Date: Mon, 28 Aug 2000 15:52:34 -0500
From: Jim Bob <jim72401@swbell.net>
Subject: "Why Me?" Chapter 9

Author's note: This is my first attempt so please be gentle with me.  The
story is part fact and part fiction.  There's not a lot of gratuitous sex
in it because it's a love story.  I'll suggest the sex and let your
imagination do the rest.  I would love to get comments, both pro and con.
Replies can be sent to:

MY NEW E-MAIL ADDRESS WHICH IS: jim72401@swbell.net
HOORAY - I JUST GOT MY NEW SYSTEM HOOKED UP ON DSL AND IT IS NICE!!!!!!!

Dedication: To the loving memory of Marcus Aaron, sweet little sixteen.  I
still miss you sweetie even after 4 hard years.  There's a hole in my heart
that will never be replaced but the fond memories of our time in the sun
and the love we showered each other with warm me continually.  I love you,
MAC.  Peace and love to your Mom and Aunt Wilma.

This story is protected by copyright. You may copy this file for your own
personal enjoyment but any reproduction for gain or profit will be swiftly
dealt with in a court of law.

Why Me?
Chapter 9

The alarm clock rocked the two boys from a sound, restful sleep.  Richard
ran his hands through Chad's hair and kissed the back of his neck.  He then
realized that they were still naked from their shower when his erection
started to feel it's way up between Chad's cute little booty.  He rolled
Chad over and could tell that this had had an affect on him also as there
was a tent growing in his parents bed.  Not a word had been spoken.  Chad
reached behind Richard's head and pulled it forward decreasing the distance
between them as he stared deeply and intently into his love's eyes.  Chad's
hands started pinching at Richard's nipples and he lowered his head to
Richard's chest.  One by one, he took the erect bud's into his warm mouth,
flicking them with his tongue.  He then started working his way down
Richard's stomach toward that cute belly button that highlighted his
midsection.  Then without any warning, Chad gave Richard a tremendous
raspberry right on that cute belly button.

Richard reacted by doubling up in the middle and poking Chad in the ear
with, yeah, you guessed it.  Both guys wrestled on the bed tickling and
playing grab ass, just like they were 7 year olds.  After they tired of the
child's play, soft tender kisses replaced the roughhousing.  Gentle touches
replaced the poking and jabbing.  Caresses replaced the ticking fingers.
Richard's hands reached behind and kneaded Chad's bubble butt as Chad's
hands stroked up and down Richard's thighs.  Chad's hands would stroke on
the outside and then gravitate to the delicate inner thigh sending chills
up and down Richard's spine.  Richard's massage of Chad's beautiful ass
cheeks made Chad wrap his legs around Richard's drawing their bodies closer
together and they started dry humping each other.  Mouth found mouth and
tongue found tongue.  They had gone too far already, past the point of no
return and in the valley between the boys sweaty bodies, they both erupted
sending waves of pleasure through their young frames.  They relaxed their
bodies but remained locked in a deep kiss.

"Well, looks like it will be a three shower day, at least" Richard joked.

"Yeah, and we better start getting ready.  Bob and the gang will be here
before long." Chad said and the two boys headed back into the shower for
the second time in as many hours, and basically for the same reason both
times.

Richard soaped up Chad's back and then his crack.  He noticed Chad's head
jump back when he ran his hand in the crevice between the alabaster orbs
suspended at the base of Chad's spine.  He massaged in this crack and each
time he neared that delicate rosebud Chad's head would snap back and his
eyes would close and he would bite his lip to suppress the moan.  Richard
stood up and laid his head on Chad's shoulder.  "Does that feel good baby?
Richard asked.

"You can't imagine how good your finger in my crack feels, especially when
it rubs gently across the hole." Chad replied.

"Do it to me.  Same way." Richard asked.

"K.  Turn around." Chad responded and he soaped up the rag and washed
Richard's back and cheeks and then started on the crack.  He did it very
gently just brushing up against the hole.  It evoked the same response from
Richard.

"More, more, more." Richard begged "Rub it with just your finger, sugar
booger."

And Chad removed the rag and massaged that tiny pink orifice and drove
Richard wild.  He then soaped up his hand and started to slip in a finger
and Richard jumped forward away from the invading digit.

"Bitch!" Richard said jokingly. "Slow down unless you really want to be
singing in the soprano section of the choir."  The boys finished their
shower and dressed for their night on the town.  Richard, not knowing how
late they would be kept out, phoned his Dad to let him know that all was
okay and they might not get in till late since they were with Bob.

The boys were excited about the upcoming evening.  They watched out the
window anxiously.  Then Chad was the first to see it.  "Damn, Richard.
Would they be picking us up in a Limo? Chad asked.

"Might be since Kurt drives one." Richard replied.

Chad was literally jumping up and down with excitement as the black stretch
Lincoln pulled to a stop in front of the Dean house.  Kurt blew the horn
and then got out of the car and headed for the front door.  He was such a
handsome man.  He rang the doorbell and Richard answered the door.

"Playing hard to get, Mr. Dean?" Kurt joked.

