Date: Mon, 06 Feb 2006 20:35:46 -0600
From: gandersn@gte.net
Subject: Alex and Zach Part 10

Disclaimer:

The usual disclaimers apply -- The story describes sexual relationships,
sometimes explicit, between consenting male adults.  If this offends you,
you are not interested in such material, or if you are not of legal age to
access such material you are advised to direct your web browser to another
page.  The situations described are based upon my own experiences and the
characters are based on people in my life; however the story should be
considered a work of fiction since I have changed names, etc.  Blah, Blah,
Blah!  You've all heard this stuff before!

At the request of many of you, I did finally get around to setting up a
Yahoo Group for Alex and Zach.  I intend to use it primarily as a means to
let all the readers know my progress on updates to the story.  Also, I will
try and respond to any questions you might have too.  I will probably also
comment on background information from time to time.  For instance, the
picture of the bridge on the welcome page is the bridge in this part of the
story.  If you are so inclined, drop by at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AlexandZach/.  I hope you enjoy the group.

Now that I have that out of the way, let me say that this is the tenth
installment of the saga.  Like the last few parts, this one too took me a
long time to write.  This one wasn't nearly so difficult as the last few --
I was just feeling very lazy and maybe a little burned out.  The last few
parts took more than I care to admit out of me and I needed a little break.
I want to thank all of you who have been patiently waiting for me to
continue.  And even those who weren't so patient!  Your support and kind
words have made it easier for me to get my lazy ass back in gear.  Ok!
Enough said on that subject!  We all already know I'm lazy!

I also want to mention that I will be on a business trip and won't be back
till Feb 10th.  So, if you should happen to send me an email, it will
probably take a little longer for me to respond.  I will make my best
effort to respond as soon as possible, but please don't be offended if I
don't get back to you instantly.  We all have a certain author to thank for
reminding me to put this blurb in here.  If left to my own devices, I would
have forgotten and probably pissed all of you off!  So, not only am I lazy,
but absent minded too!

I hope/plan to add more installments as time permits but the time frames
between postings will probably be longer than what they were in the
beginning. I welcome, actually I love feedback, both positive and negative
as long as constructive, and comments, suggestions or questions can be
directed to me at the yahoo group or to gandersn@gte.net.  Now, onto the
story...

****************************************

Zach woke with a start.  He immediately relaxed as he felt Alex's arms
around him.  The room was dark but there was enough light for Zach to see
Alex lying next to him.  As always, just the sight of Alex mesmerized Zach.
Staring at Alex was enough to calm Zach.

"Another bad dream?" Alex murmured sleepily, blinking his eyes open.  "Did
you have the nightmare again?"

Zach snuggled in closer to Alex.  "Yes, but I woke up before the end," he
answered calmly.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Alex asked, struggling to wake up.

Zach smiled and kissed Alex lightly on the lips.  "No.  I'm ok," he
reassured.  "Go back to sleep.  There's still a little time before we have
to wake up."

Alex hugged Zach even tighter to him and nuzzled at his cheek.  "Ok.  You
should try and go back to sleep too," he said, his voice already trailing
off into sleep.

Zach lay still, trying to keep from moving and waking Alex again.  He knew
it was pointless to try and go back to sleep now.  Zach was much too light
of a sleeper to ever hope of regaining sleep after waking up.  And he had
rarely been able to sleep after waking from one of his dreams anyway.  Not
that the dreams were that bad anymore.  Ever since he had started sleeping
in Alex's bed again, the dreams had been coming less frequently and even
when he had them, they weren't nearly so terrifying.  Zach smiled as he
attributed that to the safety of sleeping in Alex's arms.

Zach didn't really mind being awake anyway.  It gave him a chance to just
stare at Alex.  God!  How could one person be so beautiful?  Zach watched
the slow rise and fall of Alex's chest, tracing his body with his eyes.  He
ran his eyes up Alex's chest, smiling as his eyes lingered on Alex's
collarbones remembering just how much it drove Alex crazy to be kissed and
nibbled there.  Zach's eyes ran along Alex's neck and over his strong jaw
and cheeks.  For once it actually appeared that Alex might need to shave
and Zach almost chuckled at that thought.  He longed to run his fingers
over the stubble there and then up through Alex's blond hair.

Zach lay there for the longest time just drinking in the classic beauty
next to him.  The room started getting lighter as the morning dawned and
Zach finally allowed himself to reach over and lightly touch Alex's face
with just his fingertips.  Slowly, he ran his fingers down over Alex's neck
and lightly brushed them against his collarbones eliciting a slight shudder
from the still sleeping Alex.  Zach smiled and continued lightly brushing
his fingers over Alex's sensitive skin.

Alex shifted in his sleep, a happy smile crossing his sleeping face.  Zach
couldn't resist leaning over and brushing his lips lightly over Alex's
mouth.  Zach continued kissing down Alex's throat and then started
concentrating on his collarbones.  Even asleep, Alex groaned in pleasure.
Zach started grinning as he felt Alex's dick stiffen in anticipation.

Zach continued nibbling and kissing Alex's chest even as he ran his hand
lightly up and down Alex's sides, tickling him lightly before running his
hands down to begin stroking Alex's dick and massaging his balls.  Zach
kept a fairly quick, but sensuous pace with his stroking, a rate that was
guaranteed to bring Alex to climax pretty fast.  Alex groaned even louder
and his eyes started to flutter open as the waves of pleasure woke him from
his sleep.

"Oh God!"  Alex moaned.  "That feels so good!"  Alex's breath was getting
very shallow as he tried to gulp in air.  "Ohhhhh God!"

Then, unexpectedly, the alarm clock started buzzing loudly, incessantly
announcing it was time to get up.  Alex started flailing his arms at the
annoying device, practically breaking the clock with his attempt to silence
the alarm.  Zach started grinning as he pulled off Alex.  "Welp!  Guess
it's time to stop and get ready for the day!"

"NO!" Alex yelled, pleading.  "You can't leave me like this!" he whined,
nearly begging.  Then he started laughing as he saw Zach's grinning face.
"You're so evil!" Alex laughed.  "If I ask nice and say please will you
finish?"

His eyes sparkling with mischief, Zach wrapped his hand back around Alex's
dick and started stroking him once again.  It was only a matter of moments
before Alex gasped and started shooting long streaks across his chest and
stomach.  Zach continued stroking him, milking every last drop out of
Alex's shuddering body.

Zach kissed Alex on the lips, deeply and passionately.  Then, Zach pulled
away, getting up out of the bed.  Alex grabbed at his hand trying to pull
him back.  "Hey!  What about you?" Alex asked.  "Don't I get to play with
you?"

Zach grinned at Alex.  "Not right now you don't!  We can play again
tonight.  But right now we got to get going or we're gonna be late for
class."

Alex frowned at Zach, pushing his lower lip out and over his upper lip as
he pretended to pout.  "That's not very fair!"

Zach laughed again and leaned over to kiss Alex again.  "You're adorable
when you pout you know.  But it ain't gonna work this time.  I'm gonna go
take a shower.  You need to get your lazy ass going."

Zach walked into the bathroom still grinning.  He started the shower and
then proceeded to wrap a plastic bag around his cast.  Zach reflected that
with any luck, this would be the last time he would have to do that.  He
and Alex were going to go see Alex's dad after school and get the silly
thing removed finally.  At least Zach hoped so.  The itching was driving
him crazy and Zach didn't think he'd be able to put up with it very much
longer.

Zach showered and shampooed quickly, shaking his head a little as he
realized he was still half-hard from playing with Alex.  "Down boy!" he
laughed to himself.  Zach had stepped out of the shower and was drying off
when Alex entered the bathroom.

"Did you leave me any hot water?" Alex teased.

"Nope!  I figured you needed to take a cold shower after this morning."
Zach replied grinning as Alex stepped into the shower.  Zach quickly shaved
and combed his hair into some semblance of order.  Before he left, Alex
started singing off key causing Zach to burst out laughing at him.

After throwing on some clothes, Zach headed towards the kitchen and
breakfast.  He grabbed a bowl and Alex's Cap'n Crunch cereal and put them
on the table and then grabbed a chocolate Pop Tart for himself.  Zach never
could figure out what Alex saw in that cereal, but it was one of Alex's
favorites.  Zach absently munched on his pastry as he poured himself a
glass of milk and fixed Alex's cereal for him.  Zach had just put a spoon
next to the bowl when Alex walked into the kitchen pulling on his
sweatshirt.

"Hey chocolate breath!" Alex teased Zach as he kissed him good morning
before sitting down to eat.  "You looking forward to visiting my home this
weekend?"

"YES!" Zach answered fervently.  "I can't wait to get this damn thing off.
I swear I'm gonna be scratching at my leg for the better part of the night
after your dad removes it."

Alex frowned a little, a serious look crossing his face.  "Oh shit Zach.  I
guess I forgot to tell you.  Dad said you'd have to wear that cast for a
little longer."

