Date: Thu, 14 Oct 2010 22:39:55 -0700 From: Hermes Subject: Speedo Boys 25 Here's the next installment of this story. I hope you enjoy it. I would appreciate any feedback of a positive nature, and of course, flames will be ignored. You can Email me at: HermesAuthor@gmail.com DISCLAIMER: The usual Copyrights exist on this and all of my works. This story may involve sexual contact between Adult Men and Younger Males, two Boys, or two Adult Men. If this type of story is not to your liking, or for any reason is forbidden where you live, please, PLEASE, delete this file and stop. If this is to your tastes, then I hope you enjoy this story, for that is all it is. Fiction, Fantasy, the musing of the Author's mind written and shared with you. I do not in any way condone, support, or promote any illegal act in any jurisdiction. But, thank God, we still have the right to SAY anything as long as we don't DO anything. Also, please accept my apologies for the delay in this chapter, sometimes things in 'real life' take over. I have had some medical challenges the past few weeks. They're resolved now, and I thank those who have emailed worried about things. So, without any further ado, Please enjoy. Hermes -*- Speedo Boys Chapter 25 – Getting On With Life From Last time: The President stepped back to the podium and, taking Cole on one side and Devon on the other, his arms over their shoulders said, "I am introducing a new bill today. The Cole Johnson Equal Adoption Rights Act, as I hope it will become would make it a federal crime to discriminate against a prospective adoptive parent solely on the basis of their sexual orientation. It is my fervent desire that this bill be acted on by both houses within the next 30 days. I further hope that both of these fine young men, along with their parents, and in Cole's case his foster brother will be in Washington when the bill is signed into law. Thank you." The room was silent. Reporters, notorious for asking questions were at a loss. Nobody expected this. Devon, Cole, Michael, Matt, and Donna were escorted off to the side of the stage while the press core sat dumbfounded. Time would tell what happens next. * * * Chapter 25 – Getting on with life Tom and James were lounging around the living room watching a movie. The past few days had been wonderful. James loved having Tom around full time, it almost felt like they were married. They were interrupted by a knock at the door and Tom got up and answered it. A courier was standing there with an envelope which Tom signed for, noticing the address was to James Gilbert. Tom brought the package to James who opened it. He read it and his mouth hung open. "This is from the lawyer for the guy who hit me. They are offering me $10 Million Dollars for pain and suffering if I will keep it out of the courts and the press." He shook his head and read it again. "I have to call my Mom!" As he was reaching for the telephone it rang. He answered it and it was Melissa, his mother. "Hi Mom, I was just going to call you!" "Quick, turn on the TV to the news, it's important!" Melissa said quite excitedly. James told Tom to change the channel to the news channel and when he did they saw Devon's face. They quickly turned up the volume to hear Devon say "I know you guys are the press and usually it's your job to ask the questions but, here's my question. WHY should it be wrong for someone to adopt simply because of who they love. They don't have a choice, neither do I, neither do straight people. They love who they love. The important stuff should be what kind of a Parent they can be. I want to thank you all for allowing me to speak; now I will let Cole tell you what's on his mind." They listened to the speech then, when Devon introduced Cole and then kissed him they both together yelled "WOO HOO!" James told Melissa he'd call her back because he had some really important news to talk to her about also, but they would watch the rest of the newscast first. They were impressed with the fact that the President of the United States has taken an interest in an issue like this, but, James realized that Devon seems to have the ability to pull off some amazing things, even without trying. Tom and James sat on the couch, James still reading and re-reading the letter. Finally, James said, "I need to call Mom back. I just can't believe this!" Just as he was reaching for the phone his cellphone rang. He looked at the caller-id and it was from Devon. "Hey Dev! We just watched you on TV!" "Hi James, how are you feeling?" Devon inquired. "Oh, I'm good! Excited really. First I got some really fantastic news, and then I watch you kiss Cole right on TV!" Devon laughed. "Yeah, that was some kiss, huh! We were calling to ask if it was okay if we stopped by on our way home. We haven't visited in a while." "Sure! Come on by, I want to show you my fantastic news too!" "Okay, Cole, Michael, Matt, Mom, and I will be there in a while. We miss you James." "Tom and I miss you too. Oh, thanks, by the way. Introducing me to Tom was the absolute coolest thing you have ever done. I love him so much!" "I'm glad. We'll see you guys in a bit." Devon said before hanging up the phone. Again, just as he was reaching for the phone, it rang. James turned to Tom and said sarcastically, "Grand Central Station, How may I help you?" Then he answered the phone to find his mother on the line, again. -*- In another part of town, Marie, Cole's mother was being led into a courtroom. Her attorney