Date: Mon, 31 Jan 2005 16:22:32 -0800 (PST) From: Fup Duck Subject: Life Goes On - David and Chad #27 STANDARD DISCLAIMER: This is the continuation of David's story. One of two boys loving each other. So the same disclaimer applies. If you can't handle that, or it's illegal to read this in your area, or you're underage, then now is the time to leave. If you continue reading after that admonishment, Nifty and I aren't responsible. There could also be incidents of unprotected sex. As always, I don't condone this practice - especially in this day and age. Oh well, the summer is definitely winding down. Last minute details are a pain sometimes...lol Fup ****************************************************************************** FROM CHAPTER 26 "Me too, even though you ARE weird," Chad smiled. David laughed and kissed the teen's forehead again before pulling back onto the road. He was a little surprised when Chad didn't move away from him when they turned into his driveway. He gave Chad's thigh a gentle squeeze and pulled up behind Matt's truck. Chad turned to him and grinned. "Comin' in?" At David's nod, he got out of the car and ran toward the house. "Then you can bring my bag," he laughed over his shoulder. "Goof," David chuckled to himself and grabbed Chad's bag off the backseat and walked toward the front door. LIFE GOES ON - DAVID AND CHAD #27 - Last Minute Details David walked in the front door, dropping Chad's bag in the foyer, and heading toward the voices in the kitchen. "Hey David," Matt greeted him with a smile. "Ready for school to start?" "Ugh, yeah, I guess. Summer vacations need to be longer though. It feels like I just got home yesterday." "Well, are we going to see you again before you go?" Karen asked. "Yeah, need to drop the TV off. Probably be tomorrow night. I'm taking the stuff I borrowed back to the house, so I'll just drop it off then." "You sure you want Chad to keep the TV?" David laughed. "Yeah, no big deal. It'll probably be used more here that it would at school anyway." "Well, as long as you're sure." David nodded, then was interrupted by Chad pulling on his arm. "C'mon, I've got something for you." He rolled his eyes playfully at the elder Murrays and Chad led him up the stairs to his room, closing the door after them. "What's this all about, kiddo?" "Just got something for ya, that's all," Chad replied, opening his desk drawer and handing David an envelope. "Don't open it until you get to college, okay?" he asked, blushing slightly. David turned the envelope over in his hands, then slipped it into his back pocket. "Thanks kiddo." "You're welcome," Chad answered. David smiled and held open his arms. Almost shyly, Chad moved into David's embrace, wrapping his own arms around David's waist and resting his forehead on the older boy's shoulder. "I'm really gonna miss you." David ran his fingers through the blond hair on Chad's head. "Yeah, I know, man, me too." Then he sighed softly and gently pushed Chad away, placing his hands on the teen's shoulders. "But, I'll be back in about a month." "I know, but..." David smiled. "Just don't take any wooden nickels while I'm gone, okay?" Chad snickered, the mood broken. "Yeah, right." "Well, kiddo, guess I oughta get out of here, got some more stuff I need to do before I leave." Chad wrapped him in a tight hug again, then backed away. "Okay, I need to clean my room too." "See ya tomorrow night, Chad," David said softly. "Okay," Chad responded, back toward David, rearranging the items on his desk. David stood there for a few seconds. This wasn't actually how he envisioned this part. He walked over to his boyfriend and turned him around. He stared silently into Chad's face, then gave the teen a brief kiss on the lips. Chad smiled sadly, then turned away again. "See ya tomorrow." "You bet, kiddo," David said lightly. "See ya." He put his hand on the doorknob, then turned and whispered, "Love ya, kiddo." Chad only nodded, his hands resting flat on the desktop. David smiled and opened the door. He said his farewells to the Murrays and started to back out of the driveway. He looked up to Chad's window and saw the teen watching the car. He waved out of the window, getting a small return wave from his boyfriend. Turning around in the yard as usual, he waved again and pulled down the driveway. The next item on his list was to see his grandmother. He figured he owed her an explanation. She had called him Friday morning before he left for work (another morning person, he smiled), and 'requested his presence' before he left. David had an idea this was going to be about Thursday night and was ready. The smell of bread hit his nose when he got out of the car in her driveway. He knocked on the door and it opened to reveal his grandfather's grinning face. "Hey, Pops," David greeted the man. "Hello, David. She's out in the kitchen. Sounds like you've been busy again," he chuckled. David grinned and shrugged, following his nose to the kitchen. His grandmother turned