Date: Mon, 18 Jul 2005 14:32:40 -0700 (PDT)
From: D.Z. <ndman72@yahoo.com>
Subject: Boys in School 22

DAVID & TRISTAN-BOYS IN SCHOOL is a continuation of the story, Boys on the
Farm, about two teen boys named David and Tristan. It is a story of
discovery...what the boys learn about life, about themselves, and what it
means to be gay. If sex between male teenagers is offensive to you or if
you are underage then you should move on to something else.

DAVID & TRISTAN--BOYS IN SCHOOL is a work of pure fiction -- the characters
and the events do not represent any person or situation. Copyright (c)2005
by D.Z., all rights reserved. You may contact me by emailing
ndman72@yahoo.com.

PREFACE:

Thanks to all of the David and Tristan fans that have waited so very patiently
for me to get this chapter posted.  It's been the longest wait yet, and I
apologize for it.  Life gets complicated at times and the winter is a very busy
time of year for me in my real job.  Not only that, but I have moved into a new
home which took far more time and energy than I anticipated.  So those are my
excuses and I ask for your understanding.

Now, as usual, I have an email I want to share from a reader of the D&T saga who
wrote back about something my story says to him.  Rick is a retired educator and
so he speaks from experience in a career spent helping youth grow into adults.
Now, before I begin to put words into his mouth, I'll let him do the talking
here.

"DZ, I finished reading all the chapters of your story in print to date. You
were able to capture what some, I suspect, do not think is real in many episodes
of the story. What I am referring to is the intense emotional ties and turmoil
that young people encounter when they first dare to explore relationships with
others.  It makes no difference of sexual orientation--those feelings are
extremely intense, and if not understood and guided by someone with experience
and knowledge, such as the Craig character, can be very devastating.  In the
thirty-five years I have worked with youth I have had to deal with many
traumatic episodes, some of which led to suicides.  Unfortunately most guidance
counselors and teachers responsible for educating children about sex never get
into the intense emotional feelings that occur.  There is a lot more to sex
education than the mechanics, STD's, teen pregnancy and how to protect against
them.  Most sex education classes are very basic due to restraints placed on the
curriculum by religious groups and those who think it is the responsibility of
the parents to teach such matters.   Teens need to be taught about their
emotions, about morality, and sexual responsibility and given tools they can use
when they get caught up in the fire of a relationship so they will be able to
deal with not only the bliss but also the burn.  I wish every teen was taught
about sexual orientation and the problems teens that are gay have in addition to
what all teens face.  Prejudice and the resulting problems associated with it
are taught but somehow the link to sexual orientation is missing.

And the "moral majority" says all gay people will rot in hell and it is ok to
hate them because god hates them.  "It says so in the bible".  And so it goes.
I've lost all respect for people who think that way and hope the harm they do
will earn them their just rewards with their god.  The sad and dangerous thing
about their thinking is that they justify their actions of cruelty with their
religious beliefs.

You managed to show in the story the difference a supporting, accepting parent
can make as opposed to one that is unaccepting and condemns their gay teen.  The
homophobic actions David and Drew's parents display happens all too often in
reality. You manage to capture all of these intense emotional conflicts in your
story. That is why it goes way beyond being just an erotic piece of literature
and why I appreciate it so much.

Thanks again for the novel and being a friend, (signed) Rick."

A big thanks goes to YOU, Rick, for helping me by talking about some of the
things I'm trying to show in my story.  While it can be classified as a love
story, it isn't only about the love that the boys share for another, but it is
also about the love or lack thereof that they receive from those other
significant people in their lives.   Tristan and Anthony are lucky to have found
love and acceptance early on as gay teens in their single parent families, while
David, Sean, and Brian obviously have not.  We have yet to see how Drew's family
ultimately reacts.  And what about when attempted relationships don't seem to
click, such as the one with Randy and Craig?   We shall see further into the
lives of all of these characters as the story progresses once again in Chapter
22.


CHAPTER 22.  THE MANY RELATIONSHIPS-CAN THEY TAKE THE PRESSURE?

(Monday 8:25 am)

Tristan stood by his locker as he did every morning of late, waiting for David
to get there.  Ever since David was grounded his dad was bringing him to school
and dropped him off at 8:30, precisely 15 minutes before the bell rang for first
period class.  Usually they walked to school together after giving each other a
good morning kiss at Tristan's and he missed those more every day he was forced
to go without.  And the day hadn't started out so great for him the way it was.
First, his dad was unusually moody and snapped at him both yesterday and this
morning for little things.  If men would have PMS, Tristan could swear his dad
had it.

Five minutes ago Drew showed up, grumpy as a grizzly bear in the spring.
Tristan greeted him as he usually did every morning with a smile and the words
"Hey Drew, how's things?"

There was no answering flash of white teeth this morning coming from Drew.  "It
ain't a good morning Tristan," came the sullen reply as the well-built youth
yanked open his locker.

Tristan took a quick step placed a friendly hand on Drew's back.  "What's wrong?
Isn't Anthony ok?"

"Fuck if I know," Drew uncharacteristically snarled as he glanced over his
shoulder while retrieving his books.  "My damn folks won't let me talk to him or
go to his house until my grades come back up.  Anth dude must be really
wondering about me by now.  I won't be here for lunch, Tristan.  You know where
I'll be."

Tristan looked blankly at the back of Drew's head with its kinky dark hair.
After a few seconds thought came a nod.  "Uh, sure.  But aren't you going to eat
lunch first before you go over to see him?"

The brown skinned boy stood up and pivoted gracefully before replying while his
blue eyes captured Tristan's brown ones with an intent gaze. "Nope.  Anth comes
first.  You, of all people, should understand that.  I have to go and tell him
what has happened so he knows I haven't dumped him."

"Well sure, but he shouldn't doubt you.  And if I can help in any way just let
me know, ok?" the equally tall but slightly more slender Tristan answered with a
tap to the muscular shoulder of his friend.

That brought a small smile and a nod from Drew. "Thanks son.  I might have to
take you up on that."  The he looked over Tristan's shoulder and remarked, "Here
comes David now.  He doesn't look so good either."

Tris spun around faster than he ever thought possible to see his boyfriend
walking up.  He looked terrible.  Oh, his hair was clean and he was dressed as
usual in jeans and T-shirt, but his left cheek was bruised and his eye was
puffy.  But worst of all was the beaten demeanor of the normally self-confident
David.  "Oh my God David!  What happened to your face?" Tristan gasped in heart
sinking dismay.

There was a moment's hesitation before the answer came.  "I fell," David said
quietly.

"But how? Where?" Tristan asked worriedly, holding David by the arms and peering
at his face.  "It looks like it really hurt."

David made as to shrug Tristan away but his shoulders slumped.  "I don't want to
talk about it Tris. Not now. I...just...can't...right now."  David said as he
moved woodenly to his locker, his eyes barely meeting Tristan's before dropping
to the floor.

Tristan's eyes flashed over to Drew, meeting an equally astounded expression.
This wasn't the David they knew.  Tristan stepped closer.  "Davie," he began.

"I said I don't want to talk about it," David replied in a shuddery voice as he
opened his locker and leaned into it.  "I'll talk to you later, I promise," came
his voice from within.

Tristan stepped close behind him and placed a hand on the bent over back of his
boyfriend and it was all he could manage not to wrap his arms around the boy he
loved.  "What's wrong David?  You were fine yesterday morning when you left my
house.  What happened to you?" Tristan asked anxiously.

The blonde teen stood up and turned around, tears glistening in his eyes.  "I
told you I didn't want to talk about it!" David snapped, his voice becoming
louder and angrier at every word.  "Now go away," he said in a strangled voice
as he dashed the incipient tears away.  "Go to class.  Please."  Then his voice
barely audible said, "I need you to go."

Tristan just stood there, his mouth hanging open.  Never did he expect that
David would reject him like that in front of God and everyone at school.  Then
the shock turned to a bitter, stabbing hurt that took his breath away.  "It that
it?" he all but whispered back.  "Your dad has brainwashed you and you're
dumping me just like that?"  Hot tears burned his eyes as they threatened to
spill.

"I told you I can't talk about it now, Tristan," David said as a shuddery breath
wracked his athletic frame and then he spun around and quickly strode away.

Stunned, Tristan could only stand there, his mouth quivering with the emotional
strain.  Long seconds passed before he collected the ruins of his life together
enough to meet Drew's sorrowful gaze.  "Can you believe he fucking did that?"
Tristan asked with a stunned look on his face.

"Dayam, and here I thought I was having a bad day," the other youth said.  "You
didn't have to try that hard to make me feel like my problems aren't so bad.
But wait a minute; David never said he wanted to break up, Tristan.  He just
said he couldn't talk to you this morning."

