Date: Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:57:08 -0400
From: lila_is@live.ca
Subject: Steppin' Out -/highschool/Book 2/Chapters 1-3

Disclaimer:

This is a series of works of gay erotic fiction. If you are offended by
such material or if you are not allowed access to it under the laws where
you live, please exit now.

This work is copyrighted by the author and LBL Services Canada. 1990-2008

and may not be copied or distributed in any form without the written
permission of the author, who may be contacted at: lila_is@live.ca

Any and all celebrities mentioned in this story have no affiliation to this
piece of writing and I make no claim to their person as my own. All
Mentioned places and people are factious and any bearing resemblance to
anyone person or place is purley coincidental

***********************************

INTRODUCTION:

Steppin' Out (Book 2) Josh and Dante's Dream Copyright 1995-2008
By Lila Mosher Full series already E-published on line, if you wish
to read it all in it's entiriety please Mail Lila and ask for the link thanks.

Two wonderful people are brought together through the ties of another
who's struggled with acceptance of his own.
These two fine hearts learn not only to share their feelings and love
with each other but they extend themselves to include another lost
and abused soul into their lives, this is book 2 & the continuing story
to Steppin' Out. Please enjoy and feel free to e-mail me your comments
I love getting feed back from fans :) thanks

***********************************

Thanks to ALL who have mailed me already due to book 1's listing, the
responses are amazing, I can't believe some have already ready all THREE
books!  (on line) The books main web site has hit an all time high of
45-50000 page hits respectivilly each month and it's mainly due to the
listing here in Nifty, thanks and if you want to mail me DO SO I DO love
getting mails from readers so PLEASE keep them comming!!!

Please enjoy the 2nd installment, book 2 ...
books 1, 2 and 3 are published in full on line mail me to ask for the
site link or keep watching here for the next chaprters to
be posted, ALL will be listed here in due time, thanks again
everyone!!!


******************************************************************************

Chapter 1
********

The bell had signaled the end of the classes for the day. Dante Headed to
his locker, he leaned against it waiting for his locker mate to show
sharing a locker sucked but it was cheaper in the long run.  While he
waited he watched across the throng of students scurrying around getting
ready to head home.  He noticed the platinum blond right away. The sun from
the upper hall window arched across the hall setting on his head like a
spotlight making his hair glow, dust partials floating in the air danced in
the sunlight looking like hundred's of pixies dancing around the boy's
head. Dante groaned and shifted his books to cover the front of
himself. His obsession with Josh's sexy body was getting worse; if he had
the balls he'd ask him out.

It wasn't like Dante was a bad looking guy stood nearly six feet tall at
one hundred and seventy five pounds, he had a swimmer's body. He had short
black hair, was clean shaved thou stubble was always an issue for him.  He
was built well. His body was sleek and slim like an otter. He wore simple
glasses that framed eyes as dark as a night sky. He was medium
complected. Others might think he was homely or plain, but he'd been told
before he was good looking, what he didn't understand was why it was so
damn hard finding other guys who thought he was as appealing. Sam slowed
and looked at him.

"Yo! Dude move your mooning ass!"

"Hey! I'm not mooning!" he protested.

"He doth protest too much." Sam quoted and mimed a Shakespearian actor. God
he could be so damn annoying but there wasn't really anything he could do
about it since Sam was after all his twin brother.

"Your such a brat sometimes, I swear to god you're lucky I never sold you
to the freak show when you were little."

Sam was nearly identical to Dante except Sam had a fetish for jewelry and
piercings. He had quite a few. Sam's left eyebrow had one. He also had a
stud in his nose. He had two hoops in his left ear and three studs in his
right ear and a nipple ring. Along with the piercings Sam tended to not
shave, so often so his goatee resembled a half ass shaggy beard, which in
turn caused many to think him much older than his twenty-two years.

He tossed his books in with his brothers and grabbed his jacket, sliding in
an arm into the sleeve as he watched Josh again, who was now chatting to
Aikrii.  His pal Aikrii had returned to university after a sever beating
had left him hospitalized for two weeks. Aikrii was now in his last year at
St. Stephen's programming courses. Dante was happy to see him back at the
university looking well. When Aikrii stopped in front of Dante he was slow
to respond since he was still staring at Josh who was apparently getting
ready for a practice session with his lacrosse team.

"Yo! Dude!" Aikrii said poking his friend trying to get his attention.

"Huh?" Dante looked at Aikrii "Oh, Hey! How are ya?" He asked smiling.

"Good actually," Aikrii said, he turned trying to see what Dante was
staring at. He caught Josh in his view.  Aikrii grinned.

"Nice pick there Dante." Aikrii said with a smirk.

Once again Dante was off in his own world so when he heard his name again
he half ass snapped back to reality.

"Huh? What?" he said looking at Aikrii like he has no idea what so ever on
what he was talking about.

"Oh nothing. I see you're distracted." Aikrii said chuckling. "Wondering
what your doing this weekend. I think Mani and I are going to N-R-G to
listen to Flatline play. Wanna come?"

Dante looked at him. "Who else is coming?"

"Mani, myself, Cleo, Nye and a few others they invited. I asked a few
people but most have turned me down due to exams coming up. So what'cha
say? Gonna come?"

Aikrii noticed Sam was staring at him, "Hi Sam." He said smiling.

Sam grinned "Hey where's Mani?" he asked looking around, "you know Chet is
still after all this time, mooning over loosing his chance with him."

Aikrii chuckled recalling the spiky haired blond who use to be Josh's
roommate.

"Chet is obsessive, he was that way with Josh. He would have as much chance
as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs with Mani, He's just not his
type."

They all giggled at the comment.

Josh walked past Dante and Aikrii with his lacrosse stick over his
shoulder, his bare legs showing and giving Dante a good view of the lithe
and limberness contained within them. He swallowed hard and smiled as Josh
started to speak to Aikrii. "Remember to bring him to see me to. We'll get
your cute asses covered with the finest!"

Aikrii laughed again. His best pal was such a queen sometimes; he really
liked to play the part up. He was still a riot to hang with thou. Dante was
beat red when Aikrii looked back

"You ok?" He asked him.

"Umm, Yeah...I gotta go." With that he slammed the locker shut and took
off.

"What's with him? Aikrii asked Sam who had been talking to another student.

"Oh he's all moony over Josh, stupid idiot won't ask him out thou." Sam
said snorting and picking up his shop bag.

"I swear to god he's worse than some moon struck girl, its disgusting." He
made a face as Aikrii watched him.

"So no worse than you and Xavier then, eh?" Sam stopped dead in his tracks
and turned beat red and stammered.

"Ho..How! How the fuck did you find about that!" He hissed looking around
hoping not to draw attention to himself.

"Hey your little crush is safe with me." Aikrii chuckled raising his hands
in defense. "Oh and you give it away in many senses so when you responded
that way you just confirmed what your brother suspected already."

Sam slapped his forehead and groaned. "Is it that friggin obvious?" he
looked through his fingers at Aikrii who laughed.

"Sam in the last bit since I've been back even I've noticed the changes,
that's why I asked your brother what was up with you. He told me about your
apparent attraction to the new teacher's assistant in your cosmetology
class, what I don't understand is why you don't just go for it."

Oh yeah! That would be a smart move, NOT!" Sam huffed grabbing his shop
kit. "Just what I'd need, watch him loose his job two months before the end
of his contract. Sorry cute stuff but I'm not that stupid, and I can't see
him even wanting to even risk it either. Can you imagine the scandal here
if word got out a student and a teacher were dating, especially a gay one!
Good god!"

