Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 19:57:39 -0800 (PST)
From: ghostofoldtrafford@yahoo.com
Subject: Lean On Me 7

This story is a work of fiction. It contains description of sexual acts
between minors. If you find the events depicted within offensive, then, by
all means, stop reading. Places and people portrayed are entirely
fictional.

For criticism, advice and the occasional praise, feel free to contact me at
ghostofoldtrafford@yahoo.com

LEAN ON ME

Chapter VII


"Are you a bad man?"

"What?" Sam looked up, confused. The last few minutes had been a blur. He
took in his surroundings. He was on the floor of the living room. Yes, he
fell when Hunter hit him. It wasn't really the force of the blow, but the
emotional impact that drove him into the ground. He remembered the boy
kneeling over him, his fist pulled back once again, ready to
deliver...what? Justice? Vengeance? A simple release of grief? But his arm
fell limp and Hunter ran upstairs. Dana slowly got up and followed her son,
sparing a backward glance towards her husband. The gulf was growing. And
she was gone now.

"When we talked...two days ago...You told me about how some people do bad
things for the right motives. Or simply because they have no choice. Or
maybe it's the only way they can provide for their family. But you said
that few men were actually rotten. Truly bad, corrupt souls." Alexi
said. Sam hadn't noticed him through the last few minutes' haze. But now it
became evident that the boy hadn't left him alone. He sat on the floor,
just like Sam himself. Even the smell of his own sick didn't drive him
away. He had been absorbed by his own thoughts. He felt cursed. It seemed
like an eternity ago when he had told Hunter that he felt blessed to be a
part of his family. He smiled bitterly. `I had no idea. No fucking clue
just how much God hates me. This is a cruel fucking joke. I just want to be
normal and live a goddamn normal life. Instead, life just hands me lemons
and no fucking sugar for the lemonade.' He sighed. Still, he had felt more
affection from these people in a week than from everyone else he had know
in his entire life. `Even if they are one fucked up family.' Steely resolve
washed down over him. He had no idea where that certainty of character,
where that strength came from. But he knew then that he wouldn't give
up. He had promised Dana once. Promised himself. If he would need to be the
catalyst of reconciliation, then so be it. He would heal this family,
reform the bond that held them together, no matter what. He looked at Sam.

"So...are you a bad man, Sam?"

There was a long pause. The silence was becoming oppressive. He wanted to
break it, but Alexi forced himself to keep quiet. This was as much about
Sam's inner demons as anything else.

"Yes. I am." Sam finally answered.

Another pause. Alexi searched Sam's face, he studied the emotions evidently
playing in his eyes. Their gazes were locked. Sam felt ashamed and pained,
yet he could not look away.

"I don't think you are. A bad man would have lied. Denied his own
faults. Tried to justify himself, at the very least."

"Maybe I'm an honest villain." Sam replied.

"Or maybe you're repentant."

Sam snorted disdainfully. "What does it matter? The things I've done...The
pain I've caused. And there I was, lecturing you about good and evil. The
hypocrisy of it all..."

"You were talking from experience."

"Yeah? Maybe I was trying to justify the things I've done, just like you
said."

"No, I don't think so. You were trying to impart a lesson. Sam..." Alexi
moved next to the man, crouched down and placed his hand on his
chest. "Maybe you'll think I'm just a kid who knows fuck all. And cheesy on
top of that, but I know there's more to you. There's good and love and it's
in here." He said, tapping Sam's chest lightly. "I don't want to know the
things you're done. And I don't think you want to revisit them right
now. But I know you want absolution. Not as someone who stares into death
and is afraid of what awaits him, trying for forgiveness at the last
second. But as someone who truly regrets his choices in life. Someone who
has caused and felt pain. It's never too late, Sam. To change. To find
peace."

"Christ, that was cheesy." Sam said, with the barest hint of a smile. Yet
when he spoke more, his voice cracked. "But it is too late. I'm too far
down the rabbit hole." Then he got up and moved away, leaving Alexi to his
thoughts once more.



"He said that, did he? Well, the kid's got balls, I'll give `im that."
Myke Henson was an attractive man. 6'3" and with a truly regal poise. His
back always straight and his chin up. His pale complexion suited him well,
especially when one took into account the pale blue eyes. There was
something exquisitely male about him. A certain power he exuded, despite
his fine features, perfect manicure, spotless face and superbly-tailored
suit. Strength poured out from him and he never failed to impress. His only
son took after his whore of a mother. That was unfortunate. Yet, he
sometimes could see traces of himself in the boy and that gave him
hope. Which is why Eric had never been given free reign with Evan.

