Date: Mon, 21 Feb 2022 17:25:19 -0500 From: MC VT Subject: Radiosonde Gay Adult-Youth Radiosonde ©MCVT2017 19 Jan 2022 Weather balloon takes a boy's life to the next level. Tale of opposites and similarities, ups and downs, rain and sun. Consider a generous donation to Nifty. There's not another site like it. https://donate.nifty.org/ Adult content, 100% fiction, teen, romance, anal, voyeur, coming out, smelly sneakers. Radiosonde Heard music from downstairs and jumped out of bed. No school today. Saturdays I biked through the canyons behind our house, met the other guys and cruised the campsites where the heads partied the night before. Picked up their cans and bottles, hauled them to the recycler beside the store. Chits in hand, we bought sodas before we went to the top of the mesa. Pedaled fast, free through the back streets and cut-throughs in Descanso. Knew every trail on the edge of the park. *** "Darío!" Mom yelled over the Juan Gabriel's groaning ballads, "Bring your laundry or stink next week." Stuffed my laundry in my basket when a white fluttering on the bluffs behind our house caught my eye. From my bedroom window I watched it. Something caught in the scrubby trees along the Anza-Borrego. Wasn't there yesterday. Threw my helmet in the on top of my basket and whipped downstairs. "Got any spare change?" Mom dug through her purse, held her hand out, "Be home at noon." Wow, a dollar-fifty. Door slammed behind me as I slung my leg over my Schwinn and shoved off. *** Saw the flag on Lester's bike ahead and pumped hard, yelling. He stopped and turned. "Got a dollar-fifty. Let's pick up cans." "Can't ride today. Music practice all morning." "Where's Foley?" Foley was the oldest kid who rode with us. "Won't answer my texts. I think he's got a girlfriend." I liked to music, I liked dancing, and wanted to join the school activities but didn't. Mom knew why. She never pushed, said my time would come. "We can watch movies tonight...." I liked Lester. He rode off. Sped to the partying places among the boulders. Looked for beer cans. Not much this morning. Scanned the scrub, saw that fluttering ahead; did someone lose their clothes last night? Closer I saw nylon lines attached to the flapping sheet. Breezes tugged the white plastic; couldn't reach it in the upper limbs of a mesquite tree. Cords dangled from it. Following the nylon lines, I found a small white box; just smaller than a lunch box. Label on the outside said it was a radiosonde, weather equipment. Had to break the lines with a rock. Left enough cord to strap the box to my handlebars. Showed Mom the box. She read the label, went to her computer. "This came from Miramar. Show it to your science teacher. Ask for extra credit." She looked through the electronics in the box. "Interesting, these tiny things send radio messages...." *** Mr Kyle, my science teacher, locked my white box in his desk, "Come back after school." Later, he explained the devices in the box, "I'll mail this back for you." He pointed to the instructions on the side of the box. "Where'd you find it?" We got the coordinates close to the mesquite tree; put all the information in a letter. "Let's tell them you're interested in climatology -- see what they say." "Can I get extra credit?" He smiled, paused, visually inspecting me, "You write up what a radiosonde measures, I'll give you ten points." He kept smiling, "Wanna join the Science Club? We're going to Palomar next month." "Nah." "Volunteer in the lab after school?" He was grinning, eyes scanning my wiry body. Mr Kyle's leering embarrassed me. "Mom says I have to go straight home after school." *** Weather service sent me back a kit with all the devices to read temperature, humidity, wind speed and barometric pressure -- a mini-weather station. Instructions showed how to mount it on a pole and set it away from any buildings or trees. Mom and I went to the hardware store that afternoon. We set the pole and attached the equipment at the back of our yard. Taped the cloud chart to my closet door, ready to start taking readings. Made a simple table to keep my data. Felt like an expert already. Maybe Lester would be interested. He wasn't. *** A month later, I showed Mom my data tables. Mom told me to ask Mr Kyle for extra credit when she saw my records. I sent it online, told him I had all the equipment working. Dang, he called me to his office that afternoon. Confused when he handed me a black cylinder, looked like a flashlight. "Had to confiscate this from a student several years ago. Caught him peeking in the girl's locker room from the second floor. Now you won't have to leave the house to get your readings." Kyle rambled on about careers in climatology and meteorology, "Steady work, and you got the looks to do well on the evening news." He was ogling me again. "Thanks." I left with a monocular, a short telescope though it wasn't very strong. *** From my bedroom window I couldn't see my weather station, an old oak blocked my view. Mom worked swing shift, she left for work at the casino. House was quiet as the sun set. Moonless night. Through my telescope, I scanned the neighborhood. Desert air's cool in the evenings, neighbors opened their windows. Rectangles of yellow light in the surrounding houses brought me to climb out my bedroom window into the branches of the oak. I could see the kids getting ready for bed, playing computer games... one girl