"Not really, Kurt.  Just want to get my money's worth." Richard joked back.
When they turned to walk to the car several of the neighborhood brats had
seen the Limo and were honing in on the car.  The sidewalk was abuzz with
several kids when Kurt escorted Richard and Chad to the car.

"Pardon us.  Make way for Mr. Dean and Mr. Tomzak." Kurt bellowed as they
approached the big black motorcar.  Kurt opened the door and Richard and
Chad disappeared inside.

"Hey guys.  Welcome."  Tony said.

Chad and Richard were bugeyed at the size and appointments inside the car.
TV, CD, cell phone, wet bar, big wide leather seats and there between the
drivers compartment and the rear there was a glass window.  The intercom
announced to the rear passengers that as soon as the newcomers had their
seatbelts on, the car would depart.  "Where's the remote for the TV?"
Richard asked Kurt who pointed to his ears and shook his head signifying
that he couldn't hear a word that his passenger had said.

"Pick up that intercom handset and you can talk to him." Tony said.

"Richard picked up the handset and buzzed the front compartment and Kurt
picked up the receiver.

"Yes sir?  How may we help you." Kurt answered in a fake British accent.

"First, cool it with the Sir crap.  This is Richard you're talking to and
secondly, where's the remote."  Richard asked.

They heard a whirring noise and the glass partition between the front and
rear rolled down and out of the way.  Kurt turned, smiled and said "Look in
that pocket under the front of the TV.  And you guys help yourself to the
soft drinks in the cooler if you like. There's beer for the adults also."

A short while later the Limo pulled into a reserved parking space in front
of Ziggy's Ristorante and the five guys went inside with Kurt leading the
procession.

"How may we help you?" the hostess asked them.

"Reservation for Brown for five." Kurt informed the hostess.

"Right this way Mr. Brown." The hostess said and led them to their booth.
Chad and Richard had never been to any place this nice.  There were tables
in the center part of the room but all the booths were curtained off with
heavy red velvet curtains with gold fringe and tassels, totally private
once the diners were seated within.  The hostess handed a wine list to Kurt
and announced that Nando, their waiter, would check in for drink orders
shortly and then she closed the curtains on the five guys booth.  The menus
were laid out on the table.  Chad picked up a book of matches and eyed it.

"Wow, man.  Look at this.  They have our names printed on the match books.
Cool." Chad said.

"Vee haff sparred noo expanse fur you guyz." Kurt joked in his fake German
accent.

Tony leaned into Kurt and kissed him on his cheek and said "Thank you,
Kurty."  and Chad kicked Richard under the table and gave him a funny look.
Richard knew the meaning of the nudge that Chad had given him and leaned
over and kissed Chad square, full front on the lips.  Chad blushed and
kicked Richard again in protest this time.  The others chuckled at Chad's
reaction to the kiss.

"Now, Chad, that's quite allright.  It's a private place and the waiters
are all trained to respect the privacy of the diners.  They will stand at
the outside of the curtains and announce themselves before they open that
curtain.

The guys scanned the menus and Richard was the first to notice that almost
all the prices were listed "Market Price" and asked the meaning.  Kurt
answered "Most of the items on the menu are bought fresh daily and only the
highest quality meats and vegetables are used.  They can't really post a
specific charge since the prices fluctuate greatly."

"Oh, I see." Richard replied.

"Richard, you and Chad are our guest.  I can't put a price on what you did
to get my son back so you shouldn't worry about the prices on dinner.  You
order whatever your heart desires and don't worry, I can well afford it."
Bob said.

At that time they heard a tiny bell sound outside their curtain and Nando
announced that he was ready to take their drink orders.  Kurt ordered him
inside the curtained area.  Nando walked in and it was evident that he was
gay.  He was flamboyant beyond reason.  He had on a Tux pants and shirt,
the top two buttons undone, and his order pad was tucked behind this
vividly floral cummerbund.  Each ear had multiple piercings and there
around his neck was a gold chain with a triangular piece of metal in bright
pink.

The men ordered drinks and an seafood appetizer tray.  Nando excused
himself and drew the curtains tight again.  Richard looked at Tony and
asked "Is he ...?"

"If you're asking if he's a `sister' the answer would probably be yes.
What gave him away?" Tony asked back.

"Just his feminine movements." Richard answered.

"Sometimes that is not a give away.  Lot's of straight men have feminine
attributes - look at Milton Berle - he used to dress up in drag on his
nationwide TV show.  But he was as straight as they come.  It was rumored
that he was hung like a horse and loved to show it off and compare and make
bets with other men.  Anyway, I digress from the subject - did you notice
the necklace he was wearing?" Tony asked.

"You mean the pink triangular ornament?  I've seen pink triangles graphics
on some of the gay sites on the internet.  Is that a sign, kinda like the
fish is for Christians?" Richard asked.

"Sure.  And the rainbow is another.  The Greek Lambda is used in Lesbian
circles.  Then there's the `hanky codes' that are too numerous to try and
explain in a single setting." Tony answered.  Polite conversation followed
and shortly thereafter, the bell rang and Nando announced that the first
course had arrived.  Kurt asked him in.  He placed the drinks and
appetizers and opened his pad and began to take their dinner orders.

