Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2003 18:25:22 -0700 (PDT)
From: Mickey S <njmcmick@yahoo.com>
Subject: Billy and Danny, Freshman Year, Ch. 20

This is a story of love between two young men. If you are under age, or
live in an area where reading stories that include sex between males sex is
illegal, or if you're not into this type of story, please leave. The story
begins in 1969. While the characters and their story are completely
fictional, it is set at places that are real and is told against a backdrop
of some real events. This was a time when all sex was safe. It isn't now,
so please respect yourself and others enough to always play safe. The
author retains all rights.  No reproductions or links to other sites are
allowed without the author's consent.  Comments are appreciated at
NJMcMick@yahoo.com


Jan 18


Danny

After a quick, thorough, but asexual shower, we dressed quickly and ran
downstairs to meet Lucy. We piled into her VW Beetle and drove the six or
seven blocks to the diner. Lucy ordered a plain omelet (blah) and Billy
ordered French toast. I got adventurous and ordered Eggs Benedict, after
asking the waitress what it was. Then Billy launched into the
interrogation.

"Okay, Luce. Come clean. What's he all about? What did he try? How far did
you let him go?"

"Hey Billy, that's not fair. We should be asking if he's a nice guy, if
Lucy had a good time, if she wants to see him again. Just because you're a
pig doesn't mean all guys are."

"White boy, I firmly believe that all men have it in them to be pigs when
the occasion arises. It doesn't mean we're evil. Just that there are times
when our little heads take over. And all hell breaks loose. You know a dick
may have a head, but it can't think."

Of course he said that just as the waitress showed up with the food. She
seemed embarrassed and put down the plates and rushed off.

"Hey, Billy, what was that all about? That was pretty blunt, and not fair
to Lucy and her date."

"Sorry, Luce. I guess I've got other things on my mind. So how did it go
last night? Did you have fun? What kind of guy is he?"

"He's really very nice. And very sexy. Not perfect, mind you. Apparently
his family has a bit of money, which I'd already guessed knowing he was
from Mendham, but he seemed to find ways to mention it a few times over the
evening. And he's seems a little stuck on himself, though he was very
attentive to me, very interested and a perfect gentleman."

"So when are you going to see him again?"

"Actually, tonight. He's asked me out again."

"Hey, when do we get to see you??

"That's not fair white boy. We're seeing her now. And besides, we pretty
much have her all to ourselves at school."

"You're right, Billy. Maybe I'm kind of jealous."

"Well, you've got me all to yourselves today because I thought I'd take you
to the supermarket so you could stock up on groceries for the next couple
of weeks."

Billy and I just kind of looked at each other, knowing how little money we
had.

"Aunt Connie bought a few things to get you started, but I thought you'd
want to get your own stuff. It's a long walk to the store and it's pretty
cold out. I could drive you over and help you pick things out."

"That's a great idea, Lucy. Let's go back to the apartment first so we can
see just what Aunt Connie got and what we need."

We got back to the house and Lucy went in to talk to Aunt Connie, while we
went up to the apartment to 'take inventory.'

"Okay, Dan, what do we do now? We haven't got enough money between the two
of us for two week's groceries, but we can't let Lucy know."

"I know. We have to get some basics, but we have to figure out a way to get
out of a big shopping trip."

"How about we just disagree on what we want? You want beef, I want
chicken. You know, that kind of thing. Act like we can't make up our minds
and end up with just a few necessities. Tell her we'll come back for the
rest when we've thought it out."

 "She might just buy that, Billy. After all, we may be gay, but we are two
guys food shopping for ourselves for the first time. She'll expect us to be
stupid about it."

After an hour in the supermarket, we left with a gallon of milk, a loaf of
bread, jars of peanut butter and jelly, some orange juice, a bunch of
bananas, a box of spaghetti, a jar of tomato sauce and a very exasperated
Lucy.

"Men are the worst shoppers ever. Don't you think ahead? Don't you plan
meals and then think what you need for them? After all this time, you don't
even seem to know what each other likes."