"No!" Zach nearly wailed.  "Damn it!  Did he say how much longer?"  Zach's
expression was disgusted and his voice sounded totally defeated.

Alex gave a large sigh.  "I think he said something like till you're sixty
or so," Alex said with a totally straight face, even managing to look
sympathetic.  "He said something about gay bones not being nearly as stiff
as straight bones.  I didn't really understand it."  Alex couldn't keep
from laughing anymore and he was grinning openly at Zach.

"Eat me shit head!" Zach laughed back realizing finally that Alex was
teasing him.

"I tried doing that earlier and you ran off for a shower!" Alex teased
back.

Zach shook his head and rolled his eyes realizing he wasn't going to win
this one.  "All right, you got me.  I give up!  Are you still gonna pick me
up after class?  Beth mentioned she wanted to speak with me after her
lecture today."

"Beth?" Alex asked confused.  "Who's Beth?"

"One of the members on the Mathematics Department," Zach answered.

"You call the professors by their first names?" Alex answered
incredulously.  "That's weird!"

"Well, only the math professors," Zach replied a little embarrassed.  "I
spend a lot of time with all of them since I tutor for most of their
classes.  They have all told me to just call them by their first names."

"I still say that's weird!" Alex laughed.  "What did she want to talk to
you about?  Was it gonna take very long?"

"I don't know.  She didn't say," Zach said finishing his pastry and milk.
"She just asked me to stop by her office after class today.  She probably
wants me to grade tests or something."

"Ok," Alex replied with his mouth full.  "I'll just park out front and wait
for you.  Then we can go get that cast off of you before you go crazy."

"Thanks," Zach smiled.  "I better get going or I'm gonna be late for my
first class.  I'll see ya later."  Zach kissed Alex goodbye between his
bites of cereal.

Zach's day seemed to speed by and crawl at the same time.  His classes were
all great.  The topics covered for the day were all interesting.  Between
classes he spent time talking with his friends and everyone was in a great
mood.  But the anticipation of getting the cast off was driving Zach a
little wild and he could barely sit still.  Finally, the last class
finished and Zach only had to talk with Beth before he could be on his way.

Zach walked to Beth's office idly wondering what she wanted to discuss.
Zach had always had a special relationship with all the math professors,
but he and Beth were especially close.  He knocked on her office door and
was immediately asked to enter.

"Zach, I'm so glad you were able to come see me today," Beth started.  "I
really appreciate you coming on such short notice too."

"No problem Beth," Zach replied smiling at her.  "What was it you wanted to
talk about?"

Beth hesitated for a few seconds before answering.  "I know you tutor a
couple of hours a week at the study center.  Do you enjoy the work?"

"Yeah, I like it," Zach answered a little confused.  "I've always been
pretty good with math and I like helping people with it.  It's a good job
and I get to meet a lot of students I probably wouldn't ever get a chance
to if I didn't have this job."

Beth smiled and relaxed more comfortably in here chair.  "Good.  I'm glad
to hear you say that.  Would you be interested in having a few more
tutoring sessions?  Maybe on a slightly larger scale?"

"I don't understand what you mean Beth," Zach replied.  "I wouldn't mind
tutoring more sessions, but I didn't think there were any more openings at
the study center."

"I don't mean for the study center," Beth answered.  "What I meant was
conducting a group study here in the Mathematics Building.  The job would
be from our Department, not from the study center.  What we need is someone
to help our struggling students with some of the basics.  I know you
normally tutor calculus and statistics, but this would be more along the
lines of Algebra.  And it would be in a group setting instead of one on one
like you normally do.  Would you be willing to do something like that?"

"Wow!" Zach answered a little stunned.  "I never thought of doing anything
like that before.  What made you decided on asking me if you don't mind my
asking."

Beth smiled.  "Well, everyone in the department knows you Zach and we are
all very impressed by you.  Also you already have experience in tutoring so
that helps too.  But most importantly, you are probably the most requested
tutor at the study center.  The list of students wanting help specifically
from you fills up almost as soon as the center opens it up for sign up.
That tells us that you must be doing something right if so many students
want your help."

Zach's mouth opened in shock.  "You're kidding right?  I'm the most
requested tutor?  I can't be!"

Beth chuckled.  "Yes you are.  You may not have noticed, but the other
tutors aren't nearly as busy as you.  The study center has even had to
limit your time to university students only.  Normally the tutors are
available to the high school kids too, but your list fills up so fast that
they can't let the high school kids sign up for you."

"I didn't know that," Zach replied more than a little embarrassed.  "I
don't know what to say.  When would you want me to do this?  And where?
And...well, I don't even know what to ask as far as details."

Beth smiled again.  "Well, we haven't exactly worked out all the details
either.  First we wanted to see if you would even be interested in
something like this.  It would probably be during the evenings to work
around your class schedule and your tutoring schedule.  And that would
probably work better for most of the students too.  So are you interested?
Can I tell Dr. Phillips that we need to figure out the details?"

Zach stared at Beth for a few moments a little stunned.  "Yeah.  I think I
am interested.  Actually, it sounds great!"

Beth chuckled again.  "Good!  I'll tell Bob that we need to get to work and
get with the rest of the faculty to hammer out the details.  I think we
should have the details figured out by Monday.  Can you come meet with me
again after class?"

Zach smiled.  "Sure.  I'll be here.  Thanks Beth!  This is great!"

Beth stood and walked Zach to the door.  "We should be the ones thanking
you Zach.  If you can help some of these students turn their grades around
you will be doing them and us a huge favor.  Have a good weekend.  I'll see
you on Monday."

"Thanks Beth.  I really appreciate it."  Zach left the building still a
little dazed by the whole conversation.  But he was very excited at the
same time.  Zach knew most people hated math, but he really enjoyed it and
he loved helping people with the subject.

Zach was practically bouncing with excitement as he climbed into Alex's
car.  "You'll never guess what Beth wanted to talk with me about!  She
wants me to tutor for the department in a group setting!  Can you believe
that?  She said the department wants me to help with their struggling
students.  I can't believe they chose me for this!"

Alex looked over grinning at Zach, but immediately turned his attention
back to driving.  "Not excited about it are we?" Alex teased.  "You of
course said no, that you just hate math.  Right?"

Zach chuckled.  "Nah.  I said I'd do anything to get me away from my prick
roommate.  He's such an asshole that I would gladly jump at anything as
long as it got me away from him!"

Alex laughed back at Zach.  "Well, if they want you to help the struggling
students, I will probably be in your group.  I'm probably the student they
had in mind when they decided to set up a group and get somebody to tutor."

Zach stopped laughing and looked at Alex seriously.  "Are you having
trouble with your math classes?"

Alex sighed and his expression became serious too.  "Shit!  I didn't mean
to bring the mood down.  I was just joking with you."  Alex continued
looking straight ahead seeming to be concentrating on the road.  "I'm doing
ok."

Zach's eyes narrowed in concentration as he stared at Alex.  "That's nice.
Now do you want to tell me the truth?"

Alex sighed again and glanced at Zach.  "All right.  I'm not doing so well.
I'm practically flunking the class.  I just don't get it."

Zach's face took on an annoyed expression.  "Why didn't you ever tell me
you were having trouble?  I could have helped you.  It's my job, remember?"

Alex remained quiet for a few moments before replying.  "I almost asked for
your help a couple of times, but every time I started, I always backed
down.  I've seen your homework before.  And I've seen you helping Cindy
with hers.  The stuff you guys work on looks like an alien language.  Then
I would look at my homework with questions about how many apples I have if
I pick three and throw one away, and well, I just feel stupid having to ask
for help.  I mean, you said it yourself Zach, you taught yourself calculus
in seventh grade.  Compared to that, I'm a moron."

"Alex, there are a lot of people who don't get math," Zach reassured.
"That's why there are tutors.  And it really kinda annoys me that you
didn't think you could ask me for help.  How many times have you helped me
out?  Don't you think I feel like an idiot when I have to get your help to
interact with people?"

"That's different!" Alex protested.

"You're right," Zach replied.  "Your skill is useful.  Being a people
person will definitely take you a lot further than being a walking
calculator."

Alex started laughing.  "That's not what I meant!" he protested.

Zach grinned at Alex.  "I know what you meant.  Now, will you start letting
me help you?"

Alex smiled sheepishly at Zach.  "Yeah.  But boy have you got your work cut
out for you!"

Zach smiled back at Alex as the mood was lightened.  The rest of the trip
to Alex's hometown and his father's hospital was spent laughing.  They were
both in a good mood as they pulled into the hospital parking lot and took a
spot fairly close to the door.  They then walked into the building in
search of Alex's dad.

While searching for Dr. Edwards they ran into Nurse Carol who had helped
the night of the car accident.  Carol immediately smiled when she saw the
two and quickly walked up to them.  "Alex!  Your father said you would be
stopping by today with Zach.  You're looking good Zach.  Much better than
when I first met you."

Zach looked at Carol for a second before turning to Alex in confusion.
"Um, I'm sorry.  I don't think I know you." Zach said, turning a little
pink with embarrassment.

