Black Fox - 7. The Warning

I hadn't slept so well since the accident. I woke almost without any pain and I didn't wake up once during the night. The cast was still causing some discomfort but I could live with that.

Yawning, I checked my phone. It was half-past nine. And there was a message from Alex. He sent me a cute selfie of him lying in his bed with a sweet smile, his eyes half-opened. He was bare-chested underneath the cover and his shoulders were smooth as silk. I stood up and took a photo in front of my mirror, flexing in my white sweatshirt. It wasn't until I sent it when I noticed that my semi-hard bulge inside my boxer shorts was quite obvious. Oh well.

“Good morning, big boy,” Alex replied. Oops.

“Good morning, cutie. You coming over or what?”

“I'm still sleepy, can you carry me?”

"I'll be right there."

He was joking but I didn't care. I cleaned myself briefly and almost ran towards his house. The phone was buzzing in my pocket but I ignored it.

Standing at his door, I hesitated. His parents or his brother didn't know me and I could get a little uptight with new people. I gulped and rang the doorbell. I only waited 5 seconds when a dark-haired woman, who had to be Alex's mum, opened the door.

"Hello ma'am, I am here to see Alex. My name is Owen and we, um, play in the band together."

"Oh hi, Owen, I'm Kate. Alex told me about you. Come on in."

"Thank you."

"How are you feeling? Do you want something to drink?"

"No, thank you. And I'm feeling much better now."

Alex's mum went to the staircase and shouted, "Alex! Owen is here!"

When there was no reply for a few seconds, she turned to me. "Maybe he's still in bed, just go and check on him. It's the door on the right."

I wanted to ascend the staircase in a single leap but reminded myself to act my age.

"Come in!" I heard Alex shout after I knocked on the door. He was still in his bed, just like in the photo he sent me.

"Hey," I smiled at him, "I came to carry you to my room."

"You and whose army?" He looked at me doubtfully. "Also, I'm still sleeping so get out of my room!"

"Haven't you seen these muscles?” I flexed, “I'll just carry you on my shoulder like a potato sack."

I wasted no time and attempted to sweep his cover away but he grasped it tightly and screamed.

"Stop it!" He laughed, and when I stepped back he added between chuckles, "I don't have any clothes on, you moron. I’ll go, just turn away so I can get dressed!"

I turned away but it was hard not to look. I heard Alex get up and rummage in his wardrobe.

"Don't look or I'll kill you!" He exclaimed just as I was about to steal an innocent glance.

I had to use all my willpower not to look. I hoped for a strategically placed mirror but I was out of luck. Maybe it was for the best. At least I managed to look around his room which was really nice and tidy. The half that I was allowed to look at had a big, white desk with a laptop on it. There was a small trophy shelf next to it with a handful of cups, medals, and diplomas he earned in swimming competitions. So here was the secret of his body.

"Okay, you can look," Alex said after a minute.

When I said he was looking better every day, I really meant it. Today, he wore blue jeans and a flannel shirt on top of a black t-shirt. Maybe it doesn't sound hot but believe me, it was beyond sexy with his boyish face, giving him a rebellious look. And knowing he was fully naked just a minute ago made it even better.

"You're looking perfect," I said, meaning every word of it.

Alex just blushed and fixed his hair. "Come on, let's go."

We went downstairs and I had an OJ while Alex ate his breakfast. He chomped it real quick, said goodbye to his mother and we left.

It was quite chilly and windy for this time of the year and I regretted I didn't wear anything except for the t-shirt.

"Hey Alex," I said as we were walking down the street. "I thought maybe I'll come to the band practice with you today and play a song or two. What do you think?"

"Totally, dude! The sooner you start practising, the sooner you'll be back to playing. There’s no way we can wait until your hand is fixed."

"It would be awesome… I wouldn’t believe I could do it if not for you."

"Don't mention it, I just pushed you a little bit. Let's not say anything to the gang, they'll have a surprise."

We were just passing the park and I looked over at Ryan's house. When I glanced at his window, I was sure I saw a glimpse of a boy looking back through it but he moved away from the view before I could focus. I started wondering if I did something wrong. Was he jealous of us? He said he was straight and it's not like I didn't want to hang out with him anymore. Well, maybe that was just my imagination.

"Owen, you there?" Alex’s voice snapped me out of my daydream.

"Ah yes, sorry. Sure, let's do that. I can show you my drumming progress when we're in my room."

