Mockingbird

In the following story, all of the characters are totally fictive and the setting is real. For whomever it would be illegal, immoral or prohibited for any other reason whatsoever to read a story about love between two young men is kindly requested to refrain from continuing. Pictures of the cabin and the boys (pdf) are available upon request. Please remember to help Nifty stay online by sending your contributions, using the link https://donate.nifty.org/. This being said, I hope you enjoy the tale.

MOCKINGBIRD

by Marin Giustinian

2014 in North Carolina

Grandpa Crawford and little Elijah enjoyed sitting together on the front porch after supper. Grandpa was full of stories and his grandson loved to listen, even if he only understood half of what he heard. At the age of seven, maybe eight, you begin to understand that you don't understand everything -- and you don't care.

In the warmth of that summer evening of 2003 in the Appalachians of North Carolina there were fireflies everywhere. The stars were out, and a mockingbird was singing somewhere nearby.

"Listen there, Elijah... when you hear the mockingbird singing like that, it means that good things are on their way. Go fetch your tin whistle and play along with him. He'll love it, my boy... Now hurry up before he flies off."

Elijah was back in a second. He put the tip of his little flute in between his lips and began to softly mock the mockingbird. The bird and the boy carried on like that for a few minutes as Grandpa sipped his bourbon, rocking back and forth as if in heaven.

Suddenly, the bird flew in closer and landed only a few feet from Elijah, gleefully chirping like mad. Little Elijah was surprised and stopped playing. He glanced at Grandpa. The bird then peeped a few shrills and flew off.

"Boy, mockingbirds bring you good vibrations. You're going to feel all kinds of wonderful things in your life. Come on up here on my knees and give me a big man hug. I ain't been this happy since I was a lad, whistling with the birds in our old cabin up on Flat Rock Creek."

Elijah almost purred, snuggling into Grandpa's hug. From inside the house, Grandma shouted, "You menfolk get off that porch and come inside before the pneumonia bug gets you. Don't want you to die out there in the chill of the evening, do we?"

Sliding off Grandpa's lap, Elijah giggled.

The following morning, there was all kinds of commotion going on in the farmhouse. Grandpa had woken up dead in his bed with a smile on his face.

Elijah Crawford had become an accomplished flutist, now entering his freshman year at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) in Winston-Salem. The school is a rather unique institution in America. It started as a kind of performing arts conservatory in 1964. It grew into a part of the University of North Carolina with a high school section as well as an undergraduate and graduate section.

Elijah started his ninth grade there. Fortunately his father, Jack Crawford, a gentle, soft-spoken teacher of general culture taught there as well. Elijah was therefore a tuition free pupil and now college student. His mother, Brenda, taught yoga in a downtown dojo. She was a city girl from Philadelphia and dearly loved her man and her boy. They lived in a nice old home near the school, just ten minutes walking distance away.

Now at the age of eighteen, Elijah had grown into a sweet but not very outstanding young man. He was neither tall, nor short. His dark brown hair was straight, neither long nor short. However, his deep brown eyes seemed to sparkle when he played his flute. His flawless complexion had a certain glow, his facial hair was late to appear, and his lips were plump, naturally smiling -- perfect for the flute. He was well proportioned with just enough muscle to not be considered skinny. Since he walked everywhere he was in excellent shape.To top things off, he smelled good.

Growing up, he shunned idling on the computer. Facebook and video games bored him and porn put him ill at ease. He loved his summers in the old family cabin up in the foothills where he hiked, swam, split wood, and enjoyed being alive. Otherwise in school he kept to himself, never seeking to be popular. As for girls, some were good friends, better than the other boys, and that was fine for him, nothing more. His scholarly father was really proud of him the day his son said, "My best friends are books and my love is the flute."

Both Jack and Brenda had let their son grow on his own. They were always there, with all their love, but never were they caught breathing down Elijah's neck, nosing into his business.

One day, when Elijah was around thirteen, his father saw him admiring a bit longer than usual the resin replica of a sculptured bust of Antinous sitting on the mantle of their home library.

"Elijah, would you like to hear the story of that handsome young man?" inquired Jack.

"Yes I would, please..."

"His name was Antinous. He was a Greek boy born a little less than two thousand years ago in what is now Turkey. When Antinous was a few years older than you, The Roman Emperor Hadrian noticed him. They fell deeply in love with each other. Hadrian took him to his home in Tivoli, near Rome. Antinous and he were inseparable whenever they went throughout the Empire like a real couple."

Elijah raised an eyebrow. His father noticed and said, "Don't disesteem them for being two men in love like that. True love between people of the same sex, even one young and the other mature, is not a crime nor an illness. Love is love, whatever be the sex and age of the lovers. I know that homosexuals are despised and cut down here... but that's another problem. Actually, gay love, as it's called, can be wilder, deeper, and even more passionate than 'ordinary' love, for the simple reason that a man can never really understand a woman, nor a woman a man, whereas when two men or two women fall in love together, there's no mystery as to how they feel, their love can be boundless."

Elijah nodded, but didn't actually seize the depth of what his father was saying.

Taking a book off the shelf, Jack handed 'The Memoirs of Hadrian', by Margaret Yourcenar, to his son, saying, "You read like an adult and are now grown-up enough to appreciate the story of Antinous and the Emperor Hadrian. Take this and read it. I think you'll like it."

Elijah read the book. Later, when he returned it to his father he simply said, "Extremely interesting how love can change the beloved into a god."

His father opened his arms. Elijah melted in the embrace. Nothing was said; all was understood.

There had always been something quite earthy about Elijah. He was naturally quiet, soft spoken, and slow to anger, but when he was pushed, his temper could explode. His forefathers were of sturdy Appalachian stock having immigrated from the British Isles to the Carolinas just after American Independence from the Crown. They settled up in the Smokies and survived because they didn't put up with nonsense from anybody.

The Crawford's log cabin, located a forty minute drive north of Winston-Salem, near Hanging Rock was lost in the woods on the edge of the old Crawford homestead. It was probably built during the Civil War as a refuge. Surrounded by tall stately trees, the cabin was a great hideaway. Just behind the cabin flowed a pleasant creek of pure mountain water. Just a bit downstream, a small waterfall tumbled from a smooth rock ledge into a natural pool. It wasn't big enough to swim in but just the right size for fun skinny-dipping. There, Elijah knew he was in the most wonderful place on Earth.

Elijah's mother used to say that they were going to 'camp in the shack' when they went up to the cabin. It was indeed extremely rudimentary!

Inside, there was just one big room with a mezzanine loft for the bedding. The stone fireplace was also the cooking area. For water, you had to draw it out of the creek with a bucket, and of course, there was no electricity.

As he grew, Elijah had 'his chores' such as trimming the wicks of the oil lamps and keeping the wood basket full. Emptying the ashes and sweeping the hearth were also his boyhood duty.

Later in his early teens, Elijah would go from time to time only with his father for a weekend to make repairs, check the rail fence, clean up, etc. Elijah was impatient to finally be old enough to pass his license and drive up to the cabin by himself.

For his sixteenth birthday Jack and Brenda gave their son a second hand pickup truck. Elijah wept for joy as his father told him, "The cabin is now yours to keep, maintain, and protect."

Elijah threw his arms around his father and then grabbed his mother so hard that they fell together laughing on the floor.

Elijah finally discovered the joys of independent solitude. He went off on weekends alone in the cabin, free to play his flute as much as he wanted, whatever the hour, read, go naked, and dream the dreams you dream at sixteen.

His father gave him extra allowance to buy firewood, purchase a new mattress, and a few other items to make staying in the cabin a bit more comfortable, even in winter.

By the age of eighteen, Elijah had graduated from high school. His cabin was in perfect condition. His talent as a musician was confirmed. He was glad to now enter college and continue discovering the universe of classical music.