Carol chuckled at Zach's confusion.  "Well, I'd be more surprised if you
did remember me Zach.  I was one of the nurses who helped take care of you
the night of the accident.  Dr. Edwards said you would be stopping by today
to get the cast removed."

"Oh," Zach answered.  "I really don't remember too much of anything from
that night after hitting the deer."  Zach turned a little redder as he
turned towards Alex.  "Just a few bits and pieces and small parts of
conversations."

Alex started smiling as he realized just exactly what conversation Zach was
referring to.  It always amused Alex that Zach still blushed whenever he
remembered he had revealed that he loved Alex while drugged.  Alex thought
Zach looked adorable when he was blushing.

"So where is my Dad?" Alex asked Carol.  "Zach is about ready to take a
hammer to this cast to get out of it.  I think we should probably try and
prevent that if we can."

Carol started laughing.  "I imagine he is in his office.  Why don't you two
go into that exam room there and I'll send him in."

"Thanks Carol!" Alex replied warmly.  "Tell Dad to hurry.  I don't know how
long I can keep Zach's hand tied up."

Zach looked at Alex with a look of pure disgust.  "Ha Ha," he said in a
flat monotone voice.  "You are just so funny.  Maybe I should break your
leg and see how you like wearing one of these things!"

Carol was laughing at both of them as she shooed them into the exam room.
Still laughing, she left to go find Alex's dad.

A few minutes later Dr. Edwards came into the room smiling broadly.  "Hey
boys!" he greeted them warmly hugging them both.  "You both are looking
good.  Carol says you want to keep the cast on Zach."

"Everyone's a comedian!" Zach replied grinning.  "Will you please take this
stupid thing off before I start banging it against your son's head to break
it off!"

"How did you know I was planning on using Alex's head to bust off the
cast?" Dr. Edwards asked laughing.  "It's the hardest, densest substance
known to man!"

"Hey!"  Alex protested.  "Why is everyone picking on me all of a sudden?"

The three of them laughed as Dr. Edwards quickly began cutting the cast
away.  Almost before the pieces were removed Zach started scratching
frantically at his leg, an expression of bliss crossing his face.  "Oh God!
I've wanted to do this for so long.  It's been driving me crazy!"

"Every patient does that same thing when I take off a cast," Dr Edwards
said, smiling.  "Just make sure to stop before you start bleeding!  Are the
two of you going back to the house now?  Jason might be there by now."

"Jason is coming down?" Alex asked excited.  "I didn't think he was gonna
be able to get away.  At least that's what he said when I last spoke to
him."

Dr. Edwards smiled at his son.  "Well, he is only coming down for the
night.  He needed to pick up a few things from the house.  And I think he
wanted to see his little brother too!"

Alex's grin spread from ear to ear as he and Zach headed towards the door.
"Thanks Dad!  We'll see ya later for supper won't we?"

"No, I probably won't get away till around ten or so tonight.  You guys
have fun, but try not to destroy the house.  Maybe we can get together for
breakfast tomorrow."

"That would be great Dad," Alex replied.  "You have chocolate Pop Tarts for
Zach don't you?"  Alex grinned at Zach as he said that and Zach punched him
lightly.

Dr. Edwards laughed at the two of them.  "I've got your Pop Tarts Zach.
Don't worry.  It's been good seeing you again Zach.  Remember to take it
easy on that leg for a while.  Give it time to get back in condition before
you start running any marathons!"

"Thanks Dr. Edwards," Zach answered sincerely.  "I really appreciate
everything you've done for me."

Dr. Edwards hugged both of them again in parting and Alex and Zach headed
towards the parking lot.  In only a few minutes Alex was pulling the car
into the driveway of his home.  The two of them got out of the car and
started towards the front door.  Before they had taken even a dozen steps
the front door flew open and Jason came bounding out to meet them.

"Hey Little Brother!" Jason yelled grabbing Alex in a rough bear hug.
"It's about time you got your ugly mug home!  I've been waiting forever for
you to arrive."  Jason let Alex go and immediately grabbed Zach in a warm
embrace.  "I see you finally got that cast off Zach.  No more help in the
shower for you huh?"  Jason started laughing as Zach immediately turned
crimson with embarrassment.  The three of them entered the house with Jason
practically bouncing the entire way.

The afternoon was spent pleasantly talking while pretending to watch
movies.  The conversation was more interesting than the TV anyway so nobody
could really say what was on.  As evening rolled around they decided to
order pizza instead of attempting to cook.  Both Alex and Jason were total
incompetents in the kitchen and they decided it was unfair for Zach to have
to cook for them.

After scarfing down enough pizza to feed a small army, the three retired to
the living room to watch some rented videos.  Alex half sat, half lay on
the couch and pulled Zach down in front of him getting Zach to lean back
against his chest.  The position had a great level of intimacy and was
perfect for Alex to rub Zach's chest and stomach.  Zach was a little
embarrassed to be sitting in such a position in front of Alex's brother but
Jason just smiled at them, his eyes twinkling.

After the movie had ended Alex noticed that Zach had fallen asleep in his
arms.  "Damn!" Alex said quietly.  "I wasn't expecting him to go to sleep
on me!  I had plans for tonight."  Jason started laughing quietly and Alex
turned a little pink as he realized what he had said in front of his
brother.  Alex grinned a little sheepishly at Jason.

"I take it the two of you are back in the same bed again then," Jason said.
"The last time we really talked you said the two of you were having some
problems.  Watching the two of you today I kinda figured you had worked
through them and were sleeping together again."

Alex blushed a little more.  "Yeah, we're in the same bed again.  We
haven't really slept together yet though.  We're still taking it real slow.
Just a lot of making out and some real heavy petting is all."

Jason grinned even broader.  "Too much information Little Brother!" he
laughed.  "So the two of you are doing pretty good then?"

Alex's expression was still happy but it also took on a serious tone.
"Yeah, for the most part.  Zach is still having trouble sleeping although
he tries to hide it from me.  It is getting better for him, but I know he
doesn't sleep nearly enough.  He still has the nightmares, but they seem to
be coming less often now that he has started talking to me about them."

Jason smiled warmly at his brother.  "That's good.  It's pretty obvious he
loves you and trusts you Alex.  You do realize how uncomfortable he was
lying with you like that in front of me tonight don't you?  Yet he still
did it to make you happy.  I'm sure he enjoyed it too, but it did make him
uncomfortable.  And look at how peacefully he's sleeping right now.  It's
because he's with you and in your arms."

Alex nuzzled Zach's cheek a little before looking up smiling at Jason.  "I
know.  But when did you become so smart and perceptive?"

Jason laughed as he got up and tousled Alex's hair.  "I've always been
smart and perceptive.  You've just never noticed before.  You should pay
more attention.  Why don't we pour your boyfriend into bed now?"

The two brothers gently shook Zach till he half awoke and then steered him
towards Alex's bedroom and the waiting bed.  Zach was still half asleep,
but awake enough to realize what was taking place.  Oddly he didn't resist
but instead docilely allowed himself to be led to the bedroom.  He didn't
even object when Alex started undressing him while Jason was still in the
room, which really surprised Alex.

"G'night Jason," Zach said sleepily as he settled down into the bed.  Even
when Alex pulled off his boxers Zach's eyes only opened half way before
closing again.  "Shower time is at 7 if you're still gonna help," Zach
murmured, a half smile crossing his face.

Jason laughed at that comment and briefly tousled Zach's hair.  "Sweet
dreams Zach.  You too Alex.  I'll see ya both tomorrow morning."  Jason was
still chuckling as he left for his own room.

Alex quickly undressed and crawled into bed next to Zach.  Zach promptly
snuggled up next to him, smiling happily.  With his head resting against
Alex's chest, Zach drifted off into a peaceful sleep.

Zach woke to Alex's gentle kissing and the feeling of Alex's hands rubbing
lazy patterns across his chest and stomach.  He opened his eyes to see
Alex's smiling face and immediately noticed it was light out.  "Hey, I
guess that sleeping beauty kiss thing really works!" Alex teased kissing
him again.

Zach was quickly loosing himself to the gentle stroking of his body by
Alex.  Alex's kisses played havoc with his brain and his body was fast
becoming inflamed with desire.  Zach reached out pulling Alex closer to him
kissing him deeply.  Alex pulled away slightly and started nibbling along
Zach's jaw line and down the chords of his neck.  Zach breath became
haggard as his passion swept over him.

Without warning, Jason threw open the door and came bouncing into the room.
"Hey!  You guys aren't doing anything important are you?"  Jason was
laughing really hard and ducked as Alex threw a pillow at him.  Zach's aim
was a little better so the pillow he threw hit Jason square in the head
sending him tumbling backwards still laughing hysterically.

"Get out Jason!"  Alex yelled, also laughing.  Zach was blushing furiously,
but also laughing at Jason's antics.  Jason threw the two pillows back at
the two of them before he bounced across the room and jumped into bed with
them.