"Yeah, but he's never done this to me before.  I just know something is really
wrong here and I'm so afraid he's dumping me.  Why, Drew, why would he do it?"
he asked with a catch in his throat and eyes full of the strain of a breaking
heart.

Drew was looking down as he shook his head and then peered up to say, "I don't
know."  He could see that there wasn't an ounce of blood left in Tristan's face.
"You better sit down or something, son, you aren't looking so good."

He no sooner had said that then Tristan's eyes rolled up into his head and he
went down like a puppet whose strings had been cut.

"Oh shit!" Drew dropped to kneel on the floor with his friend out cold.
"Tristan, wake up!" he said as he shook the lanky boy sprawled on the hall
floor.  "Someone, go get help!" he yelled as a crowd of students began to gather
around him.

******************

(Monday noon)

Drew made his way quickly to Anthony's house by taking every short cut he could,
ducking through alleys and cutting through yards.  As he neared Anthony's house
he wondered how much more this day could go wrong.  If Anthony were mad at him
then his entire world would be upside down too, just like Tristan's and David's.
With those thoughts in mind he ran up to the door and knocked rapidly.  He
listened for some noise as he held his breath momentarily and then had to gasp
for air with his hands on his knees.  Just then Mrs. Miller opened the door and
pursed her lips before saying.  "Hello Drew.  Anthony has been wondering where
you've been."

"I bet he was. I can explain everything to him. Is he awake? Can I see him?"
Drew asked in a rush of words.

"No, he's not ok.  He cried himself to sleep last night and he hasn't gotten out
of bed today.  You'd better get in there and patch things up with him since you
didn't come over or call yesterday like you said you would."

Drew hung his head.  "I know.  I'm really sorry about that but my folks grounded
me."

She stopped him with a touch on the shoulder. "OK, but don't you think you
should be telling this to Anthony?"

His Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed nervously.  "Yeah, can I come in then?"

"Yes, go on in," she said as she stepped out of the way.

Feeling more nervous than he could ever remember, Drew made his way to Anthony's
bedroom, finding the door half closed.  Knocking lightly he stuck his head in
the door to see Anthony lying on the bed facing away from the door.  "Little
Man, it's me.  I came as soon as I could."

The boyish figure moved his legs but that was all the reply Drew got.

His heart in his throat Drew asked, "Can I come in Anth?"

His arm thrown over his eyes, Anthony asked hoarsely, "Why didn't you come over
yesterday or call me like you said you would?"

By this time Drew was by his side and knelt down beside the bed.  Gently he
touched the hair on his head, smoothing it down, and answered, "I wanted to with
all my heart Little Man.  Mom and Pop have grounded me and this is the first
chance I've had to get here.  I skipped lunch just so I could come and tell you
what happened."

The arm moved away to reveal Anthony's dull eyes.  "Really, you were grounded
and you couldn't even call me?" he asked.

Drew reached for Anthony's hand and held it as evidence of his sincerity. "Yeah.
At first they just said I couldn't come over here and then later when I was
going to call they said I couldn't call either until my grades were back up to a
B average."

"But that's not fair!" Anthony sputtered indignantly.  Then he sighed raggedly.
"I felt so bad yesterday, Drew, when you didn't come over or call," he
confessed.  "I just wanted to die."

Drew bent down and kissed his forehead.  "Don't do that Sweetheart.  You mean
the world to me and I'd never dump you."

"You promise?" came back to him in a little boy's voice.

"I promise Boo.  I really promise."

The younger boy giggled at those words and held his arms out.  "Kiss me then."

Drew glanced up to see Mrs. Miller watching in the doorway. "Anth, your mom is
here."

"So, kiss me you fool," he chortled, his usual bubbly mood restored.

Blushing now, Drew bent over to kiss Anthony on the cheek.

"That's not a kiss!" came the indignant reply. "I want a real kiss."

Again Drew bent his head down and this time found the lips of his love.  He
wasn't surprised to find Anthony's tongue slipping into his mouth and being
pulled onto the bed.

"You sure we should be doing this in front of your mom?" Drew murmured as soon
as their kiss broke, looking into the now sparkling eyes of his Anth.

"We had a long talk yesterday morning.  She said if this is who I am, then all
she wants is for me to be happy.  You make me happy, Drew."

Seeing that Anthony's mom had left, Drew heaved a sigh of relief.  "You make me
happy too you little cutie," he rumbled in his bass voice.  "I'm really glad of
it, especially today.  You'll never guess what went on this morning at school."

"What? Tell me!" he demanded as he struggled to turn on his back and sit up.
"Ooh, my stomach still hurts when I move," he complained.

"Here, let me help you," Drew said and soon Anthony was propped up in bed.

"Come and hold me now," Anthony all but ordered, patting the bed next to him.
"Then you have to tell me about school today."

Drew kicked off his shoes and climbed on the bed and gathered his boy into his
arms.  They nuzzled into each other, relishing the feeling of being together and
reestablishing their feelings of closeness.  "Aren't you going to tell me?" came
a voice from his chest area.

Drew laughed.  "Oh yeah.  Well, it wasn't a very good morning, I can tell you.
I was all grumpy this morning and then when David came in he looked like crap.
He had this bruise on his face and a puffy eye.  So Tristan was there too and
got all worried over David but he didn't want to talk about it."

"Oh no.  So what happened to David?" came the voice against his chest again.

"I don't know.  David wouldn't tell us and said he couldn't talk about it and
then he just ran off."

"No way!"

"Oh yeah, and then Tristan just up and fainted and fell on the floor in the
hallway."

Anthony pulled back to look up into Drew's face.  "You're kidding!  All that
happened this morning and I missed it?"

"Yup, you sure did.  It wasn't any fun though."

"So then what happened?"

"Well, I yelled for someone to get help since Tristan wasn't waking up.  By the
time a teacher got there he had come to and was lying on the floor just blinking
his eyes.   They took him to the nurse's office and kept him there for the first
hour of class."

"Wow," the smaller boy breathed.  "That's really something.  Does David know
about this?"

"Yeah, I caught him in the hall after 2nd period and told him.  He'd already
heard."

"So what is going on with him?  Did he even care?" Anthony questioned as he
renewed a tight clasp on Drew's hand.

Drew sighed before answering.  "I'm not really sure.  He didn't say anything. He
just listened to me and shook his head the whole time."

"Shook his head how?  Like 'yes' or 'no'?"

"Like 'no'.  Something is really wrong with that boy, I can tell you that.  He's
not acting like himself at all and I'm really worried about him and Tristan too.
But I had to get over here to see you so I don't know what's going on with them
now."

Anthony raised his eyebrows as he remarked, "Wow, it sounds really serious too.
Almost like David is about ready to explode."

"Yeah, he needs a punching bag and some crazy glue."

Anthony giggled again and snuggled back into Drew's chest.  They were at peace
once more.

*******************


Tristan was surprised when David showed up to eat lunch with him.  The fact of
the matter was that he didn't even know why he was in the lunch line at all
since his stomach was queasy.  The school nurse had been checking on him after
each class and she said so far it looked like he just took a little bump to the
head when he fainted and that it wasn't a concussion.

"Hey, I heard you fainted.  You ok?" David asked as he walked up.

"I guess so.  They didn't haul me off to the doctor anyway," Tristan shrugged as
he answered.  "Not that you care."

David froze as he stood there in line.  "What?" he asked as he turned to look
directly at Tristan.

"Why should you care?" Tristan responded angrily to David's face.  "You don't
want me around."

David's shoulders slumped.  "That's not true, Tris.  We gotta talk."

"Damn right we do," Tristan said heatedly.  "If you're going to dump me then
just say so and get it over with."

David's head jerked up at those words.  "Not so loud Tristan.  And it's not like
that all.  You should know that.  Really now, are you ok?"

"Yes, but no thanks to you," came the sarcastic reply.

David frowned and placed his hands on his hips as he confronted his sullen
companion. "What's that mean?  Tris, I really can't handle much more shit in my
life, so don't be piling more on me."

Tristan's eyebrows about climbed into his hair and his mouth opened in surprise.
He couldn't believe what he was hearing.  "Me?  Give you shit?  What about you
this morning?  I should be asking you what was wrong with you this morning.  You
have some mighty big explaining to do Davie boy."

The lunch line started moving then, forcing David to move with it.  He said over
his shoulder as he moved forward, "I keep telling ya, we gotta talk."

"Damn straight we do," Tristan grumbled as he followed behind.

An atypical silence prevailed over their lunch.  Both of them ate without really
tasting their food, preoccupied as they were with their individual worries.
They were an island of silence that was surrounded by a sea of babble as they
picked at their lunches.  Finally David put his fork down then looked up at
Tristan and said, "I'm done.  You ready?"

Nervous as he was throughout the lunch, those words from David put his heart in
his throat.   He barely managed to rasp out the words, "Yeah, might as well get
it over with."  Then without looking at David, Tristan stood up and headed off
to dispose of his tray.

