Date: Tue, 21 Oct 2003 17:18:03 -0700 (PDT)
From: Mickey S <njmcmick@yahoo.com>
Subject: Billy and Danny, Freshman Year, Ch. 32

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.

I would like to thank all of those who have written to me with comments,
suggestions and encouragement, especially my fellow writers in the Nifty
Six. 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.


April 13

Danny

I woke up feeling much better than when I went to sleep. It's amazing what
several hours of physical contact with Billy can do for my emotional
state. When his arms are around me, I really do feel like nothing bad can
ever happen to me. Unfortunately, I can't have his arms around me
twenty-four hours a day. Getting through art class wasn't easy. I've gotten
used to being naked in front of the students and as uncomfortable as it can
be, holding poses isn't as hard as it was in the beginning. But just
sitting or standing leaves you with lots of time to do nothing but think,
something I'd rather not be doing right now.

Lunch was a great distraction, though. I stopped at the Post Office on the
way to the Commons to meet Billy and there were letters from both Mark and
Brad. We've been getting letters from Mark almost every day but this was
only our second from Brad since Spring Break. For some reason, he seems to
prefer writing to Lucy. I took both letters to lunch.

Billy had already eaten half his lunch when I set my tray on the table.

"It's about time, white boy. Where have you been?"

"Art class ran a little late and then I had to get dressed. And I stopped
to pick up the mail."

"Anything interesting?'

"Just a letter from Mark. And one from some guy at Cornell."

"Gimme Brad's. You can open Mark's."

"Not that I have anything against Mark, but how come you get to open
Brad's?"

"Because I'm older and prettier. Now hand it over."

"Okay, I've got to eat anyway. Why don't you open them both and tell me
what's new, then I'll read them and see what they really have to say."

"Hey remember, I'm an English major. I think I can read a letter."

"Not if you don't stop talking. I'm only letting you open them because I'm
eating, but if you don't stop talking I'll be done and I'll take them
back."

"Anybody ever tell you what a pest you can be? Okay, I'll read them." Billy
tore open Brad's letter and skimmed through it. "Fantastic! I can't believe
it! This is great!"

"What? Stop teasing me and tell me. What's fantastic?"

"Brad's coming down next week. Monday is Lucy's birthday and he wants to
surprise her. He's got a couple of classes Monday morning and then he's
gonna drive down here. He thinks he should be here between five and six. He
wants us to make plans with her to go out to eat and he'll surprise her."

"That is fantastic. I thought we'd have to wait another month to see him
again. Is he going to stay with us?"

"I'm sure he'd rather spend the night with Lucy but they don't allow that
at Douglass, so I guess he's stuck with us."

"Okay, I'm done. Give me Mark's letter. At least I get to open one." Billy
handed over the other envelope while he reread the letter from Brad. "I
don't believe this. Mark's crazy, but I can't wait."

"Okay, Danny, now who's the tease? What's Mark up to?"

"Brad called him and told him that he was coming down here so Mark is going
to take the train down to New York Sunday afternoon and meet us at The
Restaurant, then come back here with us. He wants to surprise both Lucy and
Brad."

"Looks like we're gonna have a full house. And a lot of fun, even if it is
just for one day. Brad has to go back the next morning. He's only going to
miss a couple of classes, but he can't miss too many this late in the
semester."

"Yeah, Mark has to leave Tuesday morning too. He can make arrangements
about missing a few classes, but he has a test late Tuesday afternoon. He
knows how early we get up to shower so he wants to take an early train
North and study on the way back."

"We have to write Brad tonight with directions to the dorm."

"And Mark needs to know what subway to take from Penn Station to The
Restaurant. This is going to be so much fun, Billy. I like getting
surprises, but I love being in on surprising other people even more."

"I hate to bring you back to reality, white boy, but we have to get moving
if we're gonna get our books and get to class on time."

"You do know how to ruin a good mood, black boy. Okay, let's go back to
reality and get to class."


April 14

Billy

I can't believe Mark and Brad are both coming here and we're in on all of
these surprises. We both really miss them and want to see them, but these
visits are also just what Danny needs right now. The next week or so is
going to be tough on him, going to the dean, talking about the attack and
wondering if anything will come of it all. He needs a fun distraction,
something good to look forward to. Mark and Brad to the rescue!

At least for the rest of the day Danny couldn't talk about anything
else. And he fell asleep in my arms again, but this time with no tears.

