For Love of a Dream 8

FOR LOVE OF A DREAM - 8

All rights reserved. Other than downloading one copy for strictly personal enjoyment, no part of this story may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, except for reviews, without the written permission of the author. However based on real events and places, "For Love of a Dream" is strictly fictional. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Further, as in real life, sexual themes unfold gradually. Comments on the story are appreciated and may be addressed to the author at carl_mason@verizon.net

If you would like to read additional stories by this author, please turn to the "Authors/Prolific Authors" link at the beginning of the Nifty Archive.

This story contains descriptions of sexual contact between males, both adults and teenagers. As such, it is homoerotic fiction designed for the personal enjoyment of legal, hopefully mature, adults. If you are not of legal age to read such material, if those in power and/or those whom you trust treat it as illegal, or if it would create unresolvable moral dilemmas in your life, please leave. Finally, remember that maturity generally demands safe sex.

CHAPTER 8

(Revisiting Chapter 7)

Nels always remembered the remainder of the trip as a great blur...the wild New York City traffic, the bright lights and noise that never seemed to fade, the endless swirl of people. Even the long flight that carried them home to Baghdad by the Bay [an affectionate term for San Francisco that celebrates The City's multicultural heritage; coined by Herb Caen, a respected newspaperman] and the short limousine transfer to Hillsborough were but splashes of color in the kaleidoscope that was his life.

(Continuing Our Story: Unfinished Business)

Over supper on the following day, an obviously unsettled young man turned towards Jason and asked, "Do you trust me, dad?" Jason's reply came quickly. "Well, son, one always has some fears about problems that can afflict the inexperienced, especially if they are people you love, but...yes. Basically, I trust you as a nicely developing young man. Why?"

Nels replied thoughtfully...and with considerable hesitation. "There are still a few weeks before the spring term begins, sir. Our trip back East, especially the New York City part, showed me that I still have some unfinished business. In particular, there are two problems, both in Manhattan, that I need to settle if I'm going to successfully focus on education. The truth is, dad, that there is no way I can accomplish this without your financial support. Speaking realistically, I think that even asking for the money and your permission to take care of these matters personally in the next few days is to ask you for a level of trust that's pretty scarey. Worse, I know I haven't earned it - and even I have some doubts that I'm acting maturely. (Pause.) Is what I've said at all clear, sir?"

Jason sat silently, sipping a fine after dinner liqueur. (Pause.) "Your immediate return to the East Coast on the heels of returning from a long trip bothers me, son, as does its potential effect on your return to school. I'm also uncomfortable that you propose going alone. Inexperienced travelers can be taken in many ways, most of them unpleasant. Nevertheless, saying only that 'I'll think about it' strikes me as a rather cheap dodge. In like measure, demanding that you make changes in your plan to satisfy my concerns suggests a lack of trust that I really don't share. You are 19; you are a Sears. Let's see what you can do!"

That evening Nels phoned both Jacob and Kenny. Both men enthusiastically looked forward to seeing him. (Jacob hinted that there might be an open bed - and Nels had better have a good reason not to take it!) Kenny repeated how he had enjoyed their short chance to talk. He really looked forward to seeing him again, as well as "dreaming up some shit" that they would both enjoy getting into, and the like. He also planned, by the way, to enter college in the not too distant future. It would have to be better than the time he had spent in Afghanistan!

Arriving at JFK in the late morning (Eastern Time), Nels decided to use a few hours to begin checking out some places in which he had long been interested by foot, bus, and subway. It was time well spent! For one of the first times in his life he felt "on his own". (And as much as he loved his dad, it felt g-r-e-a-t !) He managed to mooch a glass of ale at McSorleys in the East Village, went up into the Empire State Building, saw that iconic T-Rex in the American Museum of Natural History, and spent a few minutes panting enviously in F.A.O. Schwartz, arguably our greatest toy store. Damn! How he would have liked to dance on that floor piano - but, then, he wasn't a little kid. The lad also enjoyed his very first Ruben for lunch. Hel-lo, Tums!

