Date: Wed, 5 Sep 2001 21:58:28 -0400
From: JM Stories <jm_stories@yahoo.com>
Subject: Just Together 13

Disclaimer: This story is fiction. It makes no claims to the true
personality and sexuality of anyone involved. You already know if you
shouldn't be reading this.

------------------
Just Together
by jm_stories@yahoo.com
------------------

Chapter XIII
Original post 5 Sep 2001
Revised 7 Feb 2002

[ Saturday, July 28, 2001 ]

+++ Jonny +++

Oooohhhhhh. I'm never going to drink again. I cracked open my eyes to
see if Jonah was still there. Nope. He must have gone to bed. I need
something to eat. Nevermind. I don't think I could keep anything down.

Damn. Jonah is gonna kill me 'cause I was drinking, and Gareth is gonna
kill me 'cause I didn't even get to listen to Bright Eyes. Maybe he'll
relax when I tell him I talked with Conor. I don't know what will make
Jonah relax.

Jonah's bedroom door slowly opened and Michael stepped out, quietly
closing it behind him.

"Morning. How are you feeling?" Michael asked me softly.

"Like I got beat up."

"Never gonna drink again, right?" Michael smiled and sat down on the
sofa next to me.

"I don't even want to think about eating right now," I groaned.

"How much did you drink?"

"Um, I think I had four glasses of the rum and coke."

"How strong did you make them? Did you make them?"

"I made them. I did half and half. The first one tasted strong, but the
others didn't."

"That's the way it works. Were you eating anything?"

"No. You know, with Gareth leaving yesterday and everything, I didn't
feel like eating. I think I only had half of a sandwich all day. Why?"

Michael shook his head. "Boy, you could have killed yourself. Do you
realize that?"

"It was only four glasses," I defended.

"On an empty stomach and fairly quickly. How many more would it have
been if you hadn't been caught?"

"You have to drink more than that to die of alcohol poisoning."

"Depends on what you're drinking, what you've been eating, how much and
how fast you drink and your body weight. It's not just quantity."

"Yea, okay."

"If you were as sick as you were with just four, imagine how you'd be if
you'd kept going?"

"I'm sorry. Alright?" I snapped.

"I'm sure you are. Remember how you feel now before you start drinking
next time."

"You guys get drunk."

"Yea, and I'm not saying you should never touch alcohol. You just need
to learn your limits with it. Don't drink so much you make yourself sick
or worse. You also never drink on an empty stomach. That's just asking
for trouble."

"Why?"

"Because you have nothing to absorb the alcohol except you. Drinking on
an empty stomach gets the alcohol in your system much faster."

"Have you talked with Jonah yet? Is he still mad?"

"He's still sleeping. He stayed up all night watching over you."

"I know."

"He wasn't mad. He was scared. Scared you drank enough that we'd have to
take you to the hospital."

"Sure sounded like mad to me."

"Yea. Don't you sometimes get mad when you get scared?"

"Yea. I guess."

"Well, then now you understand. Come on. Let's get some food in you,"
Michael said and stood up.

"I don't think I can keep it down."

"You will. You need something or you'll feel like shit all day."

"Okay," I said and sat up. Big mistake. My head throbbed. My stomach was
churning, and I felt like I was gonna pass out.

Michael chuckled. "It'll get better."

"If I live that long," I groaned and let him pull me off the sofa.

++++++

*

I woke up to the feeling of Michael rubbing my back.

"What time is it?" I mumbled as I rolled back.

"Just past one."

"Afternoon," I smiled sleepily.

"Yep. Feeling better?"

"You mean have I cooled down?"

Michael nodded.

"Yea. How's Jonny feel?"

"Hungover."

"Good. I hope he remembers it well."

"I don't think that will be a problem," Michael chuckled.

"I hope not."

"You know he didn't eat at all yesterday?"

"Yea. He was upset about Gareth leaving. How many did he have?"

"He said he had four and mixed them half-n-half."

"How do I handle this?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean do I teach him the right way to drink, which could be construed
as advocating it, or do I just tell him not to ever drink again?"

"We can't teach kids about safe sex or provide condoms because that
would be advocating sex," Michael mocked.

"Yea, okay. Teach him."

"Yep. I already talked with him a little and made him eat."

"Thank you," I said and kissed him on the cheek.

"For what?"

"For... Just for being you."

"Okay," Michael smiled and shrugged. "Who else would I be?"

"I don't know. Throw out some names," I smiled.

"Whatever. Now get up and take a shower," Michael said and slapped me on
the leg as he got up.

"Yes, sir."

Michael wiggled his butt as he walked out. I rolled out of bed and
headed for the shower. Charlie, apparently, had the same thing in mind,
because we both were naked and walking into the bathroom.

"Wait your turn," Charlie said.

"It's my apartment, and it is my turn."

"Don't pull rank on me. I gotta piss," he said and walked straight to
the toilet.

"Fine," I said and walked straight into the shower. "What time did you
get in last night?" I asked once I'd turned the water on.

"Around six. I guess you weren't awake when you said 'hey' this
morning."

"Guess not. Sneaking out before Rachel woke up?" I teased.

"I did not shag that slag."

I laughed. "How'd you sneak away? She was all over you."

"I told her I had herpes, and then snuck out while she was in the
bathroom," Charlie laughed.

"Herpes alone didn't scare her away?"

"Didn't seem to phase her. Maybe I should have said leprosy or
something."

"Damn, man. Ever hear of clothing?" I heard Danny say.

"Piss off. I just got up and was planning to take a shower before
someone so rudely jumped in front of me."

"Piss off," I said.

"Why is it you never walk around naked around me, but always do around
Jonah and Michael? I like the view, too," Danny said.

"Because you like it too much, and your man isn't here to take care of
that banana in your pocket," Charlie said.

"Don't you mean extra lean hot dog?" I added with a laugh.

"Just 'cause you guys are freakishly large doesn't mean I'm small. I'm
average. And bigger than your last boy, I might add," Danny said and
pointed to Charlie.

"I'm not a size queen," Charlie shrugged. "As long as it works for what
you want to do with it."

"I don't care one way or the other," I said.

"Nevertheless, you feel the need to bring it up," Danny said.

"So to speak," Charlie smiled.

"Perv."

"I only felt the need to 'bring it up' because that's what the topic
was. Other than that, the size of your penis never enters my thoughts,"
I said.

"Thank god."

"So are you in here for a reason, or just to drool at me?" Charlie
smiled.

"I was hoping to take a piss. Do you mind?"

"Be my guest," Charlie said and stepped out.

"You guys need to be more careful, or Michael is going to suspect
something," Danny said to me as he pissed.

"Suspect what?"

"Don't give me that. You and Charlie are doing something together."

"The only thing we're doing together is messing with your head. Nothing
is going on, so get over it."

"So you're telling me that all the comments. All the glances and touches
have been just to mess with me because I'm attracted to him?"

"Yep," I said and shut off the water.

"Bullshit."

"Whatever, Danny. Believe what you want. Tell Michael if it makes you
feel better. He already knows," I sighed and grabbed a towel.

Danny gave me an odd look. "That's just fucked up."

"The only thing fucked up here is that you believe I would cheat on
Michael."

"Can you honestly tell me you're not attracted to Charlie?"

"No. I do find him attractive. However, there's a big step between
finding someone attractive and having sex with him. An even bigger step
between finding someone attractive and having an affair with him."

"Trust me, it's not that big of a step."

"Well, I guess some of us just have a bit more will power, then," I said
directly to him.

"Oh, I see. You're too perfect to have an affair. Is that it?"

"I'm not perfect by a long shot. I love Michael, and I take commitments
very seriously. If that makes me perfect in your book, then so be it.
Why is it such a big deal to you?"

"It's not," Danny said and walked out.

Charlie walked straight into the shower and I started brushing my teeth.
I bent over to rinse my mouth out and was startled when someone press up
against my butt and put his hands on my hips.

"Just how I like my man. Naked, clean and minty fresh," Michael smiled
as I stood up and turned for a kiss.

"Can my man be that way too?" I said with a pouty smile.

"I'll be out in a minute," Charlie called.

I rolled my eyes. "Once again. Only in your wet dreams."

"Sorry, Charlie. This one's mine," Michael said.

"But you're mine tonight," Charlie said to Michael as he stuck his head
out from the shower and wagged his eye brows.

"Be sure to wank in there so you don't get hard again tonight," Michael
smiled.

"Bastard! You promised you wouldn't tell."

"Poor Charlie. Anyone in the audience see?"

"No. Thank god."

"It was during the afterglow in scene four. He took the blanket with him
when he went to answer the door," Michael explained.

"Good timing, at least."

"My timing is impeccable," Charlie said and shut off the water.

"Well it's time for lunch. As much as I like you this way, you'd better
get dressed," Michael said to me and gave me another kiss.

"No time for a little..." I hinted.

"Tomorrow."

"Ha. Ha." Charlie said.

"What are you laughing about. At least I'M gonna get some lovin'
tomorrow," I smiled and went to get dressed.

*

It wasn't until after Michael and Charlie had gone to the theater that I
got to talk with Jonny.

"Are you still mad at me?" Jonny asked.

"No. I think you've learned your lesson."

"Yea. Don't drink on an empty stomach."

"Is that all?"

"And don't drink so much so fast."

"How about not helping yourself to alcohol at all until you're older?"

"Yea, okay. Would you have let me drink anything last night if I'd
asked?"

