Date: Thu, 30 Apr 2009 07:48:27 -0400 From: chris james Subject: Adam Conquers Earth, Chapter 5 Dear Reader: the following is a story of adult fiction, persons under the age of 18 are not permitted to view this material. Every second of television and film is digitally counted these days, I will not be counting every second in this story. What you will see are the pieces that make up the whole, and I intend to give you enough of a vision that you may paint the entire picture in your own minds. Hell people, it's only television, a vehicle for the characters...I just hope to keep you entertained long enough so that you don't change channels. All comments welcome. Chris James. Adam Conquers Earth (M/B) Chapter Five "Action," Alan yelled. The green Buick rolled up the street with Rick behind the wheel this time, no trailer and camera attached; it was a real car again. The dust from the desert still clung to the finish, gently assisted by a spray fixative the prop department had applied. And as the car passed by the number one camera position, the screen filled with Adam's face, his nose pressed against the glass, his eyes wide and alert as he drank in the view. For this was now his neighborhood and the few people on the street were now his neighbors...they just didn't know it yet. Rick pulled into the drive and Adam popped the door open and ran circles around the car, looking at everything, falling to his knees in the grass of the front yard. The broad smile on Rick's face continued as he took the bags out of the trunk and approached the front door. Nora walked slowly down to the mailbox and removed several envelopes; it was such a sweet domestic scene. Rick inserted his key in the door and opened it, nearly being bowled over by a large dog. This was Alan's personal pet Sugar, a beautiful golden retriever. After the pilot they would have to get a thoroughly trained animal, she would do for now. Sugar ran around Rick and bounded out into the yard, and as they expected she quickly spotted Adam at her level in the grass. "Cut," Alan yelled. Sugar ran over and sniffed Adam, her tail wagging like crazy, she wanted attention but Adam didn't touch her, it wasn't time. Alan walked over as the camera swung around on its boom to catch the right angle for the boy and dog confrontation. Alan slipped a finger under her collar and walked her around to a spot about five feet in front of Adam. "Sit, Sugar," Alan said, and she did just that. "Stay" Then he walked over behind Adam and Sugar's head followed him. Alan reached in his pocket and pulled out the device, eliciting the curiosity of the crew. He had told them nothing except the dog would perform as required; he now had the secret in his hand. It had been Halloween the year before when Alan discovered Sugar's reaction to people wearing scary masks, she immediately went on the defensive and today it was no different, only now he knew how to use it. "Roll cameras," Alan said, and he turned his back on Sugar to slip on the rubber mask. "Rolling," Frank said quietly, and Alan turned around. The hair on the back of Sugar's neck went up and she crouched, a deep throated growl emanating from her throat, teeth bared. She certainly looked menacing, and then she started barking, her stance still low as if she were about to pounce. Adam remained frozen; the look of terror in his eyes was captured by the camera position hidden in the bushes beside the front door. And then Alan whipped off the mask causing Sugar to relax, just to make sure Alan held the mask out and she growled again at the sight of it. Then Alan shoved the offending mask back in his pocket. Out of sight, out of mind, Sugar relaxed. "Sit, Sugar...Cut," Alan said. He walked over and gave her a good rub behind the ears and Sugar simply smiled with joy, she had pleased her master. Frank moved the cameras back to the start up position and told Alan all was ready. "Ok, roll cameras," Alan said. "Down, Sugar." And the dog lay down. "Action." Adam slowly crawled towards the dog; and she raised her head to watch his approach. "Sit, Sugar," Alan commanded and the dog sat up. Adam was right there in front of her now, staring intently into her eyes. "Shake, Sugar," Alan commanded, and she raised her left paw. Adam reached out and took the paw in his hand and it seemed as if the dog smiled. Then she leaned forward a bit and licked his face. Adam giggled and then started laughing. Now this was a reaction Sugar understood, she licked even more and Adam rolled on his side, his hands trying to fend the dog off and she went for him again. The laughter and the playing were all captured by the cameras and Alan hated to call it off, they rolled for another fifteen seconds before he yelled, "Cut." Adam gave the dog a hug and she squirmed in his arms. "Thank you, Sugar," Mark said, "That was perfect." Alan came over and got his dog by the collar and snapped on a leash. "That went very well," Alan said. One of the makeup assistants came over and wiped Mark's face with a moist towel, then applied a bit of powder to restore the finish. There were lights inside the house; they had to keep the shine off his face. The interior shots were all performed with a Steadicam, that technical marvel which allowed a single cameraman to follow the action without the aid of a dolly or camera boom. The