A Stepbrothers Desire

This is a work of fiction - names and places are elements of fiction.

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A Stepbrother's Desire - Josh and Tyson 49

Bill took Ty and me to pick up our tuxedos. He had been spending a lot of time at work. In fact, I got up one night to get something to drink and found him in the family room catching up on the episodes of Cobra Kai on Netflix that Ty and I had already watched.

"I really appreciate you all working with me," Bill said, after picking up our tuxedos from the shop. "The new role is very demanding, well more so right now. It will calm down."

"Hey it's ok Dad," said Ty. "We're looking for a great vacation this summer!" and I nodded in agreement.

"Yes, vacations haven't been our strong point this past year, have they?" Bill said. "I'm just glad for an opportunity to do this with you. You two were so "well managed" during spring break. Really appreciate your thoughtfulness."

My tux fit like a glove. Tristan texted me and said one of his pants legs came too long. He's adjusting it himself. The problem supports our argument that we should just buy our own. There was a time when most of the boys at the country club had their own tux's but there aren't as many occasions to wear them anymore. Josh is antsy about tonight. I can tell because he's pacing around his room and he's been in the bathroom like three times and for no apparent reason. I thought he would stop in my room but he didn't. I'll check on him as soon as I get these damn studs put in my shirt.

"Oh damn!" I heard Josh yell from his room. That was it, that was all I needed to know he needed me. I ran through the bathroom and into his room.

"What is it?" I asked.

"I can't put my hand through the cuff with these cufflinks on!"

"Come here, babe," I said. "You're supposed to put the shirt on first then add the cufflinks," I said, removing the cufflinks from the cuffs.

"How do you do that? Was hard enough getting them on with two hands!" and he and I both laughed.

"It's possible for men who do it all the time but, remember, I'm just in the next room, babe," and he smiled at me. I loved that smile. I loved the relief that came with that smile. He knows he will never have to figure these things out on his own. I wonder why he tries, only to aggravate himself to death!

Once his hands were through the cuffs, I inserted the cufflinks through each sleeve and everything looked perfect on him.

"Thanks baby. That looks so much better and damn, you look good Ty. Your tux fits perfect!" he said.

"Tristan has one leg longer the other on his," I said, causing Josh to crack up.

"I thought I felt a tremor in the Force," he said and that made me laugh.

I texted my buddy from the dealership. He was still on for our agreement tonight. It was a risk that things wouldn't work out as I planned but then again, if it did, it would be the most incredible night ever!

"Boys, are you about ready?" mom asked, coming out of her room. She was decked for sure in a black dress, shoes, and a pearl necklace that had belonged to her mom. "I'm heading over to the hotel to oversee the final touches," she said, coming into my room. Ty appeared through the bathroom, fully dressed and looking absolutely incredible.

"I think so," he said, giving my arm a rub. The affection didn't go unnoticed by me or my mom. I laughed quietly.

"Good. You two look brilliant!" she said. "Do we need to go over the ground rules again?" she asked.

"No," Ty said, before I could respond. "We're going as a group and we're going to maintain the "group look"," he said. She gave us a doubtful look but she turned and headed out and down the backstairs.

"Hey mom!" I shouted down..

"What is it, Josh?" she shouted back up.

"You'll be one of the prettiest girls there tonight!"

"Josh's right! You're gorgeous!" Ty shouted over my shoulder.

Clomp, clomp, clomp, you could hear mom's shoes as she climbed back up the stairs.

"Thank you. Shit did I need to hear that from you two! Thank you!" and she hugged us then she headed back down again.

"Good use of flattery!" Ty said to me.

"And timely, I thought," I said and we cracked up laughing.

"Prom for me last year was a nonevent, Ty. I went with a girl I didn't give a crap about and I think I danced one time. After prom we got drunk as shit and crashed at Diesel's house. I hurt the next day like you wouldn't believe," I said, leaning against the wall.

"Well this is my first so, I guess it's like a first for both of us," he said. "I'm actually really excited. The adventures...do you have your change of clothes and overnight bag?" he asked. The fact that we were staying at the hotel after the prom was a really cool thing. Many of the kids going to prom had room reservations so that we could have an "after-prom" party when they closed the ballroom. I was glad to have enough money to afford a room and the fact I now have a credit card meant I didn't have to go through that humiliation I experienced the last time I tried to get a room. But Ty wasn't aware that our "after-prom" party was going to look much different than the others. I checked a few other details in my head and two on my phone. I think we were all set.