"Hey!  I'm just here cause Zach said he wanted my help in the shower
today," Jason said grinning.  "Guess he must have enjoyed the first time.
From the little tent he has going there I'd say he's ready for a repeat
performance!"

Zach blushed an even brighter crimson and Alex shoved Jason off the bed.
"Stop trying to molest my boyfriend you perv!  You'll have to provide your
own entertainment in the shower."  Alex's grin became positively evil.
"But you do that all the time anyway don't you Jason?"

Jason got up still laughing.  "Every chance I get!  And my count is still
behind yours!"  Jason ducked again as Alex threw his pillow at him again.
Still laughing loudly, Jason headed towards the bathroom to take his
shower.

Alex turned back towards Zach.  "I guess we might as well get up too.  God
knows he'll just be back in here after his shower to try and embarrass us
some more!"

Zach was grinning broadly as he got up and pulled on his boxers.  The
underwear did nothing to hide his state of arousal, but at least he was
covered.  Zach watched as Alex pulled on his own boxers.  When Alex turned
back towards him Zach's eyebrows arched suggestively at the obvious bulge
in the front of Alex's underwear.  Turning a little pink Alex just shrugged
his shoulders slightly and looked down at the tent in Zach's boxers to
prove his point.  The two of them laughed at each other and then got up to
get ready for the day.

After a few more minutes, Jason came dripping back into their room wrapping
a towel around his waist.  "Bathrooms all yours guys!" he announced.  "I
suggest you hurry though cause as soon as I dry off I'm heading to the
kitchen for breakfast.  Dad's making French Toast and if you don't get
there fast, I'm gonna eat it all!"

Laughing, Alex walked by his brother grabbing the towel and pulling it off
in passing.  Unfazed, Jason just walked back to his room nude.  Shaking his
head in amusement, Zach followed Alex into the bathroom to take a shower
and shave.  The two of them finished fairly quickly and pulling on their
boxers walked out to the kitchen for breakfast.  Zach was still a little
self conscious wearing just his boxers around the house, but his stay over
Christmas break had helped him get use to the idea, at least a little
anyway.

When they walked into the kitchen, Dr. Edwards was just setting down plates
for both of them.  True to his word, Jason was already at the table
stuffing his face with breakfast.  Jason ate nearly as fast and as much as
Alex and it always amused Zach watching the two of them eating.  They
almost seemed to be racing to see who could eat the most.

Dr. Edwards poured two glasses of milk for Alex and Zach and set them in
front of them.  "Zach, I do have Pop Tarts if you would prefer, but I
thought you might manage at least a piece or two of French Toast."

"Thanks Dr. Edwards," Zach replied, turning a little pink.  "It looks great
and smells even better.  I think I can eat a piece or two, if Alex and
Jason don't eat it all first that is!"

"Then you better hurry and grab a piece cause I'm hungry!" Alex said with
his mouth full.

"So what else is new?" Jason asked grinning, his mouth full too.  Alex
merely stabbed his fork into a piece on Jason's plate and promptly stuffed
it into his mouth chewing happily.  Jason and Alex settled into a mock
sword fight with their forks for a few minutes till Dr. Edwards cleared his
throat frowning at both of them and their lack of manners.  The two
brothers managed to look guilty even with their mouths full and went back
to cramming food as fast as they could.  Zach was openly laughing at the
two of them and Dr.  Edwards turned towards him shaking his head a little.

"Don't encourage them Zach," Dr. Edwards said in a disgusted voice.  "These
two manage to embarrass me with their table manners every chance they get."
Alex and Jason looked at each other a little sheepishly and then shrugged
and went back to stuffing their faces.

After they had all finished eating, with Zach even managing to save a piece
of French Toast for himself, Dr. Edwards got up to clean off the table.
Jason, Alex and Zach quickly got up to help but Dr. Edwards shooed them
back to the table.  "So when are you boys all leaving?" Dr. Edwards asked
as he finished.

"I'm heading back just as soon as I get dressed," Jason answered.  "I
probably shouldn't have even stayed this long but I miss all of you.  I
wish Mark had been able to come down too."

Alex looked at Zach for a second.  "We will probably leave a little after
Jason, Dad.  We don't really have any definite plans, but I at least have
homework and Zach has offered to help me with my math."

"That was awfully generous of you Zach," Dr. Edwards replied.  "I have to
leave for the Hospital here in just a few minutes myself, so I guess I
better say goodbye to all of you now."  Dr. Edwards hugged both of his sons
fiercely and then surprised Zach by embracing him just as fiercely.  "Zach,
I want you to come back any time.  This house is always open to you."  Then
Dr. Edwards started grinning.  "I suppose you'll have to bring Alex with
you, but I guess that's ok too."

"Dad!" Alex protested, laughing.  Dr. Edwards smiled at his youngest son
and tousled his hair fondly.  "And here I thought I was your favorite!"
Alex said grinning at Jason.

"No," Dr. Edwards replied.  "Zach is my favorite now.  I've decided to
trade you and Jason for him.  I think I'm getting a pretty good deal too!
As much as I'm enjoying this, boys, I've really got to take off or I'm
going to be late.  Have safe trips back to school and don't forget to call
me from time to time.  Never forget that I love you all."  Dr. Edwards
hugged the three of them again and then left for the hospital.

Alex, Jason and Zach wandered back towards the bedrooms.  They were walking
slowly obviously reluctant to part company.  At Alex's bedroom, Jason
grabbed Alex in a huge bear hug.  "I'm gonna miss you Little Brother!"
Jason said sincerely.  "Maybe I'll come visit you over Spring Break since
you guys weren't going anywhere."

"That would be great!" Alex answered excitedly.  "My Birthday falls during
the break this year.  We can go out and celebrate!"

Jason's eyes twinkled.  "That would be great!"  Jason grabbed Zach in a big
bear hug too.  "I'm gonna miss you too Zach.  I was really looking forward
to helping you in the shower again.  Guess we'll have to do that sometime
when Alex is away!"  Jason thrust his groin into Zach's a couple of times
playfully before letting him go.

Zach blushed furiously at Jason's antics but laughed as he replied.  "Shhh
Jason!  Alex is right here.  He might start suspecting if you keep this
up!"

Alex grinned at the two of them trying to assume a jealous look and failing
miserably.  "I knew it!" Alex protested.  "All this time you were only
using me to get to my brother!  Although I can't figure out why!"

"Damn!" Jason laughed.  "He's figured it out Zach.  Guess we'll have to
cool it for a while now!"  Jason tousled both of their hair before heading
towards his room to get dressed laughing the entire way.

Alex and Zach went into the bedroom to get dressed.  "I love your family!"
Zach said as they were pulling on their clothes.  "I absolutely love being
with all of them."

Alex smiled at Zach.  "They love you too, you know.  I think Jason might be
considering a lifestyle change because of you!" Alex teased.  "And Dad was
pretty serious about wanting to adopt you."

Zach smiled happily at those comments and finished dressing.  He helped
Alex straighten up his room and then they headed towards the living room.
Jason was just coming back into the house from carrying his stuff out to
his car.

"Hey!" Jason said seeing them.  "I was just about to come back and say
goodbye again.  I'm all packed up and if I don't hurry up I'm gonna be
late.  Or later than usual I guess I should say!"  Jason hugged both of
them again in parting.  "Drive fast!  You don't want any deer catching you
on this trip!" Jason joked as he turned to go.

Alex and Zach both laughed as Jason left.  Alex turned to Zach smiling.
"Well, I guess we might as well go too.  I'm not really in the mood to go
back to school and study just yet though.  Do you want to drive around for
a little bit before we head home?"

"Sure," Zach answered as the two headed towards the door.  "Where did you
want to drive to?  Or were we just gonna wander aimlessly?"

Alex looked at Zach seriously for a few seconds before replying.  "We don't
have to if you don't want to, but I thought we could make a slight detour
on the way back to school and you could show me your hometown.  I'd like to
see where you grew up if you don't mind too much.  We don't have to stop or
anything, but I would kinda like to see your hometown."

Zach smiled a little hesitantly.  "That would be quite a detour.  But if
you really want to, I suppose it will be ok."  Zach got really quiet for a
few moments and he looked at the ground.  "I don't want to stop at my house
though Alex.  I don't want to see Mom and Dad.  I'm in too good of a mood
for them to ruin it."

Alex reached over and tilted Zach's head back up to look in his eyes.  Alex
kissed him lightly before replying.  "We don't have to stop.  We don't even
have to go there at all if you don't want to."

"No," Zach replied smiling.  "I don't mind showing you my town as long as
we don't stop at my house.  We can drive by if you want, but I don't want
to stop."

Alex smiled and the two of them got into the car to take a little road
trip.  Zach's was still in a fairly good mood as they drove towards his
hometown, but Alex noticed he was a little quieter than he had been.  Alex
began to wonder if he should have suggested this trip at all, but Zach was
still smiling and joking, just not as much.

