"Get the hell out of this city," Pat's doctor ordered. "Your body seems to be allergic to just about everything you eat and breathe here. Get a country place, grow some healthy vegetables, and for God's sake get yourself some sun."

OK, the lifestyle had been a disaster to his health. Too many hours at a keyboard in darkened rooms with artificial light and air ... yeah, he needed a change. Pat had made tons of money while making himself ill; it was time to spend a few of those dollars on recovery.

He'd been feeling poorly for several years and never chalked it up to city living. His sinuses had been bothering him, his stomach always seemed to be upset and then the coughing had started. The doctor was blunt; he was killing himself for no damn good reason. A change was in order and it needed to happen now.

The big question was could he just up and leave the city? New York was the center of his universe, the source of life from the time his mother had brought him home from the hospital. He'd been nurtured here, learned about life on these streets and now he was forced to abandon it all. The doctor had implied it was a quality of life issue, and as he grew older he would suffer the consequences.

Like most people he tried to figure a way out, something a little less drastic. He was only twenty pounds overweight by the chart in the doctor's office. Thank God he'd been blessed with a high metabolism. But it seems the weight wasn't the big issue, his allergies were.

Pat was lactose intolerant, so he didn't drink cow's milk. His system couldn't handle soy products either and from the tests there was a whole list of other irritants. He'd tried being vegetarian for a while but he missed eating meat and all that green stuff created other issues. Damn, maybe the doctor was right ... he had to move.

Pat reviewed his short list of friends, they would all survive. Most of them were part of his business world; they would still work with him. The beauty of the internet was that it had no boundaries; he could be in Upper Mongolia and still make money. But he was probably allergic to yak milk as well.

As for relationships, that page had been blank for several years. Not that he hadn't found himself a few young companions on occasion, he just felt too old to be hanging out in arcades trying to pick up some fuck puppy.

Yeah, Pat felt old at the tender age of thirty-two, something that would have sent his father into uncontrollable fits of laughter. Well maybe he would have laughed; they hadn't spoken since Pat was sixteen. Not since he spoiled the family Christmas with the big announcement. You know, 'Hey everybody, I'm gay.' And he'd thought the season was supposed to be filled with good cheer, bah humbug.

So he'd finished school pretty much on his own and moved out of the house. College was fun and a lot of hard work, but he'd fixed his mind on a goal. Computers had always been a passion, now it became his career. He was very good at thinking things through so he became a software designer. Over time he developed a reputation and his services became marketable.

So he would move ... but where? If there was a choice then he wanted to live in a sparsely populated area, one where people weren't constantly in your face. Pat enjoyed the change of seasons and yet he enjoyed the ocean as well. North seemed to be the best choice and so he packed for a short scouting expedition.

He took the train north through Connecticut and Massachusetts in search of his own little wilderness. Feeling like a pioneer, he poured over a map of New Hampshire and put a finger down on the page. The town he chose was aptly named New Bridge, nestled in the foothills of the White Mountains.

Mountains ... Pat was stunned by the beauty and majesty that lay beyond the town as he walked through the street amidst a swirl of autumn leaves. The tiny real estate office was beside a drugstore and across the street from the public library. A small brass bell tinkled as he opened the door and it made him smile.

Four hours later Pat was signing on the dotted line for a two bedroom cottage, a cozy place, barely three miles from the center of town. The agent could hardly believe he could be so easily persuaded. He laughed and told her she should spend some time in the city, and then maybe she'd understand why he was here.

The house came with an attached garage and a snug little storage building. There would be plenty of room to spare for the years of accumulated debris. And with a grin Pat headed back to the city; it was time to pack.

He moved in right after Thanksgiving, just in time for the first serious snowfall of the season. The house seemed to sit amidst a wonderland of soft white snowflakes unblemished by the hand of man. Pat went to sleep listening to the quiet hiss of the wind swirling the snow through the eaves and awoke to several feet of powder blocking his driveway.

Pat was just sitting down to coffee when the sound of a powerful engine got his attention as it approached the house. He opened the door to find an odd looking fellow standing on the doorstep. The guy was clad in fur from head to toe, giving the impression that he was either part muskrat or bear. The smell of whiskey and wet fur made Pat gasp, but he reluctantly invited the man inside so he could close the door.

"Barry Tolliver," The man said by way of greeting, "You must be the man from New York City, howd'ja like our first snow?"

"Impressive," Pat replied, shaking his hand. "Is that a snowplow you're driving?"

"Yep, sure is. First plow of the year is free, after that two hundred dollars a month and I'll keep your drive open down to the county road. Do we have a deal?"

"It actually sounds pretty good," Pat agreed. "My name is Patrick Stevens, I'm glad you stopped by Mr. Tolliver."

"You wouldn't have a wee drop of spirits in the house, would ya?" Tolliver asked.

"Sorry, I sure don't. But I'll get something soon as I can, just in case it snows again."

"Again? Hell, son, it ain't gonna stop snowing 'til spring. I'll be over here three times a week, I bet'cha."

