Date: Sun, 18 May 2003 18:58:14 -0700 (PDT) From: Dark Writer <dark_writer2003@yahoo.com> Subject: The Journal of the Undead The Journal of the Undead By: Dark Writer. Copyright 2003 Disclaimer: All Characters and situations of this story are fictional. Any similarities to actual living people and actual situatons is purely coincidental. All fictional characters and fictional situations portrayed in this work of fiction remains the property of Dark Writer. Permission granted to Nifty Archives for the sole purpose of posting on the Boy Bands section of the Archives. Permission may be obtained by e-mailing Dark Writer at dark_writer2003@yahoo.com Comments are welcome too. Constructive Comments and advice are welcome. Honest opinions are welcome as well. And if you want to vent all over me as long it is good natured than feel free too do that to. e-mail me at dark_writer2003@yahoo.com Journal of the Undead Prologue: 1897: Lightning streaked across the southern sky. Thunder rumbled across the Kentucky hills feeling the night air with an eerie feeling. A larger than life oak tree hides the view to the stormy skyline as lightning crashes through the night again. A horrible laugh feels the night air and the scream of a doomed soul fills the air too. The figure of the Ancient one stands up and allows the dead corpse fall to the ground with a hallow sound. He turns and grins at a man who is stripped naked and restrained to a door. Huge iron bands wrap around his well muscled torso and bolt to the wood. The restrained man glares up at the Ancient one with hatred and disgust. The Ancient one lowers himself on the man and presses his lips to his. Than he raises up and laughs a horrible laugh. "Did you really think that you could defeat me?" the Ancient asked as he loomed over me. " I have been ruling the dark world for over three hundred years! I am the oldest of all the Vampires! How dare you try to destroy me." "I will destroy you Ancient one!" the condemned one hissed. "You may be able to trap me here in this realm but I will escape. And when I do I will hunt you down and destroy you!" "Yes I am sure you will!" he laughs as he motions to four young men. "Lower him into the grave!" The four young men pick up the door and lower the man into the newly dug grave. "Place the body in with him! And than cover the grave up." Chapter One: Some Time in 1997 I raised up from him and licked my lips and relished the taste of young blood on my tongue. I felt his body twitch one last time as he finished his orgasm and I listened with lust and desire as he whimpered one last time as I drew my cock out of him. Yes I am a Vampire. A gay vampire at that. I feed on young good looking men. If they are evil than they meet their fate. If they are innocent I love them. They usually figure out who and what I am after a few dates and usually offer their blood to me. I find the taste of innocent blood to be the best. I looked down at the sleeping youth. His wet blonde hair graced his forehead, wet from the sweat of lovemaking. Yes Vampires do make love. I know it is hard to believe that but we do love. I eased out of bed to get up. "Don't leave me," pleaded the blonde young man laying in my bed. The red silk sheets surrounding his tanned body made a beautiful picture indeed. "Please stay?" he pleaded weakly. I sighed as I lowered myself onto the soft confines of the bed and wrapped my arms around him. He snuggled closer to me and tilted his head back as if beckoning me to drink of his life essence. I had just a few minutes ago drank my fill of his life essence and was touched that he would offer it to me again. I realized at that point that he loved me. I knew that I could not return the feelings. "Don't you want me?" he asked looking at me with hurt in his eyes. I bent down and kissed his lips fully. I loved the way his young body pressed up against mine. His rock hard cock throbbed against mine. I smiled softly down at him as I took his shaft in my hand and begin to gently stroke him off. Soon he was in the throes of lust and in my control. "Please take me?" "Not now my pet," I said smiling foundly down at him. "You need to recover from our last lovemaking session." I chuckled softly at his pout on his face. But what he didn't know was that I was over 250 years old. And I seduced many a young man and I was amune to his wiles. "Rest my pet." "Please turn me?" he pleaded again. I sighed heavily and kissed his exposed neck. I felt of shiver of desire rage through his young body. I was so tempted to peirce his flesh and drink of his young blood. "I want to be like you." "You don't understand what you will be giving up love," I whispered to him. "I don't want this kind of life for you." "But don't you see I want it," he pleaded with me again. His blue eyes bore into my very soul that I shuddered from the pure honesty and emotion raging through his eyes. "I want to live forever at your side!" "I am destined for another," I replied sadly. "But if you really want to be turned--," "Oh I do," he said eagerly. I called out mentally. "He is ready for you cousin." The door opened and he walked in. I saw the young man take a sudden breath in. "He is beautiful isn't he?" I asked the youth. "He is yours if you want him. He can turn you and he will take care of you." He looked into my eyes and I saw a mixture of love and confusion. "I told you that I cannot love you like you love me. For I am destined for another. My cousin loves you dearly and needs a mate. Will you take him?" "But I'm afraid," the youth said looking up at me. "I don't want to leave you." "You will never leave me," I soothed him. "For you see you will always be a part of me. And I will be a part of you. Do you trust me?" He nodded. I nodded as I slid from the bed and slid on my black silk robe. I nodded to my cousin and he lowered himself onto the youth. I left the room just as I heard the youth whimper in pain as my cousin sank his teeth into him. He was now my cousin's mate. I was again alone. I walked out onto the balcony that overlooked my estate. The fresh fall wind caressed my body until I shivered with delight. I let my robe fall opened and exposed my nakedness to the world. It was past mid night and I was safe from prying eyes. I guess I should explain myself to you. I choose not to use my given name, for once a very long time ago the very sound of my name brought terror into the hearts of many evil men. I was happy and loved a long time ago. I loved a man when it was not accepted and I had paid the price for doing so. But shortly before I drew my last breath I was given a gift. At least that is what he told me. He was the Ancient one. He was the oldest of the Undead and he made me one of his minions. I did his bidding for many years before finally breaking free. I was now