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A Stepbrother's Desire - Josh and Tyson 74
My last day before heading to the University. I feel like I should be doing something that I'm not doing. I should be running around. Got nowhere to run around. I should be seeing people. Already seen them. I should be packing. Already packed. And as I lay here on the sofa in the little makeshift den that Ty and I constructed out of a guest bedroom, with my head in Ty's lap, and as he quietly strokes my hair, I feel like I should be comforting him and yet, he's comforting me.
Yesterday was a mess, for sure. Were there sexy images ingrained in my head? Hell yeah there are. The combination of my affection for Jack and my attraction to him nearly caused me to drive him into the sofa and give him the best fuck I could. Watching Ty place his lips softly on Tristan's right butt cheek in a pose, wow. I wish I could've done that to the both of them...at the same time! And yes, having that amazing fuck with Tristan...probably one of the moments I will never forget, until dementia settles in my brain.
But fuck, what is this? Are we just sex fiends? Is that all we care about? Ty calls it "touching people we care about." That's nice, but it's still a suck, a fuck, a kiss, and cum. With only two days left before leaving home, all I cared about was fucking Tristan? Seriously? Am I that much of a shithead? I should've just been home, with Ty, loving him - telling him, showing him! My guilt started to take hold of me and was making me feel like crap.
"Ty, yesterday, I mean, is sex all we care about? Why do we do stuff like that?" I asked in a quiet voice.
"Huh? It's not all we care about, I don't think," Ty responded. "I think it's because we have nothing else to do. Have to get it out of our system before we get old!" Ty quipped.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"Once we are like mom and dad, have a place of our own, have commitments and jobs, barely finding an evening to spend with each other, we'll be glad we have memories like yesterday, Josh."
I couldn't disagree. There was some logic there..
"Still, Ty, would you rather I spent the day with you yesterday rather doing what we did?"
"No, silly," he said. "We got a ton of closure yesterday and it was fun as hell. It's like having a really big, fattening, full meal. We just do it that once and move on. And here we are, you laying across my lap, and I'm showing you how much I love you and I know you love me. It doesn't get any better," Ty said.
"Score two for you," I said.
"But, there are others who may not have it as good as we do. We can regret that much," Ty said.
"What does that mean?"
"Tristan and Jack. They're probably in crisis mode today. Tristan hasn't responded to my texts."
"Why would they be in crisis mode? I thought everything had been approved, signed off on by committee, passed the house vote, and all that shit!" I snapped.
"Shhh," Ty hissed, pushing me back into his lap. "It was. But, there is a reality that is probably more evident today than it was yesterday." I waited quietly for Ty to explain this. "Jack is probably having to deal with the realization that Tristan is more in love with you than he is with him."
The message started in my brain, slipped down my throat with a steely taste, then landed in the pit of my stomach like some rotten cheese. I leaned up and looked at Ty.
"Are you serious?" I asked.
"Yes. I've tried to get Tristan to talk about it but he never would. I've suspected for a long time Tristan is so in love with you. There's nothing I could've done about it because I wasn't about to let it get out of hand. What I did yesterday was as much for him as it was for you. Get it out of everybody's system then MOVE ON!" he yelled. "But, the one who really gets hurt is Jack. Knowing your boyfriend wants somebody else? Well, that's an ugly dick to suck."
"Oh my God," I said. "Why didn't I know the extent of all this? I mean..."
"You knew. You just didn't take it seriously. You're not in love with Tristan. You're in love with me . You know, Josh, some people think love is just a ghostly thing but it's real and it cannot be denied. I mean, you're mine and I'm yours and its been that way since the beginning. As I said, not everyone is as lucky as we are." He paused. "The only thing I'm afraid of is you outgrowing me, babe. I doubt you're going to find anyone your freshman year that you will love more than me. But you growing up will make things different." I leaned my body up and kissed him.
"Shew, you stink!" I barked. "Damn, when was the last time you showered? Two days ago?" He looked pissed for a minute.
"I do not and that remark about you growing up? Well, I take that back!" he snapped back and I cracked up. I kissed his neck.
"And there's something crusty on your neck! Gross!" I howled.
"Damn it, Josh! You can cut it right now!" he cried. "I know for a fact you haven't showered today. I bet your asscrack smells like smoked trout...that's a week old!" and I screamed with laughter again. I leaned in close to his face and gently bit his lip.
"And I bet you would still bury your face in there, and eat up that smoked trout!" Then he pushed me hard and I almost fell off the couch. I wrestled my way back onto him. He tried pushing me but I grabbed his shirt. I planted my knees on each side of his legs, locking him in. I grabbed at his face and he shook his head trying to keep my hands away. I grabbed his hands. We froze.
"I love you so much," I whispered.