And so I did. Alex was sitting on my bed and clapped like a little kid every time I finished a song. It felt a little cheesy but strangely sweet, too.

"You're playing better than before the accident!" He exclaimed when I was done.

"Alright, now you're just exaggerating."

"Honest! Your right hand was good for nothing."

"Oh, you little shit…" I muttered and threw a stick at him but he dodged, laughing at me.

"Boy, it's hot in here," Alex said, taking his shirt off and staying just in his tee. I gave him a flirting look.

"What?" He asked.

"Nothing," I replied and sat next to him on my bed, grabbing his hand and looking him in the eyes. "Actually, there is something I wanted to ask. Would you mind dating a cripple?"

Alex pretended to be deep in thought for a while.

"Um, normally I would, yeah. But if it was someone strong, handsome, funny and talented… then maybe I wouldn't mind after all. Not only that! I might tell him that I find his cast… sexy." He almost whispered the last words and caressed my broken arm.

"Oh. It is funny because if a sweet boy like you told me something like this…" I replied, my hand stroking his black hair, our faces getting closer, "I would have very little choice but to…"

Our lips met and I closed my eyes. I didn't think about closing them, it just happened. Maybe it was because my brain couldn't handle all the sensations. Maybe I just wanted to focus on enjoying the best feeling I've ever felt in my life. Better than the sex stuff I've done in the last few days. I was kissing the boy I loved. It was my first, real, deep kiss and nothing could beat that. He tasted like apples with a hint of chewing gum and a gallon of… boy. Of Alex.

We rolled on the bed, making out and taking only short breathing breaks to look at each other before going at it again. I was raging hard ever since I touched his hand and now I was twitching so hard I was about to cum inside my pants.

Who knows, maybe eventually I would do it, but after a few minutes we heard steps on the stairs and we sat on the bed, sweaty and a little startled. A knock came only seconds later, so when Wayne came into the room saying, "Hey Junior, have you seen my… Oh," we were looking like rabbits in the headlights. Rabbits that just made out for five minutes. I regained only enough composure to take care of introductions.

"Wayne, this is my… friend, Alex. Alex, this is my brother, Wayne."

"Hi," said Alex.

"Hey man," Wayne replied, looking at us carefully. "Don't mind me, I just wanted to ask if you… well actually never mind, I'll talk to you later. I'll be in my room." Then he closed the door, leaving us in awkward silence.

"Do you think he figured out we were…" Alex asked me shyly.

In reply, I just looked down at my crotch and he followed my glance. My boner's outline was more than evident through my grey sweatpants. Alex's jeans were less revealing but I saw a bulge there, too. But if my face was as red and my hair as messy as his, then no other evidence was needed.

"I think so," I replied, "but don't worry, Wayne's cool."

Alex's eyes were still focused on the spot between my legs and it certainly didn't help with my condition. I started thinking about a way to put him at ease. I didn't want him to have bad memories of our first kiss.

"I'm serious, don't worry about it," I said, trying to sound uplifting, "Wayne totally won't mind. I'll talk to him later. Oh and... it was amazing what we did." That made him actually look at me and smile sheepishly.

"I liked it too," he replied, barely audible.

"I'll go talk to Wayne now and get ready before the band practice. Would you like to come over afterwards if it's not too late? Or maybe, I don't know, have a sleepover or something?" That came rather hard to say out loud but I did it.

"Um, I don't know about the sleepover," he hesitated, "but I do want to come. I want to spend as much time with you as possible. I'll think about staying for the night and will let you know, ok?"

I nodded. I didn't want to force myself on him but I genuinely wanted Alex by my side all the time. Whatever might happen in the future was definitely worth waiting for.

We kissed and fondled for a minute again and Alex left home on his shaky legs.

I sat on my bed for five minutes, getting used to the silence and thinking about Alex. And what to tell Wayne. I was forming elaborate sentences in my head but they all evaporated like a snowflake in a volcano when he knocked.

"Um, you have a moment?" He asked, sticking his head through the half-opened door.

"Sure, come in," I invited him, tapping my hand on my knee nervously. Before he could say anything, I took a deep breath and said, "Yes, I'm gay."

"Oh. Cool. Well, I didn't mean to ask about it but…"

"And yes, Alex and I are kind of dating now."