around, scowling. "Why are you such a problem, young man?" she asked. David was taken aback. That was kind of the last thing he expected to hear from her. He paused in the doorway, his smile fading. She stared at him for what seemed like years, all his bravado disappearing down the drain. He exhaled loudly as she started smiling. She shrugged, "That's what I hear anyway." "Man, Nanny, you almost gave me a heart attack." "How do you say it? Pay backs? For Thursday night." "Oh, that," David scoffed, trying to keep his tone light. "Yes, that, young man, you had me worried sick. If that nice Mr. Murray hadn't called, I was ready to...well, you don't need to know." David chuckled and sat in one of the kitchen chairs watching as she pulled the bread pans out of the oven. "Smells good." She turned off the oven, and sat across from him, reaching for her cigarettes. She lit one, exhaled, then looked seriously at her grandson. "Your sister told me what happened Thursday, David." His shoulders slumped slightly. "Well, I thought it was going to be okay," he admitted. "Shows you what happens when you think," his grandmother observed, half-joking. "Don't let it bother you any though, David." She held up her hand as David started to speak. "I know, easier said than done. Sometimes people say and do stupid things. Your father is one of them." "Yeah, but...," "I understand he basically kicked you out," she smiled. Then she started to laugh, ignoring the surprise on David's face. "What's so funny?" David asked, a little offended. "David, David, David, you know he was only showing his tail feathers. Strutting his stuff, you know how he is. Do you really think he meant it?" "He sounded serious to me," David replied, still miffed. She tapped her forehead with her finger. "Think David, how many times has he done the same thing? Maybe not the exact same thing, but you know what I mean." David nodded. "Okay, so what's your point?" "Your father likes to prove to others how much of a man he is. Unfortunately, he likes to do it with his family. Sometime when things get better, because they will, ask him about the time I kicked him out of my house." "Huh?" "Indeed, I kicked him out. But you'll need to ask him about it. He's been nice to me ever since," she laughed. Then she returned to seriousness. "David, you and your dad are a lot alike. You're both hardheaded. But you're different than he is in a lot of ways. You care more for people's feelings than he does. Don't let that change, okay?" David nodded. "Now don't you let this go to your head," she chuckled. "You're just different, that's all." "Yeah, but that doesn't solve the problem." "Sure it does. You just need to think about it a little." At David's confused look, she continued, "When you come home for breaks, stay there. Your mom and Lynn want you to, so why not?" "Because it'll turn into a fight." "Only if you let it, David. That's what I'm trying to say. Pick your battles. Don't try to fight every one that comes along like your father does. That's why everything that he doesn't agree with turns into a fight. You can be better than that." "So I should just give up everytime he says something?" "Not at all, you just need to ignore most of the stuff he says. He's just trying to upset you, that's all. He wins if you get mad. So, don't get mad. You're 20, almost 21, David, act like it." "So, you're saying that I'm acting like a kid?" "Sometimes, yes you are. That's why you have me around. To remind you," she laughed. "Concentrate on what's important, David. Everything else is just bullshit." "Bullshit?" David asked, eyebrows raised. His grandmother reached over and grasped his hand. "Bullshit." Then she squeezed his hand gently and let go. "Understand?" "Not quite, but I get the idea. I just need to figure out what's important, huh?" "Indeed, at least to you." "What's important now, is that warm bread," his grandfather interrupted, walking into the kitchen. "You leave one of those loaves alone, old man," she laughed. "It's for our college boy here." David's grandfather chuckled and cut a slice off one of the loaves and joined them at the table. "Ready to go back?" he asked David. "Sorta yeah and sorta no." "Well, if it means anything to you, we're proud of you," the man smiled. "Yeah, it does, Pops, thanks. So were you here when Nanny kicked dad out?" "Yep, I was, it was...." "If you know what's good for you, you'll be quiet," his grandmother warned. David laughed, "Well I tried." His grandmother rose from the table and began to wrap up the still-warm loaf of bread. "Well, I know you probably have a lot to do today and tomorrow, so you'd better get to it." She sat the loaf of bread in front of him and kissed the top of his head. "So you'd better get going." David looked at the clock, almost two and he still had one more place he had to go. "Yeah, I want to see the Sites' before I go, and I still have some packing to do." He rose from the table and hugged his grandmother. "Thanks," he