Date: Mon, 28 Apr 2008 06:28:28 -0700 (PDT) From: Justin Richardson Subject: Love is All that Matters chapter 18 Do not read further if you are not of legal age. All the usual disclaimers and copyright laws apply. The following story is the second volume in the "Doing Hard Time" saga. LOVE IS ALL THAT MATTERS ~ Chapter 18 ~ From the Narrative of Caleb Fisher: In the showers later that day, Julian stripped off without a care in the world. Revealing that slim, boyish body - although I did notice a few wisps of faint blond hair on his chest - so casually in a room full of horny naked inmates was always an invitation for trouble. I watched through narrowed eyes, waiting for an inmate to pounce on him, and wondered whether I should have to rescue someone who seemed so eager to be fucked. But I was in for a surprise. Mitch, the resident prison villain who wasn't known for introducing new inmates gently into prison life, noticed me looking at Julian and held up his hands in surrender. "Hey man, no worries. We all know he's your bitch. Hands off, I promise." Another inmate called out, "But damn, Big C, how'd you get all the pretty ones?" Julian, who'd been listening in on the exchange as he soaped up his lithe young body, gave me a cheeky wink, which didn't go unnoticed by Mitch. He roared with laughter. "You've got a feisty one this time, Caleb." Julian was lucky that he wasn't within reach, and that we were surrounded by other inmates, or there might have been damage to that pretty face he was so worried about. From the Narrative of Reid Scott: I had expected to spend my Saturday night moping around the house. I certainly didn't anticipate finding myself booked for dinner at Gianni's, the Italian restaurant on Marina Drive. Of course, it was entirely Harrison's fault that I'd been dragged along on this double date. Somehow, though, I couldn't find myself annoyed at the little guy for long. There was something about his earnestness that had made it hard to say no to him when he'd set me up with this Dean guy. "Your collar isn't straight," he mumbled and promptly began to fiddle with it. I swatted his hands away. "You need to make a good impression," he insisted. "Stop fussing! Are you so eager to get me out of the house?" I demanded. He looked guilty and hurried to explain. "No, of course not! It's just that it's your first proper date and ..." He trailed off as I continued to glare at him. Josh put a protective arm around Harrison and said, "Lay off him, Reid. When did you turn into such a grump?" I looked down. I felt ashamed of myself. Harrison was just trying to help, after all. But somehow I had the horrible feeling it wasn't going to work. Especially after Josh had put his arm around Harrison, I felt what I did every time I saw them getting affectionate with each other - jealousy. "Oh look, Dean's here," said Harrison. I looked up. My date for the night was surprisingly cute, albeit in a nerdy way. His dark-brown hair was messy and had the tendency to fall into his eyes. Like Harrison, he looked younger than his twenty-two years, and I suddenly felt old. Harrison was busy introducing us to Dean. I barely paid attention as he said, "Dean, this is my boyfriend, Josh Spencer. Josh, Dean Winters. And this is Reid Scott." I snapped out of my reverie when Dean shyly extended his hand to me with a tentative smile on his face. "Pleased to meet you," I heard myself say as I shook his hand. It was an automatic response and sounded cold even to my ears. Dean's smile faded slightly. I quickly remembered to smile back, although it took some effort. I told myself I had to try and make it work, even if Dean wasn't my type. * * * An hour later, it was apparent that it had failed miserably. The food was excellent, the conversation wasn't too bad, if a little forced. But I just wasn't feeling a spark between myself and Dean. And I could tell that he had the same realization, too. He seemed rather distracted and alternated between glancing out the window and attending Harrison's efforts to make small talk. I excused myself to go to the restroom. The lack of a connection between me and Dean was obvious when he barely glanced up from his plate of pasta. I saw Harrison give Josh a look as I left the table and headed toward the restroom. "Okay, what the hell was that about?" I was startled by Josh's voice as I washed my hands at the basin. I feigned innocence. "What do you mean?" "Cut the crap, Reid. Why are you here, unnecessarily washing your hands, instead of trying to hook up with Dean out there? Harrison is really trying hard to make it work between the two of you, you know." I turned around to face him. "Yeah, the only thing you've noticed out there is your boyfriend. In fact, you've been so busy making lustful glances at him so you failed to realize the lack of an `instant' chemistry between me and Dean. Not that it's his fault, or Harrison's. If you want to blame someone for that, you should blame yourself. How could