The following is a work of fiction. The story may contain profanity and references to gay sex. Any relation to similar events or persons, fiction or real, is completely fortuitous. If such content offends you please leave now. The author retains all rights to the story. Do not copy or use without written authority from the author. Write Bobby at brokendreamboi@yahoo.com with your comments.


Have you forgotten all I know, and all we had?
You saw me mourning my love for you
And touched my hand
I knew you loved me then

I believe in you
I'll give up everything just to find you
I have to be with you, to live, to breathe
You're taking over me

Taking Over Me © by Evanescence, 2003

Control. It's extraordinary the tactics people employ to obtain it. Some rely on deception while others engage in outright trickery. Then there are those who resort to extortion. Why do we fight so hard for control? Because we know to lose it is to put our fate in the hands of others. And what could be more dangerous?

© by Marc Cherry, 2005

Jared poured two glasses of scotch, and dropped in two steel ice cubes to each. The cubes made a small splash, clanking against the bottoms of the glasses. I've never been much of a scotch drinker, mainly sticking to tequila. Perhaps it's the Hispanic blood I've inherited from my dad that yearns for tequila. Then again, I've never said no to vodka, and that could probably be traced back to my mom, who is white. Who am I kidding, though? I just love to drink. Shame that I had to go and mess everything up a few years back.

"Who do you have to call?" Jared asked indifferently.

I took a sip of the scotch. Grimacing, I replied, "What do you mean?"

"If you are positive, who do you have to call and tell?"

"Trevor and Ben," I shamefully admitted. "There are two other guys, but I don't know them." Truthfully, one of the anonymous guys is Jay, who sort of raped me. He can burn in hell, though.

"Did you ever use protection with Trevor?"

"Only in the beginning," I drank more scotch. "But what was the point after the first few months? I never thought he'd break up with me."

Jared drank from his glass. "And Ben?"

"Of course,"

"What's with the two guys you don't know?"

I smiled at the memory of the grocery store kid. "They're just random people. I let myself go and have some fun at one point."

Jared remained silent. Thinking about what I have no idea. I wonder if he's disappointed in me at all. I know I am, even though I'm not sure why. I've always been so conscious of my health and wellbeing. Those promiscuous days before Trevor and I even dated were very safe. There was no sex without condoms, and I never took drugs through a needle. Ever. Once Trevor and I started dating I was still free and clear of any diseases. The two of us went to a free clinic to get tested after a year or so of being together, but again everything was peachy clean. I remember Jay used a condom at least, and HIV doesn't show up so soon. This shit just plain sucks. I don't understand how this could've happened.

"It's not even really possible to tell when you contracted HIV." Jared finally spoke. "A person can test negative for years and then suddenly turn up positive. This makes me really question if Trevor is actually negative."

I have no doubt that Trevor is negative. There's no reason to think he's anything but. Before we started having sex he was a virgin in every aspect of the word. The firsts we did were almost uncountable. I gave him his first blow job and he sucked his first dick. The night he entered me was one of the greatest memories I'll ever have. He was so cute about it. He officially lost his virginity that night, and that night was the start of his addiction. And the spineless bastard wouldn't ever cheat on me so he couldn't have caught anything from anyone else. He has an incredibly guilty conscious. This one time he went through my computer without my permission and when I "caught" him he apologized profusely. What's there to be sorry about? I didn't care that he was on my computer. I had nothing to hide. So there's zero doubt in my mind that Trevor is negative . . . At least he was . . .

"Jared, it couldn't have been Trevor." I said, coming to the defense of him. "There's just no way."

"Well, regardless of who it was, I'll take a blood sample of you in the morning and have it tested. There's only one way to be sure." He finished his scotch with one final large gulp.

Just then, Tyler came in through the laundry room carrying a few bags of groceries. I was glad to have this conversation over with, but then again Jared and I never discussed how to approach the subject with Tyler.

"Hey, guys," Tyler said, panting.

"Hi, babe," Jared leaned in for a quick kiss. "How was work?"

"It was good," he sighed. "But the meeting afterwards was damn painful. Just a review of standards and procedures, some news about the board of supervisor elections this year, and info about prom in May."

So he's had kind of a crappy day. This probably wouldn't be the time to inform him of what's happening with my health. I said my goodbyes and started for my room, but before I could even leave the kitchen Jared spoke up.

