Date: Mon, 8 Nov 2021 14:21:57 +0000 (UTC) From: JH Subject: A Stepbrother's Desire - Josh and Tyson 33 This is a work of fiction - names and places are elements of fiction. Please donate to Nifty.org at http://donate.nifty.org/donate.html. Your donation will allow stories such as this to be published. Other stories: Nifty/Beginnings/Cards in the Deck - Adam and Ben A Stepbrother's Desire - Josh and Tyson 33 As I said in the previous chapter, the day after the snow is always just wet and messy. The day after your mother forces you out of the closet isn't that different. I found myself walking softly and maintaining a certain quiet like I didn't want anyone to notice me. Of course, to Ty and Bill life was moving along as usual. Mom knew what I was going through and she went gentle on me. Keeping such a secret that was swirling around in my head, well it gave me a certain appreciation for what our friends were doing for us, Ty and me. I mean, it requires a lot of energy to just not say anything. I go through many days where I don't mention things I know, perhaps it's because those events are just low priority. There are certain events, however, that you need to be able to repeat. Expecting our friends to maintain that secrecy was a much bigger ask than Ty and I realized. I would have to say something about that at some point but today, the next few days, I wasn't going to say anything at all. The school week was busy which was helpful. I even found myself being particularly deliberate with my homework, putting in as much time as I could muster, to remain quietly sequestered to my room. I made sure Ty got some lovin' too. To hell with mom thought. She didn't ask about our sexual habits and so I felt that our midnight runs were still sacred. I had created a distinct divide in my brain, the real world of school, family, home, Ty, and the other world where I'm coming out, dropping that brink in Bill Breck's lap, and hope we can survive that thing we have tried to avoid! It was kind of weird, seeing everyone from a "miles up" view. Watching mom move from work mode to home mode when she walked in the door. I observed Bill completing his assessment of the environment wherever he was, very consistent when he came home, determining anything that was new or changed in the house. Ty had certain habits I had never noticed. He always kind of threw his head back slightly when he entered his room as if he was taking in a breath of fresh air and he always shut a door, turning to close the door, never letting a door shut behind him. I was resentful of being in this position and it felt like my brain was compensating by taking note of details in my environment rather than going into some awful rabbit hole as I did when I was hit by the car. But, I had been preparing my "presentation" and felt strong on certain points but had some trouble with others. Considering all the areas he could come at me with was tough. I certainly didn't want to make myself a "sitting duck" like I did with my mom's interrogation. The week went by fast. It was Friday afternoon and I didn't have anything planned for the evening. My mindset didn't compel me to want to hang out with people. I was so distracted I wouldn't know what to talk about anyway. Ty came in my room. "What's up?" he said, laying on my bed and brushing my hair off my forehead. "Nothing much. Just thinking about things. What are you up to?" "You've been very quiet this week. What's on your mind?" "Just stuff I have to figure out. Hey what are you doing tomorrow night?" I asked, trying to change the subject. "I was thinking of going..." "No, I want tomorrow night to be our night. Can we have a date night?" He looked surprised. "Of course! We haven't done that in a while. What are you thinking?" "I don't know yet but I want tomorrow to be ours. We need to get out of the house and away from everyone. Is that ok?" I asked. "Josh, I'm feeling a little weird. Something is going on and you should tell me," he replied. "I can't right now, Josh. I have to handle something first then I'll tell you. I promise I will. It's nothing for you to worry about right now. I promise," I said. "I just made plans for Saturday but I'll cancel them. Tomorrow is ours just like you suggested." I met Ginny out on Saturday "under cover." I told her about the confrontation with my mom. Her eyes got wide as I repeated the conversation. I told her how many things I said I wished I hadn't. "Josh, it's bubbling up. Are you ready? What do you think Mr. Breck will say? What are you going to do?" she asked, in an unusual panic state. "Well, I needed you to be the voice or reason and you've just scared me to death!" I said. We were browsing through a thrift store as we talked. She laughed at my comment. "I guess I hadn't really thought about that day. I guess the picture was the give away." "And that was your fault," I said. "It is not!" "You planted the seeds in my head!" She punched me in the arm. "What is planted in your head, Josh, no one knows. But I hope you're going to be really smart with Mr. Breck. Josh, he could totally break you two up!" "Don't say that Ginny. That's not a concept I can