Date: Sat, 17 Nov 2012 09:38:17 -0800
From: Hunter <wolfpup@fastmail.fm>
Subject: Stormy Weather (GAY / Young friends) chapter 9

This work is copyrighted © by Hunter Woods. No part of this story may be
transmitted or reproduced in whole or in part in any form including
mechanical, electronic, photocopying, and recording or by any information
storage and retrieval system without the express written consent of the
author.

Warning: this story contains sexual content, and contact between young
boys.  If the subject matter offends you, is not to your tastes, or if you
are under legal age for your area, then find something else to read. In the
following story all names and events and are completely fictional.
Although I may mention a specific location, place, or person any
resemblance to said real people, location, or places is completely
unintentional.


If you like this story you might want to read my newest story on nifty:
http://www.nifty.org/nifty/gay/young-friends/sweet-cheeks
If that doesn't work they may have already added it to a directory file so
try this:
http://www.nifty.org/nifty/gay/young-friends/sweet-cheeks/

STORMY WEATHER
CHAPTER NINE

I slid off of him my penis plopping out of his love chute and I giggled as
some of my baby batter oozed out of him.  He was a fucking mess to say the
least, and I wasn't much better off.  I grabbed him by the wrist and he
moaned as I pulled him off the pullout bed.  We folded up the bed replacing
the cushions and then snuck back into our room.  We were completely spent
but we did take a quick shower together to get cleaned up before slipping
under the covers naked.  It seemed like that is all we four boys did
together in bed, sleep in the nude.  Who would have thought this would have
happened a mere four day ago.

Before going to sleep I whispered into Akiva's ears, "soon my love...soon I
will be enjoying your dick up my ass.  I want to loose my boy pussy
virginity to you so you had better get ready."  I teased and he giggled.

Slowly drifting off to sleep with Akiva curled up in my arms I knew
tomorrow would be an emotional day.  Things were set in motion and couldn't
be stopped now.  It was time to put things back on the right track; I just
hoped I was up to the challenge.  Hell with my father and uncles at my side
I knew things would go smoothly.

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

It was still dark outside when I felt some movement along the side of my
bed.  I could tell it was Mrs. Miller and as tired, wiped out, and sore as
I was I just drifted back off to sleep my body trying to recoup some of its
energy from four days of being battered, bruised, and of course sexually
`abused' so to speak.  As I drifted off to sleep I felt the warmth lying
next to me sort of fade away.

Stretching feeling a bit better but still sore I opened up my eyes and
noticed Akiva had already gotten up.  My internal clock indicated it was
still real early in the morning and it was still dark outside.  Slipping
silently out of bed and looking over to the two younger boys cuddled up
snuggly and warmly next to each other I went over to my dresser and pulled
on a pair of clean boxer briefs.  My bladder was screaming at me and I had
to adjust my extremely hard erection inside of my boxer briefs before
finishing getting dressed.  My next stop was the bathroom to relieve my
bladder and brush my teeth.

The house was completely silent as I made my way into the kitchen.  Akiva
was standing there with his mother in her warm embrace and when she looked
up she stood back away from her boy.  He looked over to me and wiped away
some tears with the back of his hand and smiled warmly at me.  Mrs. Miller
poured a cup of coffee and set it on the table for me.  She smiled as she
held me and kissed me on the cheek affectionately before leaving the
kitchen heading back to her room.

"Are you alright?" I asked Akiva looking at him.

He nodded his head.  "I was just having a talk with my mother, one that
would have been with my father instead if he were still alive.  She knows
about last night, we were a bit...noisy, and it is a bit difficult to talk
with one's mother about such private things." he sighed smiling timidly at
me.

"Oh...um, is...I mean is she alright with us...you know?" I asked a bit
embarrassed and worried at the same time.

"Yes, she knew this was coming, still she is a mother who worries, but she
is pleased I have chosen you as my...first." He explained.

We both sat there in uncomfortable silence, me fiddling with my cup of
coffee and Akiva twirling around his cup of juice.  Finally not able to
stand the silence I got up and walked behind him so I could hold him in my
arms.

"Akiva I...I love you so much.  This isn't just some short time fling for
me.  I'm not like that so...um I need to know if this is serious for you
too or if this is just about getting the `first' time thing out of the
way?"

He looked at me a bit stunned and swallowed a couple of times before he
could answer me.  "How could you even...I mean of course not.  I love you
too it's just that...well I know you are also into girls and have more
experience so just thought you know..."

I sighed and held him tight in my arms.  "No, no one has ever made me feel
the way you make me feel.  I'm committed to you but I'm just not ready to
come out publicly about it.  I hope you can understand...it's a bit much
for me to absorb and it's...frightening."

"I know me too.  I think maybe just certain family members and since Darren
knows just try to keep it with only a few for now." He agreed.

"You know this means we will have to be extra careful for now." I replied.

He nodded his head, "but what does this mean for us?"

"I'm not sure what you mean?"

"You know does this mean we are boyfriends?" He asked timidly.

"Yes," I whispered, "we are boyfriends and...lovers." I finished.

"And your father...I mean...what should we do or say?" He asked a bit
nervous never having met him in person.

Sighing, I knew he was right.  I would have to find time to talk to him
among other things today.  As if I wasn't nervous enough but I knew it was
better to get it out of the way.  Akiva noticed my look and must have
misunderstood.

"Dylan, I'm sorry I shouldn't have said anything." He stated dejectedly.

"N...no it's not that Akiva.  Of course you are right I was just
thinking...about other things as well.  I'll have to find the time today to
talk with him.  It will be alright, I promise.  He already adores you, he's
as much as admitted it to me." I told my love as I giggled comfortingly to
him.

We stayed in each other arms like that a few moments longer before I sighed
to get ready to start my day.  He volunteered to help out and I quickly
wrote a note for the boys asking if they could do me a favor.  Since it
wasn't raining anymore I hoped that with the help of the girls they could
clean and clear out three additional empty stalls for me because I had some
things coming in today that I needed to store inside of the stalls.

My boyfriend, my lover, followed me out and we checked on the generator
before making our way to the barn.  We saddled and mounted our horses
heading out to the herd making sure all is alright.  Our time out was a
pleasant one and it didn't take long for us to make our circuit.  Akiva and
I chatted away finding out more about one another and the more he told me
about himself the more I fell in love with him.

His interests didn't lie only with his music but sports as well.  Of course
I knew he was an accomplished piano player but he also enjoyed the guitar
and singing.  In the realm of organized sports he enjoyed soccer, which he
excelled in back in Norway, along with competitive swimming, diving, and
gymnastics.  Other sports he enjoyed as a side focus were basketball,
tennis, baseball, softball, and bowling.  Other interests included video
games, fishing, backpacking, and miniature golf.

He also wanted to know about my interest so I told him other than being an
accomplished equestrian I am also highly competitive in Martial Arts,
American style football, cycling, and swimming.  Other sports I am
interested in include soccer, baseball, golfing, and skateboarding.  Some
of my other wide interests include anything outdoors like hunting, fishing,
and jet skiing.  Finally some of my general interests lie with roller
skating, rollerblading, being a novice chef, hip hop dancing and stunts.

We each noted that several of our interests overlapped one another.  We
both definitely were different yet had several similar interests.

I had talked to all of the younger ones over the four or five days about
their interests as well.  Akiva's sisters were of course into music as well
enjoying the piano and ballet dancing.  Although not as talented as their
brother they still played on the piano a bit, more of a hobby than anything
else.  They also enjoyed handball, soccer, and winter skiing, the last one
something their brother didn't much care for.

David was a sport and outdoor junky like me and his latest interests
consisted of course with horses.  He wanted to compete in something
involving horses but of course there just wasn't room out at their place to
house such a large animal.  Although a sport junky, his interests were
slightly different from mine focusing on things such as BMX bicycle
competitions, Motorcycle Riding, skateboarding, snow skiing, snowboarding,
snowmobile, tennis, baseball, trampoline, drums, and video games.

