Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2007 11:08:41 -0800 (PST)
From: Lost Cause <l0st_cause@yahoo.com>
Subject: The Beginning Of The End 2

COPYRIGHT: 2007 by LCStories ( Mike) All rights reserved

DISCLAIMER: The following story is Fictional. It contains descriptions of
homosexual activities. If you are not over 18 years of age, or if you find
this type of story offensive, or viewing this material is illegal where you
are, then please DO NOT READ IT! If you choose to read it, then - I hope
you enjoy it!

Want to read more stories by me? Then join my Yahoo group.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LCStories

Thanks For Proof Reading Barry
And remember send all feedback to L0st_cause@yahoo.com thanks.

The Beginning Of The End, Chapter 2
 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

*****

We opened Alex's door and got a big surprise. There was Clay's little
brother with some other guy. They were sucking each others dicks. I was
shocked and Clay looked as shocked as I was. But it did not seem like they
noticed us because they were still going at it, moaning and really getting
into each other.

Then finally Alex turned and he saw us. The other boy felt the change in
Alex. He suddenly stopped and looked over to see why.

"OMG" Alex screamed pulling his blanket over himself and the other boy so
we couldn't see them naked.

"Bro, what the hell is going on?" Clay said in a very calm voice. But Alex
was just too scared to say a word.

"Alex, get cleaned up and once your friend goes home we will talk," I said
grabbing Clays hand and taking him to his room. I grabbed Alex's door and
closed it.

I then lead Clay to his room. He didn't resist me at all. Clay sat down on
his bed. I took a seat next to him. I put am arm around Clay and looked up
to see his reaction. To my surprise he seemed very calm, but not upset at
all. If anything he just seemed a bit shocked. But as I began to say
something to him, I couldn't. I mean what was I suppose to say, "Sorry your
brother is gay?" I can't say that to him, even if Alex is gay. That is who
he is. I know it's not something he chooses. You are probably wondering how
I know so much about gay people. Right?

Well about a year ago, during the summer, I had to go to work with my
dad. Once we got there we saw a kid who looked to be about three years
younger than me. He was right outside my dad's working place on the ground,
nearly naked, covered in blood. We called 911 and they got him to a
hospital. My father and I went to the hospital to see how he was only to
find out he died a few minutes after he got there. His mother and father
were heart broken. But what got me was why he was killed. He was gay and
when he told his parent's they kicked him out of the house and that is how
he wound up on the street.  While on the street I guess he met this older
guy who offered to give him a place to stay for sex. The boy refused and
was rapped then killed. This boy was no older than Alex is now. Even if
Alex isn't my real brother, he still treats me like a brother, as I do to
him. I don't think I could handle the fact of losing him just because of
his sexual orientation.  After this incident my father and I did a lot of
searching. We read a lot of things about gays. We learned a lot. One of the
most important things we learned was that being Gay is not something a
person chooses. It's more something they were born with. Some people may
think of it is a curse or something, but that's not true. It is just a
different lifestyle.  The day I got home that summer I went straight to
Clay's house and told him everything that happened. He was very upset about
what had happened to the boy, but then he seemed very worried. To this day
I'm still not sure why he was so worried, maybe it was because he knew
someone that was gay and was afraid for them? But I never did ask him about
it.

As we sat together on the bed Clay was resting his head on my shoulder with
my arm still wrapped around his back.

"Are you okay Clay?" I asked, looking at him. He looks so sad, but it's not
the sad you would think. The reason he looks so sad is because he knows
everything I do about gay guys and how hard it is for them. He didn't
respond to my question. We sat together quietly for a few minutes until we
heard a soft knock on the door.

"Come in," I said knowing it was Alex and still not knowing what we would
say to him.  After a few seconds of nothing, the handle turned and there
stood Alex who was now fully dressed. He slowly walked into the room,
closing the door behind him. The first thing I noticed was his red, teary
eyes. Clay seemed to notice the same thing. As he stood up and walked
straight over to Alex and gave him the biggest hug he could, without
hurting his little brother. I stood up after Clay and both Alex and Clay
looked at me, not knowing how I would react. But I walked over to them and
joined them in the hug. We stayed like that for a few minutes until finally
both Clay and I let Alex go. Clay and Alex sat on the bed, while I went
over and sat on the chair in front of the computer.

"So... you don't hate me?" Alex asked in a very soft shaky voice. Clay and
I looked over at each other and shook our heads saying no. "Why the hell
would we hate you, bro?"  Clay said putting an arm over his brother.

"Well, you saw me and..."

"Alex, you're still young. It is natural for boys your age to try things
like this... I have done some things like what we saw you doing," I looked
over at Clay as I finished my sentence and he was blushing a little. Yet
Alex's eyes went big in shock.

"Really?" Was all he could mange to say. Clay and I both nodded in
agreement.

"But Alex, just promise me you will be safe. OK? Go online and learn about
safe sex, bro."

"And remember we are always here for you, Alex" I added. Alex leaned over
and gave his brother a hug. Then he walked over to me and did the same.

"You guys really are the best brothers. You know that?" Alex said smiling
at us.

"So Alex, what is his name?" I said giving Alex and wink. Clay couldn't
help but let out a laugh as Alex started to turn bright shades of red.

"His name is Cody," Alex stated.

