Max and Josh - 26. Lessons

Disclaimer: This story includes sexual and romantic situations between consenting individuals. Any allusion to illicit or illegal activity, sexual or otherwise, is being used only for enhancement of the story line and not promotion thereof. Remember AIDS, HIV and other STDs are a very real threat, please always practice safe sex.

I can prove copyright on this story so please don't copy or remove this story for personal use without my permission.

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Max and Josh 26: Lessons

As February got closer, Max turned his mind toward Valentine’s Day. He had never had an intimate reason to celebrate the day before now. He gave his mother a card, candy and usually a gift every year and often gave small gifts and playful cards to his close female friends as well. To this day Fay still wore the charm bracelet he had given her the year after he first moved to the area.

This year would be different though; he was with Josh now and he wanted to do something, something not just special but...significant. The problem was though that he had no idea what to do. Desperate as February crept closer he turned to the women in his life for advice.

Despite how good of a relationship he and his mother had, he could not help but feel awkward at the idea of talking to her about romantic situations so instead he decided to talk to Fay and Kylie.

“I think I’ve heard a joke that started off like this once before.” Fay said as she lounged back on the couch in Max’s living room.

“Yea but I think that the gay guy, lesbian and the straight girl were walking into a bar. Not sitting in the gay guys’ living room giving him advice on Valentine’s Day.” Kylie replied with a smile.

“Yea what gives with that anyway Maxie, I thought this stuff was supposed to be like your guys area of expertise.” Fay joked and Max rolled his eyes.

“Fay when have you ever known me to adhere to stereo types?” Max asked with mock seriousness.

“True,” Fay replied with a nod, “So lay it out for us.”

Max had to fight the urge to roll his eyes, if he had anything to lay out than he wouldn’t need their advice. Despite that though he went over it all, again.

“So basically you’ve got nothing.” Kylie commented once he was done.

“If I had anything I wouldn’t be asking you two for advice.” This time Max lost the battle with the eye roll.

Kylie and Fay shared a look before turning to Max and smiled. They both moved from where they were sitting to take places on the arms of the chair where Max sat. Max leaned back in the chair so that he could keep a better eye on them, not trusting either one with the smiles they were giving him.

“Max baby you’ve come to the right place.” Fay ran her fingers through his hair as she spoke.

Max gave her an unnerved look and pulled himself from under her fingers. The reprieve didn’t last long though as he backed up into Kylie and she started to do the same thing.

“We’ll help you make sure that this is a Valentine’s Day that neither of you will forget.” Kylie said and Max worried about what he had gotten himself involved in.

***

Mark was officially pissed off. In the few weeks since he had confronted Tom in the hallway he had been paying more attention to his surroundings, expecting some sort of retribution.

Retribution never came though, in fact, nothing happened to him, at all. Mark was not one to complain about not being picked on but it was as if there was some big barrier around him; no one seemed to be willing to get close to him.

At first, Mark attributed the standoffish reaction to the fact that he was new but after the first few days he started to hear whispers and rumors; rumors about him and Tom Moure. The rumor, Mark was surprised to find out, was that Tom Moure was targeting him in some sort of revenge against Max.

It wasn’t the fact that a bully was targeting him that pissed Mark off…it was learning that Max knew about it and hadn’t told him. It had taken every bit of control Mark had not to confront Max at school after he found out that his cousin knew and once they got home Kylie and Fay came over and he didn’t want to start a fight in front of them.

At first, Mark hadn’t believed the gossip about the “fight” that Max and Tom had gotten into at the party for the weightlifting team. Once he had eliminated the bits he knew weren’t true, such as the fistfight they were supposed to have gotten into, Mark was left with a version that he could completely believe. This version had Max confronting Tom and warning him to back off.

Unable to vent his frustration on Max, he turned it into finishing his unpacking and organization of his room. Both his aunt and Max had been bugging him for weeks to go through the boxes he had brought with him and to fix up his room.

Mark knew that he needed to do it too; after all, even he was getting tired of tripping over boxes and it wasn’t that he didn’t want to feel at home but…he just hated the acts of unpacking and decorating.

Channeling his frustration though, he managed to get all of his boxes gone through and everything he needed put up. The older and more sentimental things he carefully repacked and set aside to be stored in the basement until he had the chance to do something else with them.

With his boxes unpacked Mark started re-decorating. Or decorating period. He had finally gone and gotten some stuff to fix his room up. Mark had been living with the minimal for so long that he found it a little difficult to pick stuff for his room. In the process of shopping though, he had discovered he had outgrown most his old interests and had never really had a chance to develop new ones.

He knew that he could have asked his cousin to help him out but he had really needed the time away from Max’s hovering. So without more experienced help Mark bought some new bedding, pillows that weren’t hard as a rock, a thicker blanket so we could stop freezing at night, and some room darkening curtains. The deep blue and dark purple of the bedding was at odds with the cream-colored walls but Mark didn’t know if his Aunt would be ok with him painting.

Once he was finished dressing his bed Mark sat down at his desk and opened his new laptop. He had upgraded when he went shopping and was working on transferring the files from his old computer to his new one. The old stories that it contained were more of just bits and pieces but some of the stuff, he thought, had potential.

Mark was busy making notes and doing some research online when a knock at his partially closed door pushed it open to show his cousin leaning on the doorframe.

“Hey Mark, what’s up?” Max’s voice rang through his room and pulled him out of his thoughts; it wasn’t until that moment that Mark realized he had managed to forget that he was mad at his cousin.

“Not much, just working on an old idea.” Mark replied, doing his best to keep anger out of his voice. He may still have been angry but right now, he didn’t really want to get into it with him.

“Something wrong; you seem a bit pissed?” Max asked and his worried tone did nothing to sooth Mark’s annoyance. It seemed like no matter what, Max was always worried about him. He knew that he had been a mess after his parents’ funeral but he was trying to put everything together and Max’s worry and hovering wasn’t helping.

He tried not to let it bother him because he knew that Max meant well but it didn’t always help.

“Well yea, now that you mention it, I need to talk to you about something.” Mark said as he turned his desk chair so he could look at his cousin.

“Sure, what’s going on?” Max asked as he moved to sit on the bed.

“I want to know why you didn’t tell me what was going on with Tom Moure, why I had to hear that he’s targeting me from rumors.” Mark did his best to the keep the anger out of his voice but wasn’t quite sure that he managed it.

Max, he noted, suddenly looked uncomfortable…and guilty.

“If you take every piece of school gossip as fact than I’m sleeping with several cheer leaders.” Max replied heartily.

“Don’t give me that bullshit, Max,” Mark all but shouted at his cousin as he shot up from his chair, “If it was just a rumor you wouldn’t look like you did that time Grandma caught you making fluffernutters out of her marshmallow cream!” Mark took a bit of guilty pleasure in seeing his cousin wince, though that was probably because he was remembering the ass whooping he got from Grandma rather than him yelling at him.

“Look just calm down ok. I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want you to worry about anything.” Max replied and Mark had to suppress the desire to strangle him at the placating tone.

“It’s not up to you to decide what I should or shouldn’t worry about. It’s my life and my choice.” Mark replied heatedly.

“I was just trying to protect you…after everything that’s happened…” Max started, but Mark stepped up to him, barely containing the desire to slug him.

“I’m not a child, Max. I don’t need you to protect me…and I don’t need you to be constantly hovering around me either! I can take care of myself!” Mark raged as he pushed further into his cousin’s personal space. All his frustration at Max’s constant hovering was finally reaching the breaking point.

Max took a step back and rested a hand on his shoulder. Angrily Mark shoved it off and ducked around his cousin. He grabbed his coat off the back of his door and headed downstairs.

Mark was very aware that his cousin was trailing after him but Max did not attempt to stop him until he got closer to the door.

“Look, just calm down and we can talk about all this.” Max said from behind him and he felt Max’s large, calloused hand grasp his elbow.

Mark tore roughly out of the grip and wrenched the door open.

“At least take your cell…please.” The plea in his cousin’s voice was enough to make him reconsider storming out of the house. Anger abating some he decided that he still needed a little time away from the house, if only to calm down completely before he spoke to his cousin again.

Without looking back at his larger cousin Mark picked up the metallic black device from the table by the door where he had set it after coming home from school and pushed it into his pocket as he moved out to the cool, crisp January afternoon.

***

Max pulled his new cell phone out of his pocket before falling back onto the sofa. Flipping it open he pressed and held the number three until it brought up the speed dial for Josh.

‘Hey…um…this is Josh. I can’t come to the phone right now…leave a message and I’ll call you back.’ Josh’s voicemail picked up and Max smiled at the shyness in his partners voice, this being the first time he owned a cell phone.

“Hey babe, I know you’re at your grandparent’s for dinner…I just wanted to hear your voice for a minute. I think I screwed up big with Mark. Give me a call later if you get the chance. Love you, babe.” Max flipped the phone closed and slid it back into his pocket.

