigs and feathered green onion tips around the perimeter of the plate. Jason spoke happily, "Don, this is just beautiful. You weren't kidding when you said the food was well presented. It almost looks to good to eat." I beamed, "Go ahead and taste Jason, you're gonna love it." Jason took a hefty fork full of rice and pork and began to eat. I just watched as his face lit up with that angelic smile. I smiled back at him and took a bite of my food. Jason commented, "This is sooo good, Don. You have to try a bite." Jason laced a piece of the pork with his fork and brought it up and over to my mouth. I opened my mouth allowing him to slip the food inside. I spoke, smiling, "That is divine Jason. Now you have to try a bit of mine." I cut a small piece of duck for Jason and delivered it to Jason's waiting mouth. He smiled as he slowly chewed the duck and then commented, "That's just awesome Don. We have to eat here again before we leave the city. I can't wait to try another entree." We took our time eating, allowing us to savor the fantastic flavor of the food. Jason and I decided to skip dessert since the meals were so filling. Jason insisted on paying for the entire bill. I think he knew I didn't have much cash on me, and I knew there wasn't anything left on my credit card after my earlier purchase. He left the waiter a very generous tip, and I commented, "Jason, that was very kind of you. I used to wait tables before managing the restaurants. Often people don't realize that many waiters are making their entire living and supporting families on the tips they receive. It say's a lot about a persons character, to me, when that person leaves a generous tip. You're just so wonderful babe." Jason smiled happily, "I know Don. It really angers me when someone stiffs a waiter or waitress, especially when they do a good job and the food is so fabulous. I guess I try to make up for some of the other assholes out there." I commented quietly, "How did I get so lucky to find such a perfect man. I love you so much Jason." Jason softly spoke, "I love you too babe. I need to use the restroom, cause some of this sticky rice is still sticken' to my fingers. Will ya come with me, Don?" I nodded yes and followed Jason to the restroom. Once inside the restroom Jason turned and locked the door. He then pulled me close and began kissing me passionately. I backed Jason up against the door and pressed my mouth hard against his. I opened my mouth so he could slip his tongue in with mine. Jason began to slide his hand up and down my back while I caressed his shoulders. We continued kissing, while quietly moaning, for at least five minutes before breaking apart. Jason spoke while breathing hard. "I just couldn't wait any longer. I love you so very much Don." I replied breathlessly, "That was amazing Jason. I love it when you kiss me. I love you Jason!!" After a moment we composed ourselves and exited the restroom. Our waiter noticed Jason and I coming through the door, smiled at us, and gave the thumbs up sign. Jason and I just giggled as we exited the restaurant. We walked hand in hand back to the store that Jason wanted to browse around in. I told Jason to meet me back at the other store when he was finished. As I walked to the little novelty shop, I thought to myself, "I hope he likes the gift. I wish I could do something more to show Jason how much I truly love him." I entered the novelty store and approached the clerk that had assisted me earlier. The clerk immediately recognized me and motioned for me to wait while he stepped into the back room. I selected a rainbow dog collar and then proceeding to the counter. The clerk returned with a little box, which he promptly opened, and then lifted out the gold chain with the charm attached to it. I examined the charm and the engraving was perfect, just the way I wanted it to appear. The clerk placed it back into the box and then asked, "Would you like it gift wrapped?" I replied, "Yes, that would be great if you could." He quickly wrapped the box with lavender paper and a white bow, then rang in the dog collar, and placed both in a black plastic bag. I paid the clerk for the collar and then walked to the door just as Jason was approaching. I thought, "Now that's what I call perfect timing." Jason was holding onto a small bag as he came up to me. I questioned, "Did ya find what you wanted at the store babe." Jason replied happily, "I picked up what I needed Don, but I already found what I wanted at the picnic last Saturday." I replied with tears in my eyes, "You're so sweet to me. Thank you Jason." I thought to myself, "When I get back home on Friday, I'll have to find a way to show Jason just how much he means to me. He's saved my life, and I need to show Jason how in love with him I am." Little did I realize at that moment, events were occurring back at my home, that will eventually lead to Jason showing me just how deep his feelings were for me, and in turn change my life and increase my love for him more than I would ever have thought imaginable. This concludes part one of chapter seven. My advisors have informed me that I should include some sort of conflict and a cliffhanger periodically in the story. So, I will do the best I can. However, this is, and will continue to be, a love story between Don and Jason and any conflict in their lives will not ultimately spoil this theme. So for those of you who are just dying to see Don and Jason have a big ole' cat fight, sorry, you will be disappointed. If you want to see the break-up, make-up scenario over and over again, then go read the Backstreet Boy's and NSYNC stories under boybands (I do, and some are quite good). Otherwise sit back and enjoy love at its finest hour with Don and Jason. Hang in there with me, cause there is plenty more to cum.... Jason---A Love Story Chapter 7. Part 2. Back at Don's apartment.... Paul and Tom had just arrived to restock supplies for