Max and Josh - 11. Insights and Secrets

Disclaimer: This story includes sexual and romantic situations between consenting individuals. Any allusion to illicit or illegal activity, sexual or otherwise, is 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.
*****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Max and Josh 11: Insights and Secrets.

"I might need you twos help on something if you're willing to do it." Frank said as the four of them sat down in the courtyard for lunch.

"What is it?" Max asked as he rummaged in his bag for his food.

"Well, I've been thinking about my dad. You guys already know that he works nights but he can't get much sleep during the day because his room gets a lot of sunlight. Well I want to try and get him to switch rooms with me. My room is out of the sun's path and it's shaded by a big maple tree. The problem is that he won't do it willingly, that’s where you two come in." Frank stopped to take a bite of food.

"What do you want us to do, hold him down while you talk him into it?" Josh couldn't help but smile at this.

"No actually I want you guys to help me move his things into my room and mine into his while he's at work tonight or tomorrow night." Frank was nonchalant as he said this.

"Wouldn't it be easier to just talk to your dad about changing rooms with you?" Kylie asked looking slightly put out.

"No. My dad is hard headed and stubborn. He doesn't like anyone to help him and the only way he accepts help is if it’s done without his consent, sure he may be sore about it for a few days but he gets over it." Frank sounded like he was trying to convince himself as much as the others.

"Well I can do it and I'm sure Max won't have any objections, but there is something we wanted to talk to you about." Josh looked a little worried as he spoke.

"About what?" Frank surveyed Max and Josh's guilty expressions with curiosity.

"I don't want you to get mad, or blow your top or anything, but Josh and I were talking Sunday after you two left, about you and your dad." Max waited a second to gage Frank's response, but he didn't say anything and his face became expressionless.

"Well we were talking and I brought up how unhappy your dad was with his job and how worried you are about him and I had an idea," Josh also paused to await Frank’s reaction but he was still silent and expressionless, "Well My dad was made supervisor at the factory he works at and he has been doing both the first and second shift work and he's looking for a first shift supervisor. We thought that maybe your dad could apply for it." Josh was nervous as he finished.

"Wouldn't he want to promote from someone who was already working there?" Frank asked his demeanor changing drastically. He looked happy and his voice was colored with excitement.

"I...I don't know. He said that he hadn't found anyone capable yet and was considering looking outside of the company for someone to fill the position." Josh was a little taken aback by this; Frank never treated talking about the poorer sides of his home life with excitement.

"Well that’s awesome. I mean I don't know if dad would be anymore capable than anyone else but it’s worth a shot. I'll let him know about it tonight before he goes to work. But will you guys still help me with the room switch?" Frank still looked happy as he started eating.

After a swift look and nod between them Max and Josh agreed to help.

Kylie, who had remained mostly silent, turned to Max.

"I thought Tucker and Curtis were supposed to meet us here. Lunch is half over and they still haven't shown up." Kylie sounded worried as she looked down at her watch.

"They probably just got held back in class or decided to eat in the cafeteria." Max replied after a drink of tea.

"Yeah, you’re probably right." Kylie replied but she still looked worried.

Curtis and Tucker didn't show up during the rest of the lunch period but Kylie seemed to be the only one concerned. Frank and the others talked mostly about their plans to switch his and his dads’ room around.

Kylie couldn't explain, even to herself, why she was worried that Curtis and Tucker hadn't showed up for lunch but the rest of the day she kept an eye out for them.

                                                               *        *        *

"Kylie, Kylie wait up!" Kylie was on the way to her car when Tucker called out to her.

"Tucker, where were you? I've been so worried since you guys didn't show up at lunch. I couldn't shake the feeling that something had happened to the two of you." Kylie said giving Tucker a tight hug when he caught up with her.

"Well your right something did happen, but not to me," Tucker swallowed hard before going on, "Curtis and Robinson got into a fight outside the gym just before lunch."

"Oh my god what happened?" Kylie asked, concern in her voice.

"Well, gym is usually our last class before lunch but since it was called off we went down there to look for Coach MC’cayhe and see if we could get permission to run a few laps around the football field.
Before we had a chance to look for him we ran into Robinson. We have gym class with him but I don't know why he was there. Anyway apparently he figured out we were together and, well, you know what he's like.” Tucker was pale and suddenly sick looking.

"Is Curtis OK?" Kylie asked leading Tucker over to her car and pushing him to sit down on the hood.

"No, his forearm might be broken; I took him to the hospital and just got back. His parents showed up and asked me to come back and get the work that he missed, they don't want him to fall behind." Tucker stopped talking and rested his head in his hands; Kylie had the suspicion that he had started crying.

"I should have done more. Robinson got him to the floor and started stomping on his forearm before I did anything. I heard a snap and I dove on him, knocked him to the floor and started punching any part of him I could." Tucker's voice strained and broke.

"Tucker, it’s OK. Curtis will be alright." Kylie tried to sound reassuring.

"I know. But I shouldn't have frozen up. I mean, I've seen Curtis get into a dozen fights but I've never froze like that before. I don't know what happened. I mean, when they started fighting I tried to help but Curtis pushed me back out of the way and I...I just stood there. If that new teacher, Mr. Clark or whatever his name is hadn't come in I don't know what would have happened." Tucker said quietly.

Kylie pushed aside the information about Mr. Clark and focused on Tucker.

"Tucker this wasn't like any of the other fights was it? I mean the only reason Robinson attacked Curtis is because well... because you guys are together. He wasn't attacking Curtis as your friend; he was attacking your boyfriend, your partner; the person you love. That’s what happened Tucker, that’s what scared you, that’s why you froze." Kylie was hoping that what she was saying was helping; Tucker still had his face buried in his hands.

Tucker raised his head from his hands and looked up to Kylie.

"I don't know why I didn't realize, should have seen something like this coming. Look at Max and Josh, what’s been happening to them, stupid for thinking that they wouldn't get around to us." Tucker was still pale and a bit tongue-tied but the sickly look at least had faded.

"They'll probably be keeping Curtis over-night for observation won't they?" Kylie asked and Tucker nodded, "Well then get up, I'll drive you back to the hospital to see him then stick around and take you home, you shouldn't be driving right now." She said, extending a hand to help him up.

