Disclaimers: Please see Chapter one. You know who you are.
They drove back to the motel and carried Joey's things into the room. They laid on the bed, Stephen holding Joey tightly, discussing what they should do now. There were things that had to be done before that could begin their new life together. Joey still had to get his paycheck from Mr. James. And they had to pack everything in Stephen's car for the trip back. They decided to get Joey's paycheck first. That would be the easiest. Go in, grab the check and get the hell out. But when they walked into the Sandwich Shoppe, someone was waiting for them. This would not be easy at all.
Chapter 12
Joey led the way into the store. Two steps into the room, his feet turned to concrete and his heart stopped. Stephen, not anticipating Joey's brakes, nearly ran over him. Stephen looked past him to see an older man standing five feet in front of Joey. He recognized the face. His heart broke for Joey, and at the same time his anger surged. He clenched his fists. His face darkened. Before him stood the one person who had hurt his Joey more than anyone else in the world. And as much as he wanted revenge on this stranger, he knew that what he wanted more than anything was for Joey to feel safe. They would get through this together, just as they had that morning with Ruth.
"Well, well, hello Joey."
"Hi, Jim. Stephen, this is my step father, Jim Thompson. Jim, this is Stephen Andrews, a friend of mine."
"How'd ya do?" They shook hands. "You look much older than Joey, how do you know him?"
"We met here when I was getting a sandwich. We became friends from there." Stephen chose his words carefully. After all, he now had a "son" that he had to teach. This was going to be their first lesson together - try not to lie.
"Uh, huh," was the questioning reply from Thompson. It was clearly obvious that the animosity that had formed between Jim and Joey had solidified into mutual hatred and distrust. Anything that had to do with Joey would be met with doubt from the old man.
"I was just talking to Mr. James, Joey, and he tells me that you quit yesterday. Is that right, boy?"
"Yes, sir."
"Well, what a stupid ass thing for you to do! But coming from you, that doesn't surprise me."
The anger built more in Stephen. He didn't want anyone talking to Joey that way, but he felt he still couldn't interfere. To do so would cause the confrontation that had to be avoided for Joey's sake. Joey had been through hell once already today. His mom had to be told. He loved and respected her too much, but Jim Thompson was another story.
Last night, Joey had told him stories that Stephen found incredible. He had told of the jealousy that went on in his relationship with Jim. As Joey got older, he realized that his step father resented him for having known and loved his mother longer that he had. He talked of times that Joey had wanted his mother to watch some sport or school function that he was in, but his step father had actually wanted her to not go. Stephen was amazed that the two had never tried to harm each other, and he wondered why Joey hadn't left sooner.
For Joey, on the other hand, this opportunity was the light at the end of the tunnel. He was on his way out of town, and he was ready to burn the bridge.
"I've had it with you. You act like you own me - but you don't. You hated me from the minute you met me. You considered me your son only when it was convenient for you. You've called me a brat to my face, and I'm sure worse behind it. You weren't there for me when I needed someone. You only cared about your own boys and ignored me. But I'm through with this. I saw Mom this morning and told her that I had decided to move out. I don't want to live under your stinking roof and I sure as hell don't live by your rules. I'm gone."
Thompson was furious. This snot-nosed kid was not going to get away with humiliating him in public. Thompson reached for Joey to drag him outside and home. As he grabbed the collar of Joey's shirt, another hand reached out and grabbed Thompson's wrist, twisting it away. Stephen's pressure forced Thompson to release Joey's shirt. With his other hand, Stephen pushed Joey behind him. Thompson was going to have to go through Stephen if he wanted to get a hold of Joey. Stephen very calmly spoke in a quiet voice, "I think we should all step outside for some fresh air after Joey has finished his business with Mr. James."
Stephen led Thompson outside. He kept his body between the two men until Thompson was facing the door and Joey was headed to the back of the store. Then Stephen released Thompson's wrist. They stood on the sidewalk of the parking lot, not saying a word, waiting for Joey's return. Each one watched the other carefully, neither one trusting to turn their back. Thompson finally looked to Stephen and ended whatever imagined chance of reconciliation there might have been.
"How come you stand up for that little faggot?"
The words timed out with Joey's exit from the store. He heard every word clearly. And before Stephen could even think to respond, Joey finished the conversation in one sentence.
"It's none of your business because now I'm his `little faggot'!" If Joey could have, fireballs would have shot out of his eyes. Stephen moved to Joey's side, ready to stop any advance Joey might have made towards the now-shocked Thompson. "Now I know what you've been saying behind my back. Have you ever told Mom that, I'm sure she would be interested in knowing about it." Joey took advantage of Thompson's blunder. He knew that one word to Ruth would bring hell to pay. With that knowledge, he knew that he didn't have to do anything. He felt Stephen step even closer to him, the physical contact causing him to calm down. Joey turned to Stephen, kissing him on the cheek for show, saying, "I'm finished here. We can leave."
