Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2016 15:57:22 +1300 From: ben zeb Subject: Math Class Pt 14 Math Class Pt 14 Revelations The alarm sounded and we sleepily got up, Keith first. Dragging on boxers he grabbed my bathrobe and jeered, "First up! Best dressed Zebby." Raising my middle finger I casually sauntered over to the closet, hard dick bouncing, and pulled out a new one. "It's yours bud, but it's ok, you can wear mine. "Don't mind actually. Got your smell on it," he replied. Downstairs, mum had prepared our breaky and after a morning constitutional (as my uncle calls it) we hopped into my shower together. We washed each other and, well just because it came up and we could, we gave each other a happy ending! Doubling Keith on my bike, we rocked down to the bus stop. Jess and a couple of others were waiting. He joined us as I was locking up my bike. Greeting him, I laughingly said, "You fucken coward! Shit you split quick!" "Well, fuck Zeb! I wasn't gunna hang around after the bottle came out. Anyway, I told you. I had to go to mums." We were far enough away from the others that no one heard what Keith said next. "Yeah Jess. And this fuck-nut went and blurted that we were giving him an enema. Actually, YOU gave the enema." Jess's face changed instantly. He shouted, "You what! You said what! What the fuck you say that for! Oh my God Zeb!" "Yep. He told Ali that he had a crook stomach and needed help to shit." "Yeah, but what about you fuck-knuckle, telling mum we were shagging all night." Jess moaned and bent over as if in pain. "Yeah mate," Keith bent down whispering in his ear, "Ali's gunna get condoms for us all to use." I added to his discomfort by telling him, "And she's gunna get proper enema stuff for us to use next time." Jess straighten, looked at us both and almost pleadingly said, "You didn't really say we were shagging, did you?" "Absolutely Jess!" "Oh fuck. You've gotta be kidding." We let him think that all the way to school. Bus came, we piled on heading down the back. Jess still in shock. At the next stop Emma, Devon and Darryl got on, so the gang was all there catching up about the weekend. Keith being on our bus wasn't a surprise anymore, as he stayed at my place so often he was like a local. Sadly for me, a topic of interest was the carryon in the park with the old geezer. Nothing in our small community gets missed. Jess looked really unhappy all the way into school, hardly saying anything, even to Devon, which was unusual. Once there and heading to our homerooms, we let him off the hook and explained that Keith had kidded mum. It relieved Jess a bit, I think. Not so much about the enema though. That little jem would keep I was guessing until he caught up with mum next. By this time of the year, we were all set into our own programmes. All six of us had science together, but apart from that, we were spread over other classes. We were `experts' in our own fields; mine was English for example, Keith maths, Darryl science and if we needed any help with sports or health, we'd go to Coach Jess. Devon and Emma were our researchers. We got on great together socially outside school and supported each other in school assignments and homework. So by May, we were a tight group. The girls, and a few of their friends would join us occasionally for lunchtime games. Jess and Devon had become a real item, which drew the usual comments from others; get a room etc. They were a great match; both sporty and laid back but real friendly with all. They complemented each other. There was no doubt they would make really cute babies and by the way they were carrying on, very likely to. Emma and Keith were becoming tight as well and though I genuinely felt good about that, I was a little sad as well. Well all right, a lot sad. However, I knew that neither of them had bonked their girlfriends. It wasn't because of not trying though. My programme meant that I had to do work placement as part of it. Through a bit of a jack-up and some negotiation, I was able to do most of that with Greg, (Keith's dad) on his farm. I would usually arrive on the home bus with Keith the night before and stay overnight. That had obvious benefits for Keith and I. Consequently, I was a regular at his home and accepted into Keith's family. Greg became my `dad' and me his `son'. The only problem initially, was Keith's little eight-year old sister, Sarah. She wasn't happy with me being there as she saw me as a threat to her and Keith's relationship. Sarah looked up to her big brother and God help anyone who even thought about hurting her, as Keith would most definitely sort them. He was very protective of her. They had a really close and loving relationship. Every night he would take time to help her with homework and read to her. It took a long time for her to come round and accept me. In the end, it was as easy as just helping her with a little assignment she had for school, which gave both Greg and Keith a shit load of stuff to tease me about. Sarah was creating a fashion outfit for one of her dolls and had all this material lying around on the floor. Some was bloody awful