"No, No, you don't have to do that. I can't leave my car here. My Aunts’ gonna freak out, it was my dad's car and I'll need it tomorrow morning." Tucker was still pale and was starting to look shaky; she had no intention of letting him drive anywhere.

"Don't worry about that. I'll make arrangements to get your car home." Kylie said pulling out her cell and Tucker made no more arguments.

                                                 *         *         *

Max sat down the phone and looked over at Josh and Frank.

"That was Kylie. We need to get to the hospital." Max said, panic edged his voice.

"What’s wrong is she OK?" Max had never heard Frank sound scared.

"Yea, she's fine. Its Curtis, he's in with a broken arm. She said something about Robinson." None of them knew Tucker or Curtis very well but knowing that Curtis was in the hospital because of Robinson made them feel as if he was a brother.

"Frank and I should go in my car, there’s not enough room in your truck." Josh said trying to put on Frank's jacket instead of his own.

"Alright but that’s not yours." Max said allowing a small smile at the dumb founded look on Josh's face.

"Come on guys lets go." Frank was already standing by the front door.

The hospital was only a few minutes drive but knowing that one of their friends was injured seemed to stretch the trip by hours.

Frank was out of the car and up to the hospital entrance before Max or Josh could get out.

"Guys I'm so glad you got here fast. I had to come out here and wait for you. I was about to loose it in there." Kylie said exasperatedly when they met her by the door.

"Why? What’s going on? I thought it was just a broken arm, Max said you said it was only a broken arm." Frank said looking from Max to Kylie.

Frank seemed to be taking Curtis's injury a lot worse than they did.

"It is just a broken arm, but that’s not it,” she looked around and lowered her voice, "It’s his parents."

"What about them?" Max looked puzzled.

"Well their... it’s just... I don't know they're cold and really impersonal. I mean they haven't shown the least bit of emotion since they got here. Just trust me you'll see." Kylie said as an impatient Frank pushed passed her and into the hospital.

"We better catch up to him. He doesn't know what room Curtis is in and is likely to get into trouble." Josh said also walking hurriedly past and leaving Max and Kylie to catch up.

"He's in twenty two you guys." Kylie said as they finally caught Frank and Josh.

"Here it is.” Frank opened the door and rushed in without waiting for the others.

There was a middle aged couple standing between Tucker, (who was sitting next to Curtis' bed holding his hand), and a window. Max knew immediately what Kylie had been talking about. They wore cold, indifferent expressions and seemed rather bored.

"Frank, Josh, Max. You guys didn't have to come, but I'm glad you did." Despite the fact that his arm was in a cast from his palm up to he is elbow Curtis seemed quite happy.

"Mom, Dad these are my friends. Max Calvin, his boyfriend Josh Mathews,” He motioned with his good hand to Max and Josh, "and the curly top here is Frank Thomas." He ruffled Frank’s hair as he spoke.

Neither of his parents said a word, nor did they show the slightest reaction at hearing Josh and Max was a couple, they merely nodded curtly.

Max was about to ask Curtis what had happened when an irritable looking nurse poked her head into the room and told them that there could be only five visitors at a time.

"Well that’s alright. Mom, dad you can wait outside. I want to talk to these guys." Curtis said happily, it wasn't a request.

Again neither his mother nor father showed the slightest bit of emotional reaction. They just walked out into the hall.

"Well your parents are...um, nice." Josh said uncertainly.

"Josh don’t try to be polite. My parents are rude, arrogant, self-absorbed assholes." Curtis' voice never lost its cheerful tone as he spoke.

"How much morphine do they have you on?" Max asked examining the drip. He had never heard anyone talk that way about their parents, much less so in a cheerful voice.

"Quite a bit but it doesn't keep me from being honest. They've been that way since I came out of the closet, before actually. I've gotten used to it. I'm just sorry you guys had to meet them, but I'm so glad you came, I would have been stuck with them else-wise.” Curtis beamed at them, seemingly oblivious to their bewilderment.

"Curtis how did this happen? Kylie didn't give us details." Frank asked, having occupied the newly vacated window spot.

"There isn't much to tell really. After we all left the courtyard this morning I started hearing whispers about me and Tucker. I never knew we were popular enough to get whispered about but anyway, I guess the rumor got back around to Robinson. Tucker and I went down to the gym to see if Coach MC’cayhe was there because we wanted to try and get permission to do some laps around the football field. I don't know why but Robinson was outside the gym when we got there. Well, he started talking shit and threatening the two of us and he eventually swung on me. We tussled for a few minutes and he eventually got me on the floor and started stomping on my forearm.

Man it hurt like a bitch when it broke, but just after he had snapped it Tucker dove on him. You guys should have seen him, Robinson was on the ground wailing and groaning, Tucker was awesome." He gingerly raised his cast arm and wiped away tears on Tuckers cheek.

Tucker didn't say anything, but closed his eyes at Curtis' touch. Kylie thought he still looked pale.

"Tucker said that Mr. Clark broke up the fight, do you know why he was there?" Kylie asked curiously. Now that she was at least semi sure Tucker and Curtis were OK she could consider him.

"I think he might be the new teacher they hired to help out Coach this year. All I remember is the sound of the gym doors slamming and him shouting. Then someone, Robinson I guess, jumped over me and ran then someone had pulled me to my feet and had my arm over their shoulders. It was Tucker, he was bringing me here...That’s all I remember." Max could tell the morphine was doing its work, Curtis' eyes were dilated and his brow was furrowed as he tried to remember.

"Guys I think we should get going and let Curtis get some rest." Max said laying his hands on both Josh and Frank's shoulders.

"I'll walk you guys out. I'll be right back you two." Kylie added to Tucker and Curtis.

None of them saw Curtis' parents as they walked outside.

"I actually need one of you guys to stay here. I don't think Tucker should be driving right now but he can't leave his car at school and I promised that I'd find a way to get it home. I doubt we'll be here much longer; Curtis has already told Tucker that he doesn’t want him to spend the night here. Personally I hate hospitals; I don't think I could be selfless enough to tell my boyfriend to leave me here." Kylie shivered a little and looked sideways at Frank.

"I'll stay and drive it for him. I haven't driven much since I got my license but so long as it’s an automatic I can manage it." Frank had a determined look on his face as he spoke, it was as if he expected one of them to contradict him, but they all knew better. They all knew that Frank felt a special attachment to the pair.

