Date: Wed, 5 Nov 2003 05:28:46 EST
From: KateEWTitanic@aol.com
Subject: A New Day: Chapter 1 Beginnings

       A New Day
       Chapter One: Beginnings

       Walking into the expansive marble covered lobby of Caesars Palace, I
was in awe of the sheer scope and size of it all, all accented by soft
faint light, giving the large space a feeling of comfort and intimacy.
Yes, Las Vegas is defiantly a different world, but damn is it beautiful!
Standing back against one of the lobby's marble pillars while Mom and Dad
went up to check in, the sound of the soft clinking of change from the
casinos was apparent even here.

       I wasn't really concentrating on anything at the moment, just gazing
around in awe I suppose, until I saw him walk into the lobby. As soon as he
caught my eye, he was absolutely all I saw, as if he and I existed in a
haze. He was just too cute! No, cute wasn't the right word... it didn't do
him justice! He was, gorgeous! I almost felt like I was looking in a mirror
there for a second! He had a slightly shaggy blonde hair style, which on
most people I would think unkempt and sloppy, but on him it was
fitting. His fashion sense was totally comparable to mine, the same low
hanging tight faded jeans, paired with a tight black shirt with "Celine"
emblazoning the front, totally my style!

       After what felt like ten years, although it couldn't have been more
than ten seconds, he was leaning against a pillar on the opposite side of
the lobby. He glanced my way, my timidity causing me to immediately look
away. It seems he did as well, both of us in vain finding anything at all
to capture our attention. But everything looked so common compared to him,
and that was saying something, believe me! Glancing back his way, to see if
the coast was clear yet, he was still looking my way, obviously trying in
vain to hid it by glancing away for a second when he saw I was looking his
way. Yet, his eyes were almost instantly finding me again. We were both
feeling immense timidity, I could tell. Oh well, if he's going to take a
stab at playing this game, I'm game to play!

       Staring right back into his eyes, he looked away for a second, as
did I actually.  Then he looked straight my way his stare's intensity
becoming ever more pungent. I began to feel that he was trying to read my
soul. I hope he liked what he found! All I knew was, he has the bluest eyes
I've ever had the pleasure to stare at, accented by slight dimples in his
cheeks, making him look utterly adorable. Something told me he was around
my age, maybe even older than I, but his face was, to me, one of utter
innocence, caught in a time warp, hesitant to accept the passage of time. I
honestly couldn't take my concentration off him! Feeling a slight nudge of
my shoulder, my mother brought me back to reality, damn it! I could stare
in those eyes forever! "Hello, Justin!" I turned to her rather in a
jerk. "Ya in a haze there hun?"

       "Sorry, yeah I guess." I could feel my cheeks become flushed with
slight embarrassment, my eyes darting back over to the opposite side of the
room, to see him talking to a middle aged graying man in a black pinstriped
business suit, who I could only assume, was his dad.

       "The elevators are this way, babe." Mom said. I picked up the handle
of my bag and followed behind her, glancing behind me to see if I could see
him again, but he was already gone. Damn! In those few seconds my parents
had walked half way across the lobby, but I immediately located my mother
by her vibrant red locks. Catching up with her and Dad quickly, we walked
through the casino before we found the Forum Tower Elevators, where our
room was apparently located. Walking onto the elevator, my parents and I
were its only occupants.

       Just as the lift's golden doors were starting to close, I heard a
man's voice yell.  "Just a sec!" Dad stuck out his arm to stop it. The same
graying man walked on, followed shortly by a 40-ish tall blonde woman, and
him! I noticed they had not pressed a floor on the light panel. Oh-my-god!
He immediately saw me, his blonde eyebrows shooting up in surprise. I
definitely had a slightly surprised look in my own blue eyes, but I
instantly tried my best to hide it! I didn't want any funny questions from
the 'rents later, but I'm sure he noticed, judging by the slight grin
adorning his full red lips!  I could feel his eyes on my face almost
instantaneously.

       I tentatively glanced his way to find his eyes boring their way into
me with each glance he darted in my direction. Oh, what the hell, I may as
well! So I just leaned back against the wall, gluing my eyes in his general
direction. Wither my parents, or his, noticed anything going on, I didn't
know. At the moment, I didn't care. Reading him was so easy. He was
interested, definitely. I could feel myself wanting to know anything and
everything about this blonde boyy, and he hadn't even opened his mouth yet
in my presence.

       No matter, his eyes told me everything I needed to know in those
moments he would glance my way.  I could feel my heart beating in my chest,
and my hands moisten considerably, whether it was from excitement or
nervousness I couldn't say.  But in the space of the next few heartbeats
could feel the lift slow as our floor was reached. Only then did our eye
contact cease. Leaving the elevator, my parents were just a few feet in
front of me, with the mystery boy just on my heels, followed at a casual
distance by his parents. Seizing the moment, he spoke to me quietly with
great hesitation in his voice, "Five minutes, ice machines." I nodded
slightly in agreement. Giving a quick glance up in his direction, I saw a
clear smile cross his full red lips.

       I started looking around as we walked, trying to find the little
alcove for ice. You could tell even from the hallways, this place was not
inexpensive. Crown moldings and gold seemed to be everywhere, from the
ceilings to the doorplates, along with the little accents of Roman figures!
At the far end of the hall I saw a gold plate inscribed with "Ice" I
quietly said "There."

       He responded with a quiet "K." Moments later his family turned down
another hallway, while mine kept down the same hallway for another minute
or so until we finally found our room, the name plate on the door reading,
"Duplex Suite"

       Walking in, I was elated; the suite was huge! Call me crazy, but I'm
not one of those people who see a hotel room as just a place to lay your
head. If your going to pay money to stay somewhere, it has always been my
opinion you pay a little extra and get a really great place, but my parents
had never agreed, using the stupid line about not 'being in the room enough
to worry about it.'

       We walked into a large living room type area, framing a huge glass
wall looking out on Las Vegas Boulevard, with an adjacent dining room, with
seating for six that looked twice as large as the one at home, including
with a full bar. Beyond was a rote iron staircase leading to three
bedrooms, each with their own bathroom and sitting area, and an office type
area as well. We had a darn nice suite! "Um, Dad, are you sure we didn't
get the key to the wrong room? This room looks like it could house a small
city!"