process. I can't put any good or rational spin on me and Ty breaking up. How would we live together after that?" "You'll have to tell him that. You'll have to stand your ground, Josh, so he realizes how significant your relationship is," she suggested and she handed me some suit coat to try on. I slipped the coat on and her smile widened. "Josh, that looks awesome on you!" she shouted. I went to the mirror and wow! This was a vintage coat in the Tristan/Ty style. It was navy with pinstripes, had two splits in the back, and it fit like a glove. "With some jeans and a sweater, Josh, you would look amazing," Ginny said. I could almost picture it. It did look really good. Might have been the only thing this week to make me smile. "So Ginny, I made it clear to mom and I will have to do the same with Bill. I just don't know how or when to get into it. Ty and I have a date night tonight and I just want to spend the time with him, you know?" "Wear this, Josh. Put on a good show. Have a good time," Ginny said. So I bought the coat and she got a scarf and a little silver bracelet. As we parted ways, Ginny gave me a big tight hug. "I'm going to be thinking about you, Josh. I really am. Please let me know when it goes down. I'm here for you, you know that, right?" she said, giving me a pretty smile. "Yep, I know, and it means more to me than you know!" I responded. Fuck, what a damn mess! Just when I thought I had it all figured out in my head, my conversation with her told me I didn't. Back to the drawing board! When I got home, I walked through the front door. The first thing I heard was Bill in his study, "Josh, can you come in? I want to talk to you," he said. Oh yes, I almost threw up in the living room. My stomach turned and my eyes squinted. Did he know already? Had mom told him? I walked into the study. "Hey dad, what's going on?" making sure I milked the "dad" part. "Keeping the devil close was a decent strategy," I thought. "Well Josh, your mother and I are going out tonight. She's at the club so I wanted to let you know. You know the drill, right?" he asked. Ok, I have never been happier to hear that! I was almost elated. He looked at me funny and I almost did it, I almost used this little private time. It was perfect with noone around. But, in the end I didn't have the courage. "Yep Dad, got it. Listen, I don't ask this often but...Ty and I have plans tonight, going to some get together and it might kind of fun. Is it ok if we're a little later than usual for curfew? Say like 12:30 at the latest? It should be all safe, we won't be drinking or anything," I said earnestly. He was quiet for a moment. "You and Ty will be together? You will come home at the same time?" he asked. "Yes sir. It's just a gathering of a few, um, just a few friends but everyone is coming in from somewhere else. You know," I added. "I think that's fine, Josh. I have no reason to distrust you. I appreciate you asking permission rather than forgiveness!" and he let out a little laugh. I laughed too, probably harder than I normally would. "Great thanks. Hey look at this jacket I got at the thrift!" and I put it on and he looked impressed. "Showing some style there, Josh. Seems Ty's influence has taken hold of you," and he gave me a friendly grin. I started out the door, and looked back at him, sitting behind his desk, reading a contract. He really was good about so many things. "Hey Dad, thanks. Thanks a lot," I said and I meant it but I didn't know what I was thanking him for. "Josh, you're a good boy. You make little favors so easy for me to give. Thank you," he said back. Fuck, I thought as I pounded up the stairs to my room. I had all the opportunity in the world and I blew it. His mood wouldn't be any better than that any other day. But, priorities first. I wanted my date night with Ty, in case it was the last of its kind. I was going to milk the occasion for all it was worth. My guy and me, out on the town on a cold night, and dressed to kill. Ty would be so happy. When Ty got home, I told him I had gotten us an extension on our curfew, to which he thought was awesome. I think it relieved him a bit from his earlier worries. I also told him I was getting dressed and that he should follow suit. He really liked that too. I just needed to figure out what we would do with the time. I was thinking about dinner somewhere he would like, maybe some strolling around midtown and perhaps some kind of "heated action" in the car, which would make for a good night for most anyone! Yeah I know I get it at home plenty but there's something really sexy about being someplace else! I'm going to explain that anyone. I took a shower and I about to finish when Ty came in the bathroom, "You gonna take all afternoon? I need one too, you know." "Well you could have joined me!" "With the parents in the next room, yeah let me give that some thought," he laughed. I honestly didn't care anymore. I finished and dried and he hopped into the shower behind me. I got dressed in my room and while I was doing so, my mom came in. "Have a big night planned?" she asked. "Yeah, trying to get in some good time before things blow up mom. I'm working on it. I