"Alright then; I guess we'll get going then but you guys call us later." Josh rummaged around in his pockets for keys.

"OK, we'll talk to you later then." Frank said and he and Kylie each gave the others a hug, it was a mark of how much they each were affected by what had happened to Curtis.

"So are you staying the night with me or going home?" Max asked as the two of them made for their cars.

"I'm going to go home tonight. I spent the weekend with you and I feel like I really need to spend some time with my folks, but my mom is out so I can come over for a few hours." Josh said with a smile.

The drive back to the house was a long one for Max. He couldn't help but think about what he would do if he were in Tucker and Curtis's place. He knew what he would do if someone attacked Josh in front of him; they wouldn't be in any fit state to do it again, ever.

But would he be able to stop? Max hadn't lost his temper in a long time and he had since learned a measure of control but Josh meant everything to him and he would do everything to protect him. But could he stop if he was forced to attack or would someone have to pull him off like Clark had done Tucker? He liked to think that he had learned enough control but where Josh was concerned his control seemed feeble.

As he pulled into the driveway he realized that Josh was already there and waiting on him.

"It took you long enough to get here. What speed did you drive, twenty two?" Josh asked as Max met him on the doorstep.

The only answer Max gave him was to wrap his arms around his waist and kiss him. As they pulled apart Max unlocked the door and pushed Josh inside.

"What’s gotten into you? Fifteen minutes ago you were all dark and somber." Josh asked as Max pulled off his jacket.

"I just felt like a kiss, is all. What should we do, you said you only had a couple of hours. Should we start on some homework or do you want to watch some TV or a movie." In all honesty Max didn't know for himself what had gotten into him. One second he had been wondering about if he could control his temper and worrying about Curtis but when he saw Josh standing on his doorstep smiling at him he could only think about him.

"After kissing me like that you think you can pawn me off on watching TV?" Josh asked feeling a little confused.

"It was only a suggestion. What do you feel like doing?" Max asked with a smile. He knew he was confusing Josh, he was a little confused himself but there was suddenly only had one thing on his mind.

Josh figured that since he couldn't decipher what was going on with Max that he might as well enjoy the time they had together.

"You know what; I actually feel like a shower, do you want to join me?" Josh asked as he shed his own jacket and tossed it onto the back of the couch.

Max grabbed Josh's hand and led him up stairs to his room. As soon as they were inside and the door was shut they pulled off each others clothes with the enthusiasm of two children ripping the wrapping paper off two long awaited Christmas gifts.

Once they were down to their underwear they stopped their assault and Max half drug Josh into his bathroom.

As Max was bent over the tub adjusting the temp of the water Josh stepped up behind him and traced the curves of Max's butt through the tight fabric of his boxer-briefs.

Max stood up and Josh's hands fell away; turning around he took off his glasses and laid them on the sink then quickly shed his boxer-briefs and jumped into the shower, leaving Josh to follow him in.

Josh pushed his boxers to the floor and almost fell over in his haste to get into the shower. As soon as he was in, Max wrapped his arms around him and brought their lips together. Josh opened his mouth and let Max's persistent tongue gain entrance. For a few minutes they stood there kissing and rubbing the hot water across each others bodies.

Knowing how fast and how cold the water could turn Josh pushed Max away and grabbed a bar of soap. Smiling playfully he lathered up his hands and gave the bar of soap to Max. Washing up was just a way to tease each other as they rubbed their soapy, slippery hands over the sensitive parts of each others bodies.

They rinsed off and got out of the shower just as the water was getting cold. They dried off and Max grabbed his glasses and led the way back to his bedroom.

It was weird but the hot shower seemed to have cooled him off a little bit so as he lay back on the blankets sex wasn't on his mind just being close to Josh was all he wanted, and he got his wish.

Josh lay down next to him and for the next few hours they were wrapped in each others arms. They kissed, touched and massaged any part of the others bodies that they could reach; it was more of a sensual experience than a sexual one. At the end of their two short hours together they had held and explored every inch of each other.

"That was amazing. I don't think I got hard once during all that but still it was...satisfying." Josh couldn't find the words to express what it was like.

"I know, it was like being wrapped up in you. Everything, the feel of your body, the taste of your skin, the scent of your body. Just everything at once, it was like sex for the senses." Max tried to describe what it felt like for him from his place against Josh's chest.

Josh was thinking about how Max had described the experience. The nights he had spent making love with Max had been incredible but what he had just experienced, the feelings, sensations, it was like Max had said; being wrapped up in everything that was Max.

"I guess we still have a lot to learn huh?" Josh asked as he rubbed Max's side.

"Yea we do, I wish we could study more today but you have to get home." Max said noticing what time it was.

Josh looked over at the clock and let out a sigh. He knew that he needed to spend time with his folks but he hated spending nights away from Max.

"I guess you're right." Josh said and Max sat up to let Josh get dressed.

Max watched as Josh went to the bathroom and got his underwear, which was soaked from them stepping on it getting out of the shower.

"You can borrow a pair of mine if you want to." Max said with a grin pointing to his closet.

Josh grinned and picked out a pair of Max's boxer briefs, dark blue that was more than a little loose on him.

"You could fit two of me in these." Josh said as he pulled on his jeans.

"You fill them out well though." Max said with a mischievous grin.

"I may fill them out well in the back but they're used to a larger occupant around the pouch." Josh smiled as he pulled on his shirt then sat back down on the bed to put on his shoes and socks.

Max moved over behind him and wrapped his arm around his waist and kissed his neck.

"When can you stay the night again?" He asked as he nuzzled against Josh's neck.

"Probably not till the weekend but mom is going to be busy till about five all this week setting up the shop so I'll have a few hours after school." Josh knew that Max was upset that they wouldn't have more time together, but he also knew Max wouldn't say anything.

"I guess I know where you'll be after school for a few hours tomorrow then, hmm." Max asked as he kissed Josh's neck again.

"Yea, I'll be right here lying next to you." Josh said turning around to give Max a long lingering kiss.

As Josh picked up his bag and left the room Max felt a weight drop into his stomach. Getting up he watched through the window as Josh got into his car, pulled out of the driveway and took off down the street.