On the morning of August, 24, 2015, he dressed up to go hear his welcoming speech to college as a freshmen in the music department -- and of course, check out new faces.

Elijah sat on the back row where there were still empty seats, so he could sneak off if the ceremony was too boring.

That was when it happened! Elijah gawked, dumbfounded, as Antinous walked in. The ancient Roman god glanced at the seat beside Elijah, they exchanged a smile, and Antinous sat. A sudden rush of warmth reddened Elijah's cheeks.

The presence of the god, taking notes, enchanted and upset Elijah to no end. He barely paid attention to what the speakers were saying.

At last, a 15' break was announced. Antinous turned and spontaneously introduced himself, smiling with twinkling eyes.

"Jason Kosta, from Greensboro, and you?"

"Me... I'm Elijah, Elijah Crawford. I'm from here, Winston I mean," he stuttered, holding out his hand.

Shaking hands, Jason continued, "My parents run a Greek restaurant. I play the flute, and you?"

"Flute as well," Elijah replied, adding, "my father teaches in the high school section here and we live near the school. Do you have a room or do you commute?"

"No room. My Dad bought me a little car. He said it's less expensive than the cost of living on campus. Greensboro's not that far... so I'm still at home and I commute."

The conversation was lively. Jason explained that he was a third generation Greek. His grandfather, Dimitri, had opened a restaurant in Greensboro and his own father, Dimitri Jr., had taken over the business, opening two other restaurants, one in Burlington and the other in High Point. He finished by saying that he was the last of three boys and the only one totally disinterested in the restaurant business.

Jason concluded, "My real drive in life is classical and new age music. I'm really glad my folks sent me to music school when I was seven, because now, eleven years later, I was accepted to come here."

Elijah listened, gazing at Jason. His head was crowned with honey colored curls. He too had plump flutist's lips. He looked athletic, self-assured, and was definitely irresistible.

Talking together, Elijah and Jason were in a kind of bubble, oblivious to what was going on around them. The bubble burst when a friend of Elijah came up and joined in on the conversation. She only had eyes for Jason. Elijah felt a slight sting of jealousy... Whatever... The second part of the speeches was about to began.

Elijah leaned over and whispered, "I'm not staying. I know the rules of the place by heart. What group are you in for the flute studio?"

"Group D"

"Great, me too. We'll see each other tomorrow there at 9:00."

"Yeah, at 9:00," echoed Jason, looking a bit disappointed that Elijah was leaving so soon.

As Elijah was going to stand, Jason whispered, "Wait! Give me your number."

He handed his phone to Elijah. Elijah gave Jason his. As they were punching in their numbers, Jason whispered, "It's been great meeting you!"

"Great for me too..." smiled back Elijah, slipping away.

Walking back home, Elijah beamed. In spite of the humid heat of August beating down on him, he felt light as a feather floating in the breeze. He bumped into his father leaving for work.

"Hi Dad! Guess what! Antinous came to the school this morning and sat down right beside me!"

"Are you having hallucinations?"

"I'll explain later!" giggled Elijah, "See you this evening! Have a good day, Dad!"

"You're back early, dear," remarked Brenda, coming into the kitchen.

"The college welcoming talk isn't much different from the high school one. I left at the end of the break. It was worth going anyway. I think I've found a new friend."

"What's her name?"

"HIS name is Jason. He's new here, a freshman from Greensboro. He plays the flute, and..."

Elijah hesitated, looking for his words.

"And what?" asked Brenda as she unloaded her sack of fresh vegetables on the kitchen table.

"And he looks just like the statue on the mantle in the library -- His family's from Greece."

"Must be a handsome young man..."

"Handsome's not the word. He's... he's unreal. When he came in and sat down beside me, I couldn't believe my eyes."

"Really..." said Brenda, busy at the sink.

"Can I help you wash the vegetables?"

"Of course, dear. It'll help you come back to earth," laughed Brenda.

Mothers are a strange species. They seem to know in advance what's going on in their son's life even before the son knows himself. Brenda didn't ask any questions.

As Elijah was washing the carrots, he said, "Mom..."

"Yes..."

"You know about my problems with other guys. I think it's the competition thing, you know, sports and stuff. I don't care about how popular I am, about how good I am playing my flute, about how many girls crave for me and all that macho bullshit..."

"Elijah!" scolded Brenda, "Watch your language."

"Sorry"

"Get to the point."

"Well, with Jason -- his name's Jason, Jason Kosta -- I feel... I don't know... happy. Yes, I feel happy and, you know, recognized... That's it, recognized. I hope we can become good friends and even play duets together."

Brenda smiled noticing Elijah giving the carrot he was washing a very tell-tale stroke while he talked about his new friend.

"Here, I'll finish the carrots. You can do the radishes, if you want," suggested Brenda.

"Sure. Whatever, we'll see each other tomorrow in the flute studio. I'm anxious to hear how he plays."

"And see if he plays better than you?" teased Brenda.

"Oh! for God's sake, Mom... That's not what I mean," quipped back Elijah, looking daggers at his laughing mother.

Jason decided to avoid Interstate late afternoon traffic and drive back on old 421 to Colfax, then on to West Market and Overlook Street where he lived. He wasn't in a hurry to get home. There would only be the maid, unless she'd already left. He knew she would have left supper in the fridge as usual.

All day long, Elijah had been on Jason's mind. He had spoken with Elijah's friend, Sally. She simply said that Elijah was nice, but had his ways.

"Jason, Elijah's a genuine loner. Sweet as candy, but he's so damn pure, I might even say immature! Gets on my nerves, if you see what I mean..." she said playing it both cool and sexy.

He didn't react.

Later, he thought it was really strange how Elijah had struck him, the way his eyes looked straight into his. He was used to being looked at, playing the game of being cool, or seductive, or stuff like that, but with this guy, it was different.

He thought to himself, "That guy didn't seem to play around. He's powerful just being there. That's it! He was there, there for real!"

The traffic started picking up as he left Guilford and entered West Market.

Jason mumbled, "Oh shit, I nearly forgot to call Haley. She must be chewing on her phone by now. I hate how she needs me all the time... A real pain in the ass."

He turned on the radio, just to get his thoughts back on the positive side. Ten minutes later, he pulled into the driveway, jumped out of the car, and went inside.

"Anybody home?"

Silence

Elijah had finished reading his latest book and went back down to look for another in the library. He stopped and gazed for a long moment at the statue on the mantle. He whispered Jason's name. Caught up in the midst of a totally brand new emotion, a warm glowing feeling rose from inside, deep in his flesh. He trembled ever so slightly, caressing the statue's cheek.

Suddenly, footsteps in the hall announced his father's arrival. Elijah pushed his plumped up penis over to one side and acted like he was looking for a book.

"So, you said Antinous came and sat down beside you this morning," jested Jack, entering the library.

"That's right, Dad! Antinous in person. His real name is Jason Kosta..."

"Well that's big news! Tell me more," joked Jack, taking place in the plush English armchair by the fireplace.

Elijah paced to and fro, giving his father a detailed account of how he and Jason met. He even described the confused feelings that followed.

"I really hope he and I become good friends, Dad. Really!"

"That's the first time I've seen you so excited about another person, Son. I think you are now experiencing a moment of grace. Such deep feelings from the start are the positive omen of a strong relationship in the making."

"But I don't know how to... You know... I'm afraid I might annoy..."

"Just be yourself. Trust your feelings. The rest is up to him. Do you know when you see each other again?"

"Tomorrow morning at the flute studio..."

"As I said, have trust."

"Like when the mockingbird's singing," smiled Elijah.

Laughing a little as he stood, Jack said, "Your grandfather used to say that when I was growing up on the farm. He said that when you hear the mockingbird sing, that means good things are on their way."

"I guess I heard him say that too then... Thanks, Dad, for your help."

"You're always welcome... Don't I get a hug?"

"Of course! and then I'll fix happy hour drinks for you."