"Um, okay. You didn't have to tell me, but thanks. And sorry for walking in on you. Like in, I hope I didn't interrupt anything because I saw him leave and…"

"No, it's cool, we weren't doing… much. And he was leaving anyway. We’re good."

"Oh, that's a relief. Sorry for rushing in like that anyway, I'll be sure to wait after knocking from now on."

"Yeah, you might. No telling what you might see next time."

"Right… watching you wank was already more than I bargained for," he scratched the back of his head and turned away.

"Yeah it was awkward but I’m over it now. So, you are fine with me being a homo?”

"To be honest, I don't think it’s any of my business. If you're gay, it's cool, I'll always support you, Junior. And I already realised you were over it once you let me help you in the shower.”

“Yeah, I pretty much stopped caring after that,” I admitted.

“That’s good because I didn’t care either. On another note, while I’m straight, I kinda like being naked around people. So that probably makes me weirder than you!"

"I don’t think you’re weird. In fact, I like being naked, too. And um… I was just about to have a shower, wanna join me?"

"You bet!" His eyes widened.

We undressed in my room and went to the bathroom.

"I'd never imagine you'd be into this, Junior," Wayne laughed as we soaped in the stall.

"Yeah, I wouldn't either. I had a shower with a friend a few days ago and something clicked for me. Oh, by the way, you owe me something."

"Like what?" He asked, surprised.

"I want to watch you wanking,” I stated, giving him a daring look.

"What? Here? Now?"

"No time like the present," I smirked. "Also, it's like watching my older self and I want to see it."

Wayne was already on board, I knew it. He was just stalling not to make it look like he's eager. But he was.

"Okay Junior, but watch closely because it won't happen again."

"We’ll see about that."

The shower stall was roomy enough so I stepped back to get a better angle and watched as my brother took his soft penis and started stroking it. In less than a minute, he was fully hard. I got hard 10 seconds later even though I didn't even touch myself.

Wayne was now jacking off shamelessly, throwing quick glances at me every few seconds to make sure I was watching. And boy, I was.

"Wayne, stop for a second." He obeyed and let go of his rod. "I want to take a good look while it's hard. You are a little bigger than me."

"Yours is more than decent. Nothing to be ashamed of. Um, you're not going to wank it?"

"Not yet, I want to save the ammo, if you know what I mean. You can go on now."

He shook his head at me and grabbed his thick cock again. It took him three minutes or so and he shot his load, hitting me on my leg once or twice.

"Okay Junior, so much for the show, let's scrub and get out of here."

We were still naked, towelling our hair when Wayne said: "I know what I said earlier but now that I think of it, I might want to do it again sometime? Sex with a girl is cool but there's something special about someone watching you rubbing one."

"We'll see," I said, putting on my fresh briefs. A success! Now he wanted It more than I did. But for now, I really wanted to save energy for my prince.

Back in my room, I had some second thoughts about watching my older brother. It was cool that we were close and even cooler that we shared the same perversion but… well, he was my brother. And I kinda should stop messing around with everyone I see if I was to be true with Alex. But emotionally, I was still a virgin and that was all that mattered. I noticed an odd mound on my bed. It was Alex’s flannel shirt. He left it here, probably too absorbed with what we’ve done. My head went spinning when I picked it up to my face and inhaled. Oh boy. I was starting to love his smell. I decided to keep the shirt for now. You know, to make sure it was safe.

***

I put on my Mastodon t-shirt and jean cutoffs and left for the bus. I hated that I couldn't ride my bike to Cayden's but I guess it was my life now. Equipped only with my drum sticks, I embarked.

I sat near the back of the bus and rummaged for the earplugs in my pockets. Shit, I left them at home. The Car Seat Headrest song "My Boy" was playing in my head and I needed to hear it right now. I was about to just play it out of my phone speakers when I saw Ryan's three older sisters get into the bus and sit right behind me on the back seats. Shit. They were all chewing gum and talking. The engine was too loud for me to hear anything but I felt their eyes on me. I regretted I didn't say hi or anything because now it was only getting weirder.

And I was pretty sure it couldn't go any weirder until when I was about to leave the bus and the oldest one said, "Watch yourself, gay boy."

I left the bus and turned around. They were looking back at me with a menacing look and I felt mesmerized as they drove away.

What the fuck just happened? I started thinking of reasonable answers but I couldn't find any. Was Ryan jealous? What did he tell his sisters? What did I do?

