Drummer Boys

Drummer Boys By Kevin Carson

This story is about my relationship with my friend and, well, much, much more-than-a-jack-off buddy. Yes, it includes gay teen sex stuff. It's based on true experiences but some of the names and places have been changed for privacy. Hey, if this is illegal where you're at or if you're too young to be reading this, then you better not. Getting in trouble isn't cool. All rights reserved. No reproductions permitted without prior permission. Copyright 2008.

Thanks to everyone who has written to me. I really appreciate your comments/feedback and questions about this story. My email is: kc.drummerboy@yahoo.com.

I also want to apologize again for taking so long between chapters. I really needed a little break. It's been a hectic summer, I'm sure for everyone.

Sincerely, -kevin.

For Zack, who left us way too soon

Part 40.

Mark and I hung out in his basement all night and talked and laughed, sometimes not even realizing what we were laughing about. I like it when we do that. The caffeine in the sodas sure kept us charged-up for a while! We sat there next to each other, physically close, skin occasionally touching skin. I like it when we do that, too!

It was fun. The room was dark, "Shrek 2" was on and the sound was off. No matter what, I was determined to be in - and stay in - a good mood. How could I possibly be in a bad mood or feel depressed when I'm with Mark? But the only thing is, I'm not always successful. I try real hard, though. And I admit, my mind wandered a few times...

I wasn't overly concerned that Mark would ever intentionally keep a secret from me, or that maybe he'd be afraid to tell me something... but I still found myself thinking about it. I sorta wondered, what could there ever possibly be that Mark might not want to tell me about? It would have to be something waaaay too embarrassing or weird. Something that he wouldn't want even ME to know.

About the only thing I could imagine would be something crazy and wacky like, if he secretly fucked Emily DeMarco. Something crazy and wacky like that. Crazy, wacky shit. Even if he only WANTED to fuck her! I know that's disgusting. I don't think I could forgive him for that - if he fucked Emily! I wouldn't blame him if he wanted to keep that to himself, if he did. Jesus, even if he ever jacked off thinking about her... like some sort of twisted fantasy... that'd also be some wild, crazy, wacky shit, I say. And if he wanted to keep that quiet, too, I'd understand.

However clears throat if he whacked off thinking about Marcie Lamson... now THAT's a different story! She might be a bitch - a slutty, scheming, trouble-making bitch - but she IS red hot and totally fuckable! I could handle that, if he did use Marcie for jack off material. Maybe, I guess... whatever. Guys fantasize about older women sometimes, right? This is all too bizarre!

And the only other possibility I could imagine would be if Mark didn't tell me something because he wouldn't want to hurt me. That would never be the case, though, because in the end, whatever it is that he isn't telling me, I'd find out anyway. I have my ways. And I'd probably be even more hurt. So that would never happen.

Well, finally, when we crashed, we crashed! I eventually woke up in the middle of the night, though, and put my boxer-briefs back on, but Mark stayed sound asleep on the couch, totally bare-ass naked. My God, what a sight! As soon as I got up off the couch he stretched his legs out and rolled onto his back. His seven-incher was half hard, which, I must say, is a normal state for him, and his left hand found its comfortable home between his legs. That's a nice, warm place, between his legs.

The only problem was, when I see Mark with even half a woodie, I get completely steelhard too! I just can't control myself, damn it! So anyway, I partly covered up my guy with a blanket, making sure his big tool was still in plain view. I turned off the dvd player and TV and used the bathroom as soon as my own dick got soft enough to pee. Then I took my place on the floor next to him, as he lay on the couch.

I tried to go back to sleep, but my mind was racing, thinking about all sorts of things. Plus, Mark was scratching his legs and his ass in his sleep... a sound I loved to hear. If he had an itch, I'd gladly scratch it for him, except I didn't want to wake him up. He was also rubbing his balls and inner thighs, and he moaned a little, trying to smile while grinding his teeth. I know he was dreaming... about something! Me, I hope!

Jesus Christ, now I was fully awake... and fully hard (as I am now, writing this!). I couldn't help it... I had to sit up and look at Mark. I soooo wanted to touch him, but I knew he had to sleep. As for me?? Well I don't need much sleep, but I figured I would keep watching him while I had the opportunity. I sat with my legs crossed and my hard cock was stuck in my fly opening. Although it was the middle of the night, there was just enough moonlight coming through the glass-block windows in the Graham's basement that it cast a shimmering glow on Mark's sleek body. I love watching him sleep. I love it. A ring-side seat and a bird's-eye view... who could ask for more?

Soon, my right hand found its way past the elastic waistband of my underwear, as my left hand slid up one of the leg openings. My cock was sticky, and got even stickier as I gazed at Mark and played with my own loose, smooth balls. I managed to get my hard cock free from its entanglement in the pee fly of my underwear, and started to stroke it. It seemed every few seconds I'd feel a pulsing wave from below my nut sac, and another generous stream of clear precum would ooze out. I swear it was more than usual and my dick was ultra-sensitive.

I pulled my underwear completely off and scooped up some of the ooze and rubbed it around my asshole, which felt really great. I was getting hornier and hornier by the second. Like, I couldn't control myself! I spit on my cock to make it even slipperier, and jerked myself like a wildman. The squishing sound added to the thrill, and several times I felt like I was gonna pop, so I'd let up. I mean, I wanted to cum, but I was sooo getting off watching Mark, too, that I couldn't really totally stop. But I'd try to make myself stop... then I'd start jacking again... then stop... then start. Damn!! Edging is pleasure and torture at the same time! Try it, if you don't believe me!

Boy, how I wished I had my drumsticks. At about that point I completely would have liked one up my ass, sliding in and out, actually. I could get a drumstick in a little farther than a finger, even my middle one, and it feels so good, especially when I twist it around a little bit. And the more lube the better. But I didn't have the sticks and I didn't have any lube either, so I just had to make do.

