Date: Mon, 9 Feb 2004 05:57:38 -0800 (PST) From: Randy Subject: Joey and Joshua: Prelude Chapter 5C Joey and Joshua: The Prelude. Chapter 5C: The Prom. By Randy P. Copyright 2003 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Disclaimer: These stories are a work of fiction and contain descriptions of homosexual sex. Any resemblance to real people or events is coincidental. If this type of material offends you, or if you are forbidden by law to read it, please exit the story now. Email comments may be emailed to: usam1a2mbt@yahoo.com. Flames will be deleted without comment. The usual copyright laws apply. Note on the Prelude: This prelude is written to provide for the setup of the main story involving Joey and Joshua and contains time gaps that may or may not be expanded in the future. Dedication: This series is dedicated to my first true love, Scott. I'll never forget the fun and love we shared, Scott. I miss you terribly. I've decided to call one of the characters Scott in this story as a tribute to what we had, love. Special thank you's go to: Erotic Dreams for her editing, and "Sam" for his inspiration. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- We were startled out of our quiet embrace as the glass divider slid down exposing Reynaldo looking back at us with a happy smile on his face. Alex paid us no attention, occupied with driving as we spied the ugly structural lump of the High School approaching through the windshield. "We're almost there, as you can see. I guess we should let you know that we will both be with you two... and I think you know someone else who will be there, Joshua. Derek will be there as a police cadet, observing security as part of his training." Reynaldo said in a quiet, reassuring tone. "You okay, babe?" Scott asked, looking at me with worry in his eyes, knowing of the acrimonious breakup that Derek and I had gone through and the uncomfortable discussion we had had on the phone some weeks prior. "Yeah, I will be, once we get this over with. I am half tempted to say `screw this' and go straight home with you," I muttered. "It'll be okay," Alex called back. "We'll be there and things will go smoothly. You'll be out of here in no time." Muttering "Yeah, right," under my breath and giving Scott a quick kiss, I turned to look out the window, watching the limo enter the parking lot. Looking at the Gymnasium area with trepidation, I missed the glance that Scott and Reynaldo exchanged. As the limo slowed to a stop in front of the doors, I noticed people entering the gymnasium and spotted someone I was not too particularly fond to see -- Derek. Why did HE have to be here on the one night I wanted to be free of incident? I wanted this night to be the joyous night I had been dreaming about for a long time. Certainly, the restaurant was the happiest moment of my life, but this was... the downside. I felt Scott nudge my leg. After giving Derek a glare he could not see, I turned back to Scott, composing a smile on my face. "Yeah, love?" Scott gave me a look that said `you aren't fooling me' and said, "Don't let Derek or the others get to you, hon. This is our night, not theirs. Ignore them, this will be over soon!" He said that with such a smile that I nearly went out of my head with joy. I knew that we were entering yet another phase in a night filled with them. How did I get so lucky to have such a wonderful friend, lover and... husband. I took Scott into my arms and gave him an intense kiss and hug, feeling his body responding to me. He whispered in my ear, "I love you!" as we let go of each other. We looked out of the limo as Reynaldo opened the door and saw Alex come into view, settling something on his hip. His jacket was covering a slight bulge, so I had a good idea of what it was. As I got out and straightened up, I came face to face with Derek. I felt Scott take my hand and give it a gentle squeeze. "Hi, Josh. How are you doing?" Derek asked in a friendly tone. "I'm fine. I heard about you entering the Academy. I guess congratulations are in order for you," I answered politely, wanting to scream at him. "Glad to hear that, and thanks. I am happy Scott and you are here. I hope you enjoy yourselves tonight," he responded. "It looks beautiful in there." "I'm sure we will, Derek. Thanks for the welcome," Scott said, feeling my hand tighten on his. "I guess we should go then, then." "Sure thing. Nice talking to you two again," Derek answered. We went through the double doors, hearing the buzz of conversation and seeing the terrific job the prom committee had done with the place. There were multi-colored streamers and ribbons draped across the ceiling, hanging down like cascading waterfalls to match the nautical theme they had chosen. There was a big display along the left side of the gym, highlighted with various-colored spotlights, adorned with a drawing of a sunken Titanic, multiple types of