Today was a different story. We got up for our usual early shower and took
turns washing each other as usual, but Danny was quiet and subdued. When we
met for lunch he still wasn't talking much. He finally voiced his thoughts
as we sat down to eat.

"What if they get away with it, Billy? What if we identify them, tell the
dean everything and can't prove anything? Won't it make everything worse?"

"Don't even think those things, Danny. We're going to get them. They're
going to pay for what they did."

"But what if we can't prove it? It'll be worse because they'll be mad
because we accused them. And they may get even more aggressive, thinking
that nothing can happen to them. Maybe the next guy they attack will be
hurt a lot worse than I was. Maybe they'll come after one of us again."

"I don't think they'd try anything again. Even if they got away with this,
everyone would know they were guilty. And if anything happened to us or
anyone else, they'd be the logical suspects. But they're not going to get
away with it. Stop worrying and eat. This afternoon, Lucy will take their
picture and tomorrow we'll take a print with us when we go with Bob to Dean
Nash. After that, we can just focus on work and getting ready for Brad and
Mark."

"If you say so, Billy. But I'm not sure I feel like going to the Homophile
League tonight."

"Don't feel like we have to go if you don't want to. We can stay in the
room and I'm sure I can find something to distract you."

"I'm sure you can, black boy."

After lunch we walked hand in hand down College Ave. to Milledoler Hall. I
kissed Danny goodbye. He went up the stairs to the lecture hall and I went
to art class. All I could think of as I went through the poses was Danny,
sitting there in the front row of the lecture hall, knowing his attackers
were somewhere up behind him. Though he hasn't said anything, I'm sure he's
gone though this hell every week since February. Damn, he's brave. But
today has got to be even harder for him. I had arranged with Professor
Adams to leave a little early so a little before two thirty, I crossed the
parking lot toward Milledoler.


Lucy

Danny didn't look so good when I left him at the dorm Sunday night. I
thought maybe he was just tired from the long weekend working in the city
but when Billy walked me to my car he said he thought talking about the
attack probably took more out of Danny than the weekend. I could tell he
hadn't been comfortable talking to Bob and Jeff about it. He hasn't even
mentioned it since February so I didn't realize that he was still feeling
so bad. On the drive back to Douglass I made up my mind to try to be more
supportive, but with Billy around I'm sure Danny is well taken care of.

I was waiting behind Murray Hall about a hundred feet from Milledoler when
I saw Billy walking across the parking lot. By the time he reached me Bob
was coming down the sidewalk between the buildings.

"Okay, boys, the two of you are going to have to stay out of sight as much
as possible since these two guys know both of you. They've never met me so
they won't suspect anything if they see me with the camera. I just can't be
too obvious about focusing in on them. But at this distance they shouldn't
catch on."

"Then I'll point them out when they come out of the door and Billy and I
can duck around the corner while you get the picture."

"That sounds right, Bob, though I don't feel good hiding from the guys who
attacked Danny. By the way, Danny is going to stay a couple of minutes
after class to tell Dr. Morrow what's going on so he should be the last one
out."

"It's probably best to keep as much distance as possible between Danny and
these guys."

"Yeah, Luce. Danny usually stalls around until just about everyone is gone
and I get here anyway, but from today until this is resolved he really has
to be careful."

"Since he hasn't said anything for so long, I didn't realize how hard this
has been for him. Especially now that we're opening it up all over again."

"Well, you know how strong he can be, Lucy. But that doesn't mean that this
doesn't get to him. He's tough, but he's very sensitive too. I'll just be
glad when he can put this all behind him and not have to be afraid
anymore."

"You guys have always seemed so open about your relationship, so blatant
about it in public, like you enjoyed shoving it in everyone's faces. It
never occurred to me that it might be hard on either of you, or that you
might be afraid at times. Or even that there was any reason for you to be
afraid."

"Believe me, Bob, there's nothing easy about living the way we do. We get
through it with each other's help. We came out publicly without meaning to;
we just needed each other a lot and couldn't always wait until we were in
private to be affectionate. And once we were out on campus, there was no
way to go back in even if we wanted to. But we only got blatant, as you put
it, when people reacted so badly to our occasional, discreet displays of
affection. That's when we got a little arrogant about it, shoving it in
people's faces. We were pissed that straight couples could do whatever they
wanted in public, but we weren't supposed to do anything."

"I never looked at it that way. I just assumed that you were making some
type of political statement, that you were radicals challenging society's
morals."