Even though he hadn’t gotten to talk to his lover just hearing his voice for a moment had helped him calm down his racing thoughts.

Maybe everyone had been right and he had been trying too hard to make sure that Mark was safe and secured. He had royally fucked up this time, though. Regardless of anything else, he shouldn’t have kept the Tom issue from Mark.

Knowing there wasn’t any way he could make it up to his cousin until he got home, Max decided to try and get his Valentine’s Day plans with Josh started.

Max was more than a little dubious about trusting Kylie and Fay but he didn’t have much choice in the matter. He wanted to do something special for Josh. He needed to do some research so he headed up to his room and fired up the new laptop he’d gotten for Christmas.

‘Flowers, candy, and a restaurant.’ Max thought to himself as he opened up the net.

***

“So exactly how much business do you guys get here?” Frank asked the old man that showed him and Kylie around the gravel lot set up with dumpsters. A sign on each one denoting what it collected.

“We collect a pretty decent amount but when you take certain things into account you realize that we don’t really put much of a dent into it.” He replied with a shrug.

“What kind of things do you mean?” Kylie shimmied from one food to another, futilely trying to escape the cold.

“When you take into account the amount we collect in a month, against the population of the county and how much the trash companies take in the same period. They collect two to three times more than we do and over half of that is recyclable. Granted we are the only recycling center in this county so the amount that we can collect and store is limited but we could do a lot more than what we are.” He replied, finally taking pity on them and leading them inside to the warm office.

“What do you guys do in way of advertising?” Frank asked as he rubbed his hands together to warm them.

“Advertising?” The old man asked with a cocked eyebrow.

“What do you to let people know that you’re here? I’ve been here a few months and didn’t even know this place existed until Frank told me about it.” Kylie replied and Frank had to smile at the slightly irritated notch in her voice.

“We don’t do much advertising, like I told you we’re a small operation. It’s true that we could collect more than what we are now but if we were to advertise more than what we do we run the risk of collecting more than we can possibly store. You have to remember that we’re just a turn in site.” He replied gruffly.

“With your average take and your current storage capacity and taking into account your pick up schedule how much more could you take in?” Frank asked, doing his best to keep the annoyance out of his voice.

The man pulled a file from one of his desk drawers and after flicking through it and doing a few calculations he turned back to the two of them.

“Depending on what it is that is brought in we could take in additional two to three thousand pounds.”

Frank nodded and stood up and offered the man his hand.

“Thanks for your time sir, and for the information. We’ll let you get back to work.” After he shook the man’s hand the two of them left.

“What are you thinking about baby?” Kylie asked as she drove them back to town.

“I’m thinking that someway, somehow I want to make sure that place gets filled to capacity as often as I can.” Frank replied as he smiled over at her.

“I like that idea,” Kylie said with a wicked little grin, “Any ideas on how to do it?” She asked as she glanced over to him.

“Nope, not yet. But I’ll figure it out.” Frank nodded with a smile.

“We’ll figure it out.” Kylie replied as she laid a hand on his knee.

He smiled and laid his hand over hers.

Frank didn’t have the slightest clue how he was going to achieve his goal. Ever since New Year’s he had been looking into recycling versus garbage collection. It seemed like a lot of waste, and that was just what him and his dad had gone through on their own.

“Maybe start small,” Frank said after a while, “Get Max, Josh, and Fay to start sorting and collecting their recycling along with me; and you if you’re willing.” He smiled as he squeezed Kylie’s hand.

“Baby you know I’m with you. I think that this is an amazing idea.” Kylie replied, beaming at him.

He lifted her hand and pressed a kiss to her knuckles.

“You’re the best babe.” Frank smiled at her.

***

“Do you know how Max’s cousin is settling in Josh? He seemed like such nice boy when he was here for New Year’s.” His grandmother asked over the remains of their dinner.

“He seems to be doing pretty well. He hasn’t really had a chance to stretch his wings yet though, Max is being a bit of a mother hen.” Josh replied as he finished off the last of his salad.

“That’s understandable given what the boy just went through.” His grandfather piped in, without looking up from the remains of his pot roast.

“I guess so; it just seems like a bit much. He never seems to let Mark out of his sight, never wants to leave him on his own.” Josh replied with a shrug.

“That’s not mother henning, that’s a dog on a leash.” His dad interjected, and got smacked in the arm by his mother for it.

“Joshua.” She chided seriously.

“Oh I didn’t mean anything by it. I’m just agreeing with my son is all. It seems a bit extreme.” Joshua replied and Josh had to smile at his Dad’s back pedal.

Josh smiled as their friendly conversation somehow morphed into a debate on helicopter-parenting, censorship and family dynamics.

“If you think about their histories with their fathers it makes a lot of sense. Max’s father ran out on them and Mark’s was cheating on his mother.” His grandmother said.

“So you’re telling me that Max feels obligated to watch out for his cousin because they both had crappy fathers and he’s trying to compensate for it?” His dad asked his grandmother.

“I’m not a psychologist by any means honey. I was just thinking that given what I’ve heard about both of their fathers, and Max’s nature it seems logical.” She replied as she served herself another portion of salad.

“So then Josh should watch out if the two of them ever decide to have kids?” His grandfather asked in what Josh guessed was supposed to be a curious tone…he was a bit busy chocking on his drink to be sure.

“Dad…could you have been a little bit more subtle?” His father asked seriously, as he thumped him on the back; he was smiling though.

“Subtle has never been your fathers strong suit.” His grandmother replied as she glared at his grandfather.

“It was just a simple question; in a roundabout way.” His grandfather replied with a shrug.

Josh took another drink of his water to sooth his suddenly dry throat as four sets of eyes settled on him. Against his better judgment, he gave the crowd what they wanted.

“I have no idea what any of you are looking for but all I’ll tell you is that the topic hasn’t come up,” Josh lied valiantly, “Personally, I think that you’re all getting ahead of yourselves. You might want to wait until I, you know, finish high school and college before you start wondering if you’re going to get grandchildren or great-grandchildren.” He finished as he looked between his parents and grandparents.

To Josh’s surprise the four of them blushed a bit at the gentle reprimand and went back to their food.

It wasn’t long before dinner was finished and Josh volunteered to help his grandmother serve dessert.

“You big liar.” She said to him once they shut themselves in the kitchen.

“No idea what you’re talking about.” Josh replied evenly as he pulled the dessert plates out of the cabinet.

“See there it is again. Didn’t I teach you not to lie to your grandmother?” She asked him as she uncovered the angel food cake she had made.

“Yes ma’am you did,” Josh sighed, “How could you tell?” He asked as he set the plates down on the large serving tray.

“The tips of your ears turn pink when you lie; they always have.” She told him as she cut the cake.

“We’ve only talked about it once. It was after the whole no more Mathew’s family name thing happened.” Josh replied as he pulled out forks.

“And?” his grandmother asked as she loaded the plates.

“And…he said that he thought I’d make a good father and would like to have kids with me someday, somehow. He also said that we could always give the kids my last name if I wanted.” Josh spoke with a smile

“Is there any reason that you didn’t tell this to the rest of the family?” She asked curiously.

Josh was quiet for a moment, not wanting to give voice to the thoughts that had been swirling around in his head the last few weeks.

“I didn’t mention it because it seemed like too much, too fast,” Josh spoke quietly, “I love Max, and he loves me, it’s just that…you never know what’s going to happen. We still have another year of high school…then we have college.

I have no plans on leaving Max and I don’t think he has any on leaving me but you never know what’ll happen. I’m doing my best to just stay in the moment and not think or worry about what might or might not happen.” Josh’s voice was quiet without looking at his grandmother.

The two of them were quiet while they put the final touches on the dessert plates and put the rest of the cake and cutlery away. Before they left the kitchen though Josh finally met his grandmothers’ eye, she was giving him a look that he had never seen before.

“What’s with that look?” He asked nervously as he picked up the tray.

His grandmother came up to him and took the tray out of his hands and set it aside before reaching up and resting her hands on his shoulders.

“I’m just looking at the amazing young man that my shy, silly little grandson has grown into.” She smiled before pulling him down and pressing a kiss to his cheek.

Josh couldn’t help the smile that curved his lips at his grandmother’s praise.

“Thank you grandma.” Josh whispered to her.

She smiled widely at him and let her hands fall away.

“We’d better get dessert out to them before they decide to come looking for it.” She said as she motioned to the large tray.

Josh just nodded with a smile, picked the tray up, and followed her into the dining room.

The rest of the night passed without incident. After dessert, they split up. Him, his father and grandfather moved into the study to play their customary three way game of dominos while his mother and grandmother went off to…well Josh was never really sure what the two of them did during their domino games.

Soon though it was time to leave and as the three of them drove home, Josh pulled his new cell out and checked it for messages. He called his voice mail and listened to the message Max had left him, feeling a little bad that he hadn’t been able to talk to him earlier as the message played.