Now Darren was the biggest enigma, probably due to not having so much money
for things and also because he's sort of become an outcast in the
community. However, I did gather that he loved to ride his beat up bike and
when he got a chance some motorcycle riding.  As for sports he had shrugged
his shoulders saying he used to play soccer, wrestle on the school team,
and some other outdoor things but just couldn't afford too much.  Also,
with what's happened and how he's been treated he also didn't participate
anymore with school structured sports.

Before we knew it we were making our way to the barn.  The boys and Akiva's
two little sisters were just finishing up with the three stalls I had asked
them to clean out for us and I smiled warmly at them.

"Thank you so much guys.  This helps me out a lot."  I praised them as they
helped us with the horses.  Afterwards we all filed into the house got
cleaned up and sat down for a much deserved breakfast.  Before sitting down
with the rest of the gang I had made a quick call to my father to see how
things were going.  Everything was on schedule and I told him I needed a
couple of more things and ticked off the items.  He indicated it shouldn't
be too difficult and that he would get Bubba Gump on it right away since he
was going to take care of the other errand I had set him off on a few days
ago with the mysterious package.

When I finally sat down at the table I informed everyone that we would be
having a lot of people over for lunch and afterwards we were all heading
into town together.  I thought it only appropriate that we make our rounds
to the emergency shelter to say hello to the poor individuals having to
stay there.  It was nice to have a facility to go to in case of an
emergency but it still wasn't like being home and most assuredly cramped
for everyone.  Darren looked a little nervous but did agree that he felt
bad for everyone and agreed to come as well.  I smiled and felt so
wonderfully pleased at his big heart.  Many of these same individuals have
been cruel to him over this past year but his heart still went out to them
in their time of need.

Everyone kept busy baking cookies and putting together little bags of
treats to hand out to everyone.  Before we knew where the time had gone, we
heard several vehicles start pulling up at around the same time for lunch.
The sheriff pulled in just in front of several trailers that were driven by
my uncles.  I clapped my hands together and told everyone to gather outside
to greet our guests and to help put some things away.  By the time we got
out onto the porch my father was pulling up in his four wheel drive SUV
carrying Darren's grandparents.

Despite myself, seeing my father I couldn't control myself anymore as I
leaped into his arms like a little boy while Darren did the same thing with
his grandparents.  I held him tightly to me and felt his strong arms
encircling me.  Immediately all the cares and stresses of the world seemed
to ease out of me a little.  It had been a wondrous time these last several
days but also fraught with the heaviness of responsibilities and worries.
I knew my father could sense the tension inside of me as he set me back
down and smiled affectionately at me whispering how proud he was and that
he was sorry he hadn't been able to be there for me when I had needed him
so badly.  I smiled back at him and nodded my head in understanding.

We had all gathered around in a raucous greeting until I held up my hands
and asked everyone to gather around.  I noticed my father and Akiva's mom
chatting together off to the side and smiled at the sight noting how well
they seemed to be getting on.  My father was speaking to her in Norwegian
struggling with some words but still managing fairly well.  It was nice to
see them getting along so well; especially, in light of what was happening
between me and my love Akiva.

"Alright everyone please listen up," I commanded as everyone settled down.
"First, Bubba and Billy Bob could you take the girls and David here and
have them help you unload the horses.  I know they can handle horses with a
firm hand so have them bring the horses out so I can take a look at them."

David and the girls giggled happily about the new horses and were eager to
help out.  Each of the girls brought out a small pair of mild mannered
matching chestnut colored American Quarter Pony mares standing about twelve
hands high.  Bubba Gump and Billy Bob stood next to each girl just in case
they needed help but the horses were well behaved and no problems for the
small girls.  David came out on his own with a beautiful Gray Arabian
stallion standing at just over fourteen hands high trailing along behind
him.  All three horses appeared well trained with mild dispositions,
although, the Arabian had just a bit of spunk to him but David managed to
calm him down immediately.

"So what do you think of the horses girls and David?" I asked as they
looked them over with a critical eye.

"Oh they are splendid," the girls replied and David immediately agreed.

"Good because they belong to you now, which means they are your
responsibility to care for them and train them." I announced to the three
just standing there stunned.  "Now go choose their stalls for them." I
announced shushing them away.

While the girls and David started hauling the horses away the Galeotti's
started to protest and so too Mrs. Miller but I just held up my hands to
stave them off.  "I won't hear of any nonsense about the gifts.  I have
room for the horses and the youngsters showed an interest in competing." I
told the parents giving them a stern look that brooked no nonsense from
them regarding the horses.

"Now, Mrs. Miller I have also signed up the girls for ballet every Saturday
at Kansas State University in Manhattan.  Don't worry I had a long
conversation with Dr. Anderson and he agreed to take the girls every
Saturday because both him and his wife go there every week to visit his
wife's sister.  Also Mr. and Mrs. Galeotti I have a complete drum set for
David.  Sorry but you will have to find the space somewhere and dictate
your own hours he can play." I chuckled knowing they were in for some rough
times with the noise but they accepted graciously.

"Now for you Darren I've picked up this," I told him as uncle Trigg rolled
out a brand new BMX tricked out bike and skateboard.  Darren looked at me
with his big blue eyes as tears welled up inside of him.  He hugged me real
quick and then ran out to take a look.  He was so involved with the bike he
didn't notice the Yamaha 125 cc two stroke motorcycle that Cooter rolled
out.  "Oh by the way you will have a private instructor teaching you how to
off road on this puppy," I told him.  He yelped in amazement and looked
towards his grandparents for permission.

They looked towards me and then just sighed nodding their head.  How could
they refuse such an offer on behalf of their grandson?  What sealed the
deal was me indicating he would have a proper instructor teaching him how
to operate the vehicle safely.

"Oh, one more thing Darren," I nodded towards Cooter who started unloading
more stuff.

Darren looked up at me questioningly as Cooter started handing him a cart
filled with tons of stuff.  The boy started looking through the items and
his face beamed with happiness.  "No way," he squealed as he started to
pull out some of the items.

"Yes way," I chuckled.  "I figured you were so good at art that you needed
the proper tools and supplies to get you off on the right foot.  I
understand there is a local oil painter around here who is willing to give
lessons so I got you signed up if that's alright with you."

Darren put the stuff down and walked over to me giving me a big hug.
"Thank you and I love you soooo much," he whispered in my ear then gave me
a quick peck on the cheek as he sniffled before he walked back over towards
his gifts.

I watched him for a moment as he happily looked over his stuff.  Out of
them all I thought he needed the most encouragement to get back into doing
more hobbies and enjoy just being a kid.  Hopefully these new things will
give him the opportunity to continue blossoming into the wonderful boy he
really is.  Life has dealt him a rotten hand but despite it all he has
somehow managed to rise above it all and retain his sweet character and
disposition.

Finally looking over to Akiva I held his hand.  "You were the most
difficult for me because I didn't know exactly what to do.  I hope you will
be pleased." I told him as uncle Trigg rolled out an ATV vehicle from one
of the trailers.

Akiva just looked at me a bit confused as I handed him a set of keys.  He
looked at the keys and got even more confused.  "So this key must be for
the ATV, but what is this key for?" He asked still a little befuddled by my
gift because he really had no big interest in off road driving.  The gifts
really didn't matter to him anyway because he felt he already had the best
gift of all.  He had a boyfriend who he felt was the most endearing and
kind hearted person in the world and who made him feel complete and weak at
the knees.  The boy smiled at this thought and felt something stir inside
his pants.  Every time he thought about his love he felt all tingly inside.

"Well yes, this one is for the ATV, but this one is to my house.  How else
are you going to get in so you can use the piano whenever you wish even
when no one is home?"  Finally understanding, tears welled up in his eyes
as he hugged me closely and kissed me on the cheek.  "Oh, there is one more
thing," I pointed to a brand new guitar with all the extras he would need
to set up and practice.  His eyes got big and he stepped off the porch to
inspect his items.

