Date: Fri, 6 Jan 2006 08:46:24 +0100
From: Peter C <Peter_Co@web.de>
Subject: A new beginning - part 7

The following story was originally written for a german website and
later printed in my first book "Der Neuanfang". After I translated my
story "Never saw a miracle" into english and getting lots of good
feedback, I decided to translate this story, too. Some readers wrote me
that I don't have to apologize for my English -- so I won't anymore *g*.

The story is set in Germany, so of course there are a few things
unfamiliar to people from other countries. As example temperatures are
given in degrees centigrade: 0 C are 32 F, minus 5 C are 23 F and
so on. If there are any things you don't understand, please feel free
to ask me about it. I love getting emails anyway, and I'd like to say
my thankyous to all of you who already wrote me.

There are two other stories of mine published here on niftys:

"Never saw a miracle" in the gay/highschool section

and

"Different" in the gay/no-sex section

If someone is interested in reading the original german story, it's
here:

http://www.nickstories.de

Look for "Peter's Stories". And if some is interested in buying my
books (in german language, of course): they can be bought directly from
me, even with my signature which will be worth millions when I'm a
Nobel prize winner someday -- lol...


But now let's the play begin^Å

*-*-*

A new beginning -- Part 7

© 2001-2006 by Peter Conrad,  Peter_Co@web.de


When I woke up for the first time the alarm clock said it was 7pm. Much
to early to get up. The air in the room was fresh and clear, but I
wasn't feeling cold, both because of Reinhardts great present and
because of the warm body cuddling up to me. During the night I had
turned on my back, and Tim didn't stay in his place, too. His head was
now laying on my chest, his right arm tightly holding my upper body. My
own right arm was under Tims body, not a very comfortable position. But
I would never wake up the boy because of it. With my free left hand I
softly stroked his head a few times, then I fell asleep again.

The next waking up wasn't as peaceful as the first. On a subconscious
level I heard something like a door clattering, but I was still half
asleep and didn't give it much attention. A dumb mistake it was!

Shortly later something flashed, bright enough to get thour my closed
eye lids. Swearing quietly I opened my eyes, trying to focus on what
was happening in my room. I didn't have to search long... At the door
stood mom, Reinhardt and to top it of Thomas! Reinhardt was holding his
digital camera, I guess that's where the flash came from. Broad grins
were on everyones faces. With much effort I managed to speak.

"Can't you let us sleep in a bit? For gods sake, it's sunday!"

Mom laughed.

"Sorry, sleepyhead, but we have much to do today. Now wake up your
brother and get out of bed. Breakfast in 20 minutes!"

With these words she dragged Reinhardt out of the room, leaving Thomas
behind, who now closed the door and the window.

"It's fucking freezing in here! I could never sleep this way."

All the hustle and bustle had woken up Tim.

"Do we really need to get up? Didn't we go to bed only a little while
ago?"

Great minds think alike, but still, we had to get up.

"Sorry, little one, but we have to get up. You can stay in bed a few
minutes longer, I'll go to the bathroom first."

"Okay, thanks."

He layed his head down back on my chest. It felt very nice, but he
couldn't stay there.

"Tim."

"What now?"

"You have to let me go."

First he was a little confused, then he realized the position he was in
and grinned.

"If I really have to..."

He turned away from me, giving me free so I could leave the bed. I took
my day clothes and went to the bathroom. Half way there I noticed
Thomas standing in the room like in paralysis, staring at me with big
eyes. After a short confusion I realized the reason. Up to now he had
only seen Tim and me under the blanket, but now for the first time he
had full view on my unusual night clothes. I guess his reaction was
understandable.

"Now you know why we are able to sleep in such a cold."

He woke up from his motionlessness.

"Did this ... this thing keep you warm -- or Tim?"

"Both I guess. But if you would please step out of my way, I have to go
the bathroom."

He stepped aside and I could start my usual morning procedures. Thomas
followed me to the door of the bathroom.

"If I had known that my bed would be empty I had spent the night here,
too."

"Was it that bad?"

"Yes. My middle sister had a pyjama party with her girlfriends, do I
need to say more?"

He didn't.

"By the way, you would have fitted in very good with this pyjama of
yours."

He gave me a cheeky grin.

"At least better than you in your sleepshirt."

"He! The modern young man wears a sleepshirt."