Now it was David's turn to be shocked.  Tristan always waited for him to go
first. Always.  Today he just walked away.  Didn't he care anymore?  Today of
all days when David needed him more than ever.  His chest hurt from all the
strain he was feeling.  Why don't they just rip his heart out the rest of the
way and be done with it?  Woodenly he got up and followed Tristan out of the
lunchroom to find an edgy Tristan waiting for him in the hallway outside.

Tristan's hands were wet from nervous tension so he shoved them into his pockets
before asking all too quietly, "So now what?

David walked up to him and placed a hand in the middle of his back to push him
down the hallway saying, "Don't do this Tristan.  Please.  Just go to our spot
so we can talk.  I'll tell you everything when we get there."

Silently they headed for their noon hideout-the bathroom stuck off in a corner
of the school that was seldom used unless there was an event in the auditorium.
David kept his hand in the small of Tristan's back and practically pushed him
the entire way.  Once there they went to their spot, a corner out of sight of
the door and faced each other, each not sure of what was going on with the
other.

"Tris..." David began.

"Are we breaking up?" Tristan interjected.  He had to know.  He couldn't take
any more waiting to hear what had David so upset and his greatest fear was that
David had been forced to choose between him and the Brandt family values.

The blonde boy stepped forward and placed both hands on Tristan's shoulders and
intently gazed up into the taller boy's brown eyes, seeing the hurt and the
doubt in them. "God no!  Is what has you so jumpy here?  I need you Tristan!  I
need you today more than anyone I've ever needed before in my life.  Can't you
see that you've stolen my heart for good?  Jesus Tristan!"  David spat out in a
torrent of words.  "My fucking dad caught me coming home yesterday morning and
he knocked me into the fucking door.  See this bruise?" he put a finger to the
dark purple spot on his cheek.  "That's what he gave me before he yelled at me
for a solid half hour and after that he put a fucking lock on my bedroom door to
keep me in."

"You're kidding!" gasped the taller Tristan.  "He locked you in?"

David sucked in a shuddery sigh.  "Yeah, last night I was locked in.  He said it
was so I couldn't go sneaking out again."

Tristan took his hands out of his pockets then and reached out to David. "Come
here Babe," he murmured and then pulled his Davie tightly to him.

They stood there, holding each other tightly and rocking gently as they found
the reassurance and love they both needed so badly that bleak Monday.

"I'm sorry I made you scared and all," David said as he tilted his head back to
gain eye contact, the tears shining in his eyes.  "I was too upset this morning
to talk about it Tris, I woulda lost it there in the hall if I said anything
then.  I never thought once about us breaking up.  I mean why should I give up
the person who loves me the way you do compared to my dad?  If I'm not perfect
in his eyes he can't love me and look at you, Tris, you still love me even when
I screw up and hurt you."

Seeing the tears and hearing the raw emotion in David's voice explained
everything that happened that morning to Tristan.  His home life was coming
apart at the seams and he, Tristan, jumped to the wrong conclusion.  "I'm sooo
sorry too, David, for thinking you would dump me.  I just can't lose you and I'm
so afraid that your dad will split us up," he confessed raggedly.

"S'ok lover boy, I know how you feel. And he's really acting suspicious now too.
I gotta get out of there before something really bad happens," David half
whispered.  "But I'm so afraid for Jimmy, Tris.  I can't leave him there with my
dad acting all crazy."

"You can move in with me anytime David.  Tonight if you want."

"But what about your dad?  Don't you have to ask him first?" David asked.

"He won't throw you out Davie.  If he does, I'm leaving with you, simple as
that.  He'll give in then I'm pretty sure."

"But what about Jimmy?  Would he let Jimmy stay too?" David persisted, searching
Tristan's face for an answer he needed to hear.

"I'm pretty sure he would if you told him everything David.  He needs to know
all of it if he has to stand up to your dad about this stuff."

"Oh man, that's going to be so damn hard to do...and Tristan, I can't leave and
then go back to get Jimmy.  We both have to come at the same time cuz once I
leave, I'm not going back."

"I don't blame ya there Babe.  You're sleeping with me and we'll make room for
Jimmy, don't you worry."  Tristan sealed the promise with a kiss to David's
forehead.

That's all it took for David to let go.  He buried his face into Tristan's neck
and the sobs started coming.

All Tristan could do was to hold him, rubbing his back and saying over and over,
"It's ok David, it's ok," as David poured out his grief over the impending total
fracture of his family.

Through the sobs David said, "First Ashley left and now I'm taking Jimmy away
too.  I don't have a family any more."

"Yes, you do Babe.  You have me and my dad.  We're your family now and we love
you and Jimmy for who exactly you are.  Your brother and your sister still love
you.  And who knows, maybe your parents will come around one day."

David inhaled a shuddery breath against Tristan's tear dampened neck.  "I don't
know about my folks.  It's just so hard Tristan.  Why do they have to be that
way?"

Tristan held David tighter.  "They don't want to understand us, Davie.  They'd
rather listen to some ignorant preacher spout stuff off about gays that makes
them hate us."

David looked up with his wet face and gave a sad smile.  "Yeaah, you got that
right.  How did I get so lucky to have you?"

"I'm the one who got lucky David.  I fell in love with you a long time ago but
never thought I could have you as the love of my life.  I never want to let you
go.  So will you marry me, David Peter Brandt?" Tristan asked solemnly as he
gazed into David's blue eyes.

"Oh God, are you serious?" he gasped.

"Serious as a heart attack," came the immediate answer.

David looked down for a brief time before he looked back up into Tristan's eyes
with his answer, "I've made my choice haven't I?  And you are the one I want to
spend my life with, Tristan Randall Cochran.  Yes, I'll marry you if two guys
can get ever married in this country."

"As long as we are married in our hearts, David, the other one is just a piece
of paper," Tristan whispered back to him.  "Can you be married to me in your
heart?"

"I said 'yes' already, didn't I?  Then he added with a smile, "but you have to
wear the dress."

Tristan laughed despite himself as the emotional tension fled his body. "I dunno
Davie-boy, you've got better legs for dress-wearing and I like the way you can
wrap them around me when we're making love."

David blushed.  "Yeah, maybe that's true.  Shut up and kiss me then.  But I'm
not wearing any damn dress."

Again Tristan laughed before he locked lips with the most beautiful boy he'd
ever seen.  So there they were, engaged to be married at age 16 and kissing in
the boy's restroom of Central High.  There was never a particle of doubt in
their minds about their commitment to each other from that time on.

********************

Monday (6:15 pm)

It had been a roller coaster day with its soaring heights and stomach wrenching
drops for Tristan.  This was one of those drops.  He started on his way down
after football practice when he showered with David and couldn't touch his
fiancé.  He savored that word more than he tasted the home cooked hamburger in
his mouth as he sat at the dinner table with his dad.  He just wished he knew
how he was going to get David away from that crazy family of his.

Then his heart soared upon remembering how David agreed to marry him that day
and he smiled unknowingly as he imagined them making unrestrained love on their
wedding night.  It wasn't the only part of his anatomy that was trying to soar
either.  In fact, he remembered how that shower with David was nearly shear
torture as he fought to keep from getting a full-fledged stiffy in front of the
rest of the team.

"What's the big smile about, Tristan?" his father asked him out of the blue.  It
had been a mostly silent meal since Randy was still in the irritable mood he'd
been in all weekend so the question itself startled him.

His face flushed hotly immediately with the surprise and embarrassment at being
caught in a very personal and erotic moment.   "Um, it's kinda personal Dad,"
Tristan stammered.

Randy rolled his eyes.  "Daydreaming about David at the table isn't exactly what
I would call appropriate.

"Well maybe not Dad, but you haven't exactly been very sunshiny lately so I've
had to make do with my own company," Tristan countered, amazed at his own
boldness.

Randy just stared at his son.  Not only was Tristan standing up for himself, but
his son had definitely noticed the sour mood he'd been in since that
disappointing evening with Craig.  Oh sure, he'd gotten one of the best orgasms
of his life out of it, but at the cost of a painful ordeal for Craig.  He and
Craig hadn't talked since he dropped a very sore man off at his driveway and the
remorse was eating on him something fierce.

"Well yes, I guess that's true," a taken aback father mumbled and then glanced
down at the table.  "I have been in an off mood, haven't I?" he admitted wryly.
Then his eyes lifted once more to meet Tristan's gaze.  "It's not your fault
though," he hastened to add.

"Well that's good to know," Tristan said as he relaxed for one moment before
another thought hit him. "Are you ok?" he asked his father with renewed concern.

"You mean health-wise ok?" Randy clarified.

"Yeah, mostly but ok in general too," the boy transposing his role as son into
the role of caretaker to his father for the very first time in their family.

"Yes, I'm mostly ok," Randy admitted.  "It's nothing serious, just some regrets
I guess."

