A Different Love - 30. Chapter 30

The fire at the gym was still raging and I was standing behind the makeshift barrier of police warning tape. By now a larger crowd had gathered and I fought my way to the front amid shouts of anger, as everyone strained to see what was going on. The firemen were still spraying jets of water at the building in a determined attempt to bring it under control. The squat, bald headed man suddenly appeared at my side and asked if I knew how the fire had started. When I said I didn't know he began screaming at me, asking me why I'd started the fire. "You're hot enough Jason Wright!" he scolded "Why did you have to burn down my gym?" I ignored him and turned away to watch the firemen. Suddenly one of them turned around. Pointing his hose towards me, he began spraying my body with warm creamy liquid. I looked at his face and stared open mouthed as Nathan looked back at me. As he stood there smiling, his uniform sprung open and I was shocked to see that he was completely naked underneath. He waved and mouthed the words at me. "Hiya Jase, you wanted to see me naked, didn’t you? Well, what do you think? Don't worry about the gym, we can go swimming instead" I craned my neck for a better look, but he'd turned away, once again spraying the building with water. I felt a sharp dig in the ribs and turned to see the woman from the library. "You didn't put the books back did you Jason?" she yelled at me, wagging her finger. Her face slowly melted into Aidan's, his mocking smile staring back at me. "Is that your boyfriend Jason" he sneered, pointing at Nathan. "I'll make sure everyone knows you're gay!" Another fire engine flew around the corner, its blaring siren slowly morphing into the ringing sound of my alarm clock. I opened my sleep encrusted eyes and slowly reached out to turn it off. With a jolt I realised it had all been a dream and I lay there for a while as my mind struggled to concentrate on the new day, my forehead dripping with perspiration. A few minutes later I struggled out of bed, stretching and yawning loudly. I removed my briefs and stood naked in front of the full-length mirror, self-consciously inspecting my body. It was lean and muscular, a testament to the many hours I'd spent exercising in the gym. It was incredibly important for me to impress Nathan when we went swimming and I couldn't help my fingers tracing the taut muscles across my stomach. As he'd intimated the other day, my cock was quite impressive and the mere thought of him seeing it caused to lengthen considerably. I softly rubbed my fingers up and down its length and it sprung to attention, standing proud in all its glory.

I was just about to enjoy myself when there was a sudden knock at the door and mum called out to me. "Jason, are you up yet. Breakfast's nearly ready"

"Yes mum, coming" I called back, instinctively turning away from the door.

I was eternally grateful that mum and dad had always respected my privacy and would never think of coming into my room without knocking first. Plenty of potentially embarrassing situations had thus been avoided, including the one that had just taken place. Heaving a huge sigh of relief, I took a quick peek down the hallway and finding the coast was clear, covered myself with a towel and rushed to the bathroom for a shower. The smell of frying bacon wafted down the hall from the kitchen and I suddenly realized how hungry I was.

"Morning mum" I greeted her, entering the kitchen a short while later.

"Morning love. It's almost ready, in you go" she said, ushering me into the lounge.

Dad was sitting in his chair by the fire finishing the last of his breakfast and I sat down at the table, facing him across the room.

"Morning son" he said, giving me a weak smile

"Morning dad. How are you?"

"Oh, not too bad. You know how it is"

I knew exactly how it was. He hadn't been very well for the last couple of days now, but he rarely complained. Typically, he immediately turned the conversation away from himself, attempting as always to divert my concern.

"More importantly son, how are you?" he asked “I haven't seen much of you lately"

I looked away, suddenly feeling slightly guilty. I usually spent more time with my parents, but over the last few days I'd been with Nathan almost constantly.

"I'm fine dad" I quickly reassured him "You don't need to worry about me"

"I do though son" he chuckled "Can't help it! You’ll understand when you’ve got kids of your own"

I rolled my eyes but didn’t contradict him. He pushed his plate away and took a sip of tea before continuing.