really am," I said. "Ok. my lips are sealed. You just have this week, son. I have noticed you're a bit out of sorts right now and I suspect Bill and Ty are noticing it too. Let's get it done," and she leaned in and kissed my forehead. "You look so handsome in that sweater, by the way," she said and then she was out the door. Once I was finished dressing, black slim fit tutrleneck sweater, dark blue jeans, black shoes, and my very cool pinstripe jacket, I styled my hair, and went downstairs to wait for Ty. I was standing by the fireplace and he came down the stairs and entered the family room. "Hey Josh. Oh," he stammered. "Oh wow, you look, um, incredible! How did you know to put that outfit together?" he asked, sauntering over to me, and taking a closer look. "That jacket is fab!" I was enjoying the attention. "Well, you know, its just something I picked up on the "street". You know what I'm saying," and I gave a little shake. "Ginny picked it out, didn't she?" and I nodded and he laughed. "Doesn't matter to me. You look so good." "You look good too, babe. I'm just happy when I can keep up with you. Makes us look solid, you know?" "Totally solid, babe," and he kissed me and we kissed hard. "Don't mess it up too quick. We're going out, remember?" He nodded and we both laughed again. Once we had parked downtown, we went to a sushi place that we liked. There was a wait but we hung out until we were called. Ty tried to get into my head with light conversation about my recent mood but I brushed it off lightly. I was having a spicy sushi roll, one of my favorites when he pointed out that the guy two tables over was checking me out. "How you do know he's not checking YOU out?" I asked Ty. "Don't be dumb. He is looking over at you every 30 seconds. Just trying not to get caught by his parents!" he said, laughing. "Like that wasn't you at one point!" I replied. "When I was 13! He's like our age and still trying not to get caught." "Not everyone has it as good as you, Ty. He might have to fear," I said. "That's true. You're right." "Want to play a little restaurant theatre? Get him really turned on?" "Oh Josh! Have Tristan and I rubbed off on you that much? A skit?" he asked with a surprised look. "Oh yes," I said in a deep growl. Ty's shoulders tensed at the thrill of it. "So, I'm going to ask how you like that sauce on your sushi and can I taste it. You are going to stick your finger in it and offer me a taste." He was smiling, totally understanding where I was going. "You are going to lick my finger? Right here in the restaurant?" "Yep," and he cracked up laughing. "Ready? So hey Ty, how do you like that sauce on your sushi roll?" I asked in a clearly audible voice. The guy two tables over shot a glance at us. "Oh I love it. Want a taste?" he asked, audibly. "Please!" I said and he dipped his index finger into the spicy dark sauce and pointed his finger at me. Fortunately our table was small and I didn't have to lean in far. I bent forward and took his finger into my mouth and gave it a quick lick-suck. I pulled it back and I said, "Mmmm good!" and he smiled. We took a peak sideways and the poor boy was staring, and we could presume he was rock hard at that moment. We were distracted from him by another girl at another table who cracked up. She was probably checking us out as well. It was an electric moment. "I feel so bad. That poor guy will be sexually frustrated for the rest of the night," said Ty. "Yes, but as influencers, he has a positive image of what it looks like when two guys are out and are in love with each other. We maybe gave him hope," I commented in an intellectual tone. "Right!" said Ty sarcastically. "And all these other people think we're cro-magnon!" That was probably true and caused me to laugh. Finishing dinner we walked through midtown and found a coffee shop that wasn't so busy. We had some hot coffee, and sat at our table, feeling like little adults in our fashionable coats, talking about trends and pop culture and what not. Neither Ty nor I liked politics. The president and all the terrible news that came from Washington was so terrible, it just made us angry. Most of our friends felt that way. In fact, Jack had commented that during his visit to D.C. over Christmas, he felt that the whole city was angry. When we finished the coffee, we strolled some more. There were a couple of shops open and hipster type people were shopping around. Ty and looked around and it wasn't anything we liked. Ty led me a couple more blocks where it was dark and I felt alarmed until we turned a corner and we were on "gaybar row". "Been here before?" he asked. "Just driven by it, never at night though," I said, staring in amazement at the life and energy swirling through the street. People seemed to know each other and maybe they didn't. It was as if there were no social boundaries on this street. Some guys were coupled, others traveled in packs. We walked down the street and passed one bar. Didn't look very clean or attactive. Then we stopped at the corner and the very popular dance club was roaring. Music was pouring out and guys were waiting in line to get in. I noticed all different styles