whispered, and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "You're welcome, David. Remember what I said." "I always do. I figure if I don't, there'll be hell to pay, right Pops?" His grandfather nodded and laughed. "Yes, indeed, David." As they got to the front door, David hugged her again. "Thanks for everything." "Just do well, David. Not only in school, but in other things too. That's all the thanks I need, okay?" David nodded and kissed her forehead. "You betcha. I'll be in touch, okay?" "Better be, you know my address." David laughed, gave her another hug and was out the door. He waved out the window as he drove away. His visit with the Sites' was extremely pleasant. They sat in the living room and talked about a lot of things going on in each of their lives. Kelly was the topic of a lot of the conversation. David was somewhat surprised that he could talk about his friend now without choking up like he used to. It wasn't that he didn't care anymore, just that the good memories had finally risen to the top of the pile. It was almost dark by the time he rose to leave. "Thanks guys," he said as he walked to the door. "Well, we've told you before, David, you're always welcome." "Means a lot, really. Always enjoyed it here." "Well, David, have a good year," Mrs. Sites said, giving him a brief hug. "I'll definitely try," David answered, shaking Mr. Sites' hand. Then he was out the door and on the way back to the apartment. He only had one 'maudlin' moment that evening, sitting alone in the apartment as the TV added its background noise to his thinking. He was certainly going to miss this place, especially with what had happened over the summer. He honestly hoped that his 'It'll be okay' weren't empty words. No doubt it was going to be extremely hard for both of them, but especially for Chad. David wondered how the teen would deal with the normal high school peer pressure. Well, he didn't wonder, he worried. He didn't want to hold the boy back from anything. He shifted on the sofa and furrowed his eyebrows at the crackling sound. Oh yeah, Chad's envelope was still in his back pocket. He pulled it out and turned the crinkled paper over in his hands. Chad said not to open it until he got back to school, but... He was tempted just to rip it open and find out what was inside. "Kid at Christmas," he mumbled to himself, and walked to the bedroom, putting the envelope in his footlocker. Back in the living room, he turned off the TV and unplugged it. He retrieved the box, and after one or two unsuccessful attempts fitting it back into the styrofoam packing, managed to re-box it. He turned on the stereo and laid back on the sofa, arm draped across his eyes. He was just starting to doze off when the phone rang, jerking him awake. "Umm, hello?" "We still on for tomorrow, bro?" "Yeah, not much to do really. Chad and I got just about everything packed up except the necessities." "Cool, I can sleep in then." "Sure can," David laughed. "I really appreciate the help." "Ahhh, I'll put it on your tab. You know, you already owe me a trip to Hawaii. Tomorrow oughta get me enough to get to the Bahamas." David snickered. "Uh huh. Wait til I submit my bill to YOU. Then I'll be the one in the Bahamas." "Riiight," she replied. "Well, then, guess I'll see ya tomorrow." "Yep, lookin' forward to it." "No, you're not," Lynn laughed. "Yeah, but it sounded good." "Whatever. See ya." "Bye." He hung up the phone, then paused. The temptation to call Chad was pretty strong, but it was almost ten. Well, he'd see him tomorrow. "And you called Steve wrapped," he chuckled to himself. Still smiling, he got ready for bed, turning off the stereo and slipping under the covers. Sleep was elusive, his mind was working overtime, ticking off the mental list of things to do yet. Somewhat satisfied at his efforts to this point, he finally drifted off. He slept in Monday morning. Lynn wasn't supposed to be there until after lunch, and he had packed the alarm clock anyway. David got dressed and stripped the bed, folding the sheets, blankets, and pillow cases. His mom could wash them when he returned them. He really didn't feel like making the trip to the laundromat. Once the sheets were boxed up, he headed for McDonald's for breakfast. The next stop was the post office to fill out a change of address card, then the bank for a withdrawal of 'travel money.' He sat in the post office parking lot for a few minutes, going down his mental list of last minute details again. "Done," he confirmed to himself. He arrived back at the apartment just as Lynn pulled into a parking space. "You're early," David said to her as she met him halfway to the door. "David, it's eleven-thirty," she scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Like I said, early," David replied, unlocking the door. "So what do we hafta do?" "Well, I guess we should box up the rest of the stuff mom lent me. Pots, pans, stuff like that." They set to work. Within an hour, they had everything boxed up and started carrying