danced on her bed, jumping around her room. One house away I watched two young brothers move to one bed. A small night light shone nearby. Couldn't see what they were doing. Their father came in later, left the light off. He kissed them, stood by the bed for a long time. Only his lower arms moved in front of his body. Few moments later, he pulled his tee shirt off, wiped his hands and left the room. Was he getting off to his kids. That excited me. Began rubbing off with him through the weeks. Worst thing I could do for my social life, I heard. *** In my first year of high school, I lost Foley and Lester to the girls and the football team. Still waiting to come into my own, I biked alone. Kept my weather records and earned official nerd status by talking barometric pressure, cumulonimbus formations. Watched the weather people morning and night, began understanding weather systems, all the terms they used. Horny all the time. Just looking at my telescope made me hard. My spying expanded to several houses, two boys and one man who left his blinds open and didn't wear clothes. *** My viewing pleasure halted. Mom said we were moving to Lemon Grove. I'd start my junior year of high school there. She landed a pit boss job at Jumal Casino. Finally she'd make enough to afford a house. Mom was proud of herself, and I was proud, too. This was a big career move for her though she'd still have to work swing shifts and weekends, they're the busiest times in a casino. We moved in with my aunt first, then Mom bought half a duplex. Nice place, big yard but no bike trails in the San Diego suburbs. Houses were close, streets were busy. Mom promised me a skateboard if I'd wear the protective gear. She smiled, "New basketball, new shoes? You can meet some friends at the park." I was taller; still hadn't grown into my own. "Maybe later." *** Had to set my weather station up. Mom brought a bag of premix concrete when she came home from work. Shovel, buckets, I went to the back yard. Mr Rivas, the man next door came over. He had a level and brought a pick for the rocky soil. Weather station went up quickly. He was curious about all the equipment; I explained it to him. Told him I had two years of records. "Call me Mike." He asked about El Niño, La Niña, "I still don't understand what they mean." "I'll find out." I knew what they were, sure, and I wanted another chance to talk to him. Mike was a little older than Mom, with wavy gray and black hair that was always messy, falling over deep set, black eyes. Short guy, only a little taller than Mom. She said he was `hottie.' Nice guy, Mike Rivas, spoke softly and he didn't leer. He said he never met a meteorologist before, shook my hand before we left. *** After Mom left for work, I got my telescope out. Couldn't see in Mike's bedroom. Had a good view of his patio. I saw smoke coming from his grill, an ice chest nearby. He lit a few citronella candles, brought out plates and flatware, pulled a beer from the ice chest. Thought I saw him glance at my window, but he continued grilling. Maybe he didn't see me. A heavy man came with more food and a CD player, turned it on. Couldn't hear what they were saying from my vantage. Warm night, they took their shirts off, danced together before they had dinner. Boned up watching them rub their chest, tweaking nipples, kiss.... Mike knelt in front of the man, pulled his pant's down and rubbed his face along the man's groin, right where I could see them. Damn, these guys were queers. Blasted a load as soon as I touched my hard dick. Kept pumping as Mike's head moved against the man's groin. Blow job, first I'd seen in person. The big man held Mike's head, looking down, saying something. Mike shifted; his hands opened the man's butt crack and he ran his fingers up and down over the man's hole. Knees trembling, the heavy man took Mike's right wrist and pushed it down. It came up between the man's legs, middle finger disappeared between the man's butt cheeks. Searched my room. Got the permanent marker from my desk, spit on it and shoved it up my butt, leaned against my heel to push it in further. Frantically pulled another load off. With one foot on the ice chest, the heavy man tilted his head back and shoved his hips into Mike's face hard. Short moan over the music. Mike stood and kissed him, they went into the house. Came back out a little later. Breathing hard, I continued jerking thinking about what they were doing where I couldn't see. That permanent marker wasn't enough. Ran down to the kitchen. Increased the diameter of the pen with paper towels, slipped a thin plastic bag over it, sprayed it with cooking oil and went at it again. Didn't feel so great. *** Mike called my mom the next day. He asked if I could help move a sofa. Of course Mom agreed, sent me over. Walked slowly, ready to get bawled out by Mike if he'd seen me with my telescope. "Enjoy yourself last night?" Mike walked me to his basement, "If I can see you with your telescope, so can the other neighbors. Spying on people's against the law, better put it away." Non-stop blush. "Why were you watching?" Couldn't answer for the guilt and my dick was straining against my shorts. Mike glanced down, saw it and the spot of cock juice I was always leaking. Finally found my voice, "Is that guy your boyfriend?" "Sorta." "You're gay?" He had to be. "Why are you asking?" No answer. Stupid question. "Were you pulling