Date: Thu, 21 Apr 2005 18:37:47 +0000 From: Steve Thomas Subject: Coles-Dreams, Ch. 38 This is a work of pure fiction, based on the author's feelings, beliefs, and in some cases, experience. There may be graphic sexual encounters at times between men, so if this offends you, you are invited to retreat. If you are too young or it is otherwise illegal for you to be reading this kind if story, shame on you for reading it - - please stop here. If not, - - ENJOY! Cast of Characters: Cole Alexander Stephanson IV -- Our hero Jazz -- (Jack Zachary) Coles oldest brother Diane -- Jazz's wife Janie and Jesse -- Jazz's kids Rod -- Coles middle brother Suzanne -- Rod's wife Will and Cole V -- Rod's kids Igor (Iggy) -- Cole's Tutoring Pupil Cole Alexander Stephanson III -- Coles Dad Ethyl Stephanson -- Cole's mom Rex Remlin-- Rod's best friend Gus Hartwin -- Cole's Boyfriend Michelle -- Cole's old girlfriend. Dexter -- Iggy's boyfriend Ed -- Paramedic Manolo -- Paramedic Steve -- Manolo's boyfriend Randy -- Found Boy Curtis -- Found boy's brother Kian Willis-- Friend in Vancouver Nicolas Poole-- Friend in Vancouver Howard Poole -- Nicolas's Father Christian -- the pool guy Boyd -- the pilot Spike -- Cop and former classmate The twins: Marcus Aurelius Alexander The Great Jon -- Teacher's Aide Gary Rose -- Nurse From Chapter 37 "Dude!" Gus chided. "You've been there for six days! You're eye may be okay, but you're still weak!" He helped me up, and held me up just long enough that my legs were not the only thing standing up! He closed the door and helped me out of my hospital gown and boxers. Then he helped me to the bathroom. "I think I got my legs back, sweetheart." I said, as I closed the door after me. As I came out of the bathroom, he was waiting at the door. "I really do feel stronger. I just wasn't ready to stand all at once like that." "Well -- okay. But you're taking it easy for the next couple days!" "Does that mean you are assuming the top position tonight?" I quipped. "One way or the other!" He answered. He knows how I love it when he straddles me! And that's exactly what we did after we went to bed. Chapter 38 I didn't want to take a shower at the hospital before I left. For one, you have to walk to the shower through the halls, with all the doctors and nurses, and visitors, in your hospital gown. Secondly, I didn't want to have any excuse to NOT shower with my sweetheart when we got home! I asked the doctor not to tell my parents about the good news, if he talked to them. They insisted -- for insurance purposes -- to take me to the car in a wheelchair. Wouldn't you know the nurse would be male and very cute! "The doctor said you guys were brothers. Um -- you're not, are you." He was pretty bold. Gus played with him a little: "Whaddaya mean?" "Oh! Well, er -- I mean -- you don't look much alike, so I gathered -- I mean that -- well, you weren't exactly blood brothers." "I look like my mom, and Cole looks like Dad. What can I say." "Oh." He seemed to be embarrassed, but that might have been just my own take, based on his next statement: "Um -- you just seemed to be closer than any brothers I ever knew." "You trying to say we act gay?" Said Gus evenly. "Oh, I don't know about - " "Did you WANT us to be gay?" Gus quipped. "I -- um -- I mean -- that is - " "Dude! We're gay!" "Oh!" he exclaimed. My gaydar is pretty well honed, but you had me goin'! You, looking like a quarterback for the Bruins, I was sweatin' it!" "He was a quarterback for the Vikings!" I bragged. "The Downey High Vikings, that is!" Gus added quickly. "Are there other Vikings?" I asked. They both laughed. "Cole's not much of a fan." Gus apologized. "The Minnesota Vikings area famous, Cole -- everyone knows about them." I felt like a fool. "Really? You played for Downey. What year?" "We graduated three years ago." "Oh. I graduated 7 years ago." "Really?" Said Gus. "Did you know Rex Remlin?" "Who didn't. I guess you know he died." "What's your name, Dude?" "Gary -- Gary Rose." "I'm Gus, and Cole -- well, I guess you know Cole." "Yeah -- he-he -- probably more intimately than he wants to know about." "Oh?" I said." "Oh yeah. Remember, you were out of it for 6 days." "Gary, Rex was my boyfriend." "No kidding? Wow! I'm sorry." "Well, not for the last year and a half. I had to break up with him. He liked to -- um -- play around a lot." "I wasn't gonna say anything. He did have that rep. I'm surprised I never saw you