Date: Mon, 26 Jan 2004 14:03:43 -0800
From: Steve Thomas <s4d@hotmail.com>
Subject: Leonards-Lust, Chapter 18

This is a fictional story. It is based on many experiences and fantasies
of the authors. If you are really into graphic sex, it may not satisfy
your purpose for coming here. If you like to hear of real love and real
teen angst, with a little sex thrown in, you are in the right place.
There may be some amount of graphic sex between males. If this is
objectionable to you, or you are legally too young to be here, you are
cordially invited to press your back button.

Cast of Characters:


Leonard Kirk Harston (Lenny)

Lawrence Olivier Goodwin (Rennie)

Mrs. Harston, Lenny's mom

Mr. Harston, Lenny's dad

Mr. Goodwin, Rennie's dad

Mrs. Goodwin, Rennie's mom

Joy -- Rennie's older sister

Jennifer -- Rennie's younger sister

Bobby -- Joy's husband

Seth -- Lenny's friend

Luke -- Seth's lover

Chris -- Seth's Brother

Criag -- Chris's lover

Jake Smith -- Seth and Chris's cousin.

Colin -- Jake's husband & Bobby's brother

Morty -- Rennie's Cousin

Ursula -- Jake & Colins daughter

Uri -- Jake and Colin's son

Carrie -- Jake's sister

Uncle Jake -- Jake's dad

Aunt Lindy -- Jake's mom

Renate -- The Goodwin's housekeeper

Etta -- the Smith's housekeepe

Shelley -- Friend at University

DeVon -- Shelley's cousin

Marcus -- DeVon's brother

Arthur -- A team leader at the shelter

George - Ren's tennant

Ty -- new friend from Oklahoma

Ricky, Ty's cousin

Jason, waiter


From Chapter 17:

"But -- but -- can't two normal teens date?"

"Ren -- no -- not you and I -- not now. Maybe later, but -- I don't
know -- it will have to be at my choosing -- the time line for all this.
I'm sorry! I KNOW you love me. I know this may be tearing you up as
much as it does me. But this is the way it has to be."

"Okay." He looked at me and smiled sadly. "As I said, I was prepared
for this -- really. But before I go, I have to tell you -- I love
you." A stab went into my heart. "and -- you're uncle Jake has
something he wants to discuss with you. Bye." He left quickly, before
he broke down. This time I didn't run to the window and watch him
leave. I plopped down on the couch. It occurred to me I was sitting in
the same spot he was. It was still warm. I leaned back, my neck
stretched over the couch back, and closed my eyes. My eyes were dry, but
the rest of my body was crying. I fell asleep.

Chapter 18

I woke up to my alarm, reminding me that the rest of the world didn't
care about my crumbling world. I dragged myself off the couch, with a
major stiff neck. I started to cry seemingly from nothing. I fell to my
knees.

"God, why do I have to go through this? Do you have something planned
-- something special for me -- if I `pass the test?' I don't
understand." I didn't know what else to say. For some reason I
stayed there on my knees, my head bowed and my eyes closed. I didn't
hear a voice exactly, but it was more a feeling that said to me,

"Son, I love you."

"And God -- what about these feelings I have -- for guys? Is it okay to
-- have them?"

Again, I didn't hear an answer. But a calmness came over me that I
decided -- actually strongly felt -- that He did not condemn me. He
loves me -- and he doesn't condemn me. I got up and went into the
shower room, and peed as I showered. That was the only good feeling I
could remember in the last few days. The thought came to me to have a
wank, but I just didn't feel like it.

At the university the day went as usual -- from the outside. I went
through the motions, smiled at people, acted as if nothing was wrong.
When I came home, I immediately started to study. At about 5:00 a faint
knock at the door brought me out of my thoughts.

"C'mon in!" I hollered. I didn't even have the energy to get up to
answer the door. Etta opened the door slightly and said, "You okay
Bay-bee?"

"I'll live." I said.

"Etta makin' a good supper tonight. 6:00 o'clock.."

"I'm not hungry."

She stepped in and closed the door. "You too skinny, Baybee. You needa
you nurshmen'."

"I'm just not hungry, Etta."

"Mista Smith wanna talk to you after dinner. You come at 7:00."

"I really don't -- okay." I couldn't argue. They were so nice --
and letting me stay for nothing!

