Date: Thu, 16 Dec 2004 13:45:55 -0800 (PST) From: Fup Duck Subject: Life Goes On - David and Chad #14 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. A somewhat disjointed chapter...but hopefully you'll understand why.... :-) Fup ****************************************************************************** FROM CHAPTER 13 Chad looked up and nodded. He grinned as David tousled his hair, then walked toward the bedroom. He stripped out of his clothes, and naked slipped between the sheets. He was just drifting off, when he heard the TV go off, and felt Chad's nude body spoon back against him. He wrapped an arm across Chad's waist, kissed the back of his head, and sleepily murmured, "Night kiddo." "Night," Chad answered, then David was asleep. LIFE GOES ON - DAVID AND CHAD #14 - Been Through the Desert David flipped the sofa cushions onto the floor. Not there. He stood up and looked around the living room. Where did he put it? It was Sunday evening and he had just returned from taking Chad home. What a weekend. They spent that morning laying in bed and holding each other, no sex, just physical closeness. David already was missing it. And would be missing it for almost two weeks. So here he was, tearing apart his apartment to find what Chad had left. As Chad was getting out of the car, he said, "I love you, and...I hid something for you while you were taking your nap yesterday." Then he had laughed and ran into his house. He had first checked in the obvious place, under the pictures on the bureau. Now he was conducting a systematic search. He grinned at the empty apartment, he'd find it. There were only so many places to look. An hour later, he was disappointedly sitting on the sofa, empty-handed. His head hurt. He chuckled to himself and took two more aspirin, then reclined on the sofa. The phone rang. "Hello?" "Find it yet?" "You little beggar," David laughed, "no." Chad laughed and said, "Keep looking." Then the dial tone was humming in his ear. "Just rub it in," he said to the receiver as he hung it back on the hook. If this is what kids were like, he knew he didn't want any. Unfortunately, he DID have one - in a way. He reclined again on the sofa to think. Where would Chad hide something? And what was it? If he knew that, it would be easier. He should have asked when Chad was on the phone. Somewhat disgusted, he closed his eyes. It was ten o'clock when he woke up. Damn, he must really be tired. "Work tomorrow," he said to himself, then headed for the bedroom, putting on his gym shorts and sliding into bed. He remained in the office on Monday, his co-workers good-naturedly teasing him about his 'head wound,' and racked his brain about the location of Chad's 'secret.' Maybe, just maybe, he hadn't hid it while David was napping. There had been plenty of opportunities later in the weekend for him to stash something. Quitting time couldn't come fast enough. He tossed down a quick supper, then resumed his search. This time he looked in places he hadn't in last night's search. He was rifling through Chad's bureau drawer when he heard a papery crackle. He grinned triumphantly as he removed the folder piece of paper from a pair of Chad's briefs. "Little twit," he laughed. He carried the piece of paper to the living room and sat in the chair under the light and opened it. "Dear Dave, This is kind of a dumb thing to do, but I felt like it. ha ha I'm not too good with saying things, but I love you a lot. I know you do too. I hope I'm being a good boyfriend. Love, C" David sat stunned on the chair. His throat constricted a little bit at the brief note he was holding. He read it again, then walked to the kitchen, picking up the phone. "Hi Mrs. Murray, it's Dave. Is Chad there?" "Hello David, no he's not. And what happened to you this weekend? Chad said he almost killed you." "Oh, I just fell and cut my head a little. And, believe me, he didn't almost kill me. I just stumbled and fell. That's all." "Well if you say so. I told him that if was going to keep being a pain to you, he wasn't going to be allowed to come over anymore." "Honestly, Karen, he's not a pain. Far from it, actually. We were having a good time before I fell, and the rest of the weekend I made him wait on me hand and foot." Karen laughed, "Well good for you. Keep him in line David. Don't let him take advantage of your friendship." "He's not, Karen," David assured. "You can count on that." "You're a good friend, David." "Thanks," David blushed over the phone. "Just have Chad call me when he gets home, okay?" "Okay, David, hope