Date: Sat, 17 May 2003 16:50:23 +1000
From: iarwain <iarwain7@ains.net.au>
Subject: Peter's mistake part fifteen

Usual Disclaimer: If you are not 18 years old yet do not read. If you are
offended by male to male sexual content do not read. If the laws in your
state or county forbid this type of material, do not read. Otherwise enjoy
the story and all comments good or bad are welcome and I'll look forward to
hearing them.

The author retains copyright (2003) to this story.  Reproducing this
story for distribution without the author's permission is a violation of
that copyright.

What happened in Part Thirteen.

Sam and Michael worked hard on their joint project and the whole household
had a holiday at the secluded bay, with lots of adventures.  Peter and
Andrew had a special talk.

And in Part Fourteen.

The household holiday finished with more adventures, and Pete ran a nude
Olympics for everyone where Peter was particularly embarrassed.


Part Fifteen

When they reached home at 5 o'clock, Peter asked Sam and Michael if he
could have a look at their exhibition work.  After a light meal they went
to Michael's room and he loaded up his computer and Sam collected his
portfolio.

Peter!  I told you we had too many pictures that we can't use, so maybe you
can help us sort them out.  I'll show you through the 60 we've set aside so
you get an idea, then tell us what you think.  We've got five printed by
the photo lab and they look even better than on the computer.  I've set the
viewing program on five seconds so it doesn't take too long.

As the pictures started to flash through, Peter was staggered.  How could
he have spent so much time away when this was happening?  His mind stopped
trying to evaluate the pictures and he sat there, with growing amazement,
till they were finished.  Peter didn't move or say anything while he tried
to gather his thoughts.  Sam and Michael looked worried.

What is it Peter?  Is something wrong?

Sam!  What do you think of these pictures?

Well!  We're proud of them.  We've put a lot of energy into them, but don't
you think they're good enough?

Michael!  Run that program again on three seconds each, and if I say yes,
it means I think you must include that picture.

Peter proceeded to say yes 60 times.

Michael!  Sam!  I don't know what to say!  This is mindblowing!  Tomorrow
afternoon we're taking these to show Philip, even if they're still not
printed.  I want to see his face when the show them, then hear his ideas
about presenting them.  What did you mean about having problems with some
of them? I wish I had these kinds of problems.

It wasn't these so much, but we have five others that we have been arguing
about.  They are our best ones and we can't agree on how to finish them.

Michael called up another directory and the pictures came on the screen.

This is our best picture of all and I think we need a backlighting effect
as well, but Sam thinks it should be side lighting.

Peter laughed at them.

You call that a problem!  You do it both ways, as well as any other you can
think of, and you've got a whole set of beautiful pictures.  Michael!  That
picture is worth an exhibition just by itself.

Three of the others were the same type of problem.

We both think this last one is so good we don't want to leave it out, but
Sam's got an erection in it, so it might not be suitable for the public or
something.

Wow!  That's spectacular!  I agree with you but Philip will tell you
straight off.

After the morning at College Peter picked up Sam and Michael and they went
to see Philip at the gallery.  Philip was as amazed and excited at the
pictures as Peter expected.  He persuaded them to show the pictures in
three groups a month apart, with half for sale each time, and an auction at
the end for all the best ones.

If we do it that way it gives people a big chance of realizing the true
value.

The next day was the first day of College and Peter was very busy and
didn't get home till late.  On Wednesday after College, Peter helped Kevin
with the swimming team.  The College winning last year, had increased the
popularity of the team, and the number joining grew to 24.  This included
twelve new people and Peter could see three or four with real potential.

On Friday afternoon the two Peter's went down to the surf club.  Peter had
persuaded Pete to join up.  After lunch on Saturday they headed off for
some location photo work.  Peter had the image of Pete with the
phosphorescence at night in his mind and had worked out a way to get a
similar effect.  When they arrived home after tea Peter took Pete up to
show him how some of the photos were turning out.