Tristan's brain worked rapidly at this puzzle.  It must have happened on Friday
night since his dad's mood was off since then.  "Did you have a date or
something that didn't work out, Old Man?" he guessed as he put the pieces of the
puzzle together.

His dad shrugged.  "You might say that Tristan.  I'll just have to see what
comes of it."

"Yeah, sometimes you have to wait to know, don't you?  But Dad, if you are
having a problem why can't you tell me about it instead of biting my head off
all weekend?" Tristan asked.  "I didn't do anything wrong this time," he said
innocently.

Randy snorted.  "Yeah, this time," he said cryptically.  "You think you're old
enough to take on my problems now?" he quizzed with one eyebrow lifted and his
chin propped on one hand.

"I don't know if I can solve them for you, Dad, but at least I could understand
what is bothering you and try to help somehow," the younger man in the family
offered solemnly.

The older man dropped his gaze and then shrugged one shoulder.  "Thank you
Tristan, that's nice of you to offer, but we'll just have to see how my little
problem works out."

"OK, I hope it does for you Dad.  But right now I have to tell you about a
problem of my own."  Tristan have paused for a breath and then rushed on before
he lost his nerve.  "You see, Dad, David's dad is being really mean to him and
is locking him into his room at night.  David's scared of him too cuz his dad
hit him Sunday morning and knocking him into the door."  The continuous twisting
of Tristan's hands on the tabletop betrayed his nervousness.

Randy sighed.  "And what do you think I can do about that?" he asked.  "I can't
go telling Dan Brandt what to do.  And I certainly wouldn't appreciate him
telling me what to do with you."

"We know that Dad, but David says he can't stay there anymore.  He wants to come
and live here with us.  Please Dad, can David live with us so he doesn't have to
be treated like a criminal and be locked up in his room and stuff?"

"He's actually locked in? Are you sure of that?" Randy questioned, his eyes
boring into Tristan's as he searched for any eye flickering or any other hint of
falsehood.

"Dad, I swear it's the truth!" Tristan expostulated.  "And he said if he can't
come here he'll just have to run away cuz he can't stay there anymore.  But he's
sticking it out because I told him you'd let him live with us and that I had to
tell you about it first."

"Do you have any idea what kind of trouble I could get into by doing this?"
Randy asked his son.

"Dad, I didn't want to say this, but if David runs away I'm going with him,"
Tristan challenged.

The crack of Randy's palm slapping the table shocked Tristan.  "Don't even THINK
of doing such a hair brained thing!" he thundered at his son.  "We'll work
something out if we have to," he added in a somewhat quieter tone but finished
by jabbing his forefinger in Tristan's direction saying, "And don't you go
thinking that I'm a pushover because of what I told you about myself this
weekend."

"Oh don't worry Dad, I would never think you are a pushover, and David won't
either even after I tell him."   Tristan tried his best to keep a straight face
but lost the battle as the realization sunk in that his dad really truly could
accept his love for David and that here, in his home, was a place they could
love and be loved for who they were.  It was a strange mix of emotions that
warred within him. A deep down happiness intermingled with an aching sadness so
strangely enough, he was grinning and the tears were gathering in his eyes at
the same time.  Quickly the elation won out and jumping up with a sudden nervous
energy, Tristan rushed around to his dad and hugged him from behind.  "Thanks
Dad, now I know you're on our side."

"Tristan, I've always been on your side, you just didn't know it," his father
Randy corrected gently, relishing his son's spontaneous hug and patting his
son's arms circled around him.  "Now how about doing the supper dishes for me?"
he asked his younger version.

"Daaaaaad, it's not my turn, it's yours," the teen boy complained before letting
let his dad go and walking out of the kitchen saying, "Just remember, I'm like
you and I'm no pushover either.  And I have an important phone call to make to
Drew besides."

Randy could only stare after his son and shake his head as he tried to come to
terms with his boy suddenly turning into a man.  And then he heard the bedroom
door close, knowing it was his bedroom with the phone that Tristan was using.

Long slender fingers danced their way over the phone buttons as Tristan dialed
Drew's phone number from memory.  "Hello Mrs. Andrews, can I talk to Drew
please," Tristan asked as he slung an arm over his head to hold the phone to his
ear and laid back on the bed.  "Hi Drew, how's it hanging?" he asked with a
wicked giggle.  "Yeah, I hear ya there, a guy needs it regular.   Being grounded
sucks, doesn't it?  So what do you want me to tell Anthony for you
tonight...besides the usual mush?"  The boy laughed again at the reply that
rumbled through the phone receiver.  "Yeah, Thursday can't come fast enough can
it?  At least you can see him in school that way from then on.  What?   You want
me and David to share our private noon spot with you guys?  I dunno, I'll have
to ask David...it's the only place we can talk and do stuff since he's been
grounded too you know.  Not THAT!" Tristan listened more and chuckled before
confessing, "No way...we keep it clean in case someone comes in...just some
hugging and kissing is all.  Well, yeah, I suppose you do.  I'll ask David
tomorrow.   Yeah, I'll call Anthony for you, I just wish I could call David and
talk with him.   I know, it sucks big time.   OK, I'll call you later with what
Anthony said.   Sheesh, I feel like I'm working for Western Union here.  Yeah,
what else are friends for?  Talk to ya later Drew.  Study hard.  Bye."

Wishing it was David's number he was dialing next instead of Anthony's Tristan
twisted over to dial again and prepared himself for a longer talk with a bored
and lonely Anthony.  He wondered how David was doing at home and wished he could
be calling his number instead of Anthony's.   Things were sure screwed up when
none of them in their inner circle could be talking with their boyfriends.

*****************

"Fuck, here comes the warden again," David thought to himself bitterly as he
stood at the kitchen sink scrubbing dishes.  He hated doing dishes with a
passion because it was always one of his punishments.  And every night this week
he'd been stuck with doing the damn dishes.  "Why does mom have to make such
nasty messes," he complained silently to himself as he attacked a stubborn crust
of baked on cheese in the lasagna pan, inadvertently splashing water out of the
sink.

His father stood there watching him with his arms crossed, waiting for his
oldest son to acknowledge his presence.  The dishwater hitting the floor was
sufficient provocation.  "You'll be washing the floor tonight too if you aren't
more careful," he pronounced to David's back.

"Whatever," was the teen's sullen response as he continued to scrub at the
baking dish.

"Your attitude needs a major change David.  You just earned yourself another
chore.  There are clean towels in the dryer for you to fold when you're finished
with those dishes.  And at nine o'clock I'll be coming to your room to hear you
recite your bible verses."  His father waited for a reply.  "Did you hear me
David?" he prompted irritably.

The sullen teen stopped scrubbing and addressed the sink.  "Yeah Dad, I heard
you."  And then he waited, trembling inside and ashamed for being afraid he
would be hit again.  The bruised swelling on his cheek was just now starting to
go down--he didn't want to have to explain another one.  With great relief he
heard his father leave, and only then did he let his knees sag as he struggled
to keep the tears in, wishing he could be anyplace else as long as Tristan was
with him.  Every day that went by the place he lived seemed less and less like
home and being with Tristan was his refuge of love and acceptance.

*****************

(Tuesday 8:50 p.m.)

David sat hunched over his desk with his chin propped up by one arm at he stared
blankly at the bible before him.   The words on the flimsy paper were only a
blur as he contemplated running away from the hellhole he called home.  Only an
hour before he heard his parents arguing again downstairs.  Of late, they always
started arguing about Ashley and then he would hear his name, and after that it
would turn to arguing about money and the church.   David was totally sick of
it.  And the truth to be told, he was jealous of Ashley's escape from their
dad's ultra conservative views and heavy handed attempts at discipline.

Sighing, he focused his eyes and attempted to burn into his memory verse 13 in
chapter 20 of Leviticus:  "If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of
them have committed an abomination; they shall be put to the death, their blood
is upon them."  But that wasn't all that David had read in Leviticus since he
was required to spend an hour each night reading the Bible.   Hearing his
father's tread on the stairs, he quickly reread the compulsory verse and steeled
himself for the impending nightly recitation.  He heard his father arrive in the
open doorway to his room since the only time his bedroom door was to be closed
was during the night when he was locked in.

David slowly pivoted in his chair to see his father's agitated visage and tense
posture as his stomach roiled within.  Silently he looked at the man he no
longer knew...and wondered dully what this alien and angry person had done with
his dad.

Impatiently Dan Brandt gestured with his right hand as he asked brusquely, "Have
you learned Leviticus 20:13?"

A jerk of the head preceded the "Yes sir" out of David's mouth.  Try as he
might, he could not hold the steely glare from his father's eyes and he dropped
his gaze to the floor.

