Aging Out

Aging Out" Chapter 1

The only thing worse than being in the foster system, is aging out of the foster system. Edgar Jackson had been a social worker long enough to see the stark future many of his clients faced. The national statistics for foster kids when they left the system were bleak. Within two to four years of leaving foster care 40 percent would experience some period of homelessness, 40 percent would either be on public assistance or incarcerated. Drug and alcohol abuse were epidemic and over half would be unemployed. He was tired of slapping on a fake smile as he threw another kid into the wood-chopper called aging out.

Austin Cox was a good looking young man who stood 6'2" tall and weighed 165 pounds. Being a foster kid meant he was moved around, so he never became involved in sports; however, he always tried to get enrolled in a weights or P.E. class when entering a new school. As a result he was muscular and fit. Add to that a handsome face and a nice mop of blond hair and he was killer good looking. The problem was while his body was that of a hot man, emotionally Austin was still a kid.

Often when a young person suffers a devastating trauma, their social-emotional development can be delayed. For Austin that trauma was the day after his eleventh birthday when Amber Cox, his mother, was killed in a car accident. None of her family were willing or able to step up and take Austin in. As for Austin's father, he was just an anonymous one night stand who bought Amber enough drinks to get a quickie before going back to the oil field, or the custom harvesting crew, or the carnival. Amber wasn't picky about her gin or her men.

Edgar remembered picking up Austin from the hospital the night his mother died. He also remembered taking Austin to each of his seven foster care placements over the years and promising him this would be a good home. Edgar remembered the day he visited Austin at school and casually asked why he read so many books. Austin's answer broke Edgar's heart, "I like to read ... and you don't look like such a loser sitting alone in the cafeteria if you are reading a book. ... Plus, a book has never let me down." Now, Edgar felt like he was about to let Austin down again.

Over the years, Edgar had developed a group of friends and associates who were willing to help his kids with a first job and a place to stay. However, Oklahoma was in the middle of one of its cyclical oil busts, and no one was hiring. Edgar was out of options, he'd tried for a week to find Austin a job and a place to stay in Edmond, but nothing worked out.

Edgar almost broke down in tears looking at the boy sitting in a chair across the desk from him. On each side of the chair was a garbage bag. They contained everything Austin owned in the world. Finally, Edgar said, "I know a couple who might hire you if you are interested. They own a small resort and canoe business on the Mountain Fork River in Southeast Oklahoma. It won't pay much, but room and board are included. The catch is, the couple are gay and their business caters to gay men. My partner and I are going there for the weekend. If you want to check it out, you can go with us."

Austin thought for a minute, and then nodded.

Tim Brockman looked at the text. "Shit, Edgar is bringing home another stray," he muttered. He regretted his thought the minute it escaped his lips. One of the reasons he loved Edgar was because his heart for kids was so big. Besides Tim thought, how many times had his own career as an E.R. trauma surgeon ruined one of their romantic get-aways. "Oh well, one more weekend with Netflix," Tim sighed.

However, Tim was confused when he pulled into the driveway and Edgar's Honda Passport was loaded and the kayaks were on the roof rack. Edgar was just throwing a bag into the back of the SUV when Tim got out of his Corvette, a present from Edgar for his 40th birthday. When Tim protested that a Corvette was too much, Edgar handed him a letter saying that Tim's medical school loans were finally paid off and said, "You deserve it Dr. Stud." Tim still chubbed any time he thought about the shabby roadside motel they stopped at during an impromptu road trip that night.

"I thought we had a guest for the weekend," said Tim.

"We do. He's going with us." Now Tim was really confused, and a bit concerned.

Edgar noticed Tim's apprehension and laughed, "No, we are not going to break any laws or violate our professional codes of conduct. Let's get you changed and I'll explain."

As they were walking in the front door, Austin was carrying out an army surplus duffle and an egg crate Edgar had given him to replace the garbage bag luggage provided by Social Services. Edgar said, "Austin, this is Tim; Tim, this is Austin. There will be time for a more formal introduction on the way to Broken Bow. We've got four hours on the road together."