"Travers has something to tell you."

I stopped dead in my tracks. I had the funniest feeling that he'd sell me out.

"Yeah? What's that?" Tyler asked, not really even paying attention. He was more focused on putting the groceries away.

"I, uh, went to donate blood today." I said.

"Well good," Tyler mumbled distractedly.

"What else, Travers?" Jared pushed. I glared at him. "He tested positive for HIV."

My mouth almost hit the God damned floor. Tyler was putting a few things away in the fridge, but froze. The silence was deafening. He turned around slowly and continued putting things away.

"Tyler . . ." Jared began. "It could be a false-positive. That happens more often than you think. I told him I'll take a blood sample in the morning and have it retested for accuracy."

Tyler ran out of groceries. He finally had to look over at me. I nervously held my lower lip between my teeth.

"I don't know how to react," he finally said. "I feel like panicking, but if it's not even an absolute result, why bother?"

That was completely unexpected. Usually he'd be freaking out right now. Instead, he looks normal and calm, unfazed by the news he just heard. I wonder if he's been drinking already.

"Well, for now we can just remain optimistic that the rapid test was false." Jared said. "The rapid tests have a decent probability of being false-positive. Besides, before Trevor he was negative and he hasn't been with many people afterwards to have caught it already."

"I don't care who gave it to him. I care about what's going to happen to him." Tyler countered. I could see the softness in his eyes, the shine of tears.

"If the test comes back positive, then yes it will have a huge impact on us. Having HIV anymore, though, isn't what it was back in the eighties or nineties, or even a decade ago, Tyler. Travers is a very healthy person. He eats like a deer, he exercises, and he doesn't do drugs. He has a lot working towards his advantage." While Jared talked I stood as still as a statue, not wanting to draw any attention in this direction.

Tyler let out a deep sigh. "You're right. Everything will be fine, no matter the results." He came over to me and enveloped me in his arms. I've always felt so incredibly safe when he hugs me, like I'm impervious to everything. I lucked out big time with them as my parents. No one could've been better for Keegan and me.

"Well, the best thing we can do right now is occupy ourselves. I'm gonna go finish those bushes." With a final pat on the back, Jared went outside.

I poured myself a cup of juice and headed for my room. Positive or not I still have a ton of homework to do. So much for seeing Ben tonight. I suppose I could still have him over, but the temptation to rip his clothes off may prove to be too overwhelming. Though a nice dip in the hot tub might just be what the doctor ordered. My homework isn't too bad . . . I'll make up for it later or tomorrow or something.

I grabbed my phone and went to Ben's info, pressing the call tab.

"Hey, Travers," he said, after a few rings.

"Hey, you want to come over? I'll come pick you up." I hoped for a positive response—no pun intended, of course.

He yawned. "Sure, but I can drive myself. Mom needs me to run to the store anyways. What do you want to do?"

"Well, we can watch a movie or sit in the hot tub. Or both."

"Actually, a nice dip in the hot tub sounds very relaxing. I've been doing chores all day and I'm sore as hell."

The first bit of good news I've heard all day. My heart began to race at the prospect of having Ben over, our skin touching, lips meeting. No sex, though. I can't let sex happen. At least, he can't give me oral. There's minimal chance he could contract anything by receiving oral, huh? The probability has to be in my favor.

"Awesome,"

"See you in, like, thirty minutes."

"Can't wait," I said. "Bye,"

"Bye,"

Not wanting Ben's arrival to be completely unannounced, I went to mention my plans to Tyler. He'll probably not want me to have him over, but I have nothing but the best intentions when he comes over. I really do just want to soak in the hot tub and maybe watch a movie. Tyler wasn't in the kitchen where I left him. I saw Jared through the kitchen window, but not Tyler. I went upstairs. Their door was shut. Just as I was about to knock on it, I heard a couple of muffled sniffles.

Damn it. I knew he couldn't have been fine. Even if the test results aren't static, I knew he reacted too calmly. He was putting up a front in order to trick me. Why he treats me like I'm twelve is beyond me. I'm old enough to handle shit, especially handle emotions. Tyler's always so afraid to let us, or at least me, see him freak out. I don't know what's changed. I don't even want to bring it up, because it's kind of awkward. I guess I'll just accept it and try to ignore it.

Back downstairs, I figured I'd better tell Jared my plans. He was cleaning his mess when I went up to him.