They climbed into Stephen's car as Thompson watched them walk away, too stunned to move. As Stephen fired the engine, he cautioned Joey, "Don't stoop to his level. Be better than him."
The years of frustration and pain showed, represented by the tears welling in Joey's eyes, as Stephen backed the car out of the parking space. As the car pulled over of the parking spot, the passenger door drew even with Thompson, and for the last time Joey looked at the man who had been such a great disappointment. They stared at each other, Joey with hatred, Thompson with disgust. Stephen accelerated the car, quickly turning onto the highway. Thompson was gone from Joey's life.
Chapter 13
They arrived back at the motel about noon. Stephen parked the car where it couldn't be seen from the highway. They walked back to the room. Stephen opened the door for Joey. When the door closed, Stephen grabbed his love and brought him once again inside the safety of his arms. Joey wrapped his arms around Stephen lifelessly. He didn't cry, he didn't shake, he really didn't move at all. He rested his head on Stephen's right shoulder, turning his head away from him. Only occasionally did Joey take a deep breath. It was impossible for Stephen to see or feel what might be going on in Joey's head. This had been too much for any person to endure, and the afternoon still lay ahead. Stephen wondered what else could happen as he did the best he could to comfort his friend.
"The worst is over, my love. It's just you and me now. And I swear that I will spend the rest of my life trying to make up for how he treated you."
Joey nodded his acknowledgment, but didn't speak. He broke the hug, kissed Stephen once, then pushed him away gently and sat on the bed. He pulled his knees up, resting his chin on them, staring straight ahead.
Stephen's heart broke as he watched Joey close his world into his thoughts. Joey showed no emotion, leaving Stephen clueless as to what was going on in his mind. If Joey ever reminded Stephen of Scott, it was right now. As Joey curled into a ball, he seemed to become six years old. It was as if Joey had eaten the magic mushrooms from Alice in Wonderland, making him shrink to the size of a little boy.
Stephen felt absolutely helpless. It was a feeling he had felt only once before in his life. That horrible night two years ago when a police car pulled up to his office, the officer asking, "Are you Stephen Andrews, husband of Susan Andrews?" What can you do when you feel powerless to do anything?
After watching from across the room for a few minutes, the silence became too much for Stephen to take. He walked around the bed and sat next to Joey. He waited for a second to see if there would be any response from him. There wasn't. He knew no words would save Joey from what had happened today. Stephen reached to Joey, running his hand through his hand, down his left cheek to his chin. He raised Joey's face until their eyes met, meeting little resistance. He leaned in and tenderly kissed the boy. He withdrew and searched Joey's face for a sign. Stephen had to tell Joey how he felt, "Thank you for choosing me. I don't know how I could love you more."
Joey looked at Stephen. The affection shown to him had brought him back to life. He threw the pillow he was clutching to the other side of the bed and stood up, Stephen rising with him. Joey hugged the man, asking, "Could you take me home now?"
"Let's go. I came here this weekend to make some decisions. I was going to plan what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I now know what I want. You."
They stuffed Stephen's things into his suitcase and Joey packed the car while Stephen went to front desk to check out. When Stephen returned, everything was packed except for the bicycle that Joey was holding by the handlebars.
"I can't see any way to tie this to your car. I have to have my bike for me to get to school. What should I do?"
For Stephen, this had all the making of a "dad" decision. He stroked his chin, looked at the bike, looked at the car, looked at Joey. Stephen remembered his promises to Joey. "Gee, I never had to deal with this before. What does a dad do for his son?" He had said it sarcasticallly, hoping that Joey would know that it was no problem. It didn't occur to him that Joey always had to fend for himself, that there had never been anyone to bail him out. He hoped for a smile from Joey; Joey missed the joke. He was lost in thought, trying to think of a way to get the bike on the car.
"I know where we can put it." Stephen smiled broadly.
"Where?"
"Put right there in the grass. That's part of your life here and I want you to forget you ever lived here."
"But that doesn't solve my problem. How do I get to school?"
"When we get home, buy yourself a car."
"I can't afford that, I have to have money for school."
"Joey, for God's sake," Stephen said, getting exasperated, "I'll buy the damn car. I told you that I would buy anything you need. You need a car. I'll buy you twenty cars if I need to."
Joey ran around the car, into Stephen's arms, kissing him all over his face.
Once again, he was overwhelmed by Stephen's kindness. He could not believe how his life had changed in less than 24 hours.
"I'll never be able to repay you for everything. Thank you."
"Having you to share my life is payment enough."
As the car pulled out of the motel parking lot, the bicycle lay on the sidewalk right where Joey had pushed it away, it's front wheel spinning in the air.