"There may be a number of things I don't like about our society, but Danny
and I both have a pretty strict sense of morality. We may not agree with
you 100% of the time but you'd probably be surprised that we both consider
ourselves to be Christians."

"Quiet guys. Class is over. Keep an eye on the door."

Bob and Billy both turned toward Milledoler and looked up at the lecture
hall exit.

"I'm not sure how you can think you're good Christians when you live as you
do Billy, but maybe sometime we can talk about it."

"Sure, Bob. We may not be as good at quoting scripture as you, but we both
have a strong church background and have a pretty good idea of what we
think Christianity is about."

"There they are, Lucy, the two who just came out of the door. The tall one
with dark hair in the blue jacket and the slightly shorter, stockier one
with in the gray."

"I see them. Now get back and let me take some pictures."

Billy stared at them for a few seconds, then he and Bob ducked behind a
bush at the corner of Murray. I zoomed in and snapped several pictures. The
two guys reached the bottom of the stairs, turned right and headed toward
the mall and away from us.

"Did you get a good shot, Luce?"

"Yeah, several Billy. A couple good ones of both of them and a few where
other students blocked one or the other. But some clear shots of each of
them."

"Great, let's go get Danny."

"I've got to get to class so I'll let you go meet him. When do you think
you'll have the pictures developed Lucy?"

"How about I meet you all at the dorm at three tomorrow, Bob? I can develop
them and make some enlargements by then."

"Okay, that should give us time to see the dean."

"We'll stop over at his office in a few minutes and see if we can make an
appointment for tomorrow afternoon."

"Good idea, Billy. I'll see you all tomorrow."

Bob took off around the back of Murray. Billy and I walked over to the
lecture hall and went up the steps. I shuddered thinking of Danny falling
down these stairs. At the top we went in the door and saw Danny talking to
a woman at the front of the hall. He smiled when he saw us.

"Over here, guys. Did you get the picture? I was just telling Dr. Morrow."

"I got several pictures, Danny, some of them pretty good, I think."

"Great. Lucy, this is Dr. Morrow. Dr. Morrow, this is our friend and
photographer, Lucinda Santos."

"Nice to meet you, Lucinda. I'm anxious to see your photos. I hope I can
identify them for you. It's a large lecture, but over the semester I've
been able to connect names with over half of the faces."

"I'm meeting the boys at their dorm tomorrow afternoon. Will you be free
then?"

"I have office hours from three to five. Would that be all right?"

"Perfect, Dr. Morrow. Lucy is going to meet us at three and then we're
going to see Dean Nash. We could stop by your office on the way to the
dean's office."

"I'll be expecting you. I'll do anything I can to help. I've been teaching
nearly twenty years and I've never seen anything like this. I'd love to see
these two brought to justice."


Danny

Thank God Dr. Morrow is a great teacher. And a good friend as well. I could
never have made it this far in this class without her. Every time I walk in
the door I tense up. I sit in the front row across the room from the door
so as few kids as possible pass by me. Only when Dr. Morrow comes in can I
start to relax. And when she begins class, I can forget where I am and who
might be behind me and lose myself in her voice. Not that economics is that
fascinating but she does make it interesting. And it's nice to have someone
on my side in charge.

But even she couldn't keep my mind on economics today. All I could think of
was Lucy and her camera. And the guys who pushed me. I just hoped that they
hadn't cut class today. I couldn't sit through another lecture like
this. Now that we were going ahead with reporting what happened, I just
wanted it over. As soon as the class ended, I went up to talk to
Dr. Morrow. A couple of guys stopped to ask her a question, but most just
rushed out of the hall. I waited until almost everyone was gone or crowded
around the exit.

"Can I talk to you a minute, Professor?"

"Sure, Danny. Is something bothering you? You didn't seem to be with us
today."

"I'm sorry, I couldn't keep my mind on the subject today. I hope I didn't
miss much."

"As long as you keep up with the reading you should be okay. And if you
have any questions, you can ask me on the way to Tim's Thursday. But what's
on your mind? Do you feel like talking?"

After making sure no one was close enough to hear me I quickly summarized
what Bob had told us Sunday night. I was just telling her about the picture
outside when Lucy and Billy walked in. I introduced Lucy and we talked for
a minute, making sure we could see Dr. Morrow tomorrow to show her Lucy's
pictures. Kids started arriving for the next class so we left and headed
over to Union Street to the dean's office.

"She seems nice, Danny. You're lucky she was here when you fell. And since
then, too."

