Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2023 20:36:28 +0000 (UTC) From: JH Subject: A Stepbrother's Desire - Josh and Tyson 68 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 68 Two weeks flew by. Ty went to his therapy sessions and seemed to be maintaining peace. His sex drive was certainly in active mode. There were some nights he was insatiable. He was funny in what he said about the therapy. One visit, it was "Dr. Hill said this and I said what about that!" The other visit, he was completely tight lipped. Not a word about it. I didn't pry. One of my fears is that the session was about me. But I'm probably being stupid since I am often enough. Mom was holding me to her "mother and son" meetings. She asked direct questions and I answered her honestly. At first it was like, "what should a mother be concerned about her gay son?" Then it was, "how was it for you?" Ok, I had to laugh because it was a wide open question. I told her it hurt like hell but not it's all good. She blushed. Then the questions became more pointed. What was it like at school for gay kids? What did gay kids expect from social and political administrations? And then I knew she was fishing. It was all good because some of the conversation in those moments, well, I got to be honest. I don't expect anything from the political people. Just help me make money, that's all I wanted. The July 4th party was coming fast and both Mom and Ty were running around like crazy people. Mom and Dad had invited some "friends". Ty had invited some "friends". Dad and I agreed it was help them or get out of the way which we did - on both counts. Tents were arranged and placed on the back lawn. I got up weeds and made sure the azaleas were all crisp and clean. Bill straightened things and we lifted the water fountain and cleaned the hoses to be sure it was running smoothly with no possible clogs. There was a night, after Ty and I put some lovin' on each other where I asked him, "Who are these "friends" you have invited?" "Well," Ty said grinning, "Ricky is coming. His mom is bring him in and he's going to stay the night and I'll take him home the next day. We talked recently and he's been spending some time alone because there's nothing to do. I couldn't help but ask him to come. He was so thrilled. And Josh, I have to tell you, Ricky is not the same. He's grown up some. His voice is a little deeper and he's, well, progressive. He loves everything." "That's cool," I said. "I'm glad he got past all that drama and those wretched cousins. Fuckers!" I said. "Exactly!" Ty said. "Also, some guys who are going to be juniors are coming. I've reeled their lazy asses into the Dive-In and now I'm giving them payback. One of them, well, he might be kind of special." "Special how?" I asked. "It's Ford. Ford Fisher," Ty said, like he was expected a reply. "I know that name. How do I know that name?" "He was the hot shot junior varsity captain you moron!" Ty sparked. "Surely you..." "Yeah, I remember now. But in all fairness, I was a bit caught up in my own game. But yeah, I remember he quaterbacked for JV. He's coming?" "Josh, you are a super moron! Yes, he coming. He's gay!" and then my lightbulbs went off in my head.. "Holy shit," I said in a slow drawl. The gay quarterback of JV who is probably going to go out for varsity quarterback is coming to our house for a party. "Oh!" I said. "And he wants to meet you," Ty said. "Of course he does. He's probably some high minded little prick who wants to pluck my exceptional skill and knowledge!" "He's cute, really sweet, and he thinks you hung the moon, Josh. Be nice!" That did calm me down a bit. It was exciting. I couldn't wait to sink my fangs into the little guy and see what he was made of. Bill and I prepared the hamburgers. We hand rolled them. I guess there were about 30 of them. There were hot dogs. There was shrimp. There was potato salad, macaroni and cheese with andouille sausage. There were green beans, stuffed mushrooms, vegetable trays which I said no one liked. Mom told me to shut up and keep cutting. I bit down on a raw carrot and was reminded of what I already knew - yuck! Ty and Tristan made scores of cookies. There was chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, and snickerdoodle cookies with cinnamon that I really liked. They baked those at Tristan's house because our two ovens were in overdrive. On the morning of July 4th, Ty came storming into my room with a red polo and navy blue shorts in hand. With one eye barely open, I asked what they were for. "Your outfit today!" he said, dropping them on the end of my bed. I