Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2008 21:47:41 -0700 From: David Courson Subject: Quarterback with the Emerald Eyes - Part 5 This story is fiction. Any similarity to any persons living or dead is merely a coincidence. If you are not allowed by law to view this material, please do not do so. If you are under 18 years of age, please leave now. This is a love story between two barely under the age of 18 year old boys in high school. If that offends you, I apologize and ask that you not read any further. Otherwise, enjoy. (Author's note: For the readers in Atlanta or familiar with the city, the places I speak of are entirely fictional, except for the Sun Dial. If there are there, they were opened since my last visit about two years ago.) Quarterback with the Emerald Eyes -- Part 5 In the morning, I awoke, again with the clock in the ten `o'clock hour. I could get used to sleeping in and waking in Todd's embrace. Moving my arm, I laid it across Todd's arm, which was as it was yesterday, with his hand flat on my chest. I had to pee, and today it was a little more intense. I decided I had to try, even if I woke Todd. I grabbed his hand and slowly moved it and placed it on his side, and then I pulled the covers off me and slowly hung my legs over the side and sat up. My ass was throbbing. It was a dull ache starting at my asshole and working it way throughout my entire butt. I took a deep breath and pushed myself into a standing position. `That wasn't so bad,' I thought. When I took my first step, I froze. The soreness was overwhelming. Whenever I stepped forward, the muscles in my legs seemed to pull the muscles in my ass. I reached back and felt for any mutilation of the skin and brought my fingers around front, inspecting them for blood. They were clean, so the soreness, I would guess, was like a hangover after drinking too much the night before. If you want to enjoy it, there would be consequences. I reached to put on my underwear and was finally able to take the smallest of steps without much pain, but before I got to the door, there came a question from behind me. "Are you okay?" Turning my torso, I said, "I think so, but my ass hurts like hell. I can barely walk." Growing concerned, Todd got out of bed and said, "Bend over. Let me see." I felt silly, since I was doing this without any sexual activities following, but I bent over a little and felt him pull my underwear down and spread my cheeks. "Damn, you're really red." "Is there any blood?" "No." "How `bout a fire?" Laughing, he said, "No. Just really red." There was silence for a moment, and then Todd left me. Looking over my shoulder, I saw him grab the lotion bottle. Fear gripping me, pain be damned, I turned very quick and said, "No way are you gonna fuck me again." Smiling, he said, "I don't wanna fuck you again. Well, I mean, I want to, but not right now. I was gonna put this on your ass. It looks a little chapped and this might help with the discomfort." Giving him a, `you try anything...,' look, I turned and resumed my position. I heard him squeeze a little lotion on his fingers and felt him part my ass again. His fingers made contact and it was cold. After rubbing it in, the pain started to dull even further. The massage he was giving me combined with the lotion covering the sore spots seemed to help a lot. He gave me two to three applications before he finally declared he was done. Standing upright, I cautiously stepped forward a short ways and the pain was even less. I turned to him and took a few steps and the pain was very bearable. Reaching him, I said thanks and leaned in for a kiss. "You really do know how to make me feel good." "Hey, it's a gift," he said, nonchalantly. "Where were you going, anyway?" "Bathroom," I said and lifted my underwear back over my hips. "Back in a sec." A minute later I was back and he had his underwear on heading to the bathroom. `His mother must be home,' I thought. Instead of waiting, I started putting the running shorts back on and when I was dressed, he came in the room. Following my lead, I waited until he was dressed then we walked down to the kitchen. "Mornin', mom," he said to her, seeing her cooking. "Morning, Mrs. Blyth," I said as well. "Morning, boys. How'd you sleep?" "Very, well, thank you," I answered. "So, how was last night?" Todd asked. "It wasn't too bad. The office spent a fortune to keep this guy entertained, but he gives us good business." "How much did last night cost?" Thinking for a moment, she answered, "'Bout fifteen hundred." "Oh, my God, mom. Are you serious?" "Yeah, we went to the Sun Dial, had dinner and many drinks, then the show, then he wanted to go to a few clubs then he got hungry again and we went to another restaurant, then he wanted go to back out again and when we finally dropped him off, he was plastered." "All that cost fifteen hundred dollars? Wow, your firm must really like him." "His company gives us millions of dollars in business each year, so fifteen hundred isn't much." All this talk about money was throwing my mind into a tail spin. I don't have a clue how much my mother or father makes. It was understood to be impolite to ask. When we went out to eat, it was impolite to ask the amount of the bill unless you were going to pay for it and now, Todd and his mom were talking thousands and millions of dollars as casually as if he had asked her for her favorite color. Changing the subject, Todd asked, "Whatcha