I must stress this is a work of fiction. Any similarities is strictly coincidental. All rights to this story belongs to the author. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited. This is intended for a mature audience. If you are under 18 (or 21 in some areas), please press "Back" now on your web browser. If you don't like the idea of two college guys falling in love, please go away. Thanks. And now...

Dan, The Man, Part III
"Sleeping With Ro?"
By Joey E

(This next section is going to be told from a third-person point of view because it wouldn't make sense for me to tell it if I wasn't there to experience it).

"Oh shit," Kevin said, as Neil ran out the door.

"What?" asked Ro from upstairs.

"Joe just got attacked on-campus, man. He's pretty beat up. That guy is going to take him to the hospital. I think we should go," Kev said, running up the stairs.

"Okay," Ro said, turning off the TV, grabbing his jacket.

They ran out to Neil's car and they were off. Neil informed them on how he found Joe, not exactly knowing what happened, since Joe wasn't in the mood to tell him obviously. Kev and Ro just listened, occasionally looking at Joe in the front passage's seat, bloody and weak.

They got to the emergency room. It wasn't a complete emergency, Neil was sure of that. Joe was beat up, but he wasn't dying. After all, he was still conscious. They rushed him into the emergency room, he received prompt care. Ro took Joe's wallet out of his back pocket, which had Joe's health insurance card in it and signed him into the hospital. Kev called my parents and Dan.

"Mrs. E," Kevin said into a payphone. "I don't know how to say this, but Joe's in the hospital. " Joe's mom was in a panic. She and Joe's father would be down as soon as they could.

The next call was more difficult for some reason. "Dan? This is Joe's roommate,

Kevin." Pause. "Joe's in the hospital, man" Pause. "Yeah, I think he got attacked on campus tonight." Pause. "Yeah, man, please come down."

Kev went over to Neil and Ro, sitting down next to them. "I called them," he said.

Neil was still visibly upset by the whole thing. He started to talk.

"You know, whoever did this to Joe, is going to have his ass beat!" he said, firmly.

Kev and Ro just nodded at him.

"What would make someone do this to him? He is just another human being!  He's human, after all! He's not an animal, he's human! He's no different than anyone else!" he continued.

Ro answered, "I know, man, it isn't fair."

They sat in silence. Kev saw Joe's parents run in to the room. He went over to them and explained what was going on. It was going to be a long night. Dan showed up, and the three had agreed it would be better not to tell just who Dan was yet to his parents. Soon, they got word that Joe was all right, he wasn't too bad, just a minor concussion. Luckily, his ribs were not broken, unlike Joe told you before. He was just overreacting. :) But, Joe was a strong guy, the Doctor said. Dan smiled at that. They would be keep Joe for another day or two to observe him, but not in intensive care, just a regular hospital room.

They moved him there. Joe's friends and parents made it to the room. It was horrifying to see Joe, with a bloody lip, in a hospital bed, with an IV hooked up to him. Soon after, it was time for the visitors to leave. Joe's parents went first, followed by Kev and Ro. Neil and Dan stayed for a little bit longer.

"He didn't deserve this," Dan said, in a low voice.

"No one would deserve this," Neil said. "It sucks. I mean if my brother ever got this treatment, I think I would be ready to kill."

Dan looked at Neil, who was intense and serious. "I'm glad you're on our side, Neil. Thanks for finding Joe, let alone rescuing him. I really don't know how to thank you," Dan said, eyes beginning to water.

"Aw, man, it wasn't anything. I was just looking out for a friend," Neil said, pulling Dan in for a hug. Dan gladly accepted it, needed one. They embraced for a few seconds.

Neil had to get going, though. Dan stayed behind a little longer, sitting in a chair, watching over his man, Joe, the Man.

"Baby, please get better," he said, softly, rubbing Joe's hand. "I love you."

"Sir, I'm sorry, you'll have to leave now," a nurse said, coming in to check on Joe.

"What?" Dan said, louder.

"Visitor hours are over," she said, inspecting Joe.

"But, I wanted to stay with him," he said.

"I'm sorry, sir, rules are rules."

Dan started crying, softly. "Please, let me stay with him." he pleaded, almost in a whisper through his tears.

The nurse looked at Dan, startled. "Uh, sir, I can't. I'm sorry."

"But, please. I don't want him to be alone tonight. I need to stay with him," he said. Dan knew he was sounding pathetic and taking the chance of revealing their relationship to her, but he didn't care. This was for Joe, damn it. And he wasn't about to leave his side just because of some rule!

The nurse stopped and thought. "I'm sorry....I can..."

"Aw," Dan whined. "I just want to be with him" he said, tears running down his cheeks.

