Date: Thu, 30 Nov 2017 16:27:10 -0700
From: benjamin winkler <fanofdrama31@gmail.com>
Subject: The Sandlot-Chap 5

The following story includes sexual behavior as well as the possibility for
a homosexual relationship.  The characters are based on those found in the
movie, "The Sandlot: Heading Home.  I do not know the actual sexual
orientation of the actors involved.  Please donate to nifty.org if you can
and if you like what you've read, let me know. fanofdrama31@gmail.com.

Soon after the boys had left, Wings was at the table with his parents but
his mind wasn't focused on eating the food in front of him.  It was still
trying to wrap itself around what he and the others had just done.  As his
parents exchanged details about their day, he picked at his meatloaf with
his fork, then used it to chase his peas from one side of the plate to the
other.  It wasn't until the conversation finally lulled that he was noticed
as being reluctant to finish his dinner.

"Honey, what's wrong?  Your plate is usually empty by now.  Something
happen between you and the boys at the sandlot?"

"No, I just don't feel like eating right now, is that okay?"  Wings hadn't
meant to snap at his mother and instantly regretted it, especially when his
father scolded him for it.

"Now, son, you know better than to talk to your mother like that.
Apologize right now, young man."  His tone was direct and demanding, but
also low-key, which made it that much more affective.  Wings knew better
than to talk back to him and he hung his head in shame.

"Sorry, mom.  I didn't mean to say it like that."

"It's okay, honey.  You want to talk about it?"

"Not really.  Can I be excused?"

"Sure, honey, but you know you can talk to us any time something is
bothering you, right?"

"Yeah, I know.  I'll be in my room."

Wings got up from the table but before he left the room, his father gently
grabbed his arm.

"One more thing, buddy.  If it's a guy thing, let me know.  I realize
you're at that age when your body is changing so if you have any questions,
I'm happy to answer them."  His voice was low and he had leaned closer to
Wings, understanding that talking about such things around a mother might
be embarrassing to a teenage boy.

"That's all right, dad.  I think I'm good for now. But I'll keep that in
mind."

As he had been growing up in a conservative, religious home, there had been
little to no discussion about sexual matters.  As an only child, he was the
first and only child to start puberty but Wings always felt that his
parents had purposely postponed that discussion until recently.  While his
father had admitted to him that he himself had indulged in typical teenage
self-indulgence at Wings' age, he was also quick to point out that it was
something he was still ashamed to admit and under no circumstances did he
ever do it with anyone else present.  It was, after all, referred to as
self-abuse in the Bible and an abomination.

Wings had heard that term many times, almost as many times as he had done
it, but he had never considered it accurate.  Abuse, to him, meant some
type of harm or pain, neither of which resulted from his alone time.
However, his parents' apparent stigma towards the behavior also led him to
be suddenly ashamed of himself immediately following each time he did it,
even though up until that day he had in fact always done it alone.

Even though his father had been open to discussing normal body development
of boys during the teenage years, he consistently re-emphasized the
importance of trying to stay abstinent from self-abuse but if Wings
couldn't help himself, definitely do not do any such thing with anyone
else, male or female.  Well, at least not until he was an adult with an
adult woman.

Wings went to his room and lay on his bed, which did nothing to erase the
confusion swimming around in his mind.  He knew this was one 'guy thing'
that he couldn't discuss with his father.  He had been in shock just
talking about how his body was changing and could barely whisper his
confession of participating in 'self-abuse' as both of his parents called
it.  His father had handled it well but not without inflicting the sense of
guilt he always associated with it after that.  If he wasn't even allowed
to enjoy his own body, there was no telling how they would react if they
ever found out he had enjoyed Ryan's body as well.

Even with all the shame surrounding what he had done, he couldn't help
thinking back on it and reliving it in his mind.  As he lay there on his
back and his hand found the front of his pants, he wondered how something
that felt so good could supposedly be so wrong.  True, everything in
society pointed towards him seeking out a girl his age to date first, then
after a time, begin a more serious relationship with that involved
intimacy.  But he knew all the girls his age and wasn't interested in
dating any of them, much less getting involved intimately.  Maybe he hadn't
matured into that stage of puberty yet where girls become sexually
attractive and less of an annoyance.