Brandon, since he had been eating everything in sight. Tom joked, "Paul, I've never seen a dog eat so much as Brandon has the last couple of days." Paul laughed, "That's because he has been having all kinds of fun running around and tearing up the yard. When he is trapped in here, he doesn't expend much energy like he does at our house. It's no wonder he wants to eat four time a day instead of just two when he is stuck in here." Paul noticed the light blinking on my phone signaling that there were messages. "I better check Don's messages Tom. His mom may have called wondering where he is since I couldn't reach her over the weekend." Tom nodded in approval as he spoke, "I'm gonna get some of Brandon's toys from the bedroom. We are about out of weeds for him to pull up and he will need something else to play with." As Tom wandered into the bedroom, Paul hit the play button on the phone starting the computerized message. "You have three new messages. First message Saturday, 6pm." A female voice spoke, "Hi son. Just wanted to let you know Lee and I are in Sarasota for a few days for a golf tournament. Didn't want you to worry if you tried to call. We'll call you next weekend. Bye." Paul punched the delete button, then the computerized voice began again. "Second message Saturday, 11pm." An angry male voice spoke, "Don, where the fuck are you. This is Samuel, so you better pick up the fucking phone. Where are you, out whoring around again? You better stop ignoring my calls. I told you we weren't through, no matter what you thought. You fucking slut, you better answer tomorrow when I call, or you're gonna regret it." There was a click. Paul commented half to himself and half to Tom, "I wonder how long this has been going on. I swear I'm gonna kill that Samuel if I ever see him." Paul hit the save button angrily. The computerized voice once again stated, "Third message, Sunday 10:25pm." The same angry voice began, "Don, you better pick up the fucking phone! Listen you stupid whore, I'm really getting pissed now!! I told you to be there to answer my call. You're such a looser. You'll never find anyone that wants you, except me. I've had enough of this shit! I'm coming there to straighten your ass out Friday, so you better tell those assholes you work for, you can't work next weekend. You here me you slut!! You better be home the next time I call or I'm gonna make your life hell!!! Later!" Paul once again hit the save button, then popped the cassette tape out of the machine, and placed the spare blank tape in. Paul yelled, "Tom, I need you here NOW babe, we got trouble." Tom returned to the living room, holding open a thin book. As he glanced up at Paul, he had tears streaming down his cheeks, while he spoke. "Paul, I think you better take a look at this. It's Don's journal. Those two calls aren't the first he's gotten from his ex. This has been going on for over a year now." Paul took the book from Tom and sat down on the couch. Tom sat down next to Paul and turned the pages of the journal back to a page he marked with a fold in the upper right hand corner. Paul began to read to himself, "May 24, 1998. Sam called today. He was so pissed. I have been avoiding his calls but he got through because I answered the call waiting beep. Sam said I was a total looser and better take him back or I would be alone until I die. Maybe he's right. Nobody ever wants to date me. If it weren't for Paul, I would have killed myself after Christmas last year. I feel so lonely right now. I better call Paul now, cause I'm having more stupid thoughts." Paul looked at Tom with glazed over eyes. Tom just pointed to the journal, and then turned a few more pages to another one he had folded over. Paul began reading again to himself, "July 14, 1998. It's my birthday today. Paul, Tom, and Robert took me out to this really nice restaurant and then to the show. I actually forgot about how lonely I am for a little while today. When I got home there was another message from Sam on the machine. It said, 'Happy Birthday you slut. I suppose you're out celebrating with you're looser friends. I'll bet none of them fucked you like I used to. You know you still want my big cock. You're such a looser, but I still want you. You better call me soon.' That call from Sam just ruined my day. Why couldn't he just leave me alone for once? I wish Paul were here, cause I need a shoulder to cry on right now. Why can't I find a guy like Paul? Tom is so lucky. I hope Paul, Tom, and Robert don't think I a looser too." Paul looked up at Tom and burst into tears. Tom pulled him in close and held him until he calmed down a bit, then spoke softly. "That's not the worst of it babe." Tom once again turned the pages to another entry he had marked and Paul began to read. "Valentines Day, 1999. When I got home from church today I found a box at my door. At first I was excited because it appeared to be a box that would have roses in it. I figured it was from Paul and Tom, since they went away this weekend, and there was no card attached to it. When I opened it I almost got sick. There were twelve black withered roses and a note from Sam, which read, 'This is your life without me you looser. See what all your whoring around has gotten you. You'll never find anyone, who wants your ugly ass except me, because you are shit to everyone. You better wise up and take me back, because no one wants a worthless piece of garbage like you.' God, I feel so miserable right now. I can't even call Paul, since he's not home. I couldn't tell him about this anyway. It's to embarrassing. Maybe I should take Sam back. I don't know how much longer I can stand being alone every night. Paul, I wish you were here, because I need my best friend so bad right now." Paul was sobbing as he spoke. "I remember when we got back from that weekend. Don couldn't even look at me for almost a week. No matter what I said or did to try to get him to talk