rig was strapped on and the device that cushioned the camera's moves was held in front of the man as he followed the actors on his little monitor screen. It gave the image a whole new perspective, as if the camera was just another person in the room. The 'home movie' quality was something Alan had used to great acclaim in other series and that made it a good tool for his technique in this one. But having a cameraman in the room took up space, and so the scenes were carefully choreographed. The issue of the spacesuit was next up; they had to get Adam into some acceptable kid's clothes. In the scene Adam follows his mother down the hallway to his bedroom and she opens the door. Since Adam has never been here before this was the guest room which Vera now sees as the boy's room in her mind controlled state. The walls are blank, the bedroom looks sterile, but Adam smiles. She opens the closet door and sees nothing but empty hangers, and the dialogue picks up there. "Oh sweetie, all your clothes must be in the laundry, well I never thought it would come to this...Oh, I know. I bet some of Jerry's clothing will fit you, maybe not the pants, but boys all wear shorts these days anyway." The camera followed them down the stairs and onwards down into the basement. The laundry does indeed look piled up on the washer, but she leads Adam over to a stack of boxes and a large suitcase in the corner. "I'm sure my brother won't mind if you wear some of his things, the Navy will probably keep him in a uniform for another three years. Let's see what he has here," Vera said. The first box reveals a bunch of photos which Vera set aside as she turned to another box. Adam picked up the large photo and it showed a skinny, trim looking blonde guy in a Hawaiian shirt and board shorts, he has a surfboard under his arm. "Cowabunga, dude," Adam said. Vera pulls some of the same loose fitting Hawaiian shirts out of another box and Adam smiles as she adds shorts and flip-flops to the pile. "Well it's only for a little while until your things are clean, will this be all right?" "Hang ten...surf's up," Adam replied, and he takes the pile of clothing. Vera walks back upstairs with Adam and reaches over to rub a smudge of dirt off his face. "You need a bath, Mister. Sort out your clothes and I'll go run you a tub." Adam stands before the mirror on the wall and holds a shirt up in front of him. "Cool breeze...Gnarly dude," Adam said with a grin. "That's a cut," Alan said from the doorway. "OK kiddo, bath time, and then we break for lunch...you doin OK?" "Doing fine," Mark replied. He stepped out of the way to let Frank walk out with the Steadicam and Julie the costume girl stepped in holding what could only be described as a flesh colored thong. "Lord, that doesn't hide much does it?" Mark laughed. "Depends upon how much you have to hide, sweetie," Julie replied. "I've seen it all before." Mark tossed the shirt down on the bed and turned around so Julie could undo the Velcro opening to the suit. She undid the collar and slid the suit down Mark's body. He stepped out of it and pulled off his t-shirt. Julie handed Mark the thong. "Need any help with that?" She asked. "I have underwear smaller than this," Mark replied. "Oh, naughty boy...I'll be outside when you're done," Julie laughed. Julie walked out the door, leaving room for Brian to walk in. "She's right, naughty boy," Brian said. Mark dropped his shorts and boxers, holding the thong up. "I ought to get me some of these." He slid the thong up in place and adjusted his parts to fit in the tiny pouch. "Doesn't leave much to the imagination," Brian said. Mark grinned. "I bet I know what you're thinking." Brian laughed. "It's not fit for television, that's for sure." The bathtub was half full, and of course there were bubbles. The camera caught Adam's expression of glee and then he was sitting in the tub, fluffing the bubbles with his fingers and laughing. Alan stood out in the hallway with a grin on his face as Frank backed into the far corner with his camera. Alan unsnapped the leash and let Sugar go, and then he stood back to admire the scene. Sugar was a total water dog, and she leapt in the tub with Adam, the scene from there on was priceless as the boy and dog splashed around, bubbles flying and tons of laughter. The scene was designed to make Adam look human, and it worked very well. "Cut," Alan finally said, and Frank cleared out of the room. Oh the mess, but Mark was still being a kid and the dog just loved it. The prop crew moved in with towels and mops, the dog led outside for a rinse off, at least she was done for the day. "God, that was fun," Mark laughed as he accepted a towel. "Sugar really liked that." Alan smiled. "We have a hell of a time keeping her out of the pool; my filter is always full of dog hair. OK, go get dressed and we'll pick up there." The next scene caught Adam bounding down the stairs, very much the young surfer in his new clothes. He looked at the television and sat in the middle of the couch. He picked up the remote and studied it; shaking his head and putting it back down. He raised a hand and snapped his fingers, the television popped on. It's Sunday afternoon in Adam's world and the television displays an old movie. The couple on screen kisses and Adam pantomimes the hugging and kissing, ending with