The steaks were sizzling in the broiler and the salad was made, the only thing missing was Tim. It was already eight o'clock, and Brian hated late meals like this, it was bad for digestion. But they would probably be up until two in the morning, it was the weekend and there was no work tomorrow.

Steve and Mark sat watching some car chase film as Brian fussed in the kitchen, and then he heard the door buzz. Mark got up to answer and hit the lock release, Tim was in the condo a minute later.

"Sorry, I had business to attend to," Tim said, digging in the fridge for a beer, something he rarely drank. "Smells good."

"Hope you're hungry," Brian said.

"Yeah ... hey Steve," Tim said. The boy had come into the kitchen and slid an arm around Tim's waist, a possessive move. Tim leaned down and kissed the boy on the lips and they hugged. It was good to see Steve getting something like that, he needed the affection.

Mark walked in next and Brian told them all to take a seat. The salad made the rounds as he pulled the steaks out of the broiler. A plate for each steak and baked potato, they were ready. Mark was hungry and so was Steve, the boys ate as Brian picked at his salad. And across the table Tim still worked on that beer.

As close friends Brian had come to know Tim's moods, something was wrong, he could sense it. Not something to discuss in front of the kids he was sure, he would find out later.

"So you work hard today?" Tim asked the boys.

"Yeah, we shot lots of stuff, maybe enough to finish the episode," Mark said.

"We'll find out Monday," Steve added. "How was your day?"

"Busy too, had to spend some time downtown," Tim said, giving Brian a quick look.

Yeah, it was something bad, Brian thought. "So are you staying over?" Brian asked.

Tim shrugged as he took a final pull off the beer bottle. "I can, or maybe Steve wants to come over tonight and see the lights."

"Cool ... um, can I go, Brian?"

Steve alone with Tim, which might be enough to get things started. Why was Tim doing this? "I suppose, are we still on for our pool party tomorrow?" Brian asked.

Tim nodded and started cutting his steak. Brian could see the abrasions on his knuckles, he'd fought recently. He didn't think the boys would notice, but he would ask before letting Steve go off with the man. It was all small talk after that. Tim ate about half his meal and refused another beer, a smart move if he was driving anywhere with Steve.

The boys volunteered to clean up and Brian pulled Tim down the hall to his bedroom.

"So, what happened?" Brian asked.

Tim sighed. "Tommy got shot in the leg, but he'll live. Fuckin gang bangers crashed a party of one of my clients, Tommy was the watchdog. He called it in and then took a bullet and saved the client some pain. I took off and got there just as the party was breaking up, a few of the gang bangers were still there. I was pissed because they left Tommy laid out on the lawn. I called the cops and an ambulance, and then took a few heads off."

"Tommy's okay?"

"Yeah, flesh wound, lots of blood, he'll be fine. I have his medical covered." Then Tim smiled. "The three gang bangers will be laid up a long while; they can't walk too well right now."

Brian nodded. It was Tim who showed them how to break bones, teach a lesson the subject wasn't likely to forget, Gold Tooth got his.

"So you want Steve to come home and calm you down I suppose," Brian said.

"Something like that, I need some warmth."

"Just remember, he doesn't know a thing ... about you or sex, watch yourself."

Tim nodded. "I want him around a while ... as a friend, he's good ego food."

"Well he needs someone to show him the right way to do things when the time comes," Brian said. "I think he's already chosen you. I don't know what to tell you about his parents, they're going to be a major obstacle to any relationship you two might have."

"Being Mark's friend might help, but I'm not predicting this will last ... that's up to Steve. He turns sixteen just about the time you guys finish up this run, I'll wait and see."

"Then you better take off, Steve had a long day, he'll be tired soon," Brian said.

Tim nodded. "I'm counting on it. Figured that might slow him down a bit."

Mark hugged his good-byes, and Steve left with Tim. They could hear the Ferrari's mufflers as the car left the parking lot.

"Okay, what was that all about?" Mark asked.

Brian bit his lip, not sure if he wanted to tell, but he'd always been truthful with Mark and he didn't want that to change. "Tim had a bad day ... I think he wants some comfort."

"You don't want to tell me."

"Not really, but I hate keeping things from you," Brian said.

Mark moved in close, sliding his hands up under Brian's shirt. "I don't need to know everything."

"You know Tim's business, sometimes it gets scary. He doesn't always have clients like you to protect, some of them are rough jobs. One of his guys got shot ... " And Brian told the whole story.

