This is a story of love between two young men. If you are under age, or live in an area where reading stories that include sex between males sex is illegal, or if you're not into this type of story, please leave. The story begins in 1969. While the characters and their story are completely fictional, it is set at places that are real and is told against a backdrop of some real events. This was a time when all sex was safe. It isn't now, so please respect yourself and others enough to always play safe.
I would like to thank all of those who have written to me with comments, suggestions and encouragement, especially my fellow writers in the Nifty Six. The author retains all rights. No reproductions or links to other sites are allowed without the author's consent. Comments are appreciated at NJMcMick@yahoo.com.
April 13
Danny
I woke up feeling much better than when I went to sleep. It's amazing what several hours of physical contact with Billy can do for my emotional state. When his arms are around me, I really do feel like nothing bad can ever happen to me. Unfortunately, I can't have his arms around me twenty-four hours a day. Getting through art class wasn't easy. I've gotten used to being naked in front of the students and as uncomfortable as it can be, holding poses isn't as hard as it was in the beginning. But just sitting or standing leaves you with lots of time to do nothing but think, something I'd rather not be doing right now.
Lunch was a great distraction, though. I stopped at the Post Office on the way to the Commons to meet Billy and there were letters from both Mark and Brad. We've been getting letters from Mark almost every day but this was only our second from Brad since Spring Break. For some reason, he seems to prefer writing to Lucy. I took both letters to lunch.
Billy had already eaten half his lunch when I set my tray on the table.
"It's about time, white boy. Where have you been?"
"Art class ran a little late and then I had to get dressed. And I stopped to pick up the mail."
"Anything interesting?'
"Just a letter from Mark. And one from some guy at Cornell."
"Gimme Brad's. You can open Mark's."
"Not that I have anything against Mark, but how come you get to open Brad's?"
"Because I'm older and prettier. Now hand it over."
"Okay, I've got to eat anyway. Why don't you open them both and tell me what's new, then I'll read them and see what they really have to say."
"Hey remember, I'm an English major. I think I can read a letter."
"Not if you don't stop talking. I'm only letting you open them because I'm eating, but if you don't stop talking I'll be done and I'll take them back."
"Anybody ever tell you what a pest you can be? Okay, I'll read them." Billy tore open Brad's letter and skimmed through it. "Fantastic! I can't believe it! This is great!"
"What? Stop teasing me and tell me. What's fantastic?"
"Brad's coming down next week. Monday is Lucy's birthday and he wants to surprise her. He's got a couple of classes Monday morning and then he's gonna drive down here. He thinks he should be here between five and six. He wants us to make plans with her to go out to eat and he'll surprise her."
"That is fantastic. I thought we'd have to wait another month to see him again. Is he going to stay with us?"
"I'm sure he'd rather spend the night with Lucy but they don't allow that at Douglass, so I guess he's stuck with us."
"Okay, I'm done. Give me Mark's letter. At least I get to open one." Billy handed over the other envelope while he reread the letter from Brad. "I don't believe this. Mark's crazy, but I can't wait."
"Okay, Danny, now who's the tease? What's Mark up to?"
"Brad called him and told him that he was coming down here so Mark is going to take the train down to New York Sunday afternoon and meet us at The Restaurant, then come back here with us. He wants to surprise both Lucy and Brad."
"Looks like we're gonna have a full house. And a lot of fun, even if it is just for one day. Brad has to go back the next morning. He's only going to miss a couple of classes, but he can't miss too many this late in the semester."
"Yeah, Mark has to leave Tuesday morning too. He can make arrangements about missing a few classes, but he has a test late Tuesday afternoon. He knows how early we get up to shower so he wants to take an early train North and study on the way back."
"We have to write Brad tonight with directions to the dorm."
"And Mark needs to know what subway to take from Penn Station to The Restaurant. This is going to be so much fun, Billy. I like getting surprises, but I love being in on surprising other people even more."
"I hate to bring you back to reality, white boy, but we have to get moving if we're gonna get our books and get to class on time."
"You do know how to ruin a good mood, black boy. Okay, let's go back to reality and get to class."
April 14
Billy
I can't believe Mark and Brad are both coming here and we're in on all of these surprises. We both really miss them and want to see them, but these visits are also just what Danny needs right now. The next week or so is going to be tough on him, going to the dean, talking about the attack and wondering if anything will come of it all. He needs a fun distraction, something good to look forward to. Mark and Brad to the rescue!