"Show me," he said. "Show me right now. Right here!" he said with a face, showing lust and horniness and love. I lifted his shirt over his head. I lifted my own over mine. I lightly pinched his nipples. He slipped onto his back and I pulled his shorts off. I pulled my own off. I laid down on top of him. We kissed. He gripped my face with his hands. I pushed my fingers into his blonde hair. Our hard cocks pressed against each other. I stood over him and let him nurse on my hardon. He sucked me. I got harder. I leaned down and took him into my mouth. I lifted his legs and pushed my face into his crack. He didn't stink, not at all. He smelled natural, lovely. He tasted like heaven. He groaned as I plunged my tongue into his hole.
I pushed into him. His legs were spread in that amazing pose. The sun was shining in and I could see myself plugged into his hole. I reached over and took his phone.
"What are you doing?" he sputtered.
Silently, I aimed the camera downward and catching that part of my cock not buried in his ass, I snapped the picture. I turned the phone to him so he could see.
He studied the picture and the imagery overwhelmed him.
"When you find yourself in doubt, babe, you take a look at this and you remember, this is you and me, connected, me inside you. This is us!"
"Oh God, Josh!" he yelled. I pushed into him and grabbed where my cock connected to him with my hand. He screamed again and his cock twitched and flexed. His body squirmed and his head tilted back over the armrest and he came!
"Oh, shhiiit," he hissed, as his cock flexed a couple of times, shooting cum all over his torso. I paused to let him get through the moment.
"Fuck, Ty, that's the sexiest thing I've ever seen!" I said. He caught his breath. I pulled out of him. I rolled him over. He lifted that sexy ass to meet me and I went back in. I wrapped my arms around him and thrusted into him like I never have. When I felt that burn feeling,. I slowed, and pulled almost out. I just had to remain like that for a few seconds and I felt my cum flow through my body it came inside him. My body shook and I gripped him tightly.
"Oh Ty!" I whispered in his ear. He rested his head against my shoulder. Cum had dripped onto the couch.
We cleaned up and got back on the couch, wrapped in a throw, and he faced me, as we lay side by side. We kissed and fiddled with each other's hair.
"Tell me I stink now!" he hissed. I chuckled for a second but we ended up screaming with laughter. There was no need to say more things. There was no need to be redundant, and tell what we already knew. We were lucky because most guys don't know what this is, have never felt it.
That afternoon, after our little nap, Ty and I sorted through my packed things to make sure I had everything. He made me shower and put on seersucker shorts with a pink polo for our dinner. We were going out with mom and dad.
"Oh, I need you to be presentable for my little program," he hissed, with a sly grin. I froze.
"What program? I don't have to give any speeches do I? What have you got planned?" I demanded.
"Hahaha!" Ty belted like a banshee!
Dad got home first. He checked on Ty and me and looked into my room.
"Everything's in order, I see," he said. "Thank you, Tyson," he said in a slow drawl.
"What am I? Chopped liver?" I barked as he exited my room.
"Yes," Bill said and he went into his room. Ty belted out a laugh. A little while later, Bill came out wearing a light blue sport coat and khakis.
"Hey! That looks totally cool!" I said. "I don't have a jacket like that!" Bill laughed as he walked down the backstairs.
"It's because you're chopped liver!" Bill barked from the bottom step. Mom had just walked in and having heard that last bit, scolded Bill for talking to me like that.
"He had it coming," said Bill. Mom came up and took stock of my room.
"Ty, he's got the clothes he needs and the new bedding?" she asked.
"Yes, ma'am," Ty said.
"The hell!" I snapped. "Am I not trusted to pack myself?" I demanded.
"No," mom said, and walked back to her room. I guess she was changing clothes too. Ty went to his room to change clothes. He came out wearing plaid shorts and a teal green buttoned shirt. It looked like linen which it probably was. Mom came back out wearing a tan dress with no sleeves.
"Dang mom, you look pretty. Really pretty!" I said.
"I picked that one out too," said Ty with a chuckle.
"When do you have time to fashion coordinate everyone?" I asked. "I mean, all you do is lay around the house!" I said, getting ready to head down the steps but I felt a kick in the back of my leg, which almost caused me to fall. I turned to reach around for him but he jumped back and went into his room, ready to shut the door. I grinned devilishly at him.
We went downstairs.
"So Josh, it's not like we are all frozen in place when you're not here," Ty said, pulling sunglasses out of their case. "I mean, we do things, get things done. You know?" and he slipped the shades onto his face and gave me a cute grin.
"We need to get going if we're going to meet this schedule tonight," said Bill. "Ty, did you make the reservations?"
"I did. Table for four at 6 pm."
"When did you do that?" I asked.
"Keep up, chopped liver!" Bill said. We headed out the door.
"I get it now," said Mom with a grin. Ty laughed. I looked on not knowing what the hell was going on. Mom and dad climbed into the backseat of mom's Mercedes wagon. Ty jumped in the driver's seat.
