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A Stepbrother's Desire - Josh and Tyson 50
So what was a heavenly night turned into a hellish day. Ty woke up in our hotel room with a terrible headache. He said he didn't feel hungover because our flasks, combined with other food and other drinks, didn't have enough vodka to make us drunk. My stomach was upset, no, actually, it was tore up. Twice in the bathroom before 9 am told me I was in for a rough day. I crawled into the bed where Ty was trying to get just a bit more sleep.
"Hey babe," I said, wrapping an arm over his side.
"Errrr," he growled. "My head is pounding," he said.
"I'm sorry. I don't feel good either," I whispered. "But we have to get up," I said, slipping back out of the bed to take a shower.
We packed our tuxedos into the garment bags and put the rest of our things in our overnight bags and left the room. It would be a room I would never forget. Our night was better than any we had in the hotel in Asheville. Bryce and Lisa were in the lobby. Lisa had a suitcase which caused me to laugh. I gathered she never traveled light. Ty didn't say anything. Bryce gave a grimace.
"Yeah, he has a headache," I said.
"My tummy's upset," he said. The way he turned his nose caused me to crack up.
"That's funny because mine is in terrible shape!" and we both laughed.
"You two!" said Lisa. "Things like that are not funny," and she walked over to Ty.
"You ok, hun?" she asked in her drawl.
"It's gonna bust open," he said. She fumbled in her purse and pulled out a small medicine bottle. "Here," she said, placing a pill in his hand. "Take this," and he tossed it in his mouth and swallowed. "Go home and lay down. It's migraine strength and will help you relax," she said, giving him a hug. "You were fantastic last night, Tyson. Simply amazing," she said.
"Oh yeah, well you accomplished your ultimate goal," he said in return.
"What's that?"
"You were the prettiest girl in the room. Perfect," he said, with a pained smile.
"Aw Ty, that wasn't my ultimate goal but thank you." She gave his arm a squeeze and we headed down to our cars. We had a short but quiet drive back home. The streets were only starting to bustle with the brunch goers and the church goers and the other people, probably trying to get home. We parked in front of the house and Ty groaned.
"What awaits us in there?" he asked, looking up at the quietly regal house.
"Shit on a stick," I suspect. I grabbed his arm before he exited the car. "But Ty, make no mistake. I loved last night. I loved dancing with you last night. I loved YOU last night. I'm very sure that if anything ever happened to you, I wouldn't live long after it." He looked at me, silently, processing, trying to make his wheels work but I think the pain meds Lisa gave him were kicking in.
"I wish I had something to reply with, Josh, but I don't. It was the night of my life," and he leaned forward and kissed me, gently. We collected our things from the car and walked up the drive, past the house and around back to the kitchen entrance. We entered the kitchen where Bill was sitting at the breakfast table drinking coffee and reading the paper. Mom leaned against the counter talking to someone on the phone.
"The important thing is the money. We met goal and I give it to the kids for being so generous. You should keep your eyes on the prize," she said, trying not to sound like the boss. She gave us a quick smile but didn't say anything to us. Bill didn't say anything either. We walked through the room and lugged our things upstairs. I took our garment bags and laid them neatly across the guest room bed then I led Ty toward his bed and told him to lay down. I didn't know how strong Lisa's pain meds might be and didn't want him stumbling around. I took my things to my room and stretched out on my bed. My bed, I was so glad to be in my own bed! Hotel beds are ok but they are not like the one you are used to, that is molded to you. I must have fallen asleep because I woke with a start to find mom sitting on the bed next to me.
"Hey Josh, you ok?" she asked.
"Yeah, my stomach is, well, ugh," I said. "I'm just tired. How are you?" I asked.
"I'm good. There's been one or two comments about last night and Bill is not quite settled about it. I want you and Ty to tread lightly today," she said, placing her hand on my leg.
"One or two comments? Like what?"
"Well, a bit bold for you to ask your stepbrother to dance and what not. Once I tell them that Ty is head of Diversity and Inclusion and basically set the stance for his platform next year, they settle down."
"And Bill not settled. Does that mean he's mad?"
"Yes, for the most part. I have explained it to him just the way it happened but his concerns are, well, more far reaching, so to speak."