"Who told you that? A BRAVO from a hundred years ago?" ((BRAVO -- german
youth magazine))

"Christine told me so. Or Andrea? Maybe it was Jeanette."

"Too much information about your love life."

"Why, you're jealous?"

"Maybe I would be jealous if you said Christian, Andreas or Jean."

"Don't worry, you can have all the boys you want."

Meanwhile I was almost done and had already put on my boxer briefs. A
look into the mirror showed me that I had to shave again. This was the
sign for Thomas to completely follow me into the bathroom, sitting down
on the little stool. Quietly he spoke on.

"Is there something happening between you and Tim?"

I sighed. Tims behaviour was still a big riddle to me. I mean, it was a
little unusual for a 16 year old boy to sleep cuddled up to another
boy, includig an good night kiss. On the other hand I more and more
suspected that this behaviour hadn't anything to do with his sexual
orientation. It seemed to me like it was more a general need for
attentaion, even bodily attention, and that he didn't care who gave him
this attention -- even though it didn't completely comply with the usual
social conventions. I was really okay with it, if I could have him as a
lover at least I had him as a love and attention seeking little
brother. Of course I'd rather had him as a boyfriend... Shit, why life
had to be so complicated?

"Nothing I knew about."

"And why were you together in the same bad, cuddling like lovers?"

It seemed like nobody told Thomas about what happened to the Bergners
apartment, so I did it now. While I did so his face became longer and
longer, and when I was done he was in shock.

"Shit, that's heavy!"

"Yep. And after all this terrible stuff both of us couldn't fall asleep
yesterday, so Tim asked me if he could join me in my bed."

"And then you could sleep?"

"Yes. I guess we both needed someone to show us that we're not alone.
But nothing else happened -- not that I would have something against it.
I mean, not now, but in general..."

Meanwhile I was done with shaving, and it was time to get Tim out of
the bed. I pushed Thomas out of the bathroom, only to discover that my
little brother was fast asleep again. I was very sorry to do so, but I
had to wake him up. He wasn't happy about it and didn't move, so I had
to fall back on terrible threats.

"Out of the bed, or do I have to show you how it is to be tickled?"

It worked, and he left for the bathroom at almost light speed. Thomas
gave me a questioning look.

"Tickle?"

"Insider joke."

"Ohoh."

I put on my usual clothes, then we went down to the kitchen, not
without telling Tim again not to dawdle. In the kitchen we found mom
and Reinhardt, doing the last breakfast preparations.

"Ah, there you are. What about Tim?"

"If he doesn't fall asleep at the sink he'll be down in a few minutes."

"Good, I'll put the rolls into the oven. Thomas, you want to have
breakfast with us?"

"No, thanks, I had breakfast before I came here."

"Okay, but you'll have a cup of coffee or tea? Or hot chocolate?"

"Tea, if it isn't to much trouble."

"It's not trouble at all, Danny will have tea, too. Now sit down, boys."

I just started to do so when Reinhardt stopped me.

"Danny, would you come with me to the living room for a moment?"

Hm, what now? I followed him and we sat down on two armchairs.

"Danny... I don't know how to ask this... But ... is Tim gay?"

Wow! I wasn't prepared for this question!

"You mean because we slept in the same bed?"

"Ah well... Yes... I was totally surprised when Thomas came running to
the kitchen, telling us that we just had to see something -- and then
finding you the way you were."

"Reinhardt, Tim and I slept in the same bed. We didn't SLEEP together.
And to be honest, I don't know if he is into girls or boys. Besides,
even if I DID knew I couldn't tell you. Tim is trusting me, very much I
think, and I would never risk losing his trust. If you want to know if
he's gay you have to ask him yourself -- but I don't think that now is
the best time to do so, he's under a lot of stress already because of
the whole situation with the fire. Let him make the first step."

Tims dad slumped down in his armchair.

"I'm sorry, of course you're right. Tim trusts you unconditional, and
I'm so glad he does! I don't want to risk your relationship only
because of my curiosity. And you're also right about giving him the
time to make the first step -- if there is any step to make. Please
forget that I asked."

"Okay, no problem."

"Thanks you. But can I ask you a favour?"

"Of course."

"If Tim at any time talks with you about this, if he comes out to you,
please tell him that this doesn't change anything about my love for
him. He never has to be afraid of my reaction."

"Good to know this, but I don't think you have to worry about him being
afraid of your reaction. He sees every day how you treat me. If there's
something to talk with you about and he doesn't do it yet, then only
because he himself isn't ready yet."

