Hey! This is the fifth installment of the re-release of Dan, The Man. I am currently working on editing and re-posting the series of Dan, The Man and its sequel. I hope you enjoy it. If you are a second time reader, I hope you enjoy it again.

I must stress this is a work of fiction. Any similarities is strictly coincidental. All rights to this story belongs to the author. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited. This is intended for a mature audience. If you are under 18 (or 21 in some areas), please go away (that's not my opinion however). If you don't like the idea of two college guys falling in love, please go away. Thanks. And now...

Dan, The Man Part V
"The Party/Parents Just Don't Understand"
By Joey E

Time passed, as Dan and Joe kept their bond going strong. They went to class on Wednesday together, and some gave looks, other were more supportive than others, and some just didn't talk to them. It could've been worse, thought Joe. Dan had the same feelings.

Over the course, they had some friends that wouldn't talk to them again, but they both agreed it was better than having them do anything else like Kris did to Joe.

By this time, Joe had fully recovered, it seemed. Dan thought it was worth celebrating, and worked on arranging a surprise party for Joe with the help of Ro and Kev. They each tried to contact some of Joe's friends without him knowing it, which was very hard to do, since Joe was ether with Dan or with Kev or Ro most of the time. Joe's family was told about it. His parents backed out of it, understandably since it was a college party, however Joe's 15 year old and 18 year old sister agreed to come. They called up Jill (one of Joe's closest girl friends), and her Mom (Joe's second mom), who were some of Joe's closest friends, they alerted Paul, Neil, his brother and boyfriend, some of Joe's friends from classes, the radio station, and the music major. Not surprisingly, Steve, Joe's abusive ex was not invited.

They had planned to have it Friday night, which would've been easy to do, since Joe went home to do laundry early Friday evenings. Dan was having the time of his life planning this whole thing for Joe. He invited some of his friends as well, who I am not going to mention because it was confuse the hell out of you. :)

So, Dan bought the liquor, under Kevin's recommendation, while Ro and Kev started to prepare the apartment, making it semi-presentable.

"Do you think anyone told Joe?" asked Ro.

"I don't think so," Kev said, as the doorbell rang. "Go answer the door, Man," he said.

Ro went down the steps and was greeted with Joe's brother and sister, Charlie and Beth. They were both good looking, very good looking, so Joe had been told by his straight friends (about his sister) and his gay friends (about his brother). They both had blonde hair, blue eyes. Chuck was 5'11", 160lbs, built, and complete athlete, but brains too, and almost looked older than his older brother. Beth was about 5'6", 120lbs, nice figure, very athletic and attractive. They brought food and soda (for themselves to drink).

Just as soon as Ro closed the door, there was a knock on the door again.

"Hi, I'm Neil," Neil said, shaking Ro's hand.

"Oh, yeah, man. Come in," Ro said, looking behind him at two people.

"Oh, yeah," Neil said. "This is my brother, Tom, and his friend, Steve." Ro shook hands with them as well. They all went upstairs, only to hear the door knocking again.

"Yo, dick," Ro said. "You get it this time!"

Kev opened the door to greet Donna and Jill. They were all led up stairs, and Kev left the door open this time. Soon Dan was there, and everyone was making small talk. Amanda had come in by this time. And two of Dan's friends were there. It was about 8PM by the time everyone got there. There was a total of about a dozen people there, not including Ro, Kev, and Paul.

Joe was due home at any time. It was a hard time keeping everyone calm and quiet. Kev already opened up the case of Bud Ice they had gotten. Finally, they heard the door open from downstairs, and heard Joe coming up the steps.

Everyone yelled "Surprise!" when he opened the door.

He was thoroughly shocked, carrying his clean laundry in a basket and nearly dropped it. Dan was the closest to the door and to Joe, which was planned. Dan just smiled at him, and held out his arms to hug him. Joe dropped the basket and nearly crushed Dan with a hug. It was apparent that Dan's plan had worked and no one squealed. Good thing to remember about this crowd!

Joe went around the living room, saying hi, giving hugs, to everyone including Neil, his brother and boyfriend. However, when he tried to hug Kevin, Kev drew the line. Joe just laughed, and shook his hand. It made Dan happy to see how happy Joe was. He stood in the background just watching his boyfriend smile and laugh. Finally, Joe got to the table with all the liquor.

"Woo hoo!" He cried out. "Where's the Vodka?"

"Don't worry about that man," Kev said. We got you covered. It's in the freezer." That would make sense, Joe thought to himself. They usually kept the hard liquor in the freezer. He smiled as he saw Absolut Vodka, waiting for him along with orange juice in the freezer. Suddenly, he felt someone come up from behind him, and put his arms around him.

"Hey, babe," the voice said. "I'm glad you're okay, Joe."

"Thanks, man," Joe said, turning around to face him. Joe kissed him gently on the lips.

There was a scream from the living room. "Ah!! There are homos in the house," said a voice that could only belong to Kevin.

Joe and Dan both broke up laughing. "Yeah, yeah," Joe yelled, making his drink. He offered one to Dan, who gladly accepted.

They walked together back into the living room. Dan was happy to see that the company had made conversation on its own. Already, Neil was having a conversation with Joe's brother, Chuck. Amanda seemed to be engaged in a conversation with Beth, Joe's sister. Tom, Neil's brother and Steve, Tom's boyfriend, were on the couch next to each other, holding hands. And Jill was talking to Ro and Kev. Everyone looked like they were having a good time.

Dan had soon parted Joe's company and went off and mingled amongst the crowd. Joe could hear the music softly in the background, and thought what a lucky guy he was, despite life's little bumps in the road. He then noticed that Steve was staring at him. Neil's brother was somewhere else, and Steve was sitting on the couch alone. Joe decided to go over to him and start a conversation.

"Hey, Steve," he said.

"Hey, Joe. What's up? Were you surprised?" Steve asked, moving over to let Joe sit down next to him.

Joe took a sip from his drink. "Yeah, man! It was cool!"

"So you made it through, man!" Steve said, giving Joe a pat on the back.

"Yeah, I survived it all, though it was not something I'd like to live through again."

"I'll bet. But, you turned out all right. So, what year are you, man?"

"A second year senior," Joe answered. Steve looked a little surprised.

"But I changed my major three times," Joe answered.

So Joe and Steve made small talk. Joe would occasionally look around for Dan, who seemed to be heavily engrossed in conversation with Paul. Joe felt a twinge of jealousy. But returned his attention back over to Steve. Steve was still looking at Joe with those eyes, the kind of eyes that Steve should've been looking at his boyfriend with, not Joe. Joe suddenly felt uncomfortable. He made an abrupt exit, leaving Steve, drinking his Bud Ice.

He walked over to Dan, asking him if he wanted to smoke. They grabbed, Kev, Paul, and Neil and all went out to the balcony. Joe's brother and sister gave him a dirty look, since they both disapproved Joe's smoking habits.

By the time they got back in, it was apparent that the effects of alcohol had set in. Paul seemed to be a bit buzzed, having had three beers already. Neil's brother seemed to be a bit trashed as well, getting louder as the evening went on. Joe and Dan spent some time together, talking about life in general on the couch, holding hands, as well as talking to other people around them. By this time, Joe was working on a great buzz. He giggled a little and Dan knew it was over.

"Uh oh," Dan shouted. "Joe's gone!" Everyone laughed.

Kevin added, "Yep, he is drunk!"

Joe sat back down on the couch, only to find someone else also sitting next to him.

"So, you're drunk?" Steve asked.

Joe just smiled and giggled. "Yeah, man, I am!"

"Damn, boy, how much have you had?" he asked.

"Oh, it doesn't take him much," Dan said. "What did you have? One? Two?"

Joe held up his fingers, indicating he had two.

