A STORY BY THE BRAT
     
The Boys of East Harbor: Michael
Chapter 6: Face to Face, Finally
     
   

(b/b, ns)

DISCLAIMER: This work of fiction contains explicit material intended for adults over 18. If you are under 18 or are offended by non-traditional sex, or sex between minors, do not continue. If reading this type of material is illegal in your location, proceed at your own risk. This work is the sole property of the author and may not be reposted or reproduce without the author's written permission. This is a work of fiction. If any characters resemble the living or dead, or events are similar to actual events, it is purely coincidental.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2017

Michael slept well again Thursday night. He hadn't put too much thought into it, so he hadn't entire put two and two together to realize sleeping with someone helped keep his nightmares away. However, the restful sleep made it easier for him to act more and more like himself.

Lars sent the boys off to school with a great breakfast and a hug for each. Being Friday, there was a bit more electricity in the air. Conversation was quick and lively between the boys. Before they knew it, they were at the Mallway. As they split up to head to the separate school buildings, Simon made eye contact with Lukas to remind him about their plan. With a brief nod from Lukas, Simon was on his way and Lukas and Michael made their way to Mrs. Harmon's for homeroom.

The building was a buzz. Michael attributed it to being a Friday as he went about putting his books in his locker and getting to homeroom. He didn't realize the true nature of the excitement until morning announcements.

A voice boomed over the intercom system, "...and last night, the East Harbor Sabers 8th grade soccer team beat the Madison Mustangs from Vista three to two!" The students in all three grades erupted with cheers. The cheering was loud enough that the student announcer could hear it and waiting for it to die down before continuing. "The Sabers got a goal from Mateo Garcia and two goals from Michael Grant, including the game winner as time ran out!" The students started cheering again and Michael's classmates started congratulating him on the game winning goal.

Michael hadn't expected his name to be announced that morning. He was embarrassed by all the attention and the attention didn't stop in home room. Students that knew Michael congratulated him, and the students that didn't know Michael quickly put a face with the name added their praise.

For the most part, the rest of the student body began to see Michael as his soccer teammates saw him - as a smart, athletic boy who is a tremendous and loyal teammate, and an all-around quality person that you just want to know and be friends with.

There were a few students who couldn't care less, but all this notoriety had the complete opposite effect on one student - Lewis Fuerst. Hearing Michael's success on the soccer field and the acceptance of his classmates irked Lewis to no end. Sitting in homeroom and hearing the announcements, Lewis just clinched his fists. 'That little fucker, I'm gonna put him in his place.'

Lewis hoped he would get a shot at Michael in gym class. However, Mr. Harris continued to keep a close eye on the situation. Mr. Harris continued to select teams himself. This allowed him to place Michael and Lewis on the same team. And to make it even more difficult for the two of them to cross paths, me made Lewis goalie.

Over at the high school, Simon began putting the next steps of his plan into action. He really wanted to make sure Michael didn't learn Gavin was coming home after school. Worried that Gavin would spill the beans by talking to him about the weekend during Geometry, Simon sought Gavin out before the first bell. Throughout the day, they made arrangements for the weekend. They'd meet at Gavin's locker at the end of the day which helped Simon ensure Michael didn't find out until he wanted Michael to know. Simon also made sure that he and Gavin got to Geometry early so they would be in their seats before Michael arrived and wouldn't see them talking.

Michael arrived at the high school and made his way to Geometry without much fanfare, mostly because the students that aren't in Michael's Geometry and Chemistry classes don't know the name of the little kid they see walking the halls in the afternoon. But the students in his classes did know who Michael Grant was and were excited to congratulate him. The announcement about the soccer game had made it to the high school because it was a victory over a Vista school, and that's always a big deal no matter which East Harbor team won.

Simon made it through Geometry without his plan being revealed and he gave Michael a big smile and a pat on the back before they went their separate ways for the last class of the day.

For the next part of his scheme, Simon planned to take Gavin to find the school's lacrosse coach after school to get permission to organize the middle school, JV and varsity players for student-led lacrosse practices and scrimmages using the school's facilities. This detour should delay Simon and Gavin's arrival well after Lukas and Michael made it home, to make sure the meeting would be a surprise.

After Chemistry, Michael headed back to the middle school to get the rest of his books. He caught up to Lukas at their meeting place in front of the school.

"Yo, Mr. Popular," teased Lukas. "You have time for us little folks?" He gave Michael a playful nudge with his elbow.