Ginny and Kyle showed up at our house to take part in the procession downtown. Kyle was wearing a dark burgundy tux jack with black pants that looked really good on him. Ginny was in a dark red dress, very classy. She would't do those gaudy prom dress things. Jack and Tristan came next and parked in the drive. Tristan looked amazing in his tux. He had a floral tie and vest and Jack was wearing solid but matched the blue in Tristan's floral appearance. Lastly, Bryce parked and he and Lisa came to the door.

"Wow!" exclaimed Ty. "You look beyond gorgeous, Lees! Where did you get that dress?" Ty asked.

"I certainly didn't get a "wow"!" barked Tristan.

"Neither did I," replied Ginny who started laughing. She put her arm around Tristan.

"Sorry guys," said Ty, showing Lisa into the family room. Everyone in the room gasped. She was so gorgeous in a long black dress, diamond necklace, matching earrings, and her hair was pressed long and straight. She looked like an Egyptian goddess. Bryce was beaming.

"Is that my date y'all are gawking at!" he cheered as he entered behind Lisa.

"I would say so," I said quietly, giving him an elbow in the rib cage.

"Yeah, she's MY date and isn't she beautiful." Lisa beamed with excitement.

"I would say there is a lot of gorgeousness going on in this room. Everyone looks fabulous, I think," Lisa said. "But I am really happy with my tall blond amazing thing!" she said, grabbing Bryce's arm. We each got a "couple" picture for our parents. They took one of Ty and me but wasn't sure the parents were going to be requesting it. We headed to the cars and we drove into downtown. The traffic was a mess. We stayed in our procession since there was no lane changing. There were some other events going on downtown so people were everywhere. Fortunately, because we had rooms, we also got hotel parking.

After parking, we jammed into the elevator leading from the basement garage and went upstairs to the lobby to check in. They opened a couple of desks to get everyone checked in faster. Each of us taking our things to our rooms, we agreed to meet back down in the lobby in fifteen minutes.

"Josh,"Ty said, entering our hotel room. "The room is really nice. Thank you for splurging on it. I could have..."

"Ty!" I barked, pulling him close to me. "We may be traveling as a group but don't think I'm thinking about anyone but you, no matter what we're doing tonight," and I kissed him. I kissed him hard and I felt his body soften into mine. Actually, I think mine was softening to his. Anyway, we both almost fell to the floor.

"You meant that, babe. That was amazing," he said softly.

"There is so much in store tonight, I wish I could tell you," I said.

"Then tell me!"

"Nope, it's all a surprise," I said with an evil chuckle.

"Fuck surprises!" he stammered. He pulled two flasks out of his overnight bag.

"Stocked?" I asked. He nodded and pulled me to the door.

We met the others in the lobby and headed down the corridor to the ball rooms. There were a lot of students heading that way as well. Then we reached the line. Fuck it was a long line. There were a lot of conversations taking place and a lot of dress comparisons among the girls. Everyone was dressed. Bryce and Lisa were about to be checked in when Lisa remembered she forgot something in her room.

"Crap!" said Bryce as they left the line to go back upstairs. Ty and I were next. Keith Burch was assisting the check in and he looked incredible, with his hair combed back and in a tux with no tie. He was sexy as fuck.

"Gentlemen," he said to Ty and me. "Don't you look stunning, Ty!" he said. The remark didn't get past me.

"I think he does," I said and Ty smiled.

"Josh, by my count, you are the twelfth boy so I will just put this pin in your lapel," he said, taking my lapel in his grip and running a stick pin through the fabric.

"Twelfth boy? What's that?" I asked, checking the pin out. It was a number 12 in matching colors to the prom colors, Blue, red, and gold.

"What's a twelfth boy?" demanded Tristan. "I should be a twelfth boy as well!" he said. Jack tried to quieten him down.

"Every twelfth boy who enters the prom gets a pin," explained Keith. Ty was staring at the pin with curiosity.

"It's always Josh!" Tristan snapped, entering the ballroom behind us. Kyle came up and reached for the pin to study it.

"Age or IQ, one or the other," he said.

"Hahaha!" I barked sarcastically. I bet he wished he was the twelfth boy! Just a second after, mom came toward us in a sprint.

"Um Josh, you got a pin?" she asked with concern.

"I did. Looks cool, doesn't it?" I asked proudly.