The miles flew by and soon they were pulling into a mid-sized typical
mid-western town.  Zach began pointing out sites to Alex as they wandered
through the town, driving slowly so Alex could see.  They drove by several
different houses in widely scattered neighborhoods and Zach mentioned that
at one point or another his family had lived in them.  They were all nice
homes in good neighborhoods and Alex couldn't really figure out why Zach's
family had moved so often.

"To keep up with the Jones's I suppose," Zach answered lightly when Alex
asked him why they had moved so much.  "Mom and Dad were never satisfied
with the homes they bought.  We would no sooner move in than another house
across town would catch their eye and it just obviously had to be better
than the one we were currently in.  Turn here, and I'll show you the house
we lived in the longest."

Alex turned where indicated and started driving out towards a rural
setting.  "I thought you lived in town?"  he asked a little confused.

"We did," Zach replied.  "Well almost.  The city limits end about a quarter
mile before this subdivision, but you might as well say we lived in town.
We had all the city services.  There it is, right there," Zach said
pointing at a large ranch style house sitting on about an acre yard filled
with large trees of various varieties.  The landscaping was gently rolling
and a small waterway ran through the back yard.  The subdivision was very
nice and all the houses were well maintained and similar in style to the
one Zach pointed out.

"You can't see it unless you're in the back yard, but the house has a deck
overlooking a patio from the basement," Zach said describing the house a
little bit.  "The way the house is built on that hill, you can enter the
house straight into the basement or take a short flight of steps up to the
deck and enter on the main floor.  It's a pretty cool house.  Cindy lives
in that one right there." Zach pointed out a house two down from the first
one he pointed out.  Zach's voice had gone a little quiet and Alex looked
at him a little worried.

"Are you ok?" Alex asked, concern in his voice.

"Yeah," Zach answered smiling slightly.  "There was just a lot that
happened in that house.  I was just remembering.  Don't worry, I'm ok.
Let's head back towards town and I'll show you where I went to school."

Alex negotiated a turn and headed back towards the town.  Zach pointed out
his high school and his junior high school.  They drove around a little
more and Zach pointed out a couple of grade schools he had attended as
well.

Zach had a distant look on his face even as he was pointing out sites to
Alex.  Finally, Zach turned to Alex.  "Alex, I know we had planned on just
looking around town for a bit and then heading on back to school.  But
would you mind if we spent the day here?  There's something I want to do if
you don't mind."

Alex looked at Zach smiling.  "I wondered when you were gonna tell me what
you were really thinking about.  We didn't have any definite plans, so I
don't care if we change them.  What did you want to do?"

Zach grinned.  "I guess I was pretty transparent there."  Zach's expression
turned wistful.  "If you really don't mind, can we call my sister?  I want
to see if she'll let me have my nephew for the afternoon.  I haven't seen
him since before school started in the fall."

"I didn't know you had a nephew," Alex answered.  "Sure, let's call her.  I
think I saw a pay phone back at that convenience store."  Alex negotiated a
turn and started driving back towards the convenience store in question.
"So what's your nephew's name?  And what did you want to do with him
today?"

"I thought we could take him to the park, play on the monkey bars.  Maybe
even feed the ducks.  And his name is Scott, but everybody usually calls
him Scottie," Zach answered, smiling gratefully at Alex.  "He's six years
old and he is the coolest little kid you'll ever meet!  Zach was the first
word he ever said!  He said my name before he even said mama or dada!  Can
you believe that?  He's so cool!"  Zach's face was nearly glowing with
pride and Alex just smiled at him.

At the convenience store, Zach got out of the car and walked over to the
pay phone.  He quickly dialed his sister's phone number, nearly squirming
with anticipation as he waited for an answer.  Finally after what seemed
like an eternity, he heard someone pick up the line.

"Hello?" Zach heard his sister's voice on the other end of the line answer.

"Hey Sis!" Zach answered.  "How are you doing?"

"Zachary?" Lisa asked puzzled.  "My god, is that really you?  I wasn't
expecting a call from you!"

"Yeah I know," Zach replied.  "I'm in town with my roommate, showing him
where I grew up.  I thought I would give you a call.  I thought I might ask
you if I could steal my nephew for the afternoon.  Unless you already have
plans."

"No, we don't have any plans," Lisa answered.  "And he would love to spend
the afternoon with you.  He misses his overgrown playmate!"

"So you don't mind if I take him then?" Zach asked, a little nervous.  "I
thought I would take him out to the park for a while.  I'd like to spend a
couple of hours with him if it's ok."

"I don't mind at all Zach," Lisa said warmly.  "Scottie will love it.  Are
you really sure you want him for that long though?  He's gonna go nuts when
he sees you, you know."

"I hope so!" Zach said really excited.  "I'll be there in just a few
minutes then.  Don't tell Scottie.  I want to surprise him!"

"Ok," Lisa said laughing.  "I'll see ya in a bit then, Zach."

"See ya Sis.  And thanks!"  Zach hung up the phone and sprinted back to the
car.  "Come on Alex, let's go!  Lisa said we can have him!"

Alex was laughing as he pulled away.  It was great seeing Zach so excited.
He was almost like a little kid again.  Alex quickly navigated the streets,
following Zach's directions to his sister's house.  It only took about ten
minutes and Alex was pulling into a driveway in front of an attractive
two-story home.

Zach and Alex exited the car and were on their way to the front door when
Lisa opened the door and came out.  "Hey Zach!  That didn't take very
long."  Then she turned to Alex.  "You must be Zach's roommate.  I'm sorry,
I don't remember your name."

Alex smiled his warmest smile at Zach's sister.  "I'm Alex.  It's really
nice to meet you."

Lisa smiled back.  "It's nice to meet you too.  You should both probably
brace yourselves.  Scottie is gonna go wild when he sees you Zach.  He only
asks about you about a hundred times a day."  Lisa opened the door and
stuck her head inside.  "Scottie!  We have company."

Zach was grinning broadly, his smile spreading from ear to ear.  He was
nearly beaming with pride and Alex thought he had never seen him look so
cute.  And then Alex could hear the sounds of a small boy running towards
the door.

"UNCLE ZACH!  UNCLE ZACH!" a little boy's voice yelled.  And then Alex saw
a cute, slender, blond haired six year old come running out onto the porch.
Without stopping, Scottie literally threw himself off the porch straight
into Zach's outspread arms.  Zach caught the little boy in mid leap,
hugging him close and spinning him swiftly in circles.  Scottie was hugging
Zach fiercely around the neck almost strangling him, laughing and giggling
in pure joy.  Zach eventually got Scotties fingers unclenched from around
his neck and then held him straight over his head at arm's length, tossing
him a little into the air and then catching him again.  Scottie was
laughing so hard he was nearly squirming and he just kept repeating "Uncle
Zach" at the top of his voice.  Finally, Zach pulled Scottie in close for
another tight hug and then continued holding him in his arms.

Scottie leaned down to whisper in Zach's ear, but his voice was still loud
enough for all of them to hear.  "Did you come to play with me?"

"Yep!" Zach answered also whispering, but also loud enough to be heard by
everyone.

"Good!" Scott answered excitedly.  "Who's that?" he asked indicating Alex.

"That's Alex, he's my roommate up at college," Zach answered.  "You'll like
him.  He's really nice."

"Ok.  Do you two get to play with each other a lot up in college?" Scottie
asked innocently.  Alex had a hard time keeping from laughing at the double
meaning in Scottie's question and Zach threw him a hard look.  Alex
couldn't help but notice that Zach had turned a little pink at Scott's
question and that made him almost start laughing again.

"Not a whole lot Scottie," Zach answered.  "We're usually too busy with
classes to get to play.  That's why we came to see you."

Scott smiled a huge smile.  "Good!  I like it when you come see me!"

"Me too!  I've missed you Scottie!"  Zach said in a loud whisper in
Scotties ear, squeezing him tight again.  "You don't know how much I missed
you little buddy!"  Scottie was giggling again and immediately clamped his
arms around Zach's neck once more.  "Do you think you've been good enough
for your mom to let you come spend the rest of the day with me?"

"I've been good!  I've been real good Uncle Zach!"  Scottie turned towards
Lisa.  "Please Mom!"  Scottie begged.  "Can I please go with Uncle Zach?
I've been good."

"You have?" Lisa teased.  "Where was I?"

"MOM!"  Scottie protested.  "Please let me go.  Please!"

Lisa came over and kissed Scottie on the cheek.  "Of course you can go.
I'd never hear the end of it from you if I said no, now would I?  Go get
your coat, and you remember to be good for Zach and do what he tells you."

"YEAH!  Thanks Mom!"  Scottie scrambled down out of Zach's arms racing
towards his room to get his coat.

"Thanks Sis," Zach said, smiling as Zach disappeared into the house in
search of a coat.  "I'll get him home in time for supper.  Ok?"

"That's fine Zach," Lisa answered.  "You just make sure he minds.  Don't
let him get away with murder!  Have fun."

Scottie came racing back pulling on a coat as he came running out the door.
Once again he didn't stop at the edge of the porch, but instead leaped into
Zach's waiting arms.  "I'm ready!  Let's go!  Bye Mom."