you have a good weekend without the leech hanging on you," Karen joked. "I'll make do," David smiled. "Bye." He hung up the phone and once again reread the note. How could Chad think any different? David mulled that question over for a few minutes before coming up with an idea. He looked at the clock, too late to call for tickets, so he'd have to remember it tomorrow. Almost an hour later the phone rang. He grinned as he picked up the receiver. "Hello?" He was slightly taken aback not to hear Chad's voice. This one was familiar, but he couldn't immediately place it. "Hey, Dave, how are ya?" "Not bad," David answered, then it came to him. "I didn't think they let mentally unbalanced people use telephones." "Mentally unbalanced? Well, YOU were the one that rode home with us. So who's the mentally unbalanced one?" Mark laughed. "So how are ya, Mark? And how's Vic?" "We're doing pretty good, Dave. How's your summer going?" The two talked for almost an hour, filling each other in on their respective lives. "Well another reason I called is to see if you need a ride back to school," Mark said. "Don't think so. I sent off for a parking sticker a couple weeks ago. I'm hoping to take my own car this year." "Well, if you need a ride, give me a call." After a slight pause, he continued, "So why an apartment?" David appreciated the concern in Mark's voice, but it wasn't something he wanted to get into over the phone. "Long story, man, but it's no big deal. I'll tell you guys when I see you." "You'd better, Vic's been working construction this summer and could probably tear you limb from limb if you don't." "Man, hard to believe it's only like six weeks away," David complained. "And then nine more months of academic hell," Mark laughed. "Being juniors won't be so bad though." "Much rather be a senior." "True," David laughed in agreement. They chatted a few more minutes before saying their farewells. David had barely hung up the phone before it rang again, sort of startling him. "Hello?" "Hey," came Chad's voice. "Mom said you called." "Yep, I found your little secret, kiddo." "Yeah?" Chad asked. "Yeah, and you're the best." Chad laughed quietly. "You didn't think it was dumb?" "Nope, but I was ready to drag you over here to find it." Chad started laughing. "Hid it real good, didn't I?" "Yeah, once I figured out that maybe you didn't hide it on Saturday, I found it pretty fast." "Well," a pause, then, "you know." "Yeah, I know. And anyway, pay backs are in order." "What do you mean?" "You'll see, kiddo." "Tell me." "Nope, it's a surprise. You'll get it before I go back though." "C'mon, Dave, please?" David walked over to the kitchen door and knocked on it. "Hey, I've got company, gotta go." "Oh, okay. See you later." "Yeah kiddo," then David dropped his voice. "Love ya." "Me too, see ya." "Bye," David once again answered to the dial tone. David hung up the phone, half-expecting it to ring again. When it didn't, he took a shower, grabbed a book and relaxed in the living room. By Thursday, he was almost stir crazy. This 'taking it easy' stuff was really getting on his nerves. And probably part of it, if he had to admit it to himself, was knowing Chad wouldn't be over this weekend. They had talked to each other twice since Monday evening, and David had received permission from Karen for his 'pay back' idea. The tickets were in an envelope under the pictures in the bedroom, and he smiled as he thought of Chad's reaction. Hearing from Karen that Chad had never been there was even better. But that didn't eliminate the fact he was bored. He tried to get into the book he was reading without success. The inanity of what was on TV did even less for him. If he didn't have to work tomorrow, a movie might do the trick, but he really didn't feel like driving 35 miles for a 90-minute break. The apartment was immaculate. "For once," he said to himself. "That's it," he stated to the apartment walls, and grabbed his car keys. "What the hell are you doing?" he asked himself, pulling to a stop behind his father's pickup. David shrugged, then walked to the door and rang the doorbell. The look of surprise on his mother's face as she came to the door was quite memorable. She opened the door and ushered him inside. "What are you doing ringing the doorbell? This is still your home." David smiled, not willing to argue the point at the moment, then his mother was fussing over the bandage on his head. "What ever happened, David? Are you okay?" "Yeah, Mom, I'm fine. I just tripped and fell when I was out