and clashed. I quietly sat on the floor near her arranging material as I thought it matched. She eyed me carefully but never said anything until I made a mock-up of a black number with gold edging. "Wow!" she goes, "That's cool." That's all it took. For the next hour or so, until she had to go to bed, we mixed and matched, critiqued and judged each other's designs. In the end we came up with a combined ensemble that she loved. I became her new best friend, but only after Keith. We got on really well from then on and it was nice having a `little sister'. Unfortunately, Keith made a hell of a lot of it, pulling the piss outa me every chance he could. And of course, since I was gay, you can imagine the comments he'd fling round, but never ever when anyone else might hear, except his dad cause he was having a field day with it too. I'm not, nor ever will be, a fashionista. I just happen to like art! One of the jobs Keith, and now me, had to do, was check the top boundary fences after a storm or particularly bad weather. Trees could sometimes fall and damaged fences meant cattle or sheep free to escape into the bush. There was a barn up the tops for hay storage. On one fairly standard day in late May, Keith and I were boundary running on the bikes. It started to rain and Keith suggested we shelter in the barn. Made sense to me so off we went. Parked up and waiting, Keith spread some loose hay over some bales, grabbed a tarp off wall and threw it over them. It looked like a big, square, low table. Then he turned to me, smiled his wicked smile, walked over, grabbed me by my coat lapels, almost dragged me over to the bales, turned me round and pushed me down on them. Falling on top of me he said huskily, "Zebby. I want to fuck you! I want to shag the shit outa you. I've wanted to do it for a long time." I was a little taken back. I wasn't sure if he was serious or not. But it was clear he was. He had all the signs I'd come to recognise in him when he is horned and ready to go. Always ready to please my lover I tentatively said "OK." "I promise I won't be rough like Jess likes it, but I've wanted to do his soo much Zebby." I just nodded. Off he went. In a few short minutes we were both bare from waist down. He'd thought this through and prepared as he had some jell he used at soccer, which he used as lube. Then he flipped me over, pulled me into a kneeling position and lined up his cock and gently, but firmly, pushed in as far as he could go. Oh shit! I wasn't expecting that! Even after all the shagging we'd got up too, and there had been a fair bit, I wasn't loose enough to take him in one shove and let him know with one almighty wailing "Ohhwooww.." Keith pulled back a bit and waited. Slowly the pain eased and I let him know. He pushed again and I felt him slide in a bit more and ever so slowly he embedded himself as far in me as his length let him! I was packed! Funnily, it had become less painful than I thought it would. A few slow withdrawals and more lube applyed and it began to be enjoyable. It was obviously enjoyable for Keith as he began to give me what he said he would. Little by little he pistoned faster and faster in and out. I was getting shunted around on the bales and he'd pull me back if he felt I was getting away on him. As his speed built up, so did his grunts, moans and expletives. He was into it! And I was getting the shagging of my life! I knew he'd cum not from feeling it, but from the slamming shoves as he ejaculated. Keith didn't stop though and continued battering away at my arse until he'd cum a second time. I didn't. I guess you could say it was rough sex . But he loved it. It was different and new and well, exciting. And though I hadn't got as much from it as Keith did, I did enjoy the moment. Keith was apologetic after the fucking but I shushed him simply saying, "I could have said no. I didn't cause I wanted you to do it. OK?" We sat there, naked waist down, cum leaking from my battered hole, talking about it. Keith told me he wanted to try different things but was afraid to ask. I just whacked him gently and told him he was a gonzo. "We're mates. We can talk about anything". He agreed and said, "You gotta do me. But I'd be worried by that dong if you wanna shag me like I did. You can if you want though." I said "No, not like that, but would like to try something. I want you to sit on me." His eyes lit up. "Yeah! OK then." I could see he was into this. Horney bastard! I lay on my back, throbbing bone poised up. Keith lubed me sliding his hands up and down my shaft. "Too much of that and its game over!" I stated. "No chance." And wiping his hands on the tarp, knelt astride of me trying to line up his hole with my cock. It took a bit but me made connection and he just slid down my shaft. Oh the feeling! His tight tube sliding and gripping me, and the look of bliss on his face. That alone was enough to almost make me squirt. With a rhythmical motion Keith raised and lowered himself up and down my pole. It was the most exquisite feeling. The only contact between us, his steamy hot bum and my dick. Watching Keith fuck himself on me was a sensational