At least for the rest of the day Danny couldn't talk about anything else. And he fell asleep in my arms again, but this time with no tears.
Today was a different story. We got up for our usual early shower and took turns washing each other as usual, but Danny was quiet and subdued. When we met for lunch he still wasn't talking much. He finally voiced his thoughts as we sat down to eat.
"What if they get away with it, Billy? What if we identify them, tell the dean everything and can't prove anything? Won't it make everything worse?"
"Don't even think those things, Danny. We're going to get them. They're going to pay for what they did."
"But what if we can't prove it? It'll be worse because they'll be mad because we accused them. And they may get even more aggressive, thinking that nothing can happen to them. Maybe the next guy they attack will be hurt a lot worse than I was. Maybe they'll come after one of us again."
"I don't think they'd try anything again. Even if they got away with this, everyone would know they were guilty. And if anything happened to us or anyone else, they'd be the logical suspects. But they're not going to get away with it. Stop worrying and eat. This afternoon, Lucy will take their picture and tomorrow we'll take a print with us when we go with Bob to Dean Nash. After that, we can just focus on work and getting ready for Brad and Mark."
"If you say so, Billy. But I'm not sure I feel like going to the Homophile League tonight."
"Don't feel like we have to go if you don't want to. We can stay in the room and I'm sure I can find something to distract you."
"I'm sure you can, black boy."
After lunch we walked hand in hand down College Ave. to Milledoler Hall. I kissed Danny goodbye. He went up the stairs to the lecture hall and I went to art class. All I could think of as I went through the poses was Danny, sitting there in the front row of the lecture hall, knowing his attackers were somewhere up behind him. Though he hasn't said anything, I'm sure he's gone though this hell every week since February. Damn, he's brave. But today has got to be even harder for him. I had arranged with Professor Adams to leave a little early so a little before two thirty, I crossed the parking lot toward Milledoler.
Lucy
Danny didn't look so good when I left him at the dorm Sunday night. I thought maybe he was just tired from the long weekend working in the city but when Billy walked me to my car he said he thought talking about the attack probably took more out of Danny than the weekend. I could tell he hadn't been comfortable talking to Bob and Jeff about it. He hasn't even mentioned it since February so I didn't realize that he was still feeling so bad. On the drive back to Douglass I made up my mind to try to be more supportive, but with Billy around I'm sure Danny is well taken care of.
I was waiting behind Murray Hall about a hundred feet from Milledoler when I saw Billy walking across the parking lot. By the time he reached me Bob was coming down the sidewalk between the buildings.
"Okay, boys, the two of you are going to have to stay out of sight as much as possible since these two guys know both of you. They've never met me so they won't suspect anything if they see me with the camera. I just can't be too obvious about focusing in on them. But at this distance they shouldn't catch on."
"Then I'll point them out when they come out of the door and Billy and I can duck around the corner while you get the picture."
"That sounds right, Bob, though I don't feel good hiding from the guys who attacked Danny. By the way, Danny is going to stay a couple of minutes after class to tell Dr. Morrow what's going on so he should be the last one out."
"It's probably best to keep as much distance as possible between Danny and these guys."
"Yeah, Luce. Danny usually stalls around until just about everyone is gone and I get here anyway, but from today until this is resolved he really has to be careful."
"Since he hasn't said anything for so long, I didn't realize how hard this has been for him. Especially now that we're opening it up all over again."
"Well, you know how strong he can be, Lucy. But that doesn't mean that this doesn't get to him. He's tough, but he's very sensitive too. I'll just be glad when he can put this all behind him and not have to be afraid anymore."
"You guys have always seemed so open about your relationship, so blatant about it in public, like you enjoyed shoving it in everyone's faces. It never occurred to me that it might be hard on either of you, or that you might be afraid at times. Or even that there was any reason for you to be afraid."
"Believe me, Bob, there's nothing easy about living the way we do. We get through it with each other's help. We came out publicly without meaning to; we just needed each other a lot and couldn't always wait until we were in private to be affectionate. And once we were out on campus, there was no way to go back in even if we wanted to. But we only got blatant, as you put it, when people reacted so badly to our occasional, discreet displays of affection. That's when we got a little arrogant about it, shoving it in people's faces. We were pissed that straight couples could do whatever they wanted in public, but we weren't supposed to do anything."