the head of my own clan. We were white Vampires. Dedicated to ridding the world of black vampires who killed without mercy and preyed on the innocent. For over 250 years I roamed the earth tracking the ancient one. We had clashed many times and once he managed to put me in a grave where I languished for over a hundred years. I finally was freed and I vowed to defeat him. That brings me to present day. I glanced over my shoulder and saw the youth cradled into the protective embrace of his new mate. I saw him shivering and whimpering softly. I knew that the transformation had taken place. I walked back into the room and took my cousin's chin and pulled his head so that his eyes were looking into mine. I bared my teeth at him and hissed. I saw the fear in his eyes. "Don't hurt him!" I said softly. "He is innocent and keep him that way." My cousin to his credit hissed back at me and clung to the trembling youth possessively. I noticed the pink growing in the east and drew close the curtains and stretched out on my bed and closed my eyes. I was dimly aware of my cousin leaving with his mate. Tomorrow was upon us. And I had to sleep during the day. These are the Journals of a member of an elite class of beings. Beings known as the "Undead, Vampires and Blood suckers." April of 2003 in Washington State. I rested out side his window and looked at him sleeping soundly with his lover. I shivered with desire and lust as I watched him waking from his slumber. I had been hunting all night long and had heard the cries of lovemaking. I followed the cries of pleasure and had found my mate. But alas he was already mated. With a very attractive mortal. But I could change that I wanted too. I saw the pink again in the east and this time I did not run from it. I relished in the sight of it. For a lot has changed in the last six years. For we can now walk among the mortals and pass ourselves off as them. I heard a moan and glanced back and saw his cute shaggy head lift from his pillow. Our eyes met even though he couldn't see me. I shivered again at the innocence in them. Ben Atke the object of my desire was awake. I transported myself back to my home and retired for the day. >From Ben Atke's point of view The Alarm clock blared it's annoying sound and I growled at it and turned it off. I glanced out the window and watched the sunrise up over the mountain. Sighing I grabbed my silk boxers and slid them on and padded out of the room and headed out of the bedroom. I slid into the shower and turned on the cold water first. I shivered with delight as the ice cold water woke me up fully. Quickly washing my body I stepped back out and dried off and slid on my boxers. I quickly walked out of the bathroom and padded back into the bedroom and picked out my clothes for the day. I heard a grunt and glanced over at the bed. The almost white blonde hair of my lover peaked out from under the covers. That would be Trey, my lover. He was just 21 and much younger than I was. I loved him so much. The sex was really great. He was a top and I was the bottom. I loved being a bottom. I loved being held and cared for and protected. Trey did that for me. Even though I was over five years older than he was. I walked over to him and kissed him lightly on the top of the head. "Don't want to get up yet," he grumbled sleepily. "It is a Saturday!" "But sweetie," I cooed in his ear. "You promised me you would take me to breakfast!" "I got your breakfast right here!" Trey giggled as he popped out from the rest of the blankets. He tossed the blankets away. Trey was horny again. I looked longingly at him. I wanted him in me so bad. He giggled again and pointed at my crotch. I glanced down and sighed. I was hard as a rock. He always did that to me. "Meanie!" I grumbled with a pout. "You know I don't have time for that." Trey snickered as he slid out of bed and walked over to me and took my hand and guided it to his cock. I whimpered softly as my fingers wrapped around the pulsing member. Already I felt my knees getting weaker and soon I found myself kneeling at his feet and sliding his cock into my mouth. The minute the head touched my tongue I knew I was sunk. I groaned softly as I slid my lips around my lovers cock. Trey let out a moan and his fingers found my hair and gently massaged it as I continued to give my lover pleasure. Soon I was rewarded with what I wanted. His hot young tart cum slammed into the back of my throat. I whimpered again as I swallowed everything he had to offer. I clung to his twitching body as the throes of orgasm overtook my lover. Finally he pulled out of my mouth letting me lick him gently to clean him up. "Now can we have breakfast?" I asked looking up at him giving him my puppy dog eyes knowing full well he couldn't resist it. "Yes Ben," Trey said softly. "We can go eat breakfast." I stood up and pressed my body to his and kissed him fully on the lips. "Now let me go so I can get all pretty for you." I giggled as I kissed him on the nose. I watched as his very tight and trim body walked away from me. I followed him out of the bedroom and smiled as he turned and waggled his eyebrows at me. "Sure you don't want to join me in the shower?" I sighed again. There just wasn't enough time in the day. His invitation was so tempting. But no we didn't have time. I kissed him again and stroked him until he was rock hard again. I giggled my naughty giggle as I walked away. I heard him whimper in sexual frustration. I trotted down stairs and walked into the kitchen just as the phone rang. I picked it up. "Ben Atke here!" I said cheerfully. "Good morning energy boy!" Sara exclaimed. "Guess what?" "What?" I asked grinning widely now. I loved it when Sara called. She always made my day even better. "A music star is coming to your debut!" she shouted into the phone. I held the phone away from my ear and cringed. "Wanna know who?" she asked. I could almost see her hoping from foot to foot. "Ok girlfriend tell me who," I sighed as I reached into the refrigerator and retrieved a bottle of water. "Kevin Richardson!" she squealed. "You know that one you have a huge crush on!" I sighed and rolled my eyes. Sara was nice and was always looking for boyfriends for me. She didn't like Trey and well I couldn't really blame her. He had hurt me a few months ago by cheating on me. Well Sara actually took it worse than I did. Ever since then she had made it her mission to find me a boyfriend that would be faithful to me. "Don't roll your eyes at me!" she scolded. "You need a boyfriend who will love you and not cheat on you." "I have a boyfriend!" I persisted. "Now tell me about Kevin." "He wants a private showing," she giggled. "A private showing?" I yelped. "Why does he want a private showing?" "He is a celebrity silly. He wants to be able to look over your