Billy and Danny

Billy and Danny, Freshman Year, Chapter 33

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 19

Billy

It was almost 5:30 and I only had two guys left at my small table. I had just served them another round of drinks when one of them nodded toward the bar.

"What do I have to do to get the cute blonde to greet me like that?"

I looked down and saw Danny hugging and kissing Mark. He'd been excited all afternoon and now he was jumping around Mark like a puppy. Fortunately, though, he only wags his tail for me.

"Looks like you've got some competition, Billy." Joe had come up behind me and followed my stare.

"Nah, that's our friend Mark. He's the guy we were telling you about earlier. He'll be working with us this summer."

"Hmm, he's a real stud. It looks like it could be a long hot summer."

"Watch it, Joe. He's a sweet guy and he's just coming out. Be nice."

I made sure the guys at my table were okay and went down to the bar to see Mark. Danny was heading back up to check on his last table and I gave him a pat on the butt as we passed.

"Hey, Mark, it's great to see you. How was the trip down?"

"Not bad, Billy. You and Danny sure look hot in your waiter outfits, though not as hot as at the poker game."

"I think they're going for a slightly more dignified atmosphere here, Mark. I'm sure you'll look plenty hot when you're dressed for work in a few weeks. Danny and I should be done in about twenty minutes. Why don't you grab a drink and make yourself comfortable?"

Our last customers were soon gone and Danny and I led Mark to the changing room to meet the other guys. We talked about the restaurant while we changed but Mark wasn't paying too much attention. He couldn't take his eyes off Joe's cute little butt. Joe noticed and put on a little show for him, 'accidentally' pulling his briefs down with his pants, exposing most of his smooth ass. Mark's mouth actually dropped open at the sight.

I couldn't resist teasing him as we walked to the subway.

"We're going to have to find you a guy before you start working next month. I don't know how are you going to work here all summer when you're already drooling over the first ass you see. It looked like you were getting ready to dive in head first."

"Shit, was I that obvious? Do you think he noticed?"

"Nah, he just dropped his drawers on purpose for the hell of it."

"On purpose? You mean he did that for my benefit?"

"C'mon, Mark. I'm the innocent naïve one here and even I picked up on that. But then, Billy had already told me that Joe liked you."

"Really, Danny? What's he like? Is he nice? You guys have to tell me everything you know about him."

Oh, man was I right. We do have to find him a boyfriend. He needs it bad. We filled Mark in on what little we knew about Joe on the subway to Penn Station. Once we were on the train to New Brunswick he told us about his visit to Harvard last week to check out the gay group. Apparently there were quite a few attractive guys there and Mark noticed them all. While walking across campus to the dorm we caught him up on what was happening with Gary and the other two guys.

April 20

Danny

I've been a little obsessed with Mark and Brad's visit since lunch with Lucy and Aunt Connie Saturday. I guess it's a sign of how stressed I've been over the other stuff this week. Not that I'm not thrilled with seeing the guys again. I really am. And I am handling the other stuff better. It's just nice to have something else to think about.

Work went by pretty fast Saturday night and yesterday afternoon. I'm getting into the routine of it and am loosening up a bit. I've reached the point where I'm comfortable enough that I actually mean it when I smile at the customers. And the money continues to be good. Billy and I were each down to one last table when Mark walked in carrying a small duffel bag. Once the customers had left and we'd cleaned up we introduced him to Joe, Steve and Jason. He and Joe seemed to have an instant attraction toward each other. While Billy and I both like Joe and want Mark to find a nice guy, I think maybe we ought to keep an eye on the two of them this summer.

On the trip back to school the three of us caught up on everything we hadn't been able to cover in our letters and the events of the past few days. Mark seemed a little nervous when we told him what we were doing about Gary and the two guys who pushed me.

"You mean they know you're on to them now? Isn't that a little dangerous?

"That was my first reaction but Billy pointed out that we're probably safer than ever now that everyone knows who they are. They can't risk sticking their necks out by doing anything to us now."

"I guess you're right, Danny, but I'm sure that no matter how this ends up that you'll feel a lot better when this semester is over."

"Yeah, I love this campus but I probably need some time away from it. At least we've only got a few weeks to go to summer vacation."

We sat up and talked for a few hours in our room. Mark made us repeat every detail we knew about Joe. He told us about each of the guys he saw at the Harvard meeting. I think he's ready to start dating. Maybe too ready. It was nearly midnight when we got into bed. Billy and I cuddled in his bed and Mark lay down on mine. It seemed like old times.