"I'm having Ben over. We're just gonna hang out and watch a movie or something." I said casually, hoping he wouldn't scold me.

"That's fine with me," he panted. "Staying for dinner?"

"I'll have to ask."

Twenty minutes later, I heard a diesel out front. Peeking through a window, I saw it was Ben in a very large truck. Too large to be his. I opened the front door as he strode up the walkway.

"Hey," he grinned.

"Is that yours?" I asked.

"Nah," he said. "It's my dad's truck. He lets me drive it every so often."

"Well, cool. Come on in. Want a drink?"

He shook his head no. "Can we go straight for the hot tub? My back is spasming and I'm about ready to scream."

"Just let me change," I hurried into my bathroom and pulled on my trunks. Tyler was talking to Ben when I came back out.

"This is Ben," I said.

"Nice to meet you, Ben," Tyler stuck out his hand.

Ben followed suit. "Same,"

"What're you guys gonna do?"

"Go sit in the hot tub, maybe watch a movie." I answered.

"Are you staying for dinner?" Tyler asked him.

He looked at me, unsure of what he should say. "If that's okay, I wouldn't mind."

"Of course it's okay," Tyler said. "I don't know what I'm making yet, but it'll be good."

We laughed. "I'm sure it will be." I ushered Ben downstairs to avoid any possibility of embarrassment. The hot tub was already perfectly heated; someone must've turned it on earlier. Ben lifted his shirt off of his body and tossed it to the ground. I did the same and sunk myself into the warm water with no hesitation. He took a different approach, coming in slowly. I could see the relief quickly washing over his face, though.

"This feels amazing," he moaned quietly. "Your dad seems nice."

I chuckled. "Yeah, he's a great guy,"

"I'm starving, too. Hopefully whatever he cooks isn't going to take long."

Moving closer to him, I said, "It shouldn't. Earlier he mentioned something about pasta, I think. I don't know. I could just be imagining he said that. My mind has been blank for the past couple of hours."

"What's up?" He had his head resting against the concrete edge, eyes closed and looking ready to pass out. His platinum blonde hair fell off to his sides ever so slightly, allowing me a glimpse at his smooth forehead. I wanted to take him right there, but damn this cursed luck today. Right when I find out the true results, if I don't have HIV, I'm going to town on Ben.

"Just some family stuff. It should blow over by tomorrow." I sighed deeply. I could use a drink right about now. "So, do you want a drink now?"

"Yeah, that would be nice."

I got out of the hot tub and ran a towel over my body to dry myself just enough to be able to go upstairs. The smell of garlic attacked me as I exited the basement. Tyler was sautéing something when I came into the kitchen.

"Smells good, Tyler," I commented, grabbing two bottles of Naked juice.

"I decided to just make chicken and fettuccine. Ben doesn't have any food allergies does he?" Tyler asked.

"Pretty sure he doesn't,"

"Okay, good," he said, turning away from his skillet to face me. "Look, I need to make sure you two aren't going to, you know, fool around tonight."

I rolled my eyes. "I know, and I don't plan on doing anything." Good thing he can't read minds. After smelling Ben, being so near him, I certainly plan on allowing myself a taste of his precious nectar.

"Well, dinner will be done in about twenty."

"Roger that," I went back down into the basement. Ben looked ready to fall asleep he was so relaxed. His eyes were barely open, watching me come closer. "I hope you like these. I can't get enough of them."

Taking the bottle I handed him, he said, "I've never even heard of these."

"They're delicious," I gushed, sinking into the water.

He twisted the cap open and took a small sip, licking his lips afterwards. "Hm, that is mighty tasty."

"All the ingredients are on the back. It's supposedly all fruits and vegetables, but something this good makes me wonder." We shared a quick laugh. "It's the old adage that something so delicious has to be sinful. So who knows for sure, except the company that makes the drinks, of course."

A relaxed silence fell upon us. Ben kept his head resting against the concrete, looking as cute as ever. I held his hand underwater. He didn't twitch or move at all. Did he fall asleep? No, his breathing hasn't changed. He's obviously just in great discomfort. I'll suggest a massage later, followed swiftly by a blow job. That always seems to relax me—a nice orgasm, especially when provided by someone else. Trevor was good about that. When he finished deep inside of me, he promptly gave me head to ensure my own pleasure. He also liked to massage me. They weren't anything professional, just a good, old-fashioned rub down to tease our juices. Then when I was nice and relaxed he'd start to penetrate my long-ago-loosened-hole. I can't remember the last time I was tight, like, even with Trevor. Our sex was so frequent there was no time to tighten up. Besides the frequency of our passion, Trevor's beautiful cock provided a thick experience. While not that long, he certainly made up for it in girth.