He lost sight of Josh's car when he turned the corner and he turned and went to his closet and put on a pair of jean shorts and a sleeveless tee.

Max couldn't help but feel a little lonely as he went down stairs to do his home work. After his parents divorced he had gotten used to spending time alone, his brother had decided to live with their dad and with his mom working seemingly endless hours at the hospital it was just something that became second nature. His loneliness wasn't much abated when he started dating Tim. His dad, though he didn't know about their relationship till it was over, hardly ever let Tim spend much time in what he deemed a low class neighbor hood.

It was with bitterness that he recalled the apartment they had been forced to live in after the divorce. His dad had found the most crooked judge and attorney in Chicago and managed to get not only the house but the considerable amount of money that they had saved up. The only thing his mother had come away with was the car and truck that they were now driving. As he thought of the gloating look on his fathers face that day in the court room he tried not to feel so much hate but it seemed that hate was the only emotion he could feel for the man. His sadness, anger, and feeling of abandonment had long since melted into a hard, cold core of hatred that burned like fire whenever he allowed himself to feel or remember it.

As he laid his homework out on the table in front of him he tried to push it all to the back of his mind where it had been for so long. Finally gaining some control he turned to the history questions that he had to do for class. Fleet was quickly becoming another cause for extreme dislike bordering on hatred.

                                                            *         *         *

"I really appreciate what you're doing Frank, you and Kylie. I'd have ended up crashing if Kylie hadn't driven me earlier and now..." Tucker let his sentence slide off. They had just picked up his car from school and Frank was driving him home with Kylie just behind them.

Frank was wracking his brains trying to find something to say to Tucker. He could feel the despair clogging the space between them but he didn't know what to say to make him feel better.

"You know Curtis is going to be alright Tucker. His arm will be healed up in about six or eight weeks and the rest of his bruises and stuff will be OK in a few weeks too and he'll be up and back to school in a few days." Frank knew that all he was doing was re-iterating what the doctors and Kylie had told him but it was all he could think of.

There had been silence between them for awhile when they stopped at a light and Frank chanced a glance at Tucker. He was shocked to see the tears falling onto his lap where his hands were clenched together so tightly they had turned white.

Frank steered the car around a corner with one hand as the light changed green and with the other he reached over and pried Tuckers hands apart.

"Come on Tucker talk to me.” Frank said as he grasped one of Tuckers wrists to keep him from re-clenching his hands.

"I'm a coward alright? I'm a fucking coward." Tucker's voice was thick with shame and hurt.

"You're not a coward. You stopped Robinson from doing any permanent damage and taught him a lesson. I don't think he'll be fucking with anyone for awhile." Frank was surprised to hear that Tucker thought himself to be a coward.

"I panicked and froze like a dear in the headlights. I stood against the wall while Robinson beat Curtis to the floor, while he stomped and snapped his forearm. I could have stopped him, I should have stopped him. But I didn't, I let him get hurt, I let Curtis down." Tucker shook with suppressed sobs as Frank continued to drive with one hand; still keeping one hand on Tuckers wrist.

"You didn't let him get hurt Tucker. You tried to help Curtis but he kept pushing you back, he didn't want you to get hurt. If you hadn't stopped him when you did Curtis would have been a lot worse off than he is. Yea, you might have frozen in a moment of panic but you're not the first one. When someone you love is threatened that’s when you're at your weakest and strongest. You didn't freeze out of fear, your froze cause your mind was in conflict. It couldn't decide between fight and flight." Frank didn't know if what he was saying was making any sense but it was tumbling out as if he had always meant to say it.

Tucker was quiet for a few minutes but when he spoke he sounded somewhat calmer.

"When I heard Curtis' arm snap it was like everything got clear and I dove on Robinson. I wasn't afraid, I wanted to fight and I couldn't stop."

"Your protective instincts kicked in and the adrenaline took over, that you weren't able to stop isn't a big surprise. If you're not used to confrontation when you’re presented with a situation like that your senses sort of get suppressed or switched off. Sometimes you snap out of it and sometimes someone has to do it for you." Frank was speaking from experience. It had taken him a long time to develop the discipline needed to stop himself when he got caught up in a fight.

Tucker was quiet the rest of the way to his aunts house, only speaking to give Frank the directions. He was mulling over everything Frank had said. He wanted it to be true; he wasn't and didn't want to become a violent person.

'That’s the only time you've ever lost control in a fight, Curtis was in trouble and you were protecting him: it’s just like Frank said.' He told himself mentally but another part of his mind whispered the Curtis had been protecting HIM and he hadn't lost control.

"Tucker, I know what you're thinking and you're wrong. You've said it yourself that Curtis has been into fights since he was a kid; he didn't loose control because he has experience in fighting and you told us at the hospital that you have hardly ever been in a serious fight. In fact reacting the way you did proves that you have a strong protective instinct." Frank said as he pulled into the driveway of a small yellow two story house just a little outside of town.

He didn't know where all this was coming from, normally it was Max who did the psycho-analysis but he felt that he was saying the right things and for Tucker they seemed to be hitting home. When they got out of the car Frank walked with Tucker up to the door and before he went in he turned and wrapped Frank in a bone crushing hug while saying a very tearful thank you.

"Tucker if you ever need someone to talk to give me a call; this is my number and this is Kylies. If you're not feeling up to driving tomorrow give her a call and she'll come get you and if you don't feel like going we'll get your assignments for you too." He said as he pulled a slip of paper out of his pocket and handed it to Tucker.

"Thanks again Frank, and tell Kylie I say thanks too. I guess I need to get in here and talk to my aunt; she'll be going spare, she loves Curtis a lot." Tucker said before giving Frank another hug, although this time he spared his spine.

"You and Tucker were being really friendly back there." Kylie said as she drove Frank back to his house.

"Yea, but if he grasps as hard with his hands as he does with his arms I feel sorry for Curtis." Frank said without really thinking as he twisted and turned trying to alleviate his back pain. It was only when Kylie started laughing that he realized what he had said and laughed with her.

"Wow, the guys are going to be proud of me; that was my first gay joke." Frank had to smile; the guys would laugh their asses off at him.

"Did Tucker say anything while you guys where together?" Kylie asked nervously at a stoplight.