fish, scuba divers and even what looked like a nuclear submarine off to one side, no doubt in honor of one of my classmates who got accepted into the U.S. Naval Academy. There were a few sea-green balloons bouncing around underfoot; some long tables off to the right side with food and drinks. A photographer's setup in the right corner of the room and a stage erected on the far end of the gym with equipment that belonged to the local band they had hired. Soft piped-in music filled the air, along with various scents ranging from perfumes to the odor of fresh-baked cookies. As we came to a stop looking at everything, holding hands, the place went quiet except for the music, with people staring at us. Scott convulsively squeezed my hand and I looked over at his face seeing something I rarely saw... fear. My head snapped around to the right as I heard a voice, "Well, look here, it's the faggots!" My eyes narrowed as I identified the idiot who said those words -- Frank. I saw Derek slide into place next to me and give Frank a cool look. "Remember what we talked about, Frank?" Derek said in an icy tone. "You make any trouble, you will go into the tank for a bit to cool down." "Yeah, whatever," Frank mumbled and walked away, giving Scott and I a glare. We exchanged looks and watched Derek fade back into the doorway where he had been lurking. I watched as Alex walked purposefully toward Frank. "Come on, babe, let's get our pictures taken," Scott murmured. "Forget that turd." We got in line and watched the photographer take pictures of other couples, and when it was our turn, he grinned and motioned us to take our spots, reading the card we had filled out while waiting. "I know just the way to picture you two," He said. "Let's try Joshua behind Scott, then reversing that. Is that okay with you two?" We agreed, Scott sitting down while I stood behind him, my hands on his shoulders. We smiled our best as one picture was taken, and then another. We switched places at the photographer's gesture, smiled again and it was over. "I'm thirsty, let's get something to drink stud," Scott declared. As we began to amble our way toward the drinks table, a guy that seemed vaguely familiar intercepted us. Scott tensed up and I saw Derek and Alex both start slowly moving toward us. I looked at the man, smiled and said, "Hi, what's up?" He hesitated, looked at Alex and Derek and muttered, "This was not a good idea." Something in his tone made us stop and Scott asked, "What's wrong?" Sighing, he looked at me, "Josh, I'm sure we've not talked before. My name's Adam. I joined school back in January after moving here from Canada." "Yeah, I remember you now. What's up, bud?" I questioned. "Um... I don't mean any harm to you two, I... never mind, I can't do this," he said in a tone of despair. I caught him by the arm as he started to move away and swung him to look at us. "Come on, Adam. What's wrong?" I gently asked. "I wanted to say I think I'm gay... and what you two are doing is so brave. I wish I had the courage to bring someone here if I could have found someone," he managed to get out before starting trembling slightly. Scott and I traded a glance and as one, hugged him tight. Over Adam's shoulder, I saw Frank and some of his friends give us a disgusted look and turn around. Scott talked soothingly said, "Adam, we'll talk later if you want, okay? I know it took a great deal of courage just to say that to us, especially with those hoodlums over there. If you feel threatened here, come to us, or to Alex and Derek." Adam got a look of shock on his face as he realized what he had just did -- at the least, made himself look gay-friendly, at the worse, outed himself. I gripped his shoulder in reassurance. He put his hand on my wrist in a silent thank you, looking scared. We both gave him a reassuring smile and continued on our way to the drinks table, Adam following us in our wake. Alex came up to us and asked in a low voice, "Everything okay?" "Yeah, Alex. Adam thinks he is gay; he seems like a cool guy. It's okay," I stated. Adam gave me a startled look so I explained about Alex and Reynaldo. After hearing everything, he started to relax as Alex gave him a big smile of reassurance. Alex smiled and left us alone while we got some drinks and started to talk about the Phillies and Pirates baseball teams. After a few moments of chatting, Adam started to become more relaxed, however everything suddenly took a downward turn. I caught a frightened expression on Adam's face; and watched Scott react in alarm and caught Derek lunging towards us as a hand spun me around. In slow motion, I saw the flash of a blade along with Frank's enraged face and moved my arm up instinctively to ward off the downward moving blade. I saw a blur of motion past me as Scott tackled Frank and I felt the tip of the knife slice the top of my hand before Frank hit the floor with Scott on top! I