With that comment, Tolliver turned on his heel and strode across the snow towards his plow, kicking the powder out of his way. The engine rumbled and the plow blade dropped down as the truck rumbled back down the drive, opening a path before it. Pat closed the door and was just about to sip his coffee when there was a knock at the door.

Now what? He opened the door and smiled at the junior sized version of Tolliver that stood on his doorstep. At least the smaller bundle of fur didn't smell of whiskey, in fact he smelled pretty good. Warm brown eyes stared out from under a snow covered cap.

"And who might you be?" Pat asked.

"Mike Tolliver, I'll shovel your walkway for two dollars."

"Two dollars, that seems reasonable enough," Pat said. "Step inside, aren't you cold?"

"Cold? It's mighty warm out today, almost twenty-five degrees. Just you wait until mid-winter, gonna be lots of days below zero this year."

This was the second Tolliver to give him a dire prediction about the winter ahead. But Mike didn't seem to be in a hurry to start shoveling so Pat decided they needed to get acquainted. He offered a coffee and the kid readily accepted.

The boy stripped off his wet furs and hung them on the coat rack beside the door. Pat was stunned at what he saw; Mike was clad in only a t-shirt and shorts.

"See I told you it was warm outside," Mike laughed.

OK, Mike was all boy and the best part of him was bulging out the front of his shorts. Damn, this one was entirely too young for Pat to be interested in any of that.

"How old are you Mike, do you mind if I ask?"

"Fifteen ... how about you?"

"Thirty-two. So, you seem pretty industrious; make a lot of money shoveling snow?"

"It's all right," Mike replied. "I do yard work during the warm months. I figure you'll need my help come spring."

"And why's that?"

"You have twenty or so fruit trees, they take constant care. Your blackberry bushes on the south end will give off about twenty gallons of berries come August. My ma cans her berries.

"I also noticed you'll have to cut down some of the deadwood just the other side of the house too. Wouldn't do to have branches falling on the roof and tearing down your gutters."

The kid knew his stuff. Pat hadn't noticed any of these things when he bought the house. But it wouldn't matter; he would have hired someone to take care of the yard work once it became necessary. It remained to be seen if Mike was all talk or if he could really handle that type of job. Either way, he would delight in having such a cute boy about the place.

"Then I guess we'll have to make some kind of a deal," Pat said.

"Figured you'd say that," Mike said. "Lot of work to keep a place like this looking good. What'cha do for work?"

"Computers, I design programs for the security industry."

"Hacker, huh? I don't know too much about programming. I just play games on mine."

"Well then, I'll have to teach you," Pat said.

Mike spent an hour shoveling the walk that day and after every snowfall for the next month. Pat continued to chat with the boy and their friendship slowly developed.

Pat knew he could look at the boy and enjoy the youthful enthusiasm. The thought of touching Mike was tempting, but he was too young for that. Not now, but give him a few years. Instead he enjoyed the company and learned what he could. The boy was a fountain of information about life in a small town.

Winter settled in and just as the boy had predicted it was quite dramatic. His shorts gave way to heavy wool pants and Pat was disappointed at losing the view of those shapely legs and bulging crotch. It seemed like it would be spring before that pleasure returned, but he was wrong.

The blizzard that struck in late December spoiled Pat's plans for spending the New Year down in the city with some friends. It would have been his first return trip since moving to New Bridge. He had been looking forward to sharing his thoughts about the quaint little town and its people. But the Nor'easter dumped over fifty inches of snow in three days with the wind pushing the drifting snow into monstrous piles across the roads.

Pat had plenty of food and a week long supply of diesel fuel for the emergency generator should it come to that. The phone lines went down but the power stayed on and so the house was toasty warm for the moment. He decided to open a good book and wait out the storm. And so it came as a surprise when he heard a knock at the door. It had to be Mike.

With snowshoes on his feet the boy had walked the three miles to Pat's doorstep, and he seemed relieved the minute the door opened.

"What the hell you doing out in this storm?" Pat yelled above a howling wind that blew swirls of snowflakes across the tile floor.

Mike kicked the contraptions off his feet and gave Pat a frozen grin. "Phones are out. I figured you might get worried about being trapped in here all alone."

Pat knew bullshit when he heard it, something was up. "I don't believe your folks let you go out in this weather, you look half frozen."

"They aren't home. They went down to Boston to visit my grandmother yesterday, she's been sick. I'm sure they won't be able to get back for a few days ... can I stay here?"

Pat realized the boy was the one scared by the storm. How sweet, he'd come here for protection. His coat was soaking wet and Pat could see the gleam of sweat starting to form on Mike's face, the kid was burning up under all that fur.

"You're soaking wet, did you bring any dry clothes?"

Mike reached in his pocket and pulled out his toothbrush. "It's all I've got, sorry."

Pat led him into the laundry room and hung the coat over the sink to drip. Mike's wool shirt and pants came off next but even his long johns were soaked. "I'll have to get you some of my clothes to wear until yours are dry," Pat said.

"Sure, thanks," Mike replied. "Got any shorts?"