       Giving me a well humored look, he said, "Don't get any ideas
Jus. This is a business trip for your mother and me, remember? The bill
will be paid from the corporate account. We're going to be here for a while
son, and I had no intentions of us existing in a matchbox for a month." Dad
spoke so casually it unnerved me. Sure, we were financially comfortable,
but we'd never stayed in a suite this nice!

       Taking my suitcases up the stairs into one of the bedrooms, this one
with a large queen sized bed and a small living area of a red sofa, chair
and television I noticed; I came back down and told my parents, "I'm gonna
go scope this place out. I'll be back in a little while."

       Mom, being her usual over-protective self turned to me, her face, as
it always was, red with faint concern saying, "Be safe, and take your cell
phone." Handing me one of the card-keys, she continued, her green eyes and
graceful red brows just inches from my face, "Make sure you don't get lost
and don't spend too much money in that shopping center either, and don't
even get near the slots young man!"

       "Stop babbling mother! I won't empty your bank account, and you know
I won't gamble!" I said with a laugh, as to sway any slight fears that may
have been beginning to build within her. Lord my mother irritates me to the
bone! She's one of my closest friends, I admit. But she's so protective of
me! I suppose it's due to my being her one, and only child, but still!
"Mom, love you, and I'll see you later Dad."

       "Bye babe." She said with a light kiss on my cheek. After she
finally verbally released me, I left the suite and found my way back down
the golden carpeted corridor to the ice machines alcove. When I finally
found the small room, no one was there, unless the stupid ice machine,
snack and Coca-Cola machines count for something. Of course, my mind
started racing, one half of my brain full of doubt, while the remainder
tried to rationalize everything. While my mind raced, which I knew it would
do wither I listened to it or not, I grabbed a Diet Coke out of the
machine.

       Just as I popped the tap, he came walking into the room. He exuded
this air of immense and near total shyness, a feeling I could totally
empathize with, as the very same emotion was attempting to drown me. I
could feel the cool sensation of perspiration begin to make itself known on
my palms, along with my feet both wanting to simultaneously stay planted
like roots into the ground and also run for my life.

       He tentatively walked into the room, as if I might attack him, while
I seeing this felt almost the same fear inside myself. Not a physical fear
by any stretch of the imagination, but rather a fear that this beautiful
boy, who technically I was yet to actually meet, would reject me for any
reason at all, for just being me I suppose, that the shear idea of my being
'me' would be in itself repulsive to him without my saying a word. In an
almost church-mouse level voice, he finally simply said, "Hi.", his eyes
glancing at me and then back at the ground. Gone was the slight bit of
daring confidence his eyes had seemed to display only minutes
before. Taking a deep breath, deeper than really necessary, he glanced at
my face again, shaking the hair out of his eyes with a quick turn of his
head, and then seemed to find great interest in the golden pattern of the
carpet.  Then he spoke again., still in his barely auditable whisper,
"Sorry, I better go."

       He turned immediately to leave when I spoke for the first time. I
just had to keep myself completely safe for a few more moments, my own
timid nature not allowing me until that moment to speak. "Wait a second." I
said, my voice nearly cracking under the strain of the moment.

       He turned back around his eyes still focused on the floor. I had
always considered myself to be the shyest person to ever exist on earth,
but in him I had defiantly found my match. "Why did you ask to meet me
here? I mean, why, why were you staring at me?" I realized as soon as I'd
asked how it was cruel for me to put him on the confessional, but I had to
look out for myself.  I could see tears his eyes his face turning a deep
shade of burgundy, making me feel horrible knowing I was the cause of his
shift in demeanor. I realized he was actually scared of me. Just as scared
I would hurt him as I was he would do the same to me, by airing the truth
to the wrong person. "Don't answer that. That's not fair." I quickly
sputtered out.

       He lifted his head as I spoke, his tear stained face in full view
now. "I thought you were cute okay?" He whispered quickly, taking a deep
breath.

       His feet were going to make a run for it any second, but before his
leg muscles had the change, I replied, "Thanks, you too." I gave him a
grin, making sure he realized the sincerity and shear honesty in my words.

       His eyes once again met mine, and this time, he didn't look away,
"You mean, you're..."

       I cut him off, finding the moment to reveal myself after the small
tortures I'd clearly put his heart through. "Gay?" I said quickly, taking a
deep breath myself, admitting it before I could think better of it, "Yeah."
my voice mirroring very much the simplicity and quiet quality his had
retained. "You are too, aren't you?" I asked quickly, a worried and flushed
expression crossing my face, starting to chew on my lower lip, his silence
making me slightly scared and exasperated.

       "Yeah, you could say that." He replied with a small chuckle, his
whole face lighting up, his rounded chin displaying a small grin.

       I could hear his stomach grumbling; mine sympathizing, as it was now
nearly one in the afternoon, and I hadn't eaten since the previous evening
at home. "Are you hungry?"

       "Yeah, a little." He replied, realizing I had heard his body. His
eyes were still wet with tears, making him look adorable. I started walking
toward the elevator as he answered, he remaining right at my side. I
pressed the elevator button to go down.  "Don't take this the wrong way,
but you look cute sad." He gave me the biggest grin anyone has ever given
me, making his whole face seem to glow, just as the lift doors opened. We
both rode down the elevator silently, with various groups getting on and
off the elevator car as it slid effortlessly down the shaft.

       When the elevator reached the ground floor, he turned to me saying,
"Where are we going anyway?" a critical expression on his face, his brows
furrowing over his eyes.
       "Oh, sorry, I heard about this restaurant down here, it's supposed
to be delicious."
       "Is it expensive? I don't have any money on me. Should I go back to
my room and get money? I really don't want to put you out or anything. Wait
a second, I'll just go back to my room and get some cash from my folks."
Alexi spieled out in a very rushed voice.

       With that he started to turn around again orienting himself toward
the lifts, but before he could get far, I grabbed his arm with one hand and
my room card with the other. "Shut up for a second." Slightly giggling, I
continued, "I have a room key, we'll just charge it if we need to." I knew
I had money in my pocket, but I wanted to put his worries aside as fast as
I could.

       This seemed to even worry him more, being he protested as I now
dragged him through the casino and into the Caesars Palace Forum Shops. "Do
you really think your parents will want to pay for someone's dinner they've
never met?" he almost whined.