Finally I couldn't stand it any longer. The tension was too much, and I gave in and crawled up on the couch, on top of my hot stud. I straddled his legs, and when I bent down to kiss and lick his nipples, my chest pressed against his hard pole. My ass was sort-of up in the air, being in that position, and the air on my wet slippery asshole felt cool. I sat back up, but tried to keep my asscheeks spread apart as much as possible, resting my buns just above his knees. My balls met his, and our hard, throbbing dicks touched.

Somehow, my man must have sensed what was happening, because he got even harder, even though he was still asleep. I moved in a back-and-forth motion... gently at first, but then I gradually picked up speed. The feeling of going cock-to-cock was like a pleasant surge of electricity going through my body. I wanted to jack him, but you know what? I was selfish and got a little crazy and took care of myself first! I'm such a horny devil, aren't I!

A few times while I furiously jacked my own dick, I grabbed his, too. It was quite a rush stroking him with my right hand and myself with my left. I was breathing hard and working up a sweat... drops of my perspiration were falling down my face and onto Mark's lean body as I straddled him.

I just couldn't control my moaning, either. "Oh! Uhh! Uhh!! UHHH!! Ohhh!! Aaaaahhhh!!! Oh God!!! Oh Fuck!!!! Hhhhhhhhhhh... FuckFuckFuck!!!!!!!! OHHHHHH!!!! Oh SHIT!!!! Mmmmmmm... now, now, NOW!!! I'm gonna c-... I'm gonna cu-... Mmmmmm... I'm... Oh God I'm cumming!!!"

And I did, too!! Let me tell you, it was pretty fucking awesome. The first shot of my hot jizz landed in a straight line right smack dab in the middle of Mark's smooth tummy. Another drop splattered right below it, and it sorta looked like an exclamation point! Very appropriate, I say! The rest just sort-of went flying everywhere, mostly on my right hand and on my dick. But it was well worth it and the mess was delicious. All of my orgasmic excitement woke Mark up, and he was smiling.

"Dude! Are you OK?"

I was out of breath, dripping with sweat and, of course, cum. "Jesus, that was incredible. I couldn't help it." I laughed.

"You are one horny little shit, aren't you?! I'm worried about you!"

I couldn't help but notice all the clear sticky leakage from Mark's cock. "Oh yeah...? Well I'm gonna worry about THIS!" I giggled as I swallowed his pole. "Damn, it's tasty!"

I sucked and slurped and jacked him, taking it seriously, while he grinned and moaned, loving every minute of it. I smiled, too, and then kissed and licked his inner thighs, all the way up to his nut sac, which I also kissed and fondled. I could tell those two beautiful nuggets were ready to explode any second, because the minute I took them into my mouth Mark squeezed his butt cheeks together and spread his knees apart. He yelped and bucked as I looked up at him looking down.

"Oh my God!!!! Uhh Uhh Uhhhhhhhh!!!!!!! OHHHH Oh God. Mmmmm Ahhh UHH UHH UHHHHHHHH JESUS!!!!!!!!!!!"

My face was as close to Mark's cock and balls as I could get. I took in his body scent "down there" and thought, that, alone, would make me cum again! Gripping his hardness firmly in my hand, I jacked him into oblivion, gently squeezing and pumping his slippery stick until he bucked and squirmed and shot his wad straight up and out. The first squirt was pretty intense and dripped down my hand, but the second and third ones were even more powerful and shot straight up, about a foot into the air above him.

"My God, look at that!!" I whispered, smiling. "Fucking amazing!!"

God, if only I could have caught his fluid with my mouth, mid-air, that'd be total fucking hotness! But... I couldn't because it was just too much too fast! It was fun to watch, though!! Soooo much fun!!

Mark's major cum-blast rendered him speechless, except for the loudness of his screaming and moaning. When it was all over (and I mean ALL OVER) we laughed. He and I fell asleep, again, smiling, only to wake up in the morning... still smiling! For once, he actually woke up a little before me! I felt his warm breath on my neck, which immediately gave me goosebumps. We were both sticky and stinky. I think the whole room was smelly, if you know what I mean. Hours-old, not-quite-dry cum... what a scent!

"Aaaaaahhhhh..." I yawned and stretched. "Man, I gotta piss."

"Quit complaining and go to the bathroom, then!" Mark teased.

"Shut the fuck up!" I shot back playfully. "Stop being mean to me!"

"Boy we're whiney this morning, aren't we, sweetie???"

"Well, can you blame me??" I laughed. "I didn't sleep a wink last night!"

"Soooo... who's fault is THAT???" Mark said teasingly. "You're the one who woke ME up in the middle of the night!"

I could only grin. "Umm, so are you saying you didn't like what I did? If it was so awful, you could have just rolled over and kept on sleeping, asshole!"

"Someone's crabby! Shit!"

I tried to cover my head with the pillow, but Mark got it away from me and started hitting me with it. The giggles and laughter started... the trademark sounds of our silliness. I was losing the "fight."

"Come on, Mark! Stop!! STOP!!!" I yelped, like a puppy whose tail had been stepped on. Then he started tickling me, and we were both laughing harder and harder. "STOP, PLEASE!!!!! I really gotta pee!! You're gonna make me piss my pants!"

Now Mark was really laughing. "You're not wearing any pants!"

"Oh yeah!! Fucker!!" I broke away and ran to the bathroom, giggling. But believe me, if I didn't have to go so bad I would have let Mark tackle me tight there on the floor, pillow or no pillow, and I would have let him tease and tickle me to his heart's content. I'd give in and let him straddle my legs, holding my arms at the wrists above my head and I'd just let him do whatever he wants!

I stood at the toilet and immediately my stream hit the water, and I wondered if Mark could hear me. I think I was still pissing when he pounded on the bathroom door and yelled in to me. "You gonna be in there all day? Jeez, dude, hurry it up!!"

"God!! I'm not even done shaking the piss off my dick, dude! So just chill, will ya!?!" I yelled back. I flushed the toilet and washed my face and hands, and when all the water stopped running I heard voices. Specifically, it was Mark's mom and him. She had been at the hospital all night with Lisa, and was just getting home. I'm sure she slept some while she was there, but still I bet she was pretty tired. And if she's tired, that means there's a damn good chance she'd be a bit crabby herself, so I needed to be on my good behavior more than ever.