just then remembered that the invites had stated a "red, white, and blue" theme was the dress code. He darted back into his room and then bolted down the stairs. Oh it was going to be quite a day. I dragged myself out of bed and I was feeling the late night that we all had the night before. Having showered, I went downstairs and the family was buzzing around. "Nice of you to join us, sleepy head!" said Mom. I walked into the backyard and it was already hot out. I could see why the tents were going to be useful. We positioned things. Placed the floral arrangements on the tables. Bill and I brought the coolers out of the garage. He sent me to get loads of ice. At some point, a little after lunchtime, we found ourselves lounging in the cool family room. I turned the ceiling fan on high. It was like an airplane propeller. "Damn, that was a lot of work!" I said. "Parties don't come cheap!" barked Ty. "Next time just invite Tristan and Bryce. Keep it simple!" Bill laughed and asked "And that's simple how exactly?" I laughed. "If I laugh, my face will melt off," said Mom. "Let's go get ready," said Bill. Around 2 pm, we were all dressed and pressed and ready for the onslaught of people. Most everyone we knew was there. Ginny and her parents came. Tristan and his parents appeared. Bryce came with his family, arm in arm as usual. Julia looked amazing in a red sundress. That girl, I swear. Lisa and her family including Mr. Mayor himself came. Oh, he was a bucket of charm. Warm greetings and smiles and all that. Ricky Rose and his mom appeared around the side of the house. He looked at me and grinned. "Ricky Rose is in the yard!" he exclaimed as he bolted for me. I had to brace myself. The boy had grown an inch or two and definitely put on ten pounds. His eyes had a distinct gray in them. His hair stood up about two inches. His legs had some muscle tone, definitely filling in the shorts he wore. To tell you the truth, he looked incredible. His body crushed into mine and I got a tingle from it. Bryce laughed. "What's with the backpack? You bring a secret stash?" I asked. "No silly. It's a change of clothes. I'm staying over so my mom doesn't have to come back late. Ty's taking me home tomorrow." I swear, there are a thousand little plans today and I was unaware of any of them. Am I really so out of touch? What the fuck else does Ty have planned I don't know about! "Oh cool," I said. "That will be fun!" He gave me a very bright grin. "Hey Ricky," Bryce said in a gentle voice. "Hey Bryce, you keeping Josh out of trouble?" "Hardly. He's keeping me in trouble as often as he can!" Bryce remarked. Ty came over. "Hey Ricky," he said and then he froze a minute and continued, "good God, you look amazing" Ty said, checking Ricky out from all angles. "I wasn't before?" Ricky asked, landing a witty trick question. "Well, you were a different amazing. You are gorgeous now! A lot's changed in the last few months and I am so glad you're here!" and he grabbed Ricky's hand and dragged him off. "He does look good," said Bryce. "He must have some of the Rose genes in him!" and I had to laugh at that. Ginny and Lisa were chatting with some people and I noticed that as soon as Ty landed Ricky with Tristan, Mr. Mayor got hold of him. Some people from Bill's office came in, no children attached. Some politicos from the administration wandered in. Bryce and I held our ground and watched the spectacle unfold. The backyard was filling up but I have to say it held the crowd well. Bill and Mr. Lane fired up the two grills. Mr. Chatley broke away from Ginny's mom and grabbed a beer from the cooler and joined Bill and Mr. Lane. Then, I noticed three young guys enter the backyard. "Who are they?" I asked Bryce. The first one is Ford Fisher, then there's Bohannon kid, the one who used to work the college restrooms? Remember I told you about him. Word is he has dropped that shit. Some college kid kicked him in the face after Christmas. The last guy is..." I knew who the last one was. That was Beau something who had some family drama thing going on. Dad's firm was representing him to get his money. He was good looking but a little doffy. "I want to meet Fisher," I said. "Why haven't I met him before?" "Because you're usually caught up in only those who serve at your feet!" Bryce said, with a chuckle. "Fuck you ," I said with a grin. "Hey Fisher!" shouted Bryce. So Ford Fisher froze and the other two crashed into his back. Now that was truly hilarious. "What?" he barked back. Bryce raised on eyebrow. "Don't "what" me! Get over here," Bryce announced. Ford Fisher sauntered over. My first