       "Relax. My dad's company is paying the bills." By the time I had
explained all this, we had reached our destination, The Cheesecake
Factory. I turned to him smiling.  "I've never been here before, but they
have one of these at home, and they have great food, or so I've heard." He
just smiled slightly at me, his blue eyes glinting.

       We walked up to the hostess stand, and were seated almost instantly
in a very plush booth by a tall brunet woman. He picked up the menu
flipping through it, I did the same, and he quickly said a tad too loud,
"God this place is nuts with prices!"

       A few people at nearby tables heard him and gave us quizzical looks
but soon returned to their conversations. "Calm down, don't worry about
it." I said, putting my hand on his arm, withdrawing it almost as quickly.

       A thought just occurred to me, I was yet to even know this boy's
name. Glancing up from my menu, I caught him pushing a lock of his wavy
sandy blonde hair out of his eyes. Even that looked cute to me. Hair not
too short, but not long enough to look rough, just kind of innocent and
naive I guess.

       He noticed me staring. "What?"

       "What is your name? We've been around each other for what feels like
an hour now, and I'm yet to know your name."

       "Oh, sorry, my fault, its Alexander, but my friends, as if I have
any, call me Alexi."

       "Mine's Justin. I wish it wasn't, but it is." I know I was just
smiling into his face, my face feeling hot as I said that, which totally
defied what I was trying to say.

       "Well, if you don't like it, we can change it."

       "Huh, what do you mean?" I wrinkled my nose up in response,
contorting my entire face in confusion, which couldn't at all have been
flattering!

       "You know who you look just like to me?" He asked, putting me on the
defensive for a second, but the kind way he said it almost as instantly put
me at ease.

       "Um, I think I have a sneaking suspicion. Who?"

       "That really hot boy off that television show." He said, his entire
face turning deep red.

       "Oh that really narrows the field right down! Doesn't it?" I giggled
at him. Okay, I admit it, if I like someone I giggle when I talk, okay?
Right about then the waitress came round asking for drink orders. I ordered
an ice tea, while Alexi ordered himself a Coke.

       As soon as she left, he resumed the conversation as if she had never
appeared. "I know who it is;" his eyes brightening, "it's that Simon kid
off 7th Heaven!"

       "You mean David Gallagher?" I asked, knowing full well that's who he
meant.

       "Yeah, him! I think your name is perfectly adorable but, I'll call
ya David!"

       "Lordy Alexi, I get told that a lot it seems, but I must admit I
like 'David' much more than 'Justin'."

       "Settled then." He said, with a slight laugh to himself.

       Around that time the waitress showed up again depositing our drinks,
and inquired about our orders. She turned to me first. "I'll have the
Chicken Caesar Salad, lunch portion please, with the dressing on the side,
please."

       She then turned to Alexi who replied, "Ill have the Asian Vegetable
Stir-Fry with Chicken, please."

       Smiling, she relied, "I'll get that right in for you gentlemen."

       I couldn't help but start to study him, his long slender arms, cut
off by the snug fitting black t-shirt he was wearing, which appeared to
have slightly flaring edges around the sleeves.  They were not the arms of
an adult, but not the arms of a child either, the perfect mix and
meeting. But the same could be said of the rest of him as well. He had a
thin torso, with as far I could tell toned legs to match the rest of the
package. He was probably around 5'11" one thirty if I had to guess; not at
all gaunt, but slim. Gaunt was a term I reserved for myself. I mean,
really. It made me sick to look at myself in the mirror, 5'8" and not even
one hundred fifteen pounds. "What are you staring at now?" he asked,
pulling me instantly into the present.

       "Oh sorry, just looking at you."

       "That must have been thrilling." He replied, rolling his eyes at me.

       "Like you have much to look at either! I mean, why were you staring
at me anyway? I'm nothing special." giving him an analyzing look.

       "I don't know it just felt like as soon as I saw you, I had to know
you. You seemed so much like me I suppose. It was like my brain was
instantly screaming 'Know this person!' or something. Not just too look at,
and believe me that's a big plus, but you just looked so kind to me, I just
had to know what was behind that perfect facade." He sighed for a moment,
"I can't believe I just said that out loud."

       "It's okay, I won't say anything." I told him, in a fake whisper
leaning toward him across the table as I spoke, smiling at him as I inched
toward him. I then sat back again in my seat. "But thanks, most people say
I look sick. I don't mean to complain or anything, but it seems like
everyone always says their concerned for me when they see me, that I look
too thin or something. Kids at school can be cruel too though, I've had
them throw food at me, and laugh at me, and yell things like 'eat a fucking
hamburger' and shit like that. I'm sorry I shouldn't be laying this all on
your doorstep. But I suppose it's to be expected when you have a feminine
skeleton."

       He looked at me with the most caring look I think I've ever seen
from anyone.  "Don't apologize. You look fine to me. Yeah, you're defiantly
small boned and thin, but you don't look sickly to me. You look
perfect. Besides, your cute, as far as I can tell you're totally sweet so
don't sweat what everybody else says. Plus, you're blonde, so ya can't be
all bad."

       "Oh thanks." That last comment got me to giggling, so I took a sip
of my iced tea, which only made me choke worse, but I quickly overcame it
to giggle at him asking, "Do we have a thing for blondes there Alexi? Huh?
Huh? Come on." I knew I was making him blush, and that was my full
intention!

       He was as red as a strawberry before replying, "Yeah I do I guess. I
just think it's sexy for some reason." Right about that time the food
arrived. The salad sat down before me was much larger than I had expected,
easily fifteen inches across, and frankly it scared me a little bit. Alexi
noticed the size of the dishes as well, his stir fry being just as big, if
not a tad bigger. "They don't skimp on size do they?"

       I nodded in agreement. He dove right into his dish none-the-less,
while I started dissecting the salad, removing all the little sheets of
cheese and croutons. "So how old are you anyway?" I asked glancing up at
him as I continued deconstructing the salad.

       "I'm 17, you?" He replies with his mouth full of chicken, causing
himself to laugh.

       Laughing to myself saying, "16. When's your birthday?"

       "It's Valentines Day. Isn't that awful?"

