The following is a work of fiction. The story may contain profanity and references to gay sex. Any relation to similar events or persons, fiction or real, is completely fortuitous. If such content offends you please leave now. The author retains all rights to the story. Do not copy or use without written authority from the author. Write Bobby at brokendreamboi@yahoo.com with your comments.


Have you forgotten all I know, and all we had?
You saw me mourning my love for you
And touched my hand
I knew you loved me then

I believe in you
I'll give up everything just to find you
I have to be with you, to live, to breathe
You're taking over me

Taking Over Me © by Evanescence, 2003

Control. It's extraordinary the tactics people employ to obtain it. Some rely on deception while others engage in outright trickery. Then there are those who resort to extortion. Why do we fight so hard for control? Because we know to lose it is to put our fate in the hands of others. And what could be more dangerous?

© by Marc Cherry, 2005

Ben bit his lower lip like he was nervous about something. The way he's been quiet and shy makes me think his news isn't good. He called after he finished working and said he wanted to talk about something. His voice sounded cheery so I thought perhaps he wanted to talk about becoming more serious with me. No one else was home when he showed up leaving the two of us to enjoy the hot tub alone. We didn't talk about anything in particular while soaking, and I didn't want to bring anything up and possibly ruin the chill atmosphere. I was dying to know what he had to say, though. Now back in my room, dry and in regular clothing, he broached whatever it is he wanted to tell me.

"You're sexy as hell," he started, looking me square in the eye. "Last night, hanging with you and your family, it was a lot of fun. They're all super cool. The thing is . . . it feels like you and I should just be friends, not anything more."

I felt my heart drop into my stomach. Figures. Right when I'm starting to be happy with another guy this happens. I probably shouldn't be surprised. That's just my luck. Gay. Adopted. HIV-positive—though that hasn't been confirmed yet. I've got a great personal ad going.

"It's okay," I said meekly. "Shit happens." In truth, it wasn't okay. Ben was really growing on me.

"I'm really sorry, Travers. I think you're a great guy, as cliché as all this sounds. I'd love if we could still be friends and hangout and stuff. But romantically things would have to be platonic." Ben looked genuinely upset that he was dumping me. I wouldn't mind hanging out now and then, and even having sex still if that's what he meant by stuff.

"Really, it's fine. I'm just glad you were thoughtful enough to tell me in person. So, thanks, I guess."

His demeanor picked up a smidge. "Glad you're taking this so well. I almost did tell you over the phone because I'm really not good at this stuff."

"So . . ."

"I'm feeling kind of horny." he said slyly.

I grinned.

The manager mentioned that a fence repairman is supposed to stop by within the next couple of days to fix a section of wrought iron gate in the back of the café. I'm still a little heartbroken about Ben dumping me yesterday. I thought after we had sex that I was over it, but as the night wore on and as I continued to brood over what happened, depression settled in. Ben was mentally forcing me to move past Trevor, and now that he's no longer within reach, how am I supposed to not go pining back to my ex?

As if I wasn't down on my luck enough, the test results still haven't come back. Jared said he put a rush on them, but it's day two and still no word. Is that not supposed to make me nervous? What if they're taking so long because the test came back positive so they wanted to do a second one just to be sure my life would be ruined. Meanwhile, everything at home has been too peachy. Tyler is acting perfectly normal, which is so not like him. I wonder if he's on some kind of anxiety medication. Let's face it, he has had some intense thing happen in his life. It's only obvious that an anxiety disorder would smack him in the face sooner or later. Meds are the only thing I can think of that would keep him calm during such a stressful time as waiting for life-altering test results, even if they aren't his results to wait on.

A customer came into the café, ordering a cappuccino. I made it for him in no time at all and he was out the door. If this is how the rest of my shift is going to go, then I might need a cappuccino myself. Business has been unusually slow as of late, and it's making my superiors antsy. In turn, it's making me wonder whether they're thinking of letting an employee or two go. I'd probably be their first firing because I'm the newest. The newest people always go first. Not that I necessarily need this job other than to prove to Tyler I can handle myself. Though, now that I have my own money I feel so much older because I don't have to crawl to my parents for cash. Should I be fired, then I will definitely search for a new position.

