Tommy and Tanner Chapter 55
Warning:
This story contains scenes of love and sexual interaction between males of similar age. If the reading or possessing this material is illegal in your country, state, province, county, municipality, etc., please leave this site immediately and do not proceed further. If you are under the legal age to read this, please do not do so. It is not my intention to offend anyone or to get you in trouble.
The author retains the copyright, and any other rights, to this original story. You may not publish it or any part of it without explicit authorization from me.
This is not my first attempt at writing fiction. My longer stories on Nifty include: "Always and Forever" (March 25, 2004), "Jacob and Jacques" (May 30, 2004), "Zeke" (August 29, 2005), "Tales from Bentonville" (November 16, 2008), and "Second Chance" (September 24, 2010) under "High School" and "Someone to Watch over Me" under "Beginnings" in the gay male section. There are a few short stories also: "Brad and Alan's Canoe Trip" (April 22, 2004 under "Camping", "Of Angels and Dragons" (November 8, 2008) under "Camping", "A Christmas Tale" (December 22, 2009) under "High School", "Brazil Affair" (October 1, 2010) under "Beginnings," "Seth's Gift" (October 10, 2010) under the Science Fiction/Fantasy category, and "A Technological Christmas" (December 23, 2011) under "Beginnings."
I am listed on Nifty under the category of "Prolific Net Authors" which will make it easier for you to access earlier stories. Some of these stories are also posted at: www.storylover.us along with those of other writers that may interest you.
My only reward for contributing to Nifty is your emails. Please write if you like the story. Please include the name of the story in the title of your email because my email service sometimes puts them in the "spam" file.
Thanks and hugs to Tom and David (boxerdude) who edit for me so that there are fewer mistakes! They not only proof-read, but make other valuable suggestions.
Finally, David has a new site that is hosting a number of authors. It's at: www.saberpeak.com. My first story, "Always and Forever," is posted there.
David (dlee169@hotmail.com)
Tommy and Tanner, Chapter 55
At school the following day, the guys felt like everyone was watching them. Part of that may have been the result of self-consciousness, but at least some of it was real. When they came into the foyer, the crowd standing around parted like the Red Sea to let them through.
One freshman boy, who wasn't paying attention to what he was doing, collided with Tommy sending the boy's books flying. The minute he realized what he'd done, his face went pale.
"I'm sorry, Sir, really I am," he said shakily.
"It's okay, Dude. "I wasn't watching where I was going either, Tommy said as he helped the kid pick up his scattered things.
The boy smiled back tentatively, thanking his lucky stars that he'd been spared.
A couple of hours later the four of them were being congratulated by well-meaning kids who didn't understand that they had mixed emotions about having been in a fight.
"Man, I hope you never get pissed at me!" one kid commented. "I mean, you seriously massacred those guys. I'll bet they crapped their pants! You guys are okay in my book. I'm never gonna insult anyone for being gay."
"Ty, we're not out to bust anyone's ass over slurs," Andy informed him. "They physically attacked us. It was like an ambush. We had no choice but to fight. I tried to get them to stop a couple of times, but it didn't do any good. I'm not proud of putting anyone in the hospital."
"I'd be proud if it was me!" Tyler announced as he went on down the hall. "Those guys are assholes."
"Wow, that kempo really paid off," Jared exclaimed. "I want to be as good as those guys so I can kick the shit out of Dirk if he ever gets out of jail."
"I don't think that's a good reason to take it, but I can understand how you feel," Bobby said. "I guess if I'd been abused by an older brother, I'd want revenge."
"I want to be that good too," Tuck added, "but only to be able to defend myself like they did. I really admire all four of them. I wish we could have been there to see it, but I have the next best thing. Ava Cason sent me a copy of the video she shot and promised to try to get me others. You guys wanna see it?"
Of course they did, and soon they were looking at the tiny images on Tuck's phone with rapt attention.
"We can go to my house and run it through the TV if you want," Bobby suggested. "And we can search to see if any of it got on YouTube."
The other two were quick to take him up on the offer.
There was another football game on Friday night. Tommy, Tanner, and Andy went to watch the younger team play, as well as the varsity, in order to cheer for Tuck. It turned out to be a pretty exciting game which the Coolidge boys won by a touchdown.
Bobby, Jared, and Lee sat next to them near the front of the bleachers. During the free time between games, Lee talked to them about their concerns over the fight. He said he'd be available whenever he could if they needed a listening ear.
