Welcome to a brand new part to Dan, The Man! While the series is being re-released, I thought it would be cool to add a section or two so I could write more on my some of my all-time favorite characters. So, I hope you enjoy this new part, and I hope that it lives up to the series.

Again, this is a work of fiction. Any similarities in real life is strictly coincidental. Also, the rights belong solely to the author, Joey E, of this series. Finally, if you are under 18 (or 21 in some areas), then please don't read on. If you find gay people offensive, please don't read on.

Dan, The Man Part VI

"Writing A Song"

By Joey E

It was a mutual thing. A friend of mine had pulled me aside one day as I was walking down the hallway past the choir practice room. I used to be in choir, but my schedule this semester prevented that. It was actually Amanda (a friend of mine from TV class) who convinced me to join. I'm not a singer by any means, but it was something musical to do. And I enjoyed it.

She wanted me to help arrange her song that she would be performing for a "talent show" just for the choir members, to spotlight some of the talent in the choir. I agreed to do it if she would sing one of mine. She said she would. I went back to the apartment right after that and continued working on this ballad that I was currently writing. It was destined to be my first pop ballad, something I imagined that one of the boy bands would sing with their harmony. It was just a challenge to me. I had never tried to write a pop ballad before, and I succeeded. Dan agreed when I played for him later that night.

"Dude, you gotta write words to that," Dan said.

"I have a few ideas in my head. It's a love song. I think it would be best as a duet."

"You really should add words man."

"I intend to."

"Good. I can't wait to hear them," he said smiling.

I asked Sara (that's the girl who wanted to sing my piece) if she could do a duet with someone else. She didn't mind at all, and then we approached our friend Russ, who sang with me in Choir. He was all for it, since he had a crush on Sara actually. We agreed to it over lunch. Guess who else I saw in the cafeteria that day over lunch?

"Joe, the Man!" he yelled, as he bounced over to the table I was sitting at. I was sitting with Sara and Russ for lunch.

"Hey, man!" I said, smiling. Since I knew both Sara and Russ were deeply religious, and already knew that Russ was homophobic, I gave Dan a sign to be straight. He smiled at me and shook his head yes.

"What's up?" I asked. "By the way, Sara and Russ, this is my friend Dan. Dan this is Sara and Russ."

"Hey," He said. He pulled up a chair and sat beside me.

"Oh, Sara, Russ, this is my friend Dan. Dan, Sara and Russ. We were just discussing my piece," I told Dan.

"Are you going to sing it?" he asked Russ and Sara.

"We hope to," Russ said, smiling.

"Cool."

I went back to the apartment after lunch and started writing the lyrics down. It was amazing how fast they wrote themselves down. I wasn't a lyricist by any means, but I felt that they were my best attempt to that date. The lyrics went like this. It seemed that person one was taking a chance, describing his feelings to person two, whom he had wanted for a while, but didn't know how to approach. Person two then reveals her side in the third verse, and it all comes together in the end. It was not unlike our own story.

I called Dan over immediately after I had completed the last line. He was at his apartment and he'd said he be over in a few. I booted up the Mac, turned on the keyboards and I tried singing it myself. It was absolutely beautiful. Finally, he knocked on my bedroom door and I let him in.

"Well where are they?"

"They're right here," I said, handing him the piece of paper that had the lyrics.

I watched while Dan read the lyrics. He grinned a very sincere grin. When he was done, he looked up at me. His blue eyes said it all. All he did was come up to me and put his arms around me.

"That was to me, wasn't it?" he asked in a low, soft voice.

"Yes," I said, softly as well.

"Wow," Dan said. I could almost hear him smiling.

"Do you think they'll like it?"

"They should with the change of a few pronouns..."
I chuckled. "I was intending to."

The next evening I met with Sara and Russell in the music building. We went over the lyrics, which they were pleased with except Sara wanted one lined changed. I had written about fantasizing and dreaming about waking up next to someone you love, and she didn't think it was right. So, I changed it right on the spot. I gave them each recordings of the song and we had planned to get together the next time at my apartment.

Russ pulled me aside after we parted from Sara's presence.

"Joe, do you know how true the lyrics are to life?"

"Yes, I do," I said, grinning.

I knew he had a crush on Sara, big time. And this was just one way that he could interact with her. Russ wasn't a bad looking guy...maybe 5'6", 140lbs, blonde, blue. He was very snobby though, and very self-centered. I enjoyed his company though while we were in choir.

"Well, maybe you can win her with this song," I said, amused that my song would bring two people together.

"Aw man, I wish. Well, I'll see you around," he said as we turned to go in different directions.

"Remember, 8PM at my apartment tomorrow night."
"I'll be there," he yelled as he went down the other hallway.

I was so excited. I went back into my apartment to find Ro sitting on the couch.

"Hey, man!" he said to me.