Today started like a continuation of Mark's Spring Break. He went to art class with me this morning and tried to do some sketches while I posed. Although I'm used to the modeling it was a little uncomfortable. Every time I looked at Mark his eyes were glued to my crotch. I know he accepts that we're just friends, but if I weren't with Billy I'm sure he would feel a whole lot different. For that matter, he'd probably want Billy if he weren't with me. Maybe he's just so horny and lonely he wants anybody who is nice to him. I feel for him but I worry, too. He's very vulnerable and I don't want to see him get hurt.

We met Billy at the Commons for lunch. He had an odd look that I couldn't make out on his face.

"What's up, black boy? Is something wrong?"

"I'm not sure. I just stopped for our mail and this was in your box." He held up an envelope with the return address of the Dean of Students.

"Oh, shit. I don't know if I'm ready for this. I definitely didn't want to think about it today."

"It wouldn't be any easier tomorrow, Danny. Just open it and see what he's got to say. We'll deal with it no matter what."

I tore open the envelope, skimmed through the note and handed it to Billy.

"Pretty much what we thought, Billy. He talked to all three of them on Friday. Kenneth and Vincent denied everything. Gary played dumb and denied knowing anything about anything."

"He wants us to stop by his office as soon as possible to talk. How about after class this afternoon?"

"Yeah, I guess so. But I don't want this to mess up Lucy's dinner tonight. Whatever he has to say, I don't want to talk about it tonight. Okay, guys?"

"Whatever you say, baby."

"Are you sure, Danny? Brad, Lucy and I are your friends. If you need to talk, we're here for you. We wouldn't consider helping a friend to be messing up the evening."

"I know, Mark. Thanks. But this is Lucy's birthday and I want her to have fun. Besides, I'm okay with this. I never really expected to win. Maybe it's enough just to have stood up to them. As long as I can come out of this feeling safe and knowing that I did what I could, I'm okay."

"We're not giving up, Danny, but I'm glad that you're doing better."

"I think all of the support I've been given this past week has really turned me around. Dr. Morrow, Dean Nash, Lucy, the poker guys, even Bob. Knowing that so many people are on our side has helped so much. But just being able to lean on you has been the most important thing, Billy. I can get through anything with your help."

"You guys give me so much hope. You saved my life and just watching you makes me realize that what I really want is possible. I can't wait to love and be loved by someone like you love each other. And if there's anything I can do for you guys, I will. I owe you everything."

"You don't owe us anything, Mark. Your friendship is more important to Danny and me than you know."

Mark went with Billy to his psychology lecture while I went to history class. I surprised myself at lunch. I really am doing better with this than I thought. But I still wish those guys weren't going to get away with what they've done. I don't exactly want revenge, but I would like some kind of justice.

I met Billy and Mark after class and we went to see Dean Nash. He basically said what he had written in his note, although he added that he didn't believe a word the others had said. But his hands were tied without proof. He did say that he had documented their files and had warned them that they'd better stay far from trouble the rest of their time at Rutgers. I guess that's better than nothing. We thanked him for his help and promised to let him know if anything else came up. So I guess that's it.

Actually, I think I'm handling this better than Billy. He's being very supportive and hasn't said anything but I'm sensing anger in him that I haven't seen in a long time. Once Brad and Mark leave we're going to have to talk about it. He's been through so much emotional turmoil this year; I don't want him to go through any more for me.

Billy

This really sucks. I mean, I'm glad that Danny's getting through this okay, but it's just not right. I've grown up living with injustice so I should be used to it, but Danny's a sweet white kid who's never done anything bad to anyone in his life. I understand the process, but that doesn't mean I'm not pissed. I don't want to let on to him how upset I am when he's finally doing pretty good, but I don't know if I can just let this drop. It's just not right.

Once we left the dean's office, Mark and Danny made an effort to focus on Brad's arrival. It was almost four thirty when we got back to the dorm. It wouldn't be long now, thank God. Funny, when Brad and Mark first wrote about this visit, I thought it would be a great distraction for Danny. Now I'm counting on it to be a distraction for me.

Brad arrived early, a little before five. Mark stood behind the door and grabbed him from behind. Brad jumped and swung around, then relaxed when he saw who it was. He threw his arms around Mark, squeezed him in a tight hug and kissed him.

"Cuz, what are you doing here? How did you get here?"

"I took the train down yesterday to surprise you and Lucy. And I really missed Billy and Danny, too."

"Well, I'm glad you came, though I'm the one who's supposed to be doing the surprising today."

Danny and I each gave Brad a hug. He looked great, though a little messy. His hands were really dirty.