Pat pointed him towards the bathroom and gave him a fresh towel. Mike would feel like a new man after a hot shower. He just hoped the kid didn't get sick from running around out there in the cold.

In the spare bedroom, Pat dug in his storage trunk for a pair of shorts that might fit Mike's slender waist. What he found was a pair of his old boxers, a sweatshirt and a pair of shorts. They would all be a bit large, but was that a bad thing? It might be better if the boy just stayed covered up, that way he wouldn't present any temptations.

Mike came wandering into the bedroom with the towel around his waist. "You're still wet and dripping on my carpet," Pat said.

"Oops, sorry," Mike grinned. He removed the towel from his waist and began rubbing it across his head. Pat almost groaned, he didn't need to see everything, but the boy didn't seem to mind.

His cock was long and slender and with a smile Pat saw he was un-cut. A small tuft of curly brown hair surrounded the shaft ... it was all so very lovely. Mike's head was still buried in the towel as he slowly turned, giving Pat a view of his tight little buns. Nothing he saw said that Mike was a child anymore.

"Are you still a virgin?" Pat asked out of the blue.

"What?" Mike stammered. A blush began to spread across his face.

"You know, a sexually inexperienced person. Virgin doesn't just apply to women; most boys your age are in that category."

"Oh." The boy's face was completely red. "Then yes, I am."

"Nothing to be worried about, Mike, you seem to have all the right equipment so it's only a matter of time."

They both looked down at the same time and Mike hurriedly covered his rising erection. "See, it does work," Pat laughed.

"That wasn't fair," Mike said, but he was smiling. "You made me do that."

"Me? I did nothing," Pat replied. "Why don't you put some clothes on?"

They ate an early supper and watched the news on television. The storm had closed all the major north-south highways so the Tollivers were definitely stuck in Boston. Mike started to yawn around eight o'clock and fell asleep on the couch a short time later. Pat didn't want to move the boy and instead covered him up and took himself off to bed.

He awoke very early, something was wrong. He glanced over at the alarm clock and realized the numbers weren't lit. The power had gone out. It was getting colder in the house as Pat groaned, and then dressed for a trip outside to the generator shed. Kick it over and flip the switch, it would have enough power for lights, refrigerator and the heater fans. Thank God, the propane tanks were topped off.

The shed was only twenty feet behind the house but the trip was quite an experience. The strong winds pushed against him and the snow felt like sandpaper against his skin. Fortunately, the generator started on the second crank and purred like a kitten. The engine would run for twelve hours before he would have to refill the tank. Pat threw the switch to the house and watched the porch light come back on.

Returning to the house, he could hear the furnace running once again, that was good news. A glance at the couch showed him that Mike had disappeared. Pat found him a moment later sound asleep in his bed under the comforter. It didn't seem to matter, they both needed to stay warm. Pat crawled in beside the boy and snuggled up close before going back to sleep.

Dawn woke him, or maybe it was the warmth of the boy nestled in his arms. Pat detected a slight movement and with a shock realized Mike was quietly masturbating. It wouldn't do to let the boy know he was awake; he didn't want to embarrass the kid.

But the motion continued and Pat found himself becoming aroused. It was all wrong; he didn't want Mike to know he was gay. They had never discussed anything sexual and Pat realized these next few moments would be critical to their relationship.

He didn't want the boy to feel guilty. They had become friends ... neighbors, and that meant the world to them both. But his arm was draped over the boy and they were touching. Pat did the only thing he could think of, he rolled over and faced the wall.

The minute he let go, Mike stopped his activity. "Pat ... are you awake?"

"Hmm ... what?" Pat replied, pretending he had just awakened. "Is something wrong?"

"No ... I didn't know you were awake."

"Oh ... yeah. I had to go crank up the generator, it got cold in here," Pat said.

"Yeah, I woke up freezing ... um ... that's why I crawled in your bed. Is it ok, can I stay here?"

"Yeah, its fine, Mike. I don't let just any boy sleep in my bed, but you'll do."

There was silence for a while and then Mike scooted back, their bodies coming in contact. Pat didn't know what to think, this was all something very new. Maybe the boy was feeling lonely? How should he respond?

But they were both sleeping in their underwear and Pat knew the boy was aroused, there was nothing he could do that wouldn't end in a disaster. He lay there knowing full well that Mike had not gone back to sleep.

Mike ended the stalemate in a most unexpected way. He rolled over and laid an arm over Pat's body. This meant they were close, so close that he could feel the boy's breath on his back.

"Mike ... ?"

"Pat ... when did you know you were gay?"

Pat wouldn't have felt more stunned if the roof had caved in at that moment.

"Uh ... Mike? Who said anything about my being gay?"

"Pa says you are, he told me to watch out for you and that's what I been doin ... watchin you. Can we have sex now?"

"Mike Tolliver, I never ... what makes you think I want to have sex with you?"

"I was just hoping. I like guys, but I never felt like doing anything until I met you."

Pat rolled over to face the boy. "You think you're gay?" Pat ran a hand across the boy's face, brushing the hair back from his eyes. "Does anyone know?" He asked.

