There was something about fall in the city, maybe it was the changing pattern of the wind that swept away the effects of too many people in one place. Brandon had seen the leaves in the park beginning to change color, that wouldn't happen at home for another month.

Home ... the word had new meaning now. Home is where Alan would be in his arms every night ... where their love could blossom. He awoke to the dull light of another New York morning coming through the curtains. He turned to look at the bedside clock ... only six-ten ... plenty of time.

Alan had been asleep since just after nine, plenty of rest for a growing boy. But he knew if left to his own devices the boy would sleep until noon. Thank God he wouldn't allow that, it would take forever for the puffiness to leave his eyes. They had tricks to ease that, but Brandon hated tricks ... the boy was a natural without them.

Alan was asleep beside him face down on the bed. Ahh, all the better to eat you, my dear, Brandon thought. He eased back the covers and exposed the boy's ass. God, what beautiful flesh. He would love to photograph Alan nude, but he would have to bury that material deep in his safe. The boy's butt was exquisite ... and edible.

Brandon slid off the bed and took a morning pee ... in the sink so he didn't have to flush and wake the boy. Eh, all went the same place anyway. He crept back into the bedroom, wet washcloth in hand and retrieved the bottle of KY. He slid the covers down and off, leaving Alan fully exposed.

Ever so slowly he slid the boy's legs apart, exposing his lovely little pucker. Brandon slid up the bed between those legs and gazed down at the object of his desire. His cock was fully erect ... and no wonder. What an awesome sight.

Brandon dipped his head as his hands gently grasped Alan's butt cheeks, spreading them open. He rolled a tiny ball of spit onto the tip of his tongue and went to work. Ever so gently he licked the boy's flesh ... waiting for the moment of discovery. Alan moaned in his sleep and Brandon almost giggled.

His tongue felt the resistance melt away and he pressed on ... and inwards. He felt Alan's butt cheeks stiffen ... the boy was awake. He pressed in fully.

"Oh ... Jesus ... Brand," Alan groaned. "You sure know how to wake a guy up."

"Hmm," Brandon moaned and pressed ahead.

Alan's butt raised up as the boy reached under to straighten out his erection, that was the moment he wanted ... time to go for it. Brandon slid away from Alan's body, crossed the boy's legs and spread them, causing Alan to roll over. The boy squinted up at him.

"Time for a few stretching exercises ... hope you don't mind," Brandon said.

"Anything for you, lover," Alan replied.

Brandon pushed the boy's feet up, bending his knees and forcing them back to his chest. He dove in and attacked that asshole once again. Alan groaned and Brandon felt the muscles relax once again. Now he could have breakfast.

He slid his tongue up and took Alan's balls in his mouth. He hummed a tune, the vibrations causing Alan's eyes to open fully.

"Jesus ... Brand ... "

Brandon popped open the bottle of lube and coated a finger. He rubbed around the hole and gently penetrated. The boy's balls never left his mouth. Alan pushed up at the penetration, stretching his ball sac which held him down like a leash. Brandon's digit sunk in to the last knuckle ... there was no resistance at all.

"Oh God ... that feels so good ... fuck me with it ... fuck me," Alan gasped.

Brandon was only too happy to oblige, but still he did not release the boy's balls from his mouth. Alan tried to buck but was held back, it was too soon to let go. Brandon worked that finger, doing his best to avoid brushing the prostate ... but still he knew it felt heavenly.

Beg me boy ... beg me and maybe I'll give you what you want.

"Shit, Brand ... ahhh ... that feels soooo good. Harder ... harder ... please."

Brandon applied more lube and added finger number two. Alan groaned at the added pressure. Two fingers were about an inch and a half wide, enough to stretch and teach the sphincter what a cock might feel like. Brandon twisted his wrist, changing the angle as he plunged in and out. Time to release the hounds, and he let go of Alan's balls.

The pent up energy was released and Alan started bucking upwards, hardly noticing the addition of finger number three. Brandon scissored his fingers, spreading the flesh and was fascinated that the boy hadn't felt any pain. He had to feel the fullness ... but what about the pain of stretching?

"Jesus ... you feel huge in there ... ahhh ... I fucking love it ... fuck me harder."