it to the car. "So you're bringing this stuff by tonight?" "Yep, I know dad's bowling, and I need to talk with mom a little." Lynn nodded and walked over to her car, returning with cleaning supplies. "Well, guess we oughta get back to it, huh?" she grinned at David's unenthusiastic look at what she was carrying. "Can't leave the place in a mess, bro." "I know, maybe next summer I'll hire you as the cleaning lady," David laughed. "I'm not cheap." "Not what I heard around town," David joked, receiving a thump on the head. "Don't have to get all physical," David complained, rubbing the back of his head. The two re-entered the apartment, David in charge of the vacuuming and Lynn dusting and cleaning the kitchen until the place looked almost like it did earlier in the summer. His stomach growled and he looked at his watch. "Damn, it's like two." "Time flies when you're having fun," Lynn laughed. "I think you owe me lunch." "Sounds good, I'm starved. Anywhere in particular?" "Anywhere but McDonald's." "Jeez, you sure are an expensive date." "Told ya I didn't work cheap." They repacked the cleaning supplies and Lynn drove them to Carbaugh's for lunch. Over lunch, they chatted about the summer, Lynn's plans for her senior year of high school, and David's junior year of college. Arriving back at the apartment around three, Lynn dropped David off and headed back home. He didn't need to get to his parents' house until sometime after six to be on the safe side. Maybe he'd just drop the TV off at Chad's and spend some time there until it was time to go. Mind made up, he hopped in the car and headed out. Chad almost leapt off the porch swing when David's car pulled up to the house. He had barely shut off the ignition before Chad was grabbing the door handle. "Well, someone's glad to see me," David laughed, getting out of the car and immediately wrapped in Chad's hug. "Yeah, I didn't think you'd be here until like tonight." "Surprise," David grinned, and returned the hug briefly, looking toward the house. "Mom won't be home for another couple of minutes," Chad informed him, catching David's glance. "And Cindy's working and dad won't be home til like five. I was bored." David tightened the hug, then wrapped his arm over the teen's shoulders. Chad slipped his arm around David's waist and they walked toward the house. "So, you want the TV, or not?" "Not yet, got something to show you," Chad answered. "Cool," David replied as they entered the house. Chad stopped him at the bottom of the steps. "Wait here," he said, then pounded up the stairs and went into his room. A few seconds later, he yelled down, "Close your eyes, it's a surprise." David did as requested, then heard Chad say from the top of the stairs, "Okay, open 'em." David's jaw dropped as he opened his eyes and looked up at his boyfriend, who was standing at the top of the steps, naked and erect. He watched as Chad chuckled and shook his hips, then dashed back to his room. Still shocked, he was in the same position when Chad started back downstairs, now fully dressed again. "Damn, kiddo," David managed before Chad started laughing again. "Like your surprise?" "Ummm, yeah, a lot," David grinned as Chad took his hand and led him into the living room. They sat on the sofa and Chad turned to face his older boyfriend. David shook his head slightly, then reached for the boy. Chad moved into David's embrace, wrapping his arms around David's neck. "Damn, Chad, what brought that on?" Chad shrugged and pulled slightly back from the hug. With a grin, he said, "Just thought I'd surprise ya." "Well, damn, that kind of surprise deserves a reward," David smiled and moved his face closer. Chad closed his eyes as David kissed him. The kiss lasted a minute or two, then they backed away slightly. "Nice," David sighed. "Yeah." Then Chad wiped his mouth and slid to the other side of the sofa as they heard a car pull into the driveway. David gave his boyfriend a warm smile and stood up, moving toward the door, Chad following. "Well, hello David," Karen greeted him as she walked into the house. "Chad, there's groceries in the car, why don't you bring them in for me?" David chuckled as Chad rolled his eyes and started carrying the bags inside. "Would you like to stay for supper?" "Nah, I really can't, got some stuff to drop off at mom's. She'll probably have something. I just came by to drop off the TV and say bye." "Well, we certainly appreciate the thought, David. I know Chad's been moping all day. Did you two have a good weekend?" "Yeah, he was a lot of help. We got most of the stuff packed and the apartment straightened up. I really appreciate his help," David smiled, putting his arm around Chad's neck in a loose headlock as the teen deposited the two paper bags of groceries on the kitchen table. "C'mon, let's get the TV," Chad said. "I got a place for it already." "Your wish is my desire, oh great one," David laughed. David carried the TV to Chad's bedroom, placing the box on the floor and opening