       "That's not half as bad as mine, believe me. Try Christmas on for
size, then we'll talk."

       "Oh that is bad! But I'm still older!" He just smiled at his
proclamation, like it was this huge discovery.

       "You don't look it, believe me. Oh don't worry, as my mother always
says, 'Christmas will be here before you know it.'"

       "God I hate when people say that; the whole 'You look so young.'
thing. Jeepers, I can vote, join the army, get married, although that's not
my thing, whatever, here in a few months and people act like I'm twelve or
something."

       "Well, if it's any cancellation, as Cher has said, 'There's
absolutely nothing good about getting older, I'm not any smarter.'" He gave
me a slight giggle at my half-assed imitation of Cher. "But I know exactly
what you mean. We are very much on a ship headed in the same direction, if
you catch my drift."

       We chatted for a bit, about nothing at all, but after a while, I
noticed a slight change in his demeanor. He just sat silent for a moment,
staring at his plate, now half empty. I glanced down at my own, knowing
full well I had hardly touched it.  I took a smile bite from my plate, my
eyes remaining rooted on Alexi's motionless. Then he spoke in a voice
holding within it none of the cheer we had shared, but rather immense
reserve, even fear. "Doesn't it scare you? Aren't you terrified?" Looking
right across the table staring absolutely into my eyes he asked with
trepidation.

       "Terrified? Absolutely." I said, without hesitation. "I'm not a
brave person. That's why I questioned you earlier. I'm just too scared not
to be careful at all costs."

       "I understand completely. I was totally scared of you for a few
minutes there after I'd asked you to meet me."

       "I could tell, sorry for that, but I can't say I didn't feel the
same way." I looked down at my plate again, trying to let my brain take a
breather for a moment.

       "Me not to be feared." Alexi said in a husked up voice, pointing at
himself.

       I smiled at his remark, and then fell silent in thought for a second
myself. "I mean, look at me, I don't want to be the next Matthew
Shepherd. That's the fear that follows me around all the time, ya know? My
mind is always wondering, 'Can they tell?'  or 'Is this group of kids gonna
attack me?' or whatever. Sometimes I just stay home and don't go anywhere,
not even the store for bread or a CD or whatever. The fear's just dug that
deep into my subconscious. But when you think about it, the whole idea of
homophobia is all so stupid to begin with.  It's almost like people expect
all gay people to just jump all over each other like dogs or
something. Lordy people get over it, it's only love. So what, I love
differently than most people. I think it's more important that you have
someone to love, not particularly who you love." As I spoke Alexi didn't
say anything, listening intently. Then I realized how horrible I
felt. "Sorry, I just keep yakking, I haven't even let you get a word in
edgewise."

       "Oh that's okay. I like listening to how ya feel about all the stuff
that's constantly going through my head anyway. I feel like all the right
wing asses think we're all gonna raise an army and try to overtake the
government or something. That just isn't what it's about, but they don't
get it. I don't think they ever will." He paused for a second, inhaled
deeply, and then continued. "They all seem to think all we all are is sex
robots or something. Like all we care about is jumping in bed with the
first cute body that walks along. Honestly if someone asked me to name ten
adjectives to describe myself, gay would not be among them. There are so
many things that are so more important; like caring. I know that sounds so
sickeningly sweet, sorry."

       I looked at him intently, "Don't ever apologize for having a heart,
for not being a heartless, materialistic asinine idiot like so many people
our age. Please, continue."

       He gave me a slightly blushed look, but continued unabated. "I mean,
if I had to describe myself, creative would come up, somewhat intelligent I
guess. Sorry, that sounded arrogant..."

       "No it didn't, being honest and being arrogant are totally different
things."

       "Well, um, I guess I'm a bit of a perfectionist, obsessive even."

       "How do you mean?"

       Just as I asked, the waitress came back to check on us, apparently
she expected us to be through, because I could see her face visibly fall
when she saw my portion had only faintly dissipated. "How are you gentlemen
getting along then?"

       "We're just fine thank you. Could you please box this to go, thank
you. I would also like an entire Oreo Cheesecake to go please." Alexi gave
me a look of pleasant surprise.

       She seemed to brighten slightly hearing this scurrying off with my
salad. As soon as she'd gone, I glanced back at Alexi, saying "Now what do
you mean obsessive?"

       He blushed a bit saying, "Well, I have this thing, if I get
interested in something the slightest bit, I have to know everything and
anything about it. It doesn't matter if it's a historical event, a famous
person, and current events, whatever. I become like this little detective
that just keeps digging. It's strange huh?"

       "No not really. Everybody has their quirks. So what's the obsession
right now?"  Just as I asked, the waitress returned with the cheesecake in
a large bag along with my salad, and the bill of course! I glanced at it,
okay it was nearly eighty dollars, but that wasn't my problem. Knowing full
well it might cause Alexi to get worked up and worried, I handed the
waitress the bill and a hundred without allowing Alexi enough time to get a
good view of either. The waitress's eyes nearly bugged out of her head at
this it seemed, then I turned to her saying "We won't be needing change,
thank you."

       "Thank you sir, you both have a good evening." She then nearly
skipped off, her ponytail swishing to and fro as she walked. I checked my
watch, her comment about 'evening' hitting me strangely. My lord, it was
nearly six in the evening! We'd been talking for over five hours! It hadn't
felt like that much time had passed. No wonder the poor girl's face fell
when she returned each time!

	We got up from the table, grabbing the salad and the Oreo
Cheesecake, and walked back out to the shops corridor. The corridor looked
much darker now, glancing upward I realized why. I nudged Alexi in the
shoulder, and pointed upward, "Look at the sky."

       Without thinking, he scrunched up his face saying "Huh? We're
inside." Looking up his expression changed. "Oh, wow, that's amazing."  As
he looked up at the sky, I looked up at him, and suddenly I felt a surge of
emotion flow through me, that did nothing but confuse me. I had just met
this kid just over six hours ago, and I was starting to have very real
feelings for him. Trying to analyze everything in my head was starting to
give me a major migraine. Yeah, he was cute, sure, but there was defiantly
more to him to me than that. I already knew Alexi was sweet, kind,
considerate, everything I thought I was looking for in someone. Yet, my
rational brain kept telling me not to get too attached, I had just met
him. But eh gads!