impression was that he was a really good looking kid. Bushy dark hair, red LaCoste polo and white shorts. Defined legs and lean body, his left eye was turned inward just slightly. "I'm Josh," I said, extending my hand. "I know who you are, sir," Ford said. "No sirs around here." "Well, anyone with your rank deserves some title," Ford laughed. "I am so excited to meet you. Really I am," Ford said. "I'm flatter. I hear you're going to varsity this year. You ready?" I asked. "Hell yeah," Ford said. He spoke in a slow southern drawl. He was polite, clean cut. "I just got back from football camp and am going to another one in two weeks." "I never did camps. Are they any good?" I asked. "Depends on who's coaching them. This one was great. John Stellar from Maryland was there. He was incredible to train with." "Really? He's a great coach!" I replied. "Excuse me, you two. I need to check on some other people," Bryce said and he wandered off leaving Ford and me to rabble. "So Ford, you going out for quarterback or do you just want to play a season first?" I asked. "Quarterback all the way! Coach is auditioning me in a few weeks. I have a good arm, a long throw, and I'm working on aim. A ball in the air is useless if it's not heading to the right player," Ford said. "Well said. I agree. You got some plays?" "Oh yeah. I need a couple of yours. Hopefully I can sneak a peek at your playbook one day," he suggested. "Hopefully? Maybe. You got a playbook?" I asked. "Hell yeah. I got in trouble twice last year messing with it in Biology. I finally figured out that you can only mess with the playbook when you're alone, no distractions. I do my best figuring..." "You are so right. I'm happy you figured that out," I said, and waves of feelings and memories swept over me. I felt things that rattled me. I got a little nervous even. "Ford, I have to say, I'm sorry we haven't met sooner. I'm very impressed with your approach and intellect. I believe you are on the right path!" I offered. He sighed. "You watch the games for the plays?" I added, still trying to get him to falter. "Oh yeah, all the time. I could care less as to who's playing. Just want to watch the notable plays." "You watch the Wynwood game yet?" I asked. "The most perfect highschool football game played in a decade?" I laughed. "Three times," he said. I basically know it by heart!" he added. "I know what you're doing. You're testing me and you don't know how fucking happy that makes me. You don't know, Josh, my friends and I, we watched your every move last season. I was trying to draw them as fast as you executed them. When the, the um, accident happened, I'm not kidding, I cried. I cried hard," and there it was. Emotion took me and my eyes got watery. "Don't know what to say, man. Thank you and yes, it was a hard time. That was a costly move. You know why he attacked me with a car?" "Yeah, I know the basics. Ty getting bullied and you defending him. You did the right thing by putting some "smack" down. He took it too far! But you had Ty to get you through it." "I did. Ty has been..." "Tell you the truth," said Ford, "I would have passed out on the ground if you had ever glanced at a sophomore like me, and said hey, let's go get a coke and hang out." He leaned in close to me and said, "I would've liked it a lot," and his eyes flashed, even the one that was slightly crooked and then he looked down toward the ground. "I'm sorry again I was self absorbed and didn't follow JV. I would've liked to have seen you play. You are pretty amazing." I sighed again. "But I had figured out what was going on with you and Ty and if you had to have anyone at Brumfield, I'm glad it was him. Ty is fucking fantastic!" he said. I grinned but it didn't help the emotions that were bubbling up inside me. It felt like two conversations going at the same time. Me sending praise his way and him sending crush signals to me. I wanted to laugh but I felt nauseated. "Sorry Ford, I need to excuse myself. Can we talk more later?" and before he could answer I moved through the backdoor and into the house as quickly as I could. I thought I was going to throw up. I ran upstairs and into my room. I couldn't help myself. Waves of pity flooded me. I dropped to my knees and planted my face into my mattress. "That fucker!" I yelled. Then thinking to myself, I relived those moments from so many months ago. He took my whole life away, the only thing I was good at. The only thing I had ever worked for! The only things I loved to do! He cost me my football game. He cost me scholarship money. He cost me the one thing all my self esteem was built on. That