"Oh God no, I would get my ass kicked ten ways from Sunday. Pa thinks a lot of the New Yorkers come up here are gay."

"Oh ... I don't think I said anything to make him think that," Pat said.

"It don't matter, he likes you. Fact is ... he thinks he'll make lots of money off you year round. Says New Yorkers don't know anything about country living."

Pat laughed. "Well he's right. I'm a total city dude. Fortunately I have this wonderful young person who plans to help me out around the yard."

Mike grinned. "I'd do it for free if we ... " He began to blush and Pat thought about the naughty little things going through his mind.

"Mike ... I am gay, does that make you feel better about yourself?"

The boy grinned. "Sure does, you wanna fuck me now?"

"Mike ... slow down, nothing is going to happen between us this very second. You're too young; I would get in a lot of trouble."

"I know. Not like I'm plannin to tell anybody. We're gonna do it someday I figure. What's it feel like to get fucked?"

"I think we need to stop this conversation. Let me catch my breath at least, you shocked me with that one. Are you hungry?"

Mike smiled. "Always."

"Then let me make some breakfast. Then I suppose I better go top off the generator, no telling how long it will be until the power comes back on."

"Pa says you got enough diesel fuel to last three days, which might work out," Mike said. "That's why you got that lean-to full of firewood, we could hold out for a couple weeks."

"Oh God, don't tell me it takes the power company that long to get things fixed. I can't even use the oven."

"That's why you got a gas range and the generator, we'll be fine."

Look who was exuding confidence now. Mike had known all along that Pat was prepared to weather this storm. The boy was a lot more aware of things than he had thought. And then he just had to know one more thing.

"So when did you decide we were going to have sex?" Pat asked, trying to keep the amusement out of his voice.

Mike shrugged. "I was hoping we might right off, I sure wanted to. I saw the way you looked at me that first day we met ... I've been thinking about you a lot."

Pat smiled. "Honestly? I've been thinking about you too, but I don't know why. Now breakfast."

The one thing a lonely gay man learns how to do is cook. Pat had never felt like eating out much, especially in the hustle and bustle of the city. There were enough provisions here to last a week and the store was only a three mile slog through the snow if they ran out of something. Mike's father would be along in a few days to plow them out and until then ... Oh God; he was trapped with a teenage sex maniac. Now why didn't that bother him more?

With breakfast done, they cleaned up and threw on winter gear for the trip out to the shed. The generator was humming along and Pat cranked on the fuel pump for about ten minutes to top it off. On the way back they filled their arms with firewood.

Somehow Pat had acquired this vision of Mike laid out naked on a bear skin rug in front of the fireplace. What an inspiration, especially since the boy would be more than willing. He had a decision to make; should he indulge the boy and take the consequences?

If they ever had a falling out then life here in tiny little New Bridge would be over. But if someone ever found out ... that was the real issue, wasn't it? Mike could be his lover for a while and then probably move on to someone his own age. It happened all the time just like that. Once Mike had the experience he would be confident enough to seek a boy more to his liking ... a peer.

If he let the boy cross that line then there would be hours of glorious sex and twice as many of guilt. Why had the boy chosen him? Was this luck or a curse? Either way the boy needed an answer, his eyes were begging to know something.

Pat sat the boy down with a coffee to warm up. "I want to know what makes you feel gay, Mike. Are boys all you think about when you masturbate?"

"No, I don't know any gay boys here," Mike said. "Before you came all I saw were pictures in some magazines my dad has. You know, guys doin it with girls ... but all I ever looked at were the guys."

"So you masturbated looking at the guys, do you still do that?" Pat asked.

"No ... I don't have those pictures anymore." Mike became silent looking across the table, unsure what to say. "I ... I think about you now, OK?" He was blushing and Pat wanted to hug him ... did he dare?

"Hmm, well I'm flattered. I don't think I can compare to those magazine guys."

"Oh yes, you're real Pat ... you're the most real guy I know."

"Do you think all gay men want fifteen year old lovers or just me?"

Mike shook his head. "I don't know what you like ... don't you like me?"

Pat couldn't make the boy any more miserable. "I like you very much because I like boys, they're very sexy creatures. Does that make you happy?"

"Yeah. Does that mean we can have sex?"

"You're not going to let me back out of this are you? OK, but nothing anal, I don't want to hurt you."

"When can we try that? What do I have to do for that?"

"We'll explore the possibilities, OK? I don't want you to end up at the doctor's office with a messed up butt hole because of me. But that comes later anyways; you have a lot to learn about sex first."

"Teach me, Pat ... make me your lover."

The house was warm now, and Pat chose the bedroom for that first lesson. He pulled up the sheets and Mike helped him make the bed. Then he had the boy undress as he removed his own clothing. They watched one another across the mattress until they were naked. Mike was erect long before his boxers hit the floor, Pat wasn't.

"How come you don't have a stiffie like me?" Mike asked.

"I'm not fifteen, you're constantly horny, I have to be in the mood," Pat replied.

They lay down and Pat took the boy in his arms. "I don't like the idea of fucking, Mike ... I rather like to think of it as making love."

"What's the difference?"