"No. You were depressed and you hadn't eaten all day."

"What if those weren't true. Would you have let me then?"

"I don't know. Maybe one."

"Have you ever been that sick from drinking?"

"Yep. Once. My freshman year. Haven't drunk to the point of getting sick
since."

"So then this is my one time to learn."

"Yep. Just don't forget it."

"That's not gonna happen."

"Good. Drinking 'till you get sick is just stupid."

"It didn't plan to get sick."

"I know. No one does. It's just a matter of learning your limits, and
how and what to drink."

"Like not on an empty stomach and quickly?"

"Yea, and don't mix drinks."

"Mixed drinks?"

"No. Don't mix drinks. If you're gonna drink beer, then just drink beer.
Same thing for wine or hard liquor. If you're gonna mix, remember: Beer
before liquor, never sicker. Liquor before beer, you're in the clear."

Jonny smiled. "Cool saying."

"It's good advice and easy to remember -- even when you're drunk."

"What about wine? Is there a saying for that?"

"I don't know. Usually when you're drinking wine it's the only thing
you're drinking anyway, unless you have an aperitif or digestif."

"What are those?"

"Before meal drink or after meal drink. Usually hard liquor, and usually
only for more formal dinners."

"Not for McDonalds, huh?" Jonny smiled.

"No, but I'd have to be drunk to eat at McDonalds."

"McDonalds is good. Not as good as Wendy's, but not bad."

"The french fries are okay if you get them fresh and hot. After they get
cold or have been sitting in the bin for a while they're pretty nasty."

"You're too picky about food."

"I try to eat based on taste, not just filling my gut. I eat just about
every vegetable -- except okra. I eat poultry and seafood as long as it
isn't deep fried. What's weird about that?"

"Not weird. Just picky. Hamburgers are good. Barbecued ribs are good.
Ham is good. I haven't had any red meat since I've been here."

"That's not true. You order a hamburger every time we eat out."

"Okay. I haven't had any red meat HERE since I've been here."

"Have you really missed it at a meal?"

"No. As long as I can have a hamburger when we eat out."

"So there's no issue."

"Yea, okay. I don't want to talk about food anymore," he said and laid
back down on the sofa, watching TV.


+++ Jonny +++

Jonah just left to pick up Michael and Charlie. He asked me if I wanted
to go, but I told him no. I'd totally forgotten to check email to see if
Gareth had written me, so I did that. When I got on I saw that he was
online.

jonny15: HI! what r u still up 4?

gareth85: bloody hell! where have you been?!?!?!?!

jonny15: hung over

gareth85: huh? like drunk?

jonny15: yea. last night. had 2 much 2 fast.

gareth85: they let you drink that much?

jonny15: no. i sneaked it. big mistake. i was sooooo sick.

gareth85: did u c bright eyes?

jonny15: kinda

gareth85: go on

jonny15: i talked with conor for a long time and told him about you.

gareth85: thanks :-D

jonny15: welcome. i got sick while he was playing. only heard a few
songs.

gareth85: that sucks. why'd u drink so much?

jonny15: i didn't think it was that much until too late

gareth85: i miss u

jonny15: miss u 2. depressed.

gareth85: me 2. that why you drank?

jonny15: yea, i guess. everyone was drinking there.

gareth85: baaaa!

jonny15: yea, i know. just like sheep. it was okay at first.

gareth85: puke ur guts out?

jonny15: yea. then dry heaves. all the way home. when trying to sleep.
horrible.

gareth85: see? u need me to keep you safe ;-)

jonny15: u know i do. u need me to give u excitement ;-)

gareth85: yep. so long as i don't have to puke my guts out.

jonny15: so why r you still up?

gareth85: woke up early. have to get used to time change.

jonny15: o yea.

gareth85: so u talk conor into touring thru bristol?

jonny15: he didn't know where it was :-)

gareth85: of course

jonny15: here's something jonah taught me about drinking

gareth85: don't do it?

jonny15: that too. he was kinda pissed.

gareth85: only kinda?

jonny15: very kinda. anyway. don't drink on an empty stomach.

gareth85: everyone knows that

jonny15: i didn't. and don't mix drinking different things.

gareth85: huh?

jonny15: beer before liquor, never sicker. liquor before beer, you're in
the clear.

gareth85: :-) fun saying

jonny15: i thought so 2. i'm gonna be bored now

gareth85: why?

jonny15: cause ur gone. lance & justin gone. just day 2 day now.

gareth85: can't always be exciting or u wouldn't recognise when it was
exciting

jonny15: dorkus

gareth85: yep. still more exciting than here. *yawn*

jonny15: tired or bored?

gareth85: both & tired of being bored

jonny15: have u talked to nigel yet?

gareth85: he's on holiday for a few more days. everyone is gone.

jonny15: sucks.

gareth85: big ones.

jonny15: this is weird

gareth85: what?

jonny15: trying to talk. we just saw each other yesterday & nothing much
has happened.

gareth85: i guess. not much to say.

jonny15: if u were here i'd just hold your hand and we'd watch tv

gareth85: not snog? ;-)

jonny15: maybe ;-D

gareth85: dad's calling. gotta go.

jonny15: ok

gareth85: b on tomorrow?

jonny15: don't know. sometime. i'll email u when if i can.

gareth85: ok. luv u *kiss* *hug*

jonny15: *big kiss* luv u 2. night.

++++++


*** [ Sunday, July 29, 2001 ]

"Come on. Off the sofa. You're coming with me," I said to Jonny.

"Where?" He sighed.

"Hang lights."

"That's boring."

"It's more interesting that sitting on your ass in front of the TV."

"What's wrong with watching TV?"

"Nothing, in small doses. You watched it all day yesterday and all this
morning."

"I had a hang-over yesterday. I'm still not feeling very well."

"It's air conditioned," I hinted.

"Okay. You talked me into it," Jonny smiled. "Why don't you have air
conditioning?"

"Because I'd have to have a couple window units to cool the apartment
and it'd be really expensive. It's only a few weeks a year that it gets
this hot."

"Yea, but for those few weeks you're miserably hot."

"Just means I go someplace with air conditioning. I like the fresher air
of using fans, anyway."

"So basically: you're just cheap."

"Probably. There's usually not anyone here during the day. Why pay
hundreds of dollars to cool an apartment when no one is home? It just
makes sense. It's usually cooled off by midnight when everyone is home.
Just put a fan in the window and it's comfortable."

"What's the show you're hanging lights for?"

"'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.'"

"I've heard of that, I think."

"It's pretty well known. Come on. Let's go so we can get back at a
decent hour."

I had everything hung, focused and basic scenes programmed by the time
we left at midnight. Jonny helped a lot, but was a bit bored after the
first few hours. Michael was studying for his finals when we got home
and Charlie was playing on the 'net. I took a shower and went straight
to bed.

***

I got up with Michael. We ate breakfast and headed into town together.
He went to his first final and I went to the theater. Q2Q was at 10AM.
The first dress rehearsal was after that. I got home around 10PM after
I'd made some needed adjustments to the lighting.

The rest of the week went about the same for me, except I didn't need to
be at the theater until two. Get up and have breakfast. Go swimming.
Come home and have lunch. Go to the theater. Michael's finals were done
Tuesday, so he was home much more. He decided to teach Jonny how to
cook. The apartment was still there when I got back each night. Charlie
spent a great deal of time looking for an apartment in LA online and
eventually signed a lease. Danny seemed to have disappeared. He was
either at work or in his room.

"Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" opened on Friday and I was free for the rest of
the summer -- what little was left of it. If I never see that show
again, it'll be too soon.


*** [ Saturday, August 4, 2001 ]

We picked Michael and Charlie up from the theater and headed home. Jonny
went straight to bed. Michael and I curled up on the sofa to relax and
watch a movie.

"Talked with Uncle Joe today. I need to bring Jonny back to Chicago."

"When?" Michael asked.

"Next week. School starts the week after that."

"Is that why he's being grumpy?"

"Probably. Wanna come with me?"

"Can't. 'Yellow Bird' will be in production. Maybe Charlie can go with
you so you don't have to drive alone on the way back."

"Where am I going?" Charlie asked as he walked back from the kitchen.

"Chicago. When we take Jonny back."

"When?"

"Next week. If you're coming we'll leave Sunday morning, stay for his
birthday, and then come back Tuesday."

"Sure. I'll come."

"Oh man, I'm gonna miss his birthday party. He'll be 16, right?" Michael
said.

"Yea."

"What are you getting him?"

"I don't know yet."

"We'll have to go gift shopping next week."


*** [ Sunday ]

I was drinking coffee and reading the Sunday Times.

"What are you listening to?" Jonny asked me with a 'what the hell' look
on his face as he walked out of his room.

"It's jazz."

"Yea, I know. But why was the announcer talking in French?"

"'Cause it's a French station."

"There're French stations here?"

"No," I said and pointed to my PowerBook that was hooked up to the
stereo. "Over the 'net. TSF. It's a jazz station in Paris."

"Why not just listen to an American station?"

"Find me a good one. TSF has the best mix, no DJ's babbling after every
song and no elevator jazz. It's the best one I've found."

"Don't you have to listen to weeks of them begging for money in French?"

"No. Why?"

"'Cause that's what all the public radio stations do."

"I don't think it is a public radio station. Their signs were in all the
jazz clubs in Paris."

"You've been to Paris?"

"Yea. You know that already."

"No I didn't."

"You know I've been to Europe."

"Just to London. When were you there?"