Wow!  Peter!  Is that me?  They look different to what I expected.

They're different to what I first thought of, but that's because you've
been such a good model.  The other thing that's happened is that I've got a
whole collection of great pictures where you're in the nude.  How do you
feel about putting some of these on exhibition.

Peter gave a big grin and said he thought it was a great idea.  Just then
there was a great crash from downstairs.  When they ran down they saw
Michael in the hallway.

It came from Brian and Anthony's room.

Brian and Anthony weren't in so Peter went to check things.  The front bay
window had been smashed and there was a brick on the floor.  Michael went
to pick it up, but when Peter saw writing on it he stopped him.

There might be fingerprints on it.  I think this is serious Michael.  Look!
It says, 'POOFTER'.

While they were cleaning up the glass Andrew arrived.  He took charge.

I'll look after this.  Put the brick in a plastic bag and I'll get it
checked out.  Does anyone know what this is about?

They had to wait for Brian and Anthony to find out.  Anthony went very
quiet when he saw the windows and the brick and Brian explained that there
were some new apprentices at Anthony's work.

They've been really bad since they found out Anthony is gay and we don't
know what to do about it.

The next night another brick came through the window, which Andrew had
organized to be replaced.  Brian and Anthony were devastated.

When Peter reached their room his heart wrenched at the sight of his
friends holding each other with sad looks on their faces and when they
spoke to him it only got worse.

Peter!  They know where we live now so we're going to look for somewhere
else to stay.  It's not fair on you and everyone else, and we don't want
you to get dragged into any trouble because of us.  We'll pay for any of
the damage that happens.

When Peter heard this he was sad and furious at the same time.

Anthony!  I hope you don't think a few broken windows are more important
than my friends.  This is your home and they're not going to chase you out
of it.

But Peter!  They won't stop!  It will just go on and on and no one can do
anything about it.

Well! There's no way you're going to leave just to protect me.

Andrew and the others had arrived by this stage.

Pete went over and held Anthony and Sam did the same to Brian

Andrew spoke with such strength and authority in his voice that everyone's
eyes jerked toward him.

Anthony! You're not leaving, and that's that!  Don't even think about it!
Hang on for a few days because there won't be any more trouble by then.

They moved to the kitchen and Peter watched Brian and Anthony come out of
their sadness and worry as the bonds of friendship in the house tightened
round them.

On Wednesday evening Peter was working upstairs with Michael when they
heard a car drive in.  A moment later there was a sound of glass breaking
and voices yelling and laughing.  Peter ran downstairs and could see three
guys at Anthony's car.  He went out the door with Brian and Anthony just
behind him.  Peter ran over to the biggest one who was hitting the
windscreen with a rock.  He grabbed his arm and pulled him away from the
car.

Before Peter could react he was punched in the face and knocked down.  As
he staggered to his feet he saw Brian grabbed by the other two and dragged
to the big one.  Peter pulled himself together.

Let him go and get off this property!  You can't do this and I'm going to
stop you.

That's a joke!  You and what army?  We're going to have some fun with our
poofter mates.

When Peter started to move forward the big guy grabbed Brian around the
neck and pulled a hunting knife out of his belt.  Peter stopped in his
tracks and the big guy said,

Smart move!  Come over here Anthony Boy!  We want to see how you suck cock.
Pull his jeans down.

Anthony looked white as a ghost but he said,

Leave him alone and I'll do what ever you want.

This got a big laugh.

All right then!  Charlie!  Get some beer while he takes his clothes off.

Anthony hesitated, then looked at Brian with the knife at his throat, and
stripped.

O. K.!  First of all let's see you wank yourself.

Anthony started to do what he was told and Peter heard a sound that made
him feel like jumping for joy.  The deep throated sound of a large
motor-bike engine pulling into the drive caused everyone's head to turn and
watch.  Andrew parked then took off his helmet.  He stood for a few
moments, taking in what was happening, then with a dismissive glance at the
guy holding the knife, he walked to their car and said,

Did you guys ask if you could park here?