"And what about Nathan? How are you getting on with him?"

For some inexplicable reason the question seemed rather odd. Thinking about it afterwards, I realised that it wasn't so much the question, but rather the way he'd asked it. There was a strange kind of eagerness in his voice, as though it was somehow important to him that we should get on. I tried to play down just how important he was to me, but couldn’t keep the enthusiasm out of my voice or stop the beaming smile that plastered itself across my face.

"He's a real good friend dad. We get on like a house on fire"

"Good, I'm pleased about that son! Make sure you hold on to him, friends like that are hard to come by"

There was nothing I wanted more than to hold on to him, but not in the way that dad meant. For a second or two I wrestled with the idea of telling him the truth about me, but the moment was instantly lost as mum came bustling in with my breakfast. She set a full plate of food down on the table and I immediately tucked in, realising how hungry I was. As I poured myself a cup of tea, she sat down opposite me at the table.

"We heard about the gym being on fire" she remarked, nodding at dad for confirmation "It was on the television about half an hour after you left"

"Yeah, it was pretty bad" I said, taking a sip of tea "There were three fire engines when I got there. Did they say what caused it?"

"It started in the heating system apparently" explained mum "A couple of hours before it opened"

I shuddered at the thought that people could have been inside the building and mum's next words mirrored my thoughts.

"Any later and people would have been inside" she said, her voice shaking "Including you!"

The thought appalled me, and I took a large gulp of breath "Don't remind me"

"Anyway, you're alright son" she continued "That's the main thing"

"Where will you go now?" asked dad "The new leisure centre doesn't open ‘til spring, does it?"

"Yeah, that's right" I confirmed. "Nathan suggested going swimming instead"

I had a sudden vision of Nathan in tiny swimming trunks, his muscles bulging and rippling, and I struggled to concentrate on what dad was saying.

"That's a good idea son, swimming is an excellent way of keeping fit"

"Yeah, that's what we thought" I agreed "We're going on Friday afternoon when he finishes work"

"You seem to be getting on well with Nathan" mum commented casually.

She glanced across at dad and that same inexplicable look passed between them. It definitely meant something, but at the moment for some strange reason, I didn't want to know what. Instead I couldn't help but sing his praises.

"Yeah, he's great mum. We get on really well" I answered warmly.

What I really wanted to say was how good looking and fit I thought he was and how much I wanted him to be my boyfriend, but somehow, I didn't think it would go down too well. She seemed genuinely happy for me and I struggled to curb my excitement

"It’s Nathan’s birthday the day after mine, so we're going out for a meal on Friday night to celebrate!" I revealed proudly

Her eyes rose upwards in surprise "Oh, that’s nice love. Where are you going to?"

"I'm not really sure yet, we haven't decided"

"I thought it was your works Christmas party that night Jason? dad remarked, sporting a puzzled look.

I gave a sigh of dismay that he’d remembered and for some reason thought it necessary to defend my decision

"Yeah it is dad. But with our birthdays falling together, I've decided to give it a miss this year and go out with Nathan instead"

"That’s a good idea" dad agreed "You two have a good time together!"

Mum nodded her agreement and I gave an inward sigh of relief. They really did seem to like Nathan as much as I did. If only it were more than just friendship for me though!

I finished breakfast and drunk the rest of my tea. "Do you need anything doing this morning mum?"

“You could go to the shop for some milk Jason. That'd be a really big help"

"Yeah, course mum. I'll go now"

"Thank youlove”

It was a crisp clear morning when I set off for the village shop. The temperature was still well below freezing and the icy paths remained treacherous underfoot. Although the main road was relatively clear, thick snow still covered the village green and side roads. I nodded to the postman as he balanced his bike precariously against a fence post, busily sorting letters in his hands. Several people waited at the bus stop, well wrapped up to keep out the cold. Their children had no such qualms however and shouted excitedly as snowballs whizzed around their heads. Despite constant admonishment from their parents, open coats and trailing scarves freely flapped in the breeze.