"Fix two..." added Jack, opening his arms.

Jason rang up Haley.

"Hi honey, how's life?"

Haley replied, "Horrible! I've been missing you all day long. Is it going to be like this from now own? In high school we were in class together and..."

"Let's not get into that again. We're not married!"

"But we're going steady. Do you really love me, Jason?"

Jason looked to the ceiling and then exclaimed, "Of course I do, but in my book, true love is not an obligation to be stuck together all the FUCKING time."

"You'll never understand me!" whined Haley.

"Do you want me to tell you how my first day in college went or not?" inquired Jason a bit sternly.

"Why are you talking to me like that? You're being mean to me! I've been waiting all day to hear your voice. Why did you tell me not to call! You can't imagine how excruciating it is to not be able to talk to you..."

"I told you I'd either be in class or driving!" spat back Jason.

"You must have had a moment to call me, send me a text!"

"Listen, Haley, I'm tired and hungry! I have to get up early tomorrow to be in the studio at 9:00 AM. Do you understand that there's an hour's drive? In the Winston traffic, like this morning, it can be more. I didn't call for you to cuss me out, so grow up and Good night!"

"JASON! DON'T..."

Jason did. He turned off his phone, sighed, and went to heat up his dinner, mumbling to himself, "She's right, I don't understand her... but what in the hell is there to understand?"

The phone buzzed. Haley, of course... Jason didn't answer. He was tempted to turn the phone off, but thought that Elijah might call.

"Why did I think that?" he said out loud.

The phone buzzed again. Again Haley. Jason immediately cut the call and ate his dinner.

Upstairs, he went through his emails.

"Shit!"

There was a mail from Haley on top of the list. He opened it to fall in front of a selfie of her giving him the finger. Instead of getting angry he laughed, remembering how he liked her to finger-fuck his ass while she gave him head.

He thought to himself, "There's only one solution: become a music-monk, forget women, and marry my flute."

He stripped, brushed his teeth, and got in bed. Taking a last look at his phone, he giggled as he deleted all the Haley messages.

Then he smiled typing an SMS: "good night, glad to see you tomorrow"and sent it to Elijah and turned off the light. Beyond the sound of the air-conditioning blowing , he could hear a distant mockingbird. It made him feel good inside.

His phone beeped. Elijah's message read, "thanks. i'm glad too. :-)"

Jason fell asleep smiling.

Jason had arrived earlier than all the others for fear of being caught in morning traffic. Several girls came into the flute studio room, chatting and laughing until they spotted Jason, then they began whispering and giggling together. Jason turned off his phone and began to open his flute case.

"Hello..."

Jason looked up to see Elijah smiling in front of him.

"Hi..."

Their eyes locked, both faintly smiling.

Indicating the empty seat beside Jason, Elijah whispered, "May I?"

"Sure..."

Elijah admired Jason's flute.

"Nice instrument," shyly stated Elijah.

"It's a Jupiter. I'm satisfied..." replied Jason, awkward, almost shy.

Silence. They were in their bubble again.

"Good morning everybody!" bade Mary-Belle Clayton, their instructor and coach, closing the door behind her. She looked more like a transcontinental truck driver than a world famous musician.

In unison the seven students of group D greeted her with a hearty "Good morning, M'am!" in reply.

Mary-Belle was an Afro-American in her early sixties. She was a sturdy, no nonsense lady, playing her renowned flute not only in the best jazz ensembles known in America but as well as an outstanding soloist of Mozart and Bach with the most prestigious orchestras in Europe. She now enjoyed just being a great helper to young musicians.

"Okay, my sweet little song birds, to begin with, let's get things straight. I don't like to be called M'am, or Miss Clayton, or even Mary-Belle. Call me Belle, that means beautiful in French. Boosts my ego. Okay?

I guess you all are correct flutists. In England they call us flautists... I think that sounds nice and sexy... Here, you are just flutists. With me you've got to be GREAT flutists, but I just want you to know that technique and skill are not my job. My job is Soul! Your personal tutors can take care of your off-notes and fumbling fingers. I'm here to help you discover the monster in you! A monster who loves to make its own rules. Got it? Listen to me! Music is a lot more than just playing the right notes at the right time, trying to get good grades or congratulations from an orchestra director. If your music isn't heart, guts, and fun... sometimes tears, often lust and rarely prayer, then change tracks and leave us alone. What I'm going to dig out of you is not on the score! Whatever be the music, you've got to lose yourself in it and not wait to be told what to do by some long haired genius waving his fairy wand up front. Whoever's directing, you are the one playing. Don't forget that! It's you who give life to a bunch of black spots and lines on the paper in front of you. So, listen to me sweethearts, to begin with, we're going to play a game without scores. Once you've warmed up your sweet pink lips and get some spit in you instruments, I'll give you the rules. Now, Go!" concluded Belle, definitely making her point.

Elijah and Jason exchanged beaming smiles. They were both impressed. The room was suddenly a whirlpool of notes, scales, trills, and hums. Each seemed to have his or her warm-up routine. Lips were licked, glances exchanged, the evident musical mess was followed by a stunning silence as Belle firmly knocked her knuckles on the desk, shouting, "Enough! Now get rid of those chairs and flutes and stand in a circle."

From the center, Belle walked up and inspected each one from head to toe. Some were rewarded with a smile, others were advised to do something with all that hair, all were intimidated.

"Listen... you've got to get used to being looked at as soloists. Know that if it's your aim to just toot your whistle, lost in the middle of a band or even a symphonic orchestra, or something similar, you can change studios and leave us alone."

A sassy looking redhead simply picked up her things and left.

"Bye-bye, honey!" sang Belle as the girl left.

Once she was gone, Belle mumbled, "Poor little bitch... guess I pissed her off bad... It's good she's gone! You're now just six. Perfect!"

There were lots of glances shared as the students shuffled on their feet wondering what was coming up next.

"Okay, let's go to work... Partner up. I want one behind the other and the one behind, I want her -- oops, sorry guys -- or him to give the person in front a shoulder massage to remember."

Jason and Elijah stood steadfast together. Some of the girls nervously giggled as they began using just their fingertips.

"Now get in there and dig the meat, sweeties! Squeeze and knead those shoulders until they are like jelly!"

One girl squirmed, squeaking, "Ouch!"

"Shut-up!" ordered Belle.

Jason began working on Elijah's rather tense shoulders. Immediately the energy flowed between them. Elijah became a bit limp, his eyes closed and a kind of moron's smile spread over his face. Jason was more than attentive to what he was doing. He was totally involved in making Elijah feel good, firmly massaging the shoulders, then the nape of the neck. The others had calmed down. Belle had things under control.

"Okay, sweethearts, now turn around and give your partner an even better feel-good relaxation. Go!"

Jason turned around, waiting for his turn. Elijah stretched, warmed up his hands and didn't hesitate taking Jason in hand. Jason suddenly went weak in the knees. He seemed to purr as he turned his head back and forth, with heavy eyelids. Elijah's strong hands were working miracles. Jason's breathing slowed and deepened as Elijah massaged his neck, taking his time, pouring his soul into Jason's body.

Belle came up to them. Watching Elijah, she winked, smiled, and whispered, "Good job there, your buddy's a lucky boy."

Jason hummed, uttering "That I am, Belle..."

"Okay, enough! Now I want you all to hug each other until I say stop!"

There was a warm silence in the room as the three pairs hugged, and kept on hugging.

"Okay, darlings! That's all. Go get your flutes."

Jason and Elijah were the last to release their hug. They sort of looked at each other with dreamy eyes and went to pick up their instruments.

Once the circle was formed again, Belle continued.

"Now look at the flute in your hand with love. You want to make it moan, hum, quiver, and sing. You want to lick it, taking a deep breath, and give it the best blow job you can. You want to give it love... Do you hear me? I said LOVE, true, passionate L.O.V. E. LOVE.