Brandon didn't know why this was so easy for the boy ... had Billy permanently plowed the opening? No, those scars had healed; he'd seen it with his own eyes. Maybe the boy was so turned on ... so ready it didn't matter. Could he be fucked?

The boy was wide open ... Brandon's cock was right there ... Alan would go ballistic if he didn't do something soon. No condom ... he didn't have time, they were out of reach. Brandon dribbled KY on his cock and leaned forward. His cock made contact with Alan's butt and his slippery fingers withdrew, grasping his cock and guiding it into the hole. He pressed forward and the head slipped through the ring.

"Oh, God ... yes ... fuck me, Brand ... " Alan screamed.

Brandon was shocked, glad the bedroom walls were thick ... but he complied. Alan gabbed for Brandon's waist and tried to pull him in. He resisted and allowed himself a slow slide instead.

"Jesus ... ahhh, you're huge ... take my ass ... fuck me ... fuck ... fuck," Alan gasped. He was feeling the pressure but not the pain ... he wanted it so badly. Eight inches later Brandon bottomed out and Alan groaned as he began to slide out. The boy tried to hold him in, fingers digging into Brandon's flanks. He slid back in with a thump.

Alan looked up with glazed eyes and a liquid smile; he was lost in the feeling. Brandon began to work the boy, increasing the tempo just grazing the boy's prostate enough to drive him wild. Alan slid his hand away and grasped the sheets, pulling them up so hard Brandon expected to hear them rip. His head tossed about on the pillow, he was approaching nirvana.

Brandon humped, lifting the boy's legs by the ankles and stabbing into the fleshy warmth. He felt Alan's gut go soft, the muscles ceasing all resistance except for that stiff one between his legs. Alan's cock was slapping his belly with every thrust and the boy didn't give a thought to jacking himself, he was too far gone.

It would be soon, Brandon thought, feeling his own pressure build. The walls of Alan's gut suddenly gripped his cock; the boy was going to shoot. Brandon pumped harder, wanting his release to match the boy's.

"Oh fuck ... oh fuck ... ahhh ... its ... " Alan screamed and his cock went off like a fire hose. Brandon was stunned at the pressure in Alan's cock. But then his cock expanded and he groaned as his cum shot into the boy.

Alan's face, the wall behind the bed ... everything was covered in sperm. The boy had blasted his load as Brandon watched, amazed at the shots. They had traveled at least four feet to reach the wall. Alan started laughing and then groaned as Brandon's cock began to slip.

"No ... leave it in me," Alan groaned.

"Stop laughing and I will ... "

"Damn ... what a mess ... I never did that before ... ever," Alan said. "I guess you thought I was ready, huh?"

"Yeah ... it was strange, you seemed to just relax and open up. Everybody is different."

"I wanted you in me ... it was so wonderful."

"I just hope you can walk after that or Theresa is gonna be pissed." Brandon said. His cock was softening and slid out. He grabbed the washcloth to keep from messing the sheets ... but what the hell, sperm was everywhere.

"I felt you cum in me ... I'll never forget that feeling," Alan said. They kissed and Alan groaned. "It's coming back out ... I gotta use the toilet."

He took the cloth and held it against his butt as he walked to the bathroom. Brandon stared at the wall.

Did he do the right thing? The boy had been open ... ready, but should he have gone that far this fast? He could have jeopardized the entire project if he'd hurt the boy. He had never seen anyone react like that, the power in the boy was incredible. He'd wanted it ... so it happened, what control.

Alan came back in the room and sat down. "That was messy too; I see what you mean about the condom. Can we shower or is it too early?"

Brandon pulled the boy onto his lap. "I could have hurt you and killed everything we have going ... I'm sorry."

Alan smiled. "You did what I needed to have done, you made the right call. Stop worrying about me, I don't break that easy."

Brandon tried a smile, but it didn't seem right. He felt guilty, the emotion still held on as he followed Alan into the shower. But Alan sensed his discomfort and took the washcloth. Brandon's guilt was turned on its head within minutes ... the boy knew how.