off while you watched us?" He tilted his head. How did he know? I couldn't answer. "I see." He handed me a cold pop from a small fridge, motioned to the couch. "It's hard being young, hard being queer. Young and queer makes difficult situations, and looks like you got the triple whammy." He paused, a moment, "You could use your monster dick to your advantage if you play it right." A high, tight giggle jumped from my throat. Shorts were straining, log behind my zipper. Sat the cold can of pop on it, hoping for shrinkage. "I remember being young and queer, it can be a lonely life...." Unexpectedly, "Do you ever need someone to cuddle you?" "Too old for that." "Well I'm a big old baby. May I cuddle you?" He moved next to me, pulled me close. I was immediately heady, dizzy smelling him, feeling his hot, damp skin. "Have you ever been kissed by a man before?" Whispered. "Sure." Didn't tell him I paid Lester a dollar for a kiss. "Did you like it?" "Don't remember." Lester spit afterward, told me it was gross. Chuckle, "May I kiss you?" Face heated, I gave a small nod. He kissed my forehead. I exhaled long and hard while I shot off, I felt the warm cum oozing. Air smelled strong with jizz. He turned to kiss me again with his hand on my thigh. My thigh, with a mind of its own, raised itself, nudging his hand to my tool which was still super hard, twitching. "Do you want me to... touch you? He was hesitant. "This could get me in a lot of trouble." "No, never. I mean yes, touch. No, I won't tell." Sputtered. His hand hovered over my cannon.... I had no control to lose; another surge from my slit sneaked out. The door bell rang. "That's Emil." Mike jumped up, went upstairs. Gasped and looked at the spot on my pants stretched over the giant sequoia in my briefs. Found a half-bath. Splashed some cold water on my stubborn cock, got its attention and told him he'd get it later. Cum went everywhere inside my briefs, the front of my shorts were wet. *** Emil came downstairs in a tank shirt that he pulled off immediately. Hairy back and front, hairy arms. Laughed with a deep voice. He was big, wide, not flabby, stocky. This was the guy who got the head job. "Well look who's here." He introduced himself. "Your name must be Tom." He grinned miming focusing a telescope. Then he ogled my shorts with a smirk. Mike was rolled his eyes, looked at me "Alright magnus-men. We've got to move this couch." As we loaded the old sofa in Emil's truck, he asked me if I'd like to crew for him. He took fishermen out on his boat. Emil was leering, like Mr Kyle, staring at my shorts and grinning. "Not sure if Mom'll let me." Mike gave me ten dollars and a fancy ice cream bar. I left feeling like I had a secret. Mom stood at the front window, watched a new couch being delivered to Mike. "Glad we got a good neighbor. Too bad he's not on the market." *** Went to work with my aunt that summer, ran errands, hosed the patio and all the playground equipment in her back yard. She ran a daycare. Easy work, free lunch and she paid cash every Friday. Wanted to make my entrance at school on an electric scooter. On a weekday night, Mom came to my room. "Sweetie, are you going to be alright at school? I worry about you. I'm afraid you'll get cocky and take stupid chances, get into trouble. There's lots of bullies and you're my favorite son." "I'm your only son. I'll be okay." The worst taunts about my package were from those cocky, stupid bullies, I didn't want to be part of their cliques. They were mean. "If you want to tell me you're not exactly like all the other kids, it's fine with me. I love you, and it's my job to protect you, encourage you, support your dreams." She gave me fifty dollars, "Get a haircut, some of those shorts with all the pockets. Keep your phone on at school and call if there's a problem." *** Summer flew by, I didn't have all the cash I needed. Mom helped me with the money for the scooter. She was changing, she started pushing me to get into the school activities, find friends. She'd fund anything that got me closer to having a friend. I knew junior year in high school would be awkward. It was too hectic the first week, hundreds of new names, forms to complete, orientation and an assembly about `Behavioral Expectations.' No guns, knives or explosives on campus? That startled me. They explained sex and relationships, said to wait till we graduated before we got serious. Everyone got a condom and a brochure on STD clinics; guess they didn't trust us. Called Mike. He told me once, I could use your monster dick to my advantage if I played it right. I needed to play it right because I decided to go out for the track team since I'd biked for years. My thighs were strong. "How do I handle the showers and the locker room? "Come over later." I believe I heard him chuckle. *** He answered the door in shorts. Had to glance downward--did he stuff a towel in his briefs? "Whadda you doing?" "You like these shorts? They're yours for twenty dollars." Eyebrow lifted, "Deal?" I grinned, stupid joke. Kept staring at his bulging groin. "Were you raised by coyotes? It's rude to stare." He snipped. I chuckled. Why was he saying these goofy things? "You're looking at my package like you want some. Gotta warn you, I'm not cheap." He winked. Oh, he was teaching me how to handle leering with humor. I nodded, "Got it." "Keep it clean, no lies, manipulation or gossip. Are you