explained to her that the charge against her was Abandonment or refusal to maintain a child under age 14, and according to the law this could either be handled as a Felony or as a Misdemeanor. She was told that John, her husband, would most likely be sentenced to 25 years to life. She had a choice. She could either testify against her husband in his trial thereby showing reason that the Prosecutor would agree to reducing her charge to a misdemeanor, or failing to do this, accept the fact that she'd be tried on the felony. Of course, she chose the option that would least impact her life. She took the deal. "ALL RISE, The Superior Court is now in session, The Honorable Miram Grimes presiding. All those with business with this court should stand forth and be heard." The judge entered and motioned for everyone to be seated. He was a large man. Graying hair, and it looked as if he'd not had too much problem finding food. He was sweating profusely, even though the air conditioning in the room was on and to everyone else it was actually a little chilly. He turned to the Bailiff and said, "Please call the first case." "Your Honor, our first case is a preliminary hearing. I call the case of "The State vs. Marie Allerd." The parties approached. The judge turned to the Lawyers. The Prosecutor said, "Good Morning, Your Honor. Malcolm Montgomery for the State." The judge nodded and turned to the defense counsel. "Your Honor, Jerry Walton representing Marie Allerd, the Defendant." "Is there anything prior to commencing the preliminary hearing?" The judge asked, not really caring one way or the other. Malcom stood and addressed the court. "Your Honor, I request 2 minutes to confer with the Defense counsel." The judge, looking none too pleased waved his hand and began reading the docket to himself. Malcom approached and said to Jerry, "So, what's the story?" Jerry turned to Marie and she nodded. He then turned to Malcom, "She'll take the deal. She'll testify against her husband, even though she's not nor can she be legally compelled to do so in exchange for lessening the charge from the Felony to a Misdemeanor." Malcom got a smug look on his face and said, "Fine, but you realize I'm going to request the maximum penalty on the Misdemeanor. 1 year in County, no time off for good behavior, and a $1000 fine. I will also stipulate that she not attempt contact with either the child or her husband." Jerry turned to Marie who simply nodded. Malcom then turned and addressed the Judge. "Your Honor, The State requests a continuance in this matter in order that a Plea agreement can be prepared, and will then request that a delay be placed on this case until the completion of the conditions of the Plea agreement." The Judge looked at the defense counsel. "Does your client waive time in this matter, Counselor?" "The Defendant waives time in order that the Plea agreement can be produced and its conditions met. I would like to request that the court reconsider its position on bail for the defendant." Malcom interjected, "Your Honor, until such time as this Plea agreement is prepared and executed, the State would vehemently oppose any action other than remand." The Judge had heard enough. "Request for bail modification denied. The Defendant will remain in custody until further notice. If that is all..." he paused, looking at both Lawyers, hearing no argument he continued, "This case is hereby continued for..." looking at the Prosecution who was holding up 4 fingers, "...for 5 months. The Defendant will remain in custody. If the Prosecution and Defense come to an agreement on bail, an appropriate motion can be filed." He banged his gavel on the bench and said, "Next case, Please." -*- Devon, Cole, and Michael were in the back seat of the car while Donna and Matt were in the front. They'd left the courthouse heading back to the beach. In the back, Michael and Cole were talking while Devon was alone with his thoughts. He was looking out the window oblivious to everything. Much had happened in his life over the past few months. The conversation between Cole and Michael was being whispered between the two until Cole got frustrated and said fairly loudly, "DUDE! You can't keep this to yourself forever!" Immediately Cole realized that he'd goofed. Devon was staring at him; Michael was looking almost like he'd been punched in the gut. Matt was turned around in the passenger seat staring. Cole was feeling like he'd just committed a heinous crime. He had tears starting to leak down onto his cheeks. Devon abandoned his introspection and put his arms around Cole. Matt, seeing the distress in both Michael's and Cole's eyes decided he needed to defuse this before it got out of hand. He said, quite calmly, "Cole, it's not right for you to force Michael to talk about anything. If and when he's ready to talk about whatever it is, he'll talk about it. Michael, I'm sorry Cole tried to push, but I think he was just trying to help. I told you before, unless it affects your safety or health right now, I won't force you into anything." The rest of the trip was quiet. When they arrived at James' house, Cole asked Michael to stay back for a moment while the others went into the house. Once they were alone, Cole turned to Michael and said, "Michael, I'm really sorry. I shouldn't have blown up like that. I hope you can forgive me, and I hope we can rebuild the trust we shared." He hugged Michael. While they were hugging, Michael said quietly to Cole, "It's