"Just remember to lock your door next time. OK bro? You don't want Dad to
find you.  He might not be as understanding as we are," Clay said.

"OK, Clay. Thanks again. I'm going to go to my homework," Alex said giving
us one last hug each and leaving Clay's room.

I looked over at Clay and he looked very relieved. I got off the chair and
sat next to him.  He looked up at me and gave me a big smile. God his smile
is so beautiful.


*****

Josh stood up and sat next to me. I couldn't help but stare at him as he
came closer. That body of his, I don't know how he keeps it so toned with
all the crap he eats, but he does and it looks so dang good. Then you have
his face. He is the kind of person you can't read. His facial expressions
are so calm and joyful even if he isn't happy. He still has a happy
expression. One thing I always notice is how his face may not show how he
is feeling, but his eyes do. My mother was the same way. She was always so
happy when she was really sad deep down inside, her eyes looked different,
as if they changed with her emotions. It was something I could always tell
about Josh and one of the reasons why I can always tell when something is
bothering him. But as always Josh sat right next to me and all I could do
was stare into those deep blue eyes of his. I wanted so much to lean over
and kiss him, to show him how I really felt for him. But I couldn't, no
matter how much I want to.

"It is still pretty early. You want to watch a movie or something?" Josh
said giving me one of those wonderful smiles again. I nodded and turned on
the TV. We ended up watching some old 80's horror movie. I laid down on my
bed sideways and Josh joined me.

I must have been really tired because the next thing I know I was waking
up.  "Josh?" I said, I knew he was sitting right next to me, because I felt
him, and, well, who else smells that good?

"Yeah, I'm still here," He said.

"How long was I out?" I said as I opened my eyes there he was sitting right
next to me just keeping his eyes on mine.

"Not too long just about an hour, though you did miss the end of the
movie," Josh said letting out a little chuckle.

"Oh," I said rubbing my eyes and getting up. I sat up on the bed and smiled
at Josh. He was sitting on my bed, staring at me.

"Are you hungry, Clay?" Josh asked still keeping his eyes on mine.

"Yeah, you know I am," I said as I walked into the bathroom.

"Alright. I'm going to go ask Alex what he wants to eat. Ok?" Josh asked me
as he got off my bed and headed to the door.

"Yeah, sweet thanks man," I said as I finished using the bathroom.

As Josh left my room, I walked over to the computer to check my email real
quick. I got some emails from friends and some random junk. I quickly
turned my computer off and headed out the door to see what Alex and Josh
were going to order for dinner. As I left the room I heard my cell phone go
off, so I rushed back into my room to answer the phone. As I looked at who
was calling I didn't recognize the number nor was it stored into my
phone. I finally opened my phone to answer it.

"Hello?"

"Umm Hi, may I speak to Clay please?" came a voice I recognized but
couldn't make out.

"This is he, who is this?" I said.

"It's Ryan!"

"Oh Hey" I said half surprised that he called.

"Hi, so, um, about the project," he said sounding very nervous.

"Yeah, do you want to maybe meet at my house after school tomorrow and we
can finish it then?"

"Umm, yea, sure," he said.

"Okay, great so I'll see you then," I said as I headed down the stairs to
Josh and Alex.

"OK, bye."

"Bye," I said closing my phone. Josh looked up at me and lifted an eyebrow.

"Who was that?" he said still giving me the same look.

"Ryan," I said a little nervous about what Josh might think.

"Oh, what did he want?" Josh said turning away from me to look at a take
out menu that was placed in front of him.


"He just wanted to know about the project we have to do together," I said
walking over and sitting next to Josh with Alex on the other side of
us. Josh just looked up at me and smiled.

"It looks like pizza," Josh said with Alex giving us both a big smile.

"Pizza sounds good to me," I said. We spent the next two hour's eating
pizza and talking.  It was great. Alex told us a lot more about himself and
his new friend as well as asked us a bunch of questions that neither of us
minded answering. It was around 10:00 p.m. when my dad finally got home.

"Hey dad," Alex and I said at almost the same time.

"Hey boys," My dad replied.

"What are you all still doing up? Don't you guys have school tomorrow?" he
asked us while putting his stuff on the floor and grabbing a seat next to
Alex.

"Yup. We were just about to head to bed," Alex said standing up and turning
off the TV.

"You do that. Josh will you be spending the night?" My dad said giving Josh
a big smile.

"Yes Sir," Josh said standing up.

"Make sure to call your parents and let them know,"

"Already did Sir."

"Alright good, well then, good night boys." My dad said as he took his
things and walked up to his room.

"Good night!" we all said as we cleaned up our mess and went to our rooms.

Josh and I went up to my room and took turns taking a shower in my
bathroom.  Josh went first, so while he was in there I turned my computer
on and checked my email and my myspace. Just as I was done Josh appeared
out of the steamy bathroom door. He walked in with only a towel wrapped
around him. I loved every moment of it. I could not help myself but check
out that body of his. When his hair is all wet it makes him look even
better if that is even possible. Josh went over to my closet and took out a
pair of my boxers and a shirt. As josh was asking me a question I looked up
to answer and saw that he saw me checking him out and quickly I began to
worry.

"Earth to Clay?" Josh said as he walked over to where I was sitting on the
bed and jumped on me.