Around eight, the manager came out into the café, surveying the emptiness. He told me he was closing early since there hadn't been a customer in over an hour. I asked if he was sure and he said he had better things to do than to be in an empty coffee shop. So, with great excitement about being able to go home early, I quickly began my close up duties. Only thirty minutes later, I was walking out to my car. The night's air was icy. A harsh wind kept the hair from my face. Once in the car I blasted the heater. Spring is right around the corner and, although I love the wintery season, I can't say I'm not excited for it to warm up just a little. This winter in particular had record breaking temperatures. The city's orange groves took a hit because of it. Considering the city has cut most of the orange groves down to make room for tract housing anyway, I'd say they aren't too concerned.

Tyler and Jared were at the dining room table hunched over a bunch of papers. They both seemed a little tense, talking quietly amongst themselves. I took a quick shower, then went into the kitchen for something to eat.

"Travers, come here, please." Tyler called out. I poured a cup of juice and went into the dining room.

"What's up?"

Tyler sighed, stretching his neck. "We need to talk to you about something."

"Is it my test results!?" I asked in a panic.

"No! No, no," Jared said. "But have a seat. It's important."

Tyler began, "You need to keep this to yourself for now."

"I'll keep it DL,"

He shook his head, smiling. "Now, we've been living comfortably for quite a while. Between mine and Jared's income we're able to provide you boys with nice things. Unfortunately, the bills that have been coming in the past several months are taking a toll on us financially. The electric bill is outrageous. The pool, hot tub, sauna, and theater use an amazing amount of energy. Even though we sold most of the arcade games, the ones that are still here use a nice amount of energy themselves. Then in the summer when we run the air almost on a constant basis, and the heater in the winter, it's just too much to handle."

"Our cars aren't helping, either," Jared continued. "The Suburban has high payments, although it's almost paid off. The gas it requires is nearly double yours and Tyler's combined. The Murano still has a couple years of payments, and your car has about four left. Insurance and gas and maintenance is crippling."

"What we're trying to explain to you is that . . . Well, Jared and I have been thinking it's time to sell the house and move into something more affordable." Tyler concluded.

I gave them a blank stare, not knowing how to take the latest bout of bad news.

"You want to sell the house? But this is our home. You can't just sell it!" I argued.

Tyler and Jared looked at each other sadly. "We know, Travers. This is so hard for us to even consider." Tyler sadly spoke. "Jared's aunt practically gave us this home as a wedding gift and now we can't afford it anymore. Keegan is almost ready to drive, Torry as well, and we cannot afford them and you unless we move to a house that doesn't drain the money out of our bank accounts." Jared nodded in agreement.

"We'll make sure you boys have your own rooms and we'll even think about one with a pool and hot tub. The other amenities of this house just aren't possible on our salaries any longer. It's either that or things become incredibly tight around here. No more fun." Jared sounded very authoritative as he explained all of this to me.

This house holds so many memories, bad and good, particularly good. This is the first house that Keegan and I were able to truly call a home; where Trevor and I shared so many joyous moments together; where we've had birthdays and parties and Christmas's. I grew up in this home, and now Tyler and Jared are telling me they want to get rid of all of that. The way they're talking about it makes it seem like there's already a For Sale sign up in the front yard. The boys are going to flip when they find out.

"I don't want to move." I stated tersely.

"There isn't much choice, Travers." Jared said.

I caught the sadness in Tyler's eyes. He didn't want to move, either.

"There is a choice! We can sell the rest of the games downstairs! We can sell our cars and buy more efficient ones! Solar panels can ease the burden of the electricity."

"Those start at about fifteen thousand dollars. Believe me, Travers, we've thought of everything." Tyler countered. "Sure, Jared can sell the Suburban," as Tyler said that, Jared turned his head away like a stubborn child, "but our problems wouldn't stop there. We're trying to tell you that we're out of money. Do you realize how much it costs to feed everyone? I don't want to point fingers, but your vegetarian-esque eating habits cost almost as much as all the rest of the food combined."

"I have a job now! That's exactly why I wanted one. I can buy my own things now!" The argument didn't seem to be leaning in my favor.

"We didn't think this would be an easy decision, but this has to happen or else we'll be in a world of hurt. If we stop paying our mortgage our credit takes a huge hit and that will severely impact us in the long run. And it's not like right when we put the house up for sale it'll sell, so we probably still have a long time to say goodbye." Tyler went on.