Arriving at Red Alison's apartment, Nels received some additional reasons for believing that his feelings on first meeting Kenny at the Budapest baths were definitely shared. Welcoming him with a great bear hug, the redhead made it abundantly clear how delighted he was that Nels had returned to New York so soon...and on his own. Quickly escaping from his rather dingy, albeit neat economy or studio apartment, Kenny guided him to a local bar where they exchanged notes over a couple of brews. Nels did learn that his friend's parents might have located some scholarship money for him. He was able to add a blockbuster of his own to the sharing. Namely, it appeared that he was going to have access to a professional photographer over the new few days. Was it conceivable that Red might be interested in doing some work together? He probably wouldn't get any money, for the guy was retired, but he would receive some fantastic pics for his portfolio and, if he wished, some really hot ones for his personal enjoyment. Kenny let out a shout that left no doubt as to his enthusiasm. Promising to keep him posted and growling that he really wanted to hear about Afghanistan, Nels said that he still had to share notes with the photographer. It was getting pretty late... Alison let him go...with obvious reluctance. A more experienced observer might have commented that the impressive redhead, as yet only a little known model and actor, may have had a somewhat different itinerary in mind!

Nels was beginning to understand the deep feelings that Jason had for Jacob Kantofsky. Even in his 70s, Jacob was sharp and had a heart that seemed consistent in size and complexity with the Big Apple. Further, he was not so old that he had forgotten how to enjoy life and to love. (Early impressions? Yes, but for a young man Nels was not that far off the mark.)

Jacob had made one of his special dishes for Nels' arrival - a pasta that featured an Italian brand of linguini tossed only with oil, garlic, and a minute pinch of minced fresh basil. Served with a crisp Romaine salad set off by the simplest of dressings, crusty bread from the corner bakery, and a vino da tavola [a simple wine]... Oh, man...

As lad passed his plate for another helping, Jacob squinted with one eye and drawled in a heavily accented voice, "Well now, sir. I'd be crushed if your dad hasn't told you some high tales about the pastas and wines that have appeared on this table and the friends who have sat around it over the years. Still, I have the strangest feeling that you didn't fly in from San Fran just for one of my dinners." Dropping the accent, he asked, "What's up, Nelson? You know that I hold you and your father as two of my dearest friends. You know you have a bed for as long as you can stay. What else can I do for you, my young friend?" (Pause.) "I trust that all is well at home?"

"All's well on the Coast," Nels replied - "and no one could be more grateful for all you mean...to both of us. As a matter of fact, I am here on Dad's dollar...and with his permission...just because I told him that I had some personal business to take care of before returning to Stanford, the school I've chosen. I hope that I always remember what he taught me about trust...and the circumstances under which you can give it. Maybe I'll learn a few things in spite of myself.

"Jacob," he said in a tone that said he was finally getting down to business, "Stanford is an expensive place - and they don't give many scholarships when the parents are multi-millionaires. Nevertheless, if I didn't contribute my fair share, it wouldn't be long before a gap opened between Jason and me. Not because of Jason," he added quickly, "but because of me. I think I have what it takes to earn some good money in modeling." Jacob let out a loud hoot, solemnly shaking his head up and down in an exaggerated (and somewhat sarcastic) sign of agreement. "Yeah, Jacob," Nels continued, but I don't have a portfolio and I don't have contacts."

"Dear God!" the old man exploded. In a tone of voice that conveyed more than a little exasperation, he added curtly, "Why didn't you say that an hour ago? Did you really think I couldn't provide both?" "Well-l-l," Nels murmured lamely. "With two more requests, I thought it might be better to go slow." "I swear, Nelson," the ancient one exploded a second time, "At times it seems that you're thicker than your father...and that's saying something! May I please have Request Number 2" (Pause.)..."preferably before sunrise?" "Yes, sir," Nels gulped. "I realize that most of the shots have to be solo, but I have a friend... here in New York...a really handsome guy...a redhead..." "Yes, Nelson... Bring him along. Request Number 3?" the old man barked. "That's real personal, sir. Maybe (Pause.) if we have time..." Nels added. "Ok!" Jacob seemed to check that off his list. "When?" Nels asked. They settled on the next morning right after breakfast." "Tell your friend to be here by nine for breakfast!" Jacob growled (Kenny accepted enthusiastically! Nels thanked the gods that Jason had clued him in on the way Jacob could come across...that is, when out of his grandfather role!) After showing slides of some of his photos (and oil paintings!), Jacob realized that his young guest was ready to keel over from fatigue. Hand on the back of his neck, Jacob reminded him of the location of the bathroom and the shower, before leading him to a cot which had been freshly made up. "Don't worry, son," he said warmly. "I'll be up in plenty of time to call you." (Nels wondered if he would attempt to go...further, but he never did.)