would work that week. Don was so depressed then. Tom, why wouldn't he tell us about this?" Tom replied softly, "He was to worried about what we might think. Would you have told anyone if you got dead black roses on Valentines Day?" Paul was crying too hard to even answer Tom's question. Tom waited a few minutes then, once again spoke softly, "Paul, there's one more entry you need to read babe. You know I don't believe in God, or miracles, or any of that stuff. But after reading this, I think that maybe I'm wrong. Jason has to be a miracle. He is here for a reason." Tom turned the pages to the last entry in the journal, which was marked with an envelope sticking up. Paul began to read. "July 9, 1999. Sam called again today. He's called every day this week leaving nasty messages. Sam says I'm nothing but a slut, whore, and a looser. He said I'm ugly and if I don't go back with him I'll be alone the rest of my life. I can't take anymore of this. I should tell Paul about these calls, but I just can't. Paul worries too much about me already. I am of no use to anyone anymore. I'm going to go to the picnic with Paul tomorrow. That will be a good way to say good-bye to him, Tom, and Robert. I hope these pills I got will work. It's the only way I can think of doing this." Paul turned and looked at Tom, with his mouth wide open and a shocked expression covering his face. Tom opened the envelope, pulled out a small piece of paper, and began with a quivering voice to read it to Paul. "Paul, I know you will find this book eventually. I hope after you read it you will understand why I had to do this. Please take care of Brandon for me, and try to explain things to my family. I just can't handle being so alone anymore, and I'm nothing but a burden to you and Tom, because I'm always disrupting your lives. I thought school and work would be enough to get me through this part of my life, but it isn't. I can't go back with Sam, but I think, maybe he's right about me. Nobody seems interested in dating me, and I'm so messed up that I'd probably scare away anyone that was. So I think it's best if I leave you all. Tell Tom and Robert I love them. Most of all I love you. You've been my knight in shining armor for so long, but I need to let you have your own life now with Tom. I hope you can forgive me. I love you. Don." Paul and Tom held each other as they both tried to control their tears. Paul sobbed, "I knew things had been bad with Don, but I didn't think they would ever come to this. Don was in such a chipper mood Saturday morning. I thought things were ok with him." Tom replied his voice still quivering, "Paul, that's how it is. Remember when we watched 20/20 and they said people who were going to commit suicide often are in a good mood right before they do it. It's because they have finally made a firm decision to do it, and the relief from that decision is expressed in a good mood." Paul continued sobbing, "I remember that now. Thank God Jason was at that picnic!" Tom replied, his voice steadying, "Like I said earlier, Jason is a miracle. I might actually have to set foot in a church again after this." Paul giggled a bit at Toms statement, then spoke softly, "Tom, we have to let Jason know what's going on. Not about the suicide thing, that's got to be Don's decision, but about Sam possibly showing up here Friday." Tom replied, "I know babe. But I don't want to ruin their fun in D.C. What should we do." Paul thought for a moment as his resolve returned to him, then spoke, his voice growing strong. "I will call and leave a message at the bed and breakfast for Jason to call me right away. Hopefully, Jason will get the message and not Don. Jason and I have already talked about Sam a few times, so he knows what this guy is sort of like. I don't think he will think any less of Don or react negatively towards Don. Jason needs to be prepared though for what might happen when they return on Friday." Tom nodded in agreement, then picked up the journal, and walked toward the bedroom to return it to where he had found it. Paul went to the kitchen and gathered up the container with Brandon's dog food and a bag of dog treats and put them into a large plastic bag. As Paul walked back into the living room the phone began to ring. Paul put down the bag and answered the phone, "Don and Brandon's place." The voice at the other end began, "Who the fuck are you? Where's Don? You better put him on this phone now!!" Paul recognized Samuel's voice from the previous messages as he replied, "Sam, it's none of your fucking business where Don is, or whom this is. Why don't you just leave Don alone." Sam began screaming, "Fuck you asshole! I want to talk to Don, NOW, you prick! You better get his ass on the phone or you're gonna regret it!" Paul replied angrily, "Don's not here Sam, and even if he was, I wouldn't let you speak with him." Sam continued screaming, "Who are you? One of his slut friends. You better not be touchin' my property. Don's ass belongs to me fuck head." Paul answered, screaming, as Tom entered the living room. "Don's not your property, so fuck off asshole. He's not here, so he can't talk to you." Sam continued screaming, "I don't believe you, fuck face! Now, put him on the phone you whore!" Tom grabbed the phone from Paul and began yelling, "Listen you piece of New York slime. My boyfriend just told you Don's not here! Now Sam, unless you want me to kick your fat, ugly, useless ass, I suggest you shut the fuck up and leave Don alone. Your worthless ass has BEEN REPLACED!!!" Sam continued bellowing, "Fuck you. Nobody's replacing my ass. Don belongs to me, so you better tell him I'll be there Friday at 5pm, and if he knows what's good for him, Don better be waiting for me too. Later whore!" The phone went click and there was silence. Tom turned to Paul and emphatically said, "THIS IS FUCKING WAR!! CALL JASON NOW!!!" Paul dug in his pocket for the paper with the