cookin'?" "Bacon, eggs, grits, toast and coffee." "Is the coffee done?" he asked. "Yeah, just finished." Todd walked around the island and grabbed a cup from the cupboard. "You want some?" he asked me. "I've never had coffee before," I said to their amazed looks. "How old are you again, Todd," his mom asked. "Sixteen. I'll be seventeen in June." "And you've never had coffee?" Todd jumped in. "No. Mom wouldn't let us. She and dad could drink it but not us boys." Pouring a cup, he handed me one and poured another for himself. Taking a sip, I skewed my face at the disgusting, bitter taste. Holding it out to Todd, I said, "Thanks, but I don't like it." "Try it with some milk and sugar. I can't drink it black. It has to have sugar." He brought the milk and sugar over along with a spoon and he started spooning sugar into my coffee, then his own. Adding just a little milk, he repeated the process for his cup. After stirring, I hesitantly brought the cup back to my lips and took another taste. "Wow, that's better," I said then took another sip of the steaming liquid. "Yeah, mom and dad drink it black, but I can't stand the taste." Turning his attention back to his mother, he asked, "Where's dad?" "Still asleep. He did all the drinking last night so I could drive, so I'm letting him sleep it off. He passed three sheets before our second trip to the restaurant." "Man, he's gonna have a head ache when he gets up." "I know. I already have the aspirin and water sitting on the bedside table." The rest of the morning passed by smoothly. I had a little trouble sitting on the hard stool to eat, but after I got used to the pain, things got better. About 12:30, Don finally decided to join us. He came down the stairs in his boxers, holding his head and giving small moans of disagreement at every downward step he had to take. When he reached the kitchen, Mrs. Blyth had a plate of food waiting. Todd and I just hung out for the rest of the day. I had to be home by five, so we watched some movies, played some video games and ended up lying on the bed so we could talk. We had about an hour to go and there was silence between us. After we both just about dozed off, he broke the silence, saying, "You know," I opened my eyes to look at him. "I'm real glad I met you." I didn't say anything for a moment but when he looked at me, I turned on my side, facing him, and put my hand on his chest. "I'm glad we met, too." "You seemed a little unsure with that pause." "No, it's not that I'm unsure, it's just that I wish we could have met under different circumstances." "Whadda mean?" he asked, putting his hand on top of mine. "Well, I mean, I wish we could have met without the sex and maybe, possibly go on a date first." "Why? You don't like the sex?" "No, I mean, yes, I do like it, very much, but I just wish we could have dated first then had sex. The sex is great, and with what we did yesterday, it only enhanced it, but I just..." Growing frustrated on how to explain it, I said, "I don't know. Never mind." "I think I know what you mean. But if that had happened, how do you know we would have known about each other. I mean, it's not an open topic at school." "I know. I probably wouldn't have known about myself for a year or more if it hadn't been for the mall thing." "Yeah, if it wasn't for the mall, we might never have met." I know that was supposed to be in innocent statement, but the way he said it cut me, deeply. Pulling away, I rolled off the bed to get dressed, saying, "Oh, yeah. I forgot." Utterly confused, he said, "What? You forgot what?" "Nothing," I said, waving my hand in the air as a sign to forget it. Getting off the bed and walking to me, he asked, "No. What is that supposed to mean? `Oh, yeah. I forgot.'" Sorry that I said anything, I dropped my hands down to my side and looked at him. "I'm the nerd. I'm not cool. I'm not even good looking. If we hadn't met at the mall, you never would've noticed me. Not that it would've mattered. Remember, I didn't even know about sex before you." "That's doesn't seem fair," he said, sitting on the edge of the bed. "It's not fair. The way society sees our kind is a disgrace. I can never tell anyone about me. I'll be looked down upon. My mom and dad'll throw me out and my brother'll probably never speak to me again. I have to hide who I am when all I want to do is tell the world." Todd shuffled, uncomfortably. "See, even you don't like it." "I guess I'm a little scared, too. I mean, if anyone found out, we would be ridiculed at school. I probably wouldn't be allowed in the locker room again, much less the football team." "That's my point. You care more about how the school and your team will look at you. We shouldn't have to worry about that." Standing, he walked over to me, "I know we shouldn't have to worry, but we do. We have to play a part. I don't like it, either, but we gotta stay quiet." "I know," I agreed, half heartedly. Walking over to my clothes, I stripped his off and got into mine. Looking at the clock, I said, "I guess I better get going." "You still have forty five minutes." "I know, but I need to get going." Turning towards the door, he stopped me, again, "Hey, perk up, will ya?" Putting his arms around me, he looked into my eyes and said, "Remember this. From me to you, you are very good looking. Other people may think you're a nerd, but I see the real person. Handsome, smart, caring and sensitive. Now that I know you, that's what I like about you." Looking