"Yes, sir. He said he'd do it his way." Eric said.

"Interesting...So, he doesn't know that wasn't my call. Very interesting. I
told you that it wasn't the right move as well, but what's done is
done. Still, he realized it was a mistake."

"So...you're not mad?"

"Mad? Perhaps a little. I told that oaf it was a miscalculation. Things
could have escalated. In the end, it may have worked out better than
expected, given the situation. He has the boy's trust. I'm willing to let
this play out and see where it goes. Are you sure that neither Samuels nor
that bitch of his can make the connection between us?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good. Then I suppose patience is required now. We need to make sure that
our...friend understands that as well. Besides, they'll be on their guard
now. Any other attempts would either fail or tip our hand completely."
Henson took a swig from his glass of scotch and looked out his window at
the falling sun.




Hunter wasn't in his room when Alexi went up to talk to him that
evening. He had knocked on his door twice before that afternoon, but Hunter
told him to go away each time. `Third time lucky' Alexi thought as he
knocked once again. Sam might have given up for the time being, but he
wouldn't. He would not stop his efforts and, if nothing else, he at least
needed to be there for Hunter, to console him as the pain of losing Bran
afflicted him afresh.

"Come on, buddy, open the door. It's just me, I promise. I just want to
talk. Open up, please." There was no response. Alexi suddenly felt
angry. "Come on, dipshit, you're not the only one hurting right now, okay?
How do you think I feel, getting dragged in this fucked up situation?"
Alexi wasn't worried about people overhearing him and being outraged at his
language. Dana had left for work at noon and Sam...well, who knew where Sam
had run off to? Work as well, Alexi supposed, though that made a shiver run
down his spine. `Or maybe he's drowning his sorrow somewhere.'

"Come on, you fucker, open this goddamn door and talk to me or I'm breaking
it down!" Alexi yelled, pounding his cane on the door. He forced himself to
calm down. He was ready to go to his own room and sulk. `I can wallow in
misery and self-pity as well, you fuckers. I'm becoming quite an expert at
it, as a matter of fact.' He turned his back to the door. `At least try the
door handle, you ass-clown.' And so he did. The door opened. `Brilliant,
Einstein. Shout your head off in the hallway and the door is
unlocked. Christ!'

H e took a few tentative steps and glanced about. It was quiet. And
empty. He went to the bathroom door and tried his routine once
again. "Dude, if you're in there, I'm not going through that shit again,
okay?" You have 5 seconds to answer me or I'm coming in, whether you're
naked or not." He waited for a minute. Once again, he opened the door. And
as he was once again greeted by emptiness and quiet, he became concerned.

He started walking around the house. He was sure Hunter had to be somewhere
inside. There was one of those black SUVs parked outside the house. Alexi
was sure that the "bodyguards" were inside. Surely, they'd have noticed
Hunter walking out and Sam specifically told them they were to stay put for
the time being. In the kitchen, he found Vince, sitting at the table,
sipping tea and reading an evening newspaper.

"Hello, Alexi. Have you misplaced something?"

"What?"

"You look as if you're lost or searching for something." Vince told him,
levelly.

"Oh, no. I guess I'm just a little fidgety. You know...stuck around the
house and all. And I'm a little hungry as well. So, I was thinking of
making a sandwich. You want one?" he asked, as he moved to the fridge.

Vince stared at him for a few seconds. God, Alexi hated that stare. "No. I
think I'll just go finish my tea outside, see how the guys are doing."
Without any other explanation, Vince got p and left the kitchen.

"Mmm...yes. You do that." Alexi called after him. Then he took out his
phone and called Hunter. No answer. Now, he was truly worried. `Where the
fuck could he...' His own thought process was interrupted, as the image of
Hunter's room flooded his memory. `Fuck, I'm such an idiot!'

Alexi hobbled up the stairs and made his way to Hunter's room. The window
was open. He hadn't given it a second thought before, but now it was so
painfully obvious. How could he have been so stupid? Alexi, sure, for
neglecting the obvious staring him in the face, but Hunter was stupid as
well. Leaving like that. What if something happened to him? He was just
about to go down and tell Vince all about it, but then he saw the photo on
the nightstand. He remembered Hunter showing it to him once before. The
night of their talk. The two brothers, Hunter and Bran. He saw the boys'
surroundings. Hunter told him the photo had been taken at their cabin at
the lake. That was it. That's where Hunter had run off to! But how? `His
dad's a friggin drug dealer, moron. It's fair to say his allowance would
cover the cab fare.' Alexi couldn't help but wonder what his allowance
would be should they all get over the whole "criminal dysfunctional family"
thing.