with him. I woulda remembered you!" "Did you ever - ?" Gus asked. "What? With Rex? No! My boyfriend woulda killed me. He was so jealous!" "You never gave him reason to be?" "No! I mean I'd look at hot guys, but -- that's all! "So how do you guys handle it?" "We don't -- any more. I finally said enough -- just three weeks ago." "How long were you together? Said Gus. "8 years." "8 years! You can't be old enough -- oh, you met in junior high school?" "I'm 28, dude!" "8 years! Damn! That must be hard." "It was a hard decision. I depended on him for so much. But by the time I was ready -- well, I was READY!" "So -- you're not hurting too much now?" We were to the car, so he hurriedly said, "Still hurts sometimes. I mean -- I loved -- er -- love him! And at night - - But believe me; I'm ready for a change." Gus opened the passenger door for me. Gary helped me out of the wheel chair -- which I have to admit, I needed. It's amazing how weak you can get lying in a bed for a week. "Are you dating anyone else yet?" I asked softly. "I'm looking." He said. I'd love to find someone neat this time! Grant was a slob." "We know a guy -- Russian. He's actually - I think -- sort of dating another guy. But this guy isn't even sure he's gay. I don't think Ig wants a bi-guy." "Give him my card. I'd not mind at least meeting him." He said. He retrieved a card form his pocket. It had his name, phone number and email. "I'll give it to him." I said. "Thanks. Drive carefully guys!" When we got home -- it was Monday -- Mom said that she called the hospital and they told her I was on the way home. She asked how I was, and was told she would have to ask me. "So - - how are you." "Fine." I replied blandly. "Fine? That's all I get?" she complained. "Mom, I need to go to the bathroom. I want to take a shower, and I've noticed I'm a little shakier than I wanted to admit earlier today, so Gus is going to help me with my shower." "I'll just bet he's gonna hate that!" She said sarcastically. "Mom, can I wait `til Dad gets home to tell you the details? I'm just so tired. It's stupid, since I just awoke from a week long nap! But -- Let me tell you both together." "You just want your father to be your buffer. You always do that when you have bad news!" "It's not bad news, Mom." I said with a pronounced yawn. "Okay. Have a good nap while your mother stresses out about you!" Just before I closed the bedroom door, I hollered, "It's GOOD news, Mommy!" She was pounding at the door in ½ minute. "If it's good news than you don't need your father here as a buffer! Tell me - " "Mom!" I complained, "I'm naked! Go away!" "You're not naked!" Gus whispered, grinning. "You could remedy that!" I whispered back. He pushed me down on the bed, and removed my shirt. "It's cold in here. Go turn on the bathroom heater. As he went over the bathroom door, I quickly stripped off my clothes and threw them at a chair, then jumped under the covers, pulling them up to my chin. "Okay, you can stand it long enough to get undressed and into the bathroom!" he said. "Just come here and get me warm!" I whined. He pulled back the covers and when he saw me, he tore his clothes off and joined me under the covers. Oh my GOSH his body felt good! "Babe, You don't know how I have missed you the last week. I HATE sleeping alone!" he crooned. Then he kissed me. I dunno why, but that reminded me of Rex. Tears came to my eyes. "Sweetie, I spent most of the week with Rex." "Cool." He said. I was afraid he would feel bad. "Did you talk about me?" "Not much. Mostly he told me stuff about heaven -- or rather the spirit world." "What did he tell you?" "I can't remember. I think he wasn't supposed to tell me all he did. The only thing I'm sure of was the he had permission to tell me about my recovery. Gus -- he glowed! The two times he delivered a message from God -- he glowed. He says angels glow like that all the time. It's what a halo really is. It's not a glowing ring above the head. Oh! That felt great!" I said. He had stroked my balls. He knows the perfect pressure. "Shut up and kiss me again!" He said. I did. "That's more like it. Oh, Cole, you feel so good! Soft in all the right places. I moved his hand to my -- by now -- raging boner. "And hard in all the right places!" "Ohhhh yeahhhh! Has it only been a week?" I hadn't touched him much yet, letting him take the lead. But when I encircled his shaft with my hand, just barely grazing his corona, he