"This is such bullshit!" I jumped up from my seat, causing it to tip over. "Keegan and Torry don't need to drive then! That's what it comes down to. They can sacrifice for the rest of us!"

"Travers!" Jared scolded me. "That's not fair. It's not because of your brothers! This has been happening for a while. We've just kept this from you guys. Now, I don't want to hear anymore about blaming anyone. It's no one's fault. We all share the blame. This is us as your parents fixing it. We will find another amazing house and make it our own. Each of you will have your own rooms. We'll try to stay in the neighborhood even. But it's done." Tyler just stared at his ranting partner, almost in disbelief. "We're selling the house."

I left the room without saying a word. Fuming, I went into my own room and slammed the door shut. This would be the perfect time to have a loving boyfriend sneak in and comfort me while I vent my frustrations and sorrows. Instead, I have no one. This is just fucking great. Ben breaks up with me. I'm still waiting for the motherfucking test results to inform me I'm HIV-positive. And now my parents decide to tell me they've decided they're selling the only home I've ever known. Well that just sucks. There will never be another home like this one. It's not even just about the inside, either. The backyard is a sanctuary to me. I've spent many a nights lying on the grass staring up at the stars. Will that be possible with a new home? I mean, obviously the house will have a backyard, but will it feel the same?

This news just couldn't have come at a worse time. I have too much on my plate as it is. I decided to go to bed as exhaustion was slowly settling in.

The next day I was able to sleep in. Fridays I have no classes, but I do have a lot of work to catch up on from the past week. Who knows how much of it will be completed, though, given how much I have on my plate right now.

I'm home alone for the time being. Tyler and the boys are at school and Jared is working. I went into the kitchen for a bite to eat. Scrambling up a few eggs, I dreamt of a simpler time not more than a month ago. Trevor and mine's relationship was going smooth as butter. There was no talk of money trouble or selling the house. No break ups. Things seem so much easier in the past, no matter how far you look. That's the scary thing about the future. Nothing is guaranteed to be simple or safe, but the past is an everlasting image of better times—for some. That may be why Tyler loves history so much. It's easy to read books about what life was like during the decades and centuries beforehand, but a person can still create infinite possibilities of what life was truly like. Words can only create so much of a picture. The rest is up to the audience to imagine.

A lot of history happened in this house.

Tyler said that even when we put the house up for sale we'll still probably have quite a while to say goodbye. As relieving as that sounds, though, someone could really want the house. What's not to want? It's huge. The basement alone someone could live in and be perfectly content. The pool, the theater, the few arcade games that are left, they'll all attract people near and far. I wonder how much they want to sell it for. If it was just the house, then probably six hundred thousand at minimum. The basement has to add at least fifty thousand, if not more. So six-fifty? That almost seems like a steal. That honestly doesn't sound right, but I'm no real estate expert.

I texted Claire to relay the bad news.

Dude, Tyler and Jared told me they're going to sell the house :(

While I waited for her reply, I decided to shower quickly. I went into my bathroom and started the water. This is another thing I'll miss: having my own bathroom. That most likely won't happen in a new house. Whoever designed this house was a mastermind. Stripping down, the crisp air brought a chill to my body. Steam rose from the shower. I stepped in and enjoyed the warm water cascading down every inch of my skin.

After dressing, I checked my phone for a new message. Claire texted back.

What!!!? That's crazy!!! Why?

They said they can't afford it anymore. Idk :( this really sucks though

No kidding! Where are you moving to?

Jared said he wants to try to stay in the same neighborhood.

Well that's good though!

I didn't feel like talking about it anymore. I still haven't even told her about Ben yet, but that's certainly a conversation I don't feel like having right now. My phone rang. I didn't recognize the number.

"Hello?" I answered.

"It's Jared. I have your test results." The world seemed to slow down. I could feel my heart thrumming crazily in my chest, vibrating my body. Here we go. "You're negative."

A huge, huge, huge weight was suddenly lifted from my shoulders. My heart was still racing, but this time it was in excitement and triumphant relief.

"That's . . . that's great news!" I said happily. I was close to tears.

"I'll text Tyler right now. I just wanted you to know. I have to get back to work. See you later."