work without being bothered," she explained. "So can you keep your debut open a little longer this afternoon?" "For him?" I asked as my heart beat quickened. "Of course!" "Oh yea and he wants you there too," she added. "Why does he want me there?" I asked. I was suddenly suspicious. I had a feeling that the great matchmaker Sara was up to her tricks again. "You aren't up to your old tricks again are you?" "As your agent and manager it is my duty to look out for your best interest," she said and I could just see her patented innocent look she always wore whenever she was caught doing something that was naughty. "Ok, One, I don't pay you anything. Want to know why?" I waited for an answer but as usual I didn't receive one. "I'm a starving artist that is why. Two, it was your idea that I needed an agent and manager," I informed her in a scolding voice. "Three I love you for wanting to help. Now what time is Kevin coming over?" "He said that he finishes a photo shoot about six. He'll be at the gallery shortly after that," she replied sweetly. "After six?" I yelped. "But I have a date!" I was dying to go out with Trey. It was our Saturday night. Those were precious to us. We always went out to a really nice dinner and than we would come home and curl up on the huge comfy sofa and watch movies and than end up in bed making love all night long. I was not happy about having to postpone my date with my sweetie. "Sara," I whined. "I want to be with Trey tonight." "Sweetie?" asked the voice of angels. I turned and saw Trey walk in. He looked so good. His blonde hair was all spiked up and his diamond studs were in his ear and his sterling silver chain that I had gotten him was gracing his very tanned neck. "Who is that?" "Sara," I said softly. "She called to tell me that a celebrity wants a private showing for tonight." "Well than what is the problem?" Trey asked as he kissed the back of my neck. "It will cut into our special time," I complained and moaned at the same time. "Listen sweetie," Trey said in his very sexy voice. "You need exposure. So stay at the gallery and impress the celebrity and than we can go out on our date." "You won't mind?" I asked looking into Trey's eyes. "No Babe," Trey replied by kissing me lightly on the lips. "I don't mind at all. I love you. And if showing some celebrity around and getting him or her to buy your work will make my sexy lover famous than I'm not going to stand in your way." He kissed me again and walked out of the town house to warm the car up. "Hello?" demanded Sara. "I'm still here on the phone!" "Ooops sorry!" I giggled as I glanced out the door. Trey was making faces at me. I giggled again. "Ok so I can do this thing." "Good," Sara exclaimed. "Now make sure you dress really nice. Don't go to the debut in your work clothes!" "Sara!" I exclaimed. "I'm not going to the gallery in my work clothes." "What are you wearing?" she demanded. I sighed and rolled my eyes again. "Hey!" she scolded me. "Don't roll your eyes at me. You have to incredibly sexy for Kevin. Now tell me what are you wearing?" "I'm wearing my black suit with red shirt and red silk tie," I replied. Trey had picked it out. He said he wanted to be able to drool all over me all day long. "Good," Sara said in an approving voice. "That should get his juices flowing." "Sara--," I started. "I know I know! You're not looking for lover!" Sara said in a pouty voice. "I'll see you at three this afternoon." She finally hung up the phone and left me standing there grinning. I finally shook myself out of my trance and headed out the door. >From Trey's point of view. "Listen sexy," I said into my phone. "I'm going to come over today. Ben is showing some old fart celebrity some of his paintings so we should have plenty of time to fuck." I looked up and saw Ben coming out the door. "Listen," I said quickly. "I have to go. He is coming." I quickly clicked off the phone and slid it in my pocket just as Ben opened the door. "Hey sexy you ready to get breakfast?" "Yea how about you?" he asked flashing me his usual innocent smile that used to drive me nuts with lust. I leaned over and kissed on the lips. "I'm always hungry," I said as I rubbed his crotch. "For you!" He blushed bright red and looked down. That used to drive me nuts too. Ben was always so shy. Even when I complimented him he blushed and looked down. It was cute a few months ago. Now I was tired of that too. Frankly I was tired of Ben. He was nice and very sweet and all. But I needed variety in life. And quite frankly Ben wasn't it for me. I watched him buckle himself in and roll down his window. I started my car and backed us out. Soon we were headed for Breakfast. I had to figure out a way to get out of going to the exhibit today. I was horny as hell and there was a young stud willing to take my cock up his ass all afternoon. Only problem was how was I going to get away to do that? "So where do you want to eat?" I asked hoping to keep conversation going. "Wherever you want to go," he replied with a grin. "Golden Corral?" I asked. "They have a really nice breakfast Buffet." "That sounds good," he said softly. "Just as long as we get to eat breakfast together." We continued to drive in and suddenly my phone rang. I picked up the ear piece and slipped it in. "Trey here!" I said cheerfully into the mouth piece. "Doesn't talk just listen," Jay said seductively. "I kinda figured that you would need an excuse to get away from Ben again. So I'm your boss." "Hello Mr. Wright," I said feigning disappointment. "You want me to work today?" We carried on the conversation for a few more minutes until I finally sighed heavily and clicked it off. "So you have to work today?" Ben asked his voice heavy with disappointment. I didn't dare look at him or I would cave. Right about now he was giving me that cute adorable puppy dog eyes look. That look still drove me crazy. Hell it drove everyone crazy. "I have to go in at two," I mumbled. "I tried to get out of it." "I know you did sweetie." he said smiling at me. "I guess everything doesn't work out the way we planned. We still have time for breakfast right?" "Of course we do. And I can spend a good part of the day with you setting up for your first exhibit," I said trying really hard to cheer him up. Hey! I may be a jerk and I may cheat on him but I still care for him. "Is that all right?" He looked at me with those damned eyes of his. "Please baby," I cooed. "Don't be that way. I can't help that the store needs me." "I know," he sighed. "I'm just disappointed is all? Look Sara is here!" he pointed to her Chevy cavalier. His mood improved somewhat. I pulled into a parking place and we got out and headed into the building and paid for our meal and sat down next to Sara. "Hey girlfriend!" Ben said eagerly. "What are you doing here?" She