a sour look on his face, another snap of the fingers...the channel changes. The MTV channel blares out heavy rock music, the band standing there swinging their long hair and jumping around, so of course Adam joins them. Then Rick walks into the scene and shakes his head, picking up the remote and changing the channel. "You know you're not supposed to watch that stuff," Rick says. He looks at the remote. "I thought I set the parental controls on this." He shrugged and walked out of the scene. Adam stared at the screen, a quiet nature program shows a flowering garden and Adam puts a hand in front of his face and groans. He then peeked through his fingers towards the door, but Rick was gone. Adam snaped his fingers and the rock music returns. He is just getting into the music when the doorbell rings, one snap and television shuts off as Adam heads for the front door. "Cut," Alan yelled. Steve had been sitting in the corner through this past scene watching his idol at work. Brian couldn't blame him; this was like on the job training for the kid. And then it was time for their scene and Mark huddled with the boy to set the tempo. Alan allowed Mark a great deal of leeway in setting the mood of the scenes; he trusted the boy's instincts. Getting Steve in the mood to do it well was worth the few minutes of time they took, and then they were ready. Mark smiled confidently and then slipped into his Adam mode. The doorbell rang again and he ran up the hall to open it. "Hello," Steve said, "I'm selling raffle tickets for the Brighton Booster's Club...can I interest you in buying some?" "Raffle tickets?" Adam said, looking over his shoulder as if he wanted his mother to intervene. "Do you go to Brighton? I haven't seen you around here before...I didn't know the Vernon's had any children," Steve said. "Oh...I'm Adam, don't you remember me?" "No...I live in the next block and I've never seen...." That's all Steve got out as Adam placed a hand on his shoulder. Brian watched the change come over his face; the kid was playing it very well. Steve blinked several times and shook his head. "I'm sorry Adam; I don't know what came over me. I bet you have your own tickets to sell, sorry," Steve said. "That's OK; Mom usually takes care of that. You sell a lot today?" Adam asked. "Nope, only three and my Mom bought two of them. That neighbor of yours shut the door in my face, why does Mr. Barnes have to be such a jerk?" "I don't know...why don't we go ask him?" Adam suggested. "No way, he'll bite my head off if I go back there," Steve said. "Really? If he tried that I'd bite his leg off," Adam said. "Come on, I'll talk to him." Steve followed Adam out the door and the camera followed along. "This is crazy...why do I let you talk me into these things?" Steve asked. "Aw, this will work out...you'll see," Adam said. Adam stepped up on the front porch and rang the door bell. On the count of five Casey opened the door and gave them his best Martin Barnes glare. "Who are you?" Barnes said. "I'm Adam," He said, and held out his hand for a shake. Barnes looked down over his reading glasses and stuck out his hand, and then he too went into that little trance as Adam worked his magic. Two blinks later and Barnes was back. "Hello, Adam...what can I do for you?" "I need you to buy a few raffle tickets from Steve, can you do that?" Adam asked. "Why sure, I always support the school," Barnes said, reaching for his wallet and handing over a five dollar bill. Steve counted out five tickets and handed them over. "Hold on to those, they're going to post the winning numbers in the community paper this Friday. Thank you, Mr. Barnes." "Any time boys, thanks for coming by," Barnes said, and then he slowly closed the door. "Wow, five tickets...how did you do that?" Steve asked. Adam smiled. "You did it, Steve. Everyone's a winner when you play the California Lottery." Steve cracked up laughing. "Cut," Alan yelled. "Your lines were perfect." And Steve all but blushed at the praise. Casey opened the door and smiled. "I always love it when a scene works that well. Good going boys." "Thanks, Casey," Mark said. "Loved the reaction." Mark walked back down the steps with Casey's hand on his shoulder. "You know I was worried this whole mind control thing wouldn't work, but I'm beginning to believe. It's just a part of the scene, nothing special, no particular emphasis on it...it just happens." "Yeah, I think the audience will take it like that too, at least I hope so," Mark said. Casey smiled. "I believe you could sell Coke to a Pepsi salesman, it's all your doing." Steve laughed as well, the relief of his first ever scene going well written all over his face. Mark smiled at the reaction and put his arm around Steve's shoulder, a look of bliss filled the younger boy's face. Brian stood back amidst the assembled crew and smiled. Mark knew how to keep the cast loyal to their mission, his attentions to Steve proved that. They would break for lunch and reassemble for the final shoot this afternoon. Beverly Cooper, the young African-American actress was due on the set. Alan had greeted Mark's suggestion that she take the place of Mary Jane with a smile. "You think that will work? No, you're right; we need to open up the diversity of the cast." The girl was to become the focus of some love interest towards