"What? Now he gets to drive? All Hell has broke loose!" I said. I climbed in and watched him start the silky smooth German auto up, with the lights and dash lighting up.
"Now remember," I offered, "it has a short gear ratio in first..."
"I know," Ty snarled.
"Let's go," said Bill. "There's traffic in that part of town according to Maps!"
"Good thinking, hon," said Mom. She stretched out, and straightened her dress.
Some twenty minutes later, Ty handed the keys to the valet boy who looked like a boy in Ty's class.
"Devon," Ty said. "He's cute but we're not his cup of tea," said Ty. The attendant sat us and we prepared to have dinner.
It was a quiet dinner and while we had been all razzed up at home, it seemed no one wanted to overstep at dinner. There were no speeches or words of wisdom. We didn't talk about the move the next day or my class schedule. I volunteered the advise Dr. Tatum had given me about the syllabus. Bill agreed that was sound advice.
Ty talked a bit about the progress of his diversity program, the festival portion. He was really excited and felt everything was coming together. Mom and dad seemed pleased he had been focusing on that, rather than on me, I guessed.
Mom asked Ty if he thought the night's program was ready. He said it was.
"What's this all about?" I asked.
"Josh," and I could see Ty's eyes well up, "this is our final contribution to your going away. I want you to enjoy. This is...special," he said and the look on his face was such...I wouldn't dare put him down or criticize. Whatever was planned must be really cool. I know how Ty is about his "events", like yesterday, and while that was considered Debauchery Day, whatever he had planned tonight would be on the classy side and this is how Ty showed love. He was the ultimate planner. I remained quiet and smiled at him. The roast beef I had just devoured was amazing and I was surprised we had never been to this place before.
I asked mom why we didn't go to the Capital Club and she said that put too much attention on her and this wasn't what tonight was about. I understood that as well.
We headed out and Devon brought the car back to the front. He was really cute but I saw the smirk he gave Ty. I wished he would open his mouth on this night and say something snarky. I would probably go entirely off on him. Ty took the keys and we all climbed in. Ty drove us to the Club and I thought, "oh no, not another club party" but it wasn't a party at all. The Chatley's including Bryce and Julia along with the Lanes, Tristan's parents, were standing at the entrance. Tristan was not there. Kyle Davis was standing with Bryce. They waved. Ty parked and we climbed out.
"Joooossh!" squealed Mrs. Chatley. We walked up to them and it was a "well wishing" visit.
"Are you ready son?"
"Some hard work ahead..."
"Oh Ty, are you going to miss him so much? You'll have the house to yourself!"
Bryce came over to me and whispered, "man, you and Ty gave me the best day of my life last week. I don't know what I'm gonna do without you. I really don't," and he lingered just at my ear for a second.
"Don't worry man. I'm not that far away. You will visit me and I will visit you. You and me...got it?" and I used my fingers to point from my eyes to his. He went to Ty and they talked privately for a minute. "You all packed?" I asked.
"Yep. Sunday morning, first thing."
"Kyle, how're you doing?" I asked.
"Getting better. Dad's chemo is shrinking tumors. Things might be ok," Kyle said.
"I know they will be," said Mrs. Chatley.
"Hey Josh," Kyle said, rubbing the back of his neck, "man, it was so great getting to know you. You changed everything for me. I can'..."
"You don't have to say a thing," I said. I saw my mother watching and she winked at me. You're where you belong, with your friends." He gave me a light hug.
"And you never even looked me up. Damn!" Kyle said, causing to laugh with a touch of embarrassment.
Julia pulled me into the group. "Josh-u-a," she said, "you don't worry about Ty. I got him. Nobody's messing with Ty while Chatleys are around," and she gave her head a shake that caused her long blonde hair to bounce. I smiled.
"I'm terrified of you, Julia. I trust you will look after him and he will be safe." Mrs. Chatley smiled at me.
"She adores him, you know," she offered.
"I figured that part out!" and Mr. Chatley laughed. The parents talked to the Lane's and I guessed they were being enticed to get back involved in club affairs. Maybe Bill was going to be a good spokesman for the Club after all.
We left and I gave everyone a big wave and a nod. I appreciated them coming out.
"Well now that's over..."
"Oh, it's not over, Josh," said Ty. We drove a little further out and I saw the Mercedes dealership up ahead. Ty turned the corner a little abruptly I thought and he pulled into the back of the dealership. All the cleaning crew was standing there in a neat line.
"Holy shit!" I said, not thinking about the parents in the backseat. It started to dawn on me what Ty had planned. A stroll down Memory Lane. I jumped out of the car and I heard the doors closing behind me.
"Hey guys!" I shouted.
"We off the clock, man! Gotta make this quick, Mr. Un-i-ver-sity!" shouted the team leader.
"Cool it," barked the supervisor. I went up to them and they all shook my hand.
