Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2019 07:29:36 +0100 From: David Roslyn Subject: The Truth by David Roslyn (category: Beginnings) - Chapter 20 Disclaimers: This work is a work of fiction and is my property. The story and characters are fictitious and any resemblance to anyone or any actual event is coincidental. There are three distinctly different main characters that will appear as the story progresses. You should be legally allowed to read this type of material before continuing. As it is based on an actual book, I had published a few years ago -- free for your enjoyment -- the story will not contain explicit material in all the chapters BUT don't fret, as it is more the exception than the rule. Please direct any comments or feedback to my email address at davidrolsynauthor2019@gmail.com. Enjoy! Please keep this wonderful platform alive - donate to Nifty! CHAPTER TWENTY Joshua Taylor I have tried staying at the motel for as long as I can. In fact, I extended my stay a few days more without paying, promising the manager that I was getting some money from my parents soon. In the end, I had to bail, because he was becoming suspicious and threatened to call the cops on me. It's been over two months since I had any friendly contact with anyone. No one returns my calls, and Kyle must've changed his number. I've lost a shitload of weight as well, and my beard is totally overgrown. I look like hell. I'd even started pawning what few possessions I had left, including my iPod and cell phone, just for money for food. Now I'm standing under a bus stop in the pouring rain. I'm in the city center and fucking starving. It's sometime after 3:00 a.m., the streets are deserted and I'm really cold. It's unreal that this is what's happened to me. My ragged, flimsy clothes are hanging around my skinny frame. Seated on the bench, I try and curl myself up into the corner of the structure. I'm aching all over and my teeth are chattering. I'm too worn out to cry. After nodding off for a short while, a hand touches my shoulder. I jump up. "Hey, hey, calm down!" In front of me is a man of about forty. He's bald and slightly overweight. He has soft eyes and a kind face. "Why you sleeping here, son?" "I have nowhere else to go," I say. Lying won't help. I know I look like a wreck. Last time I bathed and washed my clothes was in the park, a week ago, but the security guard chased me away and told me to never come back or they'll lock me up. "When did you eat last?" I think for a moment. "I had some scraps from behind the Greek restaurant, but I think I ate properly about six days ago. A lady bought me a burger." I'm actually shivering from hunger, not just the cold. He pats my shoulder. "Come with me." I hesitate for a second, but realize that my options are limited. Pride won't serve me well, and he doesn't look like those guys who wanted to fuck me behind the dumpsters at the railway station two weeks ago. Luckily, I was able to run away. I was still a little stronger at the time. He gestures towards his fancy Sedan and I get in. I'm so aware that I must be stinking up his upholstery. I smell like shit and urine. He says nothing though and drives off. We head off to a hotel a few blocks away. The desk clerk gives me a disgusted and patronizing sneer, but I just keep staring at the floor. As we get to the room, he tells me to go and have a shower and to give him my clothes. The hotel is sort of "middle range" and there is a bathrobe for me to wear. Pausing, I wonder what he's gonna do with my clothes. "I'll arrange and pay for the hotel to launder them for you." As if he knows what I'm thinking. "I'm also ordering some food from room service." I go into the bathroom and get undressed. Handing him my clothes while hiding my naked ass behind the door, I then close it and get into the shower. I use the hotel toiletries to wash my body and hair properly. God, this feels great. It's amazing how one takes things for granted. After a long shower, I shave, brush my teeth, and put on the robe. I must've been in there a while, because the succulent smell of the steak and vegetables hits me like a ten-ton truck! I devour everything on the plate like a madman, even the garnishing. The soda following my meal doesn't even touch the sides of my mouth and burns my throat as I gulp down the cold and gassy liquid. My stomach immediately starts cramping but I ride it out. The whole time the guy just sits on the king-sized bed and says nothing. When I'm done, I stretch and look at him. I'm exhausted. "Thank you," I say to him. "I could see you needed it." He still looks kindly at me. What now? Where should I sleep? As if he realizes what I'm wondering. "Come lie next to me. I won't bite." Looking at him, I have a vile thought. He must be kidding