"This," Pat said and he kissed the boy on the lips. Mike seemed to melt at his touch, but then he kissed back. Pat licked Mike's lips with his tongue and felt the boy open to receive it. Mike seemed to like the feeling as their tongues dueled back and forth, but finally he pulled away with a gasp.

"Oh ... wow."

"Yeah, wow ... you're a good kisser," Pat said.

Mike smiled. "I guess I have a good teacher." With that he slid a hand around Pat's neck and pulled their lips together again. This time there was no hesitation, the boy poured all that repressed passion into their kiss and Pat knew he had made the right decision.

He slid his hands down Mike's back and grasped the boy's butt, pulling him closer. And since he knew this first time experience wouldn't last but minutes, he rolled Mike on top. The boy settled on his chest, their rampant cocks pressed together between their stomachs ... and Pat began to move.

Using his hold on the boy's butt, he slid Mike up and down, pressing the boy's cock into the muscle of his stomach. Their lips were still locked together and from deep in the boy's throat he heard a groan. Mike pressed down, forcing their bodies tighter, cocks tighter.

His body trembled, the feeling giving Pat the idea that he wouldn't last long ... he was already blazing with passion. Mike pulled his lips away and gasped. "Oh God ... Oh ... shit ... " Suddenly his body went into overdrive, rubbing faster until with a mighty groan he came, spilling his seed between them.

Pat smiled as the boy collapsed on his chest ... lesson one was complete. He would wait for Mike to recover. Maybe then the boy would realize he hadn't satisfied anyone but himself. If he showed regret then they would move on to lesson two, if not ...

Mike moaned, turning his face upwards, looking into Pat's eyes. "You're wonderful ... you didn't cum did you?"

"No, I didn't ... it takes me longer. You'll slow down over time."

"I want you to cum ... This is about sharing feelings. Can I make you cum?"

"Please, I'm glad you understand," Pat said.

He expected Mike to jerk his cock but the boy slid down and took it in his mouth. It was a wonderful feeling, the boy really worked hard, his tongue and lips seemed to be everywhere at once. How long had he been thinking about doing this? And when Mike gently grasped his balls and began to rub Pat knew he would enjoy this orgasm.

Slowly he thrust up into Mike's mouth, giving a moan of delight so the boy would know he was on the right track. And finally he felt the urge come over him. But he knew Mike wasn't prepared to take the full blast.

"OK ... I'm going to cum, Mike ... it feels wonderful, but you better jack me now."

But Mike seemed to be a man on a mission and he refused to back off. There was no way to hold back and Pat relaxed as the pulses shot from his cock. Mike seemed to do well at first, swallowing what he could and allowing the rest to drip from his lips. But he ran out of air and choked.

Pat pulled his head away, allowing the boy to gasp for air. Mike coughed a few times and then looked up with a grin. "I did it."

He was so proud of himself Pat could only agree. "You were wonderful ... I tried to warn you."

Mike crawled back up and laid his head on Pat's chest. "I had to try it; you know ... I had to."

"I understand ... you get an "A" for today's class. What a sweetheart."

Mike sighed and then giggled. "Will there be homework?"

Pat smiled. "When you're ready we'll study harder."

They lay in bed for a while until Pat felt the drying cum gluing the boy's body to his own. His little bathroom tub had never been meant to hold two, but somehow they made it work. He might be six inches shorter, but Mike's body was well developed for his age. Pat ran a soapy wash cloth over the boy, admiring the feel and texture of his skin.

One look at the boy's rear end and Pat knew he would have his work cut out for him if he ever hoped to enter that paradise. Small body, small butt hole ... but everything grew with patience, didn't it?

He had already decided to let the boy have his ass first, probably tonight when the mood was right. His cock was big enough for a condom ... that was for sure ... Mike was not a little boy in that department.

But he would be responsible, the boy would learn about safe sex. If they stayed together there would come a day when they could dispense with that ... if. He was twice Mike's age ... how long could it last?

They sat at the kitchen table and drank coffee. Mike's smile was different now, his face was almost aglow. That look in his eye ... it was the knowledge of shared experience.

"Pat ... when did you first have sex with a boy?

"Hmm ... I was twelve and his name was Donny Briggs." Pat laughed, "That was a long time ago. But ... I used to baby sit for our neighbor's kids, they were real little, maybe two and three. Donny lived in the building next door and we went to school together, same grade, same teacher.

"So I was sitting one night and he came over to watch television with me after the kids were asleep. And then right out of the blue he said. "Hey, I want to show you something.

"I nodded and Donny pulled his jeans down. It was the first time I ever saw his cock and the thing was stiff as could be. It was a pretty amazing feeling just looking at another boy's cock, but he'd caught me by surprise. I sat there with my mouth open as he proceeded to jerk himself.

"He worked that thing for maybe all of three minutes, his eyes closed, his body twitching and then he squirted one little drop of cum. It was all over and Donny pulled up his pants. 'Amazing, huh?' was all he said."

Pat laughed. "Donny didn't really know anything about sex. This was his first experience and I got to see him orgasm. He was so proud of what he could do ... but he had no idea how I felt."