"I guess eating in a cafeteria makes it easy. We each just take what we
want and don't have to agree on the same stuff. We'll figure it out. In the
mean time, this will keep us going for a few days."


Lucy

I can't believe how two such intelligent guys can be so dumb in a
store. They frustrated the hell out of me, disagreeing on everything, not
seeming to have a clue what the other liked. I always thought they fit
together so perfectly, communicated without words. But I guess there are
areas where even the best couples don't quite connect. But it didn't seem
to matter to them. They disagreed with each other over food choices with
the same kind of pleasure they have agreed over other issues. I think
they've just about fixed things between them. But they're not the same kids
they were a month ago. They've lost their families and been through hell
trying to recover from that. They've grown up a bit. They'll never be those
sweet innocent boys just falling in love with each other again. But they
are back together and so in love.

Brad is something else. He is so hot, so obviously interested in me. It's
hard to tell with guys whether they are really interested or just trying to
get in your pants. Some of them learn the act at an early age. But I think
he really likes me. After a very impressive dinner at the Black Bull Inn in
Mendham, we went to see Midnight Cowboy at the Community Theater in
Morristown. Although it wasn't a gay film, I couldn't help but admire the
bond between Ratzo and Joe Buck. I left the theater in tears, while Brad
left muttering about faggots.

But when Brad drove me home and parked in front of the house, we were back
on the same planet. We made out for what must have been twenty minutes. He
kept kissing me, pushing his tongue into my mouth, sliding his hands up and
down my sides, coming closer and closer to my breasts. I rubbed my hands
all over his back, then brought them down and massaged the outside of his
thighs. At that point, he was gently kneading my breasts in his hands, and
I daringly reached into his crotch and felt something very hard inside his
pants.

"Can we go inside, Lucy?" he breathed in my ear.

"Aunt Connie's bound to be up, and even if she weren't. I'd feel really
awkward with her so close by."

"I don't want to push you. You live with your aunt. I live with my
parents. But I am so turned on by you. Isn't there some way we can get
together in private? I have to watch my little sister during the week until
around 2, but then I'm free,"

"Great timing. I'm free until Aunt Connie finishes school around 3. We'll
have to work on finding a time and place when we're both free. I think I
have an idea. I'll work on it and let you know."

Billy

We managed to get through the 'shopping' trip without spending any real
money. This really sucks. Being broke, lying to Lucy. But she bought
it. And she really seems to like this guy. It's nice to see her so happy.

"You know, white boy, we have to find a way to make some bread," I said as
we finished up lunch today.

"I know. I was just wondering how we could approach Lucy about borrowing
her car. If we could get to the lab this week and next we could make $40.00
selling plasma. I think we could buy what little food we need with $10.00,
as long as we don't get tired of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for
lunch and spaghetti at night. That would leave us $30.00 for books for next
semester. Plus whatever we can get selling back next semester's books. And
we'll both be buying used this time."

Just then there was a knock at the door. It was Lucy, of course. Who else
knew we were there?

"You don't have to knock, Luce. You know you're always welcome here."

"I know that, but I think it's safer this way. God knows what I might walk
in on, the way guys are always humping like rabbits."

"Actually, we weren't for a while, but I think we're getting back there,
Lucy."

"That's more than I need to know, Danny. Though I am so relieved that you
two are working things out. Actually, I came by to ask a favor of you, for
something sort of along those lines."

"Luce, you should know by now that the answer is no. We're not doing a
three-way with you."

Ahh, Danny can still blush. I was afraid that after all we'd been through,
he might have lost his innocence, his naiveté. He is so cute when he
turns red. It warms my heart and hardens my dick. He is so sweet.

"Billy, go wash your mouth out with soap and get your mind out of the
gutter. I'm talking about Brad."

"You mean a four-way?"

"Oh God, what did I ever do to deserve you, Billy? The favor I'm trying to
ask is to borrow your apartment one afternoon this week. Brad and I need a
place to spend some time alone together, away from his parents and Aunt
Connie. He suggested a hotel room, but that's so tawdry."