Peter shook his head with a no.  As everyone watched in total amazement,
Andrew reached down, and in one smooth motion tipped the car completely
over till it was resting on its roof.

Andrew came closer and stared at the guy holding the knife.  With total
contempt and compelling force in his voice he said,

You gutless cowards!  Three of you and a knife to hold one harmless person.
Why don't you come after me? What? Are you only game to fight in a
kindergarten?

Infuriated by the taunts, the guy with the knife lunged at Andrew who
easily dodged aside.  Andrew smiled.

Now put the knife down, or I'll break your arm.

After hesitating, the guy rushed at Andrew again.  There was a quick flurry
of movement, and as the knife flew through the air, Peter heard a sickening
crack.  Andrew stepped back and said,

I'm sorry but I did give you the choice.  I hope it's not the arm you use
most.  Michael!  What's been happening here?

They were smashing Anthony's car, and they knocked Peter down when he tried
to stop them.  Then they were going to make Anthony suck Brian's cock and
when Anthony tried to leave Brian out of it, he had to beat himself off.
Peter was going to try and stop them again, but the big one pulled out a
knife.

Anthony!  You can get dressed now.  Very good Michael!  Go and look for
something so we can make a splint for this broken arm.  What's your name?

The big guy was white and had gone quiet.

Jack!

Well Jack!  Why did you do all that?

We were just having a few drinks and wanted some fun.

Jack!  Is that what you call fun?  Okay!  You two!  What are your names?

Charlie and Nick!

Well Charlie and Nick!  Take your clothes off, because Jack wants some fun.

The Charlie guy started to protest but Andrew grabbed his arm and said, you
thought it was going to be fun, Charlie, when you came along didn't you?
So get your clothes off or tell me where you want it broken.

Good!  That's better!  We don't want to spoil the fun do we?  Jack!  Which
comes first?  You sucking their cocks, or me knocking your friends down.
Did you know that the guy you knocked down is my friend Peter who saved my
life twice?

Peter was interested to know what this Jack's choice would be, but he
didn't find out because Anthony stopped everything.

Andrew!  You can't make them do this.  It's not right.  Please!  It will
just make us the same as them and I don't want people hurt because of me.

Andrew looked at Jack.

Jack!  I find this amazing!  Anthony doesn't want you to get hurt even
after all this.  Since he's my friend I'll do what he says.  But you've
still got the knocking down stuff because that was Peter who got hurt.
Peter!  Do you want me to have fun knocking them down?  I'm very, very good
at it!

Andrew!  I feel like saying yes but I would be ashamed in front of Anthony.
 I'm worried that Jack and these other two might try to get back at Anthony
when you're not around though.

No Peter!  We don't have to worry.  If Anthony, or I, or you take this to
the police then Jack is in trouble for wilful damage, aggravated assault,
and threatening two people with his knife.  He's looking at 15 years in
jail.  And if we leave the police out of it they would still lose their
jobs.  The discrimination act means their employer could be fined over
$100,000.  I'm leaving all that up to Anthony.

Andrew was very carefully and gently making a temporary splint while this
was being said.

Jack and Charlie and Mick our coming around here for the next five weekends
to help tidy the yard and get the garden going aren't you guys?

Peter noticed that they didn't even look at each other in their rush to
agree with Andrew's suggestion.

I think we all understand each other then.  Mick and Charlie you should get
your car up the right way and we'll need to get Jack to a hospital with
this arm.

After they got dressed, Mick and Charlie couldn't get the car upright so
Peter and Brian helped them.  Peter took Jack to the hospital because his
car wouldn't start.  He was pleased when Jack wanted to know why Peter was
helping him.  When Peter got home, Pete and Sam had come in and everyone
was talking about the night's events.  Anthony and Michael rushed over to
see if Peter's face was all right from when he was knocked down.  Andrew
was apologizing because he hadn't sorted things out sooner.