"Damn," Steve said. "Man you are a lightweight."

"Yes he is," Dan said, getting up to get more to drink.

"How much do you weight?" asked Steve.

"115 pounds," Joe answered. Joe tried to get up, only to fall directly on top of Steve. He laughed more, and so did Steve. Joe placed a hand on his chest, to help me up, and was surprised to feel what he felt. It was all muscle. He could feel his pecs, bulging. That made me stay there for just a little longer than Joe should've. Steve looked down at Joe, who was already looking at Steve. Damn he looks cute, Joe thought. Joe immediately jumped up. Steve looked at him in surprise.

"What?" Steve asked, sort of loudly.

Joe was not thinking clearly, he couldn't see straight, and was not in the right frame of mind to make decisions.

"Nothin," Joe said, quickly as he turned away. Steve grabbed Joe's hand as he walked away.

"Joe, come back here," Steve said, with a seductive look in his eye. Joe thought quickly.

"I need a smoke, man."

"I'll come with you, then," Steve said, getting up.

"That's okay," Joe said, waving him off.

"No man, I need one too!"

"Well, shouldn't you be with Tom?" Joe asked, almost in panic.

"I don't know exactly where he is right now, but he doesn't smoke anyway," he said.

Joe frantically searched the room for Dan. He needed him more than usual. Steve was coming on to Joe in a big way and Joe wasn't sure enough he was strong enough to resist it right at the moment. Joe continued to walk out towards the back door, with Steve right behind him. Joe sought out Amanda's face to come with him. Amanda came out too, even though she didnt' smoke.

"Hey Joe! Great Party!" she exclaimed.

"Don't tell me that. Tell Dan! He arranged it all."

"I don't believe I've really been introduce to you," she said, looking at Steve.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Amanda, this is Steve, Tom's boyfriend," Joe said, emphasizing the word boyfriend. "And Steve this is Amanda, who is a very good friend of mine."

"Nice to meet you," Steve said, lighting up a Kool.

"Hey, those are my old brand,"Joe said. Joe lit up his Marlboro Menthol Light and took a drag. Joe felt really dizzy now. Neil always seemed to have perfect timing in my life. He came out right at the moment that Joe was falling, and caught me.

"Woah, Joe. I think you're flagged!" he said, helping me stand up straight. Amanda just laughed.

"You're such a lush, man," she said, tossing his hair around.

"Hey, Steve, my bro is looking for you," Neil said.

"Oh, okay," Steve said. "Tell him I'm out here. Don't want to go in there with a cigarette. However, I don't want to waste a whole one either."

Joe exhaled in relief hearing that Steve's boyfriend would be coming out. Neil went back inside, and found Tom, telling him to go outside.

"So, how long have you and Joe been together?" Paul inquired.

"Oh, about a week or two," Dan said. They were both in Joe and Ro's room. Dan wanted to show Paul this neat thing on the internet. Having done that, they stayed in there and talked.

"Do you like him?" asked Paul.

"Of course I do," Dan said, fast. "I love him, man. He means so much to me," he said, taking a sip of his fourth screwdriver of the night.

"Good," was all Paul said. He took a drink of his Bud Ice.

"Man, where have you been?" Tom asked, walking over to Steve, and kissing him on the cheek. They really did make a cute couple. Tom was cute, but Steve was cuter to Joe at least. But what the hell was Joe thinking?

"I've been here, man. I haven't left yet," Steve said, smiling, looking at Joe. Joe turned away from the whole conversation, flicked his cig off the balcony and went back inside.

"Have you seen Dan?" He asked his younger brother, Chuck.

"Uh, the last time I saw him, he was in your room," Joe's bro said.

"Okay," Joe said, as he stumbled past him, walking across the living room.

"Paul, Joe's told me about how you tease him. But, I can't lie and tell you that I don't care what you do to him. I do, man," Dan said.

"What do you mean like this?" asked Paul, as he felt up Dan's thigh, stopping at the crotch.

Dan launched out of the chair, turning swiftly and facing Paul.

"Don't you ever touch me like that again," Dan said, quietly but firmly. Paul just stood there with his mouth open.

What scared Dan the most, was that Dan actually was wanting Paul. He liked the way Paul looked, the innocent look about him. The blue eyes, the smooth skin, the innocent face. It scared him and he didn't want it to go further.

"Oh there you are," Joe said, coming into the room. He froze when he saw the position Dan and Paul were in. He could tell it wasn't a happy time.

"What the fuck is going on in here?" Joe asked, entering the room completely.

"Aw, nothin, Joe. I'll tell you later. Nothing you haven't experienced yourself," Dan said, leaving the room. "Let's catch a smoke, I need one, now!"

Joe gave Paul a look and left with Dan.

They both walked through the living room and out to the balcony, but stopped when they heard raised voices.

"What the fuck are you talking about?"

"I saw you looking at Joe, man. You can't deny it," Tom said.

"That's bulllshit," Steve responded.

Dan and Joe looked at each other. They made a loud fake conversation to alert the two fighters to break it up and go to neutral corners. Dan caught the look on Tom's face, which was angry, before Tom turned away and walked back in with Steve behind him.

"I see," Dan said, lighting up his cig.

"I knew it, I knew it! I knew he was after me," Joe said.

Dan looked into Joe's drunken eyes. "Don't even think about it, Joe."

"Dan, don't worry, man. You're the one for me," Joe said, leaning forward giving Dan a kiss on the lips.

"There they go again!" Kevin yelled from inside the apartment. The gang laughed, as did Joe and Dan when they parted.

"Ah, shut the fuck up," Dan said to Kev, laughing.

"Feel left out?" Joe kidded. "Go to Paul, man. I hear he's curious."

Dan seemed to cringe when Joe made that comment. And you better believe that Joe had caught it.

"Speaking of Paul, what happened between you two in there?" Joe asked.

"Like I said, nothing he hasn't done to you," Dan replied.

"What did he do?" asked Joe, his tone suddenly turning serious.

Dan paused. He was in a bind. He wanted to tell Joe the truth, however, he didn't want to cause problems between Joe and Paul. He took a deep breath.

"It doesn't matter, man. I laid it down on the line to him. It's okay. But I do think he swings our way," Dan said finally.

"Ah, so he hit on you?" Joe asked, not angry at all.

"Yeah."

"Well that's to be expected. He's drunk isn't he?"

"Aren't we all?" Dan asked, laughing.

"Well, I am, I know that!"

"Don't worry about Paul, though, dude, I got him under control," Dan said.

"Well, at least somebody does," Joe said, putting out his cigarette.

Dan knew that he didn't have any control whatsoever. And was mildly intrigued by Paul's come-on early. He grabbed another screwdriver and headed off to the crowd again. Joe knew he had enough to drink, and went over to mingle with other friends as well.

Paul went after Dan again. Never in Paul's life did he ever feel this way about anyone before. He didn't even know what he was feeling. He just felt a strong attraction to Dan. He liked the way Dan moved, the way he talked, the way he acted, everything! He wanted to touch Dan in ways that he never thought about before. But, thought Paul, this can't be! He was straight. Nevertheless, Paul grabbed another Bud Ice and sat down next to Dan on the couch.

"What do you want, Paul?" Dan said, annoyed.

"Nothin, man. Just wanted to sit down," Paul said, smiling. Dan felt that weakness coming back. He was too cute when he smiled. Dan smiled back.

Damn, thought Paul, he's cute when he smiles.

"So, great party, Dan," said Paul, after taking a sip of his beer.

They sat in silence for a minute or two, observing the party. Paul was drunk by this point, and didn't care if Dan was taken or not. Joe was understand, he thought. He made his first serious move on a guy, by putting his hand on Dan's leg. Dan knew it was there, but didn't care. Luckily, Joe walked by just then, and Paul removed his hand quickly.