"Okay. There's another point. I hope you're not mad at me anymore
because of yesterday evening."

"Why should I be mad at you?"

"Well, because of your punishment."

I laughed.

"I didn't see it as a punishment, to be honest it was quite funny. And
I guess we all needed a little fun after the events of the day."

"I only want you to know that I would never ever harm you or Tim."

"I knew this long before yesterday. You're not the type of man to do
so, and if you did Tim wouldn't love you as much as he does."

"I'm happy to hear this. But I guess we should join the others again."

"Good idea, I'm quite hungry."

"Let's go then. And ... just for the record: if Tim happens to be gay
and you two ... well ... you know what I mean ... if you two became
boyfriends... I'd be very happy for you."

"I'll keep it in mind."

We went back to the kitchen, where now all the others sat at the table.
Tim gave me a questioning look.

"What was so important that you had to talk about early in the morning?"

I needed an excuse. Fast!

"Ahm... Reinhardt only apologized for punishing me yesterday."

This of course woke up Thomas' curiosity, and Tim told him about what
happened in all the glory details. Thomas was laughing so hard he
almost spit out his tea over the whole table.

"I would have loved to see this! Please tell me in time if you have a
repeat session. I'll even bring the camcorder!"

Oh no, never! One day later copies would be distributed at school, and
it wouldn't take long for the movie to show up on the internet.

"No way! But maybe you can talk Reinhardt into giving YOU such a
punishment."

"He'd need to give me such a cute sleeper before."

"What do you think, dad, can you get another one?"

Tims dad grinned evily.

"Sure. There's nothing you can't buy on the internet. Did I hear you
correctly, Thomas? If I get you such a sleeper I can use you as a
demonstration object for my disobedient offspring? Or was it only an
empty promise?"

"Huh, your humor really machtes Dannys, I guess I have to watch out
what I say here. And yes, it was only an empty promise!"

"What a pity..."

Tim spoke out what all of us (except Thomas of course) thought.

While we were having breakfast mom started to give out the work for
today.

"Reinhardt, Tim and I will go to their apartment and meet with the
insurance agent. We'll take a few big garbage bags and search for
things which could be saved. Tim, do you think you're ready for it? Or
do you want to stay here?"

"I'll survive. After the night it doesn't sound so bad anymore."

"Good. Danny, would  you please make a little space in your room for
Tims stuff? You could put your summer clothes into the closet in the
guest room for example, you won't need them anyway over the next
months. And make room on your desk, Tim will need a space for doing his
school work."

"No problem, consider it done. We'll share the avaiable space
brotherly."

"Thanks."

"Danny, I'll stay and help you -- if you want me."

Hm, good question. With Thomas at my side I wouldn't get bored -- but
would we really get the work done? Last time he offered his help we
totally forgot the time, playing on the computer. Remembering this mom
looked at us sceptically, but didn't say something.

Half an hour later Thomas and I were standing in my room, thinking
about where to start. Then Thomas had an idea -- a typical Thomas idea,
meaning fun for him -- work for me. Okay, he wasn't *that* bad, but he
was the born politician: looking busy while delegating all the work.

"Danny, you're the one knowing your stuff best, I say you take care of
making room in your closets and I'll take care of the picture."

The picture. What picture? Oh. The picture Reinhardt took of Tim and me
together in bed earlier this morning. When Tims dad left us he gave us
the camera and told us to make a few nice prints -- threatening
especially me with murder if I should destroy the picture!

"You only want a print for yourself to show it around at school!"

"Don't worry, I won't show it around. I'll only put it on the schools
bulletin board."

"Don't you dare! I'll count the sheets before and after the printout."

"No problem, I just send the picture to my own email adress and print
it out at home."

"Therefore you would need access to my email programm -- and I won't
tell you my password."

"Also no problem, I just use the web interface of my own account."

What have I done to deserve this! There were only two alternatives:
erasing the picture instantly (and risking another punishment from
Reinhardt) or giving up control over the picture and live with the
consequences. At the end I decided to trust Thomas, at least for now.
He wouldn't do anything with the picture that could hurt me. I mean, he
was my best friend, wasn't he?

"Okay, okay. You know how everything works."