in the woods." "Did it need stitches? And I didn't think that job was going to be that dangerous." David mentally rolled his eyes. Well, he DID get it in the woods, let them think what they wanted. "No stitches, and I just stumbled, that's all." He looked up to see his father standing in the doorway to the living room. "Hi Dad." "Hello David, nice to see you." "Well, thought I'd stop by and say hi." His mother started again, "Are you hungry? Looks like you've lost some weight." "Leave the poor boy alone, he can take care of himself. Right David?" his father said. He glanced at his father, then directed his attention back to his mom. "No, I had supper. And walking around the woods at work is good exercise." "Well, come in and sit down. Tell us what's been going on with you," his mother said, guiding him into the living room. David settled in the chair across the room from his parents. "Not much really, just work and getting ready for school. Went to a party at Sean's a little while back, it's been a good summer, so far." "Any lady friends been by lately?" his father asked. "Not lately, I'm always afraid of being interrupted," David answered pointedly. The statement was definitely not lost on his father and David saw the man's eyes narrow a bit. Sensing something was afoot, his mom asked, "So when do you go back?" "In about a month, gonna take the car this time. It'll give me a little more freedom." "Well, that's important," his dad stated. "Yeah, I think so. And it'll be nice not to have to rely on my friends for a ride if I want to go somewhere." "Well, just don't let it affect your grades, okay David?" his mother responded. David could literally feel the tension. This was all 'weather' talk. Covering up and glossing over what they all really wanted to say. Then the first shot was fired. "Just remember, David, we helped pay for your schooling. Don't do anything to mess it up," his dad said. "Yeah, I know," David replied. "But I paid for it this year, Dad. I'm going to be forever paying off the grants and stuff I have." "Well, just remember that." "Don't worry, I'm sure I won't forget," David answered. "Well, we're sure you won't, David. We're proud of you," his mom said, trying her best to play peacemaker. "Thanks, Mom." David gave her a small smile. His head was starting to hurt again. He rubbed his forehead with his fingertips. "I think I'd better get home. Starting to get a headache." As he rose to his feet, his father said, "Well, David it was good seeing you. Nice to know you still have a little sense." David sighed. "Don't worry, Dad, I won't do anything to screw up your life, okay?" "What the hell is THAT supposed to mean?" "Nothing," David mumbled. "Just forget it. My head hurts, I think I'm gonna head home." He sadly smiled at his mom, "Thanks." "You're welcome, David," she replied on their way to the kitchen door. "He'll come around." "I doubt it," David admitted. "But, I tried." He opened the door, "Bye, Mom." "Bye, David, I love you." "Me too," David smiled, then walked to the car. David drove aimlessly until dark, berating himself a little for making this visit. What was the point? He needed to talk to someone. Looking at his watch, he realized it was too late to go to his grandmother's. His grandfather would already be in bed, and he didn't really want to disturb them. Maybe? It was worth a shot. Getting his bearings, he turned toward the Sites'. The lights were still burning in their living room as he pulled into the driveway. He was raising his fist to knock, when Mr. Sites opened the door. "Hi David, saw you pull in. Good to see you." "Thanks Mr. Sites, I was just driving around and thought I'd stop in and say hi," David said as he was invited inside. He followed Mr. Sites into the living room, greeting Mrs. Sites with a smile and a small hug. Comfortable on the couch, David chatted with them for a few minutes, then Mrs. Sites asked, "Dave, what's wrong?" "Huh? Nothing really." "David," Mr. Sites admonished, "it's nine-thirty at night on a weekday." "Well, just thought I'd stop in," David smiled. "You made the offer. Sorry it's so late." "What's on your mind, Dave?" Mrs. Sites prodded. "Nothing really, just my parents are being a pain." "We have a tendency to be that way," Mr. Sites smiled. "At least through our kids' eyes." David laughed. "Seriously though, just talking with you guys makes it better," he admitted. "Well, we were serious when we said you were welcome here anytime," Mrs. Sites assured him. "Thanks, I really do appreciate it. Guess I oughta