motherfucker! Tears ran down my face. Ty came rushing in. "Josh, what's wrong? What happened?" he pleaded. "Nothing, leave me alone please," I heaved. "Sorry, may I?" I heard Ford say. "No!" snapped Ty. "Yes," I replied. Ford came in and knelt beside me. "I'm sorry Josh. I didn't know. I didn't know the subject was still so sensitive. I shouldn't have said anything about the accident. I'm very sorry," he pleaded. "It's not your fault," I stammered. "Well, all that's over, Josh. You have a new life and it's a pretty damn good one. You leave the game to me. I'm going to take it all the way," he said, putting a hand on my shoulder. Tristan must have come in but I didn't know it before he spoke, and said, "what about the curse, Ford?" "I'm not worried about some damn curse!" Ford snapped. "I don't do drugs. I don't run with thugs! I'm not getting arrested. My health is great. The curse is over. I don't want to sound like I'm bragging but I'm going all the way. And if I don't get it done this year, I will next year!" and everyone was quiet. I looked up at him. He nodded to me. "Josh, when that ball crosses the field goal in the last game of the season and it's all Brumfield, I'm going to shout out "that was for Josh Warner!" and he laughed. I had to laugh too. "Sounds like something from Friday Night Lights!" Tristan said and he and Ty laughed. "That was a damn fine series!" Ford said, adding to the moment. "It definitely was!" I said as I got up off the floor. Enough of this pity party shit. . "Ty, where's that eye cream I gave you?" Tristan asked. "Oh good idea. He's got swelling going on." "Eye cream? Seriously?" I said to Ford. "It will work," he said and I laughed again. "You talk big," I said to Ford. "Whether you go all the way or not, you will give it your all and you will be respected for it. Failure is always a possibility," I said. He nodded and gave me a confident grin. "I am sorry. I will never bring it up again. From here on, I just want your guidance, if you will help me," he said. "Absolutely." I pointed to my playbook which sat nobly on my desk, unmoved for months and months. "Take it," I said. Ford's eyes grew wide. His face had shock on it. "I couldn't," he said. "I'm not asking. I'm giving you guidance! Now take it!" I snapped. He picked it up and ran his finger through the worn pages. "The bible," he said and he bolted from the room. Tristan and Ty applied eye cream to my eyes to reduce puffiness. "God-Almighty," I thought. We rejoined the party which was in full swing. Everyone was milling around, under the tents trying to stay out of the heat. Bill was giving a demonstration about how to properly apply mustang, chili, slaw, and onions to make a perfect southern hotdog. I was surprised at both how many people didn't know the proper order the condiments should be applied and by how many people were interested! Bryce caught up to me. "Dude, where'd you go? You darted inside!" "Yeah, football boy got to me. The accident, quarterbacking, you know." "Oh yeah, I didn't think of that. What do you think?" he asked. "Time for me to let go of all that shit. I'm surprised I'm still harboring ill feelings!" I said. "No, dumbass, what do you think of Ford?" he snapped with a chuckle. "Well I think he's got it. He might very well be what the coach is looking for." "He's what the coach needs!" snapped a voice from behind us. Kyle Ross has come up behind us. He must have just arrived. "Kyle, man, what's up?" I said. "Had to do some work in the shop this morning. This is a cool gig you have going. I'm feeling one of those burgers. Damn they smell good!" he said. "I agree," I replied. Kyle headed off toward the grill but slowed then stopped. He turned to us and asked, "Bryce, have you told Josh yet?" "Nah man. I was leaving that for you. You doing ok?" Bryce asked. I tensed. Was something wrong with Kyle? "Josh, my parents are over there and I don't think they'll say anything at a party but I wanted to tell you my dad has cancer." "Oh shit. I'm sorry to hear that. Is it,,,well..." "Yeah, it's bad," Kyle said. His face gave a shutter and I knew it must be. "Kyle, I am really sorry. What do you need from us?" I asked, not knowing what else to say. "He's going to need us, let's just leave it at that," said Bryce. "Kyle isn't big on asking for things but we will be there. Don't you think so, Josh?" Bryce said, giving me an unusually stern look. "Hell yeah, we'll be there. I haven't dealt with anything like that but whatever you need Kyle." Kyle didn't move or show any expression. It was as if he was studying us more than anything. "I don't know," Kyle