"Oh, com'on!" Michael laughed. He didn't think he was popular, but he did feel accepted, and that was all he asked for. He didn't feel like the little kid that his older classmates resented for being in their grade. He didn't feel like the smart kid that got on everyone's nerves because he knew all the answers. He felt like just one of the gang.

"Well, we might as well head home. Simon has some stuff to do after school and I don't wanna wait," offered Lukas as he put his arm around Michael and led him away. Michael accepted the excuse without so much as a thought which worked perfectly for Simon's purposes.

"So, what do you want to do while we wait on Simon?" asked Michael.

"Let's head to the studio and find some songs to play," suggested Lukas. This was his assignment - to get Michael to Simon's house and get him distracted playing music so neither he, nor Gavin, would know the other was there until they are nearly face-to-face. Lukas thought the idea was adorable - almost romantic - and eagerly went along. Simon, on the other hand, wanted to set this up just to see the reaction of the two boys. It was certain to be entertaining and if it became the start of a budding romance, even better. Gavin was a great guy - super smart, hot as hell, and had a really big, caring heart. He might be the perfect boyfriend for Michael. Someone who would put Michael's needs first. Someone who would be loyal and protective of the younger boy. Gavin wanted to find that special someone. Simon was certain he couldn't think of someone more special for Gavin than Michael.

"Okay. I haven't played in months," warned Michael. "I can't wait to get at it again. I really miss it."

"Since we started playing, Simon and I find an album we like and learn all the songs," explained Lukas. "That way we can just start the album and play along with the band like we're in a concert. What music do you like to play?"

"Well, my dad taught Matthew and I music he knew and liked. We learned a lot of stuff from the 90s and 2000s. For most of our friends it was kinda lame because they didn't know the songs. But since it was just Matthew, dad and me playing together, we played what we knew. Dad would typically choose music from three-piece bands so we could play the songs together."

"I hope we know a lot of the same music. Simon and I collected CDs from yard sales so most of our music is from that same period. We would find a band we liked and learn all their stuff -- you know, like The White Stripes, Green Day, Blink-182... you know, stuff like that."

"Cool! I know a lot of those songs," Michael said excitedly.

"You know, after we heard you play and sing, Simon is serious about us starting a band - you, me and Simon."

"Really?" asked Michael, a bit apprehensive. "Do you want to, like, play concerts and record albums and stuff?"

Lukas considered that idea before he spoke. "I don't think so. I might be up for playing at parties and stuff, but I don't want a career in music. I definitely don't want to play concerts. Simon's been in band at school and played concerts and recitals, but I've never played in front of a crowd. I want playing to be fun. I don't think I would like it as much if I HAD to do it to make money. Then it would be work."

Michael laughed, "Yay."

Lukas used his key to gain access to the Novak residence and they headed first to the kitchen. Grabbing snacks and hitting the bathroom, they headed to the studio. Lukas took his spot behind his drum kit and warmed up while Michael grabbed one of the guitars and stretched his fingers a bit.

Lukas kept the sound system behind the drum kit. That way he could just spin around in his stool and set up their music they would play and then spin back around before the song started. It worked out well for their intents and purposes.

"Let's play something," said Lukas. "Any ideas?"

Michael thought for a moment. "You like The White Stripes and their early stuff is just two people. Let's play something like... 'Fell in Love with a Girl'."

"Really, I've never played without playing with the CD of the band. Do you want to try it just the two of us?" asked Lukas.

"Yeah, why not?" He moved one of the microphones around so he could face Lukas as they played, Michael adjusted its height and turned on the amp and speakers.

"You ready?" asked Michael.

Lukas was a bit skeptical but nodded.

Michael kicked into the song and after the four-bar intro, Lukas joined in. Michael was impressed. Lukas' playing was excellent. Once he started playing, Lukas found playing with Michael to be as easy as playing along with the CD. Mainly because he and Simon had played this song more times than he could possibly count.

Just as the song started, Simon and Gavin entered the house. "Wait, that's not the CD! Who's playing?" asked Gavin.

"Well, that's Lukas on drums," offered Simon has he led Gavin down the hall to the converted family room.

"Yeah, of course, but..." Gavin paused mid-sentence.

Focused on the song, Michael just assumed the motion he caught in the corner of his eye was Simon. He kept playing, keeping his attention on Lukas as the boys blew through the song. When the song ended, Michael gave Lukas a huge smile then turned to ask Simon what he thought. That's when Michael came face-to-face with a stunned Gavin.