"Well let's hear it then," came the now familiar demand with its maddening
justification which invariably followed.  "These verses are God's word and
they're for your own good David.  For God says in Leviticus I am the Lord your
God.  Keep my statutes and do them," he repeated for what seemed to be the
hundredth time since David had been caught coming home from Tristan's that early
Sunday morning.

Staring at the wall above his father's head, David recited with painful
resentment held deep within and festering, "If a man lies with a male as with a
woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall be put to the
death, their blood is upon them."

"That's right," came the satisfied response, "those are the words of God spoken
to Moses."  And then the parental finger of authority pointed at him followed by
the edict of "And don't you ever forget them David."

The blonde teen gathered his courage and embarked upon his own test.  "OK, Dad
but I have question for you.  If Leviticus has all of these laws and things,
then why wasn't I circumcised like it says I should be?   You know I'm not,
right?" he questioned.

An angry frown gathered instantly on Dan's face before he spoke.  "Of course I
know.  And it's something that can be remedied rather quickly.  Since you
brought it up, I'll look into it.  It sounds like a good idea to me...it might
help keep you from abusing yourself."

His balls retracted in sympathetic pain as he considered the implications of his
father's last words. Practically gasping with consternation and his face flaming
red David repeated, "Abusing myself?"

Dan glared at his son.  "Yes, you know what I mean David.   Keep your body as a
temple of virtue and not as vessel of lust and perversion."

This was almost too much to believe so David made one last attempt at discerning
his father's reasonableness.  "But dad, there's lots of stuff in Leviticus that
isn't done these days.  None of that stuff about sacrifices and uncleanness and
not eating pork or shellfish is held as truth anymore."

"Don't quibble with me David.   That was necessary for people of that time to
keep them from disease...and it may be not be necessary now, but the rest of
God's word still stands, you got it?" he pronounced as he jabbed his finger at
the boy repeatedly to emphasize his point.

David had enough.  Anger roared through his body and he bounded up from his
chair.  "That's just a load of crap!" he shouted at his father.  "You're
punishing me because Ashley ran away.  And you're locking me in because you're
afraid I'll run away too."   WHAP!   The pain of his face being slapped on his
bruise was nothing compared to the stars he saw in his head.  As he was coming
to his senses, his ears heard his father's screaming before his vision returned.

"Don't you ever talk to me that way again!  Do you hear me?   I am your father
and you will do what I say.  The Lord God commands that you honor your father
and your mother in the Ten Commandments and if nothing else you will follow
those rules while you live in this house!"  The rage in his father's face was
fearsome.  As David's vision cleared he could see Dan's red eyes and swollen
face with hair standing on end.  It was enough to frighten anyone.

But David was undeterred.  His hands clenched into fists as he squared off with
his old man.  "If you ever hit me again I'll flatten you right out, I swear to
God," he uttered with ironclad determination.  "And I'm not cussing, I'm
promising so don't give me your bible bullshit.  I've had enough.  So just
leave." And he stood there, trembling and ready to tear into the fight of his
young life as he faced off with his enraged progenitor.

Dan's mouth fell open with momentary shock. His young lion cub had just roared
back at him. Challenge to his primacy had been given and his anger surged anew.
Again the finger was out front being shaken in emphasis.  "If you hit me, young
man, you can just haul your ass right out the door because you will no longer
live under my roof," came the ultimate parental threat.  The two males glared at
each other, each waiting for the other to make the next move.  When it became
apparent that neither of them wanted to take their face off further, Dan backed
towards the door as he glared at his son with bloodshot eyes.  "You're in big
trouble mister.  Tomorrow night I want to hear the Ten Commandments from you.
And your door will be locked at 11 as usual."  Then he left before David had a
chance to react.

Still trembling David waited as the sounds of his father's tread on the stairs
ceased.  He was gone...for now.    Slowly David began to come down from the peak
of his adrenaline rush, but as he did the nervous trembles he was having turned
into major quakes as the enormity of what just happened hit him.  He had drawn a
proverbial line in the sand and for now his dad had backed off from hitting him
again.  Sinking down to his knees where he stood he hunched over and put his
face in his hands, the hot tears silently leaking through his fingers.

An exceedingly scared Jimmy had listened to the ruckus in David's room.  Unlike
David, he had absolutely no chance of facing up to his father and winning.  He
was too small and too young to even begin to think about taking on his dad like
David just did.  So he did the next best thing and that was to hide while the
fireworks were going off in David's room.  Slowly he pushed his closet door open
and stood there, listening.  No noise.  No shouting.  Nothing.  Cautiously he
moved to his bedroom doorway and peered around the corner.  Nope, no one was in
sight.  Where was David?    Silently the 7th grader tiptoed across and down the
upstairs hallway to David's bedroom door and peered in.  To his dismay, he saw
his older brother hunched over on the floor, shaking.

Jimmy swiftly moved to his brother's side.  "David, are you ok?  Are you hurt?
Did Dad hurt you someplace?" he asked in anxious rush of words and his put a
hand on his brother's back and bent over to look for blood.  David didn't answer
but at least his shaking was slowing.  "David, did dad hurt you?" he asked again
worriedly.

Silently David shook his head 'no' and became totally still.  Then, after a deep
shuddery sigh, he sat up to reveal wet and reddened eyes.   The red palm print
on the left side of his face was all the evidence Jimmy needed.

"He did too hit you," the young teen asserted nervously.  "I can see it on your
face".

David sighed again and ran his fingertips over his eyes to dry the tears that
had gathered in his lashes.  "Yeah, he slapped me once but I told him I'd hit
him back the next time he tried it."

The younger brother sat down on the edge of David's bed.  Anxiously his fingers
twisted together as he gazed at the freshly swelling bruise on David's face.
"I'm really scared David.  What if Dad hits me next?" he asked in a quavery
voice.

"What makes you think he'll hit you?  You haven't done anything wrong or talked
back to him, have you?" David asked as he winced while touching his aggravated
bruise with the fingertips of his left hand.

The young teen's fingers continued to twist as his face scrunched up in a
grimace.  "No, but he's acting all crazy.  First he took after Ashley and now
you."  A matching pair of blue eyes peered up.  "When's it going to be my turn,
huh?" he inquired plaintively.

The older boy sighed wearily.  "I don't know.  I don't know anything about him
anymore."   His stood there for a moment before his shoulders slumped.  Then he
turned and walked over to the door, closed it and locked it.  "I hope Dad
doesn't come back before 11 and see that," David said, "but you and I need to
talk privately."  David walked over to stand directly in front of his brother
before asking,  "Do you swear to God that you'll keep secret what I'm going to
tell you?"

Their eyes locked.  Jimmy looked scared but then he blinked and said, "OK."

"OK what?" David asked more harshly than he intended.

"OK, I swear.  You didn't have to yell at me," the younger boy said defensively.
And then he added in a softer voice as he looked down at his hands still
twisting in his lap, "I'm so tired of listening to people yelling."

Stung by those words David dropped to his knees and placed his hands over
Jimmy's.  "I'm sorry for being short with you Jimmy, everything just has me all
stirred up."

Jimmy just shook his head 'yes' and said, "I know, me too," without looking up.

Almost at whisper David spoke softly to the top of his brother's bowed head.
"Its kinda the same thing I wanted to tell you Jimmy....you see, I've decided I
can't stay here like this anymore.  I'm leaving, Jimmy, and I don't know if or
when I'll come back...leastwise not until Dad comes back to his senses again."

The younger boy's shoulders began to shake.  Jimmy glanced up to look at David,
revealing blue eyes filled with tears.  "See? It's just what I said.  Dad chased
off Ashley and now you're going and then I'll be the one stuck here for Dad to
yell at and hit and stuff," he sobbed out before flopping over onto David's bed
and crying his heart out, his fists balled over his eyes.

Getting off the floor and sitting beside his brother on the bed, David leaned
over Jimmy and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.  "You don't have to
stay here Jimmy," David said gently.  "You can come with me if that's what you
want to do, but you have to let me know tomorrow night."

The sobbing grew quieter and then stopped.  Slowly the younger boy pushed
himself up, his face wet from tears and a string of snot hanging from his nose.

David snatched a Kleenex from his bed stand.  "Here, you need this," he said as
he handed it to his little brother.

Jimmy blew his nose and then wiped an arm across his face, the Kleenex crushed
in his hand and forgotten as the words started bubbling out.  "I don't want to
stay here David if you're not here.  Where are you going to go?  What about all
your clothes and stuff?  Where are you going to stay?"

David shrugged his right shoulder.

"You're not running away to some big city are you?" Jimmy gasped in horror.

"No, nothing like that," David reassured him.

"Uh, I bet I know then," Jimmy said slowly.  "You're going to go live with
Tristan, aren't you?  Did they say I could stay there too?"

"Yes, to both, if you want to go with me.  I asked Tristan if you could come too
and he's told his dad that it might happen."