if he expects anything from me. He's unattractive. I'm grateful but there is a limit to what I'll allow myself to do. I couldn't do anything anyway, even if I'd wanted to. I'm just too tired. He did look after me. I sigh and lie down next to him, making sure the robe covers as much of my torso and thighs as possible. Luckily, it's a size too big for me. The man says nothing. He switches the TV on and sets the volume low enough for him to still hear. He pats my forearm. I tense slightly. "Get some sleep." "I will. Thank you." I sigh with relief. I relax and turn away from him onto my side and instantly fall asleep. A couple hours later I'm dreaming that Kyle is giving me head, but wake up to find the man sucking my hard-on. I close my eyes quickly and pretend I'm still asleep, but cannot help moaning from time to time. This guy knows what he's doing... There's no such thing as free lunch in the world. Sadness grips me. He did help me out so the least I can do is lie back and enjoy it. It seems to be making him happy. I just hope he doesn't want anything else to happen. I'm not sure I could do that, even if I wanted to. I eventually cum in his mouth. He devours every last drop before he gets off me. Nothing's said and he doesn't try to touch me again. I fall back asleep. It must be early afternoon when I wake up and notice that the guy is gone. My clothes are neatly pressed and folded on the desk and there is a brand-new pair of trousers, briefs, a shirt, socks, belt, and shoes. Next to my bedside table is a hundred bucks, with a note. It simply reads: Thank you for a great evening and here's something to show my appreciation. I hope you come right. A boy like you deserves better than living on the streets. I've paid for the hotel for tonight and arranged for you to have lunch and dinner. It's not signed with any name and there's no contact number either. Even though I'm happy to spend another night at the hotel, I know full well that tomorrow I'll be back on the streets. I decide to just focus on today. Living day by day has become easier lately. I'll make the most of my time here. With that I get dressed and go down for lunch in the small restaurant below. While enjoying a big rack of ribs with salad and fries, I notice a familiar face entering the restaurant. Oh, my God, it's Kyle! The serendipity is in no way magical. I think of hiding but realize it's impossible and in any case, he's already seen me. He walks up to my table. "Hi, Joshua." He looks at me coldly with his hands in his pockets. "Hi," I say softly. "Fancy seeing you here." He raises one eyebrow. I've no idea what to say to him. My mind is racing to come up with a matter-of-fact explanation. Nothing comes to me and I look down at my food. "Someone told me the other day that they saw you sleeping on a bench somewhere. I tied to find you but you must've moved on. Is this true?" "Yes." I continue looking down. Please let the earth swallow me. He probably wants to gloat at my misfortune. I deserve it. "At least it looks like someone took care of you last night." He doesn't sound as if he is implying anything. I look up. "Yes, someone did." I just can't muster my signature cocky insolence right now. At least I can invite him to join me. It's really nice to see someone I know for a change. "Join me. Please?" He stays standing for a second and then sits down. He orders himself a coffee and we sit together in silence. It seems we are both unwilling or unable to say anything to each other. I must try and make conversation. It's been a while. "How is Mary?" "She's fine, thanks. Still as anally retentive as always." He smiles a little. I nod in recognition. Good thing my mouth is full with food, gives me time to think of what to say next. "And, how are you?" I ask him between bites. "I suppose I'm ok." I know he told me once what he does for a living, but I can't remember. "How's the job?" He laughs. "You really didn't bother to get to know me at all, did you? If you had, you'd know that I'm studying to be a graphic designer." I'm ashamed and heat creeps up my cheeks. "Sorry, man. I must be honest, I couldn't remember." He draws his brow together. "Honesty, now that's refreshing." He now stares intently at me. I deserve that too. "I'm sorry I acted like a douche bag towards you." I mean it. "Douche bag I could live with, but you were just plain cruel." I look away. "All I can say is, sorry." He watches me for a while, as if he's debating something in his head. "Look, where are you really staying now? Are you doing anything work-wise, at the moment?" I sigh. "No, I have no work and nowhere to go." He becomes pensive. Luckily, it isn't sympathy I read in his face. I can't deal with that right now, because it will just push me over the edge. Especially coming from him. "And