“You guys mind if I go over to Max’s tonight?” He asked as they pulled into the driveway.

His parents shared a look and a shrug before his mother answered him.

“Sure honey, do you want to stay the weekend?” She asked them as they walked into the house.

“Umm, not sure; maybe. If you guys wouldn’t mind and all.” Josh answered carefully; he couldn’t help but feel something was up with his parents.

“No son…we wouldn’t mind at all.” His dad replied and after catching the look his dad was giving his mother, it all made sense.

“Okay then.” Josh replied before heading up to his room.

Fifteen minutes later, he was packed, and after telling his folks goodbye, was on his way to Max’s place.

***

After wandering around aimlessly for a few hours, Mark found himself at the city park. He wasn’t sure why he had stopped there but found himself strolling through the cold air until he came to an old swing set.

The walking had given Mark a chance to burn off some restless energy and bring some order to his thoughts. He was still pissed as hell at his cousin but he felt that he was able to handle the situation…without hauling off and clocking the bigger Calvin man.

Max, he knew, was only trying to protect him but it was long past time that he made him realize that he didn’t need protection. Yea he was new to the school and to the area but wasn’t a baby, he could take care of himself.

‘True, but the guy that is supposedly targeting you is about three times your size, you probably do need Max’s protection against him.’ Whispered a part of his mind that Mark didn’t want to acknowledge.

“Yea, yea, yea, shut up. You’re not helping.” Mark grumbled, happy that no one was around to see him talking to himself.

It was the truth though, no matter how much he didn’t want to admit it. He could talk a good game and he had as much attitude as the rest of the Calvin family, just not the height or muscle to back it up. The most he could do was a knee to the nuts, if he was lucky.

“Well, well, well….What do we have here.” The deep, cold voice made the hairs on the back of Mark’s neck stand up; this day was just getting better and better.

“I thought ogres lived in swamps,” Mark replied with as much bravado as he could, well aware that he was alone with Robinson, “You’re probably here looking for kids to cook or something.”

Mark had been expecting something of the sort but he was still unprepared when the shove against his shoulders came, forcing him out of the swing. It was only the fact that he had great balance that kept him from hitting the ground face first.

“Now that’s not nice Rob. Use your words.” Mark said as he caught his balance and stood up, looking around for something he might use to defend himself.

“You talk big for a little bitch.” Robinson said as he moved toward him.

For every step forward he took though, Mark took a step back. He knew he had very little chance of coming out of this without injury but he wasn’t going to make it easy on Robinson either.

“Yea well, can’t do anything about that really. Smartass runs in my family.” Mark replied distractedly. He had spotted something that he could use to his advantage, sand.

“Big words considering your cousin ain’t here to back you up.” Robinson sneered.

“You’re mistaken if you think I need Max here to protect me.” Mark raved as he doubled his backward pace. He knew the better idea might be to just run and hope for the best but he couldn’t help but feel that if he was able to pull this off it might show people that he could handle himself…at least a little.

“I think I’ll teach you just how much you need protection.” Robinson replied menacingly as he reached out to grab him.

Mark had reached his goal though. As Robinson reached out to him, his heel caught on the wooden and Mark gave an exaggerated backward fall into the sand pit behind him.

Robinson laughed at him as he hit the ground and Mark used the instant distraction to grab a handful of sand.

He let Robinson grab him by the front of his shirt and haul him up. Once he was back on his feet, he brought his hand up and rubbed the handful of sand in Robinson’s eyes.

“You little bastard!” Robinson roared as he threw Mark away from him.

It was low and more than underhanded but as Robinson was furiously rubbing at his eyes in a vain attempt to remove the sand, Mark landed a kick right between his legs.

Robinson hit his knees before falling on his side, his hands going from his eyes to cradle his abused genitals.

“I told you, I don’t need my cousin around to fight my battles. I may get bruised, cut up, or worse…but one way or another I’ll get my licks in.” Mark rasped his breathing heavy from the rush of adrenaline.

Robinson merely groaned and attempted to struggle to his feet. Mark just shook his head, turned around, and took off for home.

 ***

“I thought it was family night for you.” Max smiled as he opened the door to reveal his partner.

Josh smiled at him and pushed inside, dropping his backpack on the sofa before gathering him into his arms.

“I did but my folks were wanting a little alone time so here I am.” Josh replied before nuzzling down against his neck.

Max just sighed, enjoying the skim of soft lips and smooth skin.

“Have you ever shaved, even once, in your life?” Max asked distractedly as he un-tucked Josh’s shirt and slid his hands up his back.

Josh straightened up and with a smile ran his hand over his jaw.

“Actually no Mathew’s man since my great, great grandfather has ever had any discernible facial hair until their mid-thirties. My dad can barely grow a beard even now.” Max couldn’t help but laugh at his lover’s family history.

“I suppose that your great, great grandfather was part Bigfoot or something?” Max asked playfully as he pulled Josh over to the couch.

“Not really, though it did look like he had Cousin It hanging from his face.” Josh replied, lying on the couch.

“Cousin It, You’re joking right?” Max asked as he settled into their traditional position, Max sitting between Josh’s legs and leaning back against his chest.

“Not even a little bit. I mean he had passed away years before I was born but I’ve seen dozens of pictures that span about twenty years, his beard was never shorter than three feet.” Josh replied seriously, as he wrapped his arms around Max’s chest.

The pair was quiet for a while, just enjoying each other’s company. It wasn’t long though before Josh felt it was time to address the reason for Max’s earlier call.

“I got your message; you want to tell me what happened?” Josh asked quietly.

Max couldn’t help but sigh and shift his position, trying to burrow closer to Josh.

“Mark found out that Tom might be gunning for him, not from me. He also found out that I knew about it…and again not from me.” Max replied quietly, hoping that Josh wouldn’t notice how ashamed he felt at himself.

“Ok, so let me make sure I understand…You intentionally kept Mark in the dark about a guy that is supposed to be targeting him…what the hell were you thinking Max?” Josh asked gently.

“I don’t know,” Max groaned as he pushed up his glasses to rub his eyes, “I’ve known that I should have; that it wasn’t a good idea to not tell him but…fuck I didn’t want him to worry or be scared. I know what you’re going to say too…I have to stop doing this…that I can’t protect him from everything and everyone and I have to stop acting like I’m his parent.” Josh couldn’t help but smile as Max finished up his rant, it was so rare that he was able to witness his relatively well-rounded lover have a moment of personal growth.

“Well so long as you’ve learned your lesson, that’s what counts. Where is Mark at now?”

“Seriously…that’s it. No lectures or dressing downs?” Max asked as he craned his neck to look up at Josh.

“You learned your lesson and you’re going to change your ways. I don’t see any reason to lecture you over it. I repeat, where is Mark at now?” Josh answered his dumbstruck looking partner.

Max settled back down against Josh and shook his head.

“I don’t know. He stormed out after he confronted me a few hours ago.” Max answered and felt Josh nod.

“You want to go look for him?” Josh asked.

“Don’t worry about it, I’m already here.” Mark’s voice answered from behind them.

Both of them, with some difficulty, shot up from the couch to find Mark standing against the door.

“How the hell did you get in here without us hearing?” Josh asked in shock, he had great ears; no way could he have missed hearing the door open and close.

“I don’t know, I mean I’m not familiar with your hearing and medical issues. Although it’s possible that you didn’t hear me because I’m very light on my feet and you also didn’t shut the door all the way when you came in.” Mark answered as he pushed off the door and headed for the stairs.

“Mark wait, we need to talk.” Max said as he walked up to his cousin.

“Don’t worry about it Max. You’re forgiven. Just relax and enjoy your visit.” Mark replied as he patted his cousin on the shoulder.

“Exactly how long were you standing there?” Josh asked as he moved up to the pair and wrapped his arms around Max’s waist.

“I came in somewhere around ‘What the hell were you thinking’. Now like I said, all forgiven. Now I’m going to go up to my room to get some clothes and get a shower and you two are going to do…whatever it is the two of you do during a visit. Just keep it down.” Mark smiled before heading up the stairs.

“Did my cousin just make a dirty joke?” Max asked as Mark disappeared into his room.

“I think it was more of an inference actually.” Josh answered before starting to nibble at the sensitive little area behind Max’s ear.

“Oh…ok.” Max replied distractedly, tilting his head to the side to give Josh better access.

Josh smiled and wrapped his arms around Max’s waist, his fingers dipping beneath the waistband of Max’s work out shorts.

“You were thinking about getting in the shower right?” Josh whispered in Max’s ear as he slid his hand up the front of Max’s shirt.

“How could you tell?” Max asked in genuine surprise.

“You were breathing heavy when you answered the door, plus you’re in workout clothes; sweaty workout clothes.” Josh mumbled against the heated skin of Max’s neck.

Max turned in his gripped and pressed close to him smiling up playfully at him.

