OPEN QUESTION.

Usual Disclaimer: If you are not 18 years old yet do not read.
If you are offended by male to male sexual content definitely do not read.
If the laws in your state or country forbid this type of material, do not read.
Otherwise enjoy the story and genuine comments will be appreciated.
The author retains copyright (2011) to this story. Reproducing this story for distribution without the author's permission is a violation of that copyright.
This story is fiction.
Thank you Nifty for the opportunity to post this story.

Chapter 10.

The new school year hit like a hammer blow, when Brendan realised how much study he'd put himself in for with his choice of subjects, and he had a big talk with Phillip about it.

"It's impossible. I added up all the extra hours of study the teachers recommend and it comes to more than six hours a day."

"Including weekends?"

"Yes."

"Whoo, you'll go crazy. How much do you reckon you can manage?"

"Ah... Maybe five hours, but not every day."

"Aim for four then and leave weekends out."

"Four? That won't be enough."

"Actually it's still too much Brendan. It's a huge commitment. If you set yourself five and can't manage it, you'll feel guilty, but if you set yourself four hours and sometimes do extra then you'll feel good. And keep the weekends free for your own life. You still want to work for Mike don't you?"

"For sure. I couldn't survive without it."

"I think you'll find it'll be pretty much the same as last year, except you'll have to be stricter with yourself during the week."

They talked about it more and Brendan decided it was an excellent approach.
His biggest worry was the double Maths and Phillip was keen to help him with that, the same as last year.
He'd really lucked out with his new teachers too. Every single one of them was good, especially his Infotech teacher who knew so much it was scary.
His media teacher was the best of all and Brendan loved going to his classes. He had a friendly approach which made you feel like he was helping you, not just teaching a course.
In the second week Brendan had a question about his first media assignment and ended up spending his whole spare period talking to Andrew, as the teacher insisted on being addressed.
On the second weekend after school started Brendan worked at Mike's.
The weekend after that he went to the city again to see another live band with Martin.
On the third weekend he spent a day with Phillip, rock hopping with knee and wrist protectors, in their favorite river, and then practising driving for a couple of hours.

***

"Yo Brendan. Want to come down for the weekend?"

"What's happening?"

There was a tone in Martin's voice indicating some purpose.

"The Gay pride festival at St Kilda, and the nightclub, and um... A favor?"

Brendan didn't know what happened at the Gay Pride Festival but it sounded interesting and Martin already knew he was keen to go to the nightclub again.

"What do they do at the festival?"

"I'm not sure. The poster says they have a parade along the foreshore and interesting events, whatever that means."

"Okay.. And what's the favor?"

"Another set of photos. A double, with you and me both in it?"

"With bathers?"

It had to be because Martin knew the nudes wouldn't happen for another four weeks.

"Or shorts even, as long as our tops are bare."

"Okay, can you meet me at the Brunswick station?"

"No probs."

The Pride Festival on Saturday turned out great. The parade had lots of floats but the best one was six guys from a local College, dressed as gay superheroes and dancing on the tray of a big truck. They saw him taking photos and really hammed it up.
The events were good too. The main attraction was a gay band, along with a total mix-up of other events, buskers, a couple of circus acts, a gay choir, a number of speakers, and a male belly dancer. There were food stalls, information and advice stalls, and the biggest crowd puller was the College group who had a setup where you paid five dollars to get up on the truck and dance with the superheroes. The gimmick was a Robin mask, out of Batman and Robin, green bathers to wear over the top of your jeans or shorts, and taking off your shirt before getting up on the truck.
Brendan danced with Superman when Martin paid the five dollars for him.

"Hey, you look great up here. Would you like to help us out for a while?"

"Ah.. I guess.. Sure.. What do I do?"

"Just what you were doing then. Are you okay to dress as a proper Robin?"