For Simon and Lukas, the moment was priceless. After a few moments of staring at each other, Gavin and Michael broke eye contact and started looking around the room for anything to look at - anything that wasn't the object of their daydreams. In an attempt to not look so awkward, Michael took off the guitar and set it on its stand.

Simon wasn't going to let them get off this easy. "Oh, come on you two. It's obvious that you are crushing on each other. Just come clean, it will be easier. You both are spending the weekend with us!" Michael and Gavin's heads whipped around to stare at Simon. They knew they had been set up.

'So much for subtlety,' thought Lukas, putting his hand over his mouth so he wouldn't laugh out loud.

Simon put his arm around Gavin's shoulder and led him over to Michael. "Gavin, this is my little brother, Michael Grant. Michael, this is Gavin Parker, captain of last year's JV lacrosse team. Gavin and I have been friends since we started playing lacrosse together in elementary school."

Michael shyly raised his eyes to look at Gavin. He found Gavin to be smiling at him with a big toothy grin. Gavin offered his hand for a hand shake. Michael noticed and shook Gavin's hand. It felt like an electric shock when Gavin took his hand into a firm grip. Gavin felt it too. "It nice to meet the famous soccer player, Michael Grant."

Michael rolled his eyes, "Oh, not you too!" That broke the tension, and everyone burst out laughing.

"Let's get changed and grab our sticks," said Lukas as he got up from behind the drum kit.

Both Michael and Gavin gave a sigh of relief. Though both were thrilled to have finally met, they were both aware that all eyes were on them. Lukas' change of topic was greatly appreciated. The boys grabbed their things and headed out the backdoor of Simon's house and into the backdoor of Lukas'.

Filing into Lukas' room, clothes started hitting the floor as everyone changed into something more appropriate for playing lacrosse.

"We got permission from the coach to use the high school lacrosse field for our student-led practices," Simon relayed to the two middle schoolers.

"Awesome!" exclaimed Lukas. "That will give us a lot more room than the backyard."

"Yeah," added Gavin, "and we won't have to worry about falling in your pool!" Laughter filled the room.

Though the boys changed quickly, Lukas was keenly aware of what was going on. Michael was quietly changing by his bag of clothes, unable to keep his eyes off Gavin. Lukas watched as Michael practically drooled on the floor. 'Rightfully so,' thought Lukas. If he wasn't in love with Simon, Gavin would definitely be on his radar.

Approaching six feet tall, Gavin's lithe teenage body was smooth and tight. With his clothes on, Gavin's narrow shoulders and lanky arms and legs made him appear on the skinny side. But with his shirt off, his chest and arms showed much more muscle mass than you would have expected, and his lack of body fat made him look cut. Not to mention the bulge in Gavin's boxer briefs was making Lukas more than a little curious.

What drew most people to Gavin was his striking good looks. For those familiar with older films, Gavin reminded them of a male version of Audrey Hepburn. His angular jawline, clear completion, and big eyes created a masculine beauty that drew the attention of men and women alike. Wearing his brown hair shaved on the sides and a high, messy pompadour on top, his hair style opened his face up for everyone to see his infectious smile and sparkling, hazel eyes. He was simply beautiful.

Gavin, on the other head, wasn't doing a very good job of being covert as he ogled Michael. Lukas noticed Gavin's eyes about pop out of his head when Michael took his shirt off. Not knowing Michael gymnastics background, he had no idea just how built Michael's upper body was, or how pronounced his six pack would be.

But Lukas could also sense confusion or frustration on Gavin's face. He wasn't exactly sure what that was about, but it concerned him. He was all for finding someone special for Michael, but he wasn't going to let anyone hurt the young boy. He hadn't known the 11-year-old for long, but he felt very protective of the lad. He didn't know exactly what Michael had been through, but it was traumatic, and Lukas wanted to make sure he didn't suffer any more heartache or pain.

Though there was much subtext of the situation, the boys changed quickly and headed to the front door. Passing Lars' office, the boys said bye to Lukas' father.

"See you boys," Lars called from his office.

From the tone of his father's voice, Lukas could tell something was wrong. "Guys, wait outside, I'll be there in a minute," Lukas directed. Michael shut the door behind them while Lukas headed over to see his dad. "Are you okay dad?"