"This past May."

"That's cool. Where else did you go? Michael was with you, right?"

"Yep. We went together. We flew in to Paris and stayed there for a week.
We really liked Paris. Then we went to ZŸrich for a few days. A couple
days in Prague. A day in Berlin. A couple days in Copenhagen. A couple
days in Amsterdam and then Brussels. We took the Chunnel over to the UK
and stayed a couple days in London with Charlie before flying back."

"Wow. How long were you there? Wasn't it really expensive?"

"Three weeks. It's wasn't that bad. We had a train pass and stayed in
cheap hotels. London was the most expensive, but we stayed with Charlie
there, so we saved that. The big costs were paid by Gpa as my 21st
birthday present."

"That's a killer birthday gift."

"Yea. It was really nice."

"I'd like to do that, but I'd have to pay for it myself."

"Start saving now. Maybe Gareth could go with you. Meet up in London and
then take trains everywhere."

"Maybe. How much did it cost?"

"Um, I think we spent around $5,000."

"$5,000? That's a lot of money."

"Yea, but it's pretty good for 2 people for three weeks traveling.
That's including air, train, hotel, food and entertainment."

"I guess. It's a lot of money, though."

"It's an experience you'll never forget. See the world. Experience
things totally different from the US."

"Do you speak all those languages?"

"Hardly. Just enough French to get by. Just about everyone speaks
English to some extent, but you have to be polite about it. Make an
attempt to learn at least the basics of each language. Hello. Goodbye.
Thank you. Etc. Especially in Paris."

"Why in Paris?"

"The French are very protective about their language. Parisians in
particular. They may speak English, but it doesn't mean they'll speak it
to you."

"That's rude."

"That's the way it is. Just accept it. Americans are the same way."

"I'm not."

"If someone came up to you and started talking to you in Swahili,
expecting you to understand, and then getting upset when you didn't
understand, wouldn't it turn you off a bit?"

"Yea, but if I spoke Swahili I'd understand."

"Okay. Now you have a couple people a day coming up to you and speaking
Swahili. You know just enough to get by. You don't have the
pronunciation just right and they can't quite understand you and get
upset with you. Do you keep speaking it poorly, or just pretend you
don't speak it?"

"I'd probably pretend I didn't speak it, but that doesn't mean it's an
American thing."

"Do you expect everyone you meet in the US to speak English?"

"Yea, of course. Everyone speaks English."

"No they don't."

"Almost everyone in the US does. Only, like, some Hispanics and stuff
don't."

"How do you feel about that?"

"About what?"

"About a Hispanic living in the US, but not able to speak English."

"If they're gonna live here they should learn the language."

"Well, the French expect that if you're gonna be in their country,
you're gonna speak their language. Just the same way that you expect
that anyone in the US should speak English."

"I don't expect that. English is the international language, though, so
they should speak it."

"Doesn't matter. If you don't speak English, you're gonna be horribly
lost in the US -- unless you're down South and are speaking Spanish.
It's just the way it is. In Europe you have all these small countries
with different languages and traditions. It's much nicer to just try to
fit in. Just disappear into the crowds and not stand out as a tourist.
We actually tried to avoid other tourists -- particularly American
tourists."

"Why American tourists?"

"Because the ones you could tell were American, you could hear from a
mile away. They were loud, rude and complaining how things were
different. Made me see how Americans get a bad rap."

"Okay. Then why'd you spend more time in Paris than anywhere else?"

"We liked Paris, and there's a lot to see."

"Is it true what they say about Paris?"

"What do they say?"

"That it's all romantic and stuff."

"It's just a city. A city can't be romantic."

"You know what I mean."

"Yea, and the answer stays the same."

"Then why did you guys like it?"

"I don't know exactly. It's the whole atmosphere. It's a big, modern
city like New York or Chicago, but it's also very old. Everything is
more human in scale. You can walk or take the Metro anywhere. I don't
know. It's just the character of the city we liked."

"What do you mean by 'human in scale?'"

"Very few skyscrapers. Wide sidewalks. Narrow, winding streets. Bakeries
all over the place that are open to the sidewalk. You'll just have to
see when you visit."

"If I ever visit."

"Like I said: start saving now."

"I'm taking French in school this year."

"Good luck," I smiled.

"Why?"

"I was really bad at French in high school. My vocabulary is okay and my
pronunciation is pretty good, but my spelling is horrible. My spelling
is bad in English, but it's even worse in French."

"'Cause of all the extra letters?"

"Probably."

"I'm normally a good speller, so I think I'll be okay."

***

The rest of the week was pretty calm. Michael and I just spent time
together doing whatever. Jonny's cooking lessons continued and he was
doing okay. We went swimming every day. Took long walks through the
parks. Watched some movies. Overall, just a nice week.


***  [ Sunday, August 12, 2001 ]

I awoke at 5AM -- an hour before the alarm would go off. The day of
reckoning. The day I have to take Jonny back to Chicago. I know he's
scared to go back -- and I'm not too thrilled about him being around
Tony and Tommy -- but I know he can't live here. Although I think he's
matured a lot in the time he's been here, I don't think he's mature
enough to live on his own. With how much everyone is gone during the
semester, that's exactly how he would be living. I feel a lot better
that he is going to be living with Uncle Joe and Aunt Mary, though. I
just hope he sorts things out with his family. I can't let him know that
I'm concerned about him going back. I've got to be positive. God, I hate
being responsible sometimes.

Someone once told me that I was lucky that my parents died when I was
young. He said that that way I could still view them as perfect ideals
instead of the flawed people they probably were. I've thought about
that. How would Mom and Dad have handled me being gay? Would Jason have
accepted me, or would he have been embarrassed of his big brother? I
don't know and will never know. From what I've heard they were good
people, but I don't know how much of that is truth and how much is
convenient memory.

"Worried about Jonny?" Michael asked and startled me from my thinking.
I'd been rubbing his chest as I thought, so I probably woke him.

"A little. Yea," I admitted.

"At least he won't be living at home."

"I know. I'm sure he'll be fine once he gets there and gets settled in.
I'm just thinking too much," I sighed and laid my head on his chest and
held him. A few minutes later the alarm went off. I slapped it off and
rolled off Michael.

"Come shower with me?" I said as pouty as I could. "Please."

"Oh, okay, but just a shower...and then I'm going back to bed after you
leave."

*

"You got everything? Ready to go?" I asked Jonny as he sat slumped on
the sofa.

"Yea, sure. Do I have to go back? Couldn't I just live here?"

"Yes, you have to go back, and no, you can't live here. No one is ever
home during the semester, so it'd be like you were living on your own.
You're still too young for that."

"Michael did it. He moved here when he was only 16."

"And it sucked and was really hard. Don't use me as an example," Michael
said.

"It's gonna be better, Jonny. You'll be living with Uncle Joe and Aunt
Mary, and your mom is still across the alley. Maybe Tommy will even have
pulled the butt plug out and be more accepting and understanding."

"You live in a fantasy world," Jonny said flatly.

"Probably."

"You have our phone number and email addresses. If you need to talk,
just call or write," Michael said.

"And don't forget your birthday is tomorrow."

"Trust me, I'm not forgetting that at all."

"Jeanie is coming to it, right?"

"Yea, and then she moves the next day. See? I won't even have a best
friend there anymore."

"Make new ones. Everyone likes you when you don't go camping."

"Thanks for bringing up bad memories," Jonny said sarcastically. "I
guess I'm fighting a losing battle. Let's go."

"That's it. Positive attitude," I teased.

"I'd have a pretty positive attitude if you let me drive," Jonny tried
with a grin.

"I'm sure you would," I countered.

"Come on. I'll be 16 tomorrow," Jonny begged.

"Yea, but you don't have your Learner's Permit, or insurance. I don't
think the first time you drive should be down the interstate at 70 MPH."

"Mere details," Jonny dismissed with a smile.

"Details that will keep you from driving. Have you driven at all, or
driven a stick?"

"I've moved the car in and out of the driveway, and Dad used to let me
drive his truck on the work site before I came out. They were both
automatics, though."

"Give it up, kid. I'm driving," Charlie smiled.

"Give it up, Brit. You're not driving. I'd like to arrive alive," I
countered.

"I am an excellent driver."

"Except for that nasty bit about which side of the road to drive on," I
smirked in a Charlie accent.

"Piss off," Charlie smiled.

"Anyway, we'd better get going. We'll be back Tuesday night. Love you,"
I said to Michael and gave him a hug and kiss.

"Love you," Michael said, and then turned to Jonny. "Come here, kid."

Jonny went over to him and hugged Michael tightly.

"Everything is going to be okay. Just remember that even flowers grow
better in shit," Michael said as he hugged him.

Jonny chuckled. "You should write greeting cards."

"You're the writer. I expect to get some of your writing in my email.
Got it?"

"Yea. I got it. Thanks for everything. Love you," Jonny said and gave
Michael another quick hug.

"Oh, before I forget," Michael started and ran over to the hall closet
to pull out his birthday gift for Jonny. "Don't open it until tomorrow,"
he said as he handed it over.

"Thanks," Jonny said and hugged Michael again.

"Okay. Drive safe. I'm goin' back to bed," Michael said and went back to
our room.

We grabbed our bags and loaded up my car. I threw the keys to Charlie
and got in the passenger side.

"I thought you weren't going to let him drive?" Jonny protested. "Does
that mean you're gonna let me drive, too?" He added hopefully.

