Date: Thu, 03 Jun 2004 20:52:55 -0500
From: Paul Daventon <authorpaul@mail.com>
Subject: Play-to-the-Heart

This story is from my imagination only, It never happened and any
resemblance to people living or dead, places or events is purely
coincidental.. If you are under 18, or not legally allowed to read this, I
urge you not to read it.

Thanks, Paul

To write use the address <authorpaul@mail.com> Please put 'Play Heart' in
the Subject line.


Play To The Heart Copyright 2004 by Paul H. Daventon.  All rights
reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner
whatsoever without written permission of the author.  If you are enjoying
this story, write to me at authorpaul@mail.com.


PLAY TO THE HEART

written by Paul Daventon.


             A ray of sunshine focused through the window on a male hand
moving fast up and down.  The hand formed a fist, fingers curled around a
body of naked flesh, tall and rock hard, attaining a deep flush,
particularly on top.
             "Ugh!"  "Nngh" "Oooo"
             Grunts and moans came from the throat of a well-tanned young
man lying flat on his bed, stark naked and tense all over, his muscles taut
and coiled.  The noises became louder, more emphatic and faster.  The man
was almost stretched to the limit, his muscles curling the body into a
tightening bow. His eyes were shut, his mouth shaped into a faux smile with
emotions of heightening sensations of a coming orgasm.
             "Ahhhh," he yelled, "I'm cumming. Ohhh, my god."  A few last
grunts rising in fervor and pitch preceded the climax.  He became
inflexible and rigid, a body so tight as to threaten its safety.
             "Uggghh!"  His hand stopped moving, his pelvis raised into the
air, his full buttocks far off the bed surface.  Suddenly, his cock
flowered into a fountain of semen, foaming over his cockhead just above his
fist still holding the excited prick exploding and spreading over his hand,
arm and body, mostly abdomen and crotch, coating his pubes with white,
clotted fluid.
             The finely-muscled body collapsed to the bed, gradually
beginning to relax and slacken all those strained, exhausted muscles.  His
eyes stayed shut but his face calmed into a serene countenance of skin,
flesh and bone, successful and happy throughout.  Sleep came to him, still
naked, still covered with semen from his sex organs over himself. His mind
knew he didn't have to clean up for hours.
             Eric Lowell Wright, 18 years old just out of high school, was
headed for college to major in music. He was taking a summer course in The
Sonata Form sponsored by the local college.  He would receive college
credit toward his requirements.
             He had casual friends, but no close, personal friend, no
sibling. He had blond curly, short hair, about 5' 10", body slender, some
muscular shape, likes to swim and play tennis, not a team player.
             In general he looked like a clean-cut, worthwhile young man,
having a surfeit of special privileges. He was an excellent and
well-advanced pianist, handsome face looking much younger than 18, he
always got carded when going for beer.  He did run every morning, trying to
increase his endurance.  Not a marathon runner, Eric liked the quiet in the
nearby park and could think and dream while running.  He got excellent
grades, but refused the honor of class valedictorian when it was offered,
not his style.
             Square jawed face, bedroom eyes, darker eye brows and lashes,
perfect teeth, thin lips yet sexy, Eric had to be considered handsome,
though he didn't think so.  His parents had a large house, lots of money,
swimming pool, and Eric had his own wing of the house, bedroom, sitting
room with grand piano, huge bath, 65 square foot shower - 6 shower heads.
He liked to stand in the middle and let them wash over his body, especially
his lower parts.
             Eric had a problem.  He was lonesome. His parents had their
own interests. His Dad wouldn't have to work, but he built the company
himself and can't let go of it.  They travel a lot, leaving Eric on his own
much of the time.  He didn't mind, in fact he loved being on his own, he
could do what he wanted, when he wanted.  Yet he was still lonesome. Eric
didn't date much. He had a girl friend who was deep into music, classical,
but she moved a few states away and their correspondence soon dwindled to a
precious few. However, Eric still knew that he was not straight.  He looked
at boys and men and desired them.
             Eric had made friends on the Internet, some closer than
others, but none who knew the real Eric Wright.  Eric had only admitted to
himself that he was gay recently and had to masturbate frequently to keep
his cock under control.  He had never been with another boy or man
sexually.  He dreamed of it a lot.  He realized that he was lonesome, but
hoped to try to remedy that soon. That was partly why he chose to take this
music course, to meet someone he could be close to. He had spent many hours
searching Nifty stories, trying to understand the way he was feeling, his
sexual dreams.
             Eric's parents had no idea that he was gay, thinking he was
just socially slow.  They were very social beings which turned Eric off
entirely. He did have three or four friends who would get together with him
for a movie, camping out once in a while, particularly swimming in Eric's
parent's large swimming pool, but he was sure none of them were gay. And he
didn't want to try to find out, they would cut him dead if the one he
picked wasn't gay.  Eric located beer in the house when necessary.  If the
parents were away, he ordered beer and some hard liquor which was delivered
and put on his father's bill.  He would have nothing to do with drugs and
asked anyone with drugs to leave. Politely, but firmly.  And Eric could be
firm when necessary, that is, when his beliefs were challenged.  His
parents were semi-Catholic, but never went. From what Eric had read, that
church was very harsh on gays, though many priests were gay or pedophiles.
That turned Eric off, he found literature which described the United Church
of Christ as being much more liberal toward gays, accepting them for what
they were. On his own, he joined a church which seemed friendly and
welcoming. They had an excellent music program. He was too old for their
boy choir, and wouldn't want to sing with the adults. What would happen
when he became known as a gay man he didn't know.  He hadn't found any boy
or man there whom he thought might be gay, though the odds say there must
be a few anyway.
             In the summer Eric practiced on the piano three or four hours
every day.  He was not studying at the present time, but would take it up
again when in college.  He would go to the small college in town, but
wasn't exactly sure what his aim was.  He didn't think he was good enough
for the solo concert circuit, but he dreamed about it.
             Eric decided to take a course in computer music lab with new
software. He had bought the same software for his computers at home.  In
fact his parents bought him a new computer for the course.  Ten students in
the class of all ages, older men, middle aged women, couple young women,
and Eric. He dressed casually, but not like the idiotic boy bands.  His
jeans fit pretty well, liked knit shirts and dress shirts over tees.  Hair
was not spiked or jelled, just easy to take care of with the short curls.
He had no beard or goatee, even if he could grow facial hair, it would be
so light it couldn't be seen.
             When he started class the week after school was out for the
summer, he looked around at the other students.  Well, no chances there to
find a friend of the kind he wanted.  He was friendly to everybody, but was
disappointed at the prospects. That day he attended and worked at the
computer, finished up later at home.  He took his work home on a CD that he
burned, and brought that back Wednesday.  The course met on Monday,
Wednesday and Friday for eight weeks.  Then he could take some real
vacation time.
             On Wednesday the class had just settled in when the door
opened, allowing a young man to walk into the room.  Eric was busy with his
computer project and didn't even look up.  The teacher was talking to the
new man and Eric heard, "Well, you'll have to catch up somehow, maybe
somebody would help you.  You can take the computer next to Eric, over
there." He pointed out Eric Wright to him. When Eric heard his name
mentioned., he looked up and nearly died in his seat.  The man was a little