The youngster had thrown on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt when Kenny arrived. Nels was relieved. As soon as they were introduced, it was obvious that there was a spark between them. "Did I see you during the winter in a little play at the Kiernan?" Jacob asked the redhead. "Yes, sir, though I don't think its success depended on me," Red replied lightly. "I'm not so sure about that," Jacob replied, "I know the play and the author. Your little dalliance with 'Marsha' was well handled. Fresh...young...sexy. You created the perfect foundation for the leads. James Ambrison (the author of the stage play) and I were sitting together that evening, and he was well pleased." "Thank you, sir," Kenny replied, blushing and looking down at the floor. "Now! Let's get down to work," the old martinet barked.

Placing a mug of hot tea in front of each lad, Jacob quickly established that neither had experienced a photo shoot, and neither could think of any personal "limits" when asked. "For instance," he asked, "do you have any problems with sex, working with men or women, nudity, salary, travel expenses, or the like?" [Author's Note: In legitimate modeling, models are commonly able to specify behaviors, poses, etc. that they are unwilling to do...their "limits" if you will.] Both agreed that beyond those limits the photographer was boss. He wouldn't ask them to do anything unsafe, but when he asked them to do something, he expected them either to do it quickly or quietly leave. He had quite a collection of clothing that would fit them when appropriate, though much of their work - both solo and together - would require them to be in the nude. He would retain title to the photos; they would each receive disks with all of the photos for their use. Questions?" he asked forcefully.

Hearing none, Jacob smiled and said, Very well, gentlemen. I'm looking forward to working with you. Let's create some magic! Before we have a small breakfast, however, please strip down...totally. You can throw your things on Nels' cot, Kenny. Thankfully, Nels, your body is in pretty good shape. Kindly take the razors that I left on the gurney in the back room and remove all of Kenny's body hair below the eyes. Don't dwaddle, son. It's going to be a long day." Kenny just grinned as they rose from the table.

At long last, Nels leading the way, the two young men returned to Jacob's main room. For a long moment, there was dead silence. Even the perfectly tanned Nels appeared to be a little nervous given Jacob's intense scrutiny. Kenny - his cool ivory complexion typical of most red heads - took on a definite "pinkish" tinge. Jacob finally cleared his throat and spoke. "Well, gentlemen, I see I have two superb models for whom I must do my best work. You are both magnificent! Let me make a prediction. Work with me as hard as you can and I promise that you will make a minimum of a thousand dollars each during your first two weeks of modeling!" Both young men protested that they knew no one in the modeling game. "Ah," Jacob replied. "To repeat, that's my job. Believe that they damned well will know you...soon!" Nels piped up, "I guess I can see that in New York City, sir, but how about San Francisco? I've never heard that you lived and worked there." "True enough, young Sears, but I've known a few fine men from that city, men I count as friends. Surely, Nelson, you know at least one of them and there are several more." Nels blushed and fell silent. Fortunately, he had a delicious albeit light breakfast to occupy his attention for a few minutes.

Placing a camera in Jacob Kantofsky's hands was tantamount to choosing the very best and then sitting back in expectation of wondrous things happening. And "happen" they surely did, for even if untutored he was still a photographic genius! All of a sudden he pulled a chair over in front of an off-white, simply textured backdrop and sat Kenny down on it. He then moved an ottoman (or hassock, i.e., a padded footrest) about four feet in front of the chair. "Climb up on this ottoman, Nels, and kneel facing your friend. Knees and both hands separated but on the vinyl... Ok, I want both of you to let your friend know what you think of him simply by projecting your feelings. Ignore me. I don't want to hear any sounds or see any facial expressions, but I do want to feel the force of that energy!" As the seconds passed, Jacob quietly moved his position several times, always fairly close to the side of Kenny's face, whispering, "Tell him, Kenny... concentrate...let him know everything...") He didn't stop until the red-faced boys began to giggle. Snickering, obviously swollen, Nels stood up to relieve the pressure. On the other hand, Kenny let out an absolutely mortified groan and remained sitting while burying his head in both hands. His rock-hard cock, impressive both in length and girth, quivered as it pointed straight up towards the heavens. Bright red, beginning to sweat profusely, he was clearly one step from a massive orgasm.