I opened the bathroom door a crack and put my ear close to it so I could hear them talking better. Luckily she was at the top of the basement steps. Still, I wasn't gonna chance leaving the bathroom and having her walk down there and catch me bare-ass naked. (And a bit crusty, too I might add!) I already had one experience with Mrs. Graham lurking outside the bathroom door while I was in there, and that was one experience too many. It was that time at the cabin, at New Year's, when I was so hot for Mark and I was in the upstairs bathroom jacking off, and she thought I was sick, remember?

"What's for breakfast, mom???" Mark yelled up to her. I could see him grinning as he asked... "Kevin says he's starved!"

"Shut the fuck up, you moron!" I sort-of whispered. "I'm NOT starving!! Just get me my God-damned clothes!"

My boy was having the time of his life teasing me. I know it was all in fun, but I was getting a little irritated. Yeah, right!

Mark must have been reading my mind because he handed me some clothes through the slightly-opened bathroom door. "Here you go, sweetie!" I quickly slipped into them, and just in time, too! Mrs. Graham came downstairs! I walked out of the bathroom and there she was!

I wasn't exactly sure what she and Mark were talking about, but I had to say something. First, I turned to Mark and said, so his mother could hear this time, "Mark, I never said I was starving!" I didn't say the word "asshole" at the end of the sentence, but it was implied by my sarcastic tone of voice. Then I smiled at his mom, as politely as I could, and said, "Hey, Mrs. Graham. How's Lisa today? I sure hope she's feeling better!"

"Uh, she's good, Kevin... she's feeling a lot better. We'll get to bring her home tomorrow, so we're happy about that."

"That's great! The doctors and nurses are wonderful, aren't they?!" I added. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

"Well, yes, there is. Both of you can start by cleaning up this basement. I don't know what you two have been doing down here, but it smells like TEN teenage boys slept over!"

OK, that was a weird, off-the-cuff thing to say. It's like she had it planned to bitch about something.

"Oh, it must be the pizza from last night. Right, Mark?" I looked at him with a hopeful smile that he'd agree, while still trying to be serious.

"It's NOT pizza!" Mrs. Graham said, hands on her hips, shaking her head slightly as she glanced around the room, not looking at either one of us. "I should warn Connie Eckert what she can look forward to when Dylan gets to be a teenager."

Mark kind-of smirked as he looked at me and not her. "No problem, Mom. We're on it." He arched his eyebrows, as if to say he knows she's a pain in the ass. My jaw dropped when she said that, about the smell. Come on, it wasn't THAT bad! Besides, Mark had already done some straightening up while I was in the bathroom. Then, when she said that about Nora's little brother Dylan... I know she meant about him jerking off. Obviously, she knows that's what Mark and I were doing! Would Mrs. Graham really have a conversation with Mrs. Eckert about what boys do?? I can't believe mothers really talk about their sons doing that, but apparently they do!! I bet they giggle and laugh, talking about it, and try to guess which boys have the biggest cocks!

After Mrs. Graham made those little comments, she started to go back upstairs, but she suddenly stopped, turned around and looked at me, half-smiling, and said the weirdest damn thing. "Kevin Carson, I haven't figured you out. I swear, I don't know if you're more like Leave-it-to-Beaver or Eddie Haskell!"

I didn't respond, because, actually... I was fucking clueless what the hell she was talking about. I didn't know if she was being funny, or if she had just insulted me. So I just stood there with a blank look on my face, my arms at my sides. Defenseless. What the fuck??

As soon as his mother was back upstairs, Mark sprayed some air freshener and that was about the extent of our clean-up effort.

"Mark, can I ask you something? Why did your mom say that to me? And who the fuck is she talking about??"

He shook his head and laughed. "Never mind. You wouldn't understand."

I admit, I was a little bit pissed, because I'm convinced Mrs. Graham doesn't like me. "Fuck it, man. I don't care. She hates me, and I don't care!" That's what I said.

"Hey, Bud, don't be all weirded out about stuff my mom says... just... forget it. But, umm... can I ask YOU something?? Where'd you come up with that line about the pizza?"

"Uhh... I dunno... Did it sound stupid or something?"

"Well... fuck yah! We didn't have pizza, and it sure as hell didn't smell like pizza, and my mom knows that!"

I got sort-of defensive, in a playful way. "I guess I just thought I'd say something. I was only trying to be nice. I couldn't say, 'Oh yah, don't you love how the morning-after smells like cum?' I really do want your mom to like me, and sometimes she kinda scares me. Sometimes I think she thinks I'm a bad influence on you."

"Sweetie, she doesn't hate you at all. My mom loves you! Both of my parents adore you!"

"Markie-pie, you are soooo full of shit!" I remarked sarcastically. "OK, your dad might like me," I conceded. "But not your mom. You're not fooling me!"

Mark got real close to me, and seriously looked me straight in the eyes. "Sweetie. If my mom thought that you were a bad influence on me, she'd make me stop seeing you. She wouldn't let you in the door. You'd definitely know if she didn't like you. But that's not the case. She's never said a word about anything to do with not liking you. Not one fucking word."

"You gotta admit, she doesn't cut me any slack like she does you."

"I'm her son, for Christ's sake!!"

"But the shit she says to me sometimes. She doesn't say stuff like that to Keith."

"Look, I know how she is sometimes, and you just gotta suck it up and get used to her. I know she makes little remarks now and then, but believe me, she doesn't hate you. It's just the opposite, and that's not a line of bullshit. She loves you. I admit, she might have a weird way of showing it... but she knows what you mean to me..."

"What?? She knows????"

"No... No... she doesn't, like, "KNOW" know, you know..."

"You mean, she doesn't know we love each other. She doesn't know we fuck. You're not out to her, I know you're not."

"Well, no, not like THAT. Jesus, Kev, that's putting it kinda blunt."

"I'm sorry, Mark. I didn't mean it like that. I know you'll tell your mom about us when you're ready. Then she'll REALLY hate me."