"Well, Josh, I need to talk to you about that..." then a couple of girls came up to me and yanked me away. Ty scurried behind us. They led us to a buffet table of food. Fuck, it was a feast. Little bits of steak, veggies, cheese, meatballs, more veggies, more cheese, nuts, chips, dips, some tofu looking stuff I wouldn't be eating. There were little sliced potatoes with seasoning and shrimp. Ty and I could put those down fast enough. After making a little plate, we wondered and talked to people. Soon enough, Some people dragged Ty away and I drifted over to Jack and Tristan, to stand in company. Bryce and Lisa had taken to the dance floor. I know Tristan wanted to dance but Jack hadn't asked him yet. I didn't care too much about dancing either but another guy, one of the studious nerdy guys, came over and pointed to my pin.

"You have one too, Josh? What's it all about?"

"I don't know," I said. "I'll guess we'll have to see."

"You all are going to be cleaning the ball room after the dance! That's what its all about!" shouted Tristan over the music. The nerdy guy looked nervous. I patted his shoulder and told him that wasn't true. Tristan laughed.

"Jack," I said. " You need to tame your beast!" He looked at Tristan and back at me and laughed. Then Kyle came over and picked up Tristan, like literally picked him up like a baby and walked off with him, Tristan screaming with laughter.

"What the fuck?" I said, looking curiously at them as they wafted across the dance floor.

"I never thought I would see anything like that!" Jack snapped.

"Want me to go over there and sort it out for you?" I asked.

"Oh hell no. It's all quite harmless but you take a dig at Mr. Davis and Tristan will eat you alive!" and he gave me a blank, emotionless stare. It was so hilarious I had to crack up laughing, both because his face was Wednesday from the Addams Family trying to smile, and because he was very serious.

"You found out the hard way?" I asked.

"Oh I asked him why they texted all the time and, well, it was really terrible. He laid into me, and right in front of my mother. He was snarling. I decided to let it go," Jack said, maintaining the blank face. I again started to laugh, raising one leg to stomp a foot.

Ty was on the dance floor with Ginny and Lisa which is where Kyle dragged Tristan off to. A bunch of other folks had joined them. The groups were more or less trying out their dance moves before getting into the couples thing, unless maybe the couples thing wasn't a big deal. Out in the country, it still was.

Mom breezed up to me. "Son!" she said, trying to sound friendly. She was in work mode and had traveled the the ballroom twice since we had gotten there. "Need to talk to you about the pin, Josh. Really!" and before she could finish, there was a scuffle on the dance floor and some sort of altercation took place. I gently pushed mom aside and saw Tristan bend forward and back kick Roman Vance in the back of the leg! Roman Vance was the new quarterback for the colonels next year, and he was a big black guy, and I was very sure I saw Tristan kick him!

"Oh shit!" yelled Jack, causing my mom to turn and look.

"What the fuck was that for?" Roman screamed at Tristan. Tristan held his ground and yelled something back.

"Come on, Josh!" yelled Jack and he pulled me toward them. Bryce and Kyle had jumped in and led Roman off the dance floor. I hurried toward them while Jack stopped by Tristan.

"What happened?" I asked.

"Roman side bumped Tristan really hard and almost knocked him down," said Kyle, calmly.

"Dude, I need to fill you in..." said Bryce.

"Fill me in on what?" asked Roman, with a fuming tone.

"We don't act like that around here," said Bryce.

"Man, I'm not taking instructions from you! Your day has passed. That was nothing out there but some fooling around!"

"Let me be clearer!" shouted Bryce. "Those guys are off limits. That's the way it's been since long before you were ever heard of and it's not gonna change when I'm gone! Old man or not!" Bryce shouted.

"He's right," I said calmly. "This school doesn't tolerate messing with these guys. If Dillard catches wind of that stuff going on, you'll be sweeping the locker room, not throwing a football. It might have been just kidding, but these guys will defend themselves, Roman. You need to just get along or stay out of their way," I suggested.

"And he's right about that too," said Tristan, easing into the conversation. "We typically love our athletes here, Roman. I'm sorry I kicked you so hard but I was really taken by surprise when you almost knocked me over," Tristan said calmly, Jack standing behind him.

"I hear what you all are saying, dude. I swear I didn't mean anything by it. But I'll co-operate with y'all's ways. I just want to play football, don't want no trouble," Roman said. "I'll be sure my crew gets the same message."