down, I produced a small smile and he hooked his finger under my chin and pulled it up. "Don't change that, okay. I like who you are now. Don't try and be something else." I didn't answer. I just continued to stare into his eyes. He closed the few inches between us and kissed me softly. I gave into the kiss and closed my eyes. I lifted my right hand and pressed it against his left cheek, feeling the beginnings of a beard with my thumb. I pulled away, gently and smiled again. "Go on," he said, pulling his hands back. "See you tomorrow," I said then headed out the door. I gave my goodbyes to his parents and they told me I was welcomed anytime. They would cover for me if I ever needed them to. I didn't plan on lying to my parents, but I know that if I ever needed them, hopefully, they would help me out. When I got home, mom and dad asked how my weekend was and if Todd understood the math. Feeling the guilt rise, I told him that he seemed to understand it completely and told them that I even thought he was going to get an A. They seemed pleased and we kept talking and just being with each other until bedtime. The following day at school, Todd came up behind me and we made some small talk before the bell to the next class rang. When he went back to his group of friends to get to their next class, I overheard one ask, "Who's the fag?" He said that I was very good at math and that I had helped him, then he was out of earshot. I, not once, heard a defense from him for me. Feeling like crap, I sighed and slammed my locker and headed down the hall. Nothing out of the ordinary happened for the remainder of the school year. Todd and I didn't see much of each other in school. We had small talk here and there, but nothing important. We still saw each other about two, maybe three, time a week for sexual activities. It was always with the premise that I was helping Todd with math, for my parent's sake. After school was over, Todd and I talked just about everyday. He still had his football buddies, and would go out with them every now and then, but we still had our routine of at least twice a week. June was a big month for me. Of course, I was turning seventeen. My birthday fell on a Wednesday and my parents took me out for dinner. My brother refused, saying he had a date. It was a great birthday. For my present, my parents gave me some money and then, dad handed me an envelope. I opened it and, inside was a piece of paper. When I pulled it out, I first saw the word `DEED'. I looked at my dad and he said, "It's the deed to your car. It's completely yours now. I figured that with the chores you do around the house and mowing the lawn, you've paid the debt." "Wow, thanks," was all I could say. What he didn't realize for a seventeen year old, that any repairs now came out of my pocket. I mean, the freedom of having my own car was great, but now the burden of keeping it up wasn't so great. I didn't have a job so my allowance would pay for gas, but any repairs, I would have to ask to borrow the money and be in debt again. The night ended well. After dinner, we went to a movie and had a great time. I missed spending time with my parents. Mom was always at home, but dad had work, so a lot of times, he wouldn't get home till late. When we got home, I was starting to go to my room when my dad asked me to come to the living room. I followed him in and my mother was waiting for us. She handed him a bag and he turned to me. "We have one more gift," and handed the bag to me. I opened it and saw a brand new cell phone. I was all kinds of excited. "A cell phone?" I said. "Oh, wow. This is great," I said, opening the box and getting all the parts together. "We have you on a plan with five hundred minutes, unlimited text, call waiting, three way-calling and free cell to cell calling to someone in the same network." "But, I don't have the money to pay for it," I said, disappointed. "Don't worry about that. I'll cover you for a year, but if you go over your minutes, you'll have to pay me back. When you turn eighteen, it'll be your responsibility. Deal?" "Deal," I said, standing to give them both hugs. Since it was still early, I read the directions while the battery charged and then called Todd. When I told him the good news, he was just as happy for me. We talked for a while and he asked if I was free Friday night. "I think so, why?" "I wanna take you out for your birthday." "I don't know what mom and dad'll say, but I'll ask." Sighing, he said, "You know, I know your parents have rules and everything, but your seventeen and you still have to ask permission? Can't they lighten up on you a little?" "Until the day I move out of this house, I'll have to ask permission. If that's not until I'm twenty five, then that's how it'll be. They're rules." "I know, but it just seems silly." "I agree, but what can I do?" I asked rhetorically. "Well, since you have to, you can ask them and call me back." "Okay. I'll call you in a few minutes." I hung up the phone and went to ask my parents. They asked why he wanted to take me out and, thinking on the fly, I said because he made an A in math for the year and he wanted to pay me back. "He's such a nice young man," my mother said. "Yeah. I guess it'll be fine. Will you be staying the night?" my dad asked. I didn't even think of that, but answered that I probably would, even though Todd never asked me. I was more shocked that my dad suggested it without me having to ask. I called