Only one girl sort of giggled, smiling like a possum. Jason and Elijah glanced at each other and did as she said.

"Now bring that flute to your lips and when I say 'Go', you blow just one note, any note, nice and soft and make it last as long as you can."

"Go!"

A miraculous cloud of sound rose from the circle. All the notes harmonized, forming an unctuous glowing chord. Elijah and Jason were standing nearly should to shoulder and slightly shivered when they both heard they were playing the very same note. Little by little, the girls ran out of breath leaving Jason and Elijah alone, savouring the quivering note they shared to the end.

Belle jubilated!

"See what I mean? LOVE! Now, here's the game. Designating a chubby little blond, Belle said, "Your name's Ann, right? I want you to play just a few notes like a bird and then point your flute at someone in the circle and give your notes to her or him. I want nice little chirping notes. Make it just two or three seconds long. The receiver has to answer the notes, playing a variation, then give it to another, and so on... Got it? Go!"

The game worked. The fourth girl gave her song to Jason who replied with smiling eyes and then bumped Elijah with his shoulder. Elijah seized the song and amplified it looking at Jason. Unable to resist, Jason began improvising with Elijah. It could have been a tiny fragment of a duet by Mozart. When they stopped, the others clapped as they hugged.

Belle strode up to the two and declared, "Girls! I think we've got something going here!"

The room broke out laughing. Jason and Elijah blushed.

"Don't you think, girls, that only guys seem to know how to give decent head!"

There was more laughter as the two brand new best friends grinned and shrugged, still red as beets.

"That's all for this morning, my loves. See you tomorrow for coming attractions. Take care, and be kind to yourselves!"

Belle was covered with applause. The students left. Two of the girls and Elijah knew each other from the high school section. They gave the boys thumbs-up as they left.

Once they were alone in the hall, Elijah asked "What's your next class?"

"Theory 1"

"Me too..."

"Great, let's go together!" exclaimed Jason."

Comparing their schedules, they discovered that they had two more classes together including the last one. During the classes they had together, they sat side by side.

The day flew by and was now over. They left the building.

"It's really hot out here," sighed Jason, "Are you heading home now?"

"Yes, and you?"

"Yeah... I've got some dirty business to do in Greensboro and I want to get over with it."

Discreet as always, Elijah just replied, "That happens..."

"So I guess it's here we say good-bye. I had a great day, Elijah!"

"Me too... Oh, by the way, thank you for the message last night."

"My pleasure, Elijah."

They kept on stalling.

"So, see you tomorrow in the studio."

"Wouldn't miss it for the world. Belle is really something!"

"She's a real traumaturge," added Elijah.

"A what?"

"A traumaturge, a worker of miracles."

"You are too, Elijah. That massage was awesome!"

"Yours was pretty good as well, Jason..."

"I guess we're just the best for each other then, aren't we."

"That's for sure. At least you're good for me... very good," softly asserted Elijah, looking at the ground.

"Really?" replied Jason with a hint of emotion.

"Yes, really..."

"You're the first person to say that to me," whispered Jason.

"I guess there's always a first somebody..."

"I'm glad it's you, man, really, really glad! Wanna hug?"

"Always!"

In spite of the heat, the passers-by, and traffic, they held each other a moment before saying, "Tomorrow!"

Elijah slowly walked back home, full of all that had happened with Jason... "Ah, Jason!" he murmured. At that very instant, a passing car tooted. Jason waved from the open window of his little Chevy Spark. Elijah waved back. He wanted to run, dance, and sing all at the same time!

Jason hadn't touched his phone since the morning when Elijah came in. He dreaded the messages lurking inside, ready to lurch out and bite him. He decided to only think about his first day with Elijah driving back and listen to some uplifting music. He stuck a memory stick in the slot and the first piece that played was one of Wilhelm Friedmann Bach's six flute duets. He listened, dreaming that he and Elijah were playing that together... "Ah, someday maybe we'll be able to do that. Those duets are damn hard... but with work... who knows..."

Finally back home, Jason immediately went up to his room and opened his phone. His fears were confirmed. Haley's venom seemed to seep out of the screen. He didn't even bother listening nor reading. He said to himself, "What the fuck!"

He called.

Haley immediately answered.

"Finally you're not dead! What's going on with you, Jason?"

"It's going on that you and I are over."

"WHAT?" screamed Haley.

"I said OVER! Now, shut up and listen to me and don't utter a goddamn thing! I'm sick and tired of you clinging on to me, strangling me on the end of your leash. I'm not your dog! Got it?"

Haley mumbled something.

"I said shut-up! We had fun while it lasted but now... now..."

"Now WHAT! Get to the point, Jason!" screamed Haley.

"Now, I've fallen in love with another person, and he's absolutely marvelous!"

"HE?"

"Yes, HE!"

"FAGGOT, I'M..."

Smiling, Jason turned off his phone and threw himself on the bed, exhausted and relieved. As he stared at the ceiling, the wildest possible idea dawned on him. He called Elijah.

"Hi, it's me again."

"Hi... something wrong?"

"No, everything perfectly all right, but I need to talk with you... in person... Can I come back to Winston and spend the night with you at your home?"

"You sound really excited. No problem, but you'll have to share my bed... and eat my cooking. Both my parents are at a dinner party with friends of theirs..."

"I'll love both your cooking and sharing your bed. Can I be there, let's say, in an hour? Give me your address..."

Elijah repeated the address and how to get there.

"You're my friend, Elijah! Thanks!"

Elijah ran down the stairs and told his father that Jason was coming to spend the night.

"That's wonderful! You know we're out this evening and you'll have to feed him," informed Jack.

"I've already told him everything. I just wanted you to know that his car will be in the driveway and that he'll be with me at breakfast for you not to be surprised."

"No problem, Son. I'll tell Brenda when she's back."

Elijah was so excited. He went and changed the sheets on his bed, tidied up his room and took a shower, shaved his upper lip, and dressed in his black T-shirt and cutoffs. For some reason he decided to go commando.

The parents left and ten minutes later the front door bell rang.

"Come on in, Jason!"

When things seem to go too fast, with no hang ups, no afterthoughts, that means they had to happen fast. Sometimes, if things that have to happen between people take their time, it's because one or the other isn't ready for them to happen. What was happening between Elijah and Jason happened fast and right on time because both were ready. The earlier this is understood the better it is. In fact, neither Elijah nor Jason actually understood what was happening between them. They just let it happen. That's what you call grace.

Elijah ushered Jason into the library. Jason immediately noticed the bust of Antinous. He said nothing. He looked puzzled staring at the face so similar to his.

"That's weird," uttered Jason.

"That's you, Jason. You've been around for a long, long time. Do you know the story of Antinous?"

"No..."

"If you want, I'll tell you," proposed Elijah.

"Later if you don't mind. I've got stuff I want to tell you first, and it might take some time."

"No problem... Time we've got. Come and help me in the kitchen."

While Elijah was preparing the vegetables for their soup Jason spilled out the whole story about Haley, their sex sessions, his need to be 'unleashed'. He also talked about how his parents and brothers were off to their restaurants all the time, leaving him provided for, but terribly alone. He said he had to choose between music, which was a solitary thing, or going out with friends all the time. Basically he emptied his bucket.

Elijah listened and often uttered, "I understand."

Soon, the soup was ready. While it cooled down, Jason and Elijah made lettuce and tomato sandwiches, standing shoulder to shoulder.

"How is it that you smell so good. I don't recognize the fragrance," inquired Jason.

"When puberty hit in, my mother gave me a mixture of essential oils to dab on my pits and pubic bush. She says cedar, santal, and myrrh enhance male odors, making what usually stinks smell good naturally. She's a yoga teacher, vegetarian and really keen on natural hygiene. She also gave me a good oil for jacking off. I call it my 'happy-cock-oil'. She said it will strengthen and beautify my penis as it grows."