A couple of minutes later, after changing in the cab of the truck, Brendan was doing his thing in a dark green mask, a cape, and a pair of the bright purple bikini bathers that the other heroes were all wearing as a kind of uniform. Brendan had a great time, even joining in with over-acted superhero poses when the music had to stop while the choir group sang. Martin was grinning at something and taking photos all the time. Brendan would have paid for him to get up on the truck too, but he was guarding the camera and that had to wait till Brendan was finished and dressed again.

"Robin, you're great. Want to come and celebrate with us?"

Robin? Oh. Brendan returned the big smile Superman was giving him.

"... I'm with someone else."

"Lucky guy. Who is he?"

"He's down there. On the seat."

Superman followed Brendan's gaze to where Martin was sitting.

"Him? ...So that's why he's been there so long. I thought you must be eye candy for him, the way he's been taking photos. Well, the more the merrier. Both of you can come along?"

Superman was amazingly friendly and his smile had been getting through to Brendan ever since he climbed on the tray. The whole group was friendly, and, in fact, he was very curious about them.
When he hesitated, wondering what to do, Superman gave him a wink and jumped down from the truck and sat next to Martin.
My God. He had his arm round Martin's shoulder as if they were long time buddies. After a few moments of listening, Martin was smiling and nodding. He passed the camera to Superman.

"All organised. Jarrod will go with Martin and show him the way. Here, he said you wouldn't want to be without this."

"Ah, thanks. ...Will I get changed now?"

"Not yet, we want you up here. Give the camera to Sam and he'll lock it in the cabin for you."

Brendan did that, then soon after the truck started up and moved onto the roadway. The Batman guy jumped down and walked off with Martin. As they slowly passed the roadside crowds, Superman carried on, acting up whenever someone watching caught his eye, dragging in the other superheroes and making them all laugh. Eventually the truck pulled in to the driveway of a large two-storey house and stopped behind Martin's car. Brendan joined in the group effort to clear the truck, and with a large speaker in his arms, followed Superman into the house.

"Dump it over there. Jeremy will sort it later. Food ...quick, grab some before the others scoff it all."

Brendan basically knew who everyone was by now. Two huge platters of chicken pieces disappeared in the blink of an eye. Phillip would laugh if he saw the way these guys could eat. Brendan didn't miss out though.

"Good stuff hey. Sam cooked it. Let's wash our hands."

Pete, Superman in Brendan's mind, showed the way to the bathroom.

"Want a quick shower?"

"Ah. Okay."

"Me too. Go ahead and I'll grab some towels."

Brendan stared at the shower alcove. He'd never seen one like it. For a start it was way bigger than usual, the walls were transparent, and there was an opening but no door. He left his Robin costume in a pile on the floor and was trying to get the water temperature right when Superman returned.

"Tricky isn't it. Hang on and I'll show you."

Brendan's eyes popped. Superman was stripping. They were going to shower at the same time? Bare flesh brushed as the taps were adjusted and Brendan got goosebumps.

"Share a shower and save water. Good idea isn't it?"

After all the times Brendan had said this to Robin, now he was Robin and having it happen to him. It made him laugh. Superman laughed too and taking the soap started rubbing it in Brendan's hair.

"Close your eyes so it doesn't sting."

Brendan closed his eyes till the water rinsed his hair then stood in shock when the soap moved to his chest and his stomach. Oh God, this was unreal. The rocket started climbing and Brendan nearly jumped out of the shower when Superman took hold of it.

"Your turn?"

Brendan followed the same pattern, hair, chest and stomach, then, nervously, worked soapsuds onto the erection pointing at him. Through the misted glass there was movement and Batman entered the bathroom. Oh no. Sprung. What a weird idea these clear walls were.

"Jarrod, get in here and say hello."

Brendan received yet another shock when the Batman costume dropped on the floor. God, he was just as sexy as Superman.

"Hey Brendan, don't let Pete walk all over you. He's a total takeover merchant."