"You mean the firm," I said.
"Yes. But don't worry. I had my own concerns but having seen it for myself, and listening to your friend Keith Burch, I'm not so wound up. I don't think Bill would care so much if his image wasn't so crucial to his job. Just give him some time," she suggested. "He'll see that it was ok. You really did make your choice with some elegance, Josh. Thank you for that," she said. It didn't make me feel better but I was glad she saw it that way.
"Hey mom, I hear what you're saying and I won't push the envelope with Bill. I know he has his concerns and if I were him I might feel the same way but if he comes at us, I'm not going to apologize or go tearing off into the night again. Like Lisa said last night, "that day has sailed." I'm just saying..."
"It's ok, Josh. I understand and I'm glad you feel stronger now. Let me play diplomat and keep order. You just go about your business as usual," she said. "I'm going to check on Ty. He told me he had a terrible headache but it was easing up some."
"Lisa gave him something," I said.
"Oh lord," mom said, causing me to crack up.
That evening we gathered at the table for dinner. Ty and I kept the conversation light, reflecting on some of the funny scenes from the night before, with no mention of our journey to the gay bar. That would definitely cause everyone to lose their shit!
"And Tristan!" exclaimed Ty. "I can't believe him!"
"What about Tristan?" asked Bill. Ty relived the scene where Roman, a huge guy, side bumped Tristan almost knocking him over. Tristan back kicked him in response and might be one of the few to ever get away with that.
"The nonsense you all get up to," Bill said quietly, taking a bite of his chicken.
"It wasn't nonsense. He was defending himself and it actually led to a very respectable conclusion," Ty said.
"Respectable. I bet," Bill said.
"You know Dad, you might not be happy about things but you're being a little judgemental, don't you think?" Mom's eyes popped open.
"Ty honey," she said.
"No, let him speak, Karen. Ty has something on his mind," Bill said in an elevated voice.
"Nothing that anyone needs to be concerned about!" Ty snapped. I was biting my tongue, wishing I had something I could put in my mouth to keep from stepping onto this minefield. "The fact is, you think Josh and I dishonored you and made you look bad last night. Isn't that it?" Ty asked.
"There may be some element to that," Bill said, bracing for who was going to land the crushing line. "We talked endlessly about the look, the group thing, didn't we?"
"Ty, we talked about this upstairs. Let's just..." mom said, trying to bring about diplomacy.
"No, if he weren't so upset about it, we could just move on but he's going to pick at it til it bleeds! Dad, we didn't do anything wrong and there's no use trying to make us feel guilty. Mom set up the Twelfth boy thing and Josh chose me, as his stepbrother, not his boyfriend. We raised the most money of anyone out there which just goes to show people supported two guys dancing. In fact, if Bryce hadn't gotten out of line at the last minute, he would have been the twelfth boy! Blame him if you have to! I just think this whole image thing is a load of crap!" Bill's eyes squinted. Mom was covering her face.
"It's bigger than that, Ty!" Bil snapped.
"Is that where you come in with the cross examination..."is it likely or probable that blah blah blah!" that lawyers do?" and Ty snickered. Bill was quiet, contemplating how he was going to respond. To nail Ty to the wall at this point would be terrible of him to do and he knew it. I knew it.
"Things are different now, Ty. I'm trying to gauge the risks from an executive level, a place you don't have to be so concerned with. Yes, the thing upsets me more than I like and you're right, it's senseless getting too keyed up about it. Could be just a bunch of nothing but I'm in this role less than a month. You get it?" Bill said in a quiet tone. I liked how he backed down.
"Yes, but dad, it is what it is and Josh did right by you and mom and he complimented me in a way nobody ever could. He asked his undeniably gay stepbrother for the dance and didn't make any proclamations. I think the people at your "executive" level will care far less about it than you think. We're just silly kids, anyway," Ty said.
"I hope you're right," Bill said. I gave Ty a light kick under the table, signifying my approval of the way he conducted this fight. I was thrilled that it was an event that mom and I didn't have to get involved with. In fact, and I'm not throwing Ty under the bus, but it was time for him and his dad to confront things. I'm tired of always taking the parental brunt.