"I never looked at it that way. I just assumed that you were making some type of political statement, that you were radicals challenging society's morals."
"There may be a number of things I don't like about our society, but Danny and I both have a pretty strict sense of morality. We may not agree with you 100% of the time but you'd probably be surprised that we both consider ourselves to be Christians."
"Quiet guys. Class is over. Keep an eye on the door."
Bob and Billy both turned toward Milledoler and looked up at the lecture hall exit.
"I'm not sure how you can think you're good Christians when you live as you do Billy, but maybe sometime we can talk about it."
"Sure, Bob. We may not be as good at quoting scripture as you, but we both have a strong church background and have a pretty good idea of what we think Christianity is about."
"There they are, Lucy, the two who just came out of the door. The tall one with dark hair in the blue jacket and the slightly shorter, stockier one with in the gray."
"I see them. Now get back and let me take some pictures."
Billy stared at them for a few seconds, then he and Bob ducked behind a bush at the corner of Murray. I zoomed in and snapped several pictures. The two guys reached the bottom of the stairs, turned right and headed toward the mall and away from us.
"Did you get a good shot, Luce?"
"Yeah, several Billy. A couple good ones of both of them and a few where other students blocked one or the other. But some clear shots of each of them."
"Great, let's go get Danny."
"I've got to get to class so I'll let you go meet him. When do you think you'll have the pictures developed Lucy?"
"How about I meet you all at the dorm at three tomorrow, Bob? I can develop them and make some enlargements by then."
"Okay, that should give us time to see the dean."
"We'll stop over at his office in a few minutes and see if we can make an appointment for tomorrow afternoon."
"Good idea, Billy. I'll see you all tomorrow."
Bob took off around the back of Murray. Billy and I walked over to the lecture hall and went up the steps. I shuddered thinking of Danny falling down these stairs. At the top we went in the door and saw Danny talking to a woman at the front of the hall. He smiled when he saw us.
"Over here, guys. Did you get the picture? I was just telling Dr. Morrow."
"I got several pictures, Danny, some of them pretty good, I think."
"Great. Lucy, this is Dr. Morrow. Dr. Morrow, this is our friend and photographer, Lucinda Santos."
"Nice to meet you, Lucinda. I'm anxious to see your photos. I hope I can identify them for you. It's a large lecture, but over the semester I've been able to connect names with over half of the faces."
"I'm meeting the boys at their dorm tomorrow afternoon. Will you be free then?"
"I have office hours from three to five. Would that be all right?"
"Perfect, Dr. Morrow. Lucy is going to meet us at three and then we're going to see Dean Nash. We could stop by your office on the way to the dean's office."
"I'll be expecting you. I'll do anything I can to help. I've been teaching nearly twenty years and I've never seen anything like this. I'd love to see these two brought to justice."
Danny
Thank God Dr. Morrow is a great teacher. And a good friend as well. I could never have made it this far in this class without her. Every time I walk in the door I tense up. I sit in the front row across the room from the door so as few kids as possible pass by me. Only when Dr. Morrow comes in can I start to relax. And when she begins class, I can forget where I am and who might be behind me and lose myself in her voice. Not that economics is that fascinating but she does make it interesting. And it's nice to have someone on my side in charge.
But even she couldn't keep my mind on economics today. All I could think of was Lucy and her camera. And the guys who pushed me. I just hoped that they hadn't cut class today. I couldn't sit through another lecture like this. Now that we were going ahead with reporting what happened, I just wanted it over. As soon as the class ended, I went up to talk to Dr. Morrow. A couple of guys stopped to ask her a question, but most just rushed out of the hall. I waited until almost everyone was gone or crowded around the exit.
"Can I talk to you a minute, Professor?"
"Sure, Danny. Is something bothering you? You didn't seem to be with us today."
"I'm sorry, I couldn't keep my mind on the subject today. I hope I didn't miss much."
"As long as you keep up with the reading you should be okay. And if you have any questions, you can ask me on the way to Tim's Thursday. But what's on your mind? Do you feel like talking?"
After making sure no one was close enough to hear me I quickly summarized what Bob had told us Sunday night. I was just telling her about the picture outside when Lucy and Billy walked in. I introduced Lucy and we talked for a minute, making sure we could see Dr. Morrow tomorrow to show her Lucy's pictures. Kids started arriving for the next class so we left and headed over to Union Street to the dean's office.