"You'd better believe it, Lucy. I can't imagine what it would have been
like if Dr. Grunwald from last semester was my professor. Meeting her has
been great for Billy and me all around. She's the only grown-up who knows
about us and accepts us except Aunt Connie. I think her introducing us to
her brother is when things really began to turn around for us."

"Let's hope Dean Nash is as much help baby."

"I'm sure he will be. He helped us in January and my mother had already
spilled the beans about us to him."

At the office I made an appointment for four o'clock tomorrow afternoon in
my name. Since I was the one who met him last winter he probably already
had a file on me, which would at least let him know who he was meeting
with. That might save us a little time. Plus maybe he would be more
inclined to believe us, knowing that he had a little bit of history with
us.

We walked back toward the dorm but Lucy decided not to come up. She wanted
to get right back to Douglass to develop the film, so we walked her to the
bus stop.

"I can develop the film tonight, then make some enlargements tomorrow. I
know I got some good pictures but I can't wait to see them. Would you guys
like to come over later?"

"I wasn't feeling like it earlier, but I think I want to go to the
Homophile League meeting tonight. I need a little distraction from all of
this. And as anxious as I am to know who pushed me, I don't think I could
sleep tonight with their faces in my mind, knowing we can't see Dean Nash
until tomorrow."

"Whatever you say, Danny. I think a couple of hours away from all of this
would probably be good for you. We'll see you tomorrow at three, Luce. That
way we can take action as soon as we've seen the pictures."

"Okay, guys. Here comes the bus. Try to relax and have fun tonight. I'll
see you tomorrow."

We each kissed Lucy goodbye, watched her get on the bus and walked back to
the dorm.

"Are you doing okay, white boy?"

"So far, so good. Of course, we haven't actually done anything yet. The
hard part is still to come."

"One step at a time. And we've got some good stuff coming up to keep us
busy."

"Yeah, I can't wait to see Mark and Brad. And tomorrow we've got to talk to
Lucy about dinner on Monday. And what about a birthday present? What can we
get her? It has to be really special."

"You're right. Remember when she took us to see 'Hair' for our birthdays?
God, that was only six months ago but seems like a lifetime. How about we
go into the city early on Friday and stop in the jewelry store where we did
our Christmas shopping?"

"That sounds good, Billy. I hope the same salesman is still there."


April 15

Billy

The meeting last night was actually fun. There were a couple of guys from
the group at Columbia who spoke about their organization and also about gay
life in the city. They not only talked about places to go socially (mostly
bars), but places to find sex as well. Danny and I knew about the men's
room in the library so we figured there must be places like that in the
city, but didn't dream there were so many. I guess if you're single and
horny, they can be fun and a release. They talked about bars with back
rooms, bathhouses, cruisy parks and men's rooms, all kinds of places. And
of course, their talk sparked a discussion among our membership of personal
experiences. Pretty soon all of them were talking about their favorite
sexual encounters. I had no idea the guys we had met had so much
experience. Maybe they were just bragging and making a lot of it up, but it
was still fun to listen to. Danny and I had nothing to contribute to the
stories, but I'd rather have Danny than all of the exciting tricks these
guys had combined.

Today didn't go nearly as well, though it was about what we expected. Danny
was more than a little anxious and kept looking out the window. Just before
three, he spotted Lucy walking toward the dorm carrying a large
envelope. Just then there was a light rap on the door. Bob slipped into the
room as soon as I opened the door.

"It's not that I really care if anyone sees me here but it wouldn't do for
Gary to know I was talking to you guys right now."

"You're right, Bob. We don't want to tip him off that we're on to him and
the other guys yet."

Lucy opened the door and walked in.

"Hey, you could at least knock. What if we weren't dressed?"

"Nothing I haven't seen before. Besides, I knew you were expecting both me
and Bob, so I was pretty sure you'd be decent." She pulled a pack of large
photos from the envelope and gave some to Bob and the rest to Danny and
me. "I made two sets of prints. Some aren't so great, but a couple of them
are perfect. The guys are easily identifiable."

We looked them all over. Bob again confirmed that these were definitely the
guys and I recognized them as the two who were with Gary when Mark and I
ran into them outside the dorm. From a distance yesterday I had been pretty
sure, but close up there was no doubt.

"Okay guys, let's see if Dr. Morrow can give us some names and then go talk
to Dean Nash. Are you ready, Danny?"

"As ready as I'll ever be, Billy. Let's go. You'd better go on ahead, Bob."