The nurse, came over to Dan, giving him a Kleenex. "Okay, fine. You can stay," she said in a soothing voice. Her work being done, she turned to leave. As she was leaving, she said, "When he wakes up, tell him, he's a very lucky guy to have you."

She smiled and winked at Dan. Dan thanked her, and sat back down in the chair, holding Joe's hand.
 

(And now back to the original narrator, Joe!)
 

I woke up, not knowing where I was. I didn't open my eyes at first. I could hear a beep beep beep noise. But more importantly, I woke up with the sense that I wasn't alone. Mainly, because, someone was holding my hand. I opened my eyes. There he was, Dan, the Man. My hero. I smiled.

"Hey, cutie," he said, softly.

"Hi," I croaked. I had a sudden pain from my lip, obviously because it had been cut. I winced.

"Oo..man, you don't have to talk. Just rest right now, babe. I'll be here for you," he said.

For some reason though, I didn't want to go back to sleep. I wasn't exactly tired. I wanted to know more.

"Dan, how bad is it?" I asked, knowing he would know what I was talking about.

"Not as bad as I thought it would be. Your ribs are not broken, after all. But your body is bruised. And, he did give you concussion."

That would explain the splitting headache I had. "But it's gone down. Actually, the doctor said you'd probably be out of here in a day."

"How long have I've been here?"

"Oh, just about 7 hours," He said. "They took you in the ER, looked you over, and put you in here to make sure there wasn't any other damage to your cute body."

I smiled, even though it hurt. Suddenly, Dan had a serious look on his face, and started to cry. I held his hand as hard as I could. "Dan, it's okay, babe. I'm all right, I'm not in too much pain. I'll be okay," I said, in a soothing voice to him.

He just held my hand and leaned up and kissed me on the forehead. I suddenly

felt tired again, and drifted back into sleep.

I woke up with the sun in my eyes, coming through the hospital window. I looked around my bed to see Dan, sitting next to me, asleep in the chair. He looked so cute sleeping. I didn't really want to disturb him. I looked at my watch, which was amazing still on my wrist 9AM. It was a weekday as far as I could remember, and I was wondering why he wasn't in class. I started to worry about that.

"Dan," I said, softly. "Dan?"

He slowly stirred and woke up.

"Huh?" He said, opening his eyes.

"Shouldn't you be in school?" I asked.

He looked at his watch, and shook his head. "You're more important."

I was not in the best emotional state, and that for some reason made my eyes tear up.

"I had to fight with the nurses to let me stay here over night. I wasn't supposed to, but I sort of forced my way, he said, proudly. "By the way, I think the nurse last night caught on to what we were."

I smiled at that. "I don't care. I'm glad you fought for me," I said.

"And the nurse also told me to tell you that you're luck to have a guy like me,"

Dan said with a smile. "Your parents are here. They were here last night, but they had to leave, because of your younger brother, and plus they couldn't have stayed," he informed me.

"Who called them?"

"Uh, Kev did. Ro, Neil and Kev stayed as long as they could too."

Just then, my parents walked in the room. They looked happy that I was awake, but still had a concerned look on their faces.

"Hey Mom. Hey Dad," I said, smiling.

My mom came over to the bed, with tears in her eyes. (Damn, everybody's crying today). "Joe, I was SO worried. Are you alright, sweetie?"

"I am okay, a little in pain, mainly in my side and lips. But, I feel fine for the most part," I answered.

"I'm glad to hear that," my Dad said. "We were so worried. The kids were worried too."

"Well, I hope I didn't cause too much worry," I said, suddenly feeling funny about causing all this worrying.

"Don't worry about that," my mom said. They both were looking at Dan.

"So, honey, are you going to introduce us?" my mom asked.

I took a deep breath.

"Mom and Dad," I started. "I'd like you to meet someone, someone very special to me." I looked over at Dan, who got up from his chair again. "This is Dan. Dan this is my mom and dad, Mr. And Mrs. E." (I'm sorry, I'm not comfortable putting my own name into the story. However, I didn't feel right changing it either.

"Well, we met last night, but we can meet again," said Dan, smiling.

Dan stuck out his hand to my dad first, and shook it. He did the same thing to my mom. My parents had known for about three years, and in the last two, had really accepted it and had been supportive. I could tell they seemed to take a liking to Dan right away. I was relieved beyond belief.

They all sat down around me, having a conversation about who he was, what he did, that sort of thing. They could all see I was doing well, and that's probably why the conversation drifted. Then the doctor came in. He explained to us all what happened and what I would need to do to rehabilitate. He also explained that I could go home by the end of today. It was obvious I was feeling better, and that there wasn't any further damage, luckily. He left shortly after that. Only to be replaced by another visitor.