"And Roman, something else you should be aware of," said Ty, stepping in front of me. "I'm head of the diversity and inclusion committee next year and I planned for you to be the first guest speaker. As the first black quarterback, pardon me for saying so, in a very long time, I planned for you to be the first guest speaker. You will have the whole school as your audience and the message you send will not only set you up for success on the field, it will establish you as an influential person throughout the whole school. But your actions have to prove you are "in it" with us."

"You can hold right there. You want me to talk in front of everybody?" Roman asked, with nervousness but also excitement.

"Yeah. You will be a huge first speaker since football will be in season already."

"That's fucking brilliant, Ty! Great idea!" I said.

"And you sound surprised?" said Bryce.

"Well, no but.."

"Its ok guys. We're all good now," said Roman, who put out his hand to Ty for a handshake. Ty took his hand and Roman said, "I"m Roman Vance, very pleased to meet you," with some swagger. "Ty Breck, and thank you," replied Ty. Then he turned to Tristan. "Roman Vance, please to meet you, Tristan," Tristan shook his hand with a big smile.

"I'm just wondering how we gonna get you on that field because you got one fucking strong leg, dude! I may have a bruise on my very fine ass tomorrow!" and we all laughed.

"I run track," Tristan said as he laughed.

"Dude, talk to me end of summer. If we need a kicker, I can train you up right in a week!" Roman said.

"Can you picture Tristan on a football field?" Ty said to me quietly. I cracked up. But hey, he wouldn't be the first gay football player. It would be something to watch, though. We all shook and parted ways to join our respective groups. Keith Burch showed up on the scene a little late.

"Everything ok?" he asked us.

"Yep, all good," I said.

"Josh, I have to tell you your mom is amazing. She's wonderful to work with," Keith said.

"Don't you go telling her my business. That's teacher student confidentiality!" I barked.

"Well no such thing but...we can pretend there is," he said with a sly smile. "She's concerned that you got a pin. I told her you get to keep it. It was the rules."

"Ok, whatever. I don't know what it signifies."

"And I can't tell you but be prepared, Josh. Be prepared."

Ty and I wandered off through the ballroom and there was chit chat about what happened and other things as well. The dance floor had become more crowded. I saw my mom working with the other chaperones, sorting some boxes. Tristan, Jack, Ty and myself wandered out into the lobby for cooler air.

"Its pretty fun," Tristan said. "K.."

"What?" said Jack.

"Oh nothing," Tristan said, catching Jack's tone. "It's just that everybody looks so handsome dressed up. Even Josh!" he said, throwing some humor into the situation. Tristan waved at some people then ran off in their direction.

"Haha," I said. "I'm hot!" I announced, maybe a little louder than I intended thanks to the vodka in the flask.

"That what you think?" shouted Jordan Rose from another part of the lobby. Ty cracked up and walked over to see Jordan and his mates. Next week was the state championship basketball game and I know Jordan was riding a very high wave.

"What about your prom, are you not going to it?" I asked Jack.

"No, we didn't think it would be very good," he said quietly. "It's not like it is here and my friends, well, they still have a hard time with Tristan and me. Not bad, just awkward sometimes. It's no biggie," Jack added. "One prom is enough."

"I hear ya," I said. "Don't you think it's time for a Jack, Jason, Josh night? We haven't hung out in a long time," I suggested.

"Oh God, please!" Jack responded, a little louder than he should. "It would be so cool."

"How's your flask," I asked, about to crack up laughing.

"Almost empty," he said with a chuckle. "I was really nervous."

"I have barely touched mine. Let's slip off and take a swig," I said.

I like standing by Jordan when he's sitting. I feel like more of a peer or an equal. He looks fabulous tonight and he's so relaxed. Well, on the surface he looks relaxed. He's enjoying a small, chic audience gathered in the ballroom lobby, every relaxed on sofas.

"Guys, I'm not lying to you. I usually boast a big line before my games but this one is so big, I have to treat it like something that can't be mentioned." The dumbnuts that were gathered around him didn't understand what he was talking about. You could tell by the blank stares.

"I get it, Jordan. The state championship game is like the Great Shroud. It's so special, it defames it by trying to speak of it," I said. I knew Jordan's family was big in church. He would understand the Great Shroud.

"You the only who gets it Ty. You have always been the only one who gets it, I often think." He looked at me with soft watery eyes. This might have been the most modest I have ever seen him. His boyish demeanor, which we hadn't seen in a long time, seemed to be stitched across his face.