"Did it?"

"I guess so. I never made any comparisons."

"Every guy should have a mother like her. She sounds absolutely fantastic!"

"She is, and my father's wonderful as well!"

Conversation flowed as they ate. After dishes, Elijah said, "There's a park close by. How would you like to go for a walk. The night's so balmy. I like to walk at night."

"Let's go!"

Strolling in the park, enjoying the cool of the evening, the two laughed, commenting the fireflies and the scent of mown grass. It seemed quite natural as they walked when Jason took Elijah's hand.

"What's the story about my twin on the mantle?" asked Jason.

Elijah told the story of Antinous and Hadrian. Jason listened attentively till the end. His only comment was, "I'm not a god, nor do I want to die young... but I understand their love. Except I'd never fall in love with a big shot like an Emperor. I'm in love with you."

"What?" uttered Elijah.

"I said I'm in love with you."

That sentence hit Elijah like a strike of lightning.

Jason continued, "I told Haley I loved you. I fell in love with you yesterday morning when I sat down beside you. Your presence is powerful, at least for me. There! In fact that's what I wanted to tell you from the beginning."

Elijah tried to say something, but nothing came out. They stopped walking. Elijah squeezed Jason's damp hand, released it, and then turned to face him. Ever so slowly, Elijah's face drew closer to Jason's. Their lips met. Suddenly they grabbed each other, kissing, pressing together their hard cocks straining in their shorts. Elijah seized Jason's head. He kissed Jason's mouth, his neck, burying his velvet face in the nape of Jason's neck. Jason grasped Elijah's buttocks, squeezing them, pulling him closer. Their confused unspoken feelings finally surfaced in a gust of delight.

Elijah burst out laughing, nearly shouting, "I love you too, Jason, and I've only known you for a day... be it's that our souls met centuries ago and our bodies finally... Oh, I don't know what I'm saying. I'm dizzy! I understand nothing... and I don't care. You are here and so am I, so..."

"So let's let it happen. We can't stop it... Let's..."

"Let's go now Jason! Come on!" exclaimed Elijah, grabbing Jason's hand. Together they ran back to the house, their feet barely touching ground.

They fell on Elijah's bed, breathless.

"Do you want to...?"

"Yes!"

Grabbing each other, they began wallowing, writhing together, groping, kissing as if every cell of their flesh was craving to meld as one. Jason almost ripped Elijah's T-shirt over his head and began kissing his nipples. Elijah fumbled with Jason's belt. Elijah's cock popped out as Jason opened his cutoffs. Jason got off the bed. As Elijah pulled off his shoes, socks, and cutoffs, Jason kicked off his loafers, shed his shirt, bermudas and Calvin Kleins. Elijah, kneeling nude on the bed told Jason, "Don't move. Just stand there and let me admire."

Jason's bobbing cock drooled a thin thread of gleaming precum. Elijah stared, spellbound.

"I am yours, Elijah..." said Jason, crawling on the bed.

Their naked bodies were swept away in a tornado of erotic frolicking. They reveled in a chaos of fresh sheets and sweaty flesh, licking and kissing whatever their mouths could find. They tasted like lust. They licked the slick oozing out of each other's cock, grabbed the shafts then sucked on the glans, and sucked even more, deeper and deeper. Shivering in the heat of the night, they rolled to and fro, never releasing their hold. Their abdomens hardened, their legs flailed as the inevitable ejaculating convulsions shook them together. Gushes of semen flowed, filling their mouths, their throats, their souls.

Laying there, panting, Elijah spun around to Jason's face. They kissed, sharing the residual semen lingering in their mouths.

Tears brimmed in Jason's eyes as he whispered, "I love your taste, your smell, your heartbeat... "

"Beating only for you, Jason! You are my first."

They laid for a long moment in silence, face to face, drowning in each other's eyes, their cocks delicately crossing, their hands gently wandering.

Jason then whispered, "You know, Elijah, I dream of us playing a duet together."

"Something you have in mind?"

"One of Wilhelm-Friedemann Bach's six duets..."

"Wow... Don't you think that's a bit too hard?"

"I like it hard," giggled Jason, gently stroking Elijah's now very erect cock.

"Hard like this?" replied Elijah, squeezing Jason's attentive erection.

"Yeah, hard like that..."

Their nimble fingers deftly worked wonders of orgasmic bliss until they overflowed again. They slowly drifted asleep, tenderly holding each other's cock in sticky hands, breathing each other's sweet breath.

Several hours later, a ray of dawning light bathed their nude bodies, elegantly abandoned, enlaced in the tousled sheets.

"Good morning..." mumbled Elijah.

"Morning already?"

"Yes, already," replied Elijah, kissing the tip of Jason's nose.

"Well, if it's like that, let's go take a piss and a shower together," giggled Jason, jumping out of bed, pulling Elijah by the arm.

Under the flow of the shower they vigorously washed each other. Elijah told Jason about his cabin in the woods by a babbling creek. He told him how secluded it was, surrounded by tall hardwood trees.

"I've got to go up there this weekend to finish bringing my supply of firewood with my pickup. What about coming with me? It's only an hour's drive."

"Of course I'm coming!"

Entering the breakfast room, the boys were splendidly glowing with that certain light of youth in love.

"Mom, Dad, here's Jason..."

Jason smiled.

"I see what you mean about your friend and Antinous, Elijah. He's gorgeous. I'm Jack," stated Elijah's father, holding out his hand. Jason shook it as Brenda stated, "I'm Brenda, Elijah's mother."

"Honored to meet you,"

Then looking a Brenda, Jason added, 'M'am. Elijah told me that it's you who gave him his wonderful scent. It's nice to be around a guy who doesn't stink nor smell like cheap aftershave!"

"Would you like the same for yourself, Jason? It wouldn't emit the same fragrance as Elijah's because of your different skin textures, but it would give your natural odor an appealing scent like it does on Elijah."

Jason glanced at Elijah. Elijah nodded, smiling.

"That would be great, M'am! Thank you very much."

"Has Elijah already showed you how to use it?" inquired Brenda.

"Yes M'am, just after our shower..."

"Perfect"

They enjoyed breakfast and chatted about Jack's teaching and Brenda's yoga. Elijah informed them that he and Jason were going up to the cabin for the weekend.

Jack said, "That's great. I'm glad that my loner of a son has found at last a good companion with whom he can share things he enjoys -- a friend to stand by."

"Thank you, Sir. I love him a lot!"

"That we can tell," said Brenda.

"Thank you M'am... Elijah and I are going to work on a duet together, and maybe even form a duo..."

Elijah nodded, beaming.

Jack and Brenda exchanged a smile and expressed their congratulations.

"Jason, we've got to get on our way. Can't be late for Belle's studio! She'd eat us alive!" warned Elijah.

"You're right! Thank you again for the breakfast!"

"Whenever you want, Jason. You're always welcome at our table," Jack said as they left.

Friday came. Elijah had bought food, some fine wine, extra candles, etc. He packed a change of clothes, toiletries, and the tiny vial of scented oil Brenda gave him for Jason.

Classes were over at 4:00 PM. Jason left his car in the Crawford's driveway and climbed with Elijah in the pickup. The weather was clear, moderately hot, and even if the traffic was dense, spirits were high.

The past three and a half days had been hard but worthwhile for Jason. He finally had a discussion with his parents who, in fact, didn't care that much if he were gay or not. His middle brother even admitted that he had 'walked on the wild side' a few times and enjoyed it. As for Haley, she had calmed down enough for them to finalize the end of their relationship by finally having an almost adult talk together. Having realized that Jason was a lost cause for her, she was back in touch with a less handsome ex-boyfriend, a terribly mainstream Business Major, much preferred by her parents.