taller than Eric, and was as handsome as a movie star.  He was slender but
moved athletically, all controlled and smooth.  Dark hair smoothed back,
not too long. His complexion was a little south of white, but definitely
Caucasian.
             As he moved beside Eric to sit, Eric smiled at him, saying
"Welcome."
             When seated, the young man, maybe 25, turned and smiled also,
"Hi, I'm Deacon Whittaker and I'm going to need help judging by what the
teacher just told me." They shook hands.
             Eric turned on the charm, grinned widely and said, "I'll be
happy to help.  I'm through with the present assignment and was sort of
playing." He said that softly so the teacher didn't hear. "Let me move my
chair over beside you and show you what we are working with.  Are you very
computer literate?"
             Deacon stayed calm, "Yes, pretty much, had a few courses in
college and got my own computer just like this one.  So, I should be all
right on that score."
             Eric was so hot to be helping this handsome hunk, gorgeous and
well built he could tell through the knit shirt and fairly tight khaki's.
He stared at his big biceps. Eric wished he had worn looser pants because
his cock had risen to the occasion, not showing much yet, luckily.
             The chairs they were using were steno chairs on wheels with
just a seat and small back.  When Eric moved closer, their legs touched,
and neither retreated from the position.  Eric looked into Deacon's face
and thought he noticed a small smile in the corners of his mouth.
             Eric showed everything he could think of to help Deacon, and
went over the material in the book that had been assigned.  They talked
between themselves very little. They would have to leave the building soon,
so Deacon wouldn't have time to practice on the computer.
             Gathering their books and papers, Eric and Deacon left the
school walking from the building to the parking lot in front.  Eric tried
to cover his hard with his books, but had an idea that Deacon had already
figured out what he was hiding.
             Eric started to say good-bye when he had an idea. "Deacon, I
have an idea. Why don't you come home with me now, if you have time?  I
have two computers in my room, both equipped with the same program and you
could use one and me the other." He grinned deviously," Of course, yours
will be much slower than mine."  Deke punched Eric lightly on his
shoulder. "And I could help you more.  We don't meet again until Friday.
What do you say?"
             Deacon looked into Eric's eyes, "I don't want to put you out,
Eric, I appreciate all the help you've given me.  But, since I'm so far
behind, I will accept with much thanks. Did you drive?"
             "No, but it's not far, I usually just walk or run."
             Deacon put a finger along side his nose, and made an act out
of thinking, "Well, why don't you get in my car and we'll get there at the
same time? What?"  He showed all his brilliant, white teeth.
             Eric laughed excitedly. "Oh, I say, that sounds supah." He
used an English accent badly.  They both giggled at his attempt, since
neither were English.
             They stopped at Eric's huge house.  Deacon said he had an
apartment half a mile away to the west. Eric knew those apartment houses,
he used to deliver papers there.
             Eric took Deacon into the house where he marveled at
everything, especially the Steinway grand piano in the corner of the living
room.
             "That's a beauty," Deacon remarked appreciatively.
             "Yes, it's mine."  Eric replied proudly.
             They continued upstairs to Eric's rooms.  Deacon was stunned
when he sees a second Steinway grand piano in the upstairs living area.
             "What the hell, you got two Steinway grands, Eric, obviously
your folks have a lot of money to spare."  Deacon was a bit bold there.
             Deacon went over and hit a couple of keys.  The tone was
glorious and brilliant. "Oh, man, this is great.  Wouldn't you please play
something for me. As a great favor, Eric."
             Eric blushed as he usually did when asked to play, and agreed
with great reluctance.
             Eric sat down and began the first movement of the Pathetique
sonata of Beethoven.  Deacon listened with an expert's ear, enjoyed hearing
a fine musician play the wonderful movement.  Before Eric even finished the
first movement, Deacon started applauding, yelling Bravo to the young
performer.
             He ran to Eric, lifted him off the bench and enveloped him in
a tremendous hug.  Embarrassed then, he let go, but Eric could see the
tears running down his cheeks.  He was overwhelmed with emotion to see the
reaction he brought to Deacon.
             Deacon finally was able to speak.  "Eric, I can't play it any
better than that and I have a Doctorate of Musical Arts from Eastman School
of Music!" He held Eric's shoulders in his hands, lightly shaking the young
man. "Don't you understand that you have an amazing talent.  You are superb
and are superior to most anyone I've heard."  Deacon was stunned.
             Deacon took Eric's hands in his own, feeling the fingers and
texture of the flesh. "Have you done any recordings, Eric?"
             "No, my teacher says I'm not ready."
             "Who is your teacher?" This he wondered worriedly.
             "Nicola Mastroni. He's Italian."
             Deacon knew Mastroni. He was from Brooklyn, and was a fake, a
talented one, but surely not for this young man.  His real name was Nicolas
Masters.  Deacon hoped he had caught this crime before it has gone too far.
             "Eric, who did you study with before him."  He asked this
hopefully.
             "Actually, it was the organist at our church, Mrs. Edna Saum."
             "Very good."  His response was positive. In reality Eric
should have stayed with her.  Deke had heard of her and knew she was a
small town music teacher, but had taught Gerald Foster, recent winner of
the Cleveland International Piano competition. He thought, 'I must stay
with his lad to help.' "And now to the computers. Thank you,
Eric. Sometime, remind me to tell you how wonderful you are."
             Eric blushed, he couldn't believe how excited Deacon had made
him. This sexy man, a new friend of his, had made him so hot.
             Eric pointed to the new computer Deacon could use and he'd
take the older one."Deacon, let's first go over the initial instructions,
and then we can continue with the examination and procedure for parsing the
flow of the music."
             Deacon turned to Eric, "After allowing me to listen to that
wonderful performance, you have my permission to call me Deke, only my
close friends do. Actually, only my wife and you."  He grinned, expecting
Eric to be proud, and he was.
             After an hour of computer work, Eric suggested they quit and
have a swim.
             "A swim?"
             "Sure, look out that window."
             Two stories below the Wright's swimming pool glistened and
glittered in the sun.
             "Look at that, Eric, I don't have a suit."
             Eric smiled guiltily, "Well if you are going to be picky. I
have loads of suits, there ought to be one you can get into.  Since I
usually swim as soon as I get home, I already have mine on."
             After saying that, Eric pulled his shirt over his head and
dropped his jeans to the floor.  Deke watched this exposition closely,
admired the view of this young man, still a boy in some ways, but anyone
who can play that way, could do anything.  His body was glorious in the
speedo.
             "I sometimes swim naked, but with company I usually wear
something. Saves embarrassment, mine and/or theirs." Eric responded shyly,
he was modest.
             He went to a drawer in his huge closet and pulled out a whole
bunch of suits, some speedos and other kinds, too.
             After the sight of Eric stripping, Deke felt he better wear
some long, full ones, the boy was drawing him completely to his body, to
his talent and his pheromones.  Deke was not inexperienced by any means,
but he still felt he shouldn't stray, though it looks like Eric would be
wonderful..
             Eric was hoping to see something of Deke naked, but the older
man was cleverly able to change without showing too much. Eric was
disappointed.  Well, he thought, I'll just have to get him over often.
             The two young men went down the stairs and out into the back