Chapter 14
It only took an hour for the boys to get home. They talked about what had happened that day. Joey took extreme delight replaying the look on Jim Thompson's face when he had told him off. They talked of cars and schools and before they knew it, they were back at Stephen's apartment.
Stephen's place was as sparse as Joey's bedroom had been. There was no room for Joey's things in the furniture that was there. This was an apartment that one person lived in, one who only came home to shower and sleep. There was no need for CD players, big screen TVs, or exercise equipment. As they talked about how to solve this new problem, Stephen realized that the answer was simple, but he still wanted to play Joey for all it was worth.
"Maybe we could just get some boxes for you to throw your clothes in. Or you could just keep them in your duffle bag. Besides, I don't think you'll be needing too much clothes around here."
Joey was shocked. He thought he knew Stephen as a kind, gentle man. Was he suggesting that he wanted Joey to be something less than an equal in their relationship? Had Joey stepped into a trap? Where was the front door?
"Uh, you know, I'll need to wear something to school. I'm don't think I'm going to Naked University."
"No, I was just thinking that clothing doesn't make the man." He grabbed Joey around the waist, pulling them together. "I like this man just the way he is. I was kidding. I just love the look on your face whenever I tease you. You are so innocent. You make me feel like I'm 12 years old."
"That wasn't funny. But I think that might be the nicest compliment you could ever say to me. I want us to be the father and son everyone wishes they could be. Except don't sign me up for Little League."
They both laughed. Stephen kissed him, "My God, it's wonderful to have laughter in this place. I never thought I'd hear it again."
"I want our days to be filled with laughter and loving. But before that, I have to get moved in here. Let's throw my stuff in the corner. I don't care where I keep it. As long as it's near you."
"We'll get some furniture for you this week. Maybe a dresser, whatever you want. I'll buy you a whole bedroom set if you want. If I need to buy you a whole house to live in, then I'll buy a house," he laughed.
Joey laughed with Stephen. "Yeah, a whole house with a yard and everything.
You can just walk out back and pluck a few thou off the money tree."
Stephen stopped laughing but kept smiling. "You don't understand Joey. I can get you anything you need. I received quite an insurance settlement after the accident. I never had a reason to spend that money, but now I do.
I'm not rich enough to retire tomorrow, but I guarantee that I can pay cash for any two bedroom house around here."
Joey was surprised by the statement. Stephen would do anything for him? How could he be so lucky? He stopped laughing, wondering what Stephen meant.
"Why do we need two bedrooms?" Ah, those old insecurities.
"The other bedroom, my boy, could be a study. Remember, you said something about school? As long as you live under my roof, I don't ever plan on sleeping alone again. The first thing I want to see in the morning will be the last thing I see at night. Your smiling face."
Joey had never felt more wanted by anyone. Joey began kissing with more passion than either one had shown before. While running his hands over Stephen's body, he broke from kissing long enough to ask, "You know, you haven't given me a tour of my new home. Why don't we start with the shower?"
"My, my aren't we a frisky one? I'm sorry, my boy, but around here it's work before play, and we have too much unpacking to do to play. Maybe later."
"Gee, 'dad', you're no fun!"
Stephen popped Joey once on his rear. "Get moving, there's a whole car outside to be unpacked."
Joey unloaded the car. He brought in the box that contained the books and photographs he had taken from his room. He took his most precious possession from the box and began to search the living room for a place to put it. On the bookshelf, he found a shelf that held only one photograph - that of a little boy with blonde hair, green eyes, and the most dazzling gap-toothed smile. Joey laid his picture down on the shelf and picked up this new treasure. He looked at it, and could almost feel it talking to him. He didn't become aware of Stephen entering the room until he was by his side.
"I dreamed when I was little that I had a brother. When mom remarried, I never ever thought of Jim son's as my brothers. They were just someone living in the same house with me. I lived with them for ten years, and, in five minutes, I feel like this little guy is closer to me that those two could ever be. I thought about it for a long time, and I've come to think that brother is the greatest word in the English language. It can be used so many different ways that any man in the world could be my brother if we could find a single thread to bond us. I know my bond with Scott already. I'm only sorry that we never met."
Stephen walked over to the picture, picking up the one that Joey had laid on the shelf. "I know what you feel. When I looked at this picture in your bedroom, I had that same feeling. Somehow, I think that these two know each other."
Stephen set the photograph he held on the shelf. He took the other picture from Joey, wiping the smears off the glass, places where his tears had fallen and dried times before. He placed that photo next to the other one. He set them facing each other saying, "You'll never be alone. A son needs a father and a father needs a son."
Joey wasn't sure who that was meant for, but he knew the words were true.