Aikrii let off a low chuckled, "Your so sensitive Sam come on I was just
kidding and hell it's not like you've done anything...have you?" He looked
at his friend with a smug grin.

"That pal of mine is none of your business, besides I haven't even
approached him yet. Fuck I can't even look at him without turning six
shades of red and it's a bitch during class time since he calls on each of
us, I always screw up when I'm near him!"

He continued to grumble as he walked out the universities door. The crisp
spring air made him stop and breath deeply.  He walked over to the wall and
plopped his shop kit onto it as he adjusted his heavy knapsack.

"Well I have to go. Mani and I have plans to meet up with a few others" He
waved his good-byes to his friend and headed off to the south end parking
lot to find his boyfriend, he yelled back to Sam; "Get Dante to call me if
he's gonna join us ok!"

Sam nodded and waved back seeing him off. He looked around and spotted
Dante across the north end parking lot under one of the many trees the
students tended to use for a rest stop or study spot. He walked over to his
twin brother and plopped down beside him.

The two young men were both in their third year of St Stephen's University
They had both taken last year off when their dad had passed from
cancer. Their return had been a bit of a shock for them due to so many
changes that occurred at the university, not only image wise but faculty
wise as well. Xavier York their cosmetology teacher was one of those
changes that had thrown them for a loop.

"Hey." Dante said to his brother as Sam sat down beside him,

"Sorry for being an ass earlier." Sam said; "Seems you're not the only one
who's been noticed mooning over someone." Sam looked over his knee and
noticed that this spot had a good vantage point of the lacrosse field.

"Yeah, So have you figured out how to approach Xavier yet?" Dante asked.

"Nope, no more than you have on Josh, We're such speds." Sam said as he
leaned back against the tree and watched the lacrosse team members stretch
out for practice. Sam sighed Dante leaned forward wrapping his arms around
his knees watching as Josh's team took the field, Dante really thought it
was neat that Josh was the team captain of the lacrosse team, it wasn't an
easy sport to be involved with, it was impressive to Dante since he knew
Josh had "girly tendencies" as Sam called it. Dante found it endearing
actually which was odd since he never though he'd hit it off that well with
a somewhat effeminized guy. Granted he didn't act that way all the time but
he still had the tendency to fall under the stereotypical `label' when he
was excited or being funny. He grinned as he heard Josh yell out to his
teammates stretch time. This was one of Dante's favorite parts of Josh's
practice routine. Dante knew Josh was well built but he also knew Josh
wasn't the `strongest' person either even if he did play lacrosse.

***************************************************************

Josh was slinging a ball around to a few teammates He had noticed pretty
quickly the tall sleek dark haired guy he had his heart on. Dante was hard
to miss as well. He walked like a panther, all fluid and graceful. He
watched him settle by the tree that was about five hundred feet away from
the field but it didn't matter to him he was just glad to know he was
there. He thought to himself as his teammates went thought their
routine. It was too bad his guts got all mushy on him whenever Dante came
near. Seemed to him thirty seconds was all he could muster so far after
that he had to scoot in order to avoid embarrassment.

He tossed the ball and said, "Stretch time!" His teammates lined up and a
few shucked their t-shirts other just stood there stretching and limbering
up some just stood and waited for the routine Josh put them through to
start up. Josh slid out of his t-shirt, he knew Dante was watching and
wanted to give him a good show. He started the routine to the music 'Go
west that was sung by the petshop boys' he had on the ghetto blaster he had
beside him, the dance music he had going was somewhat slow paced at first
and made his crews work out seem smooth and limbering. Ten minutes later
the music picked up to a low impact pace and the new song 'Low' was
playing. Josh looked over at Dante and noticed that his brother had joined
him and was laughing at Dante, who was at that moment sitting with his jaw
nearly touching the ground.

"Squats!" he had his backend facing Dante and his brother, he squatted down
arms stretched out and his teammates followed suit. Up, down, up,
down..."And three more and two more and done! run it out!"

Josh's team started to do the required laps heading east on the field first
then south and then west past Dante and Sam within one hundred feet of
them. Josh was leading them, and Dante grinned as they past by their spot.

"God damn he's hot!" He growled out, and then he turned red as his brother
laughed again at another one of his comments he had busted forth with in
the last ten minutes.

"My baby bro has the hots for our lacrosse teams captain." He laughed more
when Dante threw an acorn at him.

"You're only five minutes older than me jerk off! And not so loud either I
don't need the whole damn university knowing!"

Sam tried his best to stifle the laughter and hauled out his business
courses reading material and started to go over stuff for his exams and the
material that was needed for Monday's classes. He didn't get too far thou
since he was still distracted with his own thoughts; which involved one
particular teacher.

"Dammit!" he grumbled. "Let's go, I have to get out of here."

"Awww, what's wrong?" Dante asked.

"Too damn distracted" he muttered. He got up and started for the parking
lot. His reluctant brother was in tow.  They didn't get too far when Sam
stopped in his tracks.  He noticed the flaming red hair immediately but the
thing was too many boxes were topping his arms and Sam noticed the
precarious balancing act that Xavier was trying to attempt while
maneuvering his way to his car. He shoved his bag at his brother and rushed
over to Xavier to lend a hand. He stopped in front of his TA and let him
bump him.  Xavier grunted as Sam said; "Hey let me help." As he took two
boxes off the top of the pile Xavier had in his arms.  "Thanks I needed
that." Xavier said smiling at Sam. They made it over to Xavier's car and
Sam put down the boxes. Little did Sam know but Xavier was checking his ass
out and Dante watched this with amusement.

"No problem, sir!" Sam said scratching his head and grinning like a goof.

"Oh god, Sam do not call me Sir. Sir is my dad. Shit I'm what only three
years older than you, don't make me feel older than I need to be ok."
Xavier chuckled at Sam's facial expression, the element of surprise
registered and it made Xavier think he was too damn cute.

"Sure ...ummm" Sam hesitated then blushed.

"Call me Xavier silly, it is my name after all" He smiled and then unlocked
his trunk.

"Ok Xavier it is then" Sam said, "so ya need anymore help?"

"Nope I think I can mange from here, but thanks." Xavier grinned again and
mentally laughed at the embarrassed state of the young man in front of
him. He waited till Sam was walking away before he started to load the
boxes into his trunk.

Sam grinned as he walked away, idiot or not he managed to last more than
thirty seconds talking to his teacher. He looked back and saw the backside
of Xavier and gripped Dante's arm and groaned. Dante let out a hearty
chuckle and Sam spun around real quick, he was sure Xavier heard Dante's
laughter and didn't want to be caught ogling his teacher's ass.

"Jesus Dante, give me away now! Thanks!"

"Good god Sam you seriously need to get some, this can't be good for you."
He laughed again as his brother glared at him.  "Blue ball express look out
Sam's on that trolley and his head is about to explode!"  Sam hauled off
and slapped his bro what for up the backside of his head.

"Hey! No fair! I'm not the horn dog here!" Dante scowled.

"No you're the big mouth!" Sam sneered then started to jog away from his
brother.

"All the better to deep throat with brother dear, you should try it
sometime!"

Sam was mortified at his brother's comment and turned another six shades of
red.  He ran faster. Being a twin brother sucked sometimes, even more so
considering both of them were gay.  Sam made it home first and headed to
his room. He had studying to do.