yard to the pool. Eric dove in to lead the way and Deke followed.
             Deke and Eric swam and played in the warm water.  Eric was
excited because he had an excuse to touch Deke, feel that smooth tanned
skin, get close to him.  He found that Deke didn't mind, that he even made
excuses, then tried to pull Eric's speedo off.  He didn't succeed because
Eric was so embarrassed by his hard on which was pushing out his suit.
             Deke knew that, but didn't want to push Eric too far.  He had
a feeling that they would become very good friends, maybe even closer than
that.
             Eric was married but his wife stayed in Columbus while he
toured.
             After tiring a little, Eric suggested they sit on the lounges
and sun and talk.  There were towels in a cabinet next to the pool.  Deke
was told that the pool house had a shower which he could use. Or they could
use Eric's luxurious bathroom.
             Eric was curious about Deke, with a Doctor of Musical Arts
degree, what was he doing, playing in a lounge, restaurant and bar.  Deke
explained that during the fall and winter he taught in a college in
Columbus. One of his favorite activities is playing pop stuff in a fine
restaurant, playing lounge piano, and singing some, too. He already had a
good rep for that kind of music.  His schedule was full for the summer.
             Deke was talking but also watching Eric's body, slender but
good muscles, especially pecs and lats from his swimming. No hair anywhere
except under his arms.  And most likely over his cock. That was a large
bulge in his speedo.  And he noticed the kid had a great butt, too.  Perky,
and bubbly.
             "Hey, Deke, could you stand a beer right about now?"  He was
sure he knew the answer.
             "Was St. Helens a disaster?"  Eric nipped into the house,
coming back with two Coors, handing one to Deke.
             "So, Deke, why are you playing in Cleveland?"
             "Eric, I love to play lounge piano in restaurants and night
spots.  Every year I go with a management service and they set up a
schedule of places where I can have a contract to play."
             "Where are you playing now?"
             "In the East Ninth Street Tower, great place. Do you suppose
you could get your parents to take you there?"
             "I might, when do you play?"
             "I play Friday through Sunday, 7 to 11. After that, they get a
band. It's a good job, except for a drunk or two sometimes."
             "You don't play tonight, Wednesday, right?"
             "That's right."
             "So you could stay a while and I'll cook. I am a good cook, no
one else is here most of the time and I do get hungry.  Do you like pork
roast?"
             "Yes, very much, haven't had any for ages."
             "Let's go up, shower and change, okay?" Eric suggested.
             Taking their towels with them, Eric sent Deke into the big
shower. He would have loved to suggest that they save water and take their
showers together, but didn't want to get into that. If he'd only known,
Deke was thinking the same thing.
             Eric stayed in the kitchen to get dinner ready.  The roast
would take a while, but the wait would be worth it.  He decided to set out
some hors d'oeuvres along with some white wine, Riesling, he thought, to
wait for the meat.  He fix a salad quickly and steamed some asparagus.  Now
he was really excited.  Damn, Deacon had Eric's cock on full load all after
noon.  Eric knew he'd have to jack off in the shower, or he'd never live
through the evening.
             After the dinner, they sat on the patio, with some Drambuie
Eric loved.
             "Where is your wife, Deke, in Columbus?" He wondered why Deke
hadn't said before.
             "Yes, she also teaches at the college where I do.  Sometimes I
go home after the weekend, but with this course now, I need to stay here to
keep ahead of the professor. We are often apart in the summer because this
is what I like to do, and she prefers to teach.  Then she takes off in the
winter to visit Florida for a couple of months."
             "That sounds like you don't see much of each other."  Eric was
thinking that they didn't have much of a sex life together.  He thought
that might be difficult for both of them. Or maybe both have other
partners."
             About 9 pm Deacon had to leave, he thanked Eric for a
delicious supper. "Forgive me, Eric, you just need this."  Deke pulled Eric
to him and hugged tightly. "You are a marvel, young man. I'll be here at
least two months and I'd very much like to get to know you, and you to know
me. What do you say?"
             "I say, 'nothing I would like more'." He looked into Deke's
eyes, "I get lonesome a lot, Deke, and I do need someone to talk to and
discuss my future with.  I thank you too."  Eric put his arms around Deke
and hugged tightly.  The taller Deacon planted a sweet kiss on Eric's head,
tenderly.  Deacon Whittaker already felt a little possessive of this
attractive young man.
             Two days later, both were back in front of their computer at
the school.  Often during the class, they would look at each other, smile
and send unspoken messages.  They grinned and their eyes grinned too.
Occasionally, one would hit the other's upper arm, a hit which would be
repaid soon after.
             Eric loved sliding his chair over to Deke, sort of cuddling up
to him, wanting to feel his leg against his own.  Deke often responded to
do the same to Eric.  Neither gave any notice of their friend's
movement. They totally ignored the rest of the class, including the
teacher.
             Going even further, Eric would slide over then put his arm
around Deke's shoulder from the back, holding on tightly.  Deke sometimes
stood up to get behind Eric's computer to look at his computer screen, one
hand rested on the desk, the other on the back of Eric's neck. He rubbed
Eric's straining muscles.
             Eric turned his head to look up at Deke, "That's nice, Deke".
His smile was loving.
             That Wednesday they were going to Eric's house after class.
             The rest of the class and teacher had already left so Deacon
took Eric's hands in his own.  "Eric, these hands will eventually take you
to tremendous heights in the concert world.  My greatest wish would be to
know you then."  He mussed Eric's blond curls excitedly, wishing he could
hold them to himself.
             "Eric, I am certainly pleased to have gotten to know you.
Friday I have to be in Cleveland early so I have to leave immediately after
class." He smiled, "I could take you home before I leave if you'd like?"
             Eric looked sad, disappointed, "No, that's all right, I enjoy
the walk, too."
             "Well, okay, Eric. After you help me with those projects we
are supposed to do, I must get back to my apartment, I'm expecting a call
from my wife about some financial dealings we have to make some decisions
about."
             Eric looked disappointed, sorry that Deke couldn't stay.
However, he smiled warmly, "Deke, that's okay, I do have stuff to do.  Oh,
I almost forgot, my parents will be home tonight and I'll see if they won't
come to Cleveland for dinner tomorrow night. You will be playing, right?"
             "Sure will, Eric, and I'll have some special music. Oh, damn,
I thought I had it with me, but I have some music for you, somewhere." He
looked in his briefcase further. "No, here it is."  He turned to Eric to
ask, "Have your ever played this?" He held out the music, "Arensky's Suite
for Two Pianos?"
             Eric smiled sweetly, "Deke, I played that with my first
teacher at one of her students' recitals as a special offering; I do love
it so much."  He took the sheet music, flipping through the pages.
             "Eric, I would like you to play it with me. This college has a
small recital hall with two grands, and I've been given permission to use
them. They do have two pianos together, not Steinways, but not too bad.
Okay?  Will you?  Please? You can look it over and I'll bet you can play it
from memory?"
             Eric looked doubtful, "Geez, Deke, I'm not sure I can ..... "
             Deke broke in, "Sure you can, love, let's try it out right now
in the recital hall." Deke gave Eric a quick squeeze and a dash out of the
room with Eric trailing after him.
             Eric watched him run to the hall, then quietly, "He called me
'love'. He called me ......  and I said yes, I guess.  I couldn't refuse
him anything."