“You trying to tell me I stink or something, babe?” Max asked him, the curiosity in his voice was fake as hell.

Josh decided to play a little dirty. He slid his hands from under Max’s shirt, grabbed his lover’s wrists, and set his hands on top of his head.

“I think we’ve already been through this one. Do you need a refresher so soon?” Josh asked as he ran his fingertips down from Max’s elbow, over his triceps and around the outer edge of his underarms.

“I…I think I do yea…please.” Max whimpered, making Josh smile.

“Let’s take this somewhere more private.” Josh replied quietly, very aware that Mark was upstairs and he didn’t want to be interrupted. He hadn’t come over looking to get laid, this early at least, but he’d be stupid to pass it up now.

Max nodded enthusiastically, forcing Josh to bite back a laugh since his hands still resting on the top of his head as he nodded.

A few minutes later found the two of them shut in Max’s bathroom. Josh watched as Max hurriedly pulled off his shirt and leaned back against the door, his hands were twitching, clenching and unclenching at his sides.

Josh couldn’t help but smile and Max’s nervousness. He rarely ever got to see Max nervous and he couldn’t help but wonder about it.

“You enjoyed the time I had you up against the door that night a lot didn’t you babe.” Josh asked, his hands splayed over Max’s taut waist.

“Yea.” Max breathed quietly, Josh noticing how his eyes had darkened behind his glasses.

“What did you enjoy most about it?” Josh let his hands travel slowly up and down Max’s torso as he spoke.

“The way you touched me…like I was something precious...like you owned me. It made me shake; when you licked me like that, I’ve never felt that kind of thing before. The look in your eyes…so sure and so perfect…it was fucking hot.” Max stumbled out, his eyes squeezed shut as he arched into Josh’s too light touch.

In and answer Josh took hold of Max’s wrists again and raised his hands to rest on his head.

“Keep those there.” He ordered, echoing his words from the night at the hotel.

He watched as Max started to shake but knew that it was excitement rather than exhaustion. He smiled and pulled off his own shirt and let it drop to the floor.

“You’re perfect you know,” Josh said as he moved forward and ran his hands over Max’s arms and down to his chest, “All those guys at the competition, even our team, none of them could have compared to you.”

Max just whimpered and pushed into his touch. He had to admit that it was a heady feeling, being able to make Max shiver and quake with just a few light touches.

“Tease.” Max whispered hoarsely as he just barely ghosted his palms over his nipples and down to his hips.

Josh answered by leaning down and nuzzling against Max’s neck and throat, biting down on the hard flesh; making Max groan and arch into him.

“Teasing is fun.” Josh whispered before soothing the abused flesh with his tongue.

As much fun as teasing was though Josh was hungry to get to the main event, and he knew that Max wanted it too. Josh moved lower until he could run the tip of his nose over the rim of Max’s under arm, exhaling sharply through his nose and raising goose bumps along the sensitive skin.

The whine the motion provoked from Max morphed into a deep moan as josh moved forward, running first the tip of his nose, followed by the flat of his tongue across the smooth, salty tasting skin.

“Oh god…..babe….please.” The plea in Max’s voice sent a jolt through Josh straight to his cock.

Josh ran his tongue all the way up to Max’s arm, nipping at his triceps, before pulling away and crashing his lips against Max’s. He felt more than saw Max’s hands fall from his head and push between them, his thick fingers fumbling with the button and zipper of his jeans.

After what seemed like a year Max managed to force his jeans open and it was his turn to moan as Max forced them and his boxers down his thighs.

“Mine.” Max growled to him, the heat of his hand as it tightened vice-like around his cock made Josh shake.

“Always.” Josh whispered.

Max grinned at him before spinning them around and pressing him back against the door. Josh reached out to release Max’s thick cock but before he could, Max pushed his hands away and fell to his knees.

In an instant Josh’s hard cock was enveloped in wet, scorching heat and he had to grab Max’s shoulder to keep from collapsing.

“Fuck babe, please don’t stop.” Josh moaned, letting his head fall back against the door.

It was obvious though that Max had no intention of stopping; he blew him quick and dirty. Josh couldn’t help but stare at Max’s bright red lips wrapped round his pale cock, little trails of saliva leaking out of the corners of Max’s mouth.

The sight was too much for Josh. He tangled a hand in Max’s hair and lost control, fucking his now completely passive lover’s mouth with short, quick thrusts. The vibration from Max moaning around his cock pushed him over the edge. He gave one last thrust and lost it, filling Max’s mouth with cum.

Max pulled back and Josh felt his tongue lapping against the head of his cock as he came, adding to the orgasmic bliss that was flowing through him. Even after he was spent, Max showed no signs of stopping his assault, forcing Josh to pull away.

Letting the door take his weight and breathing heavy, Josh looked down at Max; who was looking back up at him. His pupils were blown wide behind his glasses and his lips were red and swollen. What caught his eye most though, and made his spent cock twitch hopefully, was the line of cum that had dripped from the corner of Max’s mouth.

Max must have caught where he was looking because he wiped the side of his mouth with his thumb before licking the digit clean.

“Fuck.” Josh groaned quietly at the sight, making Max smile up at him.

He watched as Max leaned toward him, then groaned weakly as Max ran his tongue over his soft cock, tip to root.

“We…we need to get into the shower.” Josh whimpered as Max moved lower to nuzzle against his ball.

“I don’t want to…I want to suck your cock till it’s hard again then have you fuck my mouth again. It was hot. I damn near creamed myself just from you.” Josh was barely able to stay standing while Max spoke, not just at the image the idea presented, but also because the words were spoken between licks against his balls and his cock, which despite having erupted just moments ago was starting to stiffen again.

It took a lot effort but Josh managed to push Max away, though his lover looked far from happy about it. Luckily, though he had something that would make him smile again.

“I got something else in mind, something that’ll put your cock to better use.” Josh smiled as Max’s hand moved to grope himself through his shorts, “I want you to rim me…then pound me into the mattress.” Josh smiled at Max’s groan.

Smiling, he watched as his lover struggled to his feet and headed for the shower. While Max was busy turning on and adjusting the water, Josh struggled weakly out of his pants and boxers.

Max came over, grabbed his hand, and led him over to the shower just as he was kicking off the rest of his clothes. Max pushed him into the hot spray before all but ripping his shorts and underwear off, revealing his thick, hard cock.

Josh couldn’t help the rush of arousal at the sight. He reached out and pulled Max into the shower with him. Josh didn’t hesitate a moment before he was pulling his lover against him and sealing their lips together.

Max’s arms went around him and Josh felt him fumbling with something on the shower shelf. Over the sound of the water hitting their skin he heard the click of a bottle lid and his curiosity was answered a moment later when he felt large, slick hands groping his ass cheeks.

Josh moaned against Max’s lips as slick fingers delved into the crease of his ass, sweeping from top to bottom, blunt tips skirting over his hole. Josh, still a little weak in the knees from the intense blowjob, felt himself start to shake again. Max must’ve felt it too as he moved his hands away from his ass and instead, wrapped them more tightly around Josh and pulled him close to him until Josh was resting most of his weight on Max.

“You don’t…” Josh began, pulling away slightly to look Max in the eye, but he didn’t get to finish. Max shook his head and pulled him close again; running his soapy hands over his body when he was firmly settled.

Josh sighed and let his lover hold on to him and give him a perfunctory cleaning. Josh enjoyed this side of his lover the most, the sweet and gentle caretaker. Max had different sides, the hot, muscle bound dominant side he had seen in the hotel and the devoted, almost submissive side that he had witnessed just moments ago.

They were all amazing, in and out of the bedroom, but this was the side that Josh had fallen in love with first. He enjoyed Max’s treatment for a few more moments before he straightened up and reached behind him, blindly groping for the shower gel.

Even once he found the bottle and had his hands lathered up Max wouldn’t stop touching him, he kept sliding his hands over Josh’s chest, stomach and arms

Josh didn’t bother to stop his lover’s hands as he started washing his body. Josh ran his hands over Max’s thick chest and bulging arms, massaging the strain out of the heavy muscles.

Josh paid special attention to Max’s cock, which hadn’t wilted at all; slowly stroking the rigid flesh with his slick hand till Max shuddered against him and grabbed his wrist; stilling his movements.

“If you want that fantasy you’ll have to stop doing that.” Max whispered huskily.

“How much longer are you gonna make me wait for it?” Josh asked as he pulled his hand away, letting the tips of his fingers slide up the underside of Max’s shaft as he did so.

Max shuddered again and pushed him back under the spray. He quickly rinsed the soap from both of them before turning the water off and guiding him out of the shower.

Josh, now determined to play with Max a little bit more, stopped his partner’s head long rush back into the bedroom by grabbing a towel off the counter and starting to dry himself off….slowly.

He couldn’t help but smile at Max’s reaction. He leaned back against the bathroom door and banged the back of his head against it while he groaned in frustration.