squealed. "I think we better get that shower. You really should take that nap!" "I know." I said., He threw back the covers and pulled me out of bed, both our boners bouncing as we ran to the bathroom. He ran the water hot, then adjusted it. It was like I was in heaven as we stood there, all wet, holding each other under the hot shower. He kissed me again, then went down on me and quickly brought me to climax. He kneaded my butt cheeks as he sucked, bobbed and slurped on my bone, as he slipped his finger in and out of me. I nearly collapsed when I came, and he caught me. He held me again as I got my equilibrium back. Then we washed each other and rinsed off, then back to the bed, where we cuddled ourselves to sleep. "Guys! Dinnertime!" my dad knocked lightly on my door. When we came out, Mom had set the dining room table with the lace table cloth and the Bavarian china and sterling. There was a basket of fresh biscuits, and fresh fruit cut on a platter. We sat down and Dad came in with steaks from the barbecue. Mom put out steaming fresh corn on the cob and I could smell the strawberries in the kitchen. All my favorite things. "Mom! What's up? Pretty fancy dinner here!" "You said you had good news! Well, I just wanted to accent it with a good dinner. How are you feeling?" "Pretty good actually. When I woke up in the hospital I felt still drugged. Maybe I was, But I feel great now. Well, here's my good news: The doctor says that my eye is perfectly normal, and that I can expect not to have any more trouble with it at all. Even the doctor said it is a miracle." Maybe I should have prepared them a little more. Mom started crying immediately and Dad just looked at me with a huge grin and shining eyes. "I think this would be a good time for one of those Family Prayers! Lets bow our heads." Dad said. "Father, we are so thankful that our son will be able to lead a normal life. We are thankful to have such a wonderful family and that Cole is loved and supported by such a wonderful partner. Please bless this food to out benefit. In Jesus name, Amen" Mom ran to the kitchen and retrieved the rest of the food, with Gus's and Dad's help. I felt warm all over. After dinner, I called Iggy. "Guess what, Ig?" "I can't imagine." "I am completely cured. Well, of course I still don't have my right eye, but the left one is stable now and the doctor says I can operate as any normal person." "Wow! Dat's pretty great! Guess what? I talked to my old counselor at UCLA. She worked a deal and actually got me into post grad studies at USC! And I've got a job at County General starting in two weeks." "Starting both school and work at the same time huh?" "Yah," "USC?! Wow! Must be nice!" "Yah. My parents are helping of course, and student loans will take care of the rest." "Cool. Then we will see you more often. How did it go with Jon?" "Okay." "Just okay?" "Ve are still dating. It's only been a week, after all. He's nice, but pretty intense sometimes. Always trying to psychoanalyze. But he's still trying to decide if he vants to be gay. I enjoy being vith him, but - - " "Ig, we met a guy -- a nurse -- just today. I guess he took care of me while I was out of it in the hospital." "Lucky him!" Iggy said. "Yeah, he got to wipe my butt and clean me up. Anyway, after I told him about you he gave me his card, and wants you to call him. He seems to be a very nice -- and fastidiously clean guy. Actually that's what made me think of you! One of the things he complained about his last partner was that he was a slob!" "You should get along well with his partner! Ha-ha! What else did he complain about?" "His partner was too possessive -- and jealous. Gary wasn't playing around on him or anything. But his partner just couldn't stand Gary even looking at another guy." "I vonder if he vould be open to a threesome?" "You mean -- with you and Jon?" "Vell -- me and SOMEONE!" "You horn dog!" "I TOLD you that I loved what you and Gus and I used to do. I don't I think I wanna always do it -- but while I'm not attached -- vell - - ?" "Yah!" I laughed. "Maybe I could get Jon and what's his name -- Gary -- to do one! You know how Jon likes to experiment! Ve have done some of that in the past week! But he still likes girls, I think. I don't think I could go for dat. Vat's his Number?" I gave it to him, and as I hung up an idea occurred to me. "Gus, I wonder if Iggy would like to go to Canada with us." "That's only 4 days away! I