While Thomas now started the computer and the printer, I opened my big
closet, looking at the stuff inside. After sorting the stuff in my mind
I started to take everything out what I wouldn't need in the near
future, like shorts, t-shirts, short sleeved shirts, swimming suit and
so on. I put all of this into the closet in the guest room. What
remained I sorted in a way that the closet had now two halfes, one for
Tim and one for me. The one for my brother looked very empty...

While I did this Thomas made good use of the printer -- but nothing
more. He was sitting their like a king, watching me doing all the work.

"If you have nothing else to do, you could at least empty the bedside
table at your bed."

"Okay."

A few minutes later a few magazines, books, pencils and other small
stuff were on my desktop and I showed Thomas what to put into my own
bedside table and what into the trash bin. I guess allowing him to look
into my bedside table wasn't such a good idea! When I came back into my
room the next time he was standing in my room with a very amused grin
on his face. He was holding two things, and the blood raced to my head!

"Now I'm sure that you really have no love life at all! Sometimes I
thought that you hide a hot guy somewhere and just don't want us to
know about him -- but no, there's no one! But you should start to hurry
now, those rubbers won't be good forever."

Argh! In Thomas' hands were two of the presents he gave me for my last
birthday. In front of all the guests! The first item was a magazine for
gay teenagers -- I guess he needed all his courage to buy it. The second
one was a pack of rubbers. My birhtday guests were laughing tears.
Later my mom suscribed the magazine for me -- but the rubbers where
still untouched because sadly I had nobody to use them with. They were
waiting for their use in my bedside table, but knowing my luck they
would have to wait forever.

"I guess I can put the rubbers in the last corner of your closet, you
won't need them anyway."

"Thank you so much! But I'm not that sex crazy like you, because of you
the rubber makers get richer and richer. And thank god for rubbers! The
idea of a whole bunch of little Thomasses crawling around is terrible!"

My friend grinned.

"A man has to do what a man has to do."

"Oh yes, and when you're 30 you'll be totally burnt out and ready for
retirement."

"Hehe, so I guess I have to use the time I'm still fit and ready. Carpe
diem. You're just jealous."

He had a point there. I mean, I wouldn't want as many sexual relations
like he had and has, one Mr. Right would be enough for me. I sighed.

"I'm sorry, Danny. You'll find a boyfriend soon. Maybe it's even Tim?"

"I hope so. I don't want to become an old virgin."

"Poor little Danny. I'm so sorry for you. Maybe I could even be
convinced to help you out at least with the sex part. I mean, once I
could bring myself to it, I guess."

"No way! The boy I let into my life and my bed has to be cute,
intelligent, funny and in love with me. I'm afraid you not qualify in
one single of these points."

"Pah, you'll never find someone better than me!"

"You're soooo modest again. Why does none of your relationships hold
longer than a week?"

"Just for your information: I'm together with Christine for three weeks
now."

Three weeks? That was a new record for Thomas.

"How that? You're getting old or what?"

"I don't know. She's just ... I don't now how to say it. Since we're
together I'm just not interested in other girls anymore."

That was something really new for my friend. This Christine must be
some girl! I had to get to know her.

"When can I meet her?"

"Funny that you ask this question. I came here to ask you to meet us
this afternoon at the ice rink."

"And you didn't think of a better place than slippery ice at minus 10
degrees?"

"Come on, don't be such a frostbite! Or do you have a better idea?"

"How about a sauna?"

"Sorry, you won't get me in a sauna again! I'll never forgive you for
dragging me there once. Besides, you would only look out for cute naked
guys and wouldn't have time for getting to know Christine. Take Tim to
the sauna, but not me!"

Good idea. Since I took all my courage together (and Thomas for
support) and went to the sauna for the first time a few months ago, I
went there almost weekly now. For a warmth loving guy like me it was
heaven -- the naked guys were the icing on the cake. But sadly most of
them were to old for me -- or had female company.

"Okay, okay, I'll see if can find my skates somewhere."

My mom gave me skates a year ago, hoping to get me out of the house in
the winter a little more often. She wasn't really successful...

"But if I break my butt you're in deep shit!"

"Put a pillow in your pants. But do you even have the time to come? I
guess you have a lot to do today."

"Don't know yet. I think we're all done here and I don't know anything
else we have to do."

"But I do. We have to make place for Tim at your desk."

Oops. I totally forgot this one. And it was easier said than done. With
all the computer stuff on the desk there would never be enough room for
my brother. I looked through my room, and I found a solution.

"Thomas, the plants have to go!"