Deciding to take pity on his lover Josh stopped and, tossing the towel over his shoulder, grabbed Max’s hand and pulled him into the bedroom.

***

Max watched as Josh spread the towel out on his bed then crawled onto it. He rearranged the pillows and rested his top half against them as he stuck his ass into the air, spreading his legs far enough apart for Max to kneel between them.

The sight made Max groan and, letting his cock lead the way, he staggered over to the bed and moved between his lovers spread legs. Max let his hands slide up Josh’s legs, from his ankles over his calves and up his taught thighs until he reached the tight mounds that hid his goal, the tight, pink entrance to his lover.

Lust crazed as he was, Max couldn’t help but admire his lover’s ass, it was perfect. Not thick and meaty like the bulkier guy’s from the weightlifting team but slim, tight, and perfectly defined from time spent swimming and running.

Max kneaded the warm flesh in his hands as he pulled gently, widening Josh’s crack and exposing the little crinkle of skin. Without hesitation, Max leaned in and ran the flat of his tongue over the opening, relishing the texture and the feeling of it twitching against his tongue.

“Ohhhh FUmmmm.” He heard Josh moan, knowing his lover was biting off the curse word by biting his lower lip.

Max, wanting to pay his lover back for the vicious teasing in the bathroom, proceeded slowly. He’d lap over the winking hole a few times before moving lower and bathing his perineum and balls before moving back up and letting the tip of his tongue play around the edges of his entrance.

Max kept up his slow pace till Josh’s legs began to shake and his partner started to press his ass back against him, seeking more contact. At these indications of surrender, Max began to rim Josh in earnest, laving at the little pucker of skin until he could force his tongue inside, lapping gently against his inner walls.

“Yes…please babe…want you…need you.” The muffled way the words came out told Max that Josh was burying his face in the pillows.

The plea spurred Max on and he pulled away, smirking as Josh groaned in distinct dissatisfaction. Max moved forward and let the tip of his cock rest against his lovers twitching entrance, and holding Josh at bay with one hand, used the other to milk the heavily flowing precum into Josh entrance.

Max slid two pit soaked fingers in after the slick, clear fluid, and began to stretch his lover open. Max nearly came as Josh moaned and started force himself back and forth, riding his fingers.

Moving somewhat awkwardly to keep his fingers firmly planted where they were Max retrieved the lube from his nightstand and slicked his cock up. Pulling his fingers out of the tight grasp of Josh’s ass Max quickly replaced them with his cock.

He pushed in more quickly than he usually would but the way Josh pushed back against him assured his lover was feeling little pain. Once he was fully incased inside Josh’s channel Max began to pound into him with all he had, pulling out nearly all the way before slamming back in.

Josh moved up onto his hands and pushed himself back to meet every thrust, moaning and whimpering each time Max bottomed out inside. Max, wanting more skin-to-skin contact with his lover, leaned forward, wrapped an arm around Josh’s chest, and forced him up on to his knees, back pressed against Max’s chest.

Their height difference allowed Josh to wrap an arm around Max’s neck and Max took advantage of the position to show his partner why he loved when he licked his under arms.

Max’s nuzzled into the smooth hallow, kissing and licking at the smooth skin, taking in the soap spiced smell and taste of his lover. Josh whimpered in response and threaded fingers into his hair, a sharp tug sent shivers through him as he was pulled away. Before he could say anything or worry that his lover hadn’t enjoyed it Josh slammed their mouths together, forced his tongue between lips and fully dominated his mouth.

“Fuck…I didn’t….I thought you’d…fuck.” Josh panted as he pulled away from the kiss.

Max didn’t respond, he couldn’t, so close to the edge he was having a hard time holding back. Wanting to bring his lover with him Max wrapped his arms around Josh’s torso, one hand he wrapped around his lovers long cock while tweaking his nipples with the other.

“Yesssss. Come on babe, harder. Fill me up.” Josh moaned and Max felt Josh’s ass start to spasm around his cock.

Determined to bring Josh with him Max doubled the stroking on his lover’s cock, his hand moving like lightening along the heated flesh, adding a little twist around the crown on each up stroke.

Josh whimpered loudly and Max felt his body react, hot cum spurted from Josh’s cock, coating his hand while his body clenched around Max’s cock, wrenching his orgasm out of him; milking his cock into his lover.

Max held Josh’s body tight against his, supporting his shaky, spent lover. Once he felt his lover trembling calm, he leaned him forward till he was lying on his stomach on the towel that they had laid on the bed.

Not wanting to separate from his lover just yet Max leaned forward with him, keeping his softening cock planted firmly inside his lover while laying soft kisses along his neck and shoulders.

Unable to keep his now completely spent cock inside the warmth of his lovers body any longer Max carefully pulled away and maneuvered Josh onto his back. Still too keyed up to fully relax Max leaned down and licked away the traces of sweat and cum on Josh’s torso.

He smiled to himself as Josh whimpered weakly and threaded fingers into his hair, massaging his scalp. Max moved lower until he could suck gently on Josh’s spent cock, cleaning away any traces of cum.

“Please babe…can’t.” Josh winded softly as he tugged carefully at his hair.

Relenting Max let Josh’s cock slip from between his lips and after one last, careful lick at the slit he moved up to lay at Josh’s side, pressing his chest and stomach tight flush against him and wrapping an arm around his waist.

For a while, they lay there quietly, just enjoying being wrapped around each other.

“I’m not you know.” Max whispered sleepily after a while.

“You’re not what?” Josh asked quietly.

“Perfect…earlier you said I was. I know that you were talking about my body but…that’s all. I talk a good game but I’ve got more baggage than you’d think.” Max answered, feeling more alert now that he had spoken.

Even though he couldn’t see it, Josh was smiling.

“What kind of baggage?” Josh asked him after they had rearranged themselves so that Josh was lying face to face with him.

“Even after all these years I’m still pissed at my dad for leaving, at my brother for going with him. At the same time I can’t help but wishing that the two of them actually…you know…cared about me.

I have some abandonment issues that I’ve never really worked through…which is probably why I tend to blame myself when BIG things happen and why I have such a crazy urge to take care of people…to the point of smothering.” Max said everything quietly, not really wanting Josh to know all that but not able to stop himself.

To his surprise, though, Josh just laughed and pulled him closer, running a hand up and down his spine.

“Why don’t you tell me something that I don’t know?” Josh replied as he bumped their noses together.

“Have you been talking to my mom again?” Max asked in confusion.

“No…I just know you. Every time you talk about your dad or your brother you have this longing in your voice, like you’re wishing that they’d call you or show up and tell you that they love you.

The rest…I’ve seen you melt down and blow up when something bad happens. I’ve seen you blame yourself for things that in no way involve you. I’ve been on the receiving end of your caretaking I don’t know how many times…but I’ve never been smothered by it…and I don’t think anyone else has either…except this recent situation with Mark where you went a little over board.

Fact is babe I know all this about you and none of it makes me think you’re anything less than perfect because you are perfect for me.

I wish that I could make your dad and your brother realize the incredible person that they're missing out on knowing. I want you to know that no matter what you will never loose me. Ever.” Max couldn’t help but tear up as Josh spoke, he had just laid everything out that had been worrying in the last few months only to find out that Josh already realized all of it; and he didn’t care.

Moving up Max brought their lips together in a slow, soft kiss.

“So are we showering together or separately? In the interests of actually keeping clean we probably shouldn’t try it together right now.” Josh ask Max pulled away.

Max smiled though and moved to straddle Josh’s hips, carefully sliding their soft cocks together till they both started to stiffen again.

“Who said we were done?” Max asked, smiling when Josh groaned and grabbed his hips.

“Another round already?” Josh asked him, the look in his eyes proof enough for Max.

“You don’t seem to be protesting.” Max replied, reaching for the lube to slick his lover up.

“Why would I?” Josh asked with a smile and before Max could answer Josh pulled him down into a kiss.

***

Mark was silently singing along to the song that was playing through his MP3 player. Strictly speaking, he wasn’t supposed to have it on school grounds, or his cell phone. After passing several teachers though, and the principal, he decided not to worry about it.

Glad it was Friday, Mark went to his locker to swap some books he would need for the weekend. It was a nice day, for January, and Mark was planning to walk around town for a few hours before heading home.

Max, he knew, wasn’t very keen on that idea, not after what had happened last Friday when he was off by himself, but surprisingly he doesn’t harp on the fact, he just made him promise to take his cell phone and be home in time for dinner.

Mark had to smile at the memory, Max looking all concerned and somehow very fatherly as he admonished him to be careful and be home in time to eat. He really did have to suppress a laugh at the sight even though it was very touching.

Once he was packed up, making sure the chain to his wallet was securely fastened to his belt loop, and his phone was secure in the inner pocket of his coat, Mark set off to do some exploring. He had been in town for nearly a month now and had barely seen any of it.