bed and breakfast's number on it. When he retrieved it, he opened it, took the phone from Tom's shaking hand, and dialed in the number. A voice began softly, "Lewis house bed and breakfast. Sorry we aren't in right now, but leave a message and we will call you back." After the beep Paul began, his voice shaking, "Jason, this is Paul. Babe we need you to call us at home immediately. Don's in some trouble and we need to talk to you. Please call right away, and Jason, don't under any circumstance tell Don I called. But please hurry, Tom and I need your help." Paul hung up the phone as he spoke to Tom, "I hope he gets that and doesn't totally freak out." Tom replied, "Have faith Paul, remember, Jason's in Don's life for a reason." Jason---A Love Story Chapter 7. Part 3. Back in D.C... I slipped the plastic bag I was carrying into a pocket on my pants (thank goodness for cargo style clothing) and Jason did the same. I reached for Jason's hand and we began walking back down Connecticut Avenue. We reached the circle and made our path over to P Street. Jason and I bantered back and forth about the variety of shops and buildings crammed onto this little boulevard. We found the Fireside Bar and stepped inside. Jason and I took a seat at one of the high top tables along the wall. I looked around the bar, which was filled with a variety of people. Some were in business suits, others in jogging pants, and the rest were in every imaginable attire in-between. There were a few drag queens in attendance and I began to chuckle. Jason asked, "What ya giggling about over there?" I replied happily, "Just the drag queens babe. They look so much better here than back home. These ladies know how to dress compared to back home, where the drag queens I've seen let it all hang out, or wear god awful outfits." Jason laughed, "You're right babe. These girls here have an air of class to them." I nodded in reply. I noticed several television screens around the bar, when suddenly they all lit up at once and began playing music videos. Jason commented loudly to overcome the volume of the music. "Happy hour must have just ended. Now the real fun will begin." I laughed, barely able to hear Jason's voice. Jason stood up from his seat and walked the few steps over to me and spoke directly into my ear. "Let's go upstairs. The music won't be so loud and we can at least hear each other up there." I nodded in agreement and we walked hand in hand to the back of the bar where the stairway was located. I noticed a few heads turning as we passed the patrons by, and thought to myself, "Sorry boy's, he's with me." I smiled brightly as Jason and I climbed the stairs holding hands. Jason was correct. The second floor was much quieter than the first. We found a table and as I sat down Jason asked, "What ya want to drink Don?" I replied, "A rum and coke would be fine babe." Jason smiled, turned, and walked to the bar. I smiled as I watched his cute ass. Jason suddenly turned around and caught me checking him out. He smiled and blew me a kiss while waiting for the cocktails. When Jason returned, he set my drink in front of me, and then whispered in my ear. "I saw you checkin' my butt out. Don, you're so cute when you do that. Makes me feel like a million bucks." Jason then leaned in and kissed me. I pulled him between my legs as I sat on the edge of the chair, and returned the kiss passionately. I could feel Jason beginning to sprout an erection, which in turn caused my dick to come to attention. I didn't care that we were in a semi-public place. I needed to kiss my boyfriend, right then and there. After a couple of minutes of tongue dueling, someone yelled over to us, "get a room." Jason and I both giggled while simultaneously flipping the person off. We finally broke our kiss and Jason pulled his chair up next to mine, sat down, and we began sipping on our drinks. After a few minutes I asked Jason, "So what did you buy at the store babe." Jason snickered, "Just a little surprise for later babe." I replied, laughing, "In other words, don't ask, Don." Jason giggled as he shook his head yes. We finished our first cocktail and Jason went to get them refilled while I went into the bathroom. When I returned Jason was back at the table, but had slipped on a different shirt, and his back was facing me. I walked around Jason to sit down and there on the seat of the chair was the plastic bag he had been holding earlier. I picked it up and noticed there was something soft in it. Then I glanced at Jason, who was now wearing a tight fitting white T-shirt, which complimented his beautiful chest and arms. Then I noticed the words written on the shirt. The words said, "I'm with Don," and were surrounded by the outline of a big heart. I leaned into Jason, gave him a kiss, and then whispered to him, "You are so sweet. I love you." Jason gave me another kiss and then said, "Look in the bag my prince." I opened the bag, reached in, and pulled out a white T-shirt. I unfolded it, and on it was written, in the same pattern; "I'm with Jason." Jason stated, "Come here Don." I stepped in front of Jason, as he began to lift the shirt I was wearing up, then took it completely off of me. I just stared into his beautiful eyes, while Jason took the new shirt from my hands and put it on me, slowly gliding his hands down my chest along with the cotton material. I leaned forward and once again kissed him passionately. Jason then said, "Now no one can make the mistake of thinking we're not together. I love you Don." I leaned in and gave Jason another deep kiss. After we finished our second cocktail, Jason went to the bathroom and I pulled out the bag from my pocket. I quickly took out the little gift wrapped box and set it on Jason's chair, and then put the bag, with the dog collar still in it, back into my pocket. Jason soon returned from the bathroom, and I pretended to be staring off into space. As Jason came closer