In their bedroom, Tim said, "He's hot."

"Easy there, big guy. There will be no chasing after boys."

Tim grabbed Edgar and soon the two were lip-locked and their cocks were beginning to stir. With great willpower Edgar pushed Tim away, and said, "Tonight stud. We've got to hit the road."

"Just letting you know I have no need for boys when I have all the man I can handle."

As Tim changed a bewildered look began to appear on Tim's face.

"What is bothering you?"

"I was just wondering about tonight. The cabin only has one bed, and well if we want to..."

"Fuck our brains out?" Edgar said with a smile.

"Yeah, that."

"Don't worry, Austin will be staying with Dirk & Jay."

"Huh? He's staying with Dirk and Jay."

"Here's the deal, Austin is aging out of the system and has nowhere to go. Last time we were at the lodge, Dirk said they needed to hire someone because Tyce is starting Southeastern Oklahoma State this fall. So I called Dirk to see if he would be interested in hiring Austin. He said, maybe, so we are taking Austin down for an interview. He will be staying with Dirk and Jay, actually Tyce, at the lodge office."

"Does he know about Dirk and Jay?"

"Know what?"

"Well for starters, that Dirk and Jay are gay?"

"Yes, I told Austin about Dirk and Jay, the lodge, and us."

"What did you tell him about us?"

"That we are gay, partners, and you and your ass belongs to me--so, hands off."

"You didn't really say that?"

"Of course not. Besides, if there is any ownership in this relationship, it is you that owns me."

"You got that right Daddy-O."

"You can cut the daddy shit. I am only eight months older than you."

"Ooh, somebody is getting cranky in his old age."

"Listen, you'd better get your hot butt in gear."

"Or, what?" Tim said. "You'll give me a spanking."

"No, you'll be sleeping in the porch hammock all weekend."

"Oh, like you can go two days without some of this," and Tim waved his runner's ass.

"I'm getting out of here or you'll never finish getting ready."

On the drive to Broken Bow, Tim got to know Austin. It would have been easy to mistake Austin for not very bright. A combination of shyness and delayed emotional-social development gave the impression he was behind his peers in intellectual development. However, Tim soon discovered that Austin was, if anything, intellectually gifted. He was extremely well read, thoughtful, and possessed a remarkable knowledge of history and natural science for a teenager.

"Austin, I am very impressed with how smart you are," Tim said.

"Thank you Mr. Brockman. Sometimes people think I am a bit stupid."

"First Austin, please call me Tim. Second, it would be a mistake for anyone to underestimate your intelligence."

Edgar said, "I'm getting hungry and we still have a couple of hours left before we get to the lodge. Let's stop here for supper."

After ordering Austin went to find a restroom. Tim looked at Edgar and said, "I can see why that boy has a special place in your heart, but you're never going to last as a social worker if you let yourself care so much."

"This from the trauma surgeon who cries every time he can he can't save a gang banger with three gunshot wounds." Edgar said with a caring smile.

"I know," Tim said, as he leaned over to give Edgar a kiss.

It was close to 11 p.m. when the guys reached Walt Whitman Resort. Dirk and Jay were sitting on the front porch of the lodge office and their residence. "Hey," Dirk said, "I was about ready to send out a search party."

"We're sorry for keeping you up," Tim said.

"Not a problem. We have to keep the investors happy." Tim and Edgar owned one-tenth of The Walt Whitman.

"You guys are staying in Trails End. I know that it's your favorite cabin." Trails end was the most remote of the resort's twenty cabins and its most primitive. It suited Tim and Edgar's desire to leave the constraints of civilization, including clothing, behind.

Edgar introduced Austin to Dirk and Jay.

"Welcome to the Walt Whitman," Jay said. "We can talk more in the morning, but Dirk and I have an early morning and need to get some sleep."

"I'll show you where you'll be sleeping and introduce you to Tyce," Dirk said. "Grab your gear and follow me."