       Alexi's soft voice wafted into my head, slowly drawing me back from
my haze.  "You okay? I thought I lost you there for a minute. You were just
kinda starring at me with this emotionless daze on your face."

       "Oh I'm sorry." I attempted to give him a genuine smile, but I know
I fell way short on the delivery. My brain tried to think of anything else
but him for a second to let my mind clear. Glancing down at the cheesecake
in my hand, I looked up at him, saying "Um, we need to get this food in an
ice box."

       "Oh, okay."

       "And, um, I think we need to talk somewhere private." almost in a
whisper. He nodded and hummed in agreement. A million and a half thoughts
seemed to continue to converge on my brain as we walked.  Within minutes we
were back through the casino, and heading for the lifts.

       Once we got into the elevator, along with a small group of other
people, my mind's pondering state only seemed to intensify, making me feel
utterly alone in the crowded lift. The pressure my emotions were exerting
on my mind forced me to grab my head in near searing pain. Alexi noticed
almost instantly, concern obvious on his sweet face. He quickly leaned down
into my neck, "Are you okay Davy?"

       I looked up at him, giving him a quick grin, "Sorry, I'll be
okay. It's just a migraine."

       "Oh, ya got some aspirin?" asking hurriedly, as if it was the most
important thing in the world at the moment.

       "Somewhere, I'm sure." I whispered, looking briefly up into his
eyes. Within moments we arrived back at our floor; we alone getting off the
elevator.

       Alexi glanced down to the floor as we walked onward toward my
room. Acting for a second as if he'd made a blunder, he hurriedly said,
gesturing toward the bag in my hand, "Give me that."

       "I'm fine." I protested, but Alexi gave me the impression he
wouldn't have any of it, gently snatching the bag from my right hand. Soon
enough, we were at the door to my room.

       When we walked in, I could see the amazement in his eyes. "Wow." was
all he could say.

       "Yeah, that's how I reacted when I saw it too."

       "Our room isn't at all like this! It's just a standard double bed
room." Alexi followed me on into the dining room, walking behind the bar to
put the cheesecake and my salad in a small refrigerator there.

       I saw a note sitting on the dining room table while he put away the
food. It read:

Justin, Your father and I went out to dinner to the 'America' Restaurant at
the New York- New York.  Feel free to join us if you'd like. We plan to go
a show afterward, join us if you'd like. If not, we'll be back late,
probably after midnight.  Love, Mom

       "Okey-dokey Davy-boy lets get some aspirin in ya." Alexi said, in a
childish voice, in an attempt to lift my draining spirits as he came over
to my side from behind the bar. What was I supposed to say? I'd just met
him, and I got the sincere notion he cared for my well-being. As crummy as
I felt, at the moment, the simple notion of someone caring for me felt
wonderful.

       I remembered I had stuck some Tylenol in my airplane carry-on, so I
headed on up to what had become my bedroom, grabbing the denim bag off the
bed. Taking the bag into the bathroom, I rummaged through it, quickly
finding the small bottle I had stashed there. Just as I grabbed one of
those prepackaged plastic cups off the marble vanity, Alexi walked into the
room with a concerned look on his face. I filled the cup with water while
Alexi walked up to me asking, "Are you sure you're okay? You're sort of
pale."

       Downing the capsules and walking back into the other room I replied,
"I'll be fine, it's just nerves. I've just got a little emotional
overload. Confused ya know?"

       "Oh, ya wanna talk about it?" Alexi asked sitting down in the red
chair, while I sat lengthwise on the sofa; facing him. I just starred at
him for a minute, I realized how totally comfortable he made me feel just
by being around him. Usually if anyone wanted to talk to me, I'd draw into
my safety net, rejecting any help offered me.

       I stared down at the ground, and then up into his eyes, why was this
so hard? It's not like I didn't already know he was gay, and he said he
liked me, but it was all just rushing so fast. "I know I just met you like
hours ago, but I think I'm starting to really like you." I said very
softly.

       "I know. I like you too."

       "But it's just so fast, my mind keeps trying to make sense of it
all. I don't even know you." I said, in almost desperation.

       Alexi got up from his spot in the chair, sitting instead on the edge
of the sofa next to my own waist. Looking me directly in the eyes, he said
oh so softly, "So stop thinking with your head. Think with this." He put
his right hand on my chest. His face just inches from mine.  I was
suffering from total sensory overload; his aroma intoxicating me, smelling
of fresh strawberries.  Seconds later, without thought, my arms were laced
around Alexi's back, pulling him down onto me, his back muscles feeling
incredibly soft and tight. Kissing me lightly on the lips, I felt
electricity released throughout my body, my arms wrapping around him even
tighter, wanting never to let go. I heard a smothered laugh escape his lips
as I kissed him back. For the first time in my life I felt complete
security, complete safety in my own emotions. We existed in a vacuum; time
passing without regular, our lips smashed continuously together, breaking
only to stay alive, to breathe. Alexi began giggling again, forcing us to
finally break contact.

       He found my eyes again, giving me another feather light kiss, before
he settled himself down beside me on the couch, his head on my left
shoulder. He felt completely natural against me, the most normal thing I
think I'd ever felt. He talked in a faint whisper, as if we might be
overheard, "Do you always get headaches when you like someone?" he faintly
laughed at himself.

       Softly I admitted, "I wouldn't know." with a slight laugh at my own
inexperience.

       He leaned up on his elbow asking, "Huh, what do ya mean?"

       "I've just never liked anybody who liked me back, okay?" I was
beginning to feel pathetically virginal, admitting that.

       Sensing how I felt, he leaned down kissing me again saying, "Can't
say that anymore."

       "No, I have a feeling I can't." I glanced momentarily past Alexi's
head, out the large picture window, and he followed my gaze down the Vegas
strip, which had long since been set ablaze in neon, framed by the unending
blackness of the night.  "Wow, what time is it?"

       Alexi looked down at the watch on his left arm reporting, "Um, just
before ten."
       "Shouldn't you call your parents or something?"

       "Believe me, they haven't thought of me since I left the room." He
looked down at me, a sad attempt at a smile on his lips.

       "Why would you say that, of course they think of you."