Once completed, he drew the curtains tight and then Kurt put his arm around
Tony and raised his drink glass in the air.  "To Richard and Chad, may they
be as happy forever as I am now that Tony has come home." Kurt toasted as
the adults raised their wine glasses and Richard and Chad raised their
Cherry Vanilla Dr. Peppers.  Tony pulled Kurt's face to his and gave him a
warm, tender kiss.  Bob's eyes became misty and it was evident from the
smile on his face that the tears offered up were from joy.  Ever since Tony
had come home Bob had questioned himself as to whether or not Tony would
remain in Lewisville and it was becoming more apparent that the temporary
arrangement that they shared would become more permanent and this made Bob
very happy.

The guys made short order of the appetizer tray, cracking crab and peeling
shrimp.  Richard took the last shrimp and placed it half in his mouth with
half out and leaned into Chad who eagerly took the portion offered to him.
And Tony took two of the oysters on the half shell and placed one in Kurt's
hand and they hooked arms and slurped down the slimy bivalves.  Tony got an
evil grin on his face, looked at Kurt and said "Finish the oysters off, big
guy.  You're probably going to need them before this night is over.".  Kurt
blushed and reached for the appetizer tray just as the bell rang announcing
the arrival of the main course.  Nando entered and served the men the main
course and excused himself pulling the curtain tight behind him.  All the
men except Tony picked up their utensils when Tony asked "May we say Grace
before we eat?".  The men replaced their silverware and bowed their heads.
Tony said the prayer giving thanks for the many blessings that they all
shared and ending with "Let us also thank you, Lord, for bringing this
house back together and making it a home.  We beseech you to make it
everlasting.  Amen".  Tony looked at his Dad, not a dry eye in the entire
house and said "With your permission of course." And his Father pulled him
into his arms and said in between sobs "Nothing could make me any happier
or my life more complete.  Welcome home, my son.".  The guys had a
wonderful meal with Baked Alaska for desert and the ride back home was
fairly quiet since they were all stuffed and the mood was melancholy.
Richard and Chad thanked their hosts for an absolutely wonderful evening
and went into the Dean house.  Once inside, Chad pulled Richard to him in a
tender embrace and just stood there looking deeply into Richard's eyes
while running his fingers through his hair.

"Richard, Is there any way I could be happier?" he asked.

"Yes, Chad.  You would be if you were Richard Dean." he responded.

They dropped the embrace and walked hand in hand up to the master bedroom
and then faced each other.  Chad reached over to his lovers shirt and
started unbuttoning it.  This action was mirrored by Richard and soon they
stood facing each other nude as the day they were born.  Richard pulled the
covers back and they crawled in the huge king size bed.  They lay facing
each other, silent yet speaking volumes with their eyes.  Richard kissed
Chad ever so lightly on his lips and then laid his head on Chad's chest.
Chad stroked Richard's back and in no time at all he heard the peaceful
sounds of his lover lightly snoring.  Chad continued stroking Richard's
back and cute butt until his eyelids became heavy and he, himself, drifted
off into sleep.

The house rattled as the thunder exploded through the sky and shook the two
lovebirds from their deep sleep.  Richard looked over his shoulder at the
window and rolled facing Chad and said his good morning's and then planted
a kiss on Chad's lips.  He then jumped from the bed sporting his usual
morning boner and ran for the bathroom.

"Hey, save some of that for me." Chad joked as he chased after Richard.  As
he rounded the corner of the bathroom door, being unfamiliar with the
surroundings, he tripped on the clothes hamper and went sliding right into
Richard who was presenting himself to the `white eye'.  Richard had already
begun to relieve himself and as he fell backwards over Chad both guys got
introduced to the true meaning of what a `golden shower' was.  They laughed
uncontrollably which prevented Richard from ceasing the flow of urine from
his engorged member.  Richard got up and gave Chad a hand up and opened the
door to the shower stall.

"Remind me to wash a load of towels before the `rents get home." Richard
remarked.

They showered together washing each others most private parts, exploring
each others body and then toweling each other off afterwards.  Being alone
in the house, they went to the kitchen au natural and Richard asked Chad to
fix the orange juice while he prepared French Toast.  At the snack bar they
sat next to each other and ate their breakfast and after cleaning up the
dirty dishes they went to Richard's room and went online.  Richard had been
so preoccupied the past 24 hours he had not checked his e-mail.  When he
opened up his account there was an e-mail from Geoff.  The correspondence
just stated that he hadn't seen Richard online for a couple of days and
that he was looking forward to meeting them in Saugatuck.  He also
requested a time for them to meet at the statue of Burr Tilstrum in the
pocket park on Main Street.  Richard replied to Geoff's e-mail letting him
know that he would have to find out the time since he wasn't driving.  He
also expressed his excitement at meeting his internet pal and having a fun
filled day.  Richard and Chad dressed and heading out to the mall when the
phone rang.  Richard answered the call from Eric.