Dirk led Austin around the side of the building to where a deck connected it to what appeared to be a small cabin. Outside the cabin a young man was playing guitar and drinking an RC Cola. Dirk said, "Austin, this is Tyce. Tyce this is Austin; Austin will be spending the weekend with us to see if he would be a good fit for the Whitman, and the Whitman would be a good fit for him."

Tyce stood and offered his hand, "Nice to meet you. I was just about ready to head to bed. My work schedule is booked for tomorrow. It sure would be good to have an additional set of hands."

Dirk said goodbye and headed back to the main house.

"Well let me show you the digs." Tyce said with a smile.

The staff cabin was small. It had a living area with a small kitchenette. There were a couple of chairs, a short couch, and a TV on a small table. Down a short hall was a bathroom with a small shower." Tyce said, "The shower is a bit small. So when it's warm, I use the outdoor shower."

Next Tyce showed Austin the bedroom. The first thing Austin noticed was there was just a double bed in the room. "Sorry about the sleeping accommodations," Tyce said. "There were bunk beds in here until the beginning of the summer. Since I was here alone, I took them out and put in a bigger bed. I didn't have time to put the bunks back before you came. We can do that if you decide to stay. If sleeping in a bed with another guy makes you uncomfortable, I can sleep on the couch."

Austin looked at Tyce, who stood just over six foot, and said, "You'll never fit on that couch. We can share."

"Thanks man." Tyce said with a grin. "I really didn't want to sleep on the couch. I promise to keep my hands to myself."

"Hey, I'm just glad I don't have to sleep on the couch. I had to spend the night on the couch in Edgar's office, and the next morning I thought I would be crippled for life."

"Edgar? Edgar Jackson?"

"You know Jax?" Austin asked. Most of Edgar's kid called him Jax.

"Yeah, Jax was my social worker. So were you in the system?"

Austin looked down and said "Yeah, I just aged out."

"I aged out two years ago. So, I know how you feel .... But hey, you've got me now. I'm your foster big bro." Tyce held out his fist and Austin smiled and gave it a bump.

Austin went to the bathroom, and when he came back he was startled to see Tyce naked and looking at himself in the mirror. Austin hadn't really looked at Tyce before, but now that he did,Tyce was an athletic god. His biceps were huge and he had large firm pecs covered with a dusting of blond hair to match the shoulder-length hair that framed his face, which was made even more masculine by a three day scruff.

Tyce noticed Austin and said, "Sorry, I must look like a narcissistic asshole posing naked in front of a mirror. I was checking out what I need to work on at the gym, and ... well ... I'll just have to get used to having a roommate."

Tyce bent down to rummage in the bottom drawer of the dresser and it was clear that Tyce never skipped leg day. Austin quickly jumped into bed before Tyce could his chubbing cock. When Tyce finally stood up, he slipped on a pair of athletic shorts. "I usually sleep naked, but I figure you wouldn't be so down with that." Austin's cock was suddenly very hard.

It wasn't long after the lights went out that Tyce's breathing slowed to a soft whisper of sleep. Austin envied that. Sleep had always come hard for him, new places made it all the worse. Every time he had changed foster assignments, Austin would spend days getting to where he could at least get a reasonable night's sleep. However, as Austin listened to Tyce breath, he felt a calmness that he hadn't felt since a very young child. Austin matched his breathing to Tyce and soon he too drifted off.

Around three in the morning, the dark dreams began to invade Austin's slumber. It was always in the darkest of the night that his old ghosts would visit. They came to remind him that whatever happiness he might find during the day was only an illusion, a mirage of the dark reality of the night. He would see his mother. She would reach out to him, but just as he was about to take her hand, she would be pulled into the night. The bullies that tormented him at school, the cold foster families whose only concern was the SRS check, the sound of other people's hollow laughter, all swilled in Austin's nightly torment.

Austin was momentarily awakened from his fitful sleep when a strong arm pulled him into a caring snuggle and a sleepy voice said, "It's okay Denny. I'll protect you." Then Tyce's slow, soft breathing resumed. The warmth of Tyce's breath on his neck, the rhythmic expansion of Tyce's chest against his back, the security of Tyce's strong arm holding him tight was emotionally overwhelming. Tears ran down Austin's cheek and onto his pillow as he drifted to a sleep without ghosts or shadows.