Mike smiled. "You had a crush on him, didn't you?"

"From the first day we met, yes. So this boy I'd been dreaming about at night, masturbating about, just shows up and drops his pants in front of me."

"So what did you do?" Mike asked.

"I told him I did it too. Then I told him he would soon be shooting gallons of the stuff just like I did and the feelings were awesome. Donny asked me how I could make more cum than he did and I explained that my cock was bigger, and I had hairs. We arranged to explore each other's bodies the very next day."

"So you got to see him naked, did you have sex?"

"Not in the beginning, but Donny was a curious boy and he wanted to know everything about sex. I was only too glad to show him what I knew."

Mike laughed. "Come on, tell me ... what did you do?"

"We were twelve then, but Donny and I explored the possibilities of sex up until we were fourteen. For two years we had sleepovers at my house or his, we met in secret places like down in the storage rooms of the building and we did ... everything.

"I liked boys. I had understood that long before, but I also knew Donny was straight. It's just that he was so interested in learning everything and that kept us going. Even when I had him bend over and fucked him he kept coming back for more. I was sure that would be the end of it, but he didn't seem to mind."

"Are you sure he wasn't gay?" Mike asked.

"I didn't think so. I would do something to him and then he would do it back. I just thought he was being a good friend and treating me fair. But it went on so long; I must have fucked him fifty times. Then he moved away, I found someone else and never heard from him again."

"Oh, that sucks ... but you had other boys. Have you had a lot of boys, Pat?"

"Um, that's an uncomfortable question, Mike. Does it matter?"

"Not really, I'm just being nosy ... curious, that's all."

"That's fair. I never kept a boyfriend very long; I guess my life was just too mixed up. As I grew older my desires never seemed to change. When I was in my early twenties I still had the need for younger boys and that scared me.

"It's just that boys are exciting ... you're exciting. Boys have energy, they have desires and needs and they want to be passionate all the time. Sound familiar?"

Mike grinned. "OK, boys are always horny, I get that."

"But it's more than that, I have a need to nurture a boy, take care of him. It gives me great pleasure to be able to provide what a boy needs, and I don't just mean sex."

"Like you took me in from the storm, that was caring," Mike said.

Pat laughed. "You set me up. You've been waiting to get me alone like this, haven't you? But I'm not unhappy with that, it shows you care too."

It was Mike's turn. "You know how hard it is to have these feelings in a place like this? Having you come live here is like a miracle, Pat. I was doomed, there would never be another gay person for me here and then you moved to town. I had to make this work; I had to find out if I could ... if I could be your boyfriend."

Pat smiled and stood up. In a flash Mike was in his arms, their bodies crushed together. "If this works for you, then I'm willing," Pat said, holding the boy.

"I need you, Pat ... I'll do anything to keep you."

"Then we'll have to be very careful that no one finds out. We can't do anything outside of this house that someone else might see. No kissing, no touching ... nothing, agreed?"

"Yes," Mike said. "I would never do anything to hurt you, Pat ... never."

"We can use you working for me to explain why you're here so much. I don't want your parents ever suspecting anything or it will be over, and I don't want to think about what might happen to either of us. Once you turn eighteen things can be different, but that's too far away to think about now."

Mike stood back. "And then I won't be a boy, will I? Is it all gonna end just like that?"

"No," Pat said. "Not unless you want it to, I'll always see the boy in you. Right now I'm your only gay option, Mike. What if you make other friends, boys your own age ... maybe you'll leave me?"

"I don't wanna think about that, I only wanna be with you."

"We have lots of time before that day ever comes. If we fall in love, who knows ... now is not the time to think about such things," Pat said.

"You think ... do you want to love someone like me?" Mike asked.

"What's not to love? I might be halfway there already. Right now the attraction is physical, you're a handsome boy and I'm a lonely guy. The chemistry is all wrong for us to be in love so soon. We need to become better friends first, and then think about love as we get to know one another."

"I know what I love about you already," Mike said, and then he giggled as he looked at Pat's crotch.

"Already? You're full of energy today, aren't you?"

"Sorry ... " Mike said.

"Oh, no complaints ... I just need to get used to it," Pat said.

"Can we go back to bed then?"

"I suppose we better. Nothing I like better than satisfying your needs."

It took three days for the state to clear the roads, long enough for Pat to realize he was hopelessly falling in love with Mike. It wasn't just the sex, they shared almost everything. The boy was just so interesting to be around. And then Mike's parents came home. The moment was announced by the roar of a snow plow coming up the driveway.

Two minutes later there was a knock on the door and Mike went to answer it.

"Jesus, Mikey, we were worried about you ... Hello Pat, hope the boy hasn't been a bother," Barry said.

"Nope, helped me keep the tanks topped off, plays a mean game of chess too," Pat said.

"Yeah, well, didn't mean for him to get stuck like that, thanks for looking out," Barry said. "Come on boy, we got some snow to move."

"Thank you, Pat," Mike said, holding his hand out for a shake. An hour ago his tongue was down Pat's throat, now they were play acting for his dad.