I was just next to Cayden's house but dialled Ryan's mobile first. It went straight to voicemail. Please leave a message. Shit.

I was standing there, remembering the events of the last few days, trying to figure out what I did wrong. On the first day we met, I got a fantastic handjob from Ryan in my room. I got him off at his place the following day. That had been the only time his sisters could get a hint as to what I was up to with their little brother. Even if they heard us, it didn't explain the "gay boy" thing. Ryan must have told them. Why? The last time we saw each other, we were on friendly terms. Very friendly, so to speak. Watch yourself, gay boy. Maybe they weren't cool with their brother messing around with an older white boy. Was that why Ryan stayed “sick” at home and now ignored my calls? My head was full of questions again.

Oh well, that’s my life now.

***

I rang the door and Drew greeted me. I haven't seen him in over a week.

"Owen, buddy, come on in! How are you?"

"It's all good Drew, I licked all my wounds except for one."

"The boys are upstairs. You want Coke? Beer?" He looked around. "Weed?" I smoked with Drew once, he was totally cool with it but he himself preferred ale.

"Thanks, Drew, I'm good. I'll check on the boys."

They were in the middle of a song when I came in. Josh was the only one who noticed me, raising his eyebrow. I stood there for a minute watching them play. Alex was on fire. It was amazing to see this usually timid, well-behaved boy turning into a stage animal. He had so much energy lingering in him. I started wondering if he had more than one way to release it and had to readjust my dick. I wasn't sure if I wanted to be back in the band anymore. Watching Alex was a divine experience in every way.

Once they finished, I wanted to make my presence known by clapping except one-handed applause can be rather underwhelming. Try it at home, if you don’t believe me.

"Bravo!" I shouted instead. "You're killing it, gentlemen."

The boys gathered around me and we exchanged left-handed high fives. With Cayden, I had a secret handshake that involved wiggling wingers and a head bump.

Alex was the last one to greet me and we just couldn't stop ourselves. Our high five turned into a tight hug and we stepped from one foot to another, locked in an embrace. The boys just stared.

"Hey! How come I never get a hug!" Cayden broke the silence.

"If you showered more than once in a month I'd even give you a kiss if you wanted," I retorted.

"Shut it you wanker. I shower at least two times a month and brush my teeth every Sunday!"

"But for real, guys," Mike cut in before I could remind Cayden that it was Thursday. Or change the topic. "Is there a thing going between you two?"

I looked at Alex. I was ready to announce it to the whole world but I didn't want to out us if the boy wasn't. I was worried for nothing, it turned out, because he smiled at me, and taking my hand, replied: "yes."

The boys cheered like maniacs and Mije even took a photo of us.

"That thing will be going viral before evening. All girls will melt when they see you cuties together!"

"Hey, not so quick," I covered my face, "Let us tell our parents first or something, alrighty? That's not the way I'd like them to find out."

"I just knew you were a faggot," Cayden poked me, "the only reason you’re playing drums is that you get a good vantage point at my ass," he laughed and smacked his buttcheek.

"Correct. And so I can stick this thing up it if you fuck up the lyrics," I replied, rolling the drum stick in my hand.

After we were done throwing shit at each other, the boys started coming to us for a hug, congratulating and wishing us luck. It was the most heartwarming moment in my life and looking into Alex's watery eyes, I knew he felt the same.

A few minutes later, the boys went back to playing and when they got to the encore, Alex smiled at me and motioned me to take his place. I was grateful to do that and played the last three songs. The energy was incredible. Nobody seemed to expect me to play for at least the next few weeks. I just shrugged when the boys asked me to play a few songs at the next gig on Saturday. They knew I would. Apparently, the fans were happy with Alex but were hoping for me to get well soon. And here I thought they’d barely notice me.

***

As soon as it was over, Alex and I said our goodbyes and left Cayden’s house.

"Let's take a bus to mine, I need to grab a toothbrush and fresh clothes for the night," Alex suggested matter-of-factly. Did I hear him correctly?

"Um, so does that mean…"

"Yes, I'd like to spend the night if that's alright."

"You know it is. I dreamed about it."

"Me too. I'm not promising anything more but we'll see. Is it okay?" Alex asked, a little worried.

"Take as much time as you need. We have all the time in the world, right?" I sort of wanted things to happen sooner than later but I would rather die than hurt the boy because of my little head speaking.

Alex just smiled at me and caressed my broken hand gently.