Adam, something no boy that age was ever prepared to understand. The initial thought was that Steve was going to display a crush on her, but that she would only have eyes for Adam. The first display of those feelings was to take place in the school bus scene this afternoon. She only had one line to perform and the rest was acted out through her expressions. Mark was sure she would leap at the chance to become a co-star; Brian loved the way Mark was taking charge of the show. The cops opened the end of the street they had blocked off this morning and a few of the neighbors drove in. Tina went over to each of them and explained that afternoon's shooting schedule, by four they would be done and everything would go back to normal...until next week. The scenes they had shot so far were in the studio being cleaned up, timed and everything necessary for Alan's final touches to be applied. He planned to work all weekend if necessary, for on Monday morning he wanted a final product to show Triton and the sponsors. The pilot would be shown twice that day, the final showing for a target audience that had been selected at random to view their very first effort. Triton would be there, and so would Walco's representatives. All one hundred and twenty people would sit in a theatre and view the pilot, their reactions being carefully noted. The theatre was rigged, recording devices would run, reactions timed and noted. As laughter was the objective it would be measured and then evaluated. The feedback going directly to Alan and his staff, and of course, Triton. The demographics of the audience was based upon Neilson statistics of the American viewing public at the planned time and channel placement the show would occupy. Nothing was left to chance; there was too much money at stake. Mark and Brian both accepted a tray of food from the caterer and sat at a table in the shade of the umbrellas provided. Halfway through his lunch, Mark saw Beverly and her mother walk up the street. He jumped up and brought them to the table. "Beverly...Mrs. Cooper, this is Brian, one of Alan's assistants," Mark said. Brian stood and shook hands before sitting back down. "Did it go well this morning?" Were the first words Beverly spoke, it seemed she was already involved in the happenings of the show. "Yes, went really well," Brian said. "At least Mark got a bath." "Alan's dog stole the scenes from me," Mark laughed. "So, ready for your big scene?" Beverly smiled. "Not so big, but I've been studying the script for next week." And they were off on a discussion of their lines for the first episode. Brian smiled at Mrs. Cooper. "Well, Mrs. Cooper, I think the kids have taken over this show," He said. "Bonnie, please...you all seem to have things well under control. How was the filming in Nevada?" "Intense and wonderful, are you coming to the showing on Monday?" Brain asked. Bonnie smiled. "Have to; my baby wouldn't miss it for the world. She's very excited about this role." "Good, Mark said she would be outstanding for the part, I see what he means." "Mark? Mark chose her?" "Absolutely, she did a fine screen test...he has an eye for talent. He's worked with the writers for almost two months on this show, there's a lot of his thinking in everything we do." "Oh my, what an amazing boy," Bonnie said. "This show will succeed because of him, the whole cast knows that...it's a lot of pressure," Brian said. "I'm also his minder; his aunt doesn't know that much about the business except to manage him." "So you have two roles to play, busy man," Bonnie said. Brian smiled. "Keeps me more than busy." The afternoon set up was complete; the school bus in place and everyone was ready to move on command. Adam stood behind the front door of the house, school backpack over one shoulder. Vera stood there with him as Frank and his Steadicam occupied the other end of the hall. "Ready?" Alan said into this radio. "All set," Came Tina's reply. "Rolling in three...two...one....Action," Alan said. Vera smiled and leaned down, kissing Adam on the cheek. "Have a great day in school, dear." She said. "Thanks, Mom," Adam said, and he opened the door. Outside the neighborhood was bustling. Cars backing out of driveways, women standing in doorways waving good-bye to their husbands, the mailman making his rounds. Kids were walking down the street towards the corner bus stop, and Adam stepped out into the typical American morning. He walked to the corner and stood with Steve, and now Beverly, awaiting the school bus which slowly made its way down the street. It pulled up and the door opened, Steve was the first one to board. Adam slipped his Regalian earpieces on and nodded his head to the beat. He started to step forward and then stopped, nodding to Beverly who smiled back, the first close up shot of her face as she looked back at Adam. The audience would not mistake the look of adoration in her eyes, and then she boarded. Adam looked up the steps at the driver who waved him forward, a middle aged man, pleasant smile. The cast had dubbed him Mr. Moody, and for good reason. "Come on, we haven't got all day," Moody said. And as Adam passed him the man said his final line. "You aren't supposed to be wearing earplugs on the bus, it isn't safe...what are you listening to?" Adam smiled and pulled the earpieces out. "Cut," Alan yelled. The