it. Chad stayed close, every so often placing his hand briefly on David's shoulder or back. David lifted the TV out of the box, and set it on top of the bureau where Chad had cleared a spot. He plugged it in and turned it on, adjusting the rabbit ears until the picture became clearer. Chad flopped down on his bed. "This is so cool, thanks." "Well, you're probably not gonna get much with that antenna. I was going to get a better one, but I forgot." "Old man," Chad scoffed, laughing. David quickly moved to the bed and dug his fingers into Chad's sides. "Old man, huh?" Chad writhed on the bed, laughing, trying to slide away from David's tickling fingers. "Stop," he gasped, face red. David paused in his attack to look down at the red-faced teen. "What have we learned?" he asked, raising his eyebrows. "That you're not old," Chad replied, catching his breath. "Good boy," David replied, patting the teen's stomach. Then glancing quickly at the open door, squeezed Chad's crotch gently. "Just remember that," he whispered, grinning. Chad nodded and slightly thrust his hip upwards. David removed his hand. "Guess we oughta get back downstairs." "Love you, Dave," Chad whispered. "Me too," David smiled and reached a hand down to the reclining boy, pulling him up off the bed. "You'd better," Chad warned. David chuckled and followed Chad out of the bedroom and back downstairs. "You must have gotten your point across," Karen laughed as the two came back into the kitchen. "He's such a hard-head," David complained, receiving a gentle punch on the shoulder from the blond teenager. He looked at the kitchen clock. "Hey, Karen, can Chad take a ride for a bit?" "I guess he could. Supper won't be until a little after five." "Cool, thanks. C'mon goofball." The two rode around the local back roads for almost 30 minutes, Chad leaning against David with the older boy's arm draped over his shoulders. They chatted about 'normal' things, just enjoying the time together. David pulled to a stop along the road before turning into Chad's driveway. He looked up and down the road before pulling Chad into another deep kiss. Pulling away, David said, "Well, guess this is it, huh?" Chad smiled a little and nodded, sliding back into the passenger's seat. "You're coming back for your birthday, right?" "Yep, sure am. Looking forward to it." "Cool," Chad replied. "You okay?" Chad nodded and smiled widely. "Yeah." "Good," David answered and squeezed Chad's leg. Then he pulled back on the road and drove Chad home. "Hey, dad's home," Chad said. "Guess I'll come in for a bit. Need to talk with him a little." "All ready to go?" Matt asked, when they walked into the living room. "Yeah, just about, gotta drop off the stuff at the house, and that'll be it." "Well, you be careful, David. We want to see you next month," Matt smiled. "Oh, I'm sure you will. And thanks again for the offer." "No problem, David. Just let us know when you're going to get here." "I'll definitely do that. Probably either call, or put it in one of Chad's letters." "Sure you don't want to stay for supper?" Karen asked, walking in from the kitchen. "We have plenty." "Wish I could, but guess it's time for me to get to the house and drop off that stuff. It's almost five-thirty." "Okay, David, once again, thanks for all you've done this summer." "It was nothing, really. I enjoyed the kid's company. And thank YOU. Guess I oughta jet." "Well, take care, David," Karen said, "and we'll see you in September. Chad, don't be too long," she advised as David and Chad started toward the door. "Supper will be on the table in a few minutes." "See you all," David said, then walked toward the car. Reaching the driver's door, he turned. "Well, kiddo, see ya in a couple weeks." Chad smiled, and wrapped his arms around David's waist. "Yeah," he mumbled into David's shoulder. David squeezed his arms around Chad's waist and briefly kissed the top of his head. "Gotta go. And you've got food to inhale." Chad chuckled and pulled back from the hug. David slipped into the driver's seat and closed the door. The teen put his hand on David's shoulder and squeezed. "Be careful." "Guaranteed," David smiled, rubbing the back of his hand down Chad's arm. "You too." Chad nodded and backed away as David started the car. "Love ya kiddo," he said quietly through the open window. "Love you too, Dave. See ya." David nodded and put the car in gear, turning around and starting down the driveway. He waved through the window at Chad and his parents who were standing on the porch. They waved back and David watched in the rearview mirror as Chad walked back to the house and went inside. One last thing to do, he thought, heading toward his parents'. ****************************************************************************** Yes, 'tis true, I forgot to get "Chad's" apartment key back. A mind is a terrible thing to waste...lol Please feel free to contact me with any questions or feedback. Thanks! email: fupduckmd@yahoo.com AIM and Yahoo: fupduckmd Fup