okay, Cole. I know you didn't mean to do anything to hurt me, but I'm just not sure I want to bring it all up again to Matt. We're cool, okay?" Cole hugged Michael tighter and they went to the door to join the others. Inside, Devon was giving Tom a hug when Cole and Michael joined them. Cole went up and hugged the two, and so did Michael. They were all sitting around in the living room on the various couches and chairs. Tom went into the kitchen to grab drinks for everyone. It was obvious that James was excited about something. If he didn't have a cast on both legs, from the look of him he'd be dancing a jig. Once Tom had returned and everyone was seated Devon asked, "So, you told me you had some exciting news?" James smiled and handed the letter to Devon. Devon read it, shook his head then read it again with his mouth hanging open. He looked at James and asked, "Is this for real?" James just smiled and nodded. The others in the room, except Tom, were badgering Devon to tell them what this was all about. He looked at all of them and said, "James was just informed that the attorneys for the guy who hit him are offering him $10 Million for pain and suffering from his accident. It makes me wonder WHO the guy was who hit him!" Matt asked to see the letter. Once he was done reading it he said, "The man who hit him was a very wealthy man. He owned a bunch of companies and is worth, if I remember correctly nearly $200 Billion. Something like this could cause a huge scandal in the business community, especially since he was driving on his own even though his license had been revoked years ago. I won't presume to tell you what to do, James, but you could get a lot more than $10 Million." James just stared at Matt. Tom spoke for the first time saying, "To be honest, $10 Million is a hell of a lot of money. James and I have talked and no matter what he did he couldn't spend that kind of money in his lifetime. Does he really need more?" Cole said, "Well, if you had more you could do a lot of good for other kids like us. You could sponsor a shelter or an outreach program for homeless gay kids. Maybe help out the Pediatric Aids Foundation, or even start a group to assist in Gay and Lesbian adults in adoptions. If it was me I'd get all I could so I could do the most to help the most people. About this time Melissa, James' mother returned home early; she'd taken the rest of the day off. She read the letter and once she'd finished Donna spoke up. "Melissa, do you have a family attorney?" Melissa looked at her and shook her head. Donna continued, "Well, I can recommend my Attorney. He's really good. I am sure he'd agree to wait on any fees until the matter was settled; besides his fees would be paid by the other side in the end. If you like I can call him on your behalf." Melissa thanked Donna who picked up the telephone and was talking to someone on the other end. In the meantime, James looked at Devon and said, "That was something seeing you kiss Cole on national TV. What made you do that?" Devon chuckled and said, "It felt like the right thing to do. I just hope it doesn't come back to haunt us. I know one of our friends might not be too happy with it." "Who do you mean?" James inquired. "I'm not sure, but Robbie always seemed to be kind of negative about Gays. And when you look at our group of 5, it turned out that all of us were Gay except him. I just worry about how he'll take it and if he'll still be our friend. You notice he hasn't been around much since we all came out." Michael spoke up. "Robbie isn't just negative about Gays. He hates them, er, us. If you ask me I don't think he'll be all that happy about hanging with us anymore. I hope I'm wrong." Donna was finished on the telephone and told everyone, "I spoke to Travis Welch, my Attorney. He has agreed to take the case, he will arrange for any fees for handling James' settlement be paid by the other side, also, if you choose to open a foundation to support certain charities he will do the legal work on those pro-Bono. In other words, he'll do that work for free. Here's his number and I have made a tentative appointment for you tomorrow. He will come here so James won't have to go through the hassle of trying to get there with his broken legs." Melissa was appreciative of the help. They continued to visit for another hour, just talking about trivial stuff. But, all visits must come to an end. The 5 bid their farewells and went back out to the car. Donna drove them to Matt's house. When they arrived, Devon asked his mother if he could spend the night with Cole. Over the past few days they have not had much time to just be together. Cole looked at Michael, then at Matt. As he heard Donna say it was okay, he said, "Maybe it would be better if I went to your house, Dev." Devon understood. He agreed and, after they secured permission from Matt, Cole went to his room and got an overnight bag with some clothes. He came back to the living room, hugged Matt and turned to Michael. No words were said but Michael smiled at Cole. With that, Devon and Cole, along with Donna went back to the car and headed for home. -*- That evening, Matt was sitting in the living room watching television when Michael came out of his room. As usual, Michael was wearing nothing more than his briefs. He stood there silently. Matt saw him and turned off the television. He said, "How's it going Michael?" "Well, I dunno. I been thinking a lot about what Cole and I were talking about in