"You mean you want to do the deed with him in our bed, Luce?"

"Not necessarily, Billy. Maybe we'll just make out, fool around a
bit. Maybe we'll just talk and get to know one another better. But then
again, maybe we will 'do the deed'. It's just that the only time we've been
able to be alone is in his car. So I thought that maybe you guys could find
something to do one afternoon and let us use the place."

"How about a trade-off, Lucy? You can have the apartment if we can borrow
your car."

"It depends on who's driving, Danny. I'm not sure I want Wild Bill behind
the wheel of my car."

"It will definitely be Danny driving. I don't know how and don't have a
license."

"You're kidding! I thought everyone could drive."

"Maybe in the suburbs, Danny. They couldn't afford Drivers' Ed. in my high
school, and Pop wouldn't teach me-said his insurance would go sky high if I
got a license. Plus, it's easy to get around without a car in the city."

"Well, if we ever have the money to get our own car, I'll teach you to
drive, Billy. Much as I love to drive, don't think I'm going to be your
chauffeur the rest of our lives."

"OK, boys, it's a deal. You get the car, I get the apartment. How about
Wednesday?"

"Sounds good. One other thing, though, Lucy. I've never driven a stick, so
I need you to give me some lessons."

"No problem, Danny."

"Thanks. We'll even throw in clean sheets for you."

"Well, I would hope so."


January 21


Danny

The driving lessons weren't so bad, although I did stall a lot t
first. It's hard getting used to a clutch. And I kept forgetting I had to
use it when stopping the car, so that led to a few rough stops. And if I
ever have to stop going up a hill, we're gonna be there a while. But I
think I have the hang of it. Besides, it's going to be mostly highway
driving.

Things are getting back to normal with Billy and me. We're being more and
more affectionate. I don't jump when he touches me unexpectedly. In bed,
though, I make love to him. I don't know that I'm quite ready for him to
make love to me. Soon, I think. But one thing I know is that this is
nice. In the past, he usually, but not always took the lead in our
lovemaking. I'm finding that I really like it the other way around as well,
and he seems to also.

After lunch today, we swapped keys with Lucy, agreeing not to return until
six. I didn't have any trouble with the car and we got to the lab around
1:30. It took a lot longer this time, because we had to wait while they
separated the blood cells and gave them back to us. But that worked out
good for Billy. First, being able to lie down longer, but also because
getting the cells back doesn't weaken you as much. We left the lab at 3:00
with $20.00 in our pockets.

"Now what, black boy? We've got a couple of hours to kill. Got any
suggestions?"

"How about heading over to College Ave.? We could walk around a
while. Besides, there is something I want to talk to you about."

"That sounds ominous."

"It's just something that I've needed to tell you for a while but had to
wait for the right time. I think we're okay enough now that we can talk
about it."

"Sounding more ominous all the time."

"Forget it. Just concentrate on driving. We'll be on campus in a minute and
I'll tell you all about it."

We found a place to park on Stone St. just off College Ave. Don't let
anyone ever tell you that parallel parking is easy with a stick. We started
wandering around. The campus was deserted and we were, as usual, holding
hands.

"Okay, Billy, spill it. What's the big problem?"

"I hope it's not a big problem. Remember right after I attacked you, and we
weren't exactly relating very well? I mean, we were both having trouble
dealing with what I had done and you weren't very comfortable in having me
around."

"Yeah, that only lasted a day or two, but it was a bad time. I'm not sure
we're completely over it, but we're close."

"Well, you were studying for your last exam and I went out for a walk to
leave you alone. And I ended up almost cheating on you."

"What? What do you mean?"

"I'm sorry. It was cold when I went out so I went to hang out in the
library." I then related the story of what happened when I went to the
men's room.

Danny pulled his hand away from mine and was silent for a while.

"That really hurts, Billy, maybe more than anything else that's happened
between us lately. I know you were in a really bad place in your head, but
what were you thinking?"