looked up after drinking a drink of coffee. "Umm I think it is called eating breakfast?" she answered with a smirk on her face. "Come sit and join me." I sat down and patted the seat next to me for Ben to sit too. Sara glared hard at me and I looked away. "What are you going here?" She hissed at me. "I'm taking my boyfriend out to breakfast," I retorted as I picked up my plate and walked off to the buffet. >From Ben's point of view "You need to get rid of him," Sara told me bluntly as she shoved a piece of biscuit in her mouth. "He is not right for you." "I love him," I said softly. "I can't help it." I looked at him as he picked up a banana and licked it while waggling his eyebrows. I chocked back a giggle. "See?" I snickered. "He makes me laugh. I can't help but love him." "He is cheating on you," Sara said softly. "I'm seeing all the same signs again." "Sara--," I started. "No," she insisted. "Listen to me." She paused a few minutes to make sure that I was listening to her. "I love you like a brother. I don't want to see you hurt. And he is going to hurt you again. I'm going to follow him today." "Don't," I hurled at her as I started to get angry. "His boss called didn't he?" she asked. "How did you know that?" I demanded. "It happened last time. The last time you had a big event for your career his boss called and three hours later you caught him in bed with some little twink. Trust me Ben; he is going to cheat on you again." "I'm going to get something to eat!" I muttered as I picked up my plate. Three hours later I was at my gallery setting up the exhibit. I was so nervous and Sara was teasing me about it. "You are so cute when you get all nervous," she giggled at me as I fussed with the paintings for the hundredth time. I wanted to tell her to go away but I was interrupted by the ringing of my cell phone. "Ben here," I said into the phone. "Ben," an older man voice said. "I'm looking for Trey. This is Mr. Wright, I need to talk to him about next week's schedule." "Well you should know where he is," I said as a feeling of cold dread filled my heart. "You called him in early today." "No I didn't," Mr. Wright argued. "He asked for the weekend off so he could be there for you. Have him call me before I close up will you?" "Umm yea," I stammered. The phone went dead and I slipped it into my pocket. I felt a hand on my shoulder and I jerked it away. "Don't!" I hissed. "Don't what?" Sara asked softly. I felt her arms wrap around me. "Don't you dare tell me that you told me so," I said with hot tears running down my face. "Ben?" she asked softly. "Please look at me." I glanced up at Sara. "Now I want you to listen to me and listen carefully." She waited for about a minute to make sure that she had my attention. "I know it looks like your life is going to hell right now. But right now you have a show to put on. You have over a hundred guests that are expecting you to be here and show your best work. You've worked for over a year for this day. Don't let that prick screw up your day. My advice to you is to get through today with a smile and show Kevin your stuff and than and only than throw that ass out of your house." She made a lot of sense. I did have a job to do. And I wasn't going to let some ass screw this up for me. "Now my question for you is this. Are you going to be able to do this?" "Why of course," I smiled my public smile. "I've got a show to put on and money to make. How much time do we have?" She nodded and than wrapped her arms around me and hugged me close. "I know you are hurting so much right now. As soon as this is over we'll go back to your place and have fun tossing his shit out the door." She kissed me lightly on the nose and patted my but. "Now let's go show them who is the next big artist out there. Show starts in five minutes." "I would like you to meet the artist responsible for all of this," Sara said as she guided the next person up to me. "Ben Atke," she smiled. "Meet Melissa Vanderbilt, she owns a chain of stores that sells paintings of modern day artists. She is interested a couple of your pieces." "Nice to meet you Melissa," I smiled at her. "What can I show you?" "I'm really interested in that piece of there," she gestured at the large charcoal drawing over the fireplace. "I just erotic art. And the lovers being both male really make the piece stand out." I blushed as she said that last part. That was a favorite of Trey's. A mean streak of happiness crept into me. "Well I think we definitely make a deal," I smiled at her. "I call it Unashamed." "Perfect name for it," she smiled. "What is your asking price for it?" "I'm asking 5 grand for it," I replied. "I'll take it," she smiled as she pulled out her check book. "I'll also take that one too." She pointed to oil that I did for Trey too. It was a gift that I was doing for him but he didn't know about that one. "You're asking 8500.00 for it?" I nodded. "Well it is worth it." I was elated. In just under five minutes I had made 13500.00 dollars. I put sold signs on the pieces and assured her that I would send them to her after the showing. I was so happy that my show had turned out so well that I almost forgot about my love life. I said almost forgot. 7:30 that evening I was fuming mad. "Where is he?" I hurled at Sara. "You said he would be here sometime after six. Six was an hour and a half ago!" Sara opened her mouth to say something. "I'm sorry," I said softly. "I didn't mean to yell at you. I'm leaving. If he comes tell him to call me and we will try to reschedule." Sara nodded as I opened the door and stepped out into the night. After walking to my car I got in and headed home. I turned my cell phone on and it immediately let me know that I had a voice mail message. I dialed on and cringed when I heard it. "Hey Sweetie!" Trey's voice said in a cheerful voice. "Listen baby, I'm sorry but I have to work late so I will not be home until about 8:30. I hope you exhibit went well. Love you lots." I stabbed at the power button and threw the phone in the back seat. I slid a cd into the CD player and selected the 3rd song. It was a song that I normally didn't play. "Get Another Boyfriend" from the Backstreet Boys. I turned it up as loud as I could stand and drove home with tears flowing down my face. Five minutes later I was pulling to our drive. A half hour later I had all of Treys stuff in the front lawn and than I was sitting on the couch crying my eyes out feeling very sorry for my self. The door bell rang and I quickly wiped my tears from my face and stood up and opened the door. Sara was standing there with a sheepish look on her face. Someone was standing behind her and I didn't really pay that much attention to him. "Sara!" I yelped as I tried to hide the fact that I was bawling my eyes out. "What are you doing