"OK, now I feel bad, too. No, I'm not out to my mom, not like about the personal stuff. But shit, Kevin. My mom - and everybody else - they GOTTA see what you mean to me, and what I mean to you. We're together all the time... well, most of the time. People can tell we're more than just friends. They're not dumbasses. But I just don't want to come right out and tell my mother that, you and me, we're fuck buddies."

"OK, now who's being blunt??!!??" I asked, with a grin.

Thank God we both chuckled. Just the way Mark said that... about being "fuck buddies." I never thought of it that way, that we're fuck buddies. It was funny. He wasn't upset or anything, and there's no way I could be upset, really. We were just having a discussion... one that we really hadn't ever had, exactly. And maybe we were just tired. So, you know what? It was all good.

"Are we OK?? I mean, you're not still pissed or anything, right?"

"Me?? Pissed at you?? No way. But dude, we DO need to shower. Maybe I should go home, do you think?"

"No, no!" Mark pleaded. "Let's get cleaned up here and maybe hang out for a little bit. I have to go to work at 3 o'clock, so we've got time."

"Cool. I am hungry, though."

"What the fuck??!! You're crazy! Five minutes ago you said you weren't hungry at all!!"

"Yah, well, OK... so I lied!" I smiled.

Just then Mrs. Graham yelled down to the basement, "Mark, when you come upstairs, would you please carry up that basket of clean laundry?"

"Got it, mom!!" Mark yelled back. Then he said, "Got an idea... you can shower down here and I'll go upstairs. Then we'll go out and get stuff."

"OK, but I need clean underwear, and a t-shirt or something..." I followed him into the laundry room and he threw me a towel and washcloth. He dug through the basket and gave me a clean pair of his plaid boxers, a Gap polo shirt and cargo shorts. I love the preppy look!

"Here you go, sweetie!"

"WAIT!! What should I do with the underwear I have on? I can't just leave them for your mom to wash."

"Well... here, take 'em off. I'll stash them in my room and we'll figure it out later..."

I hesitated. "Umm..."

"Umm... what?" Mark shook his head. "Come on! Strip! We're in a hurry! You're starving, remember??!!"

"But... I can't!"

"Huh?? Why can't you? You're acting weird. Come on, get your clothes off!"

"Well... you'll see me naked!"

"Oh Jesus, fuck me! That'll be a first, won't it?? Me seeing you naked! I've had your entire body in my mouth and NOW you're worried about me seeing you naked?? You're insane!"

"I'm joking, asshole! You know I'm a bit of an exhibitionist!" I grabbed my cock and shook it at Mark. "And if YOU'RE so damn hungry, eat THIS!!"

"I might take you up on that offer!"

"OK!!" (I was hoping he was serious!)

"Don't jerk off in the shower or anything... it'll take too long, you know, since we're BOTH dying of starvation, remember?? Meet me in the driveway in five minutes!"

"No problem, smartass!"

So, with lightening speed, we both showered separately. I used some mouthwash since I didn't have a toothbrush. I put on the clothes Mark gave me and shot upstairs. Mark was right behind me, so we piled in the Cherokee and took off.

You wanna a cheesy spicy-pepper and black-bean breakfast burrito? With extra onions and jalepeño salsa??"

"Oh, yeah, right! I'll have two!!!

"Come on sweetie... live a little!"

"Umm... NO! YOU'RE the one who's insane! Let's' just get donuts. Plain glazed."

"Did I hear you say cream-filled???"

"NO!! I said... A FUCKING PLAIN FUCKING GLAZED FUCKING DONUT!!! THAT'S IT!!! THAT'S ALL I WANT!!!"

"BURRITOS!"

"DONUTS!!"

"HOT AND SPICY!!"

"PLAIN GLAZED!!"

"You ARE crazy!" Mark laughed, and the next thing I knew, he pulled into Dunkin' Donuts! In fact, both of us were laughing hysterically at that point.

We ordered 2 donuts each - plain glazed of course, and 2 large coffees. That's all I needed, really, was to be on a combined sugar and caffeine high. The two of us sat there and continued to giggle. "Damn these are good!" I got up and ordered both of us two more. And since that wasn't enough, Mark gave me five bucks and told me to get two more and we'd eat them on the way home. I drooled as I watched him stand up, pulling his shorts up slightly when he reached down in his pocket. That beautiful bulge in his pants was right there at my face. Forget the donuts! I'll just gnaw on that bit of sweetness! Mmmm!!

On the way home, I mentioned that I was stuffed. "Jeez, now I'm gonna have to take a nap."

"Lucky you! I have to go to work."

"Aw, come on... can't you call in sick?"

"I wish. It's gonna be hectic around my house, now with Lisa coming home. And to top it off, my grandparents are coming down from Danbury to stay for a few days."

I told Mark that would probably drive his mom totally nuts, so I had a suggestion. "In that case, you can stay over at my house."

"Well sweetie, I might take you up on that offer, too!" That was music to my ears, but what came next wasn't. "I gotta go, Kev. And I got some shit to do tonight... then I'm working all damn day tomorrow, until five o'clock."

"And I'm going into the city by myself, remember? To see Allie. I probably won't be back until after five, at least."

"So it all works out. I'm working, you're playing."

"Yeah, funny. But seriously, I won't see you until tomorrow night. That sucks! What am I gonna do?? Poor me!"

"Come on, Kev... aren't you sick of me??"

"No."

"Oh, well, I'm sick of you!"

"FUCK OFF!! You are not!!!"

"I know, I'm just teasing. Actually, I miss you already. Tell you what... when you come back, if you get off at Carle Place I can pick you up. I gotta go to the mall after work, so I'll be right by there."

"Cool!"

"Call me when you're ten minutes out, and I'll meet you, and we'll do something before dinner. And you can tell me all about Allie and stuff."

"It's a deal." We sat in the driveway a moment, silent. Even though our bantering was playful and in a joking spirit, I could never be sick of Mark. And then, to top it off, the fact that we wouldn't see each other for more than 24 hours sorta got to me. I was serious, and so was Mark. "I don't know what's wrong with me, Mark. But I can't stand to be away from you... at all."