thrill! He was in control of the action. I just lay there moaning and desperately trying not to cum. Too bad, I couldn't and blew what felt like a ton of spooge up into Keith's bowels. Cum slid out as he began to go harder and faster. I wasn't going soft anytime soon. Sweat began to pour off him and after two cums, he wasn't going to cum again for a while. But I was and soon. My screaming lustful "Oh fucks and oh my God. Oh fuck Keith" and violent shoves upwards that nearly threw Keith off me, signalled my second body rattling orgasm. I was drained! We were exhausted and Keith could only sit on me, resting on his hands, looking at me, gasping. His sweat dripped over my face and chest. Not wanting to leave his warmth, I gripped his hips and pulled him down hard onto me. Soon, the weight and trembles running through Keith drove him to lay on me allowing me to wrap him up in my arms. "Fuck, Zebby. That was something, eh." He panted out. "We should do this more times." "No probs with that buddy. That was sensational. Fuck I came some!" "Not wrong there Zebby. I felt it all. Fuck I could have a bath in it." "You just did only an internal one," I laughed. "Anyway, you should talk. Fuck your balls must be dried up little peanuts judging by the spooge you dumped in me." Then the giggling began. It sometimes happened if we had an especially explosive cum session. But holy mother of God, we had discovered a new way to ramp up our pleasure! Those bales became known as our `fucking bench' and it was used a number of times during the coming months. After a hard out shag session like that, Keith would want to make love at night. Then it was the opposite. We would connect and disappear into a universe of our own. By no means had Darryl been forgotten. After our sesh with Jess, Keith wondered if Darryl might be up for it. I figured absolutely, given his out-of-the box performance up the creek. My belief was confirmed one day in May. In a not particularly interesting lesson about politics, on a hot afternoon, I noticed Darryl continually but quietly rubbing himself. Sitting next to him as I did, it wasn't difficult to notice what he was up to. Darryl noticed me noticing him. He gave a shy smile and rested his hand over a very obvious lump in his school shorts. "I'm horney." He simply said. "I can see" I replied. "You need help." Darryl said nothing to that and just sat there pretending to work. Then he lent over and whispered in my ear, "I want to suck you." I sat bolt upright! Holy shit! That was out of the blue. "Ok" was all I said. We were about halfway through the lesson and by now Darryl's need was becoming more obvious. So much so that a little wet patch was forming on the leg of his shorts where his dick ended. I gave serious thought to reaching down and dealing with his problem like I had with Keith in Maths, but just lay my hand over his long lump. Curling my fingers under the edge of his shorts, I could just feel the head of a very hot dick. Twiddling around with it made him jerk around in his seat, so discretion as they say, made me stop. Don't want to make a scene. By now his face was flushed. Something had to be done! I whispered in his ear, "Leave this to me. Oh, and try to get that down too, eh?" indicating the bulge. Going up to the teacher I quietly told her that Darryl wasn't feeling well and felt faint. Could I take him to the sick bay. She looked over at him, saw he was obviously hot and flushed and said, "Absolutely Zeb. Thank you for being so considerate. Should I ring through to the office for you?" "No, I'll go there. Darryl often gets like this and just needs to sit a little and cool down" I lied. Returning to Darryl and trying not to make too much of a scene, I pretended to help him up and out of the room, shielding him from any view of his troublesome wet spot. I knew just the place and fortunately, not that far from where we were sposed to go. The school hall bogs! Rarely used and quiet. Strangely for a school, the cubicles had walls from ceiling to floor and a door that would only let anyone see underneath if you all but lay flat on the floor to try. Very private and quite roomy. I know, I'd used them before! So off we went. A quick look in the hall, yep, as I thought, no one there and into a convenient cubicle. I'd barely locked he door before Darryl was tugging at my shorts. Shit he was keen. I held him off telling him we had a fair bit of time and then slid my hands into his shorts feeling his beautiful hard thin dick. He trembled his way to my zip, unzipped and then the catch, sliding my shorts down to my knees. Then my boxers but not before fondling my balls and dick. In turn, I undid him and eased his shorts and boxers down. As I did his incredibly stiff cock sprang out and hit against his tum. A gob of precum flew off the end. Slowly stroking each other, I pushed him gently backwards onto the toilet seat. He got the idea and shoved his mouth down my shaft. It felt great! He'd learnt since last time and it made me wonder if Jess hadn't given him some private tuition. He gave me a soft gentle blowjob, warning him when I was getting