"Still haven't learned to properly dry a car but you did alright," said one of my crew.
"I dried better than you," I snarled back. The owner of the dealership, Mr. Burton, came out. We all sort of froze in our places.
"Hey Bill," he said, in his elite drawl. "Josh, son," he said, giving me a firm handshake. "When Bill called, I thought he wanted to talk another deal like that beautiful wagon. Somehow, I got you instead!" and everyone laughed. "Well, I would take that deal again. You did a good job here, son, and if you need some hours when you get home for Christmas break, just you stop by. We can use your help. Winter is a hard time to keep these automobiles clean! Karen," he said to mom, "you are lovely as always and I hear you're running the mayor's office. You keep that asshole in line, you hear?" and mom cracked up. I gathered with the crew for a few minutes and they all wished me well. I saw one guy twisting a towel. I gave him a squinty-eyed look.
"Not in seersucker shorts!" said Ty. They all laughed as we climbed into the car.
"Wow, I can't believe Mr. Burton came out," I said. "That was momentous," I said as Ty drove away. We passed the street where Keith Burch lived and I couldn't help but think on it. He was Ty's now. I had graduated from his care...and his affection. The school was ahead and there were a fair number of cars in the parking lot. Ty aimed for the rear of the school and we got out behind the gym and locker rooms. I looked down on the field and nearly dropped to my knees when I saw half the damn football team was standing down there. Ford Fisher was standing in front of the group and Jordan Rose and a couple of basketball players were standing with them. My face got hot and I found it hard to breathe.
"Look Josh!" said Mom.
"Isn't that a fine sight!" remarked Bill
"Ty," I whispered. "Good God." I stood in place and stared for a moment so I could take the whole scene in. Ty took a picture with his phone.
Bill hugged mom close to him. I descended the stairs to the field and crossed the track.
"What the hell!" I said out to everyone.
I don't even know what half of them said. It was a commotion. Ty walked over to Jordan and they talked quietly. I stepped to Ford. I just touched his cheek.
"Asshole," I said. He laughed.
"Gonna miss you, Josh. See you at the games?" he said in a quiet voice.
"I'll be here when I can. Don't worry about that," I said. "I'm behind you all the way, Fisher," I said.
"I wish you were," he whispered in my ear.
"Dirty boy," I replied, causing him to crack up. I turned and Jordan was approaching me. I wasn't sure what to say. I offered him my hand. He took my hand and pulled me close to him.
"Whatever's happened, dude, the good, the bad, and the ugly...it's behind us. All we have now are memories and a future. We good?" he asked.
"Yeah, Jordan. I think we are." and he pulled me tight again. "But Jordan, I gotta tell you something. I think," and I had to think, "the way you were with Ty, you're not like that with everyone. I worry about someone trying to burn you up. The more famous you become, the more they will try to drag you down." He studied me.
"You always good with the advice, Warner. But I hear what you're saying. I'm aware of the pitfalls. Found a few at Georgetown already. Despite everything, you still got my back. I'm flattered," he growled. Specialize in contract law, Josh. I'm going to need a good lawyer!" he said.
"A criminal attorney, you mean!" barked one of the football players. There was silence for a moment then everyone laughed.
"Hey guys," I said, causing everyone to settle down. "Guys, I just want you to know, it was my pleasure serving with you on this field and it will be my pleasure supporting you off the field this season. Just help your quarterback out and make it a great season!" I said. I was about to turn when I saw Coach walk across the track. My chest heaved.
"Josh, son," he said, taking my hand firmly into his, "you were the best of your time and I delivered you the worst news of my life. You look good, you look healthy, and I'm going to be supporting you off the field, as well. You ever need anything, I'm right here." and he wrapped one arm around me. He smiled to my parents and to Ty.
"Thank you, Coach. I've given Fisher everything I know. He will do it for you," I said. He smiled again. We walked away from the field slowly, and much in the same manner as the Chatleys. Dad was holding mom's hand, mom had one arm around my shoulder and I had an arm around Ty's. This was family night, after allm my family. We climbed the stairs that led to the upper parking lot and we climbed into the car. I took a deep breath. The social aspect of the evening was getting tough. I didn't know what to say having gone through all of that.
"One more stop," said Ty. We wound us through midtown and skirted downtown and into the historic district. I knew where this route led and I braced myself. It was almost 9 pm and it was getting dark. We turned the corner to the Perrow's house and I saw Dr. and Mrs. Perrow standing there with Jason, Jack, and Tristan.
"Oh great! There's Handjob Helen!" I quipped. Mom screamed out a laugh.
"Oh for heaven's sake," said Bill quietly. Ty jerked the car just a bit as he tried to parallel park but we were all laughing. We climbed out and were greeted once again with a bunch of well wishing ruckus.
"Bill," said Dr. Perrow and Mrs. Perrow gave me a hug, and I distinctly felt her hand slip down my back. I laughed silently, causing my body to vibrate. I know she felt it. Mom came over and greeted Mrs. Perrow.