Mark became quiet and then nodded. "I'm glad you told me. It just shows they really do their job well, I feel safer."

Brian slid his hands around Mark's neck and raised his head until their eyes met. "I told you they mean business. Tim has a tough bunch of guys ... maybe I wasn't tough enough, I couldn't do that. They're trained to react, what Tommy did was on instinct, he protected to the best of his ability. I'd do the same, but only for you."

Mark smiled and leaned up for a kiss, and then he backed off. "I never had a hero like you before, someone I could completely trust, someone who would do anything for me."

"Well now you do. Love means I give you my all, and that includes my life," Brian said.

"No ... don't say that, I couldn't live without you," Mark said.

"I won't ever do anything foolish. I don't think it will be necessary. That's why we have Tim."

"Leave the hurt to Tim, that's his business. We're all about love," Mark said.

Brian smiled "He's a tough man; I just can't imagine Steve getting through that thick hide."

Mark giggled. "Maybe a sexy boy is his weakness, I know someone else who can't resist."

"Yeah, you got me there."

A long week meant they were tired lovers, but they felt the need and they shared moments of passion before the sandman came and joined their embrace, filling the room with soft snores and sweet dreams.

High above the Hollywood lights Steve had shared his own moment of passion with Tim, lip to lip, arms around one another. It was too late to do anything else, but it made Steve feel special and it gave Tim the comfort of a warm body beside him. And they too would sleep, assured that the morrow would bring new feelings, new explorations in what they had discovered inside one another.

Tim marveled at all that smooth skin and the tenderness of a boyish body. It brought out his deepest feelings of comfort, and the need to nurture. In stark contrast to his day, Steve was a total supplicant, and yet he possessed the power to heal in his very existence as they lay together.

The soft gentle breath of the sleeping boy on his chest made Tim want to weep, this was the basic truth between them ... they could share feelings where none had existed before. It was in the very nature of the boy to be affectionate and loving; Tim knew he could learn a lot from Steve.

He had agreed they could sleep in the nude, Steve's wish had been granted. And as he disrobed Tim had watched the boy admire him, the adoration clearly shown in his eyes. That had been their first moment of truth, for Steve could not hide his emotional attachment, he didn't want to.

Tim was surprised at his own feelings as he watched Steve undress. He expected to see the body of a child, and yet he had not been prepared to deal with the awe he felt. Steve was flawless, smooth and almost hairless, yes, but he was a creature of light and great beauty. It made Tim catch his breath as the boy stood before him.

"God, you're magnificent," Tim said.

Steve smiled, coy, shy ... and ever so adorable. "I was going to say that about you."

He closed the distance between them and placed his hands on Tim's chest. "So strong, so amazing ... I feel safe here with you."

Tim had lifted the boy effortlessly, carrying him to the bed, and lay his alabaster skin on the wine colored spread. It was a vision, something to be admired. The boy was already hard and yet Tim didn't want to notice that. That golden hair framed a face that made him want to memorize every feature, he felt passion rise within, and realized he shouldn't feel this way.

"You are such a beautiful boy, God was kind to you," Tim said.

Steve stared up with adoring eyes and beheld his god, for he just couldn't believe he was here, in this bed with the most desirable man he had ever met looking down at him. And the feeling of joy brought tears to his eyes and they spilled over causing Tim to lean down and kiss his cheeks.

"I understand, Steve ... I really do. Before we go to bed, come ... let me show you something."

He led the boy out the glass door in his bedroom and onto the edge of the patio. The moon shown down from above, making Steve's body glow in the reflected light. Tim stood back and gazed at the boy, only their hands held fast, Steve did not want to let go.

"Child of the moon, where have you been all my life?" Tim asked. "In you I see something I desire and yet cannot have ... for now. All that beauty down there means nothing when you're here ... I just want you to know that."

"Do ... do you love me?" Steve asked.

Tim smiled, knowing the question had been in the boy's mind all evening. "I love who you are, and what you will become. Love is a commitment, Steve ... commitments are won, not made of two strange minds like ours. But I have no doubt, in time I will love you."

"I ... I want to be yours," Steve said. "I never wanted anything so much."

"And you shall have me ... when the time is right, when life gives you the means to express that desire. But not now, now we must learn to share what we can and glory in the feelings a caress can give. Let's go to bed."