guess I had decided we couldn't go because of your eye. I kind of forgot about it. It may be a good idea to ask Nick if it's okay. Matter of fact, I talked to him last Friday -- he called. I told him we probably couldn't make it. Shit! Sorry, but -- I'll have to give my notice at work tomorrow!" "Dang! Let's call Nick now!" I said and hit Nick's number on my phone." "Hello -- Cole?" "Yeah!" "Dude! How are you, eh?" "Not as bad as you think." "Whattaya mean? "We're coming -- on Friday! I'm fine -- completely healed." "Oh!" he said, sounding less than enthusiastic." "What's wrong, Nick?" "My dad - " "Oh no, not more hassle with him!" I said. "No! He's fine He actually insists that Kian call him Dad now. No, but he's gonna be pissed!" "About - - ?" "He was really looking forward to seeing you -- guys." "And - - ?" "When he heard you weren't coming he couldn't make any more excuses to not visit his sister in Northern Ireland. He just left Sunday. They'll be gone for a month!" "Oh!" "Well, but -- it's not all bad. They cancelled all other engagements. We'll have the house to ourselves." "The WHOLE house?" "Hell yes! Matter of fact, this is turning out better than I imagined. Me an' Kian were looking forward to a good time without all those people always here! Now you'll be here too! That's too cool, eh?" "Um -- yeah." I said coolly." "What's the problem?" "Um -- this is embarrassing. I don't think we can afford to fly up there. If Boyd is flying your parents around --- ?" "No -- I mean -- he isn't. He has the time off too, but I always can get him for an emergency." "But this can't exactly be called an emergency." "The hell it can't!" "Oh Nick, I don't wanna bother him on his vacation!" "Hah! He'll jump at the idea. He was more disappointed than Dad was that you were -- er -- you GUYS were not coming. Did you know that Chris moved in with him?" "No! Wow!" And that Dad hired Chris as flight attendant?" "No shit?" I was shocked it came out of my mouth! "How did that happen?" "They were really treating him lousy at the hotel. Really taking advantage of him. Made my dad mad. He talked with Boyd and decided that his guests needed a flight attendant." "Wow! Very cool! So we'll see Chris again when we are flying!" "Yeah! Boyd told me about Gus flying for him last time -- so he and Chris could -- well, you know, eh? Man, since Boyd found out about guy-sex, he has not been the same! He cracks me up!" "Really likes it huh?" "Hell yes! Only thing is, the two of them are always bugging us to join them!" "You're still putting the nix on that huh? `Cause last I knew, Kian would jump at the chance." "You're gonna be really surprised at Kian." "Oh?" "You know how some guys `find their feminine side'? Well, Kian's definitely found his masculine side!" "And that's okay with you? As I recall, you decided you liked his swishiness." "Now that I'm used to the masculine Kian, I really like it! I think it just freaked me out at first." "Dude!" I said. "I just thought of something! Well, I didn't JUST think of it. It was one of the reasons I called. My one and only ex -- Iggy -- has shown up. He left us for his ex when Gus and I first got together." "Left `us'?" "Oh -- heh -- yeah, He and Gus and I -- we were kind of a triple before that. We were roomies at UCLA, my first semester there." "No kidding, eh! A triple! Sounds kinky." "We didn't think of it that way. We just all loved each other." "What happened to his ex?" "Murdered in Colorado where they moved to." "Oh God! That's what I hate about the U.S. I wish they would get rid of those guns!" "I don't think he was shot, Dude. I think he was strangled." "OOO! Gnarly!" "Yeah! Think we should outlaw hands?" "Wha -- at?" "Dude, people kill people. With or without guns. You can't outlaw everything that could kill someone." "Oh, I forgot -- you're pro-gun." "Naw, I'm not pro or anti. We don't own one. But if I did, I wouldn't register it so the government could come pick it up whenever they wanted." "I think we'll have to agree to disagree on this, Dude." Nick said. "That's usually my line. At least you're civil about it. Some of the idiots here are berserk." "So does this - Iggy is it? Does he have a current guy?" "Not exactly." I hedged. "What'szat mean?" "He's been dating a bi-guy. The bi-guy isn't altogether sure this is what he wants, and Ig isn't altogether sure he wants a guy who may want to involve a chick. Ig wants another 3-some, but not with