He once again fished his phone out of his pocket. He was ready to call
Dana. But she was at work. Sam? `Hell no. Baaaaaaaaad idea.' Vince? Alexi
shuddered. He looked out the window, staring into nothingness. Then he
dialed...



Evan was lost in thought. He had already finished his work-out. Twice over,
in fact. It always helped him think when he had to. It also helped him
clear his mind at times when worries seemed to drown him. Today had been a
bad day. He couldn't focus enough to actually contemplate his situation,
nor was he capable of completely shutting off his thought process. Nor did
he get a real work out, due to his lack of focus. By his own estimations,
he was totally and utterly screwed. He was sitting up on his bed, a book
resting in his lap, almost forgotten. He'd been reading the same page for
the past hour, so what was the point? His phone rang and he came crashing
down to earth. He checked the caller ID and felt a lump in his
throat. `Yup, totally screwed.'

"Hey, Evan...what's up?" Alexi asked nervously.

"Hey, man. It's good to hear from you. Your mom...Err, Dana, I mean, she
called last night, told me everything would be fine, but I didn't want to
bother you..."

"Right...Sure...That's why you didn't call..." A long, uncomfortable pause.

"Listen, Alexi..."

"I need to ask you a favor." Alexi cut in. "I...I don't know who else to
call, really. It's not like I have any friends here, you know? And the
Samuels...Well, Hunter kinda ran away."

"What?!" Evan jumped off the bed.

"Yeah, but I know where he is. I mean, I'm pretty sure. But I can't get
there without a ride, so...I was thinking..."

"I'll be at your place in 30 minutes, okay?"

"Ummm...yeah, that'd be great." Alexi was a bit taken aback by Evan's
eagerness. "But make sure you park around the corner, okay? Coming up to
the front door is a bad idea, seeing as I don't want anyone to know I'm
leaving. Or that Hunter is gone, for that matter."

"Yeah, sure thing. Be right over." Evan hung up. This was too good to be
true. Then he sighed. `God, you're playing a cruel trick on me, aren't you?
Hunter and Alexi running away? Is this my crucible? Crunch time? Do or die?
The moment to decide?' He shook his head and heaved a deep breath, then
walked down stairs.



Alexi got a call from Evan half an hour later, telling him he had
arrived. Now all Alexi had to do was go out a back window. He made his way
awkwardly unto the roof and stared down at the ground. He could feel his
leg trembling. `Wait...I'm a fucking moron!' Then he went back inside,
calmly walked down the stairs, made sure Vince was still outside, and
simply walked out the back door. `Sneaking around is easier than I
thought!'

Five minutes later, he was in Evan's truck. Alexi was grateful that Evan
had decided a real, 4-wheel, doors, roof, seats and seatbelts mode of
transportation was a better choice for the occasion and had left his
motorcycle at home.

"Thank you so much, Evan. You didn't have to do this."

"Sure." Evan replied. `But don't thank me yet. The jury's still out.' Then
he glanced towards Alexi, who was looking back at him. He desperately
wanted to turn around and face him. Take in the boy with all he had to
offer. Really stare into those green eyes. Run his hand through his hair
and caress his face. But he didn't dare. He was desperately afraid. The
paths before him couldn't be clearer...or more different. But if he could
still walk down the middle for a little while, well, then he had to. He
would try and avoid the issue for as long as possible. But the moment was
coming. He knew.

The two boys drove off. It took them 45 minutes, spent mostly in silence,
before they got to the lake. `You could've at least turned on the radio,
you dumb shit.' Evan thought. They got out of the car and stared around for
a bit. It wasn't a large lake, but there were plenty of people around,
trying to enjoy the last few days of August. "Now what?" he asked Alexi,
who pulled out a photo and looked down at it.

"This way." Alexi said, after seemingly cross-checking landmarks with the
photo. The two walked for a few hundred feet, until they reached a
playground. The swings were the same as in the photo, if a little more
battered by the elements over the past few years. Alexi scanned the area
around him, then his eyes settled on Hunter, sitting on the ground, close
to the lake, his back to them. He was leaning on his elbows, his legs
stretched before him. He seemed at peace, but Alexi knew better. He could
see the storm clouds brewing around him, despite the apparent sunshine.