Beside the desk was a bench full of plants. Poor plants, if you ask me.
They didn't like the constant change in temperature from warm at day to
cold at night.

A few minutes later the bench and the plants were moved to the guest
room, leaving an empty spot in the room. Now I'd need an additional
desk where Tim not only could do his homework but also put his new
computer on (thankfully Reinhardt hadn't bought it yet, or it would
have burnt at their apartment, too). But where to get a desk on sunday?
This time it was Thomas who had the idea.

"You still have your old childrens desk somewhere? If I remember
correctly it should fit here exactly."

"You're right! It's in the attic, let's get it."

I stormed out of the room, but Thomas stopped me.

"Wait a minute. If it is in the attic I guess it will be quite dusty.
Let's take a bucket of water and a rag. We better clean it up there."

Did I tell you already that Thomas would be a very good house husband?
Yes, I guess I did. We did as he said, then we brought the desk down to
my room, placing it beside my new big desk. We decided to put the
printers and scanners on the old desk, because it was a little to low
for working on it. While we did so I noticed the printouts from the
photo Reinhardt took this morning. Three letter sized prints and and
two sheets with four smaller prints on every sheet. Thomas had used
glossy paper, they looked exactly like true photos. I could only hope
that my mom wouldn't put one of the large prints on her office wall for
everyone to see!

When we were done I again looked through the room.

"Are we done now?"

Thomas was following my looks, then he sat down on ^Ûhis^Ë bed.

"Yes, I think we are. And I'll have to go soon, my folks are expecting
me for lunch."

I looked at my watch, it was almost 12am! At this moment we heard a car
driving up. I looked out of the window and there they were, mom,
Reinhardt and Tim. My future step dad took two large bags from the
trunk, then he followed the other two into the house. When they got rid
of the warm clothes all three of them showed up in my room.

"Here we are again. Oh my, you really did work! I was a little afraid
to find you infront of the computer with nothing done."

"Mom! I promised that I'll take care of the room! Look, half of the
closet is empty for Tims stuff. I mean ... does he have any stuff to
put into the closet?"

Reinhardt pointed at the bags with a sad look.

"We selected the best things, but I'm afraid it isn't much left, only
two jackets and a few pants. And we have to be lucky if we can get them
clean again. By the way, could you help out Tim with a pair of pants
now? He slid on the ice and ripped the jeans he's wearing."

I took a closer look at my brother, and really, there was a long rip on
his right leg.

"No problem, we'll find something for him."

"Good. We stopped at McDonalds and brought lunch. Thomas, you want to
join us?"

"No, thanks, I have to run now. Danny, if you can make it, we'll meet
at 2pm at the ice rink, okay? And Tim, you're invited, too. Ask Danny
about it."

"I still don't know about the ice stuff..."

"Come one, I really want you to meet Christine."

"Okay, okay, I'll come -- if I have time."

Thomas said his goodbyes, then he left the house. Mom and Reinhardt
went down, leaving me alone with Tim, announcing that lunch was in ten
minutes.

My brother took of the ripped jeans, throwing them into a corner.

"What a poor quality, it was almost new."

"Put it on the insurance list. Okay, look in the closet and see if you
find pants for you to wear. I'm afraid they'll all be a little big for
you, but there's nothing we could do about it."

Tim started his search and only moments later showed me a pair of black
jeans.

"Can I try them?"

"Sure, you can try whatever you want. My home is your home. Or better:
my closet is your closet."

"Thanks."

It did sound good in theory -- but only in theory. In the real world Tim
tripped over the legs of the pants which were to long for him -- and
without a belt the pants slid down his body instantly, leaving him in
only his thermal underwear again. I had just bought these jeans, and
even for me they were still a little big.

"They won't do, Danny. Do you have something a bit smaller? I guess you
know your stuff better than I do."

That was a real problem, I had sorted out my clothes in the fall and
had given everything what didn't fit me anymore to the red cross. But
wait! There had to be at least one pair of pants left! I searched
through the closet and finally I found what I was looking for. Smiling
I gave my brother a pair of blue, washed out but still very good
dungarees.

"Try this one. They are to short for me, I wanted to cut off the legs,
but I totally forgot it."

Tim put the pants on, they were just right in lenght, and they weren't
to wide either. No, they were almost skintight, I guess I could never
wear them again myself.

"Great, I'll take them. If I can have them, I mean, they're still
yours."