Lars looked up from a mess of papers and photos strewn across his desk. When Lars saw Lukas, he quickly shuffled the papers and placed them back into a manila folder out away from Lukas' view. It was immediately obvious to Lukas that his father had been crying. A look of horror overtook Lukas' face.

"Dad, what's wrong?" demanded Lukas, voice quivering with fear. He couldn't recall ever seeing his dad this emotional and it was unsettling.

Realizing he scared his son, Lars rose and crossed the room to pull Lukas into a tight hug. "Nothing. Nothing's wrong," consoled Lars. "I'm just reading something very sad. Don't worry, things are fine Lukas. You guys go play lacrosse and we'll have dinner when you get back. Pizza sound okay?" Though he had said all he planned to tell his son, Lars didn't loosen his grip on Lukas, and Lukas clung to his father tightly.

Lukas looked into his father's eyes and asked, "Are you sure?"

"Yes, everything is fine. I'm just reading over a disturbing case file and it got to me." Lars squeezed Lukas even tighter and thought about what he'd been reading. "When you guys get back, I'll find out what everyone likes, and I'll order the pizzas while you guys get cleaned up." Lars kissed Lukas on the forehead and broke his hold on the boy.

"Okay," Lukas said, resigned to the fact that was all his father was going to tell him. He wasn't totally convinced things were alright. "Simon got Coach Lange's permission to use the field at the high school. That's where we'll be."

"Coach Lange? The high school varsity coach? Good for you guys."

"Yeah, Simon and Gavin talked about having student-led practices for the middle school and high school teams. I think the victory over Madison has inspired them or something."

"Well that sounds like a great idea, you'll have a head start on everyone else."

Lukas gave his dad a weak smile and finally let go and headed for the door with Lars close behind. "Yep. With teaching Michael and having Gavin joining in, I think we're all ready to do some serious training."

"Good. As long as you guys are having fun." Lars was amazed at how time has flown since Lukas was just a little tike. "Lukas, I love you."

Lukas turned and smiled as his dad. "I love you too, dad." Then he headed out to meet the guys and trek down to the high school field. While the other three chatted, Lukas' mind was raced. He knew one thing - one thing for certain. Something was seriously wrong.

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Across town Lewis Fuerst fumed. Not only had Michael Grant gotten the best of him during gym on Monday and made a fool out of him, the little shit was becoming a celebrity at school. The little, fucking, smart ass.

Lewis sat in the chair at his computer desk trying to figure out how to get back at Michael. He was not going let some little 11-year-old showing him up. He needed to put Michael in his place. He wanted revenge. However, now that Michael had achieved some level of popularity, revenge was going to be harder to achieve without becoming the villain.

Then it occurred to him. Something his dad had always said, "Knowledge is power." What does anyone know about Michael? Not much. But the way the teachers are so protective of him made Lewis wonder. 'What if they aren't just protecting him because he is young? What if he has a secret they are protecting?'

Lewis knew where to find out about secrets - the Internet. If he couldn't find what he wanted from Google, he knew he had another option. Though he didn't know much about it, he'd heard plenty on the news about the "dark web."

His screen blinked as his laptop woke up. Lewis entered his password and began his search for what he could learn about Michael Grant.

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With Michael in good hands, Megan was determined to focus on herself and to get her shit together. However, she was paralyzed by indecision. She managed to get out of bed Friday afternoon and while the boys walked by the house on their way to the high school to play lacrosse, Megan sat on a stool in the kitchen with a cup of coffee and listened to their chatter as they strolled by. She recognized Michael's voice and felt her heart ache.

"Gavin, this is where I live. My mom and I just moved in last Friday."

The fact that Michael had yet another friend, Gavin, made her feel even more like a failure. 'Michael was the true victim in all of this and he's doing a better job adjusting than I am. He's recovering while I'm falling apart,' bemoaned Megan. She glanced at the business card Lars had given her. It was for a psychologist, a friend of his, who would be a good person for her to see. Then she glanced at her phone and though about the people she'd met recently and all the things she was wanting to do to help her forget the last year.

Instead of picking up her phone and taking action, she simply took another sip of her coffee.

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Gavin was impressed with Michael's strength and natural athletic ability. Though all three boys were quite a bit bigger than their younger friend, Michael was almost an even match when it came to gaining position or fighting off a defender. The young boy attributed it to his soccer coaches.

Having the full field, they were able to spread out and make long passes, including passing while running up and down the field. Michael was enjoying the freedom he felt from being on the field. It was a feeling he got while playing soccer, too.