"Hey!" Neil said as he entered the door.

"Hey yourself," I said, smiling.

I introduced Neil to my parents. They met last night, though.

"You know, I did save you," he said, smiling.

"Yeah, I remember that," I answered, laughing, only be replaced by wincing, because of the pain in my side.

"Oh, sorry dude," he said. "I only came by to see how you were doing. I can't stay long, but I'm glad to see you're awake."

"Yeah," Dan said, smiling. "They're gonna let him go home today."

"Cool!" Neil said. "Well, I gotta go to class, men. I'll see you around," he said, leaving.

"Neil," I raised my voice. He turned around and looked in to my eyes.

"Yeah?"

I smiled at him and said, "Thanks."

My parents, Dan, and I talked a little while longer. Dan did have to leave, although he didn't want to. I had to practically force him to leave. My parents seemed to like him. Dan had the magic to win my parents over. But that wasn't hard to do anyway.

I soon drifted off to sleep again, with my parents there. The next thing I knew,

Lunch was being served. My mom was still there.

"Hey, cutie," she said. "You want any lunch?"

Come to think of it, I was pretty hungry. Unfortunately, no matter how hungry I was, the cut on my lip was interfering with every bite I took, stinging. But, I did manage to eat the hospital food somewhat. Some is better than none.

"So, when do I get go back to school?" I asked, knowing the answer.

My mom laughed. "I don't know. First we gotta get you out of here."

"I know," I said. "Where's dad?"

"Oh, he went to work, honey. But he'll be back after work."

"Hopefully, to take me home," I said. "What time is it?"

"About 2PM."

"Oh," I answered. I was missing TV class, and more importantly I was missing Dan. I suddenly was a little depressed.

"You know, I had a shoot today," I said to my mom.

"Well, I'm sure they'll replace you," my mom said.

I had the urge to get up and go to the bathroom, then. I tried to get up myself.  My mom watched, not moving yet. I got up, finally. Damn, my side and stomach hurt. I walked slowly to the bathroom. I felt a little dizzy while I was standing, but I did my business. I walked back into the room, with a smile, happy that I accomplished that.

"Well, at least you can walk now. That's a start," she said, smiling.

We talked about school, about Dan, and then watched a Perry Mason show on TV. I love classic TV shows. We had just turned off the TV show when I heard a knock at the door.

I saw Amanda's face in the doorway. "Hey!" she said.

"Hey!" I said, smiling from my bed. I sat up in the bed. She walked over to me.

"How are you?" she asked.

"I've been better, but I'm feeling all right," I answered.

"Cool. We missed you in class today. Or actually, I missed you in class today. We had that shoot today. We couldn't get the sound to work, and we needed you!" she said, smiling.

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that," I said, secretly glad that people appreciated me.

"Who was on camera?"

"I was," I heard a deep voice say. I grinned a bigger grin. Dan appeared in the doorway.

"Come in!" I said.

"Oh, by the way, mom, this is Amanda," I said to Mom.

They started chatting away, because I had talked about Amanda before to Mom.  Dan walked in, and kissed me on the forehead. I knew my mom wouldn't exactly like seeing that, but she appeared not to be too disturb about that.

Just then the doctor came in. He, Mom, and I talked about my condition. It was decided that I could go home now, since I seemed to be doing well. I couldn't wait to get out of there to tell you the truth. It was getting sort of boring and depressing.

So, Dan, Amanda and I kept talking while my mom went out to sign me out and do whatever else she needed to do. She came back about a half an hour later.

"Well, are you ready to go?" she asked.

I got up from the bed, and said, "yep!"

I got dressed with the clothes my mom brought for me. It was very painful to put a shirt on, brushing up against my bruised ribs. But I did it.

Dan and Amanda said good-bye to me. I really wanted to kiss Dan, and thank him for being there for me.  But since my mom was there, I didn't. We were soon out of there, and on our way home. I really did want to get back to my apartment, and not stay at home. I really had a hard time convincing my Mom that I was okay to go back.
And it didn't work. I went home.

My brother was waiting at the door for me. He was sixteen, with blonde hair, blue eyes, and 5' 11". He was the typical high school teenager, and dressed the part too.  He was more athletic that I was, however, playing football, basketball, and baseball for High School. He looked older than me sometimes. And to be blunt, if it wasn't my brother, I would say he was a real hottie. My gay friends have told me that time and time again.

I got out of the car, in pain, from moving. I waved to him. He came out, and gave me a hug.

"Hey, Joe. I'm glad you're home," he said.

I smiled at him, and said, "Good."

He laughed. "How are you feeling?"

"Okay, I trust mom has told you how bad I was hurt," I said.