We all stood around while the children inspected their gifts.  Of course
the parents and grandparents laid into me that this was all way too much
but I assured them it was just fine and it was my pleasure to spoil them
since they were all my family now.  David had walked over to Darren and was
admiring the boy's motorcycle having competed himself.  Now that both of
them owned a motorcycle maybe on weekends they can go do some riding
together that is when David wasn't training on his new horse.  David even
offered to teach Darren some tricks on his new skateboard.

I knew that some of these items overlapped with David's interest so this
would give them plenty of opportunities to spend some time together.  In
addition, they each have other interests, such as David with horses and
Darren with art.  This would give each boy also a chance to endeavor into
their other interests without the other person, helping to create an
atmosphere of individuality.  It is important for relationships to have
things in common but also to have things the other person has for
themselves.

After we all managed to get back inside I had everyone gather around the
dining room table once more.  I motioned for Bubba Gump to hand me the
package and I opened up the box and looked inside.  Everything was there in
the way I had requested.

My hands were shaking and I didn't know exactly how to begin so asked
everyone to be patient for a moment.  They all sat down and looked over to
me so I started handing out a small gift box with a name on each item; one
to each corresponding person and I asked if they could wait before they
opened up the boxes.

"I think everyone here, including the girls by now, have heard about the
story of my vision quest when I was only ten years old.  I was instructed
to go touch a sleeping bear, no easy task mind you, and that something
would happen afterwards so I needed to be cautious.  Of course the bear had
woken up later and tracked down my scent attacking me and leaving a scar
along my shoulders.  There were many things I didn't understand at the
beginning of my vision quest, but as things began to happen some of these
instructions became clear, such as being careful after my task and also
about collecting the ten claws and four canine teeth.  There was one last
piece of instruction to my vision quest that I did not understand until
recently." I told them as I peeled off my shirt no longer embarrassed about
showing everyone my scars.

Of course the girls hadn't seen the scars yet but having heard the story
they weren't in the least bit frightened by them now.  The first time I
showed my back to the boys and Mrs. Miller I had sent them upstairs so they
wouldn't be frightened by the scaring, but since then they had heard the
story so knew about it.

"So, the last pieces of the instructions were told to me this way: The mark
of the Bear I will have to bare to family.  The price of the bear shall be
paid with ten and four.  In the years to follow when old meets new, the
price shall be paid as one to each.  None for the elders, but one for the
rest, and to be sure one for me.  Pass these gifts forth for the power and
wisdom to bestow."

"I don't understand," Darren looked at me questioningly.

I sighed and tried to explain.  "I didn't either at first and I've often
thought it over and over in my mind but when all of you came into my life
things started to fall into place.  You see the elders teach us that we
must be patient and ponder things with an open mind."  I stated as Darren
and several of the others still looked confused.

I gathered my thoughts together and tried to explain.  "If I completed my
task with touching a sleeping bear my gift would be for patience,
understanding, and compassion.  It took me a couple of hours to approach
and leave that bear safely so I had to have a lot of patience and
understanding.  When I touched him I felt so much compassion for the
sleeping bear." I explained to them as they looked on.  "Of course in the
end, even though I felt compassion for the bear, I still had to do what was
necessary in life.  Sometimes we can't control things that happen in life
for a reason and in the end the bear had to perish for my continued
existence and for the price of my gift.  Sometimes the price for our
actions, whether right or wrong, innocent or not, can cost us dearly." I
sighed sadly continuing to gather my thoughts together.

"I only pray that I have been upholding my gifts that I received on that
fateful day.  I believe it is this gift that has brought us all together as
a new family." I explained as I looked at them.  I could tell some of the
puzzle started to make sense to some of them as they looked towards the
package in front of them.

I continued, "So, here we all are my old family together with my new one.
I have gathered together the ten bear claws and the bear's four canine
teeth.  Right after my accident I had made two very beautiful beaded
necklaces out of them but now I have converted them.  The instructions
given to me during my vision quest tell me I am to pass them all out so
that a part of the wisdom passed on to me can also be shared among you.  Of
course the only ones who do not need such a gift are elders.  As time comes
to pass when we all become elders at some point in our life this gift shall
be passed on to the next generation and the story of how you received them
shall also be passed on.  In this way what we have learned during our
lifetime can be shared with a younger generation."

Everyone around the table looked at me and then the small package in front
of them.  I nodded my head and they slowly unwrapped their gifts.  My four
uncles each received a strong large thick bracelet with turquoise and red
coral surrounding their bear canine teeth and images of a bear tracks
worked all around into the silver material.  The two little girls along
with Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Galeotti each received a silver necklace and
pendant along with turquoise and red coral, also denoting a bear track
engravings.  The style of their gift was more on the feminine side with the
silver work.  My father, Mr. Galeotti, Darren, and David also received a
silver necklace and pendant with one bear claw worked in a masterful
silversmith crafted silver laced casing with turquoise and red coral.
Their pieces also had etchings of bear tracks within the workings.

Every single one of the hand crafted pieces I handed out was similar in
design yet differently done with real sterling silver and accented with
turquoise and red coral.  It was done by a Native American Silversmith and
was stamped on the reverse side with his family's hallmark.

The final two bear claws were the two largest ones with Akiva receiving one
and me receiving the other one.  These two were almost identical in design,
with scroll work and the turquoise and red coral accenting them as well,
yet the claws were positioned in opposing directions.  Worked within the
pieces were also etchings of bear tracks along the outer edges of the bear
claws.  I sighed in relief thankful for the craftsmanship of the
silversmith in question.  He and his family had worked on these pieces
tirelessly so that all of the pieces would be done on time.

Everyone looked at the masterfully done pieces admiringly before slipping
them over their heads and around their necks, or in the case of my uncles
around their thick wrists.  The only two people in the room who hadn't
received anything were the Grandparents of Darren but they looked at their
son's wonderful piece.

"Please I want everyone to know these are something to be worn every day
and not squirreled away in a jewelry box.  It is a reminder to us all that
we are now a family and that we are to show towards others patience,
understanding, and compassion whenever feasible.  Of course this will not
always be possible but we are to try anyway."

With this finally out of the way Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Galeotti trotted out
to the kitchen to retrieve our lunch.  While that was going on I presented
to Darren's grandparents each a handcrafted piece as well with the same
style scroll work, turquoise stone, and red coral.  Mr. Galeotti received a
bracelet while Mrs. Galeotti received a matching necklace and pendant.  The
only thing missing was a bear claw or tooth.  They thanked me and slipped
them on admiring the craftsmanship of their pieces.

While lunch was being passed around I motioned for Akiva to follow me into
my father's study.  I closed the door so I could talk with him.

"Akiva, I just wanted you to know that ours is different from the others
because there is one more features about our two necklaces."  When he
looked at me curiously I took his silver medallion necklace in my hand and
placed mine next to his.

He was watching me intently as I placed them next to each other and his
eyes got big as they snapped into place together.  The two medallions now
became one medallion and each opposite bear claw were now spaced closer
together forming a perfect heart shape.  Once the pieces came together the
complete outline of a bear's face could now be seen in the middle of the
heart shaped claws.  The bear tracks that had been engraved on each side of
the bear claw now made a complete circuit around the entire piece all
heading in the same direction.  I pressed on the snap and they pulled apart
creating two separate necklace medallions once more with the image of the
bear face being undecipherable now that it had been broken apart.  The
image of the bear's face on the inside curvature of the bear claw couldn't
be made out unless the two pieces were fitted together.  I had to admit the
pieces had been brilliantly done in a way that only a master craftsman can
accomplish.  It was a stunning piece of artwork.

"That is so wonderfully sweet," Akiva whispered as tears formed in his
eyes.

"It's meant to show our connection and commitment towards each other and to
symbolize our love together.  I hope this was alright for me to have done?"
I asked him timidly.

"Oh yes Dylan.  I love you so much and it is a perfect gift and idea." He
stated as he leaned in to give me a kiss.  His lips felt soft and fresh
just like our very first time.  I was sure this would never get old between
us.