Todd back and told him what my dad said. "Cool. Now we won't have a curfew. We can go to a movie, too" We talked for a little while longer and said we made plans to meet on Friday at four. I got to Todd's house right on schedule, bag in hand, and he met me at the door. "Happy Birthday," he said to me as I approached him on the porch. "Thanks." We walked in and his parents gave me birthday wishes as well then he and I bounded up the stairs to his room. After I put my bag down, I turned to look at Todd. He walked over to me and gave me a long, lingering, soft kiss and pulled away, saying, "Happy birthday." Getting the feeling back in my legs, I said thanks, again, and ask if that was my birthday gift. "Don't you worry about that. That comes later tonight," he said with that sly smile of his. We piddled around for a bit until I got hungry. When I told him, he told me that I was not to eat until we went out. It was someplace special and I was to enjoy it. I disappointedly crossed my arms and said, in a playful manner, "Fine. Then when do we eat?" "We'll leave in about an hour." "An hour?" I exclaimed, for real this time. "Yeah. You can hold out for that long. I'm about to starve, too, but I wanna wait." I could hold out for another hour, but I figured I would tease him a little first. "C'mon, just a little snack?" "Nope." "What about just a little protein shake, then?" He was about to refuse again when he caught the gist of my meaning. "Ah, good one, but no. Not tonight." Now I was surprised. "None tonight? None at all?" Looking me up and down, a mischievous smile upon his lips, he said, "We'll see. Depends on how good you are." We talked and teased each other for another half hour before Todd suggested we get dressed. "What are you talking about, I am dressed," I said, wearing a polo type shirt and some blue jeans. "No, where I'm taking you, you need to dress up a little more." "But I don't have anything else to wear except more of the same." "Wear something of mine, then," he suggested. "C'mere, I'm sure I have something for you to wear." Going to his closet, he pulled out a nice, button down, white shirt. After handing it to me, he moved some slacks around and found a black pair. "These should do," he said, handing them to me. Looking at the shirt, I agreed, but the pants. "Do you get your pants longer than you need?" "Jeans, yes, but slacks, no. I get them to fit me right." "Then, I can't wear these," I said handing them back. "Why not?" he asked. "Have you not noticed that I am taller than you?" "You don't have to rub it in, but you are only taller by a couple inches." Standing side by side with Todd, I said, "Look at our waists. Mine is higher than yours by four inches. If I put these on, you'll be able to see my socks." Removing the pants from the hanger, he held them up to my waist and said, "You're right. They will be too small." Putting them back, he walked out of the room and called for his dad to come upstairs. When he arrived, he explained the problem and told us to follow him into his bedroom. Looking through his closet, he pulled out a pair of black slacks and told me try them on. As I was doing that, Todd went back to his room to get dressed. Seeing as how I was more comfortable around Don, even getting naked a few times at night watching TV over the months, I stripped off my jeans and pulled on the slacks. Clasping and zipping them up, I turned around and he said they fit great. I unclasped and unzipped and started to put on my shirt when Don handed me a tee shirt to put on first. When that was done, I put on the button down and then tucked everything in and clasped the slacks again. "Lookin' sharp, Blake. Hold on, you need a belt." Looking back in the closet, he grabbed a black belt with a gold buckle. After putting it on, he told me we were almost done. Reaching back in the closet, he brought out a tie and handed it to me. It was a blue tie that had red streaks flowing long ways that ended at the edge of the fabric. I told him I didn't know how to tie one and he slipped it around my neck and stood behind me. Looking in the mirror, I watched him tie the tie as if he was wearing it himself. All those flips and tucks and pull throughs, I was thoroughly confused, but when he was done, I looked like a million bucks. Todd had come in as I was admiring myself in the mirror. "Wow. You clean up very well," Todd said, teasing me. His dad had a smile on his face. "Butt," I said, hitting his arm. Being more serious, he asked if I was ready to go. "I just need some shoes, unless you want me to wear my tennis shoes." "What size are you?" Todd asked. "Eleven." "I'm only a ten. You can't wear mine." Reaching back in his closet, Don grabbed a pair of black dress shoes. "I'm eleven and a half, they'll be just a tad big, but they should do." Stepping into them, I said thanks. "Where're you two going?" asked his father. "It's a surprise, but I'm sure he'll enjoy it." Going downstairs, his mom got a look at us and gave a whistle. "Don't you boys look handsome?" I blushed a little, but thanked her for the compliment. A few minutes later, we headed out the door to the Honda. On the way to wherever, he pulled onto Peachtree Street and reached over and took my hand in his. I looked down, thinking he wanted something, but then he didn't move. I gave a small squeeze and looked back at the road. He drove us from Buckhead towards the city. When we entered the Mid-Town area, he turned off and