here?" "I thought we were supposed to through that ass out together?" she said grinning as she hugged me. "By the way I brought you a friend." I looked at him and smiled. "Kevin Richardson this is my good friend and very talented artist Ben Atke. Ben this is Kevin Richardson." "Nice to meet you," he said in a soft and deep voice that I immediately fell in love with. "Ummm yea ummm likewise," I stammered. "Ummm you want to come in?" I held the door open and Sara waltzed pass me and Kevin glided in as well. "Umm is this a good time?" Kevin asked softly glancing back at the pile of Trey's stuff in the front lawn. "Oh yea sweetie," Sara said cheerfully. "Ben is just getting rid of some trash." Trey always did have perfect timing. He pulled into the drive right after she said that. "Speaking of trash," she hissed as she walked back out and up to his car and started beating on it with the palm of her hand. I quickly ushered Kevin in and out of sight. I could hear Sara ranting all the way inside. "I'm sorry you had to see that," I murmured. "I'm breaking up with my boyfriend and Sara is really upset at him for cheating on me." I noticed that Kevin raised his eyebrows when I mentioned that I was gay. "Is that a problem with you?" I asked. "No," he said grinning widely. "Not a problem at all. But seriously do you really want to break up with him?" "Trey has cheated on me several times in the past. I can't deal with it any more. I want him to be out of life," I explained to Kevin. "Do you love him?" Kevin asked. I thought about it for a few minutes. "Yes I do," I mumbled. "But does he love me? I mean what kind of person cheats on the person he loves or at least claims to love." The door opened and Sara walked in. She had this very happy grin on her face. "Sara?" I asked a little worried. "What did you do to him?" "Nothing," she giggled. "I just helped him load up all of his crap. He is gone now. He wanted to talk to you but I wouldn't let him." I heaved a sigh of relief. Trey was out of my life. I was so relieved not to have to worry about him cheating on me anymore. But at the same time I was saddened. Tears filled my eyes as I sat down and looked up at the ceiling. I felt a weight sit next to me. Sara wrapped her arms around and pulled me close. I leaned against her and let loose. Once the tears started I couldn't get them to stop. Sara sat next to me holding me close for almost five minutes. Finally got myself under control. "Better?" she asked as she kissed the top of my head. I nodded and sniffled loudly. "Good because Kevin wants to talk to you." "Actually we could do this another day," Kevin said softly. "I'll be in touch with you in the morning." I heard the door shut and than I heard a car drive off. "So what do you want to do now?" Sara asked. "I want to be left alone," I mumbled. "Sorry," she said rubbing my back. "I can't let you do that. I'm not going to leave you alone when you just broke up with your boyfriend." "Surely you have other things to do than baby-sit a heartbroken friend," I muttered. "Sure we do," Sara said. "We can count all of your loot." She plopped a bulging bank bag in my lap. "You cleaned house today." I looked down at the money bag and unzipped it. Most of it was checks and some was cash. After counting all of it there was over thirty grand in it not counting the 13500.00 I had from the sale from the lady. I was pleased with the idea of making over 43,500.00 dollars for my first art exhibit. I wanted to pay Sara something but she flat out refused. We finally settled on making a donation of 4,350.00 to her favorite charity. After eating dinner with her we finally parted ways. She took one of the guest rooms. I crept into my bedroom and looked at the bed. I could still smell Trey and I got all choked up again. I quickly and stubbornly swallowed the tears and turned and walked to the linen closet and picked out a clean set of bedding and set about changing the sheets. I stuffed the sheets in a trash bag along with his pillow. After assuring myself that I could rest without being reminded of Trey I sank into the soft confines of my bed. Three hours later I was still tossing and turning. Sighing I got up and walked out into the living room. I heard low voices. I recognized one as Sara's and the other I had heard too but couldn't place. I shuffled out into the lighted area and was shocked to see Sara and Kevin. They hadn't seen me yet. "Do you think he would go for guy like me?" Kevin asked softly. My heart beat quickened as I realized that he was talking about me. "I think he needs time right now to get over Trey," Sara said in reply. "I know that he has a huge crush on you." Kevin's smile lit up the room and I fell in love with it at once. I sneezed loudly and they jerked in my direction. Their expressions were so cute that I had to laugh. "What are you doing up?" Sara asked looking worried. "I couldn't sleep," I replied as I walked over to them and wedged myself in-between the two of them. "Still thinking about Trey?" Sara asked as she wrapped her arm around me. I nodded. "Well don't. He doesn't deserve you. He is a dog and deserves to be tossed out on his ass." "What are you two talking about?" I asked. "About the weather!" Sara quickly said while blushing. I looked at Kevin and saw his face was bright red too. "Nice weather we're having isn't it?" "You two are such horrible liars," I giggled. "You were talking about me." "How much did you hear?" Sara asked glaring at me. But I could see the twinkle in her eyes. "So I have a huge crush on Kevin?" I snickered. "Well you do!" Sara exclaimed in defense of her self. "And he is single and looking. You two would be perfect for each other!" "I just broke up with Trey," I replied. "What makes you think that I am ready to date again?" "You are cute and adorable and you need someone to take care of you," Sara blurted out. "I'm not some needy person. I'm perfectly able to care for myself," I muttered glaring at her. "I know you are, I'm sorry, that came out all wrong," she quickly back peddled. "I hate to see you in pain. A Ben who is in love and getting it on a regular basis is a cute and happy Ben. And right now you are not a happy Ben. I want the happy Ben back." "Can I say something?" Kevin's voice washed over me softly. I nodded. "Well why don't we try just going out to dinner and see where it leads from there." "I guess we can do that," I replied. "When do you want to do this?" I asked. "Well I still want to see your work," Kevin replied. "I'm thinking maybe tomorrow night say about six?" "That works for me," I answered trying to stifle a huge yawn but failed. Kevin chuckled softly. "I'm going back to bed." To my surprise Kevin leaned forward and gave me light kiss on the cheek. I quickly kissed him back and rushed out of the room blushing