The only thing he knew for sure was that what he and Ryan had done in the
Port-A-Potty and later right there on that same bed had made him feel more
amazing than he ever had and if it had been a boy who made him feel that
way, so what?  Wings was having trouble figuring out why it was wrong for
Ryan to do it as opposed to some girl.  Of course, he still couldn't figure
out why it was wrong for him to enjoy his own body, as he was presently
doing.

He had closed his eyes and slid his hand inside his pants.  His eyelids
provided a nice projector screen as the events played back on them.  He was
into the action but had to stop when his father yelled from the top of the
stairs.

"Hey, bud, I'm coming down to talk but don't blame me, it's your mother's
idea."

Wings retrieved his hand from his pants and used his palm to calm himself
down as he listened to his father descending the stairs.  He was thankful
for his bedroom in the basement as it always gave him time to make himself
presentable before he recieved any visitors.

"Hey, dad.  It's okay, really.  You don't have to do this."

"Yes, I do, son.  Once you get married someday, you'll understand why.  So
what's really going on?  You boys have a fight at the sandlot or is it
something more personal?  If you got into a fight, tell me who it was with
and I'll call their parents."

"No, we didn't get into a fight.  In fact, we had a good time....over all."
Suddenly feeling as though his father could read his mind and knew what he
had meant by 'a good time', Wings hung his head.  It was his pause before
saying 'over all' that made concern draw itself on his father's face.

"What do you mean, overall?  You didn't get hurt, did you?"

"It was an accident but yeah, I did.  This boy Timber was pitching and I
guess you could say he threw the ball a little too low."

"Ouch, are you okay? You want me to take a look?"

"Uh, no thanks.  I already did.  I'm fine but I was sore for a little bit
afterwards.  But, could you maybe buy me a cup? It really hurt and if it
happens again, I want to be ready for it."  Slightly embarrassed as he was,
he only faced his father between glances down at his hands in his lap.
Absurd as it was, he still felt as though his father some how knew what he
had done and mentioning something as private as his injury and purchasing a
cup to prevent future ones didn't help ease the discomfort he was feeling.

"Sure thing, bud, next time I go to town I'll drop by the sporting goods
store.  And bud, I'm proud of you for telling me.  I know it's not always
easy to talk about such things.  You're growing into a fine young man."

"Thanks dad."  Wings truly was thankful but still felt guilty, especially
after being called a 'fine young man'.  "I think I'll practice some shots.
If you want, we could play a game."  Wings climbed off the bed and headed
towards the billiards table.  Off to one side stood the rack of cues, where
he retrieved one and began to chalk the tip.  As he began to retrieve the
balls from the slot at the front of the table, his father announced his
exit.

"Sorry, bud, maybe some other time.  I've got to talk to your mother.
Don't worry, I won't share the details but I'm sure she's anxious to know
that you're okay.  I'll see you later."  With that he turned and went
upstairs.

Wings practiced his game for awhile but his mind eventually wandered back
to where it had been at the dinner table.  Although he probably didn't
really need one, he decided to take shower.  That way he wouldn't have to
stop if some one came downstairs.

As he undressed in the open, his excitement grew.  He walked around his
room completely naked, his appendage swinging from side to side.  He
climbed up on the table and stood where Ryan had, then gyrated his hips.
Finally, he hopped down and went to the shower stall.  He got in and stood
to one side as the water got to the right temperature.  Before he even got
to washing his hair, he was handling himself again and this time he didn't
stop until he had finished.

part 2

Once EJ had finished, he stepped out of the shower.  He now felt ready to
concentrate on a way to get in good with the sandlot boys.  He knew it
wouldn't be easy, given his history of always being so mean to them, but he
desperately wanted to try.  Not only would it be tricky to win their trust,
though, there was also the matter of his own posse not finding out that he
had gone soft towards their arch enemy.  The question was; how did he
convince the sandlot boys that he had changed while still making his posse
believe he hadn't?