headed back into a neighborhood. "Where're we going?" I asked, confused and excited. Taking a quick glance, he said "You'll see," then smiled at me and turned to look forward. A few turns later, we ended up on Piedmont Avenue. We drove down the one-way street and then he started to slow. He found what he was looking for and parked. Getting out, he waited for me. When I reached him, he grabbed my hand, again, and we started walking. I was a little apprehensive about holding his hand in public, so I tried to gently pull it away. When I did, he noticed and stopped to look at me. "Something wrong?" he asked. "We're in public," I answered, cautiously looking around. "You do know we're in Mid-Town, right?" "Yeah, so?" "Mid-Town is the gay center of the city. We can hold hands and no one cares." Yanking my hand away, I looked around more openly. "Now, what's wrong?" "What if someone recognizes us? What if my parents find out?" Closing the gap between us, he put his hands on my face and said, "No one'll recognize us. We don't know any gay kids at school. . ." I cut him off, saying, "What about Mike Parsons. You know there are rumors about him being gay." "Mike the trumpet player in the band? I don't think so. Even if he is gay, I doubt he'd be in this part of town." "How do you know?" I asked, trying to make my case. "He could be walking down the street as we speak and see us and. . ." Cutting me off, he said, "Blake, you would relax? So what if Mike is gay and he sees us? What's the worse that could happen?" "My parents could find out and they would throw me out, that's what." "Okay, listen, if you want to go somewhere else, we can, but we will look kinda strange, two teenagers dressed up for dinner without any girls around. I mean, it is a date night." Thinking about the logic of his words, I gave a little huff and said, "No, you're right. I guess I'm just a little nervous." "Don't be. Tonight we celebrate you." He started to lean in but stopped. I guess he figured I might get uncomfortable again. He turned around and started walking down the street. A few seconds later, I caught up to him and took his hand in mine. About two blocks away was a little hole in the wall restaurant. From the outside, it looked like it was about to fall apart, but inside was a completely different story. There were many tables draped in white tablecloths, two or four place settings, wine, water and liquor glasses and candles burning. I looked around as he walked up to the hostess. I joined him as I heard him say, "Reservation for Blyth." The young lady looked at the book then back at us smiling, saying, "Welcome to Atlas. Just the two of you tonight?" she asked, grabbing some menus and walking around the podium. "Yes, ma'am. We're celebrating my boyfriend's birthday." I instantly turned red from head to foot. Smiling, she said, "Well, happy birthday. Follow me, please. I have just the right romantic spot for you." We walked through the dining room and I felt as if I was walking a runway. I kept thinking everyone was looking at us, but when I glanced, I saw that they kept talking and eating without paying us any mind. When we arrived at our table, Todd pulled out a chair and I chose the other. "Uh, hum," he said, clearing his throat. I looked at him and he gestured for me to sit in the chair he was holding. I smiled a little, knowing that gesture went completely over my head and walked over to sit. He pushed my chair in for me and walked back around to his seat. When we sat, the hostess asked my age, when I told her, she said, "I remember seventeen. Those were some good times." Looking at my eyes, she said, "Enjoy it, okay? Once your eighteen, you'll never be seventeen again," then proceeded to tell us the specials. After she had left, I smiled at Todd, gave a small look around as I opened my menu and looked back. I just about choked when I saw the prices. Finding the cheapest item listed, I looked over at Todd. He was looking at his menu, trying to decide what to have. "Todd," I whispered. He looked up, giving me his attention. "We can't eat here." "Why not?" "This is too expensive. I don't want you to have to spend this kind of money on me." "It's not that expensive," he said, looking back at his menu. "Oh, really? A fifteen dollar hamburger isn't expensive? And for cheese, two dollars more? That's not expensive?" Looking back at me and laughing, slightly, he said, "Would you shut up and decide what you want." I cautiously turned my attention back to the menu and looked over my choices. I ended up settling on a steak with a baked potato and some vegetables. A salad came with it and when it arrived, our server, a very cute guy named Cliff, about 23 years old, had a selection of dressings for us to choose from. When we decided, he grabbed our salads and spooned the dressing over it and placed it in front of us. While we ate, we had nice conversations about many different things. I was beginning to get more comfortable. Looking around the room, again, I noticed that a lot of the couples were of the same gender. More men couples then women, but there were also some straight couples mixed in. Many of the couples were outwardly showing affection towards each other. It wasn't overly publicized, but it wasn't hidden either. Across the room, there was a handsome couple, I would guess early thirties that had their hands across the table towards each other with their fingers interlocked, smiling as they talked. Another