Oh, my God. HIV-negative and I couldn't be any happier than I am right at this very moment in time. My life can continue on its regularly scheduled course and now nothing can stop me from achieving the life I've planned on living. I clutched at my phone, afraid Jared might call back and say they've made a mistake. Then, realizing the truth was finally revealed, I began shouting in ecstasy. Ben may have dumped me, we may have to sell the house, but damn it I am HIV-negative and I feel fucking amazing! It's time to move past this annoying moment in history now. It's time to buck up. It's time to celebrate!

My main bitch! What's going on tonight!?

Claire texted back almost immediately.

One of my friends is having a small little kickback. Want to go?

Hell yes! I feel like getting out of the house and having a good time!

Awesome! :) I'll pick you up then like at 8

Can't wait!

And the celebration continues.

Later that night . . .

"Duuude, what the fuck is up!?" I loudly said as I slid into the front seat of Claire's car.

She laughed. "Wow, someone is excited for tonight."

"You have no idea. I need a drink!"

"I'm not sure how poppin' it's gonna be. My friend said just a few people are coming."

"You act like I care. A trip to McDonald's even sounds exciting to me right now."

The short drive to her friend's house seemed like an eternity. Ever since Jared told me the absolutely fantastic news about my status, I've been on a natural high that hasn't let up in the slightest. Outside, not many cars were parked. She was right. It is a small thing. We went up to the door and knocked. Her friend—who I recognized from high school—let us in and offered some drinks. Claire said she wouldn't mind a beer and I opted for something much more potent. Given that the kickback was miniscule, the choices were limited. Her friend did have half a bottle of tequila, though, and just enough bottled margarita mix for one more cups worth.

Claire nudged me. "Did you see who's here?"

"No," I casually turned around, not spotting anyone I knew. "Who?"

Just then, her friend came back into the kitchen. "Sorry there's not much alcohol left. Jake drank more than his fair share." I glanced up at Claire. So that's who she was talking about. Hm, Jake is here, probably plastered, and here I am HIV-negative pondering a way to celebrate. I think this night is going to get even better.

"I'm surprised he's still so ripped. He's been drinking heavy since high school." Claire murmured between the three of us.

Her friend nodded. "I know, right. It's, like, chill out, man. Drinking's fun, but what he's doing is borderline alcoholism."

"Who cares. He's still hot as fuck."

They looked at each other. "True," And we all started to laugh.

With alcohol in hand, we went into the living room with everyone else. Her friend grabbed us a couple of white plastic chairs to sit in. The guys were talking about some movie whereas the girls seemed more interested in talking about their lives. Claire mentioned she donated blood and some of the other girls said they were thinking of doing the same. I kept staring at Jake on accident. I didn't want to blow my "cover," but my God he's a fucking hunk and I'm horny as hell. The dazed eyes staring off into space were a solid indicator the man was completely plastered. How to get into his pants is the tricky part. I can very well go up to him and ask if he wants a blow job, but there are three possible outcomes: one—he accepts; two—he rejects me kindly; and three—he rejects me and gets all rowdy. One doesn't seem probable, two seems quite likely, and three, well, three seems most likely. But he's drunk and I plan on getting close to that point so the blame can fall on the alcohol, as most mistakes tend to do.

Listening to everyone talk, I couldn't keep my mind off of Jake. Sometimes someone would ask me something and I'd respond with a very bland answer. Claire, being my best friend, knew exactly what was going on in my mind, or at least had a feeling. She kept trying to include Jake in the conversation, but his answers were broken and unrelated. Jeez, I hope he doesn't pass out before I even make my move. Several more minutes passed by before the opportune moment presented itself.

Jake stood up, wobbling his way into the kitchen. Claire sort of nodded in his direction so I casually got up and followed. He was peering in the refrigerator as I rounded the corner.

"What's up, Jake?" I said, cracking open a can of beer.

He turned around slowly, grinning. "Just, uh, looking for some water." The guy could barely stand up straight. He had to use the fridge door as balance. I opened a couple of cabinets in search of a cup. Finding a plastic one, I went over to the freezer door where the water spigot was.

"Here," I handed him the cup, staring longer than normal into his blue eyes.

"Thanks, man," he slurred.

I leaned back against the counter across from him.

"So, how's school going?" I started. This will butter him up a bit.