As I approached the shop I began to think about my last visit with Nathan and didn't exactly relish the thought of seeing Mrs. Cassidy again. I needn't have worried though. Mr. Cassidy was behind the counter today and when I entered the shop his wife was nowhere to be seen. I'd never met a couple so completely different before. He was a small, jovial man who never failed to have a smile and a kind word for everyone, whilst his wife was a large robust woman who would bite your head off for the slightest thing. I wandered down the aisle to the refrigerated cabinet and picking up a carton of milk, took it to the counter. Mr. Cassidy had just finished serving the lady in front of me and quickly turned his attention towards me.

"Hello Jason" he said, greeting me warmly "How are you this morning?"

"Ok thanks" I replied, smiling back at him.

"Good. That's what we like to hear!"

It never failed to amaze me how he could be so cheerful married to Mrs. Cassidy. The old saying ‘opposites attract' was definitely true in their case, and I couldn't help mentally shaking my head in amazement.

"I hear your friend had a fair bit of grovelling to do the other day" he said, trying not to laugh.

I looked away in embarrassment as he carried on talking.

"She can be a bit of a dragon you know" he chuckled, putting his hand near his mouth and pretending to make sure that no one else could hear "Best not upset her if you can help it"

I shook my head ruefully and edged the pint of milk closer towards him

"I know, you don't need to remind me!"

I nervously glanced around me in case Mrs. Cassidy should suddenly appear, but this morning she didn’t seem to be anywhere about, and I sighed with relief. His eyes sparkled with amusement and he gave a stifled laugh as he watched me closely, immediately aware of my thoughts. The till sprung to life a couple of seconds later as he lightly tapped some buttons and I handed him the correct money.

"Anyway, how is your dad Jason?" he asked, not wishing to add to my embarrassment.

"I don't think he's very well at the moment Mr. Cassidy"

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that Jason" he replied sympathetically "Let's hope he gets better soon"

I nodded in agreement. "Thanks Mr. Cassidy. Bye"

"Bye son"

As I turned to leave, the door opened, and my heart sank as Aiden Thomson walked in. Sick and tired of the way he was treating me, all I gave him was a curt nod and hurried out of the shop to avoid any further altercation. One of mum's friends was just about to enter and I almost bumped into her in my haste to leave.

"Oop’s sorry Mrs. Smith!"

"Hello Jason, where are you going in such a hurry?"

"Oh....erm, nowhere really" I spluttered, glancing over my shoulder nervously.

Unfortunately, she was determined that I wouldn't leave without talking and gently grasped my arm.

"How is your mum" she enquired "I haven't seen her for a while"

"She's fine" I said, anxious to get away.

It wasn't going to be so easy though! Mrs. Smith talked incessantly, until eventually I heard the shop door open and close behind me. It was Aiden coming out and as he passed by me, I felt him purposefully brush against my shoulder, before giving a barely discernible whisper in my ear.

"How ya doin’ queer boy?"

I stiffened in anger and quickly managed to extricate myself from Mrs. Smith without being too rude. Every bone in my body warned me to stay away from him, but I couldn't and quickly followed his retreating figure around the corner of the building, determined to confront him. He was bent over his bicycle, unlocking the chain when I caught up with him a few seconds later. I had to force myself not to kick his arse, momentarily considering the quickest course of action that would make me feel better. The decision was instantly taken out of my hands, however, as he stood up straight and turned around, suddenly aware of my presence. I could feel the tension rise between us as we stood there face to face, glaring at each other. I felt hurt and angry, whilst Aiden sported a wide-eyed look of surprise on his face, as if he couldn't believe that I'd followed him. I shook my head angrily, and growled at him in a low voice

“What did you say?"

A look of contempt spread across his face as he stubbornly repeated the insult "I said, How ya doin’ queer boy?"