While he had undoubtedly enjoyed what he had seen earlier, he realized that
he couldn't simply follow the boys around and spy on them in their
mischievous behavior.  That would be super risky and pretty creepy besides.
Not only that but he wanted to join them, not just be a spectator.  He
would have to isolate one of them and confess what he had seen. But which
one?  He didn't really know much about them, except the smallest one Ryan
was pretty much a mute.  That eliminated him.  Or maybe not.  If Ryan
really was a mute, that meant he wouldn't tell anyone about EJ's
confession.  That just might work.

EJ dressed for bed, which basically was no more than his boxers and a pair
of socks.  He lay on his bed and tried to develop a plan that would get him
alone with Ryan.  He was excited when he came up with one that he thought
would work.  He decided to execute it the following day.

As luck would have it, though, he didn't need his plan.  Fate had placed
Ryan in his path and since he was still mad at his posse, he had left them
to their own devices again for the day.  Outside the diner, Ryan was at the
bike rack undoing his lock.  As he watched, it was hard for him to remember
that this was the same small boy that had been so central in the activity
from the night before.  When Ryan continued to struggle with the lock, EJ
took his opportunity to be nice for a change.

"Hey, little man, can I help?"  He knelt down on the opposite side of
Ryan's bike, which startled the boy and almost made him fall backwards.
"It's okay, bud, I'm not going to hurt you.  It just looks like you could
use some help with this lock."

Ryan was on his knees, looking at EJ with those big brown eyes.  It was
obvious to EJ that he didn't know what to think and EJ couldn't blame him.
In the past, in a situation like this, he might have offered to help only
to make it worse, then leave poor Ryan worse than he found him.  Now,
though, he carefully worked with the lock until it opened, then smiled at
Ryan.  Needless to say, Ryan was still in shock as EJ ruffled his hair and
went back to his bike.  Shocked though he was, he was still a polite boy
and ran to EJ.  He looked up and mouthed the words, 'thank you', then
extended his hand.

"No problem, bud.  Glad to help."  EJ shook the small hand but didn't let
go of it. "Say, listen.  I have something to tell you but you have to
promise not to tell the rest of the boys.  Got it?" His tone was even but
commanding, much like his father's, and it illicited the same response.
Ryan smiled and excitedly nodded his head.

The expressions on Ryan's face changed many times as EJ whispered into his
ear.  His complexion turned pale as he was told about how the events of the
previous evening had not been done as privately as they had all thought.
However, he was mildly put at ease as EJ revealed his plan going forward.

"Don't worry, little man, I'm not going to tell anyone.  I actually want to
join in, if that's okay.  It looked like you guys were really having fun,
especially you.  Who would've guessed that such a small boy would have such
a big one?  Way to go, bud!"  EJ had let go of Ryan's hand but now offered
his own for a high five, which Ryan gave with his signature mischievous
smile.  "So now that I helped you, can you help me?"  EJ wasn't sure if he
would get a spoken response but it was worth a shot.

"Stay here."  Ryan's voice was as quiet as ever as he swung his leg over
the bike.  He then peddled away, leaving EJ very confused.  He decided to
do as Ryan said, willing to bet that something good might come from it.
Replacing his bike on the rack, he returned to the diner and sat at the bar
to wait.

As he sipped at a malt he had ordered, Tommy came through the open front
door.

"Ryan said you wanted to see me.  This better be important because I was in
the middle of something."

"Oh, hey, Tommy is it?  To be honest, I thought maybe it was going to be
some one else, you know some one whose been in the group a lot longer but
whatever....." EJ caught himself slipping into old habits but before he
stopped himself, Tommy did it for him.

"Sorry, BRO, I don't have time for this.  Let me know if you have something
important to say, something actually worth listening to."  Tommy's
sarcastic 'bro' made it obvious he didn't have the patience to stay and his
speedy exit confirmed it.  However, he stopped directly outside the diner
when he heard what EJ had to say next.

"I was there last night.  I saw some stuff you might know about. Let's go
somewhere else and talk about it."

Tommy knew he was in a fine situation now.  He also knew that he couldn't
let EJ get the best of him, if for no other reason than for the sake of the
other boys.

At close to the same size as EJ, he felt comfortable confronting him.  He
marched straight up to him and spoke his mind sternly but quietly.  The
diner was fairly empty but there was no reason to make a scene.