"He has a license, insurance and knows how to drive. When you get those
I'll let you drive."

"Thanks, mate," Charlie grinned and started the car.

"Just remember to drive on the right side of the road," I said.

"Right. The left side."

"Whatever."

*

We were just past the Pennsylvania state line when Jonny yelled "Pull
over!" Charlie pulled over quickly, thinking it was an emergency, and
slid to a stop on the wet pavement. It was pouring down rain.

"What!?" Both Charlie and I yelled.

"We have to pick up that hitch-hiker we just passed," Jonny said.

"Why? We're not picking up a hitch-hiker," I said.

"It was a kid. We're not going to let him walk along the highway in the
rain," Jonny said firmly.

"It's dangerous to pick up hitch-hikers," Charlie said.

"So? There are three of us and only one of him. Besides, I told you:
he's a kid."

The hitch-hiker had finally caught up with us and stopped at my door. I
rolled down the window a little. It was a kid. Probably not over 15.

"Thanks for stopping. Um..." He hesitated as he saw three other people
in the car. "Where would..." He started, but was interrupted by Jonny.

"Back here," Jonny said and opened his door before moving over. The kid
quickly jumped in out of the rain and closed the door as I rolled up my
window.

"Where are you headed?" I asked as I turned around in my seat.

"Um, to see my folks in Cincinnati," the kid answered nervously.

"Okay. I'm Jonah. What's your name?"

"John," he said after a few seconds.

"Uh, huh. So, 'John,' how is it you're all the way up here and your
parents are in Cincinnati?" I asked.

"Um...I meant my grandparents. My folks don't have much money, so I'm
going to live with my grandparents in Cincinnati."

"I'm Jonny," Jonny said and held out his hand.

"John," John said and shook Jonny's hand.

"What's your real name?" Jonny asked.

"My name IS John!"

"You don't have to lie to us. Jonah and Charlie are cool," Jonny
continued in a soothing voice.

"John" looked at us carefully.

"Oh my god," he whispered to himself after he'd looked at Charlie a few
seconds.

"Hi," Charlie smiled.

"You recognize Charlie?" Jonny smiled.

"You...you're...you're Charlie...Charlie Hunnam..." "John" stuttered and
was probably close to hyperventilating.

"Really? Is that who I am?" Charlie teased with a grin. "You know who I
am, but I don't know who you are."

"Zeke. Zeke Webber. Very nice to meet you, Sir."

Charlie looked around for a "Sir" and I chuckled.

"Just 'Charlie' will do fine. Why are you walking along the highway,
Zeke?"

"Um...you know that thing that happened to Nathan on your show?"

Charlie nodded.

"That."

"You went to a club and ended up having sex with a dirty old twat?"
Charlie questioned.

"Ew. No. Um, I mean the home thing. Well, not quite like that. My mom
died a long time ago, and my dad isn't all that understanding."

"My dad doesn't understand, either," Jonny said.

"You, too?!" Zeke almost yelled and looked at Jonny.

"Yea..." Jonny said slowly and smiled.

"Oh... Wow, " Zeke said, apparently overwhelmed.

"How old are you, Zeke?" I asked.

"16," he answered after a pause.

"Do we need to play that game again?" Charlie sighed. "How old are you?"

"Almost 15," Zeke answered quietly.

"Okay, Zeke. Why are you going to Cincinnati?"

"'Cause that's where Home is."

"Then how did you get up here if home is in Cincinnati," Charlie asked.

"He means the place with the Backstreet Boys," I said to Charlie.

"Yea. That Home."

"Is it that bad that you have to run away?" Jonny asked.

Zeke just looked at him with tears in his eyes.

"You hungry, Zeke?"

"I'm starved."

"Good. We were planning to stop in Youngstown for lunch anyway," I said
to Zeke and turned back around. "Let's go to lunch," I said to Charlie
with a shrug.

"How long have you been on the road," Jonny asked.

"Um...I don't know. I left Friday. What day is it today?"

"It's Sunday. Have you had many rides?"

"No. Just an old guy in a pickup who let me ride in the back a while."

"Does Josh know you're coming?" I turned around and asked Zeke.

"You don't have to let him know. Just show up."

"What if he doesn't have any space?"

"He HAS to," Zeke almost cried.

"Okay. What did your father say when you left?"

"You mean besides, 'Leave my house, spawn of the devil?'" Zeke said
sarcastically.

"Religious?"

"Amish...kinda."

"Kinda?"

"It's weird. Dad married outside the church, so he was kinda shunned.
After Mom died Dad was welcomed back. So we grew up and lived with the
English, but did some of the Amish stuff. I have English friends and
went to a public school. See? Kinda," Zeke explained.

"We? You have brothers and sisters?"

"Four older brothers and two older sisters."

"Does you father have a phone?"

"Kinda. A phone booth down the street."

"How can you not have a phone?" Jonny asked.

"Don't ask me. We can use one, but we can't have one in our home. The
Amish are weird like that."

"You're Amish, too."

"Not by choice. Not really. Only the last five years since Mom died."

"Golden Corral good with everyone?" Charlie called out.

"What do they have?" Jonny asked.

"Buffet."

Jonny looked at Zeke before answering.

"Yea. Buffet sounds good."

"Great," Charlie said and pulled into the parking lot.

Everyone got out and started for the door. I hung back.

"I'm gonna call and let everyone know we're gonna be a little late," I
said and pulled out my cell while everyone else went inside. I called
Uncle Joe.

"Mars residence," Jay answered.

"Hey, Jay. This is Jonah. Is your dad there?"

"Hey, Jonah. Aren't you supposed to be driving now? You're gonna be here
tonight with Jonny, aren't you?"

"Yes and yes. Let me talk to your dad."

"He's outside."

"Then get him," I pleaded.

"DAD!" Jay yelled. "DAD!"

"Just take the phone to him," I sighed.

"Yea, okay. Just a minute... So you bringing me anything from New York?"

"Yea. A roommate."

"Yippee," Jay said sarcastically. "No. I mean something for me."

"No I didn't."

"Uh. Why not?"

"Do I usually bring you anything? No, I don't. Why would this time be
any different?"

"'Cause my birthday is in sixteen days."

"Then you'll just have to wait sixteen days."

"Fine. Whatever. Here's Dad."

"Hello?" Uncle Joe said.

"Uncle Joe. This is Jonah."

"Hey. Problem?"

"Um. Yea."

"Care to elaborate?"

I explained that we'd picked up Zeke and his story.

"So what do I do?" I asked.

"Well... Legally, you need to call the State Police and let them take
care of it."

"I'm not talking about legally. I'm talking about what is right."

"You already know what is right. Just know you may have to deal with
what's legal."

"Thanks. You're no help. I was hoping you'd talk me out of it."

"Welcome to the adult world," Uncle Joe laughed. "I take it you're gonna
be late?"

"Yea. I don't know how much yet. I'll call when we get back on the
road."

"Alright. We'll be here. Good luck."

"Yea, thanks. Later," I said and hung up. I called Lance next to get
Josh's phone number.

"Hi Jonah. What's up?" Lance said as he answered his cell.

"Hey man. Can't talk right now. Do you have Josh's phone number?"

"Yea, of course, but he's right here if you need to speak to him."

"No. Sorry. Josh in Cincinnati. At Home."

"Oh. Josh Matthews. Yea, I have his too. What's up?"

"Can I get back to you on that? It's kinda an emergency."

"Okay," Lance said and gave me Josh's number.

"Thanks, man. Talk to you later," I said and hung up, immediately
redialing Josh's number while it was in my head.

"Hello?"

"Hello. May I speak with Josh?"

"May I ask who's calling?"

"Jonah Mars."

"Oh, hey Jonah. It's Kevin. Just a sec. Josh is in the bathroom. What's
up?"

"Basically, we stumbled upon one of his kids."

"Stumbled?"

"Fourteen year old kid hitch-hiking his way to Home. Picked him up just
outside of Youngstown, Ohio."

"Ahh. Just a sec.," Kevin said and handed the phone to Josh.

"This is Josh."

"Hey Josh. This is Jonah Mars..."

"Lance's friend, right?"

"Yep. Listen. I picked up a fourteen year old kid hitch-hiking his way
to you just outside of Youngstown, Ohio. He said his Amish father threw
him out. 'Devil's spawn' was in the description. I know that legally I
should call the State Police, but..."

"But you know they'll just take him back and he'll run away again or be
put in Child Services," Josh completed.

"Basically."

"Amish... Do his parents have a phone?"

"It's just his father. He said they have a pay phone down the street."

"Damn... You didn't carry him across state lines, did you?"

"No. He was already in Ohio."

"Good. Let me think a minute... Um. Give me your number and I'll call
you back. Where are you at?"

"We're eating lunch in Youngstown."

"Okay. I'll call you back within a half-hour."

"Okay," I said and gave him my cell number before hanging up and going
inside. I paid my money and grabbed a tray. Everyone else was already
eating.

"So?" Charlie asked me as I sat down at the table.

"Don't know yet."

"Don't know what?" Jonny asked.

"I called Josh. He's gonna get back to me."

"You know Josh? And you called him for me?"

"Yes and yes."

"Thank you very much. What did he say?"

"He said he'd get back to me."

"Why?" Zeke asked, a little scared.

"Because you're a minor. Legally, I should call the State Police and
turn you over to them. We could be arrested for any number of things for
helping you," I whispered back.

"I didn't do anything wrong."