The alarm rang and Austin felt Tyce begin to stir. Suddenly Tyce jumped up in a panic and gasped "Oh, my god ... I didn't mean to ... I'm so sorry ... I ... I..." Before Austin even knew what happened, Tyce grabbed some clothes and ran out the room. A minute later the front door opened and slammed closed. A confused Austin wondered what he had done to Tyce, and if that would be the end of his hope for a home.

When Austin got to the dining hall he looked around and didn't see Tyce. Dirk and Jay were sitting with several people at a table. Jay motioned for Austin to join them. When he did, Jay said, Grab a plate and get yourself some breakfast from the serving table. Then come back here so I can introduce you."

Austin looked around again and asked, "Have you seen Tyce."

"Yeah, he grabbed a breakfast sandwich and then went out to mow," Dirk said. "I don't think I've ever seen him so eager to get to work. He must have plans for this evening."

Austin grabbed a plate of biscuits and gravy, hash browns, and bacon then went back to the table. Dirk said, "Everyone, this is Austin Cox. He is here this weekend to check us out, so treat him nice, at least until I get him on the payroll."

Austin waved and smiled. He heard one of the girls at the table say, "Damn, he's cute." Austin turned red and everyone laughed.

Jay said, "Well, that was Emily. She helps her mother Molly McAllister in the kitchen. That's Molly." An older woman with an apron waved to Austin. Molly's other daughter, Elsie, is in charge of housekeeping." Elsie waved.

"We like to start the morning with a staff meeting/breakfast. This is usually Tyce's favorite part of the day. He rarely passes up a chance to fill his tank," Dirk said.

"Or scope out the hot guys," Elsie added with a giggle.

Molly gave Elsie a stern look and scolded, "Elie Joe McAllister, you are just man crazy. It's a good thing I got you a job in a gay resort."

"Oh momma," Emily said, "They're not all gay. Some are bi."

Jay choked on his coffee, and everyone laughed.

Dirk continued, "Well Austin, Tyce usually helps Jay shuttle the kayaks, canoes, and paddlers to the put-ins, so would you mind helping Jay with that. He can show you the float trip operation."

Austin smiled and nodded.

Austin followed Jay outside. Off in the distance Austin could see a tractor mowing what appeared to be a softball field. Jay said, "Next weekend we are hosting a gay softball tournament, so Tyce has to get the fields in shape. They're not really fields. They are more like pastures. But, then the tournament isn't really a tournament, as much an excuse to drink beer."

Jay pointed to a four-wheeled utility vehicle that looked like a golf cart on steroids called a Mule, and said get in. Jay then threw an ice chest into the back of the Mule. Jay was wearing a sleeveless shirt and his biceps bulged when he lifted the cooler. Austin wondered if it were possible to work with a constant hardon.

"Hang on," Jay said, and started down a dirt road that led through the trees and over some pretty rugged terrain. When they emerged from the trees, Austin saw what must be the headquarters for the canoe and kayak outfit. There was a cedar board and batten building with a sign on the roof that said "Ledges River Adventures."

"I hope that ride wasn't too much for you. We keep that trail pretty primitive for two reasons. One, I like the ride; and two, it keeps guests from the lodge from using it as a shortcut to Legends River Adventures. When we opened this place we wanted a different image for the two businesses. The Walt Whitman is a gay men's resort and we make no apologies for that, but we wanted Legends to be inclusive. Certainly we have a lot of gay customers, but we also have straight customers, families, clubs, and even few churches as customers."

"Churches?"

"Yeah, they might not like our lifestyle, but they do like our prices."

"Isn't that a bit hypocritical?"

"I guess, but no more hypocritical than we are. We may not like their views on homosexuality, but we sure do like their money. Besides, Dirk and I figure that if we treat them right, they might just be a little less judgmental. It's harder to hate someone you know and do business with."