The two of us returned back to the table and we all had a great time.  The
girls and David couldn't stop talking about their horses and Darren was
beside himself with his new bike and motorcycle.  Akiva seemed more
reserved and just kept looking towards me and smiled.  I think he was more
satisfied having me in his life than anything else.  It was a pleasant time
with all of us together.

At one point while the rest of the group were immersed deep in
conversations I motioned towards my father and we retreated back into his
study.  Once the door had been shut I threw myself into my father's arms
and held him tight.  He wrapped his large strong arms around me and I no
longer was able to hold back as my body started to shudder and I cried.  We
didn't say anything for some time as he just held me to him and comforted
me.

"I...I don't know if I can do this." I admitted to my father.

He smiled at me reassuringly as I stepped away from him trying to get
myself back under control.  "Why Dylan, I mean, you've already done all the
hard work.  Everything's in place already.  I know it's been tough for you,
but I am very proud of you."  My father told me as we each took a seat
across from one another.

Sighing, I knew he was right but it was still nice to hear it from him.  He
and my uncles had done most of the leg work and all I had to do was just
follow through on things now.

"Uncle Trig, did he take care of..." I started to ask and my father nodded
his head.

"Yes, he paid the boys a visit at the hospital.  He showed them the hoof
knife like you said, and it was all but done as they got rid of their
lawyers and confessed to everything.  Damn, still don't know how you
managed that part so easy." My father stated shaking his head and smiling.
I just smiled meekly and shuddered recalling the bloody image of the
carnage I had inflicted that awful day.

We both sat there for a while longer discussing some of the other issues.
It was nice having him close to me again.  Sure, I've done a lot of company
projects and things but I've always known that if it hadn't been for my
father and uncles most of those things would never have come to fruition.
I may have had a lot of ideas and ways of solving problems but it still
took a team to implement these ideas and actually make them work.  Finally,
we reached a point where everything was ready to go, but I still had one
more item I needed to discuss with my father.  He noticed my hesitancy and
nervousness.

"Dylan, what is it?  Just spit it out.  You know there isn't anything you
can do or say that will ever make me love you any less?"  He assured me.

"I know dad, it's just that this is...a bit...I don't know just a bit
awkward.  You see it's um...well...I've fallen in love." I told him looking
down.

The room got really quiet and I could feel my father's eyes boring into me.
"Um...wow, that's sort of new.  I mean I've seen you date and things but
this is the first time that you've...um...that you've fallen in love.
Hell, I haven't been gone that long...how the hell did that happen?" He
asked chuckling.

This was sort of getting uncomfortable for me because I didn't know how to
proceed.  "Dad, I...um...I uh...it's Akiva." I finally blurted out really
afraid now and not knowing how he would take it.

There was a silence in the room and I could tell my father tried to speak
several times before stopping and sitting back again.

"Is...is it so bad...I mean are you mad and ashamed?" I asked him finally
looking up and noticing a perplexed look in his eyes.

"N...no of course not, I mean...it...it's just a bit surprising is all.
Hell, I've never seen you on a date with a guy before, only girls, so
excuse me if I'm just kind of tongue tied for a moment.  Are you sure
Dylan...I mean is it really love for you?"  He asked me seriously.

"Of course it is.  Do you think I went looking for a boy?" I asked him a
bit perplexed myself.

"N...no Dylan, that isn't what I meant.  I know Akiva is a boy and you
didn't go looking for a relationship with a boy.  What I'm asking is this,
are you sure you are in love?  I'd be asking the same question regardless
of whether Akiva was a girl or a boy.  Are...you...in...love?" He asked me
seriously and pointedly.

Smiling at my father I just nodded my head.  "He's so wonderful dad,
he...he makes me feel so alive, so calm, so peaceful, and...well complete
when I'm around him." I told him sincerely as I beamed proudly of my love
as I described him to my father.

We spent several minutes discussing my feelings and passion towards the
boy.  He didn't want details but also wanted to know if things had
progressed in a sexual manner.  This of course made me blush, and I had to
admit to my father that it had indeed progressed in such a manner, and also
for me it was such a wonderful experience.  I let him know Akiva's mother
knew about us and approved even though there was an age difference.  He
nodded his head and told me that it was my life but that I needed to be
careful.  Not only because of what this could mean for me in every day life
but also the whole sex aspect of things.  Whether it is with a girl or boy,
some rules still apply about being careful.  I sighed knowing he would have
said the same thing if it was a girl I had become sexually active with and
who I had fallen in love with.

We finally finished up our conversation and focused on getting everyone
together to head into town.  We made our way to the emergency shelter and
found the place filled with people whose power had been shut off or place
threatened of being flooded and needed a warm clean place to stay.

The mayor met us there and eyed Darren and his Grandparents before focusing
on my father giving him flowery praises for his contributions.  My father
took it all in stride and pointed towards me as being the one who made all
the arrangements.  The mayor gave me a cursory look and an off hand
compliment before focusing his attention back towards my father.  Of course
my father just looked at me and rolled his eyes and I couldn't help but try
to stifle a giggle.

The mayor gave us a tour of the facilities himself and pointed out key
members of the town counsel.  I noted he had excluded the good old doctor
and two other people who would have made up the ten committee members.  I
could only surmise the people he left out were good people who tended to
stand up to the mayor and his old cronies.  I did see Dr. Anderson for a
moment while he tended to someone who appeared a bit on the sick side and
he nodded in my direction so I nodded back at him.

After a while my father turned to the mayor, "Um yes, good then mayor, but
I was wondering if we could get the town committee members together because
we would like to discuss some things that our construction company may be
able to assist in.  That is to say if it would be alright with you?"

"Oh sure, that would be fine," the mayor commented and told us he would
meet up with us at the small rehearsal room inside the facility.

I took the opportunity to slip in beside Akiva and pull him off to the
side.  When no one was looking I gave him a passionate kiss and whispered
in his ear how much I loved him.  The boy's eyes glittered brightly as he
held me to him.  After a few moments I told him about my conversation with
my father and he thought it funny because his mother had also had the whole
"sex" conversation with him.  It was too funny at how predictable parents
could be about certain matters.

When we made our way back to the group we couldn't help but notice how his
mom and my dad had seemed to become like old friends.  Akiva squeezed my
hand and whispered this was great because at least now his mom would have
someone she could talk to.  I in turn pointed out that I got the feeling
something more might be happening between them.  When I pointed this out
his jaw just about dropped to his chest.  He looked at me and then laughed.

"What's so damn funny?" I asked him.

"Well, like father like son, and in my case like mother like son." He
giggled with me looking confused.  "Don't you see, what drew us together is
drawing our parents together."

"Oh," I stated as I looked over towards our folks and then smiled having to
agree with him.  Then something else struck me.  "Oh hell, I know it is too
early to say this sort of thing but if they ever got married this would
make us brothers." I laughed at how complicated it would make our own
situation.

On the other hand Akiva just gaped at me.  "That would mean...we
couldn't...I mean...brothers...sex." He whispered turning pale as I got his
meaning.

"Don't be silly.  It wouldn't be incest or anything.  We wouldn't be real
brothers." I chuckled at him and he finally giggled as well realizing how
he had jumped to conclusions.

Fifteen minutes later the mayor and six others made their way into the
small stage like room.  There were a few rows of seating with a small
raised stage on one side.

My father looked around and asked, "the other committee members, where are
they?" He noted to the mayor.

"Oh they are busy at the moment."

"I see, well maybe we can do this another time then," my father commented
gathering up what the mayor could only assume were some blueprint drawings.
This was just too much for the mayor to overlook thinking this a possible
donation from our company.

"Oh no, please wait and let's see if we can round everyone up.  I...I just
thought you needed the majority of the town committee members to review
what you have in mind but if it is that important we will gather everyone
up." He stated in his slick politician manner.  Discounting his earlier
behavior concerning Darren, I now really got an overall bad impression from
the mayor.