I waited in the kitchen chatting with his mum while Alex was packing his stuff upstairs. I told her how awesome Alex's drumming was and how he saved the day.

"So what are you boys up to tonight?" Kate asked, casually.

"Nothing in particular, I guess,” I shrugged, “we're going to chat and watch some movies. There's not a lot I can do without my hand so Alex's company really makes my day."

His mum looked like she wanted to say something more but she just smiled.

Alex was downstairs with his backpack five minutes later.

"I packed Magic the Gathering. I think you can play it with one hand," he said grinning at me.

"I could beat you just using my teeth. Let's get going. Goodbye Ms. Richmond!"

“It’s Kate!” I heard her shout as we made it to the door.

It was slowly getting dark and I was thrilled to spend the evening and the night (!) with my boyfriend.

"Um, Alex?" I asked as we walked through the park.

"Yes?"

"If we really get to play at the same gig together, that will be the best day of my life."

"Mine too," we were holding hands now. We stopped by the pond to look at the water. I could be romantic if I wanted and Alex seemed to appreciate it. "But for now, this is the best day of my life," he added.

I didn't care if anyone was looking. I leaned to Alex and kissed him. The moon was high in the sky. The feeling was incredible and I couldn't believe love could be so wonderful. If all the shitty things that happened to me recently were the advance payment for the amazing stuff, then I'd gladly keep paying.

And I probably picked the worst possible timing to think this because, apparently, the next payment was due. We both turned our heads when we heard a low growl coming from the trees behind us. I held Alex tight and he cowered under my shoulder. At first, we didn’t see any movement but after a few seconds, a black shape jumped from a nearby tree with a few swift leaps.

It was a giant cat. Or something that looked like one. More like a large puma, with a slick, amethyst fur and big, red eyes. I recognized those eyes. Their owner prowled menacingly in our direction, not farther than 40 yards away from us. I felt an unworldly presence and protecting Alex was the only reason I did not piss my pants then and there. We froze, unable to move and my thoughts were desperately looking for a way out. I was hopelessly aware of the fact that we wouldn't be able to outrun the creature.

"Owen, I'm scared," I heard a tiny voice just under my chin and it sobered me.

"Run!" I commanded pushing him away from the predator. Alex stumbled but moved away to safety.

I desperately looked for ways to gain some time and started moving sideways. Soon, we were circling each other and as much as I tried to step away, the monster was getting closer with every second. I looked around discreetly. There was no one in sight and we were far away from the nearest houses. It was really, really bad and I was trembling. I only hoped that Alex had run away and didn't get any stupid ideas.

Before I could come up with a plan, it was too late. The beast stopped and tensed, wiggling its tail threateningly. I watched enough TV and movies to know what that meant. Lunchtime. I could only hope it would choke trying to bite through my cast before it could get to my throat. I didn't like those odds, though.

But just as I was about to become a meal, something happened. The shadows all around me started moving and jumped at the puma monster from all directions. Foxes. Black ones. Three of them. No, four! Or maybe five! I couldn't tell for sure because they turned into a tangle of fur, claws and fangs as they confronted the larger beast. They were attacking the creature like a pack of wolves. They would circle it for a few seconds before launching an all-out attack, making it impossible to fight all of them.

Every now and then, the puma would hit or scratch one of the smaller attackers sending it into the air but soon it was back in action again, biting and scratching without remorse. After every assault, the creature was showing more and more red cuts and wounds on its otherwise impeccable fur. I was watching the fight petrified, too startled to move a finger. After a brief moment, I recognised one of the foxes. It had a baseball bat wound on one of its eyes. Oh no, what have we done?

Finally, I forced myself to back away to watch from a safer distance and hid behind a tree. The mysterious predator was wounded now and trying to retreat. But the foxes were cornering it and soon its only way to escape was into the water. When it realised its situation, the creature attacked with relentless force, knocking down one of the foxes. That only enraged the remaining three and the puma retreated into the water but not before losing one of its gleaming red eyes to a fox claw. Its roar was full of agony and fear. The pond was getting deep very near the shore and the monster seemed to be struggling to stay on the surface.

I almost had a heart attack when something leapt on me from behind. Alex. He pulled my left hand, forcing me to escape. We retreated looking one last time at the battlefield. The foxes were patrolling by the shore next to the drowning creature as it splashed the water around it.

We survived.