"I see your point," Austin said.

Jay unlocked the door to the office and said, "Let me show you around. We do all the bookkeeping and online reservations in the office at the lodge, so this is just a place for the customers to meet and maybe buy some snacks or souvenirs. We also have restrooms here and a large wall map of the river. Follow me out back and I'll show you the heart of the operation. Jay opened the doors on a metal shed. Inside were two old school buses painted with Ledges River Adventures logos and colors. Hitched to each bus was a rack trailer designed to haul canoes and kayaks. The trailers were already loaded for the first two groups of the day.

"We like to load up for the next morning's groups before we close down for the day. That way we don't have to rush around and possibly forget to load equipment." Jay pointed to an area with a phone, a radio, and several clipboards hanging from the wall. "On that wall are all the groups for today. The itinerary sheets have the types of crafts they need, as well as the number of life jackets and paddles."

Jay pointed to the canoes and kayaks lining the walls. "After we drop off the first two groups, we will come back here and load up more equipment. We have enough equipment to put four groups of forty on the river at the same time. We try not to book more than seven groups a day and we like to keep the groups between 25 and 30. I have two high school guys hired to help during the summer. They should be here soon. FYI, they are identical twins. Their names are Peter and Paul Everett. Don't let their names fool you; they are not saints. We just call them Thing 1 and Thing 2. Any questions?"

"It's a lot to take in," Austin said, a bit overwhelmed.

"You'll get used to it." Jay said with a smile. "Just remember, it's been a good day if no one drowns and we get back all of our equipment."

"So why is the place called Ledges?"

The Ledges is one of the white water features on the river. We thought about Presbyterian Fall but that was too long and the Chutes sounded ... well ... too gay." Austin laughed.

"I assume you have a driver's license," Jay said.

"Yes, Edgar helped me get it last year."

"Good, we'll have to work on getting you a CDL so you can drive the busses." Austin's face went pale. Jay put an arm around Austin's shoulders and said, "Don't worry about it kid. We have plenty of space out here for you to practice driving a bus. Dirk is a terrible driver and we got him a CDL, so I am sure we can get you one."

Just then a pick up came roaring onto the property. "That will be Things 1 and 2." Two energetic teenagers jumped out of the truck and waved. Physically the boys were carbon copies of each other. They were about five-eleven with the bodies of wrestlers. They were both freckle-faced and sported an unruly mop of red hair. They were even dressed the same.

Jay and Austin walked over to the truck and Jay said, "Peter, Paul, I want to introduce you to Austin. He's checking us out to see if he could stand to work here." The boys shook hands and each said his name for Austin. Then one of the twins said, "I bet you ten dollars you can't tell us apart."

"Okay," Austin said, unsure of what was going on.

"Turn around" When Austin turned around, he heard shuffling, then a voice said, "Okay you can look."

Austin spent a bit of time looking at them then pointed and said "Peter and Paul."

"Lucky guess. Let's do it again."

So Austin again turned around. And again he was able to identify them correctly.

They tried it three more times, and each time Austin got it right.

Finally, one of the boys said one more time.

This time when Austin faced away, he heard a lot more commotion behind him and some laughter. "We're ready," and Austin turned to face the twins, he mouth dropped. Both boys were wearing only shit-eating grins. Their clothes were in one pile on the ground. While still maturing, the twins were well on the way to manhood. Their bodies were toned and fit, and Austin almost licked his lips when he looked at their cocks framed by bushes of red pubes. Finally, Austin pulled himself back to the moment and point at the twins, "You're Peter, and you're Paul."

"How the hell do you do that?" exclaimed Peter. "No one can tell us apart."

The twins gathered their clothes and started for the shed when Austin said, "Paul, you forgot something."

Paul scanned the ground and said, "I don't see anything."

"My ten dollars."

Paul pulled a ten out of his billfold and handed it to Austin. Then with a mischievous smile said, "I hope you give me a chance to win that back." Then he ran off to join his brother.