It was about ten minutes later that Dante walked into the door. He was in a
good mood he dropped his bag on to the bench by the door and tossed off his
sneakers. He wandered to the kitchen to get some food, his stomach was
protesting as its emptiness. He rummaged through the fridge and grabbed an
apple. His mom walked in the back door with a basket full of veggies from
their garden.

"Hi mamma" he kissed her cheek "need help with supper tonight?" he asked
her.  "No sweetie, you have studying to do and I suggest you get to it
exams are only a few weeks away, I'll manage while you do that, it's bad
enough last year you missed out, not this time sonny." She patted his
cheek, and smiled. He gave her a hug and then headed up to his room. Once
he got there he flopped on to his bed and looked at the ceiling. A dolphin
hung from a string along with boats and other marine items, Dante loved the
water and his whole room reflected that. The blue comforter under him even
looked like waves. He sat up, he really didn't want to study just yet so he
went to bug his brother, and he should let him know about Xavier's butt
check.

"What do ya want twerp?" Sam said as his brother sauntered into his room
and flopped onto his bed.

"Well if you really don't want me here that's fine by me but I was going to
tell you what I noticed Xavier doing when you put those boxes down."

Sam stopped and looked at his brother. "Oh my god!" Sam did the girly
squeal Josh did mocking the guy Dante liked and then he continued; "Was he
checking out my ass! God forbid I didn't notice! Do these jeans make me
look fat?"

Dante threw a pillow at his brother, "Fuck off!  Thought you'd want to
know." He was frowning at his brother who was just being a jerk now.

"Oh shit, your serious?" Sam asked, now in a state of shock.

"Yeah dickwad!" He was seriously checking out your ass but you had to be a
jerk off, next time remind me never let you know shit like that. You'll
never get laid at this rate."

With that Dante stomped out of the room and back to his own, as he entered
his room the phone rang, he reached over and grabed it.

"Hello?" he said into the receiver.

It was Aikrii who wanted to know if he or anyone else was going to go out
tonight. Dante had to turn him down he had studying to do and told Aikrii
he hoped him and Mani had fun. He sighed looked at his books and hauled
them out, Business classes was a course he was having troubles with but
that's only because Josh was in his class and sat behind him and it
seriously distracted him. Good thing Sam was also in his class he helped
Dante a great deal, which was only fair since Dante helped Sam when it came
to his cosmetology classes. Sam understood distractions as much as Dante
did.

*************************************************************



The classroom was vacant, it was dark and it was very warm, Dante had no
idea why it was this way. His eyes adjusted to the gloom, he noticed a glow
from by one of the side doors and headed towards it. When he reached the
source he noticed it was Josh. He groaned, Josh reached for him and asked
him if he was ok. Dante nodded since his tongue was like rubber and he
could barely talk. Why did he get this way around him?

He felt Josh's hand on his arm and looked over at the blond who seemed to
glow more, like an angel. He felt him pull him towards him. Josh looked at
Dante and smiled. Dante started to melt as Josh pulled him in to his arms.
Josh looked at him his baby blue eyes sparkling mischievously he leaned in
towards Dante and kissed him, throwing Dante for a loop, he moaned under
his lips. He breathed deep and he could smell grass and musk. Dante's head
was swimming only he couldn't control where he was going, Dante reached for
his hair running his finger through the platinum blond locks that felt like
silk. He felt Josh's tongue probing and he relaxed allowing him to access
his mouth, two eager tongues collided, dancing and caressing each other,
hot breaths mingled and made Dante's jeans get tighter. He gripped Josh's
head and lower back grinding against him and trying to absorb him into his
very being. Josh moaned loudly and Dante could feel his arousal against
him.  Dante reached for him and rubbed him Josh wiggled against his
hand. Dante was pleased with himself. He undid the buckle of Josh's pants,
taking his time to torment Josh.

"Oh god Josh!" He cried as he watched Josh's manhood spring forth from his
boxers like a sturdy pine. He was huge! He grinned at him and then
proceeded to lick Josh making him grab his head and encourage more. He
heard Josh whimpering and begging him to make him cum.

"Faster!" he panted thrusting his hips of his own free will. Dante was only
happy to oblige. He sucked him harder flicking on the end after every
second stroke. Josh was peaking and Dante knew this but he didn't want him
to cum just yet. He stopped and looked at Josh who was wiggling against the
wall he had him pinned against like mad. Dante picked Josh up.  Josh
wrapped his legs around Dante's waist. Dante moved him over to an armless
chair at least it had padding. He set Josh down his own pole hard as a rock
in his pants. He dropped his drawers and fished out lube and a condom from
his pants pocket.  He used the protection and lubed up he positioned Josh
over the desk, and slowly taunted his bud, circling it and making him suck
air through his teeth, he continued till Josh begged him.

"Oh God! Dante Please! Please now...Ohh." Dante was only happy to give into
his pleads and thrusted forward, his pace was quick and rough, he gripped
onto Josh's hips and pulled back not sparing him from the roughness he was
dishing out. He listened as Josh whimpered in ecstasy and begged for him to
go faster.  He shifted hitting Josh's magic spot, he screamed as he
climaxed clenching tightly; which only made Dante move faster as he peaked,
he yelled out to.

Everything went dark. He though he was dead for a minute till he realized
Josh wasn't there with him anymore, and he was now sitting. Where did he
go? He reached out and felt his own desk. It was then he realized what
happened. He reached over to where his lamp was and flicked it on. Fuck a
wet dream. He got up and grumbled. He stripped his pants off; wandering to
his closet to get more clothes he found clean boxers and threw them on. He
headed to the bathroom; on the way he noticed his brother's light was still
on.

He peeked into his room.  "Yo! You still studying?" Sam looked at his bro
who was standing in his doorway a rumpled mess.

"I just finished, going to go eat and then bed shortly, I thought you were
asleep." Sam watched him and waited for his response.

"I was till Josh invaded my dreams." He said with a sour look, "you think
at my age wet dreams would be a thing of the past."

Sam laughed even he knew wet dreams were never really a thing of the past,
they just got less common.  "Get use to it for now bro, till you scratch
that itch of yours, it won't be going away anytime soon."

"Oh fucking wonderful! It could be a cold day in hell before that happens"
He said in a huff as he turned to go get food since he realized he hadn't
eaten yet.

He brought a plate of grub up to Sam and they at in his room together
quietly for most of it.  Dante stopped eating and looked at his
brother. "You know what?"

"What?" Sam said really not much for his little brother's silly shenanigans
at that moment, as it always seemed to be the case with Dante.

"I'm gonna go see Josh at his work."

Sam nearly choked on his spaghetti noodles. "What the hell for?"

"I think I should send out a few vibes, if he gets interested maybe he'll
ask me out on his own, since I'm too much of a chicken shit to do it
myself."

Sam looked at his brother and fell over laughing. "Good god Dante if he was
interested don't you think he'd have asked by now?"

Dante was heartbroken at that comment. He frowned. "Never mind, your right,
stupid idea"

Sam stopped. "Hey wait I didn't say stupid I just ment it seems an awful
lot to put yourself through just for a guy."

"Well;" Dante said "If I don't make a bit of an effort I'm never gonna know
now will I?"

"I guess not;" Sam said smiling. Dante headed off to his room a few minutes
later, his belly full and his heart a bit merrier at the notion of making
first contact with Josh.