"Hey Richard.  How's it hanging?" Eric joked.

"Down and to the left right now.  How's your's hanging?" Richard joked
back.

"May not be hanging for long at all if I'm lucky.  You got any plans right
now?" Eric asked.

"If you have me in mind I think you know the answer to that without me
responding." Richard said rather sharply.  Chad pulled in closer and a
worried look crossed his brow.

"Wait, you've got it all wrong.  This is the new Eric, remember?" Eric said
defensively.

"Then what did you have in mind?" Richard asked.

"I was wondering if me and a friend could come over and visit.  Only place
to go in this rain is to the mall and that's not all that inviting." Eric
said.

"Sure, come on over.  Chad's here and we're bored too." Richard replied.

In what seemed no time at all, Eric's car pulled up in the drive and both
doors swung open simultaneously.  Two bodies flew through the pouring rain
and came to a sliding stop on the front stoop of the Dean house.  Richard
had heard them and was at the front door to greet the drowned rats.  Chad
stood behind Richard with one of the few remaining clean towels in the
house.  They both looked surprised when they realized that Eric had brought
Jon Fox with him.  Was this the one that he had told Richard he might get
lucky with.  John was a Senior at the school they went to.  Physically he
was nondescript, brown hair, brown eyes, average build, nothing spectacular
but he had a wonderful personality.  Wherever he went he attracted small
groups of students and he kept them entertained with his sharp wit,
intellectual ability and warm, friendly persona.

"You guys know Jon, don't you?" Eric asked.

Both guys nodded affirmatively and held out their hands to greet Jon.
After removing their wet shoes, all four guys marched into the kitchen.
"Anything to drink?" Richard asked and he took their drink orders and
filled them.  "You guys excuse me a minute.  I have to start a load of
towels or we'll be using dirty ones to dry off with" Richard said and he
was off to the laundry room.

"So what have you guys been up to, Chad?" Eric asked.  Chad told them about
the dinner they had gone to last night.  Eric had never heard of Ziggy's
but Jon had been there with his family before.

"You going to play football this year Jon?" Chad asked.

"Naw, I don't think so.  I love playing, and I don't think I am half bad,
but most of the other players couldn't pour piss out of a boot if the
directions were on the heel." Jon responded.  They all got a chuckle out of
his classification of the Jocks at their High School, mainly because he had
pretty clearly hit the nail on the head.  Most of the guys had a reputation
of being troublemakers.

"Coach Taylor may be pissed when he finds out.  You're one of the few with
any brains on offense."  Eric said.

"Let him be pissed.  I'm just not going to lower myself to that level.
This is my last year in High School and I want it to be enjoyable.  I still
have some pain from that pulled groin muscle I got last year." Jon said.
Eric and Chad looked sideways at each other and just grinned at that
remark.

"What are you clowns making eyes about?  If that silent joke has reference
to my groin injury, I'm gonna give you a groin injury so that you can
appreciate what I have been through." Jon said and he grabbed for that flap
of skin that protrudes on the front inner portion of the calf and fades
into the crotch on Eric's leg.

"Just kidding, Buddy, just kidding." Eric laughed as he jumped back out of
reach.

Richard's yelled down from the laundry room for Chad to bring him the
bleach from under the kitchen sink.  Chad grabbed the bottle and took it up
to Richard.  Richard leaned over the washer to pour in the bleach and when
he did Chad walked up behind him and nestled his crotch in the valley
between Richard's cheeks.  "Never did it on a washing machine before." Chad
joked.  "Neither have I." Richard joked back and he reached between his
legs and grabbed Chad by the balls and squeezed real tight.  Chad howled
and bent double in pain while Richard bent double laughing at him.  "Here,
let me kiss it and make it better." Richard said as he bent over and kissed
Chad's crotch.  "Oh, it still hurts.  Keep kissing there., please." Chad
cried.

"Yeah, you wish." Richard said as he smiled real big.  He stood up and
pulled Chad to him and did kiss him passionately on his lips.  They broke
their embrace and headed downstairs.  As Richard approached the lower level
of stairs he could see Eric and Jon in an embrace.  He held up his hand to
stop Chad but Chad didn't notice.  Chad stepped on the back of Richard's
leg and they fell the rest of the way down the stairs and landed on the
floor.  Everything is funny to sixteen year old boys and they broke into a
fit of laughter.  Their being in shape had kept them from hurting
themselves tumbling down the last few steps.  Nevertheless Eric and Jon
went to their aid and helped them up off the floor joining in the laughter.
Chad had obviously not seen the exchange between Jon and Eric so it was
Richard's secret.

"Chad, why don't you take Jon in the den and you guys fire up the play
station or turn on the tunes on MTV and leave Eric and me in here to fix
lunch." Richard said.

"K.  C'mon Jon.  I can tell when we're not wanted, or needed." Chad joked
and they went to the den as instructed.

Once they were out of earshot Richard said "So this is the one you were
talking about?".

"Whaddya think about him?  I'm not sure if he is or isn't." Eric asked.

"From what I know about him, Jon is a nice guy.  But if you weren't sure
about him, what was that octopus wrestling match I witnessed coming down
the stairs?" Richard said as he grinned.