next scene required a bit of special effects and they worked just fine. Eight of the crew stood on the other side of the bus and moved on cue. The four others inside the bus lying on the floor activated their devices, and the cameras captured it all perfectly from about forty feet away. "Action." The bus started shaking and dust flew out the windows, the screams of the kids could be heard as the Deodato tune blared loudly within the bus. The cameras inside caught Adam dancing up the aisle and the expressions on Steve's and Beverly's face. "Awesome," They both yelled in unison. And then, as if from far away. "Turn that darn thing off," Moody yelled. The camera showed the grin on Adam's face and the scene ended. "Cut," Alan yelled and the crew cheered, the pilot was over. The kids on the bus laughed and jumped around, everyone wanted to touch Mark for good luck. But they were past that point now, the show was 'in the can' as they say. The crew began dismantling their equipment and the cast assembled to hear a few words from Alan. "Fine job, the proof will be in the work I do this weekend. But you've given me everything I asked for; you've made the editing easier. So one o'clock Monday for the showing, I hope to see you all there." And that was it. Alan was tired, the cast was as well. The tension of the past week and a half was oozing out of every pore, they needed a weekend off. Monday they would view the audience's reactions to their hard work...and then there would be more hard work. But work was all a part of their careers in acting; it was made easier when the project was worthwhile. If they could get four seasons out of this show their careers would be made. Actors who were in a hit series never had to beg for work, they could be selective. Brian walked Mark down the street towards the police barricades, and there sat a white limo. "Wow, whose car is that?" Mark asked. Brian could only smile, this was the fun part. "Yours, Mark." "Me? Why would...oh, what have you done?" The driver got out of the car and another man exited from the rear. This man was tall and distinguished, his jacket and tie said he was all business. Brian walked over to the man and shook his hand, and then they hugged. "Mark Harrison...this is Tim Real, the head of your security team," Brian said. Mark smiled and Tim shook his hand. "OK, I sure wasn't expecting this," Mark said. "Your aunt and I signed a contract this morning. Why don't we get in out of the sun and I'll tell you about it," Tim said. The interior of the limo was dark and cool, the windows tinted to fend off the curious. The driver started up and they moved away from the barricades which would be coming down shortly. "Tim is an old friend," Brian explained. "I almost went to work for him before my camera gig. I think you understand where this show will be taking you, Mark. You're an asset to Triton and the whole company, you have to be protected." Brian reached over and took Mark's hand, kissing his fingers. "You're very valuable to a lot of people." Mark looked down at his hand and then back up at Tim's happy expression. "Isn't love grand?" Tim said. Mark looked over at Brian. "He knows?" "Yes sweetie, Tim knows everything...his whole company is composed of gay men. I just knew if we needed to have security that it would interfere with our private lives, and so I brought Tim into the picture. "He understands what we share, but to be honest I think Tim feels you're a little young to be in a relationship with me. And so I asked him to come meet you today, so he could see for himself why I love you." "I won't give him up," Mark said defiantly. "Whoa, tiger...I see what Brian means, you're definitely in control of your own destiny. We are not the cops, in fact we can be very useful in dealing with them if need be, and they know us quite well," Tim said. "You guys carry guns?" Mark asked. "No, this isn't about dealing with terrorists, just overly excited fans most times, we don't need arms. All of us are fully qualified to deal with most situations. Diplomacy comes before action." "Oh...you guys do martial arts, I bet you have a black belt," Mark said. Tim smiled. "Several, but violence is the last thing we want to happen anywhere around you, we're here for protection. As for your relationship with Brian, that's not the issue. Every employee I hire is gay, not all of them will approve of what you guys share, but no one will say anything. Our observations are confidential, our personal opinions do not exist." "Thank you, Tim," Brian said. "So it's been a long day for you guys, let's take you home," Tim said. He toggled the intercom. "Home, James," He said. The car started to move again and Mark laughed. "That's a line from a movie." Tim smiled. "His name is James and we are taking you home. Looks like you had a full day." "Yes, but they accomplished something grand," Brian said. "When does your show go on the air?" Tim asked. "With approval, probably early next month, but the publicity will start later next week. Most of the work will be back there in the neighborhood setting or at the school we selected, the old McKinley," Brian said. Tim laughed. "Mark wouldn't now about that place, would he?" "The school site, what about it?" Mark asked. "The old McKinley is just a little run down; they have a new school now. But