"Nice work, guys," Jacob abruptly snapped. "Come over to the table and let's see what we have." As they pulled themselves together, he poured some cold lemonade, and sat down between them on the bench. "Nels," he murmured, "take this cloth and thoroughly wipe Kenney down. No need for him to get a cold..." As Nels completed his (most welcome) assignment, Jacob showed them a few of the redhead's "head shots" in the Nikon monitor. Yes, a few of them were unusable, but many showed a range of emotions on the lad's face that were extremely appealing. (Nels missed a couple of them, for he was busy trying unobtrusively to plant a kiss on the back of Kenny's neck. Jacob didn't miss a thing!)

After pouring a little more lemonade, Jacob threw the shoot into high gear. From the beginning, he used a host of different backdrops, an occasional prop, and a variety of clothing for different scenes...business, collegiate, out of doors, cruises, and more. For instance, Jacob had amassed a amazing number of swim suits from manufacturers, both regular and fashion. Had it been a fashion show, Kenny would have brought the house down in a green Aussie bikini that began about a half inch above the root of his cock...and ended almost immediately! (It wasn't that the top of his crack was uncovered. Most of it was!) Nels answered in an all-black, low-rise, squarecut suit that had Kenny pounding on the table! Even Jacob applauded when he saw how the body-hugging fabric showed off the lad's muscular buttocks and lower torso! Needless to say, the underwear and exercise clothing allowed even more creative touches.

Heavy work was the rule for all of two hours, including dressing for many of the shots. When Jacob saw that the boys began to tire under the regimen of standing, sitting, kneeling, or squatting - all, of course, in views from the front, back, right-side or left-side, he quickly changed the pace. "Ok, boys," their task-master announced, "I promised you a couple of hot shots, if not for your portfolio, then for your personal enjoyment.

"Move over to the wooden frame where I've draped that brown fabric. (The color was perfect for both the blond and the redhead.) Here's your assignment: You finally got away from that party that was a real bore. Talk about your meat markets! You've only been home long enough to shed the clothes. Suddenly, you realize that it's the other person whom you want in your life, whom you've always wanted in your life. Feelings of love are flooding your mind...and your body. (If you're straight, pretend that's a voluptuous woman whom you're holding in your arms. If you're gay, you don't have to pretend! Just check it out!) I want you to stand body against body. Gradually sink to the floor. For a few minutes, I want you to kiss, hug, use your hands, fingers, tongue... whatever. Hold a pose a little longer than usual - enough for me to click the shutter. After all, it's photography! If I want a slightly longer hold, I'll ask for it. So... Have fun! Other than suggesting to Nels at one point that he might try barely rubbing his entire body against Kenny's, Jacob said nothing further until he called, "Halt". (Believe that there was no need for additional motivation!) You will guess that the success of the photo shoot was ensured when the boys brought it to an appropriate conclusion. The room resounded with a most wonderful cacophony of shouts, screams, and a variety of other "fireworks" leading up to a massive explosion. (Guess the boys rubbed a little too vigorously towards the end...)

(Finishing Up in New York City)

Inasmuch as Kenny had an "actors' workshop" scheduled on Thursdays from 4:00 until 5:30, Jacob said that he should attend it. To the redheaded one's pleasure, he invited him to stop by for supper at 6:30. (While at the workshop, Kenny phoned, requesting that Nels not leave without touching bases. He said he had some "fantastic" news.)

Sitting down over a late lunch, Jacob and Nels slowly recovered from a "vigorous" shoot. Fixing Nels with steady eyes, Jacob grunted, "You had a 'third request'." The blond toyed with his empty glass for a moment. "This is a really personal matter, sir. Am I right in thinking that you'd never share the details with my dad?" The artist smiled, asking Nels how much detail he had shared with him about his and his dad's activities. The young man accidentally tipped the empty glass over, picked it up quickly, and set it down sharply on the table. "Yeah," he muttered...right!"