Jay looked at Austin and said,"How did you do that. I've known those two forever and still can't tell them apart."

Austin said, "They play tennis," and pointed to two rackets hanging from the gun rack in the pickup.

Jay looked confused. "Yeah, they play on the high school tennis team. What does that have to do with anything?"

`Peter is left-handed and Paul is right-handed. The dominant arm of people who play a lot of tennis is always more developed."

"Do you play tennis?" Jay asked.

"No, I just had a crush on a tennis player in high school, but he didn't know it."

"Oh...OH." Jay said and smiled.

Jay and Austin spent the day working as a team. Austin helped Jay unload canoes and kayaks, and then watched as Jay helped customers with equipment and direction. By the second group, Austin was into the routine and he and Jay were working well together.

Edgar and Tim were in the third group, and Edgar asked Jay how Austin was doing.

"The kid is amazing. I only have to tell him or show him one time. He's not afraid of work, and he seems to have an intuitive sense of what needs to be done, and then does it. Also, for someone who is so shy, he is great with the customers --particularly the older women. They can't stop flirting with him."

Austin walked up and said, "Hey Jax. I hope you and Tim have a good day on the river." Then he headed off to help a group of kids struggling with life preservers.

"We'll have him work at the lodge tomorrow, but I am pretty sure he will impress Dirk."

"Is there anything that has you concerned with hiring him? No, except.."

"What?"

"Tyce seems to be avoiding him today. I don't know what is up with that."

"I see," Edgar said with a note of concern.

In between shuttles to the put-in or from the pull-out, Austin helped Thing 1 & 2 load up for the busses and trailers for the next group. Paul greeted each group and checked them in, and Peter ran the store. Austin noticed that Peter and Paul were never without a grin or a joke. Austin wondered what it was like to be so happy and their joy was contagious. Just being around them made Austin loosen up and have fun.

By six o'clock, the last of the groups were gone, the equipment accounted for, and canoes and kayaks loaded for the morning. Jay closed the shed and locked it. "Well guys that was as smooth a day as we've had all summer."

Paul jumped in, "Thanks to Austin. It is great to work with you."

"Yeah Jay, and Austin is much better than the last two losers you hired," Peter said.

"One of those losers was your mother's cousin," Jay said.

"We tried to warn you that he's from lazy and stupid side of the family," Peter said.

"Don't forget ugly," Paul added, while making a face.

Austin was laughing hard.

"Well we got to be getting home," Peter said. "It was fun getting to know you Austin, I hope you decide to stay."

"Me too," Paul said with a wave, and boys got in their truck and roared away just as fast as they had arrived in the morning.

"They are fun," Austin said.

"And they really took a liking to you." Jay looked at his watch, "Oh shit, we'd better get back to the lodge. Dirk gets a bit cranky if he's got dinner ready and we're not there to eat it."

When Jay and Austin walked in, Dirk had a scowl on his face and said, "It's about damn time, I thought I was going to have to eat all this food myself." Then he broke into a big smile and gave Jay a kiss. Suddenly, Dirk remembered they weren't alone and said, "Oh sorry Austin. I hope you weren't too bothered by seeing two guys kissing."

"He's not bothered," Jay said. "Are you Austin?"

Austin smiled and shook his head.

"Where's Tyce," Jay asked.

"He said he had something to do in Broken Bow," Dirk replied, and shrugged his shoulders.

"Oh well, all the more for us," Jay said.

Austin couldn't help feel he was the reason Tyce was absent.

Supper was glazed chicken breasts, baked potatoes, green beans and a salad. The food was good and so was the conversation. Dirk and Jay had a rule that conversation at the supper table would not be about work or the lodge. Typical supper conversation was about the news, current events, politics, sports, popular culture, even religion. That night's topic was about state politics. It was clear that both Jay and Dirk were blue guys living in a sea of red. Jay even got Austin to offer a couple of opinions, and both Jay and Dirk took what Austin had to say seriously. Neither men probably realize how much it meant to Austin to be listened to and treated like an intellectual equal.