"She seems nice, Danny. You're lucky she was here when you fell. And since then, too."
"You'd better believe it, Lucy. I can't imagine what it would have been like if Dr. Grunwald from last semester was my professor. Meeting her has been great for Billy and me all around. She's the only grown-up who knows about us and accepts us except Aunt Connie. I think her introducing us to her brother is when things really began to turn around for us."
"Let's hope Dean Nash is as much help baby."
"I'm sure he will be. He helped us in January and my mother had already spilled the beans about us to him."
At the office I made an appointment for four o'clock tomorrow afternoon in my name. Since I was the one who met him last winter he probably already had a file on me, which would at least let him know who he was meeting with. That might save us a little time. Plus maybe he would be more inclined to believe us, knowing that he had a little bit of history with us.
We walked back toward the dorm but Lucy decided not to come up. She wanted to get right back to Douglass to develop the film, so we walked her to the bus stop.
"I can develop the film tonight, then make some enlargements tomorrow. I know I got some good pictures but I can't wait to see them. Would you guys like to come over later?"
"I wasn't feeling like it earlier, but I think I want to go to the Homophile League meeting tonight. I need a little distraction from all of this. And as anxious as I am to know who pushed me, I don't think I could sleep tonight with their faces in my mind, knowing we can't see Dean Nash until tomorrow."
"Whatever you say, Danny. I think a couple of hours away from all of this would probably be good for you. We'll see you tomorrow at three, Luce. That way we can take action as soon as we've seen the pictures."
"Okay, guys. Here comes the bus. Try to relax and have fun tonight. I'll see you tomorrow."
We each kissed Lucy goodbye, watched her get on the bus and walked back to the dorm.
"Are you doing okay, white boy?"
"So far, so good. Of course, we haven't actually done anything yet. The hard part is still to come."
"One step at a time. And we've got some good stuff coming up to keep us busy."
"Yeah, I can't wait to see Mark and Brad. And tomorrow we've got to talk to Lucy about dinner on Monday. And what about a birthday present? What can we get her? It has to be really special."
"You're right. Remember when she took us to see 'Hair' for our birthdays? God, that was only six months ago but seems like a lifetime. How about we go into the city early on Friday and stop in the jewelry store where we did our Christmas shopping?"
"That sounds good, Billy. I hope the same salesman is still there."
April 15
Billy
The meeting last night was actually fun. There were a couple of guys from the group at Columbia who spoke about their organization and also about gay life in the city. They not only talked about places to go socially (mostly bars), but places to find sex as well. Danny and I knew about the men's room in the library so we figured there must be places like that in the city, but didn't dream there were so many. I guess if you're single and horny, they can be fun and a release. They talked about bars with back rooms, bathhouses, cruisy parks and men's rooms, all kinds of places. And of course, their talk sparked a discussion among our membership of personal experiences. Pretty soon all of them were talking about their favorite sexual encounters. I had no idea the guys we had met had so much experience. Maybe they were just bragging and making a lot of it up, but it was still fun to listen to. Danny and I had nothing to contribute to the stories, but I'd rather have Danny than all of the exciting tricks these guys had combined.
Today didn't go nearly as well, though it was about what we expected. Danny was more than a little anxious and kept looking out the window. Just before three, he spotted Lucy walking toward the dorm carrying a large envelope. Just then there was a light rap on the door. Bob slipped into the room as soon as I opened the door.
"It's not that I really care if anyone sees me here but it wouldn't do for Gary to know I was talking to you guys right now."
"You're right, Bob. We don't want to tip him off that we're on to him and the other guys yet."
Lucy opened the door and walked in.
"Hey, you could at least knock. What if we weren't dressed?"
"Nothing I haven't seen before. Besides, I knew you were expecting both me and Bob, so I was pretty sure you'd be decent." She pulled a pack of large photos from the envelope and gave some to Bob and the rest to Danny and me. "I made two sets of prints. Some aren't so great, but a couple of them are perfect. The guys are easily identifiable."
We looked them all over. Bob again confirmed that these were definitely the guys and I recognized them as the two who were with Gary when Mark and I ran into them outside the dorm. From a distance yesterday I had been pretty sure, but close up there was no doubt.