Tim left the drapes open so the moon could shine on the bed and give these moments meaning. For if he was the sun, then he had no doubt that Steve was the moon reflecting his light. And they slid under the sheets and came together, flesh upon flesh and he heard the boy sigh with contentment.

He lay on his back and Steve pressed close, placing his head on Tim's chest, his leg over Tim's and his hardness pressed against that strong thigh. Tim was aroused but not besotted, he had to resist at all costs. He was here for a higher purpose. He shifted his head and kissed the crown of Steve's head. The boy raised his face towards the source of that affection and they kissed again. Warm lips, warm emotion.

This was hard, difficult in the light of those sexual overtones Steve emitted, but Tim didn't move a muscle. Steve sighed, and said one word. "When?"

Tim smiled. "Soon ... but not tomorrow, okay?"

Another sigh. "Anytime ... I'll be waiting."

"I know you will ... sleep, for in dreams all things are possible."

Steve sighed one final time and slid his arm across Tim's chest, holding on to what he could have.

Yes, it was meant to be ... he could learn to love this boy. It meant making a special place in his heart where none had existed, he had never meant for this to happen. He could now understand what Brian felt, it was beyond sex, it was a need he had yet to fully grasp. Loving one this young and sweet would fill his world with joy and happiness. It also scared him.

Today stood in stark contrast to what he felt at this moment. He felt for the boy's sake he now had to play it safe, no more risking his neck. Steve needed him and he could do nothing to hurt their chances. It was a responsibility he welcomed since the rewards would be so great. Steve would have his way in time and the closer they came to loving one another the shorter that time appeared.

Six months? Could he hold out that long? The boy's body would develop fast and he would be around to see the changes. But how would he know when to accept the needs of them both? He didn't know if he could trust his own mind, maybe his heart would know.

And ever so slowly he felt Steve relax as he drifted off to sleep, leaving only those soft breaths stirring the hair on his chest. And once Steve was oblivious Tim allowed tears to flow down his cheeks. He had never been so happy in his entire life.

In the night the boy slid away from him and Tim awakened, looking over at the thin shoulder blades and the back that tapered down to the boy's waist. They had kicked the sheet off, their proximity allowing the heat to build between them. Tim looked up at the dark sky and saw the moon had gone down. He reached up a hand and pressed the button on his headboard, hearing the quiet whine of the motor as the drapes closed. Now the sun wouldn't disturb their peace.

Tim rolled on his side and slid up behind the boy, laying an arm over the sleeping form. And like a magnet, Steve seemed to slide back into his embrace allowing Tim to drift off once again. Not even dawn could awaken them, only Steve did as he got up to use the bathroom. He was half asleep when he returned and started when he looked down into Tim's eyes which were wide open and staring.

"Morning, beautiful," Tim said.

Steve smiled, and a blush rose to his cheeks, he was still hard as a rock. He slid under the covers to hide his arousal and Tim pulled him close.

"I saw that, was it like that all night?"

Steve giggled. "Probably."

Tim laughed and pulled the boy over, the momentum almost pulling Steve on top and the boy did the rest himself. Now he was laid out on Tim's body, arms wrapped around him in a warm embrace. The only issue was that hard cock; it was now pressed into Tim's stomach. Steve raised his head and looked at Tim's face for some sign of disapproval, he couldn't help it.

"Someone's happy to see me," Tim said, and he chuckled as Steve's blush returned.

"I ... I can't help it."

"I know," Tim said, leaning his head forward and kissing Steve's forehead. And then slowly, deliberately he slid his hands down the boy's back and grasped his butt cheeks. Steve's cock throbbed at the touch and Tim closed his eyes.

His hands clenched and released those soft globes, and Steve throbbed each time. He couldn't stop now, this wasn't like real sex. He kneaded the flesh and felt Steve throb, and his body moved a fraction at a time, rubbing that hardness between them.

Steve didn't know what to think, he just didn't want it to stop. Tim was doing it, he didn't have a say in the matter ... but it felt so good. He wanted to thrust, to make the feeling even better but he didn't move. Tim made the movements with his hands. It seemed to go on forever and Steve stifled a moan.

The tickle at the head of his cock grew ever so slowly and Steve wondered if Tim knew what was about to happen. He couldn't hold it back, he didn't want to, and the hands ... the hands seemed to posses him. And then there was no turning back as Steve groaned and his cock pulsed, once, twice, flooding the space between them, and he collapsed with a smile on his face.