Brendan didn't agree with that, but quickly worked out it was just being friendly.

"And Jarrod's a con merchant . Don't believe anything he says."

"You're a great guy Pete."

Pete's hip bumped Jarrod out of the water stream and laughter grew as the three of them pushed and shoved, trying to be the one under the water. Brendan ended up sandwiched between the two of them, the rocket held by a different hand and pressed against a new erection. What a turn on.
Another person came into the room, a blond guy this time who hadn't been on the truck. How many people lived here? One look and Brendan wished the new one would come into the shower too. He didn't, just washed his hands and turned the hot tap full on, then laughed when three voices complained that he'd made the shower water go cold.
The taps got turned off.
That was it? The end of the shower? The rocket was screaming.
Brendan towelled off and there were mutual grins as the three of them tried to push themselves back into the purple bathers then don the rest of their costumes. Surely they weren't going out to the others all excited like this? They didn't. Not quite. Pete told a couple of crazy jokes, fussed over his hair in the mirror and handed the comb to Brendan, then after Jarrod had taken his turn led the way out.
Brendan completely enjoyed the evening. These guys seemed to laugh all the time. There was lots of music and a fantastic meal. One of the guys had the exact same model camera as Brendan and he got quite excited when they compared notes for nearly half an hour.

"What happened when you had the shower?"

Brendan was finally back in his clothes and Martin's car was gliding away from the big house.

"Nothing."

"Bull-dust. Not from the look of DD."

"Was it very obvious?"

"Sure was. Specially in those bathers."

"We were in the shower together and they set him going."

"They? Both of them?"

"Yeah.. What do you mean.. Those bathers?"

"They were extra loose. Didn't you notice me taking photos when you are on the truck? Every time you danced DD bounced around. I tried to catch it on your camera but it probably won't show up. Anyway, they weren't loose when you came back from the shower."

The bathers had been loose but Brendan hadn't thought anything of it.

"So? They set him going? What then?"

"Just like I said. Nothing. I thought something might, but they just turned the taps off and that was it."

"They knew you weren't eighteen. That'll be why."

"How would they know that?"

"Standard question. Did one of them ask you if you had P Plates?"

"Pete did, on the way to the house."

P Plates meant a probationary drivers license and you had to be eighteen before you could get it.

"There you are then. They were friendly weren't they? Are we still going to the nightclub?"

"Sure. Why not?"

There didn't seem to be as many people as last time and Brendan was sitting at a table by himself while Martin got some drinks.

"Brendan?"

Brendan jumped at the touch on his shoulder and swivelled to see who could possibly know him in this place. His face lit up in a smile of recognition, a happy smile, reinforced by the evenings activities and a couple of drinks. Holy hell. Andrew his media teacher? Here?

"Andrew! Hi."

"Wow, small world hey?"

Brendan pushed out the chair next to him and Andrew took the invitation.

"It's smaller than you think Brendan. This is the second time I've seen you today."

"The second?"

"I was at St Kilda this afternoon. That was you with the superheroes wasn't it?"

"Yes, I was Robin."

Martin arrived with more drinks and the conversation flowed freely. A bracket of music started and Brendan followed when Andrew indicated the dance floor. Andrew was a lively dancer, which Brendan enjoyed because he was too, and for the first couple of tracks they jumped around. The third track was slow, and once again Brendan followed when Andrew's hands rested on his shoulders. Brendan sat down while Andrew went to the bar.

"Go for it Brendan. Go for it."

Brendan shook his head at Martin.
When Andrew returned and sat down he used one hand to push the drinks across and let the other rest on Brendan's thigh. For the next hour they talked, danced and watched the other people, and each time they sat down Adrian's hand returned to the same position, occasionally giving a kind of mini squeeze. The rocket came out in full force and Brendan wished Andrew's hand would move higher, the way Eugene's had the other time.

"Andrew, why don't you come with us tomorrow? We're going to the beach and Brendan's taking photos."