they closed it in the first place because of the shootings and the drugs. But that was all before the DEA and the cops cleared out that drug haven neighborhood across the street. Don't worry, its safe now." "Tim won't allow us to be in an unsafe environment," Brian said. Mark smiled. "So even my minder has a minder, that's cool." "Brian will be of great help if we have a problem, he studied Tae-kwan-do and martial arts in high school and college," Tim said. Brian laughed. "That was years ago, but Tim still kicked my ass." "Wow, so you're high school buddies?" Mark asked. Brian shook his head, "No, Tim was my teacher; he has a few years on me." "No way, he looks so young," Mark said. It was Tim's turn to laugh. "I really like this young man, I'm thirty-six." Mark shook his head. "You guys are amazing." "You ought to know, Mark...I wanted a relationship with this man of yours back then, it didn't work out. He was still just as handsome as he is now, I envy what you have." "In my opinion, Brian should have gone for it," Mark said, and then he gave Brian a mock punch. "You let this guy get away? What a fool." "Yes I was," Brian said, but then he looked Tim in the eye. "Tim was from a different world, maybe it scared me. I didn't know anything about wealth and privilege, we traveled in different circles. Bring gay was all new to me, I wasn't ready for what he offered." Tim nodded. "Well finally, thank you for that, I wondered. I never wanted my position to come between us, I suppose it had to. The family curse, I'm afraid." "Then I would have never met you," Mark said, sliding his hand back into Brian's. "That's unthinkable." "I just wanted you to know what a fine man you have there, Mark, he's a lot like you," Tim said. "And so, let's move beyond that, can I take you out to dinner?" "What about Rosie?" Mark asked. "We'll call it a business meeting and see what she says," Tim said. It was fine with her; she wanted a night out with her Bridge group anyway. "You just take him home with you tonight, Brian...I might get home late, we do tend to gossip a little too much at these affairs. Besides, I now have bragging rights over Mark's accomplishments." "That's fine, Rosie, I'll let him sleep late in the morning, and then we'll run," Brian said. "Well that's a plus, have a good night, Aunt Rosie," Mark said. "You boys have fun," Rosie said, and then she left for dinner. "Well, that was easy," Tim said. "She allows Mark to have his way most times, I'm the trusty sidekick," Brian said. "So dinner, shall we eat casual or formal?" Tim asked. "Let's get Mark dressed up, he looks good when he's all cleaned up," Brian laughed. "Hey, I just need a shower after a hard day's work, that's all. Besides, where's your suit?" Mark asked. "I have one hanging in the guest room as I recall," Brian said. "I seem to live here half the time anyway." "So you can shower with me...if Tim doesn't mind." Tim held up his hands. "You two go do your thing; I have some calls to make. Will 'Outrageous' be OK with you guys?" "Can we get him in there?" Brian asked. "I know we can, I own it now," Tim said. "Figures, OK, let's blow his young mind," Brian said. "Come on kiddo, shower time." Mark followed Brian back to the bedrooms and they undressed, tossing their clothes on Mark's bed. "What's 'Outrageous' mean?" Brian dragged Mark into the bathroom, and turned on the shower. "It's a gay club, a nightclub, and I'm sure fourteen year old boys aren't allowed inside. But Tim obviously owns it now, and they do have wonderful food and a private dining room, I'm sure that's what he intends." "Wow, a gay club...that's so exciting," Mark said, as Brian pulled him into the shower stall and closed the door. "I'm not sure you'll get to see much of it, it's a dance club...and sometimes they have, um...performers as well." "Strippers, you mean strippers, right?" Mark asked. "God, I hope not tonight, you don't need to see that," Brian said. "Look, you can't ever tell anyone you've been there; I'll go to jail for sure. I don't think Tim is trying to corrupt you; this is a dinner date and nothing more. He's proud of his accomplishments, it was one of the reasons we didn't click, he was too much for me to handle." "Rich, huh?" "Mega-rich, his family owns...well they own a lot. But Tim has done his own hard work, he had the martial arts studio, the security business came out of that, and God knows what else he's into. I just want him to remain a valued friend," Brian said. Mark lathered up and tried to get sexy with Brian. His attempts were resisted. "We have all night for that, sweetie, Tim is waiting." "Isn't it a bit early for clubbing?" Mark asked. Brian laughed. "Yes, and what do you know about that?" "'Before nine and you aren't divine,' I heard that somewhere," Mark said. Brian smiled. "You know entirely too much for your age, it's why I love you." So they hugged, kissed and washed, saving the inevitable sex for later. They dried off and dressed, Brian admiring the way Mark looked as he helped the boy tie his tie. "You look good all dressed up, Tim will be impressed," Brian said. "I only care what you think," Mark said. Brian took the boy in his arms. He couldn't tell Mark the truth about Tim and why their relationship was doomed from the start. Yes, he had slept with older men, but only when he was a boy. His