The hands stopped and slowly rubbed his back. Steve knew that there was love in that touch, it gave him hope. Tim had wondered at his physical reactions, his cock had remained only slightly engorged, no full erection this time. His mind had been on the boy. His needs not mine, Tim thought.

The whole thing had been so sweet, the amount of cum that spurted between them didn't surprise him. But Tim wanted to look, to see it, to confirm what he already knew. Steve was mature and well on the road to manhood.

Tim's hands sought the shape of Steve's head, fingers threading through the blond locks and Steve responded, lifting himself up until their lips met. His tongue darted into Tim's mouth, his kiss one of passion and thanks. It was the only way Steve could give back.

Their relationship had crossed a line with that orgasm and an unspoken agreement had been reached. They showered and Tim fed the boy, while their clothes remained on the bedroom floor. It was a morning of smiles, the sharing of new knowledge and an occasional kiss. Steve somehow seemed older, more confident, and Tim could only smile. The boy had just needed an outlet for his emotions, now he had one.

Mark was a uniquely confident boy, but Steve had shown none of those attributes. Being young and gay was a burden without reason and direction. Hiding his feelings from his parents for all this time had been oppressive, now Tim gave him someone close, and the sharing had begun.

Tim made his calls right after breakfast and was pleased to find Steve cleaning up the dishes. If the boy wanted a partnership these were things he had to do, Steve understood that. He didn't expect Tim to wait on him hand and foot.

Nine o'clock and Tim led Steve out on the patio and unrolled a thin rubber mat for some exercise. Nothing dramatic, it was too soon for that. But he made Steve stretch, limbering him up and then began a series of Tai-chi moves that he would demand every time they were together like this. The boy did well and then sat back to watch Tim's morning workout.

The long slow routine was fascinating to watch, and not just because the man was naked. Steve sensed that nudity was natural for Tim, and why not, he had the privacy here. The evolution of the routine went from slow and easy into a series of quick moves. Steve could only imagine that slashing foot crushing ribs or breaking an arm. There was violence apparent, and yet all he saw was the steady demanding control of a warrior.

They showered on the patio and swam. Tim was playful in the water, tossing Steve around like ball and listening to the laughter. And when Steve got water up his nose and choked Tim was there to comfort him, and they got out to lie in the sun. The man had such a powerful body, and yet his hands were soft and gentle as he applied the sunscreen. Steve was in heaven.

Tim heard the warning buzz on the security panel as the front gates opened. Knowing it was Brian and Mark he stood up and walked out to meet them. Brian was not at all surprised to see Tim in the nude, Mark said nothing, but he looked. They walked back to the patio and Steve got up, standing beside his man.

"So you found us all right I see," Tim said.

"Yes, good directions or you would have lost us. What do we have planned for the day?" Brian asked.

"Solitude, swimming and good food, we all need a bit of rest," Tim said.

Mark got right to it, stripping off his clothes and following Steve into the pool, Brian lagged behind. "How's Tommy?" He asked.

"Fine," Tim responded. "I called the hospital this morning and spoke with Jerome, his partner in life. He says Tommy will be back on his feet by the middle of the week."

"Tough man," Brian said.

"Yeah, I'm going to back him down a bit, give him an easier task," Tim said.

"You think he'll accept that? I know, you're the boss, but he has an image to maintain, he's not a cripple."

Tim smiled. "I was thinking of detailing him to you guys on a permanent basis, does that work for you?"

"Tommy? Hell yes, he's a good man. His size alone is a deterrent," Brian said.

"My thoughts exactly, and the publicity is about to start, Mark will need watching."

Brian sighed. "Yeah, there is that. Six days and the pilot runs on network television, it's all uphill from there."

"I need to thank you for allowing Steve over last night, he took my mind right off Tommy and all that crap from yesterday," Tim said.

Brian smiled. "Sweet kid, he looks a little more mature than I expected."

"We had a little bit of fooling around, I had to give him something as a reward for being here," Tim said.

"Watch out, he looks addictive," Brian chuckled.

"He is, I am ... I just don't know how it will play out."

"Next will come love, he seems on that track already," Brian said.

Tim smiled. "I'm not far behind him ... he's just so ... amazing."

"Yeah ... I know how you feel."

There was no demand on their thoughts today, they did whatever they wanted. Tim decided they ought to go out to dinner with the boys, nothing fancy. Throughout the day he had seen the change that had come over Steve. The boy now felt a part of something, he was among equals. That confidence was expressed when they went to shower after a final swim.