On Monday I marched into Keith Burch's classroom, feeling some sense of importance. Since he had been a witness to all that which was the prom, his thoughts and perspective would be greatly welcomed.
"Well Josh, that was a big night. How did things go at home?" he asked.
"Well, you don't even know how big that night was! Ty and I had an "after prom party" excursion!" I told him. He looked curiously at me. I told him about the driver and the car and bar and the one hour stint the manager allowed us.
"Josh! They're not supposed to let you in there! But how was it?" he asked slyly. I cracked up laughing.
"Amazing," I said. "We just danced and drew some wicked stares. Jody is very careful and won't let us have alcohol in front of the crowd. In fact, he was so gracious I wouldn't ask him again so he doesn't think we're taking advantage of him."
"Good thinking," Keith confirmed. "I was so proud of you and, in fact, I told your mother so. She seemed to have concerns but I thought you were very classy. I know Ty was ecstatic. What's the chatter in the halls today?" he asked.
"There is some chatter as a matter of fact. I have had several people say to me they thought I was very cool to show support to my stepbrother but there are some "underwater" conversations about whether I'm getting it on with him. So far no one from my group has made any slips so I guess we're still good. My stepfather is wound up. He's worried that the partners will have a fit. I don't see why they would care. We'll see," I concluded.
"Take it in stride. The championship game is coming up this weekend and everyone's attention should sway that direction very quickly." I nodded in agreement.
After I finished my slice of pizza from the cafeteria, I was about to take off but a look on Keith's face held me back. It was a sad look.
"Hey Keith," I said quietly, "you had a look. What was that look?" I asked.
"Let's just say that I'm so glad things are so good on your horizon, Josh, because I don't think they are so good on mine. That's all I would prefer to say at the moment."
"Ok, if you're sure. I never want to pry but you know know I"m..."
"I know, Josh, and thank you for that."
"You know what, I'm going to ask you something totally hypothetical. You don't have to answer but I think it's an amazing question," I said.
"Well I'm bursting with curiosity now!" Keith said with a smile.
"Jordan said something to Ty the other night that really stuck with Ty. Not that they would act on it, but it was a damn fine compliment."
"Yes?" Keith said.
"Jordan said that in a different world, at another time, so to speak, he and Ty, well, he could imagine he and Ty, I don't know, like together. I think, like they understand each other, something more than just attraction. You know what I'm saying?"
"Yes I understand. If we remove the current conditions, our familiar environment, dispel the rules and protocols we live with, so many things could be possible."
"Yes, that's it. Well, in that world, not in this one, would you ever...um, well, would I be interesting to you? There, that's what I wanted to ask. Is it a stupid question?" I asked with so much curiosity.
"Yes, Josh, of course. In another world, I absolutely would. Now, don't press me further. It's a rabbit hole!" and he leaned back in his chair and chuckled.
"I know it is. And just so you know, you are one of the greatest guys I know and my answer would be the same. Take that down the rabbit hold," I said and I skirted from his classroom to avoid the scolding or admonishment that was probably forthcoming. Of course, he couldn't take the place of Ty. Ty fills me up. But he does get me going in a different way, something like an intellect or a higher cause. I don't know.
A day or two later, I got handed some shit that really sent me spiraling. Bryce texted me while I was at work and asked if I wanted to meet up for a little while. He was thinking about cold coffee. He had a big project he had to complete and wanted a hot dose of cold caffeine. I said sure. I had a similar project I had to finish.
When I pulled into the coffee shop, it was busy. I guess there were a lot of students who were thinking the same thing.
"What up man?" asked Bryce, trying to be so cool. You had to love that about him. Never a bad mood with that one.
"Had several cars to wash. You know how us peasant peoples have to work, man," I said, trying to meet his swagger.
"Peasant my ass. Your stepdad probably makes more than mine these days!"
"Yes, but you get your dad's money. I don't," I replied. We got in line and eventually got our coffees. We went outside to the patio where there was more seating.
"Listen, Josh. I'm going against things I know to be right by telling you this. You need to promise not to get mad and blow your shit, you know, like you tend to do," Bryce said quietly.