"Of course you can have them, they wouldn't fit me anymore anyway."

"Thank you! But now I'll take them of, it's much to warm."

He did so, then we went down to the kitchen, where lots of unhealthy
things were waiting for us. We almost inhaled our food -- he, we're
teenagers, we have to! When everyones plate was empty mom looked at me
questioningly.

"What did Thomas mean with ^Û14pm at the ice rink^Ë?"

"He wants me to meet his girlfriend."

"Why? He never did so before. It would be too much work anyway with him
having a new girlfriend every week."

"He seems to be very serious about this girl, they are together now for
more than 3 weeks."

"What? This is almost a long time relationship for him. Did he stay
together with the same girl that long before?"

"Not that I remember. This time he seems to want my opinion about his
girlfriend. As if I knew anything about relationships."

Tim grinned at me.

"Maybe he wants the opinion who isn't interested in girls. An objective
opinion."

"Then I'm the best man to ask. Mom, can I go or do you need me here?"

"I won't stop you from going outside if you do so voluntary! It happens
seldom enough. Your room is ready, and today being sunday we can't do
much anyway. I'll look through the things we recovered from the
apartment, but I won't need you to do so. You can go."

"Thanks, mom. Tim, you're coming?"

"I don't know. He wants YOU to meet his girlfriend."

"And he invited you, too. He likes you, and you can call yourself lucky
because of it. He's quite choosy with friends. Much more than with
GIRLfriends."

"At least he has one."

"Thanks for reminding me, mom. My next depression I'll name after you."

"It was a pleasure. Tim, go with Danny, we won't need you here."

"But I don't have skates, the fire took care of them."

"You can borrow some at the rink. Or you'll get mine, I don't know if
they fit me anymore."

"Okay, okay, I get it. I'll come with you."

"Good. Come on, let's see if my skates still fit me."

Of course with my luck they didn't -- but they fit Tim just fine. I
grinned. It looked like I had found someone to hand down all the things
which became to small for me! Poor little brother *g*.

We still had a little time on our hands before we had to leave for the
ice rink, so we cleaned Tims medals and cups, and put them on a board
or on the wall. Wow, they brought shine into my modest hut!

A little before 2pm we put on the rest of our clothes and went down the
stairs, Tim in front of me. What a few, his cute butt in this skintight
jeans! I sighed silently.

We found our parents in the kitchen, where they were sorting through
the bags they brought from the Bergners apartment. A short look at the
content showed me that there wasn't much left to keep, most of it would
go into the trash bin. Reinhardt looked up.

"Ah, Tim. I see you found pants for you. Turn around, let's see."

Tim made a few dancing steps through the kitchen, turned around and
came back to me.

"Son, you must be really careful with these pants or they'll rip, too!
Aren't they a little tight?"

"All the others were much to wide, I would have to watch out all the
time to not lose them."

"Well, of you say so. You're going to the ice rink now?"

"Yes."

"Okay, have fun."

We said our goodbyes, and five minutes later we were on our way through
the snow to the ice rink. When we reached or destination we discovered
that we weren't the only ones who had this idea: the rink was filled
with people, amongst them a few couples holding each other and skating
together. Hm. Everywhere I noticed things which remembered me about my
being alone :-( If this goes on I'll need a shrink soon!

At the rink we looked for Thomas, but he found us first.

"Danny, Tim! You're both here, great!"

"As if I was able to deny you a wish."

"You do this all the time. Nevermind. Boys, I'd like you to meet
Christine. Come on, Christine, don't hide."

The mentioned girl was standing behind Thomas, but now she stepped
beside him. Tall, lean, blond, and with a heart-melting smile on her
lips. If you're the type to be heart-melted by a girls smile.

"Hi!"

"Christine, this is my best friend in the world, Daniel, and his
brother Tim."

Daniel! Thomas knew that I didn't like to hear my full name! It always
remembered me of stress and trouble. But wait, to guys can play this
game!

"Nice to meet you, Christine. And now, would you please tell me how a
nice girl loke you can fall into the hands of someone like
Thomas-Johannes Kupfer?"

This, my dear readers, was the best kept secret of my best friend.
Besides me I guess only his parents knew that he actually had a double
name. And if I didn't like my full name, Thomas hated his double name!
His reaction didn't surprise me.