you expect me to move on with you sitting right opposite me?" Josh looked extremely guilty. "You mean . that's the problem? Look, I can leave if you want. I'll make some excuse, um, let me think ." "No." I ran my fingers through my hair. "You don't need to do that. It's the first dinner you're eating out with Harrison too; I don't want to ruin that for you." Josh looked at me sympathetically. "Reid, Dean's a nice guy. And you're a nice guy too. So what's the problem? You have to move on at some point; why not now?" I sighed. "It's just too soon. I knew it was from the beginning, but I just didn't want to disappoint Harrison. He was so delighted with himself for trying to solve my problems. Dean is cute and all, but he just isn't my type." "Okay . but it's just this one time, right? I mean, this isn't going to stop you from trying with someone else, is it?" he asked me worriedly. "I don't know. Maybe I'm just meant to spend my life alone, Josh." "No one should have to spend their life alone, Reid. There's always someone who's perfect for you. It's just not me or Dean. But you will find that person." I smiled in spite of myself. "You sounded just like Harrison then. He must be rubbing off on you. I do appreciate his initiative, but it just isn't working. Don't force me, alright?" Josh looked at me. "Okay." He put a comforting arm around me. In that instant, I felt what Harrison must feel whenever Josh does that. But all it was going to do was put stupid ideas into my head. I gently pulled his arm off my shoulder and left the restroom. From the Narrative of Harrison Ridgeway IV: I allowed a moment to pass in silence after I'd signaled to Josh to follow Reid to the restroom. I watched them both disappear into the restroom before turning to Dean. He was gazing distractedly out the window. "Dean?" "Hmm?" He turned to look at me. "What's wrong?" I asked softly. "You're distracted." "Reid isn't really into me, is he?" I was unsure of what to say. I'd been so certain that they would hit it off, yet it had all turned out completely opposite of what I'd imagined. Dean continued, "It's okay. Guys as hot as him usually aren't interested in my type anyway. I was a bit surprised when I saw him. I didn't quite believe you when you said he was hot." He smiled wistfully. "He is very attractive." "No, Dean, it's not that. He isn't usually so . distant. There must be something on his mind. Maybe you guys can try again some other night ." "That isn't necessary. I don't think it would work out on any other night either. I don't blame him for having something else on his mind; I guess I was distracted too. Problems with my ex-boyfriend ." "I thought you said you broke up with him?" I asked curiously. "Yeah, I did. Before . well, you know." I realized he was referring to the gay-bashing. "But it's a lot more complicated than that. He keeps coming around my apartment, begging me to let him back into my life. I'm not sure if I'm ready to forgive him. I mean, after what he did, I'm not sure I'd be in my right mind if I did. But still . I guess I do have these lingering feelings for Marc." "Oh." I wanted to say more, but it was at that moment that Reid, closely followed by Josh, arrived back at the table. I noticed that Reid did make more of an effort to talk to Dean this time around, so whatever Josh had said to Reid in the restroom must have had some effect on him. But I could tell now that it just wasn't meant to be. I'd had such high hopes for Reid and Dean, but then I guess you can't have everything your way. After we'd parted ways with Dean, Reid sat quietly at the back of the car while I was in the front passenger seat, next to Josh, who was driving. I turned around to face Reid. "I'm really sorry it didn't work out, Reid." He looked up with a sad smile. "It doesn't matter, Harrison. I'm glad you thought of me and arranged this double date. You've got to understand that while Dean seems like a great guy, I just don't think he's the one for me." If he'd lashed out or expressed annoyance, I wouldn't have felt so bad. But the fact that he was being so nice about the whole fiasco made me feels incredibly guilty. "I'm sorry. You didn't need another disappointment after what you already went through because of me." "Harrison, there's absolutely no reason for you to blame yourself. You should be proud that you tried to do something for me. A lot of other guys in your situation probably wouldn't care less about what happened to me." "He's right, baby. I for one am proud of you," Josh said. "Of course you would be - you're my boyfriend," I told him. "But Reid ." He interrupted. "I already told you - it's okay. I'm sure I'll find someone. When I do, you'll be the first to know." He grinned outwardly but I could sense that he was hiding his true emotions. I felt very sorry for him. *** In bed later that night, I asked Josh what he'd spoken about with Reid in the restroom. He told me. "Then it is all my fault," I said. "I should have