Chapter 2 *********

Dante awoke to banging and cussing. Great his brother was awake which ment
he was already doing house repairs. He was thankful there was a swim meet
today.  He got up and stretched and started to rummage through his closet
for something to wear.  He grabbed his track pants and his matching
St. Stephen's University sweat shirt. The white suit with the blue letters
and yellow outline looked good on him. He figured he'd jog to his meet
again since it went past Josh's house. He grinned he figured one of these
days he'd be bound to notice him.

Outside he stretched his mom was standing beside him holding his water
bottle. "Call if you want me or your brother to pick you up after your
meet. Do you have everything?"

"Yes mom, most of my stuff is at the pool in my locker. I'll call if I need
a lift." He kissed her on her cheek, put the earphone buds into his ears
and took the bottle from his mom and placed it into the holster he was
wearing for it. He flicked on his MP3 player waved and headed off to his
meet.  He kept a steady pace. Pounding the pavement, thunk, thunk, thunk,
splash. Damn he didn't notice the puddle but he kept on going. His MP3
player was playing a Kevin Lyttle song called tempted to touch. He smiled
to himself as he started to come up the hill to Josh's place. The song
suited the mood he was in. He was quite happy to see Josh was outside when
he jogged by, but he made it like he was concentrating so when Josh waved
he ignored it intentionally. He didn't want to look too damn eager. He made
it to the pool in twenty minutes; which was good timing for him.

He stripped put on his Speedos and headed to the shower to cool himself off
after his run.  He wandered out to the pool deck and noticed that his coach
was already setting up drill laps.

"DANTE!" he yelled out

"Yes sir?" he said as he approached the aging man.

"Conference meeting coming up next week. Can you make it?" He asked

"What's that all about?" Dante asked dreading the though of having to do
more shit for the community center on top of everything else he was
currently doing. It wasn't that he was self-centered he did a lot of
volunteer stuff, it was just that he had exams, his meets, work, the
Sundays he volunteered at the community center now and helping his mom
anymore and he'd never have a life.

"Believe it or not, it's for national qualifications." His coach said with
a grin.

"Oh shit! You're saying I'm a qualifying teammate?" He grinned hoping he
was getting what he had been working towards for the last few years, he
wasn't the best swimmer but he did try very hard.

"Actually your one of our top five swimmers, so since your ranking third
right now we're including you for the qualifying rounds which will bring
you to the national finals if you manage to keep your head in there." His
coach was quite serious about this to.

"You up for the challenge?"

"Damn straight I am!" Dante grinned, that's when he heard an off-handed
remark from one of his teammates about him not being straight at all.

The coach heard the remark and bellered. "Jeremy! Hit the showers wise ass,
we don't tolerate shit like that from no one.  Come back when you can grow
the fuck up!"

The rest of the teammates who all knew better laughed at the newest idiot
of the no bash rule. In James Nairs position as coach no one was permitted
to bash, his daughter Chev's Ti-kwon-do coach Mani was gay and he couldn't
have a better teacher for his daughter. He wasn't about to allow
intolerance in his team's fray. He had better things to worry about like
winning the finals.

He eyed the rest of his team. "Anyone else wishing to be booted permanently
will watch their stupidity. No bashing is tolerated here, do I make myself
clear!" James waited for his team's response.

"YES SIR!" they all yelled in chorused together. "OK into the pool I want
twenty-five laps from everyone. Five butterfly, five free strokes, five
breast strokes, five back strokes and five side strokes. Get to it now!"
His crew jumped into the pool and Dante's day began, he loved the water it
was, as much to him as breathing, he felt alive in the pool.

From the observation deck he could see him, Josh looked down at the dark
head gliding through the water like an otter, sleek and swift. He shivered
with glee, it's been nearing four months now and he was getting braver he
knew sooner or later he would get the chance to catch this fine fellow in
his grasp how was another challenge, he didn't want to appear too
eager. Soon as Dante started his back strokes Josh crouched as not to give
away his position. He watched his muscled sleek body cut the water like a
knife through butter. Josh got tight just thinking about him. The dreams he
kept having were nearly killing him nightly. He sighed and snuck out of the
building. He headed back home hoping Dante walked past his house again like
he had last week. He would be waiting.

Dante's meet was over and he was drying his hair when Jeremy came up behind
him.

"Thanks to your presents I'm off the team, can't even crack a fucking joke
anymore. Mark my words queenie, you'll get yours." with that Jeremy brushed
past him shoving him with his shoulder knocking him off balance.

He was startled when he was approached but he wasn't scared. He had far
bigger people threaten him and Jeremy was no exception. Some people were
just jackasses. He gained his composure and grabbed his MP3 player and his
water bottle.  He walked out of the building into the crisp afternoon
spring air. He started to walk home, and had his mind wander to household
chores. He didn't even realize he was at the top of the hill that went past
Josh's place till he was almost knocked over by a rollerblader.  He looked
around and hummed to the music on his MP3. Surrender was playing now. He
noticed Josh stretched out in the hammock that was in his yard. He was
reading something and Dante assumed he was probably studying for exams. He
kept going not noticing Josh's eyes following his progress down the hill.

********************************************************

The next day Cleo had called him at work. She filled him in on a few
details of hers regarding Aikrii and Mani. "Hey we're trying to set up a
party for Aikrii, Mani is taking him over to your shop to get clothes can
you keep him busy for a bit and once you can sneak away head here ok."

Josh was happy to have been invited. "Sure. Should I bring anything?"

"Nope, no need to unless you have a date in mind." She giggled.

"No, but if I can borrow Nye for a bit when I get there that would be
great!" He made a chuckle as she gasped.  "Ok darlin' get your mind out of
the gutter yer steppin' on my head! I need his musical expertise nothing
more."

He could hear Cleo growl at him for the joke. "I swear to god Josh one of
these days I'm get you back for being such a smart ass." She then proceeded
to giggle. "Just get your ass over here I'm sure Aikrii would be very happy
to see you here."

"I will what time should I get there?" he asked grinning at the though of
Cleo kicking his ass. She could to considering Mani was her Ti-Kwon-do
teacher. "When ever you can break away from the shop, Mani will keep him
busy for about an hour after they leave the shop so you should have time to
close down if you need to."

"Thanks Cleo see you soon." He got off the phone wondering how soon they
would be at the shop. He had to set up more stock so decided to make an
effort to keep busy while he waited. Jump Street was his clothing shop, a
pet project of his. He opened it a year ago and kept it going mostly on his
own and he wasn't in the red when it came to sales. He walked over to the
shirt display section and took the ten shirts he had been setting up for
display over to the wall.  He got his stick and hook placed a shirt that
was on a hanger on his stick and reached up placing the product on the wall
for display. He played around moving the arms so they weren't all scrunched
and then proceeded to do the same with the other shirts. He thought as he
worked that he had to work on the jean restocking as well and he was sure
the women's tank tops also needed to be redone to. He was thinking I
seriously should consider hiring someone else other than Jenny who would be
showing in a few hours.

He felt his presents more than noticed him physically. He got an electric
charge that ran up his spine. He stopped in mid reach. Ever inch of his
body was tingling. He sucked in a deep breath and ever so slowly turned his
head to bring Dante into view. He dropped his arm with the pole so that the
pole rested on the floor. He turned all the way around and faced Dante.

"Umm, Hi Dante." He was flushed and nervous. "Sorry I didn't notice you
right away I have been running around here like mad trying to get things
restocked before Jen gets in.

"What can I do you for? Umm...I mean what can I get you." He blushed harder
and realized Dante had to have noticed the deepening of the blush. He
turned around so he was no longer facing Dante and stated walking up the
shops aisles pointing out things that may interest Dante. Once Josh felt he
could breath again he turned around and faced Dante again.