"Danny, I'll kill you! Next summer I'll throw you from the railroad
brigde into the river, and you'll drown like a rat. Or wait, I won't
wait for summer! I'll lock you into the cold-storage chamber of Jurgens
butchers shop! Oh how I'll enjoy your slow and painful death!"

Christine seemed to be only suprised, not shocked about this revelation.

"That's really your name? Thomas-Johannes?"

With a distored face (I couldn't see if it was distored because of
anger or suppressed laughter) he nodded.

"That's nice. I think it's romantic. And it fits you. Thomas-Johannes.
Can I call you Tho-Jo?"

Thomas seemed to be relieved about her reaction.

"Okay, but only when we're alone. And Danny, if you ever tell this
someone again, I'll really kill you! The same goes for you, Tim."

"In this case I'd recommend you to never call me Daniel again."

"Okay, deal."

Christine seemed to be relieved. Well, she didn't know that such little
skirmishes between Thomas and me were normal behaviour for us -- and
they never were really serious.

"Good. And about your question how I fell into the hands of Tho-Jo: I
met him on the bus in december, he was on his way to visit his poor
sick best friend, the famous Danny, and to bring him his homework."

"You mean I was the topic of your conversations from the first day on?
I feel honoured."

"Yes, and I'm really happy to finally meet you. Thomas often speaks
about you."

"Oh. Just remember: only the good things he tells you are true -- the
bad things only come from his imagination."

Christine laughed.

"Don't worry, I already knew this. To tell you the truth: you're very
important to him. When you were sick he was very worried about you."

"He wasn't worried about me, he only was worried about how he would
survive without me. I mean, who would rescue from all the trouble he
ususally finds himself in every two or three days? But I have one
question..."

"Ask it."

"What made you fall for him?"

"Hm... How to start. Okay. First thing: he's cute."

Was he? A question of personal taste, I guess. In my eyes he was just a
bit to athletic.

"He's intelligent."

What??? She knew him for three weeks already and still thought so?

"He's funny."

Okay, he always made jokes -- but often enough he was the only one to
laught about them.

"And he's really brave."

Huh?

"Brave?"

"Well, he has to be very brave to want his girlfriend to meet such a
cutie as you. I mean, this could go very wrong!"

Great! Super! If it wasn't as cold I'd be down on the floor now,
laughing my ass off -- together with Thomas and Tim. Okay, the moment I
met Christine I had my prejudices about blond, good looking girls --
they often came with an IQ not much heigher than the IQ of an average
chipmunk. But it looked like Christine was the big exception from this
rule -- even though she now looked totally amazed at us. I guess the
picture of three guys in tears of laughter withou any apparent reason
was just a little to much.

"Could one of you please tell me why you're laughing so hard?"

It took a while for us to calm down enough to answer her question. I
was the first to respond.

"I'm sorry, Christine, but if you were hoping to get me you'll be
disappointed. I guess you'll have to stay with this clod."

I pointed at Thomas.

"Oh, you're already taken."

My next smile was a little forced.

"I'd be happy if I was. You don't happen to have a cute twin brother?"

Christine looked at me in confusion, but then she realized what I meant.

"Oh, you're gay! I'll take everything back what I said about Thomas
being brave. In this case there is no danger at all."

Hearing this Tim looked a little offended, and Christine noticed that.

"I'm sorry, Tim, you're cute too, but I'm afraid you're just a little
to young for me. How old are you anyway? Fifteen?"

"Sixteen."

"You look a bit younger, but still, you're a little to young for me."

I guess Tim could live with this, at least he smiled again.

"And Danny, I'm really sorry, but I don't have a twin brother, I'm a
single child. I could only give you the name of my piano teacher, but
he's already fifty or so, and he's kinda married for years now."

"Lucky guy..."

"He, look at the ice rink, there are quite a few single boys."

"You're right, but as soon as I take a step on the ice they'll be busy
laughing their asses off. I guess I better stay off the ice, I don't
have skates anyway."

But not, the other three wouldn't let me from the hook, they dragged me
to the little booth where I had to borrow skates, and minutes later I
was on the ice against all my protests.

The next 30 minutes I spent on the ice -- most of the time literally,
falling down and trying to get up again. I just could hope that nobody
had a camcorder or I'd find myself on the funniest home video show. I'm
afraid I didn't catch the eye of a cute boy -- and if I did he surely
only was a paramedic who was looking for his next customer.