Steve's eyes held a new emotion as they stood close under the spray. This was beyond passion ... this was a moment of truth that had to be expressed.

"I love you," Steve whispered. Almost afraid of the words, as if he thought Tim might reject the offering, was it all too soon?

But he received a kiss in return and a smile. "You're so easy to love, I love you too." And for once in his life Tim knew this is what he wanted more than anything.

It showed on their faces as they went out to dinner, a new path had been made. Just one month, twenty-nine days, and Steve would turn sixteen. Tim knew he was so young, but not too young that they couldn't work this out. The reward was just too good to miss. They had to make it work.

Mark saw the look in Steve's eyes, understanding came next. The boyish infatuation had been replaced by something else. Confidence had settled in, passion reigned, and Mark knew that could only mean one thing. He was happy for Steve, and yet concerned. Their love would be hard, the circumstances dictated that.

They sat on the tatami mats of the private little room at the Tokyo Ichiban restaurant, a first introduction to Japanese food for both boys. Steve snickered at the thought of sushi, but he sampled everything. Brian's first date with Tim had brought them here all those years ago. He understood the significance of Tim bringing Steve this time.

The sweet Japanese waitress was dressed in a traditional costume, the kimono covered in a bright flowery print. And as she tended the meal cooking off to one side, they toasted the day with a bit of sake.

Steve frowned at the little taste Tim gave him, reaching for his cup of tea.

"Eww, that burns," Steve said.

"Rice wine, no more for you then," Tim said. He raised his tiny cup to Brian. "To old times and new," He said.

Brian smiled, and returned the gesture. "May there be many more. To new beginnings," He toasted.

"Okay, I brought you here for a reason. I just have to figure out how to include Steve in the plans," Tim said.

"What plans?" Steve asked.

"Mark and Brian are going to take a secret vacation in about five weeks, by then the publicity will make you both quite famous, your faces will be on everyone's mind. So, I thought getting Mark out of the country for a few weeks would be good idea, taking you along would be the icing on the cake," Tim said.

"But how? My parents never let me go anywhere," Steve said.

"And now you're not the same person, I'll work on it."

Brian nodded. "I think it would be great to have Steve along, so where are we going?"

Tim smiled and gestured to the room around them. "Japan."

There were times over the next several weeks that Brian wished the vacation was tomorrow. The shooting got more intense immediately after the pilot was released. The publicity events soon followed, Triton wanted to secure a quick return on their investment. It was nothing short of brilliant that Alan wanted the boys to appear together, it doubled the appeal.

Mark and Steve, side by side on the couch of a late night talk show brought the host to a speechless moment as the boys cut up. The audience loved it, so did the tabloids. The speculation ran rampant, including the insinuation that the boys were lovers. Triton's lawyers pounced, the paper quickly issued an apology, the free publicity and sympathy of the television audience was overwhelming.

Brian stood by and watched the changes, Mark was on a natural high, and Steve was feeling it too. The work days got longer, Alan was desperate to keep up. And the scripts were reworked prior to shooting, for now Mark had a better idea of what they needed to accomplish.

From that second episode when the bully appeared, Mark thought Butch Peterson ought to be given a bigger role in the show. Peterson had played minor roles for several years and at seventeen had the bad guy image down pat. In real life he was also a talented soccer player, something that worried Alan to no end.

But the bully scene would play out on television screens across America and Butch would become a hated character until episode three when Adam turned his life upside down, almost literally. The writers had pondered what physical abilities Adam might have to compliment his mental capabilities. But as there was little funding for extreme special effects in the show, they had to come up with something inexpensive.

The scene was Butch confronting Steve in the Boy's bathroom, a cliché encounter seen in every bully scene in history. Only this time it was different, Adam interrupted the moment. So just as Butch was about to hang Steve by his belt from the coat hooks on the wall Adam walked through the door.

"What are you doing?" Adam asks.

"Stay out of it, nerd boy here doesn't need your help," Butch growls in reply.

Steve's face said different, so Adam holds up his hand and Butch goes into a freeze. "What's he doing to you?" Adam asks.

"He's a bully. He picks on me all the time just to make me look stupid." Steve says, struggling out of Butch's grasp.

"Oh ... I don't like that," Adam says.

"Me neither ... what happened to him?"

Adam shrugs. "I just made him stop."

"Wow. Okay, let's get out of here before he snaps out of it, then he'll really be after me."

"He's not going anywhere," Adam says.