Of course, Jason and Elijah had long love talks on the phone at night, stole kisses whenever they felt the need, and excelled in their studies. They had become Belle's pets. When they told her about their project of working on the W.F. Bach's duets together she replied, "Lovebirds! Aren't you afraid you're biting off more than you can chew?"

She broke down laughing when Jason replied, "We're very oral, M'am. No harm in trying..."

"Shut-up! You're stealing my heart, you two! Whatever, if you need any advice, about the score I mean, you know where to find me. Good luck... and be careful with the teeth..."

Elijah parked the truck in its usual place at the end of the road.

"The cabin's just around the bend of the path down there. Can you handle the linens while I take the grocery sack?"

"No problem, Elijah!"

Inside the cabin, Jason was all eyes. He looked around and then, said, "Elijah! It's exactly what I've always dreamed of but didn't know I was dreaming it! I am in heaven, standing here in this PERFECT place with a very PERFECT person! Grab me before I pass out!"

Laughing, Elijah swept Jason off his feet and dumped him on the table. Jason pulled Elijah on top of him and began smothering his face with kisses. Elijah kissed back, hunching Jason, humming and laughing.

Pulling himself out of Jason's arms, Elijah stated, "Sorry, but we've got to light the fire, dry out the air in here, stash the food, and make the bed. After that, while the cabin's heating up, we can go to the waterfall, strip, skinny-dip and carry on what we've started. We both need it bad!"

"You are so wise, Elijah! I'll gather the kindling. Where do you keep the firewood?"

"Out back," replied Elijah, unpacking the groceries.

Ten minutes later, there was a beautiful fire roaring in the fireplace. Elijah had made the bed in the loft and was sweeping the floor while Jason dusted.

After the chores, they both stood smiling.

"I feel the place is happy having us here," remarked Elijah, holding Jason's hands in his.

"All three of us are happy, me, you, and the cabin Elijah! I couldn't want myself anywhere else!"

"And the waterfall?" reminded Elijah, grabbing the bottle of liquid soap his mother made.

"Let's go!"

Walking downstream, Jason seemed worried.

"Are there bears around here, Elijah?"

"Sure, lots of them. I have to fight them off whenever I come to fetch a pail of water, jumping over the rattlesnakes. Why? Is that a problem?" calmly stated Elijah, looking back at Jason over his shoulder.

"Tell me you're JOKING, Elijah!! You're joking aren't you?"

"Of course, I'm joking! But we need to be careful anyhow. I never tempt the bears leaving garbage outside and I keep an eye out for snakes. On the other hand, if I'm lucky, I spot a shy deer or even a fox in the early morning hours, Also, there are rabbits and squirrels galore, as well as all kinds of birds, butterflies, and other little friends in the neighborhood."

"I like that better!"

"We're almost there. Do you hear the rush of the water."

The creek widened, blocked by a smooth slab of rock, a ledge over which fell the water several feet beneath.

"I love this place, Jason!"

"I can understand."

Jason instinctively felt the sacredness of such a space. He slowly, almost ceremoniously took off his shoes and then his clothes. Elijah did the same. They stood admiring each other, nude on the board of the slab; like young gods surveying their realm. The reflected light of the waters glittering below danced on their skin.

"One, two, three!," shouted Elijah grabbing Jason's hand, and "Whoopee!" in the water they leaped, tumbling and rollicking around, splashing, laughing with boyish glee.

"Let's soap up!"

Scrambling back up on the rock, Elijah poured some of the liquid soap in his hand and began to rub, scrub, and shampoo Jason standing there with his arms in the air. Then it was Elijah's turn to be treated the same from head to toe. Both were getting hard, carefully washing together each other's cut cocks and slightly shriveled balls. Then they ran and jumped again, cutting up in the swirling water.

Back on the warm rock Elijah stretched out on his back. Jason looked dreamy eyed at Elijah as he sat really close. Elijah's hand absent-mindedly caressed Jason's back. Jason looked down and admired the droplets of water glittering in Elijah's pubic bush, his brilliant lavender pink glans seeking the sun. Such a perfect moment was irresistible.

The sounds of falling water and the delightful humming of Jason and Elijah slurping, sucking each other's cock, surrounded them with the music of love in the making. They took their time, savoring the rising thrill churning deep down inside. Their hands wandered, they licked balls, rimmed with eager tongues and fingers, massaging, penetrating each other's winking, yearning anus, their bodies shivering with delight. There seemed to be no end to their discoveries of new energies, feeding with pleasure their love, their souls, their newfound beings together.

Their duet of flesh rose in crescendo to an orgasmic climax. Their young cocks quenched the thirst of each for the other. The spicy scent of their pits floated in the air, enriching the fragrances of wildflowers and moss. Their gloriously spent bodies, sprawled together, gleamed in the inclining light. A gossamer-winged dragon fly hovered above them, apparently attracted by their presence.

"Does it sting?" asked Jason, cupping his sex.

"No... It's just gazing wide-eyed at our happiness."

"You have the nicest answers to everything, Elijah..."

"A last quick dip and then back to the cabin?"

"Yes, we've got to keep all our fires burning!" replied Jason, grinning.

"That's right! All our fires..." confirmed Elijah, as they skipped up the path, naked and pure, lithe as the Uranian lads in ancient times lost.

Back home, Elijah revived the fire blowing on the bed of coals and lit a lamp on the table. All was nice and cosy inside..

"This is like heaven for me, Elijah. In our house in Greensboro, the windows are never open. The air-conditioners rule. The kitchen is like a NASA launching station and even the toilet squirts some kind of stuff called air-purifier in your face every time you take a pee. Everything is fake: fake wool carpets, fake marble in the bathrooms, plastic shutters, fake gas fires with fake logs in the fake stone fireplace, fake candles in the candelabras."

Elijah laughed to tears with Jason's rant about modern American homes. He was a real comedian!

"Here, all I see is real. The lamplight's a real flame, the fireplace is real stone, the logs are genuine logs burning sweet smelling wood, the floor is covered by real quarried flagstones. The food you're preparing on the table looks real: organic country baked bread, dirty potatoes, the eggs still have some chicken shit on them and each tomato has a look of its own... By the way, what's on the menu?"

"Spanish omelette, with red Virginia wine and Brenda's best homemade pineapple pie."

"Heavens almighty!"

Jason found the plates and glasses as well as the cutlery.

"Are these cloth napkins?"

"Yes, we don't use paper napkins... Didn't you notice it at breakfast the other morning?"

"I was too impressed by your parents and a bit under the charm of our first night together..."

"We were a bit out of it... or in it, depends on the point of view! Ha! The cork screw's in the drawer at the end of the table and the wine's in the cupboard. Pour us each a full glass. I feel it's happy hour and I want to celebrate!"

"Coming right up! Where's the sink?"

"In the tin bucket on the hearth."

"That's right! I forgot! Here, you have to fight off the bears and jump over the rattlesnakes to go draw the water in the creek," laughed Jason.

The dinner was delicious.

In the last lingering glow of twilight, they both went to the stream to do the dishes.

"Jason, do you want us to give the duet a try?"

"To be honest, I'd prefer cuddling with you in front of the fire, with some more wine, and just talk..."

"About what?"

"I'd like to hear you talk about yourself."

"And you?"

"Me? There's not much to say. I'm the typical upper middle class preppy teen who has always done what was expected of him -- except becoming a musician, ha!"

"For me you're simply special!"

"And for me, Elijah, you are... In fact, I don't know how to say it..."

"Try"

"You are unique, powerfully unique and I can't figure that out."

Elijah laughed.

"Okay, I'll try to talk about me... but it's only because I love you!" replied Elijah.

Some more wood was chucked on the fire. Jason brought the wine bottle and glasses while Elijah put a pile of wool-stuffed cushions on the floor. They cuddled up side by side staring at the fire, silent as the night.