"Shit, you weren't supposed to have seen that.  Did Chad see it also?" Eric
asked.

"Naw, I don't think Chad saw it.  He was too busy looking elsewhere and
stepped on the back of my leg when I tried to stop him, that's how we ended
up on the floor.  How did you find out if he liked `boys' though?  Last I
heard you only suspected it." Richard asked.

"Before school was out I overheard him telling a couple of his friends that
he was so hard up that he was gonna have to put an ad in the Yahoo
Personals.  He didn't say whether it would be in the straight or gay
section so I just kept an eye on the gay ads and sure enough, a couple of
days ago, I saw one that I thought was probably him and I e-mailed him with
my ICQ number and the next day he caught me on line and we felt each other
out.  He had no idea who I was but I was pretty sure I knew it was him, and
it was.  Cool, huh?" Eric said.

"Not just cool, rad.  How far has it gotten?  Have you asked if he's gay or
bi?  Spit it out.  Have you done `it' yet.  Listen to me!!!  Eric, I
apologize.  That's really none of my business.  I'm sorry, man."  Richard
said.

"No problemo, Bud.  We talked about the sexuality issue before we met in
person.  Hell, he's just like so many teens, just not sure.  He has
feelings for both sexes just like I do, it's just that societal pressures
prevents us from acting on those feelings the same as straights." Eric
stated.

"Did you tell Jon about me and Chad?" Richard asked.

"Not on your life Buddy.  That's your business and I wouldn't think of
`outing' you cause I know you wouldn't `out' me." Eric replied.

"Hey, did you guys go on strike or what?  You've got two starving men in
here." Chad bellowed from the den.

"Keep your shirt on.  It'll be out in a minute.  Hey Jon, what would you
like to drink?" Richard asked.

"Anything with cola is fine with me." Jon answered.

Richard dumped a bag of chips in a bowl and sent that and a plate piled
high with ham and cheese sandwiches out with Eric.  He followed a few
minutes later with the drinks and the trimmings for the sandwiches.  The
guys ate until everything that had been placed before them was gone.

The storm still raged outside.  The intensity had remained at a high level
ever since that bolt of lightening woke Richard and Chad.  Chad got up and
walked to the front door and asked "Has anyone seen a weather forecast?".

"Not since yesterday." Eric replied.

"Well, it just keeps coming down.  The gutters are starting to fill up out
in the street." Chad remarked.

"Hey, anyone on for a game of Euchre?" Eric asked.

"Sounds like a winner to me.  Sure don't want to go out in weather like
this." Jon replied and all the guys went back in the kitchen and dug out
the cards and spent the afternoon playing Euchre.

"Anyone hungry?" Richard asked as the sun started setting in the western
sky.

"Boy am I."  the other three replied in unison.

"Let's see what we have in the pantry." Richard said.  Suddenly a bolt of
lightening lit up the evening sky followed immediately by a clap of thunder
and power was lost to the house.

"Damn, that was close." Eric commented.

"Stay put guys.  I'll get candles and flashlights."  Richard said and he
left the room in search for sources of illumination.  He came back in later
with several candles and a couple of flashlights.

"Well, so much for cooking.  Electric stoves won't work when the power is
off." Richard joked. "Let me see what is in the freezer that I could thaw
out real quick."

"Yeah, just pop it in the microwave on defrost - that should take care of
it." Chad said to a resounding "d'OH" from all three of the other guys.
"What'd I say?" Chad asked.

"Think about what you just said?  If the freaking electric stove won't
work, how could the microwave oven work?" Richard said as he opened the
freezer compartment.  "Hellfire, how would I know.  I'm not domestic." Chad
said as he blushed from embarrassment. Richard found some pork chops in the
freezer and he put them in water to thaw them faster.  The guys lit the
candles and resumed playing Euchre and played for about an hour.  Richard
felt the pork chops and they were thawing nicely so he cut up some potatoes
and started out to the grill.  Good thing it was a gas grill - and it had a
side burner for the french fries.  Richard prepared dinner and took it back
inside.

"Is it still raining hard out there?" Eric asked.

"Cats and dogs." Richard replied as he sat the food on the table.  Chad had
made a salad while Richard was outside cooking and they added this to their
meal.

The guys grabbed up plates and helped themselves to the impromptu feast
that Richard had prepared.  Pretty soon the only thing on the plates were
the bones from the chops.  "What time is it getting to be?" Eric asked.

"9:45." Chad replied.

"Oh, shit.  You had better call your house Jon.  We told them this morning
that we would be back at 6.  They're gonna have a cow." Eric said

Jon called his house and talked with his mother.  Since they had no
electricity they were unaware that there was severe flooding in several
parts of town.  With the storm situation the way it was, the Police were
asking people to stay off the streets.  Jon cuffed the telephone receiver
and asked Richard if he could stay the night and Richard assured him that
would be okay and the best thing to do and Jon told his Mom it would be
okay.  Richard looked past Jon and there was Eric with a `Possum' grin on
his face.