experience with Brad had killed so many years when he could have...but that was past. And once he became a man himself the attraction faded, now only a boy could make him feel young and...and needed. "Let's go," Brian said, "I want to show you off before the world gets to see you." Mark looked up into his face and smiled. "It's going to get harder once the show is out, isn't it...will it change what we have?" "I don't want it to, I like what we have now. Guys like Tim will help, we'll have our times, you'll see." "We better, I need you," Mark said. "I need you too," Brian said, and then they walked back out to the living room. "We have a reservation for nine-thirty," Tim said. Mark smiled. "See, I told you." "What was that all about?" Tim asked, as they walked out to the car. "Our little expert on nightclubs says we aren't supposed to appear before nine," Brian said. "I have no idea where he gets these things." Tim laughed. "He's hardly a little kid, and he's right." "Oh God, not you too," Brian groaned. "Hey, I'm here you know, I have ears," Mark said. "And nice one's too. Tell you what, we have the time, would you like to see my new house, best view in the valley," Tim said. "Cool," Mark said. "I guess that's your answer, lead on," Brian said. Tim toggled the intercom in the limo. "Home, James," He said once again, and Mark died laughing. The limo sped them across town, the 101 Freeway, north on La Cienega and finally up into the hills. Talk was light as Mark spent his time looking out the tinted windows. "So how did you find this place?" Brian asked. "The guys who sold me the club used to own it, kept it available for the, uh...talent they had working. They went back to New York and I moved in." "So you don't have the...talent anymore?" "Not all the time, we have different acts now...comedy, music, a little higher class," Tim said. "You mean no strippers, huh?" Mark said. "No...that was pretty crass, we do have some exotic dancers now, just no pole dancing boys." "Damn, I miss all the good stuff," Mark said. "I'll bet you like Gina, she's performing tonight," Tim said. "She's hilarious." The limo made several turns and it was obvious they were climbing the hills above the valley. The view was cutoff now, high walls surrounded estates that were built side by side, and then finally the car slowed and carefully pulled in through an open gate. "Mi casa es su casa," Tim said, "You're welcome any time." Brian chuckled. "Like we could ever find it, these roads make me dizzy." "Then you'll enjoy the view on my patio," Tim said. The house was built into the mountainside, lots of natural stone and huge timbers, and then there was the glass. As they walked through the front door, Brian could see the darkening sky out through the wall of glass along one side, the one with the view. Mark went and pressed his face to the glass. "Jeez...will you look at that," He said, so Brian walked over and joined him. Hollywood...all the way into downtown Los Angles spread out before them in lights, it was magnificent. "We get smog of course, but it's still prettier at night," Tim said. "I took one look at that and knew I had to have this place." "I don't blame you," Brian said. The clock on the mantel said it was just before eight, they had time to kill. "Can I get you something to drink?" Tim asked. "Anything alcoholic," Mark laughed. Tim smiled. "You've come to the wrong place for that, Brian knows." "He doesn't usually drink, but his herbal fruit drinks are renowned...still making those?" Brian asked. "Absolutely, something light before a meal I think." And Tim walked over towards the kitchen which was all in the same open room. He stopped by the wall and threw some switches. "Mark, go out and look at the pool if you want, the door is over there." "Come with me," Mark said, and Brian followed him through the glass doors. The pool area was all lit up now, the gardens as well. Tim had outdone himself with this place. The shimmering waters gleamed like a blue gem in the night with the lights of the city just beyond. "Awesome...how romantic," Mark said. "Does he have a boyfriend?" "I don't know about now, but there have been several guys in the past," Brian said. "And you were almost one of them, what stopped you?" Brian sighed. "The money of course. A guy who can buy his way into anything he wants is pretty scary. But...I wasn't ready, for him or anyone else back then. The discipline of the dojo brought us together, kept us friends. He was just starting the security company, he asked me to join. "But I had committed myself to studio work by then, following in my Dad's footsteps with the union. My summer job became full time, Beacon's World sucked me in, and so I stayed on. I don't know, Mark, like you I'm glad I chose that path...it led me to you." Mark leaned against him as the lights glittered in the distance. "I've never been anyplace but here," Mark said. "I want to go places with you, new places. I want to share it all with you because then I'll really understand how lucky I am. We're special together; I can't imagine my life any other way." Mark turned and slid his arms around Brian's waist and squeezed. That's how Tim found them, embracing, sharing their love. He walked over with a tray of drinks and just stood quietly looking out at the view. Brian looked over at