"So what will it be?" Josh Smiled and Dante felt his heart race.

"I was told your one of the best people to dress others up, so I'm here for
a fitting and some advice, I have a potential interview coming and I want
to be dressy but casual." Dante looked at him and waited for his response.

Josh looked at him and grinned a huge grin. He was so going to have fun
with this project. He just had to set it at his own time scheduling

"Well unfourtunally I am getting ready for a fitting for Aikrii who's on
his way in but if you show on Monday evening just after we close I can fit
you in there. This way I can get the fitting done without
interruptions. Does that sound good to you?"

Dante grinned, "Sure, I'll be here." He left the store in a good mood
knowing his approach was getting braver, now to keep it up without blowing
it.

*********************************************

"Oh my god! If it isn't the two stallions!" Josh crooned walking over to
Aikrii and winking at him and fussing over his clothing, Josh knew Aikrii
well he was after all, one of the first people Aikrii trusted and had told
he was gay to.

Josh had encouraged him to be more open but it wasn't the best time back
then with Aikrii's dad drinking so much.  Josh always felt it was his
showing up at Aikrii's house that had gotten Aikrii beaten so badly by his
dad. But Aikrii never blamed Josh for what happened, He told him it wasn't
his fault at all his dad just knew who Josh was, and he had this nasty out
look on gay guys. Josh adored Aikrii and was very protective of him so when
he heard last year he had a boyfriend he was thrilled to learn it was
Mani. He knew Mani was one of the few good guys who never slept around at
the school and all around good guy. Josh knew his best friend he was in
safe hands when it came to Mani. Aikrii gleamed and gave the girly state of
Josh a slug in the arm "Come on now, stop the fussing! You do this every
time!" he laughed.

Josh jumped "Oh my, still such a brute" he said playfully girly slapping
Aikrii and asked him how he was doing.

Aikrii grinned as Mani walked up to him with a nice shirt in his hands and
commented on the outfit he had picked for Aikrii. Josh being the girly guy
he liked to teasingly be, went all giddy at Mani's deep voice and he
proceeded to squeal like a teen girl with a crush on a rock star. Giggling
at his reaction Aikrii joked, "Gee Josh don't wet your panties!"

"But he's such a cutie and his voice is like butter!" He said in a loud
whisper, he looked over and noticed Mani blushing.

"Yummy!" Josh said winking to Mani while poking Aikrii in the side with his
elbow knowing it would make Mani blush, the one thing Josh loved to make
Mani do and it never failed.

"Well Aikrii your friend here is sure a pretty shade of red" he
said. Aikrii grinned.

"So do I finally get a new mannequin to play with?" Josh asked holding his
hands under his chin grinning like a child eager to find out if he got what
he wanted for Christmas. As much as Aikrii was enjoying the enthusiasm of
his friend he had to disappoint him,Yet again.

"Sorry not today, but soon, right now I'm trying to get a few new pieces of
clothing, I've got interviews and I need new duds, but I'm looking for
something comfortable and sturdy. I'll be needing something dressy for my
presentation to Nessix as well."

Josh fill Aikrii in on the scuttlebutt and gossip on who was seeing
who. While he hauled down a very nice, casual suit from one of the wall
displays He placed it in front of Aikrii and turned to show Mani who was
admiring him with obvious hunger in his eyes.

"Delicious!" Josh blurted out, taking the words right out of Mani's
head. "Simply delicious!" he went on grinning at his pal. Aikrii's hearty
laughter vibrated through the store, some of the other customers looked at
the three making such a ruckus.

Josh watched as Aikrii tried on three other outfits and then rang his
purchases in Mani and he waved good-bye and headed out. That was tiring but
Mani and Aikrii popped in often so the shopping sprees for them two wasn't
abnormal.

He then finished doing his restocking and called Jenny hoping she was on
her way.  "I'm around the corner I'll be there in ten minutes or so. Ok?"

"Sure darlin' See ya soon." He hung up his cell and started to do balancing
of the books which he hated but it had to be done. He found out he had done
well over seventy thousand in sales already and it was only the middle of
the month, he was pleased at the records. He placed the books back in the
office and hauled out the order books for his inventory he wanted to be
sent to his shop. He figured since summer was coming soon he should get a
head start on the summer wear people would be scrambling for soon.

Jen walked in to the shop and smiled at her boss "Hey darlin' I'm here" she
said grinning

"Fantastic!" Josh said. "I have to go so you'll be closing today. Since
it's Saturday you can close at two if you want ok four if it's busy and
don't worry about balancing the books I'll take care of it when I get in
tonight. I'll just come later this evening to fix things ok."

"Hey cool, sure. Thanks Josh. So where are you going to? She asked.

He filled her in on the details of the party and she perked up "Oh ok have
fun boss man I'll leave a note if anything pops up ok." She grinned and
shooed him out of the store.

Josh chuckled Jen didn't know the half of it. "I'll probably will be back
after twelve so set the alarm ok, I'll manage.  She smiled and waved him
off as he headed out of the shop to Mani's place.

*********************************************

Josh cheered with everyone else as Mani and Aikrii entered the apartment,
the utter look of surprise on Aikrii's face was priceless. Josh chuckled as
Aikrii was talking to Mani all excited. This was the second party that Josh
had managed to be invited to by these two and he hoped there would be more
to come these were fun. He laughed as he watched them chat.

Josh watched ad Mani plated a kiss on Aikrii's cheek, he snapped a picture
as it happened. He sighed thinking his friend was so lucky. He walked up to
Aikrii.  "This is one hopping party darlin'" Josh said as he sipped his rum
and coke.

Aikrii smiled. "It's pretty freaking amazing isn't it, he always manages to
surprise me to." He sighed a great sigh of satisfaction and then chuckled

Josh looked at him and smiled patting his arm and spoke "Your very lucky
Aikrii, I hope to find what you have one of these days"

"I think it's closer than you think Josh" Aikrii said smiling and clinked
his Pepsi against Josh's drink and then headed off. Josh stayed till ten
then headed out he had work to do and one drink was enough. He showed back
at the shop.  There was a note there for him from Jen letting him know she
did balance the books already since she did so well with sales she though
it would be a good idea to get it done quickly. Josh was happy he hired her
from day one but still considered hiring another since Jen did almost as
much work as he did except for ordering. He closed the shop and headed
home, today had been draining.



Chapter 3 ********

Sam woke up and stretched he had heard his brother leave only twenty
minutes before. He knew he was heading to the community center where he
volunteered. He crawled out of bed, scratched his butt and grabbed an
outfit to wear he headed to the shower. He flicked on the small radio that
was on the bathroom counter and stripped. He heard the phone ring as he
stepped in and prayed it wasn't for him, he had a lot to do today.  The
warm water sluiced down his back past his ass and down his legs, he relaxed
leaning his head back getting his hair wet. He let his mind wander away
from all the work he had been doing to the house the last two weeks, winter
had not been gentle to the old homestead and with their dad gone money was
getting tighter and he worried about how his mom would cope once both him
and Dante moved out on their own, something they should have done two years
ago as far as he was concerned but he so did love his mom and being around
was what he could do and support her, she did after all raise him. The song
"Fire" by Bruce Springsteen started and caused his mind to wander.