At 6:15 Etta was back. "I bring some soup. You hafta eat
somethin'." I was about to protest when the smell of the soup hit my
nose. "Yeah, You gonna like it. Barley and chicken. Good for you."
See you at seven."

As I spooned the soup into my hungry mouth, I grew more and more hungry.
At 7:00 I went down and entered through the kitchen. Only Uncle Jake and
Aunt Lindy were there -- and they were eating in the kitchen. Etta was
nowhere to be seen. "Lenny!" Said Uncle Jake.

"Uncle Jake. Aunt Lindy." I replied.

"You've had some rough days. I hope you are a little better."

"A little -- thanks."

"I got a call from -- Rennie yesterday afternoon. He asked me if I
would take care of something for him."

"Here it comes." I thought to myself.

"Lenny, he -- has given you a gift."

"Sir -- I can't - "

"He told me the whole story. And I want you to know it was hard for him
to get through it. Lenny, He has gifted you a small amount to help you
out while you get your schooling -- no, let me finish. I strongly urge
you to take it. This is no time to let pride mess up your life." He
stopped long enough to see if I was going to protest further. I
didn't. I was tired of protesting.

"Anyway, I've taken the liberty of opening an account -- in your name
-- to receive the funds. All you have to do is sign the documents that
the bank has given me -- or actually my attorney." He slid a paper to
me. I signed it, not really reading it. I trusted this man.

"I -- uh -- think you should read at least part of it." He pointed at
a line on which was the amount of the deposit. It read: $5,000,000.00.

I was stunned. I shook my head -- as if to try to wake up. This was the
weirdest dream I ever had.

"It's no dream, son."

Did I say that aloud? "Well, - I just don't quite know what to -- say,
feel -- or whatever. Maybe I can at least pay my way here."

"I wouldn't accept anything from you. Lenny -- when I asked you to
call me Uncle Jake, you became family, as far as I am concerned."

"But sir - - "

"Lenny, I'm going to tell you something I have not told all my other
kids. (You ARE one of my kids!) I accepted years ago that my son was
gay. And now my daughter, too. If you can imagine the heartache this
has caused for me and Lindy! But we deal with it by -- adopting kids!
You're one of our adopted kids! You wouldn't take that away from me --
us -- would you?"

"No."

"What this means is you now have a little more freedom. I can help you
invest this," he said pointing at the paper, "in places that people
with less money don't know about. You can live comfortably on the
income."

"K." Was all I could say. This was a little too much for me to take
all at once. Uncle Jake seemed to understand this.

"I know you have studies and stuff. I am speaking for both Lindy and
myself when I say -- we love you, Lenny!"

"I love you too. Both of you. Thanks. I got up and started to leave.

"Oh, Lenny! One more thing" He got up and came to the door with me.
He handed me a card. You can start using this as soon as you call the
number in the sticker there. It's good for any amount."

I stuffed the card in my pocket, said thanks again and went back up to my
place.

I had already finished most of my homework, and I couldn't concentrate
anyway, so I called Ricky.

"Hello?"

"Hi. This is - "

"I KNOW who it is! I don't know anyone else!"

"Can you go somewhere with me -- in a few minutes?"

"Is this our first date?" I could hear a grin even through the phone!

"Not exactly. Just please come with me."

"Where we goin'?"

"You'll see."

"Okay, Mr. Mysterious! What should I wear?"

"What've you got on?"

"Actually Ren's clothes, again."

"That'll do. See yah in a minute."

I called the number on the card then almost ran down to the Miata, and
scrunched my 77" into it. In about three minutes, I was pulling into
the motel. Ricky was at the window and came out as soon as he saw me.
He had a big grin on his face, and it made me feel good all over.

As soon as he saw how my knees were scrunched up under the steering
wheel, he said. "You don't look too -- er -- comfortable there."

"I'm not! But we're gonna remedy that in little bit. Get in!"

"OOOooo! You gonna let me make you comfortable? I thought you said
this wasn't a date!"

"Just sit still and shut up, young-un!"

"Who you callin' young?" He protested. "When's your birthday?"

