Date: Sat, 12 Oct 2013 22:45:53 -0700
From: Cory Radke <cory.08@outlook.com>
Subject: Happy Birthday to Me part 6
This story is about a gay relationship and sex between consenting gay
teens, both High School Seniors. This is completely a work of fiction
and is not intended to suggest anything about the personality traits of
anybody mentioned in the story that isn't publicly known about them.
Any similarities to actual people or places - other than the ones
specifically mentioned - are purely coincidental.
If it isn't legal for you to read this for any reason, please use that
handy browser line and jump to a subject/site that is more appropriate.
Copyright Cory Radke.
Reader comments are always appreciated. Thanks to Rich, Kevin, RJ,
Rick, Uncle Tank, Wally, Jakob, David, Honzih, dfwtx, Peter, Baron,
Alex, Barry, Jason, David F., Duke, Scott, Jerry, Matt, Roo, Robbie,
Carlos, Kelsey, Billy, Michael, Alan, Bri, George, Ed, Larry, Eldon,
Justin, Dick, Bobby, Dave, Wade, Jon, Oscar, DDE, Shinzon, Ridge, Rob,
Tigger, Chris, Shane, Brigarn, Craig, Lee, Lach, Nick, Josh, RGill,
CBrillant and Adam for their notes after reading Chapter 5. You're all
great for taking the time to send me an e-.
Want to comment? You may email me at cory.08@outlook.com
And check out the HBTM story blog at www.cory08online.tumblr.com
Happy Birthday to Me
Chapter 6
In the way his mind had always been easily able to multi-task, a
part of Cory's brain was still in overclock mode as it processed the
reopening of the door that led to St. Albans and his pre-Branson past,
his now fully realized feelings about Cathan, and what the kiss he'd
shared with Chris had started between them.
That part of him basked in the warmth of the dim new sun that had
been discovered in his universe, but Cory knew he had a lot to
correlate before he could mentally and emotionally handle what had been
released by Chris.
But another part of Cory's brain managed his body as he stepped
out of the Charger, took hold of Chris' hand, locked the car and set
the alarm - then turned to walk them both toward the mall.
Since the kiss Chris had been convinced that, at any moment, Cory
would turn the car around to return him home. His expectation and his
fear was that the jock would kick him out of the vehicle and his life.
It had happened before.
Even though the other teen had seemed to enjoy the unintended and
completely spontaneous affection, Cory's final reaction was still
unclear.
After his tears stopped, Chris had sat staring at Cory. Mile
after mile he had kept driving with eyes fixated on the road. Cory
hadn't said a word, indeed hadn't made a single sound. He just drove
and with every foot of pavement under the wheels, Chris had perceptibly
begun to cling to a slender thread of hope.
As they drew closer and closer to the mall, both Chris' hope and
confusion grew. Nothing in his experience helped Chris understand what
was happening.
Every time before - though granted there hadn't been that many
before"s" - either his kiss had been welcomed or immediately rejected.
This reaction was an enigma.
For Chris, the sandy blond haired football player had progressed
from interest to fascination to secret obsession. Cory had done
nothing to evoke any desire in Chris' direction. He was just always
THERE and every day that Chris had known Cory life had become a little
bit better.
It had nothing to do with Cory buying Rich and him the phones, or
coming to Chris' defense when he'd been threatened by Hudson Wagner, or
stunningly coming up with a way for Chris to swim competitively again.
It hadn't even been whatever Cory had done - and Chris was
unswervingly convinced he had done something - to get his Mom an
interview that resulted in the full time job his family so desperately
needed right now.
Even absent all that Chris knew he would have been impetuously
attracted to Cory.
And by all evidence 100% foolishly.
Chris knew from talking to other students that Cory didn't have a
girlfriend, and as far as anyone knew never had a girlfriend. He was
friendly with girls, but then Cory was friendly with everyone. Well
everyone besides Hudson Wagner.
But Chris alternately had seen nothing to suggest that Cory was
gay or bi. Other than the maddeningly odd references to Brandon, Chris
had been unable to connect Cory to any guy. And those comments didn't
really seem to infer anything because Chris couldn't believe that if
Cory was in the closet his best friends Trent and Troy would so
publicly and repeatedly connect Cory to a male college student.
Granted Chris' own "gaydar" was not something to be proud of as it
had led him astray in the past, but it said nothing about Cory. For
Chris there was not only no clear ping, there was no ping at all. Even
the one gay student he had met at Branson and timidly asked about Cory
had laughed at him and simply said "100% straight."
It was all so exasperating. And it was also quintessentially
Cory.
So Chris had been left with his fantasies and the regular evidence
of his longing sprayed across the shower wall almost every morning at
his grandmother's house.
Until tonight.
When they'd finally pulled into the mall and Cory had parked and
turned off the Charger he'd remained as he had been on the drive.
Hands firmly on the steering wheel and eyes fixed ahead.
He had blinked a couple of times and as if putting together a
puzzle had recognized Chris for the gay teen he'd been for years. Cory
hadn't condemned or screamed abuse he'd just smiled and made a joke
about beating up Rich.
Then Cory said that everything was okay between them.
That hadn't told Chris anything but his heart had blazed in
happiness when Cory had taken his hand and told him that the kiss they
had shared was the hottest he'd ever had.
The pair held hands until they reached the mall doors, then Chris
let go to open the way for Cory to walk through. On the other side
they just walked side-by-side. Cory didn't take back Chris' hand and
Chris was too timid - and too faint hearted at the prospect of offense
- to take Cory's hand.
"I'm hungry Chris what about you?"
"Nah I'm good."
Walking through the mall, Cory took a detour down the stairs to
the first floor and off to the left. Stopping in front Mrs. Fields he
ordered. "One White Chocolate Macadamia and one Milk Chocolate Chip
please" he said to the girl on the other side of the counter. After
paying and taking the small bag with the two cookies, Cory started to
walk in the direction he originally intended.
"Pick one Chris" he said holding the bag open in one hand.
"Nah I'm good"
"No you're not and we both need sugar. Please pick one" Cory said
flashing sad eyes at Chris.
"Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh maaaaaaaaaaaaan puppy dog eyes? You're mean"
Chris said reaching in the bag to grab the Milk Chocolate Chip cookie.
"Ya but I won" Cory said with a grin shoulder bumping his bud.
When Cory returned to silence as he ate his cookie so did Chris,
but as he finished chewing Cory changed completely. Taking the two
napkins that he had earlier put in the bag, Cory handed one to Chris
then used the other to wipe his mouth and hands. He then pushed the
used napkin back in the sack and crumpled the bag throwing it in a
perfect bank shot in to the nearest garbage can.
"Oooooooooooooooooooh yah! I'm good" Cory said shoulder bumping
Chris again.
Wrapping his arm around Chris' shoulder Cory went into task mode.
"So other than what-shall-not-be-named that I'm supposed to buy, what
is it we need to gear you up for training Chris?"
"Not that much really. I just need a couple pairs of drag suits
and racing suits to wear under, cap and goggles."
"Oh man, is this going to be like Starbucks. Do I need to buy
everything for you so you don't hold back? Come on dude, I want you in
the gear that will get your ass on Swim Team. Remember, you got to
make the team if you want me in what-shall-not-be-named."
"Cory you're just trying to ramp up my competitive side."
"Damn right dude. I want you thinking like, acting like and
geared up like a winner. Will you do that for me?"
'Fuck' thought Chris 'why does he say stuff like that? It makes
me horny and wanting to do anything to see him smile.'
"Ok Cory. I'll only look at gear that will help me make the
team."
"That's my dude" Cory said smiling. "You're a winner Chris. I
know stuff is messed up for you, but I know what you are inside and I'm
gonna do everything it takes to bring that inside back outside. So
work with me, deal?"
"Deal! Especially if it means I get to train you wearing 'what-
shall-not-be-named'."
"UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH..."
"Problem?"
"No" Cory said sheepishly. "You were just supposed to make Swim
Team and forget that I had what-shall-not-be-named hidden at the bottom
of my dresser drawer."
"Forget? NO WAY! How could I miss out on the chance to see you
in a racing suit? That's like my #1 incentive to make the team."
As the two of them walked together, Cory squeezed his hand tight
on Chris' shoulder. "Don't worry Chris. I made you a promise and I
always keep my promises. Especially to you."
'Shit' Chris thought 'I wonder how long it will be before Cory
saying stuff like that stops making me start to bone up.'
"I know you will Cory" Chris said. "And I'll always keep my
promises to you too."
Just then Chris felt Cory pull them to a stop.
They were standing in front of the biggest sports gear store in
Portland and the place where Cory checked regularly for new gear.
Chris could hear him take a deep breath.
"Ok let's do this" Cory said with a smile and led them into the
store.
Working their way through the display areas, Chris led Cory to the
swim gear. There were a number of styles, brands and price ranges
being offered.
"So what's the strategy here?" Cory asked.
"To help you get comfortable with even being here why don't we
work from the top down?" Chris said.
"Makes sense to me. So that would mean cap and goggles first."
Chris started to go through some of the cheaper options when Cory
pushed him aside.
"Chris I'm not even a swimmer but I've been playing across a range
of sports long enough to be able to tell cheap gear from good gear. To
begin with put your VISA gift card away. I'm paying for all this
stuff. Clearly the research I did when I put the proposal together for
the Booster Club was inadequate. I want to get stuff you can use to
design the custom gear for Branson and also show to Coach Morin for
sign-off. We're going SHOPPING Chris!"
"Ummmmmmmmmmmmm... okay?" Chris said with a timorous voice. Even
when he was competing he'd always been on a budget - either what his
parents could afford or what he could afford from summer jobs. This
was entirely new.
Cory started moving down the line of swim caps. "No...no...no...
no...maybe?...nah...what about this one?" he said handing a cap to
Chris. "What do you think?"
"This is Speedo's Silicone Stretch Fit cap. Most caps only come
in one size and this comes in two. Between that and the stretch
ability it should easily fit every size head - and hair length - on the
team. I bought a silicone cap one time that was so tight by the end of
practice I had a headache."
Cory picked up another cap. "Now this one is cool."
"Cory that's a Fastskin 3 Competition cap. You wouldn't wear it
for practice only for meets."
"No problem we'll just give every team member two kinds of caps.
This stretch fit one for practice and this one for competition. Ok
where are the goggles?"
Chris held the two caps Cory had picked out in his hand as he
followed the football player. In his own sport, Chris has been turned
from "expert" to equipment carrier.
'Well this is what Cory said it was like being his friend. Ok
Chris just suspend disbelief and follow' he thought to himself.
As he stood in front of the goggle display, Cory had his phone
out. Looking over his friend's shoulder Chris saw he was scrolling
through reviews both on Amazon and Speedo.com to see what various
purchasers had said.
"It's helpful that people say what they think about stuff without
Speedo editing it. Sure makes it easier to tell what's good and what's
not" Cory said his voice kind of oddly trailing off as if he was
distracted. "I really wish I had brought my tablet as this would be
tons easier, but wasn't thinking right at that moment."
Then mostly to himself Cory said "still am not. Difficult to
process and think at same time."
Chris wasn't completely certain what Cory was talking about, so he
just decided to stay silent. He somehow knew that it had to do with
whatever had fixated Cory as they drove to the mall and the football
player had promised to talk about that when they got to his house.
As long as it didn't involve Cory kicking Chris out of his life -
a fear that still weighed on his heart - he could wait.
"Ok goggles. From the reviews I'm thinking the Speedo Vanquisher
2.0 Mirrored for practice and the Fastskin 3 Elite Mirrored for meets.
Does my expert approve?" Cory said looking at him with the question
hanging in his eyes.
"Cory I completely approve, but come on bro you're picking high
end stuff here. Each team member will need two pairs of Vanquishers
for practice and one pair of the Fastskin 3 Elites for meets. Dude
you've racked up $200 worth of gear and we haven't even done suits
yet."
"Don't worry about it Chris. I've decided to expand this project.
We're not gonna just outfit you with killer gear, we got to think
bigger. I want to give Coach Morin access to gear that is at a
standard that will allow him to prove exactly how good a Coach he is on
behalf of all Branson Swim Team members. Besides this stuff is cheap
compared to what gear costs for the football team. Why should you guys
get shortchanged?"
Chris couldn't believe how fierce Cory was talking. It made his
developing love for the teen - and that's the only way his heart would
allow him to describe it - soar even higher. Chris had never been
involved with anyone who cared about his participation in swimming as
much as he did - even his own family.