After another ten to fifteen minutes everyone was finally present and then
my father invited everyone in from our group.  The mayor looked a bit
baffled and chafed about it but couldn't really say anything since the
small group of friends was our guest.

"So," my father began.  "I would like to introduce my son Dylan who is in
charge of this little project we have planned."

Getting up from my seat the mayor started to protest but my father held up
his hand towards the mayor and insisted it was perfectly fine.  The mayor
looked a bit flustered but couldn't really do anything at the moment so
decided to see where this was leading.

"Well as you all know," I began.  "This storm has turned out to be a pretty
nasty one with the power being affected and several homes being flooded and
damaged.  Evidently the power situation is a bit dicey in these parts going
out quiet often which could be bad news for families when it is really hot
or extremely cold."

My narrative continued for a while longer until I got to the interesting
part of things.  "Well we have a solution to this mess and it really came
from the idea of one fine outstanding youngster.  So what we are planning
on doing is to build a new community center and honor the person whose
brainchild this notion had been in the first place." I told them and now
the mayor was chomping at the bit as I pulled out some designs of the
facility and displayed it for everyone to see denoting all the features.

It would be a state of the art facility with a section dedicated to sports
such as basketball courts and swimming pool among them, along with a score
of other sports that could be integrated into the design area such as
having martial arts classes or a gymnastics program.  Another section would
be dedicated to the arts and music such as a music room for lessons and
instructions and art rooms where people can learn to draw or paint or even
do sculpting.  The basement area would be dedicated towards an emergency
shelter with storage areas for food rations and beds, along with a complete
functioning cafeteria style kitchen.  There would also be enough space to
accommodate additional showering facilities that younger kids can use with
separate shower stalls being available along with the large shower rooms on
the main floor in the changing rooms for men and women.

No space would be wasted and can be utilized for other functions and
volunteer type of work.  There would be backup generators for when the
power was cut and also solar panels with a retractable roof that could be
closed to protect the panels from inclement weather.

Command Center

Not only are we planning on an indoor facility but also expanding
functional outdoor areas such as a football and soccer field, along with an
outdoor pool for the summer months.  In addition we want to offer something
in line with some newer style activities so we are also thinking about
adding an outdoor section with a skateboarding and biking area for stunts
with ramps and everything.

Basically, it will be a facility that would be able to accommodate
statewide competitive sports venues for schools and such.  For example, our
indoor pool will be able to accommodate not only swimming competitions, but
also things like diving and water polo.  We want to be able to draw people
from all across the state with a facility like this.

Finally, in the basement but off to the side and completely separate from
the main facility would be a command center with it's own separate power
supply with all of the equipment necessary for the sheriff and emergency
crew members such as the fire department.  It would also have a couple of
small livable quarters for the current sheriff and his or her family along
with the Chief of the fire department and his or her family.  They would be
like small apartments surrounding a central command center.  This was
necessary because these are the key facilitators of an emergency in this
region.

"Wow," the mayor commented excitedly, "but I think the mayor should also
have an apartment for his family as well, if not of course I can always
commandeer either the sheriff's or the fire chief's apartment.  Also, how
much is this all going to cost our town.  We can't afford something like
this.  As it is, most of our funding already comes from a nice non-profit
foundation that had been set up by one of our own who passed away several
years ago, you probably haven't heard of her because she um...let's just
say she ran with a different kind of group and class of people that you
guys may not be familiar with." He finished as he offended us all in an
inoffensive kind of way.

"Oh, I see," I nodded my head.  "First off there will be no commandeering
of the apartments because this issue will be set in stone.  Secondly...well
to answer your question about costs, the Darren Gibadlo Community Center
won't cost the good town's people a dime." I stated.

The mayor just about choked on the water he was about to sip when I
announced the name of the community center and even Darren jerked upright
at this mention.  First, the mayor wasn't happy about my just casually
sweeping aside his bid for the emergency apartment, but the name had just
been too much for him to deal with and he felt he had to do something about
my impertinence.  The mayor looked over towards Darren and then approached
me pulling me off to the side.

"Um, I don't know if naming it after um...that boy is a good idea.  You see
he has a bit of a reputation around here for being...let's just say a loose
kind of boy...you know sexually.  He's created a huge uproar less than a
year ago and is also already involved in another incident at the moment.
It's kind of delicate if you know what I mean?"

I nodded my head and he went back to his seat and announced.  "Um, it's
been decided to hold off on the name for the moment and the committee can
vote on a new name at a later time.  We can also discuss the issue of the
apartment assignments." He announced triumphantly also throwing in the
issue of the apartment assignment.

"Oh, I'm sorry about that mayor, I thought you understood I knew what you
meant but if possible I would like to see a hand of people who are in favor
of the new name?" I asked as I motioned for people to vote.  As expected
the doctor and two others raised their hands, the ones who had been
excluded earlier.

"I see, so I take it the rest of you are against the name." They all nodded
looking towards the mayor.

"As you can see," the mayor smirked, "the majority has voted and it has
been struck down.  Maybe we should go ahead and take care of the whole
emergency apartment issue?" He added.

"That may well be but to tell you the truth we don't need your permission
for the name so it stands as is." I replied.  "That and the issue of
apartment assignments."

"Now wait one damn minute if you want to build the new facility and tear
this one down then you have to have our approval.  This place belongs to
the town."

"Of course it does but we aren't building it here, we are building it over
here," I indicated on a map of the area showing an unused stretch of land
just on the outskirts of town.  It was prime real estate located on natural
high ground and perfect for what we needed with plenty of room for our
needs now and into the future as we expand.  If things went the way I
wanted we would also have plenty of parking spaces for the facility if we
expanded to a facility that hosted large venues.

The mayor looked at where I had indicated and he smiled again.  "Well I
don't think that is possible because it belongs to the Susan Jenkins
foundation of the arts.  There is no way they would give you permission to
build there." He quipped.

"Are you sure, because as of now we have permission to do so?"  I replied.

"Well I'm sure that it is a mistake, besides as soon as I call the
foundation and let them know the committee is against the idea they will
reject the offer.  I personally have a direct line to the person who
oversees the foundation."  He spat out getting a little flustered that he
was actually arguing the point with a fifteen year old boy.  He would get
his way one way or the other or the facility will not be built despite the
generous offer.  He was willing to dismiss a sizable donation for the
community because his sensibilities were challenged.  My demeanor towards
the mayor now hit an all time low.

"Well maybe you should contact the foundation since you are so close to
them and ask them yourself.  After all I think it is in everyone's best
interest if we get this clarified immediately.  It shouldn't be too
difficult since you have a direct line to the person in charge and now that
the phones are working you should be able to get a hold of him."

The mayor looked at me and then the committee members before making his way
off to the side and pulling out his cell phone.  Darren took the time to
come up to the stage and whisper to me that it was alright about the name.
All he cared about is that the project be done for the town.  If it was
going to fail just because of his name then it was best to just drop it.  I
smiled at him fondly his loving nature breaking my heart but I told him to
trust me.  He looked at me a little worriedly and sighed, but nodded his
head indicating he trusted me to do what was right.

The mayor came back a little flustered.  "My...um...contact says he can't
make that decision and has to call someone on the matter but he should be
calling back shortly."

Just about that time my cell phone went off and I asked if the mayor could
excuse me for a moment.  The mayor just smirked and said, "Teenagers, you
guys can't live without constantly being on the phone."  I smiled at him
and nodded my head as I left the room for a few moments.

As soon as I left, the mayor sidled over to my father who was chatting with
Akiva and Mrs. Miller.  The mayor looked over towards the boy and his
mother before whispering to may father, "Listen Mr. Peterson, your son has
a good heart but we both know how things are done in real life.  I don't
know if this is a teaching moment you are using for your son but I just
don't want there to be any hard feelings between us when things are said
and done in the end."

"Oh no, of course not mayor and as you've stated it is a teaching moment
alright."  My father stated just as I rejoined the group.

The mayor looked at me smugly as I rejoined them, and said while we wait,
why not answer some questions.  There were several questions that everyone
had and I answered them patiently.  The mayor's phone rang and I continued
to take questions until he burst out angrily at the person on the other end
of his phone line.