your sister? Or your parents? Can't they help you?" I cringe from shame and humiliation. The pained expression on my face is self-explanatory. "Ok, don't answer that," he quips. I finish my food in silence and sip my soda slowly. Savoring every drop. "When do you have to check out of here?" "Tomorrow morning," I say between sips. "I'll chat with my sister tonight and see if you can come and stay with us again. I know you don't have money, but I'll vouch for you until you can pay your way." I nearly choke. "You would do that for me?" Tears form in the corners of my eyes. He has compassion... "Yes, no problem." He finishes his coffee. On a lighter note, he says, "And don't worry, this isn't a ploy for me to get you into the sack. I just don't want you living on the streets." I shake my head and desperately try to stop the tears from flowing. I fail, and they pour down my face. "Come on, Joshua. Please don't cry," he says softly and hands me a napkin. I take it and wipe my face. I don't care what anyone around us thinks. "Why would you do that for me?" I look at him through my blurred vision. "Because I know that you're actually a kind person, deep down, very deep down. I began noticing it when you were staying with us, especially the times when you weren't aware that you were being kind." "Ok. If you say so." "I say so." We talk a while longer and he tells me he's at the hotel because of a design project. He's re-designing their menus as part of a project for college, which allows him to build up credits for the year. He updated me on stuff that's happened in his life since I last saw him, but most importantly, he doesn't mention any boyfriends. "You still don't have a boyfriend?" I ask. "No." He suddenly gets up. "Look, I'll come and collect you tomorrow morning at 10:00 a.m. Is that ok with you?" I nod. "You ok to pay for that? He points to the empty plates. "It's been paid for," I admit, my cheeks flaming. "See you tomorrow then." He stands. "Thank you, Kyle." He just nods and leaves. I sit back in the chair and sigh. I want nothing and need nothing. Maybe there is something. Possibly ... --- Kyle came to fetch me at 10:00 a.m., as promised. We drove to his place in silence, and I settled back into his room. After he went off to class, I spent the day watching television and looking through the newspaper for a job. Mary showed up at dusk and was very civil towards me. When I offered to help her get dinner sorted, both of her eyebrows rose, but she began giving me some simple instructions, and we ended up cooking the meal together. Kyle got home, and we sat down together to eat. I asked Mary, I think for the first time, about her life and found out that she hadn't been dating for quite a while. Her previous boyfriend, from about a year or so ago, had been her first big love and had died in a work accident at a construction site. Her eyes teared up for a moment, and I felt really bad for her. Kyle changed the subject and started discussing a popular TV series called Game of Thrones or something of the sort. I've never seen it, and they nearly attacked me for being so ignorant! They spent the next two hours raving about the show and about some character named Jon Snow. I was actually intrigued by the storyline and promised to watch the first few seasons and catch up with them. I'll be spending a lot time at home while I'm looking for work, so I might as well throw myself into a fictional fantasy world. Sleeping again on the mattress, on the floor in Kyle's room, I didn't even bother about being nude in front of him. I wasn't completely naked though, as I slept in only my briefs. Kyle, on the other hand, was more discreet and slept in shorts and a T-shirt. Mary made a point of getting the newspaper for me every day, so the next morning, first thing, I scrutinized it for any new possible jobs. There still wasn't anything I was suitable or qualified for. I started watching the first season of the Thrones series and by episode three, I was hooked. I had to remind myself to stop to have lunch and when Mary came home, I had to switch it off somewhere towards the end of the first season. I couldn't shut up about the plot and Mary just laughed. We analyzed and debated some of the story lines and because she was four seasons ahead, she knew a lot but wouldn't spoil it for me. I was loving this. When Kyle came home, I started going on about the show again and a huge discussion took place around dinner. The show was just so great, and I hadn't seen a TV for so long! They were both laughing at me but mostly enamored by my enthusiasm for something they themselves enjoyed so much. Kyle did ban me from watching any more after washing up, and I begrudgingly agreed. Tomorrow would be another day. Sure enough, as soon as I woke up, I