Joe had found Steve and Tom in his bedroom of all places, making out on his bed!

"Aw, man!" he said. They jumped up off the bed. "Save it guys!"

They both turned shades of red and left the room, sheepishly. Well, at least they made up, Joe thought. He went out for another cigarette, this time alone, sorting through his thoughts.

It seemed that Steve had a certain thing that attracted Joe to no end. He thought it might ahve been the alcohol talking. It wasn't like his boyfriend was away and he was horny. His boyfriend was there tonight. He looked back into the apartment.

By this time, Paul had placed his hand on Dan's leg again. Joe couldn't believe his eyes. What was Paul doing? Just then, Steve came out for a cigarette.

"Joe, what the hell are you looking at?"

"Oh, nothing," Joe said, in a flat tone. "I'm just not used to seeing one of my friend's hand on my boyfriend's leg, that's all."

"What?" Steve said, whipping his head around to see what Joe was looking at.

"Oh yeah, see that?" asked Joe, pointed over to Dan and Paul.

It was true. "Oh shit!" Steve muttered.

"Yeah, oh shit is right!"

Paul got caught up in the moment. He wanted to kiss and make out with Dan so bad. Paul got bolder and bolder as his hand started moving on Dan's leg. Dan closed his eyes. He knew this wasn't right. He knew Joe was around somewhere. And yet he didn't feel like moving quite yet.

Paul leaned over and kissed Dan on the lips. Dan eyes opened. It wasn't a quick kiss either. There was no tongue involved, but it lingered for a while. Dan prayed that Joe wasn't watching.

"Oh, fuck," Joe said, as he saw the kiss. He turned away and looked over the balcony. "What the hell should I do now?"

"I don't know Joe, man."

"Well," Joe said, grinning. "I could make him jealous as well, get him back so we're even. But who am I going to kiss?"

"Uh, I don't know, man," Steve said, knowing where this is going. He looked into Joe's eyes. He smiled an evil smile and turned around to see what Dan and Paul were up to. Dan pushed Paul off him. They had broken the kiss. Dan had gotten up abruptly and started walking towards the balcony. It's now or never, Joe thought, as he grabbed the back of Steve's head and forced him into a kiss on the lips.

Dan left Paul, feeling a little guilty, but more horny. He had to find Joe. He went to look out on the balcony. Only to find his boyfriend and another guy's boyfriend kissing on the lips. Joe and Steve heard footsteps coming, and they broke the kiss. Joe was thoroughly amazed as was Steve. "Damn," was all Joe could muster.

He turned around and saw Dan's face, which had the look of shock.

"What?" asked Joe, knowing fully what his face was for.

"What the hell were you just doing to him, Joe?" Dan asked, coming out and lighting a cigarette.

"Well, I gotta better question," countered Joe. "What were you just doing with Paul?"

It was clear that both guys were intoxicated. Steve had left the balcony to give them privacy.

"I asked you first, man," Dan said.

"Okay, okay!" said Joe, in a raised tone of voice. "Fine, I was kissing Steve. Now you tell me what you were doing in there with Paul!"

"He started to kiss me, man. That's it. I stopped it."

"Yeah, well, you didn't seem to stop it soon enough!"

"It wasn't my fault, Joe. I didn't come on to him," Dan said.

"Yeah, whatever, man.," Joe said, with tears in his eyes.

"Aw, come on Joe! Grow up okay? You are mine, and you always will be. The question is, though, am I yours?"

Joe thought on that thought for a while. Dan took it as a negative.

"Well, I guess I'm not," Dan said, his voice cracking in despair. He turned to leave Joe's side. Joe was still pissed off at Dan. Too pissed off to talk about this issue with him. He only kissed Steve because he saw Dan kissing Paul. Or was Paul kissing Dan?

Dan came back into the party room, notably disturbed. Amanda pulled him aside and went to Joe's bedroom.

"Dan, what's the matter?" she asked sitting on the bed next to Dan.

"Oh, Mandy," he said, falling into Amanda's arms. Amanda consoled Dan the best she could. "I hooked up with another guy and Joe saw me do it. It wasn't my fault though! He started it!"

"Woah, wait a minute," Amanda said, holding up her hand to stop. "What do you mean you hooked up with another guy? Here? Tonight?"

"Yeah, here! Tonight! And Joe saw it! So, then I think he got jealous and he kissed Neil's brother's boyfriend out of spite!"

"Yeah, unfortunately, that sounds like something Joe would do. He always said 'An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth'," said Amanda, reflecting on the past.

Dan laughed a little. "Yeah, I guess I should've remember that. But, Mandy, I'm scared. I don't know what to do. Paul is supposedly straight, according to everyone else. But Joe, and as it turns out he's right, thinks that Paul may have bisexual tendencies. And he certainly had them tonight. God Damn! Why does he have to be so cute?" asked Dan, sitting up again.

"All right, so he's cute. But look at Joe, man. He's cute, too!"

"Yeah, I know. And he is mine. God he drives me crazy," Dan said, sighing.

"I think the alcohol that you both had didn't help the situation at all either. I mean look at both of you. You're drunk! Or else, I don't think you would've been crying in front of me," Amanda laughed.

"Yeah, yeah, I know. Can you do me a favor?"

"Sure."

"Would you please talk to Joe, the Man. Try to smooth things out for me?" asked Dan.

Amanda sighed, "I'll see what I can do." She left Dan sitting on Joe's bed and went out to find Joe.

After Dan had left, Joe went in, grabbed Paul by the arm, and pulled him outside. "Paul, what the fuck do you want with my boyfriend?" he asked, with blood in his eyes.

"Nothing," Paul said grinning.

"Why did you kiss him?"

"Because I felt like it," Paul said, still grinning.

"You're fuckin' trashed aren't you?" asked Joe.

Paul just kept grinning. Well at least Paul was drunk, thought Joe. That gives him sort of an excuse, but not really. Right now, Paul wasn't doing anything for Joe but pissing him off more. Finally, he lost control and just punched Paul in the face, not hard, but enough to knock him down to the ground.

"Woah!" yelled Ro, from inside. "Good shot, Joe!"

Amanda came out of Joe's room, and went out to the balcony, only to see Joe punch Paul in the face.

"Joe!" screamed Amanda. "What are you doing?"

"What he was about to pass out anyway!" Joe reasoned. "I was just helping him! Ro and Kev, come here, will you?"

They both groaned and came out. "Would you please carry Paul back to Tim's bed. He needs to take a rest," Joe said.

"Sure, man," said Kev, bending down to pick Paul's feet up.

"And Ro, drop him on his head a few times. Maybe that'll knock some sense into him," said Joe. They all laughed. Amanda stayed behind.

"Joe, I need to talk to you about something."

"Okay," Joe said, almost knowing where this was leading.

"Dan talked to me a minute ago. He really wants you to go into your room where he is and talk to him."

"Why should I go talk to him?"

"Because he's hurting, Joe. He didn't mean to do what he did in there. He understands why you did what you did with Steve. So, please, for me, go in there and talk to him," Amanda said.

Joe thought about it. "Okay," he said, walking back into the apartment, towards his room. He ran into Steve in the bedroom hallway however.

"Hey Steve, I'm sorry what I did to you out there," Joe said, patting Steve on the shoulder.

"Hey man, no problem," Steve said. He then lowered his voice and said, "Baby, you can kiss me anytime!"

Joe felt that strange feeling taking over his body again. "Oh really?"

"Yeah, anytime."

"Like now?" asked Joe, half teasing.

"Yeah."

Joe got a kick out of watching Steve close his eyes and pucker his lips.

"Ah, I don't think so," Joe said, laughing. Steve looked disappointed. He then realized Joe was kidding and punched him jokingly in the shoulder. They continued on their ways.