Ben stirred. I snapped out of my sex reverie and felt my stiffening member press against the fabric of my board shorts. I looked Ben over and wanted so badly to kiss him. I suppose with his bad back, though, it would prove a mistake to climb atop him and engulf his mouth with my tongue. A mistake surely, but a damn fun one it would be. He slowly opened his eyes.

"Whoa, sort of passed out," he chuckled, rubbing his eyes and yawning. "Dad had me do so much today."

"Don't your siblings help?" I curiously asked.

He replaced our clasped hands. "Oh, they helped all right. Everyone helps no matter how young. Us older ones usually help with the strenuous work, but the younger ones do the easy shit, like collecting eggs and feeding the smaller animals."

"So, do your younger siblings not go to school?" I found it odd that everyone was working today. His older siblings possibly go to college or something, but kids who go to school have a set schedule—something I do not miss.

"They do," he yawned. "There was no school today."

"How many siblings do you have, by the way?"

Ben kind of laughed at first. "Two younger, two older. I'm dead center."

"Wow. Five kids. Jared and Tyler go crazy with just three."

"Yeah, it can get hectic, but we're a tight knit-family."

"So do your older siblings go to school, too?"

"No, my brothers decided they didn't want to go to college right when we moved here. They said they'd wait a year or so until they can start saving up enough money. I'm only going because the estimated financial aid was generous. My parents tried to convince them that they could get financial aid as well, but they said they still wanted enough money for a safety cushion." He grabbed his drink and took a big swallow. "I think they just don't really want to go. I remember when they were in high school they were more into sports and having fun than studying and doing their work."

"Can anyone blame them? School is the devil!" I laughed.

"True enough," he giggled. "I'm in the same boat as you. I still need to figure out a major."

"This might be totally cliché, but you could study agriculture or veterinary science. You already have a leg up on the competition."

He scoffed. "Not really what I want to do. Farm work doesn't interest me as a career. And animals, no way. I don't know. I was thinking of something in business or legal. Maybe a paralegal. They make decent money and don't require much schooling."

In the distance, I heard the basement door being flung open and someone rushing down the stairs. Jared came barreling into the pool area, looking hot and flustered.

"Travers, I just got called into work. I'm gonna take that blood sample now so meet me upstairs in ten." Without waiting for a reply, he zoomed out of the room. I didn't even get to introduce him to Ben.

Again, I heard the basement door creak open. "Travers, dinner's done!" Tyler shouted.

Ben and I got out of the hot tub and used towels to dry ourselves off as best we could. He said something about going out to his truck to fetch his clothes. I took the opportunity to quickly rinse off in the shower. As I stepped out of my bathroom, he walked into my room.

"Go ahead and rinse off if you want to. Towels are in there." I said.

"Great," he smiled.

I went into the kitchen to make our plates. The boys were already at the dining table forking mouthfuls of noodles into their gullets. Jared came rushing into the kitchen with a few blood drawing supplies. He quickly told me to put my arm on the counter.

"Not in the kitchen! This is where food is prepared!" Tyler complained.

Jared groaned impatiently. "Damn it, Tyler, I don't fucking have time for this shit. Zanders said it was an emergency." He put a pair of gloves on and ripped open an alcohol swab with his teeth, rubbing it around on the underside of my elbow. "Make a fist and pump," I did as I was instructed. Feeling around for a vein, he found a good one. I looked away as he picked up a needle and stuck it into the skin. I can handle needles and blood, but the one thing I always turn away for is the needle being injected into the skin. It just freaks me out every time. Blood gushed into the small vial connected to the tubing, filling it half way in seconds. Jared placed a cotton ball at the end of the needle and carefully extracted the sharp point from my skin. "Hold," he said firmly. I put a finger on the cotton ball. Working like lightning, he capped the needle and secured a top on the vial of blood, then ripped a piece of tape just big enough to hold the cotton ball in place. "Okay, gotta run!"