"Yeah, you always were a wimp," he said.

"Hey!" I yelled, then wincing in pain.

"Well, we'll continue this later," he said. We went inside the house. Little by little that day, I felt better. Dan called me at about 8PM that night, we talked for a little while. I soon fell asleep after that. It had been a long day.  In the morning, I still felt very soar, but decided a shower might help. My mom had stayed home again from work during the day to make sure I was okay. I rested some more on the couch, didn't get much accomplished that day, but what do you expect? Roland, Kev, and Paul (another friend from college) came over for about an
hour to visit me too.

Friday, I was getting restless just sitting around the house. I knew I was ready to go back. The soreness had gone down, as the swelling in my face from the punch. I asked my mom in the afternoon if she could take me back to school. She was hesitant, but since it appeared that I was taking care of myself, she agreed.

I finally got back to MY home, Friday evening. Kevin was there, and he helped me carry groceries back up that my mom had bought for me. We made small talk on how I was and how I felt.

After we were done, he gave me a grin and said, "I'm sure you're dying of one of these." He held up a cigarette and I grinned.

"Hell yeah," I said, grabbing it form his hand and heading out the back door.  We talked some more about that terrible Tuesday night, how scared he was, how I felt.  It was good to be back. Though I was feeling better, I was still tired, and went to bed shortly after that.

Through those days, I was thinking of Dan a lot. I was very lucky to have him, and that he showed his concern and support and love to me during that time. Tonight, I wanted to call him, but I fell asleep before I could.
 

....I was lying in bed, in darkness. I heard a noise coming from the living room.

Suddenly, my door opened. I saw this silhouette of a big man standing in my door way.  Suddenly, I was afraid. He came towards me, with what looked to be knife in his hand.I recognized his face as he came closer. I tried to scream but nothing came out. I moved my arms in front of me to protect my face. I saw him raise the hand with the knife in and saw it moving down to my face. I finally screamed.
 

I jumped up in bed! I was really sweating, my shirt soaked. I was breathing hard. Someone knocked on the bedroom door. For a minute I was scared. Ro came in.

"Dude, you all right?" he asked.

From my facial expression, he drew the conclusion that I was not.

"Man, I had the scariest dream," I said, wiping my forehead off.

"I heard you scream, man. That's why I came in."

I was still scared, and breathing heavy. I didn't want to go back to sleep. I was still replaying the dream in my head.

I looked at my radio clock. 11PM. I could still feel my heart pounding against my chest.

"Ro, I'm so scared. I never had a dream like that before," I said, shaking.

"Wanna tell me about it?" he asked, sitting down on the floor next to my bed.

"Sure," I said. I did, and it didn't help any. Ro looked at me with a I-don't-know-what-to-do-now look.

"Maybe you should call Dan," he said, getting up. Dan! Shit I forgot to call him tonight!

I got up and went to the living room where the phone was. I dialed his number, there was no answer. I refused to worry about where he was or if he was even all right.  I had too much on my mind. Worrying about him would only make it worse.

Ro was getting ready for bed when I walked back into the bed room. I walked in a daze back to my bed, exhausted and fell back to sleep. Only to wake up, four minutes later, sweating again.

"Roland," I said.

Ro rolled over and said "what?"

"Can I ask you a favor, tonight?"

"Sure. But make it quick, I got a fuckin' group meeting tomorrow morning."

"Can you sleep with me tonight?"

"WHAT?" he asked in disbelief, leaning over the edge of the top bunk.

"No, no," I chuckled. "Can you lie with me? I can't be alone tonight." I knew I was pushing the roommate/friend thing to the limit. Straight guys don't sleep with gay guys normally.

Ro sighed. He started moving, and jumped off the top bunk. He put a shirt on and shorts (because he only slept in boxers).

"Move over, Joe," he said, climbing into bed with me. I moved over, thankful that he understood.

He was on the outside, I was on the inside, next to the wall. I was facing the wall, and his back was touching my back. I wasn't thinking sexually that night, for once in my life. I was just concerned about not being alone.

"Ro, man, I'm not trying to put the moves on you. I want to thank you for doing this for me," I said, sincerely.

He sighed again and said, "Ah, not a problem man." He turned over and now was facing my back. He even put his arms around me, which surprised the hell out of me. He sighed again, and said, "Good night, Joe. Don't worry, I'm here."

I smiled, and fell asleep in my roommate's arms, feeling safe and secure. And wishing he was Dan.

So, that wraps up Dan, The Man, Part III.  Finally, there's no cliffhanger at the end of this part.  There will be another part posted shortly.  If you have any comments, please direct them to SNJBoy76@aol.com  Thanks!