"Hey Josh," said Jason in his super cute smile.
"Surprise!" said Jack, in a less than enthusiastic tone.
"Jack," snapped Jason. I looked at Tristan and he didn't say anything. "Ok," I thought, "might be good to get out of here."
"Y'all come on in the house," said Dr. Perrow and we all followed them up the steps of the front porch and entered.
"What a lovely house," said Mom. "The historic features are incredible," she added. I could tell she was impressed. This was "old money" house. Mrs. Perrow led the adults into the kitchen to pour drinks. Jason led us down the stairs to the basement. We all kind of stood there awkwardly.
"Ty, what have you been doing? I hear you have a big project," said Jason.
"Um Jack, Tristan, why don't we talk?" I said. Jason pointed to the door to the guestroom off the den. They followed me into the room.
"Ok, I don't know what to say but we need to start somewhere."
"There's not much to be said," said Jack. "We did what we did."
"Yep," said Tristan.
"So, we..."
"We all agreed, I know," said Jack.
"Don't interrupt me," I said, feeling agitated and a little tired from the whole evening and all the goodbyes. "So the basic truth is this," I said, trying to buy time to think.
"Tristan, you know since the day I met you, I have thought of you as one of the most special guys. And Jack, you know I adore you and count you as one of my best friends."
"I'm not mad at you, Josh," said Jack. I gave him an evil glare for interrupting me again. Tristan stood quietly with big, glassy eyes.
"So much, Jack, that I agreed to leave Tristan alone, out of respect for you. Yeah, I knew I could play with him most anytime I wanted but I didn't. It's not hard to see how lucky I am. Being with Ty, living with Ty, having him around all the time. It takes work sometimes but I truly love him. In the end, I have wanted nothing less for Tristan. He absolutely deserves the best in my opinion and so far as I can tell, he's had the best. He could've had any of those morons at our school, ones I wouldn't give you a quarter for." I took a breath. I knew I was on the right track.
"Tristan, if you and Jack are incompatible for any reason other than me, you should part ways and call it a day. But if you have feelings for him and I just got in the way yesterday, patch it up. Jack, this is your second time with Tristan. I know you care about him..."
"I love him," said Jack.
"Then why are you so mad at me?" Tristan barked.
"Because you love him!" Jack said, pointing to me.
"Yeah I do. How can I not? But not as much as you think."
"Yeah, right," said Jack.
"I know what Tristan thinks," I said. "I was something, somebody he would never have as his own. He knew when he met me there would always be Ty. Even if Ty and I broke apart, nobody would be a replacement and I wouldn't dishonor Ty by running off with his best friend.. I would move back to Chatham County before that happened." They were both quiet.
"The fact is, we chased down some sexy stuff yesterday and Jack, I have to tell you, I was right damn close to fucking you before I fucked him, and I hate for that sound so crude, but dude, you had me so turned on when we did our pose. The fact is, I have been attracted to so many of you. And there will come a time, when we're older, that we can look back on it all and be glad we "touched" each other, as Ty puts it. We do this shit because we can and it's all hormones but it's just that. But if the thing yesterday didn't hurt Ty and me, then it shouldn't hurt you two. It was just a day, with some wild stuff built in. If I'm hearing Tristan correctly, he does love you. Patch it up, you two. Unless being alone is what you prefer, this is your chance to say you survived it. You survived me."
I pushed Jack back towards the bedroom door. He looked so good with a pouty look on his face. His eyes were dark. His black was shiny. His lips were full. He pressed against the bak of the door and I pressed into him.
"Josh, what are you doing?" he asked in a breathy tone. I put my face into his neck so he could see over my shoulder.
"Look at him," I whispered. He nodded gently. "Isn't he just beautiful? I whispered. He nodded again. "So are you, Jack. I seriously could've done with you all yesterday. It doesn't matter who loves who as long as we all love each other." He nodded silently. "Reel him back in and keep him close. It won't get any better," I said, with my lips practically in his ear. My hardon pressed against his. "And there, I've just proven my point." I broke away from him. He took several deep breaths.
"Fuck that was hot!" barked Tristan. "And he's telling the truth, Jack. I would never be his like I"m your's, like he's Ty's. I don't want to break up with you."
"You really don't?" asked Jack. "Cuz I don't want to break up with you either but I don't want to be second best."
"And I totally get that, Jack, but everybody is second best compared to me!" and they both looked at me in shock. I cracked up and Trsitan rolled his eyes. "Patch it up," I said. "You are both so fabulous, there is nobody who's gonna do you better." I kissed Tristan's forehead and kissed Jack's cheek and walked out of the room and closed the door behind me.
"Wow, I hope you cleared all that up," said Jason. "I don't know what happened yesterday but it has been a stressful day!"