Alexi moved towards Hunter. Evan followed hesitantly, then stopped a few
feet away from the two boys, as Hunter looked up to see Alexi, who crouched
down and took the other boy into a hug. Hunter was shaking. He was
crying. And Alexi was trying his best to comfort him. Alexi, a kid who
barely knew Hunter or his family. Yet, warmth and affection poured out of
him and covered Hunter. Evan couldn't help but feel mesmerized. He knew
from the moment he saw him that Alexi was special. He didn't understand
it. He didn't want to believe it, but it was true. Watching him care for
Hunter made Evan's heart sink. The decision was becoming increasingly
harder to make. He went over to the other two.

When Hunter noticed Evan, he instantly felt embarrassed. He was crying, for
God's sake! He didn't want anyone to see him like that. Alexi was okay. He
was family. But no one else. Then he felt embarrassment make way for
anger. He felt betrayed. Alexi had brought Evan. `But that means he didn't
tell my parents where I was, otherwise they'd be here, instead of Evan.' He
felt guilt. How could he have believed Alexi would betray his trust? He
wiped away his tears, sat up and shook Evan's hand.

"Look, man, sorry about the other day, when I attacked you..."Hunter
started.

"You WHAT?!" Alexi asked, stupefied.

"Oh, yeah. I guess you were kinda dazed at that moment, so it's no surprise
you don't remember." Hunter chuckled. "I kinda jumped and kicked your
boyfriend's ass."

"He's not my boyfriend!" Evan and Alexi both replied. They looked at each
other for a moment, before Evan broke off the eye contact and looked away.

"Anyway..."Hunter continued awkwardly. "Like I said, I kinda attacked him,
thinking he had hurt you."

"And you actually survived?" Alexi answered.

"Well, I'm not a fucking infant, okay? I can handle myself!" Hunter
replied, a hint of irritation in his tone.

"Yeah, but Evan's...something else. I bet you sucker-punched him. He'd have
pummeled you..."

"Look, can we drop this?" Evan asked, uncomfortably. It was crunch
time. "Can we just get out of here already?"

"I'm not going anywhere." Hunter replied.

"What?"

"You heard me. I ain't going back home. Not right now, anyway." He pulled
out a set of keys. "The cabin's right around the corner. I'm staying there,
at least for tonight. I just can't handle being at home right now."

"Your dad's gonna kill you." Alexi said.

"Really?" Hunter laughed bitterly. "He does have that effect on his sons,
doesn't he?" Hunter turned his back to Alexi and Evan, trying to hide the
fresh tears welling in his eyes. "Anyway, if you wanna stay, you're more
than welcome to join me. I even bought some eggs and sausages, so we won't
starve!" he went on, somewhat proudly, as if his ability to buy groceries
proved his survival skills.

Evan didn't know what to say. It seemed providence certainly wasn't giving
him an easy out. A night in a somewhat isolated cabin, with Alexi and
Hunter? It was just too easy. He cursed himself silently, then gave his
ascent. He could see the large grin on Alexi's face and felt himself go
cold with dread.




They had eaten. To call it "far from gourmet" would be an
understatement. But hey, it was edible. Small victories and all that...Now
Hunter was explaining the sleeping arrangements.

"Okay, so...The bed in what is usually my bedroom is busted and I have a
bad back. Fortunately, the couch in the living room is excellent. You two
will share the master bedroom. There's a queen-sized bed in there, so you
two should fit in nicely." He had to struggle to contain a snigger. `Oh,
I'm sure they're not QUEENS!' he thought. Alexi plainly read what was going
through his mind, because he simply rolled his eyes in exasperation.

"You two should share the bed, especially with your back..." Evan said.

"No, no. The couch is actually better for my aching
spine. It's...errr...custom made. Now, off you go to bed, you two." Hunter
said, winking at Alexi and causing him to blush.

True enough, the bed was big enough for the two of them to be more than
comfortable.

"Listen...about Hunter. You should know, ignoring him is probably for the
best..." Alexi started.

Evan stepped close to him. He reached out a hand behind Alexi and closed
the door. He still wasn't sure what he was doing, what he was feeling and
why, but one thing he understood. Desire. He wanted Alexi. He placed his
hand on the small of Alexi's back and pulled him ever closer. Damn this boy
for making him feel this way. Damn his father. Damn the world and
everything in it. Their lips met. Softly. Tenderly touching, as if afraid
that anything stronger would break the spell. Convinced that the magic bond
would hold, tenderness evolved into passion. Alexi parted his lips and Evan
felt his tongue probing into his mouth. He finally threw caution into the
wind and yanked Alexi off his feet and threw him on the bed.