"What the hell do you mean you can't make this decision?  Just connect me
with the person who I need to talk to about this.  I don't care what you
think; I'll take care of it myself.  If you aren't the one making the
decision why have I been talking to you all these years?"  There was a
short pause.  "What the hell are you talking about?  Why wouldn't the head
of the foundation talk to me since we are one of the major recipients?
Remember she grew up around here and it is what she wanted.  Help for our
small community and its members.  Just connect me now." He spat out
contemptuously.

We all looked at the mayor when my phone rang and the mayor just grumbled
at me.  "For crying out loud kid you should learn to shut off your phone
when you are in an important meeting or you'll never learn how to handle
business."

"Oh, yes I see your point, but since you are waiting anyway is it alright
if I answer my phone?" I asked and he just furiously waved for me to go
ahead since he was on hold.

"Hello...oh hey again...what's up?  He wants to what?  Oh, well I suppose
it will be alright," I responded to my caller as I smiled at the mayor and
nodded.

Now we were both on hold and the mayor just ground his teeth and then
perked up, "What kept you so long?" He snapped.  "Oh never mind are you
going to connect me or what...good it's about time." He stated as he smiled
wickedly at me while I waited on my end.

I heard a click on my end just about the time the mayor started squawking
on his end about the project and that the town committee was totally
against it.  He ranted and he raved and I actually cringed he was so
furious.  He also wondered why he was never in contact with the individual
in charge of the foundation.

"Because I had no reason to talk to you." I responded on my end of the
phone.

The mayor squeaked in surprise and looked at me.  "You...you are the one in
charge of the foundation, but...how, I mean why would you be in charge?" He
asked incredulously and furious as he hung up the phone.

Smiling like a tiger about to be set free, I too hung up the phone and
started to explain to everyone what was going on.  I let them know that
Susan Jenkins was my mother's performance name, but her married name was
Susan Peterson.  I inherited her money from all her years of concerts and
the royalties from her music and set up the foundation on my own in her
name.

I knew she would want to help her hometown so I've been helping all these
years but recently some things have been going on that made me a bit
concerned.  So, I had my lawyers look closer at the accounts we've been
donating to the town, and in particular the ones in which the mayor had
complete control over.  So far the lawyers have already discovered numerous
discrepancies so the mayor should expect to hear from them very soon.  Any
connection in these matters concerning other committee members will also be
dealt with severely.

As for the mayor's nephew and the other thug who had attacked Darren and
Akiva, I had outside authorities, at this point I snuck a glance at my
uncle Trig who smiled brilliantly at me, talk with the boys at length in
the hospital and the two brutes immediately confessed to the theft and
attempted rape of a minor.  I looked at the mayor and told him his family
secret will soon be made public so he shouldn't even try covering up his
family's shame regarding that issue.

"In the meantime," I continued.  "This parcel of land that I've indicated
has been signed over to the Gibadlo family along with my four uncles and
they all will hold an equal stake in the community center.  I do this to
honor my uncle's loyalty for their years of service to our company.  The
center will be built and named in honor of an upstanding young man, Darren
Gibadlo, who has been the inspiration for this project and who has done no
harm to anyone.  They will run the non-profit center with the full backing
of the foundation.  They will need a good committee to help them so
Dr. Anderson if you would be so kind as to accept an offer of being on the
committee and if you can recommend a few good individuals to be on this
panel I would deeply appreciate the help.  I think this concludes the
matter at hand." I stated as I left the stage and headed over to our small
little family.

Darren was weeping openly now as he just looked at me and shook his head in
awe.  His grandparents looked stunned and like they were about to keel
over.  The good doctor ambled over and introduced the other two town
committee members who had stuck by us from the beginning.

"I do appreciate how honest you three have been trying to do the best thing
regarding the town.  I know it must have been an up hill battle all these
years but if this community center is going to work in favor of the town
and its citizens it will need people like you to help us.  Will you climb
aboard for the ride of your life?"  I asked them as they all agreed.

Word spread quickly as to something major having occurred and rumors
abounded as we made our way through the emergency shelter with the doctor
leading the way and introducing us to people.  There were many concerns
about what was going on and we eased people's tension as best as possible.
While we were walking and talking the main power to the town came back on
and people slowly started to filter out of the facility.

While everyone slowly left we had an informal meeting with the Darren
Gibadlo Community Center committee members so that I could give an overview
briefing of how all of this was going to proceed and a timeline.  It was a
good first session with the Gibadlo's taking the lead through my
encouragement.

I reminded them that this was a big responsibility but that they had
excellent help.  Their role should be to lead and delegate responsibly so
that they wouldn't be overburdened.  They should trust in their committee
to accomplish tasks assigned to them.  As the head of my foundation and the
major stake holder in the construction company I would be there in the
background but help as needed.

In the end everyone had to go their own ways and several weeks past.
Everything had been set in motion but it was difficult for me to be away
from Akiva and not have him at my side when I went to bed at night.  We did
have sleepovers at each other's houses on the weekends when Akiva was home
from school.  He came over to my house often to play the piano but it just
wasn't the same.  As our relationship blossomed so too it seemed as if my
father and Mrs. Miller's relationship also bloomed.

It was the weekend and two weeks after the power had been returned to the
town allowing everyone to go home.  Akiva's Uncle had returned home, and
although there had been a mess on the property, no major damage was done to
the main house.  To insure against this in the future my construction
company had erected some natural levees along with other structures on
their property to deflect any flooding on their land and we even built up
the roadway on their property.  The Miller family really appreciated our
help.

Akiva was spending the weekend with me and my dad, and even Darren and
David managed to get permission finally.  It was the first time we were all
together as we sat around in the living room.  My dad had gone to bed and
we boys sat cuddled up with one another.  Akiva was looking at me intently
and finally sighed seeing I was distracted.

"What's the matter?" He asked me.

"Huh, oh, nothing really." I responded.

"Come on Dylan, just tell us," Darren said.

I sighed, and with tears in my eyes simply said, "Next weekend is my
mother's birthday."

They huddled around me trying to console me as I continued.  "Every year my
mother's foundation, I guess that's me, selects a worthy cause in need of a
grand piano and we donate one to them.  It means I have to sort through a
lot of paperwork making sure what is legitimate and what isn't and then
choose one.  It is a difficult task sometimes because there are so many
deserving causes out there."

"Yeah, but you're rich." David commented and was rewarded with a punch in
the arm from Darren.  "Ouch, what did you do that for?" He complained.

"Because dork, it doesn't work like that.  Look at all the money he's
already given out for the community center.  There's only so much money and
so he has to pick and choose where he donates the money."

"Oh, sorry Dylan," the younger boy whispered as he thought about what
Darren told him and understanding what his boyfriend had meant.

We sat in silence when Akiva spoke up.  "Why don't I help you this year and
then we can also have a celebration at your house with all of our families
invited.  I'd offer up ours but with all the ongoing construction it's a
mess.  We will make sure all of our family shows up to celebrate your
mother's birthday together as a family.  Don't worry Dylan; we will set
everything up so you and your father won't have to do a thing."

It sounded appealing so the plan was made.  The next weekend arrived and
Akiva had narrowed down the prospects for me.  Everyone showed up at the
house except for Akiva's Uncle who couldn't leave the house at the moment
as he had to wait for the construction crew to unload some more furniture
he had acquired for the house.  Akiva's uncle had suggested we all drive
the five minutes over to the house later so we could all have desert that
Mrs. Miller had made up for us all.  It was a bit of an inconvenience but
we all agreed so that at least he would be included as well, if only for
desert.

The house was full once more with laughter and fun and my heart filled with
joy thinking maybe we could do this at least once a month which everyone
thought a fantastic idea.  When the time came we all got in our vehicles
and headed over to Akiva's house.  When we arrived there were decorations
set out and banners galore.  Akiva said surprise and explained his father
wanted to set up some decoration in honor of all I had done for everyone.
They had all been in on it that is the main reason why his Uncle hadn't
been there, even though he did have other things to take care of as well.