I smiled at him. "Hey! How's it going?"

"Not bad. Why are do you look so happy?" Ro asked, smiling.

"My piece is going to be performed this Thursday night. Do you want to come see it?"

"Uh, yeah, I guess. Sure, why not?"

"Cool! Well, I'm gonna have to warn you, it's sort of a talent show. And you might get bored."

"Yeah, I probably will."

"But I want you to come hear it. It would mean a lot to me," I said to Ro, sitting down next to him.

"Okay, in that case, I'll go," Ro said, smiling. We continued watching the show on TV until the phone rang. I got up and answered it.

"Hello?"

"How did it go tonight?" asked Dan.

"Hey, babe! Very well. They seemed to be impressed. And from what I heard for the first time, it'll be a success!"

"That's great, bud. I'm really happy to hear that!"

"You can make the concert right?"

"Sure, Thursday at 8?"

"Yep. Ro will be there too," I said.

"Great, now I won't be bored!" he said laughing.

"Aw, come on, it won't be that bad," I said.

"Okay, okay. Well, I got work to do, so I'll catch you later, Joe?"
"Sure, man," I said.

It was a busy time during the spring semester, and we were both very busy with schoolwork. And now I had the added burden of writing this song. Dan was working on his final film II project, which was taking up a lot of his time. I was working on our TV II production final project in my spare time. Which left little time for each of us to be alone and together.

Finally after a long day at work and classes, I was in my apartment waiting for Sara and Russ. I couldn't believe that my song was actually going to be performed. It was amazing. I considered my lyrics to be very private, and it was weird letting other people see them. I was a little nervous about having them performed, but I was excited nonetheless.

They were over at my apartment about 10 minutes late. We went upstairs and into my bedroom where my keyboards were. We went over the melody lines a couple of times, and they were fantastic. They were already familiar with the melody, so it was relatively painless.

I was in pure shock when Russ began to sing the first verse. By the second verse, I had goose bumps. By the time he was done with his first part, I was saying, "YEEEEESSS!" as I continued to play. It was awesome.

Sara came in on cue, and her voice was beautiful. It was fine until they got to the last refrain. There was two-part harmony and I had to go over it with them. But after about 20 minutes, we got it down, and we performed it all the way through. After it was done, all I could do was applaud. There was no other thrill like it. To hear something you wrote with someone you loved and hear it sung by two beautiful voices.

After a flawless run through, we decided to take a break. We went outside to the living room, and I opened the back door to the balcony.

"Do you want anything to drink guys?" I asked, trying to be a hospitable host.

"Sure," Russ answered.

We all opted for a can of coke and stepped back into the living room. I went outside and lit up a cig.

Russ shook his head as he stepped outside. "Do you know what that's doing to your singing voice?"
"What singing voice?" I asked. "I'm a pianist!"

"True," he said. He's been on my back before about smoking.

"Well, what should we do now?" Sara asked, also coming out.

"Let's run through it once more before we go," Russ said.

"Sounds good to me," I answered.

We talked about the song and how fun it was and how fun it was going to be tomorrow. Soon enough, my cig was done, and we went back into my bedroom to run through the piece once more. All too soon, it was over.

Ro was sitting at his desk when we came back into the bedroom.

"Ro, do you mind if we do music a little more?"

"No, go ahead. I'd like to hear it," he said, turning around, facing the group.

We ran through it once more with out any mistakes. Roland seemed to be impressed by the piece, as well as Sara's boobs.

"Well, we'll practice once more tomorrow, before the concert okay?" I asked them.

"Would you mind if we went over my piece once while I was over here," Sara asked.

"Yeah, I want to hear her song," Russ said, sitting back down next to the keyboard.

Joe got behind his favorite keyboard and started playing the intro. Sara sang her heart out on her beautiful piece. Joe had to admit it was awesome. Her voice seemed to just carry it right along. All too soon it was over. Russ and Ro started applauding. Sara blushed a little and said, "Thanks."
"That was beautiful," Russ said. "You wrote that?"

"Yeah. But with Joe's help," she said.

"Oh, come on. I only arranged the piano part. You wrote it!"

I got up and said, "Okay, kids...I'll be in the music building around at 7PM since the concert starts at 8 right?"

"Yep," Sara answered, gathering up her coat and books. Russ did the same thing.

"And we'll go over both pieces then," I added.

"Sounds good to me," Russ answered.

The next day was a slow moving one. It was a Thursday, which meant I had work and film class. Work was slow, and film class seemed extra slow for some reason. All I could think about was tonight. It was also the day that I didn't get to see Dan at all until the evening.

But the day moved on, and I found myself finally eating pizza with Dan and Ro at the apartment. We joked around and laughed as we usually did when were all together. Dan and I almost lost track of the time. I quickly changed into a semi-formal outfit. Button-down shirt and Dockers. Dan was there to approve.