"You know, friend, that I'm gay," Nels began with a steady voice. "I'm sure that Dad knows...or at least strongly suspects, but I haven't sat down with him and filled in all the blanks. Being homosexual is difficult to live with, sir...more so at some times than others. Truth is I'm getting better at handling it. (Jacob nodded slightly...supportively.) The problem is that one part of it is tearing me up...and scattering my guts all over the landscape.

Suddenly, as if a dam had broken, tears began pouring down Nels' face. Realizing how hurt and dangerously upset the lad was, Jacob got up from his bench. Moving over to Nels' side of the table, he sat down, projecting feelings of support, understanding and, yes, of love, as he put his arm around the shoulders of the beautiful boy sitting beside him in the nude. With an audible sigh, the youngster lay his head against the side of the good man's chest. Jacob also sighed in relief. The extreme tension began to visibly leave the golden treasure that he held in his arms. "You do realize, Nels, that I'm not trying to seduce you," Jacob murmured. Swallowing hard, the lad replied hoarsely, "I know, sir...wrong vibes."

Gathering his courage, Nels began to speak in a firm voice. "I think I'm real sick, sir. I'm rock-hard most of the time...drives me nuts! The problem is that I usually can't cum unless I'm being hurt. I imagine having a master who ties me up, chains me in the hot sun, whips me until my blood runs onto the ground, hangs me up like a piece of beef, grabs my cock and balls...and kicks and stamps on them until my jizz merges with the blood soaking into the ground. In an argument, I maneuver a friend - even my best friend - into being 'the bad guy'. Only when he hits back (with words or fists) and hurts me can I get off. Sir, there are lots of times when I hate myself and think that it would be best if I simply ended...everything. I know that you don't want me, sir, but I don't think my being queer disgusts you. (Pause.) Do you see anything else that I might do?

Realizing that he held another human being's life in the palms of his hands, Jacob spoke...very...carefully. "Know first, my young friend, that I never said I didn't want you. I simply said that I wasn't trying to seduce you. If I remember correctly, your scripture says something like 'there's a time and a place for everything'. There's no way that you disgust me. Far from it... You can talk with me at any time, Nelson...and about anything that's on your list. Understand?" "Yeah, Jacob. Thanks, man," the young hunk muttered. "Secondly, you are definitely not sick...not even 'strange'. Many people of all ages and in all walks of life have these feelings. Finally, there are...people who can direct you through these problems. Unfortunately, despite their claims, there are many more who are ignorant and, thus, highly dangerous. I don't do this work, but I know at least three individuals who do. I would trust each of them with my own son. One of them lives and works near San Francisco. If you wish, I shall speak confidentially with him and we shall see what happens." Before scrambling to his feet, Nels stretched and then, turning to his side, threw his arms around his mentor and held on for dear life.

(Leave-Taking)

Kenny arrived. As usual, he was on high and talking a mile a minute. "Guys! You won't believe all that's happened in just a couple of hours!" ("Oh, yeah," he muttered, first looking around and then literally tearing his clothes off.) "My uncle, who's a lawyer, made something happen that no one thought was possible. We all thought my application had been shelved months ago. It's a long story, but I've been admitted to Stanford as a freshman!"

Nels only wished that Kenny and he could have flown west together, been able to stay at the house for a few days while the dust settled and, then, maybe, driven the few miles south to the Stanford campus together. Well, that wasn't going to happen tomorrow. Nels realized that his obligations to his dad and the pressure of inescapable decisions made it impossible. Actually, he fully accepted the obligations...albeit at the same time that he wondered about Stanford...and Kenny. Jason sounded overjoyed to hear that he was returning home on the morrow...though Nels suspected that he would have some "accounting" to do.

Kenny had to leave within minutes. (His uncle was picking him up. Fortunately, they got his clothes back on him before he sprinted for the door!) Jacob and Nels enjoyed a delicious dinner and talked (too) long into the night. Nels was ready for the next steps in his life. Feeling he had made the right decision in quickly returning to the Big Apple and confiding in Jacob, he turned over and was asleep almost immediately.

(To Be Continued)