* * * * *


             Each man sat at one of the grands, checked the tuning which
wasn't great but livable.  The two pianos were side by side but facing
toward each other.  The big curves in the pianos just fit each other,
nestled together, so the two men could make eye contact all the time. They
left the tops down on the pianos.
             "Okay, Eric, I'm ready if you are."
             "Me, too."  Eric's adrenalin was flowing fiercely as it did
when he was ready to play.
             With an eye signal they started with the Romance, rapid at
first but then slower with an expression of grace and expression.  Soon the
section speeded up, both pianos sounding oceans of notes, their parts being
perfectly together.  The Valse was next, another lovely melody with a
swinging three-quarter meter, flowing and surprising with variations, full
of arpeggios and scale passages, closing with the beginning waltz tempo and
swaying together. Since Eric knew the music so well, he could watch Deke's
eyes for signals.
             Finally, the Polonaise burst from the two musicians, stomping
and beating fiercely with inventive accents and syncopation. The trio of
that section was light yet soon returned to the strong rhythms and figures
of speeding, cascading notes from their talented fingers.
             Deke and Eric sat still a moment after they finished.  Then
they were surprised by loud applause from the rear of the hall.  Reacting
swiftly, they stood trying to see who might be there, most looking like
students.  The applause didn't slow down or stop, Eric figured they must
have impressed someone.
             One older man walked down the aisle between the rows of seats.
He approached them with his hand out.
             "Hi. I'm Professor Moskowitz, head of the keyboard
department." He shook hands with Deacon, "I assume you are Deacon
Whittaker, right."
             Deacon smiled, "Yes, sir, I am and I hope we didn't disturb
any classes." He looked really concerned.
             "Actually, Mr. Whittaker, you did, and I'm tremendously
pleased that you did.  I brought my class to listen.  Could you introduce
me to your friend?"
             "I'm sorry, I forgot, sir, this young man is Eric Lowell
Wright, just graduated from high school and I discovered him in a computer
class for the summer.  That was the first time we had ever played together,
or even played that Suite."
             "How do you do, Eric.  I hope your Mr. Whittaker has told you
that you are an amazing young man and have tremendous talent.  Who do you
study with, Mr. Wright?"
             "Well, I've been playing for ..... "
             "Ah," Deke cut in. "Right now he is without a teacher and I'm
trying to decide with whom he should study. Maybe you have a suggestion?"
             "Oh yes! Eric, and Deacon, there is a man living in this city
who teaches at the Cleveland Institute of Music and most likely will be the
next head of the department.  I'm sure if I ask him, he would be happy to
have Eric as a student.  He is the only CIM teacher to have a student who
has won the Cleveland International Piano Competition.  His name is Felix
Mendelssohn." Eric did a double take, that composer had been dead for over
150 years. The professor laughed, "No, he hasn't come back from the dead,
but he is some sort of relative, somewhere along the line."
             "That would be wonderful, Professor, I'm so pleased that you
stopped in."
             Professor Moskowitz smiled, "And I'm doubly pleased to have
heard your performance.  That quality of performance is rarely, if ever,
heard in this room." He turned toward Eric, "Eric, I will talk to Felix
this afternoon and he will call you soon, I'm sure.  I will be most pleased
to hear your progress with him." He patted Eric on the shoulder, "If you
ever need help or advice, please call on me here."
             "Thank you, Professor, I am pleased that you found my playing
worth while for advancement.  I will probably need to call on you. Thanks
again."
             Professor Moskowitz trundled up the steep aisle to his
students waiting in the doorway.
             Deacon sat back on the bench, idly flicking the keys.  He
looked up at Eric, "So, Eric, what do you think about that?"  He looked at
the keys again, "I didn't want you to tell him who you'd been studying
with, he doesn't have much respect in the piano teaching field."
             "That's okay, Deke, I was feeling that way about him, too."
             "Let's go, I'd love to do more two-piano music with you. But
later."


* * * * *


              Ever since his parents got home, Eric had been building up
his friend Deacon from the class he was taking.  "He's been here three
afternoons after class so I can help him, since he missed the first, the
most important, class."
             "And, Mom, he has a DMA from Eastman School of Music. He
teaches at a college in Columbus, most of the year, then travels the rest
of the time.  His wife lives in Columbus and also teaches at the
University.  It seems they do what they most love when the muse calls."
             He rattled on all about Deke, his likes and dislikes, his
sports awards and specialties.  Suddenly he realized Deke was all he talked
about since they got home. 'Oops,' he thought, 'I'd better get on another
subject. He had specifically mentioned Deke's wife so his parents wouldn't
get the wrong idea.
             His father was talking. "Is he helping you, too?  With the
piano."
             "Oh yes, Dad." He explained about the two piano performance
and how the piano professor there heard them and has suggested a new
teacher for me. Deke didn't think much of Eric's present teacher either.
             "No wonder."  Don Wright had hear reports about Eric's
teacher, not good ones. Eric's Dad was a large man, tall and well padded,
but not fat. He was also good looking, dark hair with grey sides, smooth
face with a strong nose and chin.  Eric loved him, he'd always been there
for Eric, whenever he needed him.  He did spend a lot of time on the road,
doing business for the large company he owned.  Eric's mother was in her
late 40s and she was lovely, perfect body though almost as tall as her
husband.  She was what you'd call a socialite, but with plenty of
intelligence and smarts, two different assets.  Most people feel she was
the backbone behind Eric's dad, the strength he needed to succeed.
             The three Wrights were driving out for dinner that
night. Eric's mother was not the best cook, or even a mediocre one.
Neither man blamed her, they just opted going out for meals in defense.
That was partly the reason why Eric learned to cook so well.  However, he
never told his parents how well he could cook.  One of his friends, a girl
named April, a great cook, had worked with Eric at his house.  He admired
her abilities, but nothing more than a good friend.
             Mr. and Mrs Donald Wright, Don and Carol, a couple well
regarded in the business world and among friends and relatives, envied and
also liked by all but the most jealous of their acquaintances.  Eric loved
them both devotedly, loved being with them and learning from both.
             "Dad, Mom, I'm first in the class. I'm so pleased that you let
me sign up for it. What we are learning will make arranging and composing
so much easier." He leaned over the back of the front seat and gave each of
them a quick kiss on their cheek.  "I love you guys so much."
             Eric's parents were well aware of Eric's feelings about them
which is why they let him have a free rein on his activities.  They knew he
was smart enough with plenty of common sense to carry him along in life.
They were a bit concerned about there being no girl or woman in his life,
feeling he will be deficient in the social graces and knowing how to
approach and handle women.  His Dad, however, since he felt he, personally,
had no understanding of women, didn't think he'd have any problem.  He just
needed to find a women just like his mother.  Neither of them even
suspected that Eric would never want a women. That would become evident in
the next few months.