"That's just it, baby. I wasn't thinking. It's like my mind went completely
blank for a few seconds. As soon as I realized what I was doing, I
stopped. I know that's no excuse. I'm so sorry. I just don't seem to be
able to stop hurting you. I'm so fucked up. I love you so much and I keep
fucking up."

We walked in silence for a few minutes. I wasn't paying attention to where
we were going when I realized we were in front of the library.

"I want you to show me. I want to see where it happened."

God, was he really going to make me do that? Dragging my feet, I led the
way downstairs, feeling guiltier with each step. I led him into the men's
room. The place was deserted. I took him to the stall I had been in and
pointed out the hole in the divider. He slowly ran his finger around the
inside of the hole.

"I'm going to go into the next booth. I want you to stick your dick through
the hole."

"What? Are you nuts? What if someone comes in?"

"You didn't seem too worried about that last week. Lock the door and don't
make any noise."

I couldn't believe he was going to make me do this. But he sounded so tough
and so sure. And I was the shit who was in the wrong, so he had a right to
be mad.

As soon as he left, I locked the door. I heard him locking the door in the
next booth as I opened my pants and stuffed my soft dick through the
hole. Instantly, I felt his hot mouth engulf my cock. It was like being
home. My dick has come to know that mouth so well, the way it sucks, the
way it licks, the tongue swirl around the head. I pressed my body against
the wall, shoving my hardon as far through it as I could. I reached up and
grabbed the top of the partition with both hands to steady myself. Danny
continued working his magic, doing all of the right things until I felt I
was about to explode. Then, all of a sudden, he stopped.

"Please, Danny, I'm almost there," I whispered.

"I'm not so sure you deserve it, black boy."

Oh, God, he's punishing me. Teasing and torturing and punishing me.

"Oh, please Danny. I said I was sorry. You know I didn't mean it; I'd never
do something like that on purpose. Please forgive me."

He licked my head now and then, sometimes taking it in his mouth and
licking around the edge. Just enough to keep me hard as a rock, but not
enough to get me off. I finally had enough and went to pull out of the hole
and finish the job with my hand. I'd never been so ready to cum and
couldn't. I pulled back an inch or two and stuck. Damn! The middle of my
shaft is the thickest part and it just wouldn't fit back through the hole
in its fully erect state. I heard Danny chuckle on the other side of the
wall.

"I thought that might be a problem, black boy."

"What are we gonna do? I'm stuck. I guess I'll just have to wait until it
gets a little softer."

"I can make sure that doesn't happen for quite a while," Danny whispered as
he again took my head into his mouth.

"Please Danny. Please forgive me. I'll never do it again. I'll never even
think about doing it again. I love you, only you."

At that, he resumed sucking and pulling on my cock. In less than 30
seconds, I came, shooting a huge load down his throat. As one final bit of
punishment, he continued sucking for a while after I had cum, knowing how
sensitive my head is then.


Danny

I was shocked and hurt that Billy had let someone else suck his dick, even
if just for a few seconds. I never even knew there were places like that,
where guys could do those things. I never thought Billy would do that. All
through junior high and high school I had watched the guys in the showers
and in the locker rooms. And wanted nearly half of them. If I thought I
could have gotten away with it, I would have sucked them all, going after
every dick in sight. And I would have let any of them suck me off. But it
was way too risky. I couldn't give myself away.

I guess Billy went through a similar kind of experience, though being from
a tougher area must have made it that much harder. The last few weeks have
been hard, but we're getting there. I'm really upset that someone else has
had the pleasure to know what Billy's dick feels like and tastes like, but
no one else knows what his semen tastes like. That's mine, and I will make
sure it stays mine.

I know he's mine. His love fills me up and warms me and makes me feel whole
in a way I never could have imagined in my life. And I think, I hope, I do
the same for him. I know he acts tough and rough and doesn't seem to care
sometimes. But he does. He cares. He needs me. He loves me. I hope I didn't
overdo it in the library men's room. I was hurt, and for once I decided not
to be the forgiving angel, but the bitch of vengeance. I think it
worked. It worked for me anyway. I got a load down my throat that I'd been
missing for over a week. And I've got him scared shitless about ever
crossing me again.