Rich never came to his meets and his Mom and Dad barely had either
- even when they weren't working. Chris kind of wondered if his
parents had looked at swimming as an expense the family shouldn't have
to bear. It had bothered him because it never seemed Rich's
involvement in football and baseball - and the cost involved - was
demeaned in the same way.
While Chris knew his parents had accepted he was gay and didn't
love him any less there had always been a nagging doubt inside him. A
doubt that said they were embarrassed he was on the swim team because
it was perceived by too many as a "gay" sport - which made no sense at
all since almost every guy on his last team had been straight.
Here was this, if anything, hyper-masculine football player not
just wanting him to swim, but going out of his way to make it possible
for him to swim.
That was new for Chris and absolutely amazed him.
"Chris this is not efficient" Cory said reaching into his pocket
and pulling out the key fob to the Charger. "Can you run and grab my
tablet for me while I go look at what-shall-not-be-named?"
"Sure Cory."
"Thanks and keep it. I want you to have access to the Charger and
I've got two spares in the key safe at home. For the short term as
long in as you are in the car with me it'll start up no problem."
As Chris turned to run back to the Charger he could hear Cory
talking to himself. 'Now what did he say was next? Oh ya, drag suits
and what-shall-not-be-named.'
Chris couldn't help but laugh at his bud talking to himself as he
dashed out of the store and headed upstairs three steps at a time to
where Cory had parked. He used the key fob to open the Charger's trunk
and pulled Cory's backpack toward him yanking open the zipper and
pulling the tablet out of its net pocket. He closed the zipper and
then the trunk.
As he rotated to head back to the sporting goods store it suddenly
dawned on Chris what Cory had said when he gave him the fob... "I want
you to have access to the Charger."
With a sob Chris fell to one knee his hand clutched around the key
fob and his heart exploding with hope. But his brain told him that
until he and Cory had their "talk" he wouldn't know anything for sure.
As Chris stood up scrupulously protecting both the fob and Cory's
tablet the Martin Luther King Jr. quote the teen had throw at him came
flooding back 'faith is taking the first step even when you don't see
the whole staircase.'
Chris was going to have faith in Cory and their future.
He was going to believe in what could be between the two of them
the way that Emmanuel Teney had instructed everyone 'as your faith is
strengthened you will find there is no longer the need to have a sense
of control, that things will flow as they will, and that you will flow
with them, to your great delight and benefit.'
A few minutes later he was back in the sporting goods store
catching up with a Cory who was busy muttering to himself as he looked
at what he would only refer to as 'what-shall-not-be-named.'
"Here Cory" Chris said handing over the tablet.
"THANKS Chris!" Cory said taking the tablet and reaching out to
give Chris' shoulder a fervid squeeze then gave back the swim caps and
goggles that Chris had handed over to him before heading out. Chris
noticed that Cory had added duplicates of the gear selected so far to
ultimately turn over to Coach Morin for sign-off.
Turning on his tablet Cory tested the link to the nearest internet
connection. He saw the mall didn't offer any free access but there
were at least six high-signal connections to which he did have easy
access.
"Think you can keep me out do ya?" Cory whispered to himself as he
automatically moved to access the hack app he and one of the Saeth IT
guys had put together at the time they constructed his tablet. Then
Cory remembered Chris was with him. "Ok I'll stay honest." Instead of
hacking one of the local networks he linked through his tablet's
onboard mobile broadband LTE connector.
He could almost feel Cathan watching him and smiling. This was a
debate they had dozens of times as they had wandered Washington, D.C.
hacking local systems anytime they needed a network connection.
Chris was astounded at how swiftly Cory was able to access the net
and begin to pour through what was unquestionably a massive amount of
information from at least four, no now five, different websites. As
Cory's fingers swiped from window to window he cross compared and
collated reviews on different Speedo suits dumping one then moving on
to another and then yet another.
As he apparently made a decision Cory would flag and swipe that
screen to a specific area of his tablet before moving on to the next
series of comparisons. He briskly moved to bring back windows to check
whatever was on them against new options before migrating on to the
next suit up for consideration.
Even though Chris knew what Cory was doing and had a rough idea
what suits Cory was looking at he could barely keep up. 'No wonder
this guy gets his homework done so fast' Chris thought to himself.
The tablet was almost an extension of Cory's mind as he used it to
gather, analyze and contrast one data point after another.
Finally Cory stopped and pulled up a window that Chris recognized
right away - the Branson home page. Scrolling through it Cory called
up the list of coaches and selected one auto-activating his email
program and using both thumbs to type out a message and send it.
Then Cory finally looked up at Chris.
"I soooooooooooooooo did not do enough research before I put
together the outline for the Booster Club and Coach Morin. I'm also a
little disappointed that he didn't challenge me on the gear list that I
told him the Club was prepared to provide. He should have said right
away something like what you pointed out Chris - that I had forgotten
about some important gear items that swim team members would need."
"Maybe he was just grateful for what the Club was able to provide
and thought he could in-fill from his own budget, or swim team members
could get it on their own" Chris said.
"You're probably right. I did kind of hit him hard and fast.
Anyway, I emailed Coach Morin and asked for a meeting tomorrow morning
between him, you and me."
"How come Cory?"
"Well I want him to meet you because you're the one he's
volunteered to coach after school. But I also want him to look over
what we pick up tonight and give input about the selections. He's the
former Olympic swimmer and I need him focused on saying that the gear
we selected is, or is not, what he thinks is best for team success.
Make sense?"
"Dude you seriously have no problem riding rough shod over a
Coach. Is this the way you treat Coach Thompson?"
"I guess you'd have to ask him that. Coach has always pretty much
allowed me run the offensive side with support from the position
coaches while he managed the overall team and dealt primarily with the
defense. On the field I mostly pick the plays with Coach Thompson
guiding general strategy."
"Just remember that this isn't your team, Cory. I want to make a
good impression on Coach Morin. He's the one who gets to decide my
fate over joining the team."
"Don't worry Chris. I'm not as much of an unstoppable force as
you might believe. I know Coach Morin is in charge of his team. I
simply would have preferred he said during our meeting what you told me
tonight."
"Maybe I just know you better. You're like an information sponge,
Cory. You crave knowledge and don't seem to have an upper limit on
what you can handle."
"Well let's see how good I did with the new research I just
completed. And don't feel like you have to hold back on me. If you
think I'm heading in the wrong direction let's fix it. You with me?"
"Always Cory."
"Cool. Now drag suits. Grab two Hydralign Drag Briefs. Nah make
it three. That way you can have two for your training and I'll provide
a single set of everything we get for you to Coach Morin. He can
return it and pick the same gear in his size and try everything out for
himself. How's that for being considerate."
"Now you're being the good Cory I know" Chris said. "Wow this is
tons better than the drag suits I'm used to wearing."
"Ya it's in a new fabric that Speedo claims is chlorine resistant
and will last 20 times longer in pool than other fabrics. My new plan
that I'll bounce off the Booster Club is to provide four for every swim
team member."
"Wow... you're racking up the bucks Cory. I hope the Booster Club
can afford it. I don't want them throwing out the whole proposal."
"Don't worry Chris. They've got the bucks."
"I hate it when you say that."
"Why? What'd I do?"
"You're fixing everything again. I know this is something you
want to do Cory, but the guys who've been on Swim Team have been used
to getting everything on their own. They might have preferences that
don't line up with your idea of the 'perfect' gear. And remember swim
gear isn't like football gear. Fit can be very body specific and when
drag is the enemy you need your gear fitting exactly right."
"Ok Chris I guess I understand. How bout this... we'll put
together a set of gear that the Booster Club is prepared to provide.
Some of it will be in the design and Branson colors that you're working
to create. That will be 'team gear'. I'll work with you and Coach
Morin to come up with optional gear that is recommended, but isn't
required and I'll coordinate with the Booster Club to give Morin access
to a fund that will allow him to either purchase or subsidize gear
choices of individual swim team members. Is that fair?"
"Absolutely fair Cory. Some guys will have stuff that for
whatever reason they either like or fits their body better than what
we're picking out right now. So providing a mix of 'team gear' and
gear purchase support means everybody can be happy with what they are
wearing and perform to their max."
"Cool and believe it or not, I wasn't trying to take over the Swim
Team, but I do recognize that I tend to be who I am - the quarterback.
So I call the plays and expect the team to follow. Thanks for pulling
me back Chris" Cory said wrapping his arm around his friend's shoulder
and almost giving him a hug.
"No problem Cory. And I'll pull you back anytime you need it."
"Okay let's deal with you. So are you good with the Hydralign
Drag Brief?"
"Definitely. It's a great suit."
"Ok now for the what-shall-not-be-named. From my research I'd
suggest the Speedo Endurance+ Solid Brief for you. It's in the same
long lasting fabric that the drag suit is made from."
"Looks good for practice wear. So three of these too?"
"You got it Chris!"
"Ok. Normally I'd try this stuff on to check fit, but let's just
get my regular sizes and I'll try on one of each at your house. If I
need to make a size change, we can come back. That ok with you?"
"All good with me Chris. And this is what I have picked out for
me to wear my 'proto-Coach' IF you make Swim Team. What do you think?"
Cory asked holding up a Speedo Endurance+ Mercury Spliced Brief.
"You're seriously going to buy one?" Chris gaped.
"I told you I would and I always keep my promises Chris."
"Ya I know you said you would but I know how you feel about it and
I didn't really think you would. I don't have any desire to force you
into it Cory."
"Chris you make Swim Team and I'll wear it like I said. You hit
great tryout times and rank first or second in any of your events and
I'll put the damn thing on in public if you want. You gonna make Swim
Team and become my swim coach?"
"With that as an incentive fuck ya!" Chris could feel himself
starting to get hard just thinking about seeing Cory in the racing
suit. 'Shit I hope he doesn't catch me boning over him.'
"Then do your job and I'll do mine" Cory added the suit to the
pile in Chris' hands.
"Hold on a second let me make sure you're getting the right size"
Chris said holding up the suit.
"Chris I'm not trying that on here."
"What size is your waist?"
"31 why?"
"Turn around a minute for me."
"Oooooooooooooooooooooooookay" Cory said turning around in place
while Chris looked at him.
"A 32 waist is going to be too big for you Cory. Normally with a
31 waist you'd wear a 28 waist suit, but with your bigger upper body
and lower body development I think a 30 waist is going to give you the
best fit."
"Dude you do know you're talking about scrunching some seriously
important parts of me together right?"
"Cory if it's too tight we'll bring it back, but the pouch is
designed to stretch so I'm giving you the right advice."
"Okay 'proto-Coach' I'll trust you."
"See you learned something new tonight."
"What's that?"
"Cory isn't always right" Chris said laughing.
"UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH..."
"Stop that or I'll combo with the twins and take you for the
genetic test they keep threatening you with."
"Yes Coach!"
"So are we done or is there more to add to this pile?"
"Done? We're not even close to being done. We still gotta do
jammers."
"Cory you wear jammers for meets, not practice."
"I kind of figured that out on my own, but multiple sets of
jammers are going to be part of the 'team gear' and you need to design
for it. So stick with me."
"Ok Cory."
"For low level meets and for tryouts get two of the Speedo
PowerPLUS Variegated Lanes Jammers. My updated outline will have the
Club providing two of those to every team member in the custom design
and Branson colors that you're going to prepare."
"Got em Cory."
"Now for high-level meets I'm going to suggest to Coach Morin and
you that each team member be outfitted with two elite competition
jammers. This will be optional gear that the team will either buy or
subsidize purchase of by individual team members. Agree?"
"I've never been able to afford one of the elite competition
jammers, Cory. So no way am I gonna say no. What are you thinking?"
"Get two of the Speedo Aquablade Jammers."
"Wow this is a sick hot suit Cory."
"And get two of the Speedo Fastskin FS II jammers. Remember
you're going to keep one and we'll give one to Coach Morin to try out
so he can make recommendations to team members when the time comes."
"Cory do you have any idea how much money you're spending?"
"Better than you do bro" Cory said smirking.
"Suspend disbelief... suspend disbelief... suspend disbelief."
"Keep repeating that and we'll do fine together Chris. Now a few
last things."
Walking over to the bags Cory grabbed a forest green Speedo Small
Pro Duffle. "This is to carry gear between your house and practice.
Now let's hit my favorite part."
"What's that?"
"UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH... I thought you said you had done serious
research on me?"
"What do you mean?"
"SHOES!" Cory said laughing.
Cory walked over to the one area of the sporting goods store where
everyone knew his name.
"Hey Sean I need some shoes."
"Cory" the salesperson said "you always come in here saying that
and I always keep wondering what you do with all the shoes you buy."
This was the conversation that Cory and Sean shared each time he
walked in the door.
"You want to help me or should I get someone else?" Cory said
laughing.
"I'll help you Cory. What do you need?"
"Three pairs of Speedo Hydro Comfort 2.0 Lace Ups in Charcoal."
"Not Nike? Cory you do know that there's going to be a run on the
stock price when the market analysts hear you're breaking from your
tradition?"
"Just gimme the shoes."
"Those run big but a 13 will probably fit you just fine. I'm
guessing you're buying for more than one" the sales guy said looking at
the loaded down Chris.
"Yep. What size do you wear Chris?"
"Actually same as you Cory."
"You never told me that."
"It is kind of hard to scream out my shoe size when I'm in mid-air
flying head down the stairwell Cory. And it's not really what was on
my mind at the time."
"You got me there Chris. Cool, then three pairs at 13 Sean... and
give me a pair of Nike Free Trainer 7.0 EA Sports too in 13.5."
"Be right back Cory."
"So are we having fun yet Chris?"
"If discovering what it's like to be a Sherpa is fun then I guess
I am" Chris said smiling.
"Oh please, I gave you a cookie didn't I?"
"Is that supposed to make me feel better or more like Jaxson?"
"Jaxson would never carry gear for me. He'd consider it below his
dignity as a pure bred Weimaraner."
"So are you saying I'm lower in status than your dog?"
"No I'm saying that you're nice enough and kind enough of spirit
to indulge me and help carry stuff that is going to get you on Swim
Team."
"Oh ya that's right... then I'm good" Chris said laughing.
Sean came back carrying four boxes. "Here ya go Cory. You want
to check everything out here instead of having to lug it to the front?"
"I think that's a good idea. My Sherpa is getting cranky."
"I am not."
"Are too. You just suggested that I held Jaxson in higher esteem
then I do you."
"Do I need to go over and grab two pairs of boxing gloves and let
the two of you duke it out?" Sean said laughing.
"Naaaaaaaaah. Get up here and dump that pile Sherpa Caldwell so
Sean can check us out."
Chris walked up to the counter and started laying stuff out for
Sean to scan. "And thanks for carrying everything Chris and for making
sure I got the right size what-shall-not-be-named."
"You're going to be wearing one of these Cory?" Sean asked as he
scanned item after item. Oh wow... the students at Branson are going
to love that. You need to tell me which one is yours so I can advise
management to make a special inventory purchase. We'll probably have a
run on them after."
"I'm not telling."
"Awwwwwwwwwww... Cory I make part of my money on commission. Do
you know how much I could earn if I worked a deal with the swim gear
manager?"
Chris rummaged through the pile and pulled out the suit that Cory
had chosen for himself pointing it out to Sean.
"Traitor" Cory mumbled pouting.
"Think of it as my first 'Cory-mission'" Chris said smiling.
"Oooooh that's a low blow. First you still my lines and now
you're stealing 'Cory-missions'" Cory said shoulder bumping Chris.
"Hey no hurting the working guy friendly blond" Sean said.
"Ya but he was my blond first so he should be on my side."
"I told you I would always on your side Cory, but you're the one
teaching me to be EXTRA considerate of other people who deserve it"
Chris said smirking back.
"Ok ok ok... I give."
Chris couldn't believe the total that was rapidly rising on the
register as Sean scanned everything - especially the pair of Nike's
that Cory had added to the pile at the last minute. Those were $130
and about four times the sale priced Addidas that Chris was wearing.
As Cory handed over his credit card, Chris was also not surprised
that it ran to approval with no problem. Sean then spent several
minutes bagging everything up before turning it over to Cory and Chris.
"Sean please do me a big favor and tell the swim gear manager a
bunch of this is going to be returned right away by Coach Morin who's
the Swim Team Coach at Branson. He's going to want to change it out
for the same gear in whatever size he wears. Just make sure he's not
hassled."
"Will do Cory and here's an extra receipt printout that you can
give Coach Morin to make returns easier. Since all he's doing is
exchanging stuff for a different size there should be no problem at
all, but I'll mention it to management to make sure."
Splitting the bags between them, Cory and Chris both said "thanks"
and "bye" to Sean as they headed out of the store and up the stairs to
where Cory had parked.
"You ready to head to my house Chris?" Cory asked.
"Sure Cory."
He waited for Chris to unlock the doors to the Charger and then
the two teens piled the bags filled with gear, a duffle and shoe boxes
into the back seat. With his door open, Cory hit the trunk release
button and went back to unzip his backpack and replace his tablet in
the net pocket where it belonged.
After they got settled and buckled up, Cory hit the start button
and the Charger began a low-rumbling idle instantly. "See as long as
you're at my side the car will start no problem" he said looking at
Chris.
"Then guess I better stick there, huh?"
"Definitely."
Chris could feel the thrill of Cory's words shoot through his body
but he still wasn't assuming anything. Too much had happened and Chris
was settled on not projecting any of his strong feelings toward his
friend until they were clearly reciprocated.
He was simply not going to risk messing up what he hoped was
slowly evolving between them.
With practiced ease, Cory put the Charger in gear and started to
carefully pull out of the parking slot. By nature and character he was
an attentive and prudent driver - in fact Cory has passed both his
written and practical driving tests with perfect scores. Cory didn't
speed and didn't unnecessarily change lanes just to arrive 30-seconds
early at his destination.
The simple reality was that even while it had been hidden too much
still resonated from his experience with Cathan for Cory to act in any
way aggressive on the road.
And with that door now completely open there was a part of his
mind where he was experiencing the horror of what had happened all over
again. Chris hadn't noticed, but before Cory had even started the
Charger he had looked over to ensure his friend was securely buckled up
in the passenger seat.
While much of what Chris had released inside Cory was still being
systematically processed deep in his mind, the teen could also feel it
sequentially changing him and how he looked at other people. For four
years now, Cory had protected himself by holding anyone who might get
close at arms length.
Trent and Troy were his best friends, but the fact that Cory had
never allowed them to visit the house was just one bit of evidence to
his newly released mind of how he had not allowed the people he truly
cared about to become a full part of his life.
That was something he honestly regretted.
Cory now realized how right Aaron had been. In self-defense his
mind had transformed Cory into a lonely hermit. Now he needed to
discover if his friends and family were willing to step up to the plate
and help him both overcome that distance and forgive him for it.
For the first time since before that final fateful ride with
Cathan, Cory was wholly connected again both in mind and soul.
He also felt the gravity well that was drawing him ever nearer to
Chris. Cory knew that Chris would never be Cathan, but then no one
ever could as the original was too unique.
However, in his own special way Chris was an uncommon individual
unto himself. Cory instinctively knew that the other teen had been
hurt by the way some - and Cory believed that Chris' family was
unfortunately amongst those - had reacted to his sexuality.
Even though Cory had only been around the Caldwell family a short
period of time, he could tell that while there was deep love between
them there was also a distance.
In that way, Cory recognized some of himself - some of the same
loneliness he had felt for years - in Chris. As he continued to
process his liberated emotions about Cathan, Cory wondered if Chris
would be able - and indeed would be willing - to help him overcome that
loneliness in the same way that Cory might be able to do for Chris.
Cory knew that his conversation with Chris at the house tonight
would be a defining moment in his life. Whether his freshly unbound
emotions were up to the task of being both honest and open with his
friend was the true question.
But he knew that from somewhere Cathan was telling him that if he
was exactly that - honest and open - everything would work out.
Cory smiled as he remembered one of the quotes that Cathan most
enjoyed throwing at him. It was from Dr. Seuss... 'be who you are and
say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who
matter don't mind.'
And in the perfect circle he had shared with Cathan, Cory recalled
the quote from Albert Einstein he had always given back... 'few are
those who see with their own eyes and feel with their own hearts.'
Cory was again, without omission, feeling with his own heart.
As the drove in the rapidly falling darkness of a Portland autumn
evening, Cory put his hand on Chris' left knee and gave it a squeeze.
"Thanks for going shopping with me and staying the night Chris."
Chris cautiously put his hand on top of Cory's and kept it there.
"Thanks for inviting me Cory. And like you said we bought all this
stuff to help me start training, get ready for tryouts and hopefully
make both me and the Branson Swim Team more competitive."
"You got the gear, the Coach and the opportunity. Only you can
develop the desire."
Chris started to gently squeeze Cory's hand. "If you stick with
me I know I can do it."
"Then you're gonna do it Chris because I'm not going anyplace.
Plus, you gotta make Swim Team to become my swim Coach and gain the
right to tell me what gear to wear in the pool" Cory said staring into
Chris' eyes.
"Now that's an incentive that might get Hudson Wagner trying out
for swim team."
"UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH... like I'd let him tell me what to wear!"
"Be nice. I think there's stuff going on in Hudson's life that
nobody knows about."
"Why do you say that?"
"I don't know. Just a feeling I got the few times I've been
around him. He's like I was before I came out to my family. I think
Hudson's got a secret that is ripping him apart that he constantly
works hard to keep inside."
"Wow Chris... I'm impressed by your powers of perception.
Hopefully, Hudson's secret is that he's a friendly human not the
asshole bully he always acts."
"I think it's something more than that, but I don't think there's
any way he's going to tell you or me."
"Nah... in four years the only thing Hudson has gone out of his
way to give me is punches. But you're right, I'm almost positive he's
hiding something and I'm going to work with Nathan to figure out a way
to find out what it is."
"Another 'Cory-mission'?" Chris asked smiling.
"I don't know, but I've got multiple reasons to keep watch on
Hudson and the entire Wagner family right now."
"Oh ya? What's going on Cory?"
"Don't worry Chris, I'll tell you soon enough but for now let's
just focus on getting home and enjoying some down time. K?"
"Anything you say Cory."
As long as Cory kept his hand on Chris' leg he was willing to let
the other guy get away with anything. Chris was glad it was dark
because he could feel that he was at least half hard and there was no
way he wanted Cory seeing that.
"Cory we're a long way from Branson and I'm pretty sure way
outside its boundary area. Are you taking the scenic route home?"
"No. I live outside of Branson's normal boundaries."
"Why come?"
"When I came to Portland Branson was the school I wanted to
attend, but it wasn't close to the house my Dad bought to live in. So
I filed for transfer permission. That's why I drive every day instead
of taking the bus."
"Like you'd be happy riding on a bus with 50 screaming high school
students instead of riding in this dream car."
Thinking ahead to Chris' likely reaction to seeing the house Cory
said "I may not live ordinary Chris, but as a person I'm a pretty
ordinary guy."
"Let's see you saved me twice. You set up a Scholarship Fund to
help the Branson Swim Team in a couple of hours. You're the most
famous guy in school and you handle homework like it was nothing. Ya
Cory, you're totally ordinary... like to the max."
"Are you scoffing at my ordinariness? Remember what Ralph Waldo
Emerson said that 'a hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is
brave five minutes longer.'
"Ok ok ok... how about we compromise. You are ordinary with an
amazing capacity for the extraordinary."
"Alright I'll buy that."
"Cool because I don't like arguing with you" Chris said. "And
since I've agreed to not challenge your ordinariness is it ok for me to
ask a question."
"Any question you want Chris."
"Are we driving through this neighborhood on the way to somewhere
else, because these houses are gigantic?"
"Ummmmmmmmmmmmmm... no this is actually my house."
Cory took a right off the street and into the parking circle. As
he hit the button to open the garage he noticed Aaron's SUV off to the
right. 'I wonder what Aaron's doing here? He didn't tell me he was
coming over. I hope it's not a problem. That's the last thing I need
right now.' Cory thought to himself.
'Oh FUCK I totally forgot about the security guards Aaron was
going to bring in to watch the backyard after Charlie breached the
fence. I don't want to explain that either.'
"Cory are we going to talk about this too?"
"Yes Chris we will talk about this too" Cory sighed. "But how
about we just get inside, relax a little and get something to eat
first."
"Ok Cory."
Slowing to a stop, Cory shut down the Charger and opened his door
with one hand while simultaneously hitting the buttons to close the
garage door and pop the trunk. He could hear Chris gather up bags from
the back seat as he stepped out to pull his school pack and Chris' gear
bag and school pack from the trunk.