to the table, I noticed his gaze lowering to the box on the chair. Jason came around and stood next to me and asked, "Who's the little box for Don?" I giggled, "Some gorgeous guy named Jason, I think." Jason continued, "I guess that must be me. I thought you were shopping for Brandon you sneaky devil." Jason picked up the box and looked at it a moment before loosening the ribbon. I just sat back and watched his facial expressions. Jason smiled brightly as he carefully removed the lavender paper and placed it next to the ribbon on the table. Jason looked at me as if waiting for my approval to lift the lid on the black box. I spoke softly, "Go ahead my love. Open it up." Jason eyes grew wide as he raised the top off the box and placed it beside the wrappings. He slowly lifted the gold chain from the box and it began to glisten in the tracked light shining down from the ceiling of the bar. When Jason finally removed the entire chain he placed the box with the other wrappings on the table. As Jason held the chain, the weight of the heart charm caused it to swirl in the light and bits of light began to reflect off it into his eyes and the surrounding environment. Jason brought the palm of his left hand up and stopped the heart and chain from twirling. Jason then looked closely at the heart and read the inscription aloud. "Jason," he smiled and then turned it over continuing, "I love you, forever, Don." Jason had tears rolling down his cheeks as he asked, "Don, will you help me put it on? My hands are too unsteady to do it myself right now." I smiled and took the chain from Jason's hand, then stepped behind him, unclasped the little lock, and placed the chain around Jason's neck. It was a perfect fit and I fastened the clasp back together. I took Jason's hand and looked deep into his eyes as I said, "I will love you forever Jason. You have given me back my life and brought love into it once again." Jason hugged me tightly as he spoke into my ear, sobbing, "I love you too Don. That's the nicest gift I've ever received. I will cherish it, and you, always." As we separated from the hug, several people in the bar started clapping. I guessed Jason and I were talking a little louder than either of us had realized. An older gay couple at the next table had tears running down their faces as they smiled at Jason and I. Soon the bartender came over with two more cocktails and informed us that they were on the house. Jason and I thanked him heartily and sipped on the drinks while just smiling and looking into each other's eyes. After several minutes passed Jason spoke once again. "Don, let's go to the other club for a little while. I think you'll like it. It's a unique little place." I was still lost in Jason's eyes, and unable to speak, so I just nodded my head in agreement. Jason stood, reached for my hand, pulled me gently from my chair, led me down the steps, through the bar, and brought me out into the warm July night. Jason and I slowly walked a few hundred feet to the other bar. When we entered the club I noticed quite a different crowd than what was in attendance at the Fireside. Most of the patrons were under twenty-five years of age. I could hear dance music similar to that of the Wave resounding throughout the bar. Several young men were eyeing Jason and I as we walked to an empty table. I suppose they were reading our T-shirts as we walked past them. A cute young waiter came up and said, "Hi Don and Jason. What can I get you to drink tonight?" Jason and I chuckled as Jason answered, "I'll have a screwdriver and Don will have a rum and coke." I smiled and leaned my head against Jason's shoulder as the waiter left us and worked his way over to the bartender. Jason asked, "Don, are you alright? You're being awfully quite all of a sudden." I looked up into Jason's eyes and softly said, "I'm fine babe. I'm just in love. So in love with you." My voice trailed off as I finished speaking. You've saved my life babe." Jason turned, looked at me inquisitively, kissed me and then whispered in my ear, "I love you too my prince. I'm going to make love to you all night long tonight, just in case you were wondering." I smiled at Jason, then kissed him until the waiter came back with our drinks. We sipped on our cocktails for a few minutes, then Jason took my hand in his, and led me through the bar to a flight of stairs. Jason directed me up the steps to a secluded little outdoor patio. There were no other people on the patio, since it was still quite warm outside. The music from down below could be heard clearly and the DJ began to play "Written in the Stars" sung by Elton John and LeAnn Rimes. Jason looked into my eyes as he asked, "Dance with me Don?" I pulled Jason close and we began dancing on the patio. The song ended after a few minutes, but Jason and I continued to slow dance across the wood planked floor. I looked into Jason's eyes once again and said hypnotically, "Jason, I want to make love with you now. Please take me home babe." Jason replied, "Your wish is my command, sweet prince." We left the secluded little patio, exited the bar, hailed a taxi, and within five minutes arrived at the front door of the bed and breakfast. As we entered the dark house I noticed a blinking light coming from the dining area. Jason switched on the lights and I said, "Jason, the light on the phone is blinking. Who would be calling us here?" Jason responded, "Maybe it's the owners, checking to see if we got here ok." I continued, "Why don't you see who it is while I use the bathroom." Jason went to the phone as I climbed the steps to the third floor bathroom. Jason picked up the phone and dialed in the access code the owners had given him. The voice mail recording said, "You have one call at 8:35pm, Monday. Paul's voice began, "Jason, this is Paul. Babe we need you to call us at home immediately. Don's in some trouble and we need to talk to you. Please call right