One place he really wanted to check out was Clubz, but he didn’t have the courage to go in on his own yet and he didn’t relish the idea of going with Max and the rest; he was starting to feel like a fifth wheel, always hanging out with the two couples.

Knowing the most direct route to town was past the football field Mark turned his feet and headed off for the group of stands set a distance away from the school.

Raised voices broke through the music flooding his ears as he got closer to the football stands. More curious than was smart, Mark pulled off his headphones and, after carefully storing them and the mp3 player in his bag, set off in the direction of the two voices.

When he realized that the voices belonged to Tom and Robinson though he decided to get the hell out of dodge. That was of course before he heard Tom mention him. So Mark took refuge in some tall hedges that bordered the fence around the football field and the bleachers.

“What the fuck did I tell you about him Robinson? Not to fucking touch him, that’s what I said. I fucking warned what I’d do if you got in my fucking way.” Tom’s voice was barely more than a deadly whisper and Mark was thankful that his hiding spot allowed him to catch it.

“You think I give a fuck what you have to say anymore, Tom? Yea you warned me, big fucking deal. That was back when we were hanging out. I got no reason to listen to your ass now. Besides, you haven’t done a single fucking thing to the pint size fucker so piss off.” Mark watched Robinson shove Tom away from him.

Tom though wasn’t done with him it seemed. Mark had to admit it was little hot the way that Tom grabbed Robinson and all but threw him back against the wall of the building they stood by.

“First of all, you fucking waste of flesh, we’ve never hung out I’ve kept you around for entertainment and I got rid of you when you stopped being entertaining. Second of all, if you really need a reason to listen to me than I have NO problem giving you one.” Mark could tell, even from his hiding place, that Robinson was looking terrified at the menacing look on Tom’s face.

The look only lasted a minute though. The fear faded and to be replaced by a smirk and if Mark could tell that it was all bravado from where he was standing than there was no way that it was going to fool Tom.

“You want the little faggot for yourself than fine, I’ll back off. Just stay the fuck away from me from now on.” Once again, Robinson shoved Tom out of his way and all but ran away from him.

Mark moved a little further into the bushes as Robinson ran past his hiding spot, not wanting to risk being caught.

With Robinson out of sight Mark decided to wait for Tom to leave too before he made his break. Tom didn’t seem to be in a hurry to go through. He disappeared around the side of the building for a minute before returning with his backpack

Mark watched Tom sit down on one of the benches next to where he and Robinson had been arguing and pulled a notebook and pen out of his backpack. As he flipped the pad open and started writing Mark realized that he wasn’t writing. The way he held the pen and the motions of his hand were wrong.

He was drawing.

The discovery was a shock. Everything he had ever heard about Tom pointed to the other man being completely devoid of any sort of art or creativity. The fluid movement of his hand and the intense, determined look on his face though, was more than enough to show Mark that he was wrong.

This new information enflamed Mark’s already too hot curiosity. He wanted to know what Tom was drawing, and why he hadn’t tried to hurt him. It didn’t make any sense. Tom apparently went to great lengths to make sure that Mark was left alone so why wouldn’t he try to do something to him. Wasn’t that the point of making sure that no one else got to him?

‘This doesn’t make any sense.’ Mark thought silently, his head starting to hurt as he turned everything over in his mind, ‘Ok first thing firs; find a way to get out of this bush without being noticed.’ It would be a lot easier if Tom and Robinson were still arguing, that would at least cover the rustle of leaves.

Carefully as he could, Mark turned and made his way down the small isle between the fence and the hedges. He was doing well until his foot caught on something and he fell face first onto the ground.

He froze for a moment and hoped that he was in the clear…until a shadow fell over him. Looking up Mark felt like a ball of lead had dropped into his stomach.

Tom was standing over him.

***

For a split second, Tom didn’t know what the fuck to do. He’d heard the bushes rustling when he and Robinson had been arguing and figured someone was watching, it was the only reason that Tom hadn’t killed Robinson.

When he’d heard more noise, he had gone around to check who had been spying on them. Tom didn’t know what or whom he had been expecting to see but in no universe had he thought it would be the source of the entire conflict…as well as the star of many hot dreams he had been having lately.

Before he realized what he was doing, Tom reached down and helped Mark to his feet.

“Thanks.” The wariness in the grateful remark brought Tom back to himself. Realizing what he was doing Tom switched up his tactics, even though he really didn’t want to.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing, midget?” Tom growled as he pushed Mark back against the chain link fence behind him.

“I…I heard you two talking about me. Figured since it was about me I might as well make it my business.” Mark replied and Tom had to suppress the desire to smirk, he really did like this guys’ attitude.

“Yea, hiding in a bush was really making it your business.” Tom replied with an eye role.

“Getting close enough to hear doesn’t require me to be stupid.” Mark shrugged.

Figuring it was time to get this over with before Max came along and kicked his ass, Tom, gripping the fence on either side of Mark’s head, leaned in close enough that he felt Mark’s breath on his skin.

“A bit of advice for you, shrimp, next time you hear your name coming from me, run away.” Tom whispered in what he hoped was a menacing voice before pushing off the fence and walked away.

He hadn’t gotten very far though before a hand on his arm spun him around. Once again he was face to face with a pissed off, pint sized, hot as fuck, red head.

“After that speech you gave Robinson you’re just going to let me walk away; I thought you were supposed to be out for my blood.” Tom had never heard of someone who sounded pissed off because they weren’t getting their asses kicked.

Tom, doing his best to reign in the odd desires to laugh or kiss the smaller boy, shrugged out of Mark’s grip and pushed him away; carefully.

“Yea, well, consider yourself lucky, you won’t get it again.” Tom’s reply was weak, even he knew that, but he hoped his voice was menacing enough to get the job done.

“Fuck that,” Mark spat as he dropped his bag to the ground, “This is over today, right now. If you want to take a shot at me than come on, I’m done waiting for it. You wanna go than I’ll give you the same treatment I gave Robinson.” Tom couldn’t help the smirk that broke out over his face, it wasn’t possible; not with Mark looking for the entire world as if he was about to try to beat his ass.

“Fuck off, midget.” Tom shook his head and turned to leave, he really needed to get away from the little spitfire before he did something stupid…like throwing him up against a tree and crushing their lips together.

Tom didn’t get far, the shove against his back had him staggering forward and nearly landing face first on the asphalt. Righting himself Tom dropped his pack and turned to find Mark less than an arm’s length away, fear and anger showing in equal parts on his face.

“Do you have a fucking death wish?” Tom didn’t have to fake the anger this time around. He’d never lay a hand on Mark but almost coming face to face with the ground had pissed him off a bit.

“Not at all, I’m just tired of waiting. I’ve been hearing for weeks how much of a homophobic prick you are and how you’re supposed to be out to get me and you haven’t done a damn thing. Here’s your shot, me and you, all alone, so put up or shut up.” Mark said as he shoved him again.

Tom shoved Mark, who had once again gotten up into his personal space, back again before speaking.

“You shouldn’t believe everything you hear little boy.” Tom was happy to see that dumbfounded look on Mark’s face at his reply. When Mark didn’t say anything he picked up his bag and resumed walking to his car.

Mark though stopped him for a third time, this time walking around him to block his path. Running out of both patience and ideas Tom was just about to push him out his way and keep walking but the confused puppy look Mark pinned him with stopped him.

“Why?” The question was simple, easy…but Tom didn’t know what to tell him.

“Why what?” Tom asked in turn, not knowing what else to say or do.

“If it’s all bullshit than why start the rumors; why go toe to toe with Robinson instead of just letting him have at me?” Before Tom could answer though he heard voices coming from behind them.

Worried about who it might be and not wanting to make the situation any more difficult than it already was he grabbed Mark’s arm and drug him through the parking lot to his car.

“You want to talk, fine, get the fuck in.” Tom pushed him toward the passenger side of his car as he spoke.

For a minute, Tom didn’t think that Mark was going to listen, he didn’t care though, instead, he just climbed into the car and fired it up. The roar of the engine though must have shocked Mark out of his indecision. He climbed into the passenger seat just as Fay and her friends came into view.

Tom gritted his teeth in frustration and took off, going the long way through the lot to avoid seeing Fay.

***

“Seriously man…what is all this shit?” Frank was reading the list of restaurants Max had written out.

Max looked up from the computer page he had been looking at to glance at Frank.

“Places I’m thinking of taking Josh for Valentine’s.” Max said distractedly as he turned back to the screen, he couldn’t decide what to get Josh.

“Don’t you think that you’re going a little overboard with all of this, I mean have you seen the prices they charge in some of these places?” Frank asked as he dropped the sheet of paper on Max’s laptop.

“Yea they’re crazy; I dunno what I’m going to do. I haven’t been able to find him a decent gift.” Max nodded at his screen.

Frank moved to look over Max’s shoulder, and shook his head at what he found.