The boys worked hard and enjoyed every minute of it. Partly because they enjoyed lacrosse, partly because they enjoyed the challenge of improving their skills (particularly Michael), and partly because they enjoyed the camaraderie.

On their way back to Lukas' house, Gavin pulled out his phone and told Simon and Lukas to do the same. Gavin called his friends on the varsity and JV teams while Simon and Lukas called their freshman and middle school friends who played lacrosse. The plan was to get as many guys together Saturday morning to run drills and scrimmage.

By the time they arrived home, they had about 20 guys set to show up and probably a few more after word got around.

"Hey boys! What do you like on your pizza?" asked Lars. Though it was a general question to everyone, it was clearly directed at Michael and Gavin. Lars already knew that Simon wanted pepperoni, sausage and whatever other meats he could get on his pizza, while Lukas like deluxe pizzas.

"I don't care, just as long as it has mushrooms and jalapeños," stated Michael.

"Jalapeños? Whew! That's too hot for me!" said Simon.

"I like veggie pizzas, but I don't mind meat on it," added Gavin.

Lars thought for a second. "Sounds like I should get two large deluxe pizzas - one with jalapeños and the other with extra pepperoni."

With everyone's approval, Lars grabbed his phone and the boys went to take showers.

Back in Lukas' room, Lukas and Simon went into Lukas' en suite and showered together, leaving Michael and Gavin to use the shower in the hall bathroom.

Without much thought, both Michael and Gavin stripped to their underwear and pulled out clothes for the evening. But when they turned and realized they were alone things got awkward quickly.

"Um... uh... you can go first," stuttered Michael, unable to take his eyes off of Gavin's boxer briefs. With all the sweat from their playing, Gavin's briefs clung to his junk and left little to the imagination. It made Michael's body feel hot and it ignited a desire he hadn't felt in a long time.

"Uh, no, um... you go ahead," offered Gavin. Michael's own thin cotton boxer briefs weren't hiding much either. The fat little semi-boner was held firmly to the right and his tight little ball sac stretched baby blue material. The fabric was so thin Gavin clearly made out the size and shape of Michael penis, including the head.

"Okay," said Michael, before breaking eye contact with Gavin's manhood and heading to the shower. He turned the corner to head down the hallway and gave Gavin another great look at his young, muscular ass. The material of his briefs wedged into his crack and left Gavin to imagine it was bare.

After his shower, Michael exited the bathroom dressed in cotton sleeping shorts and a t-shirt and Gavin quickly took his place. Lukas and Simon, as tempted as they were, kept their libidos under control and exited their bathroom shortly after Michael returned from his shower. They, however, entered the bedroom nude and searched for something to wear, making Michael blush and feel hot all over. It also made him wish he'd put on underwear, so his boner wasn't nearly as obvious.

Gavin's shower was quick, especially since he took a cold shower. It was his intention to take a cold shower to cool off his libido, but he wouldn't have had much of an choice anyway since the hot water ran out just after he got under the spray. It still gave him time to continue his thoughts from before. It was no surprise to him that he was attracted to Michael's personality and intelligence. The boy was brilliant and wickedly funny. He had an infectious smile and was kind, polite, considerate. Michael had all the qualities he wanted in a boyfriend, but...

It bothered Gavin that he was sexually attracted to an 11-year-old. Was he a pervert? Was this okay? Was something wrong with him? The attraction was undeniable, but was it right? When he realized he was attracted to Michael that way, he started looking at other young boys to see if he was some freak that was attracted to little kids. Though he found other boys that age beautiful, his attraction to Michael was different. It was emotional and sexual, not just an appreciation of the boy's good looks. There was something different about the way Michael carried himself. The way he stands, walks, talks... he just isn't like other boys his age, or most middle school boys for that matter. He wasn't awkward, or cocky, or feigning confidence. He was, well, sexy. He exuded sexuality on some level that other boys his age don't.

It was a lot to think about and had been weighing on his mind since the first moment Michael walked into Geometry class. Simon concluded that he would just keep his distance from Michael and let these feelings pass. That might have worked, at least for a while, until Simon surprised him and brought the two of them together for this weekend. Simon had clearly figured out his attraction to the small boy and set them up. Now that he knows Michael feels the same way, is that a green light for a relationship? Does Michael even know anything about sex? Would he be some creepy older kid corrupting a young, beautiful, innocent boy? The whole thing was a bit much to think about.