After supper, Jay said, "Dirk and I are big Rangers fans. We're going to watch the game, you are welcome to join us. FYI, there will be ice cream during the fifth inning." Austin smiled. He wasn't much of a baseball fan, but he did like ice cream. Also, for some reason, being alone didn't have its usual appeal.

Austin actually liked the game, particularly when Dirk adds his own colorful commentary to the play or the umpire's calls. Inning by inning, Austin began to feel more at home at The Walt Whitman. The only catch was the nagging feeling that he had done something to alienate Tyce.

After the game, Austin got up to leave and Jay said, "Just a second Austin. We need to talk."

Austin suddenly was uneasy. Dirk sensed Austin's sudden mood change and wrapped an arm around his shoulders, "Hey buddy, nothing bad. We just want to talk about tomorrow." The three sat down at the kitchen table.

Jay started, "First of all, I was impressed with your work and today. You jumped in when needed and really fit in with the team. I know Thing 1 and Thing 2 really want you to work here. It is also funny that they are totally stumped with how you can tell the difference between them. So, tomorrow you're going to work at the lodge with Dirk. I am sure you will impress him as well."

"Edgar and Tim want to leave tomorrow afternoon at four." Dirk said "The three of us are going to meet with them before they leave to talk. We need to be ready to make a decision then, can you handle that?"

"Yes, I think so."

"Good," Jay said. "At the staff meeting in the morning, Dirk will give you your assignments, we'll see if you like hospitality as much as you like outfitting."

Austin said goodnight and walked across the deck to the staff cabin. When he entered he saw Tyce dropping a blanket and pillow on the couch. "Hi Austin," he said indifferently, "I thought I'd sleep out here tonight."

Austin didn't know what to think and just said "Okay" and started for the bedroom. Suddenly Austin just couldn't stand the tension anymore and asked, "Did I do anything wrong?"

"No Austin! It was me ... this morning ... I don't know why I ..." Tyce took a deep breath to gain the control to continue. "I don't know why I was holding you. I don't want you to think I'm some pervy fag that can't keep his hands off the straight boys. So, I just thought it would be best if I slept out here tonight."

"First," Austin said, "I never call anyone a fag. Second, why does everyone think I'm straight?"

"You're not straight?"

"No, I will admit I'm a virgin, but I'm not a straight virgin."

"But still," Tyce said, I shouldn't have touched you."

"Sit down Tyce and let me explain." Austin told Tyce about his difficulty sleeping in new places, his dark dreams, his struggle with sleep and what happened during the night. "You see Tyce, you didn't know what you were doing, but for me it was an amazing gift. I can't remember the last time I actually slept so peacefully."

"So, I don't have to sleep out here?" Tyce asked with a smile.

Austin returned the smile and said, "No, you don't have to sleep out here, but can I ask you a question?"

"Sure."

"Is Denny your boyfriend? You called me Denny last night."

"No, Denny isn't my boyfriend," Tyce said with a note if sadness, "but I'd like to tell you about him at some other time."

"Sure, whenever you're ready. I need to get to bed. Jay and the twins wore me out today," Austin replied.

"So did Thing 1 and Thing 2 keep you in stitches today?"

"Yeah, they are funny guys."

"You wouldn't know they were in the system," Tyce said.

"Really?"

"When they were eight, they were placed with a neighbor couple, the Gates, who were longtime foster parents. The Gates never had kids and were in their fifties when they took in Peter and Paul. Normally there would be concerns about the Gates adopting two hellions at their age, but since John Gates is a deputy sheriff, and Abby Gates teaches English at the high school, the social worker figures they could handle the boys."

Tyce and Austin got into bed and Tyce turned out the light. After a few minutes Austin said, "Tyce."

"Yes."

"Would you mind holding me?"

Tyce rolled over and wrapped an arm around Austin.

"Tyce."

"Yes."

"We don't really need buck beds, do we?"

"No, we don't need bunk beds."

Austin snuggled his body in closer, and Tyce closed his eyes and silently said, "Thank you Denny," then drifted off to sleep.

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