"You know how I feel, J. You are Zeus among the Gods!" I said playfully.

"You know how I have often felt," he whispered. "In another life, on another planet, you and me, well..." and he drifted off. My whole body stiffened, my head raced. Did he just suggest...well. It's nothing that would come true and nothing that could take me away from Josh but the thought of it went straight to my dick. These were feelings I had always had under the currents, though. The thought of Jordan even giving it a moment's thought was amazing. Jordan had always been a good man to me. "Just once," I thought but the moment flew by as people started moving back into the ballroom.

Not a moment to think! This prom was far more an industrious undertaking than I ever imagined. I have to get to Josh. I have to get that pin away from him. What was I thinking? I either should have manipulated the line up better or I should have gotten it away from him right from the start. Perhaps there is still a chance.

"Hey Karen," said Keith Burch, "I think the Twelfth Boy Event kicks off in about 30 minutes.

"Damn," I said. He looked at me curiously.

"I feel like I should give Tristan his freedom this summer, Josh. I've been thinking about it a lot," Jack said.

"Why would you think that?" I asked, taking a sip from my flask and handing it to Jack.

"I have totally bogged him down. I love him more than anyone but I feel like I'm losing my own appeal and even though I am giving him more space, I don't know if it's enough."

"He's doing fine and yes, I think the space has helped a lot. He and Ty are having a great time. He's done well at his track meets. He looks incredible and he's strong. That kick!" and Jack cracked up.

"Didn't see that coming," Jack said.

"You haven't lost any appeal, Jack. Your happiness and, well, um, your contentment looks good on you. Don't think I have forgotten our fun times back in the day," I leaned in as he took another sip from the flask. "You were such a fucking hot guy," I whispered in his ear. "Still are. Stud," I said. He tilted his back just a bit, and my nose touched his cheek. He sighed.

Coming back around, Jack said, "Thank you for that. Tristan makes me feel great but a little outside affirmation says a lot," and he smiled.

"Let's get back," I said.

"Where the fuck you been?" exclaimed Bryce, as we entered the ballroom. He looked at Jack and gave me a look, not quite jealous but sort of a "so it's his turn" look. He wasn't right, but he wasn't quite wrong either. Lisa pulled us all to the dance floor where Kyle and Ginny were dancing and giggling and whatever. She looked so beautiful and grown up. Despite my feelings about it, he really did make her seem so happy. Fuck.

Keith Burch took his place on the stage with my mom standing beside him. The music got quiet and everyone looked toward them.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please gather round!" Keith spoke into the mike and as we did so, he introduced my mom.

"Many of you are aware that a Prom such as this, with the beautiful decorations, music, and food, doesn't appear with a wave of a wand such as at Hogwarts!" and everyone chuckled. "The Ladies Charity Club donated their time and services to make this happen and now they are going to ask something in return. Let me introduce Karen Breck who will explain it in more detail!" and everyone clapped.

"I should like to greet you as boys and girls but seeing how marvelous and grown up you all look, I should say ladies and gentlemen!" and everyone applauded again. "My name is Karen Breck and you will recognize the name - yes I claim Josh and Ty as my own!" and people cheered.

"Mom looks so incredible," Ty whispered to me. She really did. She was really in her element.

"I want to say on a serious note that we are all here, so fortunate. Having money doesn't make us fortunate but having the ability to do something worthwhile with that money does. Imagine a life without your home, your clothes, your things, your trips, your activities. Imagine sitting in the backseat of a beat up car with all the things you own piled up in the seat beside you. Imagine wearing a pair of shoes one size too small because you outgrew them or one size too big because it's all you could find. Imagine this is where and how you live." Wow, did the crowd get quiet. You could have heard a pin drop.

"Folks, poverty is not just a consequence of bad decisions and laziness, despite what people say. Sometimes there are just so few options available and, well, one can find himself in a terrible place and it's not our place to judge. It's our place to help. Having become involved in this charity league, I have been astounded by what we have seen but also by what we have done. This past year, we have removed three teens from the cars they were living in and placed them in homes. Some of the tried to fight us off because they were too ashamed to exit the cars and accept our help. Charity leagues aren't just for snobby women to gather and gossip. We have used a lot of hard earned money to make things happen, to move the needle for kids who have not been so fortunate!" There was a light applause. We didn't know what the proper response was to something like this. Lisa's face showed shock. Tristan wiped an eye.