saw Scott draw his arm back and prepare to punch Frank in the face. Frank started to move his arm forward to stab Scott and suddenly stopped when a foot pinned his arm to the floor and a pistol was aimed at him with the command, "Drop it!" coming from Alex. Derek grabbed Scott's arm at the same time, dragging him off Frank and holding him back. I nearly went nuts at that, seeing Derek touch my beloved, and started to go after Derek -- and stopped when strong arms held me back. I looked backwards and saw Reynaldo's stern expression and a whispered, "Don't!" I froze in place, feeling... angry, shocked and hurt with blood dripping from my cut hand. Reynaldo looked down, noticed the bleeding, and took out a clean handkerchief wrapping my hand, trying to stem the flow. I saw Derek pick up the knife while Alex handcuffed Frank, reading him his rights as he did so. Scott came back to my side, taking over the pressure on my hand, while Derek talked into his radio, requesting backup and an ambulance. The whole place stood in shocked silence as Alex finished cuffing Frank, keeping him pinned down on the floor lightly. I saw Derek look at Frank's friends with a serious expression, as one by one they left the gymnasium. I heard sirens off in the distance and after a short time, saw some officers entering the gym, heading directly for Alex after spotting him. We watched as he gave a short summary of everything that occurred, including gesturing at my hand, while one of the officers was making notes. Mr. Ferguson, the principal, stepped up the mike and said, "Everyone, let's get back to what we were doing, please, and allow the police to finish with their business. Let's not allow this little `unpleasantness' to ruin our lovely evening!" The crowd started to disperse and the noise of chatter picked up again with a few people heading for the food tables as the band started to set up on the stage. Meanwhile, Scott and I were lead by Derek over to near the door, and I spotted an ambulance arriving. Groaning, I muttered, "It's not THAT serious. I'm not leaving." Derek grinned, "Still the same old stubborn Josh. Scott, do you have the same trouble I did with this hunk?" I blinked and turned crimson as both of them laughed with Scott replying, "Yes, I do. He is stubborn as anyone I have ever met. It's one of the reasons why I love him." Derek gave Scott a startled look and raised his eyebrow. Scott gave him an engaging smile in silent answer. Motion at the doorway attracted our attention as the officers and Alex escorted out Frank. The scum gave me a threatening look as he disappeared and I heard Derek mutter, "He'd best watch it..." That drew surprised looks from Scott and I, and he blushed. I opened my mouth to speak as the paramedics entered. They spoke to Alex on his way out and at his gesture, made a beeline for me. One of the paramedics, who resembled a younger copy of Alex, approached and knelt down on my right side with latex gloves on. He unwrapped my hand, examining the inch-long cut along the edge. It was not bleeding as much as before, apparently clotting nicely. "Well, doc, what's the verdict? Are you going to have to amputate?" I jokingly asked. He looked up and laughed, "Josh, I don't think so... this time!" That made me stop and look closer at him asking, "How'd you know my name?" "I'm Tony, Alex's younger brother. He filled me in. What you have is a minor wound. Be thankful the knife did not cut deeper. I will clean it and put some steristrips on it to hold it closed while it heals. It'll be healed before you know it," he grinned at me. "Okay, thanks," I smiled back. Scott and I traded incredulous looks and we both knew what the other was thinking... `Hot!" We giggled, watching Derek and Tony exchange amused looks. "Derek, where's your boy?" Tony questioned. "Shouldn't he be here with you tonight?" "I wish, but he's off on vacation with his folks. He will not be back for a few days yet. I miss him like hell," Derek answered in a frustrated tone. "He'll be back before you know it buddy," Tony said in a confident tone. "Yeah, I know," He grumbled. Tony gave Derek a sympathetic smile and turned his attention back to my hand, beginning to clean it. I moved my left hand to adjust my right sleeve up so it would not get in Tony's way. Something must have flashed off the twin gems of ruby and emerald set in the golden band of our commitment rings, causing Derek to look at the hand. Tony looked up at Derek and followed his glance, raising his eyebrows at seeing the band. They both checked out Scott's left hand and looked at us both. "Wait a moment... what are these?" Derek asked in a confused tone. "They are on your left hands." Scott gave me a glance as I stared into Derek's eyes, "Scott and I got married tonight over dinner at the Bistro, Derek. I know the law says it is not legal, but frankly, we do not care. To us, this is a real thing