Joe nearly toppled over Dan, walking into his room, not knowing Dan was there, watching the whole scene of Joe and Steve. Joe just looked into Dan's eyes, forcefully put one arm around him, and the hand on the back of Dan's head, and kissed him, passionately.

Joe pushed Dan back as he was kissing him into his room. Finally, they released it.

"Damn," Dan said. "What was that for?"

"For being such a great boyfriend, man. For being mine," Joe said.

"You're drunk, Joe," Dan laughed.

"Yeah, well, so are you!"

They both laughed. Dan was relieved that all was forgiven. Joe was thinking the same way. They both walked out of Joe's room and entered the living room, holding hands. They were greeted with an applause and yells. Joe looked at Dan, Dan looked at Joe and both bowed at the same time.

"We were getting worried about you," said Jill, coming up to them and giving Joe a hug.

"Yeah, so was I," said Joe, laughing. Dan just grinned and hugged Jill.

"So, do we have anymore beer?" Dan asked.

Kev yelled out, "Sure, man! We've got plenty."

Joe rolled his eyes as his way of saying Kevin's gone.

Beth and Chuck came over to Joe. "Joe, we gotta leave. But we're awfully glad that you're all right and recovered," Beth said.

Joe gave them each a hug, and Dan did too. From behind him, Joe heard, "Man, Joe's brother is hot!" He turned around and looked for who said it. He spotted Neil's brother, Tom.

"Yeah," Joe said back to him. "And he's straight too, so keep your paws off of him," he said as he walked his bro and sis to the door.

Joe saw them out and came back up. He went to close the door, but twisted his back a funny way and fell onto the ground, yelling in pain. Dan was immediately by his side.

"Joe, are you okay?" he asked, stroking Joe's arm.

"Well, I think I just pulled a muscle in my back, man. I guess I'm not totally recovered yet," he said, trying to get up.

Dan lifted him up and set him on the couch next to where Roland was. Dan looked angry.

"Dan, you're scaring me," Joe said, looking at his face. "What is it?"

"I'm just thinking about the fuckin' bastard who did this to you, man. Makes me really want to beat his ass," Dan said, strongly.

"I'll help you, man," Kev said, getting up, drunk off his ass but ready for a fight.

"Yeah, me too," Neil said.

'Woah, guys! Wait a minute," Joe said, suddenly wincing in pain again from twisting his back a funny way. "Don't cause any trouble, men. What's done is done! Get over it and move on!"

"Some things, man, though, you gotta solve before you can move on," Dan said.

"Dan, if you do this, you'll be stooping to his level!" Joe said, pleading with him to stay.

"Sorry, dude, I love you too much to have you worry about him coming after you again. Who wants to go with me to Kris's apartment?"

* "I will," Neil said. "I will,"Neil's brother said. "Count me in," Kev said. "Come on Ro, you know you want to go, dude."

Oh, not you too, Joe thought as his roommates agreed to go. "Yo, Paul, do you want go come with us," Dan asked Paul, walking back into the room.

"Go where?"

"To pay a visit to our friend, Kris," Kev said, smirking.

"Ah, I see! Okay!" Paul answered, thinking it'll give him more time with Dan. He looked directly at Dan to try and make his point.

Dan was surprised, to say the least. He grinned a little when he saw Paul grinning. Joe did not like where this was going at all. But, he chose not to cause a scene. Amanda and Jill saw this however in Joe's face and spoke up.

"Guys, are you sure you want to do this?" Jill asked, getting up from sitting on the floor with Amanda.

"Yeah, security will be out, and they'll probably catch you," Amanda said.

"They didn't catch Kris," Dan said, with a serious look on his face.

"They're a waste of sperm," Kevin slurred.

"Kev, you're not going," Dan said, pushing down on the sofa. Kevin fell right into the seat and just sat there smiling.

"But, Joe is right, Dan," Amanda said. "It does put you down at his level!"

"I don't care," Dan said, emotionally. "He needs to have this done to him, by us!"

Joe admired Dan's determination. "Ah, let them go. If they get caught, they get caught. But if they don't, then let him have it," Joe said, sitting down next to Kevin as a sign of resigning the fight.

Dan came over to Joe, and kissed him on the lips. Kev screamed, naturally. "We won't be long," Dan whispered to Joe. He got up and said, "let's go, men!"

They started down the steps, when Amanda got up and shouted, "Wait. I'm going, too," she said. "I think someone sober should be along with them," she said to the rest of the remaining party which consisted of Joe, Steve, Jill, and Kevin.

Dan was determined (and also drunk) to pay back Kris for what he did to Joe. He had a one-track mind at this point. Nothing else was in his head. He walked swiftly and surely to where Kris lived in the other on-campus apartment complex. Neil spoke up.

"Dan, I don't think you should knock. He'll know something's up if he sees you."

Dan thought, but continued walking. "Okay, well, who?"

"I'll do it," Amanda said.

"Good idea, he'll go for you," Dan said, smiling at her.

"Thanks," Amanda said, hugging Dan. Even Amanda though was afraid of what was about to happen. The troop finally got to their destination. Paul, Dan, Tom and Neil hid back while Amanda went to the door.

She could hear her heart pounding as she also heard a voice coming towards the door. She was relieved and panicked that it was indeed Kris.

"Amanda!" he said, surprised. "What are you doing here?"

"Well, not much, Kris. How are you?"

"Cool, we were just relaxing, drinking," he said.

"Well, a few of my friends were in the neighborhood and we'd thought we'd pay a visit," she said.

Kris didn't give any action of suspicion. They had him. "Where are they?"

"Oh, they're coming. I'll go get them," Amanda said, turning around and walking to the edge of the building and waved to the rest of the group to come.

What happened next went very fast. Amanda, Tom, and Paul came up first. They shook hands with Kris. And before Kris had time to react, Neil came out of no where and grabbed Kris by the shirt. Kris, for the first time that Neil had seen him, had a frightened look on his face. His deep green eyes were wide. Kris felt his heart beating fast, breathing hard, and his whole body trembling because of what he saw in Neil. Dan came up from behind Neil and closed the door to Kris' apartment to avoid his roommates from hearing anything.

"Kris, buddy, we're gonna go for a walk, man," Neil said, releasing his grip from around his shirt. He quickly put his arm around Kris' neck and dragged him along.

Even though Kris was built and a pretty strong man himself, he proved no match for Neil. Kris started fighting his way away from Neil. Neil only held on stronger. He yelled out for help. Neil covered his mouth with his free hand. Dan was walking on the other side of Kris.

"Shut up!" hissed Neil, glaring into Kris' frightened eyes. "We're gonna go for a little walk to a certain individual's apartment."

It really took all the strength Dan had to not just punch the guy in the face. Roland, who had never met Kris before, was just surprised by the whole situation. Tom's face indicated anger and hatred. Amanda was just watching the whole scene play by in front of her.

"You know, man," Dan said, as they walking. "You're such a piece of shit." Dan was drunk, but he knew what he was saying. The anger was enough to break through the drunkenness. "You put Joe in the fuckin' hospital, man! What did he ever do to you?"

Dan was now extremely heated. He began hitting Kris in the shoulder with his first, not very lightly either.

"Huh?" He asked, punching him. "What the fuck did he ever do to you?" Another punch. Kris seemed to not be fazed by Dan's punching, which only made Dan even more mad.

"Fuckin' bastard!" cried Dan, lurching and loading a punch destined for his head. Paul was looking out for Dan's best interest (gee, I wonder why?) and stepped in at the right time, and held Dan's arm back.

"Don't man," Paul said. "It'll only lead to more trouble."

Dan looked at Paul, who was holding him back by throwing his arms around him

"Do you know what he's suffered? Do you know what I've gone through for him?" Dan screamed. Kris just looked at him wide-eyed. By this time, Neil was shocked at Dan's reaction, and had loosened his grip around Kris.