       Looking at me a little miffed, he replied, "Listen, they're always
so busy, I'd be lucky if they think of me once a week. But I better go
though, it's getting pretty late.
       An idea popped into my head, and it wouldn't let me go, "I want you
to stay.  Please?" Taking an exasperated breath, I continued, "I barely
know you, and I want to know everything about you!" I was talking faster
than I was thinking, and I knew it, but at the moment I couldn't have cared
less, kissing him quickly again.

       With a mischievous grin, he said, "I'd love to, but I don't have any
clothes, not to mention...well..."

       "What?"

       "How exactly am I supposed to explain you? 'Oh hi Mom, is it okay if
I go stay with this guy I just met, who, by the way, I think I really
like?' Yeah, that'll get a green light for sure!"

       "Well, I wouldn't exactly say that, but we'll think of something."

       "What about your parents, won't they mind?"

       "Um, Alexi, in case ya haven't noticed, look at the size of this
place! I really don't think they'll care."

       Chuckling at me, he said, "Your adorable looking when your annoyed."
With which he leaned down and kissed me yet again, holding it for what felt
like forever and a day before I playfully pushed him off of me.

       "Okay Romeo, let's get this show on the road."

       "Okey-dokey Jul...."

       "Don't even go there!" I playfully shoved him as I got off the
couch, causing me to fall back onto the sofa with a laugh.

       Grasping my arm, he pulled me up off the couch, pulling me toward
the staircase saying, "Lets jet." Running down the stairs, Alexi was just
in front of me, nearly pulling me down the stairs, the suite, now darkened
with the passage of time. Saying as he ran, "The quicker we get out of
here, the quicker we get back." Stopping only for a second for me to grab
the key card from the dining room table and stuff it into my jeans pocket,
we were soon sprinting out into the hallway.  Completely forgetting we were
still connected, we got a few strange glances as we ran down the
hallway. Oh well, it's my life thank you very much! Undoubtedly he noticed,
but he still never let my hand go until we reached the door to his room.

       Reaching into his jean pocket, Alexi retrieved the plastic card,
slipping it into the lock and removing it quickly with the faint 'click' of
the lock. Following Alexi into the room, the contrast was obvious. His room
was nothing like my own, consisting of the standard double beds, bathroom,
and the small office area and a round dining room type table. I immediately
recognized the older grey headed balding man sitting at the desk, and the
blonde woman sitting on the edge of one of the beds, both deeply immersed
in their respective work, paper covering both the desk and end of the bed,
Alex's father scribbling furiously into what looked like an accounting log
book. "Hi mom, dad."

       Without either glancing up, the man replied, "Hi son.", and returned
to his work.  Lordy, I realize people are busy, but you should at least
look at your own kid. Almost as if he read my mind, Alexi glanced my way,
rolling his eyes.

       "Um, Mom, Dad, I want you to meet someone."

       Finally both looking up from their work, his mother gave me a look
of instant recognition, asking "Weren't you the boy in the elevator?"

       Extending my hand to her, "Yes ma'am. I'm Justin Greene."

        "Greene of Greene Enterprises?" His dad asked.

       "That's my parents' company, yeah." I extended my hand to his
father. I saw Alexi give me a slightly shocked look, making me feel a
little on show. God I wanted out of here!

       Alexi apparently started sensing my discomfort, "Anyway, um, Justin
and I ran into each other grabbing Cokes, and we hung out, and um, he asked
me if I'd like ta, um, spend the night. Um, do you care?"

        His mother spoke up, "Alexi, you don't stay in someone else's hotel
room!"

       I could tell this wasn't looking good, so I stuck my foot in, "I
don't mean to intrude ma'am, but we don't exactly have a hotel room, more
like a suite of rooms, believe me, I have a separate room, with two beds,"
okay, it was a lie; get over it, "so Alexi's not an imposition at all."

       I could see I'd made somewhat of an impression on Alexi's mother. "I
can tell you guys have become fast friends. As long as Alexi isn't an
imposition on you or your folks," she gave her husband a quick glance,
already back to his work, "we don't mind."

       Alexi, in what I can only describe as suppressed happiness, croaked
out, "Thanks, Mom." Then he went about the business of throwing together a
bag, in what looked like what had been his over-sized carry-on bag.

       While Alexi was busy, I scribbled down our room number and handed it
to his mom. Within five minutes, we were heading back out of his room and
down the hall. I saw him glance both ways, down the hallway; Alexi grabbed
me by the arm, and shoving me against the wall, kissed me again. He laughed
saying, "Sorry, couldn't wait!"

       Kissing him back, I replied, "Don't be I'm certainly not!" I grabbed
him by the hand and we ran in the direction of our suite as fast as our
legs could possibly have carried us, laughing the entire time. I turned to
him saying, "Okay, we need to calm down a little, or my parents might
suspect something odd, that is if they're in." Looking down at my watch, I
continued, "It's nearly eleven, so they're probably back by now."

       Alexi looked at me worriedly, "What if they don't want company
tonight?"

       "Look you're not their company, you're my company, don't worry so
much."

       "Sorry." I rolled my eyes as I slipped the key in the lock and
opened the door to our room. As I suspected, my parents were back, sitting
in the living room, my mother watching television while my father had a
computer perched on his lap.

       "Hey mom, dad."

       "Hi hon." Mom responded.

       "Hey son." Dad replied.

       "Who's this with you?" Mom asked, eyeing Alexi, sheer curiosity in
her voice.

       "Oh sorry, hi, I'm Alexander, Alexi Billings." Alexi replied,
introducing himself.

       "Are you Brian Billings' son?" Dad asked.

       "Yes sir."

       Now it was my turn to be surprised. I just had to ask what was on my
mind, and Alexi's too I assumed. "Um, I don't know about him," gesturing to
Alexi with my thumb, "but could someone clue me in as to how you know him,
and also, how his father knew me?"

       "Well son," Dad began, "if you'll remember correctly, we all rode
the elevator up at the same time," I nodded, of course I remembered, "and
your mother and I had a meeting with Brian and his wife, just before
dinner." It was beginning to fall into place, but Dad further explained,
"You see Brian may be coming to work for me as our corporate accountant."

       "But Dad, why would you be meeting them in Las Vegas of all places?"

       "Brian and his family live near the west coast, and with our company
in the Midwest, it seemed a good middle ground."