Hopping out of the shower, Gavin dried, dressed and joined the others in Lukas' room just in time to hear Lars call, "Pizza's here!"

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"Thanks for helping clean up, boys," Lars expressed with sincere gratitude. He was still feeling out of sorts and wanted to spend time with Lukas and his friends. Dinner was a lot of fun. The four boys' senses of humor were like puzzle pieces, each brought a different aspect to the evening's conversation and each had the rest of the room in stitches. Lars really appreciated having such a good group of boys, and he especially appreciated how comfortable Michael was this evening. He started to see the boy that's been buried under all that pain. "What are you guys going to do this evening?"

"Well, I don't know," said Simon, speaking for the group. "What do you guys think? Maybe watch a movie?"

Michael yawned, "Yeah, that sounds good!"

"Is the latest Avengers movie on Netflix yet?" asked Gavin.

"Oh yeah, that would be awesome!" Lukas loved the Marvel Comics movies.

"Would you guys mind if I hang out with you to watch the movie?" Lars asked, unsure of the reaction he'd get to his request.

"Yeah dad, that would be great!" responded Lukas. He could tell his dad wanted to be close by and needed the company. Lukas was feeling the same way, despite his father's reassurance.

"Thanks," said Lars. He sounded more relieved than he meant to. "I'll make some popcorn. Why don't you guys get the movie ready in the family room."

"Okay," said Lukas and Simon as they hurried around the corner to the family room and Gavin followed. Michael, on the other hand, walked around the table to Lars.

"Do you need any help?" asked Michael.

"Come here," asked Lars with arms out offering Michael a hug. Michael stepped into the hug and squeezed Lars tightly. Lars held the small boy and kissed the top of his head.

"Did you have a good day today, Michael?"

"Yeah. I'm pretty sure I aced my Chemistry test and I think I'm already getting pretty good at lacrosse."

"That's great!"

"Um, Lars? Thanks for letting me stay here while my mom, um... you know. I'm glad my mom signed those papers."

"We're all really happy you are here," he said as he rubbed Michael's back before breaking the hug. "Now go stake out your place on the couch and I'll make the popcorn." Then he whispered, "I'm going to make microwaveable popcorn, I think I've got this covered."

Michael giggled, "Okay!" Then he hurried off to the family room.

The Meijer family room consisted of a large u-shaped sectional sofa that faced a huge flat screen TV with theater surround sound. Michael ran over and planted himself in the middle of the "u". Gavin was on his left, nestled into the corner with his feet stretched out on the sectional. Lukas and Simon were getting the different components turned on and the remotes sorted out all while waiting for the Smart TV to boot up so they could launch the Netflix app.

"Are you sure today was only the second time you've played lacrosse?" asked Gavin, engaging Michael in conversation as an excuse to get to the boy to turn and face him.

"Yeah, really! Wednesday Lukas set me up with some of Simon's old equipment and we played in the backyard. Yesterday I had my soccer game and then we played today. I really like lacrosse. Do you think I'll be good enough to make the team this spring?"

"Yeah, you'll make the team. I'll work with you to make sure you're ready for tryouts." That earned a huge smile from Michael as his heart raced with excitement from Gavin showing interest in him. He turned toward the older boy and sat Indian style on the couch.

"Tomorrow's gonna be a lot of fun! Who's coming?"

Gavin began to tell Michael the names and lacrosse background of the boys that agreed to show up for the Saturday "practice". As Michael listened intently, Lukas and Simon perched themselves in the other corner of the sectional.

"Popcorn's here!" Lars entered with two huge bowls of buttered popcorn with enough salt to draw the ire of many a medical professional. Hanging from his arm was a bag containing five cans of soda. Taking a position right between the boys, he set a bowl down on each side and handed out the pop. "Lukas, hit play and let's get the movie started."

As the opening credits rolled, Michael and Gavin were sitting shoulder to shoulder sharing a bowl of popcorn. Lukas scooted over to snuggle up to his dad and held the other popcorn bowl he shared with his father and Simon.

Only thirty minutes into the movie, Lukas and Simon had set their soda and popcorn on the coffee table. Lars had his arm around Lukas and Simon was stretched out with his head on Lukas' lap. On the other side, Gavin carefully took the half-empty can out of Michael's hand as the boy slept. He placed both of their pop cans and the popcorn bowl on the table before returning to his place in the corner of the sectional. The sleeping boy felt the movement on the sectional and shifted his position, so his head fell slightly to the left, landing on Gavin's shoulder. Gavin wanted to make both of them more comfortable, so he slid his arm around Michael's waist and pulled him a bit closer.