Tomorrow was my scheduled day off and I was going to do it then.  Anthony!
I'm wondering how they managed to give you such a hard time at work?
Didn't someone know what was going on?

My supervisor did, but he laughed when I complained and said it served me
right.

Was he all right last year?

I was in a different section then but he's new anyhow.

Right!  Well tomorrow I'll be turning up in a suit and I want you to act as
if you don't know me.  Does anyone else there know you're gay?

They all do now, because they wrote so many signs and made jokes about it
to everyone.  Before this though I just kept quiet.

And do you like working there?

It was great till all this happened.  My other section was helpful and I
learnt everything there.

Would you like me to find you another job somewhere else?

No!  I think everything will be O.K Andrew, if those three leave me alone.

When Brian and Anthony went to their room Peter followed and knocked on the
door.  Brian answered and said Anthony wanted some quiet time but Peter
took no notice and walked in.  Anthony was sitting in a chair with tears
running down his cheeks.  Peter spent an hour talking to them.  He left
with the feeling that each time he got closer to these two the more he
admired them.

Apart from saying that everything worked out fine, Andrew had nothing to
say the next night, and disappeared to his bungalow where he played his
piano.  Anthony had lots to tell though, when he drove in from work.
Everyone was waiting for him and hoping that his day had turned out well.
Pete grabbed him and sat him on the sofa.

You're not going anywhere till we know what happened.  Andrew just said it
was OK then disappeared.

Anthony looked around at everybody and Brian sat down next to him.

I got called to the manager's office at about 11o'clock, and except that
he's so tall, I hardly recognized Andrew.  He was dressed up in a suit and
looked really important.  All my bosses were calling him Sir and looked
scared of him.  Andrew read out a whole lot of things that had happened to
me at work and asked me if they were true.  I don't know how he found them
out because I didn't talk about some of them to anybody.  He asked me if my
supervisor knew what was happening.  I didn't want to say much, but Andrew
makes you feel that you have to talk, and I said that I'd asked him for
help.  Andrew wouldn't go on till my supervisor was there.  He made a fool
of himself because he started off saying nothing happened, then he said it
was a few harmless jokes, then he said he was going to do something if it
got bad.  Andrew was just looking at him and writing things down on a
notebook.  When he finished talking Andrew didn't even look at him but
spoke to the manager instead.

I'm sorry to tell you that this fool has put your company in a very had
position.  Because it's workplace related, our only recourse, in this
blatant case of discrimination, is a fine against the company of
approximately $150,000.  This is regrettable as your company policy is very
good in this area and I know how well you handled a similar case two years
ago.  Clearly this supervisor has acted directly against your company
policy.  This means that not only could you sack him on the spot, you could
also sue him for damages to recover the cost of your fine.  We would prefer
that you solved all this in-house, but I'll have to say that the final
outcome rests with the victim.

Anthony!  The government will back you 100 percent if you wish to take this
further, but since you are the wronged person I want you to have an input
to the decision.

I didn't want any trouble for anyone, so that's what I said.

Anthony!  I must tell you that legally you could sue the company and the
individuals involved.  With a good lawyer you would be awarded over
$100,000.

I said I didn't want to sue anybody.  I just wanted to be left alone to do
my work.

Then Andrew spoke to the manager again.

My report on this apprentice tells me that he is a conscientious worker and
is highly competent at what he does.  I see that he was runner up for
apprentice of the year, and his course teachers spoke highly of him without
exception.  My impression is that he is an honest young man and a quiet
achiever.  Frankly!  I'm astonished that he appears to bear no grudge or
want revenge for what has happened.  I feel bound to respect his wishes.  I
will visit in two weeks time and then monitor the situation regularly.