Then Elijah took a sip of wine and softly said, "Jason, I'm a loner, an only child, and I've never spoken my soul to anybody, except maybe to the trees out there, the moon, a night bird, or my flute. In fact I'm grateful that you prodded me, so I could start sharing my thoughts and dreams with you, Jason, like I started learning love."

"I'm listening."

"I read all kinds of books, but mostly poetry. My problem is that I feel like I live in a world of dream thieves. School, church, TV, the internet, the pressure on me to 'belong' to a group, and a lot of other stupid stuff like that steal my dreams."

"What do you mean by 'steal'?"

Poets, artists, crazy people are the author of their own dreams. Most people get their own dreams stolen and replaced by readymade dreams: Salvation, success, 'find a girl and settle down', go-to-the-country-club kind of stuff. You want to see the world? The first thing you think of is a cruise to Europe to see only what they show you, even explaining it. No surprise, only security. That kind of life, the way I see it, is dream thievery."

"I see... sounds like you're talking about my family!"

"The dreams we are supposed to dream are dangerous: Fathers must be proud of their sons killed at battle, on the 'field of honor' for the sake of some abstraction called Nation, Patria, etc. I think that National Greatness is a fairy tale just tp make people excited about themselves."

"I see that you consider the American way of life bullshit... I fear that to a certain extent you're right... I see that readymade dreams don't make us happy. My grandfather fled Greece during the fascist times in the seventies. He came here with wife and infant son, my father. He worked his ass off, became a big shot in the restaurant business. My mom and dad extended my Pappou's 'success'."

"Pappou?"

"That's Greek for grandfather... Three years ago, my father found his father in a pool of blood in his office. He had shot himself in the head. In his fist there was an old photo of the tavern my great-grandfather ran on Mykonos, the island where the Kosta family came from... My 'pappou' believed in the American dream and the American dream killed him."

"Poor man... On my side, my father told me that his father, my Grandpa Crawford, told him that when he came back alive from Viet Nam his dreams were wounded, nothing had a meaning anymore... So he decided to no longer have anything to do with our society. He stopped going to church, never bought a newspaper, destroyed the TV, and turned the farm into an organic vegetable garden. They didn't have much money because they didn't need money. They had food, love, and fun. Grandpa's aim was to live without harming life. Rid the farm of expensive chemicals poisoning food. No more violence, no more lies about sin... Dad said that there were all kinds of hippy kind of kids drifting by, helping in the fields, making love, singing, reciting poems. My mother was one of them. He said that one day, when the sheriff came by to control everybody, my very pacifist grandfather gave him hell! He was known to have a temper that made the devil himself shiver. That man was a real dreamer. He had healed his wounded dreams and had found happiness. He even died in his sleep with a smile on his face. Only our dreams give us the real meaning of who and what we are..."

Elijah was speaking as if he were elsewhere, gazing in the fire.

"Without dreams, without seeing the world like a beautiful dream, there would be no music, no poetry, no meaning, no real love. I don't dream my life. I live in my dreams. They are my deepest reality, Jason."

"Am I a dream?"

"Yes! Absolutely yes... I believe that the Big Invisible Dream that put life on -- and in -- this planet made me realize that love, real love, in the flesh, is the ultimate beauty that exists. When I began to shoot off, I used to look, gaze, stare at the statue you saw on the mantle in our library. I dreamed that I was hearing the ancient dreams that the beautiful guy was dreaming. He was dreaming of love -- and that dream became YOU."

Jason was awestruck.

"You see, Jason, a dream is just a different kind of reality. You are real. You are love, but you are more. You are a dream of yourself and so am I. Like Shakespeare wrote, 'We are the stuff dreams are made of'. Loving each other, the thieves of dreams can't reach us. In our flesh and blood and sperm and laughter we become very REAL and our music, like our lovemaking, is the echo of that reality."

There was a moment of silence, then Elijah laughed... "Wow, I talk a lot! Must be the wine."

Jason pulled Elijah close up to him and said, "I drink your every word."

"And, Jason, I'm going to drink you! Let's get in bed."

Outside the night was a ballet of lightning bugs and moonlight. Marveled, standing side by side, the dreamers pissed to the stars with a special gleam twinkling in their eyes.

"Isn't that a mocking bird singing out there?" remarked Jason, shaking the drop off his cock.

Elijah replied, shaking his as well, "Yes it is, and he's singing just for us!"

The lovers crawled out of bed at the break of dawn. They were going into town to buy another load of dry firewood for the winter. Jason cooked breakfast while Elijah tidied up the woodshed.

Happy, full of energy, off they drove. Once the wood was piled in the pickup, Elijah asked, "Would you like us to barbecue some chicken tonight. I know a place where we can buy a good, farm-fed and ready to cook young chicken. I also know how to make a wicked sauce. We can bake some potatoes too."

"I thought you were vegetarian..."

"Brenda's vegetarian. I'm not my mother!"

"I noticed..." replied Jason, giggling.

"I hope so! Listen, it's early. We can buy the chicken, unload the wood, make sandwiches, and be free until happy hour. I'll do dinner in the fireplace."

"Sounds great to me!"

By eleven the firewood was neatly stacked in the shed. They each devoured a huge sandwich and went to the waterfall to wash off the dust and sweat from themselves as well as their shorts and T-shirts.This time, they took with them a big beach towel, soap, and the scented oil. Elijah also grabbed the little vial of 'happy cock oil' he kept in the cabin.

The crystalline waters of the pool was deliciously cool. Jason and Elijah rinsed their clothes, then shampooed, and scrubbed each other laughing. They rinsed, slithering their slick skins together, dunking in the little pool.

Suddenly Elijah whispered, "Hush, listen, there's our mockingbird calling."

Jason immediately whistled back, like at Belle's first exercise with the flutes in the studio. Together, back and forth Jason, Elijah, and the mockingbird carried on a melodious conversation. After a moment, the bird flew circling over them and then disappeared.

"Wow, that was fun! He's giving us loads of positive vibrations, Jason. Our wishes are going to happen!"

"What do you wish now, Elijah?" asked Jason climbing out of he pool.

"I'll tell you up there after we dry off and dab each other with the 'smell-good' oil."

"Is it that complicated to say?"

"Sort of. Tell me what you wish, Jason."

"I'll tell you after you tell me."

"Fair enough!"

They towelled each other. Elijah anointed Jason's pits and pubes with drops of mixed essential oil. At the same time Jason caressed Elijah's rump. Both were very erect.

"Your skin is so soft..." uttered Jason.

"The water here is so pure and so full of energy that it softens the skin -- and the heart.

"I see. Let me do you now..." dreamily replied Jason picking up the vial.

"You smell like nature itself, Jason..." uttered Elijah.

Jason smiled, then uttered, "This is a very beautiful moment."

"Yes, it is, Jason..."

"So, tell me, what is your wish?"

Elijah swallowed, then simply said, "I want you to fuck me."

"I want to fuck you too, but I'm afraid I'll hurt you."

"I don't care if it hurts, Jason. It's you, you and me, you in me and that's what matters, and I've got my 'happy-cock-oil' with me," softly replied Elijah.

"Do we fuck here or in the bed up in the cabin?"

"On the towel, over there in the shade," was Elijah's direct answer.

Male bodies conceal treasures of ecstasy that few dare to discover. Jason and Elijah were on the verge of living that miracle.

Jason's instinctive tongue delighted Elijah's anus. His fingers softly massaged the anal ring, urging it to open, driving Elijah mad with lust.

"Do it now, Jason, please..."

Jason anointed his drooling cock, mixing the oil with his own natural precum.

Prostatic bliss sparkled, gently exploding throughout Elijah's quivering flesh as Jason's elegant cock slid in. Elijah gasped, then moved a bit, adjusting himself to the glowing presence inside him.