"Sounds great. I'm a beach kind of person. Whereabouts are you going?"

Brendan was a bit stunned at the idea of Andrew watching him pose in bathers.

"We're not sure yet. That's up to Brendan."

"Ah... I don't know, anywhere that's not too crowded. You know the beaches better than me Martin."

"Williamstown. That's a good one."

"Okay, what time do you want to meet up? It's a bit of a drive."

Oh wow, he'd just made it definite.

"Stay with us so we won't have to worry about the time. What do you reckon Brendan? Mike wouldn't mind would he?"

"Yes ...I mean he wouldn't mind at all."

"Are you sure that's okay? It would save lots of driving."

That was all settled and when a new bracket of music started Brendan danced with Andrew again. For some reason it was three slow tunes and their bodies moved steadily closer and closer. Brendan felt like cursing when the bracket finished, and then again when Martin held up his car keys. Was it really that late? Brendan travelled in Andrew's car to show him the way. In the morning, when Brendan woke to sounds from the kitchen, he made a trip to the bathroom then went to see what was going on. It was Andrew, with coffee and toast, and reading a novel.

"Hi Brendan, awake already? Want some coffee?"

That made Brendan smile because it was nearly ten o'clock.

"Hi. Thanks. Did you sleep okay?"

"I always do."

"What about a shower? I forgot to look for a towel for you last night."

"Yes thanks."

When that was organised Brendan woke Martin. By eleven-thirty they were at the beach, and because Andrew didn't have any swimwear of his own he used the sex god bathers.

"I hope this isn't prying Brendan, but what's the connection between you and Martin? I can't quite work it out. From what I can see, you're not close friends and it's clear he isn't gay."

Martin had wandered off to the shopping centre and Brendan and Andrew were relaxing on their towels. In fact they were eyeing each other off.

"No, we're not really friends, and a while ago we were enemies, but now I feel sorry for him and I'm helping him so he can get out of his situation."

"Enemies?"

"Yes, he went bad last year and blackmailed me to do some stuff, but that's all over and I think I trust him now."

"Blackmail? And now you're helping him?"

"I know, it's weird but it just happened somehow."

"What's his situation then? Can you talk about it?"

"Sure, he works for a gay website. I'm helping him get some extra money so he can leave if he wants to."

There was a long stretch of silence.

"The photos today are for a gay website? Oh my."

Brendan thought Andrew might be upset but then he laughed.

"What if you take some of me? They won't be involved will they?"

"No way."

"This website, what's it about?"

"Um... It's porn, but none of my photos are."

"What about this good friends theme you've been talking about? Isn't there an implication of something going on between you?"

"That's how it's helpful to Martin. I thought I might even get one shot of us kissing."

"Kissing Martin?"

"Two guys kissing is okay for a photo, don't you think."

"Depends on how you do it."

Brendan tried to figure that.

"What do you mean?"

"Give me a demo and I'll tell you."

There was another long stretch of silence, this time from Brendan.

"Ah... Now?..."

Andrew moved closer, nodded and then waited. Brendan's heart started pounding and he made his own move closer. Their lips touched, soft, warm, and moist, and a thrill of excitement raced. After the first shock Andrew's tongue searched its way into Brendan's mouth. Brendan pressed back and a strange shock of warmth set his insides alight. The rocket leapt to readiness, and, hardly aware that he was doing it, Brendan pressed against Andrew. There was a return press then Andrew pulled away and stopped the kiss.

"Wow, you better not kiss him like that."

Wow was right. Brendan had no idea that a kiss could make you feel warm inside.

"... How then?"

A look passed between them and Andrew made a soft, quick kiss to Brendan's cheek.

"Like that, or you'll melt the camera lens."