"You wouldn't be arrested. Just taken back home. Charlie and I would be
arrested. So would Josh."

"That's stupid. It's my dad who should be arrested," Zeke said, almost
in tears.

"In some cases," I said as my cell started to ring. "Yea, Josh."

"There's a bus station right off the Interstate at Girard. I'll have a
ticket waiting for him to get to Cincinnati. If you can take him there
and make sure he gets on the bus. We've got two hours before the next
one leaves."

"What about..."

"Don't worry about it. You were never there. Don't know who he is. Got
it?"

"Got it."

"What's his name?"

"Zeke."

"Don't have a Zeke, yet," Josh laughed. "Let me talk with him, please."

"Josh wants to talk to you," I said and handed my phone to Zeke. Josh
got Zeke's full story -- more than he'd told us. Ten minutes later, Zeke
said good-bye and handed my phone back, saying Josh wanted to talk to me
again.

"Yea?" I asked.

"I just wanted to thank you. You could have driven right by or just
called the State Police, but you did what was right," Josh said.

"Well, we would have driven right by if Jonny hadn't stopped us."

"Who's Jonny?"

"Basically my little brother," I smiled and gave Jonny a shove.

"Well thank him for me. Call me if you can't find the bus station. From
the map it looks like it's right off the exit."

"Okay. Thanks, and I'll probably be talking with you again. Later," I
said and hung up.

"Someone care to fill me in?" Charlie asked.

"We're dropping him off at the bus station. Josh will have a ticket
waiting for him. We never met Zeke and didn't help him -- just in case,"
I answered. "So let's hurry up and finish eating so we don't miss the
bus."

We finished eating. Jonny and Zeke talked, though it was mostly Jonny
because Zeke was shoveling it in. I didn't ask, but I doubt he'd had
anything to eat since he left. I had to pull out my map to find out
where Girard was and we were at the bus station forty-five minutes
later.

Zeke went in to get his ticket. It was waiting as Josh had said. We
waited outside with him until his bus pulled up. Jonny gave him his
email address and a hug -- making him promise to keep in touch. Zeke
thanked Charlie and me with a quick hug, and then got on the bus. Once
he was safely aboard, we loaded up and continued our trip. I was driving
for the rest of the trip.

*

I could feel Jonny tensing up as we neared Skokie. He got quiet and
reached up to hold Charlie's hand and put one hand on my shoulder. I'm
sure he wanted to hold my hand as well, but I was driving.

"You're gonna be fine," Charlie comforted and squeezed Jonny's hand.
Jonny remained silent.

We pulled into the driveway and I shut off the car. Uncle Joe and Aunt
Mary were sitting on the porch swing and Ann, Jonny's mom, was sitting
in a chair next to them.

"My dad didn't even show up," Jonny said softly.

"Then it's his loss. Come on," Charlie said and got out of the car.

"It is gonna be better than it was. You're even better than you were the
last time you were here. You've matured a lot," I comforted and got out
as well.

He was just sitting there so I opened the back door. He sighed and got
out. Ann was standing at the top of the porch steps waiting for us. We
escorted him to the porch.

"Hi, Mom," Jonny said softly and smiled. Instantly she was down the
steps and hugging him.

"I've missed you so much," she cried as she held him.

We let them have their moment and continued up the steps.

"I see you survived," Uncle Joe smiled and stood up to give me a hug.

"Easily. This is Charlie," I introduced.

"Nice to meet you, Charlie," Uncle Joe said.

"You too," Charlie said and shook his hand while I was hugging Aunt
Mary.

"How's Jonny doing?" Aunt Mary asked softly.

"Scared. Why isn't Tony here?" I said.

"Because he's an asshole," Uncle Joe said seriously.

"And Tommy?"

"They went to the store. Should be back soon," Aunt Mary answered.

"And how is he progressing?"

"We'll see," Uncle Joe said.

I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned around to find Ann. She
immediately hugged me.

"Thank you so much for taking care of my son, Jonah."

"You're welcome. It was nice to have him around." I looked up to see
Jonny had tears running down his cheeks, but was trying hard not to cry.

"So let's stop this babbling," Ann chuckled as she pulled away. "Where
are those boys with the ice-cream?"

"This is Charlie, Mom," Jonny said.

"Thank you as well," Ann said and hugged him.

"Where's Dad?" Jonny asked.

I noticed Ann cringe as she pulled away from Charlie.

"He's still at home, honey," Ann said.

"Yea. I figured," Jonny huffed.

Ann just gave him a sad look.

"Come on. Let's unload the car," I said to move things along.

"Yea, okay," Jonny sighed and started down the steps.

"Your things are already in Jay's room," Aunt Mary said.

Ann sadly watched him walk away.

"He'll be okay. He just needs some time to see that it's not going to be
like it was before," I said to Ann.

"I hope so," she said softly.

So do I, I thought to myself. Charlie and I joined Jonny and unloaded
the car. A minute later Joey pulled in behind us. Tommy jumped out of
the car and walked over to Jonny with a stern look on his face.

"Hey, Tommy," Jonny sighed.

Tommy's stern look changed to a big grin and he attacked Jonny in a hug.

"I'm so glad you're home, bro. I've missed having your sorry butt
around," Tommy said.

"Then why didn't you ever call?" Jonny countered.

"'Cause you needed time away, and I needed time away. I promise not to
get on your case about being gay anymore."

"Thanks."

"But everything else is still an option," Tommy grinned and hugged him
again.

"Of course," Jonny smiled and hugged him back, giving Charlie and me a
happy, but confused, look.

"And Jonah. I owe you an apology for being an ass, but I've been an ass
to you so much that I'd never be able to come close. So...I'm sorry. I
know it doesn't mean much, but I am. Thanks for taking care of my bro."

"It doesn't come close, but accepted. And as for Jonny, it was a
pleasure. He's a great kid who could be a great adult if you'd give him
the chance," I said.

I saw a brief flash of anger cross Tommy's face. "You're right," he said
and grabbed one of Jonny's bags.

We went inside and let Tommy help Jonny take his bags upstairs.

"Where are we sleeping?" I asked.

"Futon down in the rec. room," Uncle Joe answered.

"Okay. Let us drop off our bags and we'll be back up," I said.

"It was nice of them to give us someplace private," Charlie said as we
walked down the stairs.

"Yea. Just don't jump up and down," I said as we got to the bottom. It
is an older house with the typical basement of the early 1900s. It had
been remodeled with a drop ceiling, the carpeted floor raised off the
concrete, and paneled walls. The effect was that the distance from the
floor to the ceiling was just a little under seven feet. You could
easily jump up and hit your head on the ceiling tiles and it felt a bit
claustrophobic with the ceiling so low.

"We'll be lying down, anyway," Charlie said and dropped his bag beside
the futon bed.

"Don't get any ideas," I teased.

"I was only referring to sleep. Get your mind out of my shorts," Charlie
smiled.

"You go first," I shot back.

"Oh well. We're screwed, then," he laughed.

"So to speak," I smirked and called Michael as Charlie went to the
bathroom.

"Yea?" Michael said sleepily into the phone.

"We're here. Finally."

"Hey. What took so long?"

"Long story. I'll tell you when we get back."

"Okay," Michael yawned.

"Okay. Just wanted to let you know we made it. Go back to sleep. Good
luck tomorrow. Love you."

"Love you. Night," Michael mumbled and hung up.

I went to the bathroom after Charlie got out and we headed upstairs.

"Your bowls are on the kitchen counter," Aunt Mary said as we walked out
onto the front porch.

We went back in to get our ice-cream, and then rejoined everyone on the
front porch. Even at 10PM, it was still 80¡F out. At least there was a
breeze and ice-cream. Everyone asked Jonny what he had been doing while
he was in New York. Fortunately, he gave a censored version and focused
on the celebrities he'd met and the sights -- he also left out meeting
Zeke. We had gotten up early and had been on the road all day -- not to
mention Jonny had been a bit stressed and finding Zeke -- so we were
ready to drop by 11PM. Ann and Tommy went home after a few more hugs.
Charlie and I said goodnight and went downstairs.

"Don't you ever wear any clothes?" I asked Charlie as I came out of the
basement bathroom to find him sitting on the futon, naked.

"Not when I'm sleeping," Charlie said and went to the bathroom.

I stripped down to my boxers and laid down on the futon. The basement
was pretty comfortable for not being air conditioned in the hot Chicago
August. Charlie came out a few minutes later and laid down -- having the
decency to cover himself with a sheet. I got up to shut off the light
and laid back down.

"Your family seems pretty nice," Charlie said.

"Most of them."

"Everyone has the psycho family member or three."

"I can think of a couple," I yawned.

"Night."

"Night."

*

"Jonah. Jonah, wake up," I heard someone saying and shaking my shoulder.

"What?" I groaned and rolled over to face whoever. It was still dark.

"Can we talk?" He asked and I woke up enough to realize it was Jonny.

"Uh, yea, sure. What's up?" I said and sat up, trying to wake up a bit.

"I'm scared. I think this was a mistake. I want to go back to New York,"
he said and I could tell he was crying.

"Why are you scared?"

"I don't know. It just feels so ominous. I don't want things to be like
they were. I like the way things were going living with you."

"They won't be the way they were. They aren't. You aren't. You're living
here now, and Tommy seems to be doing a bit better."

"But Dad's not."

"True..."

"I meant what I said before," Charlie spoke up, letting us know he was
awake. "If your dad doesn't want to be a part of your life, then it's
his loss. You're a good guy and if he can't see that then fuck him.
Well, you know what I mean."