As Cory reached in to grab their stuff, he said "Chris wait for me
before..." and then without warning time slowed to a crawl.
It was a pure example of relativity in action as several things
happened all at once.
There was an unbelievable clamor as Cory heard Jaxson start to
bark and growl like crazy in full protective mode. There was a THUNK
as the magnetic lock on the garage entry door engaged. And there was a
THUD as something heavy fell against inside of the door.
"CHRISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!" Cory yelled as he ran
from where he was at the Charger's trunk to the entry door. As he
rapidly keyed in the entry code nothing happened and then he noticed
the alarm light flashing red.
"HAGRID!"
"Intruder detected. System lockdown."
"HAGRID. VOICEPRINT IDENTIFICATION. ARRIS 3. DUMBLEDORE."
"Voiceprint Identified."
"Cancel lockdown and reset all systems."
"Lockdown cancelled. Systems reset."
"FUCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK" Cory yelled as he quickly keyed in the door
lock code.
When the lock showed green Cory moved to open the door only to be
stopped by something heavy after it cleared barely a few inches. Cory
could hear Jaxson still loudly barking and growling.
"Jaxson. QUIDDITCH."
Hearing his command code from Cory, Jaxson instantly stopped
barking, but the door still wouldn't budge.
Cory could feel his biceps peaking as he pushed against the door
levering it forward with his legs. When there was finally enough room
to move through he entered the house and discovered the obstruction.
It was Chris splayed out on the marble entry floor with bags scattered
around him. Jaxson was on his haunches looking up at his master with a
quizzical demeanor.
"OH GOD. CHRIS!"
"HAGRID. EMERGENCY."
"System Dialing 9-1..."
Just then Cory heard feet running into the entry. "Hagrid cancel.
Rocha Indigo 419923 Execute."
"Last instruction cancelled. System on standby."
"Aaron why did you cancel my call? Chris is hurt he needs help."
"Cory calm down" Aaron said. "Let me check him over and see
what's going on before we call the paramedics."
Kneeling next to Jaxson holding tight to his dog, Cory watched
Aaron systematically rub his hands over Chris' unconscious body.
Suddenly Cory thought of something. "Jaxson look at me buddy." Cory
gently held his puppy's head and lifted his lips. There was no blood
in his mouth.
"I don't think Jaxson bit him Aaron. There's no blood."
"And there's no blood on Chris either. And I don't feel any
indication that he hit his head. I think he may have just fainted. Go
get the medical kit for me."
Releasing Jaxson and running into the kitchen, Cory pulled open a
drawer next to the stove and pulled out the medical kit then ran back
to Aaron.
Popping open the medical kit, Aaron reached in and grabbed an
Ammonia Inhalant ampoule. Before he could break it, however, Chris
started to moan and regain consciousness. He immediately started to
get up but Aaron held him down. "Stay where you are Chris for a little
while longer. It will help you recover faster."
"Ok."
Now that Chris was awake Aaron checked his head again. "Chris did
you hit your head? Do you remember what happened?"
"I came inside and the dog started barking at me. I jumped back
and banged against the door and kind of slid to the ground. My head
doesn't hurt at all. I don't think I hit it on anything."
"Do you feel dizzy or nauseous?"
"No sir."
"Do you have a headache or feel any pain?"
"No sir."
"Cory he's going to be okay. He just fainted from being surprised
half-to-death by your four-legged guardian."
Somehow Jaxson managed to look proud and embarrassed at the same
time.
"Jaxson" Cory said. "This is Chris Caldwell. He's friend of mine
and totally okay. He was at my game last Friday and is a really good
guy so please be nice to him just like you are with Trent, Troy, Adrian
and Declan. Ok buddy?"
Jaxson shook his head yes then padded over to Chris who was still
spread out on the floor. He gave the blond a doggy kiss in apology.
Chris moaned at the wet doggy lick.
Cory walked over and kneeled next to Chris holding his hand and
shoulder. "That's Jaxson's way of saying sorry Chris. And I'm sorry
too. I was trying to tell you to wait to come inside until I got the
stuff out of the trunk but you beat me to the door. I should have said
something before we even parked. Chris I'm really really sorry" Cory
said leaning forward to put his head against Chris'.
"It's okay Cory I shouldn't have come inside so fast."
"You've got nothing to apologize for Chris this was my fault.
Will you forgive me?"
"Sure Cory, but we're still going to talk right?"
"Yes definitely."
"Okay and thanks Mr. Radke" Chris said looking at Aaron.
"Chris this isn't my Dad. This is Aaron Rocha. He handles
security for the house."
"Is this something else you have to explain?"
"Ummmmmmmmmmm... ya." Now it was Cory's turn to look embarrassed.
"That's a lot of explaining Cory."
"I know, but it's all kind of inter-related."
"Chris" Aaron said. "I know it's kind of weird, but stay on the
floor for a little while longer. I need to talk to Cory for a minute
and then you should be good to get up."
"I feel okay now Mr. Rocha, but I'll wait for Cory."
"Thanks and call me Aaron."
"Okay Aaron and thanks for checking me out."
Aaron walked toward the front door with Cory in tow. He knew he
was in trouble with Aaron. As they got to the front door, Aaron turned
around to look at Cory. "Well that couldn't have gone much worse now
could it?"
"No Coach."
"Cory you knew that Jaxson was on edge today because of the survey
crew. Charlie also opened the back fence. He's extended it around the
guest house, but there are now guards stationed in two trailers - which
has Jaxson even more agitated. You're lucky he didn't attack Chris."
"Aaron I feel guilty enough. I thought I had time to tell Chris
to wait for me before coming in the house."
"Ok Cory, I understand. And I know this is your first time to
have anyone over which means you have no experience in getting them
ready. I'm not going to beat you up anymore about this, but you better
figure out a way to apologize to Chris that involves more than just
saying I'm sorry."
"I will Aaron. And I'm going to get the twins over too so I'll
get better. I'm not going to be alone anymore."
"I'm proud of you Cory. Now go take care of your friend. I'm
heading home, but will be back in the morning to watch over Jaxson.
Charlie got permits so he'll be under construction at 7AM tomorrow...
so I'd suggest explaining that too. This may help. I left the final
set of plans and conceptual drawings in the den. Show them to Chris
and he MAY... just MAY... forgive you."
"Yes Coach."
"I'll see you in the morning Cory. And I fed Jaxson."
"See ya Aaron and thanks for feeding Jaxson and taking care of
Chris."
Aaron squeezed Cory's shoulder then opened the front door and
left. With a sigh, Cory turned around and headed back to where Chris
was still on the floor. Jaxson had come over and was lying down next
to him and Chris was rubbing his head and ears.
"Thanks for taking care of Chris for me Jaxson. I told you he was
a good guy. By the way, I know Aaron fed you."
Jaxson got up and headed into the kitchen to get some water. After
all his barking he was thirsty and now he was disappointed that he had,
again, lost out on a second dinner. But his canine brain was already
thinking of how he could guilt Cory into giving him a doggy treat.
"Ok Chris. Let's take this slow just to make sure you're ok."
Bending down to lift with his legs, Cory helped his friend up on his
butt to lean against the garage entry door.
"I'm so embarrassed."
"Don't be. It's entirely my fault Chris not yours. I should have
said something and I didn't. I'm really sorry."
Without even thinking about it, Cory leaned in and kissed Chris.
Chris moaned and held on to Cory continuing the kiss. When it
finally ended he said "thanks Cory. You keep doing that and I'll
forgive you in a heartbeat."
"I'm not trying to bribe you Chris, but if it's working..." he
leaned in and gave Chris another quick kiss.
After he broke the kiss Cory looked Chris in the eyes. "Ok I know
this is going to make you sound like an invalid, but just work with me.
I don't want to overextend your system before you're ready to handle
stuff. Let's move you to lean against the wall instead of the door so
I can bring in everything from the car."
"Ok Cory."
With Chris' help Cory moved his friend to the side and off the
entry door. He then gathered up the scattered bags that Chris had
already brought in and got them organized.
"I'll be right back Chris. Don't move!"
"Yes Coach" Chris said back smiling and looking like he'd returned
to his normal self.
Heading back into the garage, Cory got their combined stuff out of
the trunk and the few remaining bags in the back seat. Putting it all
down in front of the entry door he went back to close up the Charger
before picking everything back up again and carrying it inside.
Laying it all down with the bags already on the entry way floor,
Cory turned back to Chris.
"Do you think you're ready to get up on your feet Chris?"
"Cory I honestly feel like I'm okay now."
"Humor me and let's do this step-by-step just to make sure. I
want to get you on your feet, but stay leaning against the wall. I'm
going to take everything upstairs and when I get back down we can
decide what the next move should be. Ok?"
"Ok Cory, but I really do feel like I'm ok."
"I know Chris, but your system had a shock and I don't want to
push it."
Cory looked down and saw that Jaxson was back at his side. "Hey
buddy, please stay here and watch over Chris for me. If he looks, or
acts, weird come get me right away."
"Cory how is Jaxson going to know what counts as 'weird' for me?"
"Don't worry, he'll know."
Jaxson trotted over and sat down looking up at Chris. In part to
watch the teen as his master had instructed, but also because he wasn't
100% sold on the idea that Chris was not a burglar. To Jaxson's mind
too many strange people had been wandering around the property all day
for him to be entirely trusting yet, and some of them were still here.
Lifting everything he'd brought in from the Charger in both hands
Cory headed upstairs and down the hall to the guest room he knew that
Maria had prepared for Chris.
He laid everything in front of the king-size bed and then took his
school pack and carried it to his bedroom to leave at his desk before
going back to Chris.
"So how ya doing Chris?"
"Cory, I promise you I'm ok now. As personally mortifying as it
may be, I just fainted."
"Ok. Let's get you upstairs to the guest room and then we'll take
it from there."
"Will you give me a tour of this place?"
"Anything you want Chris. Let's just get you upstairs
successfully and then make the next move. Deal?"
"Deal bud."
Chris pushed off from the wall. For the first time he reached
down to grab Cory's hand in his lacing their fingers together. "Ok
where to now?"
"Shall we follow the yellow brick road?"
"Cory I doubt there's anything about you that's midget."
"Maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan... I knew stuff was going to get crushed when
I eventually try to get in what-shall-not-be-named."
"Oh please, thousands of swimmers get into what-shall-not-be-named
every single day and nobody gets anything crushed. So stop being a
baby about it. You're just being modest and don't want to show off
your worked-out body to the world."
"That's the same thing Aaron said."
"Guess that means I'm right then."
"Ok ok ok... maybe you are. Alright let's get you upstairs."
Holding firm on to Chris' hand, Cory led his friend upstairs and
down the hall to the guest room on the left. Cory was glad that it was
on the left - the street side - because it meant that Chris wouldn't
have an immediate view of what was going on in the backyard.
"Is this your room Cory?"
"No Chris this is one of the guest rooms. And your room."
"One of the guest rooms? Cory this room is bigger than the master
bedroom was at our old house and about four times the size of my room."
"Chris it's a bedroom. Walls, bed, dresser and bathroom. Let's
not get crazy here. And take a seat on the bed so you got a soft place
to land if you want to faint again."
"I don't think I'm going to faint again, and I don't have a
barking dog surprising me."
"Good point."
As Chris sat down on the bed Cory sat down next to him. "Ok
here's the plan. I am going to go change into t-shirt and shorts and
then go back downstairs to make dinner. That sound ok to you?"
"Sure but I didn't bring anything to change into except school
clothes for tomorrow."
"Chris we're almost the exact same size. You can wear some of my
stuff."
"No problem Cory. And thanks."
"Okay look in my eyes Chris."
Chris looked into Cory's eyes and couldn't help but start to
smile. "So why am I doing this?"
"I'm going to ask you the same questions that Aaron did and I want
to see your eyes to make sure you're not fibbing to me. Do you feel
dizzy, nauseous or have a headache?"
"No... No... and No."
"Alright you seem good. But wait here for a second."
Cory walked over to the pile of sports gear bags and pulled out a
pair of the Speedo shoes, the what-shall-not-be-named and the Nike box.
"Ok we're going to head down to my room and get you some clothes
to change into, but first these are yours" Cory said handing over the
Nike box. "Check them for size and we'll take them back if we have
to."
"Cory you don't need to give me your shoes."