We all made our way into the house and Akiva's mother asked her son to help
her with the cake and pies she had baked, while everyone else filed into
the dining room.  I joined Akiva and helped carry some of the items needed
for the cake.  When we reached the dining room the double doors were closed
so I held the cake for Akiva while he reached for the handles and slid open
the large panels.

As the doors opened everyone was lined up in front of him smiling then
shouted surprise as they stepped off to the side.  There, off to the side
facing the large bay windows was a customized limited edition Steinway &
Sons grand piano.  THE S.L.ED designed by renowned international fashion
designer Karl Lagerfeld was created in 2003, a commemorative piano that
reflects his bold, yet impeccable, style.  I felt the design also
accentuated Akiva's own personalized styling characteristics so it made
sense to select this unique instrument for him.

With dramatic, highly-polished red and elegant black satin finishes, the
stunning instrument truly is a study in powerful contrasts.  The innovative
design of the piano features a rectangular music desk and legs.  By shaping
the feet like the runners of a sled, the designer gave the piano a new
silhouette while simultaneously making substantial improvements in the
instrument's resonance.  The piano design featured clear lines which
balanced the specially wide tail of the grand piano typical of the Steinway
Model A. The basic idea was to create a sled-shaped grand piano – the
unusual rectangular legs in particular supported this image. The idea also
gave the grand piano its name: THE S.L.ED because it resembles an old style
of European snow sled and it was a limited edition. The choice of color for
the instrument was equally unusual, inspired by classic Japanese boxes,
bold red accents were added, while selecting an ultra-matt black as the
basic color of the instrument.

In a word it was a masterpiece and Akiva knew this as soon as he laid his
eyes on it.  With tears streaming down his cheeks he ran his hands over the
piano for a moment before running out of the room.  We all stood around
wondering what happened when he returned clutching something to his chest.
Going back up to the instrument he lovingly placed a framed picture on top
of the piano.  It was a prized photograph with him sitting next to my
mother in front of a piano when he was seven years old.

"There you are, perfect," he whispered as he lovingly ran his fingers over
the piano and the framed picture.  He just looked at me for the longest
time.

Akiva couldn't believe it, "Why...why would you give me something so
beautiful, it must have cost you a fortune?"  He asked with tears running
down his cheeks.

"You really don't know do you?" I replied.

The boy shook his head still stunned by the gift as I continued, "Then let
me ask you a question.  Why would a seven year old boy write a letter to a
lonely heartbroken nine year old boy who he never even met and lives on the
other side of the world from him?"

Still Akiva seemed to be confused so I motioned to my father and he handed
me a large matted frame.  I thanked my dad and turned handing it over to
Akiva who just stared at the contents of the matted frame.  Tears continued
to flow and he tried to wipe them away with the back of his hand.

"You kept this?"  He asked as I nodded.  "But why, your family must have
received hundreds...thousands of letters after your mother died, why would
you save mine?" He asked bewildered.

"Because Akiva, it was the only one addressed to me.  Sure they all sent
condolence letters to the family but they didn't mean me, no one even knew
me, they just sent it to my father specifically and made a notation to the
rest of the family as an afterthought.  But your letter...it was meant for
me and only me." I whispered as my own tears started to flow out of me as I
remembered that awful day vividly in my mind.

"I remember this," Mrs. Miller said softly in a very thick accent
struggling with the words as my father stood by her side.

Akiva translated for his mother as she spoke.  His mother told us that
Akiva had spent hours writing the letter and wouldn't accept any help, not
even from his father who tried to help him with the English.  The boy had
insisted on doing it all by himself stating it wouldn't mean anything if
the words were done by someone else.  He even insisted on addressing the
envelope by himself.  It had to be all done by him including buying the
postage stamp with his own money and mailing off the envelope.  He had
insisted on sending the picture as well, sliding in his very own copy
stating it had to be mailed immediately and he couldn't wait for another
copy to be made.  He had been so insistent that the letter be mailed that
very day.  It was beyond her why he was so stubborn about it.

I smiled back knowingly now that she had mentioned it, "because," I began,
"it arrived on the same day I buried my mother.  I was so heartbroken and
wracked with despair that not even my father could console me, then the
letter arrived for me and when I opened it up the tears were swept away
because another little boy a million miles away had taken the time to write
to me of how sad he was and how much my mother had meant to him.  Somewhere
else another little boy like me understood what I was feeling." I
explained.

Mrs. Miller looked fondly at the framed items.  The frame was large with
matting enclosing three separate rectangular shapes.  The left horizontal
rectangle shaped opening contained a large sized envelope with both send to
and return addresses written in a young child's handwriting.  The middle
horizontal rectangle shaped opening contained the same picture of Akiva and
my mother that was currently sitting on the piano.  The third horizontal
rectangle shaped opening held a hand written letter also done by a young
child's hand and on a large ruled paper used by many young children who are
learning to write.

"Please read it Akiva, I want to hear your voice in the letter." I pleaded
with him.

He swallowed trying to hold back the tears as he read the letter, typing
errors and all:

Dear Delin, I am sory about yur mummy.  She was kind to me.  She help
teched me piano.  She tell me about yu how nice boy yu are.  She missed yu
so much.  She luvd yu so much.  I am so sory Delin and I have cride for
long time it hurts so much.

Yur friend, Akiva

"I can't believe you kept it after all these years," Akiva sighed in
amazement stifling a tear.  He really did cry for many days afterward.  My
mother had a big affect on him when she had come to visit.

"After I got it I put it in our special box.  The one my mother gave me
years earlier.  Every once in a while she would place something inside
without telling me so that I could discover it on my own.  Then when I
found it I would ask her all about it and it would be just our little
secret," I told him as my father handed me the flat rectangular box.

I set it down and started pulling some contents out explaining each one to
everyone gathered around.  They all were my family now and I felt it only
proper to share my mother in this way with them; especially, on this
special day, her birthday.  We laughed and we cried with each item.  Most
were just silly little trinkets meant to amuse little boys like the Chinese
finger lock, a piece of paper webbing that you put over one finger from
each hand.  When you pull on it the webbed paper sort of stretches and
locks up trapping your fingers.  The more you pulled the tighter it got.

It was mostly just stuff like that but there were a few other deeper
meaning items such as the small St. Christopher Medallion, the Patron Saint
of Travelers.  For some reason when I was about six years old I just
freaked out about one of our travel plans and didn't want to go.  I had
confided that I was terrified and my mother had slipped the medallion into
my box and when I discovered it she explained to me what it was.  From that
time on I never feared going on another trip.

"What's this?" Akiva asked pulling out a five by seven inch sized envelope
and opening it up to find a picture inside.  He pulled it out and frowned.

"I don't know," I whispered shaken a bit.  He looked at me concern in his
eyes as I continued.  "It was something I found later...after...you know,
and never knew what it was.  My mother must have put it inside shortly
before she died and I was never able to ask her about it." I sighed a
little sadly as Akiva showed it to his mother while he translated to her.
I heard her gasp and look closer.

It was a picture of a group of children surrounding her in front of a
series of steps that led into a building.  She was kneeling on one knee and
there was a boy sitting on her other knee leaning up and giving her a kiss
on the cheek.  The other children had gathered closely around her as she
smiled and posed for the picture not realizing the kiss she was getting on
the cheek at the same moment.

Akiva looked back at me, "I had forgotten all about this moment," he stated
shaking his head.  "This is a picture of our piano class outside the
building.  She was getting ready to leave and at the last moment she asked
the driver to take a picture with all of us."  I heard him sniffle as he
looked at me and handed back the picture.  "The little boy giving your
mother a kiss was me," Akiva stated as he reached out and hugged me.

"Oh Dylan, how could she have known so long ago that we would all be
together.  She must have known or why else all of this." He cried seriously
now as he held on to me.