Shrugging, he replied, "Pretty good,"

"Have a girlfriend? Probably not if your school work is going fairly well." The two of us shared a short laugh.

"You're right. No girl," Another sip of water, and he continued. "Haven't even been with one in weeks. But studying keeps me so busy who the hell has time?"

This is my chance!

"Well, you're here tonight."

His eyes met mine. "Yeah, I am," I swear he looked down at my crotch for a moment. "You have a girl?"

My mouth dried up. "Don't you remember? I'm gay. Everyone knew," I chuckled lightly. I'm no flamer, but I never hid who I was once Trevor and I started dating.

"Oh, that's right. My bad, but that's cool."

"Yeah, it has its perks," I sighed. "A guy recently dumped me, though, so the perks are somewhat gone, if you know what I mean."

Jake closed his eyes and opened them slowly. "Sex?"

"Yeah,"

"So, like, um, are you a catcher or pitcher?"

I giggled, feeling buzzed from the margarita I downed. "I thought I was just a catcher, but I recently discovered I love both."

"I'm a pitcher," he said. I'm pretty sure he means because he's straight . . .

"I know," I laughed. "You're straight, after all,"

He burped. His eyes grew wide and he apologized. I didn't mind. I glanced down at his crotch and took note of the slight bulge in his jeans. He caught me staring. I blushed.

"You know, uh, would you want to . . . I don't want to sound like a douche, but I could really use some help." Jake said softly.

In an instant, my dick went from semi-hard to raging. The racing of my heart could be felt in my feet. Any more surprises like this and I might have a bloody heart attack. But Jake just asked me to help him out. This is, like, a dream come true! This can't even be happening.

"Yeah," I swallowed what little saliva I had. "Now?"

"Definitely, but, uh, where?"

Loud laughter came from the living room. There was a hallway just off of that room, but there's no way we could sneak past everyone. Outside is absolutely freezing so there's no way that could work. Perhaps the garage. I beckoned Jake to follow me. Exiting the other side of the kitchen, I searched for the winning door. We moved silently. I wonder if he could feel my heart beating? We found a door that was quite tattered, unlocked it, and went into the garage. It was cold, but nothing compared to being outside. The darkness provided excellent cover. For extra measure we went into the furthest corner.

I turned on my heel. I couldn't see much of him, just his silhouette and a tiny glimmer in his drunken eyes. Alcohol permeated from his body. I heard him fumbling with his jeans, and a zipper being pulled down. I dropped to my knees and kissed the tip of his raging boner. Precum was already leaking from the tip. The smell of his skin and cologne created a volatile scent that turned me on even more.

This is it. I leaned in, mouth open, slowly taking inch by inch, enjoying the taste and sensation of having something that I've wondered about for so long finally in my mouth. I reached for his balls, massaging them gently. They weren't large by any standard. They were just right, though. And they were very smooth. I used my other hand to feel below his stomach. No pubes. He shaves. And I thought he couldn't get any hotter.

"Yeah, that feels good." he moaned. He grasped my hair in his fingers.

I was painfully hard. All eight inches of meat were pressing tightly against my jeans. I freed my cock and began to stroke it. Jake was oblivious to everything but the blow job, not that I'd care regardless. His solid shaft was twitching with pleasure, releasing a grand amount of precum. The salty fluid easily sank down my throat.

But not cumming for a long time has its disadvantages.

"Oh, fuck, I'm gonna cum,"

I was genuinely surprised and disappointed when he said that. I was just getting into a rhythm and didn't want it to end. I certainly didn't want to release his cock.

"Yeah, swallow it all," Jake let out a long, low groan and I felt his cum jet into my eager mouth. The amount was small. Trevor shot out bigger loads even after two rounds of sex.

I took every last drop. Suddenly, Jake stood me up and took my head in both of his hands, shoving me against the wall. He forced his tongue in my mouth and we started making out. I didn't know what to do other than return the gesture, but to say I was shocked would be an understatement. His next action, however, brought shocked to a whole new level. He reached in front of himself and grabbed my still raging dick, stroking it quickly. Jake kept it up for a few minutes, not once breaking our kiss. I soon came all over his hand.

I stood, dazed over what transpired.

"Put your number in my phone. We'll do this again." He held out his phone with his clean hand. I put my number in and gave it back to him. Jake leaned in right next to my ear and whispered, "Tell no one."