"Chris I bought these for you as a thank you for helping me out
tonight and now as a 'sorry' for not telling you more about this place
before we got here. They were never for me."
"Wow thanks Cory. I totally never expected that. And I really
appreciate it."
"Look I know this is coming way late, but you are the first of my
Branson friends to ever be here - and that wasn't on accident, I wanted
you to be the first. Trent and Troy have never been here. Nobody from
Branson has. Until a few days ago Trent and Troy didn't even know I
don't actually live in the downtown condo they've spent 3 years
thinking of as "my house." They now know I live someplace other than
the condo, but don't know where 'here' is. I know I should have
prepared you better and I definitely should have said something to
Jaxson, but I can't change what's already happened. I can only
apologize for not getting it right the first time and hopefully not
mess up again."
"You don't have to keep apologizing Cory. Now that I'm here I can
completely understand you not wanting to tell everyone at Branson about
this house."
"Chris you're going to learn a lot about me tonight. None of it
is bad, but a lot of it is probably different from what you think you
know about me - or imagined about me. I just hope it won't change how
you feel about me."
"Cory the only thing that would change how I feel about you is if
I discover that you're an axe murderer with bodies buried in the
basement" Chris said smiling up at the teen he now knew he loved.
"Oh that's very funny. But there's nothing about me that
exciting. I know this is difficult to wrap your head around, but no
matter what you learn about me tonight, or what you think about this
house and probably a dozen other things... I honestly am just Cory.
There's a lot about my family and my past that I haven't disclosed, but
there's nothing about who I AM - I'm talking about the Cory inside my
head, my heart and my soul - that you don't know. This isn't an act.
The guy you've met and been around is 100% me."
"Ok just Cory. I'm onboard."
"Cool stand up and let me start to tell you a few things."
"First" Cory said pointing at the door to the right of the bed
"that is the door to a closet. So unless you're planning to go back in
to it I wouldn't spend a lot of time in there."
"LOL... very funny Cory."
"Hey I'm trying to lighten the mood. So stick with me. Let's
review. On this side" Cory said again pointing to the closet door "is
the closet. On the other side is the door to the bathroom. In there
you can pee, you can take shower and do whatever other stuff you like
doing in a bathroom. I told you when I invited you over the bathroom
is loaded with everything you need... toothbrush, toothpaste, shower
gel, shampoo, everything. It's not there for decoration, so use
whatever you want."
"You do know you're starting to enjoy this way too much."
"Ya but I've never had anyone faint in my entry way before either
so I'm going with the new experiences."
"Now you're just being exasperating."
"Ya but I told you what to do about me and any feelings of
exasperation."
"Give you a pass and grant you a bottomless supply of
understanding?"
"Yep pretty much."
"Can we just go to your bedroom now?"
"Sure. This way my good man."
"And no sucking up. I already like you enough."
Turning to the right out of the room Cory had put Chris in he
walked past the top of the stairway and through the open door. "Okay
this is my bedroom."
"Damn Cory, I thought the other bedroom was big. This one is more
than twice as large."
"I had it made by combining two bedrooms from the original house
along with part of the hallway and then remodeling the entire thing to
meet my needs."
"Ok so how many bedrooms does the house have?"
"Five. One for me, one for my Mom and Dad and three guest rooms."
"Are you planning to entertain a crowd?"
"No. The house came with six bedrooms. I combined two. What do
you want me to do start slicing off parts of the building?"
"Nah. So far it's good just the way it is. So when are your Mom
and Dad going to be home?"
"Ummmmmmmmmmm... they're not."
"They're not? What's that mean?
"It means that my Mom and Dad don't live here. They just come to
visit me every once in a while.
"Visit?"
"Ya... as of my 18th birthday this will actually be my house. The
small amount of stuff they have here will be moved out sometime next
week."
"Cory I don't understand. How could you not live with your
parents?"
"Our relationship is complicated and..."
"Something I'll have to explain" Chris said at the same time as
Cory.
"Ok let's not do that a lot. It's freaky enough when Trent and
Troy do it Chris, I don't want to get into the habit."
"You do know that at the rate you're racking up the 'explanations'
we're going to be up most of the night."
"Hope not. I get up at 5:30AM just to get to school on time."
"You mind if I look around your room?"
"Feel free. I'll grab you a t-shirt and a pair of team shorts and
then I'll make us dinner."
Cory walked over to his dresser and pulled out two pairs of
Branson football team shorts and two matching AE pocket tees. He then
turned around to lay them on his bed.
"Cory?"
"Ya Chris?"
"Why do you have a stick in a plastic box on this shelf?"
"Chris that's not a stick it's a wand."
"There's a plaque that says 'holly and phoenix feather, eleven
inches, nice and supple' and a signature underneath the stick.
Walking into his closet Cory started to take off his clothes,
putting what he'd worn down the laundry chute and his shoes into their
cubby. "Wand, Chris, it is a wand."
"Okay so why do you own a wand."
"It was gift from my Mom and Dad on my 11th birthday. It's what is
called a 'hero prop' from 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone'.
Which means it is a prop that was used by the actor during filming. In
the story, a wizard gets his first wand and becomes a first-year at
Hogwart's on his 11th birthday."
"Kind of an odd gift isn't it?"
"Chris I know you are crazy about anime and even draw it. That's
why you're doing the design for the new Branson Swim Team gear. Are
you telling me that you've never read the Harry Potter series or saw
the movies?"
"Nope... and whose signature is under the stick, sorry wand?"
"UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH... I guess I'm going to have to show you a few
movies besides Star Trek. I can't believe you grew up in this
generation and haven't read or seen the Harry Potter series."
Cory walked out of the closet in just his gray AE Performance
Trunks carrying the Warrior gray Coxswain shoes he planned to wear
after he put on the t-shirt and shorts.
"Sorry Cory, I mean I've heard of..." just then Chris turned
around and saw Cory in nothing but underwear walking toward his bed.
He turned beet red in seconds. "OMG!"
"What's wrong Chris are you going to faint again?" Cory asked in a
sudden panic.
"Ummmmmmmmmmm... no" Chris got out in a choked voice. "I've just
never seen you..." his face began to blush an even deeper red and he
began to sweat a little "...like that before."
"I think I better put some clothes on before you faint. Why don't
you go in my closet and grab some shoes to wear. The casual stuff is
in the last five vertical rows."
Cory grabbed a pair of the team shorts he'd laid out and slid them
up his legs and then put on the t-shirt and shoes.
"Ok Cory" Chris said walking past him.
"And thanks for the compliment" Cory chuckled as his eyes glanced
down to Chris' crotch where his hard cock was clearly visible.
"FUCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK I'm going to die of embarrassment."
"I don't believe that actually ever happens Chris."
"I might be the first."
"Please don't. Jaxson would get upset if I buried your body in
the backyard. He'd keep trying to dig you up."
"I don't believe this" Chris said from Cory's closet.
"Now what?"
"No wonder you gave me those Nike's. I think you own more shoes
then were on display at the sporting goods store."
"That is a major exaggeration."
"Not by much."
"Just pick out a pair of shoes, please. I need to start making
dinner."
"Ok ok ok... geez, I just didn't know you were such a shoe freak."
"I am not a shoe freak. I just happen to own a large number of
shoes. I have one indulgence in my life, that's hardly something to
call home about."
"I don't think I'd dare. There are more shoes in there than we
got in our whole house. No one would believe me."
"Then maybe you shouldn't TELL them."
"Wow... sensitive. And I'd never tell anyone that you are a shoe
freak Cory."
"UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH..."
"But I might call Trent and Troy. I think your genetic anomaly is
acting up."
"Do I need to tweet out about what you were showing off a few
minutes ago?"
"On second thought, I think we'll keep this 'shoe freak' thing
between the two of us."
"THANK YOU! And the signature is Daniel Radcliffe's."
"Signature?"
"Under the wand!"
"Oh. Will you explain that too?" Chris said giggling.
"OUT!"
Chris smiled back at Cory as he picked up the t-shirt and shorts
and walked back toward his room. Cory stopped at the top of the
stairs. "I'll be in the kitchen. Go to the bottom of the stairs and
take a left. Dinner is going to be a while so try on the gear we got
tonight for you and separate out what we're going to turn over to Coach
Morin in the morning."
"Yes QB!"
"UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH..."
"Hey I'm just trying to be as respectful as Trent and Troy."
"How about being you instead?"
"Ok I'll try that."
Cory headed down to the kitchen as Chris went into the guest room.
Jaxson was waiting for him at the bottom of the stairs and stuck by his
side. Opening the big refrigerator he pulled out all the ingredients
for dinner - most of which Maria had prepped for him from a list he'd
emailed her before he left for school.
After washing his hands, Cory took the lid off the container of
peeled and cubed Yukon Gold potatoes and poured off the water. He then
dumped the potato cubes in the perforated insert pan of the Wolf
Steamer. Rinsing out the container Cory filled it with filtered water
and poured it to the appropriate level. Turning the steamer on high he
left it to hit temp as he turned to the other ingredients.
Removing the cover from the two eight ounce Lobel's Natural Prime
Filet Mignons that had been delivered by FedEx while he was at school,
Cory used paper towels to pat them dry and set them aside to come to
room temperature.
The final thing he finished prepping were the vegetables. He
dumped the asparagus, biased sliced zucchini and yellow squash into a
stainless steel bowl while he left the Chanterelle mushrooms in the
container which Maria had put them.
With all his ingredients ready Cory walked over to check the
table. Maria had already set it with tablecloth, cutlery, a white
porcelain charger and a very masculine autumn floral centerpiece that
Stephanie had undoubtedly arranged for him. Satisfied with how the
table appeared Cory walked back and looked in the warming drawer,
finding the two plates that he knew Maria had put in before she left.
Cory noticed that the steamer had come up to temp and he lifted
the lid to drop in the perforated pan loaded with the cubed potatoes.
While those cooked he pulled out a saut‚ pan and small sauce pan. The
saut‚ pan he put on the range top while the sauce pan he carried over
to the refrigerator and poured in about 1/2 cup of milk. Cory then put
it on the back warming element of his Wolf range and turned on the
exhaust hood as he knew it would shortly be needed.
As he waited for his potatoes to cook Cory took out a pitcher and
filled it with chilled filtered water. Then he grabbed a glass out of
a cabinet and filled it drinking about half of it before refilling the
glass and leaving it on the counter.
Satisfied with how things were going Cory played the waiting game
leaning against the counter.
He looked up from mentally planning out the rest of the schedule
for dinner as Chris walked in looking around with wide eyes. "If you
say this is the biggest kitchen you've ever seen in your life, I'm
going to smack you upside the head even if it causes you to faint
again."
Smiling broadly Chris looked at Cory "Ok then to preserve my
personal safety I will be silent."
"Good plan."
"But this is..."
"CHRISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!"
"Oh please I'm just jerking your chain."
"Why don't we get Jaxson more comfortable with you so he doesn't
make you drop on your ass every time you come over?"
"Now that's the best idea you've had tonight."
"See where his food and water bowls are?"
"Yep."
"Open the 4th drawer above the food bowl and pull out one of his
treats."
"Why are they in that drawer?"
"I have to move them every time Maria makes a new batch because he
remembers where I get them from and then opens the drawer and takes
them on his own. The Weimaraner is one of the smartest dog breeds
around and Jaxson is fully capable of opening drawers. To be honest,
I'm positive he can sniff out where I hide them, but it's our game."
"Ok I got one" Chris said.
"Cool kneel down and hold it in the palm of your hand" Cory said
as he looked down at Jaxson. "Hey buddy go see Chris and remember he's
your friend too."
In his usual fashion, Jaxson gave his dubious look over the
reliability of anyone new, but Cory was counting on his dog still
feeling bad about scaring Chris and be willing to give him a break.
Walking over to where Chris was kneeling Jaxson decided maybe this
blond guy wasn't a potential burglar from hell after all. He leaned
down and picked up the treat in his mouth then sat down and put his paw
on Chris' shoulder.
"Great. Looks like he's decided you don't deserve to be ripped
into small bloody pieces" Cory said happy to connect Chris and Jaxson.
"As someone who likes to have all of his pieces together and
unbloodied I consider that a very good thing" Chris said reaching up to
pat Jaxon's side as the dog walked off to enjoy his treat. "So what's
for dinner Cory?"
"Prime Natural Filet Mignon with olive oil mashed potatoes,
grilled vegetables and saut‚ed Chanterelle mushrooms."