"Damn, babe, you look hot," he said, as I came out of the bedroom.

I grinned at him and said, "That's because I'm Joe, The Man!"

"Now you're catching on," he said, laughing.

I walked over to where he was standing and I wrapped my arms around him. I felt his arms encase me. I felt so comfortable, so safe in his arms. I looked up at him and kissed him passionately. We held the kiss for about fifteen seconds.

"Shit," I said, noticing the time. I gotta go!"

"Ro, you coming tonight?" I asked my roommate.

"Yeah, I'll be there with Dan," he said, looking up at me from the TV.

"Cool." I grabbed my jacket and headed out the door.

I walked swiftly to the music building which was about a 7 minute walk. I went into the lobby to find Sara and Russ sitting there.

"You're late!" Russ said, smiling.

"I am not," I said looking at my watch. It was 7:00PM on the dot. "Well, let's find a practice room. I was debating whether to use a recording of the arrangement that I had one on the keyboards, or to perform it live with them. Dan had said it would be better live. I disagreed.

Again, I had goose bumps through the whole rehearsal, and I couldn't get rid of the smile on my face. Neither could anyone else. Finally, it was time to go to the concert. I got a program and I was a little disappointed to see that we were the final act. Sara's was in the middle.

Surprisingly, I found myself being the sound guy, since no one else knew how to do it, and the original sound guy just left for some reason. It took place in the choir practice room. It was done very nicely. There was a good audience there, mostly choir member, but some parents. Ro and Dan showed up for the second performance of the evening and sat next to my parents. I smiled at Dan when he came in. He spotted me almost instantly and smiled too.

Sara and I performed her piece almost perfectly. It was very well received. We were two of three performances that would be performing original works. The 6 others were just performances. I got chills as I accompanied her, her voice sounding so clear and refreshing. When it was all over, the audience applauded and I came out from the grand piano and gave her a big hug.

As we came close to the end of the concert, I was getting nervous. I needed a cigarette. I needed a cigarette.

"Joe, you don't need a cigarette," Russ whispered in my ear, who was sitting next to me during the performances.

"How did you know that is what I was thinking?" I asked him, surprised.

"I know that look on your face."

I snuck out, leaving Russ of all people in charge of the sound. I stepped out of the main doors of the building and lit up a Marlboro Menthol Light. I inhaled deeply. I thought of nothing. I was a little nervous. Out of nowhere, a face appeared.

"Joe, the Man! I thought I saw you sneak out of there," he said, smiling.

"Dan!" I was hoping you'd see me leave."

"Yeah, I pretty much assumed that's where you were heading," he said,

pointing to my cigarette. I laughed nervously. He took a butt out and lit it as well.

"So, you ready?" Dan asked, grinning.

"As ready as I'll ever be," I said. "God, I remember when I didn't get nervous. It was better that way."
"Babe, you'll do fine. I know you will," he said, his voice comforting and soothing. "The audience loves you!"

I closed my eyes and took a drag.

"I hope so. And just remember, Dan," I said.

He looked at me with those puppy dog eyes.

"This song is for you...all for you!" I said, wrapping my arm around his shoulder.

He smiled and blushed. "Thanks, babe," he said softly, kissing me on the forehead. All too soon, it was time to go back in.

Russ was announcing the next performer since he was the MC of the whole event. He came back to me after he was done, as he had been doing the whole evening.

"One more Joe, and then we're on!" he whispered.

"What?" I asked. "We're on?"

"After the next one," he repeated.

The next performance was a long one, or maybe it was just because I was nervous. But it finally ended. Some of the performances were great, some were just so so. I was looking forward to finally be able to play one of my originals. And I was equally excited about letting my lyrics to be heard for the first time ever.

"Okay, and lastly, we have a piece by Joe E. who is at the piano now," Russ said, pointing to me. I nodded to the crowd. I saw Ro sitting along with my parents. I saw Dan there, smiling at me, giving me a look of inspiration I'll never forget.

I started playing the intro to the piece (which really wasn't my intro at all. I had copied it from one of those standard rhythms that are on the keyboard. But I liked it, so I used it). Russ and Sara were up on stage with one mike. I looked at both of them as I played the intro. They smiled at me, and I smiled back. Russ was holding the mic, since he started. As he began singing, I closed my eyes. I just let the music flow out of me. I wasn't even concentrating on what I was playing. I was concentrating more on what I was hearing. It was awesome. I opened my eyes and looked out to find Dan beaming back at me. I smiled at him. Soon, Sara was singing. I looked up at them from time to time. I knew Russ was singing form his heart, which made it even better, though Sara had no clue. Finally, we headed into the last refrain, and they sang together in harmony. I thought to myself, Yes, yes, yes!! This is the best feeling.