"What the hell?" I said as this half naked guy just jumped into my lap. In
reality I enjoyed every second of this, but I still didn't want Josh to
know that.

"So, I got your attention now, huh? I was just saying I'm done so the
shower is all yours," Josh said as he got up and started to change in front
of me. But I didn't get to see much as he put his boxers on first and I
missed it.

I picked up my towel and went into the bathroom. I got in the shower and
turned the water to warm. I took my dick in my hand and slowly began to
stroke it, thinking of Josh.  I gave my dick nice long strokes and I closed
my eyes and pictured Josh, that hot body of his, kissing him, rubbing my
hands all over his body, sucking his dick and more. Just everything about
Josh seems so perfect. Before I even knew it I start to tense up and shoot
my load all over the bathtub wall. When I finished I cleaned the wall where
I had just shot my load and quickly cleaned myself off. I turned the water
off and got out of the shower and dried myself. I wrapped my towel around
my waist like Josh did and walked into my room.

The first thing I saw was those blue eyes. I looked up and saw him staring
at me a lot like I did to him, but it only lasted a minute or two as he
went back to the book he was reading. I got into a pair of boxers and an
old shirt. Just like Josh was wearing and got ready for bed. Josh put his
book away and got under the sheets of my bed on the right side. I got in on
the left side.

"Goodnight Josh," I said as I turned to look him in the eyes.

"Goodnight Clay and sweet dreams," Josh said looking over at me and
smiling.

I watched him until he closed his eyes. I soon followed.

The next morning was a lot like the one before, but this time it was the
alarm cloak that woke me up and not Josh. I opened my eyes and blinked a
few times. I turned my head only to look Joshua in the eyes and the next
time I know I'm giving him a big smile. Even if we were sleeping together,
we weren't nearly as close to each other as I would of liked.

"Morning," I yawned still trying to get awake.

"Morning Clay," Josh said pulling off the covers and getting up. He walked
over to the bathroom and a few seconds later I heard the shower running. I
rubbed my eyes and looked at the cloak. The time showed 6:30 a.m. My eyes
widened at the time and I dropped back down onto the bed and put the pillow
over my head, trying to go back to bed. A few minutes later the shower went
off and that's when it happened.

Josh jumped onto the bed and began shaking me furiously while jumping on
the bed. I removed the pillow from my head and flung it at him causing him
to literally fall off the bed. I leaped up and ran over to him.

"Holy shit! Are you okay?" I said very worried of what I may have just
done.

"I am now that you are awake." Josh smirked causing me to shoot him an evil
look.

"Asshole! You did that on purpose," I said clearly not amused about what he
had just done.

"Hey. It's a bitch to get you up sometimes you know," Josh said as he
picked himself off the floor and began to get dressed.

"Well thanks. I'm up now!" I said mockingly. He just threw a smile in my
direction as I went into the bathroom. I tired to avoid his smile, knowing
that I couldn't ever stay mad at him, with the way he looks at me. When I
returned to my room Josh was nowhere to be found, so I got dressed quickly,
got my bag, and went downstairs.

"Someone is up early today," My dad said as Josh and Alex chuckled.

"Mm" I said as I shot Josh an evil look.

I walked behind Alex and ruffled his hair. "Morning, Bro."

Alex just nodded and went back to his breakfast. I sat down and my dad
talked to us for a little bit. He asked us how school was yesterday and
about the football team. By the time we finish our breakfast dad was off to
work and we were all off to another day of school.

We got to school at around 7:30 a.m. after dropping off Alex and finding
parking. School starts at 8:00 a.m. and since we have football practice
after school now we got there with just enough time to talk with the
gang. Josh and I walked over to our usual spot and found everyone there.

"Hey guys," I said very cheerfully as I walked up a few steps and sat down
next to Jamie and Caitlin. Josh came up and sat down on the other side of
me.

"Hey Clay, Hey Josh," they all said.

"Hey Josh are you guys ready for the big game on Friday?" Caitlin said in a
very chipper tone.

"Yup, as long as I got Clay and Jacob here. No one is going to stand in our
way this season," Josh said as he threw his arm over my shoulder and gave
it a little squeeze then I gave Jacob a wink.

"Cool. We are all going to be there supporting you guys," Caitlin said as
Jamie and Johnny agreed. Since Caitlin is the head cheerleader and Jacob
Josh and I are all on the field, they are really the only ones who would be
in the stands cheering for us.

"I can't believe our first game is already on Friday," I said still in
shock, school just started and now so will football.

"Who cares? You know you guys will make it to the playoffs," Johnny said.

"I hope so. We worked so hard. Even if we do not make it this year we still
have next year too," Josh said giving my shoulder another little squeeze. I
looked over at him and he just stared into my eyes and smiled.

As our conversation continued a certain face walking by us caught my eye. I
watched him walk by and I noticed a few guys following him, but not in a
friendly way. It appeared to be like they were bothering him because of the
look on his face gave it away. Then when the two boys who looked about our
age, maybe a year older finally caught up to him they pushed him down onto
the floor. But as this was going down it looks as if no one even
noticed. But I did. I got up and ran over to where Ryan was. Right as I got
there one of the two guys was just about to kick Ryan in the ribs. I walked
in front of him and shoved him away. The other guy looked at me and saw he
was outmatched as I was clearly bigger than the both of them. So instead he
went over to help his friend up and as they both stood up they moved closer
to me. As they got face to face with me I knew who they were, Chris and
Ian. They are both best friends and bullies. I've know them since I was in
fifth grade. These were the same clowns who used to pick on me a lot when I
was younger and smaller than them. One day Josh and I kicked both of there
asses. They never bothered with us or any of our friends again. They would
be stupid to try something now.  I mean just Josh and I are way bigger than
they are now. Not to mention our friends.