Further into the movie, Michael stirred. Still dead asleep, he turned onto his left side, rest his head on Gavin's chest and threw his right arm and leg over his human pillow. Gavin smiled to himself. He loved the body contact. Unconsciously, while engrossed in the movie, he began gently rubbing Michael's back and playing with his hair. Lukas noticed the movement and nudged Simon, motioning him to take a look. Once Simon saw how cute they were together, he looked up at Lukas and they exchanged big smiles. Lars wondered what caught his boys' attention, so he followed their gaze to Michael and Gavin. Gavin didn't even notice they had an audience. Lars looked at Lukas with a raised eyebrow.

Lukas leaned up to whisper in his dad's ear. "They are both in Simon's Geometry class and have been crushing on each other all week. Simon had the idea to invite Gavin over this weekend to get them to finally talk to each other."

Lars just shook his head and smiled. He would certainly want to keep tabs on this development, but it seemed those two looked pretty happy at the moment.

Towards the end of the movie, Gavin leaned forward and adjusted the pillows behind his back. When he got settled, he was now laying on his back with both arms wrapped around Michael, holding the smaller boy across his chest. He was at just the right angle to see over Michael's head to watch the end of the movie. Well, at least attempt to watch the end of the movie. Michael was so warm and comfy, Gavin also fell asleep before the movie ended.

When the credits rolled, Lukas and Simon quietly got up and stretched.

"Well... ahhhhhh..." Lukas began as he finished his stretch, "that answers the question about sleeping arrangements tonight. They look sooooo cute together! I'll be right back." Lukas scampered out of the room while Simon grabbed the remotes to shut down the entertainment system.

Lars took the pillows from behind Simon and laid them beside Gavin's pillow, just in case Michael rolled over during the night. Lukas returned with a blanket and a quilt. He used the quilt to cover the sleeping boys and opened the blanket and draped it across the back of the sofa so they could grab it if they needed it during the night.

With the electronics and lights off, Lars escorted the other two back to the kitchen.

"You two playing matchmakers, huh..." again, shaking his head and chuckling.

"It's so funny! In class, Gavin can't keep his eyes off Michael, and every time Michael sees Gavin, he turns bright red and turns to face the front of the classroom, so Gavin won't notice." Simon could hardly keep is voice and laughter low enough to not wake the sleeping boys.

"And dad," Lukas added, "Gavin is a great guy."

"Yes, I know Gavin and his family. They are good people and I can tell he adores Michael. But I don't know if this is right for Michael."

Simon looked away, afraid he had done something wrong and disappointed Lars. Lukas looked like a puppy that had been swatted on the nose.

"I'm sorry boys. You didn't do anything wrong. It's a really nice thing you did and it looks like it worked. It's just that I'm worried about Michael and his being ready for a relationship."

"But dad, Simon and I were Michael's age when we..." Lukas cut short as soon as he realized what he was about to tell his father. Lars raised an eyebrow and Lukas turned red.

"Yes, but you and Simon are the same age. I have some concern over the age difference. Michael is much more mature than most 11-year-olds so age may not be an issue. However, this is much more complicated than just age. I don't want Michael OR Gavin to get hurt. I'll have a talk with both of them, but I need you two to keep your eyes and ears peeled on this too." He gave the boys his fatherly "I'm serious" look and they nodded that they understood. "I'm glad we are on the same page. If they start a relationship, we may need to step in and provide support and course correction to each of them. Now let's get to bed." He gave both boys a goodnight kiss on the cheek and a hug.

"I'm really proud of both of you. I hope you know that." Then Lars turned and headed to his bedroom.

Lukas continued to stare in his father's direction with a puzzled look on his face. Simon turned to Lukas and asked, "What's eating him?"

"I don't know, but I know how to find out. Com'on."

Simon followed as they tiptoed to his father's office. The kitchen light cast a faint glow in the office. Just enough for Lukas to find the folder on his dad's desk. He reached and grabbed the folder, then froze. They looked at each other and a full conversation passed between them in that moment. They knew that if Lukas lifted that folder off Lars' desk, they would be severely breaking Lar's trust. No matter how well intentioned, there would be long-term consequences.

"Are you sure it is worth it?" Simon asked.