I played the ending (which I also stole from the keyboard) and looked down to the piano on the last chord. I looked up again when I heard the cheers. They were cheering for all of us. Russ, Sara, and I. I got up, and walked over to where Sara and Russ were. I hugged them both. The audience gave us a standing ovation. It was a thrill I'll never forget. I looked at Dan in the crowd. He looked at me and mouthed, "I love you."

Since we were the last performance of the evening, everyone got up and started talking to other people. There were refreshments. Some of my friends I knew from choir came up to me and told me it was great. One of my friends, who I liked, came up to me and gave me a big hug. I often wondered about him. He said it was awesome.

I quickly found Dan again who was talking to my parents and Ro.

"Great job, Joe!" My mom said, smiling.

I grinned. "Thanks!"

"Terrific," my dad responded.

"Awesome," Ro said, smiling at me. I pulled him in for a hug as well.

"Thanks for coming, bro. I know it wasn't your kind of music, but I'm glad you came anyway!" I said softly in his ear.

We stood around chatting to various people as they came by. At the end of the night, I made sure to talk to Russ and Sara before we left. They were excited and smiling.

"Great job again, guys!" I said to them.

"Thanks. We should've recorded it!" Russ said.

"Hey, wait, you guys. What are you doing this weekend?" I asked, suddenly getting an idea. "How about we meet at the radio station this Sunday afternoon at say around 4PM?"

"Why?" Sara asked.

"Because that's where we'll record it."

Sara and Russ looked at each other and smiled. "that would be awesome," Russ answered.

"Yeah, I can make it," Sara said.

Finally, Dan and I had left the building. It was a great night to remember. I'll never forget it. Apparently, Dan felt the same way. It was awesome. We walked back to my apartment in silence until Dan spoke up.

"So you really wrote that song to me?"

"Yep."
"Can you sing it to me?"
"What?" I asked, surprised.

"IF it's to me, then why don't you sing it for me?"

"Because I'm not a singer."
"Aw...come on babe, I want to hear the words from you," he said.

"Okay, but you have to promise me something. You have to sing the second part," I said, smiling.

"Uh, okay," he said smiling.

Now I knew Dan could sing, not like a singer, but he could sing as well as I could. And to be honest, I had kind of wanted to sing it to him from the moment I wrote it.

"Agreed?" he asked me.

"Okay, agreed," I said. We walked a few more minutes and finally came to the apartment. I unlocked the front door and we head upstairs. We went directly into my bedroom. No one was there. As soon as I closed the bedroom door, I felt Dan's arms around me. I sighed and just enjoyed being in his arms. I turned around to face him. I kissed him, our mouths opened, tongues twisting, fighting each other...it was hot.

He broke the kiss. "Come on, babe. Sing for me."

I went behind my favorite keyboard, turned it on, and started playing the song. Dan came over and sat down next to me, and I started singing very softly the lyrics that I had written for him.

He knew where to come in, and he did. He was a little shaky at first, but then really got into it. I was thoroughly impressed. It was a different kind of feeling singing it with him. Somewhat even better.

When it was over, we just looked at each other.

"Wow," I said, after a long silence.

"Damn," Dan said. "You wrote that all by yourself?"

"Yes...and it was all for you," I said, smiling at him.

"That was awesome, dude."

I got up from behind the keyboards, walked over to where Dan was, and kissed him again. I was filled with all these feelings of love, lust, and desire. We made it to the bed in no time. And for the next hour and a half, we made love. I entered him again. It seemed just perfect. It ended with a long intense ejaculation for both of us, as we simultaneous shot our loads, I in his ass, and he on his chest. We laid back down on the bed.

I heard a knock on the door. "Yo, dudes, are you done in there?" Ro shouted.

"Oh shit," I said, sitting up. Poor Ro, I thought.

Dan got up and got dressed quickly.

"Sorry, Ro," I shouted, putting on my clothes as well.

"No problem, Joe," he said. Dan was buttoning up his pants when I opened door.

"Sorry, Ro," I said again.

"No problem."
"How long have you been waiting to get in here?"

"Actually, not long. I just got back a few minutes ago," he said, looking at his watch.

"Cool. But where were you? The concert ended about two hours ago."

"Oh, I ran into some friends on the way back. We went out to a diner," he said, walking past me.

He nodded to Dan. Dan nodded back.

"Yo homo," I heard a voice say from the living room. I smiled and walked out to the living room. Dan followed me.

"What do you want, faggot?"

"Talk about the pot calling the kettle black..." he said, smiling, getting up off the couch. "Smoke?"

"Let's go," Dan said, smiling, pushing me out the door to the balcony.

Well, that wraps up part 6 of Dan, The Man. I hope you enjoyed this new section. There will be more to come shortly. In the meantime, if you have any comments, please send them to SNJBoy76@aol.com Thanks!