"Okay guys, let's see if Dr. Morrow can give us some names and then go talk to Dean Nash. Are you ready, Danny?"
"As ready as I'll ever be, Billy. Let's go. You'd better go on ahead, Bob."
Bob checked the hallway then hurried out of the door and down the stairs. We took our time and followed a short distance behind. We didn't talk to him again until we were in the Economics Department offices. The secretary pointed out Dr. Morrow's office and we all squeezed in. Danny introduced Bob and Lucy handed the envelope to the professor.
"Yes, I recognize these two. They always sit together. The tall one stopped by the office early in the semester. I don't remember why. His name is McNally, first name Kevin, no Kenneth, I think. The other one is Vincent something or other. I noticed his name when he handed in his mid-term. It's Tim's middle name so it stuck in my mind. Let me check the class roster."
Danny and I just looked at each other. It looked like this was going to be easier than we thought.
"Only one Vincent in the class. His last name is Corrado. And the other is Kenneth. I'll call Dean Nash's office later after you've had a chance to talk to him."
"Thanks, Dr. Morrow. This makes it so much easier, knowing their names."
"Well, I can confirm their names and tell the dean what I heard, but unfortunately I didn't see what happened. I'm afraid you're still going to need some kind of proof against them."
"That's what Billy said the other night but reporting this is still the right thing to do, regardless. And maybe one of them will tell the truth when the dean questions them."
"Maybe, Bob. But I think you'd better all watch yourselves until this is resolved. Are you boys going to Tim's tomorrow night?"
"We were planning to. Billy thinks I should stay busy to keep from thinking about this all the time."
"That sounds like a good idea, Danny. I'll see you both tomorrow then."
"Thanks again, Professor. You're a good friend to these two."
"You're welcome, Lucy. I just wish I could help more. They're good boys."
Danny
We were a few minutes early for our appointment but Dean Nash was free so we were able to go right in. Since I was the only one who had met the dean before I introduced the others.
"I wasn't expecting so many of you but I think there are enough seats. With this crowd I take it this isn't more trouble with your parents Daniel."
"No, Dean, that whole situation is pretty much on hold. This is something completely different, something I probably should have come to you about a couple of months ago, but I didn't want to talk about it and didn't think there was anything anyone could do."
I let Bob start because he was the one who had insisted on this meeting. Besides, I really wasn't feeling up to talking about it, though I knew I had to. When he finished Dean Nash asked me to tell him what had happened that afternoon. I recited the whole story in a low monotone while staring at the floor in front of the desk. At some point Billy took my hand in his and just held it until I was done. Then he took over, telling the story from the time I came out the door until we got to the hospital. He briefly told the dean about my injuries. He also told about the run-ins we've had with Gary and the other jocks in the dorm.
"This is very serious, Dan. I wish you had come to me before, but I can understand why you didn't. Even now, I'm afraid there may not be much I can do. I will have both Kenneth and Vincent in here for questioning right away. I'll talk to Gary as well. There is no doubt that you were assaulted but unfortunately you can't identify your assailants. They apparently confessed to Bob, but unless one of them admits it to someone else, it's his word against theirs. Knowing who did it and proving it are two different things and I can't take action to punish them without proof."
"You mean they may get away with it?" Although I've been expecting that I still didn't like hearing it.
"I'm afraid they may. But let's see how they hold up under questioning. I'm told I can be somewhat intimidating, especially to those with a guilty conscience."
"When will we know anything? This is a lot of strain on Danny. The sooner it's over the better."
"I'm going to try to get them in here as soon as possible, Bill, hopefully before they know what's going on and have a chance to talk it over among themselves. I hope you realize, Bob, that they are going to know you had a hand in this. I won't say anything to them, but they are going to put two and two together."
"I don't care if they know. The only reason I didn't confront them last Saturday when they told me was that I wanted to find out if Danny had really been pushed."
"I suggest you all keep your eyes open for the next week or so. But I will make it clear to these boys that if anything at all happens to any one of you they will be the prime suspects. So regardless of the outcome, I don't think you have anything to fear."
Lucy
Danny was kind of down after our meeting with the dean. To be honest, so was I, even though it went pretty much as we expected. Actually, Dean Nash was more supportive than I thought he would be, but there's only so much he can do without hard evidence. Bob went back to the dorm after the meeting. I decided to stay and eat at the Commons with the boys. They were both too glum looking to leave alone.