Small curls of smoke start to rise from the soles of Butch's boots, a little dry ice and water from the prop crew performed that simple task. Adam smiles and pats Butch on the back. "Have a nice day, ya'll come back and see us some time," Adam says.

The camera pans back as Steve and Adam walk out of the bathroom. Butch seems to come alive once again and discovers his boots are welded to the floor. The boy struggles to keep his balance but he can't lift a foot. He almost topples when bending over to reach his boots. Butch looks around the bathroom, and then yells, "Help."

There were simple sight gags in the show after that, small moments when Adam used his powers to hold doors shut or cause things to move. The scene where Puckett chases his coffee mug around on his desk was priceless. A well rehearsed bit where the prop man under the desk with a strong magnet moved the lightweight plastic mug with the steel washer glued to the bottom around on Puckett's desk every time the man grabbed for it. Of course Adam sat quietly, his face passive, as if he was unaware of anything unusual.

Silly things, small moments, and yet all together they thrilled an audience. The story lines and the dialogue made up the show. Adam's first kiss from Beverly, Steve's eventual triumph on the basketball court in gym class, and his acceptance on the school team. All these things painted a picture of the kids growing up. Even Puckett's now familiar stutter whenever Adam was around laid the foundation for what would become the newest hit on Thursday night television.

By then they had shot hours in the Vernon neighborhood and at the school. So many faces had become familiar to the viewing audience. Character actors like Rick Sanders and Vera Duncan knew their moments on screen were precious, as did Martin Barnes, the grouchy neighbor. But all fell to Adam's gaze and touch, the imaginary world around him was changing, the neighbors coming together, and in more than the script.

The final glory of the last episode for the short season was given to Steve, Mark wrote most of the script himself. Despite Puckett's insistence that Steve not be allowed to play in the final game of the basketball season for the Mudcats, Adam overcame the moment with his usual standoffish demeanor and Puckett relented.

The excitement of the game mounted and Steve's moment came in the last seconds as he took a three point shot from thirty feet out. The ball wobbled in slow motion and the camera cut to Adam's face sitting in the crowd on the bleachers. He smiled and didn't close his eyes to show that Steve could do this without help. And the ball dropped through the hoop, the Mudcats won.

Of course that scene took four takes before Steve actually made the shot, but he still grinned in triumph as the team carried him off the court. It was the little things, the subtlety of the show that endeared the characters to the audience. They turned out in droves at public appearances in shopping malls all over town.

Tommy was with them full time now, but he stood back with Brian and Tim as the mostly girl audience clamored for attention. The boys sat behind a solid wooden table as the girls, and a few boys, lined up for autographs. Both Steve and Mark joked with the kids, securing their status as the newest stars in town.

As the days progressed, Mark managed to get Steve over to the house most weekends, allowing Tim some precious time with the boy. Jean Biddle watched her son become a star and worried all the more for it. It was the sign Tim had waited for, and he finally stepped forward.

Jean was pacing back and forth outside the school building, chatting on her cell phone and brushing her hair back from her face. Tim walked outside and sat at the picnic table the crew used all the time for lunch. She snapped the phone shut and looked up at him, then walked over.

"Tim ... you ever been married?"

Tim smiled. "No, I have too many other commitments."

Jean smiled. "Maybe that's how I sound to my husband, he doesn't realize what a responsibility Steve is right now."

"The boy is fine, a lot of us are watching," Tim said.

"Sorry, I know you are, and I appreciate it too. That big man ... Tommy? Wow, no one would bother him or the boys."

Tim smiled. "Exactly why he's here. So ... what's really bothering you?"

"Shooting ends in two weeks, I think Steve needs a break, he's been at it so hard. I told my husband we need to take him somewhere, someplace to relax. But Frank is a penny pincher, and he says we should just stay home."

"Your son needs to get away, see new things, have some fun and a little exercise. Mark's going to do just that," Tim said.

"Oh, were is he going?" Jean asked.

"Top secret, the fans find out and it's all over. But you I trust, we're going to Japan. A quiet resort, maybe a hike on Mt Fuji, hot baths ... all recommended for rejuvenation in my book."

"We ... you're going as well?"

"Yes, I won't take my eyes off the ball. So far it's Mark, Brian and me, the boys aren't well known there ... yet."

"Oh, Steve would just love that," Jean sighed.

"So send him along, we'll keep an eye on him," Tim said.