"I know, but he's still my dad."

"It takes more than sperm to make a dad," Charlie said.

Jonny laughed, in spite of himself.

"You've known everyone here your entire life. They're not strangers," I
said.

"Maybe it'd be easier if they were strangers," Jonny countered.

"Why?"

"'Cause then I wouldn't have people expecting me to be how I've been in
the past. I could start fresh."

"You can still reinvent yourself, if you want. You did it once when you
came out -- though not necessarily for the better. You can start this
new life with a new you. New home. New school year," I said.

"You always make everything sound so easy."

"Everything is easier said than done," I shrugged.

"The only thing ever holding you back is you. God, I sound like a damn
motivational speaker," Charlie groaned.

"Hey. You know what?" I asked.

"What?" Jonny asked.

"You're 16 now. Happy Birthday."

"Thanks," he said and gave me a tight hug.

"Happy Birthday," Charlie said and got his hug.

"Um, Charlie? You aren't wearing any clothes," Jonny said as they broke
from the hug.

"It's your birthday. I'm in my birthday suit," Charlie grinned.

"Yea, okay. Whatever. I guess I'll let you guys go back to sleep now,"
Jonny said and got up.

"Night," Charlie and I said and laid back down.

"Night, guys. Thanks," Jonny said softly and went back upstairs.

"I think he'll be fine," Charlie said after a minute.

"Yea. Me, too. Night," I said and rolled over.

"Night."

"Birthday suit," I snorted before falling asleep.

*** [ Monday, August 13, 2001 ]

I woke up around nine. I was on my back and Charlie was draped across
me. He was still flaccid, so he was probably still deep asleep. I had a
piss hard-on that was furthered by the fact that I'm definitely
attracted to Charlie. I guess I'm disappointed and relieved that we
never had group sex. Justin really didn't do anything for me, but
Charlie did. He didn't when I first met him, but as I got to know him
the attraction grew. I still love Michael with all my heart, but that
doesn't mean I can't be attracted to anyone else. Rather than get up, I
just laid there and enjoyed the feeling. After about a half-hour,
Charlie started to get hard and stirred a bit. It was quite erotic to
feel him slowly become erect as he pressed against my leg. He reached
down to adjust himself, brushing my erection in the process. He paused
for a second and then leaned up.

"Mornin'. For a second there I though it was in the wrong place,"
Charlie grinned.

"I try to keep it in the same place. Makes it easier to find," I
countered.

"Good idea. So is that because of me?"

"That and the fact I have to piss. You?"

"It's all you, baby," Charlie laughed and pressed into my leg.

"Somehow, I find that hard to believe. Pun intended."

"Oh, that's right. Lame attempt at humor. Make it go right down,"
Charlie groaned and buried his face in my chest.

"Not likely. Anyway, as nice as this is, I need to get up, so get off
me."

"Get off..." Charlie started.

"Stop. Don't even say it," I interrupted and put my hand over his mouth.
He muffled something as I pushed him off me.

"What an ego blow," Charlie sighed dramatically.

"Okay, but just a quick one," I smiled and leaned over his belly and
gave him a raspberry before jumping up and running to the bathroom.

"Tease," Charlie yelled as I closed the door.

*

Aunt Mary was sitting at the kitchen table drinking tea and reading the
paper.

"Morning," I said and poured myself a cup of coffee.

"Just barely," Aunt Mary said without looking up.

"Whatever. I bet you just got up, yourself."

"Getting ready for bed, actually. I'm on third-shift this month."

"Yea, okay. I'm a lazy bum. It's strangely quiet. Where are the kids?"

"Joey is still in bed. Jay is over at Matt's. Jonny went to get his
Learner's Permit with Tommy."

"Really?"

"My son being an even lazier bum, or Jonny getting his Learner's
Permit?"

"I already knew the first," I smirked.

"Tommy was here at 8AM and dragged him out of bed. He's gonna take him
driving afterwards."

"Damn. I guess Tommy has some redeeming value."

Aunt Mary gave me an annoyed look.

"What?" I asked.

"I know you're an adult now, but don't use that language around me," she
reprimanded.

"Yes, Aunt Mary," I sighed.

"So. Does this Michael actually exist, or is he someone you made up?
Every time you visit you bring a roommate," she smiled and put down the
paper.

"After meeting Joey, he's terrified to meet the rest of the family," I
joked.

"So he's a smart one, huh?" She laughed.

"Yea. He's also always working. We've made it clear to his agent that
holidays are off limits. We'd like to come for Thanksgiving, if that's
okay."

"Of course it's okay. You're always welcome and you know it," Aunt Mary
said, slightly annoyed.

"Yea, I know. I didn't want to just show up. Is it here this year, or at
Uncle Jeff's?"

"Here," Aunt Mary said and yawned.

"You should go to bed. Are you going to be up for Jonny's party?"

"Maybe. I'll probably be there later."

"I know you like the emergency room, but doesn't the shift work get to
you? Haven't you been there long enough to be a day-only nurse?"

"There is no such thing as a day-only nurse in a hospital," she
chuckled. "Besides, it's only fair, as well as part of our contract,
that shifts change monthly. The first couple days of a change are hard,
but it's fine after that."

"Okay. Still sounds exhausting to me."

"Only some of the doctors," she smiled. "Alright. I'm going to bed. Good
night."

"Or good morning."

Aunt Mary went to bed and Charlie emerged from the basement a few
minutes later.

"Cups are in the cabinet above the coffee maker," I told Charlie.

"What are we doing today until the birthday party?" Charlie asked.

"Nothing planned. What do you want to do?"

"I don't know. Show me the essence of Chicago."

"In a few hours? I don't think so."

"Okay. How about the quick view?"

"We can do the Sears Tower. That'll be the view. We'll go from there."

"Sounds good."

We left a note and headed out. We took the L into town, rather than
driving. It was mostly clear, but kinda hazy from the heat, so the view
from the top of the Sears Tower was decent, but not great. After that we
walked down the lakefront, had lunch, and then made our way back up
along Michigan Ave. We caught the L back in time for Jonny's birthday
party at seven.

There were already a couple people in the back yard. Uncle Joe was
manning the grill. Ann was setting out other food. Jay was eating chips
and talking to Matt. Jonny was talking to a couple girls and guys. Joey
was back-up grill man. A few more people arrived as the evening wore on.
Most of them I didn't know. It was more of a cook out than any sort of
organized party. A few people in Jonny's crowd left early, but he sat on
the swings and talked with Jeanie -- probably trying to get everything
in before she moved tomorrow. I glanced over at the gate as it opened.
Trouble stumbled in.

"What's Tony doing here?" I asked Joey while keeping an eye on Tony.

"I don't know. He's drunk, though. Look at the way he's walking," Joey
whispered back.

"I think we need to be a little closer. Just in case," I said and got
up.

"Yea. I agree," Joey said and followed me.

Jonny was still sitting on a swing talking to Jeanie and didn't notice
Tony walking up to him.

"So the faggot returns. Take it up the ass while you were in New York?"
Tony spewed.

Jonny turned a hurt look to him, but said nothing.

"I asked you a god damned question, faggot! Answer me!" Tony yelled.

Jonny didn't move. He just stared at him with tears running down his
face. Ann came running up to stop Tony and tried to pull him away.

"Just wait a damn minute. I've got one last thing to say," Tony said and
turned back to Jonny. "You. Are. Not. My. Son." He said, emphasizing
each word. "I only have one son. You're free now to go live with the
other fairies. Fly away!" He taunted and jumped at Jonny. When Jonny
jumped back, Tony roared in laughter and jumped at him again, pushing
him off the swing onto the ground.

At this point I wanted nothing more than to beat Tony into a bloody
pulp. I was about to when Uncle Joe stepped in front of me.

"You're gonna let this go on?! Get out of my way," I said through
clenched teeth.

"Let Tommy and Jonny take care of it," was all he said.

I was so angry that I was shaking. Uncle Joe put his hand against my
chest.

"Just calm down. You can't be there to fight all his battles. He has to
stand up for himself," Uncle Joe said calmly. Damn shrink.

Painfully, I watched Tony verbally attack and physically intimidate
Jonny. Jonny had backed up to the fence and could go no further.
Cornered, he finally looked around to see everyone watching him. He gave
me a pleading look and I tried to convey back that he needed to stand up
to him. His glance turned to Charlie and I followed it. Charlie made a
punching motion.

"So, faggot. Where are you going to run to now?" Tony laughed.

"I...I'm not," Jonny choked out.

"What?! Did I just hear a fairy speaking to me? Speak fairy. Speak
again," Tony taunted right in Jonny's face.

"Why are you doing this, Dad?" Jonny asked softly.

"I'm not your father! I did not father a faggot!" Tony screamed back.

That was the last straw and Jonny lashed out. Before he knew it, Tony
was on the ground with Jonny on top of him punching him blindly and
furiously. Tony was too drunk or stunned to put up much resistance.
Finally, Tommy stepped in and pulled Jonny off him -- he was still
swinging and crying. Tommy held him tight until he settled down and
slumped in his arms. Tony stumbled to his feet and started for Jonny.

"Go home!" Tommy yelled at him. "Go home or you won't have any sons!"

Tony mumbled something and stumbled away with Ann.

"I understand why it was necessary, but don't ask me to stand by and
watch something like that ever again," I said to Uncle Joe and walked
past him to Jonny.