It was an age old joke but it made Brendan smile and relax. Thinking back to the feelings last night when they were dancing, Brendan looked at the bulge in the sex god bathers then nudged the rocket against Andrew's thigh.
Andrew stopped.
Brendan glanced back over his shoulder to see what Andrew was looking at. Five young guys with large grins were approaching and five or six metres away they dumped their gear and sat down. Andrew moved discreetly apart and draped his shirt over his middle. Brendan felt like yelling at them to go away.

"You've taken other photos for Martin then?"

" ...Yes, but this is the last time. Well nearly the last time. I've told him he can have some without any clothes."

"Nudes? Oh my.... I'd like to see that. Do you need any help?"

Brendan went warm all over. Andrew was certainly very open about his interest.

".. Sure, great. Do you mean with actually taking the photos, or with ideas?"

"Both, if you like."

Brendan started to explain the ideas he already had.

"Hi, can you tell us the time?"

It was one of the young guys, grinning like anything, and looking directly at the rocket. Belatedly, Brendan rolled on his stomach.

"Just after 12:30."

"Thanks."

He went back to the other guys and said something. They all laughed and looked at Brendan. They looked to be about year ten level.

"Cheeky kids. When are you doing the nude photos?"

Brendan looked back at the group, and one of them, seeing he was watching, stuck his hand down his shorts and pretended he was wanking. Idiots.

"Not till after my birthday, so there's no hassles."

"Your birthday?"

"Yes, I'm eighteen in four weeks."

"Eighteen? Oh my. ...We've got our wires crossed Brendan. How did you get into the nightclub last night?"

"I just walked in with Martin."

"Man, I just presumed you were old enough. What a muck up. Sorry."

Brendan stared at the concern Andrew was showing. This damn age thing again.

"It's all right. Can you still help me with the photos?"

"I hope so. But after four weeks okay?"

He looked past Brendan and laughed.

"Look what they're doing now."

Two of the guys had stripped to bikini bathers and the one who'd asked about the time was on top of the other, kissing him passionately. It looked real, till Brendan noticed the whole group was watching him. So, they were taking the mickey out of him were they? Brendan had a sudden urge to return the treatment and gave them a wave. One of them gave a startled wave back.

"I'll be back in a minute."

Brendan left a rather surprised Andrew and walked towards the group. The rocket was still somewhat evident, but too bad. They'd laughed about it already so they might as well get a good look.

"Hi guys, having fun?"

There was no answer, just a collection of looks passing rapidly back and forth trying to assess their group reaction to the unexpected confrontation, then, assured by Brendan's friendly manner, a few tentative smiles. The smiles were fleeting. The semi-rocket was so prominent and in the face that their attention locked on. The blondie one who'd asked the time rolled off his mate, sat up and joined the group stare.

"You two are pretty good friends hey?"

The question was addressed to the dark haired guy who'd been underneath, and Brendan almost laughed aloud at the consternation.

"I um... Sort of."

Brendan didn't give Blondie a chance to say anything.

"Is Blondie a good kisser?"

The dark guy hesitated then shook his head.

"That's too bad. Does he use his tongue?"

"There was an instant shake of the head this time.

"Would he be game to?"

A couple of them, grinning, shook their heads and then the dark guy did the same. They were understanding this was a friendly confrontation.

"That's too bad. I reckon he'd be good at it."

They loved that, well, four of them did. Blondie just looked awkward. Brendan sat on the sand next to the dark haired one and watched all the eyes refocus on his speedos. He put on his friendliest smile.

"So who's gay then? Just these two?"

Blondie finally spoke up.

"They all are."

Four of them shook their heads in denial, but Brendan nodded at Blondie.

"I thought they must be. They've all been having a good look."

"What do you expect when you put on a show like that?"

"At least he's got something to show Brent."

"Get lost.... Blondie."

That brought the first laughs. It looked like Blondie might be stuck with a new nickname. Brendan made a slow, deliberate check on the bulge in Brent's green board shorts.

"Looks pretty good to me."

Brent blushed, which set the second lot of laughs going.