Bob checked the hallway then hurried out of the door and down the
stairs. We took our time and followed a short distance behind. We didn't
talk to him again until we were in the Economics Department offices. The
secretary pointed out Dr. Morrow's office and we all squeezed in. Danny
introduced Bob and Lucy handed the envelope to the professor.

"Yes, I recognize these two. They always sit together. The tall one stopped
by the office early in the semester. I don't remember why. His name is
McNally, first name Kevin, no Kenneth, I think. The other one is Vincent
something or other. I noticed his name when he handed in his mid-term. It's
Tim's middle name so it stuck in my mind. Let me check the class roster."

Danny and I just looked at each other. It looked like this was going to be
easier than we thought.

"Only one Vincent in the class. His last name is Corrado. And the other is
Kenneth. I'll call Dean Nash's office later after you've had a chance to
talk to him."

"Thanks, Dr. Morrow. This makes it so much easier, knowing their names."

"Well, I can confirm their names and tell the dean what I heard, but
unfortunately I didn't see what happened. I'm afraid you're still going to
need some kind of proof against them."

"That's what Billy said the other night but reporting this is still the
right thing to do, regardless. And maybe one of them will tell the truth
when the dean questions them."

"Maybe, Bob. But I think you'd better all watch yourselves until this is
resolved. Are you boys going to Tim's tomorrow night?"

"We were planning to. Billy thinks I should stay busy to keep from thinking
about this all the time."

"That sounds like a good idea, Danny. I'll see you both tomorrow then."

"Thanks again, Professor. You're a good friend to these two."

"You're welcome, Lucy. I just wish I could help more. They're good boys."


Danny

We were a few minutes early for our appointment but Dean Nash was free so
we were able to go right in. Since I was the only one who had met the dean
before I introduced the others.

"I wasn't expecting so many of you but I think there are enough seats. With
this crowd I take it this isn't more trouble with your parents Daniel."

"No, Dean, that whole situation is pretty much on hold. This is something
completely different, something I probably should have come to you about a
couple of months ago, but I didn't want to talk about it and didn't think
there was anything anyone could do."

I let Bob start because he was the one who had insisted on this
meeting. Besides, I really wasn't feeling up to talking about it, though I
knew I had to. When he finished Dean Nash asked me to tell him what had
happened that afternoon. I recited the whole story in a low monotone while
staring at the floor in front of the desk. At some point Billy took my hand
in his and just held it until I was done. Then he took over, telling the
story from the time I came out the door until we got to the hospital. He
briefly told the dean about my injuries. He also told about the run-ins
we've had with Gary and the other jocks in the dorm.

"This is very serious, Dan. I wish you had come to me before, but I can
understand why you didn't. Even now, I'm afraid there may not be much I can
do. I will have both Kenneth and Vincent in here for questioning right
away. I'll talk to Gary as well. There is no doubt that you were assaulted
but unfortunately you can't identify your assailants. They apparently
confessed to Bob, but unless one of them admits it to someone else, it's
his word against theirs. Knowing who did it and proving it are two
different things and I can't take action to punish them without proof."

"You mean they may get away with it?" Although I've been expecting that I
still didn't like hearing it.

"I'm afraid they may. But let's see how they hold up under questioning. I'm
told I can be somewhat intimidating, especially to those with a guilty
conscience."

"When will we know anything? This is a lot of strain on Danny. The sooner
it's over the better."

"I'm going to try to get them in here as soon as possible, Bill, hopefully
before they know what's going on and have a chance to talk it over among
themselves. I hope you realize, Bob, that they are going to know you had a
hand in this. I won't say anything to them, but they are going to put two
and two together."

"I don't care if they know. The only reason I didn't confront them last
Saturday when they told me was that I wanted to find out if Danny had
really been pushed."

"I suggest you all keep your eyes open for the next week or so. But I will
make it clear to these boys that if anything at all happens to any one of
you they will be the prime suspects. So regardless of the outcome, I don't
think you have anything to fear."


Lucy

Danny was kind of down after our meeting with the dean. To be honest, so
was I, even though it went pretty much as we expected. Actually, Dean Nash
was more supportive than I thought he would be, but there's only so much he
can do without hard evidence. Bob went back to the dorm after the
meeting. I decided to stay and eat at the Commons with the boys. They were
both too glum looking to leave alone.