known better than to arrange a double date with you there as well. I mean, I knew that he wasn't completely over you and -" "He doesn't blame you," Josh stated. "You heard what he said." "I know, but still -" "Look, I meant what I said earlier, in the car. I'm proud of you, Harry. You care about other people. That's what I love most about you - not your looks, or your boyish innocence." I raised my eyebrows. "That's all you love about me?" "I'll show you what else I love about you in a bit, but first I need you tell me that you aren't going to beat yourself up over this." "I won't. But tomorrow I'll have to go and apologize to Dean for setting him up on that disastrous date. I really thought I was doing him a friendly turn. I just hope he doesn't hate me now." "No one could possibly hate you. It'll be fine, you'll see. Now I'll show you what I meant earlier about my undying love for you." Josh then turned his attention on my naked body. From the Narrative of Caleb Fisher: "And what exactly do you think you're doing?" I asked, after watching Julian strip down to his underwear after the guard had declared lights out. Now he had his thumbs hooked into the waistband of his boxers, about to slip them off as well. "What's it look like? Getting ready for bed." He cracked another of his goofy grins. "Don't tell me you've never slept in the buff before." "You're going to be cold," I observed. He shook his head. "Nah, I'm used to it. My cellmates before this tended to keep me naked 24/7. Besides, it'll be easier for both of us if you don't have to rip my clothes off me in the middle of the night." "Christ!" I exclaimed. "How many times do I have to tell you I'm not going to fuck you? I'm not keen on fucking boys, alright?" The young upstart actually smirked at me. "Then explain that," he said, nodding towards my crotch. I looked down, and was mortified to find my pants tenting lewdly. I felt the blood rush to my face. I'll admit, since my experiences with Harry over the last few months, I'd been viewing the young male body in a new light. And Julian certainly was a fine specimen of that. But that didn't mean I was going to bend my rules for him. "It's a perfectly natural reaction when someone parades themselves naked in front of you," I said stiffly. "Now, for fuck's sake, go to bed or play with yourself or whatever, just don't disturb me." Julian gave a shrug, as if to say, `have it your way'. "But I'm not staying up for you to change your mind," he said aloud, as he lay down on his bunk and pulled the blanket over his nude body. "I won't," I muttered, climbing into my own bunk and trying to get some sleep. True to his word, the sound of gentle snoring soon came from his bunk. I was just about to drift off to sleep myself, when he started mumbling, "Ten bucks for a blowjob." "What?" I turned over in my bed to stare at him. He didn't seem to hear me. He continued mumbling, "I'll suck you real good, promise." I realized he was talking in his sleep. "Julian!" I hissed. He was silent for a few seconds. Then, in response to a voice only he could hear, he replied in a resigned tone, "Alright, you can fuck me too." I might not be an expert in that psychological shit, but even I can tell desperation when I hear it. What had this kid been through, to allow himself to be fucked for ten dollars? I got off my bed and shook him gently by the shoulder. "Julian! Wake up." His blue eyes shot open, and for a split second, I saw pain and vulnerability in them. Then, almost instantly, his usual grin was back in place. "Knew you'd change your mind," he said with obvious satisfaction at being proven right (in his mind, at least). I quickly set him to rights. "For fuck's sake! I only woke you because you were talking in your sleep. You thought you were still hustling on the streets." There was another brief flash of pain in his eyes. "Kind of hard to forget it sometimes." Then he shook his head, as if to clear it of unpleasant thoughts from the past, and grinned. "But you're here now, so we might as well take care of the business at hand." As he said this his hand brushed lightly against my crotch. "Julian, don't -" My protest was cut off as his hand slipped into my pants, and wrapped around the shaft of my hard cock. I let out a guttural groan; I couldn't deny that it felt good to have a hand other than my own around my cock. Before I knew what was happening, he was on his knees and had my boxers down around my ankles. I was sufficiently clear-headed to be concerned about him kneeling on the cold, hard concrete floor. "Sure you don't want to put some clothes on? It can't be comfortable being on your bare knees on that floor." He made a sound that was a cross between a laugh and a sob. "I remember this one guy, right? He insisted I strip naked before getting down on my knees to suck him off in a back alley. Every thrust had me scraping my knees on the asphalt. And he didn't even pay me well for it." "Jesus Christ! Get up, Julian," I