said. "I was so alone for a time and you brought me back in, Josh. I have been so happy. This is some hard shit to swallow but it will be a lot easier with friends. I don't know what happens or what he's supposed to do. He has chemo and stuff planned. He's asking that I postpone college for a semester to help with the company. I don't know." "Follow your instincts, Kyle," Bryce said. "Just like I told you. You will know the right thing to do." Kyle nodded and so did I. Crap this might be awful for him but then again maybe not. Maybe he will be fine after going down the hard road. We grabbed plates and filled them with food. We each got a burger and a hot dog and added the sides. We joined Ginny and Lisa under a tent. Ty was entertaining his up and coming "crew" who had all taken nicely to Ricky. I had to think to myself that Ricky could have found this to be a tough crowd. He was black and from the country. He didn't fit in with this cliquish crowd but he showed no fear. He was working Ty's friends and they were loving it. It made me happy to see him moving and shaking in a crowd of snobs. "Look," I said to Bryce, pointing to Ricky and the other guys. "I told you he's got Rose genes. He's doing well for himself," Bryce said. Once the grilling was finished, all the meats were laid out for people to take. Bill came over to us. "You boys having fun?" he asked. "Boys?" said Bryce with his predictable humor. "You FELLAS having fun?" Bill asked determined to best Bryce. "That's the best you're going to get from me." We cracked up. "Yeah, Dad, all's good. Looks like everyone is having fun." "I think so. Haven't done this in so long. I'm really pleased. "Your mother is in her element. She has worked the crowd twice already." "She hasn't worked me," whispered Bryce in my ear. I gave him an elbow in the ribs. "Listen Josh, when the bus comes, I'm going to call all the youth around and let them know the rules of this thing. They all board the bus together and they all exit together. All the parents agreed this was a great idea, busing them down to the park for the fireworks but I don't want any trouble. You three," point to me, Bryce, and Kyle, "are in charge. Got it?" "Yep, we got it. Shouldn't have any trouble with this bunch," I said. "It's not this bunch that worries me. It's the bunch that will be downtown," he said. "We got you, Mr. Breck," said Bryce. "Hey dad, did you meet Ford Fisher?" I asked curiously. "Yes I did. Ty introduced me. Do you think he can pull it off?" he asked. "Yes I do." Dad smiled, glad to see me still involved. "I may be practicing with him some, show him some things," I added. "That is a tremendous idea. I say go for it," Dad said, taking a swig from his beer can. I'm sure Kyle and Bryce would agree with me in that we would have liked some of that beer too. And a little after 6 pm, the passenger bus arrived at our house to take us "youth" to the fireworks display downtown. The parents agreed it would be fun for us all to go together but were unsure about who would drive. Parking is miserable downtown so the transport bus was a perfect solution. I had bare talked to Ty since the even upstairs in my bedroom but he did pull me aside for a few minutes. "Have you had fun?" I asked. "Oh God yes," he said. "The question is, have you?" "I really have. This was a great crowd. It was just so hot," I said. "I know." He paused. "The thing with Ford...is everything ok?" he asked. "Yes," I said. "Why?" "He had or has a crush on you. Do you want to..." "No, not at all. Well, he's cute I'll admit but I'm just not going down that path now. I see him and I see myself a couple of years ago, Ty. The only difference is that he's out and I wasn't. He has everything going for him and if there is one little thing I can help him with or some wisdom I can impart...I want to be his mentor. Get it?" "I do. It's noble of you. He took your playbook and locked it up in his car. He will cherish that book, you know? But I understand. I was confused upstairs but I get it now. The thing is Josh, you're still carrying some serious feelings about what happened last year. Does any of that stick to me?" "God no! I told you then that it wasn't your fault. I would drag someone's ass across the field if it meant defending you. If they was to pay me back, well, that just comes with the territory." "Would you tell me if you resented me for it?" Ty asked. I could see the concern in his eyes. I knew this was bubbling inside of him because of the topics he was addressing with his therapist. "Ty, if I resented you in any way because of what he did to me, you and me, so, we