Lucy

This afternoon didn't exactly go as planned. I thought that Brad would get
here around 2:30, we'd have some tea, talk, get to know one another, and
then see where things went from there. About the only part of that that
went according to schedule was that he did arrive about 2:30.

He was in the apartment about five seconds and we had barely exchanged
hellos when he was all over me. And I was all over him. We were kissing,
feeling, groping, pulling at each other's clothes, working our way across
the room to the bed. By the time we reached the side of the bed, we were
half undressed. We quickly corrected that and Brad pulled me into bed, our
naked bodies intertwined, kissing me passionately.

Brad is totally a take-charge kind of guy in bed. He knows what he wants,
goes after it and gets it. But he didn't neglect my needs. Though he was
obviously horny, he wasn't in a hurry. He seemed to be into foreplay as
much as I am. He was not only a sensational lover, but he was able to come
back for an encore almost immediately. I wasn't counting, but I know I had
at least two orgasms each time.

By 5:30, we were both exhausted, lying in each other's arms, just reveling
in each other's warmth.

"We've got to get up, Brad. I told the guys to stay away until six."

"I know. I told my parents I'd be home about then. This is a pretty small
space for two guys to share. I really didn't look at it before. And only
one double bed? How do they deal with that?"

"You should see the size of their dorm room at Rutgers. This place is twice
as big. And dorm beds are like army cots. I'm sure this double bed seems
huge to them."

"Well, be sure to thank them for me. Are we on for Friday night?"

"You'd better believe it. I don't think I can get the guys to give up the
apartment on the weekend, but I'll work on it. And maybe sometime next
week."

"Fantastic! I got to tell you, Lucinda, you are something special. I can't
remember ever having a better time with anyone. But, unfortunately, I've
gotta get dressed and get home."

I was just finishing making the bed when Billy and Danny got home.

"Hey, Luce, how'd it go? From the looks of things, you guys did more than
talk."

"Actually, asshole, we didn't talk at all. We just pretended that we were
two horn dogs named Billy and Danny and fucked like rabbits all afternoon."

"You mean it, Lucy? You finally got some? How was it? You don't have to
tell us the details, just, was it good for you?"

"Yeah, Danny, it was good for me. And good for Brad, from what I can
tell. And don't worry; I'm not going to give you details. They are far too
personal."

"Good for you, Luce. I'm really happy for you that it's going good. So,
when do we get to meet this guy?"

"I'm not sure. Whenever I'm with him, I just want to be with him. It's kind
of early to be with others. Maybe, just before we all go back to school, we
can have dinner together with Aunt Connie and everyone can meet."

"That's cool. And anything we can help you with, just ask. You've done so
much for us."

"Actually, I was wondering if we could borrow the apartment again Friday
night. I know Aunt Connie wants you to come to dinner again, and after you
could go to the movies, my treat. I know you will absolutely love Midnight
Cowboy."

"God, you are one horny girl. But if there is one thing Danny and I
understand, it's horny. So you've got a deal."

"I love you guys."

"And we love you, Lucy. Don't ever forget, we'll always be there for you."


January 25


Danny

Billy and I had dinner with Aunt Connie on Friday night while Lucy went out
with Brad. Although Aunt Connie didn't go all out like she did last week,
it was a wonderful meal, especially considering we had been getting by on
pasta and sauce all week. I just hope we didn't act too gluttonous. Aunt
Connie is good company. Not only does she have great stories to tell, but
she is a good listener, too.

After dinner and some good conversation, we left for the movie. We had left
the apartment unlocked for Lucy and Brad. The movie got out around 12:30
and we hadn't set a specific return time with Lucy so we went over to the
diner for a while.

"Are we okay about that library thing, white boy? That 42nd St. movie
theater scene in the movie got me thinking about it and feeling guilty
again."

"Yeah, we're okay, Billy. It hurt, but I know you didn't mean it. Besides,
I think you know now that if you ever do anything like that again, I'll cut
your balls off."