"Yea, we talked a bit. He's really scared right now; He's afraid because he thinks he lost control." Frank said as he stared out the window but not really seeing anything.

"Well Frank, not to split hairs with you but he did sort of loose control. I mean if he hadn't acted when he did Curtis would be in worse shape than he is now but he still couldn't stop himself." Kylie was trying to be logical but Frank didn't think she understood.

"When you're thrown into a fight like that with no warning and almost no serious fighting experience, coupled with the fact that you’re acting for the protection of someone you care about or in their defense it’s not hard to loose control." Frank knew what he was talking about.

Kylie didn't question the source of Frank's beliefs; the tone of his voice was enough to prove he had somehow had experience in the matter.

"So...um...what do you want to do now? Max might like some company since he said Josh went home or we can grab a bite to eat or something." Kylie was playing for time she wasn't really ready to go home. Her dad's business partners were there discussing plans for a club or something and she hated being around during business talks.

"I don't know. I've got a bunch of homework to do but I don't want to go home till around nine that way my dad won't hear me and get up, he doesn't get a lot of sleep so I don't want to bug him but I don't know where to go, I hate the library." Frank didn't know what to do. He had a lot of homework to get done but Kylie didn't seem to be in a hurry to go home and he didn't want to be rude.

"Well then let’s call Max. He was starting his homework when I called him and I'm sure he wouldn't mind some company and after we're done we can all go out for a bite."

Kylie said as she flipped open her cell and dialed Max; before Frank could stop her or say other wise.

"It is? Great; we'll be there in ten and don't worry about cash my dad invested in a restaurant in town and I eat for free, and so do my friends if they're with me and I won't take no for an answer." Kylie said before flipping her phone closed.

                                                        *         *         *

Josh was drumming his fingers against the desk as he struggled to focus on his biology work. Originally he had planned on spending some time with his folks and doing his work later that night but his dad’s superiors had found a temporary Supervisor for the second shift which meant that his folks had been given some much needed together time.

So instead of watching the sappy movie that his dad had rented, (which was only slightly worse then the sappy display on the couch where his parents were sitting together), he, unnoticed by his folks, excused himself to do his homework.

Throwing his pencil down in frustration he leaned back in his chair and stared at the ceiling.

In his mind he was having another conflict. Part of him wanted to be sitting in Max's kitchen doing his homework with Max but the other part told him that he needed to spend some time with his folks. But still a third part told him that if his parents wanted time alone that he should give it to them.

He got up and walked over to his window. Looking down at the darkening street he could see in his head the exact route to Max's house. As he traced the route in his head he absently tugged Max's boxer briefs a little higher on his frame.

It was rare that he sat around in only a tee shirt and underwear but his socks and shoes lay piled by his door and his jeans lay across his bed.

A knock at the door brought him out of his trance.

"Come in." he called as he turned around to see his dad walking in.

"So this is where you got off to." His dad said as he took in his son's attire.

"Yea, you and mom seemed to be having a good time over on the couch so I figured I'd leave you two alone and come do my homework." Josh was doing a masterful job at keeping his inner conflict out his voice.

"I'm sorry son; I know you planned this time to spend with the two of us. I guess I sort of screwed up your plans." Josh had to admit that his dad standing there with his hands in his pockets and a cheesy grin on his face was a funny sight.

"Dad, it's all right. You guys haven't spent a lot of time together; it’s understandable that you guys got wrapped up in each other." Josh registered the fact that Max had used that same term only a few hours ago when he referred to them.

His dad raised his hand and ran it through his hair as he let out a sigh. He was looking more like a nervous teenager at every second.

"It’s been a few months since we've had so much time together; it’s almost like starting all over again." He said as he sat down in Josh's desk chair.

"Yea, but that’s not a bad thing pops. The beginning of a relationship is one of the best parts, it's all heat and motion and passion." It didn't hit Josh how awkward it would be to have this sort of conversation with his dad till he had already started.

"Yea, it looks like you've had your share of heat and passion," His dad said as he reached over and tugged a little at the leg of Josh’s boxer briefs, causing them to slip a little, "Those seem to be a bit big on you son." He said and Josh went beet red and pulled them back up.

Josh stammered for a few minutes before his dad waved him to stop and sit down, smiling every second.

"Don't burst into flames on me boy, I'm only playing with you. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Your mother and I knew you boys wouldn't abstain for too long. Now I'm sure that the two of you know about all the issues and about safe sex, so I won't lecture you on it. But I want you to understand that relationships aren't just about sex, it takes a lot of work to make one work."

"I know relationships are about more then sex dad, Max and I both do and that is what's great about being together. We'll kick back on the couch together and watch TV or talk and study. And when we do...." Josh stopped abruptly and blood flooded his face. He suddenly realized he was about to tell his dad about his sex life.

His dad realized what happened and got up to help. He sat down next to his son and put an arm around his shoulders and rested a hand against the pit of his stomach; this made Josh look up at him.

"And when you do, you don't just feel it here," He said pressing lightly against the pit of his stomach then raising his hand up to his heart and pressing there, "but here too."

Josh suddenly felt a connection with his dad that he had never felt before as if for a second they were on the same wave length. There wasn't any embarrassment when he spoke next.

"Yea, we've only been together twice but it wasn't just physical it was like we were connected emotionally." Josh may not have felt embarrassed but he still ducked his head in a shy way as he spoke.

Joshua chuckled and like his son he ducked his head a little as he spoke.

"Son that’s how it feels when you're with someone you love, not just someone you're attracted to. I guess you're a lot more mature than I gave you credit for, I'm proud of you." Joshua patted his sons back and stood up.

Josh had to wipe his eyes a little before he could look up at his dad, it was the first time he had ever said that he was proud of him.

"Thanks dad, hearing that means a lot to me." He said and his dad pulled him up from the bed and wrapped him a bear hug.

"You're welcome son, it means a lot for me too." He said as he let go and held his son’s shoulders.

"I guess we should get back down stairs, moms probably wondering where we are." Josh said as he turned and reached for his jeans.

"Actually son, I've got a favor to ask from you," He said and Josh turned around curious. "I was wondering if you would go out for awhile, say till tomorrow evening around six o'clock." His dad went so red that Josh could tell exactly what his dad was thinking.