"Yeah, I wanna.  But you have to let me hang out with you guys," Jimmy
stipulated.  "When are we leaving?" he asked, excited about escaping the hellish
place their home had become.

"Friday after school.  We'll grab as much of our stuff as we can and high tail
over to Tristan's.  And I'm not telling them where we are so you can't say a
word to anyone, got it?"

"Yeah, yeah, I got it," Jimmy said impatiently.

"And remember, don't say a word to anyone!" David admonished.  "You promised to
keep it a secret."

"Well duh, you think I'm stupid?" he said, a finger pointed at his forehead and
making a face.   I have to plan out what I'm taking so I'm gonna go now."  And
just like that Jimmy was off the bed, unlocking and opening the door.  "Talk to
ya later, alligator", he giggled on his way out.

*******************

(Wednesday Noon)

David and Tristan were meeting in their customary noon spot and were in their
customary position, arms wrapped around each other as they caught what
togetherness they could there since David's virtual house arrest.

David was speaking into his lover's ear.  "Tristan, I can't take it any more.
I'm not going home this weekend and Jimmy says he doesn't want to be there any
more either," David said crossly as Tristan held him close.   He quizzes me
every night on my Bible studies and at eleven o'clock he locks me in.  He and
mom aren't talking around us but we hear them fighting every night...I'm not
staying there this weekend, I can tell you that."  David pointed at his face
next.  "And see my bruise?  He slapped me on it last night and now it's all
puffy and bigger."

"That isn't what I like all puffy and bigger," Tristan giggled and his hand
dropped down and brushed the front of David's pants.

"Tristan, will you be serious!" David fussed at him and swung his hips back away
from his fiance's touch. "Get your mind off sex for once, will ya?

Unfazed, Tristan planted a small kiss on the other boy's temple.  "Damn David, I
gotta get what I can when I can," he chuckled.  Then more seriously he said, "I
told my dad about your stuff, David, and he said he'll do what he can but he
says it has to be legal for you to move in," Tristan said as he rubbed the other
boy's back, trying to soothe his irate lover.

David tensed up again upon hearing those words and said tautly, "I'm not going
back to my crazy old man and Jimmy ain't neither.  So either we stay with
you...," he pushed himself back so he could look into Tristan's eyes as he
thought out loud, "or maybe Jimmy and I will just hitchhike out to the farm if
your dad doesn't let us stay.

Tristan pulled the love of his life back close and planted another kiss on his
lips as he murmured, "Nuh uh, you aren't going anyplace without me.  I told my
dad that too and he said he wasn't about to let me go running off someplace.
He'll let you stay, you'll see Davie," Tristan reassured him while pulling him
back close and kissing his forehead.  "So when are you coming over?"

"Friday after school."  And then the bell rang and after one more quick kiss,
they left in a hurry so as not to be late for class.

*****************

(Thursday 8:30 am)

The reception committee was waiting at the front door of the school, anxiously
looking out towards the street and waiting for the VIP to arrive in his limo.
David, Tristan, and Drew were all standing outdoors in the chilly wind as they
waited.

"Here he comes!" Tristan announced excitedly as he jabbed an elbow into Drew's
ribs.

"Yeah, I see his limo," Drew answered dryly as he watched the small Toyota car
pull into the school driveway.  "Now remember, he's not to be left alone at any
time, not even in the restroom.  Until we find who hurt Anth and take him out,
we can't let it happen again."

"Drew, you know the football team all said they'd help with that," the tall and
more slender boy of the trio answered as they moved forward to meet the oncoming
car.

Drew stopped and turned, his startling blue eyes meeting Tristan's brown ones to
say, "Yeah, I know, but you and David are the only ones I trust 100%."  The
squealing of tired brakes announced Anthony's arrival, and they turned to see a
beaming Anthony looking at them.

No sooner had the car stopped than Drew was opening the door with a bright smile
for his boyfriend.  "Hey, Mrs. Miller.  Hi Little Man, we're all set for your
first day back," he announced into the car.  "Yep, we'll take good care of him
Mrs. Miller, don't you worry.   Us three guys and half the football team will be
watching out for him," he answered the concerned mother.  "You ready then Anth?"
he asked the younger boy.

"Yes, I think so.  See you later Mom.  Here's my books Drew," the cute 9th
grader said, hissing a little in suppressed pain as he passed over his backpack.

Snatching the backpack out of Anthony's hands, Drew turned around and passed it
to Tristan.  "Here, hang on to this for me will ya?" before turning back to help
Anthony out.  "Now just take it easy Anthony, let me help."

"No, its better if I do it on my own, ok?"  Anthony then scrunched his face up
and swung his legs out, knowing there would be some pain involved.  Slowly he
then pushed himself up and out of the car until he was standing.  Releasing his
breath in a "puh" of relief, he moved away from the car, walking carefully like
an old man.

Closing the car door Drew hovered anxiously, wanting to help but not sure how as
the three older boys surrounded Anthony.

"Hey Anth, good to have you back with us in school," Tristan said with a
welcoming smile.

David's greeting of "Hey, good to see you," was more reserved but no less
sincere.

"Yeah, I getting sick of staying home, ya know?" came the reply.  "But, I'm
kinda worried too," he added more quietly.  "I still don't remember who hurt
me."

"Don't worry Sweetie, we gotcha covered," Drew assured him.   "One of us will be
with you all the time until we learn who did it.  Then he'll be the one who's
hurting, big time.  And the football team will be looking out for you too...so
it won't happen again, I promise."

As Tristan and David likewise promised the same, Anthony's eyes became overly
bright with unshed tears.  Shakily he moved in and wrapped his arms around Drew,
burying his face in the strong chest.  "You don't know how much better that
makes me feel, to know you're here for me," he said half sobbing.

"Shhh, now don't cry Sweetie.  You'll be fine.  Let's get you inside and ready
for class, ok?" Drew said as his face blushed from the public display of
affection. Gently he brushed the few tears from Anthony's cheeks as he tilted
Anthony's face up.  "There, we're ready now."

With that said, the four of them walked slowly inside too find that Anthony was
the center of attention.   Girls rushed over to ask how he was feeling while
boys from every grade were greeting him.  It was nearly overwhelming, but he
felt good too.  Not everyone hated him.  But obviously someone did, someone who
hated him enough to nearly kill him and he didn't know exactly who.

*******************

(Thursday evening)

Sean sat at the piano in Craig's living room, idly playing snatches of songs he
knew.  He'd plenty of practice when he lived at home with his father since he
wasn't allowed to do much of anything else.  Sitting there at the piano made him
wonder what was happening with that Abusive Son of A Bitch since he hadn't heard
anything since his old man had whipped him and Tristan found out.  Now, his life
was different.  He was being fostered at Craig's house...and he had himself a
boyfriend besides.  His innards quivered and his face flushed as he remembered
last night.

It had started so innocently.  He was on his bed doing his social studies
homework while Brian filled out job applications.  He could tell things weren't
going so well by the muttering and cuss words he was hearing from Brian.

"Fuck this shit!" Brian cursed as he swept the application papers from his desk
in a single angry fling of his arm.

"What's wrong Bry," the younger boy asked as he looked up from his homework.

"This is such bullshit," the dark haired youth sputtered in frustration.  "I'll
never get one of these jobs, and besides, who'd want one of these anyway."

"Any job is better than no job, isn't it?   You gotta start someplace," Sean
remarked sagely, as he climbed off the bed and began picking up the scattered
papers.

"With those shit jobs?  Riiiight.  I'll be rich in no time getting minimum wage.
Well fuck that shit."  Bryan sat in the chair and massaged his aching temples.

The slow rustling of papers brought Bryan's head up and his eyes found Sean
reading them.  "Hey you little fucker, mind your own business."

Sean didn't seem to hear anything, but then again, the wiggle of his cute ass
gave him away.

The older boy growled, "You heard me, now do as I say."

Still studying the applications in front of him, Sean turned and wiggled his
butt again in Brian's direction.

"I'm gonna smack ya.  This is my last warning, now do what I say."  That cute
ass of Sean's just beckoned to him again.  Fighting off a smile, Brian jumped up
and grabbed Sean, snatching the papers away from him and flinging them into a
corner.  "Now I've got ya and you're in big trouble," he threatened.

"No, I'm not," Sean giggled, not able to hold it in any longer.

"Yes you are.  Name your punishment."

"A kiss."  He puckered his lips and stood there waiting.

"No. That's not a punishment."  Brian stood behind Sean and wrapped both arms
around the boy as they stood there, pinning his arms to his sides.

"A blowjob then."

"For me maybe, but not for you." Brian allowed while he pulled Sean tight
against him as his dick stirred in his crotch.

"No, no.  For me!" Sean insisted.  "I gave you a blowjob in bed last night and
then you fell asleep after."

Brian coughed.  "Well yeah, you made me feel so hot I thought I was going to
blow my nuts out."  That memory had Brian fully hard now and his knotted sex was
pushing into Sean's rear.