get back home," he finished, rising from the sofa. "Anytime, Dave, drive safely," Mr. Sites stood and shook his hand. David grinned, "Always." "Remember, we still owe you a meal," Mrs. Sites reminded him. "There's no way I could forget that," David laughed, walking toward the door. Grabbing the knob, he turned. "Thanks, really." Mr. Sites dramatically rolled his eyes. "For what, I have no clue. But you're welcome anyway." He patted David's back on his way out the door. "Night, Dave." "Night," David answered over his shoulder, climbing into his car. He backed out of the driveway, giving the two adults on the porch a wave, then drove home. Definitely in a better mood, he got ready for bed and was almost immediately asleep. Friday evening he pulled into his parking space and raised his eyebrows as he saw the note taped to his apartment door. Slightly disappointed it wasn't from Chad, he still chuckled as he read, "Since we know where you live, no peace for you. Card game, my house, 7 PM, be there or we'll find you. Steve. PS: bring lots of money." The bank was open until seven, so he took a shower and got dressed before heading out to get change. He grabbed a bite to eat at McDonald's and arrived at Steve's house a little after seven. The note on the door informed him to come inside and the card game was in the basement. He walked down the basement steps into Steve's rec room, where the other four were already holding cards. "Hey, there's the bank now," Sean laughed. "You're late," Steve complained. "Jeeez, it's only ten after seven, and I had to clear out the bank account." Steve glanced up and started laughing. "I looooove the hat." David laughed and gingerly rubbed the bandage. "Told ya that college was sucking your brain out." "Yeah, yeah, hope you have plenty of money, rent's due tomorrow." David took the last seat around the table, grinned and pulled out a roll of pennies. "Okay, deal me in." "Cleaned out the bank account?" Mark asked. In a loud whisper, Steve leaned over toward Mark and said, "Shhh, remember, he's brainless." David shook his head, then replaced the roll of pennies with one of quarters. As the cards were dealt, he filled them in on his injury, using the woods story again. "So where's Rhonda?" Sean answered for Steve. "Guys' night out. No virgin ears around, so we can fart, belch and talk dirty without getting into trouble." "Ahhh, good idea. Don't want Rhonda getting the wrong idea." "That's who I was talking about," Sean laughed, ducking an empty soda can launched from Steve's side of the table. "Mouth like a sailor," Jim jokingly informed David. "Must be," David agreed. The five friends chatted amiably as the card game went on. Around nine they took a break and ordered pizza, lounging on the furniture around the room until it arrived. "Hey, man, you seem a little out of it," Mark observed to David as they were eating. "Ahh, just some semi-major crap going down, family-wise." "That sucks, but hey, look at it this way, at least you're not around to listen to it all the time." "True, once or twice a month is just fine with me," David grinned. "What's that?" Steve interrupted. "Sex or jacking off?" "Ugh, you're really full of yourself tonight," Mark said to Steve. "Glad the toilet works." "Right, whatever," Steve grinned. "Now c'mon, let's get back to it, the kids need new shoes." "They're gonna starve if you keep playing like you have been," Jim observed as they sat back at the table. By three in the morning, all five were yawning widely. Steve's parents had stuck their heads in about eleven then went to bed. "Man, I need some sleep," David yawned. "How come whenever I'm with you guys it's always early in the morning before I get to bed?" "Because we're party reptiles," Sean chuckled tiredly. "Must be," David agreed, pocketing his remaining change. Expressing their thanks to Steve, they plodded up the stairs, deciding on another game in two weeks. "Don't forget it, brainless," Steve said. "I won't. Had a blast, man, thanks," David replied. "No sweat, see ya in a couple weeks." David waved as he got in the car and began the drive home. He slept late Saturday morning, no ringing phone disturbing his morning like the last time. The sun was high in the sky when he finally ventured outside to get the mail. He raised his eyebrows at an envelope with the college's return address and tore it open. Ahhh, his parking sticker. Good deal. He sort of had a feeling he'd be doing a lot of driving this year. Then his smile faded a little. Maybe. He and Chad were going