him and caught the smile as their eyes shared a knowing glance. "It's good to be loved," Tim said. "I know where the door is, I just haven't found the right key." "Maybe if you slowed down a bit. Life around you seems to swirl and make people dizzy," Brian said. Tim nodded. "Makes me dizzy as well. I feel the joy you two share, it almost makes me feel paternal, I must be getting old." Brian smiled. "I should only age as gracefully, the race isn't over." "No, but then you could always outrun me. I might try your approach, any more of them kicking around?" "Like Mark? No, he's unique," Brian said. "Yes...yes he is," Tim said. Mark looked up at him and reached out a hand, placing it on Tim's arm. "I'll work on it," He said. Brian chuckled. "If that's a promise you better expect results. Mark seems to have a way of making things happen." Tim smiled down at the boy. "I hope so, drink?" They tasted the smoothie and found it delicious as Tim showed them around the house. Brian watched the interaction between the two. Maybe Tim could accept a young lover; he had the means to make it attractive. It would have to be someone strong, someone exceptional. The only person he knew that fit that description was Mark. The time passed quickly and then they were back in the car headed down towards the strip in the valley below. 'Outrageous' was buried on a side street amidst a row of warehouses. The club was private, limited to only a few thousand customers, but it was always full. The hidden location had a certain appeal, especially since naughty things used to happen there. Tim had brought Brian there years ago, back when he was trying to court the younger man, trying in vain. The secret nature of the place had great appeal to Brian's senses, it helped that the young dancers on stage looked, and might have been, underage. By then Brian had strong feelings for boys, and sixteen year old dancers looked enticing. The outside of the Outrageous Club looked the same, well except the heavy steel door had been replaced by one of shining brass. The speakeasy nature of the place was reinforced by the small spy hole in the door, but that was for show, there was a doorman. The limo dropped them off on the quiet sidewalk and the uniformed man smiled. "Good Evening, Mr. Real." "Evening, Teddy. These are my personal friends, Brian and Mark," Tim said. "Good Evening, Gentlemen. Have you been here before?" His standard question. "It's been a while for me," Brian said. "Mark hasn't." "Step this way, if you please." Teddy led them to the door and Brian saw the small glass panel and keypad set in the wall, this was something new. "If you would, Sir," Teddy asked Tim. Tim placed a hand on the glass and a blue light dimly flashed, he punched in a code on the keypad and turned to Brian. "Place your right hand on the glass if you would." Brian did so and the light flashed red and then quickly turned blue. "Mark, your turn." The same results. "Thank you Gentlemen," Teddy said with a smile. "Always glad to meet new members." And with that he opened the door and they walked inside. "What was that?" Mark asked. "Bio scan, your hand will now open that door any time you come here," Tim said. "It took your fingerprints and the parameters of your hand, simple but efficient. Just low level security, I thought optical scanning might be a bit too much for the clients. I do have Teddy out there, and we are currently surrounded by armor plate while several cameras are checking us out." Mark looked at the nondescript walls but saw nothing, and then a seamless door slid opened and another man welcomed them in. "Tim, glad you could make it," The man said. "Brian...Mark, this is Tony, our manager," Tim said. Brian shook hands with the man and so did Mark. If Tony was at all surprised by Mark's age he didn't show it, Tim was the boss. "Your suite is ready," Tony said, "Allow me to show you the way." They stepped through the door which quietly closed behind them with a hum, Brian felt like he'd stepped into a bank vault. Tony pushed a button on the wall and the quiet elevator took them down a level and the wall once again slid open. The last time Brian had been here he had to walk down several flights of stairs, this was much nicer. The door opened on a quiet carpeted hallway and Tony led them down a short distance to a double door. "Enjoy your evening, Gentlemen." "Thank you, Tony," Tim said, and they walked through the door. The room beyond was all of sixteen feet deep and long, maybe a hundred feet, but they had entered in the middle of the space and faced a wall covered with drapes. Now they could hear the thump of music behind the drapes, not too loud, just enough to let Brian know the club was behind those curtains. A short elegant table was set in the middle of the room, three place settings, candles, a romantic feeling pervaded. Several groupings of comfortable furniture, couches, tables and chairs. It looked like a comfortable place to spend time. "Where's the club?" Mark asked. Tim smiled. "You want to see it?" "Yes, please." Mark said. Tim picked up a small remote off the coffee table and handed it to Mark "Just push the red button if you will." Mark did just that and the curtains began to part, revealing a glass wall, and beyond it...beyond it was something Brian could only describe as...outrageous.