Oops. Another waitress making a mad dash away from our table. They're gonna
ban us from this diner if we don't watch it. After we'd stalled as long as
we could over two Cokes and an order of fries, we slowly headed back
home. The lights were on as we walked up the driveway.

"Oh God, you guys just won't believe how wonderful he is!" gushed Lucy as
we walked in the door. "Tonight we not only had a fantastic date, but then
we came back here and had even more incredible sex than I've ever
imagined."

"So c'mon, when do we get to meet him, Luce? You've been fucking in our bed
all week and we haven't even seen the guy."

"Sunday. I've invited him for dinner with Aunt Connie. And of course, you
guys. He'll get to meet the whole family."

"Sounds great, Lucy. We'll try not to embarrass you, though Billy may have
to try extra hard."

"You know I'm always extra hard when you're around, Danny."

"See what I mean, Lucy?"

"I know what you mean. Which brings up a sort of sensitive point."

"Geez, you accuse me of talking dirty and then you talk about 'bringing up
a sensitive point'."

"Billy, be serious for a second. I have, of course, talked a lot about you
to Brad. But I haven't told him that you are gay. And he's made a few 'fag'
comments, so I'm not sure how cool he'd be with it. So maybe we can just
not bring it up on Sunday?"

"You're asking us to hide who we are, to lie, Luce?"

"No, of course not, Billy. But if the subject doesn't come up, can we just
not bring it up? And, of course, avoid physical affection. You do that most
of the time anyway."

"Okay, Lucy. We know this is important to you and you're just starting out
with him. So, no holding hands, no hugging, no kissing. And if the subject
doesn't come up, we won't bring it up. But we can't lie; pretend to be
something we're not. We've been through too much hell in the last few weeks
to go back."

"Absolutely, Danny. I wouldn't want it any other way. Thanks for
everything, guys."


Billy

It's so good to see Lucy so wrapped up in a guy and so happy. And I'm
willing to go along with her and Danny up to a point. But if he uses the
word fag, there's gonna be trouble. Like Danny said, we've both been
through hell. No way I'm putting up with any anti-gay shit. And as shy and
gentle as he is, I don't think Danny will put up with it either.

Semester break is getting really boring. We can't afford to go out and do
anything. So we spend a lot of time at home, reading, listening to
records. And cuddling. We're finally getting back to that intense physical
closeness. I know Lucy said we were used to being physically apart in
public, but that was last semester, ancient history. From Christmas until
my attack on Danny, we drew so much closer together, needing to be in
contact as much as possible. And we're getting back to that place. Only
it's not that we need it so much as that we like it.

Saturday afternoon we were both reading, listening to Melanie, one of
Danny's favorites (an acquired taste, on my part), me sitting on the
loveseat, Danny lying with his head in my lap.

"Hey Dan, there's this ad in the Village Voice for models to be in a
student film. Think maybe we could make a few bucks?"

"What's it about?"

"Just this NYU grad film student who needs a couple of guys for a short
documentary. Some nudity required, but no sex."

"I guess we could check it out. We'll call tomorrow when it's cheaper. I
know it's not much, but we can save by calling on Sunday."

Danny put his book down, pushed mine aside and looked up into my eyes.

"I want you to make love to me."

"Now? Are you sure? Are you ready?"

"Yeah. Now. I've really been enjoying making love to you, more than I
thought I would. But I so miss having you inside me. I'm ready. I need you
and want you."

"Well, you don't have to ask twice. Anything you ever need or want, just
ask, and I will be there for you."

We moved over to the bed and slowly undressed each other. Once we were
naked, I had Danny lay down on the bed and I went after him with my mouth,
kissing, licking and sucking him from head to toe. I try not to play
favorites, but I did spend a little extra time on his nipples and his
sweet, puckered asshole. I wanted to make sure that he was relaxed and
ready for me.

Finally, I grabbed the lube and slicked up a few fingers. I worked one in
and out of his hot hole, then two, then three. Every second, our eyes were
glued to one another's. I raised his legs over my shoulders, pulled my
fingers out of him and replaced them with my dick, sliding slowly into him.