a girl. "I don't blame him. Ew!" "Takes all kinds. At this time, I wouldn't either, but I've been with my share of girls." "What was that like?" "Um -- I prefer guys. If I had to I could act the straight part. It was a decision I had to make before I committed myself to Gus. But now - - I love Gus. I don't want anyone else." "Gotcha! Do you think this Iggy would come with you if you asked?" "Well, if he isn't already taken for the weekend. Why -- um -- why are you so interested in him?" "Me!?? I'm not! I just think that Boyd and Chris might -- um -- like something new. Heh! I wouldn't mind watching." He said under his breath. "I'll ask him then. Good!" I said happily. I felt a little guilty myself that I was so happy about bringing Iggy with us. I immediately called Iggy. "Ig? It's Cole." "Wow! You sound excited!" "I -- er -- well, I am! You know that trip to Canada we are taking this weekend?" "Yeah. I'm gonna miss you. I just came back into your life -- er -- lives -- and you are leaving me!" he pouted. "Don't you have plans with Jon?" "Naw!" He said bitterly. "Jon's going up to Arcata to visit his brother. I guess I vill call dis Gary you told me about." "Before you do that -- I have an offer you might not want to refuse." "You're not going to Canada after all?" He said hopefully. "Well -- yeah, we are, but -- I talked to Nick -- our friend up there. He wants us to bring you with us!" "Too bad my new car only holds 2! It is lots of fun on the open highway!" "Yeah, well, my old Pontiac is pretty much of a dog on long trips. Wears you out after the first few hours. But we're not driving -- we're flying!" "Flying?" He exclaimed. "Oh! Well! Um -- okay, well, it's just -- um - " "Don't worry Ig, Nick's pilot will be picking us up. They have a corporate plane. It's all on them." "Oh! That's nice. I -- uh -- it's not that." "Oh -- what?" "I don't fly." "You don't fly. What's up with that? Against your religion?" I laughed. He was NOT laughing. I felt like a fool. "What's wrong, Ig?" "Cole! I -- ahem -- I'm -- um -- afraid of flying." "Nuh-uh!" I protested. "You're joking -- right?" "I get nervous in a big jet, but a small plane terrifies me." "Wow! Hmm. I guess it comes down to how badly you want to come with us. I -- er WE -- really want you to, if that makes any difference." "Of course it does. No! I wanna go -- I mean -- erm -- I AM gonna go! Will you -- er -- will you -- um -- SHIT! This is so stupid!" "No it's not. What?" "Will you hold me when we take off?" "Good flippin' grief! Are you kidding me? Of COURSE I will!" "Or - - I could just get drunk on my ass!" He laughed -- nervously! "No way! I don't want you puking all over me! And no big meals before the flight, either!" I laughed. They say it never rains in Southern California. Well, that's a fallacy, but no one expects rain - - IN THE MIDDLE OF AUGUST! It was as if Mrs. Murphy was withholding sex, and Mr. Murphy was taking it out on the rest of us! On the way to John Wayne Airport, there was one of those alerts on my dad's car radio, that they interrupt radio programs with -- telling of severe weather. "Severe thunder storms expected in the southwest Orange County area with funnel cloud sightings." It said. The sky was clear all morning, and the sun was still shining five minutes before the alert. Just before the radio alert clouds blew in. As soon as the announcer was finished with the warning, there was a flash in front of us and an immediate crack of thunder. Iggy grabbed my hand and almost broke it! "Ig, it's okay. We won't fly if it's not safe." It continued to get darker as we neared the airport. As we pulled up to the familiar curb, we looked for Boyd, but he was not there. Dad parked as long as he was allowed to at the curb by the terminal, then the rent-a-cop told us we had to move. (Homeland security precautions) He pulled away and circled back to try again. "I don't want to leave you then have to come back later to get you," Dad started. Just then we saw Boyd, running through the crowd, waving his hand. He got to the car and opened the back door. "Dude! You don't have to open our door!" "Force of habit. Fun weather, eh?" He smiled widely. "Sorry I'm a bit late. Had some murderous head winds coming over the mountains. You're in for a bumpy ride!" He laughed. "Shittt!" said Iggy under his breath. "Is it safe?" My dad asked. "Oh, should be fine!" Boyd said grinning. "It's fun!" "You ENJOY flying in this?" Dad