Chapter 15
They slept well that Saturday night. The stress of the day left them too tired to talk that night, much less do anything more strenuous. Joey passed out about 8 pm, Stephen followed shortly thereafter. They slept until late the next morning. They awoke the same way that they had the previous day in the motel. Stephen lay behind Joey, his arm draped over the boy, and his dick pressed again Joey's ass. They both woke up, Joey still the frisky 19 year old that he was and Stephen with a new sense of energy that he hadn't felt in quite a while. And once again, they had fallen asleep with their clothes on.
"What is it with you, do you always sleep with your clothes on?" asked Joey.
"Hey, you have no room to talk."
"Well, I'm going to do something about that right now."
Joey began to pull Stephen's shirt over his head. Stephen complied, raising his arms over his head, and the shirt was thrown in the corner of the room. Stephen returned the favor, Joey's shirt landing on top of Stephen's. One by one, pieces of clothing were removed and thrown about the room until both of them lay in the middle of the bed in only their underwear. For the first time, Joey reached out and ran his hand over the pouch of Stephen's briefs, grabbing the contents. The stimulation caused the mound to rise. Stephen hadn't been touched like that in two years and he became hard so fast that later they would joke about it almost poking Joey's eyes out.
Joey remembered back to the shower they had shared, "Remember how you said that we looked so much alike. I wonder how much alike we are. Does this little fellow like the same things my guy likes?"
He released the prisoner from his grip, and moved his hand up to the waistband of Stephen's underwear. One, two, three fingers went inside. The fingers ran under the head, along the shaft, up and down, feeling the firmness, getting used to his new play toy. He pinned Stephen's dick against his stomach and began rubbing. The contact led Stephen to let out a loud moan. His breathing got heavier. It felt so good to have someone touch him. And unlike Susan who never really figured out how to handle one, Joey knew what to do with it. Stephen reached around to cup Joey's firm butt. "I didn't think you knew anything. That is so good."
Joey smiled, and between kisses answered, "I may not have fooled around with anyone, but I never said that I didn't know what to do."
Joey pulled the underwear down around Stephen's ankles. He slid out of one leg and flipped them with the other foot towards the bathroom. He reached for Joey's boxers. Joey copied Stephen movements. They both lay naked in the bed. They continued the kissing and petting for a long time. There was no hurry. They explored faces and necks, chests and arms, nipples and belly buttons. The married man and the virgin were free to do anything with another man in bed for the first time in their lives.
After what seemed like hours, Joey slid down the bed and played, examined, and sucked another man's penis. He moved his face inches from the stiff rod, studying the shape of the head, the thickness of the shaft, down to the pattern of the veins running up and down the stalk. He sniffed at it, the way a dog might inspect a new bone, smiling at Stephen, then laughing. He stuck his tongue out, taking a lick from the base of Stephen's dick. The feel of skin on his tongue was thrilling. This would be his first and he wanted it to be perfect. He ran his tongue up the length of the dick. He did this several times, each time getting Stephen to squirm. He sampled from different sides, from the bottom down to the balls, on top up to the head. Finally, he took the head of Stephen's rod in his mouth for the first time. He held it there, flicking his tongue around. He became less sure of himself, not sure what to do to please his man the best, but he knew that he would learn. Stephen was patient with his boy, letting him do his exploring, his grunts and groans letting Joey know what felt right. Finally, Joey took the big step, trying to take Stephen all the way to the balls. Inch by inch, Joey moved slowly down the shaft, pulling up now and then, then resuming his descent. His nose pressed into Stephen's pubes and he took a deep whiff of the scent of the man he loved. Once he had reached the bottom, confident that he could please Stephen comfortably, he began his work on his new love.
The excitement of Joey's curiosity thrilled both of them. They spent the afternoon taking turns, finding out what each one responded to and enjoyed. Both of them seemed concerned with the other's pleasure more than with their own. That's not to say that when the time came, they didn't enjoy the sensations that come with cumming. They both did and each more than once. Stephen was first, as Joey wanted him to be.
This first time for them to make love, they explored with their hands and their mouths - kissing, licking, sucking, pleasing. Both were satisfied with the experience. They decided not to try fucking each other, as both being virgins in that area, they thought best to learn more about it before trying. Both spoke of their concerns of hurting the other, and as in all other things, neither one wanted to ever cause their lover any harm, as they knew that each had had enough pain in their lives. As far as they were concerned, they had forever to do what they wanted. It would happen when the time was right.
The afternoon ended with the two men wrapped in each other's arms, naked, contented, asleep. That evening, Stephen awoke to the warm feeling of Joey sucking on his dick. The afternoon matinee became an evening performance, repeated until neither one could get it up anymore. Only then did they take a shower. They were home.
Stephen and Joey thank you for reading their story. You can now claim another cherry. This was my first submission to Nifty and I would appreciate any comments and criticisms.