couple, a little further distance from the first, had both men sitting on the same side of the table and one man had his arm across the shoulders of the other with his other hand resting on the guys arm. A lesbian couple had one of the ladies lightly rubbing her partners arm with her fingertips. As I slowly looked around the room, I saw that everyone was smiling that comfortable smile of knowing their partner was there with them. I looked back at Todd and he had just finished his salad and put his for down when I reached my hand across the table with my palm up. He looked at me, puzzled, and then placed his hand in mine. "I thought you were uncomfortable?" "Looking around this place," I started, with a small wave of my hand to show my surrounding, "almost everyone here is like us. I don't think I've ever felt more comfortable. Except when I'm in your arms, of course." "Oh, of course," he said, smiling. "I'm glad you're relaxing. You look much cuter when you're relaxed. We continued to talk and I was trying to get more information out of him to find out if there was more to my birthday surprise, but he just wouldn't budge. I even whisper begged, but he refused, saying, "If I tell you, it won't be a surprise." I finally gave up when the food arrived. When Cliff got our attention, our hands parted so that he had full access to the table. As he placed our dished before us, he asked if there was any special occasion why we were here. I guessed he saw our hands, but wasn't sure. Todd answered, "Actually, there are two occasions. It's our first official date and it's Blake's birthday." Looking at me and giving me a big smile, Cliff said, "Well then, happy birthday." "Thanks," I said. Before he could ask my age or any other questions, he had everything in place. The only other question he did ask was if he could get us anything else. When we said there wasn't, he told us to enjoy and left us. Again, our conversations shifted to many different topics. We laughed out loud at some things, and kept quiet on others. I was having such a wonderful time in my surroundings and with Todd; I didn't ever want this night to end. When we were done, Cliff cleared the dishes and a few minutes later, came over with a big slice of chocolate cake with one tiny candle stuck inside. "With our best birthday wishes to you," Cliff said, setting the plate in front of me. "Wow, thank you," I said to Cliff and he left us once again. I picked up my fork and stabbed a small piece, with frosting, and put it in my mouth. "Oh, my God," I said with my mouth full. Not being able to talk, all I could do was continue to point, repeatedly, with my fork, at the cake. Swallowing, I told Todd he needed to try it. He looked around but found his fork was gone. I noticed also and grabbed a piece and fed him over the table. He took the piece from the fork and his eyes closed with delight at the taste of the chocolate hitting his tongue. Smiling, I said, "Good, isn't it?" "Best I've ever had." I took another small piece then fed Todd a second helping. Because the chocolate was so rich, we couldn't eat anymore and when Cliff returned, we asked if we could take the rest with us. He grabbed the plate and placed the check on the table equidistance between us. Once he had left, Todd reached for the check and then, his wallet. I didn't ask the bill total, nor did I want to know, but he put five twenties in the book with the check and placed it back on the table. My eyes must've gotten bigger at the amount he put in the book, because he told me not to worry about it. "This is nothing. I would do anything for you." Cliff returned with our cake in a plastic carry home case and Todd handed him the bill, thanking him and complimenting him on his service. Before we left, Cliff told us that if he was working when we decided to come back, he would gladly serve us again. On our way out of the restaurant, I grabbed Todd's right hand with my left and reached across with my right hand to grab his bicep. I couldn't get the smile I had off my face. When we reached the outdoors, my attitude changed a little and I pulled away from him. The sidewalks were filled with more people and I started getting nervous again. Looking around, I saw that ninety percent of the people were couples and most of them were of the same sex. Relaxing again, I resumed my touching of Todd as we walked back to the car. We rode around Mid-Town for a few minutes with Todd pointing out various shops and stores and eateries. All gay owned or gay friendly. "When you're in this part of town, you really can be yourself," he told me. He turned down 10th Street and we passed my Piedmont Park. As we did, he said that that's where Pride was held. "What's Pride?" I asked him. "Gay Pride. Please tell me you've heard of it." Giving him that `I've been a sheltered little boy my whole life' smile, he explained that gay Pride was a festival of mostly gay people getting together to show that they exist so that the government doesn't forget they are out there. He explained about the Stonewall riots and how Pride started from that. In all my seventeen years, I'd never even heard of it. My parents must've had to work extra hard in June to keep it from getting to my eyes or ears. "When is it held?" I asked him. "In a couple weeks," he answered. Then he got a bright look in his eyes and said, "Hey, you wanna go?" "You mean us, go to gay Pride? What if someone sees us?" "Doubt that. At least two