close. Determined not to shock him, I gently pushed him off my dick and got him to stand up, changing places with him. He objected a little as he wanted to suck me off. I sat down and returned the favour. Even in the afternoon like it was, Darryl still smelt clean and tasted the same. I fellated him to orgasm letting him jet his soft milky sperm into my mouth. It tasted a little salty and a bit like fish. Bloody hell, I thought. He's been eating sardine sammys again! Still, I enjoyed his protein. Not content to leave a job unfinished he insisted he finish what he'd begun. No objections from me! And down he went again. This time, as I approached cum time, he resisted my efforts to pull out. Instead, he thrust his mouth harder over my pulsing cock and let me flood his mouth. He didn't swallow though, but I felt he could be turned about that. What a pleasant social science class I thought. Hope there's more like this. Redressed and checking we didn't have anything we shouldn't have on our face or clothes, we left for the next lesson, the library. Don't ask me why we had it. A freaking waste of time really. Anyway, it was a chance to catch up with mates and girlfriends for those who had them and we did. In a corner with Keith and the rest, we spent the rest of the day socialising. When a moment came up, I gave Keith a heads up about what had gone down. He asked me did I think Darryl would be up for playing and I assured him, "Definitely yes!" He smiled his wicked smile! Our Saturday sport was in full swing by June. Jess had a rare home game. It was a late game as it was a curtain raiser for the provincial team. Keith and I stayed to watch Jess play. Afterwards, as Keith was staying with me, Jess suggested he come over. No probs there. Keith and I Iooked at each other and smiled. As it turned out, it was a howling success! Jess howled as we took turns shagging him, hanging on tight as he bucked and jerked about wildly. Mum had come through with her suggestion and had left condoms in my bathroom draw. So we used them. It was a laugh finding ones to fit. Either they were too long for Jess or too short for me. Baby-bear Keith found they were just right! Anyway, with a lot of laughing and pissing around we found ones that worked. Can't say I'm a fan of them; they smell but I know we should use them. I won't suck with one on, at all. Mum was at work so no probs with noise. Keith and I weren't all that happy going through the enema thing so we flicked that. Anyway, we'd all had showers after our sports so we were clean. Jess only wanted two things; to be sucked and fucked. We obliged. While Keith was giving him what he wanted. I dealt to his impressive and fat cock. He came as he always did, in buckets full. Then it was my turn to go deep inside my friend. I really thought I'd hurt him and it took a bit to convince me I hadn't as his yelling and howling moans scared the crap outa me. But I loved it! Jess was different, soo nice and comfy! That was the last time the three of us shagged together. Jess had decided fucking guys was too gay for him. Funny bugger. It didn't stop him going wild getting fucked. But I think it was more about Devon as they were a very tight unit. I know Jess had been trying hard to pop that very lovely girl. And he did! Shortly after her birthday in June, she being 16, the two of them consummated their obvious love for each other. After that, Jess was hooked on straight sex or so it seemed. One weekend in late June, he came over. Devon was away somewhere. Inevitably I asked him if he'd like to stay over and he agreed. In bed that night, talking things through quietly as we always did, he opened up to me, telling me how he felt about Devon. As he put it, it was like I felt about Keith. "What about Sonny?" I asked. "Don't know Zeb. He's a mate and I do love him, but not anything like Devon." He paused and I was waiting for him to go on. "Or like you." He shyly added. I just looked at him. "Say something dick!" He implored. "What can I say? What do you want me to say? I'm absolutely wrapped you and Devon are on together. About fucken time. You're made for each other and holy fuck, you'll make cute babies." "But, us Zeb. You said you loved me." "Yeah. And I do. But I never gunna stand in your way. How would that be for a friend to do that? It would fuck us up completely. We're all going down different tracks but doesn't mean we can't be friends still. And you are the best friend and the longest I've ever had." "What about Keith? Isn't he your best friend?" "Yeah, but he's the one I'm totally in love with. That makes it different." "I miss us." "You got Devon." "I miss us" he repeated. "I do to" and left it at that. I didn't want to say what was on my mind. "So...we're here...and..." he trailed off. "And what.." If he wanted something, I'd dam well make him say it. "And...well, you really love Keith and he loves you. That came through loud and clear that time we all screwed together. You almost gave me the same thing. I loved and...and..." and he stopped again. "And." "And I want to do it again. Make love to me Zeb. Not just a shag, but love, like you do