"Yea, I think I can do that. I'm sure I can find something to occupy my time till then." Josh said, it barely registered in his mind the sort of conversation they were having.

"Thanks a lot son. I don't mean to push you out or anything it’s just that...I mean we've already started up and things are going good... and, and you don't want to be sitting up here all night.” Joshua was looking at his son with a helpless sort of look on his face.

Josh would forever remember this priceless moment.

"Dad stop....just stop," Josh said as he pulled on his jeans and sat down to pull on his socks, “Now go downstairs and get a bottle of wine out of the cabinet and I'll take the back stairs out of here." Josh said with a smile and stood up and slid into his shoes.

His dad flushed red and looked away as he ran a hand over the back of his head.

Josh smiled as he gathered up his homework and some clothes and shoved them in his back pack then grabbed his dad by the shoulder and steered him toward the door.

He steered him down the back stairs to the kitchen and left him by the cupboard where his dad kept a few bottles of wine for special occasions.

As he turned to leave his dad raised his hand and squeezed his shoulder. He knew that his folks didn't get a lot of time together and his dad was grateful for him stepping out like this without a lot of fuss.

"You two have fun tonight." he said as he turned and disappeared through the back door.

                                                           *         *         *

Emma was standing at the living room window watching Josh pull out of the drive way when Joshua came back in, a bottle of wine and two glasses with him.

"Where is Josh going, oh I hope we didn't upset him." She said pulling the curtain back a little.

"We didn't. Don't worry." He said as he quietly poured two glasses of wine and sat the bottle on the table.

"Are you sure?" She said as she turned but the wine glass in her husbands outstretched hand brought her up short, "So that’s where you were, talking him into going out for the night?" She said shrewdly as she took the wine.

"I did no such thing. After the movie was over I noticed he had disappeared so I went up to his room to look for him and we talked for a few minutes. I will admit that I asked if he would mind staying with Max for the night but I didn’t talk him into it. He understands that we haven't spent a lot of time with each other and a boy his age doesn't want to stick around while his dad is trying to romance his mom, beside he has romance of his own to pursue." This seemed to turn the tide in his favor. Emma took a sip of the wine and moved closer to Joshua with a playful smile.

                                                           *         *         *

Josh pulled into Max's driveway and parked next to Kylie’s car and as he got out he had to deny the twinge of unease he felt in his chest.

'Why would Kylie be here? Are they alone?' He wondered as he walked up to the door.

Intending on surprising Max he opened the door quietly and stepped inside but he didn't see anyone but the slight snap from the shutting of the door caused three people to pop up.

Max appeared at the top of the stairs, (having just come out of his room), Frank popped up from behind the kitchen counter and Kylie appeared from behind the door leading down to the basement.

Max beamed at him and took the stairs two at a time and threw his arms around Josh's waist and landed a hard kiss against his lips.

"Wow, you must have really missed me." Josh said as Max pulled away, but kept one arm around Josh's waist.

"I have, but what are you doing here, I thought you were spending time with your folks, I mean is everything OK?" Max was happy that Josh was there but he was worried that something might have happened.

"Yea, yea, everything is cool my dad wanted to put the moves on mom so he asked if I minded spending the night out, which I didn't and well this is the only place I had to go so here I am." As Max steered him to a seat on the couch.

"That’s good, sort of creepy if you think about it but cool. At least this way we can all go out to eat together. We’re just taking a homework break, do you have any?" Kylie asked brightly.

"Yea, but just some of biology. We'll have to run past my place when we go to eat though; I didn't bring any cash." Josh said as he dug his work out of his bag.

"Cool then you're on about the same pace we are, and don't worry about cash; it’s taken care of." She said with a smile and a look at Max told him not to argue.

Max and Josh moved over to the counter while Frank and Kylie relocated to the kitchen table. From the bar stools they were sitting at it was easy for Josh to bump his leg against Max's ever few minutes, which made Max smile every time.

He and Max finished their work and Max got up and motioned with a look to the stairs before turning and walking away.

"Hey guys, about how much longer would you say you have?" Josh asked as he snatched up his homework and stuck it back into his bag.

"Oh, we got about ten minutes or so." Kylie said after a quick glance to Frank, who was smiling.

Josh didn't say anything, but took the stairs as quick as he could without running and as soon as the door to Max's room was shut behind him he was pressed up against it with Max's lips against his.

Josh wrapped his arms around Max and pulled him close; they only had ten minutes so he wanted to make the most of it.

"You do know that they know we're up here together right?" He asked as Max pulled away and half drug him to the bed.

"Yea I know, but as long as they don't care then I'm OK with it. What about you?" Max asked as he pulled off his shirt and laid back against his pillows.

"Do you hear me complaining?" Josh answered; loosing his own shirt as he lay down next to Max, their chests pressing against each others as Max rolled to keep him in his arms.

Josh smiled as Max passed over his lips and went instead for his neck and chest. It was like it was earlier that day; it wasn't about sex they just wanted to be close to each other. Their ten minutes passed quickly and before they realized it there was a loud knock at the door that brought their lips apart; a voice full of suppressed laughter floated in from behind it.

"If you guys are done groping each other then come on; Frank and I are ready to leave." It was Kylie.

"We're not but we'll be out in a few minutes anyway." Josh yelled and Max rested his head against Josh's chest and laughed.

But Max didn't give up easily, he kept lightly kissing Josh's chest and running his hands up and down his sides and Josh was sorely tempted to tell Kylie and Frank to leave without them but he ended up pushing Max away a little and rolling out of bed.

"We've got all night; let’s go before she comes back." Josh said and he picked his shirt up off the floor and shook it out before pulling it back on.

Max smiled and rolled out of bed and went to his closet to get jeans and a t-shirt.

After he was dressed the two of them went downstairs to find Frank and Kylie waiting for them by the door.

"We can all fit in my car, it’ll be a little tight but we'll save on gas." Kylie said as she ushered the three of them out the door.

No one argued with her as they filed outside to her car. They were learning fast not try to convince her otherwise after she had her mind made up.

                                                           *         *         *

Dinner was great. The restaurant Kylie took them to was a new one that none of them had been at before. It had opened about year before but had recently closed for remodeling which was due to a large investment by Kylie’s dad and just like Kylie had told them the owner balked at any offer of payment saying that if it hadn't been for her fathers’ investment that he would have lost everything.