"I know, sweetie. I know. I feel the same way. But it's not forever. It's just a day."

"God, I'm being stupid again." I faked a smile. "You probably ARE sick of me. Guess I wouldn't blame you."

"You're NOT stupid, and I'm NOT sick of you. Now, remember... call me tomorrow right before you get into Carle Place station." And he gave me a quick kiss goodbye.

I noticed the house was pretty quiet, once I got inside. Keith was sleeping. Probably because of all those painkillers. After I looked around, lost in thought, I fell asleep too. And later, after I WOKE up I felt like THROWING up! Probably because of all those donuts!

Dad was home when we woke up, and wondered what we wanted to eat. I couldn't decide, so he and Keith ordered out. It didn't matter, especially since I had no appetite. I was going through Mark withdrawal, which happens because I miss him so damn much, even when I'm only away from him for a few hours. And although I was really excited about seeing Allie, I was sorta bummed that I wouldn't get to be with Mark until late the next day.

Dad and Keith got home a little while later, and I hung out with them, not saying much, at first. Dad was like, "Oh, Keith, I meant to tell you... Ellen Graham called today, I guess while I was gone. You must have been sleeping. Anyway, she said Lisa's coming home tomorrow, and she wondered if you wanted to go over for dinner, around 7:30."

"WHAT??" I screamed. "Keith gets invited, and I don't??? Now I KNOW she hates me!!" Boy, I was pissed! "I said something to Mark about it today, that I don't think his mom likes me, and this confirms it! She likes YOU more than she likes ME!! DAMN!! And isn't it a bit much that she wants you to come for dinner on Lisa's first day home from the hospital?? Fuck it!!"

"KEVIN!!!!" I thought Dad was pissed because I said "fuck." Then he continued: "She invited all three of us, not just your brother, so calm down! I thought maybe you knew since you were over there, and with Mark all day. Get a grip, son! What's gotten into you?"

Keith stared at me as Dad was putting me in my place. "God, Little Dude! Meoooowwwww!!!!"

I felt like a real asshole for going off on Keith. Why did I fly off the handle like that? "I'm really sorry, Dad. I didn't know. I mean, I know Lisa's supposed to come home, and Mr. Graham's parents are gonna be there, but Mrs. Graham didn't say anything to me about dinner and all, so... I feel like an idiot now."

"You act like you're not getting any!" Keith laughed.

"Funny. Real funny, bro."

Then Dad pulled me aside. "Kev, are you alright?" He asked, very concerned. "What was the purpose of that little tirade?"

"Dad, I'm fine. I don't know why I blew up. And after all that, I don't know if I'll go over to the Graham's for dinner anyway, cuz I sorta have plans all day, and it's too late to change them. Plus, Mark and I are supposed do something tomorrow night, and I told him he could stay here since his grandparents are coming... so..."

"Kevin, I think you have a lot on your mind, and you've got to calm down. You're letting things bother you that shouldn't. Little things... minor things. You're putting pressure on yourself, so lighten up. Are you getting enough sleep?"

"Yeah, Dad. I mean, I took a big-ass nap this afternoon."

"But, at night... I think you're staying up way too late. And I don't think you're eating right. How could you not be hungry for dinner?"

"Well, I ate a lot today, and that's why I fell asleep..."

"You took a nap because you're exhausted. And what did you eat today? Junk? Probably a bunch of cookies!"

"No, not "junk." I had some donuts."

"That's it?? No "junk," huh? Just donuts??"

"Dad, come on, leave me alone... please. I don't need a lecture. I'm OK. Believe me. Seriously. Really, I'm OK." I knew my nerves were shot, but didn't want to admit it. Dad looked worried, and stayed silent for what seemed like forever, letting me fidget. That period of silence was horrible, and I started to feel guilty - but I didn't know what for. "You gotta believe me, Dad. There's nothing to worry about. You're right. I probably just need a good night's sleep. Then I'll be fine." My voice started to shake, and then the tears flowed, and I started to sing a different tune. All my emotion about my feelings for Mark came out. "Dad, I can't stand to be without Mark, not even for a minute. I'm sooo hooked on him. I'm... crazy about him!"

My father took a deep breath, and the look on his face was like "I knew this would happen." He tried to be understanding and make me feel better. "You and Mark are together all the time. I'd think you'd want a little space from each other, once in a while. It's completely normal to be apart sometimes. You DO live here, you know. And he has a family, too. So this isn't anything bad..."

"I know. But he's so awesome, Dad. More than anyone could ever know. I don't have to tell you. He makes me feel like a different person. I think I'm a BETTER person, because of him. And I just can't stand it if I'm not with him every waking moment. I need him."

"Wow. I think you're pretty special, with or without the help or influence from anyone else... including Mark!"

"Oh, come on, Dad. You're just saying that because I'm your son," I smiled.

"Maybe. Maybe not!" Dad smiled and got me to smile, too. Then he messed up my hair like he always does. "Let's go back inside. You've got to eat something. Real food. No argument!"

I did as I was told, because I really didn't have it in me to go up against my father. But I didn't tell him that even though things are so good with Mark and me... waaay in the back of my mind, I was sorta worried that someday our 'house of cards' might collapse. I wasn't overly stressed about that, but I did think, at times, this whole thing with Mark was all too good to be true.

Dad quizzed me about my plans for the next day, and I told him how I was meeting up with Allie. "You remember me telling you about how I got to know her and her boyfriend at Indian Ridge, right?"

"Yeah, sure." Dad answered.

'Yeah, sure' my ass. I don't know if Dad really remembered me mentioning Allie, and I wasn't even sure if I DID mention her! Either way, we faked it. I sort-of hesitated before telling him I was going into the city. Alone.

"She lives somewhere near NYU, like in the East Village, I think."

Dad didn't seem to mind when I said that, and there's only one East Village, so he definitely had to know where I was going. And he didn't say a word. I'm a big boy now, and I've ridden trains into New York enough to know what I'm doing. So that was that.