“Flower, candy, sappy gift and romantic dinner…dude…you do realize that neither you nor Josh are into this kind of stuff, right?” Frank swatted Max’s hand off the mouse to scroll through the web page of romantic Valentine’s Day ideas.

Max pushed his hand off the mouse and closed the page before turning his chair to face him.

“I’m just trying to do something special for him. I mean, this is as big to me as Christmas was to you for Kylie….but you’re right. All this seems over the top for the two of us.” Max replied wearily.

“Then why in the hell are you doing it?” Frank laughed as he spoke.

“I dunno, I was dieing for ideas and I went to Kylie and Fay for advice.” Max said and Frank slapped his palm on his face.

“Max…think about that sentence…do you see where you went wrong?” Frank only got a quizzical look from Max.

“Dude…you asked those two for advice. I love Fay and Kylie but in no universe should you have gone to those two.” Max realized he had a point.

“Alright, you’re right, my bad. The thing is that I still don’t have a clue what to do.” Max replied weakly.

Frank couldn’t help but roll his eyes as he spoke.

“That’s because you are over thinking things. Both you and Josh have a huge problem with that…you should work on it. Do something simple. Josh is going to love anything you do because it is you doing it.”

Max looked at him for a moment with strange mixture of both confusion and awe.

“When the hell did you become an expert on romance?” Max asked after a moment.

“I’m not…I’m an expert on you and Josh. Think about it Max. Which do you think Josh would prefer? Being in a possibly loud, probably crowded restaurant with sky-high prices…or here with you, eating something that you cooked just for him? If you absolutely have to go sappy you can do flowers and candle light too.” Frank said with a smirk.

Frank was no shrink but even he could see the wheels working in Max’s head. After a second, Max picked up the list of restaurants and let his eyes travel down the list shaking his head he crumpled it up and threw it in the trash.

“There you go man, now you just have to get it ready. The way I see it you two are most likely going to be together forever so there is no need to start out complicated.” Frank smiled as he clapped a hand on his shoulder.

Max smiled at the thoughts of forever with Josh going around in his mind. They were dreams and ideas that he had been harboring since the start of their relationship, though ones that he had been doing his best lately to keep a tight reign on. Max had no intention of leaving Josh any time in the near future but the recent death of his aunt and uncle had taught him an important lesson…anything could happen.

Anything as traumatic as a car crash, to as mundane as his mother being transferred to another hospital, which had actually been discussed in the past, could separate them in a heartbeat. They were worries that Max tried to not let in but when he thought about Josh and considered a future with him he couldn’t always help it.

Then there was college, even though he knew that he should start soon, Max hadn’t really given much thought to where he would be going. He didn’t think that it would be out of state though; he wanted to stay close to his family.

The furthering of their education hadn’t been much of a topic in their little group so he had no idea what Josh’s plans were.

A quick smack to the back of his head jarred both his glasses and his mildly depressing thoughts. Fixing his glasses he turned and pinned Frank with an aggravated stare, Frank though, just shrugged his shoulders.

“What? You were thinking too hard, again. I don’t know what it was about but the look it gave you was depressing, you don’t need to be depressed while we’re making plans for Valentine’s Day.” Frank replied, moving over to Max’s bookcases.

“We?” Max asked, the revelation pushing his annoyance out of his mind.

“Yea, we.” Frank replied without turning around, instead pulling a book from the case, “I can’t let you over complicate it again. I’m thinking you can make dinner for him here, your mom will be at work and I’m sure Mark’ll be happy to keep out of your way for the night.

Gift wise…unless you’re gonna propose I wouldn’t do jewelry; you know as well as I do that he isn’t big on it. He doesn’t really collect anything but he loves that little stone horse that you got him…so something like that could be cool.” Frank continued idly as he put the book back onto the case and turned to Max.

Max nodded in agreement but didn’t say anything, he was still going over things in his head he might be able to get Josh.

“Of course you could always do something a little….different.” The stress that Frank put on the last word of his sentence had Max a little confused…and worried.

“And exactly what do you mean by different?” Max asked, getting even more worried when the devious smile came over Franks face.

“Well, I understand that you and Josh are kind of fond of giving and getting massages.” Franks smile got wider as he spoke and Max felt his face burn.

He would SO be having a conversation with Josh soon.

***

Tom watched as Mark continued to glance nervously out the window as they drove. Tom might have thought it was cute, that and the way his hands kept fidgeting in his lap, if he wasn’t sure that it was because he was in a car with him.

“Will you stop fucking doing that.” Tom snapped but immediately felt guilty when Mark jumped.

“Stop doing what?” Mark asked with a raspy voice. He hadn’t said a word since they left the school.

“Fucking fidgeting like that and looking out the window every two seconds; if I was going to do something to you, I would have done it back at the damn parking lot.” Tom made a right turn heading for the river.

“I didn’t think you were going to do anything to me.” Mark replied quietly.

“You’re a shitty liar.” Tom actually smiled as he spoke.

“Yea…I think it’s genetic. None of us are really good at it.” Mark returned the smile, which made Tom happy.

“Your cousin isn’t bad at it. No one knew he was gay until last year.” Now that Tom had Mark talking, he wanted to keep it that way.

“Yea, but the way I hear it, no one really asked him before he came out…I don’t think omission and lies are the same thing.” Mark’s voice took on a thoughtful tone.

Tom didn’t reply, they were almost to their destination. Mark didn’t seem to have anything else to say either, so they made the rest of the short trip in silence.

Turning onto the road that would lead to the county park if they followed it long enough, Tom saw the two-story shelter that overlooked the river come into view.

“What are we doing here?” Mark asked as they pulled into the small parking lot and Tom wasn’t sure if he had actually heard or was only imagining the worried tone in his voice.

“You wanted a confrontation, so you’re going to get one; just not like you thought. Come on.” Tom answered before getting out of the car.

Mark got out and hesitantly followed Tom up the stairs to the top enclosed level of the shelter.

Tom made himself comfortable on the picnic table that had been set up there before addressing Mark.

“You want to know what’s going on, alright. It’s all bullshit. Despite what you’ve heard, I’m not targeting you or planning hurting you or anything else. The only reason I started any of that shit was to keep other bullies from fucking with you.” Tom said with a shrug.

“Why? I don’t get it. I’ve heard all about you, the fights you’ve gotten into with Max, Josh and more than I can really count. What’s so special about me?’ Mark asked him, obviously confused.

Tom had to take a few minutes to figure out his reply. He couldn’t tell Mark the truth but he didn’t readily have an excuse.

“I don’t know you more than what the rumors have to say so I don’t know if there is anything special about you; hell for all I know you might be an asshole who deserves to get your ass kicked, I doubt it though.

As to why I’m doing it, you’re a shrimp. I could probably lift you with one finger. You can’t be around your cousin and his crew every minute of the day and they are worse than bullies in that school than you realize. Everyone “knows” that I have a thing against your cousin so putting the word out that I was after you was the best thing to keep you safe.” Tom answered; making sure the use the air quotes around knows….no one really knew who he was.

“I still don’t get it, though; like you said you don’t know me so why bother with it…philanthropy isn’t a trait of yours I’ve heard about.” The snide tone Mark’s voice took on as he finished both angered and hurt Tom. In an instant, he had pushed off the table, after standing for a moment he walked over to the railing, and looked out into the woods. He had wanted to walk up to Mark but hadn’t wanted to scare him more.

“Like I told you before…you shouldn’t believe everything you hear….yea it’s true I’m a bully. I’ve fought with your cousin, and Josh, and all the rest. I’ve done some fucked up things to people who haven’t deserved it…

That’s all you’ve heard though, about the shit I’ve done in the past…You don’t hear how I haven’t raised a hand to anyone or threatened anyone; with the exception of Robinson and the stupid dick who swiped your clothes in the locker room, in months. No…all people want to talk about is the bad stuff.” Tom refused to acknowledge the tears that slowly forced themselves from the corners of his eye or the lump that had formed in his throat.

He hadn’t heard Mark move so when his small, pale hand landed on his forearm he jumped a little…but didn’t pull away…just turned his head away, hoping Mark wouldn’t see the tears.

“I’m sorry,” Mark whispered to him and Tom swallowed hard, “I shouldn’t have...I know better than to listen to rumors…I just…I’m sorry.” Mark’s voice got progressively quieter until Tom could barely hear him.

Tom shrugged though and finally pulled away from Mark.

“Don’t be sorry. It’s not rumor…it’s all true. I was a mean, bullying, homophobic asshole.” Tom replied quietly.

“Not anymore?” Mark asked and Tom felt him move closer to him.

“I can still be mean…still be a bit of an asshole…but no, I don’t bully and I’m not homophobic anymore.” Tom looked up as he spoke, little snowflakes falling as the breeze picked up.

“So what do you do now?” Mark asked him as he tugged on his forearm, drawing him away from the draft.