with Keith. There I said it. If that's a problem I'll understand. I really will," he rushed out. So I did. We made tender gentle love to each other like I've never done with him before or since. Everything you could do to please someone we did, passionately and gently, locked together in each others embrace, we came softly whispering our excitement in each others ear as I ogasmed deep inside him and he between and over us. We will always have that moment for the rest of our lives. I guess, in some strange way, it was like a goodbye to our childhood, even though we were midteens. By now it was term two break. Two big things rocked what I understood about my life. The first gave me a hell of a surprise. A great one! Rocking up to Keith's on the first weekend of the holidays, Greg called me over to the implement shed. There was another farm bike there, a blue Yamaha 125 next to the other two. Now, right from the get go Keith had been teaching me how to ride. Once Greg thought I was proficient enough, it didn't take too long, I was OK'd to use Keith's bike when I was doing work experience. So I was a little confused, as no one had mentioned that a new one was needed. I just stood there looking and commenting on it. It wasn't new but still in good nick for a farm bike. Quite tidy actually. Finally Greg says, "Well. Get on it." OK so I do and ask, "Where we off to?" "No where really. Anywhere you like. It's yours. Happy birthday son." It didn't click at first and then I realised what he said. My head shot round, mouth dropped open and like a dork just grunted "Wot!" "It's yours son. It's our early birthday pressie." I could've bawled my eyes out. In fact the wind must've come up right at that moment and kicked up the dust cause my eyes went red and tears started dripping out. I couldn't speak. Of all the things a teen boy could be given, this must've been pretty near the top! And this man had just given it to me! It was a special moment between me and my dad. That's how I looked at it, and it was a confirmation of my standing with this very generous and loving man. All I could do was leap off and throw myself into his arms. My first big dad hug and it felt great! "Thanks Gr...Dad." I hesitantly whispered. "You're welcome Zebby. Enjoy it." Then he pushed me away and said, "Two rules son. Always a helmet and shoes and don't be a dickhead on it. Keep it clean and maintained and make sure you leave it in the barn. No doubling up on it till you're familiar with it. OK?" "You bet! But you know that was about seven rules, eh." And smiled up at him. He just gave me a playful clip around the head and then ruffled my hair. "You have to be careful though Zebby. I don't want to see you get hurt." "I will. Promise." And then, with all the joys of spring, as my uncle would say, I was away. It felt great! OK so I was familiar with riding, but this was mine and that made all the difference. Of course, Keith was in the know and had come out with me. Bastard, I thought. You knew, you little prick. I'll have to deal to you tonight. We did. Actually, we did regularly in his little bed. I loved his bed, as it made us get up close and personal. Anything we got up to, and it was pretty much everything, had to be done really quietly as Sarah's bedroom was next door and Keith's mum and dad were just down the hall. But we managed, very happily. There'd never be a Jess moment in his room though! The second thing happened on Monday when I was working with Greg. I was helping him with an environment plan to keep nitrates etc out of the waterways by planting a strip of native trees and bushes along the banks. I would gain more credits towards my environmental science achievement, so it was a win, win situation for us both. Greg had me preparing and planting flax, manuka and other natives up the top of the farm. At lunch, I went looking for Greg. It took a bit but found him sitting on a rock on the bank of the stream, staring into space. He never heard me call at first and it was only when I sat next to him he realised I was there. I told him what I'd done and asked if I could take a lunch break. He didn't register at first. I asked him if everything was all right but he didn't respond. It was pretty freaky, as I'd never seen him like this. Finally, out of a growing concern for him I asked outright, "What's wrong Greg?' He replied, "Just thinking Zebby is all." "Oh. Is there something I can help with, then?" He looked at me, smiled and gave me a big hug. "It's the 3rd of July today." "Yeah, so what? And six weeks to our birthday too." "That's right Zebby. "What's so special about today then?' I inquired. He sighed, looked at me, looked up at the sky, looked back at me and hesitantly said, "Sixteen years ago... today... was the last time I saw your dad." There were tears in his eyes. I went cold. I'd never known exactly when my dad had die, just before I was born. Greg went on, "Yeah! That was the last time I ever spoke to him. I told him to take care. You coming into my life has been a blessing Zeb. It's like he's back with me." What do you say to that! Nothing I could think of so just sat there