of clothing, types of guys, ethnicities, and personalities. Some guys were loud and wanted to be heard while others were more discreet. Ty and I stood on the corner, holding hands, and watched, taking in all the scenes and dynamics. I know he was committing the images to memory. He would use them in some fashion at another time. It was like watching tv and I was so occupied I didn't realize we had been out there for more than a half hour. One guy came out of the club and looked around and talked to the ID checkers then he looked up and over at us. He stared for a moment and Ty and I tensed up when he headed out into the street, coming our way. "Hey guys," he said. "Don't you two look completely shag!" he announced. Ty and I smiled at him. "What are you two lovebirds doing out here on the street?" he asked. "We're just people watching," said Ty. "The place looks amazing," and the guy smiled, showing very bright white teeth. "You could come in as my guest," he suggested. "We're are underage," said Ty. "How old?" he asked "I just turned 17 and he is going to turn 18 in March," Ty said. "Ah, well, I got news for you two. Your hotness transcends all of that. Come in as my guest and enjoy the club. Maybe you can dance or something. You can't get caught with any alcohol cuz we don't want to lose our license but I don't think anyone would say anything. Come on!" he offered. Ty and I crossed the street, following the guy. He asked us our names. Before Ty could respond, I said, "I'm Brad, he's Scott," and the guy stopped us in the street and said, "I'm Jody and I need to warn you. Guys in here are going to go nuts when they see you. Don't follow anyone off and try to stay together. It's a good place but you guys are so flippin' amazing. Just want you to have fun and say "I've been there". Got it?" he asked. We nodded and followed him through the door, bypassing the ID checkers and cashier. Needless to say, the place was stunning. The dance floor lights beamed everywhere. People were piled up by the bar. There were videos on big screen televisions mounted to the walls. Rainbow colors were painted on the ceilings. I have never seen a place like it. I looked at Ty and the lights were bouncing in his eyes. He pushed his wind blown hair back and I helped him tuck it behind his ears. Guys were watching us as we walked by the tables. We walked up to the bar and the crowd literally parted to make room for us. The bartender looked at us with concern and I said "two cokes please?" He smiled and filled two glasses and handed them over. I pulled out my wallet and he waved us away. I dropped a dollar into the tip jar and Ty and I walked over to the dancefloor. "Josh, I am stupefied. I don't know what to say. Can you believe we are in a gay bar?" he asked, smiling, all teeth. "I never imagined this," I said. Ty and I discussed the dance floor dynamic. First, this wasn't some high school dance and we were a long ways off from a Christmas Cotillion! The music had a deep sound. It was heavily mixed, you could tell. The guys dancing were either in all black or wore all types of color and their fashion was definitely "form fitting.". Many guys showed their bare chests. The dancing was intense, not silly.. I called it ritualistic. Ty said "tribal." I think we meant the same thing. Everyone was unified. We sat our empty glasses on a nearby table, guys smiling at us, and giving us a touch every chance they could. I felt very protective at first but soon learned this was part of the ritual. Touch back and the game would be on! Ty led me out onto the dance floor and I tried to pull back but he insisted and gave me a yank. Rethinking it,I guess all his dancing around in his room had led up to this moment. He took my hand and gently led me and I followed. We started bouncing to the beat, "thump thump thump" and soon, when I realized we were only being admired, not laughed at, I felt more courageous. I put my right arm around Ty's waist and took his hand with my left. He clasped my knee between his. We bumped and grinded and Ty pushed his head into the side of my chest. I could smell his hair over all the sweat and cologne. I heard him moan, as if he were in a sort of ecstacy. I tried to ignore the onlookers but they were everywhere. Soon a crowd had formed around us. We became the center. Guys were bumping into us as we held on to each other for dear life. He got bolder and kissed my neck. I raised my hand to the center of his back. He looked up at me and into my eyes, and I kissed him. You would have thought the place had blown up. There were cheers and whistles and it was so amazing. Guys were literally rubbing against us and I felt a hardon or two. A stranger's erection wasn't very sexy to me but the attention was. I understood the advice Jody had given us and I appreciated him for it. This could turn into a "shitshow" in a fucking minute! We proceeded to enjoy our "moment on the stage" and the music changed. We danced through another song and the temperature, set by the heat and sweat from all the bodies made it hot as hell on the dance floor. Soon, we were sweating and needed to take a break. "Oh God, Josh, I wish