Even though the owner had told them to order anything that they wanted they still kept to the cheaper dishes out of respect for his hospitality.

Max was very careful about what he ordered; he had been able to avoid telling Josh about his Insulin Resistance. He knew that he would have to tell him soon but he didn't want to make Josh worry. His mom worried about him all the time because of it and so did his grandma and it killed him to know how scared they were; he didn't want to see that same fear in Josh. So he ended up ordering a large garden salad with chunks of chicken and low fat ranch dressing, while the others ordered stuff along the kind of lines that would have made him sick in a half an hour.

"You should have gotten something more then that salad. You can't be full after that, a big, muscular guy like you needs more protein than that." Josh said once they were tightly shut into Max's room and slowly removing each others clothes.

"Hmm, you really think so? Well, maybe I could fill up on some of yours." Max murmured between kisses on Josh's neck and light nips at his earlobe.

Josh smiled as his jeans slid down his legs, followed closely by Max as he licked a long trail down his chest to the waist band on Josh's boxer briefs, the ones he had lent him.

Max pulled the boxer briefs down to Josh's knees, exposing his semi hard cock. He looked up into Josh's eyes as he wrapped his lips around the head and sucked on it gently while he ran his hands up and down his legs.

"Fuck that feels good." Josh moaned as Max slowly took the full length of his cock into his mouth.

Max loved the feeling of Josh's cock in his mouth; feeling it as it got longer and harder against his tongue.

"Stand up." Josh said quietly and Max complied as Josh pushed his clothes to the floor and led Max over to the bed by the waistband of his jeans.

He pushed Max back on the bed and stripped him of his jeans and underwear.

Max pushed himself up on the bed to rest against the pillows and Josh lay down against him; his saliva soaked cock rubbing against Max's thigh.

Josh pressed his lips against Max's and started to stroke his thick tool as Max ran his hands down his back to his firm ass.

Max's hands delved into the warm crevice till the tip of his finger touched on Josh's tender asshole. He pushed just the tip of his finger inside the warm tunnel and Josh moaned a little in response.

"I want to make love to you so bad Josh. Tell me I can, please." Max asked and he pulled Josh hard against him.

"I'll let you tonight, and any other night. You're the best thing that has ever happened to me." Josh whispered and he slipped his hand under the pillows behind Max and pulled out their little bottle of lube.

Squirting some onto his fingers he reached behind him and rubbed the glistening gel onto Max’s throbbing cock, never taking his eyes off Max’s face as he did so. He also spread some along Max’s fingers as he worked first one, then two fingers inside.

Josh couldn’t help but moan as Max continued his prep work, driving his thick fingers into him as deep as their position would allow.

Max was about to burst as he worked Josh into a frenzy, he couldn’t wait anymore. He slipped his fingers from inside the warmth of Josh’s body as he did Josh reached back and guided his cock till it rested against his entrance.

Josh offered little resistance as Max pushed up into the warmth of his body.

Josh reveled in the sensation as he lowered himself onto Max's thick cock as he pushed up into him.

"You're so tight Josh, feels so good." Max said barely louder then a whisper as the tight warmth of Josh's body fully encased him.

Josh's only response was to slide himself up and down upon Max's invading tool; rubbing his own long, aching cock against Max's stomach. He loved the feeling of the thick flesh rod inside him.

"Please don't stop Max. You're so hard, so fucking thick, don't stop please." Josh moaned and Max pushed deeper, harder in response.

He pulled Josh closer and licked and nipped carefully at his nipples; his hands caressing any part of Josh he could till one hand finally rested on his long, hard cock.

They moved with each other for what felt like an eternity. Josh pushing down to meet Max's hard thrusts. Max alternating between stroking Josh's cock and massaging his body

"So close, so close." They each moaned to the other.

Max fought the tingling wave that swept through him and centered in his cock, he didn't want to stop. He knew it couldn't last forever but he wished it could; and so did Josh.

"Max..." Was all he could manage as his resistance gave out and wave after wave of cum erupted from him cock and crashed against Max's body.

The contraction of his body around Max's cock was all that Max could stand and Josh felt his hard dick expand a little followed with the sensation of cumming inside him.

Max's hand shook a little as Josh's lips found his. Their kiss lasted a long while neither of them wanting to pull away. At last Max could hardly breathe and had to pull back: he leaned his head back against the pillows taking long, deep breaths and Josh rested his head against Max’s shoulder.

"That was amazing," Josh said as he nuzzled against Max's neck, "How the hell long was that."

Max glanced at the clock and was surprised at what he saw. It was ten thirty and had been nine when they had come up to his room.

"An hour and a half babe. That’s the longest it’s ever been." Max said rubbing up and down Josh's shoulders.

Josh's only answer was a long low, "Whoa", from his resting place on Max's shoulder.

With his hands still shaking a little he scooped Josh's cum off his body and licked it off his fingers.

"You're even good cold." Max said playfully as Josh took the last bit from off Max's fingers.

Josh didn't want to but he rose off Max and stood up, feeling Max's soft cock slip from inside him. He grabbed Max by the hand and pulled him up too.

"Come on, shower time." He said and Josh followed him to the bathroom.

Josh adjusted the water to the right temp and stepped inside and was followed closely by Max. Their towels from earlier had dried so they didn't need to worry about that so standing close together the two of them washed each other under the hot water.

Under the hot spray Max had one of his moments where he wished he could step inside Josh's skin and be a part of him.

"You look a little shaky." Josh said as they dried each other off and Max indeed was having trouble keeping his knees from shaking.

"You'd make any guy weak in the knees." Max said with a roguish smile but he was going over other things in his head.

His salad had been pretty filling but he figured its lack of protein and the long and intense love making with Josh had been a little draining, but it wasn't anything he couldn't handle.

On the way back to their bed Max grabbed a pair of boxer briefs out of his closet and Josh took a pair from his bag, but left the pajama bottoms he had brought folded with his other clothes.

When they were in bed Max pulled Josh close and rested his head against his chest, breathing in the reality of Josh.

"I'll be yours forever Josh. I could never be apart from you." He said quietly as he looked up into Josh's amazing green eyes.