"Okay, guys. Snap out of it. This is going just as we thought so there's no
need to be so down. You heard the dean. He can be pretty persuasive. Plus,
he really seems to be on your side. He wants to get these guys as much as
you do."

"You're right, Lucy, but saying it and believing it are two different
things. Billy and I know this may take a while and may not go smoothly, but
I still keep hoping for some magic that will make everything all right
now."

"Yeah, that would be nice, but while we're waiting for a miracle we have to
keep busy and not dwell on it. We're trying to have something going every
day to give us something else to think about. Speaking of which, Danny and
I want to take you out to eat Monday for your birthday if you haven't got
other plans."

"How did you guys know it was my birthday? I don't remember mentioning it."

"You told us last fall when we were celebrating our birthdays. And Danny is
fantastic at remembering dates."

"It's not so much memory as efficiency, black boy. I wrote it down in my
address book so I wouldn't forget."

"Anyway, Luce, how about it? Do you want to go to Patty's or is there
someplace else you'd like to eat? The only other place we know of around
here is Greasy Tony's and you definitely don't want to spend your birthday
there."

"Actually, I'd really like to go to The Restaurant if that's okay with
you. I'd be willing to drive into the city. I'm dying to see this place you
keep talking about. Are straight people allowed? Do you think we could?"

"I don't see why not. Billy or I can make reservations when we go to work
on Friday. It'll be fun to be customers instead of waiters. It will give us
a different perspective on the place."

"Great! And you two are spending your time off this weekend in Morristown,
right?"

"Yeah, we're gonna try that and see if we can get some more rest."

"I'm going home for the weekend too. Aunt Connie wants to take me to brunch
on Sunday, but I'll ask her to make it Saturday so you guys can go."

"Two birthday celebrations. Sounds like fun, Luce."

I really do want to see The Restaurant and Aunt Connie always takes me out
for my birthday, but if these boys need to be distracted over the next week
or so I'm going to do my best.

April 18

Billy

We're definitely keeping busy this week. Thursday night was the poker game
but it wasn't exactly an escape from Danny's worries. When Dr. Morrow first
told her brother about us she had mentioned what had happened to Danny. We
had talked a little about it with Tim and Evan but hadn't mentioned it to
the other guys. We hadn't really meant to keep it a secret; it was just
something we didn't want to talk about. But because we weren't trying to
keep it from others we didn't ask anyone not to talk about it. So when all
of this started up this week, Dr. Morrow told Tim about it and he mentioned
it to some of the others. By the time we came downstairs in our sexy little
shorts, everyone was talking about the attack on Danny.

"You poor baby, who could ever be so nasty to someone as sweet and cute as
you?"

"There are lots of nasty people out there Mickey. We're learning to live
our lives around them and avoid them if we can."

"Yeah, Danny and I have so much good going between us we don't need anyone
with negative vibes making life lousy for us. We try to focus on what's
good and help each other with the bad."

"We've known you two for a couple of months but I think maybe we don't
really know you. You're both so nice and so obviously in love with each
other. You always seem to be happy and carefree. You've never given any
hint that things might be tough for you sometimes."

"It's not that Billy and I are trying to hide anything, Ash, especially
from you guys. It's just like Billy says, we try to be as positive as we
can. We have bad times like anyone but we get through them together."

"I didn't mean to imply that you had it easy. God knows we've all been
there and know what problems you face. It's just that your generation seems
so much more laid-back about everything. But I hope you know that we're
your friends and we're here for you if you need us."

"Thanks, Ash. Thanks everybody. Just knowing you guys has been a great help
to us."

"Speaking of help, Danny, I think it might be a good idea if your attorney
called the dean in the morning."

"What are you talking about, Clay? Danny and I don't have a lawyer."

"You do now if you don't mind me doing a little pro bono work for you. I
know you feel the dean is on your side but it might help him intimidate
these creeps if he lets them know you've got an attorney working for you."

"That would be great, Clay, except we can't afford to pay you. Thanks
anyway."

"Billy, pro bono means I don't get paid, that I'm doing it because I want
to. It's not much anyway, just making a phone call and throwing a little
weight behind you."

"Thanks, Clay. We really appreciate it. I guess every little bit helps."

"Enough of the serious talk guys. This party is supposed to be fun. I love
your haircuts boys. You look fabulous, but then again you always do. But
I'm a little hurt that you didn't come to me for a trim."

"Sorry, Mickey, our boss recommended a place in the Village where he gets
his hair cut."