wouldn't be together now. Might never have been. Get it? If I had blamed you, I wouldn't have turned a blind eye. I love you, Ty, and my life is going to be just fine...with you, without being a football star. Let's let Ford have that chance." "Oh God, Josh. You just said everything I needed to hear. Thank you," he said, and he put his arms around in the most sincere hug I have felt in a long time. "Break it up you two!" shouted Ricky coming down the drive. He looked like the pied piper with all the group trailing behind him. We climbed onto the bus. Mom took a headcount, and the bus pulled out onto Park Avenue to drive us downtown. We made our way into the park. There were festivities of all kinds. People were everywhere. We weren't keeping up with everyone during this but the bulk of the group stayed together. We looked at art, most of which wasn't very good. We got bottles of water which we drank in one gulp. We saw people from school. Tristan had a fit trying to help Jack locate us. "Put a tracker on your phone!" I said. Tristan gave me a look of death. Bryce cracked up. Bands were playing and they were ok. Some old rockers got up on the stage and ok, they were definitely old rockers. Then right when the sun was down and it was dark, a brass orchestra played the Star Spangled Banner. I think they were military, In any case, they were amazing. We stood reverently. Then when they finished, the fireworks lit up. Ty was leaning against me and it was nice. Ricky, Bryce, Jack, Tristan, Lisa, and Ginny were huddled around us. There was something about this scene, this moment, that made me feel kind of sad. Maybe this was the last time we would all huddle like this. Maybe our adventures from the past would end in glorified fireworks. Some of them were amazing. I looked at Ty for a moment and he noticed me looking. He looked up at me the most amazing fireworks display reflected in his clear eyes. I could see flashes of red and white on his skin. He was so beautiful like this. I leaned in just so slightly and kissed him. He knew what I was thinking. He knew I was metaphoring fireworks for the end of our summer together even if we had 42 days left together. I think the moment was sinking into everyone because we just got closer and closer. I could feel heat from Bryce's body. I could smell Ricky's cologne which was pretty hot. Tristan was just pressing against my front side with Jack to his left. Lisa and Ginny and some other girls were telling tales about some poor girl and laughing. Julia met her friends and they were close by, sitting in the grass, little princesses that they were. This was my group. These were my friends and I knew I would never see it like this again. Ford came around with some silly monocle thing in his left eye. Everyone cracked up. "Seriously, it helps. What can I say?" he said laughing out loud. "You look so brit-ish," said Ginny. "A little Sherlock Holmes thing going on." We laughed. "Goin' to the pub, get a pint, some fish-n-chips," I said in a pitiful british accent. Everyone laughed though. "Aye matie!" barked Jack. "Feed the birds, feed the birds." Lisa sang, mimicking the song from Mary Poppins. I looked to Bryce. "Can't you think of anything?" I asked. "Is the prime minister aware..." he said, in with a regal british accent. Ok, that was funny. "Hey!" barked Ty. "We are acting like those morons we broke away from! Tonight, we celebrate our independence!" and I recognized that from the Independence Day movie. "Good one, Ty!" I said as he chuckled. The display of fireworks was incredible. Lisa's father, the mayor, had promised it would be a "no expense spared" event and I know it was all for Lisa but who cared. It was really grand and there was no telling how much money was spent in and around downtown that night. The party goers all headed out to the bars. We met back at the bus and were transported back to our neighborhood from which everyone would make their way home. "I can't wait to get into the air condition!" Ricky said. We were all a sweaty mess. Well, I was sweaty. He and Ty glistened, I guess you'd say. We went inside. The parents were cleaning up bottles. They and the other adults had a bit of a party after we left. Mom excused herself quickly as I suspected she was trashed. Bill was quiet too but after ensuring we had all gotten to and from safely, he went upstairs behind mom. Ty and Ricky dropped on the couch. "This was an amazing day," Ricky said. "Thank you for including me," he said quietly. "It was amazing and of course, Ricky, you have been important to us this year." "Guys, I'm going to avoid niceties