They met the limo and were whisked off to the studio. Brandon watched the boy carefully for any signs of change; he knew this session was critical to the success of the program. But he felt like he was drifting in a fog the whole time. The world around him was real, but he didn't feel like a part of it until he looked through the lens.

Nothing was changed, Alan still stood there in that pajama top with toothbrush in hand ... but then he saw it. A photographer might go through his entire career looking for that one moment, that one magic second when everything was perfect ... and Brandon felt it.

It was the gleam in Alan's eyes, the hunger ... the passion, and it made that smile seem more awesome than ever. The boy was staring at him in the mirror ... adoring him. Brandon raised his head and held the shutter release down, capturing that look for posterity as his eyes made direct contact.

They could have been selling anything, it didn't matter. But the feeling that they shared with that glance, and the resulting photos would sell a million dollars worth of toothpaste for Middleton. Without even looking, Brandon knew the boy was hard ... they both were. It was the most awesome display of their love he had ever seen.

And the playback proved it ... the look on Alan's face was the sexiest thing Brandon had ever seen. They chose the six best and took them upstairs. Brandon couldn't say anything to the boy here; they needed to be alone for that.

Theresa was amazed, pleased and full of praise ... she had no idea what she was approving. After a pleasant lunch Alan donned the Armani suit and Brandon posed him in various locations around the building. The look in those eyes never dimmed, and neither did Brandon's erection. It was as if the boy held him captive, and he could feel the heat building between them.

Nothing could have prepared him for this love ... for this feeling. He had met this boy under a bridge and fate had made him stop. Life was rarely that kind, he'd been kicked in the balls too many times to think otherwise. But he had stopped and Alan had come into his life ... changed his life.

And finally they were done, Theresa appeased, and they headed back to the hotel. Everything was in Stanford's hands now; the production team would use what they had. There was no turning back now; Alan Bennett would become a household name.

"You've been quiet all afternoon, what's on your mind?" Alan asked as the limo carried them down city streets.

"Um ... just things ... many things," Brandon replied.

"I agree with what Theresa said, you're the best photographer in the business. She really loves your work."

Brandon smiled; glad they had a safe topic to discuss. "Then someday I'll show you my terrible work, just to even things out. There's plenty of it."

"No way, you made me look so good today," Alan said.

"Sweetie, I did nothing but capture the moment ... you did all the work."

"But ... well I felt different today," Alan said. "The things we did were the same, but the mood was different." The boy squeezed his thigh and Brandon almost groaned aloud. "I couldn't take my eyes off you, Brand ... we're different."

"Surprised? This is what real love must feel like. I am so lucky to have you," Brandon said.

Alan smiled. "Then I know what you've been thinking ... I feel it myself."

The limo deposited them at the hotel and they rode the elevator upwards. Brandon smiled as the boy took his hand, leading him down the hall ... pulling him towards the bedroom. The bed was made; the housekeeping staff had been efficient.

Alan took off his suit hung it carefully, with reverence. Then he pulled off everything else in a rush and dropped it on the floor. Brandon knew what was coming as he slowly removed his clothes. The boy spread his body on the bed and grinned.

"Come on ... I can't wait any longer," Alan laughed, and Brandon crawled into his arms.

The afternoon was spent in the heat of lovemaking. Lips and tongues, cocks and assholes ... all blended in one long continuous orgy of pure passion that left them both exhausted. And Brandon knew he had made the right choice, it had been silly to deny the inevitable.

Alan dozed in his arms, secure in the love they shared. But Brandon's thoughts turned to home. They would only have a few weeks of solitude before the ad campaign began. Theresa would become demanding of their time, their presence ... and privacy would become a thing of the past.

For once he would have to lock the gate at the end of his drive; the dogs would take care of the rest. But home would become a state of mind as they continued to live in hotel rooms and fly from event to event. He should have warned Alan about the impending change, the disruption to their lives.

The Monica Blumenthal's of the world would follow them around, sniffing at their private life, spying on their every move ... looking for dirt. They were the enemy, they always would be. But if they became intrusive Brandon would respond, and force was not out of the question.

He lay there in a daze for what seemed like hours, until his thoughts were interrupted by the phone.

"Hello, Theresa."