Again deliberately, Brendan sent his attention from one guy to the next, blatantly checking each one of them out.

"You all look good. You should be wearing speedos though."

"Speedos? How come?"

"Well, you'd be doing Blondie a favor wouldn't you?"

Brent understood first and let out a big laugh, then looking at Blondie, pulled off his board shorts.

"How's that Sean? What do you reckon?"

Sean didn't react for a moment, then saw everyone grinning at him.

"Piss weak... Pea-balls!"

Brent looked down at himself then at the guy with blue and white shorts.

"Sounds like he wants to look at big ones. Go on Cody. Do him a favor."

There were more laughs as Cody skinned out of his shorts, put his hands on his hips, and faced directly towards Blondie. Blondie shook his head from side to side.

"The only reason they're big is because you play with them every night."

"And all day."

"Trust you to know Brent."

It was the dark guy and Brent told him to teach Blondie how to kiss better. Blondie, or Sean as Brendan was now thinking of him, grabbed Brent round the neck and a friendly struggle ended with Brent pinned underneath.

"Go on Mike. Show him. He is interested in kisses."

"Me? No way. Show him yourself."

Brent struggled, but then shook his head.

"You wouldn't be game Sean."

Brendan thought that was strange, only a few moments ago Sean had been doing just that.

"Oh yeah? Why not?"

"Because I'm not your bum chum."

Every one of them laughed, especially Brent, but without any hesitation Sean lowered his head and pressed their mouths together. It only took a second because Brent moved his head aside and looked shocked.

"Yuk!"

"So, who's the bum chum now?"

"Get lost."

"Nice lips Brent."

"Idiot!"

Sean moved away, releasing Brent who sat up shaking his head and looking at all the grins.

"Pack of dip-heads."

"Why don't you show him?"

At Sean's question all attention switched to Brendan.

"Sure. After I show you."

A look flashed in Sean's eyes and for a fleeting moment it looked as if he'd take the challenge, but then uncertainty won and he skipped out by telling Mike to have a go. Brendan sat on the sand next to Brent and asked where they all came from, how they knew each other and a few more general questions. The answers came easily with a mixture of information and digs at each other. Brendan couldn't help laughing.

"So? Do you stir each other like this all the time then?"

"Yeah. It's sort of a competition."

"And who wins?"

They all looked at Blondie, then Brent shook his head.

"We let him think he does, because he couldn't hack it if we didn't laugh at his weak ideas."

They were totally relaxed now and it was Brendan's turn for a barrage of questions. They were general at first but then Sean got quite direct.

"Do you like those speedos you're wearing?"

"They feel good, but they're a bit rude aren't they?"

"God, they sure are."

"They're for modelling. We're taking photos today."

"Modelling? Like to get money?"

"Not really. I'm doing media studies and I have to practice with the camera."

Brendan sure wasn't going to tell them it was for a porn site.

"How come you came over to talk to us?"

"Because you're so interesting Sean. I decided to give you a really close look."

Sean started to protest but the other four were all nodding and laughing. Brendan saw Martin making his way across the sand.

"Hey, see around some time. Looks like our food's turned up."

***

The set of photos took ages because Andrew queried and discussed almost every shot. It was quite an eye opener for Brendan and by the end of the afternoon he was eager to get to Mike's and see the results on the laptop monitor. That took another hour and by the time Martin left with his CD of selections Brendan was a worrying about the time.

"Catch a bus? Forget it. I'll drive you."

That didn't take much persuading and three quarters of an hour later Brendan was looking round Andrew's rented apartment.

END OF CHAPTER 10.

I hope you've gained some enjoyment from this story.
Any comments and feedback would be greatly appreciated.
My email address is iarwain@aanet.com.au
Alternative address, iarwain7@ains.net.au
Should you be interested, my other stories can be found by looking under 'Iarwain' in the authors section on Nifty.
Iarwain.