His wandering thoughts lead to his cosmetology class and the ever gorgeous
Xavier the teachers assistant that was taking over for the former T.A. that
had been there, who subsequently left to have her baby as she went into
premature labor while teaching the class back two months prior. Sam
envisioned the six foot tall fire god in his mind. He pictured him as a
fire god due to his flaming red hair. He groaned to himself as his body
responded to the mental picture he had created. "Good god Sam get a grip."
He muttered to himself as he shampooed his head and then rinsed. He stepped
out of the shower ten minutes later and still as fusterated as he had been
prior. He dressed and headed downstairs to help his mom. His day was about
to start he hoped Dante's was better.

***************************************************

He took his shot and grinned as the ball went swoosh through the net. Dante
clapped as one of his charges made the shot successfully. He had been at
the center for about thirty minutes and was enjoying a good game of
basketball with the kids he was responsible for that day. There were eight
kids in his group today. Some were runaways that stayed at the center.
Others were guests who came because no one was at home. A few other kids
were there just for support since they really had no one to talk to since
their parents usually abused some substance of one form or another. Dante
passed the ball to one of the kids on his team and moved across the
court. He enjoyed swimming more but this was one of his next favorite
sports to be involved in. While watching certain sports was a different
matter all together he liked to watch lacrosse and soccer then. The ball
being tossed to him broke his minor distraction. He scooped it up quickly
and headed to the basket with. He took his leap and "Swoosh!" in it
went. The kids were shouting and laughing. One lanky fella slapped him on
the back and shouted something to another teammate. It was a good thirty
minutes more before the game actually got over. His team didn't win but he
did have fun. He watched everyone disperse to do his or her own things at
the center.  Some had counseling coming up other went to draw or join in
another game that was in progress. He headed to the lunchroom to help
Susan, Sefron's mom who also volunteered once a week get lunches ready for
their soon to be famished crew.

"Good afternoon Sue." He said to the older lady who was smiling. "How are
things for the mighty medicine woman?"  he asked making a joke about her
profession and a cute TV show he use to watch.

"All goes well Dante, how about yourself? Find away to approach that love
interest yet?"

"Good god no!" he said with a frown. "It friggin sucks being the odd ball
ya know."

Susan chuckled. She enjoyed talking to the young man before her. His
brother was a great fella to and when they were together it was quite easy
to see that Dante was a tad shyer than his more outgoing and tougher clone
Sam.

"I don't think you're an oddball, you're just more sensitive and shy. Thou
I don't see issues here, you get along with everyone just fine here so what
seems to be the problem?"

"I don't know" Dante said in a quiet tone, he got a bit sullen then and
Susan saw it quickly. She waited for him to continue but he didn't.

"I think your scared he'll reject you aren't you?" She said look at Dante.

"Well yeah, I mean he did just have a huge blow out from Chet who use to be
his roommate but I'm not sure if Chet was a boyfriend or not but I heard
that Chet did hurt Josh's feelings and Josh hasn't made any qualms about
voicing his opinion on how Chet treated him."  Susan watched Dante run his
hand through his short dark spiky hair. He sucked in a stuttering breath
and sighed.  He was such a chicken shit and he knew it but if things went
well on Monday he wouldn't have to worry much more.

"I will be meeting with him on Monday for a fitting at his shop." He told
Susan.

She looked up a bit surprised. "Oh? How did that come about?"

Dante chuckled "I got the guts up to schedule one. I do have to get a new
suit for some of my interviews I'm never going to get work without one." He
looked at her and then asked; "Was that a stupid move, cause my brother
thinks it was and well if you agree I'll just cancel."

"Whoa! Whoa!" She said laughing and waving her hands. "I never said stupid
and good for you, see courage can come in small bits. Keep that meeting ok
go slow and relax ok Dante, and remember be yourself." She smiled at him
knowing how fusterated he was feeling.

He left the center that evening feeling so much better than he had in
days. He got on his bike and started for home. His kitbag kept shifting
while he peddled so he had to stop a few times to readjust things but for
the most part the trip was fairly easy going. He glided into his driveway
and parked his bike. He noticed the house was dark.  "Oh shit!" he though
he hoped someone was home otherwise he was locked out since he forgot his
damn key again. No luck thou. Sam was nowhere to be seen and his mom was
probably still at work. He sat on his door step and hauled out his studying
material. He might as well kill some time while he waited.

**********************************************

Sam pulled into the parking spot and turned off the engine, Dante hadn't
called him for a lift and he remembered seeing his key still on the hook at
home. He figured if he were going to call it would be after he got in. He
got out and shut the door to the car he and his brother shared. It wasn't
much but it got them around thou Dante was more into his bike and jogging
to get everywhere. He turned around and noticed his brother leaning against
the inner porch area of the front door.  "Ahh shit!" Sam felt bad now he
knew he should have called the center to see if he was still there. He
walked over to his brother. He noticed he was studying something Sam knew
his bro wasn't into doing very often not that he was lazy it was just that
Dante retained info better than Sam did so his need to study wasn't really
a need more of a distraction from other things.

"You are studying, why?" Sam said to his brother.

"Board." Was the response he got.

"How was the center today?" he asked as he got up and unlocked the front
door to the house.

"Good, played basketball and chatted with Sue today." Dante said closing
his book and getting up to go inside.

"Were you waiting here long?" Sam asked hoping he hadn't.

Dante looked at his watch he had gotten off of volunteer duty around four
thirty p.m. it was now five so he looked at his brother and replied. "Only
about thirty minutes so no big deal, it wasn't raining so don't sweat it
ok."  Dante knew his brother was more concerned about either of them being
left stranded more than anything. It could be a scary spot to be put in.

They entered the house and Dante flopped his kitbag on to the bench by the
door like he usually did. He walked to the fridge and grabbed a can of pop,
popped the top opened and took a swig. "What time is mom home tonight?" he
asked Sam.  "I'm not sure but we do have a ton of studying to do since we
have two of our classes together I suggest we crack down and get some of
that done we only have two weeks before exams start you know."

"I'm well aware of that bro." He sighed

"Yeah well you'll be more aware when I tell you that next week Josh will be
here."

Dante perked up. "Ok, what for?"

"Studying along with a few others like Aikrii, remember we're all in the
same programming course. Aikrii is our brains for this one, I still can't
wrap my head around the dynamics programming for web sites." Sam hauled out
his studying material and then placed some snackables and a pitcher of
juice on the kitchen table.  "Looks like It's a nibble night." He smiled at
his brother and sat down to study.

Dante however was in no mood to really study but did so anyway, he retained
info like a sponge so what he didn't get the first time he would from doing
the extra work his brother was so adamant on doing.  Sighing he resigned
himself to concentrate and hauled out his cosmetology guide. He had paper
and was doodling while he worked.


********************************************************

Monday started late for Dante and Sam and with a bang, literally. Right
outside Sam's and Dante's home. Sam looked out the window to see his and
Dante's car smashed. Someone had gone off the road and flipped their car
hitting their car and the house. Sam groaned and screamed for Dante. Their
mom was frantic. It was cold this morning and the spring thaw was up and
down like a Yo-yo so the roads were slippery. Sam checked the driver's side
to the car that had gone off the road. The driver was ok, just in a state
of shock.

He asked them "You ok?"

The driver of the vehicle just nodded, so he called out to his mom "Call an
ambulance."

The police arrived and things got sorted. It was well after ten before
either Sam or Dante made it to class. Dante took the police report to the
main office so that him and his brother weren't nailed for the late
classes. Some of the teachers would ding marks for tardiness. The principal
was satisfied with the reasoning behind their late arrival and gave them
slips to join their class unpenalized.