"Okay, guys. Snap out of it. This is going just as we thought so there's no need to be so down. You heard the dean. He can be pretty persuasive. Plus, he really seems to be on your side. He wants to get these guys as much as you do."
"You're right, Lucy, but saying it and believing it are two different things. Billy and I know this may take a while and may not go smoothly, but I still keep hoping for some magic that will make everything all right now."
"Yeah, that would be nice, but while we're waiting for a miracle we have to keep busy and not dwell on it. We're trying to have something going every day to give us something else to think about. Speaking of which, Danny and I want to take you out to eat Monday for your birthday if you haven't got other plans."
"How did you guys know it was my birthday? I don't remember mentioning it."
"You told us last fall when we were celebrating our birthdays. And Danny is fantastic at remembering dates."
"It's not so much memory as efficiency, black boy. I wrote it down in my address book so I wouldn't forget."
"Anyway, Luce, how about it? Do you want to go to Patty's or is there someplace else you'd like to eat? The only other place we know of around here is Greasy Tony's and you definitely don't want to spend your birthday there."
"Actually, I'd really like to go to The Restaurant if that's okay with you. I'd be willing to drive into the city. I'm dying to see this place you keep talking about. Are straight people allowed? Do you think we could?"
"I don't see why not. Billy or I can make reservations when we go to work on Friday. It'll be fun to be customers instead of waiters. It will give us a different perspective on the place."
"Great! And you two are spending your time off this weekend in Morristown, right?"
"Yeah, we're gonna try that and see if we can get some more rest."
"I'm going home for the weekend too. Aunt Connie wants to take me to brunch on Sunday, but I'll ask her to make it Saturday so you guys can go."
"Two birthday celebrations. Sounds like fun, Luce."
I really do want to see The Restaurant and Aunt Connie always takes me out for my birthday, but if these boys need to be distracted over the next week or so I'm going to do my best.
April 18
Billy
We're definitely keeping busy this week. Thursday night was the poker game but it wasn't exactly an escape from Danny's worries. When Dr. Morrow first told her brother about us she had mentioned what had happened to Danny. We had talked a little about it with Tim and Evan but hadn't mentioned it to the other guys. We hadn't really meant to keep it a secret; it was just something we didn't want to talk about. But because we weren't trying to keep it from others we didn't ask anyone not to talk about it. So when all of this started up this week, Dr. Morrow told Tim about it and he mentioned it to some of the others. By the time we came downstairs in our sexy little shorts, everyone was talking about the attack on Danny.
"You poor baby, who could ever be so nasty to someone as sweet and cute as you?"
"There are lots of nasty people out there Mickey. We're learning to live our lives around them and avoid them if we can."
"Yeah, Danny and I have so much good going between us we don't need anyone with negative vibes making life lousy for us. We try to focus on what's good and help each other with the bad."
"We've known you two for a couple of months but I think maybe we don't really know you. You're both so nice and so obviously in love with each other. You always seem to be happy and carefree. You've never given any hint that things might be tough for you sometimes."
"It's not that Billy and I are trying to hide anything, Ash, especially from you guys. It's just like Billy says, we try to be as positive as we can. We have bad times like anyone but we get through them together."
"I didn't mean to imply that you had it easy. God knows we've all been there and know what problems you face. It's just that your generation seems so much more laid-back about everything. But I hope you know that we're your friends and we're here for you if you need us."
"Thanks, Ash. Thanks everybody. Just knowing you guys has been a great help to us."
"Speaking of help, Danny, I think it might be a good idea if your attorney called the dean in the morning."
"What are you talking about, Clay? Danny and I don't have a lawyer."
"You do now if you don't mind me doing a little pro bono work for you. I know you feel the dean is on your side but it might help him intimidate these creeps if he lets them know you've got an attorney working for you."
"That would be great, Clay, except we can't afford to pay you. Thanks anyway."
"Billy, pro bono means I don't get paid, that I'm doing it because I want to. It's not much anyway, just making a phone call and throwing a little weight behind you."
"Thanks, Clay. We really appreciate it. I guess every little bit helps."
"Enough of the serious talk guys. This party is supposed to be fun. I love your haircuts boys. You look fabulous, but then again you always do. But I'm a little hurt that you didn't come to me for a trim."
"Sorry, Mickey, our boss recommended a place in the Village where he gets his hair cut."