"Listen to me, Puke Breath, it doesn't matter what you think you saw
because you have no proof so any one you told wouldn't believe you anyway.
You know what I think? I think you're just jealous because I got to have
some fun with something other than my own hand and all you could do was
watch.  Now, if you'll excuse me, I have better things to do.  And stay
away from Ryan.  He's mine."

Tommy turned on his heel and made for the door a second time.  Before he
made it, though, EJ came up behind him and grabbed his arm, forcing him to
face his accuser.

"You're absolutely right and I think we should talk, but not here.
Please?"

Seeing EJ almost pleading with both his tone of voice and the look in his
eyes made Tommy curious and interested.  EJ had always acted so tough but
now he was practically asking for permission to join the sandlot boys in
behavior that wasn't typically associated with that tough guy persona.

"All right, fine.  Meet me at our sandlot in one hour.  Come alone and I'll
do the same.  If I found out this is some prank or something, you'll regret
it.  And I'm not kidding about Ryan.  He's a good kid and doesn't deserve
to be hurt by a jerk like you."  Tommy tugged his arm free from EJ's grasp
and left the diner.

Well, it's a step in the right direction, EJ thought to himself.  He sat at
the bar to finish his malt.  It seemed to taste different for some reason
so he left the glass and went to his bike.  Since he had to go to the
sandlot anyway, he turned it in that direction.  He knew it wouldn't take
even close to an hour to get there so he rode aimlessly down one street,
then the next.  Suddenly he had the idea to try to find Wings' house again.
This proved to be tricky, though, because before he had been busy following
the boys while at the same trying to remain unseen.  He hadn't had much
time to take in the surroundings and place them in his memory for future
reference.

The hour eventually passed so EJ made his way to the sandlot.  At first he
thought that Tommy had set him up because as he looked around, he didn't
see anyone there.  Then, from across the field, he saw some one heading
towards him.  Figuring it to be Tommy and that he was alone as they had
agreed, EJ parked his bike and started shortening the distance between
them.  They met at the pitcher's mound.

"I have to admit, I wasn't sure you would come and I wouldn't have blamed
you if you hadn't.  I know you have no reason to trust me."

"Cut the crap.  You know why I'm here.  Tell me everything you saw last
night and explain why some one like you should be allowed to join us after
the way you've treated these guys for so long.  But make it quick.  You
only have about 10 minutes before they show up."

"I followed you from the sandlot and I was there the whole time so I saw it
all.  And you were right back at the diner. I am jealous; the whole time I
was watching I was wishing I could be in there with you guys.  I've tried
talking to my guys about stuff like that but none of them are interested so
yeah, all I've got is my hand.  The truth is, I think I like boys more than
girls.  I know that sounds wierd but I can't help it.  In fact, I think I
have a crush on one of the boys in your group.  I don't know his name but
the one who came out of the Port-A-Potty with Ryan yesterday."

"Wow, ok, that's a lot of information to process.  You really did see it
all.  And I don't actually know his real name but we all call him Wings.
So I guess you'd want to hook up with him, right?  I mean, is that the
idea?"  Tommy's tone had softened as he realized that EJ was being sincere
and revealing rather private feelings.  He suddenly felt sorry that EJ
obviously didn't have any one else to turn to for the same fun he had
enjoyed.

"Maybe I could hang out here and wait for them all to show up.  They might
as well all know.  It seems only fair, don't you think?"

"Yeah, maybe you're right but don't expect a nice welcome.  I think you can
agree that you don't exactly deserve it after the way you've treated them.
Helping Ryan with his lock doesn't make up for everything else.  Just
remember that."

"Yeah, I know but I really am trying to do better and I'll do whatever it
takes to convince them of that."

"Well, now's your chance. Here they come."

As they walked towards the pitcher's mound, they made it perfectly obvious
that they didn't like seeing EJ on their turf. They circled the trespasser
and slung childish insults at him until Tommy raised his hand.  Ryan
remained silent with a knowing smile on his face.