The varsity game was more exciting than the first one because there was a lot more on the line. The stadium was nearly filled to capacity. The guys were happy that they'd come early and secured good seats. It seemed like the whole town was there to support the team in its effort to continue a winning streak without several guys who had been considered key players.
The Washington Tigers were cocky, thinking that they had the win sewed up. Their coach had gone so far as to allow them to take it easy in their recent practices, running the same old plays they'd used since September. He was certain that his offensive squad could break through the Cougars' weakened defense, and his big boys could prevent the Cougars from gaining much yardage. But things did not go as planned.
Tark had not let his team slack off. He knew their shortcomings and had decided to compensate for them by making this game a passing one. "The best defense is a good offense," as the old adage says. He had run new drills as a backup plan from the day he'd suspended three of his strongest defensive players. It was a gamble, but one he felt he had to take to give his boys their best shot. The Tigers' defensive squad hadn't anticipated it and was caught completely off-guard.
It was difficult for the Cougars to hold back the Tigers on the ground, but they gave it their all and did a remarkable job for their size and experience. Still, the Tigers scored more points than they would have done in the past.
The Cougars' offensive squad was awesome, taking the game to the air. Greg Pearson accurately threw longer passes than he'd attempted earlier in the season. Lance and the other receivers hung onto the ball as if they had superglue on their fingertips. They seemed to be everywhere and the Tigers couldn't anticipate where Greg would throw next.
Devin was on top of his game too, making the extra three points every time there was a touchdown. The final score was 50 to 42. The Coolidge Cougars had held onto their winning streak.
Greg, Lance, Devin, Tark, and Peter were all carried off the field by a team that was nearly crazy with excitement.
The local pizza establishments were prepared for the onslaught of customers because they had been monitoring the game on the radio. Every place in town was packed with team members, students, parents, and miscellaneous other fans.
Tark and Peter made the rounds of several places before settling at Allegretti's to eat a celebratory slice with their sons and the boys' best buddies. It was pretty late when everyone got home, but most could sleep in on Saturday morning.
Bobby and Tuck went to Jared's house to spend the night. Andy went home with Devin to give him a private reward in honor of his success. And Tommy and Tanner returned home to have their own celebration.
At Jared's, Tuck took the top bunk, leaving the double for Jared and Bobby.
"You jumped up there before we discussed sleeping arrangements," Jared grinned.
"Yeah, I know my place. I wouldn't want to come between you."
"We wouldn't complain if you `cummed' between us," Jared giggled.
"I appreciate that, but you two should be able to cuddle naked without any distractions. I think you're at the point of going steady even if you're not out officially at school and all."
"You might be right," Bobby confirmed. "We're not trying to exclude you..."
"You should be," Tuck said. "I'm dating girls and liking it. No, I haven't gotten laid yet, but there are other fun things to do."
"Go to sleep and stop talking about nasty things like that!" Jared snickered.
Devin had showered at the stadium with the team, but he got naked again and helped Andy get squeaky clean. Afterward, they made out for a long time, ending up in the 69 position and edging for an additional 15 minutes before taking the plunge together.
Devin hung his "do not disturb" sign on the outside of his door, relocked it, and climbed back into bed with Andy where they talked quietly in the afterglow.
"You were really awesome on the field as well as in bed tonight," Andy complimented him. "I'm so glad you came out when you did. Bart did one thing right, he goaded you until you gave up your secret, and then Tim played cupid. It's amazing how my life has changed since really getting to know you."
"Let's not think about Bart the fart or any of those other jerks. I want to think about us. I seriously want kids when we're through college and get established. I know you're going to be a great daddy `cause I've seen you in action with the twins. I think I'll be okay too."
"You're the one who's good with them!" Andy enthused. "I'm glad we live in an age and a country where we can be daddies even if we're not into girls.
Not to change the subject, but you're hard again and so am I. Wanna go for seconds?"
In a falsetto voice, Devin replied, "Why Mr. Roberts, how forward of you! I'm shocked at your suggestion, absolutely shocked!"
"Hush yo' mouth, Miss DeVonne and give me what I want."
"Yes, Suh, Mr. Roberts. Y'all got somethin' fo' me to put in my mouth to keep me from talkin'?"
"Ah do indeed; and y'all better not bite it!"