"What the fuck is going on," I said as I made a fist with my left hand and
tightened it.

"None of your business," came the reply from Ian who had pushed Ryan down.

"Well it is now. So I suggest you leave before I make it my business," I
said getting pissed off now.

"Aw, the little jock thinks he's all hot shit doesn't he?" Chris said to
Ian then to me in a mocking voice.

"He isn't so little... and neither am I" Said a voice I recognized as
Jacob's and then I felt a hand on my shoulder and I knew that Josh was
standing right behind me next to Jacob.

"So what are you waiting for? GET LOST!" Josh said moving next to me using
the most pissed off voice I have ever heard in all my years of knowing
Josh.

Both Ian and Chris were shocked and quickly fled away from us. As they left
I heard a few people clapping and cheering us on but I ignored them and
went straight to Ryan as he was now standing on the side.

"Hey. Are you okay?" I said to Ryan as I stood in front of him face to
face.

"Yea, I'm fine. Thanks," he said still a little scared about what had just
happened.

"Do not worry about it," I said as I gave him a big smile.

"Well, I better get to class. I'll see you later," he said looking much
shaken up.

I turned back around to see Jacob, Josh, and Johnny, Caitlin and Jamie and
some guys from the football and basketball team.

"Thanks for having my back," I said to everyone but mostly talking to Jacob
and Josh.

Everyone replied things like "yeah" or "no problem" and then they quickly
scattered as the warning bell to get to class begun to ring.

Josh grabbed my arm and pulled me to the side. "You sure you're okay?" He
asked looking deep into my eyes, his face expression was blank, but from
the way he was looking at me I knew he was worried.

"I'm fine," I said giving him a smile, "Let's get to class before we are
late."

He nodded and we walked up the stairs and through the door.  "What a way to
start the day," I though to myself.

The rest of the day was pretty boring. Nothing else really interesting
happened, the last class before lunch just ended and since Jacob and I
shared the class we walked over to the cafeteria together and sat down at
our table.

"Jacob what was with you this morning? I mean I've never seen you that
upset before," I said giving Jacob a questioning look.

"Nah, I wasn't pissed. I just acted like I was to scare them. No one messes
with my friend's man and anyway those two deserved it" Jacob said as he
smiled at me.

"Well, you sure scared me!" I said as I returned his smile. Then my smiled
widened even more once I saw Josh walking over to us with Caitlin. I think
Jacob noticed my smile widen and he looked over to see what I was looking
at and saw Josh. He let out a small giggle.

"Hey," Josh said as he took the seat next to me. I let out another smile
and turned to see Jacob still giggling at me. I gave him an evil look and
he looked away, totally laughing now.

"Did we miss something?" Caitlin said. She looked at Jacob. He tired to
contain himself.  Then she looked back at Josh and me.

"Nothing," Jacob said, giving me a quick wink.

Before we knew it our table as well as a few by ours were filled with
different people, either friends of ours or people we just knew. I heard a
few people talking about what had happened in the morning and just listened
to them. But before we knew it lunch was over and it was time for the last
class of the day. Then it hit me, Ryan agreed to come over to my house
after school so we could work on the project. I wonder if he was still
going to come over after what happened this morning or what. But the only
way to find out was to get to my last class which I had with him. So we all
said goodbye and Jamie and I made our way to our class.

As we reached the door I saw that Ryan was already there and I lit up a
little. I think Jamie noticed this too because she gave me a weird look as
we took our seats.

"Hey" I whispered over to Ryan as I sat down. Ryan looked up at me and gave
me a small smile, but I knew something wasn't right.

"So what time did you want to meet at my place so we can finish that
project?" I said still looking in his direction.

"How about I just go with you after school? I mean if that is alright with
you," Ryan said in a whisper.

I have football practice till 4:00 p.m. How about I just come pick you up
afterwards?"  I said just as the teacher walked in the room and silenced
the class.

I turned around and listened as she started class. Finally the class was
over and the bell to go home rang. I gathered all of my things and waited
outside for Ryan.

"Hey Clay. There you are. Ready to go?" Jamie said as she walked out the
door and grabbed my hand to lead me to the car. I moved my hand, causing
her to turn around and raise an eyebrow.

"Not today Jamie. We have football practice. But thanks anyway," I said
giving her a smile.

"Oh, OK. I'll see you later then," Jamie said as she waved and walked
off. I waved back and just waited, wondering what was taking Ryan so
long. But as I walked back into the room it was empty, He was nowhere to be
seen. I figured he must have walked out when I was talking to Jamie. I
didn't have his number so I looked at my watch and figured I'd just head to
the field and worry about Ryan later. I got to the locker room and changed
just in time. I got out on the field and stood next to Josh.

"Alright boys," the coach started as he walked in front of us all. "Our
first game is in two days, so that means for the next two days we are going
to give 100 percent to everything we do. We are going to start this season
with a win. Am I understood?" The coach asked.