again. >From Kevin's point of view. I watched Ben retreat back into his room. My hand reached up and touched the spot where his lips had just graced. I heard Sara giggle and I glanced at her to see a very pleased grin plastered on her face. "What are you so pleased about?" I demanded. "You have it so bad for him," she gloated. "So is he good looking or what?" "He is very attractive and sweet and kind and I love the way he blushes. How could anyone cheat on him like that?" I asked shaking my head. "Well it is late and I should be going home." "Stay here," Sara blurted out. "You could sleep on the couch. You shouldn't be driving anyway." She pointed at the wine glasses. "But what will Ben say?" I asked worried about how this might look. "Oh he will be ok with it," Sara said as she got up and took the empty bottle of wine out and tossed it away. "You can have the couch if you want." She bided me good night and walked into the guest room leaving me with the sofa. I had to admit it was very comfortable. I stretched out and was soon asleep. "No!" came an anguished cry. I sat up startled and looked around. The town house was dark and I noticed that clock read three in the morning. "No!" came the anguished cry again. "Don't leave me!" It was Ben. I quietly got up and walked to the doorway that led to his room. I peaked in. He was lying on his side and his face was wet with tears. The sheet had fallen away from his chest and abs. I swallowed hard as I beheld the beauty that was in front of me. "Don't go!" he whimpered again. "I love you!" He was thrashing around the bed. I stood there wondering what to do. Finally I stepped into the room. I couldn't let him lay there all alone in pain like that. I sat next to him and touched his shoulder. His eyes jerked opened and looked into my eyes. The pain and sorrow that raged through his eyes seared into my very soul. "What are you doing here?" he croaked out. "Sara said I should stay here because of the wine I drank. She didn't think I should drive," I replied softly. My hand was still on his shoulder. "Are you ok?" "Yea," he gulped. "It was just a bad dream. I'm not used to sleeping by myself." "Want me to stay here with you?" I asked slowly. "I mean I would understand if you don't." "Would you?" he asked in a small voice. I looked into his pleading eyes. "Scoot over," I smiled down at him. I crawled in and he looked at me like I was nuts. "What's wrong?" "You're way over dressed," he giggled. "Oh," I stammered. "Well I don't want to make you uncomfortable." "Don't worry you won't," he smiled blushing at me. I quickly stripped to my boxers and wife beater and slid into bed with him. He naturally snuggled up to me wrapping his arms around me and pulling me closer. Sighing I folded my self against him making sure that he was as comfortable as he wanted to be. I lay there for a few minutes listening to him breath. Finally I could hear his cute little soft snores. I smiled softly down at him. I let out a huge yawn and was soon asleep as well. The next morning from Ben's point of view. I woke up to a feeling of security. I felt a pair of very strong arms surrounding me. I naturally snuggled deeper into them. "Good morning," said a deep and soft voice that was thick with sleep. But the only problem was that I didn't recognize the voice. I opened my eyes and looked up. I was in bed with Kevin Richardson. I jerked up startled and confused. "You don't remember last night?" he asked as his voice returned to more of a normal voice. I swung my feet out of bed and stood up and walked to the chair and sat down. "Did we?" I asked pointing at him and me. "No," Kevin said with a grin. "All I did was hold you last night." "But why?" I asked just as it came back to me. I buried my head in my hands in embarrassment. "Don't remind me, I remember," I moaned mournfully. "God I feel so stupid!" Hot embarrassed tears flowed from eyes. I felt his arms surround me again. "You have nothing to be embarrassed about," Kevin said in a soft and soothing voice. "You needed someone to hold and quiet frankly I was happy to do it." "I didn't mean to be a bother," I tried to apologies. "Hey," Kevin said with a grin. "I got something out of it too you know." "What?" I asked confused. "I got to hold a very attractive man all night long. I had a great sleep last night," Kevin said as he kissed me again on the cheek. I was starting to like these kisses. I blushed and looked away. "You know you are very cute when you blush?" Kevin asked with humor in his voice. "You are going to make me die of embarrassment," I giggled. "I guess you're hungry?" I asked. "The least I can do is be a good host and prepare breakfast for you." "I think I can deal with that," Kevin said as he stood up and grabbed his pants and slid them on. I sighed and got dressed too and we headed out of the room and into the living room. "Well what happened last night?" asked a female's voice. I jerked towards the kitchen. "What are you still doing here?" I asked. "Well since you invited me to stay the night I decided to repay the favor by fixing breakfast. You two looked very comfortable together." "We were," Kevin said softly and blushing. I had to admit that I wasn't the only one who looked cute blushing. He caught me smiling at him and smiled back. "Well breakfast is ready so why don't you both sit down and join me," Sara giggled. I sat down in my usual seat and to my delight Kevin sat next to me. "So what is on the agenda for today?" Sara asked me. "Well Kevin still wants to look at my work and since I have the day free I'll probably just spend it showing Kevin around if that is ok with him," I glanced at him. Again his face broke out with a joyful expression. "I'll take that as a yes," I giggled. "So Kevin do you like him?" Sara asked boldly. Kevin coughed suddenly as he tried to keep his orange juice in his mouth. "Sara!" I hissed at her. She just look back at me like I was nuts. Kevin's soft laugh rang throughout the small kitchen dinning area. "Ben," Kevin said with a grin on his face. "I don't mind answering the question." I blushed and looked down at my plate of food. "Yes," Kevin said bluntly. "I like Ben, in fact I like him a lot. And I would love to get to know him on a more intimate level that is of course if he will let me." There was a moment of silence before I felt a hand close around mine. "What do you say Ben?" Kevin asked me in his deep almost a whisper voice. "Can I get to know you on a more intimate level?" I gulped and looked down. I wanted to see Kevin more but than I had just broke up with Trey. Was I moving to fast? I looked up at Kevin and into his eyes. I tried to see if there was another motive for him to be doing this. But I saw the loving eyes of an incredibly good looking man boring into me. "Ummm yea Umm sure," I