quickly reviewed the job section in the paper and when I found nothing, I carried on watching. I couldn't remember the last time I enjoyed something so much. In fact, when I observed some of the cruelest characters' behavior and deeds, I was reminded of some bad things I had done myself. Some of them were just plain despicable. I saw myself in them and shuddered. That and the fact that they all eventually perished because of the way they lived. A lesson for me here, I think. This went on for a week or so, until I had caught up with Kyle and Mary. They even ended up watching a few episodes with me over the weekend, but they were watching my reactions more than the show itself! Kyle and I were also getting closer to each other. Without thinking, I'd sometimes put my arm around him and pull him close. He didn't resist and would snuggle into my chest. We simply lay on the couch together, watching TV. Mary glanced at us a few times, but, although she seemed a little worried, she kept her thoughts to herself. I, on the other hand, felt very at home and at ease. She was probably just worried about her little brother getting hurt. I couldn't blame her, considering how I'd treated him before. Honestly, I wouldn't be too worried if I was her. I'm the one who was worried that this would end. I was starting to feel something serious for Kyle and hoped he wouldn't ask me to leave. I missed him a great deal when he wasn't with me and I would inundate him with questions when he got back. Things on the job front had been difficult for me, but Mary said there was a possible position for me at the law firm where she worked. She was a kind of legal secretary or clerk there. The position was only for a mail clerk, but beggars can't be choosers. At least it would enable me to contribute and make it possible for me to stay longer with Kyle. A few days later, I had a scheduled interview with the office administration manager and totally aced it. She did ask me if I'd ever had any run-ins with the law and I said no. Which, considering my past antics, was true. I could see she found me attractive, but I made it clear as day, in the way I interacted with her, that I wasn't remotely interested in anything like that. So, it's a few weeks later and here I am, once again employed. Everyone is friendly and all the ladies are doting on me. I find it endearing and just treat them with gentle respect at all times. I even treat the one obviously gay intern quite amicably and enjoy his dramatic take on almost everything. In his very effeminate manner, he tells me that he wants to fight for LGBT rights once he gets his degree. I just smile and commend him for having a cause to strive for. Kyle and I've gotten more comfortable with each other. We phone each other almost every day to see how things are going and to share any small victories or disappointments that happen at work. We're still just at the hugging phase but personally, I want more. I just don't know how to pursue it without chasing him away. I want to kick myself for having been such a total ass before. Eventually I decide that to win him over I have to make a bigger effort. So, when I get my first paycheck, I invite him to dinner and a movie. Well, first the movie and then the dinner! I decide we'll go on a Friday night. The multiplex will be busy and we can have dinner at the Greek restaurant across the street afterwards, which will probably be packed to the rafters. I can hardly contain my excitement. The days' drag by and Friday finally arrives. I get the afternoon off from work and buy myself formal trousers and a black, tight-fitting, long-sleeved shirt. My body has recovered, and I'm nearly back to my old self again. Instead of just loving how hot I am, like I used to do in the past, I'm really grateful that I've been blessed in the looks department. Lots of other people aren't as fortunate. When I get home, I spit, polish, and shave every inch of my body and even trim my pubes. I douse myself with cologne and my fresh brush-cut needs very little styling. Looking sharp! My new briefs are nice and snug but provide enough comfortable legroom for my prick. I'm ready and waiting about an hour before Kyle gets home, and the anticipation is killing me. Pacing up and down the sitting room, I'm sure to walk a new path into the carpet. Kyle takes one look at me and stifles a laugh. I'm sure my eagerness is as clear as day. He just shakes his head and goes to the room to get dressed. He's taking ages and I've tried straightening the pictures on the walls about three times already. In the meantime, Mary arrives home and greets me with a raised eyebrow. When she eventually sees Kyle, she puts two and two together and waves goodbye as she sees us out. We get to the movies and the same guy from months ago