Andrew asked me to leave then, but later in the day the manager called me
in and apologized really well and offered to put me in any section I
wanted.  I told him that I needed to stay where I was to finish my
apprenticeship properly, and then he said if anything happened again to go
straight to him.  When my supervisor came to the workshop I thought he
might be angry with me, but he was really good too.  He said the government
man had talked to him for half an hour about what might have happened, and
frightened hell out of him.  I've hardly seen the other three guys, because
they've been talking to the bosses all the time.

While everybody quizzed him for more details, Peter went upstairs very
pleased with what Anthony had said, and puzzled over Andrew's part in it.

He had his own puzzles to work on.  First was the nude photos.  He still
needed 15 shots to make up the 20, and he could only think of the changing
rooms at the College pool and the showers at the surf club.  The second
puzzle was more straightforward and meant working out routines and programs
for the twelve new members on the swimming team.  Michael had to postpone
his special weekend with Peter till after his exhibition, so on Friday the
two Peter's went off for the weekend, first to the surf club and then for
photo work.  Pete was excited with the surf club and his skill at swimming
meant he was a valuable member.  His personality meant that he was liked
from the start and there were a lot more laughs after he appeared on the
scene.  Pete said he wanted the swim team guys to meet the surf club people
and was organizing something for the next weekend.  He was disappointed
because Michael and Sam couldn't come because of their frantic work for
their exhibition, and he begged Peter to come along.  When they got home
Peter went to Andrew's bungalow to find out what happened with the three
guys from Anthony's work.

Andrew was really pleased as he explained the day's events.

They worked really hard Peter!  Well! They didn't have any choice there,
but I was pleased with their efforts.  The best thing that happened was
that Anthony worked with us on Saturday, and when he acted friendly to them
I could see it had a big effect.  He brought out homemade hamburgers for
everyone's lunch and they were quite embarrassed.  I've decided to take
them on an adventure weekend somewhere after Jack's arm is better, and if
we could all go that would be an eye opener for them.

The next day at swimming training Kevin put his idea for the coaching to
Peter.  He wanted to have three groups of eight each, and the top group to
work with Peter each Monday, and they would swap the other two groups on
Wednesdays.  They quickly agreed on the top group and Peter thought this
was going to be a very hard team to beat.

Pete was now the backbone of the team and best overall swimmer.

Sam was close behind him but still had the edge in backstroke.

Michael was now in the swimming team.  He didn't have much choice with
Pete, Sam and Peter insisting on it, and Peter knew he had the potential to
be the best of them all.

William was still the star short distance sprinter.

John was still there from last year and even stronger.

There were three new people.

Colin was the best swimmer of these and Peter knew he would be very good.
He was 19 years old with very striking looks.  Fine fair hair and a light
complexion.  He had broad strong shoulders and a beautifully proportioned
body.

Greg was next.  He was good-looking as well and his face always seemed to
light up with a big smile.  His best stroke was the breaststroke.

The last guy was another new student named Jeremy.  He wasn't quite as fast
as some of the others but Peter could see he had a special way of moving
through the water and thought he had great potential.  He was 18 years old
in second-year and Peter thought he was as sexy looking as Pete and Sam.
He was very quiet though and Peter wondered if he was sad or worried about
something.

On Tuesday evening Peter spent an hour with Brian and Anthony at the
college pool.  Anthony didn't finish work till five o'clock or later so
Peter used his key and they had a regular session planned for the first
semester.  Pete came along and helped out as well, using half the time for
a long hard swim.  Both Brian and Anthony were past the survival stage and
Peter was building their techniques and stamina.  Brian would be a good
swimmer but Anthony was the one with the most talent.

Wednesday was Michael's day and after swimming together for half an hour
they went out for a restaurant meal, and then Peter spent a couple of hours
with Michael and Sam as they worked on their pictures.

The end of Part Fifteen.

Note: Wow! Thanks to all those people who sent the encouraging and
interesting comments.  Peter's Mistake will most definitely be continuing.
Iarwain.