stammered out. I shook myself and looked at Sara. She was wearing a very pleased look on her face. I started to eat and looked ever at Kevin. I noticed that he didn't eat much. "You hungry?" I asked him. "Actually," Kevin said looking apologetically at Sara. "I've never been a huge fan of breakfast." "Well than you won't mind if I snatch yours," I giggled as I swiped his plate and started to eat his omelet too. I heard Kevin laugh softly as I tore into his breakfast. "Does he always eat like that?" Kevin asked as he took a small drink of his coffee. "Oh yea he needs too. Later on today he will burn that off doing his gymnastics," Sara said rolling her eyes. "I swear he is like this wild little ball of energy." "I bet that is fun in bed," Kevin snickered. I promptly spit out my orange juice as I coughed and nearly choked to death. When I get myself under control I looked at Kevin and was horrified to see him wiping his shirt off. "Oh I am so sorry," I stammered as I reached over and tried to help. My hand came in contact with his rock hard chest and my heart started to beat faster. I withdrew it like it was on fire and would've succeeded if Kevin's hand wouldn't have snatched mine before I got away. He placed it on his chest and I could feel the heat from his heart beat. It was the same warm safe feeling I felt this morning after waking up in his arms. "Go ahead and feel all you like," Kevin said softly. His voice had taken a husky tone to it and for a minute I forgot that Sara was in the room too. Like I said, only a minute. "Hello!!! Hormone check please!" demanded Sara. Kevin sighed and released my hand. I let it stay just for a second longer. "What is it with you gay guys? And tell me this! Why are all the gay guys always the cute ones?" She glared at us for a few seconds before laughing and continuing to eat her breakfast. I finished Kevin's breakfast and pushed his plate away. Than before I could stop myself I let out a rather healthy belch. I immediately blushed and looked up in the air. "Umm excuse me," I mumbled. Kevin and Sara busted up laughing. The phone rang and I snatched it up and answered it. "Ben here," I said. "Ben?" asked a sniffling voice. I sighed and looked at Sara. "Please baby I love you." "Don't," I said putting my head in my hand. "We've been through this once already. I don't want to go through it again." Sara reached for the phone but Kevin's hand touched her and he shook his head no. "Please baby I love and I miss you," Trey sniffled again. "Really?" I asked him getting mad. "Tell me something Trey? Did you miss me when you were fucking the shit out twinkie boy yesterday?" "That is not fair!" Trey shouted at me. "No!" I shouted back. "I'll tell you what is not fair Trey! What is not fair is you cheating on me and making me believe that I was the one you really loved!" By now tears were flowing down my face. "I loved you dammit! And you cheated on me! Not once but twice! I hate you!" I clicked the phone of and went to throw it but a strong yet gentle hand stopped me. He gently removed the phone from me and placed it on the table. "Why?" I asked. I could still feel the hot tears running down my face. "Why can't I be happy?" At some point I felt Kevin's fingers wiping the tears from my face. >From Kevin's point of view. Don't ask me why I did it. But I had to. Ben was crying his heart out and it was all Trey's fault. I picked up the phone and clicked it on and looked at the caller ID and redialed the last number on it. A male voice answered. "Trey?" I asked. "Who wants to know," he said in a nasty tone of voice. "A very good friend of Ben's," I shot back. "Do you have any idea how much you've hurt Ben?" "And what business is it of yours!" Trey shot back at me. "He is just a needy pathetic slut it all." "I'm going to hang up now," I seethed. I was seeing red and I knew that was not a good sign. "I suggest that you break off all contact with Ben if you know what is good for you." "Who the hell are you to threaten me?" Trey shouted back at me. "Who the hell are you anyway?" "A very good friend of Ben's and if I have anything to do about it his next lover!" I shot back at him as I clicked it off. At some point I realized that I had said the last part out loud and both Sara and Ben were staring at me with wide eyes. "Umm Ok," Sara said softly and slowly. "Um what to tell us what that was all about?" "He was saying mean things about Ben," I replied. "Ben is a nice guy and doesn't deserve to be treated like trash." "Yea but I was kinda wondering if you would explain the part about you saying that you love Ben," Sara said with a serious look on her face. "Oh you um heard that part," I mumbled looking down. "I was hoping that maybe I hadn't said that part out loud." "Well you did, and I think you should explain yourself," Sara replied. "Sara don't," Ben said softly. "Why now?" Sara demanded. "Kevin makes this huge announcement what he might want to be your next lover and you don't want to talk about it?" "No!" Ben shouted as he stood up. He stood up so fast that he knocked the chair over. It hit the floor with a loud bang. "I don't want to talk about it!" Before any of us could stop him he stormed out of the room slamming the bedroom door behind him. "Good going Romeo!" Sara shouted at me. "You could've at least waited until he was over Trey!" "I'm sorry!" I blurted out. "When I have feelings for someone I tend to express them. I'm not good at holding them back. And dammit I do love him. I know I only known him for like a less than a day but I can't help it. I love him. He is cute, funny sexy adorable and very talented. I love Ben Atke!" "Ok ok so you love him," Sara said still glaring at me. "Now do something about him!" "What?" I asked. "He is in his room crying his eyes out. Comfort him!" She shouted at me. "Ummm ok," I squeaked out as I quickly headed towards the room. I paused to look over my shoulder. "Go!" She shouted. "Ok Ok!" I yelped out. I walked to the door and knocked lightly on it. "What?" came an irritated voice. "Can I talk to you?" I asked looking over my shoulder and giving Sara a "This is not your best idea!" Look I could muster. The door opened and I walked in. "I'm sorry," I mumbled. "I shouldn't have said that." "Why?" Ben asked looking up at me. His eyes were still wet but there were no more tears. He was holding a dart. He tossed it at the wall. I looked to see that the dart was in bedded right in Trey's forehead. "Good shot," I commented. "I should've given you time to get over Trey. I had no right to step in and complicate your life like that." "Hey," Ben said as he sat next to me. "You can't help how you feel. And I wouldn't want you to hide your feelings about how you feel about me." I was elated as I watched him put his head on my shoulder. I couldn't