"Yes Sir!" he whole team replied almost at once.

"Good, now do your stretching then give me two miles around the field," the
coach said as he walked over and talked to the assistant coaches.

We all made a circle and began our stretches together. When we finished we
started our jog with Josh and I in the front. After that the coach had us
run a lot of different plays and a short scrimmage. When practice was over
coach congratulated us on a great practice and told us to hit the showers.

The locker rooms in our school were pretty big and there were a lot of
shower stalls. After practice the guys all strip out of their hot, sweaty,
dirty practice clothes and shower. Most of the guys walk around the locker
room naked, like on their way to the showers. Some of the guys are more shy
and wrap their towel around their waist for a bit of privacy. No one really
cared. I mean it's a locker room. What do you expect right?

So after my shower and changing I met Josh and Jacob outside with a few of
the other players from the team. We walked over to the parking lot while
talking about the game on Friday. As we got closer to the parking lot I saw
a kid seating on the grass above of the parking lot reading a book. As I
watched him and we got closer I knew who he was. It was Ryan. Apparently he
was waiting for us because just as he saw us he put his book back into his
bag and walked over to us.

I stopped walking as he started to come near me. Josh, Jacob and everyone
else noticed it too and stopped as well.

"Hey!" Ryan said as he got right in front of me.

"Hey, I was looking for you after class," I said wondering why he was
waiting for us.

"Yea, I saw you talking to Jamie and I didn't want to interrupt or
anything," He said while sticking his hands in his pocket.

"Oh, well, You are here now. So did you want to follow us to my house?."

"I didn't bring my car," he said quickly.

"Oh, OK. You can catch a ride with us," I said as I started to catch up
with everyone else who was just giving me weird looks.

"Us?" He said giving me a questioning look.

"Yeah, Josh and I take the same car to school. It saves us gas this way," I
said "ahh, OK," Ryan said a little hesitant.

"Hey Josh, Ryan's going to come with us. He and I have a project we have to
do," I said as Josh gave me a questioning look but just nodded. We said
goodbye to the other guys and Jacob rode with us as well. He only lives a
few miles away from us. So Josh drove and I took shotgun, which left Jacob
and Ryan in the backseat. I felt a little bad for Ryan having to leave him
with Jacob, someone he was obviously very scared of by the way he was
tensing up.

"I don't bite you know," Jacob said as we started driving towards his
house. I looked back and saw a big gap in the middle of Jacob and Ryan. It
appeared Ryan was sitting as close to his side as possible as Jacob made
that comment to him. I couldn't help but laugh.  Ryan started to turn red
again. Josh looked through the rear view mirror and saw why I was laughing
my ass off.

"Don't listen to him, Ryan. He does bite... He bites hard too!" Josh said
nearly choking from laughter.

But then Jacob had to go and make it worse by opening his mouth and
growling at Josh, showing those white teeth of his. Josh couldn't handle it
and he pulled over to the side.  Both he and I could not contain our
laughter. I even saw a little smile from Ryan, but it was hidden behind all
that fear. Of what though? I did not know. Once Josh finally contained
himself we got back onto the road and soon dropped Jacob off. We said
goodbye and were back on the road to go home.

Ryan seemed a lot more comfortable and Josh even started a little
conversation with Ryan. I looked at Josh and gave him a smile. He looked
over and returned my smile. "He is so special to me. If only he was gay," I
thought to myself, but that could never happen.

We got to my house and Josh parked in the driveway. We all got out of the
car and went into my house. Ryan looked around and I took him to my
room. But on the way to my room we passed the living room where Alex and
now Josh were playing the PS2.  "You going to stay down here and play with
Alex?" I asked Josh.

"Yup," he said as he looked in my direction and gave me a wink.

My jaw must have dropped opened because I was speechless. Why did he just
wink at me like that? Does he know that I'm gay and that I want to be alone
with Ryan? Does he think I'm in love with Ryan? Am I in love with Ryan? In
the meantime I was just standing on the bottom of the stairs like an
idiot. Josh must have seen me because he quickly got off the couch and came
up to me. He grabbed my arm and started to take me upstairs as Ryan gave us
a weird look. Josh then stopped.

"Ryan, over there is Alex, Clay's brother. If you don't mind could you just
wait for a minute I need to talk to Clay," Ryan nodded and sat down next to
my brother. Josh started to pull me up the stairs again until we finally
reached my room. We went in the room and he shut the door.

"Okay. What's up?" Josh said as I just stood there staring at him.

"Nothing," I barely got out. I looked down and noticed my hands were
starting to shake,

"What if he knows? Does he hate me? Why did I have to be gay...?" I said to
myself. Not knowing what I was going to do next.

Josh moved closer to me and just as I though he was going to hit me,
instead he grabbed me and held me tight. After a few seconds he let go and
looked me in the eyes.

"I don't know what's wrong Clay, but whatever it is you know you can tell
me?" Josh said in a very clam voice. But just as I was about to speak he
put a finger in front of my lips.

"Wait, Clay I know there is something your not telling me. I can tell just
by looking at your eyes. It is just like how you can seem to always know
how I'm feeling, but I trust you. And if it is something you are not ready
to tell me I understand okay? Just promise me you will tell me what is
bothering you when you are ready, okay?" Josh said as he stared me down. I
felt less panicked and a lot more comfortable. I quickly nodded at Josh and
said a quick "thanks" as he came up to me and gave me another hug.