I called Allie after I finally ate something, just to make sure we were definitely still on. She told me to take the "A" or the "E" subway downtown from Penn Station and get off at 14th Street and transfer to the "L" subway to Union Square, and she'd meet me in front of the original Barnes & Noble. She said we'd have lunch at a cool place she likes that's close by. Sounds like a plan! I couldn't wait to see her, really.

I sheepishly asked Keith to please drop me off at the train station in the morning, and he said he would. I know it was sort-of a ballsy thing for me to do... to ask a favor of him, especially since I wigged out about the Graham's dinner invitation. But he was nice and said yes, even though it meant he'd have to be awake, dressed and ready to leave no later than 9:00, since I wanted to catch the 9:40 into Manhattan.

Even though Mark wasn't going with me, I had an idea about how I could still have him near me, in a manner of speaking. I still had on the clothes he let me borrow, so I decided to wear them again on my trip into the city. I threw them in the washer and dryer so they'd be fresh and clean in the morning.

Mark called later that night, too, so I did get to talk to him before I finally went to bed. I brought it up to him about his mom leaving a message about coming over for dinner, and he told me that she did, in fact, mention it that morning at his house. Obviously, when she told me - IF she told me - my mind was on something else. Maybe that's what they were talking about when I was in the bathroom. Everyone heard but me. Another Kevin fuck-up. I dunno... who gives a shit, really?

"Don't forget, sweetie... call me tomorrow and I'll pick you up at Carle Place. Love you."

"Yeah, I know. I love you, too. Goodnight."

Deep down, I knew Dad was probably right about me being exhausted. That, and being head-over-heels crazy in love with Mark. I knew I had to get my shit together or I'd be on a downward spiral, being distracted and preoccupied and all. I lay in bed staring at the ceiling, my left hand deep inside my boxers, exploring between my legs. I admit to getting a little more than turned on, feeling myself in all the places I like Mark to feel. I sorta laughed to myself, that although I love for him to "touch me there," I was used to doing it myself, before he ever came along. But still... he's got the touch! Because he's Mark!

I managed to pop a pretty decent load after about thirty minutes of playing with myself. It wasn't a real aggressive jerk off at the beginning... I sort-of managed to relax a little just laying there, thinking about everything, as I stroked my hardon. Then, when it was time, my dick got even harder, my grip got firmer and my hand went up and down at the speed of light. I closed my eyes and I swear I saw stars. My entire body tensed up and shook at the same time. Six or seven blasts of hot love lotion were forced out of me by those high voltage waves of orgasmic pleasure, and I thought I was in heaven. Yummy! I fell asleep with a smile on my face once again.

The next morning, I showered, got dressed in Mark's clothes and drank like 4 cups of coffee while I waited for Keith. He took forever! I decided to be cool... well... cool for me... which, I dunno if that's saying a lot, but anyway, I wore a long white t-shirt under the polo with the collar turned up. My long braided leather belt held Mark's cargo shorts up just fine, with a wee bit of his plaid boxers showing at the top, cuz... I'm really not a sagger. I DO NOT want my ass hanging out for some creep to think he can grab it! I put on one of those yellow Lance Armstrong wristbands and of course, my blue sunglasses. I was pretty wired from the coffee, and fidgeted while listening to Keith's iPod. I played "I'm With You" by Avril Lavigne about fifty times until he was finally ready... straight-up 9 o'clock! In a way, I WAS with Mark, since I was wearing his clothes and all.

"I'm taking this..." I said, referring to my brother's iPod.

"Go ahead... whatever..."

Either Keith really didn't care about the iPod, or he was half asleep... or, maybe he still thinks he's my bitch, but hey... I'm using it, so that works for me!! He dropped me off at the train station and told me to be careful on my adventure. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do, Little Dude!" And he laughed as he drove away.

I had plenty of time to buy my tickets, almost forgetting to get the return ticket to Carle Place. And of course, you know I had to take a leak, after all the coffee I drank. I swear, train station restrooms bring back the damnedest visuals! I kept the loudness down on the iPod, so I'd be sure to hear any announcements. The 9:40 New York-bound was on-time! Once I boarded, I cranked the volume and enjoyed the ride!

The train pulled into Penn Station at about 10:50, almost on schedule, and instead of catching the subway right away, I went up to street level and got another big-ass coffee at Starbucks. Even though it was well after rush hour, the city was mobbed, with what seemed like tons of people doing touristy shit. Then I went back down and bought my farecard, taking the "A" subway to 14th Street, just like Allie told me to do. I transferred to the "L" train and got off at Union Square, and called Allie when I was uptop. I walked through the park, and sure enough, there she was, waiting for me across from Barnes & Noble.

I went crazy. "HEY ALLIE!!!!!!!!!!"

She threw her arms around me and gave me the biggest hug ever. Almost. She was clearly as excited to see me as I was to see her. "How are ya, hottie??" She asked.

I looked around, side to side. "Who are you talking to???" And we continued to laugh.

"Have you ever been around Union Square and NYU at all?"

"Well, yeah, I guess, I think so, but this is really the first that I've been in the city alone. I mean, we don't come here a lot, but yeah, I've been to some places."

We walked around through the Greenmarket, which is the open air farmer's market that had all kinds of cool stuff. The weather was gorgeous, and at one point, I looked up and stopped in my tracks because I had a picture-perfect view of the Empire State Building, which was 20 blocks away. That's what got the conversation going about Mark and me...

"Why the huge smile?" Allie wondered.

"Um... because that's where Mark and I said we loved each other... up there! It was a week before Christmas. After we both said it, it started to snow. It was awesome, Allie. Awesome."

We walked along 14th Street, and continued south down 3rd Avenue, talking about everything.

"Jon and I love the restaurant we're going to. I hope you're hungry!"

"Well, yeah! Ready when you are!" That wasn't totally true. Eating was the farthest thing from my mind, but, oh well.

"It's called Three Lemons, and it's on a cool street named St. Mark's Place. The area sorta has a history with a lot of rock stars and stuff like that. The Rolling Stones made a music video there once."

"Cool!" I took some pictures with my camera phone. Who's doing touristy shit now?? Even though St. Mark's Place isn't named after MY Mark, he IS a saint, if you ask me!