is still working the ticket office. Man, he must either really love his job or is struggling to find something else. He frowns at us, probably realizing we're on a date. I ignore his rudeness. He's probably lonely and that's a pity. Everyone should have someone. We decide to watch a Marvel film with some sexy actors in it, the characters using their special powers for the greater good of the world. Well most of them. The theater is packed, and we end up loving it. A feel-good movie for a feel-good night! The lights come on at the end of the movie and in high spirits, we head across to the restaurant. I'm glad I called ahead two days ago to reserve a table. We order our drinks and chat about the movie. Me first. "I loved the action." "That Chris Hemsworth is mouthwatering. I can't believe he has such fine features, I mean, for such an enormous man." Kyle sighs dreamily. I take a sip and set my glass down. "Yeah, but I prefer Robert Downey Jr. He's kind of interesting. His cockiness is a bit off-putting, but at the same time you know he's fighting for good. He would've made an excellent bad guy. Can you imagine if they cast him as Loki?" "That would've been odd. I think that British guy is perfect as Loki. Sort of a condescending arrogance about him. He's also very tall." Kyle shakes his head. "It wouldn't have worked for me if Downey had done it." We chat away while ordering our food and when it arrives, we both realize we are famished and eat in almost total silence. After our main meal, I order us baklava. Kyle narrows his eyes. He tells me he's never tasted it, but I assure him that he'll love the special honey and nut pastry. And he does. "This is delicious, Josh..." I smile. I've become just `Josh' to him lately and I like it. "I'm glad you like it." I settle the bill and we leave. I insist on driving his car, because I feel it's the right thing to do. I don't like being cavorted around town by Kyle. I feel as if I should be the one taking care of him rather than the other way around. This is all more doable now that I'm contributing towards rent and food. Mary was impressed that I actually gave her more than she asked for. Where I once would've seen all this "goody-guy" stuff as a sign of weakness or being a bit of a pathetic pleaser, I'm starting to understand the benefits and value of being the nice guy. We get home. Mary has left the lights on for us. Her bedroom door is closed, probably to read and give us some privacy. Sweet. "Would you like something to drink, Kyle?" He shakes his head, sits down on the couch, and gestures for me to sit next to him. "You were a perfect gentleman tonight, Josh. Is it safe to assume we were on a date?" His eyes are flicking nervously to the side. "Yes, that was the intention." I smile broadly. His cheeks flush. "Then what do we do now?" "Well, since it was our first date, I'd say a good-night kiss is in order, don't you?" He nods with a foxy smile. My prick is already rock hard, and I don't mind him seeing or feeling my hard-on. I want to send the message that I'm definitely interested. However, nothing else will happen tonight. I want this, what I'm aiming for...to be special for Kyle. I think he deserves that. After leaning in towards his face, I kiss him softly on the lips. He responds by kissing me back, and I lick the underside of his top lip as he opens his mouth to gasp. My tongue slips into his mouth and I caress the tip of his. He moans softly and while I explore the inside of his mouth with little flicks and massages, I start increasing the intensity of the kiss. He meets me halfway and we kiss with equal vigor. His tongue is sweet, I can still taste the honey on his breath and it drives me wild. I pull him closer into me and embrace him tightly, crushing him into my chest. So much so that he's halfway on top of my lap. He wraps his arms around my neck, and I grind my groin into his thigh. We kiss like this, while he pushes himself down onto me. Man, I have a raging hard-on. With his one hand, he trails a path down towards my stomach. Despite the intense desire rippling through my body, I stop him and release him from the kiss. "Not tonight, Kyle." He lifts his bottom lip into a pout. "I'm not trying to hurt you or play games. I want this to go slowly. I want you to be absolutely sure, when we get to that point, that it'll be for the long haul." He watches me as if pondering what to say to me, to convince me otherwise, but I gently lift him off me and get up from the couch. I clear my throat. "Thank you for a wonderful evening. I, um, think we need to get some sleep. Tomorrow is another day." He sighs and nods in resignation. We walk to the bedroom to get some sleep, both of us sporting boners. It takes a while and a hell of lot of self-control for me to fall asleep...