"I got an earlier start than I thought I would but then had a flat on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Do you mind if I take a shower? I want to look and smell as good as possible for Lucy."

"No problem, Brad, I'll show you where it is, though I'm sure you always look and smell good to her."

Brad talked about the ride down while he undressed. Man has he got a great body. I know that's not the reason Lucy loves him but it sure is a nice bonus. He wrapped a towel around his waist and followed me down to the bathroom. As we passed Gary's open door I caught his glare out of the corner of my eye. That guy had better watch out. I don't need much to provoke me right now.

Mark and Danny and I were nearly finished getting dressed in our 'good' clothes when Brad came back from the shower.

"You live with some real assholes, guys."

"What do you mean, Brad? What happened?"

"I was in the middle of my shower when this beefy blonde guy with a crew cut walked in, Mark. He said it wasn't time for faggots to be using the shower and that I should get my ass out of there."

"That was Gary. Sounds like he hasn't calmed down any. What did you do?"

Danny was concerned, but I was getting mad. I found myself involuntarily clenching my fists.

"I told him if he didn't want a faggot's fist down his throat he should get the fuck out of my shower. Then I told him to stop staring at my dick; I wasn't interested."

"Shit, I'll bet that pissed him off. Why didn't you just tell him that you were straight?"

"'Cause it's none of his business, Danny. Besides, it was more fun intimidating him when he thought I was gay. What's his story, anyway?"

Danny briefly explained about Gary and the rules without getting into this week's drama with the dean.

"I can't believe you have to put up with shit like that."

"Yeah, well Billy and I find it easier to live here if we don't make any waves. It's inconvenient but not really that bad."

"How many of them are there? Between the four of us we should be able to put them in their place."

"Thanks, Brad, but we don't want to stir up any more trouble. Besides, the semester is almost over."

"It still pisses me off that my friends are being treated that way."

"Yeah, Billy and I haven't been thrilled about it either, but we're dealing with it."

Danny's dealing with it a lot better than I am.

Lucy

My mind was going in two different directions as I drove across town to Rutgers. While I was so excited about going to The Restaurant and celebrating my birthday with the two friends who mean more to me than anyone, I couldn't help but wonder what was going on with the dean. But I knew that Billy was trying to help Danny through this so I didn't want to bring up a sore subject, especially after they went all Saturday afternoon without mentioning it.

I parked behind Records Hall and walked up to their dorm, hoping I was dressed okay. They said it wasn't dressy, but no jeans. I'm haven't seen them in anything but jeans in months but I guess they have other clothes. When I got to their door I decided to be polite and knock this time. They both opened the door to let me in, looking a little strange. I was just about to ask what was wrong when the closet door flew open and Brad and Mark burst out.

"Happy Birthday!!!" They all yelled at once.

"Oh my God! What are you guys doing here?"

In response Brad grabbed me and kissed me. I accepted his answer gratefully. It's been less than a month but I'd almost forgotten how great his lips were. He pressed his body tight against mine and kissed me deeply and passionately. I was gasping for breath by the time he let go.

"What a great surprise! Sorry, Mark, I didn't mean to ignore you." I gave him a hug and a kiss.

"That's okay, Lucy. I can understand you being a little more focused on Brad. I'll let it slide this time. "

"I can't believe you were all able to keep this from me. Especially you, Danny. You can't keep anything a secret."

"Don't believe it, Luce. He only looks sweet and innocent. There is a devious mind under that angelic exterior."

"I've realized he's a sex fiend but now I know you're all devious. I can't believe I have four gorgeous guys taking me to dinner. I just hope we all fit in the Beetle."

"Don't worry, Lucy. I'm sure Billy, Danny and I can squeeze into the back seat."

"I think our virgin Mark is rapidly becoming a sex fiend himself. Wait until you meet his boyfriend at the restaurant tonight."

"He's not my boyfriend, Billy. I barely met him."

"Bare being the operative word."

"Billy!"

"Okay, cuz, spill it. Tell Lucy and me all about this guy. You know we're not gonna let you date anyone we don't approve of."

"Billy and I will tell you all about Mark's first crush on the way to the city. But first, Lucy has to open her gifts."

I really wasn't expecting gifts. I wasn't expecting Mark and Brad at all, much less presents from them. And knowing what I recently learned about the boys' finances I didn't expect anything from them either.

Billy and Danny went first and handed me a large gift-wrapped box. Inside there was lots of tissue paper and not much else. I finally dug down to a small black velvet box. After the locket last Christmas I couldn't believe they would give me more jewelry, but when I opened the box there was a beautiful pair of gold earrings.