"Doesn't matter. I've been through more than you!" I drove away,
out of the motel lot and down to the auto mall. I knew exactly where I
was going! I turned into the Toyota dealership. We drove directly to
the sales area. There were salesmen standing in a group. I was getting
ready to be approached by the one whose turn it was. We got out and
Ricky followed me directly to a white Toyota Sequoia. I tried to open
the door. It was locked. I looked back at the salesmen. They stared
back. I stared one of them down until he broke away and walked over to
us. The rest of the salesmen laughed.

When he got closer, he did smile. "Can I help you boys?"

"Yeah." I answered. "I'd like to drive this Sequoia."

"You and every other tall kid on the basketball team! Where's your
daddy?"

I stared at him for a moment and said, "Never mind."

He walked off and I checked the sticker. It was loaded. The base price
was $32,000, but with all the extras and dealer prep, it was more than
$43,000. It was Pearl white with light gray leather upholstery, a moon
roof, a V8 motor, and 4-wheel drive.

I then walked over toward the group of salesman. They were still
laughing. The salesman that I talked to looked a little annoyed and
started in our direction. I walked right past him, to the youngest
looking salesman there. He looked about my age. I handed him my bank
card and said -- loud enough for all the others to hear, "I want to buy
that Sequoia. What kind of a deal can you make me?"

He looked stunned and looked at the other salesman. They were all
smirking. "Go ahead, Curt! It'll be good experience for you."

He grinned and said, "Would you like to at least drive it first?" The
other salesmen groaned.

He got the key. As soon as we were inside the car, he said, "Those guys
are ass holes! I'm the new guy here - a trainee, actually."

"Can you write a sale?" I asked.

"Technically." I looked puzzled. "I'm not allowed to yet. If you
want to buy it, you'll have to talk to the guy who originally talked to
you." I had just started the engine. I turned it off.

"Then I won't buy it here. Can I talk to your sales manager?"

"Sure -- I'll take you to him."

He led me past the other guys, who were all barely containing a laugh.
When we walked into the sales manager's office, I looked back. They
were now scowling.

"Jim, this is -- er -- what's your name, sir?"

"My name is Mr. Harston. YOU can call me Lenny. Jim, Your sales force
has been laughing at me. This man here is the only one to take me
seriously. I want him to write me a deal for that white Sequoia."

"Was Curt the one who showed it to you -- first?"

"No sir, It was -- I don't even know his name -- he didn't give me
enough respect to tell me. He treated me like a piece of crap. If he is
the one who has to write the deal, I will go somewhere else!"

"Listen son, I - "

I was suddenly on my feet, towering over him. "Don't call me `Son'!
Don't talk down to me!"

I started to walk out, when a nice looking guy -- looked to be in his
40's -- walked in. "What seems to be the problem, Jim?"

"This boy here wants - "

"Dammit! I'm not a boy! Who the hell are you?" I asked.

"I own the dealership, Mr. - ?"

"Harston. Leonard Harston. This man here is the only employee you have
that gave me any respect -- at all. The rest of your salesmen laughed at
me. All I want to do is buy that white Sequoia, and I want -- what's
your name again?"

"Curt."

"Curt is the only one to treat me with respect."

"I'm sorry sir. What can I do for you?"

"I want Curt to write up the sale and I want him to get the credit for
it. Is he qualified to write up a simple contract?"

"Are you, Curt?" The owner asked.

"I -- think I can. What kind of terms do you want, Sir?"

"You can call me Lenny!" I snapped.

"What kind of terms do you want, Lenny? What kind of payment can you
afford?"

"Well, once you have made me your best deal, I will pay one payment --
cash!" I could almost hear the owners eyes widen. Curt was one huge
grin.

The owner said, "Curt, take these gentlemen for a ride -- or rather let
them take you for one. Drive as far as you would like -- to be sure this
is the vehicle you want."

As we walked out the door, I heard the owner say, "Jim, I want to see
YOU in my office -- now!"

It was a wonderful drive. On it we found out that this was Curt's
second day, that they were treating him like crap too, and that he was
trying to save up to get married. He was living with his girlfriend and
they had a little boy.

When we got back, the salesmen were gone. I saw them all in Jim's
office. The door was closed, and he was not looking very happy, as he
was giving them some on-the-spot training.

When we sat down in Curt's makeshift office, the owner came in.
"Everything going alright? Need any help, Curt?"

"I think I can handle it sir." Curt said.

"Anything I can do for you b -- er -- men? Get you a cup of coffee?"