"You fuckin' tried to kill him, didn't you?" Dan screamed. The group kept marching forward with Kris still being led by Neil who still had his strong arm around him.

"Do you know what it's like?" Dan yelled at Kris.

Kris finally spoke up without screaming. "What are you going to do with me? You little pussy ass fairy," he snarled. "You god damn queen!"

No strength could've stopped Dan from launching at him, and he hit Kris square in the jaw. Kris held his jaw in pain. Dan punched him again in the stomach, this time causing Kris to fall over and grab his stomach. Paul grabbed him again.

"Fuck you," Dan said, in Paul's arms. Neil grabbed Kris again hard and made him walk up to the door. Roland passed the crowd and opened the apartment door.

"Now, what you are going to do," explained Neil. "You are going to go up stairs, apologize to Joe for what you did to him, and then say you'll never lay a finger on him again. Do you understand!" said Neil through his teeth.

Kris, having no choice, said, "All right. Where is the little faggot?"

Dan lurched for him again, held back again by Paul.

"Don't Dan, don't," Paul said, softly in his ear.

"What's going on down there?" asked Jill.

"Sounds like we got some company!" said Kev, grinning.

Joe rolled his eyes. "Great," was all he said.

Neil led Kris up the steps. Joe saw the face appear and screamed. He got up immediately and went into his defense mode.

Neil let go of Kris neck, but made sure he could grab him in time if he attacked Joe again. Dan was behind Neil, followed by Ro, Tom, and Amanda.

"What the fuck is he doing here?" asked Joe, tears forming in his eyes. He looked over at Dan, who was still mad as ever.

"Well, dude, Kris has got something to say to you," Neil said, smiling at Kris. "Don't you?"

Joe just stared at Kris, not batting an eyelid. Joe felt anger building up in him quickly. He wasn't as drunk as he was before. He walked right up to Kris and said, "You practically tried to kill me that night, man. You're fuckin' lucky I didn't press charges."

"Yeah, that's because your little pansy ass didn't want any more attention that you were a homo."

That did it. For the second time, Kris got slugged in the face. This time, Joe got him so hard that he was knocked on the ground. He just sat there, looking up at Joe, surprised that a "Homo" could have so much strength behind him. All he could was hold his lip that was bleeding, break in to a grin, and say, "Wow, Joe. Nice hit."

That took everybody by surprise. Even Joe. All Joe could do was grin back at him and say, "I know." No one knew quite what to do at that point.

Kris got up, still holding his jaw. "Why didn't you fight me back?"

Joe took a deep breath. "Because there were more than one of you. You are bigger than me, man. I just felt intimidated by you."

Kris, still grinning, stuck out his hand, and said, "Man, you may be a faggot, but you sure got some strength behind you. I'm impressed."

Joe wasn't sure what to do now. He reluctantly took his hand, and shook it, very firmly. Joe always had a firm handshake, but he made it extra firm tonight. They shook hands and sighed a breath of relief, which in turn made everyone else do the same.

"Where did you learn to throw a punch like that?" Kris asked.

"Karate, man," responded Joe.

Dan walked over and stood next to Joe. He was not ready to forgive Kris for what he did but was happy to see that Joe seemed to be okay.

"Kris, man, you're a fuckin' asshole for what you did to me," Joe started. "But, I didn't press charges man. I could've if I wanted to, but I didn't. And you know why? I'm too easy on people. I know I should've, but I just couldn't."

Kris said, "Thanks, Joe. I admit I was kinda fucked up that night, and I was drunk and high at the same time. I was in my group of friends, all charged up, and sort of overreacted. I never attacked a gay man before, and I don't know what happened that night. I wasn't thinking straight."

"Well, if you think about it, you were thinking straight," Joe cracked, smiling.

"That was lame Joe," Kev said, slurring his words.

"I'll have to admit that was lame," Ro agreed.

"Hey Fuck You Guys!" Joe exclaimed, laughing.

Dan looked at Joe. He couldn't believe that Joe was giving in this easy. He went to the kitchen and got himself a Bud Ice. Paul sat down on the couch, only to have Dan come back in and sit next to him.

The rest of the party exchanged glances and words to where Kris was going. No one trusted him completely, except it seemed Joe. Joe seemed to be believing everything Kris was saying and doing.

"Man, Joe, are you really gay?" Kris asked.

"Yeah, why do you ask that?" Joe asked getting up to grab another screwdriver, motioning for Kris to follow him, which he did.

"Well, because, you don't act it, man."

Joe grabbed the orange juice and vodka. "Don't tell me you like screwdrivers?" Kris asked.

"The only drink I make," Joe said, making himself the drink. "You want one?"

"Sure!" Kris said. "I already had about three beers tonight. I'm working on a buzz right now."

Joe made another one for Kris. "You see, Kris, not all of gay men are flaming, and all gay men are people, you know!"

"Yeah, I can see that in you, and even Dan. But I will never get over how you guys can get it on like you did in the car that day."

Joe and Kris walked back into the living room. Kris' eye was beginning to turn black and blue.

"You don't have to understand it completely. You have a girlfriend right?" asked Joe.

"Yeah."

"Well, what you feel for her, is what I feel for Dan. It's the same kind of thing, love."

"But isn't it wrong? I mean, you're gonna go to hell," kris said.

"Man, you are stupid. Get your head out of the bible," Joe said. (I'm sorry if I offended anyone by saying that, but this is what I believe). "Yeah, there is a God, and probably there was Jesus as well. But from my experience, I am what I am because God made me like this. I certainly didn't chose it. I mean, if God didn't want gay people, he wouldn't have created us in the first place. That's what I believe."

Kris just took all of what Joe said in, and sat in wonder, thinking on it. Joe got up from his seat and went over to where Dan was sitting, talking to Paul.

"Hey, thanks for bringing my worst enemy into my own apartment," Joe kidded.

Dan got up and said, "Anytime. You two amazingly seem to be hitting it off."

"I know, can you believe it?" I asked.

Joe and Dan went out for another cigarette, chatting about the turn-around Kris was making. They knew something was up.

"You know, there are two types of homophobes. One that doesn't know any better, and one who is uncertain himself. Which do you think Kris is?" Dan asked, quietly.

"To tell you the truth, I think it's the second one, man," Joe said, blowing out smoke.

"Yeah, I agree with you," Dan said, looking into Joe's eyes.

When Paul met Kris, he thought to himself, Damn! Every guy I'm meeting looks good to me tonight. He got up and got himself a beer and sat next to Kris, not knowing exactly what he was doing.

"Look at Paul's next victim," Joe said, pointing to Kris. The two watched Paul make conversation with Kris. They seemed to be hitting off pretty well.

"So, you're the guy who beat up Joe?" Paul asked.

Kris turned his gaze to the floor. "Yeah, I'm sorry."

"Do you have any reason?"

Kris turned up and looked at Paul. "I'm not sure, man. I don't have a distinct reason, actually. I was with friends, we were drunk, and the idea popped into my mind as I saw Joe walk by. I don't know what I was doing. I don't know what made me do it. I just feel uncomfortable around fags."

Paul nodded his head in understanding. "Yeah, it takes a while to get used to the idea. But I am open-minded and accept Joe for what he is."

"Well, Paul seems to be intrigued," Dan said.

"To be honest with you, I can see why he would be. I would never be because of what he did to me, but I can definitely see why he would be," Joe said.

"Yeah, well. I can too, but I'm not interested," Dan said, hugging Joe out of sight from Kris. "When should we kick him out?"

"How about soon?" said a voice from the doorway.

"Ro?"

"Yeah, man. It's gettin' kinda late, like 2:30AM, and I sort of want to hit the sack.," Ro said, walking toward us.