             Eric had called Deke on Thursday to invite him to dinner. Deke
wasn't playing until later in the evening in Cleveland. Eric's parents
hadn't been able to take Eric to Cleveland to hear his friend, so they met
at the house for dinner which Eric had cooked.
             "Mr. Wright, Mrs Wright, please call me Deke, I would feel
better."  His face couldn't help spreading a smile to indicate how
wonderful he felt.  "When I first heard your son play, I really couldn't
believe his talent and musicianship.  I was dumbfounded.  I heard it, and
still had trouble taking in what I was hearing.
             "Eric may have told you that I have a Doctorate of Musical
Arts from Eastman School of Music so I know what I'm talking about.  I
don't know how much you all are tied to Nicola Mastroni, but I would like
to stick my nose in your business and suggest a different teacher, one who
is more helpful to younger artists." He looked around at their faces, "I do
have someone in mind who would be more compatible for Eric.  What do you
think, Eric? We'll have to wait to see if Felix Mendelssohn will call you."
             Carol Wright turned to look at Deke, "I thought he died a long
time ago."
             Deke smiled his charming best, "You are right, but this one is
related to the original."
             "I hope he calls soon, Deke, I haven't been that settled since
I left Mrs. Saum. When could we change?"
             Eric's mother spoke to Deke, "Would you be able to help Eric
some while we are waiting for the new teacher?"
             "I'd be delighted.  He has helped me so much with the computer
program, I'm really in his debt and will be glad to help him all I can."
             Carol smiled at that statement, "I'm so happy with that. Are
you living in town?"
             "Yes, I have a small apartment in the development just a few
blocks from your home.  My actual home is in Columbus where my wife keeps
our home running smoothly."
             Deke was sitting beside Eric, their knees pressed tightly
under the table, hidden under the large, white table cloth.  Eric looked at
Deke, searching his eyes to see what he was meaning.  Nothing showed. Maybe
tomorrow at class Deac would give out some hints..


* * * * *


             By Friday Eric's parents had left again for two weeks this
time. He went to school, his mind concentrating on Deacon Whittaker, so
much so that his nerves kept him from focusing on his work.  By the time
the college class started, Eric was so jumpy he could hardly sit still.
             Deke entered the classroom smiling, looking directly at Eric.
He seemed very proud of himself.
             "Hi, babe," Deke whispered to Eric.  The younger man's heart
leaped in his chest and he returned the brilliant smile.
             "What have you done, Deke, won the latest jackpot?"
             "Nope, kid, I'm coming home with you and I'll stay a little
late ..... " he winked at Eric, "... if that's okay with you?"  He knew
that Eric's parents would not be home for a week or so.  "Sometimes I can
take a night off. There is a sub in the city who can do a good job." He
smiled, "But not as good as me!"
             Eric nearly fainted, holding on to the desk with both hands.
He heart pounded in his chest while his breathing became rapid and erratic.
             Somehow Eric and Deke stayed in the classroom for the whole
time, but as the teacher indicated the class was finished, they grabbed
their books and actually ran to Deke's car. Five minutes later they were
climbing the stairs to Eric's bedroom. Eric was so much quicker than Deke
that by the time Deke turned into the room, Eric stood there, stark naked,
standing tall with his rock hard cock aimed at the door. He'd put his hands
on his buttocks, flexing his muscles and pushed the narrow loins forward,
stretching back to show his body in the best light.
             Deacon just moaned, stopped on a dime, "Eric," he whispered,
"Eric, you are beautiful, the most beautiful I've ever seen." He stared at
the young man, head to toe with stops in between, his tits, his navel and
crotch, perfectly proportioned thighs and calves.
             "Oh, my god, Eric, I'm shaking. Please don't move.  Let me do
what I have to do."
             Eric stayed silent.  He, too, knew his parents were gone for
another two weeks on the road. He also knew that he wanted Deacon at that
moment, more than anything, his desire and lust for Deke exceeded his
ability to control it. His cock barely wavered, just slightly pulsed with
his heart beat.
             Deke finally moved, slowly and deliberately toward Eric, the
love child he saw before him, the epitome of innocence amid raw sexual
power from his loins and aura.  Standing beside Eric, he reached to the
boy's back, sliding his hand and fingers along his spine, down and down,
over the smooth velvet skin.  The other hand he laid on Eric's pecs, his
thumb flicking his nipples, so tight and at their peak.
             From the rear Deke raised both arms high in the air, revealing
his lightly haired arm pits where Deke sniffed subtly, absorbing the aroma
of a little sweat, some deodorant and Eric's strong male scent.  Finally
Deacon pressed his body against Eric's back, his hands around the boy's
chest, laying his steel rod against his buttocks.  Deacon lay his head on
Eric's shoulder and neck, breathing warmly on the young man's skin sending
tiny sensations of electric shocks.
             Since Deke was still dressed, to strip was his next step.  He
moved in front of Eric who was still in the same position, his pole still
straight out from his groin and by that time dripping his pre-cum.  Deke
was salivating freely, wishing to taste his juices.  But first things
first.
             Deke's knit shirt flew from his hands which then went to his
waist.  There the snap was opened and zipper slid down it's track to the
bottom.  When Deke release the waist band, his shorts slid down his legs
revealing his totally naked human body, just as beautiful as Eric's. His
hard on had slapped against his abs, splashing pre-cum all over him.  Eric
stared at it, thirsting to feel and taste it.
             Eric had often wondered if Deacon wore underwear of any kind,
questioning the way his gear there moved around as he walked and sometimes
shook his hips.  Now Eric saw perfect pecs, lightly haired, not enough to
cover anything important on his chest.  The trail fell down the center of
his abs, filling out when it reached his crotch.  He had much more hair
there than Eric did, on his groin, his inner thighs and on down.
             His cock was absolutely stiff, the head puffed out from the
shaft a little, the whole thing must have been seven inches, maybe.  The
wild scene in Eric's mind played out that cock doing fantastic things to
his asshole and whole rear end.  He began shaking, keeping his senses on
task and in focus with difficulty.
             This time, with Deacon naked, Eric walked two steps to mold
his own body against Deke's. Both men grabbed their partner with clutching
arms, pulling their chests and crotches together. At the same time both
lowered their hands to grip one butt cheek with shaking fingers.
             "Oh, god, Deke, I think I may faint.  I've dreamed of this day
for months, years, and again for two weeks since meeting you.  I love you,
I'm obsessed with you, you have made me your prisoner. Do you understand
that?"