like a fish out of water. "You never knew that?" "No...just that he died before I was born." "Oh. I thought you did. I'm sorry if I've upset you Zebby. "It's OK Greg, but, you and him knew each other. That's the surprise. But it does explain why mum lights a candle every year about this time. How come you knew my dad? "We went to school together, through primary and secondary and were mates when we left. We had another friend called John too. I haven't seen or heard from him for sixteen years either. We were all close friends like you, Keith and your friend Jess." Holy fuck! That was a revelation. How close I wondered. Really like me and my two great mates? Whoa! "So you know what happened to my dad, don't you Greg?" "Yes Zeb." "So...what then?" I asked. "You should ask your mum Zebby. It's not really up for me to say." Now I was getting angry. "Why won't people tell me the truth?" Greg sat there quietly. I guess he was thinking about what I said because turning to me he said, "The night your dad died the three of us were all together at a pub. Your dad and John had been arguing. John had decided to go to Aussie and your dad was angry about it. I was disappointed about it to. But John had decided he was going and that was that. Your dad and mum left before John and I. Your dad was driving but hadn't been drinking Zeb, so it wasn't a case of drunk driving. A car coming the other way came round a bend on the wrong side and smashed into the car. He was killed instantly and your mum was hurt badly. As you know, she was pregnant with you. It was touch and go for the rest of the pregnancy whether you would survive or not. Your mum spent along time in hospital to make sure you and she did. John was devastated when we heard what happened. He didn't get over it. The last time I saw him was at your dad's funeral. He went away the next day." "So you knew my mum too." "Yes, but not well. I only met her a few times before that night and only a couple more after. I met her again in the hospital when you and Keith were born. In fact I held you when you were less than a day old. It was Debby and your mum who were friends." "Why were my dad and John arguing?" "Hmmm..." Greg goes, and to himself, "How much to say." Turning to me he goes, "Zebby, you and Keith have a great relationship. You've been so good to my boy and are vital to him. I hope you know that." Yes, I think I do, but it goes both ways Greg. He is the best thing that's happened to me. He saved my life!" "Right, he told me that. I think you can understand then, that your dad and me had a similar friendship like you have with Keith and Jess. Well, John loved your dad. He loved me to, but your dad was number one in John's eyes. John was going away because he thought it would give your dad a better chance to make things work with your mum. Maybe it would've. We'll never know. But you and Keith must never hurt each other. You've really got to protect what you have. Always remember that Zeb. A friendship like yours and his doesn't come along very often. So cherish it. I still miss my friend John and wonder what he's up to. Especially to day. It's my day for remembering friends." "Oh. I'm sorry for pushing in. I'll go away if you want." "No Zeb. I don't want. Being with you today makes this day even more special. I just didn't' know how to tell you that. I'm glad you know now." "I am too Greg." I was real happy that Greg had filled in some gaps for me, but also confused. I felt I'd been outed and Greg too! Time for lunch I thought. That evening while the family were sitting around watching TV, Sarah came and sat between Keith and I and began flipping through a photo album. I glanced over and even though I recognised some photos of Keith, she felt she needed to explain who was who. Suddenly she pulled my arm and asked, "Why is your school photo in here?" I knew it wasn't and replied, "It's not." "Yes it is," she persisted. "Look. And there's Keith to," giving my arm another shake. Keith by now had glanced down and exclaimed, "Shit Zeb! Look you are! You've been lying about your age you old fart," he laughed. Greg looked up and said, "You can cut out the old fart, you little bugger. That'll be one of my class photos." Looking down, I gave a start. It looked like me but that could not be possible. "Oh my God. It does look like me!" and taking the album from Sarah, had a close look at an old style school photo from1991 with an impossibly close likeness of Keith and I standing next to each other. "That's your dad Zebby," Greg said softly. Bring it over here son." Getting up he walked over to the dinning table. Keith and I joined him with Sarah following. "Yep. You sure do look like him Zebby." He commented. Greg talked us through the photo pointing out who was who. They were only names to us, except one, John. "So what's Zeb's dads name?" Keith asked. Greg and I answered, "Zeb." I explained that mum had called me after my dad. "What, he's called Zebanaiha to?" "Yep! Prolly the only two the world," I responded. Sarah was studying the photo closely. "Your dad looks just like you, Zeb," she stated. There was no denying that. The