"All right, listen up.  I know you guys aren't too happy about seeing EJ
here at the sandlot and I don't blame you but he has a few things he wants
to say so just shut up and hear him out.  Go ahead, EJ, tell them what you
told me.  Don't leave anything out."  Tommy stepped down from the pitcher's
mound and joined the circle.  That way, if anything happened he didn't
like, EJ was surrounded and at their mercy.

"There's no easy way to say this so I'll just lay it out there.  I saw what
you guys did with each other in the basement last night and I want in."

Before he had finished, the boys each exclaimed reasons why EJ shouldn't be
allowed to join, more of which had to do with his past behavior towards
them than with the fact that he had blatantly invaded their privacy.  Once
again, Tommy had to raise his hand to silence them.

"There's one more thing he hasn't told you.  Go ahead, EJ."

"I like boys and you in particular, Wings.  I was watching you the most
last night."

"Oh, is that so?  Well, how about you watch my fist get closer to your
face?"  Wings suddenly leapt at EJ but was easily kept at arm's length by
the bigger boy.  Wings flailed his arms but his fists never did get any
closer to EJ's face.

"All right, that's enough, Wings.  EJ, I think it's best that you leave
now.  You've said your peace.  I'll talk to them and see if we can work
something out."

The boys opened the circle and let EJ leave the pitcher's mound but
continued flinging insults at his back as he went.  Tommy stood at the
mound and raised his hand again.

"All right, all right, that's enough.  I don't know about you guys but I
think we should cut him some slack.  He saw what we did last night but he
hasn't told anyone about it. And earlier he helped Ryan with his bike
lock."

"Yeah but that doesn't mean he can just waltz in here and join us like he
hasn't been mean to us every chance he got over the past several years.
Maybe it was nice of him to help Ryan but that doesn't make up for the rest
of it."  Timber announced.

"And he's only nice to us now because he wants to have sex.  If he hadn't
caught us yesterday, he'd still be the same prick he's always been.  I say
leave him alone with his hand, since that's apparently all the action he
can get."  DP chipped in.

"Yeah, and it makes me feel dirty that he was watching me the most.  I was
totally creeped out when he told me that.  That's why I jumped at him."
Wings offered.

"What about you, Ryan? What do you think?"  Tommy turned to the small boy.

Ryan simply shrugged his shoulders.  In his mind he was thinking that
another boy he hadn't experienced yet would be fine with him.  Unlike the
others, he was willing to forgive EJ as long as there was any chance he
might be able to have some fun with him.  He knew the other boys had
probably figured that to be his response so he didn't mind when Timber said
what the others were thinking.

"Why you asking him for?  You know he wants to get in EJ's pants, just like
he does any boy he can get his hands on."

"Hey, he's a part of this group, too.  Besides, remember, EJ wouldn't have
caught us at all if he hadn't gotten to Wings."  As soon as he said it, he
regretted it.  This put all the attention on Ryan and placed the blame on
him as well.  He immediately realized his mistake and guarded the small boy
with his body as the others tried to get to him.

"Ok, hold up, everybody.  This is getting out of hand.  Let's not forget
how he made us feel last night.  What do you say, Wings?  We both know how
good it was and now EJ says he's interested in you.  You have to admit,
that's kind of flattering, right?"

Wings kicked at the dirt in front of him before responding.  "Yeah, I guess
so.  Maybe I could give him a chance."

"DP, Timber?  What do you think?  We already know Ryan's on board."

"I guess we could see how it goes but if for some reason it doesn't work
out, we'll be the first to say 'I told you so.'" Timber spoke while DP
nodded in agreement.

"Okay, then it's settled but first things first.  Wings, I think you should
go and apologize, then tell him that we've decided he's welcome to join us
some time."

"How do I do that? I don't even know where he lives."

"Yeah but you know where his field is.  You could check there but if he's
not there, I guess you'll have to wait."

"All right, I'll do it.  I'll see you guys later."

The weather was warm but not overwhelming enough to cancel some baseball so
while Wings made his way to his bike, the others took their places around
the diamond.  As he walked, Wings was wondering how he would approach EJ
with his apology.  Even though he had agreed to do it, he still felt that
he hadn't been wrong in what he had done.  The only thing he was truly
sorry about was the fact that he hadn't actually made contact with EJ the
way he had intended.  If he had, EJ would've definitely been deserving.