"So you owe me.  And I feel something poking into my butt."  Sean giggled again
as he ground back against Brian's sex.

"What am I to do with you then?"

"Fuck me," the boy whispered as he tilted his head back against Brian's
shoulder.  "I know you want to...and I want it."

"You want it huh?" Brian growled in his ear as he nipped it with his teeth.
"Just how bad do you want it?"

"Bad.  Really bad."

"I'm gonna pound your ass.  Is that what you want?"

"Yessssss," the younger boy hissed in obvious delight, pushing back as Brian
involuntarily humped into him.

The arms that had him bound suddenly released and were pulling his T-short over
his head.  In the next breath his jeans were suddenly being undone and stripped
down his legs, leaving him standing there in his undies.  Then Brian's strong
hands slipped inside his undies, feeling his hardness and finding the wetness
seeping from his dick already.

"You are a horny little fucker tonight, aren't you?" Brian laughed.

"Yes, and I'm not the fucker, I'm the fuckee...unless you want to switch things
around."

Sliding down Sean's last barrier to their lovemaking the older and more
experienced youth said "No, your cute ass is going to be the one that gets
fucked.  Lift up your feet."  As Sean stepped out of his whitie tighties Brian
had bent over and the musky odor from Sean's butt hit his nostrils, exciting him
even more.  His dick was so hard it actually hurt and his heart was hammering in
excited anticipation.  Quickly he stripped off his own shirt and jeans, his
boxers obscenely tented in front of him as his erection strained to get out.
Eagerly their mouths met in a heated kiss, Brian pulling the naked boy against
him by his butt cheeks.  Their tongues dueled as their passions soared.

Slowly Brian pushed the other boy backwards until Sean fell back on the bed, his
5-inch dick pulsing wildly and the helmeted head slick with precum already.
Staring at the sight of the boy laying there, stomach heaving and hips moving in
sensuous desire was a point of no return for the heretofore callow youth.  No
one had ever penetrated his protective armor like this boy or turned him on
sexually the way this kid did.  He slid his boxers down and sank to his knees,
moving between Sean's legs as he did so.  He bent over and tenderly licked the
dew from the boy's leaking knob, bringing a gasp of pleasure from the boy.

"More, please more," Sean begged, lifting his hips to find Brian's mouth.

But that wasn't Brian's plan.  No, not at all.  That musky smell acted as an
aphrodisiac and beckoned Brian to go further...to do something he'd never done
before.  Planting wet kisses down the Sean's penis and then after lightly
sucking each ball, Brian began tonguing the underside of the boy's scrotum.

Sean's legs opened wide of their own accord, the new sensations sending him into
shivers of delight.  And to his amazement, the licks and kisses went further
down yet, to that hardness between his legs.  Sean never suspected how good that
could feel, and his pucker was clenching in response to each lick.  Small gasps
were coming constantly from Sean's mouth and he wanted more.   His knees lifted
and now his bottom was fully exposed and available to Brian, the wrinkled eye in
its center winking at him.  There was the source of that irresistible smell.

Brian's tongue experimentally took a swipe alongside the hairless pucker.  The
taste was just as exciting as the odor and all doubts fled.  Sean's little gasps
turned to sighs and moans of pure pleasure as Brian rimmed him.  As Sean became
more accustomed to the new and wonderful sensations coming from the very center
of his ass, his pucker began to relax.  Bryan's tongue delved into his hole,
readying Sean for the entry his 8 1/2 inch fuck stick was begging for.  One
finger, then two were inserted into Sean, loosening the other boy up while the
other hand spread the precum that was dripping from his slit around his
throbbing knob.  Another quick application of saliva to his shaft and he was
ready.  "You ready Baby?" he asked Sean.

"Oh yes, fuck me," Sean said as he lifted his head up and smiled at Brian.
"Just go slow until you're all the way in, ok," he reminded.  Then he watched as
Brian began his entry, trying his best not to fight the intrusion.

Whether it was because it was their fifth time or because of Brian's
preparation, Brian's snake slithered smoothly up his love canal until he was
balls deep, relishing the tightness and the heat enveloping his love tool.  By
this time Sean's head was turned to one side as he moaned and squeezed Brian's
tool.  The noise they made in their lovemaking must have caused Craig to come
and shut the bedroom door because it wasn't closed when they began.  They had
forgotten to close it in their hormone-induced focus.

Sean's face heated again as he remembered discovering the door closed after he
and Brian had their most intense orgasms yet and needed to clean themselves up a
bit.  He wondered if Craig had watched them and how long he did so before
closing the door.  Brian made one of his typical comments when they discussed
it.  "I wonder if the old perv can still get it up.  So what if he watched.
Can't do anything about it now anyway...but if he ever comes in or touches me or
you he's gonna be one sorry hurting bag of shit."

Just then the phone rang.  Craig had been puttering around in the kitchen and so
he waited for Craig to answer it.  His piano playing became a very light tinkle
as he listened to the one-sided conversation.

"Thompson residence, Craig speaking.  Oh hello Randy.  Yes, same here.  No, no
need to apologize.  I completely understand.  Well, it'll be a while before we
try that again, I'm afraid.  No, its ok.  I'll be fine.  I'll give you a call
when I'm more ready.  I'm sorry it can't be this weekend.  No no, its fine.
I'll call you later then.  Bye Randy."

Sean's brain was working overtime.  Just what was THAT all about?  Craig didn't
sound like his usual self there at all.   On top of that, Craig hadn't been
acting like his usual self either.  He'd been walking kinda funny since the
weekend hadn't he?  He said he strained his back when he slipped at the football
game.  But he was with Randy wasn't he?   Could it be that Craig and Tristan's
dad were both gay?   Nah.  It couldn't be true.  Still, it was intriguing...and
Sean resolved to pay closer attention the anything that involved Randy.

*******************

(Saturday 9:30 am)

It was a beautiful Fall Saturday morning.  Randy was sipping his second cup of
coffee and enjoying the quiet start to his day.  All three boys were stretched
out on the floor watching cartoons in the basement, their bursts of laughter
floating up the stairs. He felt good to hear it, thinking that those Brandt boys
probably hadn't been able to feel relaxed like that for God knows how long.  It
was certainly different having three boys at the table, and Randy could see that
keeping groceries on hand was going to be his biggest problem while having them
there.

The screech of tires sliding the street outdoors followed by the slam of a car
door outside the house gave Randy an idea of what was coming.  A glance out the
front window showed an agitated Dan Brandt striding up the sidewalk to the front
door.  Quickly he went to the top of the basement steps and called down to the
boys, "David's dad is here and he looks upset.  Tristan, call the cops."  Then
the sound of pounding on the front door began to thud throughout the house.  The
pounding ceased only to be replaced by the repeated chimes of the doorbell.
"For Christ's sake," Randy swore to himself as he moved to open the door before
Dan Brandt did something crazy like kicking it in.  As soon as he got it
unlocked, it was being pushed open.  "Now hold it right there, Dan," he warned
the irate man.  "You weren't invited to come in and this is as far as you get,"
he said as he used one hand to push his uninvited guest back to the doorstep.
The man who stood quivering outside his front door wasn't the Dan Brandt he once
knew.  The transformation from a decent family man to a red-eyed, wild-haired,
unshaven fanatic was shocking.  "What makes you think you can come busting into
my home?" he asked.

"I here to take my boys back!  You stole them and you and your son are leading
them into depravity and damnation," the disturbed Dan Brandt shouted as spittle
flew from his mouth.  "The Lord said that he who harms even the least of his
children will suffer from eternal damnation."

Randy tried to pull the door shut as he pushed Dan back saying, "Stop shouting
that religious claptrap at me.  I didn't steal your boys and I am not leading
them into depravity.  Now you just turn around and leave until you can talk
sensibly."

"I know they're in there and you have to let me get them or I'll have you
arrested for kidnapping!" Dan shouted as he tried to push his way in once more.

The two men struggled in the doorway, neither possessing a clear advantage over
the other as Dan's desperation made up for his slightly smaller size.  It wasn't
until Dan threw the sucker punch and connected with Randy's mouth that he gained
entrance to the house.  "Boys, where are you?" he called out.  "I know you're
here."

"You son of a bitch," Randy cussed angrily as he held a hand to his now bleeding
and throbbing split lip to follow the trespassing Dan inside.  "Get out of my
house."

"Not until I get my boys.  Where are they?  If you won't tell me I'll find
them!" the Brandt's father demanded frenetically before dodging down the
hallway.

By now Randy was mad.  He lunged after the intruder and caught up to him in
Tristan's bedroom.  Grabbing Dan in a bear hug, he attempted to forcibly remove
him from his home.  They banged through the doorway of the bedroom and bounced
off the walls of the hallway as Dan tried to throw Randy off.