"Oh, I don't know, I'd hate to impose, and Steve has never been away from me that long ... "

"Jean," Tim interrupted. "Listen to yourself. It sounds like you don't want him to grow up. Look, you ought to be proud. He's done all this to make himself a star, and it worked. He's growing up, even I can see that, I know you do. The boy will be a man before you know it. I think he needs experiences in life for that development to become good and solid."

Jean smiled, and then reluctantly nodded. "Yes, my little boy is growing up ... maybe it scares me. I don't own him anymore, now he's a star, the fans have a piece of him. Maybe it's time I let him experience life a bit more ... so tell me about this trip."

By the time their conversation was done Steve was all but booked on a JAL flight to Tokyo. Jean had the boy's passport; they'd been to Mexico the year before. Tim was smugly in the driver's seat, he would have the boy for four weeks ... time enough to fall deeply in love.

He had no doubts now, he was committed to Steve. The infatuation was over. He was in love with a boy and didn't care what anyone thought. Tommy knew, he had to know from just watching all the time, but he said nothing. At first Steve had eyed the big man with respect, and then set aside the reluctance, they were now friends.

Tommy sealed the relationship when he made a full court shot that swished through the net in front of the whole bunch of kids. They all called him Uncle Tommy after that, each vying to get close to the man. But even in the heat of the day Tommy wore long pants to hide the scars on his leg. He did not want to explain that to anyone.

Brian received the news of Steve's participation in the vacation with a smile, Tim had his ways of making things happen, and this was just another example. Mark was delighted since he would have a friend for the time away from home. But Steve was ecstatic, and he let it all out the following weekend when he was alone with Tim.

Cuddling was now a regular part of the shared experience with Tim, it came as part of their nude behavior. For sitting in the man's lap always got a rise out of them both, and often led straight to the bedroom. But now Steve would have thirty days of love, and while they were away he wanted to break new ground in celebration.

"When can I have you inside me?" His eyes were full of desire, the question serious.

Tim stroked the boy's head and nodded. "I know you want it, but I can't hurt you ... I just couldn't."

"And if I said a little pain was worth it, would you try?" Steve asked.

Tim shook his head. "Too soon, let's just enjoy what we have."

It wouldn't happen soon, Tim thought. But he knew Steve wouldn't be happy until it was done. They would make do with hands and mouths until that time arrived. It was enough that now there wasn't a square inch of Steve's body he couldn't love.

Steve turned sixteen and the cast gave him a cake and a birthday song. Steve was presented with a silver satin jacket, his name embroidered on the breast and Adam Conquers Earth emblazoned across the back. He felt like a real television star, he was already the star in someone's eyes. The weekend after the big day, Tim took them all out to a private dinner, and Steve got to place his hand on the glass plate at Outrageous.

In less than a week they would be off to the Far East and the mystery of Japanese culture would embrace them. It was hard for Tim to present Steve with a gift, there was so much he wanted to give, and yet knew the boy would face questions if it was too lavish. So he bought Steve a gold neck chain like the one Tommy wore, a mere two thousand dollar token of his love.

The boy's eyes gleamed with affection as they sat down to the candlelight dinner. Brian and Tim at the ends of the table which had been pushed up against the glass wall, the boys on one side, close to their men. Steve marveled at what he saw and knew Tim was treating him like a grown up, that was the best present he had ever received.

"Action," Alan yelled.

Beverly sits beside Adam on the bleachers of the gym. "My mother said if I was actually going to date a boy she'd approve of you."

"Are we dating?" Adam replies. "Does a kiss mean we're dating?"

Beverly nods. "I think so."

"But I don't have a car, I can't take you anywhere," Adam says.

"My mom would drive us if you want to go out," Beverly says.

"So she won't mind if we make out in the back seat while she drives?"

Beverly looks shocked. "Of course she would, why would we do that?"

"Why else date? Aren't we supposed to make out and then argue about if I can put my hand on your breast?"

"Adam ... that's terrible. I don't understand you sometimes. Where did you come up with that idea?" Beverly asks.

"The Movie Channel ... Sixteen Candles I believe."

"Oh Adam, you're impossible. Sometimes I don't even think you're human."

"Thank you," Adam says with a grin.

The focus shifts back to the basketball game and the tension mounts as the clock winds down, tie score, and then the opponents score again. Adam watches Steve get the ball and dribble, the time is almost gone. Steve looks for a pass, and everyone is blocked.