Lisa was laughing as she walked them to Alex's car.  "You behave Scottie.
Have fun today!"

Zach got Scottie belted into the back seat, no mean task with a squirming,
excited six year old.  Alex had already taken the driver's seat and Zach
got into the front passenger seat.  "Thanks again Lisa.  We'll be back
later."

Lisa waived and headed back into the house as Alex backed out of the
driveway.  Alex followed Zach's directions towards the city park, making a
stop along the way to pick up a couple of loves of bread to feed the ducks.
Scottie was nearly bouncing with excitement and Alex was amused to see that
Zach was nearly in the same state himself.  It was clear to anyone that
Zach loved the little boy, and Scottie obviously adored his uncle.

After a few minutes of driving they pulled into a large park with several
ponds and large numbers of ducks swimming or walking along the banks.  The
park also had several play areas with several sets of swings, sliding
boards and various monkey bars.  Several benches were scattered throughout
and several building were standing in various places.  It was a very
pleasant park, quite large and obviously well maintained.  Alex drove
around the winding road through the park until Zach indicated a parking
spot next to a small bridge over the spillway between two of the ponds.
The three of them exited the car and started towards the bridge and the
waiting hungry ducks.

"Come on Uncle Zach!  Let's go feed the ducks!" Scott yelled.  Scott
laughed happily and raced with boundless energy to be the first at the
pond.  Zach grinned as Scott ran across the bridge to feed the ducks.
Scott's excitement and joy seemed to transmit to anyone nearby.  Smiling,
Zach turned to see Alex was grinning nearly as much as Scott.

"Go ahead buddy," Alex called to Scott.  "Your Uncle Zach and I will just
watch you from the bridge here."  Alex and Zach slowly walked to the center
of the bridge and leaned against the rail keeping an eye on Scott.  "This
is a pretty cool spot here," Alex said in a quieter voice to Zach.

"Yeah.  When I was growing up, I use to ride my bike out here all the
time," Zach replied, smiling slightly.  "It was a good place to escape to.
I think I've spent hours just sitting here on this bridge.  Now, whenever I
can, I like to bring Scott out here to feed the ducks.  He seems to like it
almost as much as I do."

Alex smiled warmly at Zach.  "You really love that little guy don't you?"

"Oh God yes!" Zach replied his eyes still on Scott.  "From the moment I
first laid eyes on him that little guy has had my heart in his hands." Zach
turned to look at Alex with a wistful smile on his face.  "He's had me
wrapped around his little finger since birth."

"Do you have any other nephews or nieces?" Alex asked curiously.

Zach chuckled turning back to watch Scott.  "No.  I have Aunts and Uncles
beyond counting and cousins by the score, but he's my only nephew."

Alex turned to watch Scott too, but he decided to pursue the conversation
since Zach was being so communicative.  "So does your whole family live in
the area then?"

"Most of them," Zach answered.  "I told you about my gay cousin who moved
to Florida.  The family hasn't heard much from him since.  I have a great
aunt that lives in Seattle who's really cool.  I also have an uncle and
aunt that live out east. I don't know them very well though.  They do have
three boys. Their oldest, my cousin Derek is about our age I think.  He can
be a real jerk sometimes.  He's pretty stuck up.  The rest of the family
has pretty much stuck around here though."

"Does your whole family get together very often then?" Alex asked.  "Since
they are all in the area do you all do holidays or something?"

Zach glanced at Alex, a questioning look in his eyes.  "Not really," he
replied.  "There's usually a whole family get together a little after
Christmas, but that's about it."  Zach half turned towards Alex.  "You're
certainly asking a lot of questions.  What's up?"

Alex grinned sheepishly.  "Nothing really.  I just thought I would try and
get some more info on you while you were in an answering mood."

Zach looked down at the water.  After a few seconds he looked back at Alex,
a serious expression on his face.  "I'm sorry Alex.  I'm not mad at the
questions.  I wish I could open up easier to you.  I've just never been
comfortable talking about myself.  I guess I'm not doing a very good job of
letting you in."

Alex surreptitiously placed one of his hands over Zach's on the rail of the
bridge.  "It's ok Zach.  I know it's hard for you to open up.  All things
considered, I think you're doing a great job."

Zach shook his head.  "No I'm not.  I keep trying to tell you stuff and I
can't get myself to start.  So maybe you asking me questions like this is a
good thing.  It's easier for me to answer questions than to just volunteer
the information.  So, I'm gonna promise you that I'll always answer any
question you ask me."

Alex smiled warmly at Zach, his heart in his eyes.  "You don't have to do
that Zach," he said.  "You don't have to tell me anything you don't want
to."

"But I want to," Zach answered, smiling back at Alex.  "I want you to know
everything.  Maybe this way, I can actually do it."

"Uncle Zach!  Uncle Zach!"  Scott ran back up to the bridge.  "I'm all done
feeding the ducks!  All the food is gone.  They ate it all up.  Did you see
`em?  Did you see how they kept coming up to me wanting more?"

"We sure did Scottie," Zach said sweeping Scott up into his arms and
tossing him into the air a little before catching him again.  "I thought
one of those ducks was gonna grab you and fly off with you there for a
minute.  Maybe hold you for ransom or something!"

Scott giggled at the teasing and especially at being thrown into the air.
"Can I ride on your shoulders?  Please!"

Laughing, Zach allowed Scott to climb up onto his shoulders and sit there
while he walked across the bridge.  "I don't suppose you want to go play on
the swings and monkey bars do you?  You're prolly too grown up for that
now, huh?"

Scott reached down and hugged Zach around the neck, nearly strangling him
in his enthusiasm.  "Yeah I do!  Let's go play on the monkey bars.  And
will you push me real high when I swing?"

"I'll get you swinging so high you'll touch the sky Scottie!" Zach
promised.  Zach grinned at Alex.  "Come on.  Let's go be kids again and
play."  Alex grinned back at him and all together the three of them raced
towards the playground.

As the sun was setting, they took Scott back home.  The little boy had
talked a mile a minute and was literally squirming in his seat with
excitement and joy.  As they pulled into the driveway, Lisa came out to
greet them.

"MOM!  MOM!" Scottie yelled as Zach was trying to undo his seatbelt.  "We
had so much fun!  We fed the ducks and played on the monkey bars.  Uncle
Zach pushed me on the swings really high and Uncle Alex helped me on the
monkey bars.  And we went on the slides, and they let me ride on their
shoulders!"

Lisa was laughing as the little boy rambled on faster and faster as he
related each and every event.  "Looks like you had fun today Scottie.
Supper is almost ready.  Why don't you go in and wash your hands?"

"OK!" Scott said running towards the house.

Lisa turned back to Zach and Alex.  "It appears Scottie has adopted you
Alex!  I hope you don't mind hamburgers and fries for supper.  I promised
Scottie we would have them for supper before I knew we would be having
company."

"Oh Lisa," Zach protested.  "You don't have to feed us!"

"Oh hush Zach," Lisa answered smiling as she led the two into the house.
"Do you know how miserable Scott will make my life if you just leave now?
Besides, it's nice having company while John's at work."

"All right," Zach answered smiling.  "But you might regret offering to feed
Alex.  He'll eat you out of house and home and follow you around like a
puppy if you feed him!"

Alex laughed and shoved playfully at Zach.  "I promise not to eat
everything in sight!" Alex said.  "Despite what Zach says, I do have a few
manors.  I even know how to use them on occasion!"

Lisa laughed and led them into the kitchen where Scottie was already busy
trying to get his plate ready.  They loaded up their plates, Zach pausing
long enough to help Scottie with his, and headed back towards the living
room to eat and watch TV.  Alex and Zach sat next to each other on the
couch and Scottie promptly wiggled himself between them.  They finished
eating fairly quickly and quietly watched TV for a short time.

After about an hour, Zach looked down to see Scottie had fallen asleep
cuddled up next to him.  Alex had his hand on Scotties back and was rubbing
him slightly and Scottie's face was one of pure happiness.  Zach looked up
at Lisa catching her eye.  "I guess we wore him out today," he said
quietly.  "God knows he wore us out!"

Lisa chuckled slightly.  "I told you he was going to be a handful!  Thanks
for giving him such a good day."

Alex smiled at her.  "It was a lot of fun.  I don't have any nephews so I
really enjoyed playing with Scottie.  He's a great kid!"

"Yes he is," Zach agreed.  "I wish I could see him more often.  I've really
missed him while I've been at school."

"He misses you too Zach," Lisa said sincerely.  "I imagine I'm gonna have
to hear about his Uncle Zach and his new Uncle Alex non stop for the next
few days."

Zach smiled proudly and stroked the sleeping little boy's forehead.  "I
guess we should be heading back to school now.  Thanks for letting me have
Scottie today Sis.  And thanks for feeding us too!"  Zach started to get up
and the movement woke Scottie.  The little boy rubbed sleepily at his eyes
and then saw Zach and Alex getting ready to leave.