"Damn, bro. You pack a mean punch. Remind me not to piss you off," I
heard Tommy joking as he held Jonny.

I put my hand on Jonny's shoulder and he flinched and pulled away.

"Don't touch me. How could you just stand there and watch him do that?"
He cried.

"Because you needed to stand up to Dad," Tommy answered.

"Just leave me alone. Both of you," Jonny said and ran off.

"Fuck," Tommy muttered.

"Couldn't there have been a better time for him to stand up to Tony than
at his 16th birthday party?"

"It wasn't fuckin' planned that way," Tommy snapped and walked off.

I turned around and almost walked into Uncle Joe. "I'm going for a
drive," I said and walked around to the front.

"Wait up," Charlie yelled as he came running up to my car.

"What?"

"I'm going with you."

"I don't want..."

"It wasn't a request," Charlie interrupted.

I didn't want to get in a fight with him so I just unlocked the
passenger door. We rode in silence while I drove to the lakefront. I
parked the car, got out and started walking along the shore, not waiting
for Charlie. A minute later I felt him walking beside me.

"Too bad you don't have a punching bag around here," Charlie said.

"Mm, hmm," I mumbled and walked even faster. I would have loved to have
a punching bag to get out the frustration I had with Tony. I even
briefly considered starting a fight with Charlie just to have someone to
punch. Instead, I walked at a furious pace along the lakefront. My pulse
was racing, as were my thoughts. The more I thought about it the more my
blood pressure increased. We got to a short stretch of beach. I kicked
off my shoes, pulled off my shirt, safely tucked my keys and wallet in
them, and walked out into the freezing water of Lake Michigan. The icy
water felt good. I dove under the water and caught my breath at the
sudden shock of cold. I swam out as hard as I could -- putting the
frustrated energy into each stroke. About a hundred yards out I turned
around and swam back to shore where Charlie was sitting on the beach
watching me and having a smoke. By the time I got to the shore my
muscles were sore from the exertion and cold.

"Cool off a bit?" Charlie asked as I sat down beside him.

"Fifty-five degree water will do that," I said.

"That was so difficult to watch."

"Understatement, and Jonny doesn't understand."

"Not right now. He'll get over it once he calms down."

"You know, there's a line from a Jane's Addiction song that is so
appropriate for now," I said.

"What's that?"

"'Some people should die. That's just unconscious knowledge.'"

"Maybe not die, but at least gang banged by a herd of jack-asses."

"Hmm. I wonder how we could arrange that," I smiled.

"We'd be arrested for animal cruelty."

"Probably."

We sat in silence for a few minutes. I thought of something and started
chuckling.

"What?" Charlie asked.

"Just thought of something. How do you think Tony is going to explain
the bruises to his crew?"

"His crew?"

"He's a contractor."

"Hmm. I don't think he's gonna admit he was beat up by his gay son,"
Charlie laughed.

"He may not admit it, but maybe they'll find out the truth anyway," I
smiled.

"What if he retaliates and hurts Jonny again?"

"I guess. You ready to get out of here?"

"Sure."

I put my shoes and shirt on and we walked back to my car. I drove to a
coffee house I used to hang out in all the time when I still lived in
Chicago.

"We're not going home?" Charlie asked.

"Not yet."

I parked and we walked down the street to Wilder CafŽ. We walked in and
I walked up to the bar to get our drinks. I was pleasantly surprised to
see Dave, the owner, working. Dave is probably in his late 50's and a
bit chubby, but not rotund. He always used to claim that the desserts he
made for the cafŽ were what kept the tire around his middle. He's a big
momma bear and knows most all of his regulars by name and history.

"What can I get y... Jonah!" Dave said.

"Hey. How're you doing, Dave?" I smiled.

"Oh, I'm doin' great. I haven't seen you in...what? At least a couple
years."

"It's only been a little over a year. Just before Gpa died."

"Still living in New York?"

"Yep. Graduate this year."

"Oh, I feel so old," Dave laughed. "So what can I get you to drink while
we talk?"

"I'm thinking an Irish Coffee sounds good right now. How about you,
Charlie?" I turned and asked him.

"Sure."

"Friend or boyfriend?" Dave asked with a grin.

"Just friend," Charlie and I said at the same time, to which Dave
laughed.

"My boyfriend is working," I explained. "This is Charlie. Charlie, this
is Dave, the owner of this joint."

"Nice to meet you, Charlie," Dave said and reached over the counter to
shake his hand.

"You, too."

"You look familiar," Dave said.

"Charlie's a porn star," I smiled teasingly at Charlie.

"Only in your dreams," Charlie shot back.

"He's just an actor," I said to Dave.

"Just an actor?" Charlie huffed.

"And a good friend, of course," I smiled and gave him a sideways hug.

"I've been reduced to the role of sidekick," Charlie smirked.

"Well, I could tell Dave where he's seen you just to watch him drool."

"Oh please. I don't do children," Dave laughed and turned around to work
on our drinks.

"That doesn't mean you don't like to look," I shot back.

"Guilty as charged," Dave smiled. "So what brings you back to Chicago?
No one died, I hope?"

"Not yet."

"Excuse me?"

"Did you ever meet Tommy Mathias?"

"Nope. Not that I can remember. I know his brother, though."

"Really? You know Jonny?"

"Cute blonde kid with big, brown, puppy dog eyes? Yep."

"How do you know Jonny?"

"How do you know him?" Dave asked seriously as he set our drinks down in
front of us.

"Tommy used to be one of my best friends before I came out. Jonny stayed
with me the past month-and-a-half. We just brought him back to stay with
my Aunt and Uncle," I explained.

"Ah, so that's where he went."

"Care to fill me in?" I asked Dave.

"He discovered this place a few months ago. I noticed him sitting here
and writing all night long, or sleeping on a sofa in back. I asked him
about it and he explained his troubles. I saw a lot of him this summer,
and then he disappeared. I'd hoped nothing bad had happened."

I smiled. "I'm glad he found this place. No one knew where he was
disappearing to. They were getting worried so they sent him to stay with
me for a while. Thanks, Dave."

"For what?"

"For being a damn nice guy who lets kids disappear here when they need
to get away."

Dave waved the compliment away. "It's not my fault all the gay kids find
this place."

"Might have something to do with the name," I teased.

"Hey. It's MY name -- not named after that drama queen," Dave huffed.
"So who is going to die?"

"No one, but I was ready to kill Jonny's father earlier. Today is
Jonny's 16th birthday. His father decided to attack him and disown him
as a present," I said sarcastically.

Dave's brow furrowed. "That explains it. He's in back. Came in about an
hour ago. I tried talking to him, but he was too upset. I was gonna give
him some time to cool off from whatever before I tried again."

"Thanks again, Dave," I said and paid for our drinks. "We're gonna try."

Charlie and I walked down the hall to the back area of the coffee house.
I loved this place. The front was small tables and the bar. The back was
old sofas, coffee tables and bookshelves covering the walls. When I
needed to get away I'd come here and sit in back reading or talking with
people. It was always friendly and had quite a few regulars.

We walked into the room and looked around for Jonny. He was lounging in
a chair in the corner with his arms crossed and his eyes closed. We sat
down on the sofa beside him.

"Jonny," I called softly.

He slowly opened his eyes and turned an annoyed glare at me. "How did
you find me?"

"Wasn't looking for you. I used to come here all the time," I said.

"Just go away and leave me alone," he said and closed his eyes.

"No," I said simply.

"I wasn't asking."

"Talk to me. Don't shut me out."

"What the fuck do you care?"

"I care a lot, and you know it."

"Yea, sure. It showed this afternoon."

"Do you think it was easy for me to watch Tony do that?"

"Apparently."

"Whatever," I huffed and stood up to leave. Charlie pulled me back down.

"It wasn't easy for anyone to watch, but it had to be done. You had to
stand up to your father or he'd continue to intimidate you. We weren't
allowed to help you. You're pissed off about it now, and you should be;
but it's not us you should be pissed off at," Charlie said.

"I know," Jonny said softly and closed his eyes again.

"I do love you, Jonny. More than you can understand. I don't ever want
to see you hurt, but I can't be there to protect you all the time," I
said with tears in my eyes.

"I know," Jonny said softly as tears rolled down his face.

I reached over and put my hand on his shoulder. He didn't flinch this
time. A minute later he was in my lap, holding me tight and crying. I
held him tight as well, and Charlie put his arm around Jonny. A few
minutes later Jonny had cried himself out.

"I've got something that'll cheer you up a little," Charlie hinted.

"What?" Jonny asked and pulled away from me to look at Charlie.

"We were thinking earlier about how your father is going to explain his
bruises to his crew. Think he'll tell them his gay son kicked his ass?"
Charlie smiled.

Jonny started giggling and buried his face in my shoulder. "That's not
funny, but it is," he groaned between giggles.

I looked up to see Dave walking into the room with a tray of goodies.

"I heard it's someone's birthday," Dave said with a soft smile and set
the tray down on the table.

"Mine. I'm sorry about snapping at you earlier," Jonny said and moved to
sit between me and Charlie.

"Don't worry about it. I understand," Dave dismissed. "Now how about
some birthday goodies?" He grinned and passed a large slice of his
wonderfully sinful chocolate-caramel cake to Jonny. Charlie and I
grabbed ours. Dave grabbed his and was about to take a bite.

"David Robert Wilder. Put down that cake and slowly back away," Bill,
Dave's partner, said from across the room.