out at school?" "Haven't had time." He handed me a print out of a group of gay kids and allies that met every month. "Here's what you do. Go to the meeting and see if there's anyone from Barwicke. Introduce yourself and you'll have a friend, at least know another queer on campus." "I'm going try out for the track team. How do I handle the guys in the showers?" "Stand tall, keep a straight face and speak slowly. Don't go on the defensive, you want these guys to know that you're fine with yourself and your body. Command respect--don't beg for it." With an evil grin, "Ask them why they're interested in your junk. Be nonchalant. If that doesn't work, ask the coach to use their shower. Don't get into an argument, I don't want to see you hurt." So, I had to have the right attitude. Wasn't ashamed of my cock since I'd grown so much, it didn't look as much like a deformity anymore. Wasn't ashamed of myself, but didn't have a lot of confidence. Mike threw me a curve ball: "Now how do you handle yourself when you see a guy bigger than you in the showers?" There were guys with bigger dicks than me? "Look away and not say anything?" "Right." "Haven't seen Emil lately, how's he doing?" "Emil's gonna be busy for a while." Guessed that meant they broke up. "I need a cuddle." He kissed my forehead, I put his hand on my throbbing dick. "Not now." *** Hardest part of a new school is learning the cliques and groups. I stayed to the side during the chaos in the hallways. The queer support group was okay, big group; parents, students, teachers. Had a table full of snacks. They talked about school policies, laws, the parade. Mostly they discussed a gay prom for all the high school students. Didn't interest me until I met three seniors from Barwicke. We decided to go to the prom together. When I told Mom, she was glad. She even brought several huge trays of cookies from the casino catering department to sell during lunch. Had to raise funds for the rainbow prom. "Who're you going to invite?" She asked. "I've got three dates already. All the queer Barwicke guys are going together." The seniors and I went to a thrift store and bought Hawaiian shirts and shorts, painted our old sneakers with neon colors; made our own style. Prom was great, got to dance with lots of guys. They paired off with other guys and left early. *** Through the holidays, into spring, my track coach kept us busy. Seven runners, ten in the field events. In local meets we held our own with the other schools. I held third place in sprints when I started, decided to specialize in the middle distance categories; 800 meters, 1500 meters. The rhythm of running longer distances suited me. Showers were quick and quiet. Heard there was a new policy on campus; two male staff had to be in the locker room when there were students present. A few teachers ogled me then looked away quickly. Wondered if my dick was the reason for the staff being there. What happened to my weather data? Made a deal with Mike to take a photo of my weather station when he got up; Fridays I put it onto my table. Running at dawn was great. Several other students from the field events joined me. They were slower but good company. *** No extra credits from my science teacher. She gave me a name and phone number of a local guy, "Friend of my father. He's listed on the weather service in DC, transmits all his data to the national database. Give him a call, he'll show you his station." Called Mr Franks; he invited me over on Saturday morning. His professional equipment was set in a lot beside his house. Next level instruments, and a security camera mounted to watch it. "Been at it over twenty years now, haven't missed a day." Franks was retired from the Coast Guard. He'd worked on a ship through some bad storms, said he loved it. Told me he had to practice strict discipline, make sure all the data he sent was correct, his equipment was working well, "Lives depend that info." Took photos of his station. Sent one to Mike. We loaded my scooter in Frank's trunk and he took me to lunch. Lots of old vets gathered at the cafe. Over burgers and fries the sailors told me I'd enjoy a sea-going life. "Navy's got cute weather guys, too. There's a sign-on bonus, you know." Were those geezers trying to recruit me? While we ate big burgers with baskets of fries, I got several text messages. Mike wanting to know where I was. Sent back a smile emoji, I liked all this attention from the old salts. *** Mike called as soon as I got in the house, "You didn't tell anyone where you were going. Don't do that again. You could get in trouble with the wrong people." "Can I come over? I'll show you what I did." I explained about my teacher giving me Mr Frank's number. "Sure." His voice was low, seemed sad. Found him on his patio with a rug and a tape measure. "What're you doing?" "Getting a movable hot tub, it's solar-heated. Have to place it where it'll gets the most sun." "Cool." I looked at the brochure. The rug was approximately the size of the tub. He put it here, there on the patio. Wasn't going to work, the shrubs, fence and trees shaded the patio. He asked to help me move a short palm. "Wait. Before we move it, I better check." He went inside to call the hot tub people, had to see how many hours of full sun the panels needed. He handed me his iPad while he spoke, pointed to a game icon on it. On his iPad, I saw "Weather" under a document