Oh God, it feels like years since I've been inside him and now I'm back
where I belong. We kept the eye contact. Once I was completely buried
inside him, I lowered his legs and wrapped them around my waist. I grabbed
Danny around the waist and began pulling and pushing him on and off my
pole. I didn't need to thrust at all. I just knelt there, and pulled him on
and off me, slowly at first, then faster and harder. It didn't take me long
to get there. It had been so long without him. I came inside him, so much
more than I ever remembered cumming. He didn't cum at the same time, so,
when I had finished, I bent down to suck his beautiful white dick. I had to
pull almost completely out of him to get his dick in my mouth, but I wanted
us to be inside each other when he came. I kept sucking his rod and
remembered to lightly squeeze his balls, and in no time he was pouring his
sweet cum into my mouth and down my throat.

If this is a boring day, I hope every day of our lives is this boring.


Lucy

Sunday dinner with Aunt Connie, the boys, and Brad. Am I crazy? These are
all special people in my life, but how they're going to mix, I have no
idea. It started off normal, got a little rocky and went on from there.

Brad arrived exactly on time, with flowers for Aunt Connie. He was even
more charming than usual. Billy and Danny came down a few minutes later and
started acting the part of skeptical fathers. Aunt Connie was outdoing
herself in the kitchen, which left the rest of us some time to talk.

"Brad, don't let on to Aunt Connie that we've been spending time in Billy
and Danny's apartment. I mean, she knows I'm not a virgin, but she doesn't
have to know every detail."

"No problem, Lucy. I certainly don't want to get into conversations like
that with my parents."

"It's obvious that you and Lucy are getting along great, and having a lot
of fun, but she's our best friend and we're kind of protective of her."

"What are you trying to say, Danny?"

"Just be good to her, be honest and treat her right."

"Otherwise, we'll break your legs."

"Billy!"

"Luce, you know where I'm coming from and what I'm talking about. You mean
the world to Danny and me. And I take care of my friends. So, Brad, you
seem to be a great guy and Lucy thinks you're great. But if you're not
upfront with her, you're gonna have to answer to me."

"Food's on, everybody!"

After the pre-dinner conversation, it was a little quiet at first, until
Aunt Connie asked a question.

"So you've all seen Midnight Cowboy now. What did you think of it?"

"It had some funny moments, but overall was kind of depressing."

"I agree, Danny, but it was pretty faggy."

"I don't know that there was anything really gay about the movie, except
maybe that scene in the movie theater."

"You're right, Billy, and even Joe was uncomfortable there. He was
obviously trying to sell his sexual favors to women."

"I know Joe wasn't gay and didn't want to be with guys, but there was
something special he had with Ratzo. A bonding that I haven't ever seen
between men in a move. Not that it was gay, just a close connection."

"I don't know if it was gay or not, but I can sense a queer connection, and
they had it."

"Hey, Brad, don't be so overly sensitive to that. Danny and I both agreed
that they weren't gay."

"Hey, I know fags when I see them. Don't tell me they weren't fags."

Billy and Danny both stared at Brad for a minute then looked at each
other. Then both turned to look at me. I hesitated a bit then took a deep
breath.

"Brad, I know I introduced you earlier, but I think I have to do it
again. This is Billy and Danny, my two best friends. They are gay and they
are in love with each other. They are the two most decent guys I've ever
known in my life, and if you have a problem with fags, then you have a
problem with me."

Brad just looked at me a minute. Then he looked at Billy and Danny. Then
back at me. I couldn't figure out what was going on in his mind.

"Hey, Billy and Danny. I've never known any gay guys before that I know
of. Nice to meet you. If Lucy says you're okay, that's good enough for
me. And I've liked what I've seen of you so far."

"So you don't have a problem with our being gay?"

"I can't say that, Danny, but I'm willing to work on it. I've never known
anyone gay, but I like Lucy and trust her judgment of others. So let's just
go with the flow and we'll see how it works out."