We both made our way down stairs to see Alex and Ryan playing a video game
together.  They seemed to be having a good time.

"Hey, Ryan you ready to start?" I said giving him a smile.

"Sure, thanks for keeping me company, Alex," Ryan said as he made his way
up to my room. Josh went over and continued his game with Alex while Ryan
and I headed to my room to start our project.


*****

We all got inside Clay's house and I went into the living room. I saw Alex
playing some video game and sat down and joined him. Clay just asked me if
I was going to stay down there while he and Ryan went up to work on their
project and I told him yes and gave him a wink. I mean I know Ryan isn't
too comfortable around me and that he won't be able to work with me
bothering them right? For some reason Clay froze when I winked at him.

And I felt like a total ass. I mean I do not even know why I did it. I
guess as a joke? But why Clay froze I still don't know. I took him up to
his room and talked to him. After that he seemed a lot better. We went back
downstairs and Clay and Ryan went back up to work on their project while I
kept Alex company.

A few hours later Alex and I were watching cartoons when Ryan and Clay came
downstairs.

"Hey, how did the project go?" I said, surprised to see then down here.

"It's finished," Clay said obviously thrilled that they finished it so
quickly.

"Cool, well I think I'm going to head home. I still got some homework of my
own to do.  And I think my parents miss me," I said causing both Clay and
Alex to laugh. But Ryan just raised an eyebrow, clearly confused about what
we were talking about and Clay must of saw this too because he quickly
explained it for him.

"See Josh practically lives here. I don't think he has been at home longer
than an hour or just to sleep, but usually he sleeps here too so..." I said
which caused Ryan to nod in understanding but still looked a little
confused.

"Yup, so I'll see you guys tomorrow," I said as I got off the couch and
headed to the door.

"Okay, I'll call you later," Clay said coming up to me and giving me a
small hug before I left. He also whispered a "Thank you" Into my ear.

I got out of the driveway and headed home, which was just next door! I
walked into my house and greeted both my mother and father who were home at
the time. Both my parents are constantly traveling for work or end up
staying really late at the office. So that's pretty much why I always end
up at Clay's house. Sometimes I wish I was him. He has a brother and father
that he knows cares about him. I mean I know my parents care about me. It
is just they are hardly home and when I need them, they are never there. I
guess it's just one of those things you learn to deal with. Right? Anyway I
went up to my room and got on the computer.

The first thing I did was check my email, as always I had emails from
friends and some random girls at school. Then I went and checked my Myspace
account. There were comments from some football players' telling me it was
a good practice and some random comments, but then one that stood out was
the one I got from Clay. It said the following:

"Dear Joshua, Thank you. Thank you for being the one person I can go to no
matter what it is that's bothering me. Thank you for treating me so good
and taking care of me. But most importantly thank you... for being my Best
Friend.  Yours Always Clay."

I was speechless. I wanted so badly to run over to Clay's house and give
him the biggest hug I could. But instead I just smiled to myself and turned
the computer off. I sat down on the bed and starting to think.

"Clay is my best friend and he always will be, but sometimes, I feel as if
he is more to me then a best friend. I think of him as someone I want to be
with for the rest of my life, someone I can love. He can always do things
to me others can not do. I mean Clay is the only person in this world that
can tell how I feel just by looking into my eyes. But I can not be in love
with him can I? I mean to be in love with him would have to mean I'm
gay... But I don't like other guys, only Clay. Maybe I love him like a
brother. The brother I never had. Does a guy check out his brother? No he
doesn't. So this would have to mean I'm gay, but I know I'm not. I mean am
I? Every time I'm around Clay I feel happy joyful. Every time I touch him
or feel him next to me, I feel like I am complete. No! What am I even
saying. I like girls. I have always liked girls. I mean I've even had sex
with a girl before. So I can't be gay... maybe I just love Clay so much it
seems like I am in love with him. Maybe I am in love with him, but not in
that way, I think. He is just my best friend, and that is all he will ever
be."

So I started my homework and just as I was about finished my cell phone
rang. I looked at the ID and it was Clay.

"Hello?"

"Hey."

"Hey yourself. What's up, Clay?"

"Nothing, my room feels empty."

"Why is that?"

"Because you are not here."

"Ha, you want me to come over?"

"Look out your window!"

I got off my bed and opened my window, there was Clay staring over at me. I
waved and he waved back.

"I just wanted to call and see what you were up to."

"I was just about to head to bed."

"Oh, ok, in that case goodnight, Josh."

"Goodnight Clay," I said and we both hung up. But I was still staring at
him through the window and he was doing the same. Until finally we both
went to our beds and went to sleep.

The next two days went by fast. We pretty much did the same things; go to
school then to football practice. After practice then go hang out at the
mall or something. Finally Friday came and we were all ready for the big
game.

As Clay and I got to school it felt like it was a big party. Everyone was
wishing us luck on the game. School flew by on Friday. Before we knew it,
it was time for the game. Today was going to be our first game and one of
the best things about this is we are facing one of the best teams today,
the Tigers. Our school mascot is the Ruff Riders. After school we had an
hour to ourselves to do whatever and then we had to be on the field to
practice and get ready. Today's game was going to be on our school field
which made things even better. Both Clay and I were really pumped and ready
for the game.