"I told you," said Ty. Jason looked confused but I understood. Jason got us drinks from the refrigerator and we popped the tops.
"It was warm on the football field," I said to Ty.
"I know," and we went on to explain to Jason what we had done leading up to our visit with him.
"Mom was worried to death about us being ready and on time!"
"You didn't have to go anywhere," laughed Ty.
"Tell her that!" snapped Jason. The door to the guest room opened and Jack, pulling Tristan by his hand, came out. I nodded to them.
"Babe!" shouted Ty and he and Tristan walked over to the stairs. They were hugging and what not over there.
"You ok?" I asked Jack.
"Yeah, thanks for that," said Jack.
"I meant what I said in there. You are really amazing, Jack." He smiled.
"And he's my best friend," said Jason.
"We all belong to someone," I said. "We're lucky that way."
It was a quiet drive home other than mom and dad talking about how much they liked the Perrows.
I was standing in my room, having changed clothes. I didn't have much to say.
Ty came in and put his arms around my waist.
"You ok? So quiet," he suggested. I felt my face flare up again and this time a few tears dropped from my eyes.
"As for your looks, I can say you are totally gorgeous. As for your wit and personality, I can say you're amazing. But Ty, as for you as a person, as a total human being, I don't how to describe you. You are the most fucking incredible person on the earth. How do you do this shit?" and I wrapped my arms so tightly around him.
"It's just what you do when you love someone, Josh. You give it the best you've got. I love you so much," he whispered. I just started to kiss on his lips, that tasted like toothpaste.
"And look what you did for Jack and Tristan tonight. That was so typical "Josh!" and you too are absolutely amazing. Nobody else would have done that for them. They are back together and you did that!"
"So we're still the power couple?"
"Oh hell yeah, we were always that!" said Ty, with a hot grin on his face.
Bill came in causing Ty and I part.
"It's ok boys. I know this is a very emotional time and I think tonight expressed it all. Well done, Ty. That was very special for a lot of people. Very special. Now, Josh, just let me say this and it will mark the end to my going away speeches." Ty and I looked at him. "You are special, Josh, and I am glad to have had you as part of this family, in this house, and in our lives, this past year. My confidence in you is unwavering so you go tomorrow and you get the ball in the air. I'm so excited..." and his face turned red and he grabbed his nose and turned to walk away. He stopped in the doorway where mom met him.
"Oh Bill,.." he squeezed her arm and walked back to his bedroom.
"You men are all so emotional!" quipped mom. "It was a great night, Ty. Really. Very memorable. Well done," and she kissed his head. "Josh, I love you baby," and she kissed my cheek and walked out, and not without a sniffle.
The next day I awoke early and had to separate myself from Ty's body, which seemed to fit my body so well. His curves, his shape, and weight. Fuck what would I do without this. I climbed into my bed and it felt like I had just fallen asleep again when the alarm went off.
I looked at the state of my room. We had to lug all my stuff down to the cars. We were loading up Bill's Range Rover and what we could fit into my car. By the time everyone was up and moving, I had just had two pieces of peanut butter toast since it didn't seem anyone was going to fix me a decent breakfast. One would have thought the house was on fire. Everyone was barking orders and Ty came down carrying a suitcase.
"His car!" ordered Bill, who was carrying two more suitcases. Mom was in my room straightening, moving the trunks closer to the door.
"That makes a difference!" I said to her in a sarcastic tone. Her mouth pulled back into a demonic shape I had never seen before. She must have learned that one in the mayor's office. I grabbed the trunk with both handles and started down the stairs. Ty tried to get past me but ended up turning around and running around to the front stairs. I was just taking a minute to get down without falling and breaking my neck. I loaded the trunk into the back of Bill's SUV. I went back up and took the second trunk. Ok, it was heavy so Bill walked it down the stairs with me. Mom and Ty followed with a few other backpacks and a box that I believed to contain my shoes.
The cars were loaded and we were all breathing heavy. Mom assessed my bedroom and deemed that everything was loaded. Ty was about to climb into my car when mom came along and said, "Why don't you hop in with your father." which was more a directive than a suggestion.
"Because I wanted to ride with..."
"Your dad!" mom said. "This is mother-son time. Sorry Ty," she said, climbing into my passenger seat. Ty gave me a scowl and shot her a nasty look and headed off for Bill's vehicle. I pulled away from the curb and Bill backed out and caught up to my back side.
"Well what was that all about?" I asked.
"So, Josh, you have I have made this journey together. You came here with me, you made a life for yourself and you supported me in this relationship with Bill. And I, whether it was right or wrong, did the same for you." She looked toward me. I looked back at her. "Keep your eyes on the road please!" she demanded. "I'll be doing the talking."
"So Josh, Bill and I have discussed this at length and we are on the same page. And don't worry, he's having the same conversation with Ty."
"Uh-oh," I said.