"Sure thing, squirt. Remember, you get stuck with that math homework come look me up, OK?" Pat said.

"Sure thing," Mike said. And then turning to his father. "Pat says I can do the math, I just been thinkin about it wrong."

"You teach?" Barry asked.

"Nope, it's just that math is all a part of my business. I'll be glad to help him if he needs it, education is really important and so are his grades," Pat said.

Barry looked astonished, so much for the fag image. "Uh, you help Mikey with his homework and I plow your driveway free ... I mean that," He said.

"OK, kid ... sounds like you got yourself a tutor," Pat said.

Mike smiled; it had all gone according to plan. They left and Mike looked back with a wink. 'Yeah, that's my boy,' Pat thought.

Pat kept his little Subaru in low gear all the way into town, he needed groceries. Cooking for Mike had been a pleasure, but Lord the boy could eat. It was probably his fault, sex made him hungry as well.

He pushed the shopping cart down the aisle. 'I have a fifteen year old boyfriend,' he wanted to yell; it felt so good, he hadn't been this happy in years. But not like he could tell anyone, who would he tell?

Last summer he had gone to the dance bars with Leo and Jack, he danced just to wear himself out. The gay scene wasn't his, it was theirs, but he had known them for years. Consummate lovers, going on ten years, lucky bastards.

Mike had been only half right; as boys aged he didn't find them attractive anymore. The nineteen something's were still cute in his opinion; he'd even been passionate with a twenty-five year old. It wasn't the age; it was the body that attracted him. He just liked smaller men; ergo boys seemed to fit the bill.

The part about nurturing them was true, how many wayward boys had sponged off of him over the years? Ten ... twenty? It started off as nurturing, it soon became an abuse of his kindness, and shortly thereafter he showed them the door. Mike was years away from being in a position to abuse the relationship, and for some reason he knew the boy just wouldn't.

Mike was in love with him, the look in his eyes said as much. But he was a smart kid, he wasn't about to blurt that out and spoil the moment. The boy was waiting ... waiting for Pat to give him some kind of indication that love was ok, that Pat felt the same way. It was his patience that had Pat hooked, Mike wanted this to last ... and Pat was all ready to fall in love.

The weeks rolled by, and snow kept on falling. Mike was over promptly every Saturday morning and they did homework, something to show his father. But the kid was bright, the help was marginal ... the sex sure wasn't.

Mike turned sixteen in the dead of winter, a monumental birthday far as any boy is concerned. Pat addressed that issue right way by giving Mike a certificate for the driving school in Littleton. He was overjoyed and Pat knew Barry couldn't wait for his son to get the license; it was all about the business with that man.

But Pat stuck to his guns, he would not introduce Mike to anal sex ... he wanted them to make love without it for now. There were things they did, exploratory things that upped the ante on their activity. For instance, Mike didn't know a thing about his prostate until Pat showed him.

The kissing, the hugging, the licking and the sucking had gone on for over an hour and Mike was ready to explode.

"I think I need to show you something," Pat said. "Roll over, baby."

The sweet talk had started creeping into their bedroom activity almost right away. Mike was 'baby', Pat was 'lover', and it worked for them both. Their sex usually began with a hot shower and a sensual wash down, all angles and crevices were included.

Mike rolled on his stomach and Pat ran his hands over the boy's muscular butt, such delicious smooth skin. And so he leaned down to kiss each of those wondrous globes and Mike giggled, pushing his bottom back towards Pat.

Yes, that was what he needed and his tongue traveled down the crack and lapped across the sweet pink pucker of Mike's anus. The boy jumped and gave out a squeal.

"Jeez, what the hell did you do?" Mike asked.

"I licked your butt hole ... did it feel good?" Pat asked.

"I ... I dunno," Mike laughed. "It freaked me out."

"Hmm, up on your knees then and let me show you what feels really good," Pat said.

Mike complied and Pat spread the boy's ass cheeks, but rather than take another lick he just leaned down and pushed his way past the entrance and plunged into the heat of Mike's body.

"Oh Jeez ... Oh Jeez ... ahhh," Mike said and then he groaned as Pat began to wiggle around in there. "Oh Jeez ... yeah." And Pat felt Mike push back as he wiggled, slurped and sucked. The sphincter spread, the boy was ready for the next step.

Pat pulled away and pushed Mike over on his back.

"Damn, lover ... what was that all about?" Mike said.

"Guess you liked that, it's just a bundle of nerves down there that feel mighty good when you play around."

"No wonder it feels good to get fucked," Mike said.

"Not gonna happen ... but soon, you're making progress," Pat said.

He lifted Mike's legs and exposed that opening once again, only now he reached for the small bottle of lube in the drawer of the nightstand. Mike watched as he dribbled some on his index finger and Pat smiled.

"Now you get a taste of things to come," Pat said. "And when I can get three of these inside you then you'll be ready for the big time, ok?"

Mike nodded and closed his eyes as Pat began to rub that finger around the rim of the hole.