They are two points down. His blocker moves in and Steve ducks under his defense, and the bleachers start chanting. Five ... four ... three ... and Steve takes the three point shot. And in slow motion the ball drops through the hoop and swishes through the net.

The score comes just as the buzzer sounds, and brings the kids to their feet. Steve is their hero. They carry him off the court and Adam moves down the steps towards him.

"I did it ... I did it," Steve screams, jumping up and down in front of Adam.

"Yes you did," Adam yells back above the crowd noise.

"I've never shot from that far before, I didn't think it possible ... " And then Steve looks closely at Adam's face. "Did you ... you know ... did you ... ?"

"No Steve, that was all you," Adam replies.

"I never know ... I don't get it ... you can do anything," Steve says. "Do I really know who you are?"

"No Steve, I'm just like you and nothing else," Adam says. "I'll tell you about it sometime."

For a moment Mark thought Steve was going to kiss him, and that sure wasn't in the script. But the dialogue was one that they might have even in private, the words implying so much more. But the camera was right there, and Steve had to say his last line.

Steve grins, releasing the dramatic tension of the moment. "You better, I need to know what my best friend is thinking."

They walk off towards the locker room together and Adam places an arm over Steve's shoulder. Camera Two cut back to a shot of Beverly sitting alone on the bleachers, a frown on her face. "Cut," Alan yelled. "That's it people."

Six episodes, a short and yet satisfying accomplishment. Triton had a wrap up party at the Hilton that evening, everyone came, parents included. Wayne held court as usual, it wasn't the character everyone wanted to see, it was the man. The adults gathered on one side, the kids on the other, each in their own little social group.

"We're going to Florida to see my aunt on the hiatus," Beverly said.

"Mark and I are going to disappear too," Steve said. "The security guys say I can't tell anyone."

"Uncle Tommy? He's dreamy," Beverly said.

"Lord Girl, you have big tastes," Steve joked. "I think they have surgery for that."

Steve laughed and Beverly smiled. "Yeah, I like them big, Steve ... that let's you off the hook."

Mark died laughing at the comeback. They had all become friends, nothing like a little sweat to bring people together.

"You two off together like that, watch out for photographers. That's tabloid material you know," Beverly said.

"Yeah, we'll camp it up a bit if I see one," Mark said.

"Are you guys like ... " Beverly asked.

"No," Mark said. "Not us ... didn't I sell that kiss good enough?"

"How the hell do I know, you're the first boy I ever kissed."

"Just avoid backseats then." Mark laughed and she punched his arm.

By nine the party fizzled, the kids were tired and they all went around hugging one another. It would be almost three months before they were all reunited, some would not be coming back. The opportunities of an actor often took them into something else at a moment's notice. Mark knew that very well, but all the speaking parts had long term contracts.

Mark hugged and shook hands with the other leads, and then Brian took him home. Tim delivered Steve to his parent's house since they had not attended the party. Steve's dad had respect for Tim. The man was protecting his son, he thought they shared a guy thing.

"Wow, three days and you become Japanese," Jean joked.

Steve smiled. "I don't think there are any blond Japanese, Mom."

"I'll miss you," Jean said.

"Aw, let's not start that again. I'll be fine," Steve said.

Jean looked over at Tim. "I have no doubt about that, he might have to spank you if you're bad."

"Oh, never thought of that," Steve said, but he was smiling. "He's an expert in karate you know, I might come back in pieces."

"We have some glue in the drawer," Frank said, and they all laughed.

"I'll see you folks on Friday," Tim said.

"I'll be all packed," Steve replied.

"Don't forget your tooth brush, you might have to brush all that seaweed out of your teeth from the sushi," Tim said.

"Ewww ... I will not eat sushi," Steve laughed.

Tim shook hands with Frank and hugged Jean, and then Steve walked him to the door. They stepped outside in the warm sultry air.

"Don't pack too many bags. We won't need all that much where we're going. Besides, I plan to buy you things, lots of things," Tim said.

Steve looked around and gave Tim a quick kiss. Tim held the boy and lifted the gold chain around his neck, and then leaned down and kissed the chain. "That's for luck, see you Friday morning."

"I love you so much," Steve said.

"I love you too, baby. Now get back inside before your mom worries."

"I'll miss you."

"You're in my heart, you're with me all the time," Tim said.

And as he drove away he saw Steve wave and then lift the gold chain and kiss it. God he loved that boy.


On to Chapter Ten

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"Adam Conquers Earth" Copyright © 2011 Chris James. All rights reserved.
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