"What are you doing cooped up in that hotel room, it's a beautiful afternoon," Theresa replied.

"Resting, thinking about what to do this evening ... we do have an early flight."

"I want to take you boys out to dinner, is that workable?"

"Sure, what do you have in mind ... something simple I hope," Brandon said.

"Carlos is having a gathering ... your kind of people, and some important guests."

"Ahh, a little business and a little pleasure, is that what I hear?" Brandon laughed.

"Always ready to show off the talent, you know me. Pick you up at eight?"

"Oh, a late dinner ... OK, we can get a sandwich sent up now. I have a growing boy to feed."

"See you then, Brand ... casual dress, Thank God."

Brandon laughed as he hung up. The woman was a total workaholic, but then her clients never complained, they got to count the zeros on their paychecks.

Carlos was notorious for his parties. But the talented hairdresser also seemed to know every important person in the industry. Brandon was sure the man was a surrogate for the social events Theresa only wished she could host. It should prove to be an interesting evening, a real eye opener for Alan.

At least in such a controlled atmosphere the boy would learn what it was like to be around the rich and famous. He had to come to terms with it sooner or later. The temptations of a high profile lifestyle, the drugs, the sex and the money would not be there tonight. Carlos ran a kosher party, insiders only, no bullshit allowed. One thing was for sure, he would not leave Alan's side for a single minute.

Brandon called room service and ordered them each a soup and sandwich luncheon. Dinner would probably be a buffet served around ten that evening. The food would be gourmet, but little more than finger food. No one ate much anyway; fashion people were notoriously picky eaters.

But Brandon knew Alan had a healthy appetite for a growing boy, besides the party atmosphere would leave the boy nervous amidst all that glitter and glamour, he would need a good dose of nutrition now.

Room service arrived promptly and Brandon had them serve the meal in the dining room, then he went to wake the boy. As always, the sight of Alan sleeping gave him such a thrill. No longer would he have to avert his eyes from the sight of that beautiful body in repose, it was there to please him.

Alan came awake with a smile at Brandon's touch. "Sorry, I fell asleep," He said.

"You've had a stressful few days, sweetie ... nothing to be sorry about. I had some food sent up, we need to eat."

"I thought we were going out to dinner," Alan said.

"Theresa called, we have a party to attend," Brandon replied.

"A party? Oh, more clients?"

"No dear, it will probably be more like a coming out party for her newest star ... and that would be you."

Alan frowned. "Coming out ... as in gay?"

Brandon laughed. "Carlos will be the host, what do you think? I doubt anyone will question your sexuality, there will be too many stars in the room for that to matter."

It was Alan's turn to laugh. "You mean I might get to feel like a normal person instead of your hot young stud?"

"Exactly, you'll only be one of many beautiful people in the room. A chance to be yourself and get to study the competition. Personally, I don't think you'll have anything to worry about. Most of them know how hard it is in the business, you might even make some new friends. Might even be some movie stars there, wouldn't you like that?"

"Wow ... this just gets more awesome all the time," Alan laughed. "I hope ... well I don't want anyone getting too friendly."

"I'll be right there beside you, nothing to worry about," Brandon said. "Theresa will be here at eight."

They ate the food and still had hours to kill. Central Park was only two blocks away so Brandon led the boy out into the late afternoon sunshine for a walk. Both of them needed the peaceful inspiration of the park and in a short while found themselves at the gates of the zoo.

Here was a place they could both feel comfortable amidst the walkways and animal enclosures. Brandon noted some tourists, but the crowds were light. The smells and sights delighted Alan as they walked arm in arm through the exhibits.

This feeling of warmth settled in between them as they laughed and talked about what they saw. They were a family now, partners in a great adventure that was just beginning to feel comfortable. All too soon this town would feel like a place of work and that little bit of magic would be lost.

But Brandon knew they would be thrust on the world stage because Alan's face would become so well known. They would miss times like this where they could romp, times where these animals held such fascination and gave so much pleasure.

Brandon had meant every word about escaping to Europe, seeing Italy and the other places of interest. People were treated differently there, especially the famous. And within six months Alan would be known everywhere, that face would become his trademark. The blessing and the curse, the riches and the fame ... they would have to balance both just to stay alive.