icon. Opened it. Scrolled through quickly. He was keeping records on me. When I moved in... Emil.... Wow, Emil had sexual battery charges in San Diego. Did that mean rape? No wonder I hadn't seen him again. Read that Mom had asked Mike to guide me since I didn't have a dad, asked him to help me gain confidence, keep me away from a bad crowd, drugs.... He'd done that, and kept tabs on me while Mom worked. That's why I got all the texts. These were secrets about me. Nothing upsetting until I hit the last few lines. Mike was desperate for a boyfriend to get his mind off me. Gonna bait a guy with the hot tub. Things started making sense. I closed the file, went to the fridge for ice cream. *** The next month, things changed. Mike asked to meet my track coach, offered to take the three slowest runners and me to the track on Saturdays. I figured Mom wanted to make sure I didn't have time to find the wrong crowd. Lots of dealers and users on the border. Mike and Coach acted like old friends. Wasn't long when Coach handed him a whistle and a stop watch. "Wind sprints, blazing finishes. Those kids got it in `em, just need to be pushed. Our last competition is six weeks away, they could do us proud." Found out coach was a student of Mike when he was at state. Mike taught English years ago, he was a journalist now--reported on the businesses at the border. Paperwork squared away, Mike got the phone numbers for the other guys, called their parents with me. Coach gave him the name of a school with a track, said he'd come by and check on us. Mike worked all of us on the empty track at the middle school, pushed us hard, kept our times. I wanted to break his whistle, but Mike didn't like yelling. Whistled with a hand signal; we learned what he meant. When coach came, we went for fries; coach reviewed our times. Competing against each other was great and it started showing. Last practice session before the meet, I was sweaty and smelly sitting in Mike's car. Grabbed my bag to go home and stopped. There was a different car parked in my drive. Mike grabbed my forearm, "Shower at my house, I'll order pizza." "Who's at my house?" "Your mother has a boyfriend. Give them some privacy." He winked. *** Asked Mom about her boyfriend. She picked a good man, she said. He was a CPA with a big firm in San Diego. "He'll be able to help you get into the university." "Are you saying he'll pay my tuition?" I figured I'd have to take loans or work my way through school. Coast Guard or the Navy sounded okay. "He's old fashioned, don't mention you're gay." "Do you love this guy?" Mom didn't seem enthused. "Well, he'll help us along." She paused, "Every relationship is different." Mom had always supported, encouraged me and this didn't seem right. "Mom, give it a year, let me graduate before you get serious." I made her promise. *** Upstairs I called Coach, had to meet with him before school on Monday. Went online and downloaded several videos and began putting an idea in action. Called Mike for a strategy conference. I needed a PR campaign before graduation. Senior year started in September; time was short. *** Did my miles at dawn, pushing myself every other quarter mile. Without showering, I went to the gym office to meet with Coach. "I got an idea." I explained what I wanted to do. "Now you're talking kiddo. Get back with me later, I'll find someone in the front office to help. For now," He opened his desk drawer, "Use these." Weighted ankle and wrist bands. "Got anything else?" He looked around in the supply room, "Give me a few days." He was excited. Had to miss practice the next day. Texted Mom with a photo of the guidance counselor, then my academic advisor. I needed their help. They were great, encouraged me. Felt like a success already. Called Mom later, told her I wanted to graduate near the top of my class. Now, I had to ask Mike for help. I'd ask him for a really big favor. *** Explained my plan. He was reticent. "Why so much?" "Please. All my life Mom's given me everything, now I have to give back before she makes a big mistake." We made a deal, the first injury, lower grade or if I overworked, he'd pull out. Not just pull out but snitch on me. We made a schedule for the weeks. Looked hard, Mike said I'd get used to it. He pulled out a small video camera, loaded it and asked when I'd be on the field after school. It was coming together. Life looked good ahead of me, had to focus on my schedule. *** When Mike showed up to video me, he found me with coach and another runner. Older now, but he was one of the fastest in San Diego years ago. The old man Todd told me I had to run efficiently, "No wasted movement, no lost energy. Straight ahead, watch the track disappear under you. Keep your mind on the finish line." Then, he took my chin in his hand, inspected my face. "Do you shave?" "When I have time." "Stop shaving, I'll give you a trick. Get your game up, push the competition down. Nothing against the rules. It worked for me a coupla times." Began three days a week strength training. My times improved when I watched my videos with Todd, Mike and coach. I had a slight twist in one ankle when I shot from the blocks. Had to stop that. Lower my wrists slightly, and block out all distractions. Lot to learn. Math was easy. The other courses weren't. I used a tutor in study hall. *** Big meet was coming soon. Todd took me to a store that specialized in sports