“I don’t do anything,” Tom said as he sat down on the bench, “At first I tried to change my rep…nothing I did seemed to matter so…I go around acting like an ass so people will leave me alone. Serves two purposes, lets people keep hating me like they want to and it keeps up my rep as an asshole…which makes my dad happy.” Tom answered fidgeting a bit from the question.

“What do you get out of it?” Mark asked him curiously.

“Nothing, really. Keep’s people from bothering me, I guess.” Tom had asked himself that question a lot in the last few weeks. It wasn’t ideal, and it didn’t make him happy but…there wasn’t any other choice.

Mark though, looked as if he could read his thoughts.

“So you make yourself miserable for other people? What about you, don’t you deserve to be happy?” Mark asked carefully.

Tom shrugged he had an answer ready.

“After all I’ve done, probably not; even though my shrink would tell you otherwise. Maybe one day I’ll figure out a way to be but not any time soon.” He wasn’t sure why but his answer seemed to piss Mark off; if his expression was anything to go by.

“That’s a huge load of bull and you know it. You do know that right?” The way Mark asked made it sound like he wasn’t sure.

“Doesn’t matter, I do what I do and I don’t need lectured by someone who doesn’t know a fucking thing about me.” Tom growled, anger flaring up.

“Look…you explained, I’ll keep it quiet. Just take me and drop me somewhere in town and we can both just go on with our day.” Mark said as he stood up, Tom could tell though that he had upset him.

Running a hand through his hair Tom sighed in frustration and sent a silent prayer to a god he wasn’t sure he believed in anymore, before speaking up.

“Look...I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to fly off the handle like that…I just… I know it’s fucked up but there isn’t anything that I can do about it. This is what I have to do and I don’t like talking about it; but I shouldn’t have taken it out on you. Despite the image,…I don’t want to be that person anymore.

If you want, I’ll take you and drop you off somewhere and that’ll be that. If you want though, we can sit here and keep talking about something less depressing.” Tom knew the invitation to talk was stupid…given that he would rather do something a lot more physical with the redhead, but he really didn’t want to leave this meeting like this.

Tom didn’t think that Mark was going to accept at first but after a few heart-wrenching seconds, he sat back down and pulled his coat a little tighter around him.

“You could have picked someplace warmer, you know.” He complained but Tom noticed the way his mouth turned up at the corner.

“It’s not that cold. Beside this is the only place that I could think of that we weren’t likely to be seen.” Tom replied with a very small, genuine smile.

“I guess that it would screw with the illusion you’ve got going on to be seen being friendly with a guy you’re supposed to be planning to attack or whatever; being gay notwithstanding.” Mark smiled and Tom was grateful he had taken a moment to twist around to get his backpack, it kept him from seeing the momentary shock that Tom allowed to cross his face.

“Yea it would wreck a lot of the work I’ve done. Besides Max would probably kill me anyway, even with everything that he knows.” Tom replied without thinking.

“What do you mean?” Mark asked him curiously.

Tom could have fucking choked himself for being so fucking loose lipped. He knew that trying to lie would be stupid, anything that Mark wanted to know he could probably get from Max if he refused to answer.

So Tom laid it all out to him…or most of it at least. He left out the fact that he was gay and changed the details on his sketches…actually leaving out what they were at all.

“Dude…what the hell is wrong with you,” Mark asked him once he had explained everything, “I get why you ditched him…you didn’t want to cause issues with him; but why in the hell are you letting him think that you’re a threat to me. You know he’s freaking the fuck out about that right?” Mark went on to explain to him the fight the pair of them had about Max keeping Tom’s threat to him a secret.

Even though he didn’t really care what Max thought about him, at least that’s what he told himself, he was glad for Mark’s speech because he didn’t know how to answer Mark’s question without outing himself. Even with the attraction he felt for Mark, the idea of actually telling someone else that he was gay was fucking terrifying.

“What do you draw?” Mark’s question caught him so off guard that he almost answered honestly.

“People mostly. I do a little bit of nature but I’m really good at people.” Tom answered vaguely.

“Can I see?” Mark asked with interest.

Tom would have loved to show off his skills for someone who seemed so interested…and even more because it was Mark, but he didn’t have anything on him that he felt he could share.

“Uhh…what I’ve got with me I um…I don’t feel like I can share it. If you want, I can do something fresh. I’ve got my pad with me.” Tom said, his fingers already itching to capture the model in front of him.

“I’d like that.” Mark smiled, nodded at him to get his pack.

Tom carefully pulled his sketch pad out from where it rested between a few of his books and flipped through it; careful to keep the pages from being seen, till he found a blank page.

“Just hold still for a few minutes.” Tom admonished, as he stretched his fingers.

“You’re gonna draw me?” Mark asked, his tone making him sound uncertain.

Tom though was already lost to the process and didn’t answer. At first, he had planned to sketch Mark as he was sitting before him but once the pencil touched paper he lost conscious control over what came out.

As the pencil moved the image of the first time he saw Mark came into focus, standing at the end of a long row of lockers, light shining down on him from a high window, laughing at something that Josh had said to him.

Tom knew it was a bad idea to sketch out someone he kept so close in his mind but he couldn’t stop. He rushed the sketch more than he usually would have done but now that he had started, he was eager to show it off.

His hand had just started to go numb as he put the final touches on the image and as he looked it over, he felt the first signs of uncertainty creep up his spine. Even though he had finished the sketch much faster than he would have any other time, he still had to admit that it was the best work he had done…and he couldn’t help but think that it was because of the subject.

Swallowing hard, Tom made to hand the sketchbook to Mark but at the last second snatched it back and tore the page out of it. Mark looked at him for a second as if he thought he was going to tear it up but Tom just passed it over to him.

Tom was more nervous as he watched Mark go over the drawing than he was before his first appointment with Mr. Watcher. Unlike his cousin, whom Tom could tell everything he was thinking or feeling by his facial expressions, Mark seemed to have mastered the ability to keep his face neutral and Tom got no help from it.

Just before he was getting ready to question him, the stoic expression split dissolved into a smile.

“This is awesome. How long have you been sketching?” Mark asked without looking away from the page.

“Since I was a kid. I just picked back up again a couple of months ago…It, uhh, it helps with my issues. You really like it?” Tom asked, insanely yet silently happy that mark liked the sketch of himself.

“Man…I wish I looked like this in real life,” Mark smiled up at him briefly before looking back down at the sketch, “This looks familiar though, crazy as that sounds.”

Tom swallowed hard before speaking up.

“It’s…it should. It’s from your first day here…when Josh was showing you around. I was down the hall. I remember it because I’ve been curious about what Josh said to make you laugh; he isn’t known for his comedian talents.” Tom joked, but Mark scowled at him.

“That’s not nice…even if it is somewhat true. If you want to know though he made a joke about how I should be kept away from the weightlifting team…once he found out that I have a bit of a thing for muscular guys.” Mark shrugged as he spoke and Tom felt his heart skip a beat.

“Yea, you’re right, I guess. Anyway, we should probably go…I’m already going to have to think of a way to explain to my dad where I’ve been all this time.” Tom managed to force out. He really didn’t want to part ways with Mark but he really needed to get away from the smaller boy before he did something very stupid, like snatch Mark up and spread him out on the picnic table.

Mark though seemed to accept the lie though; in fact, his face took on a grim expression as he nodded.

“Just tell him the truth, that you got roped into showing a new student around. It’s close enough to the truth at least.” Mark smirked as he pulled a folder out of his bag and slipped the sketch carefully inside.

“You don’t mind me keeping this, do you? I mean, its kick ass work...if you wanted to keep for like a portfolio or something, you can.” Mark asked suddenly uncertain.

“No, go ahead. I have hundreds of other works. I can always replicate it though, if I want to.” Tom answered after a minute; the idea of putting together a portfolio had never occurred to him…the fact that someone else was suggesting it was somewhat shocking

Mark’s only answer was a smile and a nod. They rode back to town in what Tom was surprised to find was a comfortable silence. He dropped Mark off near the small antique shop down town. Tom had offered to drop him closer to his house but Mark said he still wanted to walk around town.

“This might sound crazy or like I’m hitting on you but I’m not…but I’m wondering if we can hang out again sometime. On the sly of course, to keep your reputation up; I’d like to see more of your work and get to know the person you’re trying to become.” Mark said as they stopped outside the shop.

Tom floundered for an answer, he wouldn’t have minded seeing Mark again, but there was a huge risk involved; to both him and Mark. After several moments of silent debate though, Tom agreed and scrawled his cell number on a scrap piece of paper and gave it to him

“Drop me a text sometime and we’ll see what we can work out.” Tom smiled when Mark beamed at him.

**************************************************************************************************************************

I want to thank Rush for her work in editing, without her I would be nowhere. As always, I love to get your thoughts and opinions so feel free to email me at allenarcane88@yahoo.com, drop me a PM, write me a review or visit the discussion forum.
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