Joe sighed. "Oh, is it that late? Okay, well, I'll try to get rid of them soon." Joe put his cig out and went back inside with Dan.

"Well, guys, my roommate wants to go to bed soon, so we're gonna have to sort of end this party," Joe said to everyone.

"Aw, but I just got here," Kris said, in his loud voice.

"I know," Joe said, smiling. "That's why it's time for you to leave."

Kris just laughed at that, and got up. Paul followed suit. "Well, Joe, I guess I'm out of here then. I am truly sorry for what I did to you, man"

Joe shook the hand of the man who hurt him and said, "It's okay, man."

Dan stayed in the background, satisfied that Joe had faced it straight on, and could move on now. But was puzzled at the turn around Kris had.

Paul moved up next to Joe. Joe hugged him, whether he wanted to be or not. Paul returned the embrace.

"Thanks for coming, Paul," Joe said, kissing him on the cheek.

"Your welcome, Joe. I'm glad you're okay."

Dan moved closer to the departing guests. He shook hands with Kris. Paul grabbed Dan however and pulled him into a big, strong hug. Dan had a surprised look on his face. Paul kissed Dan on the cheek.

"Thanks for inviting me, Dan. Joe's really lucky to have you," he said softly.

Kris turned around to leave.

"Kris, where do you live?"

"In the other apartment complex," Kris answered.

"Cool," Paul replied. "I'll walk with you." With that, they both left together.

Joe and Dan exchanged glances, wondering what they would be doing tonight. Both were pretty drunk and who knows what would happen.

Neil, his brother, and boyfriend were the next to leave. Neil shook hands with Joe and Dan, as did Tom. Steve on the other hand, kissed Joe on the lips, only to be taken away by Tom. It was quite amusing. Amanda headed out with that crowd as did Jill.

Pretty soon, it was just Joe, Dan, Ro, and Kev still in the apartment. Somehow, they made the apartment look decent before they all went to bed.

Ro and Kev went into their rooms, and Joe and Dan were again left alone in the living room. This time, Dan turned off the lights. Joe could tell this was going to be a special night for some reason. He was ready to accept whatever Dan wanted to offer.

Joe felt Dan's hot body against his, naked as the day he was born, feeling his light coat of leg hair against his own legs, Dan's chest against his. And finally, his lips against his. Joe moaned in pleasure.

Dan licked his way down to Joe's neck, a very sensitive area to Joe. He gently licked, sucked and kissed Joe's, making Joe squirm around in pleasure. Joe could feel Dan's hot breath running over his skin, turning him on even more.

"Oh yeah, Dan...."

Dan moved around and down to Joe's chest, playing with each nipple while he kept kiss and licking Joe's neck. Joe couldn't take it any more, pulled Dan up by the sides of his head, and kissed him very hard and very passionately.

Dan went back to pleasing Joe, licking his nipples, sucking them as well. Joe could feel Dan's rough tongue against his nipple. He withered in pleasure. Dan took it slow and worked his way down to Joe's navel. Dan took off Joe's jeans and boxers in one swoop. Joe's cock sprung back to life. Dan sighed as he felt Joe's hard cock in his hand.

Joe sighed as Dan started stroking it very slowly.

"Yeah, Joe, You like that?"

"Yeah, ah, yeah, aw, man."

"Well, imagine how my ass is going to feel around it," Dan whispered.

Joe's eye shot open. He looked down at Dan, who was looking up at him.

"You'd let me do that, babe?" Joe asked.

"Absolutely. My ass has been dying to have your cock in it," Dan said.

"Well, get on your back. Oh, what about lube?"

"Don't worry about that, man. It's in my bag over there," Dan said, getting up and getting the bag.

"Damn, you come prepared. Do you always do this?"

"Only with you, babe," Dan said, kissing Joe on the lips, coming back over to him, with lube and two condoms in hand.

"Oh, Dan, man," Joe sighed.

Dan got back down on the couch, spreading his legs open while on his back.

Joe just looked down at the beautiful figure in the light coming through the back window of the apartment. He was really turned on by this sight.

"Aw, man, I can't believe it."

"Believe it," Dan said, in a sexy, seductive voice.

Joe opened the bottle of lube, and gently lubed up his finger until it was glistening. He gently felt around Dan's ass until he felt the tight hole. He gently began to protrude it with his finger. Dan had no complaints, in fact he was moaning in pleasure. Finally, Joe got his whole middle finger in it. He moved it in and out slowly.

"Are you ready for two, babe?" Joe asked.

"Aw, yeah, baby! Give me two," Dan said, his eyes fixed on Joe's eyes.

Joe lubed up two and stuck them in slowly.

"Ooh baby, that's tight," Joe said, as he felt Dan's ass contract on to his finger.

Dan gasped in pain, but stifled his cry.

'Hurt too much?" Joe asked, concerned.

"No, man. Just give me some time to get used to it," he said, grimacing.

Joe left his fingers in, and after about 15 seconds, started moving them slowly in and out. Dan had never felt anything like that before. It hurt a little, but it also felt damn good!

"Aw, Joe, man, that feels good, yeah, finger my ass," Dan said, almost whispering.

When Joe thought Dan was ready, he took his fingers out of his ass, and put on the condom, lubing it up. He smiled down at Dan's face, and guided his cock into Dan's tight ass. It slid in relatively easy, and Dan knew now he was complete. He sighed, and smiled up at Joe.

"Damn, Dan, man. That's sweet," Joe exclaimed, as he slowly started moving in and out.

Dan grabbed his cock, stroking it, and moaning softly in pleasure. Joe increased his pace a little, Dan's moans also increased. Joe felt extremely good at this point, in pleasure, fucking the man that he loved. He never felt more complete. This just felt so right.

Joe started thrusting really hard, getting into it. Dan took whatever he had to give and even encouraged him to go faster.

"Yeah, Joe, fuck my ass hard, come on. I wanna hear those balls slam against my ass, man."

"Aw, yeah, man! Take my cock!" Joe moaned.

Joe did fuck Dan hard enough to bang his balls against his ass. By this point, things had heated up pretty much, and Joe was dripping sweat on Dan's already sweaty body. Joe knew he couldn't keep it up much longer.

"Dan, buddy, I'm close," Joe said, speeding up his thrusting even more.

"Yeah, dude, so am I, Joe," Dan replied, stroking his cock even harder.

Joe was very close. He moaned louder with each thrust. And finally, he gave in to the feeling and shot the load in Dan's ass but in a condom. He felt waves of pleasure run through his whole body, as it shook.

Dan could feel Joe's dick expanding in his ass. It was awesome, so awesome in fact that he passed the point of no return as well, groaning loudly and shooting a load up to his chin!

Both exhausted now, Joe collapsed on Dan, with Dan's cum between them. Both were breathing hard, and hot. Joe gently pulled his now soft cock out of Dan. Dan felt something leave him that he didn't want to leave.

"Aw, man, don't take it out," he whispered to Joe.

"Don't worry, man, it'll be back in," Joe whispered back.

They just laid there, spent and tired. Joe kissed Dan on the lips, Dan returned the kiss back.

"We have to go to bed, man," Dan said.

"I know," Joe said, getting up off of Dan. "Wanna take a quick shower though?"

"Yeah, man."

They both took quick showers, dead tired, and collapsed on to Joe's bed, and fell fast asleep.

All too soon, morning came. Ro's alarm went off first, only to have him set the snooze on it twice more. Joe had gotten used to the fact that Ro did that all the time, but it used to get on his nerves to no end. Dan had to get up when Ro did, being that he had to get back to his apartment before he went to class. Not wanting to disturb Joe, he quietly got out of bed, packed his stuff and left, kissing Joe on the cheek. Dan looked for a moment how peaceful and cute Joe looked in his bed, covers pulled up tight, breathing lightly. He smiled and left.