"Eric, don't you think it would be wise for you to check in with your
`rents and let them know that you will be staying over here also?" Richard
asked.

"Sure thing." and Eric called his house and advised them as to where he
was, that it was unsafe to come home and that he would be staying at
Richard's.

The guys had tired of playing cards.  Like most teenagers of the day, they
had been entertained by TV and game ports and didn't know how to entertain
themselves.  Or did they?

"I'm getting tired.  Where'd you want us to sleep?" Eric asked Richard.

Richard knew full well the hidden meaning of this so he decided to play
along with them.

"Well Eric, you can sleep in my bedroom and Jon, you take the guest
bedroom." Richard said coyly.

"Shoot, Richard, there's no reason to mess up another set of sheets.  Why
Don't Jon and I just sleep in your room.  If that's okay?" Eric said.

"It's no bother.  I really don't mind `cause there's not that much extra
work in throwing another set of sheets in the washer." Richard said.

"Okay, but don't say we didn't try and save you all that extra work." Eric
said and he and Jon marched off to their bedrooms.  The phone rang and
Richard answered it.  It was the nightly call from his Dad checking on him.
Richard advised him of the current weather conditions and that they were
without power BUT that everything was okay.  He also let him know that they
had two extra guests staying because of the street flooding.  His Dad had
no problems with the arrangement.  Richard checked to make sure that the
house was secure and that no one had left any lit candles.  Then he and
Chad went up to the master bedroom and lit the room with candles and did
the same with the bathroom.  Then they drew a tub of water rather than take
a shower.  Richard stood facing Chad and they undressed each other very
slowly, caressing each others bodies as each article of clothing was shed.
Not much was said between soft tender kisses.  Richard slipped into the tub
and Chad got in behind him.  Chad washed Richard completely and then they
switched places with Richard behind Chad and the process started up in
reverse.  After they were thoroughly clean they just lay in the tub until
the water started to cool down.  The two lovers got out of the tub and
dried each other off.  Both guys were sporting nice towel racks by now.
They went to the bed and lay side by side.  Chad pulled Richard into his
naked body and kissed him.  Richard opened his mouth and slid his tongue
into Chad's mouth.  Chad broke the kiss and said "That was a pretty dirty
trick you pulled on Eric and Jon tonight.".

"What on earth are you talking about?" Richard asked.

"Making them sleep in different bedrooms." Chad answered.

"Why would that be a dirty trick?" Richard asked.

"Because Eric wants to get in Jon's pants." Chad replied.

"And how do you know that?" Richard asked.

"Cause when you two were out there in the kitchen, Jon asked if you and I
weren't just a little bit closer than best friends.  I'm sorry but I
couldn't, no wouldn't, lie about it and I told him that we were in an
exploration stage of our sexuality and that we hadn't done anything yet but
the possibility that something could happen was there.  That's when he told
me that basically that is where he and Eric are."  Chad confessed.

"Chad, I wish you hadn't done that without my knowledge.  I'm not sure that
I want everyone to know our situation.  It makes me nervous, you know?"
Richard replied.

"I'm sorry, Baby.  You know I wouldn't intentionally harm you for anything
in the world." Chad said and he placed his lips to Richards.  Richard broke
the kiss and said "Anyway, you thought I was playing a dirty trick.  I
figure that as soon as they think it is safe that they will end up in the
same bed before the night is out.  In fact, I'll lay odds that they have
already slipped off to the same bed."  Richard joked.

"You're on.  What are we betting?" Chad asked.

"Okay, if I win you fix breakfast in bed for me.  And if I lose I'll do
anything in bed that you want to do." Richard said knowing that he had
already won the bet since he had heard the squeaky plank in the hall just
outside the guest bedroom announce that someone was either coming or going.

"You're on." Chad said and they rose from the bed, slipped into their
boxers and walked quietly down the hall.  They stopped first at the guest
bedroom and heard no noises coming from there so they crept down the hall
to Richard's room and could hear sounds of passion coming through the door.
Now Richard and Chad walked silently back to the guest bedroom and opened
the door to find the bedclothes still in place.  Not a sign of Jon.  They
left the door open and went back to the master suite and crawled under the
crisp cool bed sheets and embraced.

"I'll have a ham omelet, hash browns and crisp bacon." Richard said.

"Smart ass.  Go ahead and rub it in.  If the electricity is still out
you'll be lucky to get cereal." Chad said and he shut Richard up by placing
his lips on Richard's.  They embraced and held each other close.  Richard
asked "Chad, do you think that we are going to fast?".

"Not as fast as those two in your bedroom." Chad replied "But I am
comfortable with the speed we are going at.".  And he kissed Richard good
night and Richard rolled over.  Chad slid gently up behind Richard and held
his body next to his lovers and wrapped his arms around Richard.  Richard
felt the firmness of Chad's `pecker' nestled up between his cheeks and he
wiggled his butt just like when they had sleepovers before that day in the
meadow.  They fell off to sleep to the music of the storm that had awakened
them this morning.