After giggling at their silliness, they both ceased talking and got back to pleasuring each other again.
Tommy and Tanner spent a long time cuddling and kissing. They hadn't slept well the night before, so once they settled down, it was only a matter of minutes before both were sound asleep.
It was no surprise that after the decisive victory the boys had over the bullies, most of the vandalism stopped completely. A few other students' vehicles still had their valve cores tampered with, but that was about it. Interestingly, most of them belonged to student council members.
The lab in Chicago had been able to enhance the security video of the tire slashing sufficiently to make out the name "Cook" on the letter jacket of the perpetrator. There was a face shot that had enough clarity to show that it was Jordan. He had evidently taken Lance's jacket from home in an attempt to disguise himself as a current student. Upon reviewing other surveillance tapes of the day, there was another clear image of Jordan on school property, which proved to be another violation of the terms of his probation.
Bart, Jackson, and Dax were out on bail. It had been an expensive venture for their parents, especially Jackson's because of the knife. They were being kept on very short leashes, although in Bart's case it was only because his father didn't want to be forced to spend more money to defend him. He supported the boy's role in "punishing" queers, ignoring the fact that it was Bart whose arm was in a cast and not Tommy's.
Jordan was not out. His bail was set at $50,000 because he was considered a flight risk. His father could have come up with the required ten percent in cash, but felt the court was right in assuming his son might flee.
Richard Cook had tried hard to reform his son after the swimming team hazing incident in the locker room nearly two years previous and the attack on Sibyl. He hadn't been an enabler by cleaning up Jordan's messes for him. Still, the boy had continued on his path of self-destruction. Thank God Lance was turning out to be a good and responsible young man. It was better that Jordan would be sent away for a few years, as his lawyer assumed. Lance would be totally free of his influence.
Since the fight, and his willingness to side with the intended victims, Lance had been hanging around with guys who were the antithesis of his former companions. He'd been welcomed into the circle of the four who'd fought against the bullies, and had made a new friend in his teammate, Michael. They were seen together so frequently that Devin teased them about being joined at the hip like Tommy and Tanner. They admitted that they were becoming close because they had lots of common interests.
Lance wanted Michael to come to his house for a sleepover on the following Friday night, but Michael was hesitant. Lance was cool, but who knew about his family? Jordan had used the insulting "N" word and that didn't bode well if that had anything to do with the environment he'd grown up in.
To allay his fears, Lance invited Michael over for dinner on Wednesday evening. It would let him see the family firsthand; "in their natural habitat" he'd joked.
Michael had laughed, but had still been uneasy. Thus, he was not prepared for the warm welcome he received. Richard Cook shook Michael's hand and pulled him into a half-hug when introduced. Janelle Cook was less demonstrative in greeting a boy she'd never met before, but was equally cordial.
She had had Lance find out Michael's likes and dislikes in foods, and had settled on making a salmon dinner with sliced potatoes, leeks, spinach, and capers in a light lemon-butter sauce -- all cooked in individual parchment wrappers.
Michael was delighted with the healthful and delicious meal. He was impressed by its presentation too. He could barely stop exclaiming over how delicious it all tasted. Janelle was pleased to say the least.
"Michael, we're very happy that Lance has you as a friend." Richard commented as they sat in the family room talking while their dinner settled. "We want you to know that we detest the way Jordan acted toward you and we hope you will accept our apology on his behalf."
"Thanks for your kindness. I really can't accept an apology from him unless he makes it, but I do appreciate it that you don't support his attitude. I know some Black dudes call each other "nigger," but I'm not one of them. It really hurts because it makes me feel second class when I'm put down for the color of my skin which is nothing that I have any control over."
"I understand fully," Richard said. "Let me rephrase that and say that we are deeply sorry that our older son treated you with disrespect and we want you to know that we don't agree with him or condone his actions. We appreciate the fact that you were willing to break bread with us and give Lance and us a chance."
"That's cool," Michael smiled. "Lance is my main man. He and the guys who were attacked in that fight have helped me finally begin to feel at home in this new school. After meeting you and some of the other parents, I can see why their sons and Lance are nice people. I don't understand how Jordan turned out like he did."
"We don't either, unless it's genetics, or perhaps his birth mother was on drugs and alcohol. Jordan was adopted, but we never treated him any differently than Lance who was our unexpected miracle. They both had equal attention and love. Perhaps there is such a thing as a bad seed; I don't know. We honestly did our best..."