And as evening began to fall, Brandon led them back out to the street and hailed a cab. A chill was in the air and they needed to get back, clean up and prepare for the evening. Besides he could tell Alan was feeling a bit frisky ... and that was always exciting.

Sex in the shower would always be one of Brandon's favorite memories. The soap, the smells and all that hot water streaming across their bodies. The feel of Alan's soapy body pressing him down as they sprawled on the tile floor, these were moments to be cherished.

Alan rode his lap, grinding his ass in Brandon's crotch to drive the pleasure deeper. Looking up at the boy's face, the thrill etched in every feature, drove Brandon to the brink. And he felt Alan tremble as the orgasm burst deep inside, filling the boy with his essence, his offering of love. The contented smile turned to a grin as Alan hopped right off and raised Brandon's legs to return the favor.

No man in love could ever resist that feeling. Alan's cock filled him, possessed him and within minutes flooded him with young sperm. The moment overwhelmed them both and turned silly as they slid around laughing. Someone had knocked over the bottle of shampoo in all that passion and the shower had whipped it into a froth of bubbles around them.

Alan leaned down and went nose to nose. "You make me so happy ... I always want it to be like this."

Brandon smiled. "No matter what life brings us we'll be happy, sweetie. This was meant to be, don't you think?"

"I told you our first day together, God wanted you in my life ... I still believe that."

"You go on believing that," Brandon said. "My purpose in life is to love you and protect you ... no matter what." And then he grinned. "Guess that means I have to drag you out of the shower now before Theresa's bright new star begins to look like some old wrinkled prune."

They rinsed off the bubbles and went on to get dressed. They had a few moments to relax before the phone rang; Theresa was summoning them downstairs where she waited in the limo. Brandon had chosen Alan's clothing for the evening and Theresa seemed to approve. The blue shirt shot through with gold threads highlighted Alan's features; she even smiled at the tooled leather cowboy boots tucked in under his black denim pants.

"A southern gentleman if I ever saw one," She grinned. "Yes, I approve, this town needs something refreshing for a change."

"Will there be clients at this party?" Alan asked.

"No dear, just the working folk, so you can relax and enjoy yourself. Carlos has a fabulous home on the Island; very private ... you'll see."

Brandon had attended a few of Carlos' little gatherings in his downtown condo, this would be something different. The man's life partner was in the restaurant business and they had been together for many years, time enough to accumulate a great deal of wealth and live comfortably.

The estate was all lit up this evening as they stopped for the security check at the gates. No party crashers at this event, it was to be a totally private affair. The limo stopped at the front door to let them out and Alan was all wide eyed at the gathering of foreign sports cars lining the drive.

The Lamborghini, Porsche and Mercedes models seemed to gleam under the security lights, a very expensive show ... but even Brandon was impressed. A hostess greeted them at the door and several attendants took their coats. The house was impressive as was the hum of activity that seemed to come from within.

"Let's go find Carlos," Theresa suggested.

They plunged right into the fray and Brandon guessed there were about a hundred people milling about in the house this evening. He could see through the wide windows that there were more people on the patio out back. Alan pressed right up against him, their arms touching.

"A little overwhelming, don't you think?" Brandon asked.

"Yeah ... should we know any of these people?" Alan replied.

"I do, would you like to meet them?"

"OK ... there's that Denise woman we saw the other day," Alan said.

"Great, she's a good person ... let's start with her," Brandon said.

Denise Rogers smiled when she saw them approaching. "Brandon ... it's been a while. I saw you the other day ... and who is this?"

"Denise Rogers, this is Alan Bennett," Brandon said.

She smiled and leaned forward to kiss Alan on the cheek. "Always nice to see new talent. I saw your photo go up on the wall ... very impressive."

Alan blushed. "Um, thank you."

"So fresh, so sweet ... you bring energy to the business, dear boy. You mind what Brandon tells you, he's got a lot of experience at this. You done with your first shoot yet?"

"We did a toothpaste ad yesterday," Alan said.

"The Middleton-Meyers guys? Theresa shopped me there once ... crazy lobby, don't you think?"