What ever. I learnt quite a bit about Thomas' new girlfriend. He never
had a bad taste, only one that often changed, but it looked like
Christine put an end to this. I wasn't sure if Thomas already had
realized it, but this girl had him in her net, totally! His free,
independent life had come to an end. Well, he could have done worse.
Much worse! And I told him exactly that when Christine and Tim were
waiting in the line to get us some mulled wine. Thomas used the chance
to speak with me without his girlfriend around.

"And? What do you think?"

"Honest answer?"

"Sure!"

"Okay. You don't deserve a gem like her."

"Thanks a lot! So you agree with my choice?"

What an odd question.

"You never asked me if I agree with your other girlsfirends."

"But now I want to know it!"

"Okay, okay. I'll tell you just one thing: don't let her go! You'll
never find a girl as good looking AND intelligent like her again."

"You think I should introduce her to my parents?"

"You didn't do it yet?"

"No, I first wanted to know what you think about her."

"You should do it quickly! I think it's important for her, she seems to
be that kind of girl."

"Okay, I'll ask her if she wants to come home with me."

I grinned.

"Choose your words wisely, or she'll think you have something naughty
planned."

"What? Oh! Thanks. But ... well ... to be honest ... we didn't ... come
one, you know what I mean ... we didn't do IT yet."

"What? After three weeks together? You didn't have to depend on your
own hand this long for years now!"

"Haha, you're the right one to speak about depending on the hand. You
haven't had anything else but your hand yet! But back to Christine, I
don't want to hurry it."

"That's good, I think she's worth the wait. And now Dr. Sommer ((a bit
like Dr. Laura, from an advice site of a german youth magazine)) closes
his practice and starts dreaming about a better future for himself
again."

"Thanks, Danny. Maybe I don't say it often enough, but I'm really glad
to have you as my best friend."

"It's a pleasure. But if I only new why of all people the nice guy is
still alone..."

"You're really a little desperate at the moment, aren't you?"

"Yes. I don't know why. Maybe because of all the happy couples around
me?"

"Don't give up. You'll see, you won't be alone much longer. Maybe you
should try to visit a gay youth group?"

"I don't know, I don't really like the idea of a self choosen gay
ghetto. I'm quite happy having lots of ^Ûnormal^Ë friends."

"I didn't say that you should change this. But the chance of meeting a
guy who's not only cute but also gay is much higher there."

"Maybe you're right. I'll think about it."

"Good. But don't wait to long, or I'll drag you there myself! Even
though all the gay boys there will only have eyes for me."

"Dream on, baby. Gays have much higher demands thant your Christine.
But okay. When we're over the stress with Reinhardt and Tim moving in
I'll see if I find a youth group."

"You promise?"

"Yes."

"Good. I need my best friend in a good, well-balanced condition. If he
isn't he can't help ME with MY problems!"

"Oh god, you're sooooo unselfish! Don't let Christine hear this. By the
way, there they are, put on your best face."

Moments later Tim gave me a cup of mulled wine -- exactly what I needed
now, standing on the ice.

Over the next few minutes Thomas asked his girlfriend if she wanted to
come home with him to meet his parents. Christine was quite happy about
this question, and shortly later they left us, walking hand in hand.
Tim and I decided to leave the ice rink, too. We came home at the best
possible moment: mom had just started to put coffee and cake on the
table. The cake was good -- the news for Tim not so good.

"Tim, I'm sorry, but besides one jacket we have to throw away all of
your things."

"I already feared that."

"But don't worry. While Danny will be at school tomorrow, we three will
go on a big shopping tour. We have to fill up all the space Danny
emptied for your in the closet."

"We don't need to hurry, it's enough to get the most needed things."

"Oh no. I want you and your dad to feel well here in your new home, and
that means, that you have to have all the things you need. So be
prepared to spend a lot of time trying out new clothes tomorrow!"

I had to grin. Poor Tim. I knew how mom is when she goes shopping, and
I was glad to not be the victim this time. Reinhardt and Tim would
spend hours in the changing cubicles! I guess even school was better
than this!

The remainder of the day went on eventless. I spent a little time to
prepare my school stuff, then I went to bed shortly after 9pm. Tim
followed me some 30 minutes later -- this time in his own bed. Today we
didn't have problems with falling asleep, and within minutes Tims slow
and even breathing told me that he already was in Morpheus' arms. This
gave me the inner rest to follow him only minutes later...

*.*.*

To be continued in part 8...