The rest of the night was a lot more fun and it was good to see Danny
loosen up. We told them all about our new jobs. They're all anxious to try
out The Restaurant and have us serve them real food. That could be a lot of
fun and they could help business by spreading the word among their friends
in New Jersey. All of the owners' friends seem to be from New York.

Danny

I think I'm having an easier time dealing with this thing. Or maybe it just
seems easier because we're spending so much time away from school. Thursday
night was the poker game. Even though we talked about the attack, it wasn't
so bad because everyone was so supportive. We've liked the guys ever since
we met them but never really thought of them as friends. Maybe it's because
they're all a lot older than us. I know I always feel like a kid around
them. It's hard to imagine Billy feeling like a kid; he's so tough and
strong and independent. But I think that maybe we've missed out by not
opening up to the guys. We do tend to rely on each other a lot and I think
that maybe we've got too much pride to admit when things aren't good and we
need help.

Yesterday afternoon we went into the city a little early so we could visit
our jewelry store to get something nice for Lucy. We brought along all of
the money we made last weekend, just in case. The same guy was at the store
and he remembered us from Christmas. Or maybe he just remembered our
earrings. I've become so used to wearing mine that I usually forget about
it. But now and then when I'm staring at Billy (something I find myself
doing several times a day) I notice the diamond sparkling on his dark brown
earlobe and instinctively touch my own ear.

We picked out a pair of earrings that were not only beautiful but only cost
about half of the money we had. The salesman gift-wrapped them for us and
Billy stuck the box in the bag of clothes he was carrying. We had brought
some laundry to do at home, though God knows when we'll have time.

We both felt good after buying the gift and had a good night of work. We
were becoming more familiar with the kitchen and the rest of the staff and
everything went smoothly. Billy talked to Wayne and made reservations for
our Monday night dinner. After work we went with Joe for a drink at Danny's
on Christopher St. near the PATH station, then caught the last train out of
Hoboken for Morristown.

"So, white boy, how are you holding up?"

"Pretty good, Billy. I'm actually handling everything okay now. I know I
was a little bit of a basket case earlier in the week but I'm all right
now. I'm sorry I was such a mess."

"Hey, don't ever be sorry for showing me how you feel. Feelings aren't
right or wrong. It's important that we share them with each other. If we
can't help each other get through the rough times then what's the point of
anything?"

"I know, Billy, but I still feel like a baby when I react that way. You're
always so tough and able to stand up and face troubles head on."

"We all react to things differently. It doesn't make you any less of a man
because you're afraid sometimes. I'm scared now and then too."

"Yeah, I know but somehow you don't let on. I can see it but I don't think
anyone else can."

"I can't hide anything from you, Danny, but then again, I don't want
to. And even if you try to keep stuff bottled up inside you, I can always
tell when something's wrong. So let me in so I can help you when you need
me."

"I always do, don't I?"

We got to the apartment a little after 2 AM. There was a note from Lucy on
the door-Lunch at 1. Be downstairs by 12:30. At least we could sleep
late. We stripped and climbed into bed. Billy wrapped his arms around me
and gently kissed me.

"I love you forever, white boy."

"I love you more, black boy."

The next thing I knew the sun was shining through the window and Billy and
I were wrapped together. Though a comfortable double bed is a nice change
from the narrow twin beds in the dorm I don't think we use up any more
space when we're sleeping at home. I looked at the clock-twenty after
eleven.

"C'mon baby, time to get up."

"Can't we sleep just a little bit longer?"

"Nope, time to get in the shower. I promise to make it worth your while."

"Well, if you put it that way."

Billy staggered after me to the bathroom. The short walk there was enough
to make our morning hardons subside so that we could both relieve our
bladders before getting into the shower. We were both fully hard again as
we washed each other's hair. I don't think I've washed my own hair in
months and I hope I never have to again. After shampooing each other we
stepped out of the flow of water and began lathering up each other. I love
the look of all that white soapy foam running down Billy's dark skin. Once
we were both all soapy and slippery, Billy pulled me against him and kissed
me. I sucked on his tongue, trying to get more of it into my mouth. All the
while we were sliding our bodies together, rubbing our nipples against one
another's, shifting our hips so our hard dicks could have a little duel.