"Brandon and I almost died laughing, it looked so weird," Alan laughed. "But Theresa would have killed us both."

"She laughs at them too, just not where anyone can see her," Denise confided. "You have a lovely accent, where are you from?"

"North Carolina ... just a country boy," Alan said.

"I'm from Alabama ... just don't tell anyone," Denise replied.

Alan looked shocked. "You don't have an accent."

"Training, that's all. I didn't want to come off as a silly country girl, bad for business. But for you it works, don't let them ever change you."

"I won't, Brandon's watching out for me. I've seen you in a lot of ads, you're really famous down home," Alan said.

"Thank you, dear. But I've been doing this a long time, maybe too long. Pretty soon I'll be playing the part of everyone's mother in those ads. The glamour days are gone, now it's just hard work."

"I hope we get to work together ... I'd really like that," Alan said.

Denise smiled and Brandon could see the attraction she felt for the boy. He had such charm, even if most of it was unintentional; he just seemed to say the right things.

"Yes, dear, we'll work together at some point, I'd like that too. But now you get to have all the fun of becoming a famous face."

Theresa arrived and began to pull them away. Alan smiled at Denise and kissed her back before they walked away. Yes, the boy was quite the diplomat ... no one would be able to resist his charms.

Carlos was holding court out on the patio, surrounded by a bevy of beauties ... male beauties. He beamed when Alan appeared.

"Alan ... Brandon, so nice of you to come," He said, giving them both a hug. And then turning to the other men he smiled. "Boys, this is Alan, and Brandon you already know."

There were nods around the table and a few forced smiles. Denise might greet them with open arms, but these guys sensed competition the moment they saw Alan. Bobby Terrill gave Brandon a smile.

"Brandon, are you doing his work?" Bobby asked.

"Yes, we shot his first ad yesterday," Brandon replied.

"Oh, the toothpaste thing ... good place for someone so young to start," Bobby said.

"Better than shaving his legs," One of the other guys cracked.

"Oh shush, that paid good money," Bobby laughed, and then he looked at Alan. "But he's right; don't go shaving your legs for anyone, dear ... you'll never live it down."

Alan smiled. "I saw that ad; you looked really hot in just that towel."

A chorus of ooh's and aww's came from the others but Bobby had a huge grin. "Always glad to meet the adoring public ... you saw that? Really?"

Alan nodded and Bobby leapt up to give him a hug. Turning to the others he kept a hand on Alan's shoulder. "No more wise cracks, gentlemen ... Alan says I was hot ... so there."

Carlos applauded and laughed. And the jealousy the other guys felt was quickly gone; Alan had indeed become one of them. Brandon was well aware of the in-house rivalries, photographers felt the competition too. But male models were a much more fragile bunch; they wore their egos on their sleeves.

The party crowd was sorted out in groups, most of them centered around the various agencies represented here in town. Brandon knew the competition; he had friends in the other shops. Theresa's gay models tended to gather and socialize around Carlos. Not surprising, he was the one that made them look so good.

But few of them got into relationships within the same shop. Competition and the hard work tended to prevent that. But most of the gay men had boyfriends outside of the industry; it was often a stabilizing influence their lives needed.

Brandon could tell many of them wondered if he had something going with the boy, but he was careful not to give away the slightest hint. Theresa could know because she wasn't part of the food chain, she was the source of all work.

But despite his youth, Brandon could see some hungry eyes on the boy as they walked around the party. Later on some of the theatre crowd would arrive and maybe a film star or two. For now it was enough to introduce Alan to all of his contacts and meet their curiosity head on.

They ended up at a table with Brent Michaels and Steven Barnes, two of the hottest fashion photographers in town. Both men had been in the business for years, and as life partners they felt little competition with one another despite working independently. But they also understood what a modeling career could do to someone so young.

They asked Brandon about his current projects and approved of the young companions concept.

"Well, except that Alan's career has put that on hold for the moment," Brandon said, and then he smiled. "No regrets, this is a lot more fun so far."

"Are you having fun, Alan?" Brent asked.

"Yes sir, never been to New York before. It's all very exciting."