"Enough of dwelling on the unpleasantness of our world," Janelle announced. "Our dessert has cooled sufficiently. I'm about to blow my diet and possibly yours, but I know you boys burn off a lot of calories. Who wants a scoop of vanilla ice cream with their warm chocolate melting cake?"
All the males raised their hands in response.
"Is this like what they serve on the cruise ships?" Michael asked.
"Yes, it's Carnival's recipe* that was in one of the emails we got from them this year." Janelle said.
"That has to be my all-time favorite dessert," Michael grinned. "We had it in the Caribbean several times and in Alaska too."
They spent the rest of the evening talking about the cruises they'd taken.
Lance's family was a bit surprised that Michael had been on more than they had.
"Hey I hear that you took Michael home to meet the `rents. This must be getting serious," Tanner teased Lance when they met in the hall before science.
Lance blushed to a bright red as he looked around to see if anyone had overheard.
"Be careful what you say," he cautioned. "I don't anticipate getting beaten up since those three have been kicked out of school, but you never know. Lisa Gordon is still capable of stirring up a few guys who feel like she does."
"Did I strike a nerve? Are you saying you're gay?"
"We're just good buds. Michael's a great guy and we've been together a lot and I'm sure some people will talk..."
"Well, if you do happen to become more than buds, I hope it'll work out because you'd make a cute couple."
"Please don't start any gossip, Tanner." Lance pleaded. "I'm not sure how my parents would feel if I turned out to be like you guys. Jordan's a mess and I might be the only one to give them grandchildren."
"You know I wouldn't say anything without your permission even it my guess is correct. You're being enigmatic about it, but I think I know the answer." Tanner grinned.
Much to Lance's relief, Tommy came jogging to the door about then and the subject was dropped.
"Where have you been?" Tanner questioned.
"On a secret mission," Tommy joked. "Actually Dr. Moore snagged me for a minute. There's an image on one of the surveillance tape of someone tampering with bikes and she wanted me to see if I could identify the person. I'm 99% sure it's Lisa."
"That's interesting because Lance and I were just talking about her. She's tight with Brandi and that makes sense to me."
"I guess Dr. Moore plans to show her the tape and let her sweat a little if nothing else. She'll have to confess since she's such a good Christian and wouldn't tell a lie," Tommy snickered.
"She certainly shows love for her fellow man, as long as he's not gay!" Tanner added. "C'mon, we don't want to be late for class.
Author's notes: A big thanks to all who emailed this week: 54: JJ, Paul R, Jim C, Rutabaga, Ott H, Archie (+Tales), Bill K, Tom A, Steffan F, Wayne, Bob Z, Roger L, Anonymous, Caleb, Trish R, Vern U, Jim W, Danny A, Tim K, JTR, Harry T, and Paul F.
Several interesting things this week -- I found a Christmas story I'd missed that you might like:
http://www.nifty.org/nifty/gay/highschool/a-true-christmas
Also, there is an impassioned plea from a Republican Rep. in Washington State about passing legislation permitting same-sex marriage. I think you'll like this one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbmbdWK6338
The marriage equality bill did get passed.
Prayers and thoughts for the family of Whitney Houston, please. She was a beautiful and talented lady. May she find peace...
David
*This is Carnival Cruise Line's recipe. You will need six ramekins or similar individual baking dishes. Sorry, it's in US measurements and I don't know how to convert it into metric for my overseas friends.
Warm Chocolate Melting Cake
Yield = 6 servings
Ingredients:
8 oz. semisweet chocolate 210 g (or is it 226.8 like the butter?)
1 Cup (2 sticks which is 1/2 pound) butter (226.8) I think
7 eggs I hope overseas chickens lay eggs of similar size!
6 tablespoons sugar (30 g)
1/2 cup flour 40 g
Procedure:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190.5 C).
Melt chocolate and butter; let cool 10 minutes.
In a separate bowl, mix four eggs with sugar and whisk.
Add flour and whisk.
Add remaining three eggs and whisk again.
Add egg mixture to chocolate mixture, stirring it in.
Pour equally amounts into six (6) ramekins.
Bake until just done, about 15 -- 20 minutes (interior will be melting).
Serve with vanilla ice cream.
Enjoy, but expect to work harder at the gym the following day!