Tristan were here to see this!" Ty said to me over the music. "I'm glad he's not!" I responded. "Why?" he asked. "Because if he were here, it would be you two experiencing it and I would be just a "tag along"," I said smiling at him. He looked at me for a moment then nodded in agreement. "Yep, I totally get that, Josh. You're right. This was for us, in fact, if I had to experience this for the first time, I'm glad it was with you. I'm glad they think we're cute, but there's nobody out there I would give five minutes for. This is truly our night!" he barked over the loud music. My head was reeling with thoughts, and one of them, yes, was "Please don't let this be our last great night!" . We walked back to the bar and there was another parting of the crowd. I ordered two waters and dropped another dollar in the tip jar. We nearly swallowed those in one gulp. I saw one guy run a finger down Ty's arm and someone else was feeling the back of my leg. God, it was such a "hands on" kind of place. Another very hot song came on and this time Ty was feeling very energetic. He led me back to the dance floor. This time, he moved, he jiggled, he danced. He leaned forward pushing his cute butt out and rubbed it against my crotch. That got a lot of notice. I grabbed his hips and pulled him into me. We did a grind with him facing away from me. I placed one hand over his abdomen and it slipped slowly down to his pants. I grabbed his belt buckle and held on as he led us into the beat. Didn't matter how hard any of the other guys were, I was like a steel rod and he felt it, he encouraged it as he bumped against me, like we were fucking. The crowd got closer and we were herded back to the center of the dance floor. I could see us in the mirror and I knew why they all wanted us. We were the younger versions of what they used to be and living the life they never lived. I understood everything all at once. One guy approached Ty and started dancing with him. When he started pushing into Ty, I turned Ty slightly to keep the guy off him. And another guy came and did the same. I felt a guy pushing against my backside and he was hot enough, collegiate, and I didn't mind. Ty was not rude to the guys but he didn't want all the attention from them so I turned him toward me and we resumed our dancing face to face. I loved that he just wanted to see me. All the things he could be studying and I was still the target. The cute collegiate guy put his arms around us and it didn't feel intrusive, just affectionate. He wasn't pushy. I continued to welcome his advances until the song was done. When we stopped dancing, so did he. "Thanks guys, I didn't mean to get so close but you two are so gorgeous! I'm Brody and thanks for letting me do that!" he said, as we eased off the floor. "No problem man. I'm Brad and this is Scott. It's our first time," I offered. "I guess it is. You handled the crowd well, though. I like how protective you are," he said smiling. "I wish I had somebody to show me all of this my first time. I had to go it alone," he said. "But I know most of these guys now so it's all good. You all from around here?" he asked. "The outskirts," Ty said. "You're in college?" he asked. "Yeah. I live for my Saturday nights when I can get away from the frat parties and come here." "Cool," said Ty. The guy who brought us in came over to us. "Fellas you were stunning out there. You were made for this!" he barked. "Hey Brody!" "Hey Jody!" and Ty and I cracked up laughing. "Sorry guys, it just..." "I know!" said Jody. We get that all the time. Y'all come with me," he said, taking our hands and leading us out of the main bar. We went down some stairs into a quiet room. "This is "members only", for the "well known," and we entered the quiet bar and all eyes were on us. Some of the men were older and it appeared they were "holding court" with the younger guys. The older guys were telling stories or were pouring out their problems. The younger guys went with the flow, probably because the older men were buying their drinks. "Four rum and cocks!" Jody barked at the bartender. "But you said," said Ty. "Out there, no way. In here, one drink to take your nerves down a peg. Scott, go watch the bartender make your drinks," he said. I walked over to the bar and observed his mixing skills. Looked like how you would make a simple drink like rum and coke. I kept one look back on Ty who was chatting with Jody and Brody. Ok, that really was funny. I took two drinks and brought them over and went back for the other two. We all raised our glasses and said "cheers!" and took a sip. I saw Ty lick his lips, appreciating the coldness and the rum. "So Scott," said Brody. "You watched him make your drinks to ensure nothing got put in there you didn't ask for. Understand? Never take your eyes off your drink and be careful about taking "premixed" drinks from a stranger," and I did understand almost immediately. In other words, someone might slip you something in a minute and you would never guess until it was too late. "Oh yeah! Thank you for explaining that. I didn't think," "That's how young guys get into trouble. They don't know the things that can happen