"Theresa is a good boss, and she probably has more contacts around the world than the President," Brent replied. "When I worked for her we did shoots in Spain, Hawaii and even Hong Kong, so I bet you'll end up seeing a lot of the world."

"That would be nice, I've never been away from home before," Alan said.

"Your parents never took you anywhere? That's a shame," Steven said.

Alan looked over at Brandon and received a nod. "My momma died last spring from a cancer and my daddy ... well, Brandon got me emancipated from him, and he's my guardian now."

The men both nodded and Alan smiled back. "So you've begun a career pretty much by yourself, I admire that," Brent said. Then he looked over at Brandon. "Seems you've taken on a lot since we last spoke."

"Sometimes it just happens, you have to go with it," Brandon said.

"And that's why I'm shooting dog food ads, I hate working with animals," Steven said.

"Don't listen to him, Alan. He likes the money but a puppy bit him last week during a shoot, that happens too," Brent said with a laugh. "I once did an ad with a snake ... "

And Alan smiled as the photographers shared their horror stories about animals. Fortunately Theresa arrived to rescue them before the stories went on too long.

"I have a surprise for you guys, follow me," She said.

They followed her through the house to a back hallway and into a plush little theatre. She made them sit and turned down the lights from a console beside her seat. Almost immediately a segment of a weekly entertainment program began to play in the screen.

The face of the commentator was familiar as she smiled at the camera. They could hear the voice of a studio director telling her which camera to address. Then there was the countdown and the segment began.

"In our segment on fresh new faces in the fashion industry, this word just out today from New York." A photograph of Alan in his Armani suit flashed up behind her. "The Stanford Agency has signed Alan Bennett to a multi-year advertising contract worth millions to the agency and young Mr. Bennett.

"This rising young model brings a fresh new face to the business, and from what we've been told you'll be seeing him just about everywhere very soon." The photo changed and Alan's face filled the screen. The picture was of Alan standing in the woods behind the house, the one Brandon loved best.

"From the buzz around here, Alan Bennett will become more than just a rising star in the modeling world. Look out Jonas Brothers; we think the nation's newest fashion model will soon become a teen sensation. Remember, you heard it here first ... "

And the screen went dark. Brandon could tell Alan was in shock. It was finally happening, his face was out there.

"We released that this afternoon, the segment will air tomorrow night ... what do you think?"

"It begins," Brandon said.

"Alan?" Theresa asked.

"Lord, that's a national program isn't it. I mean, my face is gonna be everywhere."

Theresa patted his arm. "Yes dear. This is all happening very fast, I'm sure it's confusing to you. But we had the opportunity to publicize you and I had to take it."

"Um, that's OK ... you know how the business works," Alan said. "Teen sensation ... did she mean that?"

"Don't let that intimidate you, anyone who wants to photograph or interview you has to go through me. We have to let the toothpaste ads go out first, you'll remain a mystery a bit longer. But something like this will have clients coming to me; I won't have to go out knocking on doors for you."

"No, I see the advantages of this exposure, I get that. Just ... I didn't expect to be some teen heart throb. I mean, what the hell do I know about little girls ... it all seems pretty weird. Now it's really gonna be hard to be gay."

"The moment that goes out I want security, Theresa. You know what that kind of exposure means," Brandon said.

"Already in the works, you'll have it 24/7, I assure you. Look guys, this is what we all wanted. Yes, it will change your lives, probably sooner than later, but it has to happen. I want you to have privacy and we'll deal with the fame once it becomes an issue."

"This means we can't go home, doesn't it," Alan said.

"No, it doesn't mean that at all," Brandon said. "No one knows where we live, sweetie ... so far anyway. I think once your work load gets heavier we can find a place here for when we have to be in town. A nice condo near the park would be fine. But we both knew things were gonna change, don't let it scare you."

"I'm not scared, my old life was scary. I ... I just don't want anything to come between us, Brand."

"Nothing will, sweetie ... we're in this together all the way."

"OK, that's all I wanted to know," Alan said.

"I promise you both something," Theresa said. "I will do my utmost to protect your privacy. And whenever we can spare the time, I'll send you someplace really nice for a vacation, my treat."

Alan smiled. "Cool, I think this is gonna work out fine."

On to Chapter Eight

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