However, in the back of his mind, what Tommy had said was true.  It really
had been flattering, although a little creepy, when EJ had expressed
interest in him.  Although he was still an explorer in uncharted territory,
he was willing and anxious to pursue the journey, especially if it led him
to the same amazing feelings he had experienced the previous evening.
Maybe EJ wasn't as bad as he had always acted towards him and the others.
At least it was worth a chance.

Wings rode to the wealthier portion of town where EJ and his posse not only
lived but played ball at a baseball diamond much better than the sandlot.
When he got to the field and looked around, though, he didn't see EJ
anywhere.  His posse was there but he wasn't which was unusual because he
was sort of their leader.  A little relieved that he wouldn't have to
apologize just yet after all, Wings turned his bike to head back to the
sandlot.  He didn't get far before one of the boys yelled at him.

"Hey, are you lost? Don't you know the losers belong on the other side of
the tracks?"

"Either leave by yourself or we'll help you leave, your choice."

Wings knew he was small and outnumbered so he figured he had better tread
lightly or suffer the consequences.  It was easy to trash talk with the
others all around him but if he were to do that alone, it might not go over
so well.

"Yeah, I know. I was just looking for EJ.  Thought he might be over here
but I guess not.  See ya."  He tried to leave again but his comment, made
without a single insult in, peaked their interest.

"So why you looking for EJ?  You two boyfriends now or something?"

Wings hoped that the shade he was in was enough to keep them from noticing
his blushing face.  He had to keep his cool but his mind was reeling with
the possibility that EJ had lied and had actually told them after all.
Then his senses kicked in again as he realized that EJ would never do that
because it would incriminate him in front of his posse.  It was just
something dumb and immature that boys accused each other of without any
real substance to it.  At least, that's what Wings was hoping.

"Nah, it's fine.  I'll find him.  I don't need your help. Thanks anyway."

"You may not think you need our help but we'll be glad to give you
some. Right, boys?"

The boys began to leave the field and move towards Wings, which of course
made him nervous.  He had the advantage of the fence between them and
already being on his bike but he didn't want to push his luck.  As the boys
began running behind him, he quickly peddled away until he felt safe enough
slow down.  When he finally looked back, he noticed they must've given up
early because they weren't even in sight.  Before, he was mad at EJ.  Now
he was mad at Tommy for sending him into the lion's den alone.

He rode up to the sandlot, dismounted his bike, and headed straight for
Tommy.  The fact that he was upset was written in every aspect of his body
language and even though he lacked an intimidating frame, his demeanor made
Tommy take a couple steps back.

"Hold on, tiger, just tell me what happened."

"Nothing happened but something almost did.  I went over to their field and
EJ wasn't even there.  I tried to talk to the guys but they started chasing
me so I had to leave.  I still don't know where EJ lives and I have no idea
how I'm supposed to find out.  This was all your stupid idea so maybe you
can figure out a way to fix it.  Or don't.  I don't care.  I don't really
want to apologize to him anyway."  Once again in no mood for baseball,
Wings left the sandlot in like fashion as he had entered it.

Words can be deceitful things and the ones that had just left Wings' mouth
were a prime example of that.  Well, at least some of them were, to a
certain extent.  Let's just say they didn't exactly portray his true
feelings.  After their meeting at the pitcher's mound and on his way to
their field, he had made up his mind to give EJ a chance.  Then the boy's
comment about he and EJ being boyfriends had caught him off guard and the
attempted pursuit, although short-lived, had put him back on the fence of
indecision.

He felt that maybe he should apologize to EJ if for no other reason than EJ
had made an embarrassing confession in front of not only himself but the
rest of the boys as well.  That had to have been hard to do, especially
considering his background of always being the tough guy.  Besides, it
wasn't really his fault that his posse had attacked; he hadn't even been
there.  Then, of course, there was the fact that EJ had expressed exclusive
interest in him over the others, which made him feel a little special.
While he may not be ready to develop an actual relationship with another
boy, he felt that he might be willing to at least have some fun with one.

The primary question on Wings' mind now was: where is EJ?