resist. I bent down and kissed the top of his head. His arms wrapped around my waist and pulled me closer to him. "I just want to be happy for a change. I mean I am tired of this roller coaster. One minute I am on top of the world and the next I am at the bottom. I mean who says that Ben Atke can't find happiness and make it last." He was getting upset again and I had to try and help him. I took his chin and pulled his face up so that he was looking at me. "How about if I make a promise to you?" I asked softly. Ben chewed on his bottom lip for a few seconds and it drove me nuts to watch him do that. I wanted to chew on his lips too. He nodded silently. "I promise to try and make you happy. I know we only met like less than a day ago but I can't help it. The minute I saw you I fell in love with you." The more I looked at Ben and his lips and his face and his eyes the more I wanted to kiss him. "Fuck it!" I muttered and I leaned down and captured his lips in mine and kissed him. His lips were delicious. He moaned softly and leaned into me pressing his tight body against mine. I could feel just how well built he was. I ran my tongue a crossed his chapped lips. I felt him shiver and I shivered too. I probed his lips until he finally parted his lips to allow me in. I quickly moved to slide my tongue into his mouth. He whimpered softly as his tongue dove up against mine. After a few more seconds of exploring of each other's mouths I finally broke apart. That was when I got it. Slapped right in the face. I rubbed my cheek and looked at him. "What did you do that for?" he demanded. "Why did you hit me?" I asked. "You kissed me!" Ben shouted back. "Yea well you kissed back!" I retorted. I was about to get up but I was tackled by him as he pressed his lips to mine. Ok I was confused. We continued to kiss some more. Finally he broke away. I cringed expecting another slap. He giggled softly. I looked down at him and saw the cutest expression on his face. He was grinning up at me. A happy grin. "What pray tell are you smiling at?" I demanded. "I think I'm in love too," he said. "Umm are you sure?" I asked. "Well I'm still upset about Trey but I do have feelings for you," Ben said looking up at me. He had such an innocent look on his face that I had to smile at him. I took my hand and ran it down the side of his face and he leaned into the touch closing his eyes. I leaned down and kissed him again. This time it was light and chaste kiss. "Um I think we should see how Sara is doing," Ben said licking his lips as if trying to remember my lips on his. He took my hand and led me out of the room. I felt like I was in high school again. I grinned widely as we walked out of the room. "What are you two grinning at?" Sara demanded as she dried off her hands on a towel. "And why are you two holding hands?" "Umm we are going together!" Ben said with a wide grin. "Well umm that is to say that is we are umm going to see what develops," I stammered. I looked down at Ben and smiled at him. He laid his head on my chest and grinned a cheesy grin at Sara. Sara just rolled her eyes and stomped off into the living room. "Uggghhh Men!" she grumbled. "Well at least you are smiling now. Now all you have to do is get laid and we will have the old Ben back." "Sara!" Ben whined blushing. "What?" Sara asked acting all innocent. "What is it about you and this obsession about getting me laid?" Ben asked rolling his eyes. "You are much happier and more concentrated after you've been laid," Sara asked. "And how are you going to become a famous artist if you don't concentrate?" Ben gave me a help me look and I stepped into rescue him. "Ben and I are not ready for sex yet," I said sternly. "I believe that sex is something not to be rushed. I want to make sure we have a true relationship based on love and commitment before we engage in any kind of sexual activity. "Well is Ben going to be able to last that long?" came a male's voice. Ben jerked his head up in the direction of the voice and I did too. There stood Trey red faced and angry. "Well I see it didn't take you long to move on." "Get out Trey!" Ben hissed. "Don't have too," Trey sassed back. "You see my name is on the lease too. So the town house is part mine too. Looks like you have a room mate for the next six months." "Like hell he does," I bristled. I could feel my blood getting hot as anger surged through me. "Ben let's go." I guided Ben out of the town house and to my car. "Kevin," Ben said softly. "I don't want to leave my home." "You won't have too," I said resigning myself. "Trust me. Trey has no idea who and what he is messing with." Ben looked up at me with questions in his eyes. "What are you planning on doing," he asked in a small voice. "I'm just going to put some legal pressure on him is all," I replied with a smirk as I opened the passenger door and Ben slid in. I closed the door and walked over to my side of the car and climbed in as well. >From Ben's point of view. I was sitting in what had to be the most attractive car I had ever sat in. It was solid black and very well polished. Everything was black and shined until it shone as if it were wet. The seats seemed to envelope you in a body glove giving you a since of comfort and security that normal cars didn't afford it's passengers. Kevin slid in next to me and inserted a key. I jumped when I heard a man's voice come out of the speakers. "Good morning Mister Richardson," the car said. Kevin giggled at my reaction. He turned the car on and it purred like a lion. I could tell that this car had power. "Umm did you know your car spoke?" I asked in a small voice. "No it was a live person," Kevin said softly. "That is John at the On Star center. John say hello to Ben Atke." "Good morning Ben," John said. "Ummm good morning," I stammered. That was it. That was all John said. He wouldn't talk again unless he was asked a question. He had other clients he had to take care off. "Where are we going?" "To the Gallery," Kevin said as he backed the car out of our drive. "I still have art to look at and buy. Than we are going to my place." The ride was quiet. I spent most of the ride over exploring this really neat car. Kevin watched on in quiet amusement as I played with all the trinket's in his car. I was playing with the CD player when I heard him take a sudden intake of breath. "What is it Kevin?" I asked looking at him. He was staring straight ahead with his mouth hanging open. I followed his gaze and immediately got sick. In front of us were the remains of my gallery. It had been burned to the ground. Only a few smoking embers remained standing. Kevin pulled the car over behind one of the police cars. I sat there as I watched my whole future go up in flames. The one thought that crossed my mind was who could've done this? Chapter two.