"You're right about that. The evil empire strikes again, or however you have referred to us, so fondly," and she gave me a sarcastic grin.
"Oh fuck," I said to myself.
"In the end, Josh, Bill and I, in accordance with all the guidance that has been provided to us by varying professional capacities, have stayed out of your's and Ty's business. We let this thing go on and I will give you credit..."
"This thing?" I asked. "What's that?"
"Don't be smart with me. The...relationship...between you and Ty. As I was about to say, we give you credit for being respectful and decent. We didn't have public displays to deal with, no temperamental flare ups. You were not gross or flagrant. I did walk in on you a couple of times and I even kept my mouth shut about that. And that was difficult!"
"You what? Walked in on...what, when..."
"Shut up, Josh. You did your best to live up to the deal and we walked on egg-shells. Oh we really did and we are, the both of us, damn near exhausted from it. Bill has walked the line with his partners. I am walking the line everyday hoping one of the mayor's opponents doesn't clobber me with this crap during a televised council meeting!" She paused and took several deep breaths. "I'm sorry, but I had to get that out and I knew it was going to be hard to say. Going forward, however, you need to realize that with this day, with this move, everything changes. We all have lives to live and it won't be the same again. Ty has his big program to unveil. I am in a new job with industrial size stress. Bill is going to be president of the club which is an industrial size responsibility. And you, well you're off to college to chase down the rest of your life. What I'm saying, Josh, if you let the time and distance work its magic, you and Ty should be able to disentangle yourselves in a sufficient manner to limit the blowback."
"God almighty, I don't know what to say. Disentangle? Sorry I don't understand..."
"Break it off, Josh. You are not coming home every weekend to be with Ty. You are not going to sacrifice your best college days to chase after a highschool boy. You are not going to interrupt the flow of things that evolve in your absence. That being said, I'm not criticizing you for what you and Ty felt for each other. I'm just telling you that it ends now and I promise you it will all make sense in a short period of time."
"Mother, I don't mean any disrespect but I'm not taking orders from you on how and what Ty and I do with our relationship! This "thing" as you so rudely called it, is much bigger than you or Bill Breck. This wasn't some little high school crush thing! WE ARE INGRAINED INTO EACH OTHER AND..."
"Calm down and slow the fuck down, Josh. If you can't drive and talk, we can pull over and I'll take the wheel!" Mom barked.
"Seems like you think you already have. But, I have news for you..."
"No, you don't have news for me. Just settle down."
"And you think the drive off to college is the right time for this? Seriously?" I demanded.
"There was no other time and yes, it is the right time. You will have plenty of time to think about it after we drop you off. Now, Josh, I am going to permit you a couple of weekends and fall break..."
"Just so you know, I will be home for the first few home football games because I will be there to support Ford Fisher. I helped him polish a good number of plays and I gave him my playbook to pull those plays from! So if I need to stay with the Chatleys or with Jason, I can gladly stay somewhere else if I'm not welcome at home!" I shouted.
"What? Your playbook. That's what I was missing upstairs. I wondered where it was. You gave it to the Fisher boy?" she asked quietly.
"I did."
"Your prized possession? You handed it off to him, so he could make good use of it?"
"I did."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Things seem... less noble.. when you brag about doing them. He won my confidence in a short period of time and I made the decision that things need to go to the right people at the right time."
"Well, I have to say, Josh, I'm very impressed. That was both a huge favor to do for him and a grand step forward for you. Letting go is sometimes more progressive than holding on. Very nice. Very nice, indeed. And on that point, I will alter your schedule approval to attend the home games you choose. But I don't think you need to be here every Friday night."
"I agree with that. I am hoping to make new friends and I need the weekends but I will be a shit face if I don't throw some support to Ford."
"We are agreed on that, then," said Mom.
We were already halfway there and my heart was still racing. I wasn't sure if I should start up the "Ty thing" again. I nearly wrecked us during the last shouting match.
"So, Mom, back to Ty and I want you to be very clear on this. I don't know what happens there but he and I have agreed that we need to follow the path that presents itself to us this year. He does have a big responsibility and he is counting on me to do my college thing properly so that later, our lives will be full and respectable. We have discussed that at length."
"So you and Ty have already talked about using space as an asset? Focusing on your own priorities? You have considered that this next period is important to your futures? You're telling me that?" she asked, as if trying to clarify a motion being presented.
"It is."
"Well, why didn't you tell me that?"
I looked at my mother and gave an exasperated sigh. We were both very quiet for the rest of the ride.
"There are some nice wineries in the area. Thomas Jefferson apparently had a knack for growing grapes. Bill and I intend on doing some touring this fall," Mom offered as if the previous conversation had never taken place.
"He lived out in the country. He was probably bored as shit," I said.