             Deacon gripped Eric's buttocks even harder, sliding his
fingers gently between his solid globes, the warm, moist and most hidden
spot on Eric's body.  Deke pulled his head back so he could place his warm
luscious lips onto Eric's, pressing and licking them.  Eric groaned
shakily, feeling his legs go weak. When he started to slip down Deke's
body, the older man held on tightly, keeping his body and legs working as
they should.
             Quickly, Deke bent over, put an arm under Eric's arms and
behind his knees, lifting him easily, cuddling him to his breast, trying to
absorb the lad's handsome physique to his own.
             "Eric, love, we need to talk I think." He lay the smaller body
on his bed, stretched out in a line from head to foot. Deacon lay on the
bed beside him, his bare skin sliding over the other's.
             "I'm a little worried, love.  That I want to tell you first,
I've loved you ever since that first day in the class, when you first
turned that blinding smile on me.  But, yes, here's a but, I am married,
though I do love you.  Another but, you are only 17 years old, right?"
             "Yes, that's true, Deke, but I'll be 18 a week today.  I think
we should get some leeway, don't you?"  He turned on his side to face
Deacon. "I'm never going to tell and neither are you. I know that."
             "True, I'm sure too, but, can we keep it a secret if I do
molest you sexually? Actually, and technically, we've already gone too far.
That's because of another butt, this one is the one where your backside
resides." Deacon caressed Eric's buttocks with both hands.  "The most
beautiful butt I've ever seen, which I would dearly love to lick, eat and
invade."
             "Yes! Yes! Do me, do me, Deacon Whittaker, you are my man!"
             Deke hedged, "Well, since we've gone this far, we might as
well go all the way."
             Both moaned and clutched the other.  Time was spent becoming
introduced to the other's body, everywhere and anywhere, with hands, arms,
tongues and lips.  Their throbbing cocks were pressed everywhere, spreading
their pre-cum over naked skin.  The kissing had been going on using all
lips and tongues, biting and laving where they could.
             Eric suddenly shoved Deke onto his back, then thrust his head
into Deke's crotch, jamming his cock into his mouth, ultimately gagging as
a result.  He started coughing, tears running down his cheeks.  Sitting up
again, he was really crying because he want to suck Deke's cock so bad.
             "Eric, dear, You have to take it easy."  He pulled Eric to
him, hugging the overexcited young man, trying to stop his crying. "Eric,
just take it a little bit at a time.  First, just take the head and use
plenty of tongue, licking and sucking a bit.  You should not be actually
sucking a cock, that in itself won't work very well.  You want to excite
your lover with your tongue and hands." He kissed Eric gently and
passionately on his lips, whispering loving words to him.
             Eric grabbed Deke's cock within one fist, then began to tease
the head, with his tongue and thumb and fingers.  Gradually he could take
more and more of Deke's cock in his mouth.  Within a few minutes Deke had
to stop him.  The excitement of the young man's attack on his cock had
become almost too much.
             "Please stop, Eric, I almost came just then, I con't want to
cum so soon."
             Eric pouted, "But Deke, I wanted to drink your cum, taste it
and ...."
             "You will, lover, my wonderful hot boy.  But have patience."
             Deke then pushed Eric onto his back and began loving his
dearest friend with his tongue.  >From Eric's pecs and nipples to his arm
pits, he licked and allowed his juices to run down his side. Moving on,
Deke licked Eric's trail to his pubis, pulling his dark, curly hair with
his lips.  The boy's drooling cock was knocking Deke in the head as he
nosed into the upper thighs where he takes Eric's balls into his mouth,
massaging them with his tongue.  Eric's balls were not very large, though
that wouldn't matter much with his semen production.
             Eric groaned, moaned and kept twitching as Deke handled his
sensitive balls, licking and kissing them while his pre-cum flowed down the
sides to puddle in his pubes.
             "Oh, god, Deke, please let me cum, please?  I need to shoot,
man, love my dick."
             Deke said he would but first he turned Eric on his
stomach. His hands caressed Eric''s back and waist, massaging the fine
muscles he found there.  But Deke was looking at Eric's buttocks,
beautifully round, global, solid but still soft. When he began to knead
them, Eric couldn't stop moaning.
             Deke spread his cheeks apart and dove between them, his tongue
laving the trench, especially the tiny pink bud.  With that, Eric was
literally screaming at the top of his voice and Deke wondered if anyone
could hear him.  As soon as Eric could draw a breath, he started again.
Deke figured he'd better stop and roll Eric over to attend to his major
sensuousness.
             Eric slowed down his screams and quieted too.  But, when Deke
sank Eric's cock into his mouth to the hairs, the young man's groans grew
to an almost yelling mode.  The older man used his tongue around the
squishy head, swollen and ultra sensitive, making Eric twist and wriggle
his body, limbs flying.  Deke grabbed Eric's bag, pulling the 'eggs' down
gently but firmly.
             Eric's eyes were closed, his mouth wide open and neck muscles
taut and stretched.  His chest heaved and sank as his breath came
spasmodically.  Tiny electric shocks were flooding Eric's system from
crotch to shoulders, filling his nervous system with ecstatic points of
tone.
             With a grand push up into Deke's mouth and down his throat
Eric exploded, his semen flew from his rigid cock to inundate the hot, wet
mouth toward the gullet where his life's force would lay inside Deke.  With
one last huge bellow Eric's whole body spasmed, then collapsed.  His
vitality disappeared and he dissolved into the mattress.
             Deke cleaned up Eric's cock of his semen, licking up the
delicious cum in his pubes.  Slowly, Deke sat up and looked down at the
beautiful young man, such beauty so rare in a male of his age.
             Deke called his name, softly, a few times with not reaction
from Eric.  He decided that Eric had overloaded his circuits and pretty
well shut off his systems. Deke knew that with sleep and a good rest he
would be restored to his vital self.
             Slowly Deke pulled on his clothes, looking at Eric, thinking,
'Oh god, that was so wonderful, I shouldn't have but he wanted it so badly.
I hope he has good memories.'  He decided that he must leave and make a
decision, knowing that he should have not had sex with Eric. But, what
could he do?  Rather, where could he go?
             Deke covered the sleeping beauty with the sheet, the curves
and angles of his body shaping the covering with his physical form.  He
bent to lay a light, but passionate, kiss on his forehead, tasting the
light sweat which lay there.  Pushing his hair from his eyes, Deke
murmured, "Sleep well, my love, we'll be together again sometime."
             Quickly Deke sped down the stairs and out the door to his car.
There were trails of tears on his cheeks as he started the car, and he
wiped them away with the back of his hand.