clothing. Taught me how to find the right fit, feel for the right toe box and heel on the shoes. "Do you need jock strap?" He bought me a jock, but not just the standard kind. From the changing room, he left to the adult department, came back, handed me the small adult size. "If this rubs, we'll alter it." He was smiling, patted my butt, "Wear the shoes and the jock until the meet. If anything's not right we'll have time to change it." Mom got suspicious, "Where are these new things coming from and why are you at school all the time? Are you in trouble?" "Getting ready for the last competition this semester. You're coming, aren't you?" "Sure, I'll ask Felix, he'd like that. He's coming to dinner tomorrow night. You'll get to meet him." Her boyfriend's name was Felix. Hmm. "You need to shave, sweetie." Shaved my beard into a Balbo. *** Next night, cleaned up, I went to the dinner table. Met Felix. He looked like a proper older man. Incredible comb-over, thin; wore a three-piece suit. "Rather devilish beard you have there, Darío. That'd be great for Halloween." "Devilish? That's exactly the look I want. You're coming to the big meet with Mom?" I smiled, couldn't take my eyes off his scalp shining through the few locks of hair. Went from one ear to the other. Did he glue those locks to his scalp? He nodded, "So the girls must be all over you. I always envied the jocks in high school." "This is an important time in my life." Glanced at Mom, "Girls are out, training takes time. I have to come in first or second place in my heats." "Have to? You got a lot of drive." He stopped, looked at me, "You told your Mom we need to wait until you graduate to get engaged. Do you manage her relationships for her?" Snide question. "I want you to get to know each other better before you make any commitment." Concern dripped from those words. He look perplexed. Great dinner, Mom served big salads on the patio. Couldn't be sure, but I think Mike was watching from his second-floor window. Excused myself before dessert, went upstairs to finish my homework and go through my floor exercises. Then I called Mike. "You told them they needed to get to know each other before they made a commitment? Rich. That's usually what parents say to their kids." Mike laughed. "Do you like him?" "I guess he's okay. Mom's bringing him to the meet, I'll introduce you." *** Entire track and field team was under stress. Finals week followed the meet. Todd told me to use the week before the meet to continue strength training, run wind sprints several times and sleep. Training so hard, it was difficult to stop, but I did. Caught up on my weather data, finished up all my homework, made flash cards for the history final. Looked good with my beard, relaxed. I was itchy to run again. Kept visualizing the finish line, crossing it first. *** Todd and Mike came to the track before the meet. We went over the map of the athletic center, then the rules. Studied the order of events, and it looked like I would be called at around ten o'clock, then again at noon. We faced teams from over twenty schools, hundreds of runners/ Listen for the call, check in with the clerk, wait for the heat, get to the block, run and check back in with the clerk. Lot of details; my mind was focused on the finish line. Todd told me he was helping coach keep the team organized, "Mike, can you make sure Darío gets where he's supposed to be at the right time? He's our only middle distance runner." Todd leaned close, "Good looking beard. That should shake your competition. Don't smile at the other runners till you cross the finish line." That was Todd's trick to plant subtle self-doubts in my competition. *** Day of the meet, I was up early, tense and anxious. Mom was still asleep; I called Manny. "Got nerves, almost shaking." "Me too. Put your shoes on, we'll jog it out." He met me with his old bike, I had to laugh. It looked too big for him. We jogged around the block slowly, then again. "Carb load in twenty minutes, bring your bag. We'll leave after you eat." Showered, packed, took a photo of my weather equipment, noticed the barometric pressure was low. Checked my bag again before I threw my phone inside. Three stacks of pancakes, protein shake, good breakfast. We hit the road at six-thirty. Closer we got to the center, the more cars, people. Anxiety rose, "Finish line, finish line," closed my eyes until Manny parked. He looked at me, "Nerves are part of it, take a deep breath. You're wasting energy. C'mon, let's find Coach and Todd." He got his video camera out, strapped it around his neck. Walking through the crowds of runners, I saw all types. Short, tall, all in good shape. Todd and Coach had the team rounded up. Younger boys were dancing around, jumping on their toes, acting goofy. Mike kept focusing me on my heats, the finish lines. Never shoulda said I had to come in first or second. I was still shaking inside. Shook until I heard Mom's voice yelling my name. Scanned the bleachers. Felix sat next to her, and beside them were my counselors from school and Mr Franks. My fan club? That felt good, pressured me at the same time. Behind them was a row of kids waving rainbow flags. The guys from the rainbow prom! *** Mike took me to the prep area, I stretched and went through all my warm-ups, blood was pumping. Noisy. People everywhere on their phones. PA system was awful, couldn't understand the