said, "Oh yeah! I love the challenge!" He answered. Iggy was again trying to break my hand. "Where's your stuff?" "Shittt!" Iggy reiterated. "It's in the trunk." Dad said, not unlatching it. Boyd looked at our differing degrees of concern. "Hey, it'll be fine -- once we get above the clouds. Chris is waiting in the plane. All ready?" I didn't exactly bounce out of the car. I had to almost drag Iggy out, followed by Gus, pushing from his side. As soon as we were all three standing on the sidewalk, Iggy, nose to nose with me, begged, "Do we have to go?" "Yeah Ig. We have to! You still can back out, but I don't recommend it. You'll be sorry." I said. "Hey, Boyd! You aren't gonna let Gus drive this time are you?" "Not unless he wants to!" Boyd laughed. "What?!!" Iggy squeaked quietly. "You gonna unlatch the trunk?" I hollered at Dad. Thunk! It popped up. Boyd grabbed all three bags as if he did it for a living, and started off for the terminal. Once we got Iggy started in that direction -- and I turned and waved at my worried looking dad -- we had to run to catch up with Boyd. Gus got there way ahead of us, and he said something to Boyd. "He's not really gonna let Gus fly the plane - - is he?" "We were kidding. The plane practically flies itself -- once your up in the air." "He WILL be flying it though - - right?" "Sure." I said. "What was the joke about Gus flying?" "Oh, it was no joke. Gus did fly it -- twice! Once while Boyd was in the cockpit with him." "And the other time? Was he in the cockpit alone?" "Not entirely. I was there." I said, not thinking. The thunderstorm was worrying me too, but I was trying to hide it from Iggy. "Well, until they were almost finished." My mind was racing trying to keep myself calm. I didn't realize that I was only confusing Iggy even more. "Almost finished -- doing what?" He asked, trying to appear unflustered. "Boyd caught Gus and me -- doing the big nasty -- on our first flight home. He wanted to do it too -- with his boyfriend." He looked at me as if I was crazy. "you know! Up, up, and away from terra firma!" "So - - you and Gus flew the plane while they played in the back?" He said wagging his head. We passed the security, with a flash of Boyd's I.D., then we were watching the hatch come down. Boyd ran up the stairs and stepped in, followed by Gus. Gus stopped at the door, and grinned. He said, "Hi Chris!" Iggy stood at the bottom of the stairs, seemingly frozen. I put my arm around his waist. "C'mon Ig. It'll be fine." I said, as I push/dragged him up the stairs. When I got to the door, I waved and cried hi to Chris. He made a short wave. I stepped in and my eyes got accustomed to the dark. When I could see better, I saw that Chris was sitting buckled in, his arms folded, and his face white as a sheet. So much for convincing Iggy that he would get used to it! Gus followed Boyd into the cockpit. I sat between Chris and Iggy. They both grabbed the hand that was nearest. We heard the two engines fire up and rev. Then we heard the crash of another close lightning bolt. We could hear the tower talking to Boyd, but we could not hear Boyd. "FAA requires all commercial flights grounded until this passes over." Gus answered something. "So -- you're a private party?" Gus answered. "You're cleared for takeoff , X8B4258. Proceed with caution." Chris held on to my hand, but he turned and faced the other direction in almost a fetal position, eyes closed. True to his request, Iggy, while nearly breaking my hand, put the other over my shoulders and pulled me close, burying his face in my neck. Chris's hand was cold and sweating. Ig was shaking like a leaf. I wrenched my hand loose and put it around him, patting his back. "It's okay, guys. Ig -- breath slower. That's it. I felt the plane accelerate and it started the bouncing that happens just before takeoff. Then we were airborne. It felt better because at the angle we were climbing it was almost like reclining. "Ig. Breathe!" I encouraged. "H-h-ho! Dis is not as b-b-bad ass I tot it would be." I laughed. "Really", he said, taking his face out of my neck only long enough to talk, "I was sure dat I would be dead by now -- or barfing!" The plane leveled off, and then there was a ray of light angling through the window. The sun! I craned my head to look out. We were above the clouds. "Look, Ig! All clear." He peeled his face out of my neck and peered over me at the window. Some of the blood crept