"Don't go!" Scottie wailed.  "I don't want you to go!  Stay Uncle Zach!"
Scottie jumped up and grabbed hold of Zach's waist sobbing.

Zach reached down and gently lifted Scottie up to hug him.  Scottie wrapped
his arms around Zach's neck once again nearly strangling him.  Zach held
the little boy tightly to him, rubbing his back to quiet him.  "I have to
go back to school now Scottie.  But I'll be back to play another day.  And
I'll bring Alex too.  I promise!"

Alex reached out to tousle the little boy's hair and Scottie laughed a
little even as he continued to cry.  "I'll miss you Uncle Zach.  You
promise you'll come back?  And you'll bring Uncle Alex too?"

"I promise Scottie!" Zach answered his eyes starting to get watery.  "I
love you little buddy!  You be good for your mom, ok?"

"Ok," Scottie answered, his voice muffled in Zach's shoulder and neck.
Lisa gently took hold of the little boy and Scottie started sobbing once
again.  Tears were starting to run down Zach's cheeks too and he rubbed
Scottie's back one more time in parting.

"Bye little man," Alex said knowing that Zach wouldn't be able to talk any
more without busting out into tears.  "We'll come back again real soon.  Be
good!"

"Bye Uncle Alex," Scottie answered, his head buried in Lisa's shoulder.

Alex and Zach walked out to the car and as soon as they got in Zach started
sobbing.  Alex reached over and rubbed his shoulder in comfort.  After a
few moments, Zach got a hold of himself and looked over at Alex with a half
smile on his face.  "I'm ok," he reassured Alex.  "He does that to me every
single time I have to say goodbye.  You'd think I'd be use to it by now."

Alex smiled at Zach as he started the car and began the drive home.  "You
never get use to saying goodbye to those you love Zach.  You might learn
not to cry, but you never get use to it."

The ride back to the apartment was very subdued.  Zach sat quietly just
staring out the window and Alex was reluctant to intrude on his thoughts.
When they arrived back at the apartment, Zach got out of the car and walked
into the apartment still without saying anything.  He sat down on the couch
staring off into space for a few minutes.

Finally Zach turned towards Alex with a smile on his face.  "Thanks for
today Alex," Zach said warmly.  "I know spending the day with my nephew
probably wasn't anywhere close to what you had in mind for the day.  And I
want you to know how much it meant to me."

Alex sat down next to Zach smiling.  "I didn't mind at all.  In fact I had
a lot of fun.  Scottie is a great little kid and it's pretty obvious why
you love him so much.  Watching the two of you was really great.  It's
pretty clear he idolizes his Uncle Zach."

Zach grinned at Alex and allowed himself to be pulled back into sitting
against Alex resting against his chest.  That position was quickly becoming
a favorite for both of them.  The two of them sat quietly watching TV while
Alex lazily ran his hands under Zach's shirt to rub his stomach and chest.
Alex kept at that for some time and Zach was beginning to get ready to
start purring in contentment.

Alex nuzzled at Zach's cheek for a second or two.  "Raise your arms," he
said unexpectedly.  Zach half turned his head to look at Alex a little
confused but obediently raised his arms up.  As soon as his arms were over
his head, Alex pulled at the hem of Zach's shirt and pulled it off over his
head.  Zach started grinning as soon as Alex had started tugging at the hem
finally realizing what Ales wanted.

"Happy now?" Zach teased as he leaned back against Alex again.

Alex grinned back at him.  "No.  You still have your pants on!  Not to
mention your underwear!"  Alex started tugging at Zach's zipper.  Zach
laughed at Alex's attempts to disrobe him, but he did lift his hips so Alex
could shove his pants down.  Once they were over his hips, Zach helped out
by kicking them the rest of the way off.  Alex immediately reached for the
waistband of Zach's boxers and Zach grabbed his hands to stop him.

"Hey!" Zach protested.  "At least leave me my boxers.  What if someone sees
us through the window?"

Alex started laughing.  "Then we'll sell tickets and make a fortune!" Alex
teased.  He did however stop trying to pull off Zach's boxers content for
now with what he could feel of Zach's flesh.  Alex continued rubbing Zach's
chest and stomach even while he started nibbling along his neck.  Zach's
body was definitely responding and it wasn't long before the front of his
boxers was tented and sporting a very noticeable wet spot.  Alex wasted no
time in slipping his hand down the front of them and started massaging
Zach's dick and balls.

Zach's breath was starting to get a little ragged as the intensely
pleasurable feelings washed over him.  Zach pushed his body back into Alex
even more firmly and he could feel Alex's own throbbing member through his
clothing.  Zach knew he was getting close to losing it and he didn't want
to end so quickly.  After a few more minutes of play, Zach pulled away from
Alex getting up and grabbing his hand to pull him towards the bedroom.
Alex was grinning openly as he allowed himself to be led towards their bed.

As soon as they got next to the bed Alex started trying to kiss Zach and
run his hands over his body once again.  Zach grabbed Alex's hands shaking
his head no.  Zach began tugging at Alex's clothes quickly trying to
disrobe him as fast as possible.  Alex laughed softly and started helping
Zach remove his clothing by pulling off his shirt.  Zach pulled down Alex's
pants and just as quickly grabbed his boxers and practically tore them off
of him.  Alex was a little surprised at how much aggressiveness Zach
displayed.  As soon as Zach had Alex's boxers off, Zach shoved him down on
the bed really surprising Alex.

Alex reached towards Zach again, and once again Zach grabbed his hands
shaking his head no.  "Uh uh."  Zach said huskily.  "I want you just to lay
back and enjoy for awhile.  I'm way too close to shooting and if you start
rubbing me again it's gonna be all over in about two seconds."  Alex's grin
spread from ear to ear at Zach's confession, but he obediently put his
hands behind his head to give Zach free access to his body.

Zach started nibbling his way down Alex's neck and lingered for quite some
time on his collarbones since he knew just how much Alex enjoyed that.
Even while he was working on Alex's body Zach was busy thinking.  He knew
what he wanted to do with Alex.  He had wanted to take their lovemaking to
another level for quite some time.  Zach had even started to on several
different occasions but had always stopped at the last minute, too timid to
go further.  There was something about crossing that line that frightened
him and he always pulled back.

Zach was inching his way down Alex's body with his tongue while he
continued thinking.  He didn't really know why it scared him to cross the
line he had established.  Well, not really anyway.  Oh sure, he was a
little intimidated because he had never done anything like that before, but
that wasn't the whole reason.  Up to this point the physical intimacy
between he and Alex had been more on the level of play.  If he crossed that
line he was contemplating, he wouldn't be able to say that anymore.  He
could never take it back.  Things would change.  He would change.  Was he
ready for that?  Could he handle it?

Zach was running his tongue over Alex's belly button, another sensitive
area that Alex enjoyed.  Zach smiled a little at the low groan that
emanated from Alex but quickly went back to his contemplation.  Zach knew
he really wanted to go further.  Even if it scared him, he wanted to take
their relationship to the next level.  In the end, it came down to two
things for Zach.  He loved Alex and wanted to make him happy.  And he
trusted Alex and he knew that Alex would never hurt him.  In the end, that
was enough.  For once in his life, Zach was willing to go forward without
knowing the answers.  If frightened him, but he was willing to take a leap
for Alex.

Zach's mind actually calmed slightly now that he had decided to go forward.
He started licking and nibbling even further down Alex's body, going past
his belly button.  Alex had his eyes closed, enjoying the sensations, but
suddenly they popped wide open and he half sat up as he realized what Zach
was starting to do.

"Za..Za..Zach!" Alex stammered.  "You don't have to do that!"

Zach didn't bother answering.  Instead he grinned up at Alex and then ran
his tongue over the head of Alex's dick.  Alex's entire body shuddered at
the contact and he couldn't hold back a very loud groan.  "OH GOD!" Alex
exclaimed as his head flopped back into the pillows.  Zach ran his tongue
over Alex's head again eliciting another shudder from Alex.  "OH JESUS!"
Alex nearly yelled.  Zach started running the tip of his tongue along
Alex's shaft.  "Zach, you really don't...Oh God!...you really don't have to
do this.  OH FUCK!" Alex yelled as Zach once again licked across his head.

Zach started laughing.  "That might be more convincing if you weren't
panting so much and groaning with pleasure!" Zach teased.

Alex looked up to see Zach grinning at him.  Alex started laughing too.
"Well, it feels really, really, REALLY GOOD!" Alex laughed.  "But really,
you don't have to do this if you're not ready.  You can stop at any time."

Zach grinned at Alex.  "I know.  But I want to do this.  I've wanted to for
a while now.  Sit back, enjoy, and try not to scream so loud!"

Alex again flopped back into the pillows groaning loudly as Zach licked
along his shaft.  Zach continued licking and nibbling along Alex's dick
trying to give as much pleasure as he could to Alex.  Zach found licking
Alex's dick...different.  That was inadequate, but he didn't have a better
way to describe it.  It wasn't like he was expecting at all.  Zach wasn't
really sure what he had been expecting.  The skin was softer than what he
had expected and it was amazing to him how just the lightest touch of his
tongue was generating such a response from Alex.  Then a small drop of
fluid formed at the tip of Alex's dick and Zach lapped at it with his
tongue, generating another shudder from Alex.