"Which class are you off to Mr. Ericson?" The principal directed this
question to Dante who replied "One of our favorites actually, Cosmetology."
And with a grin they both headed out the door. Sam looked at his brother.

"Good god get the goofy grin off your face!"

"What ever for brother dear?" Dante said with a chuckle. "Is cosmetology
not your favorite class? His eyebrow lifted.

Sam turned red, he knew where this convo was going and bumped his brother
and took off running to the class he did enjoy the most. His brother
managed to beat him to the door thou since Dante did work out a lot more
than Sam did.  Both had shit eating grins on their faces when they walked
in handed Mr. York the tardy slip and took their seats.  Dante took out his
books and papers and was still working on the doodle he had started last
night one he could use to tease his brother with.  He looked at his
brother's initials on the paper in big bold block letters. S.E he had put
squiggles over the front of the blocks and little hearts he was chuckling
to himself and then he realized something and then snorted.

"Something funny Mr. Ericson?" Xavier asked him as he stared up from his
desk.

"Umm no sir." He said trying his best to hold back his mirth. His eyes were
watering from the effort. He wiped them and stuck his head down and started
to doodle more while he listened to Xavier drone on about chemical damage
to the human scalp.

Dante passed the doodle to his brother about twenty minutes into the
class. On it had four large letters. S.E. + X.Y.  He snickered again at
Sam's apparent shock and effort to stop laughing to. It once again got
Mr. York's attention.  Sam shoved the paper into his binder and glared at
his brother, he was so gonna get it later.

"Mr. Ericson, I suggest you pay attention this information will be on your
exam next week. I'm sure you and your brother have more pressing things to
worry about than giggling at the topic." Xavier didn't look angry just
perturbed at Dante's antics.

Sam was the one who spoke up on Dante's behalf since Dante was so obviously
amused at his silly little note.  "Sorry sir, this mornings events seem to
have my brother wound tighter than a spring, I'll see to it he's better
tomorrow."

"See that you do Sam." Xavier said looking right at the older of the two
twins.

Sam wrote on the note that Dante gave him he would pass it on as they
left. An hour later just as class was leaving Sam was rummaging for the
note as he walked out the door and couldn't find it. He turned back to see
Xavier bend over and pick up the note he had lost.

Sam turned white as a ghost and felt his guts turn. "Oh shit!" he said
Dante was at his side and saw what was unfolding, "He got that damn note
you wrote and MY response to it!" He whacked Dante who started to roar with
laughter as ran from the class. Now Xavier would know no thanks to his
smart ass twin. Dante rubbed his head from the smack his bro had given him,
it was funny to see the reaction on Sam's face and now that Xavier would
have two clues on what was going on maybe things would get better for
Sam. Well Dante hoped for his sakes it did, his brother hit hard.


**************************************** Dante made it to his locker but
his brother wasn't in sight anywhere, he unlocked it and stuffed his
belongings into it and then got his jacket. When he turned around Josh was
beside him and he jumped startled.  "Oh shit sorry" Josh chuckled. "Didn't
mean to startle you, just reminding you to pop over around seven we close
at six or so. Once I get my books balanced I can help you get that fitting
done for any new clothing you need."  Dante swallowed before he tried to
speak. "Ummm, sure ok." He blushed and hid behind the door of his locker
pretending to dig around for something.  "Ok see you later." Josh said
leaving. He had to head for work.

"Yeah! Laters!" Dante said slamming his locker door shut as he waved a
good-bye.


**********************************************

He tried to rush home. He made it to the bus stop and without the car now
him and his brother were stuck using transit to get around. Well at least
till the insurance covered the damages. He noticed his brother at the bus
stop and stood beside him.

"Oh it's the dweeb!" Sam said sarcastically.

"Oh come on, it was a joke!" Dante said.

"Yeah, one he was never suppose to find! It's the stupid response I put
dickwad that's pissing me off." Sam was fuming badly and it was mainly from
embarrassment.

"Oh? So what the fuck did you write that was so damn bad the teacher found,
and do you really think he's gonna know it was yours?"

Sam glared at his brother. "Man you can be such a jackass you know that?"
"I wrote that `SE + XY or not it wasn't gonna get me a date with the
flaming hunk teaching us' that's what it said, satisfied?"

"Look I'm not the one being an ass here, Ok. It's not my fault you wrote
back, you were suppose to keep it not respond. I can't help you lost the
damn thing either. So don't go taking it out on me, fuck for all you know
he's going to be happy to see that! Chill ok!" Dante was now getting a bit
miffed over Sam's melodramatics.

"Yeah and pigs fly." Sam grumbled.

Dante looked at his brother and snorted. "Wheee!" he yelled and stuck out
his arms like wings. Sam looked at his retarded brother and flipped him the
bird as the bus pulled up to their stop. "Come on porky, time to go home."

Dante stuck out his tongue at his brother as he boarded the bus. "You so
anal Sam." He said as he sat down.

"Sure tell the whole damn bus now why don't ya." Sam hissed smacking his
brother once again on the side of the head.

"Hey! Fuck off with the head attacks I need that damn thing ok." Dante
rubbed his head.

"Sure could have fooled me." Sam looked at his brother. Then grinned, he
couldn't stay mad at him for long even if he was being a dickwad.  "What's
got you so worked up today anyway?" Sam asked him.

Dante grinned "I'm going out later for my fitting for my suit for that
interview I have next month. Don't want to look like a punk while being
interviewed."

Sam looked at him and pondered for a minute. "Oh so you must be going to
Jump Street then eh?"  Dante blushed a deep red as he nodded his head. "I
can't believe I got the nerves up to go, I just hope I don't get sick I'm
so damn nervous."

Sam laughed he tossed back a few of the words Dante only used moments
before "For all you know he's going to be happy to see you! Chill ok!"

Dante groaned "Yeah ok... NOT! Easier said than done. I have to get home
change again then get back into town only to get to a shop where I'm going
to change again anyway."  Sam laughed, ok so he though he was a ball of
nerves, Dante apparently was going to throw up at the rate he was going.
"What ever you do, don't eat before you go." He said as he pulled the
ringer for their stop.

The insurance company had left a message for the guys about their car and
it turned out that there was a rental available as a replacement free of
charge for them to use till their own car was inspected and determined if
it was road worthy or fixable. Dante was happy to hear this and told Sam
he'd pick it up on his way into town. He headed upstairs to change.

***************************************

Five outfits later he was changed and looking at himself in the mirror. The
black kakis he had chosen were a slim cut and fit nicely, they made his ass
look awesome. He had on a baby blue dress shirt that matched Josh's eye
color and a black tie. Dante grabbed his axe body spray and sprayed
himself. He was so nervous and he didn't want to smell like a pole cat when
he walked into Josh's shop. He took a deep breath grabbed his wallet and
headed off to the bus stop, the first stop was so he could get the car. He
made it to the dealership within thirty minutes and spoke to the manger who
was providing the vehicle to him and his brother in order to replace the
one they had lost.  "Apparently the fella who hit you is willing to pay for
a new car for you and your brother if needed." The manager informed him.
"Well if it's not necessary we won't press it I'm sure the fella who hit
our car has enough to worry about." Dante took the keys and waved to the
manager and drove off.  Curre was busy this time of the evening, traffic
was bumper to bumper as people were rushing off to home. It usually got
this way for about two hours. He still managed to make it to the mall where
Josh's shop was situated at a reasonable time.  He decided to stop in at
the coffee shop and pick up a java to go. He looked at his watch it was six
thirty he walked up the long hall of the mall noticing most shops were
already closed up. When he made it to Jump Street he noticed it was dark
except for one area near the back. The store front's sliding door wasn't
closed all the way thou so he was startled when an arm reached out and
pulled him into the shop.