resemblance was uncanny. We could have been twins. Greg told us the photo was taken when they were all the same age as Keith and I. I couldn't believe it. I was staring at me! Greg noticed and softly said, "Your dad was a really nice guy Zeb. He was an incredible friend. It isn't just that you look like him. You are like him. Sometimes..." He stopped. I looked at him and could see tears in the corners of his eyes again. "Sometimes it's almost like you're him." Greg cleared his throat and said, "Right missy. Bed time for you." Sarah objected trying all the usual excuses, but she went off. Greg got an old shoebox from the bookshelf and sorted through the photos in it explaining what they were. They were all of the three friends. Everything I learnt, from that morning and now, filled in the blanks in my life I'd always wondered about. It deleted most of what I'd thought, created more questions. All I'd known was that he and mum were deeply in love and that he died in a crash before I'd been born. What Greg showed me was a revelation. The emotion of the moment wasn't lost on Keith or his dad. Keith put his arm around my shoulders as I tried to keep the tears at bay. Greg sensed that I still had questions needing answers. I idly flicked through the collection of memories. Greg would often pick one up and look at it for what seemed hours, a soft smile on his face, just like Keith gets. The two of them were so alike. I'd ask a question occasionally. One photo I kept going back to. The three of them leaning on an old Holden. A woman I recognised was leaning on the shoulders of my dad. She had a huge belly. My mum! Dad and mum looked so happy. "Can I keep this one please?" I asked. Greg took it from me, brushed his fingers over it like I do to Keith in tender moments, and said, "Yeah. Of course Zeb." "When was it taken? Mum looks really pregnant." "Yep. She certainly is." Debbie, Keith's mum came over. "That's a lovely photo. I've always liked it." "I won't take it then." "No Zeb, take it. It was the last photo taken of your dad. It really should be yours," she replied. Any further questions were cut off as Greg said, "Got a big day tomorrow, best we hit the rack!" Keith went off as did Debbie but I sat there. Greg looked at me and said, "What's on your mind Zebby?" I thought about what to say and just cam out with, "You haven't told me everything. There's more, isn't there?" "Yes Zebby, but I don't think I have the right to tell you. You do need to talk to your mum about it though." "Why? Why can't you tell me? "Because it's up to your mum if she wants to say anything else. As far as your dad, John and me go, well, we were very, very close friends. Like you and Keith are. You understand what I mean, don't you Zeb?" I looked at him. If I'd had any doubts about thinking I'd been outed, they were confirmed now. My blush alerted him to my embarrassment. Greg went on. "You and Keith are good for each other. I can't even begin to tell you how important you are to him and he is to you. I understand more than you both think I do, Zeb. You must protect what you have between you. Don't let it be damaged by anything. Protect and love each other no matter what. Be honest with each other. And one more thing, be careful Sarah isn't surprised." WTF!!! Had he just told me it was all good we were madly bonking each other, just don't let the sister catch us? Had he just told me that the three of them were doing what Jess, Keith and me were doing? Who was the gay one I thought? I was dumbfounded! "Have you just said what I think you've said?" was all I could say. "Yes Zeb. I have." He laughed. Don't be so shocked. "Greg..dad..Gr..oh fuck! Dad! I know what I am. I know what Keith is. But which of the three of you is me?" Fuck it I thought. Let's get it all out there on the table! I had my suspicions. Greg tapped his finger on one of the three in the photo. I was sort of afraid to look in case my suspicions were proved. It was a dammed if you do, dammed if you don't sorta moment. Glancing down, I laughed. Greg gave me a strange look. "It's John," I stated. "Yes, John. He was the glue that stuck us together." I burst out laughing. Greg realised what he'd said and cacked up to. "Not quite what I meant, but you get the picture. He's like you Zebby." That brought my head up. "You're the.." Greg was trying to find the right word, "You're the binder, the glue fuck it, that joins the three of you. That's what I meant about you being like John." He gave me a hug and sent me off to bed. Deep in thought, I quietly entered not wanting to wake Keith. I needn't have worried. As I was slowly undressing he caught my hand and gently pulled me down to him slipping his arm around my shoulders. "You OK?" he asked. "Yeah. Just stunned a little. It's been a big day." "Yeah. Who knew?' he stated. "Not me, obviously," I responded. "You look worried." "Not worried actually, just, don't know how I feel. Numb sorta." "Well I have the answer to that. I'll warm you up!," and with that, pulled me into a warm embrace. That night, whether we knew it or not, we shared ourselves in his little cosy bed for the last time.