Once we were seated, we both ordered the lemon chicken salad. Just so you know, everything on the menu - and I mean EVETRYTHING - is made with lemons somehow. Sorta cool, really.

"So... tell me how you and Mark met," Allie inquired.

"Well, it was almost a year ago. It was the first day of band practice - we both play drums - and I saw him and I just had to be friends with him. I was waaay too shy to talk to him first, but he knew my brother, and in fact, his sister and my brother started dating around the same time, and now they're together, too, which is kind-of odd... but anyway, Mark and I became best friends instantly, which is what I wanted. That's a story in itself, because I'm painfully shy, really, and he's super-popular. Everyone likes Mark! I've met a lot of people, and made a lot of friends because of him... but in the end... I have him all to myself!"

"Wow! So - if it's OK that I ask - I take it he's your first boyfriend, then?"

I got a little nervous when she asked that. "Um, yeah. I mean, I never knew I was gay or anything until I met Mark. And even then, it took a while to realize it. Then things just sorta happened with him and me one night. He was all I could think about... even now I wanna be with him 24/7. Sometimes I can't figure it all out, really, why he likes me... but I'm really in love with him, and I can't help it. And I worry that someday the bottom's gonna fall out."

"I seriously doubt that will ever happen Kevin... I could tell the moment I met you guys that you're in love with each other!"

"You know, I like girls, too! Well, it's really just one girl I sorta like... my friend Nora. But we don't, like, you know... have sex or anything, cuz, that'd mess things up for everyone, but..."

"Does Nora - or, do any of your other friends - know about yours and Mark's relationship?"

"I don't know. Sometimes I think they do. They gotta be thinking something's going on... but I really don't know. Our friend Townsend knew. He was like, our other best friend, and I went to civil war camp with him at the beginning of summer, and it just so happened that me and him talked about it one night. See... we were in a tent and it was really hot and I had a dream about Mark and I woke up screaming and stuff. Townie promised he'd never tell anyone... and he really kept that promise..." I gave a long pause, because I got choked up. "FUCK!" I whispered. I was angry with myself that I got emotional talking about Townsend. "I'm sorry..."

Allie grabbed my hand. "Kevin, why are there tears in your eyes? What happened?"

"It's another long story, but basically, I wasn't even supposed to go to civil war camp, it was supposed to be Mark and Townsend, but Mark got really sick and couldn't go, so that's why I went, and it was great. It's a whole week of drills and re-enactments, exactly like it was during the civil war, and we were the drummer boys in the Union Army. We had so much fun and learned a lot... but... Townie had to fly back home at the end of it, because his family was supposed to leave for vacation the next day, and, umm... it was his dad's company's private plane, and, um, it went down in a thunderstorm up in Westchester County..." I waited a few seconds... "I'm sorry, Allie... I'm still not over it. I never will be. We lost our friend, and there's nothing I can do about it."

"Oh, God, Kevin. I'm sooo sorry... But it wasn't your fault..."

"Yeah." I kicked the food around on my plate with my fork. "Townsend was incredible. Smart. Good at sports. Rich, but not a snob. Quite a partier... I mean, he was the connector who brought all our friends together socially. And he was talented... he could act, sing, play piano... and he was an excellent drummer... I don't know what we're gonna do this year in band, because he's not there and I don't think anyone could ever replace him..."

"It'll all work out... somehow..." Allie reassured me.

We must have sat there for two hours talking, and the mood lightened up considerably, as I told her more about the fun stuff with Mark and me and about Townsend. I told her about Christmas, and New Year's and the cabin... and I bragged about how Townie was featured in the spring concert and all... and... I told her almost everything! Even about all the shit with Emily DeMarco!

"So yeah, and after my brother told her off on the last day of school, no one's seen her at all this whole summer. If she starts any trouble next year, I'm ready for her. And my Dad is sorta more-than-good-friends with the psychologist at my school, and she likes me, so if Emily shows her fat ass, I know I'm sorta in a safe place... but I don't think she'll do anything."

I wanted to pay for lunch, but Allie insisted... so I left the tip. We left Three Lemons, and walked over to 2nd Avenue, where she and Jon live. Allie showed me around their small - but nice - apartment, and it's in such a happening neighborhood in the city. I'm used to suburbia... quiet streets, lots of trees, and having to drive everywhere. But I definitely think I could get used to living in an apartment in the city, someday... with Mark, of course!

Allie admitted it was an adjustment for both her and Jon to get used to life in the Village. Both of them are from the 'burbs, too. "Jon's from near Philadelphia... that's where he is today. His family's far enough away that they're not here all the time, but close enough that whenever they want him to do something, he stops what he's doing and goes down there to kiss their asses. It's goofy, but I don't say anything."

"Do you like them?" I wondered. "More important... do they like YOU?"

"Yeah, they like me. And they always want me to go there with Jon, but I'm pretty busy and they can be a bit much... What about Mark's family... do they like you?"

"Yeah, I guess. I mean his dad and his sister do, but I don't know about his mother. She always says weird shit to me. Like, the other day she was saying how I'm like that Siskel & Ebert dude, or whoever he is. I think she's sorta putting me down all the time, but Mark says she's not, so whatever... What about your family... they're coming, right?"

"Yeah... my mom and dad and Nick will be here Sunday, in fact... so I was thinking, I'd like to invite you and Mark to come in and meet him, and I don't know, maybe we could all go do some of the "touristy shit" as you call it! Even though they've been here before and we've been to all the usual places like the Statue of Liberty and the museums."

"That'd be awesome! Maybe we could go down to Ground Zero. And I was thinking maybe you guys could come out to my house, too. We could maybe go to the beach or something... there's lots of stuff to do. And my one friend, Matty Kramer, well, he and Nick I think would get along great. I'm hoping!"