"Holy shit!" he said as he was pulled sideway, he nearly lost his coffee.

"Ha ha ha ha." He heard Josh laugh. "Take it easy there cute stuff, no one
is trying to kidnap you." Josh let his arm go and turned around. "I'm
almost done, if you can see the stuff here ok then take a peek at what I
hauled down for you to try on. I'll be back to take measurements shortly
ok." He watched Josh grin and then walk away. Dante was frozen in spot till
he was out of eyesight.  Dante took a deep breath he was so damn
nervous. He looked around the shop staring at the casual line of clothing
Josh carried. A lot of it was quite nice but way out of his price range. He
picked around to see what else there was. He must have been distracted as
he was once again startled by Josh who had come up behind him asking into
his ear, if he found anything he liked.

Dante stammered. "Umm, umm...no not really price was an issue with some."
Josh was still grinning. OK well we'll worry about prices later right now
we need measurements.  Josh took the flexible cloth measuring tape from
around his neck and showed Dante as he walked over to the dressing rooms.
"I need your waist size, hip size and inseam along with your height." Dante
swallowed and turned red. Josh walked forward and Dante stepped back making
him walk back into the dressing room door.

Josh took the measuring tape and reached around Dante. He could smell his
Axe body spray and sucked it in deeply.

He could see Dante tense up as he reached around his waist. Josh grinned
and commented. "Loosen up darlin' I don't bite unless asked or paid to." He
grinned as Dante turned even redder at the joke.

The next part to come was Dante's inseam and Josh was loving this too
much. He got on his knees and was right in front of Dante who was having
issues containing his nervousness. He touched Dante's leg and chuckled when
he jumped. Holding the measuring tape to the floor by the inside of his leg
he passed it up to Dante and then guided his hand to where it had to be.

Dante blushed more. He had to put the end right by his family jewels. He
sucked in his breath and bit his tongue trying not to have any visuals of
Josh he wasn't having much luck since he was already semi hard. He was
broken from his muttled state by Josh's comment.

"I could do it instead if you want me to?" Josh offered.

Dante's jaw dropped and he turned even redder than Josh though was feasibly
possible.  He chuckled at him.

"Ok I think we're done here" Josh stood up coming very close to Dante. He
was only a breaths away from being able to kiss him. Josh groaned and
turned away he had to behave himself this wasn't the time nor the place.
He showed Dante to the dressing rooms and passed him a few pieces of
clothing and told him, "Try these on, come out and take a look in the
mirror here. I'll make adjustments as needed for the pieces you want to
keep." Dante didn't speak he just took the clothing and went into the stall
and started to change.

Josh sat back and fanned himself with his accounting book as he waited,
"Fuck it's getting hot in here" He though to himself. He heard Dante
scuffling in the stall and called out. "Everything ok?"  "Uh, yeah I think
so." Dante answered back he didn't sound too sure of himself.  Josh
wondered what he was having issues with but his wondering would go
unanswered as he assumed he figured it out when he came out of the stall
dressed and looking good enough to eat.

Josh let out a giddy giggle "Shit baby you look amazing!" He said in his
"girly" fashion he went right into fix up mode not even a bit nervous
anymore around Dante. He straightened his collar and shimmied his pants
waist to make sure the creases fell right, he scooted to the front and
turned down the collar and flattened the shirt against Dante's well muscled
chest. He could feel the ripples under his hands and sighed as he ran his
hands down again for the second time rambling about how good Dante looked
in this particular outfit. Dante was blushing and red. Josh and him
continued to get him to try on other outfits and it was the same thing each
time. Like a dance they went through. Josh got to innocently touch the
young man before him and admire his body up close.

Dante loosened up a bit chatted about school and his up and coming
competitions Josh asked questions about what he would need for that to
qualify, Dante filed him in on details and Josh was happy to hear that he
was trying out at that level.

"You'll need to make a good appearance for the school if the media
interview you. I could sponsor you if you want, we'd provide you with free
clothing and it's a tax write off for me, but if you do it we'd need
posters of you for the window of the shop so we get sales.

Dante loved the idea and decided to make an appointment for another fitting
in a few months time since he knew he'd need another good suit for when he
was present for the national swimming competitions He was now more
determined to make it to the finals knowing he could make it a bigger deal
for the shop of the one guy he had his eyes on.

"Who would do the shoot?" He asked Josh as he put the three suits he wanted
on layaway.  "Aikrii's boyfriend Mani would do the shoot for you, he's a
friend of mine and is excellent at bringing out the best qualities of
anyone's physical attributes, I'm sure he could do some amazing pictures of
you." Josh was trying his best to flatter him.  Dante blushed again. "I'll
let you know in a few months time what's going on. Ok? Once I know for sure
I'll get back to you and hopefully things can be set into motion."  Dante
smiled he was feeling a lot better now and didn't feel like he was going to
totally melt but the though of kissing Josh had crossed his mind a few
times. Josh must have the same notions. They left the shop and Josh locked
up. He walked with Dante up the long hall of the mall and out to the
parking lot to the new car Dante was driving.

"Wow!" He said in admiration of the vehicle that was before him. "Nice
wheels where did ya get it?" He asked Dante as he laid his hand on his arm.

"Our car got smashed from a freak accident, we were parked while another
car fell on ours in our driveway. Insurance pays for this beauty." Dante
smiled laying his hand on the intrepid, "It's only temporary till our car
is deemed junk or salvageable. We'll get a new car if needed."

He could see Josh looking at him like it was the most horrific thing he
could have ever said. "Oh my god! No one was hurt were they?" He asked his
grip getting a bit tighter on his arm.

"Nope, just mom freaked since the car getting hit made it move, it hit the
house causing some damage but it's nothing the insurance won't cover and
nothing that Sam & I can't fix."  Dante was surprised at Josh's obvious
concern for the welfare of those involved.

"Oh good!" Josh sighed in relief. "I don't think I could bear knowing that
you got hurt." Josh turned red again at his statement. "You know how my
friends are important to me." He rapidly added trying to cover his centered
concern on Dante.

"My friends are important to me to." Dante answered softly smiling back at
Josh.

"Good night Josh." Dante said to him "Thanks for all your help, I'll call
as soon as I can ok." With that Dante drove off. Josh just stood there
smiling It was a connection and he was happy to see it was working out so
well. Sighing a happy sigh he headed to his own car and drove home.


******************************************************************************

MANY thanks to EVERYONE and all the e-mails I got
each and everyone has been appreciated!!
The encourgement to continue means a lot.

MANY MANY thanks to Amy for helping me edit
my mistakes :D your a gem!

Thanks for reading. The series books 1 - 3 are now
published on line If you wish to read it in it's
entierity mail me and ask for the link to the series
offical web page.

Book 4 is in progress along with the others
Please bear with me if the pages are listed in my
site it's just how I have things set up even thou sometimes
they don't work. (if there's nothing showing it's not up yet)
The full series will be set up in here (Nifty) in due time.
Summer of 2008 is seeing me prepare for a return to college and
a few life changes to boot :) All good
I assure you. Please by all means keep the mails comming I love
chatting to my readers.



Comments, feed back and general fan mail is ALWAYS read and
answered.  Flames make for great heat to roast marshmellows :)

lila_is@live.ca


Thanks again - Lila Mosher