Jason's body gently undulated on its own, his cock, throbbing in Elijah, vibrated with new sensations as Elijah's most intimate muscles clenched and released it ever so gently. He moaned. He then slowly slipped out whispering in Elijah's ear, "Turn over on your back and spread your legs. I want to see your eyes, kiss your lips."

Elijah beamed as he gracefully rolled over and pulled his legs to this chest. Jason's glans immediately found the precious opening and slid back in. Jason was at home inside Elijah. Elijah pulled Jason's mouth to his, letting him know how welcome he was to be there.

Their love making flowed with ascending energy. Bliss slowly became rising ecstasy as they began to lose control. Something stronger than themselves invaded them as they clenched each other in a tempest of reckless abandon. Then exploding like a dying star, Jason screamed, spewing his cum deep inside Elijah, like flashes of liquid lightning. He then collapsed, wide-eyed, mouth agape. Entangled, they panted, catching their breath. A midday breeze sang in the swaying trees. Jason's spent cock slowly slipped out of Elijah. They rubbed their sweaty cheeks together.

Elijah managed to utter, "I love you fucking me, Jason. I saw stars in a clear blue sky!"

Jason cradled Elijah in his arms, covering his face with kisses, purring, "Whenever you can, I need you in me too. I need to feel your love dancing inside me."

"Let's take a dip, cool off some, and go back up to the loft. It's too hot here now. You'll have to help me fuck you. You have experience. I don't..."

"Elijah, what I've just lived with you, no girl ever made me feel it! Never ever. My energy echoed in you as your energy fed my cock instead of emptying it like females do, and now you have more experience than I in being fucked! I won't need to help you. I trust that our Big Invisible Dream will be there to accompany us again..."

"And again and again," sang Elijah, standing.

"Not too sore?"

"So what?" declared Elijah running, cock flailing, with Jason behind. Together they jumped, grabbing each other in the midair. Splash!

Back in the cool of the cabin, they tossed their damp clothes aside and climbed the ladder.

Young, fresh hormones seem to always be ready. Elijah's were no exception. Jason laid on his back, abandoned relishing Elijah's caresses, his kisses. Elijah discovered the pleasures of rimming and when his finger entered, Jason almost giggled thinking about how clumsily Haley had done that.

Elijah continued. Jason slowly was spellbound by Elijah's loving. He was like an infant discovering fire. His breath shortened. He writhed like a snake. Elijah now had two, maybe three fingers dancing inside him.

"Good God, Elijah! Give me your cock!"

Nothing was more simple. Elijah fucked Jason with glee, constantly humming, discovering, grunting, sometimes panting. They fucked in perfect unison together, faster, deeper, wilder until it hit them both!

Their shared orgasm was mind-blowing. Jason shot off, wad after wad of creamy cum on Elijah's convulsing belly. Elijah thrusted again and again, emptying his body and soul into Jason, up to the very last drop.

It was not only physical rapture that enthralled them. It was the explosive revelation of the power of love, baring their souls soaring in light.

Nothing was said for a long moment as they held on to each other. Elijah's cock slowly deflated and slid out.

"God that was beautiful, Elijah. Fuck me as much as you want!"

"Let's always take turns."

"Yeah, we'll take turns..." echoed Jason, satiated.

"Want to make music, now that we're tuned?" whispered Elijah nibbling Jason's ear.

Jason burst out laughing. Patting Elijah's buttocks, he declared, "Definitely tuned! Let's get to it!"

The duet was fabulous. Jason and Elijah were amazed themselves. Of course it needed a lot of polishing, but the essence was there: lust, love, and light. They played as long as they could..

"Funny, my flute sounds richer," remarked Elijah.

"With all our cocksucking, our lips are blowing better and better!"

Elijah looked dreamy-eyed at Jason and nodded, "You're right..."

The barbecued chicken, potatoes, and pie were devoured in a flash. After doing the dishes behind the cabin, they went for a little walk upstream.

"Jason, I don't know what I want most this evening: sleep, play music with you, or fuck."

"Let's put it this way: play music, suck, and sleep."

"Yeah, sucking's better. As you remarked, fellatio's good for the lip and tongue muscles. It's a way to work on our music too." giggled Elijah.

"Well analyzed, my dear Master Crawford..." jested back Jason.

Whatever, the duet was even better, so was the lazy sixty-nine, and their night's sleep, absolutely divine.

Sunday began with a hearty breakfast, followed by some very healthy fucking. Elijah was perfect as the morning top. Then it was Jason's turn to honor Elijah with infinite tenderness. Afterwards, they ran to the pool, bathed and returned to polish duet number one. After a cuddly nap, they closed down the cabin, agreeing to return the following weekend. During the drive back, they both were quiet, very quiet.

Jack and Brenda were home. Elijah and Jason excitedly told them about the great time they had, and how their duet was taking shape.

"Jason, do you have time to stay for dinner and play the duet with Elijah for us?"

Elijah shouted, "Please say yes!"

Beaming, Jason replied, "I'd be glad to! Thank you so much!"

As they were running up the steps to their room, Elijah said, "You're staying overnight then!"

"Of course..."

Jason looked at the time on his phone and then said, "I'll call the restaurant and tell them not to worry."

They washed up, and came back down with their flutes for 'happy hour'.

Watching the boys play, listening to the miracle of their music, Brenda's eyes brimmed with tears. Jack sat there, stunned. At the end, no one clapped.

"What's wrong?" asked Elijah, worried. Jason waited.

"Nothing's wrong, my boy!" exclaimed Jack, "Hell, you were great! We loved it! Both of you are great together. Your bond is uncanny. We didn't want to break the spell you two cast upon us by clapping! We didn't dare, and..."

Brenda cut in, "And you two are absolutely gorgeous together. How am I going to let Jason go? Tell me Jack, how can it be possible?"

The boys stood there dumbfounded.

Jack replied, "Dear, you're going to have to let them go someday, but for the time being, would you like to move in with us, Jason? What do you think, Elijah?"

"Euh... euh... I say, say, Goodness Gracious WOW!"

All three looked at Jason. His cheeks were wet with shameless tears.

"I'd love to, Sir. I love Elijah and..."

"I love Jason. I mean real love..." continued Elijah.

"We already knew that, Son," stated Brenda, "Didn't we, Jack?"

Jack nodded.

Jason then asked, "Would you accept my gas money as my contribution for groceries, M'am?"

"Of course, Jason; you've got a deal, now I've got to go fix dinner!" stated Brenda, "and you guys, don't get too drunk!"

Jack took out three glassed and the bottle of Jameson whiskey out of the liquor cabinet saying, "And now, we celebrate the creation of the 'Duo Eromenoi'!

"Eromenoi?" uttered Elijah.

"For your general culture, that's the name the ancient Greeks gave young male lovers. Elijah, you know where the ice cubes are, and you, Jason, come over here and give me a big hug."

Postlog

Jason's family told their son that he was lucky to have found Elijah. When the four parents met, they all agreed that their sons made a great couple.

When they played for Belle, she nearly had an orgasm.

"Sweety pies, what in the hell are you two doing, wasting your time and money in this stupid school? You belong on stage already... on stage and in a recording studio. You two are so much in love, it's contagious. Seeing and listening to you, I got all wet... at my age! Listen, fellows, I got a deal to make with you. If you can get through the six duets -- that means an hour of music to learn and play like absolute gods, I'll get a concert organized and have a video made with an interview to show you off to the big bad world of music! And believe you me, I know most of the guys who run that world, and I ain't kidding!"

The concert was held just after New Year's.

Jason and Elijah kept their part of the deal and so did Belle. They soon had an agent who lined up a series of dates for them.

They had no more time for college. After Trump's election, they moved 'out of this world' into the cabin to live as independent citizens of the world. They were either on tour or secluded in their woodland home, composing their own music.

They chose to keep the way Jack named their duo: "Eromenoi" and the first album of duets they composed carried the title, "Mockingbird".

Pictures of the cabin and the boys (pdf) are available upon request.