The taste of that drip was...strange.  Zach reflected that it was strange
he couldn't really describe what he was doing or what his senses were
communicating to him.  Zach wasn't sure if he liked the taste or not.  It
was definitely different.  Again, he wasn't sure what he had been
expecting, but this was different.  The one thing Zach did know was that he
loved the way he was making Alex feel.  He could tell that Alex was in a
state of bliss and he knew it was because of him.  That all by itself made
Zach love what he was doing.  Even if he never learned to like the taste,
Zach knew he would always love oral sex with Alex.  How could he not love
something that gave Alex such pleasure?

Zach continued to lick and nibble along Alex's shaft till he reached his
balls.  Alex was groaning the entire time and his breathing was sharp and
ragged.  Alex's entire body shuddered periodically and it was obvious that
he wasn't going to last too much longer.  Actually, it was obvious he was
already fighting to keep from losing it.  Zach grinned a little as he
realized just how excited he had made Alex.

Zach started licking Alex's balls and then took them into his mouth sucking
on them lightly.  Zach ran his tongue over the orbs bathing them liberally
and Alex was writhing with pleasure before he was finished.  Zach then
started licking his way back up Alex's shaft till he reached the flaring
head.  Alex's dick seemed even larger than normal to Zach, and Zach
momentarily wondered if he was going to be able to manage working that
monster into his mouth.

Zach paused for a few seconds, and then he wrapped his lips around the head
of Alex's dick causing Alex to gasp once again.  Zach ran his tongue across
the surface of Alex's dick for a few moments, trying to get his mouth use
to being stretched so much.  And then Zach started working his way down
Alex's shaft, sucking lightly and running his tongue around the surface as
much as possible.  Alex was trying very hard to keep from thrusting, but
every once in a while instinct took over and his hips thrust forward
slightly and he would groan even louder.

Zach could tell Alex was very close now and he wanted to give as much
pleasure as he could.  Zach tried to work his mouth further down Alex's
shaft but he never could get much more than half of it in his mouth before
he started to gag and had to draw back.  Obviously, this was a skill that
would take a lot of practice.  Zach nearly started laughing as he thought
that and wondered if he could convince Alex to help him get that practice!

Alex's breath came in harsh gasps now and his body was covered in sweat.
His entire body was trembling and he could barely keep from thrusting
wildly into Zach's mouth.  Then Zach wrapped his hand around the remainder
of his shaft and began stroking.  Alex shuddered as his climax past the
point of no return.

"Z..Za...ZACH!  OH GOD!  ZACH..." was all that Alex could get out for a
warning before he started shooting.  Zach had started to pull off Alex's
dick as soon as Alex had started to stammer, but he wasn't nearly fast
enough and Alex shot several times in his mouth before he was able to pull
off completely.  Alex continued shooting several more shots streaking his
chest and stomach with long white streaks.  Alex's entire body continued to
shudder long after he finished shooting.  Zach kept rubbing his chest and
stomach with one hand even while he continued stroking Alex's dick, milking
every last drop out of his trembling body.

Finally, Alex reached down and grabbed the hand that Zach was stroking his
dick with and pulled it away.  "Please!  You have to stop or I'm gonna pass
out here!" Alex gasped, fighting to get his breath back under control.

After a few more shuddering breaths, Alex opened his eyes again and grinned
at Zach.  He immediately pulled Zach down into the most passionate kiss
Zach could ever remember receiving.  Alex quickly rolled Zach onto his back
and began kissing down his throat while he ran his hands up and down his
sides tickling him fiendishly.  Zach was writhing uncontrollably in minutes
and Alex continued kissing across his chest pausing at each nipple to tease
it with licks and nibbles before traveling to the other.  Alex kept the
teasing up for several minutes before kissing his way down to Zach navel
where he immediately started swirling his tongue.  Zach began groaning
loudly and Alex looked up grinning at him.

Alex quickly stood up and walked away which confused the hell out of Zach.
Alex stopped at the stereo and turned it on, turning the volume up fairly
loud.  Alex then jumped back into bed and grinned at Zach again.  "Those
speakers are right up against James' bedroom wall.  Hopefully now he won't
hear us!"  Zach started laughing and then Alex started swirling his tongue
around his navel again and the laughter turned back into groans of
pleasure.

Alex kept his attention on Zach's belly button for several minutes and Zach
thought he was going to go crazy with the sensations running through his
body.  Then Alex started to nibble his way down to the waistband of Zach's
boxers.  Alex nibbled all along the edge of the material for several
minutes and Zach was squirming in pleasure and his moans were becoming very
loud.

After several more minutes, Alex paused and looked up into Zach's eyes
seeking permission to go further.  Zach merely nodded his head not trusting
himself to speak, not even sure he still could at this point.  Alex's grin
spoke volumes as he stared into Zach's lust filled eyes.  And then Alex
began tugging Zach's boxers down, freeing Zach's straining dick and balls.

Alex began kissing and licking all around Zach's crotch, but scrupulously
avoided Zach's dick and balls.  Zach thought he was going to go crazy!  The
sensations running through his body were the most intense he had ever felt
and Alex was playing his body like a master musician.  Finally, after what
seemed ages, Alex took hold of Zach's dick with one hand and Zach nearly
came just from that touch.  Alex grinned at Zach and then slowly ran just
the tip of his tongue over the head of Zach's dick.

OH MY GOD!  Zach couldn't believe the feeling from that one little touch.
His mind was reeling and his body felt like it was on fire.  How could one
little touch be that pleasurable?  And then Alex licked him again from tip
to base in one long, wet stroke and Zach felt his entire body shudder.
Zach realized his eyes had closed and he forced them back open to stare in
open-mouthed wonder at what Alex was doing to him.  Zach's vision was
blurred and it took him what seemed like an eternity to focus on Alex.  And
then Alex licked him again and Zach flopped back into the bed as the
sensation overwhelmed him.

Zach struggled to sort through the sensations his body was experiencing.
Thought was nearly impossible.  The only thing registering on his brain was
just how incredible those light touches of Alex's tongue felt.  And then
Zach felt Alex's mouth covering the head of his dick and he half sat up
again struggling to see what was happening.

Zach felt like he was going to pass out from the sensations coursing
through his body.  All he could think of was how warm and wet Alex's mouth
was.  How could Alex's mouth and tongue be causing so much pleasure?  And
oh my God!  It was Alex that was doing this!  It was Alex that was giving
him so much pleasure!

Dimly, Zach could hear someone moaning and it took a while before he
realized the sounds were coming from him.  But he couldn't help it.  The
feelings were too intense and he had to give vent to them somehow.  Zach
could also feel a slight pain in his hands and he dimly realized he had
clenched them in the bed sheets.  He had clenched his fist so tight that it
was beginning to hurt and he struggled to release his grip.  He no sooner
opened his hands than another wave of pleasure swept over his body and he
clenched his hands into the covers even tighter.

Zach could feel the waves of pleasure building in his body, washing out his
senses and all coherent thought.  He could feel Alex rubbing his body with
one hand and massaging his balls with the other, but the over riding
sensation was the warm, moist mouth wrapped around his dick, the tongue
sliding along the surface of his skin.  His vision blurred, the room seemed
to jump around crazily and the world had to be spinning out of control
cause Zach felt it moving around him.  Zach's mind was reeling and the only
thing that seemed real was Alex's warm mouth and his throbbing dick.  And
then Zach felt it building, starting it seemed from the bottom of his toes,
coursing through his body leaving a tingling sensation in every portion of
his anatomy, electric bolts shooting through him, leaving him gasping, his
body drenched in sweat, his every thought gone, only an overwhelming need
remained...until...finally...with an intensity that left him shuddering,
the sensations came ripping out of Zach.  Howling in a frenzy one word...

"ALEX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"



To Be Continued.

I want to give a big thanks to the people at Nifty for making space for my
story.  I think you guys do a tremendous job and I'm extremely indebted to
you for all your efforts.  I hope you know that all your hard work is very
much appreciated!

Since I'm on the subject of Nifty, I want to mention the Nifty Writers Chat
Room -- another awesome service Nifty provides.  There is a great bunch of
people chatting about and with some of the authors of the stories here at
Nifty.  Saturday nights are guest author nights and it's a chance to chat
with some of your favorite authors.  I do occasionally drop in on Saturdays
to talk with the authors myself, and if you drop by I'd love to say hi!

I also want to thank everyone who has written.  Your comments and support
have been phenomenal.  I've said it before, but you guys are the best!  If
I have missed responding to any of you, I really am sorry. Drop me a line
if you feel so inclined and let me know what you think or ask me any
questions.  I'll try to respond to all of you.  You can email me at
gandersn@gte.net.  Or drop by the new Yahoo Group set up for the story at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AlexandZach/ and post a message there.  Greg