"I know it sounds trite, but you shouldn't have. These are exquisite and must have cost a fortune. You should save your money for your own expenses."

"They weren't that much, Luce, and we both thought they'd look great on you. Besides, we made the money back over the weekend."

"Well thank you, both, they're beautiful."

Mark reached in his duffel bag and handed me a flat wrapped package. I carefully unwrapped it to find a book of Ansel Adams photographs.

"Oh, Mark, thank you. I love his work. He does such great things with black and white."

"I'm glad you like it, Lucy. I wasn't sure what to get but this impressed me. I always thought black and white film was old-fashioned and was only if you couldn't afford color. But these pictures are real art."

"You should see the ones she took of Billy and me last fall. They're fantastic."

"Which reminds me, Brad, you're the only one here who hasn't modeled for me. We'll have to correct that situation."

"I think that you'll need a chaperone for that or no pictures will ever get taken."

"Hey, mind your own business, cuz."

Brad's gift was the last one. It was a small package but longer than the one from the boys. Inside was a simple but beautiful gold bracelet. I hugged and kissed Brad again and began to get carried away in the moment.

"Better stop that, Luce. Brad didn't bring another pair of pants."

"You're so crude, Billy."

"Yeah, Luce, but that's a part of my charm."

Brad offered to drive since there was slightly more room in his Camaro than in my Beetle. Even so, Danny looked crushed between Billy and Mark in the back seat. Brad drove around the Village for a while before finding a place to park on Morton Street. Billy and Danny led the way across Seventh Avenue to The Restaurant. Just inside the door was a tall thin guy with long dark hair.

"Hey Billy, you're right on time. I've pushed two of Joe's tables together for you if that's okay."

"Perfect, Wayne. This is our friend Lucy. She's the birthday girl. And this is Brad. You met Mark yesterday."

"Nice to meet you all. Follow me, please."

An adorable little Asian waiter was standing near our table. His eyes lit up when he saw Mark. Billy introduced us to Joe who took our drink orders and left us to go over the menus. It was handy having a couple of waiters at the table who could answer any questions we had about the food.

"I'm really impressed by this place, guys. My parents go to expensive restaurants all the time but the places they go are very showy and pretentious. This place is comfortable and very real, but even so you can tell it's not cheap before you even look at the menus."

"Yeah, Brad, Billy and I have heard people call it casual elegance. I guess that means it's down-to-earth but very, very nice at the same time."

After Joe took our orders the boys started talking about school while I looked over the dining room. It was about half full with most tables occupied by middle-aged male couples. I was the only female in the place. Brad and Danny were right; it was simple yet elegant and very comfortable.

My eyes came back to the four beautiful young men at my table. They were engaged in a lively discussion on politics and the war. I tried to pay attention but my mind kept wandering from one guy to another.

I looked at Mark and was amazed at how my perception of him had gone through so many changes. First he was the handsome high school snob who wouldn't give me the time of day, then a tragic kid afraid of who he was and what others would think. Now, due in no small part to support and love from Billy and Danny, he was a happy young man, impatient to start discovering who he wanted to be and how he wanted to live.

And then there's my beautiful Brad. I'll have to admit my initial attraction to him was very hormonal. I liked him a lot after our first few dates but was a little turned off by his macho posturing and not-so-hidden homophobia. But he gave the boys a chance, probably because he knew he'd lose me if he didn't, and made an amazing 'recovery' from his macho attitude. Again, thanks mainly to Billy and Danny. It's hard not to re-evaluate prejudices when confronted by such a genuinely loving couple.

And my boys. Billy had scared me a little when we first met. He was a bit uncivilized and seemed as though he could be dangerous. Danny has civilized him a bit and let him show his soft, loving side, though I would imagine he could still be dangerous to anyone who threatened Danny. I think Danny has surprised me the most, maybe because he was so hard to get to know at first. Inside that quiet, timid kid is a pretty strong young man who seems to be able to handle almost anything life throws at him. And with all the boys have gone through, they not only love and support each other but those around them as well.

I finally managed to stop marveling at what a wonderful bunch of guys I had in my life, ordered another drink and jumped into the conversation, letting myself just enjoy being with these beautiful friends.

Danny

After a week of anticipation, the short time with Brad and Mark flew by in what seemed like a few minutes. The conversation over dinner never lapsed for a moment and it was nearly midnight when we finally left the restaurant. We'd all had quite a bit to drink though Brad had switched to coffee around ten. When we got back to campus, Mark, Billy and I said goodnight to Lucy and waited near the dorm while Brad walked her to her car.

"I think you're right about Joe, Billy. I think he does like me."