"Tonight, as part of the prom plan, we asked each of you to bring a $20 bill. Petty change for so many of us. Tonight, we're going to ask you to give it up. Pass it on so that we can hopefully rescue more teens from dreadful circumstances, to put them in homes with food, clothes, and most importantly, love! [Pause] This is not being done dryly, however. We are going to provide you some entertainment to entice or compel you. We designed the Twelfth Boy Party so that every twelfth boy who entered the prom would get a special pin. Now those boys will get the chance of a lifetime! Each boy will have the opportunity to ask anyone, and I mean anyone, for a dance. Just a simple dance. Not a lifetime commitment, not a proclamation of love. Just one dance. Should you be chosen, we ask you to give in to the fun. If you feel you cannot participate, a polite no will suffice. The rest of you will donate your $20 to the couple you like the most. Whether they be humorous, awesome, or just your best friends, we just ask you to give. There are 10 boxes aligned to the ten boys. Just place your bills in the box of your choice. Let me say, before I hand it back to Mr. Burch, thank you. You all have been wonderful tonight and we have been so thrilled to be a part of this, your rite of passage, your special evening!" and mom was about to hand the mic to Keith when one boy shouted out, "can they ask you to dance?" Mom was stunned but was ready for a bit of banter.

"Oh I might be flattered to be asked, I might be absolutely thrilled. I may never get a more exciting offer..."

"Here it comes!" shouted Ty and our group cracked up.

"But I don't think there are many in this room who could handle me on the dancefloor!" and she gave a little dance move, in her high heels, draping her hand on Keith's shoulder. He bowed to her and offered her his hand. The crowd went crazy. She completely brought the crowd down. She grimaced when someone whistled a cat call.

"So gentlemen, if you received the twelfth boy pin, please come to the stage!" Keith announced. We moved slowly to the stage as I suspected all of us were nervous as shit.

`Uh, Mister Burch," said a guy named Blake, "Troy offered me $20 for my pin. Is it too late to accept?" which caused the audience to crack up laughing.

"25!" shouted someone.

"30!" shouted another.

"Hey!" shouted Keith. "This isn't an auction! Now suck it up and get in alphabetical order." People were laughing and cheering. We scrambled to figure out alphabetical order.

"Good lord! Don't you all know your ABC's? I see I have some more work to do!" Keith announced into the mic. Then it started. Each guy got to pick the girl of his dreams. Several of them picked their dates which was first smart, and second, easy. One guy went on a limb and asked Lisa Bustehude. He was handsome enough and she accepted which I thought was very elegant. As my last name is Warner, I was obviously last. I hadn't been thinking about my choice until they got to the eighth guy and Keith Burch had to nudge him to make his decision. I began studying the crowd. Yes, I would like to make Ty my obvious choice but could it be done? What about all those protocols that had been set up for us? I suddenly realized my mom had been after me about the pin. She wanted to take it away from me! It all made sense. She wanted to either save me from making a terrible decision, in her eyes, or to save me the stress of it.

I looked at Ginny who was beaming and leaning against Kyle. That would be a strike back wouldn't it? Lisa was taken. I admired a few other girls who had always been nice to me, including Bryce's old flame Mel. She actually had a glow in her eyes like it could be her. She would love the attention.

"Josh Warner, you're up. Who will this dance belong to? Who will be so lucky?" Keith asked, pushing me along. I began to feel sweaty. I tried not to look at Ty but I had to. There he was, looking even more incredible than he had the rest of the evening. There was almost a glow around his face. Sweat dripped from my underarms. I felt soggy.

"Josh," Keith Burch whispered into my ear. "Most people only get one chance to change the world. This is your chance. Change it, brother," he said, so quietly, with just a breath in my ear, I almost thought I had dreamed it. I took a step forward. Everyone braced for what was coming. Mom's eyes were as big as golf balls.

"I don't have to explain it to anyone because it's none of their business but nobody in this hall has been more special to me this year and no one has had a bigger impact...than my fantastic, totally classy, very brilliant stepbrother, Tyson Breck, and so I would like to ask him for this dance!" and my hands trembled and my mouth became so dry. There was at first a gasp, then there was a moment of silence then there was an uproar. The cheers not only filled the room, they filled my head and I stepped down and took Ty by the arm. I will say because I'm years down the road from this moment in real life, that the look on Ty's face, so happy, so elated, could never be replicated.