The rest of the night was a lot more fun and it was good to see Danny loosen up. We told them all about our new jobs. They're all anxious to try out The Restaurant and have us serve them real food. That could be a lot of fun and they could help business by spreading the word among their friends in New Jersey. All of the owners' friends seem to be from New York.
Danny
I think I'm having an easier time dealing with this thing. Or maybe it just seems easier because we're spending so much time away from school. Thursday night was the poker game. Even though we talked about the attack, it wasn't so bad because everyone was so supportive. We've liked the guys ever since we met them but never really thought of them as friends. Maybe it's because they're all a lot older than us. I know I always feel like a kid around them. It's hard to imagine Billy feeling like a kid; he's so tough and strong and independent. But I think that maybe we've missed out by not opening up to the guys. We do tend to rely on each other a lot and I think that maybe we've got too much pride to admit when things aren't good and we need help.
Yesterday afternoon we went into the city a little early so we could visit our jewelry store to get something nice for Lucy. We brought along all of the money we made last weekend, just in case. The same guy was at the store and he remembered us from Christmas. Or maybe he just remembered our earrings. I've become so used to wearing mine that I usually forget about it. But now and then when I'm staring at Billy (something I find myself doing several times a day) I notice the diamond sparkling on his dark brown earlobe and instinctively touch my own ear.
We picked out a pair of earrings that were not only beautiful but only cost about half of the money we had. The salesman gift-wrapped them for us and Billy stuck the box in the bag of clothes he was carrying. We had brought some laundry to do at home, though God knows when we'll have time.
We both felt good after buying the gift and had a good night of work. We were becoming more familiar with the kitchen and the rest of the staff and everything went smoothly. Billy talked to Wayne and made reservations for our Monday night dinner. After work we went with Joe for a drink at Danny's on Christopher St. near the PATH station, then caught the last train out of Hoboken for Morristown.
"So, white boy, how are you holding up?"
"Pretty good, Billy. I'm actually handling everything okay now. I know I was a little bit of a basket case earlier in the week but I'm all right now. I'm sorry I was such a mess."
"Hey, don't ever be sorry for showing me how you feel. Feelings aren't right or wrong. It's important that we share them with each other. If we can't help each other get through the rough times then what's the point of anything?"
"I know, Billy, but I still feel like a baby when I react that way. You're always so tough and able to stand up and face troubles head on."
"We all react to things differently. It doesn't make you any less of a man because you're afraid sometimes. I'm scared now and then too."
"Yeah, I know but somehow you don't let on. I can see it but I don't think anyone else can."
"I can't hide anything from you, Danny, but then again, I don't want to. And even if you try to keep stuff bottled up inside you, I can always tell when something's wrong. So let me in so I can help you when you need me."
"I always do, don't I?"
We got to the apartment a little after 2 AM. There was a note from Lucy on the door-Lunch at 1. Be downstairs by 12:30. At least we could sleep late. We stripped and climbed into bed. Billy wrapped his arms around me and gently kissed me.
"I love you forever, white boy."
"I love you more, black boy."
The next thing I knew the sun was shining through the window and Billy and I were wrapped together. Though a comfortable double bed is a nice change from the narrow twin beds in the dorm I don't think we use up any more space when we're sleeping at home. I looked at the clock-twenty after eleven.
"C'mon baby, time to get up."
"Can't we sleep just a little bit longer?"
"Nope, time to get in the shower. I promise to make it worth your while."
"Well, if you put it that way."
Billy staggered after me to the bathroom. The short walk there was enough to make our morning hardons subside so that we could both relieve our bladders before getting into the shower. We were both fully hard again as we washed each other's hair. I don't think I've washed my own hair in months and I hope I never have to again. After shampooing each other we stepped out of the flow of water and began lathering up each other. I love the look of all that white soapy foam running down Billy's dark skin. Once we were both all soapy and slippery, Billy pulled me against him and kissed me. I sucked on his tongue, trying to get more of it into my mouth. All the while we were sliding our bodies together, rubbing our nipples against one another's, shifting our hips so our hard dicks could have a little duel.