"Ummmmmmmmmmm... Cory?"
"Ya Chris?"
"Will you hit me if I ask how come you can cook better than my Mom
and Grandmom combined?"
"UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH... you know I don't even hit Hudson Wagner so
what makes you think I'd hit you?"
"Well you did just say you would if I said anything about the
kitchen."
"Yes and you knew I was joking. As for cooking, every summer from
the ages of 8 to 12 I spent school break learning at Le Cordon Bleu in
London - and before you ask that's a cooking school that opened in
Paris in 1895."
"Wow that's amazing Cory."
"Not really. London is where my Mom mostly lives and where I
returned to as a kid when I wasn't at school in Washington, D.C. and
living at the house there. Learning to cook gave me something to do
while she was gone instead of being alone in the house. And to start
telling you something about me, I was born in London."
"You don't speak with an English accent Cory."
"Chris I was born there and only lived there full-time until I
was three. Then during the school year I lived in Washington, D.C.
which is where I went to pre-kindergarten and grades K through 8. Both
my Mom and Dad are American."
Walking over to the steamer, Cory checked on the potatoes. They
were about 3/4 done so he turned on the in range gas grill to heat up.
He then went over to the steaks and patted them dry with paper towels
again before seasoning both sides with freshly ground black pepper.
After washing his hands Cory also turned on the oven to pre-heat.
Finally, he pulled down a bottle of Columela Extra Virgin Olive Oil
from a cabinet.
"Sorry Chris, I'm being a bad host. Would you like anything to
drink while you wait for dinner?"
"What are you drinking?"
"Water. But I got in some soda in case you wanted that instead."
"What did you get?"
"I got Pepsi, Coke, 7-up and Thomas Kemper Root Beer. There is
also milk if you would prefer that.
"I like root beer so I'll have that please."
"Have you ever had Thomas Kemper?" Cory asked pulling a bottle out
of the refrigerator and one of the mugs he kept in the freezer.
"Nope, but I've heard of it."
"It's the best root beer made, at least in my opinion, though most
Oregonians prefer Henry Weinhard. And root beer is the only thing I
drink besides water." Cory placed the bottle and frosty mug in front
of Chris for him to serve himself.
"Then I guess we got something else in common."
"You mean other than you looking good in my clothes?"
"Ya I do don't I? BTW... I didn't try on the jammers because they
take forever to put on. But everything else fits cool. The stuff is
actually a little tight, but I'll shed weight once I get training again
and it will fit perfect fast enough."
"Chris if you need a different size to start don't worry about it.
You can keep the gear you got now and move to it once you lose the
weight. I don't want you being uncomfortable."
"It's okay Cory, it's not really that far off size it's just a
little tight. But I'll dump my extra weight within two weeks of
starting to seriously train."
"Okay Chris, you know best."
Checking the steamer again, Cory saw the potatoes were ready. He
turned it off and used tongs and a hot pad to pull out the perforated
pan and put it in the prep sink to drain. He then used the tongs to
put the steaks on the grill to sear and cross hatch.
Cory took out a stainless steel bowl and ricer to mash the
potatoes. After he was done he seasoned them with kosher salt and
fresh ground black pepper before grabbing the now warmed milk and
pouring 1/2 cup of Columela Extra Virgin Olive Oil in swirling the two
around and then folding the mixture into the mashed potatoes. He
tasted them for seasoning, adjusted appropriately and set them aside
for a moment.
Turning to the grill Cory flipped the steaks and started to sear
and cross hatch the 2nd side. He then opened the refrigerator and
pulled out some flat leaf parsley, chopping it and adding it to the
mashed potatoes and putting the now finished side dish in the warming
drawer. Lastly, he put the saut‚ pan on medium high heat.
"Cory you really do know how to cook."
"Since I'm guessing that means you don't Chris it's good that at
least one of us does."
"Ya I guess you're right."
"By the way, we're only about 10 minutes away from eating."
"Good because I'm getting really hungry."
With the 2nd side of the steaks cross hatched, Cory used the tongs
to put the steaks on end to sear the sides as he drizzled some olive
oil and kosher salt in to the bowl holding the asparagus, zucchini and
yellow squash.
Finishing the side sear on the steaks, Cory turned down the heat
on the grill and removed the steaks to a metal oven tray sliding them
in the now heated oven to finish cooking. He then poured some olive
oil into the heated saut‚ pan waited until the oil started to shimmer,
dumped in the Chanterelle mushrooms and turned the gas up to high.
With those starting to cook Cory used tongs to put the vegetables
on the grill.
"Eight minutes Chris!"
"MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM... me hungry."
"BTW... you made a friend."
"Huh?"
Cory used the tongs to point down. Jaxson was lying between the
two of them but slightly closer to Chris. "He knows to keep out of my
way while I'm cooking, but don't doubt for a second he isn't ready to
snatch anything that falls to the floor."
Chris laughed.
With an eye to the grilling vegetables and saut‚ing mushrooms,
Cory kept everything in motion. At the two minute mark he checked the
steaks in the oven and by touch could tell they were at the perfect
rare/medium rare state he wanted. He pulled the tray out of the oven
and put it to side to rest sprinkling the top of the steaks with some
sel gris.
With the mushrooms browned and the vegetables grilled, Cory
combined them in the saut‚ pan and took them off heat. He shut down
the grill, range and oven as he added some fresh oil, kosher salt and
freshly ground black pepper before pan flipping the mix dumping
everything into another stainless steel bowl.
"You do know you're helping me clean up after we eat right?" Cory
said looking at Chris.
"Ooooooooooh maaaaaaaaaaaaaaan you're gonna make me work for my
dinner? That's mean. And I would have offered to help even if you
hadn't said anything Cory."
"Thanks Chris."
Cory took the heated plates and mashed potatoes out of the warming
drawer and plated up the two sides. He took out a serrated knife and
half sliced each filet and fanned them on a plate. Last but not least
he reached down in to the refrigerator drawer and pulled out a roll of
black truffle compound butter he'd prepared the day before. Slicing
off a generous round to melt on top of the steaks.
Cory then picked up the final plates. "Let's eat."
With Chris following him, Cory walked over to the table and put a
plate at each place on top of the white charger.
"Enjoy" Cory said as he went to grab the pitcher of water and his
glass before sitting down at the table.
The two teens didn't talk about anything very serious while they
ate. Chris complimented Cory on his cooking and Cory thanked Chris for
being willing to come over and try it. Jaxson just looked disappointed
that nobody had dropped anything.
After they finished, Chris walked with Cory and put his plate and
cutlery in the sink. "You ready for dessert bud?" Cory asked.
"Sure!" Chris said enthusiastically.
Opening the freezer, Cory pulled out three containers then walked
back to the counter to take a sauce pitcher out of the warming drawer.
Placing two bowls in front of him, Cory poured a puddle of warm mint
fudge sauce in the bottom of each. He then opened the three containers
and using a scoop placed rounds of white, milk and bittersweet
chocolate ice cream in each bowl topping them with roasted chopped
Oregon hazelnuts. He handed Chris a spoon and a bowl then picked up
his own bowl.
"Come on Chris, we need to talk."
With Jaxson at his side Cory headed out of the kitchen and
backtracked down the hall to the more casual family room. He sat down
and waited for Chris to take a place in front of him. Jaxson jumped up
on the couch and lay down with his head in his master's lap.
'I'm at the single most defining moment of my life Cathan' Cory
spoke to the lost friend of his youth inside his head. 'I could really
use your help right now, buddy.'
Cory took a couple of bites of ice cream and let the silky
creaminess of Maria's homemade treat roll over his tongue. Then he
started to talk.
"I should be better at this since I revealed a lot of what I'm
going to say last week to Trent and Troy, but somehow you're different
Chris. I guess the first thing you should know is that my real last
name - well the last name that is on my birth certificate - isn't
Radke, its Arris. My legal last name is, in fact, Radke but that's
because I had it changed. So I never lied to you. Hell it even says
Radke on my Driver's License so if the State of Oregon says it's true
you know I'm not fibbing."
"Arris somehow sounds familiar to me Cory, but right now I can't
think why. So why did you change your last name and what does that
have to do with all of this?" Chris asked using his spoon in a gesture
that encompassed the house.
"I'm glad you think different from Troy. His 'criminal' mind
immediately went to the thought that I was in the Federal Witness
Protection Program. So you don't compare notes with the twins and then
get pissed that I didn't tell you the same thing I told them let me
backtrack on one thing. The name on my birth certificate is Cory
Michael Radke James Arris. To answer your question, I changed my last
name as part of the legal process initiated when I divorced my
parents."
"You divorced your parents?"
"Why do people always react the same way to that statement? At
least I don't have to hear it in stereo from you like I did when the
twins said it."
"Now you're just deflecting."
"Oooooooooooooooh psycho-babble. I'm hugely going to like being
around you" Cory grinned at Chris.
"UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH..."
"What did I say about stealing my lines? That's two royalty
payments you owe me now. I'm liking this... it could become a major
source of income for me."
"No changing the subject and I thought you already liked me."
"You're wearing my clothes Chris of course I like you, and I'm not
changing the subject."
"So how did you divorce your parents and why?"
"I hired an attorney to file a court petition to have me declared
an 'Emancipated Minor'. In essence I've been an adult since I was 13
and could make all my own decisions as a result. You had to wait until
you hit your 18th birthday to become an adult" Cory said sticking his
tongue out at Chris.
"Like that's real grown up."
"I know, but I did it just for the thrill factor. Usually a
person can't file for emancipated status until they reach 16, but my
parents agreed to not contest the petition and, in fact, supported it
so I got through on technicality. Plus I had a really good attorney,
but never tell Steven I said that."
"Ok by me since I don't know who Steven is. So you told me the
how but you still haven't told me the why."
Cory stood up slowly to allow Jaxson time to move his head. "The
why relates to St. Albans School in Washington, D.C. Give me your bowl
and I'll go clean up in the kitchen. You go up to my room and grab my
tablet out of my pack bring it down here and Google it. Then I don't
have to repeat things."
Chris handed over his bowl and Cory and Jaxson left to go back to
the kitchen. After cleaning up everything and loading it in the
dishwasher Cory opened the treat drawer. Jaxson was immediately at his
side. Cory knelt down and wrapped his arms around his dog. "Thanks
Jaxson for accepting Chris. I just hope he does the same for me after
he knows everything."
Jaxson licked his face and then took the treat. He may not have
got two dinners, but multiple treats were an acceptable replacement.
Leaving Jaxson to munch his treat, Cory walked back to the family
room and took the same seat he had been in previously. Chris was busy
reading stuff off his tablet.
"Are you an idiot or what?" was the first thing Chris said.
"Ooooooooooooooookay" Cory laughed back "not quite the question I
was expecting. Would you care to expand on that thought?"
"St. Albans is completely unbelievable. It has great facilities,
small classes and what looks like a constantly challenging learning
environment. It has almost twice the number of faculty for 500
students that Branson has for its 1400. Why would you give that up for
Branson?"
"Don't you think you're worth it?"
"Cory you just met me this year and have been at Branson since you
were a freshman. Yes I think I'm worth it, but you didn't come to
Portland expecting to meet me."
"That's true."
"So why?"
"I came to Portland and Branson to escape myself. It's the reason
I forced my parents to accept emancipation. They wanted me to stay at
St. Albans for the same rationale you can't believe I left. But I
couldn't stay at St. Albans."
"Cory WHY couldn't you stay at St. Albans?"
"Because my world died."
"What are you talking about?"
"I finally understood it as a result of the kiss we shared in the
Charger when I got to your house."
"Because of my kiss?"
"Slow down tall blond one. I'm not endowing your kisses with
super powers, at least not yet. But it did help me fully comprehend a
part of myself that I had locked away. Well, more accurately, hidden."
"Locked away?"
"You do realize that mindlessly repeating the words of others is
an initial sign of impending insanity don't you?"
"Hey I'm not crazy."
"Then maybe it's the result of all the chlorine and pool chemicals
your body has absorbed over the years."
"Excuse me. But this conversation is supposed to be about you
explaining stuff Cory, not delving in to the effect of pool water on
the minds of swimmers."
"Oh alright. But you do realize you're cramping both my ability
to charm and humor by keeping me on task."
"I'm willing to risk it Cory. So what did you lock away?"
"Actually I corrected myself to describe it as hidden and it
wasn't a 'what', it was a 'who'."
"Whom did you hide?"