away, and Jason, don't under any circumstance tell Don I called. But please hurry, Tom and I need your help." As Jason hung up the phone he had tears in his eyes. He thought to himself, "What kind of trouble can Don be in. God, I hope it's not his mom." Jason heard me coming down the steps again as he wiped the tears from his eyes. I asked, "Jason honey, is everything ok. Who called?" Jason replied, "Everything's ok Don. I just need to call home real quick. Why don't you go turn on the hot tub out back and grab us a couple of robes from the changing room and I'll be down in a few minutes to join you after I use the bathroom and call home." I cheerfully replied, "Ok babe, but don't be to long please. I want you bad!!" Jason giggled half-heartedly as he bounded up the steps, and I went out back to turn on the hot tub. Jason grabbed the cordless phone out of the 'porno room' and dialed Paul's number as he went into the bathroom, carefully shutting the door. Paul's voice began, "Hello." Jason spoke hastily, "Paul, its Jason. We just got in and I got your message. What's going on?" Paul replied, "Hang on one sec Jason, I want to put you on speaker phone so we can all talk together. Ok, we're all set now. Where's Don?" Jason replied with a concerned tone, "He's getting the hot tub ready. I'm in the bathroom on the third floor, so he can't hear me. Now what is going on." Paul replied, "We got a problem Jason. Don's ex, Sam, is going to be here on Friday and it's not for a social call. I know Don's told you more than me or Tom about how Sam used to treat him." Jason replied growing more concerned, "Don's said that Sam was mentally and verbally abusing him in the relationship all the time, calling him a slut and a whore because he wanted to go to the club to dance, or go out with his friends." Tom spoke up, "Jason, he's been calling Donnie frequently the last few weeks and threatening him besides the verbal name calling. I want you to hear these messages we found on Donnie's answering machine today." Jason listened quietly as Paul and Tom replayed the tape they retrieved from my answering machine. When they finished Jason had hatred in his voice. "I'm gonna kill that fucking bastard if he shows up Friday. I promised Don I would protect him and get him over the pain that asshole caused. We are finally making some progress and if Sam thinks he's gonna come waltzing in here and take Don back, he's in for the biggest surprise of his life." Paul interrupted, "Jason, there's more. We talked to Sam today. He called just as Tom and I were about to leave Don's place. Sam is a lunatic. You should have heard him threatening and screaming at us. He cannot be reasoned with at all. We need to plan carefully how we're going to handle this." Jason replied in a rage, "I'll fucking handle this. Sam's as good as dead when I see him." Paul once more interrupted, his voice quivering. "No Jason, we ALL are going to handle this problem. We almost lost Don because of this." Jason now interrupted, "What do you mean we almost lost Don?" Paul responded, crying, "Shit, I wasn't supposed to say that." Tom began speaking, "Jason, I found Donnie's journal. Sam has been harassing him for well over a year now, leaving messages, sending dead flowers, and doing various other sick things to try to break his self-esteem and get him back. Donnie has it all documented in his journal with dates. Donnie's reactions to the harassment are in the journal too. All I will say is the last entry scared the shit out of us. You saved his life Jason. The rest you have to ask Donnie about." Jason replied sobbing, "Don told me earlier tonight that I saved his life. I didn't think he meant in that way." Tom continued speaking while Jason could here Paul crying in the background. "Jason, Paul is taking this real hard. He hasn't stopped crying for more than five minutes since we left Don's. I'm going to call our attorney tomorrow and see what we can do legally to stop this. We need you to let Donnie know about Friday. Paul and I just stumbled onto all this when we went to get supplies for Brandon today. We didn't know any of this was going on. We have to plan carefully. This Sam is a total freak case." Jason spoke, full of emotion with tears running down his cheeks. "Tom, I will talk to Don tonight. We will both call you tomorrow afternoon. Paul babe, don't worry. I said I would protect Don and I meant it. I love him more than anything else in this world. This situation will not change that. Tom, you call the lawyer and see what he says. If they can't help, then I know a few people who will. This fucker, Sam, is going down one way or another. He jus met his match." Tom replied, "Thanks Jason. We knew you'd stand by Donnie. Please tell him we both love him. I'm sorry we had to spoil your vacation and Don's birthday, but Paul and I were afraid to wait until Friday to tell you." Jason replied, "Don't worry about Don. I will watch over him. You haven't ruined our vacation at all. This is just gonna make it more interesting. I'm glad you guys trusted me enough to tell me. I better get going now. Don's gonna wonder what happened to me. I'll talk to ya tomorrow. Wait, did you say Don's birthday?" Tom and Paul both replied, "Yes, Don's birthday is Wednesday." Tom continued, "It's just like Don, not to tell you. He's gonna be 42 years old on the fourteenth. But you better not push the 42 years part. Don is really sensitive about the age thing." Jason chuckled, "I already know that. So, Wednesday is the day. Well, I better get going guys. I have planning to do, along with this other situation." Tom and Paul both spoke, "Bye Jason, and thanks for saving our friend." Jason clicked off the phone as he thought to himself, "My poor sweet prince. How much pain have you had to deal with? I will help and protect you, that is for sure. So Don, you're gonna have a birthday and tried to get by without me knowing it. I have lots