and binding." After Derek gave us both a startled glance, he grinned, "Congrats, both of you. I cannot express how happy I am for both of you. Josh, I know we have had our problems, and I regret those. I'm truly happy for you." Derek hesitated, but the look in his eyes only showed honesty. With slow movements, he came closer to me as Scott moved away from me. He gave me a gentle nudge on the shoulder, towards Derek's open arms. The anger that I had felt evaporated as I wrapped him in my forgiving arms and his returning hug was the tightest he had ever given me. Derek loosened one arm, with a genuine tenderness, reached for Scott, and drew him into a three-way hug. As we stepped back from each other, the smiles told their own story as did Tony's wide grin. "A thousand congratulations to both of you," Tony murmured in a low voice, continuing his work on my hand. "Thanks," we said in chorus again. Dang, we seem to be doing that a good deal today, ha. As Tony finished his work, Mr. Ferguson stepped up to the mike, "Everyone, your attention, please. It is time to announce the homecoming King and Queen. As it is our custom, votes were cast last week. I would like to ask the following four candidates for queen and the four candidates for king to please come up on the stage." He proceeded to reel off the names of the four candidates for each, with each of them proceeding up to the stage. He continued, "The King and Queen from last year will crown the winner. I yield the stage to Mrs. Vicky Beckham, last year's Queen, and Mr. Brendan O'Connor, last year's King." Scott and I watched, holding hands quietly while Vicky moved behind each of the four women on the stage, stopping at each, then moving back and forth, drawing the process out. Just when it looked like the girls were going to scream, she stopped at one, Marsha Adams, and placed the crown on her head. Marsha squealed in delight while the other 3 girls, despite their obvious disappointment, cheered, clapped and hugged her. I smiled, hanging on to Scott's hand, feeling his strong grip. Then it was time for the King. Brendan was an awful tease, he had flirted with me a few times -- and I never did figure out if he was serious or not. He lowered the crown to less than an inch above someone's head, making the boy think he was going to be crowned, then snatching it up. He did that to each of them in turn. I could see the growing annoyance on their faces and saw him smirking. Scott was grinning at the show Brendan was putting on, as was I. To everyone's surprise, he settled on Travis. Travis was a rather shy, geeky boy. I had voted for him out of a sense of bucking the system and the fact that I honestly liked him. He had stood up for me several times and forced some guys to back off. He was a thoughtful man and was the class valedictorian as well. He deserved this. I could see that the others were unhappy with the choice, but they remained polite, shaking his hand, clapping him on the back. It was good to see someone nice get the crown instead of some popular jock. After Marsha and Travis received their coronation, they stepped forward to make their traditional thank you speeches. Marsha started out by saying, "Everyone, thank you for your votes and support. I very much appreciate that. I do, however, have something I'd like to say, and it might be a little uncomfortable for some of you." As the crowd started to murmur amongst themselves she continued, "What happened tonight was disgraceful. Instead of embracing others that are different, Frank choose to attack Joshua. I am proud of Joshua for having the courage to bring Scott to the prom as his date. I only wish that more of us would have the same kind of courage to accept a different kind of loving than most of us are used to." She looked at Travis, and he shyly stepped forward. He began in a quiet, slow tone, "I have to agree with Marsha. Joshua and Scott, I have known you two for a while now. I am glad you had the courage to come here and face some of these guys, particularly Frank. I think all of us need to think about this little incident tonight and where we stand on this issue. But for now, let's have fun!" As Marsha and Travis made their way off the stage, several people in the crowd started to clap, Derek and Alex among them. The noise of clapping started to swell and more people joined in. It was really heart touching for both of us as people started to pat our backs and shoulders, showing silent support. The band started up with some soft romantic dance music. The crowd parted to allow Marsha and Travis to slip through, following as they made their way to the dance area. Everyone dispersed to around the perimeter of the dance area to allow the two to dance. After the first dance was completed, all of us joined out on the floor, Scott and I included. The band started up Creed's "With Arms Wide Open", a favorite of ours. We