the car and I think he might be right. You have been totally cool about everything. You don't treat me any different even though you know I'm nothing more than a whore..." Matt interrupted. "First off, don't use that word. What you did, you did. I do not like someone putting themselves down. But, you are right. I know from what Cole and Devon have told me that you are an okay person. That is what I care about. I also care about what you do with your life from this point forward. I am sorry I interrupted what you were saying, please continue." Michael leaped forward and wrapped his arms around Matt. Through his tears he told Matt everything that had happened. Matt listened without commenting until Michael had said all he needed to say. [Author's Note: Instead of rehashing what Michael said to Cole here in talking to Matt, refer back to Chapter 24 to see what Michael's revelation was to Cole] Matt hugged Michael and said, "Thank you for telling me. The question is: what do you want to do about it? I will not tell you what to do, but if you want my help I will do whatever you want about this. I want you to know it wasn't anything you did wrong. Have you given any thought to what you want to do?" "Well, sorta. I know that Trevor and me got together a lot after that week. But about a year ago he had other boys there when I came to visit. I don't think he was doing anything really bad, but, I worry that he's doing with them what he did with me. That is the only really wrong thing he did." Matt was thoughtful. Finally he said, "I have a friend, Michael, who is a private investigator. If you want, I can have him look into Trevor and see if there is anything bad he's doing. If all he is doing is being with a younger boyfriend, I personally agree with you. As long as it's consensual." "Yeah, that would be good, I think. I hope he's not pimping other boys out like he tried with me. That just isn't right." Michael said. The rest of the evening Matt and Michael sat together watching television, Father and Son. -*- While that was going on, Cole and Devon had arrived at Devon's house after having stopped for dinner at the local Chinese restaurant. Once they were all inside, Donna said to Cole, "That was a very nice thing you did, Cole. Thinking about the fact that you and Devon being in the house being 'together' might have an effect on how Michael might feel. I am very proud of you for thinking it. I'm just upset that I didn't think of it before I said it would be okay for Devon and you to spend the night." "Well, I really like Michael, he's kewl, and he's already dealing with enough shit right now. Besides, you guys have better food, and Dev's bed is bigger than mine." They all laughed over this. Donna told them she was going to sleep as she had to work the next morning early. The two hugged Donna and they went off to their respective rooms after making sure the house was secured. Once alone, the two boys embraced. There wasn't raw passion, but it was a refined and tender moment. They held each other garnering strength and love from each other. There wasn't the mad dash to become naked. There wasn't a burning need for release. This was a time to be together. To share themselves with each other. They embraced for nearly 5 full minutes. Sharing deep and passionate kisses. Once they parted they decided to take a shower together. They walked hand in hand into Devon's bathroom and slowly and tenderly undressed each other. Devon set the temperature on the shower and the two stepped in, still holding hands. They caressed each other's bodies with soapy hands making sure not to miss any of the largest organs in their lover's body. (Come on, people, I'm talking about their skin... some of you have really dirty minds!) Neither was brought to release in the shower. This wasn't a night of sex; it was a night of love. Once their shower was completed, they dried each other and walked naked to the bedroom. Devon put on a blues CD to set the mood. Cole listened for a moment and said, "This music is perfect, what is it?" Devon replied, "It's kind of old, but, it's Sade. The name of the song is, 'No Ordinary Love.'" What ensued from that point was an extension of the love they had for each other. They made love to each other for several hours as the same song was repeated over and over before falling to a contented sleep. Coming Soon – Chapter 26 – Checking out Trevor Author's Note: Yes, I know, this wasn't a steamy chapter. But, this story isn't about sex, it's about love. Again, thanks for your comments and well wishes during my recent health issues. I am hopeful that we've figured out all of that and we're back now on track for at least one chapter a week. On another note. There has been a rash of rather disturbing news recently. All over our country an epidemic has been raging. This isn't an epidemic of a disease, it's an epidemic of bullying. There are several so called religious organizations that are teaching hatred, but whereas that contributes to the problem it is not the whole problem. School officials have been turning a deaf ear and a blind eye to bullying in our schools and it's costing lives. To the youth, especially those that feel 'different' I wanted you to know that things get better. Inasmuch, Dan Savage has formed a group on YouTube called "It Get's Better", you should all check out his channel on YouTube. The link for it is: http://www.youtube.com/user/itgetsbetterproject Until Next time, be well all. Hermes