"And that means what you're gonna tell is going to cause me to blow my shit so why don't you just tell me what it is."
"Well, I promised not to."
"Then maybe you shouldn't!" I replied.
"I'm torn, brother," Bryce was with anxiety. "In fact I shouldn't have been told but once I was, I knew what I had to do. I mean, maybe it's no big deal."
"Damn it, Bryce. Let the shit fly. Let's see if it hits the fan!"
"Ginny gave it up to Kyle on prom night. There. There it is. Kyle told me but didn't want me spreading around the school. Of course, I wouldn't do that, especially since it's..."
"What did you say?" I asked. I was really trying to put on the poker face but my nerves became instantly raw. My hand shook lightly. My mouth was dry and this bitter coffee wasn't going to help it. "It was not a rhetorical question!" I snapped. "What the fuck did you just tell me?"
"Uh oh, here it comes," said Bryce. "Josh, please calm..."
"Well you're right! There it is. There is the final play. He's taken everything I once held dear, except for Ty. He worked his way back in on you, gets away with daily texting with Tristan that I could never get away with, and now, well, he got Ginny...or took Giinny... or whatever the fuck!" No, I wasn't yelling so everyone could hear me but I was speaking with very specific diction. Bryce had no doubt what my mood was. He grimaced. I basically got up, letting my chair fall backwards, and walked back through the coffee shop and to my car.
The thing you have to understand about a guy like me and a girl like Ginny, is that, well, I don't own her. She is an independent gal, always has been. I know she never made any commitments to me. I didn't want her to. But, she has been my girl this whole year and even though I didn't have sex with her, doesn't mean I didn't love her. She stood by my sorry ass through the whole of this year. She never judged me, she never picked at me. She didn't set expectations I couldn't meet or play games with me. I just wanted that bit of, I don't know what you call it, that bit of loyalty or something til the end. It's so fucking selfish of me to think that way but I can only be honest. I'm a teenage boy, for fuck sake. No one seems to ever remember that. My head says there is no cheating here but my heart feels like she was and she did. I really needed to sort this shit out. This was one friendship I couldn't blow.
I talked it over with Ty. Obviously, he was a trusted source and he wouldn't judge me. He knew how I felt about Ginny. In fact, he made an astonishing observation.
"You know, Josh, I hate to point it out under these circumstances, but it wasn't so long ago you were taking someone's virginity, and it was thought and proven to be "effective"," he said. I was floored.
"Listen, that almost sounds like..."
"You know what, Josh, we're all at that stage of life where if it's the right time and right place, well, it might be for the best. If you weren't going to do it for her, and I wouldn't have recommended you do so, who would you accept to do it? I mean, they obviously like each other and he's an absolute gentleman. You know he didn't do that to get his rocks off!"
"I'm not going to argue with you because I don't disagree. But I want to circle back about that thing with Tristan. Are you harboring some resentment that I don't know about? Because..."
"Josh, I almost wish it had been me!" Ty said and I was floored again! It was like getting fucked twice back to back! "Yeah, I have always held my friendship with Tristan as the greatest friendship of my life and don't think I haven't loved him in multiple ways. I made choices to leave our friendship as it was, to never push the envelope, but there were times, Josh, long before you came along when I could have easily given my heart to him."
"Wow," I said, quietly. I had to respect the fact Ty had just put a deeply rooted and sincere admission out onto the table.
"In fact, part of me was glad I was there to witness it. I have often thought about the dual role I played. Not only did I set it up, but I was there to support my best friend and my boyfriend at the same time. Yeah, I did that. Who gets to witness something so important, the pure act of it? Just me, I guess," he said, with a slight shrug of his shoulders. "But Josh, if I had known back then what I know now, if I had been strong back then as I am now, I would have done that with Tristan. I would have loved it and I would have loved him. And, I will repeat, I would have loved it. He is so, well, beautiful. But you got it, didn't you? You went where no one else had. Now before you go reading Ginny like a cheap novel, you think about that!" and his voice was getting louder. "In fact, you best bury it deep within your soul and not say a damn word to her until she tells you. Then, and only then, can you tell her what she's meant to you this past year, and you can't and WON'T find fault with her judgment!" and Ty, in a surprising move, got up from the sofa and stormed out of the den and into his room.