instructions. Mike kept his eye on the scoreboard, watching the notices. Turned my face to the sky; overcast, humid. Good running weather. Checked in with the clerk. "Finish line, finish line." Didn't want to look at my competition, they looked big. Lanky, long-legged men. I felt like a child beside them. Looked to the stands, Felix was sitting between Mom and Mr Frank. "No wasted energy." Mike kissed my cheek, patted my back. "Love you" whispered quickly. Bent over, feet on the blocks. Pow! I was off, pulled ahead of the others. Kept my pace, didn't hear anyone behind me. "Finish line, finish line." Hit my stride and pushed harder. Saw a dark streak to my left. The short, black guy was gaining. All out, I pumped as hard and fast as my legs could move, leaned forward, commanded my legs to pump harder. Quads burned. The black guy didn't fall back. Harder. Harder. Focus. Finish line. That guy stayed beside me. Pushed harder, there wasn't much left in me, finish line was close. Last strides before the line, I stuck my chest out and pushed as hard as I could hitting a harder stride for the last two steps. Heard him grunting beside me immediately. Past the line, I slowed. Turned to the short, dark kid, "Good race. My name's Darío, from Barwicke High, Lemon Grove." "I'm Pili from Mission Bay High." He was surrounded by his team, all smiling and hugging him. We stood together, watching the scoreboard for our results. "Those are all my friends." He pointed to the group with the rainbow flag grinning. "I thought they were here for me." I side-hugged him. Looked to the bleachers, Mom and my counselors were waving. Mr Franks and Felix had a group of people clustered around them in the aisle. Checked back with the clerk. Got a lot of back slaps and hugs from my teammates. "Look!" Coach pointed at the scoreboard. My best time ever, and first place. Almost didn't believe it. *** Waited with Mike for1600m. Sizing up my competition, there were a lot of milers. I was up; did well in my first heat now I had to match it. Heard yelling in the bleachers, someone was cursing. Saw Mom and the counselors staring at Felix and Mr Franks. Security escorted the men from the bleachers. "What happened?" "I'll see." Mike came back later to tell me Felix and Franks were caught making book. Coach had warned us not to gamble. We'd get kicked off the team if we were in any way associated with it. Didn't expect that to happen, and if you meet a man in finance who frequents the casinos, the odds are good he's got a problem. Mom occasionally told me about the addicts and `desperation gamblers.' *** That guy Pili was in the first heat of the mile race. Wouldn't have him shadowing me, but the seniors in my heat were big, lanky guys. Mike said short guys are better runners, "Don't have to haul as much weight." Wasn't sure that was true. "Did you say you love me?" Mike nodded, looked away. "I did." "I need a cuddle." Wide grin. *** Went through my warm ups with the other runners, waiting for my second heat. Checked in. Went to the start. Guys lined up. Go! Runners passed me on both sides immediately; I bore down, pumped faster. Forget the repeats, I had to stay up with the pack. Pumped hard, couldn't concentrate like before. Shoulders tensed. Threw my thoughts out, "Love you." Repeated that and kept my eyes ahead; caught up with the pack, moved to the middle. Love you. Passed through the pack. Love you. Quads burned again. Yeow! Stitch on my abdomen during the last lap. Burst with energy I didn't have; adrenaline. Love you. Kept going to the wall in front of the bleachers. Leaned over to catch my breath, when I stood Mike handed me a sweatshirt, "Tie this around your hips." "Why?" Then I looked down to see my jock and shorts stuck to my hard-on by my sweat. *** Came in third place. Mike told me to go home with Todd and Coach, they were taking everyone out for pizza. Team Barwicke runners did well. Coach told me Felix and Franks were taken off the grounds, told not to come back that day. Mike took Mom home. Bus let me off at home; Mom wasn't there. She didn't answer her phone. Called Mike, "Where's Mom?" "Staying with your aunt tonight, she left with a bottle of rum." Mom did that sometimes. "Can we watch my video?" Mike left the door unlocked. Found him in the kitchen, sneaked behind him and kissed his neck. "Thanks." "You were great today. I'll get the videos edited and send them to Coach next week. Todd's going to launch the Barwicke HS Track and Field website next week." Side by side on the couch, we watched. Scooted next to him, "Need a cuddle." Put his arm around me, grabbed the remote with the other hand. Put my head on his lap, tugged his arm, put his hand on my dick. He didn't move his hand. Watched the video, thinking what to do. This was confusing, he said he loved me. When he got up, I followed, cornered him in the hallway. Pressed myself into him, rubbed my erection over his lower stomach, had to flex my knees to get to his groin. Had several inches on him now. He looked away, pushing against me. "Stop." Little force behind his words. "You don't like this? I thought you said you love me." "It's not that. You're young, ready to make a good life for yourself. I agreed to help your Mom, but she doesn't need any help, you're ambitious with plenty of discipline. When she's married, you'll have a father to help you along." "I'm past the time I need a father. Got a