Billy's cock slid in between my legs up against my balls. He grabbed my
butt with both hands and pulled me tight against him, sliding his dick all
the way between my thighs and trapping mine between our bellies. After a
moment I pulled away a bit, being careful not to break the kiss. I placed
his slippery dick on top of mine and grabbed them both in my right
hand. Billy wrapped his hand around too, slightly overlapping mine. We
began to slide our hands back and forth along the rigid soapy shafts,
slowly at first, then gradually picking up speed. Billy's breathing became
more rapid as he approached orgasm. We pulled away from each other a bit
and continued stroking each other's cocks. Just as he was about to shoot,
he grabbed my balls in his left hand and gave them a gentle tug. That was
all I needed to push me over the edge, to join him in spraying cum all over
the shower. As we squeezed the last drop out of each other, Billy and I
wrapped his arms around me tightly and kissed me again.

Just then the water turned abruptly colder as the hot water ran out. We
quickly rinsed off in the cold water. Billy grabbed a towel and gently
dried me, and then I returned the favor. He again hugged me, pressing his
body tight against mine, warming us both up after the cold rinse.

"If you don't stop this, Billy, I'm gonna be ready to go again, and as much
as I would love that I don't think we have time."

"Aw, you're always the spoilsport. Lucy can wait a few minutes."

"Except she wouldn't wait. If we're not down there on time she'll be up
here pounding on the door while you're pounding in my ass and that would
take a lot of the fun out of it."

"You're right as always, white boy. Maybe we can have a quickie after
lunch."

"We have to do laundry after lunch, horn dog. You'll have to settle for a
hand job on the train."

I can't believe I said that.

Lucy

Back when Danny was injured the boys and I decided not to tell Aunt Connie
what really happened. She had grown very fond of them over the holidays and
semester break and we didn't want her to worry. The other night we decided
it was still not a good time to tell her. I don't feel right keeping
anything from Aunt Connie, but she loves the boys so much and would be
beside herself with worry. Maybe once this is over and we're all home for
the summer.

Besides, this is the first part of my birthday celebration. I want to have
fun and we're trying to keep Danny focused on good things. The boys came
down to the house a few minutes early with their bag of laundry.

"Aw, you shouldn't have. A bag of dirty clothes for my birthday? How
thoughtful."

"Hey, watch the attitude, Luce or that may be all you get."

"I'm not worried. I know that you guys must already have something for me
so I'll get it no matter what."

"Don't count on it, Lucy. Remember, Billy and I are sissy boys. Whatever we
get for you we could just as easily keep for ourselves."

"You wouldn't dare. After the friend I've been to you this year you owe me
big time. But I'll be nice if that's what you want."

"You'd better be nice, Lucinda. Don't forget Billy and Danny have been good
friends to you too."

"Yes, Aunt Connie. You know we're just teasing."

"I know, dear. You three have something very special in the way you relate
to each other. It's a joy just to watch you children."

"Children??" The three of us responded as one.

The boys started a load of laundry and we all piled into Aunt Connie's
LTD. She had made reservations for us at Rod's in Convent
Station. Celebrating my birthday at Rod's was a family tradition started by
Uncle Evan years ago.

"This place is great, Lucy. I've been past it a lot but it's not the kind
of place my family ever went to."

"Yeah, Luce. A few weeks ago I would have felt really out of place here,
but since Danny and I started at The Restaurant we're a little more
comfortable in more classy surroundings."

"Tell me about this restaurant you're working in, boys. Lucinda has told me
a little and it sounds very nice."

The boys talked at through most of the meal about the restaurant and the
people they worked with. They raved about the money they were starting to
make but were careful not to bring up their idea of paying rent to Aunt
Connie. None of us wanted any arguments today. They assured Aunt Connie
that she would love The Restaurant and made me promise to bring her into
the city for dinner one night when they are working this summer.

When we got back to the house I helped them finish their laundry.

"This is only your second weekend working and already I wish you didn't
have to work tomorrow so we could spend more time together."

"Don't worry, Lucy, we'll have plenty of time over the summer. And don't
forget we're going into the Village Monday night."

"I know, Danny. We're still seeing as much if not more of each other than
before you started working but I'm kind of jealous that I have to share you
with the rest of the world now. I like having you all to myself. I know
that's a little selfish, but I can't help feeling that way. You guys mean
so much to me."

"You mean a lot to us too, Luce. You're our best friend and we love
you. And we were more than a little jealous when Brad came along. But Danny
and I were glad that he made you so happy, so we learned how to share you
with him. It got easier once we realized what a great guy he is."

"Yeah, Lucy. You just have to believe that no matter what else happens in
our lives, you're always going to be our most special friend. Nothing or no
one is going to come between us."