"No shit. He gave you better service than the rest of us combined. I'm surprised he didn't offer to cut your meat for you."

"I can't wait until the semester's over and I start working with you guys. He's so cute and has such a hot little body. And he seems like a nice guy, too. Do you think he'll want to go out with me?"

"He'd be crazy if he didn't. I'm sure he will. And don't worry, Billy and I will make sure no one else snaps him up before you come home for the summer."

Just then Brad walked up, adjusting a large bulge in his jeans.

"I don't know if Danny and I can trust you two in the same bed. You're all boned up from Lucy's goodnight kiss and Mark's about to cum in his pants just thinking about Joe."

"In that case I'd better sleep behind Mark. If anyone's going to get poked in the butt it's gonna be the gay boy."

We were all up and in the shower at six. Mark provided the entertainment by keeping a rigid hardon from start to finish. He had usually been pretty hard when he showered with Billy and me before, but sharing a shower with his naked cousin was almost more than he could handle. Lucy met us in front of the dorm at six thirty and we walked Mark to the train station. We put on a little show for the morning commuters by each giving Mark a big hug and kiss as the train pulled in. As the train left with Mark at the window-waving goodbye we headed back to the Commons. After a quick breakfast and a not-so-quick parting, Brad was off on his trip upstate and Lucy headed back across town to Douglass. Billy and I walked down College Avenue toward our first period classes.

"Damn! That was too fast. They just got here."

"I know, white boy. But don't worry, summer's just a few weeks away and we'll all have lots of time together."

Billy

Danny and I met at the dorm room after our classes and walked over to the Commons for lunch. Between the guys leaving and the dean's news yesterday I guess we were both feeling a bit down. Neither of us had much to say as we loaded up our trays and found a table.

"Well if it isn't the tattletale faggots."

We looked up and Gary and his roommate Don were approaching us carrying trays. A few guys at the tables around us also looked up at Gary's greeting.

"What did you pansies think you were going to accomplish by running to the dean? Other than getting me even more pissed off at you than before. You've got nothing on Ken and Vince. And less than nothing on me. What are you going to do now? Run home and tell your mommies?"

I was about to lose it. I started out of my chair and just knew I was going to take his head off. Danny grabbed my shoulder and pulled me back into my seat.

"He's not worth it, Billy." Danny looked up at Gary and spoke calmly and firmly. "Yeah, Gary, we couldn't prove anything. That doesn't mean you guys didn't do anything. We know it, the dean knows it, our friends know it and you guys know it."

"Big shit. You guys had better watch your step from here on. Me and my friends were barely tolerating your existence before but now that you're trying to get us in trouble and bringing your sissy friends into the dorm you've had it."

"You and your friends? What friends? Ken and Vince and Don? That's about it. You wouldn't believe the number of guys that have come up to either Billy or me and said they didn't like faggots but they hated ignorant bigots even more. Nobody's on your side."

"You'd like to believe that, nigger-lover." Danny again had to restrain me as I started toward him.

"You just don't get it do you, Gary? We've all been living together in the dorm. The guys know me and Billy and they know you. You're the one who's full of hate. You're the one who's always trying to cause trouble. A few people know what your friends did to me and a lot more are going to know. Maybe you're the one who should watch your back."

"Fuckin' faggots." Gary stalked off followed by Don.

"I'm really proud of you, white boy. I've never seen you speak up for yourself like that before. And I owe you. If you hadn't stopped me I would have flattened him and that wouldn't have helped us any."

"It wasn't anything, Billy. I just got tired of his shit. He doesn't realize just how lame he is."

"Hey, boys, what were those guys doing over here? Things looked a little tense from where I was sitting."

"Reggie! How's it going?"

"I'm good, Billy, but you two don't look so hot. What's up?"

As long as Dean Nash was looking into things we'd been trying to keep things as quiet as possible, but now that it was all over why bother? We gave Reggie a brief outline of what had happened, from the rules in the dorm to the attack on Danny to the meeting with the dean yesterday.

"Shit, Danny. Why didn't you say something about all this? Maybe the guys in the Homophile League could have helped."

"I didn't want to make things worse. But now that it's over it's probably best that as many people as possible know about it so that they can watch out for those guys."

"And those guys that were just here are the ones who started it all?"

"Yeah, they're the ones who came up with the rules. But since then it's been pretty much all Gary in the dorm. Don has been leaving us alone for the most part. Danny and I rarely even see him."

"I think you guys should come to the meeting tonight and tell your story. And I'll see what I can do in the meantime."

"Thanks, Reggie, but I don't think there's anything anyone can do at this point."

"You never know."