Ok, Ty just blew his shit and I didn't even do anything! I kind of laughed, quietly so he wouldn't hear but that was downright funny. I didn't know he had held the memory of New Year's Eve so closely as I believed that to be a done and closed deal. I guess I failed to realize what his and Tristan's friendship has been over the years. They have been the right and left ventricles of one heart and maybe I could have seen them exploring sex together and going all the way. It would have been hot to watch. In fact, my cock stirred in my sweatpants thinking about it. Funny, what gets you going sometimes!
I eased down the hall and peeped in Ty's door. He was lying on his bed with headphones on.
"You ok?" I asked.
"I'm sorry Josh. The tension with Dad has me on edge. You didn't deserve that," he said. "The thing with Tristan is a sensitive area but I don't resent you or regret what we did. He certainly doesn't. I was just trying to relay the importance, sort of like how mom called our prom night, "the rite of passage." You know?" he asked. "Be kind to her. She's been one of the best."
"She is the best," I said, in agreement. I sat on the bed beside Ty and he removed his headphones. He looked at me thoughtfully as I stared back at him.
"What?" he asked, slowly, questioningly.
"I have an itch, babe," I said in a whisper.
"Where?" Ty asked. I place my finger down between my legs.
"It's deep, baby, it's really deep. I thought perhaps you might have a chance to scratch it for me later, you know, like you know how to do," I said, hoping he was getting the picture.
"Oh!" he gasped. "Well yes, I know exactly where that itch is. I will be glad to scratch it out for you," he said with a smile. "Can you come back later, when the parents are asleep?"
"Oh, I think so," I said, heading back to my room to work on the projects that had upcoming deadlines.
I slipped quietly into his room at midnight. He was putting a book into his backpack.
"Damn calculus," he said, swinging his long bangs out of his face.
I was just to lay down on his bed when he pushed my and I fell back onto it.
"All that talk about Tristan and stuff earlier got me going, Josh. Let me say in advance that I'm sorry for what I'm about to do!" I know my eyes bulged because I didn't know what that meant but I soon found out. My legs were pressed back toward the headboard. His arms were pressed against my underarms. His cock was knee deep in me. I was on the verge of cumming three times.
By the end of the week, I was tired from work, studying, and homework. Everyone seemed to be on their own for the weekend. The championship ball games were taking place up towards D.C. None of our bunch were able to go, although Ty said he would've liked to but wasn't asking permission from the parents. And on that front, the bigger issue seemed to be just between him and his dad and I wasn't sure I understood it at this point. The week had gone by and other than a few jabs from some stupid punks at school, there hadn't been much attention on mine and Ty's dance moment. There was a video of the dance that posted to youtube several times but each one got less that 100 views. I wouldn't call it epic or viral. No one at work had anything to say about it so Bill hadn't come home with any ammunition to use against us. There were things I didn't press Ty about and his thing with his dad was one but I figured I might ask him at some point. If you catch Ty at a time he's not ready to talk about something, he has a strategic way of deflecting on something you've done and turning the tables on you. I decided to leave that alone after the Ginny/Tristan thing.
I had a sneaking suspicion, as Ty and I hung around the house for the weekend, that we were entering an unusual period of time. Prom was done. Everyone had some sort of project or report due. College acceptances were done. They were talking about graduation invitations and preparations already. Could time be going this fast? Are we truly at the end. I found myself in a very reflective mood. I made plans with Jason and Jack the next weekend so I would consider the topic with them. They were not graduating this year but their perspective might be helpful. I had nearly caused Bryce a heart attack at the coffee place but I had cleared the air with him about that. I wasn't going to throw him under the bus about revealing Kyle's secret and he was very glad. I was also trying to keep my resentment toward Kyle to a minimum. He had picked up towels from the dealership and we had joked and talked like we usually did. You can't help but like the guy.
I heard Ty in his room talking to Gigi. They hadn't talked since prom and he was filling her in all the details. I thought maybe I should follow his lead and call my dad. We hadn't talked in a while. He might have some useful insights into this peculiar time. More to come.