       "Oh, okay." I could feel my insides starting to become very excited,
but I tried to hold it in for appearances sake, "Well anyway, um, Alexi and
I met earlier buying drinks, and we got to hanging out, and I was wondering
if it would be okay if he stayed with us, I mean me, tonight?"

       My mother spoke her first sizeable piece since we walked in, "Well I
don't see anything the matter with that, do you Trevor?"

       My father chimed in, "No, I don't see any error in that, these boys
seem to become fast friends in," looking down at his watch, "ten
hours. There's nothing wrong with that at all."

       If my dad only knew! It may have been ten hours, but I already
considered Alexi much more than a friend! Turning my back on my parents, I
gave Alexi a huge smile, and motioned him to follow me up stairs. I ran up
the stairs practically as fast as my legs would carry me, Alexi right on my
heels. Turning quickly into my bedroom, he quickly closed the door, and I
found myself just as quickly pined against it, Alexi's lips inexplicably
pressed against mine yet again. God this boy was too much!

       He pulled away, throwing his bag his bag onto my bed, a spiral edged
book falling out of one of the front pockets. Noticing it, I asked, "What's
that?"

       Alexi replied, as I walked over toward the bed, "Um, nothing
much..."

       Picking up the book, "You mind if I?"

       "Un-huh, go ahead." I turned through the book, apparently a
sketchbook, filled with detailed sketches of people and buildings, some of
I recognized, some I didn't. The last and most recent, a sketch of Cher of
all people, looked to be the best. As I looked at his book, I felt Alexi's
arms wrap around my chest.

       "So you're an artist?" asking the obvious.

       "I wouldn't say that exactly."

       "I would, this one's very good."

       "They're just a hobby."

       I flipped back through them again, noticing something which stuck
out to me as somewhat odd. "Um, Alexi, why aren't there any guys in here?
It's all women."

       He gave a slight laugh, "It's not what you think, believe me. I just
can't draw men. I always make them look a little too cute or something and
they always look strange, ya know, looking younger, or bug-eyed or
something."

       Looking up at him, trying to convince him I wasn't bull shooting
him, "Well, I still think they're great." With which I turned around, his
arms still encircling me, and kissed him squarely on the lips. Inhaling
that fresh aroma of strawberries I was beginning to associate with his
touch, I broke the kiss nuzzling my head in the crook of his neck, asking,
"Why do you smell like that?" Oh god, he's gonna think I think he stinks!

       He did pull back for a second, giving me an accusatory glance, but
soft in his reply "What smell?"

       "Strawberries."

       "Shampoo and fabric softener."

       My head resuming it's spot in his neck, "Oh, it's nice." We just
stood there for a few minutes, his arms encircling me. My arms slowly laced
there way around his waist, setting softly on his hips.

       Minutes later I could feel Alexi's hips gracefully swaying to and
fro. "Dance with me." he whispered into my ear. So, we stood there, and
silently swaying for what felt like forever. It would have been just fine
with me had it lasted that long.

       It was nice, wonderful even, to just stand there silently swaying
with him, but it just made me laugh a little despite myself. Looking up at
Alexi, I said, "Just a sec", both of use releasing one another. Wanting
that feeling back as fast as possible, I sprinted over to one of my
suitcases, pulling my laptop computer out of it. Flipping it open, I
quickly booted it up, turning on it's CD player.

	I ran back to Alexi, stumbling over the edge of the bed, causing me
to actually nearly fall right into him, but thankfully he grabbed me before
the floor had the chance to. "Ya okay?" giving me a concerned look.

	Smiling, "Fine." soon enough I felt his hands on my back just as
the music finally started, Celine Dion's All The Way Album quietly filling
the room. Alexi softy laughed to himself. "What, did I do something?"

	Giving me a surprised look he said, "I'll tell ya later." For the
next hour or so, until the disk began to repeat itself, we stood there,
slowly dancing. It sounds so corny, I know, but frankly I don't care, it
felt right.

       I heard Alexi let out a quiet yean. "Am I that boring?" I asked,
looking up into his clear sapphire eyes.

       In an apologetic tone he said, "No, it's not you. I'm just
tired. It's been a very long Monday. Ya know?"

       "Tell me about it." I gave him a smile, leaning into him, our lips
meeting for what seemed like hours, fire dancing between us. Eventually, we
parted when I heard Alexi's stomach grumble. "Hungry?"

       He laughed, "We haven't either eaten in ten hours ya know. Let's get
some cheesecake." Closing the computer, the room became instantly quiet. He
grabbed my arm, pulling me out into the hall. The immense open-air space of
the living room below was dark now, it's only faint light coming from the
famous Las Vegas Boulevard hundreds of feet below, most prominent from our
vantage point being the massive gleaming Venetian hotel, the largest hotel
in the world, or so I heard, across the street outlined in soft light
looking like Venice rising out of the desert.

       Walking slowly down the staircase, clutching the railing with one
hand and Alexi with the other, I asked is a whisper, "What time do you
think it is?"

       Looking back up the stairs at his, I could see him squinting to see
his watch. "Um, just after midnight I think."

       Hearing the late hour, I suddenly felt very uncomfortable in my
jeans and t-shirt, I asked him, "Ya wanna change into something to sleep
in, then grab the grub?"

       Visually in agreement, he shook his head, saying, "Yeah, sounds like
a plan."

       Although blind as a bat in the nearly dark room, I could feel
Alexi's hand now pulling me back up the stairs. Within seconds we were back
in my room, and not missing a beat I closed the door and cornered him
against it, kissing him quickly yet deeply, Alexi's stomach yet again
breaking the moment. I looked up at him, looking visibly
apologetic. "Sorry, but I'm hungry." I kissed his soft lips again, despite
his annoying stomach rumblings, and then backed up from the door, turning
to my larger suitcase, pulling cloths from it, searching.

       I could hear Alexi behind me likewise ruffling through his
bag. Pulling a pair of light blue pajamas with puffy white clouds from my
stuff, I quickly pulled my jeans off and jumped into the bottoms. As I was
pulling on the top I felt Alexi's hands on my waist, my arms quickly
jerking the top down over my chest as he pulled me into a quick hug from
behind. Letting me go I turned around finding Alexi now wearing black
sweatpants and a white t-shirt.