"I wouldn't mind a Coke if you have it." I said. "And another thing
-- ?"

"Anything, Mr. Harston."

"I don't want that sales manager getting a penny from this sale. He
almost lost it!"

"Is it okay if I take my profit?" He asked, smiling.

"Yeah. You have been very nice." He went out to get my Coke.

The only thing that Curt didn't know how to do was -- he was puzzled
when I gave him my bank card. He took it and carried it into the owners
office. I heard uproarious laughing. They came back into the small
office we were waiting in. "We weren't laughing at you, Mr.
Harston." The owner said, "It's just not often we get an ATM card to
pay for a car. I'm sure many of my salesman would not know what to do.
By the way -- you're taking a hell of a beating on that Miata, trading
it. It has nearly no miles on it, yet it's not worth much as a trade.
Maybe you would like to sell it yourself?"

"No. I just want it out of my life." I said simply. I handed the
pink to Curt. He put it with the other papers.

"Mr. Harston, I want to apologize for any treatment you received that
was less than excellent." The owner said. He and Curt walked us out to
my new car.

Curt was talking to Ricky and the owner walked me to the driver door.
"Can I ask you something, sir?" I asked in a low voice.

"Of course."

"Are you -- er -- gay?"

His eyes widened. "Wow!" He said. "How did you guess?"

"Just a hunch. Are you attached -- with anyone?"

"No. Recently divorced. No one knows. I noticed how you and your
partner were looking at each other, but I would not have said anything."

"Who -- Ricky and me? We're not together! We ARE gay, but we're not
a couple."

He smiled. "Coulda fooled me -- the way you were looking at each
other! Thanks for coming to my store! and enjoy driving this car. It
was my favorite on the lot! The few miles on it are all mine. Hee hee!
I wouldn't let anyone else drive it, except for test drives. Bye now!"

I drove my new car out of the dealership a new man. Well, it felt better
than the Miata, anyway. When we pulled up to the Motel, I said, "Go in
and ask Ty if he wants to go for a ride!"

They came back and I took them both out for a ride. "You guys
hungry?" I said. "I'm starved! I didn't eat any dinner."

"I could eat something." Ricky said.

"Naw -- I don't wanna - "

"My treat!" I said. I knew that Ricky already knew this.

"Well, maybe something -- yeah a little!" Ty said.

We went to one of the nicer places that I knew of. As we were eating our
late supper, I asked, "So -- Ty -- what happened between you and
Rennie?"

"Nothing really. It just didn't work out."

"He told me that you `completed him' yesterday. That doesn't sound
like something that `just didn't work out'?"

"I -- um -- no, it's nothing really."

"Is that why you're squirming all around?"

"I -- please -- I'm not supposed to say."

"Oh! You're not supposed to say? Well, let me tell you -- what ever
you say here will not ever get out to anyone else."

"He -- he -- He told me he couldn't do it, because -- well he just
couldn't"

"C'mon. You were about to tell my why. Because - - why?"

"Dammit, Lenny -- he didn't want me to tell you!?

"And who is it serving to keep it from me?"

"Well -- maybe you have a right to know. But please don't tell him I
told you!"

"I won't! Cross my heart!"

"He still loves you."

"Oh." I did a sharp intake of breath. "Well, I guess I knew that."

"Hi! I'm Jason, and I'll be your server tonight. Are you ready to
order, or shall I give you some more time?"

"I'm ready," I said, looking up into the greenest eyes I ever saw!
"But what do you recommend?"

"Depends on what you want. A full meal, or just a late snack?"

"Full dinner for me." I said. I looked at the cousins and Ty looked
resistant. "It's okay Ty, "I can afford it this once!"

"Well, we are known for our barbecued ribs and our prime rib. I've had
both and they're both delicious. The prime rib is maybe a bit more
filling -- if you need to be filled." He looked away at that, and his
already red face turned crimson. His hair was strawberry blond, and he
had a few freckles in the right places, making him look like the all
around American boy.

"I'll have the prime rib, medium rare, with ranch on the salad, and
everything on the potato."

That set the tone for the other guys. They pretty much ordered the same
as I did. As soon as Jason was gone, Ty jumped up and said, "I need to
go take a piss. Be right back."

"I'll go with you!" Ricky said, jumping up to catch him.

While they were gone, Jason came back. "Sorry, I forgot to ask about
drinks."