Daylight crept through the blinds of Richard's bedroom window to find two
tired sleepy guys on top of the covers.  With the electricity being out,
that also meant that the air conditioning was out.  And the two guys had
radiated a lot of body heat the previous night.  Eric had gotten up and
cracked the window to help make it more bearable.  They had spent the
better part of the night exploring how they could make each other happy.

That same sun that was illuminating the newfound lovers was creating
psychedelic patterns on the bed in the master suite as it broke through the
lace curtains.  Richard stirred first.  Chad was still nestled up behind
him.  Richard felt a little guilty when he reached behind himself and
fondled Chad.  In his mind he was trying to justify speeding things along
to try and catch up with his hormones but that decision would have to be a
joint one, no pun intended.  He knew he could convince Chad but was it the
right thing to do.  He withdrew his hand because he knew the answer to that
question better than anyone else.  He had known of straight couples who had
bedded down on the first or second date, people who known each other all
their lives, and ended up hating each other.  What was the reason?
Probably immaturity, trying to satisfy their own sexual urges rather than
consideration of the one they love.  Richard's thinking was way beyond his
16 years and he knew he would have to be the stabilizing force if this
relationship was to survive.  He would have to be strong though.  These
past two nights he had come dangerously close to going over the line and he
just couldn't use `Everyone's doing it.' as a suitable excuse.  There had
to be a foundation of love if the love he felt for Chad and, hopefully Chad
felt for him, would be everlasting.  Suddenly he remembered Eric and Jon
and rolled over and shook Chad awake.

"Mmmm.  What time is it Sweetie?" Chad asked.

"Time to get up and go check on our guests." Richard said and he got a
mischievous grin on his face.

"That's right.  We do have company.  Let's go peek in on them." Chad
replied.

They got up and tiptoed down the hall noticing that the guest bed had not
been slept in and pulled the door to the room closed.  Then, hearing no
sounds coming from the room like they did last night, they peeped in to see
the two lovebirds with arms and legs entertwined.  They closed the door and
went back to the master bathroom and freshened up and brushed teeth since
neither one of them wanted the other one to smell their `brown' breath.
They just pulled on boxers, went to the den and Chad selected CD's for the
player and the tunes started playing.  They then went to the kitchen and
Richard started a big pot of coffee.  Thank goodness the electricity had
come on during the night as they had no earthly idea how to get that
caffeine fix without an electric coffee pot.  They relaxed around the snack
bar in the kitchen waiting for the other two to rise.

They heard movement from Richard's room to the hall bath and figured that
they would be down soon so Richard started the toaster oven up and slipped
L'eggo Waffles in to warm up.  Soon after Jon came walking in followed by
Eric.

"You have any baking soda?" Jon asked.

"For?" Richard replied.

"To finger brush my teeth with.  It tastes like a herd of Buffalo's slept
there last night." Jon replied.  Richard pulled the box of Arm and Hammer
Soda out and gave it to him and Jon wet his finger and dusted it down with
the soda and then handed it to Eric.  Eric did the same and they went in
the powder room off the kitchen to clean their teeth the best they could
under the circumstances.

When Eric and Jon came back in the room Richard asked Chad to go pull the
sheets of the guest bed and Richard's bed and put them in the washer.

"That's not necessary.  We'll go take care of our own laundry." Eric said.

""Okay, then.  I'll let you do it." Richard answered.

Richard pulled the L'eggo's from the toaster oven and put two on each of
the three guys plates.  "Don't you want some Richard?" Chad asked.

"You forget, little man, that I get breakfast in bed this morning.  Thought
I'd forget, didn't you?"  Richard reminded Chad.

"Yeah.  I totally forgot.  I wasn't trying to shag you out of your
breakfast in bed.  Let me finish my waffles and I'll get started on it."
Chad said.

Richard sat and drank coffee with the other three while they finished
breakfast.  When they were through he rose and announced that he would be
waiting for his breakfast in the `Master Suite' and he rose and went
upstairs.  From the top of the stairs he said "Jon, that was nice of you to
go ahead and make up your bed in the guest room even if you were gonna just
turn right around and put the linens in the wash."  He caught one of them,
not sure which, mid-swallow because he heard a coughing spasm followed by
laughter.  Richard went in the master suite and jumped under the covers and
put his hands behind his head.  What he wasn't aware of was there was a
`special' breakfast treat in store for him.

Back downstairs the three guys began hatching up a prank to play on
Richard.  Chad cooked up the eggs, sausage and muffins not knowing how to
make an omelet or hash browns and they put it on three different
plates. Chad announced from the hall "Breakfast is served" and Richard sat
upright in the bed waiting for payment of the debt that Chad owed him. The
three boys marched in stark naked, each one carrying a plate of food. Chad
had a platter of eggs, Eric a Platter of sausage and Jon had a plate with
English muffins piled high with butter and jam.  Once everyone was in place
Chad instructed Jon to give Richard his utensils.  Chad gave Richard a
plate to be served on and tied an apron around his neck for a bib.  He then
presented his offering of eggs scrambled with cheese.  Richard decided to
play along with their antic and said "Just as I suspected.  The freshest
eggs are in the plate."  . Eric and Jon got a chuckle out of this.  And
Richard played along with them. "Nice sausage you have there boy."  as he
removed four of the link's from the plate.  It was difficult to keep his
attention on the plate when there truly was a nicer sausage nestled in
between Eric's legs.  He had seen Eric in a much more engorged state in the
bathroom at the park though.  Then he turned to Jon and removed a couple of
the English Muffins from the plate and said "This butter had better have
come from Daisy the Cow and not Elmer the Bull." which drew a few snickers
from Eric and Chad.  Richard did sneak a few peeks at Jon's dick, not
impressive but cute with it's little hood covering the head.  Richard had
not seen that many uncircumcised guys before and it was a natural
curiosity.  "I can see you're not a natural blonde, Jon." Richard joked.