"Should've known he was a fag!" shouted someone from the back but he must have missed the announcements because everyone could hear my mom's voice as she shouted "That's my son!" and I believe she pushed the guy causing him to stumble over some people. I couldn't see in the back but it was a ruckus. The music started and we each took our dance dates onto the floor and began an elegant ballroom dance formation.

As I had Ty in proper fashion, right hands connected and raised, one hand on his hip, we began to dance.

"How do you know how to do this?" Ty asked, glowing and showing.

"Ginny gave me some ballroom moves last week just in case!" and he laughed and just tipped his forehead into my shoulder.

So there it is. The two of them dancing on the dance floor. Not at all what I had planned. What is Bill going to say about this? Ed Dillard!

"Karen, pardon me, you look lost in thought," Keith Burch said to me. I shook myself out of my trance. "Josh moves in his own way, doesn't he?" he asked.

"Always has," I replied.

"I have wondered on several occasions what "mothering" Josh must be like. You must be one hell of a lady. He adores you, you know," he offered. That made me smile.

"Is that what he says?" I asked.

"It's what he says and how he acts. He is very remarkable," Keith said.

"Thank you for that. I'm a little, well, uneasy right now," I admitted. "Towing the line between my wonderful son and my wonderfully successful husband, takes, well, it requires strategy without end!" I choked.

"Perhaps. However, I might contend that if Josh was being tested on love and loyalty tonight, he scored 100's on both tests."

"How do you get to that score?" I asked.

"He didn't select Ty based on romantic "lubby dubby" nonsense. He selected Ty as his stepbrother, as family, as friend, as peer. It was an act of bravery and responsibility to select Ty in a way that honors their relationship and your family. I think he did well."

"You have a way of spinning it, Keith. I might be buying into your rationale. You don't think this is a problem?" I asked, genuinely interested in his response.

"No ma'am, I do not. Look at the room. There is nothing going on out of the ordinary. The couples are all dancing nicely and look at the commotion going on around your boxes. Look at the food line. If there is a whisper or two, well, there could have been those regardless. I would say it's a "nonevent"," Keith said. My nerves began to relax. The back of my legs began to relax.

"I can see why Josh admires you so much. You have had a profound impact on him. I know about your lunches, and so I'm happy Josh has had a positive mentor to help him sort his feelings out. Thank you, Mr. Burch," I said, taking his hand gracefully.

"Keith, please. I have studied every aspect of Josh's feelings about Ty, his family and his friends. I hope what I have learned here will one make me a better administrator, stronger, more decisive. I think, anyway," he said.

"I'm sure it will. Thank you again, Keith. Let's go check the money boxes."

At the end of the song, we all took a bow, whether we were supposed to or not. Tristan was the first to accost Ty. Others came forward. Bryce came up to me and put his arm around me.

"Is there no end, man? Is there no end to what you can get away with?" he asked.

"You knew the answer to that before you asked!" snapped Kyle. "Josh is amazing. Josh," Kyle said looking at me. "That was so done so perfectly, it could have been a movie scene."

"Who says it won't be?" asked Tristan.

In the end Ty and I earned the most money. There was $700 dedicated to us. Mom shook her head at me but didn't say a word. Perhaps that was coming later. I'm sure it was coming later. Very little was said about our dance and Keith indicated I shouldn't worry a second about it. Dillard would probably hear of it but Keith's version of my setup should clear the road of any trouble.

"There shouldn't be any trouble, Josh," said Ty. No matter what anyone thinks, you just boxed me up, put a bow on me, and sent me home. I love you so much," and damn if he didn't start to cry. I pulled him to me and let him cry into my shoulder and my face felt red. My eyes felt watery. Lisa was the first to see us standing in the lobby. She came over and wrapped her arms around us. Jack and Tristan followed right after her.

"It was only months ago, at a Christmas party, we had to push you two together and to shield you from view. That day is long gone. It has sailed," she said, as she squeezed us so tightly. Oh my God, why did I love these people so much?

"Sorry folks, but Ty and I have something to do and we left quietly, without a lot of fanfare and headed to the elevators. I supposed they thought we were going upstairs to fuck. That was rather the image I hoped they were left with because I didn't want any trouble with the next bit of my plan. We took the elevator down to the garage where Part 2 of Prom was waiting. And yes, the car was waiting under the breezeway as expected.