Billy's cock slid in between my legs up against my balls. He grabbed my butt with both hands and pulled me tight against him, sliding his dick all the way between my thighs and trapping mine between our bellies. After a moment I pulled away a bit, being careful not to break the kiss. I placed his slippery dick on top of mine and grabbed them both in my right hand. Billy wrapped his hand around too, slightly overlapping mine. We began to slide our hands back and forth along the rigid soapy shafts, slowly at first, then gradually picking up speed. Billy's breathing became more rapid as he approached orgasm. We pulled away from each other a bit and continued stroking each other's cocks. Just as he was about to shoot, he grabbed my balls in his left hand and gave them a gentle tug. That was all I needed to push me over the edge, to join him in spraying cum all over the shower. As we squeezed the last drop out of each other, Billy and I wrapped his arms around me tightly and kissed me again.
Just then the water turned abruptly colder as the hot water ran out. We quickly rinsed off in the cold water. Billy grabbed a towel and gently dried me, and then I returned the favor. He again hugged me, pressing his body tight against mine, warming us both up after the cold rinse.
"If you don't stop this, Billy, I'm gonna be ready to go again, and as much as I would love that I don't think we have time."
"Aw, you're always the spoilsport. Lucy can wait a few minutes."
"Except she wouldn't wait. If we're not down there on time she'll be up here pounding on the door while you're pounding in my ass and that would take a lot of the fun out of it."
"You're right as always, white boy. Maybe we can have a quickie after lunch."
"We have to do laundry after lunch, horn dog. You'll have to settle for a hand job on the train."
I can't believe I said that.
Lucy
Back when Danny was injured the boys and I decided not to tell Aunt Connie what really happened. She had grown very fond of them over the holidays and semester break and we didn't want her to worry. The other night we decided it was still not a good time to tell her. I don't feel right keeping anything from Aunt Connie, but she loves the boys so much and would be beside herself with worry. Maybe once this is over and we're all home for the summer.
Besides, this is the first part of my birthday celebration. I want to have fun and we're trying to keep Danny focused on good things. The boys came down to the house a few minutes early with their bag of laundry.
"Aw, you shouldn't have. A bag of dirty clothes for my birthday? How thoughtful."
"Hey, watch the attitude, Luce or that may be all you get."
"I'm not worried. I know that you guys must already have something for me so I'll get it no matter what."
"Don't count on it, Lucy. Remember, Billy and I are sissy boys. Whatever we get for you we could just as easily keep for ourselves."
"You wouldn't dare. After the friend I've been to you this year you owe me big time. But I'll be nice if that's what you want."
"You'd better be nice, Lucinda. Don't forget Billy and Danny have been good friends to you too."
"Yes, Aunt Connie. You know we're just teasing."
"I know, dear. You three have something very special in the way you relate to each other. It's a joy just to watch you children."
"Children??" The three of us responded as one.
The boys started a load of laundry and we all piled into Aunt Connie's LTD. She had made reservations for us at Rod's in Convent Station. Celebrating my birthday at Rod's was a family tradition started by Uncle Evan years ago.
"This place is great, Lucy. I've been past it a lot but it's not the kind of place my family ever went to."
"Yeah, Luce. A few weeks ago I would have felt really out of place here, but since Danny and I started at The Restaurant we're a little more comfortable in more classy surroundings."
"Tell me about this restaurant you're working in, boys. Lucinda has told me a little and it sounds very nice."
The boys talked at through most of the meal about the restaurant and the people they worked with. They raved about the money they were starting to make but were careful not to bring up their idea of paying rent to Aunt Connie. None of us wanted any arguments today. They assured Aunt Connie that she would love The Restaurant and made me promise to bring her into the city for dinner one night when they are working this summer.
When we got back to the house I helped them finish their laundry.
"This is only your second weekend working and already I wish you didn't have to work tomorrow so we could spend more time together."
"Don't worry, Lucy, we'll have plenty of time over the summer. And don't forget we're going into the Village Monday night."
"I know, Danny. We're still seeing as much if not more of each other than before you started working but I'm kind of jealous that I have to share you with the rest of the world now. I like having you all to myself. I know that's a little selfish, but I can't help feeling that way. You guys mean so much to me."
"You mean a lot to us too, Luce. You're our best friend and we love you. And we were more than a little jealous when Brad came along. But Danny and I were glad that he made you so happy, so we learned how to share you with him. It got easier once we realized what a great guy he is."
"Yeah, Lucy. You just have to believe that no matter what else happens in our lives, you're always going to be our most special friend. Nothing or no one is going to come between us."