"Naw.  It's the sun.  Bleaches it out naturally in the summertime." Jon
replied.

After Richard had finished his meal he said "Okay, now how do we decide who
does the dishes?"  Richard asked.  And all three pointed to Chad.

"Why's everybody always picking on me?" Chad asked.

"Because you're so lovable." Richard said and gave him a peck on the lips.

"Now, so that we can enjoy the day, you guys help me get the sheets in the
washer." Richard said.

"Uh, I have a confession to make Richard." Jon said.

Richard and Chad looked at Jon and said in unison "We already know.".
Richard then said "Just get the one's off my bed."  They all collapsed on
the bed laughing, almost spilling the remaining eggs.  Eric leaned over and
kissed Jon catching him off guard and said "I love you even if you can't
tell a convincing lie."

The four guys all pitched in and cleaned up the house, washed the sheets
and had everything in ship shape order.  Eric and Jon said their goodbyes
and left Chad and Richard standing in the door.  The two boys went back
inside and closed the door.  Richard turned to Chad and embraced him and
ran his hands through Chad's hair.  He then leaned in and kissed him on the
forehead and moved down to a pair of inviting, full, luscious lips.

""Well, we're alone now, lover boy." Chad said.

"At last.  That was fun though.  I'm proud of Eric and the way he is
turning out.  I just hope he continues to develop positively." Richard
said.

"Richard, I love you more each minute I am around you." Chad said and
planted a kiss on Richard's mouth.

"The same goes for me Chad.  This holding back had been the hardest thing I
have ever done in my life.  Chad do you really, really love me?" Richard
asked.

"More than anything in the world.  Richard, how long have we known each
other?" Chad asked.

"Almost as far back as I have memory." Richard responded.

"I think that back to the first time can remember I have admired and adored
you.  It wasn't even a `growing together' thing either.  It was like we
were destined to be together as very best friends if nothing else, had we
been straight.  I don't think this is a phase I am going through, Richard.
I feel totally complete when I am with you, like I don't need anyone or
anything else when you are with me." Chad said, pulling Richard into a warm
embrace and running his hands through Richard's hair and holding him for
dear life.

Richard responded in like and said "Chad, I love you, oh how I love you."
and he placed his lips to Chad's.  Mouths opened and tongues started
darting in and out, tracing the outlines of each others teeth.  Chad caught
Richard's tongue in his mouth and sucked it in as deeply as was physically
possible and sucked like there was no tomorrow, Chad reached down and
picked Richard up and carried him to the bed in the master bedroom and laid
him down.  He removed the Tee-shirt covering Richard's well defined body
and lowered his head to his nipple and began sucking.  Needless to say,
each of them were as hard as possible.  Richard began stroking Chad's back
and butt and began gently grazing the inside of his thighs with just the
tips of his fingernails.  Chad spread his legs wide and laid back.  Richard
lowered his head and started kissing Chad's woodie through his shorts.
Pretty soon they were wet inside and outside.  Richard would suck through
the damp material and then just blow through it.  He then reached for the
zipper and Chad's hand came down and held his preventing him from going any
further.

"Richard, you remember the promise we made - to take it slow and easy?"
Chad asked.

"Yes, I do." Richard responded.

"Well, things are about to get out of hand and I don't want to jeopardize
this relationship so if it's possible, can we slow down just a little?"
Chad asked.

Richard moved back up to look Chad in the eyes and said "I love you now
more than ever before.  That wasn't a test, Chad, but it does show me that
you are willing and able to make this relationship a lasting one.".  Both
boys laid there drinking in each other with their eyes for the longest.

Their quiet time together was interrupted by the doorbell ringing and a
hand banging against it.  They went downstairs and Jon was at he front
door.  He had Eric's arm draped around his shoulder and was holding Eric
up.

"My God.  What happened?" Richard said helping Jon get Eric inside.

Well, that's all for now guys. Hope you like it.  I welcome responses and
can now be reached at my NEW E-MALE ADDRESS - jim72401@swbell.net.

I apologize for taking so long on this chapter but I had to get the new
system up and running plus I suffered some mental constipation.  Where do
you think I should go with this story?  I have several ideas for upcoming
chapters.  As so many of you know, living the gay lifestyle is not an easy
one.  For those who argue that we choose to be this way, I ask "Why would
one choose to?  Why Me, anyway?"