"And I'll be yours Max. I couldn't ever be away from you either. I love you too much." Josh's eyes got misty and Max rose up and their lips met for a deep and loving kiss.

Their kiss broke and Max laid his head back on Josh's chest and he fell asleep with the only person he could ever see himself growing old with.

                                                                 *         *         *

Josh woke up later that night with a painfully dry mouth and throat. Max had rolled onto his side so he easily slipped out of bed and put on the pajama bottoms from his bag and went downstairs.

He knew that Ms. Calvin got home late so he crept slowly down the stairs and slipped into the kitchen without noticing that a chair in the living room was occupied.

After downing a few glasses of water his eyes caught on a half open cabinet above the counter. It was the cabinet that held coffee, creamer, sugar-substitute, and stuff of that sort. He walked over to close it but something was blocking it from the inside and when he opened it a large pill bottle fell out.

"Metphormin, 1000 milligrams, Max A. Calvin. “What is this?" Josh said aloud as he opened the bottle and inspected the large oblong pills.

"It’s a medication that helps with Max's Insulin Resistance and since you didn't know that then that means Max hasn't told you." The female voice made Josh jump and he turned around to see Ms. Calvin standing at the living room side of the kitchen counter.

"Insulin Resistance, Max. What do you mean?" Josh asked confused.

"Josh I made a resolution to never get involved in Max's love life. To let him make his own decisions," She said as she turned back to her chair in the living room and Josh followed her bent on finding out what was going on, "Unless they were ones I could not agree with and sadly this in one I cannot." She continued and motioned to the couch across from her.

Josh sat down and she went on.

"Max was diagnosed when he was fourteen. He spent three days in the hospital after a bout of pneumonia and the doctor who did his discharge noticed that he had a dark patch of skin across his throat so he scheduled Max for a follow up appointment about a week later.

At the follow up appoint he told us that he thought Max might have Insulin Resistance and wanted Max to have a few blood tests to make sure of it. It took us two weeks to get the results back and they were the most worrisome two weeks of our lives." Ms. Calvin got this far away look in her eyes and Josh allowed her a few moments of nostalgia before he interrupted her.

"What is Insulin Resistance? I've never heard of it, is it like diabetes." Josh asked as a stitch caught in his chest. More secrets.

"Its one step above diabetes. It’s where the body produces insulin but it doesn't metabolize it so it gathers where ever it can. It isn't as noticeable as it was before but that is why he has the dark patch of skin across his throat and in the bend of his elbows and sometimes when he looses his tan during the winter you can see that his knuckles are a little black as well." She said and she held up her own hand to further her point.

Josh's mind was working overtime again. But the foremost thought in his mind was that Max was keeping another secret from him, a very big one.

"Why didn't he tell me? I can understand why he didn't before. We were just friends and friends do keep secrets sometime. But now after everything that has happened. Now that we are together..." Josh had to fight back the tears he felt stinging the back of his eyes.

"At first he told all his friend's in case something ever happened. He has always kept it well controlled but he has had episodes where he has crashed. But over time those incidents became so infrequent that he stopped talking about it.

He always thought people treated him differently when they knew, as if he had to be watched and taken care of and Max has always hated being considered weak. Because the insulin resistance threw off his metabolism he was a chubby kid and it took him so long to get where he is today and he is very proud of his body and his strength.

If I had to wager a guess I would say he hasn't told you, even now, because he thinks that you will think he is weak; and that would be devastating to him. That’s why I have to ask you a favor." She said and Josh gave her a puzzled look.

"I know you're upset and you have every right to be but I have to ask that you not tell him that I told you," She said and Josh opened his mouth to protest but she waved it aside," I know he should have told you, I don't agree with him having not but I know that he would have sooner or later and maybe its better that you found out this way because now you are able to know without him worrying what you are thinking of him." She finished and Josh took a moment to think.

He knew how much Max prided himself on his strength and his body and how much he hated it when people thought he was weak.

"I won’t tell him, I promise." He said reluctantly.

"Good. Try not to be too mad at him Josh. I know Max is still keeping a lot of things between you and I wish that I could do something about it but I can't. He has to do it in his own time, and I'm sorry for that.” She said and she reached out and rested her hand in his knee.

"I'll do my best Ms. Calvin. I guess I better get back up to bed before Max realizes I'm gone." Josh said and he stood up and her hand slipped from his knee.

As he climbed the stair case she said one more thing.

"Josh, if anything ever happens you take him straight to the hospital, no matter what he says and he will try to keep you from doing it if you can 'cause he hates hospitals. But you take him there no matter what and then you call me." She said and she walked over to her room.

Josh walked up to Max's room and stood outside the door for a few minutes trying to calm down before he went in. No matter what he told Max's mom he was still angry and upset. He wished Max didn't keep secrets from him, no matter how hard he tried to be understanding he still came back to resenting that Max wouldn't confide in him.

He opened the door quietly and crept back to the bed. He stood there staring down at Max's sleeping face and as he did so, some of his anger abated. He tried to put things in sight from Max's perspective but he couldn't fathom everything Max had been through or all the people he had lost over his short lifetime.

Josh figured he would keep secrets too if half of what had happened to Max had happened to him. How could there be a choice between a secret and the fear of loosing someone you love or of having them looking at you differently.

He smiled a little as Max stirred and opened his eyes and looked up at him with a sleepy smile. He shirked the pajama bottoms and curled up next Max's warm body.

"Hey handsome, where did you go?" Max said as he wrapped his arms around Josh and pulled him close against him.

"I woke up thirsty and went down to get a drink. I ran into your mom and we talked for a few minutes then I came back up here." Josh said and Max nuzzled his head back against Josh's chest.

"What did you guys talk about?" Max asked as Josh stroked his back.

For one second Josh considered telling him what they had talked about but he remembered his promise and Ms. Calvin's words about Max worrying what he would think of him.

"Nothing really, just shop talk. Lets get to sleep tomorrow will be here soon." He said and kissed Max on head.

"I love you Josh." Max whispered before he drifted off.

"I love you too Max." Josh said as he too drifted off.

 

TO BE CONTINUED....
*******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. As always I would love to hear what you think. Please feel free to PM me, leave a review, or email me at allenarcane88@yahoo.com. I answer or respond to everything, good or bad I want to hear about it.

Thanks to Rush for editing this chapter.