ordered. "Get off the floor." He looked puzzled as he staggered to his feet. "What'd I do wrong?" "I don't know what it is you're trying to achieve here. One moment you're falling over yourself for me to fuck you, and the next you totally kill any sex drive I might've had by telling a story like that." He looked curiously at me. "You're way too nice to be in prison. What the fuck did you do to end up here anyway?" "I killed a man," I said curtly. "Jesus," breathed Julian. "I can't believe you'd do something like that." "I caught my wife cheating with him and tried to throw him out of the house. But then he grabbed a knife off the kitchen counter and that was it. Fifteen years for manslaughter, eligible for parole in ten. That's two years from now." "That's funny," remarked Julian, seeming to have gotten over the details of my crime. "I get out in two years as well." He gave me a sideways glance. "A wife, huh?" I rolled my eyes. "Don't go thinking you're going to be my first. I've had another guy in here before you. Though I never went so far as fucking him." "Bet you I can give a better blowjob." I snorted. "Yeah, I bet you can." "What's that supposed to mean?" he said, looking wounded. "Guys used to pay me to suck them off!" "I've heard," I muttered under my breath. "Look, I'll prove it to you, like I was going to before you got all concerned for my knees." I sighed. "You aren't getting back on the floor." He shook his head. "Lie down, and I'll do it right here on the bunk." I raised my eyebrows. It was going to be a pretty tight squeeze on the narrow bunk. But my cock was amazingly still hard, and Julian was gazing pleadingly at me. "Alright," I said, laying on my back. Julian clambered over me and knelt on either side of my legs. His good humor was restored, and he winked at me. "Prepare to be amazed." My retort died on my lips as he wrapped his lips around my cock. He wasn't kidding when he said he was good. Harry had improved vastly since his first blowjob, but even his best effort paled in comparison to Julian's. I could see why people would pay money for one of his blowjobs. Although, the way he was deep-throating my cock, I wouldn't pay ten dollars for him - I'd fork out a hundred! His throat muscles expertly massaged my cock to an orgasm. I came with a loud groan, shooting what must have been a rather large load considering my recent deprivation, down his throat. He swallowed it all without gagging or spilling a drop, and sat back on his haunches licking his lips like an extremely contented cat. "Told you I was good, didn't I?" he smirked. I had to agree. "It was fucking amazing." "Alright then, we're ready for the main course." I realized he was referring to anal sex, and quickly put a hand out to stop him. "Hold on there a minute. I don't have a condom or lube." "I don't think we need to worry about lube," he replied, fondling my shaft which was still slick with his saliva. "As for condoms ... well, I'm clean; are you?" "I'm clean," I confirmed. I looked at him with narrowed eyes. "Are you sure you are?" I asked, feeling quite justified in asking given his history. He looked hurt at being questioned this way. "My boyfriend made me get tested, alright? I know it was stupid to not use condoms those first few times, but I guess someone up there likes me: the test was negative." I interrupted. "You have a boyfriend?" My surprise was evident in my tone. "Had," he corrected. "He dumped me for `being self- destructive' - that's what he called it. Although I guess I proved him right by stealing that car and landing in here." "You stole a car?" I asked in astonishment. He said defensively, "I know it wasn't the smartest thing to do, but I had to get away, go somewhere and start over. I wasn't thinking straight. Eric had just broken up with me." He sniffed, and his eyes looked suspiciously wet in the dim light from the corridor. I acted impulsively and wrapped my arms around him. Julian started, and then relaxed in my arms. I held him for a few moments before releasing him. Julian rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand, looking sheepish. "So about that fuck -" he started to say. I shook my head. "Not tonight, okay? I think you need to get some rest." I put my finger to his lips to muffle his protests. "There'll be plenty of time for that later," I added. "Now go to bed." Looking reassured, he nodded and lay down on the bunk in the narrow space between me and the wall. As I made to leave his arm snaked around me and pulled me back. "Stay," he whispered. "It is kind of cold." I resisted the urge to snort and stayed where I was. Soon he was fast asleep, his arm still around me. Sleep, however, didn't come as easily to me. What in the world had I let myself in for? To be continued ... Hearing from you guys is, for me, the highlight of writing this story. So please, do send in your comments to justinr_88@yahoo.com, and I promise I'll get back to you. The next chapter should follow soon.