       He looked me up and down appraisingly, as I likewise did him. He
laughed to himself again, his faint colored eyebrows raised in what
appeared as disapproval.

       "What did I do now?" I asked in mock annoyance, making sure he saw
me roll my eyes.

       "Nothing, your just a very interesting person there Davy-boy."

       Giving him a mock critical look, I asked, "What exactly do you mean
by that?"

       "Just those pajamas, they don't look exactly masculine."

       Walking up to him, I whispered in his ear, "Excuse me, but who
kissed who first here?" I paused for a second, acting like I was thinking,
then I pointed my index finger at him "Oh yeah I remember, it was you! With
that I playfully slapped him on the butt. "So don't be bashing my Ally
McBeal pajamas, thank you very much!" Grabbing him by the hand, I pulled
him back toward the door, saying, "Now let's fill that little devil in that
stomach of yours!" Back in the hall yet again, I ran my hand along the wall
to find the banister, the two of us moving as one slowly down the
stairs. Reaching the base of the staircase, I could feel Alexi's hand relax
in mine, but I still didn't let him go. Turning into the dining room, I
groped the wall for the turn knob, turning the light on only enough to see
my way around the room. Alexi stood leaning against the bar while I went
behind it, getting the cheesecake out of the small refrigerator there, the
two of us chatting continuously. Finding a small service of plates and
cutlery under the bar, I got out a saucer and cut off about a fourth of the
cheesecake. Grabbing two forks, I walked back into the living room,
plopping down Indian style on a red sofa next to one of the full glass
exterior walls. Alexi sat down next to me, pulling his legs up next to him
on the sofa.  Handing him a fork and the cheesecake I asked him something
that had had me wondering for quite a few hours now, "Alexi, you never
answered me something."

       "Oh, what's that?" he asked, through a cheesecake filled mouth.

       Laughing slightly at him, I said, "Well, earlier you said you're
always really into something all the time."

       He chuckled at me, "Oh, you mean my little obsessions?"

       Through suppressed giggling I continued, "Yeah, so what or who is it
right now?"

       He looked at me for a second as if I was crazy, "You mean you don't
know?" He gave me a huge smile saying, "It's you now of course!"

       "Very funny, when I asked you we had just met. What was it then?"

       He looked out the window as if searching for something. "There." He
pointed almost directly downward to the large circular building just below
us. "The Colosseum."  He looked at me as if he'd just admitted a huge
secret.

       "Is that why you laughed earlier when I started that CD?"

       "Yeah, she's the reason I came. Celine I mean. I never dreamed I'd
meet someone I'd totally fall for here too."

       That made me totally blush and I knew it. Trying to divert attention
from myself I asked, "So you like her music, you have tickets I assume?"

       He looked like I'd just let the air out of his face. "Yeah, I like
her a lot, but, um, no, I guess I waited too long or something, they were
all sold out when I called." He took a breath, as if thinking about it too
much upset him, "I called like five hours after they went on sale, when I
got home from school, and they were already gone. Damn school, I asked if I
could go use a payphone, but the teacher said something about it 'had to be
an emergency' or some crap like that. Oh well." At that moment an idea
began to fester in my brain and would not leave me alone. I'd have to talk
to my dad tomorrow morning.

       Not wanting to get his hopes up or anything, I asked the obvious,
"So why did you come then? I mean if you couldn't get tickets and all."

       "I guess I hoped there would be some scalper or something I could
bargain some off of. Are you going?"

       God, what in hell was I supposed to say, glancing up at him, "Um,
no, I couldn't get any either." I lied. I felt like crap for lying to him,
but I defiantly wasn't going to tell him the truth and guarantee hurting
his feelings. I needed anything at all to just give me a moment to think, I
glanced down at the saucer in Alexi's hand, now devoid of any
cheesecake. "Oh give me that and I'll go put it away." I took the plate
from Alexi, as he yawned yet again. He looked so cute tired, it seemed to
make his full red lips look even redder somehow. I smiled at him saying,
"Sleepy, you can go on up if ya want, I'll be there in a second.", and
kissed him quickly and deeply before walking back into the dining room. As
I walked back behind the bar I heard Alexi walking up the stairs, as I
washed off the dish and his fork in a sink there, returning both forks and
the plate to their proper places.

       Moments later I was back up in my bedroom, where Alexi had turned on
one of the night stand lamps, casting a gentle golden glow around the
room. Alexi was under the covers already on the bed's left side, his shirt
missing, his eyes fixed on me as I walked into the room. My eyes quickly
perused the room, finding his shirt slung on a chair. My eyes going
immediately back to him, I took his body in for the first time. He was
toned, not bulky, just perfect. Every muscle in his chest was defined. He
had great abs too, not all muscled up or anything excessively gym obsessed,
but just purely flat. He looked just gorgeous to me. God I wish my chest
looked like that! Noticing me looking at him, he asked, "What ya looking at
Davy-boy?"

       "Perfection." I said with a huge grin. He just rolled his eyes,
letting out a huge yawn.

       I checked the door to make sure it was locked, and slid in on the
other side of the bed.  Alexi must really have been tired, because he
didn't say anything. I pulled my pajama top off tossing it onto the floor
next to the bed, and turned out the lamp. Seconds later I could feel Alexi
edge his body up against mine and mine involuntarily spooned into his, with
his right arm edging it's way around my waist. He whispered in my ear, "Do
you think you can love someone in only one day?"

       I whispered back, "I know it, because I think I'm falling in love
with you."

       "I love you too Davy-boy." I turned over toward him, kissing him
deeply, our tongues dancing for minutes that seemed to last forever. I
turned back over, spooning back into him, feeling his heartbeat against my
spin, his right arm wrapped tightly around my waist, tears silently running
down my face.

       I went to sleep that night feeling safer and more secure than I had
in my entire life.  In one day, my entire life has changed. A day ago I
would never have imagined I would have a kind, wonderful guy wrapped around
me. A new day had arrived for both of us, my mind filling with hopes and
dreams for the future.

****

A special thank you to my editor, D.Z. of Boys in School!

The author welcomes comments or constructive criticisms. All flames will be
ignored.
	Please direct your comments to: Kateewtitanic@aol.com
	This story now has it's own website, which can be found at:
http://www.geocities.com/alexiandjustin