hundred and fifty thousand people go to the festival. There's no way anyone would be able to spot us." "I don't know," I said a little apprehensively "Oh, come on. It'll be loads of fun. They have bands playing, booths, games, I think, and lots of stuff. I think it'll be great." "I'll think about it," I said to him, squeezing his hand for affirmation. He dropped the subject and made more turns until we were on Peachtree, again, heading to the city. "Now where are we going?" I asked. "Have you ever been to the Sun Dial?" "No," I answered. "You're gonna love this," he said and didn't say anything else. We pulled up to a hotel and I looked at him, confused. He handed his keys to the valet and we started inside. "Are we getting a room?" I asked. "Not here," he said. "These rooms are way too expensive. We're just going to the Sun Dial." "What is the Sun Dial?" I asked. "You'll see. Just hold your horses," he said, smiling. Walking into the glamorous hotel, I couldn't help but look around as I walked. When I finally took in all I could, I looked over and found Todd about twenty steps in front of me. I trotted up to him and we headed to the information desk. "How can I help you, sir?" asked the receptionist. "Is there an inside elevator to the Sun Dial? I want it to be a surprise for him when we get there." "Yes, sir." Pointing with her entire hand, palm out faced, she said, "If you just go down this hall, you'll see a bank of elevators. The last door on the right is the express to the Sun Dial." Smiling back at her, Todd told her thanks and we headed on the intended path she gave us. When we arrived, the elevator was just unloading so we stepped in and had the tiny room to ourselves. When I looked at the buttons, there were only two. Floor one and floor seventy-two. Todd pushed it and off we went. "Seventy second floor? What is this place?" "It's the highest restaurant in Atlanta." "But, we just ate." "There's also a bar." "But, we can't drink." I guess he was growing a little tired of all my questions and contradictions. He smiled big and put his hands on my shoulders and said, "Would you stop worrying about things. Enjoy this, okay." He dropped his hands back to his side and leaned against the back wall. Walking up to him, I put my head on his shoulder and grabbed his hand. I was only able to rest it for a few seconds before the tiny bell alerted us to our destination. I stood upright and waited for the doors to open. When they did, all I could see was a wall in front of us. Todd walked past me, saying, "C'mon." I did as I was instructed and we climbed one set of stairs, turned down a small hallway then a second set. When we reached the top, I couldn't believe what I was seeing. We were on a circular floor that only reached about half the regular floor and right in front of me, all around the room was nothing but plate glass windows. I walked up to the railing and saw the entire city of Atlanta stretched out before me, twinkling in the twilight. Looking over the railing, I saw the restaurant below me that stretched to the windows. Looking at the diner's, I noticed they were moving. "The floor's moving," I said to Todd. "Yeah, it revolves to show the entire city." "Wow," I said in amazement. "It would've been cool to eat here," I said to him. "Well, for two people, it averages about seventy-five dollars apiece." I couldn't speak. I just looked at Todd with my eyes opened wide. "C'mon, let's go to the bar and get a Coke." I followed him to the bar and we chose a table. To my delight, the strip of tables set up around the bar was also on a part of the floor that revolved. After we were seated, the waitress came over and Todd explained our reasoning for being here, save the boyfriend title, and ordered us a couple of sodas. Todd explained that it took between forty five minutes and an hour to make a complete revolution. We talked and looked out over the city. In the dark distance, we saw the lights of the Georgia Dome, Stone Mountain, Buckhead and many other familiarities of the city. I never knew how beautiful Atlanta really was and possible never would have, had I not been sitting atop the city that night. When we arrived at our starting point, Todd suggested we leave. "There's still one more surprise left." I smiled and we headed down stairs. In the elevator, again it was just the two of us. I walked over to him and put my arms around his waist and kissed him. "Tonight has been the best night of my life. Thank you," and leaned back in for another kiss. After the kiss was broken, he said, "It's not over yet." He winked at me with a smile and the bell chimed, announcing our stop. Back in the car, Todd drove back towards Mid-Town. After a few turns off the main highway, and about a block from Piedmont Park, he turned into what looked like a residence's driveway. I grew a little nervous, but figured he had everything under control. I was about to ask where we were, but grasped the idea I would probably get the stock answer of `You'll see', so I kept quiet and let the night continue on. Pulling around back, I noticed about six other cars parked. I still had no idea where we were, but still, I put my trust in Todd to not get us hurt. I followed his lead out of the car and up to a door. When he got there, he didn't knock, but instead, opened it for me and then followed me through. On the inside, I realized we were at a hotel or something like it. There was a registration desk against one