Pretty soon, it was Easter Vacation. It would be the first time Joe and Dan were not together for a weekend since they had started dating. Neither was looking forward to being away from another, but they vowed to call and e-mail each other over the four day weekend. Dan lived about an hour and a half away from Joe did, so visiting wasn't really a practical option. Joe went home on Thursday to stay with his parents until at least Saturday.

The first night home, Joe called Dan and talked to him for about an hour before he went to bed. They talked about little things, whatever.

Dan got off the phone and walked out of his room, only to find his father standing in the middle of the upstairs hallway.

"What Dad?" asked Dan, puzzled. His dad didn't look the happiest at the moment.

"Who were you just talking to?" Dan's father asked.

"Uh, my friend, Joe from college," Dan said.

"Was it a guy?"

"Yes, what are you getting at?" Dan asked, fearing what was coming next.

"Well, I picked up the phone by accident and caught a little of the conversation," his father said, not moving a muscle.

Oh, shit, thought Dan. What now?

"And I heard some things I wasn't quite sure I heard correctly."

"Uh huh," Dan said, closing his eyes.

"Dan, are you queer?" his Dad asked.

Dan quickly thought, and decided to lie. "No, Dad, whatever gave you that idea?" Dan asked, trying to laugh.

"The phone call did."

"What?"

"I heard you telling this Joe guy that you loved him. He said he loved you back," Dan's father said.

Well there was no turning back now. The cards were on the table. Dan thought quickly.

"Let's go downstairs, Dan. I want to talk to you now." They both went down and sat in the living room. Dan's mom was out for the night with Dan's younger brother.

"First of all, I want you know, that I'm okay with it if you are," his father said. "I have no problem with it. Your mother on the other hand I don't think could take it."

Dan took a deep breath and looked directly into his father's eyes. "Yes, I am, Dad. I'm gay. Joe is my boyfriend."

Dan's father took a deep breath as well. He sighed. "Son, I love you very much. I've known you to make the right decisions almost every time. But, do you realize that you just made a decision that could really affect your life for the rest of your life?

"Yes dad, I know. It's not really a decision, though. You have to understand that. I didn't chose to be gay. I am what I am, and I can't change that."

Dan's father closed his eyes. "You know, I thought I was prepared for the moment you told me this," he said, laying his head back on the sofa.

Dan looked at his father, turning his head quickly. "You what?" he asked, getting a little worked up.

He took a deep breath, and looked at Dan again. "I thought I had a pretty good idea when I found those magazines under your bed one day, as I was vacuuming the house. You were away at college, and I decided not to bring it up. I then found some files you left on the family computer."

Dan shook his head in sorrow. "Yeah, I knew I'd forget about them sooner or later," he said.

"And you know, Dan, you did like all the things a boy did, but you did have your feminine side, too. You seemed to want to do things your older sister did, like dance. You also liked Broadway music..."

Dan blushed. "How do you know all this stuff, Dad?"

"Well, I was a former musician, don't forget. I played in the orchestra many years for shows on Broadway," Dan's dad explained. "I became acquainted with some of the gay people in the business. I know some characteristics. You'd be surprised at the things I know."

Dan shook his head in understanding.

"But keep in mind. I'm an open-minded kind of guy, but I'm a little more reserved when it comes to family, particularly my family."

"I can understand that, but you don't know how much better I feel now that it's out in the open and you seem to be okay with it."

"I am okay with it, but it'll take me a little while until I can fully say I'm okay with it." Dan's Dad clarified.

"I'm cool with that," Dan said, smiling. He wanted to hug his strong father so bad at this point. He threw his arms around his dad, something he hadn't done in a long long time. His dad hugged him back, kissing him on the forehead. Dan let a single tear drop from his eyes.

"Thanks, Dad," Dan said, getting up. "What about Mom?"

"That's a difficult decision, Dan. She's very religious you know, and she's pretty conservative. I don't know what we should do."

"Well if you know, then I'm gonna feel like shit every time I see her. I don't like keeping secrets from her, Dad."

"I know, son, but we've got to think of a way to ease her into it."

"I don't have time to ease her into it, Dad. I know it's not fair, but I've got to tell her before I leave tomorrow," Dan said

"Dan, I strongly you suggest that you wait," His dad said.

"But," Dan started. "Well, it'll make the whole situation awkward!"

Just then his mother walked in. She was in her early 50's, dyed brown short hair, about Dan's height, a thin, relatively attractive woman.

"No it wouldn't. " Dan's father answered. He got up and walked out to the kitchen, giving Dan a look of Don't do it.

Dan thought otherwise. He thought of his mother as a wonderful mother who cared and loved her kids. She always was there for him in his time of needs. And was deeply religious.

His 18 year old brother came into the room. "Hey Dan!"

"Hey Sean," Dan said, getting up and following his mother into the room.

"You wanna catch a movie tonight?" His brother asked him.

"Maybe later," Dan said. "I gotta talk to Mom."

Dan walked into the kitchen and sat down at the kitchen table. "Mom, I need to talk to you."

Dan's father glanced at Dan, knowing fully well what he was doing.

"Sure honey," she answered, sitting across the table from him.

"Mom, I don't know how to say this, but I have to tell you something about me."

She took his hand in hers, and said, softly, "What is it, Dan?"

"Mom....I'm gay," he said ,looking down at the table.

"What?" she asked, not batting an eyelid.

Dan looked up at her this time in the eye, and said, "I'm gay."

His mom quickly withdrew her hand. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, I'm gay," Dan said, raising his voice a little.

"Honey, you can't be gay," she said.

"Well, I can be, and I am."

"That's what you think, maybe it's just a phase," she said, trying to come up with excuses.

"No, Mom, I don't think it's just a phase. Because if it is, then it's been a phase I've been going through my whole life."

His mom's eyes started to tear up. "But you can't be, it's wrong."

"Who says it's wrong?"

"God says it's wrong."

"God doesn't say anything like that. The bible may say it, but the bible was written by men."

"It's wrong, believe me, Daniel. It's wrong."

"It's wrong for two people to love each other?"

"No. But it's wrong for two men to love each other in that way. It's just unnatural."

"Mom, you're being ridiculous."

"Not as ridiculous as you're being, telling me your gay. You're my son, you can't be gay!" she screamed, tears in her eyes.

"Well, I am gay," Dan said, waving in tone. "And I am your son, so get used to the idea," he said, in a flat, low, strong tone.

"Well, then you're not my son," she screamed. She got up from the table. Dan was angry now.

"How can you look at me and say that?" Dan said, crying.

"If you are what you say you are, then you can just forget about me," his mom yelled at him.

Dan was shocked beyond belief. His brother heard the argument and made his way downstairs. He was standing in the door way of the kitchen between the dining room. Dan looked over at him briefly through his tears.

"Bea, look, you're obviously excited," his dad finally said. "Let's just let it drop for now," he said, looking at Dan.

"No, Dad. I can't leave like this. I love you, Mom. And thought you loved me. How can you say that I am not your son?"

His mom started speaking slowly and softly. "You are not my son, so as long as you are gay!" she ended, screaming.

"Fine!" Dan said, not wanting to take much more of this verbal abuse. "Then I'm leaving!" Dan was very upset and pissed off. And he wanted his mom to know it too. "Yeah, that's right, I'm pissed off at you, you bitch!"

That lit off a fuse in Dan's mom's mind. She lunged for her son, and started slapping him. Dan screamed.

His Dad stepped in to restrained her. Dan and his mom locked eyes, tears falling. Dan felt hatred towards his mother, something he never felt before.