* * * * *


             Eric slept until morning, feeling rested and exultant that
he'd finally had sex with Deke.  "What a wonderful man," Eric spoke out
loud. "I can't wait to see him again." Since it was Thursday, that wouldn't
happen until Friday.
             He stretched on the bed, running his palms up and down his
body, giving his hard prick and swipe or two.  'Guess the cum has all dried
up," he decided, so happy. "Or maybe, he licked it all up."  Eric shivered
at the thought of Deke's tongue on his body.

             Friday Eric was so eager to get to the class, he was fifteen
minutes early.  The rest of the class dribbled in slowly. In his mind he
wanted to urge them on so Deke could get in.  The class started and no
Deke. He was usually right on time and Eric was a little worried.
             A half hour into the class time, there was no sign of Deke.
Eric was almost frantic, not knowing what to think.
             "Mr. Wright, would you come up, please."
             "Yes."
             "Eric, Mr. Whittaker called me this morning and said he'd had
a change of schedule. He wouldn't be able to finish the class. He said to
tell you that he would see you later." The instructor smiled kindly, sure
that the two men had formed a intimate relationship. Why the man couldn't
have told Eric himself, he couldn't understand.
             As he thought, Eric's face paled and became sadness itself.
Eric remembered himself enough to thank the instructor but his attention
was miles away.
             "Sir, I'm not feeling well. Might I be excused today?"  His
tone was depressed and quiet.
             "Eric, that's fine. You are way ahead of everyone else."
             He picked up his books and left the classroom.  As he turned
to go down the hall, he ran into a man, standing by the lockers.
             Eric woke up, "Oh, I'm so sorry, it's my fault."  He raised
his eyes to see a tall, distinguished looking man, maybe in his 50s and
good looking.
             "Are you Eric Wright?"  The man spoke kindly, calmly.
             "Yes, I am."  Eric was matter of fact.
             "I'm Felix Mendelssohn. Deke Whitaker said you would be in
class here. And, I had some free time so decided to come and meet you."
             Eric stood, rigid, his mind on Deke, nothing else.  He was
pulling a blank.
             "I'm the piano teacher whom Professor Moskowitz recommended
for you."
             "Oh," Eric burst out, "I'm so sorry, I've just had a shock,
but I'm back."  He stuttered. "I'm very pleased to meet you."
             "Is there anything I can help you with, Eric?"
             Eric woke up again, "Uh, ah, no, thanks. I think I can handle
it."
             "Deke said you and he played the Two Piano Suite of
Arnesky. Right?"
             "Yes, we ... ah ... Wednesday.  I was surprised that it went
so well since we'd never played it together, or anything together,
actually."
             Felix smiled, "Well, I know how good Deke is but not you. Do
you have time to play just a little bit of something for me?"  He
practically pleaded.
             Eric felt humbled, "I guess so, here?"
             "Sure."
             They walked down the aisle of the small recital room. "Could
you play the Arensky with me?"
             "Oh, I don't have the music, and don't have it memorized."  He
seemed confused.
             "That's okay, I have it right here." He put his brief case on
one piano and pulled out the two parts. "I don't have it memorized either,"
he smiled warmly. He put his arm around Eric's shoulder and directed him to
the piano he'd played before."
             With his eyes on Felix's eyes, they started together and
continued without a problem until the end. As the final notes echoes
throughout the small auditorium, Eric was overcome with grief, he lay his
head on the piano and cried, cried and sobbed.
             Felix walked to Eric and sat on the end of the bench.  He put
his arm around Eric and pulled him close.  Eric turned, lay his head of
Felix's shoulder and sobbed even louder.
             "Eric, let it go, let it all out."  He caressed Eric's short
curls while patting his back.
             It took another five minutes for Eric to 'cry it out'.
             "I ... I'm ... sorry .... Mr. ...." he started crying again,
holding on with a grip of iron.
             "It's okay, Eric, I'm here. Please call me Felix. Can you do
that?"
             "F ... fel ... Felix.  I'm so sorry, I don't know what came
over me."
             "I''d guess that you were remembering when you played that
with Deke. Right? And maybe other memories?"
             Eric nodded his head, still sniffing, still holding on.  "Ah
... last night ... we .... " He jumped suddenly, "Oh, it was nothing."  His
face was still desolation personified.
             Felix pulled Eric's head up to look into his eyes.  "It wasn't
nothing. Was it?"
             Eric's eyes shut, tears again pouring from them, "No, you're
right, it was important to me, but I guess not him."
             "I know Deke a little. I think he went beyond what he expected
to.  Don't be hard on him, Eric, he's a good man, just sometimes he loses
control a bit."  He straightened Eric, "Listen to me, Eric, " he whispered
to the boy, "You will see him and be with him again.  Can you be patient?"
             "I don't want to." His demand was forceful and strong.
             Felix lifted Eric from the bench. "I'm sure of that, but you
will have to.  In the meantime would you let me be your teacher?"
             "Oh, yes, thank you," and Eric's mouth turned up in the
corners to almost make a smile.
             "Okay, then, this will be our first lesson. Sit down again."
They sat on the same bench while Felix talked calmly, kindly to his pupil.
He said there was nothing terribly with Eric's playing, just some fine
points on which he'd like to work with him.
             An hour passed quickly as they worked. Felix said he had to
leave. "Will you be going to this college, Eric?"
             "Yes."
             "Well, this is where we can have our lessons unless you have a
better idea."
             Now a big smile, "Yes, sir, I do.  I have two matched Steinway
grands at my home. One is in the living room and one in my bedroom. I could
have the upper one moved down with the other. Would that be all right?"
             "Would it. Man, that would be wonderful. And, Eric, I want you
to play a two-piano recital with me at the Cleveland Institute of Music at
the end of the summer. Just you and me.  Okay?"
             Eric was stunned. "You want to do that with me?  I can't
believe it."  He stood and reached out to Felix and hugged him.  "Thank
you, Felix, I appreciate your help so much." He released his teacher and
turned to leave the hall, waving good by to him.
             "My god, Deke, how did you ever find him?" He knew Deke well,
well enough to know what his movements would be.  He would high tail it out
of Dodge and hit the trail. At least for a while.  He'll be back, he won't
stay away from Eric very long. He smiled to himself, "And will that be the
day."



* * * * *


             On th way home Eric tried to keep focused on Felix's offer and
suggestion of a recital with him.  That really excited him, kept his mind
away from Deke and Wednesday night. In a way Eric was starting to become
angry with Deke, after playing with him like he did, didn't even stay
around and seems to have left town.
             Eric called to make arrangements for the Steinway in his
bedroom to be moved to the living room which was plenty big enough to
accommodate both easily. When that was arranged, he phoned his piano tuner
to visit when the two pianos were together.
             In his bedroom Eric lay on his bed and reviewed how Deke had
made love to him. It was so wonderful, so exciting and so hot.  His cock
was quickly as hard as ever, hot and aroused enough to start leaking and
soaking his briefs.
             Meanwhile, he did have an idea.  He had no idea how to contact
Deke, where he had lived in town, where they lived in Columbus, or even
what his wife's name was.  He made a decision.  Picking up his cell, he
called the restaurant/lounge in Cleveland. When someone answered, he spoke.
             "Can you tell me if Deacon Whittaker is playing tonight?"
             "I'm sorry, he has cancelled his contract and that's all I
know. I can't tell you where he went because he didn't tell us.  Is there
anything else you want to know."
             Dejected, Eric said, "No, thank you. I don't suppose he left a
message for someone named Eric?" He had a glimmer of hope.
             "No, I'm sorry, he left no notes at all."
             "Thank you, bye."

             Now Eric was furious, partly at himself, but mostly at
Deke. "That son-of-a-bitch had sex with me then left me high and dry." He
pounded one fist into his other hand.  "Damn, I'll show him.  I'll study so
damn hard that I'll end up a lot better than he is."