"Just bring us water for now, thanks." I again looked up and his green
eyes were gleaming bright. I smiled - on purpose -- my best smile! I
thought to myself, "Wow! I've never actually flirted with a guy
before!"

"I'll be right back with your water," he said, and he winked at me.
As he was leaving, I saw that his neck turned red. As he turned to enter
the serving area, He had a gleaming smile on his face.

HE brought the water soon after Ty and Ricky were again seated. He was
polite and cordial the rest of the dinner. When he brought back my
credit card, Ty and Ricky were in a heated discussion about something I
had no clue about. I signed the receipt, and left a pretty hefty tip,
then quickly wrote my phone number on the top.

I took the cousins back to their room, and returned home to a flashing
message machine.

Beep! "Hi Babe. Just me checkin' in to make sure you're okay. Luv
yah!" It was Rennie. His voice brought out a different hunger in me.

Beep! Mr. Harston, this is Jason from the restaurant. I hope you get
this soon, before the end of my shift. You put your phone number on the
receipt and that is not necessary, and could be -- ummm -- well, I just
thought maybe you'd want me to scratch it out." He told me his cell
number, which I dialed immediately.

"Hi -- Mr. Harston!" He had call recognition!

"Hello! Yeah this is Lenny. Thanks for calling. I really -- um --
appreciate it."

"Ummmm -- did you want to -- I mean want ME to -- um -- scribble out
your number on this receipt?"

"Yeah, that'd be okay. Thanks." I felt my whole body get hot as I
screwed up my courage to say the next thing to him. "I really was
hoping you'd call."

"Oh?" He said, his voice breaking. Wh -- er -- why?"

"I just thought maybe you would like to talk to someone."

"Talk -- about what?" He seemed to be lowering his voice now.

"I thought I noticed something passing between us tonight. Are you --
um -- gay -- erm -- attracted to guys?"

"Look," he was whispering now, "can I call you back -- in about an
hour -- after I'm off work? Will you be awake?'

"No, but call anyway. I don't mind waking up." I said. "Umm -- I
live pretty close to the restaurant -- do you wanna stop by?"

"I'll call first. I gotta go, Lenny. See yah!"

"Bye."

By the time I hung the phone up, my whole body was not only burning up
but tingling. I was excited, but also scared. I wondered if I did a
really stupid thing.

I didn't -- well, couldn't go to sleep. I hung out on the couch, with
the phone in my hand. When it did ring, I answered it too quickly.

"Hello?"

"Hello -- Lenny?"

"Yeah, this is Lenny."

"Dude! Damn! I almost crapped my pants when I talked to you earlier.
Are you -- er -- gay?"

"Yeah. You never actually answered my question. Are you?"

"Uhhh -- look, I hope you don't take this wrong, but -- I ummm, I've
never talked about this kind of thing with anyone. I'm a little
nervous." He said. "But -- ummmm -- yeah, I felt something special
between us too."

"Can you come over -- right now?" His nervousness had a calming
affect on me!

"Uhhhmmm, I'm not -- sure -- I -- umm, well, maybe for just a minute."

I told him how to get to my place. "Oh! And -- try to be as quiet as
you can -- I live sort of behind a big home here. Don't wanna wake up
the others."

"OO! That could be a problem. I am on a motorcycle -- a pretty noisy
one at that. Well, okay I'll turn it off before I get there and push it
the last way. Is it uphill?"

"Only a little rise to get into the driveway. I'll watch for you, and
come out to help, if you need it."

"I think I'll be okay. See you in a few!" His voice was shaking.

I don't know if he had to still check out at work or what, but he
didn't get there a soon as I thought he would. I was really tired and
already asleep when I heard a quiet knocking on the door. I went to the
door, and opened it. There stood Jason, dressed in leathers -- all black
-- and with a good sized stud in his ear. The porch light was on, but it
was dark inside. "Lenny?" He said, straining to see if it was really
me.

"Come in!" I said. He came in and I turned on a light. He looked a
lot older in these clothes and in this light.

"You look good in black, Dude!"

"Thanks! Um, I can't stay long. But I wanted to discuss why you
called me."

"Got someone waiting for you at home?" I asked.

"Yeah. My wife doesn't go to sleep really until I get home."

"OH! Your wife! Wow, well -- I guessed I misread your -- looks."