Then it was Allie's turn to be a bit emotional. "Thank you, Kevin. That's what I really wanted to talk to you about, too... is about Nick. I told you he's expressed some things about his sexuality and has had some problems with being by others accepted at school. He came out about a year ago, and had a relationship with a really nice kid... but word got around fast... the boy's parent's flipped out, and let me tell you, it wasn't pretty. Other kids were so cruel, and Nick had a really hard time understanding some of it. But, he really amazes me, though, because, I know how much he was hurting about everything, but he always manages to put other peoples' problems before his own. And what I didn't tell you about him... is that he doesn't hear."

"Huh??"

"He's deaf... he can't hear. He has profound hearing loss in both ears."

I was stunned. "What did you say??" I felt like I was shot through the heart. "No one should have to deal with any of that..."

"Even though now he has a cochlear implant on one side... it's still a struggle. He's been to a million doctors and has gone to a special school in Austin, but it's tough. Despite all that kid has been through, he's always amazingly cheerful."

"Oh My God... is this him?" I picked up a framed picture of their family.

"Yeah... that was taken last year... he's cute, isn't he?"

"GOD YES!! Maybe I shouldn't say that... but yes!" I mean, other than Mark, Nick might be the most gorgeous guy I've ever seen. "Can he hear anything at all... like any kind of sounds?"

"Very little, from what we know. Somehow he likes music, though. He listens - or what would be "listening" in his world - to music all the time... for hours. We communicate by signing. And, he reads lips too...

"He can talk, though. Right?"

"Very little. But his sense of people is incredible, and honestly, once you get to know him and he gets to know you, communicating is second nature. You'll see! I've always tried to help him as much as I could... so, forgive me if I seem a little over-protective..."

"Typical big sister stuff, huh?" I smiled. "What else does he like?"

"Baseball! He loves baseball!"

"He loves baseball??!! Great!!" That gave me an instant idea... It'd be excellent to invite Nick and my friends to a ballgame! Even though I'm a Yankees fan... everyone else on Earth loves the Mets, so maybe my grandfather could hook me up with some tickets! I knew I'd have to talk to him first, and it would depend on how many tickets he could get, so of course I couldn't say anything to anyone just yet.

Allie and I talked even more about our lives the entire afternoon. I don't think I could even begin to recap all that we talked about. Our families... our friends and relationships... our backgrounds... our future plans... There were some things I'm sure she didn't tell me about, and there were a few things I didn't tell her as well. I skipped over some obvious, deeply private stuff that I just couldn't talk about. She probably picked up on that, but was respectful and didn't pry. I told her how awesome I think it is that she wants to be a lawyer, and I sorta made her promise me, for personal reasons, that she'd never, ever give up that goal.

About 5:00, I figured I'd better get going. "I bet the city is a mess this time of day, isn't it? By the time I get back to Penn Station and get my train and all, I won't get home until after seven."

Allie walked back up to Union Square with me to get the subway. She had to buy something at Circuit City, so we said our goodbyes there. Two skinny emo-looking guys, wearing the tightest leather pants I've ever seen, were standing by the entrance and looked us over. I don't know what THEY were thinking... but, I must say, the one guy had a pretty nice ass.

"Behave, Kevin! I saw you checking out that dude's ass!" Allie teased.

"What!!?? I didn't do anything!" I laughed. "I'll call you tomorrow!"

Allie thanked me again, and gave me a kiss on the cheek... then she disappeared inside Circuit City. I ran over to Duane Reade and bought a Red Bull, some candy and bubble gum for the trip home. The subway was extremely crowded, and I was one lucky bastard to even be able to stand and hold onto one of the grab bars. Of course, it goes without saying that Penn Station was also bustling with commuters all trying to get home after the working day was done, too. If I hadn't been so anxious to get home to Mark, I swear I would have stayed in the city and just wandered around. But I made it down to the LIRR waiting area, and soon my track appeared on the screen, and it was time to board.

I was exhausted. I dunno... it was hot, dirty, busy... but exciting! It always is. But after all that, the ride on the train causes you to realize your body needs to just... unwind. I keep fighting that. I never want to stop. I don't want to sleep. Like the Energizer bunny, I want to keep on going and going and going...

From the minute we pulled out of Penn Station, I had my earbuds in, listening to "Truth Is A Whisper" by the Goo Goo Dolls (Gutterflower/2002) over and over on Keith's iPod. I do that a lot... listen to the same song repeatedly. I thought a lot about Nick. Knowing what I know now, and all that Allie has said about him... my worries and problems seem so small in comparison. I realized, listening to that song, that for Nick, truth IS a whisper... in so many ways. And I can't wait to meet him.

I smiled to myself as I chugged the Red Bull and chomped on the grape bubblegum. I was thinking about that emo-boy's ass in those crazy tight leather pants, and thought there's no way I'd ever wear those... I wouldn't be caught dead in them, but just for kicks I'd like to see Mark wearing them. I got half-hard visualizing that!

"Next stop - Carle Place. Carle Place station next..." The conductor announced...

Wouldn't you know it... I almost completely forgot to call Mark. I was right... it was five minutes before seven as we approached the train station. "Hey, we're just pulling in... can you still pick me up?"

"I'm already here, sweetie! I'm waiting in the parking lot. How was your day?? Everything OK with Allie??"

I was so damn happy to hear Mark's voice. "Yeah, Allie's good!" It made me realize we're the two luckiest guys in the world. "Everything's good!" I couldn't wait to see him. "I had a great time!" I couldn't wait to give him a hug. "I missed you so much today!" The train slowed...

"Carle Place - this stop. This is Carle Place station."

I could see Mark waiting by the platform. My heart was pounding. The train finally stopped moving and I bolted down the steps.

"Over here, sweetie!" he shouted.

I ran up to Mark, hugged him as tight as I could and wouldn't let go. "I love you! I love you!"

"I love you, too, sweetie! Are you hungry?"

"Mmm... yeah, sorta. But I don't wanna go to your mom and dad's, if that's OK..."

"No problem..."

"Let's go get crazy... right now... just you and me!!"

We drove towards Dunkin' Donuts, and Mark pulled in...

"Glazed??" he asked, with that heart-stopping wide beautiful grin.

"No... Cream-filled. But I'm not talking about donuts!"

(To be continued...)