"Ooof" came the sound from Alexi, but then the boy started giggling. It was
intoxicating for Evan. If only things weren't so complicated. He stood
there, watching Alexi, who was staring back, with a lopsided grin on his
face. But things were simple then. All that mattered was passion
and...maybe love? No, that was too much. Lust, yes, that was it. But it
wasn't lust he first felt for Alexi. It was...more. "AH, SCREW IT!" Evan
yelled and he moved next to Alexi, leaning over him, covering his face in
soft, caressing little kisses. Then he pulled him into a sitting position
and took off his t-shirt. Alexi suddenly felt a bit shy and tried to cover
himself, but Evan moved his hands away and once again looked into those
deep green eyes. "Trust me, Alexi."

He ran his fingers gently down Alexi's chest, as he once again pushed him
down on the bed. He bent down and kissed Alexi once again. On the lips, on
the chin, on his neck, his chest, his flat stomach. Then he looked up into
Alexi's face and waited for permission. Alexi nodded and Evan quickly undid
the belt of his jeans, then the buttons. He could already feel the warmth
and hardness underneath the garment. He placed his fingers inside the
waistband of his jeans, as well as the boxers Alexi wore. When he pulled
them off, Alexi was left naked before Evan. Beautiful. His sight drifted
down Alexi's right leg. Scars. Alexi suddenly felt very uncomfortable and
tried to cover himself. "No." Evan said, brushing aside any protest. He
placed his lips on those long scars and the world dissolved for Alexi. He
felt safe and loved. Soon, he drifted into ecstasy, as Evan moved up to his
steely hard-on and encircled it with his strong fingers. As Evan's hand
moved ever so softly up and down, low moans started escaping Alexi and Evan
tried to contain them with his mouth, as they once again started their
little tongue-wrestling game.

When the kiss broke, Alexi felt incomplete. He didn't want to lose that
feeling. But he soon forgot that fleeting loneliness as he felt Evan's warm
breath on his cock. Suddenly Alexi's back arched in pleasure as he felt
Evan take him in inch by inch. He was writhing with new sensations. With
unimaginable pleasure. He felt his very essence being warmed for the next
few minutes. Unfortunately, they truly were few and Alexi soon found
himself cursing his lack of experience. He convulsed as his cock erupted
deep inside Evan's mouth. He wanted to warn him, but he couldn't form the
words. Evan didn't stop. He kept going, nursing on Alexi's cock until it
was truly spent. Words still failed Alexi. He was dizzy. He wanted to thank
Evan. To tell him how amazing it was. To repay the service. But he could
only return the kiss when Evan finally moved up to face him. Finally, he
spoke.

"That. Was...WOW!"

"Well, glad I haven't lost my touch." Evan replied. They both remained
unmoving for a while. Alexi broke the comfortable silence.

"Do you want me to...? I mean...Can I try?"

Evan turned his face to him and smiled. "No, that was for you. And only
you. My gift. My way to show you that I care about you. `That I love
you'. There's plenty of time for more. But tonight, I just wanted you to
experience that and...well..."

"Yes? And what...?"

"Errr...simply hold each other." Evan said, blushing. "I've had sex before,
but never really...you know, cuddled. Never fell asleep holding someone I
care about." He continued, his eyes moist. Alexi propped himself up on one
elbow and devoured Evan with his eyes. How could he never have experienced
love? Someone so perfect? Someone who deserved it so much?

"Sure thing." He kissed him lightly. "But get undressed. I at least want to
feast my eyes, if nothing else." He said, grinning evilly.

Evan stood and slowly started stripping. Alexi couldn't tare his eyes off
his prize. He couldn't understand why someone so perfect would want him,
but for whatever reason, he had been blessed with Evan and he wanted to
take advantage of every second and every inch of his body. But not
tonight. Tonight, he would respect Evan's wishes. Naked, they lay under the
covers, in each other's arms, and drifted off to sleep.

Evan awoke a few hours later, the same nagging thoughts that had been
bothering him all day startling him in his sleep. He knew. That twisted
fucker upstairs played another trick on him. He sure liked to mess with
Evan's life and now he made him fall in love with the boy he held in his
arms. He couldn't deny it. He tightened his grip on Alexi. He didn't want
to let go, no matter what. He knew what it would mean, for both of them,
but he had made his decision, for better or worse and he...THEY would live
with it. He smiled and kissed Alexi on the forehead. The boy stirred.

A car door. Whispered conversation. Footsteps. A gun being cocked.

"Fuck! Alexi. Alexi, wake up." Evan whispered in the boy's ear, as he shook
him. "We've got company."