"Actually -- you didn't"

"Huh?"

"I -- um -- well, lets go back a little. How old are you, Lenny?"

"Me? I'm eighteen."

"I'm 28. I have a wife and three kids -- and I -- I've never -- um --
even talked about this with anyone before. How did you know?"

"Well, like you said, I just felt something between us." I said.
"But if I'd known you were married - - "

"Actually I'm glad you did what you did. I am so frustrated! I can't
talk about this to anyone."

"Wow!"

"Yeah. I mean I didn't really want to face it -- admit it, you know?
Until recently and I have been more and more -- um -- well, attracted to
guys. I think about it all the time!"

"So, what do you - "

I -- uhhmm -- I have to go, dude, can I call you -- sometime? I really
need to -- talk -- ask you some questions -- but -- I have to get home."

"Sure. Call me any time. Here's my cell number, too."

"Thanks! He walked to the door and opened it -- standing for a good
minute, as if he were fighting inside himself. Finally he waved at me
and closed the door.

I was really tired. I didn't even take time to shower. It seemed like
I was asleep only moments before I heard tapping on the door.

I went to the door wearing only my boxers. I opened it a crack. "I had
to come back." He said. I opened the door wider and he stepped in.
This time I didn't turn a light on in the room, and as soon as his eyes
adjusted to the dim light, he looked at me and said, "WO!"

"Sorry! I was in bed."

"You look good!" he said and his eyes seemed to glow bright green with
light that wasn't in the room. I was sure I saw a flash of red go
through them, like a spark or something. He reached out and barely
touched my bare chest with his finger. I shivered. "Oh! You must be
cold!"

"I am -- a little."

"Uhhmm -- could I -- uhmmm -- warm you up a little?"

He slowly closed the distance between us. As he got closer, I was now
sure there was fire in his eyes. "What about you're wife, Dude?"

"I'll think of something. I'm already late anyway."

"It's warmer in here." I said, not quite believing this was
happening. I took his hand and led him to the bedroom. We almost
floated! I took off my boxers and climbed in the bed. He took off all
his clothes and got under the covers with me.

"Oh my gosh!" he exclaimed. "I've wanted this for sooooo long! You
feel sooooo good! So hard -- so -- masculine!" I felt his boner
quickly pulsing between my legs, and he hugged my torso. His face was on
my chest. He was humming. "MMmmmm! Man, I had no idea this could feel
so good." He repositioned himself higher up and asked me if he could
kiss me. I only grunted a little assent, and our lips touched. His dick
seemed to swell even bigger, as it throbbed to the time of his heartbeat
against my chest. I led the way. I gave him some tongue, and I felt a
spurt of something on my stomach.

I reached down and gently wrapped my hand around it. Another spasm,
another spurt. I slowly moved the skin up and down. Each time, the skin
covered his head -- I could feel that. I guessed he was uncut. He then
shakily grasped my own throbbing woody, and whimpered, "Oh my god --
this thing is huge." And his tongue went deep into my mouth. He was on
top of me, yet I could not even feel his weight!

"Why are you messin with my mind?
U Drive Me Crazy
Why are you tellin' all these lies?
U Drive Me Crazy
Stop doing all these things to me
U Drive Me Crazy"

My eyes popped open. My clock radio had come on! It was light in the
room. I looked over and it was 7:00 AM and ... he was gone! DAMN, was it
only a dream? Was "In Sync" trying to tell me something? Naw, it was
just a coincidence.

I took my shower, dressed and went out to the kitchen for some cereal.
There was a note on the table.

"Dear Lenny,

You fell asleep, so I let myself out. It felt so good to just hold you
like that. I'd like to talk to you some more when you're not so
tired. Call me at work, or come by. I'm usually there for the dinner
to late night crowd. I'll be there tonight. I'll make an excuse to my
wife to be out later again.

See you, Jason

P.S. Thanks!"

Oh my God! I wonder how much we actually did -- and how much was my
dream! I ate my cereal and milk and went out to go to school. There
in the driveway was my new Sequoia. I had forgotten I even had it! I
went back in and grabbed the keys out of my other pants, and went to
school.

Notes: Wow! Lenny is meeting lots of new friends, isn't he! I'm
curious where this is going! Comments are welcome: Steve at
s4d@hotmail.com. Thanks and love! Steve