"What's going on Josh? Where are we going?" Ty asked. I dragged him toward the vehicle. It was a long, burgundy Mercedes S Class and the driver got out and opened the door for us.

"What the..." Ty tried to bark but I pushed him into the backseat and crawled in behind him. "Josh!" he said loudly.

"Mr. Breck, my name is Jonas, and I work at the dealership with Josh. He asked if I could give you a ride, so to speak, in my car to a very special place and believe me, I have never been happier to be asked. Please relax," he said politely, and looked back at us with a smile. Jonas had worked for the Mercedes dealership for years. He started as a car detailer like me and now worked in finance. He was an old and well known gay man in the community and I liked him as soon as I met him. He didn't come off like some gay flame but I think in private, he was probaly pretty wild. I offered him a lot of money to drive us for this one hour event but he refused to accept the money. He said one hour for something like this was an easy task for two young guys like Ty and me.

"Josh, you are something. This is a fabulous car. I feel like I just got swept away from the red carpet or something," Ty giggled.

"We danced, baby. Can you believe it? We danced, and, we are going to dance again, baby," I whispered into his ear. He drooped one leg over mine. The driver was driving and no longer paying attention to us. He eased the car into midtown and took turns leading us to a familiar road we hadn't been to in quite a while. And then there it was. The bar on Gaybar Row, all lit up, with a short line of guys waiting to get in.

"Josh, are you crazy? No way they're gonna let us in there again!" and he fell back into the seat.

"Hold on one minute," and I whipped out my phone and made a simple text to Jody, the bar manager. . Ty and I stepped out of the car, dressed in our tuxedos and you could see every eye on every guy waiting in that line shoot our way. Jody came running out of the bar.

"Look, it's my corner beauties! Oh my God you two are gorgeous!" he said, glancing us up and down. "Now hop back into the car," and as we scooted in, Jody leaned into the car and told Jonas to take a right and pull under the breezeway where "members" are dropped off and picked up. He would meet us at that entrance. Jonas did as instructed. Ty was staring out the window as we turned the corner.

"Oh lord!" he shrilled. "You planned all of this?" I nodded. "You've been busy, mister," and he leaned over and kissed my cheek. Jonas let out a sigh. We stopped under the awning and climbed back out. Jody came out and ushered us into the bar. With a short stop for a quick shot, he led us upstairs. We had one hour which was worth a lifetime. We danced again and this time it was sexy. There were no prying eyes from mom or other students. There were only sexy stares coming from guys all around us. We grinded and we groped. We kissed. Our bodies were pressed together the whole time.

"Did they get married?" someone shouted. Ty lifted my hand and did a spin when he heard that.

"One day" he said. "One day," he repeated.

Once our "hour upon the stage" was up, we were led back downstairs where Jonas had parked once again. We waved goodbye to Jody who blew us a kiss and Jonas pulled away. When we got back to the hotel garage, Jonas got out and opened the back door for us.

"Gentlemen, this has been a pleasure. Seeing you two living it, and I mean LIV-ing it, has made me so happy. I hope it means as much to you tomorrow as it does right now!" he said. Ty gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and seeing how happy it made Jonas, I did the same.

"Don't you tell anyone at work I did that!" I said to Jonas.

"None of this is going to be discussed at work, sugah!" he said. He climbed back into his beautiful car and drove away. Ty looked at me with astonishment.

"I have done nothing," he said.

"Huh?" I asked.

"I have done nothing to deserve such an incredible night," Ty said quietly. I didn't understand.

"You think you were unfair to me, dragging me through that "we need space" thing. I told you that I totally understood and I benefited from it directly, Ty. This isn't about deserving. This is what I can do to show you how much I love you. You have shown me day in and day out how you love me," and I put my hand on his cheek. "I wanted to go special on you, babe."

"Oh you did that, Josh. I will never forget. There will never be another prom like this one," he said. He took my arm and led me to the elevators. When we entered the hotel lobby. It was 12:30 am, our designated time. There were students sitting around in half undone tux jackets, ties wrapped around their necks. We were unnoticed until we got to our floor. Bryce was in the hall talking to Kyle and some guys. Ty pulled out his phone and texted the parents that we were snug and safe on our hotel floor.

"Where the hell have you been?" he shouted at us. The grins we flashed would reveal nothing but the next two hours we would spend in one hotel bed would leave us exhausted all of the next day.