"Wow I'm impressed by your grammar skills Chris. Not at all what
I'd expect from the intellect of water logged swimmer, and the answer
to your question is Cathan Byrne."
"Cathan Byrne?"
Rather than point out to Chris that he was, again, repeating what
Cory himself had said he just started to recount the five years he had
shared with Cathan at St. Albans in all the detail empowered by that
freshly opened door. Most important, Cory shared what those years had
meant to him with an understanding that his nearly 18 year old mind was
able to relate. His brain had processed countless memories over the
last few hours and all of them were laid bare - to Cory and in his
telling to Chris.
Cory didn't hold anything back or embellish and he barely noticed
when Jaxson returned to his place on the couch next to him with his
head this time resting on Cory's abs in an instinctive act to comfort
his master.
As Cory told Chris about the accident and Cathan's death in his
arms he could see the tears first form and then begin to freely flow
down the blond teen's cheeks. A part of him wanted to go over to
comfort Chris, but a greater part of him needed to liberate all the
pure, raw emotion he had held back for so long.
Cory could still distinctly remember the darkening of Cathan's
eyes as the Angel of Death stole the boy he now knew he had loved. He
had so wanted to keep Cathan with him - to keep the binary star they
had been in eternal orbit. The helplessness Cory had felt as Cathan's
soul had left his body reverberated not only through him but through
his remarkable words sent it unintentionally slamming into Chris.
But nothing could stop the tale that Chris' kiss and Cory's own
fully realized and processed memories had unleashed.
After Cathan's death St. Albans had remained a center of learning,
but it had also become a living tomb. No place on the huge campus had
been exempt from the amazing energy that Cory and Cathan had generated
together. And so no place on campus was empty of a memory of Cathan
for Cory.
In the same way that heaven had removed Cathan from Cory, it was
now Cory's turn to move heaven and earth to expunge himself in self-
defense from St. Albans. Cory's remarkable mind had continued to
complete his school work at the same time it generated the plan to
remove him to a place of safety.
By sheer force of will and the single minded energy of his lonely
orbiting sun, Cory forced his parents to accept emancipation and his
plan to transform himself from Cory Arris to Cory Radke. Though Cory
didn't know it, the counselors he had been sent to after Cathan's death
and during the emancipation process had advised that unless Cory was
allowed to chart his own path he would likely tear himself apart.
And so his Mom and Dad had not only grudgingly relented, but also
became accessories to the plan.
Cory had moved to Portland and into the house his Dad had bought
and submerged himself in the anonymity of Cory Radke and Branson High
School. That anonymity allowed him to not only obscure his past at St.
Albans but also his true feelings for Cathan.
Cory's body, mind and feelings however never stopped their
ceaseless natural process toward full maturation. Cory's self-imposed
hermitage and the power of the door he had erected between his Branson
self and his St. Albans self had kept him safe but entirely alone.
In their own way, Trent and Troy had felt the door that Cory had
within him because they each had their own door protecting their
individuality from the natural duality that was the result of their
being twins. The unrivaled friendship the three shared had likely been
the result of that mutual need for self-protection.
But while they had subconsciously recognized Cory's door they
never had the power to penetrate it. They had sensed Cory's loneliness
but not reason for it or the key to unlocking it.
No one did.
Until Chris.
With a single kiss Chris had blow the door Cory's 13 year old mind
had constructed to pieces and forced his older self to face, understand
and accept what he had been unable to 4 years earlier. To learn the
true lesson of the synchronicity Cory had shared with Cathan.
If Cathan had lived and Cory had stayed at St. Albans that first
kiss would have probably been shared between them as they grew and
explored each other's bodies as their younger selves had explored each
other's minds.
Cory would never know Cathan's true sexuality and at this point it
didn't matter. By the actions of Fate, it wasn't Cathan who had let
loose that part of Cory but Chris.
And that's where Cory stopped talking.
Lovingly stroking his dog in the way that had consoled him since
the two had been joined by Aaron Rocha, Cory waited for Chris to react.
"Ummmmmmmmmmmm... wow."
Cory guffawed in a way that startled Jaxson and didn't stop until
he had tears running down his cheeks. "That wasn't quite the reaction
I had expected."
"For someone who said my kiss didn't have super-powers I think
your words just proved otherwise."
"Somebody sure is putting them self on a pedestal. And I think
what I said was I hadn't assigned it super-powers 'at least not yet.'"
"Ya I think that's what you said too" Chris admitted.
"UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH..."
"I was agreeing with you how did that deserve an ughh?"
"It just did. Call it an emotional release if you want."
"I guess I got the 'why'" Chris said sniffing back the last of his
own tears "but you haven't really explained this" he said pointing up.
"The second floor?"
"Without incurring a third royalty payment to you, I think you
know what I mean."
"That part is easy. My grandfather was a very successful
businessman who left me a trust with more money than any one person
could imagine spending in a lifetime. My father has been an even more
successful entrepreneur who has tripled the size of my trust and is
daily adding to it by building a company that has surpassed what my
grandfather created exponentially."
"Sooooooooooooooooooooo???"
"The money I spent buying you and Rich those phones wouldn't even
count as a rounding error. It also explains why my Dad insisted that I
have Aaron Rocha ss my on-site Security Chief and why I have a military
level guard dog capable of making you faint for a pet."
"Ummmmmmmmmmmm... wow."
"Keep that up and you'll have developed your own line Chris."
"Thanks Cory."
"No charge."
"Would it be okay for me to ask a question?"
"What other appellation would you put on everything you been
asking tonight? And I already said you could ask anything you wanted."
"Cory are you gay?"
For about 30-seconds Cory's eyes fixated identically to how they
had during the drive to the mall and then he smiled in that way that
always melted Chris' heart.
"Yes I am."
"You can't be."
"Ummmmmmmmm... I'm pretty sure I can."
"But you're Cory and the quarterback of the football team."
"Chris while the first part of that description is true. I'm not
sure how the second part is determinative in my decision of whom I
choose to share an emotional and sexual relationship."
Chris started to blush wildly as he realized what he had said.
"So you finally got hit by how weird it sounds for one gay man to
tell another gay man that he can't be gay, huh?" Cory smirked.
"Yah... I'm sorry about that. It was kind of a repeat of the
argument Rich and I had when I came out to my family - he said that a
'big brother' can't be gay."
"Think you proved that one wrong, bud."
"So are you and Brandon dating?"
"WHAT? Where did you get that from?"
"Well... ummmmmmmmmmmm... from... ummmmmmmmmmmm... from stuff that
you, Trent and Troy said at school."
"Chris you are completely off beam. Brandon is the PSU film
student my Dad hired to vid my games so he and my Mom could see them.
He also does the vid the Coaches use for review. Yes, he is a friend
and he picks up Jaxson here and brings him to the stadium for me.
Brandon is also straight and has a girlfriend that he's crazy about
though both Jaxson and I think that he likes her a lot more than she
likes him. Ain't that right buddy?"
Jaxson looked over at Chris and shook his head yes then yawned and
put his head back on Cory's abs.
"I don't know where you got that idea from Chris, but Brandon and
I are definitely NOT dating."
"That's great!"
"You were jealous of Brandon!" Cory said astonished.
"Ummmmmmmmmmmm... was not" Chris blushed out again.
Cory looked down at his dog. "Jaxson is Chris telling the truth?"
Jaxson looked up at his master with a 'why are you asking the obvious'
look on his face and shook his head no. "See even Jaxson knows you
were jealous. He's my four-legged lie detector."
"Hey that's no fair."
"It's simple. Don't fib and he won't detect it."
"Still don't think that's fair" Chris grumbled.
"So are we done with the inquisition or do you want to pull out
the thumb screws over something else? BTW... on your stereotype that
all football players are straight I know that there is at least one gay
player currently on the team and I think there is a second. Pretty
certain that one guy is bi- too."
"What? Who?"
"Chris you know I'm not going to tell you that because it's not my
business to tell anybody stuff like that about anybody but me. And in
case your brain is even going in that direction, it isn't Trent or Troy
so purge that thought."
Chris blushed yet again.
"You do know you look really cute when you blush."
"CORY!!!"
"Well you do."
"Ya but I'm just getting used to the idea of you being gay, it's
still tough to have you thinking that I'm good looking."
"You're certainly good looking, but definitely more hot and sexy."
"CORY!!!"
"Why are you getting on my case? You're the one who was very
visibly showing upstairs that you think I'm good looking."
"You weren't supposed to see that."
"Chris it was kind of difficult to miss. I was going to say hard
but I thought that would make you blush. Oooooooops, I said it" Cory
said looking amused.
"UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH..."
"That's three you owe me. Ok follow me. I got some other stuff
to show you. Uhhhhhh... Jaxson? I'm getting up bud." Jaxson gave
Cory an 'oh brother can't we stay in one comfy place' look but rolled
over and jumped off the couch.
With a wave for Chris and Jaxson to follow, Cory headed out of the
family room and across the entry hall to the den. He found the updated
plans and drawings that Aaron had mentioned along with a data disk. "I
know what this is! Come on Chris you're gonna love this."
Pounding down the stairs to the basement Cory pointed out the
fully equipped gym and locker-room and then walked Chris next door to
the media room.
"Oh brother, does this house ever end?" Chris grumbled.
"Quit griping. I didn't even show you the 5,000 bottle wine
cellar. Please take a seat in the first row, I've got to load this
up." Going to the media cabinet, Cory slid in the data disk and
grabbed the special control tablet. "One of the companies my Dad owns
is a large construction firm - it's building the new Columbia River
Bridge right now. When this room was built special software was
included so he could review plans. Mostly he just sends me files so I
can see what Saeth Construction is doing."
"I thought we were going to watch a movie?"
"Talking took too much time so we're going to have to watch the
movie some other day. Besides, this is gonna be TONS cooler." Cory
rubbed Jaxson's head as his puppy lay down between the two teens to
watch what would be on the screen.
Using the control tablet, Cory first dimmed the lights and then
brought the full wall projection system online.
"FUCKKKKKKKKKKKKK this is like being in a theater. Do I at least
get popcorn?"
"Ya if you want to go up to the kitchen and make some. You can
make enough for both of us."
Chris made a face like he was moping at Cory for not volunteering
to make him popcorn then smiled.
"There is a THX Home Theater designed sound system too, but I
doubt any of this has music. You ready?"
"Is there a way to get ready for whatever you're going to show
me?" Chris asked.
"Probably not so just hang on for the ride. There's an animation
listed in the file log so I'll play that. I haven't seen any of this
either so it'll be fun."
With a tap on the tablet's start button the animation began. It
was shot from the perspective of someone walking out the back door.
Cory was impressed that the plans had been fully rendered with accurate
lighting and shadowing - it almost looked like a Pixar movie. There
was also a soundtrack, but just soft environmental noise and water
noise from the hot tub and lap pool.
Cory guessed that the animation had been prepared by the swimmer-
architect that Charlie had hired. There was a small amount of motion
bounce as 'you' walked across the pool deck and stepped on the starting
platform. Then a pause as 'you' got in position a voiced "get set" and
a buzz to start the race. A realistic sound of 'you' hitting the water
and then moving both below and above the surface was included. 'You'
raced to the other end did a flip turn and reemerged to continue the
race. At the end 'you' impacted the touchpad and then looked over to a
race display for 'your' time.
After checking 'your' time you got out of the pool and walked over
to the glass-sided hot tub to step in and sit down. The tub was as
fantastic looking as Cory had hoped and sitting in the hot tub you got
a full view of the competition lane lines, backstroke flags, in-pool
lane guides and turn targets with the open area for recreational use.
The animation looked over to visualize the glassed lap pool then
'you' stood up and stepped out. Walking over to an in-deck marker and
pressing on it with your foot caused a circular pylon to emerge from
the deck. There were controls on the pylon and 'your' hand worked them
to close the glass pool enclosure and engage the heating system. Eight
other pylons surrounding the pool emerged from the deck and there was
the sound of blowing air as the system heated the now enclosed space.
Finally, the animation showed 'your' hand on a fingerprint ID
system that glowed green upon approval. 'You' looked over as a portion
of the deck sank and then pulled away exposing a staircase down.
Walking down the steps 'you' entered an underwater viewing area with
LED under lighted benches facing a large horizontal window.
'You' walked past the window to first look at and then use an
electronic keypad to 'open' a heavy-weight security door that showed a
view of the hallway connecting the media room, gym/locker-room and
stairs back to the main floor of the house.