held each other close, looking into each other's eyes with love, dancing to the music. As the song neared completion, our lips found each other's and we shared a long, deep and passionate kiss. We were so engrossed in each other that we did not notice the dance falter. Marsha and Travis looked at us, smiled, walked over to near us and went back to dancing. After a few moments, with the band still playing, people joined back in. As we broke off our kiss, we found ourselves in the middle of the crowd. Breathing a sigh of relief, we held each other and kept dancing with the music. Scott murmured, "That went over well enough, I think. I cannot wait for us to do this when it's time for my prom. Josh, I love you and want you by my side." He took his hands in mine and entwined our fingers. "I'm glad we got married tonight." Marsha and Travis gave us startled glances. Apparently, Scott, without meaning to, had spoken loud enough to be overheard. Travis beckoned all of us to a quiet corner of the gym. We followed him, shooting each other curious looks. "Well, that's a surprise. I didn't know you two got "married", Travis said. I shyly explained what we had done tonight and what it meant to us. After I had finished my lengthy explanation, Marsha and Travis broke into big grins and hugged us both. Marsha cheerfully said, "Well, that makes Josh the first of our group to get married. I'm so happy for the two of you!" Travis nodded his assent, looking a little uncomfortable, trying hard to accept what we had done. "I'm happy for the two of you. I know you two have been together, what, 2 years now? I wish the both of you a happy time together." Scott and I uttered our thanks and watched as they went back to the dance floor engaged in discussion. "I'm thirsty," I said. "Want to get something to drink?" "Yeah. I wonder if the punch is spiked yet?" Laughing, we made our way through the group and got some drinks and finger foods. Sitting down, drinking and eating, we chatted about the Phillies and their prospects -- not that they never had any good ones in their farm system. Some of our friends stopped by, interrupting us and making small talk with us. After a bit of doing this, Scott started to get antsy, shifting in his seat. He leaned over and softly told me, "Love, I've been thinking all night about what we're going to do later. I have to admit, I have been half-hard all night and have a raging hard-on right now. I can't wait until we get alone." I blushed and told him, "I can't wait either, buddy. I think both of us are going to be surprised at what will happen tonight. My pants are ready break open. I can't wait to caress you, hold you and make love to you. I'm yours, and you are mine. Tonight, we'll be even closer." He looked into my eyes and we shared a moment lost in each other's gaze. Sensing someone standing near us, we looked up into the smiling faces of Reynaldo and Alex. Alex asked, "Are you two ready to go? We gave each other impish looks and giggled. Reynaldo and Alex traded looks, shook their heads and said at the same time, "kids!" They started to make their way to the door with us following, our progress slowed down by friends saying goodbyes. Derek met us at the door and gave us a smile. "Josh and Scott, I'm truly happy for you two. I wish I had the courage you two displayed tonight two years ago. Be safe, and enjoy your night. Love you both!" With that, he gave us both hugs and we saw the limo pull up outside the door. With Alex holding the door open, we got in. Scott promptly bounced into my lap and we started to make out, our hands going everywhere, unable to restrain ourselves. Scott thrust his tongue into my mouth, and I slid up and down on his tongue in response, feeling his hand grope me. I fumbled with his zipper, finally getting it down and sliding my hand into his underwear, stroking him off slowly. We sure were not quiet with all of the noise we were making; heavy breathing punctuated by groans and whimpers of pleasure. At that point, we didn't care -- we were the only ones that existed to each other. After what felt like an eternity, but was in reality only a few moments, we felt the limo finally stop and broke off our making out, looking out the window, and seeing our parent's places. Scott hurriedly zipped up, fighting to get his swollen cock back into his pants, grunting with effort, and giggling the whole time. The door opened and we scrambled out, not bothering to hide our disheveled state. Alex and Reynaldo chuckled at seeing how we looked. "Have a great night you two. We'll see you later!" Reynaldo said. "I think Alex and I are going to head for our place for some loving too." Alex gave Reynaldo a passionate kiss, and we blushed. We could not keep our eyes off the two mature adults kissing and holding each other's hands. They smiled at each other and waved goodbye and left, leaving us to walk back to the house.