Dave groaned. "It's just one piece. It's a special occasion. Jonny's
16th birthday," Dave pleaded.

I laughed. "Cut him some slack, Bill, and join us."

Bill walked over and took the plate from Dave. "Thank you, Jonah. I
will," he smiled and started eating Dave's cake.

"You bitch. Are you going to eat that in front of me?" Dave huffed.

"Fine. We'll share," Bill said and sat down beside him. "So.. today's
your sweet 16th. Happy Birthday," he said to Jonny.

"Thanks," Jonny mumbled with a mouthful of cake.

"You're welcome. Why are you spending it in this sorry place?"

"I'll tell you later, hon." Dave said softly and patted Bill's leg.

"We'd better get home. I'm sure everyone is worried about you," I said
after the cake was gone.

"Not everyone," Jonny countered.

"Everyone who loves you," Charlie clarified.

"And you haven't opened your presents yet," I added.

*

When we got home, Uncle Joe, Joey, Tommy, Ann and Jeanie were sitting on
the front porch, obviously waiting for Jonny to come home.

"Oh god. I don't suppose there's any way for me to sneak in?" Jonny
groaned.

"Nope. Better go get it over with," I said.

He sighed and got out. He was almost immediately smothered in hugs from
Ann and Tommy. Sometimes it's really hard to hate Tommy. Sometimes he
makes it really easy. This was one of the really hard times. Everything
settled down after a few minutes and we went inside for him to open his
presents. I'd got him the complete works of Jack Kerouac. Michael got
him a half-dozen of those black bound art/journal books. Charlie gave
him a signed copy of "Queer as Folk" on DVD. He got teased about that,
of course. Everyone left or went to bed a little after midnight.

*

"Can I ask you a personal question?" Charlie asked me as we were lying
in bed.

"Uh, sure. What?"

"What is the connection with Jonny? I mean, I understand that you and
Tommy used to be friends and you guys all grew up together, but there
seems to be something more with Jonny than just the little brother of a
friend."

"I think I kinda adopted him as my little brother after the accident," I
said softly.

"I don't quite understand. Your parents were killed in a car crash so
you adopted a little brother?"

"No. I had a little brother. Jason. He was about six months older than
Jonny."

"I didn't know. You've never mentioned him. I take it he died in the
same accident?"

"Yea, he did. I'm not sure why I never talk about him. It just always
hurts whenever I even think about him..."

"I can see that," Charlie said softly and brushed a tear from my face.
"Sorry I brought it up."

"Don't be. I don't know why it is. Whenever I think about him it makes
me really sad. I've thought about it a lot and the only thing I can
think of is that when Mom and Dad died, Gma and Gpa -- and Uncle Joe and
Aunt Mary to some extent -- filled in their roles. There was no one to
fill in the role of baby brother, though."

"What about Joey?"

"We're too close in age. I'm only a year older. It's a different
relationship. Over time I think Jonny filled in that role. He was about
the same age and was always around us. After I came out that whole part
of my life was ripped away."

"So losing your baby brother twice?"

"Yea, I guess. It wasn't a good time in my life."

"Does Jonny know this?"

"He knows some of it. Why?"

"Because he really looks up to you. If he knows what you went through,
and how it turned out, it may give him some hope."

"It's worth a shot. I really do love him. I don't think I could handle
losing him again."

"I love you, too," Jonny said from the steps, startling Charlie and me.
He almost ran over to the futon and wrapped himself around me in a
strong hug.

"How long have you been sitting on the steps?" Charlie asked after a
minute.

"Since you've been talking," Jonny said as he pulled back from the hug.

"So why'd you come down? What's on your mind?" I asked.

"Can I sleep with you guys tonight? You're leaving in the morning
and..."

"Yes," I interrupted.

He smiled and hugged me again.

"I suppose I'm gonna have to put on some shorts now," Charlie sighed.

"You don't have to. It's still my birthday," Jonny smiled as he crawled
between me and Charlie.

"It's 1:30. Your birthday is over," Charlie said and pulled on his
boxers.

"Now let's go to sleep. We have to hit the road before noon," I said and
yawned. I rolled over and spooned against Jonny, holding him tight. He
was spooned up to Charlie.

"'Night. I love you guys," Jonny said softly.

"Even me?" Charlie asked.

"Yea. Even you, Dorkus."

"Night," I said and was soon dead to the world.

***

I was rudely awakened by Jay bouncing on the three of us and yelling for
us to wake up.

"Wake up! Wake up!" Jay yelled as he bounced.

I grabbed his arm and threw him off the futon.

"Go away, Jay, or I'm gonna tickle you until you wet yourself," I
grumbled.

"Mom said to get you up. So get up!"

"I'm sure she didn't say to jump on us and scream."

"Thought of that myself," Jay smiled.

"Come here," I gestured.

"Yea, right," Jay laughed and ran across the bed. "Get up!" He yelled
and did it again.

I tripped him on his return trip. Instantly, the three of us grabbed
him.

"NO! Don't Tickle!" Jay screamed.

"How about a shower?" Charlie grinned.

"A cold one?" I smiled.

"Oh, absolutely."

"Sounds perfect to me," Jonny said. "How do we keep him in?"

"Here's a trick I learned from my brother," Charlie smiled and used the
sheet to wrap Jay in a tight cocoon so he was immobilized.

"Your brother is pretty smart," I said.

"He's a shit, but I did learn. Ready for a shower?"

Jonny jumped up and turned on the shower to cold. Charlie grabbed one
end of the Jay bundle and I grabbed the other end as we carried him into
the small bathroom.

"Maybe a swirly first?" I teased and nodded to the toilet. Jay screamed
even louder.

"Maybe we should just tickle him," Jonny said.

"Yea! Yea! Just tickle!" Jay screamed.

"So you're saying you want us to tickle you?" I smiled.

"Yes! Yes! Please! Just tickle me!"

"You got it."

Jonny cut the water and we dropped Jay back on the futon.

"I've got a better idea," I smiled.

"No! Just tickle!"

I whispered to Jonny and Charlie what to do. We wrapped the futon around
Jay so he was double encased, got dressed, and went upstairs, shutting
off the light. I know Jay is scared of the basement with the lights off
and he screamed as the lights went off and we shut the door.

"What are you doing to my little monster?" Aunt Mary sighed.

"You mean the one who decided to wake us by jumping on us and
screaming?"

She nodded.

"We just wrapped him up and left him there. He's not still afraid of the
basement with the lights off, is he?" I smiled innocently.

"Yes he is and you know it."

"Well then. It's time he got over it," I smirked and poured us all some
coffee.

"You and Joey are the reason he's afraid of it in the first place."

I shrugged and grinned as I took a sip of my coffee. Jay burst through
the basement door a minute later.

"You suck!" He screamed.

"Jay." Aunt Mary snapped.

"Sorry. They do, though," Jay pouted.

"Maybe you should learn to wake people up correctly, then," she
chastised. "I'm going to bed. Have a safe trip back," she said as she
hugged me. "Nice to meet you, Charlie." Aunt Mary shook his hand and
then went upstairs.

"Why were you sleeping with Jonah and Charlie?" Jay asked Jonny.

"Because they're leaving and I'm gonna miss them."

"Did you guys do the wild thang," Jay smiled.

"We slept. Do you do 'the wild thang' when you sneak into your folk's
bed?" I countered.

"That's just sick," Jay said and made a face.

"No sicker than your suggestion."

"You aren't Jonny's mom or dad."

"They're my adopted brothers," Jonny stated. "So drop it and get over
it."

"Just 'cause you're living here now doesn't mean you're my boss," Jay
said.

"Nope. Means I'm your big brother," Jonny smiled and patted Jay on the
head.

"Ew. I don't want ANOTHER big brother. Especially not an ugly blonde
one," Jay groaned.

"You need someone to show you how to be a man, 'cause you scream like a
little girl," Jonny teased.

"Butthead. I don't scream like a little girl. I couldn't learn how to be
a man from you, anyway. I'm already more of a man than you'll ever be."

"Yea right. Are you going to be a pain all the time?"

"Does it annoy you?"

"Kinda."

"Good," Jay said with a self-satisfied smirk.

"Do you want me or your side, or on Joey's side?" Jonny countered.

"Fine," Jay sighed and rolled his eyes. "I'm goin' over to Matt's. What
time are you guys leaving?"

"After we take a shower," I answered.

"Okay. Well. See ya next time. Bye," Jay said and punched me on the arm
before running out the door.

"Is he always so...hyper?" Charlie asked.

"Yes," Jonny and I said together.

"Maybe I should have got on the bus with Zeke," Jonny said.

"No, you shouldn't have. You have people who care about you here. He
didn't really have any other choice. You do," I said.

"Yea, I know," he sighed.

"Good. I'm gonna take a shower," I said and headed to the basement.

An hour later Charlie and I were both showered and ready to go. We threw
our stuff in my car. I pulled Jonny into a hug and held him tight.

"I'll see you at Thanksgiving," I said as I hugged him.

"Okay," Jonny sniffed.

"I think everything is gonna be just fine."

"I hope so."

"Let me know if it isn't."

"I will."

"Take care," I said, pulled away and got in the car.

Charlie and Jonny said their good-byes and hugged. A minute later
Charlie got in and we left. Jonny watched us pull out of the driveway
and then turned around and went inside.

"I stand by my previous statement," Charlie said.

"Which?"

"Goodbyes blow," he said and turned up the radio before slumping down in
the seat.


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

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