However, instead of going that direction 'you' turned around and
walked to the end of the pool where another large horizontal viewing
window was placed along with more LED under lighted benches.
'You' passed this window to another keypad locked door that led
into a pool equipment room full of pipes, filters, treatment media, a
natural-gas fired heating plant and a ladder to an access port that
Cory knew came out in the backyard.
That is where the animation ended.
"Freaking hell" Chris exclaimed wide-eyed and open mouthed. "That
is the most amazing competition pool I've ever seen in my life. Where
is your Dad's company building it Cory?"
"Actually Saeth Construction isn't building it Chris. It's being
built by a company owned by a Seabee buddy of Aaron's. And it's being
built right overrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr there" Cory pointed to the left and
slightly back. "In fact, construction starts tomorrow at 7AM."
"You're building a competition pool?" Chris yelled.
"I'm not going to be building it. I think Charlie has got over a
hundred guys lined up to do the actual work."
"Why are you building a competition pool?"
"For you to train and practice in Chris."
"WHAT?"
"Remember that 'suspend disbelief' mantra you were repeating at
the mall. Now might be a good time to begin repeating it" Cory said
smiling at the astounded blond.
"Suspend disbelief... suspend disbelief... suspend disbelief."
"See it helps doesn't it?"
"Cory you can't build a pool."
"Are we back to the same 'can't' you threw at me when you said
that I couldn't be gay?"
"You're building a pool."
"Ya pretty much" Cory said. "You know I should trademark that
line too. I use it a lot around you."
"You're building a pool."
"Not just a pool. There's a hot tub, lap pool, motorized glass
enclosure, heating system, race timer display system and apparently a
two-sided underwater viewing area as well. That was new. I hadn't
seen it before. If Charlie arrives before we leave for school
tomorrow, I'll have to ask him about it. Cool idea though."
"You're building a pool."
"Chris you do know that's the third time you've said the same
thing right?"
"Yes, but I keep thinking if I say it enough that I will begin to
comprehend it."
"I don't know it is that tough to comprehend. You needed a
training and practice facility that was available at convenient hours.
I have the space, so I'm building a competition-level pool. It will
have a filtration and treatment system that's designed to allow Jaxson
to swim in it as well. Maybe you guys could race. I should warn you
though he'd be upset if I didn't root for him to win so you're just
going to have to be understanding on that point."
Jaxson looked up from where he was lying on the floor between the
two guys turned toward Chris and nodded yes.
"See told ya" Cory said smiling.
"And this is what it is like being your friend?"
"At the risk of repeating myself in the same way you have been...
ya, pretty much."
"Is there anything else going on that I don't know about."
"Mmmmmmmmmm... I don't know how to answer that one Chris because I
don't what you don't know. So maybe the rule between us should be if
you have a question, you ask it. That way I can tell you what you want
to know. Make sense?"
"I guess so."
"Cool."
"Can you turn the lights up please?"
"No problem" Cory grabbed the tablet and raised the lights.
"May I ask you a question Cory?" Chris asked looking at him.
"Think we already covered that one. Yes you may. And once again,
points for the proper use of grammar."
"Are we dating?"
"Since I've never dated anyone I'm not totally certain what the
proper procedure might be. I'm willing to learn. I guess the real
question is do you want to date me?"
"Yes please" Chris enthusiastically answered.
"Ok. Then we're dating. I guess it helps that evidence proves you
find me attractive, but then I find you very attractive too."
"You do?"
"I haven't bulged out my jeans around you yet. But then I haven't
seen you in your underwear. So gimme time and I'll catch up."
"Okay that's fair."
"And I should probably also tell you that besides not dating
anyone I haven't done anything with anyone - so yes, the Branson High
School varsity football team quarterback is a virgin. The truth is the
full extent of my sexual experience with anyone besides me has been the
kisses we've shared."
"Really?"
"What you think I don't date people but I have sex with them?"
"No that doesn't really seem like you Cory."
"Good because it's not. Also, I guess we need to have another
conversation too. I've told you I'm gay, but nobody else knows. So I
hope you'll respect me enough to keep this between us until I can
figure out how I want to tell Trent, Troy, Coach Thompson, the team and
my parents."
"Cory I'd never out you."
"And I'm not going to hide who I am or that we're dating Chris. I
just need to decide the path forward from here. Is that fair?"
"Totally fair."
"Thanks Chris."
"But there's a price."
"Hey you were the one who said I didn't need to buy you as a
friend. Are you suggesting that I do have to buy you as a boyfriend?"
"Ya, but my price is cheap" Chris said leaning over the chair arm
and wrapping his hand around the back of Cory's head bringing them
together in another passion filled kiss. As they traded tongues both
teens moaned until they separated panting.
"That's a fair price" Cory said smiling licking his Chris wet
lips. "And before you ask if I stood up right now I'd be showing the
same evidence of 'attraction' that you did in my bedroom."
"Cool" Chris said with a smug smile.
"UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH..."
"What?"
"Don't get cocky or I'll tickle you until you beg."
"Oh no, I'm like deadly ticklish Cory you can't do that to me. I
will literally piss in my pants."
"Then I guess you better learn to do what I say, huh?"
"Yes sir" Chris said smiling broadly.
"UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH..."
"Now what? I agreed with you."
"Ya but you went way overboard saying it."
"Alright. But I can't help it if I like being around my studly
play calling football guy."
"Okay swim boy, it's time for both of us to get to bed. We got a
7:10AM meeting with Coach Morin. I'm going to get up at 5AM and do my
regular run with Jaxson then come back, shower, get ready for school
and make us breakfast. You should set your alarm for 5:50AM so we can
be out of here by 6:45AM. Make sense?"
"Sounds good to me."
Cory stood up and held out his hand for Chris. Walking out of the
media room and back upstairs with Jaxson beside them Cory led Chris to
the guest room stopping at the door. "Goodnight Chris and thanks for
sharing tonight with me. I know it turned into more than you expected,
but I promise I'll do everything I can to make you happy and us happy
together." He leaned forward to give Chris another kiss.
After they broke Chris had tears in his eyes. "I am happy Cory.
Being with you is something I dreamed about, but also something I never
believed would happen. I know you've had a lot of sad in your life.
I'm committed to imparting you joy."
"Thanks Chris" Cory whispered then gently kissed him again and
turned to his bedroom. "Goodnight babe."
"Goodnight Cory."
As he stepped away from Chris, Cory found every step harder to
take. He wanted to go back for more kisses - for more of the
connection he was beginning to share with the other teen - but Cory
knew he had to get to bed. Over the last few hours, he had experienced
and processed more emotions then he had over the last few years. And
reliving his time with Cathan had been no picnic. Though it took
effort of purpose Cory was soon back in his own room mostly closing the
door - just leaving it cracked far enough for Jaxson to open if he
needed to go out in the night.
With a sigh Cory went to the dresser and pulled out a clean pair
of shorts. With Chris in the house he didn't feel it was right to
sleep naked. After finishing in the bathroom, Cory went into the
closet to strip off his t-shirt, underwear and shorts to drop down the
laundry chute and put away his shoes in their cubby. He stepped out
naked to put on the clean shorts and climb into bed.
As he rolled on his side Cory saw Jaxson looking at him from his
own bed. "So buddy what do you think can I trust Chris to love me the
way I need?" Jaxson appeared to think about it for a few minutes. "On
second thought maybe I should find out on my own."
He reached over to turn off the light with the darkness swallowing
up his view of Jaxson vigorously shaking his head "YES".
Cory was asleep in minutes.
But while his body slept his mind didn't.
He was reliving the animation.
Stepping out of the back door, Cory walked across the expanded
pool deck to jump in the water. He wasn't a graceful swimmer like
whoever was skillfully completing laps in one of lanes on the other
side, but Cory enjoyed the feel of the soothingly warm water that
enveloped him as it relaxed his mind and muscles.
Cory could hear the swimmer continue to do laps as he completed
his own exercise. Finally, he paddled over to the edge and hauled
himself out of the water to sit on the deck. It was then Cory noticed
he'd been swimming naked.
Cory leaned back on his hands and let the water sheet off him
enjoying the feel of the sun shining through the glass pool enclosure
on his skin.
Then he felt it.
First a hand surrounded his cock and then something else - warm,
wet and absolutely amazing. In seconds he was hard and with hand and
tongue the skin still covering his uncut head was pushed back.
Cory looked down to see a mouth engulfing his cock. It was in
equal measure fantastic and glorious.
And it was Chris.
Cory moaned as he slid a hand into Chris' pool darkened blond hair
as his swim boy swallowed every inch, his nose in Cory's trimmed pubes
and his mouth wide around the base.
He felt as if every nerve in his body was alive and pulsing to the
meter of his throbbing cock.
Cory moaned loudly as he thrust into Chris' devouring mouth, but
he didn't care. He just wanted to experience more. Cory could feel
his bicep peak out as drove Chris' mouth on his cock. His hips also
pushed off the deck with a single goal and a single purpose, to bury
himself in that stunningly amazing mouth.
The mouth of the man he loved.
They were connected, bonded and united as one.
Then the new sun that has first dimly shone in Cory's universe
just hours earlier exploded in a rainbow cascade of light as Cory's
cock exploded in Chris' mouth.
It was unending, it was all-encompassing and it was all consuming.
The clock read 2:17AM as Cory came awake with his cock hard and
his shorts soaked. He jumped out of bed waving Jaxson back down as he
stripped naked and walked into the bathroom. It took a few minutes but
Cory eventually managed to rinse out his shorts and then wipe off
himself - he wasn't doing it out of personal embarrassment just out of
a sense of consideration for Maria and Stephanie.
He then turned off the lights. Took a clean and dry pair of
shorts out of his dresser and got back in bed.
This time as he slept Cory smiled.
----------------------------
Author's Notes:
Yes I lied.
In the author's notes at the end of Chapter 5, I promised you a
short"er" chapter this time. When I wrote those notes it made perfect
sense to me. Chapter 5 had covered two and three-quarter days.
Chapter 6 was only going to cover about 5 hours.
So it seemed rational that it'd be shorter.
Wow was I wrong. Chapter 5 was 59 word pages long. And Chapter 6?
Well, it's getting posted at 52 word pages.
Let's hope I don't try to write a chapter that aims to cover a week or
you'll have to set aside an entire day to read it. LOL
After Chapter 5, one reader emailed me with positive comments but a
complaint that story Cory was "asexual." I realize I know more about
story Cory than any reader because I have a narrative arc planned out
for HBTM that completely eviscerates the concept that Cory is asexual.
To a point, I can understand the reader's opinion. The argument he was
making was that since story Cory hadn't even beat off a single time in
five chapters there was either something wrong with him, or he was
completely void of any sexuality.
One imagines any number of readers suggesting that Cory go to a Doctor
for a prescription of literary Viagra.
However, if you combine what you learned in the last part of Chapter 5
with this chapter you recognize that while story Cory is a fully
functional and emotionally mature 17 year old the door he put up after
Cathan's death prevented him from "connecting" to a single individual
of either gender.
The fact is that I always imagined that story Cory regular beat off
throughout Chapters 1-5, but he did so for physical release only. Now,
I certainly could have described that but it would have interfered with
the reader's understanding of the character far more than it
enlightened.
Until the door in Cory's mind that led to St. Albans and Cathan was
blasted to pieces by Chris he had - by force of will - blocked the
processing of both those memories and the emotions inherent in his
past.
That's all changed guys. And if the end of Chapter 6 didn't prove that
nothing will. :-)
And, yes, the note at the end of Chapter 5 "promising" a sex scene was
carefully worded. As I mentioned to a couple of readers I in no way
said that both CnC (my shorthand for Cory and Chris) would be in the
same bed at the same time - at least not physically.
At least not YET.
In this case they were, but only in Cory's cum dream.
Now the guys are together. But there are still spills, chills and
plans yet to be experienced, uncovered and discovered. Cory's 'good'
friends Hudson and Colin Wagner are hard at work (ominous music plays).
So watch out for Chapter 7. There's a lot more to come!
In both iterations of the word. ;-)
To take a look at the regularly updated HBTM story blog go to (as an
FYI, I've added three new things this week alone and got more in the
pipeline)...
www.cory08online.tumblr.com
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Positive and constructive comments are always welcome.
You may email me at cory.08@outlook.com
Thank you for reading HBTM. I have readers across the globe
(literally) and I appreciate ALL of you.