My own eyes were flooded with tears as I held him close and breathed him
in.  I wanted to hold him even tighter but it was impossible because we
were already in the tightest embrace possible.  I loved him so intently
that I wanted to crawl inside his skin and become one soul not two separate
entities.  Our feelings for one another were so intense that we wrapped
ourselves tightly around one another not caring who saw us like this.

The others patted us gently as they all gathered around.  After a while we
all managed to calm down.  "I love you so much Akiva," I whispered in the
boy's ear before we separated.  He laughed a moment and wiped the tears
away with the back of his hand.

"Come play for us Akiva, on your brand new piano.  It is time you break her
in properly." I teased as everyone gathered around while the boy settled
in.

The first song he played was for me and in memory of my mother.  It had
been our favorite, Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven.  Next was his father's
song in memory of him.  After that it was a free for all as people spouted
out requests as we played and sang everyone having fun together.  It was a
wonderful evening and an almost perfect way to end the day.  I say almost
perfect because there was one more gift I had to offer Akiva.

After a while everyone started saying their goodbye's to one another.
Akiva begged me to spend the night in the room with him so we could stay up
a little longer while he played on his new piano.  His mom agreed and his
uncle dragged in a mattress for us when it was time to go to sleep.  We
were now alone in the old dining room which had been converted into Akiva's
private music room and I sat next to him at the piano while he played a
soft tune his fingers gliding lithely across the keys.  It was late already
and I was starting to get tired.

"I have one more gift for you my love," I whispered in his ear as the last
tune came to an end.

He looked over at me, "no Dylan, you've already given me so much, what more
can you give me that hasn't already made me happy?"

"Me," I replied as I watched him closely.  A small smile spread across his
face as he leaned in and gently kissed my lips.

The tender kiss was electrifying sending a tingling sensation within my
body.  I peeled off his shirt and he stood up in front of me.  Reaching out
my hand I unbuttoned his jeans and slipped them down his sleek shapely
legs.  He was wearing those adorable European style bikini briefs and they
had a huge tent in them and I could already see a little wet spot from
where the tip of his uncut penis pressed up against the fabric.

"Fuck, I love how you look in your underwear," I stated my voice shaking in
anticipation.

He reached out and slowly slipped my shirt off then I too stood as he
peeled off both my jeans and underwear in one fell swoop.  My penis stood
pointing upwards like a good soldier as he gently took it in his hands and
slowly stroked me.  I shivered with the tingling sensation of his touch and
slowly we made our way over to the mattress.  I lay down on my back and he
smoothly slipped out of his briefs and settled his body in between my legs.

His hands and lips were all over me sending a thrill coursing through my
athletic body.  I was like putty in his hands as he firmly molded me and
continually brought me to the brink before slowing down making me squirm.
It felt thrilling and exciting, like our very first time.  I could feel his
warm sweaty body against mine and I knew this would never get old for us.
He was such a turn on for me; he was everything to me, and I loved him
deeply heart, soul, and body.

A wet warm sensation engulfed my four and a quarter inch spike sending a
shiver of thrill through me as I clutched at the bedding closing my fingers
tightly around them trying to hold off my inevitable explosion.  Just when
I was getting ready to tell him to pull off or I'm going to burst I felt
him back off of me and felt another sensation underneath me.  He was
wiggling his finger around my grommet and it felt so exciting.  I spread
apart my legs giving him more access as his mouth worked around my sagging
ball sack.

"Oh fuck, that feels totally hot," I said and then all of a sudden I yelped
as he shoved his finger all the way inside of me.

The intrusion had been abrupt even though I knew it was coming.  He
surprised me though by shoving his finger all the way inside of me instead
of slipping it inside slowly.  The initial shock wore off as I allowed him
to continue.  It was very stimulating and very enjoyable now as he stuck in
a second finger then a third.

My rigid spike was leaking profusely now as I felt Akiva slowly get into
position.  I felt something warm and slippery at my entrance and then
Akiva's face was floating in front of me as a sensation of pressure was
felt at my rosebud.  Then it happened as he slipped inside of me and a
sharp pain resonated within me as I gasped sharply and things became hazy
for a second.  When the haze cleared away a look of ecstasy had overcome my
love's boyish features.

We were both panting as he opened his gorgeous baby blue eyes and looked at
me deeply.  "I love you so much Dylan, this is incredible," he gasped out
in between breaths as he slowly buried himself deeper inside of me.  There
was a mixture of pain and sheer pleasure as he slowly shoved his sweltering
shaft further inside of me until his balls nestled up against my buttocks.

"Oh shit Akiva, you did it and you feel so fucking awesome inside of me.
Fuck me now and fuck me hard," I squeaked as he pulled out a little and
rammed himself up against me.

The move had caught me by surprise as he looked at me wickedly responding
to my request.  Damn, he was a naughty boy I thought to myself.  It was all
I was able to think at the moment because he started fucking me slowly but
in earnest.  Shit it felt so good and he was slowly increasing the pounding
against my prostrate sending a thrill through my body.  His face was
contorted into a blissful visage and all of a sudden I saw it change as he
started to tense up.

I could feel his penis thicken inside of me as I looked down at his shaft
shoving in and out of me.  He thrust deeply inside of me one last time as
his dick fattened, he moaned loudly, and he exploded sending me over the
edge at the same time as my ass clamped around his tool and we both bucked
wildly.  I heard him whimper as I nearly snapped his dick off of him from
my wild contorted body.  We both wrapped our arms around one another while
our bodies writhed and squirmed in sheer ecstasy.  I shot load after load
between us and I could feel myself filling up inside as he dumped his seed
in my back end.  It is hard to describe the feeling of being filled up like
this but for me it felt gratifying and everything I could have ever hoped
for.

Other than when I had fucked him this was the best feeling ever.  I wanted
even more of him wishing he could just crawl inside of my body.  His skin
felt all slippery and slimy against mine from the amount of fluid I had
expelled and if I hadn't been so into my high I probably would have laughed
at the absurdity of it all.

Finally the euphoria slowly subsided as he lay on top of me with his shaft
still buried deeply down inside of me.  He started to pull out when my body
went rigid again and clamped down tightly around his shaft as another
volley of baby batter shot out between our bodies from my still sensitive
penis.  I heard him groan at my second orgasm and the sensation he felt as
my ass clamped down around his stiff penis sent him over the edge for a
second time as well.

His penis re-inflated to full size immediately at the stimulation and he
shot a second load inside of me before collapsing on top of me.  We both
lay there completely spent in the euphoric aftermath of our love making.
It had been intense and filled with surprises, and it was glorious.

If either one of us made any noise I couldn't tell you.  The way it had
happened, so quickly and intensely, it had just gripped me by surprise
sending my body into overdrive and my senses into orbit.  It was as if I
had been looking down through a lens yet I could still recall every
feeling, every nuance, and every scent from our love making.  I only hoped
this feeling of intense love would be fresh and new every time.

His penis plopped out of me giving me a feeling of emptiness as he rolled
off of me and tried to regain his breath.  I looked down at his hooded sex
tool all slicked up and sleek looking.  I couldn't wait for him to stick
that sexy little thing back inside of me.  It was as if my boy pussy was
made just for his sexy spike.

"Fuck that was totally awesome," I whispered as I gently kissed him.  Our
lips parted from one another and he smiled at me.

"Shit Dylan, I don't know what felt better, when you fucked me or when I
fucked you.  I don't think I'll ever get tired of feeling you or holding
you tightly in my arms.  I love you so much."  He stated as he leaned in
and kissed me again, this time more greedily.

"I know my love, I feel the same way.  I guess since both ways feel so good
to us we will have to take turns," I giggled as he blushed realizing there
were going to be many more of these wonderful displays of affection between
us.  We had both given and taken each other's virginity, and it had felt
right to us for happening this way.  We were both content and happy at the
same time.  Our love for one another here on out could only get better.
Sure there would be some rocky times, but nothing that our love for one
another couldn't overcome.

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

End of Chapter Nine

There's one last chapter to go everyone.  I hope you've enjoyed the story.

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