His voice shook slightly, and I could tell his bravery was mostly down to Craig's influence, even though he wasn’t here. For all his bluster, I knew in my heart that this wasn't the real Aiden. He was certainly hot headed and his behaviour towards me when he was with Craig had always been odd to say the least, but deep down he wasn't nasty or vindictive like Craig. Until today that was! I could feel the anger beginning to rise up inside me like a volcano about to erupt, and as I carried on talking my voice held an unmistakable warning.

"Aiden! I think it would be far better if you kept your mouth shut!"

Somehow, I managed to stop myself short of threatening him, but unfortunately, he wouldn't let it go.

"Bet your boyfriend doesn't say that, does he Jason?"

"I feel so sorry for you" I answered, refusing to be drawn. "You're pathetic!"

"Yeah well, it's better than being fucking gay" he instantly shot back.

I felt myself becoming increasingly angrier with each derogatory comment that came out of his mouth and I couldn't hold back a threat any longer

"Aiden, if you don't shut you're dirty mouth, I'll….."

"You'll do what?" he interrupted, with a sneer of contempt. "Beat me up......or kiss me to death!"

His grinning self-satisfied expression was almost too much to bear but with a huge effort I forced myself to ignore him and turn around.

"Eh Jason" he called out, as I started to walk away. "Have you sucked his cock yet?"

I stopped dead in my tracks and for a few seconds time seemed to stand still. Now he really had gone too far!! With one fluid movement I spun around and hit him hard in the mouth. He went sprawling backwards and hit the ground with a sickening thud. Momentarily stunned, blood began to ooze from his mouth and form an ever-increasing pool of red on the front of his white shirt. With a shocked expression on his face he angrily began wiping away the dripping blood from his mouth.

"You fucking bastard!!! You're going to be so sorry you did that!"

I recoiled in horror, shocked and hardly able to comprehend what I'd done. I took a few steps backwards and stared at the scene before me, as though seeing it for the first time. Suddenly feeling sick and dizzy I held onto the wall for support as a wave of nausea washed over me. My body felt numb and incapable of movement and it seemed as if my feet were set in concrete. I wasn't normally a violent person but there was only so much I could take, and Aiden had pushed me well beyond the limit. Even so, my behaviour was totally unacceptable and would only serve to make a bad situation a thousand times worse. A sudden pang of fear gripped me as I realised that this could well be the end of my job. If Aiden decided to inform Mr. Buchan, my days at the store would be well and truly numbered and after today I wouldn't put anything past him. He could easily pretend it had happened at work where he knew that violence against another member of staff meant certain dismissal. And in any case, hitting another member of staff anywhere would probably be viewed in exactly the same light. Tears of pain and frustration were running down his face and I couldn’t help feeling sorry for him. I knelt down beside him and pulled a handkerchief from my pocket, fully intending to wipe the blood from his mouth. Before I had a chance, he pushed me roughly aside and raised himself up on one elbow.

"I don't need any help from you Jason. Don’t fucking touch me!"

"Yeah well, it serves you right." I retorted, as my anger quickly returned "It might teach you a lesson"

As soon as the words were out of my mouth, I knew that it wouldn't make a scrap of difference. The only thing I knew for certain was that this was only the beginning. As Aiden tried to get up, I started to walk away, anxious to avoid any further trouble.

"You fucking queer bastard" he shouted out after me. "You're fucking dead!"

"Just stay away from me" I shouted back, without turning around.