wall and a set of living room furniture against an opposite corner. While I was looking around, I heard a voice behind me say, "Good evening. How may I help you?" It was a man probably in his late twenties, tall, nice looking with handsome features. Todd walked up to the desk and gave his last name. "Ah, Mr. Blyth. Everything is in order." By this time, I joined him at the desk. "If you just follow the petals, they will take you where you need to go," and gave a big smile. I guess I was just too nervous when I came in, but when he told us to follow the petals, I never noticed there were rose petals, red, pink and white, scattered all over the ground leading out the very door we used to enter. I looked at Todd and he smiled and nodded his head towards the door. I led the way with him right behind me. Once outside, I asked, "What is this?" He continued to smile, not saying a word. He grabbed my hand and I watched the roses wind down the walkway until they turned into a small garden. Following them through the short hedges, they disappeared into a door directly ahead of us. When we got there, I looked at him again and he lifted the key to the door. I took it from him with an excited but puzzled look and unlocked the barrier. When the door swung open, the rose petals led across the room until I saw them scattered all over the bed. Stepping inside, I realized there were dozens of candles burning, music playing softly with a bottle of something sitting in a bucket of ice with two champagne glasses nearby. On the bed, amidst the roses, sat a present, wrapped in paper with a bow on top. Looking at Todd, I smiled and walked towards it. As I did, he closed the door and joined me on the bed. "May I?" I asked, holding the gift in my hands. "Please," he said, softly. Tearing the paper, I saw the front cover of the book that I was looking at in the store where he worked. The bright colors of the Earth looked just like it did that same day. Getting rid of the paper, I opened the cover and flipped a couple of pages when something caught my eye. Flipping back a page, I saw that Todd made an inscription. It read: `You take my breath away. Happy Birthday. Todd.' Looking into Todd's eyes, he leaned in for a lingering kiss. I got so caught up that the book slipped from my hands and landed on the floor with a muffled thud against the carpet. We both pulled away at the sound and Todd laughed while bending over to pick it up. Walking a few feet, he placed it on the table and came back towards me. He didn't sit, but instead, reached his hand out for me to take. When I did, he pulled me to stand with him and he wrapped his arms around me and we slow danced to the music. I, in turn, wrapped my arms around his shoulders while resting my head against the nape of his neck. He was running his hands up my back, up to my head and slowly, gingerly over my neck then back down. We slowly turned in circles and I was paying attention to his skin against my own. The scent he was giving off to me was the best fragrance I've ever smelled. The soft humming of the music from his throat sent shivers down my spine with the vibration against my cheek. He tilted his head down and started kissing my neck as we continued to dance. Slowly, he worked his way to my cheek then finally, my lips. As we kissed, he reached up and started undoing my tie. Once it was on the floor, he slowly started unbuttoning my shirt from the neck down. I took his lead and started with his tie and then the shirt. While he worked on my shirt, his lips moved back towards my neck and his lips touched every inch of skin it could find. He placed his hands on my shoulders under the fabric and started to push outward, causing my shirt to fall down my arms and finally, the floor. Only my tee shirt stood in the way of him kissing my chest and before he had the chance, I pulled that over my head and let it fall upon my tie. He started back towards my body, but I put my finger over his lips and whispered, "Wait," while I took my time taking off his shirt and tee shirt. When it was done, we started kissing again wearing only our slacks, socks, shoes and underwear. We kissed and danced for a few more minutes, while our arms held each other close. Finally his hands reached towards my belt and started undoing it. After he was done, he got my pants unclasped and unzipped and slipped his hands against my hips and slowly started to push them down. I slipped my shoes off and flung them across the room as my pants hit the floor around my feet. I repeated the process on him and, left only in our underwear and socks, he pulled away from our kiss and slowly slid my underwear down to the floor then his own. He got on the bed and grabbed my hand and pulled me along with him. He gently pushed me down upon the bed with the cool, silky soft rose petals against my back. We made love for over two hours. During the throws of passion, my emotion as well as the pleasure he was giving to me, overtook my brain and mouth. I pulled him down and kissed his neck while he continued his slow, gently thrusts, and for some reason, I whispered the words, "I love you," in his ear. I didn't get a response from him so I let it go. Either he didn't hear me or he didn't want to. I wanted to think it was the former as to why my statement went unanswered. To Be Continued. Comments welcomed at dsc110875@hotmail.com. If you want to be added to the email notification list for chapter postings, just ask.