"You may be right about that," mom said. And there, after 60 minutes in the car, was the entrance to my next four years. We followed the signs to the freshman dorm and parked. Bill, who was not directly behind us, caught up with us in the parking lot. So, I couldn't wait to see the group dynamic that poured out into this parking lot which faced large, brick, colonial buildings.
Bill looked to mom who raised her eyebrows at him. He grinned and shook his head. Ty flipped the back of the SUV tailgate opened and barked, "someone get the trunk!" Yep, he was mad. It was warm out and it was only 9:30 am. It was going to get hotter.
"Let's get a move on before I melt," Mom said.
"LIke the wicked witch of the east," said Ty, as he marched by me, carrying a suitcase. I checked in, was given the key to my room, which gladly, was on the first floor. I unlocked the door and opened the door. We all stood there looking at a four-walled room which contained two closets, two desks, two single beds, and two dressers, and a large window that overlooked the front quad. There was another door which Ty opened. It was a bathroom, not unlike ours at home. It was shared with the room next door.
"Oh how lucky! You got a bathroom!" said mom.
A good looking boy stuck his head in. They only have them in the corner of the wings. Josh is definitely lucky! Ty and I looked at him suspiciously.
"Sorry, I'm Justin. Justin. Justin Burke," and he slipped into the room and shook my hand. He looked to my mother, "you might know my mom, Lillian. Lillian Burke. Fourth..."
"Fourth district! Yes, of course. We haven't met personally but we've..."
"Hi Karen!" called a high shrilled lady, short, plump, perfectly styled hair and not a bead of sweat on her. Mom reached out and shook her hand. We all introduced ourselves and I introduced Ty to Justin.
"It's wonderful our boys will be here together," she said, with a perfect smile. "I've been meaning call you but time... you know how it is..." said Mrs. Burke.
"Dude, we can definitely catch up later. You need to, um, sort all this out!" and he flitted across the room back toward the door. "Come on mom, leave `em alone now," and she hauled off some nonsense stuff to mom and left, looking back to smile at us. Ty looked at me with a dumbfounded look.
"Already building bridges," said Bill who was relatively quiet during the whole thing. We marched back to the cars and got the other trunk, the other bags, suitcases, and things and loaded everything into the room. Mom and Ty set up to unpack most everything. Clothes went into the dresser on my side of the room. Clothes went into the closet. Ty had boxed a bunch of hangers and Bill and I put clothes on those hangers. There was no sign of my roommate.
Finally, there it was. The room was put together. A few decorative things remained for me to place but I wanted to give the roommate a chance to do his thing. Mom had strands of hair falling into her face. Bill's shirt tail had partially come out of his shorts. Ty looked around the room. He fluffed the comforter which was a really nice burgundy with a black and white plaid pillow cases.
"Silky sheets," he whispered to me. I bit my bottom lip. Bill Breck squeezed my shoulder and walked out. Mom kissed my cheek and exited behind him. Ty stood facing me. Neither of us could speak. .
"Don't cry," I said. I wasn't sure if it was meant for me or for him.
I leaned forward and kissed him on his lips. The smell of the musky room masked his smell which I was so accustomed to. He kissed me, giving my lip just the slightest bite with his teeth.
"Josh, in the words of the great Gigi, you and me, so, our story's straight..."
"Our slate is clean..." I replied.
"And I will always love you," Ty said and he turned and walked out the door and closed it behind him.
It was as if time had stopped. The cool air seeped from the air vents high on the wall. Noise and commotion flooded the hall, parents and kids barking orders. I saw so many people but I don't know who they were. I met a boy named Justin. I have a roommate named Perry. Perry Kaufman, who had not come yet. Maybe he wouldn't. Maybe he changed his mind. I looked at the room. I wasn't sure what I was supposed to do. I didn't know which drawer they had put my underwear or my socks. I turned to look out the window. Perhaps there was a clue as to what I should out there, in the world, on the campus, that is. I heard the door open and I turned thinking I would see my new roommate but it was my mother.
"Mom, what's wrong? Is everything ok? How's Ty?"
"Well, he rather collapsed and Bill had to carry him back to the car."
"What?" I said loudly. "I better..."
"No Josh, I thought I just better check on you. He will be fine. We have him. You take care," and she wiped my face and she sensed the tears that were about to fall. She wiped my eye with her finger. "My boy, my beautiful boy," and just a single tear fell from her left eye, she turned and walked away and closed the door behind her.
Note from the Author...Don't think this didn't come without a few tears of my own. Even as I tried to proof my work, I could barely see the print. My eyes were watering and my nose was running - or was it the other way around?. The Utopian world of Josh and Ty has been a special place, for so many of us, for you. I have been endeared by your emails, your suggestions, your "favorite parts." It's hard to believe how many faithful followers there are. Thank you for hanging in there.
The journey is not over. There are a few more places I'm going to take Josh and Ty. Get ready for the best roller coaster ride you've ever seen. More to come!