When I entered the house, mum and dad were talking in the lounge and didn't hear me comes in. I gazed at the carton of milk in my hand, dirty from where it had lain on the ground and absent-mindedly dumped it on a chair before wandering through to my bedroom in a daze. As I lay on the bed and stared at the ceiling, the reality of what I'd done hit me like a sledgehammer and I broke out in a cold sweat at the thought of what could happen. If Aiden went to the police I could be in serious trouble and I dreaded to think what kind of effect that would have on dad. Knowing Aiden, he was bound to try and make a big deal of it with our colleagues at work, but I prayed he would say nothing where it really mattered. The worst scenario was dismissal, but at the very least it was bound to cause more trouble and make life at work extremely uncomfortable. Another thought suddenly struck me, and I swallowed nervously. What if Nathan somehow found out what people were saying about me? These things had a habit of spreading like wildfire and would he really want to be closely associated with someone like me? Another question quickly forced its way in. "What if he had a thing about gay people and couldn’t accept who I was? Would I ever see him again? My heart beat faster with every question and I realised I was beginning to panic as my mind raced ahead, with every new thought becoming more ridiculous than the last. Forcing myself to calm down and think rationally, I doubted that Aiden would go to the police after all. He must be aware that he'd pushed me well beyond the limit with his last remark and I was pretty sure he didn’t have a leg to stand on. Pardon the pun! Work, however, was a totally different matter. Unfortunately, I was now well and truly in his hands. My imagination gradually began to take over. Aiden was pretty hot and the thought of being in his hands led me once again to what he'd said, and I couldn't help repeating it to myself. 'Have you sucked his cock yet?' He could never imagine how much I wanted to and as I lay there my own cock began to twitch and stiffen. It wasn't long before I'd unfastened my trousers and let my fingers grasp the pulsating flesh, slowly moving them up and down my swollen shaft. The next few minutes were spent in unbridled ecstasy, bringing myself to the brink of climax, before quickly easing off. I repeated this several more times, whilst visions of Aiden's naked body floated before my eyes. Finally, I could take no more and my cock jerked up and down as creamy liquid gushed forth, missing the tissue in my hand by a mile. I hastily wiped up the mess and sprang from the bed, remembering that I hadn't even put the milk away. Mum would want to know why it was all dirty and crushed where it had fallen out of my hand when I'd hit Aiden. The thought made me shudder and I rushed through to the kitchen, making a vain attempt to force the whole episode from my mind. My heart sank to see mum holding up the carton surveying the damage and I quickly rushed in with an explanation before she had chance to ask.

"Sorry mum, I dropped it"

She sighed in frustration before shaking her head "Oh well, at least it didn't break"

"No" I agreed, trying my best to hide the tremble in my voice as I repeated her words "At least it didn't break"

She turned towards me and her expression immediately softened. "Are you ok love? You seem a bit upset"

I remained silent, weighing up in my mind if I should fabricate an explanation. Finally, I decided against it and attempted to reassure her instead.

"I'm fine mum, honest!”

I swallowed guiltily and quickly tried to change the subject "I'm going to work early today. Did I tell you I missed the train yesterday?"

"You look tired too" she went on, as if I hadn't spoken. "And what have you done to your hand?"

She stared suspiciously at the reddened skin across my knuckles and didn’t wait for an explanation.

"Oh Jason, you haven't been fighting, have you?"

I stared at her wide eyed, pretending to be amazed. "Me, fighting! Why would I?"

"I don't know" she answered, obviously not convinced. "It wouldn’t be the first time!"

She was referring of course to my fights with the very same person over Liam. More than once I'd arrived home in a dishevelled state, cuts and bruises giving away the fact that I'd been involved in a scrap of some kind.

"Mum, that was years ago!" I protested indignantly "I've grown up a bit since then!"

I began to inch my way backwards towards the door and pointed towards it to confirm my intention. "I'm going to get changed for work mum; I don't want to be late again"

"Anyway, how did you hurt your hand?" she hissed, so that dad wouldn’t hear "You never said"

"Oh, I erm trapped it in the fridge cabinet in the shop" I answered vaguely, sounding unconvincing even to myself.

I could see the disbelief register on her face and I quickly retreated before she could say anymore, banging the bedroom door shut behind me. Within five minutes I was ready to go and after a hasty goodbye to mum and dad, quickly left the house.