to think about." Jason exited the bathroom and took the phone back to the 'porno room' while thinking about what he should do. "I think I'll grab a bag of this weed and a bong. I think we're gonna need this before the night is through." Jason pulled the cotton jock strap he bought earlier out of his pocket and left it in the room. Jason slowly descended the steps to the first floor, as he tried to regain a happier composure. He then made his way through the kitchen and walked out the back door. I was sitting in the hot tub and immediately noticed the changed expression on Jason's face. I asked, "What's wrong babe?" Jason replied, "Don my love, we need to talk for a few minutes." I questioned again, "Jason, what is wrong?" Jason answered trying to hold back his tears. "Don, Paul and Tom called. There's a problem." I interrupted, "Is Brandon ok? Tell me nothing's happened to my baby." Jason spoke, "Brandon is fine Don. Now listen to me for a minute. I made you a promise that I would protect you and help you get over the pain your ex caused. Do you trust me enough Don to believe I will keep that promise to you?" I replied, scared, "I trust you with my life Jason and I believe everything you have told me. Now what is going on at home?" Jason began removing his clothes while he spoke. "Paul and Tom went to your apartment today to get some supplies for Brandon. While they were there Paul checked your answering machine. There were two messages from Sam on the machine. Don, these weren't nice messages. Tom just finished playing them for me. Sam was threatening you, besides the verbal harassment." I suddenly started to feel cold and tears were welling up in my eyes. Jason stepped into the hot tub and sat next to me. He put his arm around my shoulder and pulled me against him. Jason kissed me for a moment and then continued talking. "Don, Sam also called today, while Paul and Tom were at the apartment. They said Sam was threatening them and acting like a lunatic." I began sobbing uncontrollably. Jason held me tight as he spoke softly. "Don, Paul and Tom love you so very much, that's why they called me. Sam told them he is coming to see you on Friday." I screamed, "NO!!!" Jason caressed my head as he continued, "I love you Don, and Sam isn't going to hurt you anymore. Now here's what we are going to do. Tom is going to call his lawyer tomorrow to see what we can legally do to stop this harassment. We will call Tom tomorrow afternoon, after we return from the museums, to see what his lawyer says. I am sure they will want you to press charges against Sam. Do you think you could do that if I'm there to help you?" I continued crying as I shook my head up and down giving Jason the answer he wanted to see. Jason continued softly, I know this hurts Don, but we need to finish talking it through. Paul and Tom are very worried about you. Tom found your journal and told me about all the things Sam has been doing to you. You were smart to keep that journal Don. That's all written evidence against Sam. Now remember what we promised each other before we came here?" I spoke softly, "Yes, Jason, we promised we would be honest with each other." Jason began to caress my chest as he continued speaking softly, "Tom said the last entry you made in your journal scared the shit out of him and Paul. Paul has been crying all evening and Tom told me I saved your life. Earlier tonight you said the same thing to me. Will you tell me what that is all about? I nodded my head up and down to answer Jason. I took a few moments to get my thoughts back together. I thought to myself "You have to trust Jason. You promised to be honest with him. Will I lose him when I tell him all this? Please, God, don't let him leave because of this." Jason pulled me close against him once more and whispered in my ear, "I love you Don. You don't have to be scared anymore." Jason's words gave me the strength I needed. I began, still sobbing, "Jason, I love you so much, and you did save my life, literally. Sam has been calling on and off over the last two years. At first he was nice on the phone, because he didn't think I was serious about splitting up. As time went on though, he started getting impatient with me, and began the name calling again. That is when I stopped answering his calls and letting the machine get them. Once in a while I would answer by mistake or because of the call-waiting feature. When I would talk directly to Sam, I would tell him to quit calling because we weren't getting back together. He would just ignore me and continue to call. I started writing about it in my journal because he would upset me so much that I would cry for hours. The worst part is that I began to believe the things he would say about me, since I could never seem to find anyone decent to date. I just couldn't tell Paul about those calls because I was so embarrassed." I began to cry again. Jason interjected, "I understand Don, and so do Paul and Tom. Tom and Paul both said to make sure I tell you that they love you very much. That thought gave me the strength to continue telling Jason this hellish story. I began again, not able to even look in Jason's eyes, my voice still quivering. "The last month had been the worst of all. Sam would call every day, sometimes twice a day. He had me to the point of believing what he said about me as being the truth. The only thing I was sure of was that I did not want to go back with him. I kept writing about his calls in my journal, and I saved the tapes of his calls too. I guess Tom didn't find the tapes. Jason, those tapes are really bad. Sam was so mean and nasty on them. He started to threaten me too. Sam would claim he was going to make my life hell. I began to worry that he would call the school and work. Sam had done that once before, when I had gone to see my parents in Florida, because he thought I was lying about the vacation. It caused me a great deal of problems