"This is what dad was looking at when we left to play lacrosse. Whatever is in this folder has had him weirded out all evening. I don't remember the last time he's been so sad and sappy. It has me worried. Something really bad must be in here." Lukas shook the folder just in case Simon didn't get where he meant. "I don't like not knowing what's got dad so upset," Lukas added.

"Me either, but if that's a patient file, he could get in a lot of trouble from us looking at it," warned Simon.

Lukas was conflicted. He looked from Simon to the folder and back again. He was already feeling guilty for even thinking about taking the folder, but his curiosity, and his fear over what could possibly make his father so upset won out. He lifted the folder and hurried for the door.

"We'll put this back as soon as we're done," he said as he passed Simon.

Flicking the kitchen lights off, they hustled down the hallway to their bedroom and turned on all the lamps so they would have plenty of light.

"Oh shit, it's a police file," Simon said as he pointed to the insignia on the folder.

Lukas paused, taking in the moment and what he was about to do. Then he opened the folder.

The first item in the folder was a photo. Both boys gasped. The photo was a close up of facial injuries. The right eye was swollen shut, both lips were busted open, the person's nose was broken and both sides of the face were swollen and bruised.

Lukas picked the photo up to get a closer look. "Oh my gawd! Who is this?"

Simon pointed to the name on the case sheet that was under the photo. "It's Michael."

----------------------     

Lukas tossed and turned, fitful in his sleep. Simon watched and held him. If he'd known what was in the folder, he'd have found some way of preventing Lukas from looking. The words and images were still floating through his head. Broken bones, cracked ribs, dislocated shoulder, injuries to his rectum and throat, beaten about face and head until he was unrecognizable -- it was too much, especially for Lukas. They didn't get through everything in the file. Lukas got too upset so Simon took the file back to Lars' office. What they learned from the documents they did examine was disturbing enough. The story they pieced together was Michael had been kidnapped, repeatedly raped, beaten, and dumped in a ditch. The next morning, a cyclist on his daily ride found him naked and unconscious. There were a lot of redactions to the documents, but it seemed that the investigation into what happened to Michael was connected to a child pornography and sex-trafficking investigation linked to several countries outside the US. The folder contained information from the local police investigation up to the point the investigation was taken over by the FBI. They didn't realize the other folders in the stack on Lars' desk contained the transcripts of the resulting trials.

While going through the police file, it became apparent to Simon, though he didn't share this with Lukas, that the move from Oregon to SoCal was as much a new start for Michael as it was to hide him. A document that Simon reviewed and kept from Lukas was the interview with a main suspect, a local football coach. If his statements were true, what he told the authorities would have ripped any family apart. 'Now,' Simon thought, 'I have to make sure this doesn't tear Lukas apart.' He tightened his grip as he rested his right temple on the back of Lukas' blonde hair.

Gavin startled awake in a dark room with a warm body snuggled next to his. It took him a moment to remember where he was, and then he squeezed the small boy tighter and tried to make out his features in the dim light.

Sometime in the night, Gavin had turned onto his side with his back pressed against the sectional. Michael had rolled over onto his other side and nestled back into Gavin like two perfectly matched spoons.

'What is it about him?' pondered Gavin. 'I know I'm not the only one that senses it - the girls do too. Thursday, Lindsey was saying how sexy she thought Michael was and that she'd love to teach him how to please a girl.' The idea of pleasing a girl made his stomach churn a bit, but he still found the comment amusing.

'He oozes more sexuality than most boys my age. How? Why? It doesn't make sense, but it sure makes him hot as fuck.' That's when Simon noticed his middle of the night boner mashed tightly against Michael's firm ass cheeks. 'Oh fuck, that feels good.'

Paralyzed by indecision, Gavin didn't know whether to move or not. The age differences played on his mind again, but there wasn't another person in the world that he'd rather be laying here holding. No one even close. He leaned in and took a deep breath. He inhaled Michael's scent to imprint it on his brain. He slowly ran the tip of his nose from the tip of the boy's shoulder to just behind his left ear.

A tear formed in Gavin's eye. He'd never felt happier or felt more love for anyone, yet, he felt a deep sadness because he was certain that this is forbidden because of Michael's age and his innocence. Planting a kiss on the boy's neck, he swore he heard Michael purr like a kitten and wiggled to get closer to Gavin. Getting comfortable again, Gavin's forehead on the crown of Michael's head, Gavin smiled and drifted off to sleep.

   
         
   

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