*****

So for the past two days things were getting better and better. After that
day Ryan came over and we did the project I learned a lot about him. He is
a really shy kid, but once you get to know him he's really cool and fun to
be around. He still doesn't come up to me when I'm with Josh and the whole
gang, but he does wave and talk to me a lot more. I am really happy about
this.

So finally Friday came and just as Josh and I got to school, there were a
bunch of people cheering us on about the game. I was so pumped. We finally
get to start the season and hopefully we will start it with a bang. As the
school day finished I met with Josh and everyone else. We hung out and just
talked story about the day and what we know about the team we are
facing. Finally it was time to get ready for the big game. As we were all
in the locker room changing and getting ready the coach came in and yelled
for us to get all together.

"Alright boys, this is it. This is what we have been working so hard for. I
know this is just the start of the season but I have great faith that this
is the year we take it to the finals.  Today we are facing one of the best
teams out there and I have to warn you guys they like to play
dirty. However, we have the skill and the plays to win this game. So what
do you guys say? All in!" The coach put his hand in the middle of the
circle we formed and we all joined him. We did our cheer and made our way
out to the field.

Josh led us out and as we walked out of the locker room the crowd went
crazy. I looked up and saw a lot of faces I recognized including ones I
couldn't miss. It was my dad and Alex. They were sitting next to Jamie and
Johnny. I saw Alex lift up two signs, one with my name and the other with
Josh's. I looked up and smiled at him.

So we got on the field and started our warm-ups. Finally we were ready and
so was the other team. We all got in place and the game started. We got the
ball first and it was going great. Josh was doing an amazing job as was
everyone else. But just like coach said, the other team was really
good. They managed to score on us just before half time.  The score was
6-0.

In the locker room the coach said, "We still have more than enough time to
win this game. Good job so far guys, Now let us show them what we are made
of," The whole team let out another loud cheer and made our way back to the
field. We were on defense and both Josh and I were sitting on the bench
since we usually only play offense. As we watched a play one of our
defensive running backs got inured and needed to come out of the game. The
coach asked me to go replace him. I gladly did.

The Tigers were in the middle of the field. Their quarterback looked around
and couldn't see an opening until finally he saw one of his guys in
touchdown position. He threw the ball high and long. He didn't notice
me. Neither did the receiver, because I ran right in front of him and
jumped high in the air and caught the ball. The guy behind me tried to
tackle me but I scrambled out of his reach and ran too quickly for him to
catch me. I ran as fast as I could with the crowd cheering me on. I was
making my way down the field fast. There were two guys right in front of me
and I knew there was no way in get around them. Just as I got to them Jacob
came out of no where and pushed them both out of the way by himself. This
cleared the rest of the way to end zone clear. I got there in no time.
Just as I got into the end zone someone hit me from behind. Then three more
of there guys piled on top of me. I must have blacked out because the next
thing I know Josh and the rest of the team were surrounding me. I was still
on the ground. I blinked a few times and the only face I saw was Josh. He
looked so worried and concerned for me.

"Clay, how are you feeling son?" Came from one of our assistant coaches.

"Feels like Jacob just ran me over again," I said having a hard time
catching my breath.  Josh and a few others helped pick me up and take me to
the bench. I saw our coach giving one of the referee's hell. I'm guessing
for what just happened. I looked over at the score board to see we were now
tied. Just as I sat down, all of the guys on the team gave me a pat on the
back or smacked my helmet telling me good job. Josh came over and sat right
next to me.

"Clay, you okay?" Josh said in a not very calm voice as he helped me take
off my helmet.

"Sort of. What in the hell happened?" I asked still shocked. "I mean I know
I made it to the end zone, but then things just went blank."

"I guess you pissed them off good, because their quarter back as well as a
few of others, took you down even after you were already in the end zone."
We will get fifteen yards for their unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after
we score the extra point.

I just shook my head as Josh gave me that smile of his. I grabbed my water
bottled and drank most of it. Josh went back out into the game to get us
the extra point, which meant we were now leading 7-6. There were about five
minutes left on the clock.

"Clay, how are you feeling?" The coach said to me as he came and sat next
to me.

"A little better coach," I said standing up and stretching my legs.

"I should not put you back in the game but there are only three minutes
left now. I really want you in there. What do you say?" The coach said
patting me on the back.

"You don't have to ask me twice coach," I put my helmet on and ran back out
to the field.

The crowd was cheering but seemed a bit shocked that I would be going back
in already.  Josh did not seem so happy about it.

"Clay what are you doing?" Josh said giving me those blue eyes. I could see
how concerned he was.

"Coach told me to go back in. Don't worry Josh. I'm fine. So let us finish
this game," I said giving him a stern look to prove I was okay, even though
I really wasn't.

Josh seemed to try to avoid passing the ball to me a few times, because he
was still concerned but he had no choice seeing I was the only one open. He
threw the ball in my direction. I caught it and took a few steps before I
was forced down to the ground. The guy who took me down gave me a very
dirty look yet he put his hand out as if to help me up. I was shocked but
took it anyway.

"Thanks" I said not knowing why he was being so friendly usually this team
was not that nice.