and go upstairs and shower," and I left them to it. The cool water from the shower made me come alive again. It had been a hot day and the night hadn't been much better. I was drying off in the bathroom when I heard Ty and Ricky in Ty's bedroom. I eased up to the door to listen in. "Ricky, I understand but we couldn't. Josh would have a fit!" "No he wouldn't" Ricky whispered. "He wants it." "How do you know?" "I know Ty. Trust me. The question is do you?" "Ricky, I, well, there were times..." I bolted through the door and they both jumped. I had to chuckle. "What are you two scheming about?" I asked quietly. "Nothing," said Ty. "Something," said Ricky. "Ty's making a big deal but I want us all to sleep together tonight. I want to spend one night cuddled with the best two guys in the world. Is that a lot to ask?" I looked at Ty who was squinting his eyes. I chuckled again. "I wouldn't have it any other way!" I said. "Alright!" said Ricky. "Ty, put something on the tv and let's all crawl in!" I eased over to Ty's bed and pulled the covers down. Ricky let his shorts drop to the floor and my jaw did the same thing. He was wearing hot little white underwear that left nothing to the imagination. He had a gorgeous bulge in the front and an amazing ass in the back. "Um, Ricky, have you always had a hot little ass like that?" I asked, smiling, being flirty. "Josh, don't embarrass him!" Ty said, crawling into the far side of the bed. Ricky crawled in beside him. "Yeah, I think so," he said. "Do you think it's hot? Really?" asking with fake surprise. I crawled in beside him. His skin was like silk. I know he had been sweaty through the day but it didn't feel like it. We laid there in the bed, in the dark, watching some scary movie Ty picked out. "Trying to kill the mood?" I asked when the stranger in the movie slid from the closet door. "Was there a mood?" Ty asked. Ricky laughed. "You two crack me up," he said. "But let me tell you guys something, seriously." I leaned up on my elbow to look at his face. Ty did the same. "What is it?" Ty asked. "I just need you two to know, well, especially you Ty, I haven't forgotten what you did for me. I was helpless when I met you. I felt sorry for myself. I didn't have any friends. You pushed me, though. Now, my whole life is different. I know I was a total pest during basketball season and I'm sorry for that but I couldn't help it. I don't know guys like you at my school." "Why have I felt the same thing?" I asked. "Before I came here, I never knew anyone like Ty," I offered. "That's my point. Anyway, I had crushed on both of you. Still do but don't let it scare you. Our lives are in different places now. All I'm saying..." and he got quiet. Ty and I waited. Then, Ty leaned in closer to Ricky's face and asked, "all you're saying is?" "Yeah Ricky," I whispered, "what did you want to say?" I asked as I stretched my arm over his head along the edge of the pillow. I loved how he was between pillows and his head was low. Both Ty and I hovered over him. He looked at us both. "If this the only chance I get to be with you both, then I don't want to waste it," he said slowly and quietly. I took a deep breath. I threw the covers off me. I could see Ricky's body in the dark. He was so beautiful. "Ty can we talk a minute?" I said. Ty climbed out of the bed and followed me to the bathroom. "Josh, I suspected he was going to do this. I tried to warn him off." "Do you need me to warn him off? I mean, is this a problem for you? I mean I know Ricky was a special friend back in the day. But he's different now. He's grown, he's hot, and he wants us. If you don't think its right for you, I will respect that." "You wouldn't mind, well, you know, with him?" "I'm totally turned on, Ty." "I can see that!" he barked. "I'm interested. I'm very attracted to him too." "What's your concern?" I asked. "Ricky. What if he fixates on one or both of us again? I don't want him to get hurt." "That's a fair point and a generous one," I said. "He asked for this. We're not luring him. I will say something but he has to stick with it afterwards." Ty nodded his agreement. We went back into the bedroom. "I'm sorry guys. Did I worry you?" Ricky asked. "No, not at all. Actually we're both really flattered by your invitation," and he smiled at that. "The only thing that worries us is you. We don't want you thinking there's something more down the road than there is. It's me and Ty in the end. Does that worry you?" I asked. End of Part 1. More to come. Sorry the chapters are slow. Life is hectic but I'm in til the end. Hand in there and thanks for your support!