The doorbell chimed above their heads.  "Come in!" Randy shouted, hoping it was
the police instead of someone that he didn't want involved in this ugly scene.
Pulling upon his inner reserves of strength he tripped Dan as they re-entered
the front room and fell to the floor half on top of him.

The door jerked open and a uniformed figure came bounding inside.  "Freeze!
Police!" came the authoritative command.

Dan continued to struggle beneath Randy, despite the clear order to stop.

Randy gasped out as the blood continued running from his lip. "This man is
trespassing. I want him out of my house."

The officer took two steps towards them as he pulled out his handcuffs.  Click
went one side of the cuffs and just as fast they went 'cliiick' again as Dan was
belly down on the floor with his hands cuffed behind his back.  "Now you stay
there until I tell you to get up," the officer directed at Dan.

"You sir, get off of him now," he said to Randy as he backed away again.  "Unit
24, officer requests assistance inside residence, 10-74 (civil disturbance), 10-
82 (prisoner in custody), code 2 (lights only)," he spoke into his portable
walkie-talkie.

"10-4" the radio squawked.  "Unit 21, officer requests assistance at 1409
Stonewall Lane, code 2."

"Unit 21, 10-17 (en route), code 2," came the prompt reply.

Randy thought he recognized the voice that came over the radio, but with the
distortion he wasn't sure.  What was more important was the blood dripping from
his lip.  "I need to get something for my lip.  Is that ok?" he asked the
officer.

The police officer was a young man who looked to be a beginner at the job.  He
shook his head and said, "No, sir.  You will not leave my sight."

Randy pressed his fingers to his lip trying to stop the flow of blood. It felt
odd to talk like that but he managed to say, "Can I have my son get me something
then?"

The officer's eyes scanned the room and then asked warily, "Where is he?"

"He's in the basement."

"You can tell him to bring you something for your lip then.  But first, what is
your name?"

"I'm Randy Cochran."

"OK, Mr. Cochran, go ahead."

"TRISTAN!" Randy shouted "COME UP HERE PLEASE!"  As he spoke he hoped it would
only be Tristan who came to his call.

"Officer, this man has stolen my two sons.  I was here trying to take them back
home," Dan blurted out from the floor.

The young officer visibly tensed upon hearing those words and he backed up
another step as he put his hand on the butt of his pistol.  "What is your name
sir?"

"My name is Dan Brandt."

The officer frowned.  "Mr. Brandt, I'm not aware of any local reports of missing
or kidnapped boys and believe me, I would know if there were any.  What are
their names and ages?"

"David is 16 and Jimmy is 12.  Can I sit up?"

"No. You stay where you are.  Now Mr. Cochran, do you have his sons on these
premises?"

Randy sighed. "Yes officer, they are downstairs."

"I need them here with us.  Call them here as well Mr. Cochran."

"No need to do that Dad.  They're here with me," Tristan said as he came around
the corner with David and Jimmy in tow.  All three boys stopped and stared at
the scene in front of them-the police officer standing there with a hand on his
pistol butt along with Randy's bleeding mouth and Dan in handcuffs spread out on
the floor.

"Which of you boys is David and Jimmy?" the officer demanded.

"Us," David answered quietly and pulled Jimmy in front of him, wrapping his arms
loosely around the younger boy.  "You can't make us go with him.  If you do
we'll just leave again and next time we'll go where he can't find us."

As David said those words the doorway darkened with the figure of a second
policeman.  "OK, what's going on here Bob?" he asked the rookie officer.

"The gentleman cuffed on the floor whose name is Dan Brandt entered the premises
without permission and assaulted this one over here.  His name is Randy
Cochran," the officer named Bob said as he pointed them out.  "Mr. Brandt is
also accusing Mr. Cochran of 'stealing' his two sons, David and Jimmy, who are
standing over there.  The older son just stated they don't wish to go with their
father."

"Got it.  Which of you boys is David?"

"I am," David said nervously, having recognized the officer from the night his
sister Ashley ran away with her boyfriend.

A thoughtful look flickered across the senior cop's face.  He gazed over at
David.  "You're a friend of Drew Andrews, is that correct?"

"Yeah."

"And you don't want to go home with your dad, is that right?"

"Yeah."

"Why is that?"

"Because he's been acting all crazy and locking me in my room."

"I see. What about you, son, do you want to go home with your dad?" Sergeant
Jensen asked as he looked directly at Jimmy.

Jimmy hung his head.  "No," came the faint reply.

"And why don't you want to go home with your dad?" the policeman persisted.

"Um, cuz I'm scared," Jimmy confessed to the floor.

"Can you tell me what you are scared of?" the policeman asked gently.

"Of my dad.  My older sister ran away with her boyfriend last week when he was
fighting with them and now he's fighting with David and hit him and stuff,"
Jimmy stammered out.

Sergeant Jensen nodded his head.  "OK, I think I'm getting the picture here.
Bob, take Mr. Brandt into custody and charge him with trespass, assault and
battery, and child endangerment."

Dan struggled to his knees as he heard that.  "What?  You're listening to them?
What about my rights to raise my own children?" he demanded.

Coolly Sergeant Jensen turned to address the kneeling man.  "Obviously something
is very wrong in your home if all three of your children are choosing to leave
it.  I was there the night your daughter ran away, Mr. Brandt.  You might not
remember me, but I remember you.  Child Protective Services will decide what
happens with your children from here and for right now you have an appointment
at the police station.  Take him out Bob."

The young police officer went to help Dan to his feet.  No sooner than when Dan
was standing he began shouting.  "This isn't right!  I haven't done anything
wrong here except try to get my sons home where they belong!  You should be
arresting people who corrupt decent people's kids like this faggot Cochran!"

"Shut up and save it for the judge," the kid cop ordered and shoved him forward.
He had his orders and was thankful this mess wasn't his to deal with except for
taking his cuffed detainee down to the station and booking him with the charges.

"I have my constitutional rights!  I'll sue you for false arrest!" Dan screamed
as he was taken outside."

The boys watched the spectacle of Dan being taken away with ashen faces.
Jimmy's lips were trembling while David clung to him.  Tristan wrapped an arm
around David's waist to let him know he was there too.

Sergeant Jensen saw all of this and he could read the signs.  He put the puzzle
together instantly.  "I'll be back in a few minutes.  How about if you kids go
sit down for a bit while I see to your dad?" he suggested.  "And you, Mr.
Cochran, let's do something about your lip.  It probably could use some
stitches.  But don't go anywhere just yet, ok?  I'll be right back."  He then
turned and went outdoors to find Officer Bob struggling to get Dan in the police
car.

The tough cop in Dallas Jensen came out.  He was tired of this guy being an
asshole to his kids and his misguided ideas of his rights.  "OK wise guy, shut
up and lean forward against the car."  When Dan didn't obey, the Sergeant threw
him against it and ordered, "Now spread your legs."

Again Dan refused to comply.  Roughly his legs were kicked apart and Sergeant
Jensen thoroughly frisked the irate suspect saying, "You can never assume that
someone isn't carrying a weapon, Bob.  Always frisk someone before you put them
in the car."

"Get your fucking hands off me you homo!" Dan screamed indignantly as Dallas
checked the man's groin area.

"Oh shut up," the experienced cop said wearily.  "You don't have anything down
there I haven't seen or felt before."  Dallas stepped back.  "OK, he's clean.
Put him in."

Still protesting, Dan was backed into the cop car and the door closed, dimming
the noise he was making.

"You better have help taking him inside," Dallas suggested.  "I feel for you,
having to listen to his noise all the way there."

"I'll manage," the young cop answered.  "I'll just have to ignore him.  He's a
nut."

Dallas sighed. "Yeah, it sure seems that way. I'd best get back inside and do
the follow-up on this end."

******************

There.  Finally chapter 22 is done after an 18 month hiatus.  I know, its been a
long long time.  This has been a tough chapter to write but finally I've
resolved my distractions and the words started coming to me again.  Yes, I've
received emails of encouragement and emails giving me heck, and I appreciate
each one of them since they told me you cared about the story and the boys.

I want to recognize two special people that found each other because of this
story, Brad and James.  As far as I know, they are the first couple who met as a
result of the David and Tristan saga.  Although distance presently separates
them, their hearts and minds are one and, in due course, I am confident they
will find the happiness that the boys in this story have found in each other.

One last thing.  There is hope for all of us when we see countries such as
Canada and Spain joining the Netherlands in legalizing gay marriage.  How long
before it happens in the U.S. is anyone's guess, but every other minority
deprived of their rights under the U.S. Constitution eventually got them.  Every
gay person needs to fight a constitutional amendment or move to Canada if they
want to enjoy equal rights to marry and inherit, not to forget protection from
harassment and abuse under the law.

Ok, enough of the soap box stuff.  Thanks again for being such loyal readers.