"Good catch" Was all he replied. And again I just thanked him and went back
over to the rest of the team.

There was only about a minute left on the clock and this was our last play,
so Josh was going to run. He could not run so instead he made a short pass
but ended up throwing it a little longer than he intended too. Someone from
the other team got it and made his way across the field, but before he got
anywhere one of our teammates Jake and I tackled him on his ass and stopped
him by throwing him down to the ground. I looked and I noticed it was the
same guy who took me down. I extended my hand to him like he had done for
me. He took it and nodded in gratitude. I got back to the group and they
patted me and Jake. Finally the time on the clock went to 0 and we won the
game 7-6. Everyone from the bench came over and there was a big dog pile in
the middle of the field. Our two teams made a line to shake each others
hands. There were a few people including their quarter back just walked by
me. It was okay, because there coach gave me a compliment and apologized
for what happened.

We all headed back into the locker room and the coach congratulated us all
on a very well played game. As everyone headed outside to talk to their
friends and head out to the big party some cheerleader was throwing at her
house the coach stopped both Josh and I for a moment and asked to see us in
his office.

"Hey coach you wanted to see us?" I said as I walked into his office with
Josh behind me.

"Yes boys please take a seat" the coach said as he gave us a big smile but
then suddenly his smile faded.

"Clay how is your leg?" The coach said now looking concerned

"Its fine Coach I just need to ice it up and I'll be fine" I said trying to
avoid Josh's glare.  Because he would know I was lying.

"Ok. Good. The reason I wanted you both in here was about today. Their were
a lot of other teams here today watching us. Now that they know you are
Injured Clay. They are going to try and use that to help them," the coach
said. "I want to you be very careful and maybe even miss next week's game,
just until your leg is fully healed." Do you understand why you should do
this?"

"Yes sir!" Was my only reply.

"Now Josh, I know you and Clay are close so I want you to help him and make
sure his injuries don't give him any problems."

"Sure coach that isn't a problem at all," Josh replied.

"Good then. You boys may leave and again wonderful job today, both of you"
The coach finished as he patted us both on the backs and left.

As I got up to leave as well Josh grabbed me by the arm and turned me
around so I was facing him. He looked me in the eyes and I could see really
how concerned he really was.

"I'll be fine. Trust me. It doesn't even hurt anymore," I said trying to
fake a smile, but he saw right through it. He gave my left leg a small tap
with his foot and I almost fell down if it wasn't for him holding me.

"Do you really think you can lie to me?" he said started to look a little
bit upset now.

"Josh, I'm sorry. I just don't want you to worry. I'll be fine. I promise,"
I said still looking him in thee eyes.

"I know you will because until you get better, you're going to see my face
wherever you go," Josh said giving me a big grin.

"You mean more then I already do? Is that even humanly possible?" I joked
and earned me a light tap to my shoulder. Josh put his arm around me and we
walked out of the locker room. We got outside only to see Jamie, Johnny and
dad and Alex.

"CLAY!!!" Jamie screamed as she ran up to me and gave me a big hug

"Are you okay???" Jamie asked as she pushed away from me and looked at my
face.

"Yeah, I'm fine" I said. Then she slapped my arm.

"What was that for?" I asked while rubbing my arm.

"For scaring me I was worried you know," She said smiling at me and walking
over to Josh. My dad and my bro walked over to me and each gave me a big
hug.

"You did an amazing job son, but be more careful next time," my dad said,
as he smiled at me and then went to give Josh a hug.

"Bro, you were awesome!!" Alex said grinning like crazy.

"Thanks Alex," I said as I ruffled his long hair.

For the next thirty minutes or so we stayed at the school talking to
classmates and other people who were congratulating us on a good
game. Finally Josh and I decided to go home and see if we wanted to go to
any of the parties being thrown to celebrate the win.

As we got home both Josh and I took a shower and ended up going to Caitlin'
house where she was throwing a small party. But as we got there it wasn't
so small. It appeared most of our school was there. Sometime in the middle
of everything Josh and I got separated and I ended up with Jamie. We danced
and just talked. That's when I felt a hand tap me on the shoulder, but it
wasn't the touch that usually taps me. I turned around to expect Josh but
instead, there was Ryan.

"Hey! What are you doing here?" I asked him, but the music was way too loud
and I couldn't hear him over all the noise. So I told Jamie I would be
right back. I grabbed Ryan's hand and lead him upstairs. We got to one of
Caitlin's quest rooms and went inside. I sat on the bed and he just stood
where I left him and stared at me.

"There much better. I can hear myself now... So what brings you here?" I
said as I raised an eyebrow. It wasn't like I didn't want him there. I was
really glad he was. It's just I did not even know he knew where Caitlin
lived.

"Oh well, I was waiting for you after the game, but I didn't see you and
Jamie saw me and told me you were going to be here, Ryan said, sounding
very worried.

"Oh, you were at the game? I didn't even see you." I said clearly shocked
that he showed up to our game.

"Yeah, well you were a bit tied up," He said now looking concerned.

"Yeah, I know" I said. As I stood up, Ryan moved closer to me and then
closer.  "Look there is something I have to tell you. But I'm not quite
sure how to" Ryan said, as he moved even closer to me. Until finally he was
standing in front of me, face to face.  Ryan leaned into me and placed his
lips onto mine.

___________________

To be Continued...

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