when they're not looking and then they wake up somewhere they don't want to be." Jody was nodding in agreement. "Been there, babes!" he said. "Tell `em the dumpster story, Jody," said Brody. "Oh hell no, not gonna happen. Scare these two barbies to death? No sir," he said. "So how did you love birds meet?" asked Jody. "I bet it was in class, catching quick glances, maybe a love letter or two?. Crushes from afar! So romantic!" he shrilled. "Not exactly," Ty laughed. "We're step brothers," I said flatly. Jody and Brody stood motionless, not grasping what I had said. "Say what?" replied Jody. "We're step brothers. Our parents married and we fell in love!" snapped Ty, making sure they got it. Jody put his arm around Brody and did a little dance and threw his head back. "Sorry, what was that?" asked Ty. "I just came in my pants barbie! That might be the hottest thing I have heard in real life," Jody said, still shaking his body. Brody laughed at him. "Yeah, I agree with Jody. That might be singularly the most incredible thing I have ever heard too! Netflix couldn't write anything better than that!" and Jody exclaimed, "Amen brother!" "Who says Netflix won't write it?" Ty asked. "Do it!" said Brody. "Write it all down for them, call a good contract lawyer," which caused Ty to break out laughing, looking at me knowing the inside joke. "Tell them you want the money and the creative rights baby!" Brody said. "Please put me in it," said Jody. "I know I could be a star and I was there, as a mentor to you both, after all! Please!" he said, squirming. "We will remember those who paved the way for us," said Ty. "We had no plans tonight other than to go out and look fabulous. Thanks for letting us in here for a chance to see how "shag" the bar is. I will never forget," said Ty. "Never!" he repeated. "And guys, thanks for giving some good advice and not taking advantage of us. I can whip some damn ass when pushed but if I'm knocked out on drugs, I couldn't do much to help and if something ever happened to him, it would be a lot of trouble. A lot!," I said. Jody and Brody looked approvingly at us and "awed" in unison. "Why can't I find a college guy as sweet and lovely as you, Scott?" asked Brody. "All I meet are jerks!" "You're rich boys, aren't you?" asked Jody. Ty and I were silent. "So polite, so polished. You've been "raised!" You will be the "sought after" one day," said Jody, "I was there! I can't believe it," and he danced around us, giving us each a kiss on the cheek. He wouldn't be my type but he was a thin, fit guy, and was really cute. "Guys, we have to go. Our curfew is coming up and we stay out of trouble. Know what I'm saying?" "Curfew! How cute! Flying under the disco ball!" said Brody. "Probably for the best if the parents don't know." "They don't," said Ty. "Will you escort us back out, Jody? We might need help getting through that room. I wish I didn't have to leave," said Ty. "Of course, gentlemen barbies! Follow me. Brody, you bring up the rear since that's what you're good at!" Jody snapped, causing Ty and me to laugh out loud. I heard Brody chuckle at Jody's flair. We cruised through the bar, taking in one more detailed glance. It was so amazing. Well wishers waved us out and yelled stupid things like, "you go baby!" One said, "Don't stop believing!" to us as we exited, waving goodbye to Jody and Brody. "If I ever catch you two on that corner again!" he snapped as if scolding us. Ty and I walked up the street back to the main drag where regular bars were thriving. It was 11:50 pm and we had just a few minutes to clear our heads. We walked hand in hand and as we neared the intersection, we stopped. Ty leaned against a green painted light pole. He pulled me into him. I kissed him, gently at first, then hard. "Oh my God, they are so beautiful I might cry!" one guy said as he and his group passed us. "I was beautiful like that once!" another one said. "Girl you've lived a hard life if that's how you looked!" replied the other one. Ty and I stopped and gave them a smile and they grabbed their hearts. "Ty, everyday with you is like the first time. We're in this together, no matter what anyone says or tries to do to us, right? Together?" "Oh God yes, Josh. Who can touch us? We're the center of everything. Didn't you feel it in there?" "Well, "in there" isn't exactly "out here" but yes, I felt like our connection was electric. I have said that before, just as long as that's your response too." "I am, I will, and I do, Josh." We entered the house at 12:25 am and were just getting some juice to drink when the parents came rambling in. "Evening boys," said Bill, looking at his watch. "Well done," he said to me as he and mom climbed the stairs. Mom didn't say anything and I knew why. My time was running out and she didn't know what to say. Could I garner a dozen more "well dones" before the outing? Would it make a difference to the conversation? We'll know soon enough! The parents were dead asleep in a sweet minute and I pulled Ty into my bed and under the covers. We were both tired and just made a few sweeping statements about the night. Our wake up at 5:30, well that was a different story!