to have to talk about this sometime - soon. They had been avoiding that topic all summer. Chad seemed to want to continue, and David sure wanted to, but was it possible? He'd probably go crazy. The last couple of days had been bad enough. Guess he sort of knew what Chad felt like when he was at college. If they were going to stay together, and David came home to visit, there was the obstacle of staying someplace. He definitely didn't want to stay at his parents', too many questions and way too much crap. And staying at Chad's probably wasn't a good idea. It would be too much of an imposition. And, he thought with a smile, way too dangerous too, probably. Argh, why did it have to be so difficult? Well, he was sure they'd figure it out. He spent the rest of the day washing and waxing the car and cleaning the inside. Then he changed the oil and made sure it would be ready for the next weekend - and driving back and forth from college. His dad had made sure he could do the basic maintenance stuff, and it had saved him some money over the years. The 'busy' work kept his mind occupied until almost six that evening. Then, not feeling like making anything for supper, David headed for McDonald's. "What the hell is wrong with you?" he asked himself out loud on the way back to the apartment. "The kid's only been gone a couple days." He frowned at himself in the rearview mirror. "What's gonna happen when you go back to school?" He had no answers for himself, though. This was dumb. Here he was, talking to himself out loud. Insanity must run in the family, he thought with a smile. Being back in the apartment didn't do much for him either, he read for a while, watched - well, sort of - TV, and around ten decided to call it a night. His restlessness faded as the weekend drew to a close. Maybe that was it. He was just used to having company on the weekends lately. His right hand definitely wasn't as enjoyable as a blond teenager, but you had to do what you had to do, he thought. And, he looked at the clock, less than 24 hours to go. "You're pathetic," he admonished himself in the bathroom mirror as he was getting ready for bed Sunday evening. He leaned against the sink, examining himself in the mirror. "What the hell are you thinking?" He shook his head, now he was talking to himself. Well, he shrugged, he was a pretty good conversationalist when the mood struck. "You're dating a fifteen-year-old, what the hell is your problem?" He was also his own worst critic, but it sort of felt okay to finally vocalize this stuff, even if it was in a mirror. Then he smiled, "Sometimes things just are." He nodded to himself wisely, then snickered at his actions. "You're weird, David Barker." Still chuckling, he slid between the covers, turned on the alarm and settled in for the night. He was looking for something. He didn't know what it was, but knew that once he DID find it, it would be crystal clear why he was looking. The machinery was silent in the dimly lit factory. The only sound was the almost inaudible echo of his footsteps. David brushed his hand along the flank of one of the machines. Cold...and dusty, he frowned and wiped his hand on his pants. He was very familiar with this particular factory, he'd been here plenty of times before. This time though, it was.....different. He stopped walking and looked around. Unlike his previous visits, there was no sense of the place being used. The floor was even dusty, he looked back to see his wandering footprints, then faced forward again. There was nothing here to find. The place was abandoned. He wandered aimlessly for what seemed like hours until a sound began to encroach on the silence. He halted, trying to figure out from where it was coming. A familiar sound, but out of place in here. Maybe that's why he couldn't quite put his finger on it. He was getting closer, the sound was getting louder. He closed his eyes to better ascertain the direction of the sound, then opened them again...to be faced with red LED numbers reading 6:30. He groaned and rolled out of bed, feeling somewhat unrested and disoriented. Weird, he thought as he went through his morning routine. "Yes, you are," he laughed at himself in the bathroom mirror. "Weird people have weird dreams." He shook his head, then walked into the kitchen to begin another week. ****************************************************************************** LOL, the meaning of the dream? Who knows, but it was the last time I had the 'factory' dream.... 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