at work and school. I just couldn't handle that again." I began crying hard again and Jason pulled me close and kissed my head again trying to comfort me. I continued again, speaking between the tears. "So I made a decision to kill myself. I got some strong pain pills from the doctor when I had surgery earlier in the year. I had about fifteen pills left that I never used. I figured that many would be enough, since these pills tend to make me sleepy and they slow a person's hear rate down, so if I took all of them, my heart would just stop while I was sleeping. I decided I would take them Saturday night, after the picnic, because I wanted to spend my last day with Paul, Tom, and Robert. I was actually in a good mood that day, I guess because the weight of my problems was gone, due to my decision to die. I had the pills with me at the picnic too. Then I met you. You were so nice to me. After we talked about Sam a little that day, I decided not to go through with my plans. Remember when Tom and I went to the bathroom and you were talking to Paul?" Jason answered softly, "Yes." I continued, sobbing, "While Tom wasn't looking, I threw those pills in the trash. I figured if I had a chance with you, then I needed to be strong enough to fight off Sam. Jason, you did save my life that day. You gave me enough courage to want to fight on." I finally looked up at Jason's face and into his eyes. He had tears streaming down his cheeks, but I couldn't read his eyes for the first time since we met. Jason's expression caused me to begin to cry profusely as I spoke, "I love you Jason, and I'll understand if you don't want to be with me anymore." Jason quickly, but gently, pulled my face in close to his, as he softly spoke, "I'm not going anywhere Don. You and I are going to fight this together. I'm just visualizing everything you've been through. You are so much stronger than what you realize. A lesser person would have crumbled under that abuse a long time ago. I love you so much Don. I promise you Sam is never going to hurt you again." As Jason finished speaking he pulled me into a deep kiss. I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and pulled him tight against me. The strength in his arms and chest began to soothe my trembling body. Jason looked deep into my eyes as he spoke once more. "Relax now my love. Your friends are all going to help you get through this. Paul and Tom are on your side, and if I know them, by tomorrow Robert will be there too. We all love you, so now its time to relax and continue our vacation." Jason's words soothed my inner being, and I began to let his strength flow into me. We just held each other for a few minutes, enjoying the bubbling water that surrounded our bodies. After a bit, I felt a cool breeze beginning to blow throughout the patio area. I looked up into the sky and saw clouds beginning to form where the stars had once been. I looked at Jason, and he was smiling again. That made me happy and I commented lightly, "Jason, I think we're in for a storm soon, the way those clouds are rolling in. We better go inside before the rain starts." Jason replied, "That's a good idea Don. Let's go inside and get dried off. I don't want my baby catchin' a cold." I snickered, "No, I definitely don't want a cold right now. Did I see you bring a bong down here with you?" Jason giggled, "Yeah, I did. You wanna get stoned Don? I hear this is some kick ass weed." I replied, "Stoned would be good. That's not all I want to get tonight, though. I'm still waiting for Count Jason to bite my neck." Jason snickered devilishly; "Count Jason is going to be biting a lot more than your neck before this night is over. Tonight I am going to make all your fantasies come true." I replied seductively, "Ohhhhhh Jasooonnnnn!!!" This concludes chapter seven. Just a note on the theme of suicide. I decided, in part, to include it here because of different news clips and articles that I have read, while surfing the net. Suicide is not a laughing or lighthearted matter. Everyday gay and lesbian young people commit suicide because of rejection by their families, friends, and peers. Gay and lesbian people, young and old, commit suicide because they don't see themselves fitting in with the rest of society. They also commit suicide when rejected by other homosexual people, because their look doesn't fit our present, body builder/physical beauty, mentality. It is not my intention to preach to anyone, but please think before you ignore the shy wallflower at the bar. He or she could be the best friend or lover you might ever meet. Those of you with Greek God bodies, please stop and say hello to the 98lb weakling. Maybe all he or she needs is some encouragement to start working out, and you'll make a great new friend and have the pleasure of helping someone enhance his or her life. Oh, and Mr. 98lb weakling with the 4.0 grade point average, you need to go say "hey" to the Greek God too. He may be just as lonely as you; and contrary to popular myth, most muscle bound studs are NOT stupid. Finally, those of you who are blessed with Brad Pitt's looks, go up to those of us who aren't that blessed and say "hi." Believe me, it makes our day! This is something the "real Jason" does all the time, and take it from me, it does make my day! Ok, so I preached. Guess I'll have to let ya send me a nasty email. Bottom line, my dear readers, is that we ALL know someone who has contemplated suicide. He or she may not have told us face to face. Most never go past contemplating, but unfortunately several do. You or I taking the time to say "hello" to someone may well be the deciding factor, for him or her, against carrying out the act. One simple word can and will make a difference. As always, thanks for reading. Chapter 8 will be out in a week or so, and the boys are gonna have some serious fun. Send me your thoughts and comments to donnrs2000@mindspring.com. Peace y'all.