back into his face. The sun shone bright above the clouds. Iggy leaned over me to get a better look. "It iss quite a sight." The suns rays broke into vibrant colors bouncing off the top of the clouds. "Looks like a banner over the door of a San Francisco bar!" Chris giggled. Then I got it and laughed too. "What's Gus doing up there?" Iggy asked. "Just watching Boyd." I answered. "Hey, Gus c'mon back here and give Ig a chance! "NO!" Iggy protested. In two seconds, Gus was there, exclaiming, "Really, Ig! You gotta see this. It's so amazing!" He reached out and pulled on Iggy's hand. I unbuckled his belt and Gus easily pulled Ig's newly acquired bulk up to his feet. He pushed Iggy toward the cockpit. Iggy was like in a trance. He stooped down and looked in, then all around at all the instruments. "Take a seat!" Commanded Boyd. Iggy complied, his eyes as round as pie tins. "Pretty amazing view from up here, huh?" Boyd purred. By this time, Chris was settled down enough to give me a hug. "Where did you meet this guy? Iggy,is it?" "Oh! I'm sorry! I guess I didn't introduce you!" "Well,`s okay. I doubt either of us would have remembered it anyway. That was pretty scary, wasn't it?" "Actually I guess I'm just ignorant enough that I trust Boyd. To me it was exciting. I did feel for you guys though. Iggy -- Igor is his Russian name -- was my first ever lover. Then we found Gus and we were a `triple' for awhile, until Iggy went back with his ex. That was how Gus and I really fell in love. Wow! I think that's the first time I've ever said that to anyone else. It felt good -- great, actually." "It was nice to hear too!" Gus said, grinning. "Then after our trip to Canada the first time, we realized that it only caused us trouble when we played with others. So we decided to stop." "Boyd and I talked about that. We're not ready for that kind of commitment yet. Man, Iggy is pretty cute." "I know. He just lost his ex. I thought he might have some fun, coming with us." "Lost? As in `got dumped'? I just can't see why anyone would - " "No, Dex didn't dump Iggy. He was murdered." "No shit!? OH! Geez! Now that's just not right!" "I know. But it happens all the time." "Did they catch the scum?" "Ig doesn't really like to talk about it. All I know is that it was a gay basher." "Oh! Hate crime huh. Then I REALLY hope they got the bastard!" "Hate crime? Well, I dunno, but whether someone kills for hate, or greed -- or just for fun even -- it's still murder and it's still wrong, and it's still -- how can anyone say it's any worse one way over another. It's just a thoroughly bad person doing a thoroughly bad deed." "I guess. I - " Chris stopped talking mid-sentence and looked toward the cockpit. Boyd was standing there grinning. "Wait a minute! Who's driving the bus?" Chris exclaimed. "Iggy is! Took to it like a duck to water. Oh, his knuckles are a bit white, but he's smilin'!" "Well, I'll be damned!" Said Gus. "Does this mean I don't get to fly this trip?" "How about on the way home? Besides, it's on auto-pilot. Don't make any sudden moves, it'll scare the shit outa him! In the mean time, I gotta piss." We all laughed. When He disappeared into the lav, I unbuckled and carefully went to the cockpit door. Iggy was sitting there, his eyes were flitting all over the instrument panel. "Pretty amazing, isn't it? I said. Ig looked up and grinned nervously. "How does anyone memorize what all these things do?" Just then the plane dipped, and his eyes got big as saucers again. Boyd tapped me on the shoulder, and a shiver went up my spine. Guess it made me a little nervous too. I stepped aside and Boyd eased into his seat. "Go buckle up for landing -- it'll be about 15 minutes." He said. Iggy started to unbuckle. "No way! You get to stay!" "I don't think I want to -- and I don't think you want puke all over your dashboard!" "You'll be fine. If it gets too scary you can close your eyes." The weather at the private airstrip that they keep their aircraft was perfect. Surprisingly, it was still light at 10:00 at night. When we stepped out, we all stopped short and looked up. The sky was turning green. It brought back memories of earlier this year when we saw the aurora the first time. "Oh my God!" said Iggy. "Indeed!" I echoed. Note: Lots going on for Iggy huh? Don'tcha wish you knew who he ends up with? So do I! LOL Comments are welcome and appreciated! Steve at stevethomas535@hotmail.com. Thanks and love, Steve