"Fine, Mom. Just don't call me Son, and I won't call you Mom!" Dan screamed, getting up and leaving the room. He ran up the steps, slammed the door, and called Joe. By this time, it was 1AM, Dan didn't care, though.

In the middle of the night, Joe heard his phone line ring. He waited for two rings, then stumbled out of bed in the dark and answered the phone.

"Yeah?" Joe asked, in a sleepy voice.

"Joe," said the voice, who sounded like he was in tears.

Joe immediately woke up and answered, "Yeah? What is it, Dan? What's wrong?"

"Everything, man. I'm coming back down tonight."

Joe sat up in bed, quickly. "Dan, wait. What happened?"

"I can't tell you now Joe! I'm lucky I'm allowed to make this phone call. My parents know, that's all I can say. I'm leaving."

Joe sighed, "Okay, man. Be careful driving down. You're welcome to stop by my house. In fact, I want you to."

"Okay, Joe. I need you man," he said starting to cry.

"Oh, don't worry man, I'll be here for you when you get here."

"Okay, bye," Dan said, hanging up afterwards. He looked around his room, wondering if this was the last time he was ever going to see it. He took a few more of things than he came with, and put them all in a suitcase and walked down the steps.

His mother was still crying in the kitchen. His dad came into the living room.

"Thanks, Dan, for leaving me with this mess," his Dad said, giving him a hug.

"I don't care what she does," Dan said. "She said it first. I'm not her son. She's not my mom. I can live without her," Dan said with tears in his eyes. His dad gave him another big hug.

"Don't worry, Daniel. I'll work it all out," His dad said. Dan looked up at his father and saw in his eyes that he would.

"Thanks, Dad. Call me," Dan said, picking up his bag and heading out the door.

"Yo, Dan," said a voice from the shadows out on the front lawn.

Dan jumped up in the air. "God! You scared me," he said as his younger brother came out into the light, smoking a cigarette.

"I heard everything in there, man. I'm sorry Mom went so ballistic."

"So, you're okay with it?" he asked.

"Dan, you're my brother. I'll have a hard time getting used to it, but you are my brother. I still love and care about you, man. Come on, I'll go home with you, man. I don't want you driving like this man," He said, taking his big brother by the shoulders, directing him towards his car

"What will Mom say?" he asked, as he put his stuff in the car.

"Who cares, I'm 18! She can't do anything to me, man. I'll be back this weekend, right?"

"Yeah, I'll drive you back up Sunday," Dan said.

"Besides, I want to talk to you," Sean stated.

"Oh, okay," Dan said, wondering how this car ride was going to go.

His brother grabbed the keys away from him.

"Dude, look at you, you've got tears in your eyes. You ain't gonna see shit on the road like that."

Dan didn't fight it, and let his bro drive. Soon they were on the road, an hour more to drive.

"So, you heard everything?"

"Well, not everything, man, just Mom yelling 'You're gay?'"

Dan smiled at that, because of the way Sean imitated his mother.

Dan sighed, and said, "Oh, fuck, what am I going to do? That was not like me or Mom!"

"I know," Sean said.

"What the fuck should I now?"

"Well, Dad will calm Mom down," Sean said. "But, as far as you and Mom go, I don't know. I've never heard her shout like that before."

"Yeah, neither did I."

There was some silence.

Sean broke it by asking, "Dan, when was the first time you were sure that you were gay?"

Dan grinned at that question. "I don't know, man. As far as I can remember, I liked the sight of boys and men. I guess it was in 10^th grade that I really started to notice I was different," Dan said. "Why do you ask that?"

"I'm curious, because, well, I've started to have feelings for guys," Sean said softly, looking intently on the road.

"WHAT?" Dan asked.

"I think I could be sort of the same way as you, man," Sean said, looking briefly at Dan.

"No shit," Dan said, softly.

"Yeah, I try not to think about it, though. But one day, I know I'm gonna have to face it. I don't think I'm gay, I like women too."

"I don't," Dan interrupted.

"Yes, I figured that. But I am having feelings for guys that I've suppressed for so long. But they keep surfacing and getting stronger, man."

"Well, I'm not going to help you or anything!"

"Shut up, Dan! I didn't ask you to. Ew, that sick, man."

Dan laughed. "I was just kidding man."

They bullshited for a while longer, something they hadn't done in a while, laughing, having a good time, despite what had happened less than hour before.

Sooner or later, Dan and Sean arrived at Joe's house. The house was pitch black, except for the porch light on. There was a figure sitting on the porch chair. It had to be Joe.

Dan said from inside the car, "there he is. That's Joe, the man!"

Sean gave him the once over, and replied, "He IS cute!" Sean said.

"He's mine, Sean," Dan stated, getting out of the car.

Joe was shocked to see two people get out of Dan's car. He went down to the sidewalk and greeted the two people. Dan ran to Joe and gave him a big hug and short kiss on the lips.

"Joe, this is my brother, Sean." Dan said, pointed to Sean. Sean extended his hand. "Sean, this is Joe, the Man!"

Joe could not believe his eyes. It looked like a younger version of Dan. He had the same curly hair, the same blue eyes, a little different features in the face, same body type, a little shorter, but still as cute.

Joe smiled and shook Sean's hand. Joe was still very anxious about what was wrong with Dan. "Would you like to go to my apartment?"

"Sure," Joe said. Fuck the parents, Joe thought. They'll find out where he is when he calls tomorrow morning. They got into the car and left for Dan's place.

So, Dan told the story of the fight, and Joe listened, wide-eyed and blown away.

"Man, I'm crying just listening to you tell it," Joe said, wiping his tears, after he was finished. Joe thought of Dan in the situation, and felt extremely bad for him.

"Yeah, I know," Dan said, tearing up. "I can believe she said that I'm not her son!"

"Well, maybe she needs some time to get over it," Joe said. "My parents needed some time to get used to it."

"Yeah, but does your parents have two boys that may both swing that way?" Sean asked.

Joe looked at Dan, with his mouth wide open in shock. "What?"

"My bro informed me on the way down here that he has been thinking about guys lately," Dan said.

Joe laughed, quietly. "Man, that's fucked up!"

"Tell me about it," Dan said. "Well, we're here," he said, as they all got out of the car.

"Cool," Sean said. He turned off the car and opened the trunk for Dan.

They all went up to Dan's apartment. Dan's roommates were not around.

"Man, I'm tired," Joe said.

"What?"

"I'm tired, you woke me up, and then gave me the shock of my life, and now your safe back at your own apartment, I'd say it's time for me to be tired again," Joe said, laying down on the couch.

"Well don't get too comfortable on that couch, man. You're sleeping with me," He whispered so his brother couldn't here him. He felt funny being loving in front of his little brother.

"Well, then carry me," Joe said, smiling, his eyes closed.

"Okay," Dan said, scooping him up into his arms like a baby and carrying him into his room. He set him down on the bed, and went back out.

"Sean, I've got an extra blanket in the closet there, and an extra pillow too. Feel free to help yourself, you know like you usually do," Dan said. "I'm going to bed."

Dan got undressed to his boxers. Joe had already done the same, and was between the sheets of Dan's bed. Dan crawled in bed with him, snuggling up behind him. It was so comfortable and familiar. But tonight, the thoughts of Dan's mom came back into Dan's head. He started crying, quietly.

Joe turned around to face him. "Dan, babe, it's gonna be okay, just give it time, babe," he said, taking Dan in his arms. Dan rested his face on Joe's chest.

"I hope you're right," Dan said, through tears.

Joe kissed Dan on the forehead. "As long as I'm with you, I will make sure of it," Joe promised.

Dan hugged Joe back, and soon they both drifted off to sleep.


Well, that wraps up part 5 of Dan, The Man. I hope you enjoyed this section. There will be more to come shortly. In the meantime, if you have any comments, please send them to SNJBoy76@aol.com Thanks!