feeling she won't get married to Felix. I'm old enough and I want lover. I want you." "Can't." Without much resistance, I pressed his head against the wall, took his chin in my hand and kissed him. His chest heaved against mine. He pushed me away. "Find someone your own age." That hurt. "No." Kept kissing him till I felt his arms around me. "Hot tub?" He whispered. "Bedroom." *** I stripped immediately. Mike didn't, he looked at me with a worried expression, lips pressed together. Began taking his clothes off him. Shirt, shoes, shorts, briefs... where, where was his dick? My hand went to the bush of dark hair on his groin. Found a thick stump. Suddenly, I understood. "Go ahead and laugh." Red-faced, looked to the side. Teasing, jokes about my dick hurt when I was a kid. He' probably been hurt by jokes all his life for the opposite reason. Held him against me and sorted out what to do next. "Love you, want you." Smell of our musk rose between us. I kissed him, put my hand on his stubby tool, caressed gently. Poked my rod into his nuts. Finally got him to relax a little, he sighed. Whispered the words I wanted to hear: "You're more than your cock, I want you." During a few moments of kissing, his rod hardened, only grew a few inches. My fist grasped his shaft. He pushed me away, turned to the dresser, got out a cock ring, tossed me a bottle of lube. "Love you." "He sat on the side of the bed, "Disappointed?" Shook my head, leaned over and took his dick in my mouth. Tasted good, smelled good, better than what I imagined. He pushed my head back, "Better stop for a minute." Pulled me on the bed beside him, "Want me?" I nodded, grinned as he laid me on my back, knelt between my knees. Squirted, the rubbed lube behind my balls, tugged them, then leaned over and sucked my dick. Thought I'd pass out. While he sucked, his finger rubbed my hole, pressing deeper with each time my dick hit the back of his throat. He pulled back; my slit oozed with pulses of cum. He licked it, smiled and dropped a stream of lube on my still-excited cock, behind my balls. Nudged my calves to his shoulders, looked down with his dick in his hand. One arm locked, held him up, biceps bulged. He glanced at my face when I felt the warmth of his cock at my hole. "Relax." He gave one shove. In. Felt odd, hurt. Jerked a quick breath. He grabbed the headboard, leaned over. My legs straightened beside his face. My knees were by my eyes. Slowly pressed harder, one hand came to my rear, smearing the lube on his shaft, along my crack. Slowly, it didn't take long till I felt his pubes tickling the skin on my butt, between my legs. Out slowly, then a deep sigh. Pushed in again. His hands grabbed my ankles, folding me tightly. That's when it started feeling strange, peculiar at first, then better. Couldn't reach my dick. My juice was pumping, pooling on my chest between my thighs. The skin on his torso grazed the underside of my cock. Mike watched my face, then his eyes rolled back and closed. Then he stopped for a moment, a few heavy breaths. Suddenly he began rapidly pistoned into me. Body shook, everything inside me shook. Incredible sensation to feel his force inside me. My eyes rolled back, closed, concentrated on my guts, the movement and the smell of sex. He slowed, his jizz dripped to my tailbone. Sweaty torso fell on me. Wrapped my legs, arms around him squeezing him against me. Fell asleep late, embraced. Fear, tension, confusion between us left during the hours before dawn. *** Next day, Mom didn't come home in the afternoon. She called out at work and took the day off with me. Looked like she had way too much rum. I told her to shower and go back to bed. I brought water and aspirin. While she slept, I got a call from Mr Franks. He apologized, told me he didn't want to see me in trouble for his behavior at the competition, "I'm really proud of you." *** Mike grilled out, had the hot tub ready for Mom, "She'll feel great after a soak." Sat on the side of the bed and woke Mom slowly, "Get in the hot tub, Mike says it'll help." She put her hand on my arm. "I'm not ready for you to leave home. I know you and Mike are close. Won't be a hypocrite and tell you to stop. You were born the day after I turned sixteen. Enjoy each other while you can, as long as you can and stay close to me a little longer." Radiosonde Epilogue Through my senior year, Mike and Mom stayed right beside me. Protein powder, shoes, blisters, encouragement; every day, every meet, they were there. Mike and Coach posted my videos, along with my teammates. Todd sent them to his old friends who graduated from UCLA with him. Word got around about my speed, endurance. Word got around about my GPA and my interest in meteorology. When I applied for a scholarship to study in Los Angeles, it didn't take long to hear back. They offered me a full scholarship. Got to study what I liked and run with an incredible team. I didn't realize it, but my plan constructed a threshold to step through. More than working toward that scholarship, those twelve months changed me. When I decided to take to take the responsibility for my tuition, I grew up. Proved to myself I had Mom's ambition and drive, Mike's patience and understanding. Inner strength training under blue skies. Started my adult life with a lover beside me. Paid him back with my heart. If you liked this story, make a donation to Nifty: https://donate.nifty.org/