* * * * *


             The evening had been one of sparkling music, brilliant
technique from two men on two grand pianos, one young and one middle age.
From beginning to the encore, their talents blossomed upon the audience in
waves of gorgeous musical thought.  All of the seats in Reinberger Chamber
Hall in Severance Hall were filled, probably half were students from the
Cleveland Institute of Music. The other half was filled with relatives and
friends of the performers plus two local music newspaper columnists.
             Felix felt a bit nervous in the green room, waiting to go on,
not for himself, but for Eric.  This would be his first recital in public,
the musically knowledgeable students would be aware of Eric's talent, plus
others who would be drawn by Felix's name.  Eric looked cool and composed
on the outside, but inside he was talking to himself. 'Too bad Deke
wouldn't be here. I want to show him up so bad, show him I don't need him.'
Eric would not admit to himself that he did need Deke, badly.
             Felix put his arm around Eric's shoulders, "Eric, my son, I
felt our dress rehearsal yesterday seemed just a tad out of joint. But I
also feel in my old bones that we will be perfect tonight. Don't you?"
             Eric and Felix had become very close in their daily meetings
for almost three months, both had learned that touching each other on the
surface would be good and necessary.  That was the antithesis of sexuality,
just communicating with each other in a tactile manner.  They certainly
didn't become father and son, though Felix often called Eric 'son',
probably more like favorite uncle to favorite nephew.  Both felt the
relationship would be permanent, forever.  They thought alike, their
emotions followed similarly. However, when listening to music, Eric liked
some good rock, though Felix never listened to it.
             Eric patted the solid back next to him then grabbed his slim
waist and gave a half hug.  "Felix, I'm sure we will be perfect and I'm the
one who should be nervous. Should I be worried if I'm not worried?"
             "Absolutely not, Eric, you know what to do, how to do it and
you will perform superbly."
             They had both checked their music on the pianos.  They would
open the program with the Rachmaninoff Suite No. 2, Opus 17, then Six
Pieces, Opus 14, of Gliere, Brahms Variations on a theme by Haydn, Facade
by William Walton and finally for a change of flavoring, Lecuona's
Malaguena.  They had prepared Debussy's Golliwogg's Cake Walk for the
encore, if needed.
             The Rachmaninoff was beautiful and so romantic, while the
Gliere pieces were light and delicate, each part so individual and
exquisite.  The Brahms and William Walton were quite different but each had
a similar flavoring to the other.  The Malaguena brought a complete change
of pace, more rhythmic and yet so dynamic musically.  Golliwogg's was to
end the program in a light note (sic) and a gentle flash of brilliance.
             The recital went as Felix had said. Perfect. Nothing out of
line. They played like one man with four hands that could stretch to two
pianos.  The response from the audience was quick and fervent.  The
perfection along with deep feeling was what the students would expect from
Felix, but who was this unknown pianist who played as well as Felix.  No
one knew him because Felix had kept him hidden. They never practiced at the
CIM, or gave and took a lesson there. Dr. Moskowitz from the college where
they lived hardly knew it since they never practiced there. Felix had told
him the he and Eric would give a performance to his students.
             Felix and Eric had to play the encore, in fact, they had to
play it twice because they didn't have another one.  Finally, Felix had to
stop the applause, "Friends, we are so happy we have pleased you with our
music, especially this friend of mine," he put his arm around Eric.  Eric
was smiling such a room-lightening smile, his joy and excitement evident to
the entire audience.
             They had planned to stay by their pianos to receive those who
wanted to talk to them.  However, before the people started up on the
stage, Felix asked Eric to go back to the green room and get his other
glasses. "I can't see worth a damn with these short focus glasses."
             "Sure."
             Eric walk quickly backstage and through the door of the
waiting room.  He headed to the table where he saw them in the case. He was
about to leave when a voice came to him, "That was a great recital, Eric."
             Eric turned to see Deke standing across the room, expectant
and smiling.
             Eric was stunned, he froze, completely at a loss. Where had
Deke come from?  Eric was still mad, furious, he was about to leave again
when Deke held out his arms as if to catch Eric in them.
             Eric still wasn't sure what to do, but in the next second, he
turned and actually ran into those welcoming arms.
             "Oh, Deke, I've missed you so much."  Eric broke out in tears,
sobbing heavily against Deke's chest and those steel-like arms surrounding
him.  "Oh, Deke, please don't go away again.  You have no idea how much
I've needed you."
             "Yes, I do know, I've missed you just as much."  He took a big
breath, "Eric, I've left my wife!"  Deke held his breath, waiting for
Eric's response to his dramatic revelation.
             Eric leaned back to look into Deke's eyes.
             "Are you telling me ..... you left her .... for me?
Honestly?"
             Deke's smile told the story, "Yes, love, I left her for you.
I love you, I adore you, I need you as part of me."
             Eric pressed his face into Deke's chest, holding more tightly.
Quietly, wondering, "Why couldn't you have just told me?"
             "Eric, you need to go back to your admirers.  They are calling
for you." With the door shut they could barely hear, 'Eric, Eric.'  "I'll
be right here when you get back. I swear." He gave Eric a deep kiss on the
lips.  He gave him a smack on the butt. "Get out there, lover man."
             Eric went to be with Felix on stage and his hand was grabbed
by person after person. His parents were standing beside him waiting for a
kiss which he gave.  Dr.  Moskowitz was next.
             "My boy, you were fantastic," he held Eric's shoulders, "I
should have known, but I still can't believe you've accomplished so much in
such a short time." He exuded a sincere amazement at the boy's progress.
             "Well, Doctor, you know Deke Whittaker, he's the one who did
it but I won't tell you how."  Eric was relieved to be able to talk about
Deke without crying.
             When the audience had completely left except for Eric's
parents and Deke, Felix went to congratulate Eric again. "My son, you have
completely surpassed all of my expectations." He chuckled, "How would you
like to go on the road?"
             Eric grabbed Felix and hugged him.  "Felix, I'd do anything
for you, but not yet" He was very convincing, "I'm sorry, Uncle, if I've
disappointed you, but I think you know the reason. He was waiting in the
green room, as you knew."
             "Forgive me, Eric, he had called me yesterday when he'd heard
about the recital, and asked if I would send you back to the green room
whether you were great or not. But, since you were not only great, but
miraculous, I knew you would want to see him."
             Eric frowned at Felix, "But did you know what he was doing
when he left me?"
             "No, Eric, I did not, I swear.  I didn't know until yesterday.
I did say I thought you would do better if you didn't see him until
afterward."
             "You were right, as usual." Eric quickly placed a light kiss
on his cheek. "Thanks for everything, uncle."  Eric thought a bit, "I
expect that Deke and I will move to Cleveland. He doesn't know it, but I'll
tell him eventually. I'll rent a place in which my two pianos would fit."
He grinned, "My parents are real patsies, they love me and will do whatever
I ask." He had another idea, "Hey, what about Deke being our manager, he'd
be great at that. And he can still do his playing also.  How about it?"
             "That would be great, son, do you think he'll do it?"
             Eric laughed, "Uncle, I'm sure he'll do whatever I ask, don't
you?"
             "Yes, Eric. And you are certainly welcome.  Now, you have the
weekend off, but we start anew on Monday."  They hugged again.
             Eric pulled his parents to the green room.  They were
surprised to see Deke, but not to watch Eric hug him passionately.  Both
were smiling as Eric and Deke parted. They pulled both into their large
group hug.
             Eric's mother kissed Eric, then Deke. "I expect you to be at
our house tomorrow night, we are giving a party in celebration of Eric's
triumph," her eyes glittered with tears, "and to rejoice in your
partnership, I guess that's what it is called."
             Deke took Carol in his arms, "That's it, all right, Mom, if
I'm not being to forward. In fact I will be staying with you tonight." He
held her tight, obviously delighted and thrilled.  Don Wright pushed
between them, taking Deke's hand, "I'm as pleased as I can be, Deke, though
I thought your method was unorthodox and a bit hard on Eric."
             "Mr. Wright, I wouldn't have done it if I hadn't thought Eric
could easily handle his disappointment to spur along the terrifically hard
practice. I knew he'd try to outplay me. And he certainly did."  They shook
hands with looks at each other which spoke of respect and affection.
             Don and Carol Wright, Eric and Deke headed for the Wright
home.  The young men quietly climbed the stairs to Eric's room, now Eric
and Deke's room.  Eric just shut the door since he didn't think his parents
would enter.
     Deke stripped first, Eric afterward.  Deke held out his arms for Eric
who immediately joined his lover.  They embraced each other, stood at the
window, the reflections of the pool water playing on their faces and bare
bodies.  Each played to the other's heart without making a sound. They
finally lay on the bed and were joined in body, emotions, intellect and
twin souls.


* * * * *


I love email.  If you want to comment, or ask for more of Eric and Deke,
write to authorpaul@mail.com Please put "Play Heart" in the subject
line. Thanks. Paul