"Oh ... Jeez ... that feels so good," Mike began and then he gasped as Pat slid the finger into him. Tight, yes it was, but it still slid in without resistance. The boy's rear was squeezed around that finger, he needed to relax.

"Relax, baby ... relax, let me make you feel wonderful," Pat cooed.

Mike sighed and Pat felt him loosen up a bit, but he knew how to make it happen. He leaned down and took Mike's cock in his mouth. It slid all the way down until Pat felt the tickle of pubes on his nose; he applied suction and began a long slow slide back towards the head.

Like magic Mike's tension released and he opened up. To Pat it felt like he was sucking his finger into the boy. The groans Mike made at the intrusion gave way to gasps of sheer delight as Pat's finger encountered the boy's prostate. The heat of Mike's body felt amazing, the muscle grasping his finger engorged with the boy's hot blood.

Mike's cock pulsed in his mouth, his body twitched and Pat began a slow fingertip rub on that most sensitive of spots.

"Oh God ... Oh God ... Oh ... Oh," Mike almost screamed.

Pat stayed on the top half of the boy's cock, applied maximum suction and waited ... the finger would do the rest. Mike's back arched and he did scream as his cock exploded with a tremendous orgasm of feeling and cum. Oh yeah, that was a nice one. And Pat hoovered every drop out of the boy as he slowly slid that finger out of the anal furnace.

Mike lay there shuddering, his nervous system overloaded, his heart pumping like crazy. Number one orgasm Pat suspected, they would do this time and again.

"Oh ... Jeez, Oh ... that was awesome," Mike said. His eyes were aflame with the passion that had yet to subside.

"You like that, huh? That was your prostate gland, best little G-spot a guy has."

"I had no idea ... I never felt anything like that before," Mike said.

"And now you know why guys like to have anal sex. The fullness of someone inside you, the strength of a cock rubbing against your prostate ... it's like a trip to the moon," Pat said.

"Soon you said ... how soon?"

"Soon, baby...I promise."

The final snow of winter turned into rain and two weeks later they had bulbs springing up in the garden. Now Mike showed Pat where the plants needed care, where the first buds would appear on the fruit trees and where his talents would best serve the needs of Pat's yard.

Of course Barry encouraged his son to work and Pat made sure the boy went home with money in his pocket, adding to his family's income. And the grass finally came up in early May, the flowers bursting forth into a glorious riot of spring color. Winter was just a memory; one Pat was never going to forget.

Soon school was out and Mike spent more time working in the yard and sharing Pat's bed. By that point they were working on that third finger, something Mike was anxious to have accomplished and Pat was hesitant to achieve. For once that deed was done Pat knew he would be hopelessly in love with the boy.

The second week of June Pat rose early to await Mike's appearance. The sharp thorny blackberry bushes were in bloom and the fruit trees all had signs of offering a good harvest as well. Today they were going to check out the trees for signs of infestation and spray if necessary, but by nine the boy was still a no show.

Pat went out to inspect the trees himself. How hard could it be, bugs were little crawly things on the branches and leaves, right? Just as he reached the trees a strange car pulled into the driveway and here was Mike.

"Hey, Pat ... sorry I'm late." Mike said as he slid out of the passenger's seat. Then he looked over at the other boy who walked up, the driver. "Pat, this is Neil ... Neil, my good friend, Pat."

"Hello Neil," Pat said.

"Hi," The boy said. His demeanor said shy, his face said gorgeous. For just as Mike was dark featured, Neil was fair, fair as the sun shining brightly in the sky above.

"Neil's family just moved in up at the Old Brownlow estate," Mike said.

The Brownlow estate had been the grandest home in the area, now a bit of a fixer upper. But still, it denoted a wealthy family, way out of Pat's league. Was Mike impressed with the money or the boy? Pat would guess the boy.

"You seemed to latch onto that information pretty fast," Pat laughed.

"Oh hell yeah, Dad always wants to know these things ... business you know," Mike said. "Besides, Lorraine at the real estate office is my godmother ... sorta family you know."

"So Neil ... what brings your family to town?" Pat asked.

"I dunno, Dad just said we were moving here, so we did."

"And where do you come from?" Pat asked. God this was like pulling teeth.

"Michigan ... Lansing," Neil finally said.

"Good, at least you'll be used to the long winters. Mike is an expert on that subject," Pat said.

And then Neil looked over at Mike ... and Pat knew, there were three gay people in town now. He wondered if Mike knew. Neil was not only a beauty, his entire being spoke of a certain softness, he was Mike's opposite and that was what told Pat he was gay.

That one look said that Neil found his new friend attractive; Pat had seen it all before. And with that knowledge his heart sank, Mike would have his peer experience, it was standing right before his very eyes.

The fact that Mike had professed love never quite sunk in. To Pat it had only been based upon desire and never on reality. If Mike began a relationship with Neil then Pat knew he would have to support it. It would be best for all concerned, even if it did leave him lonely in the end. The worst part was that Mike now knew just about everything he could learn from a gay man, except for the big deed which seemed to have been only weeks away at their current pace.

Pat thought he really ought to see the humor in all this. He had been preparing Mike to assume a bottom role in the relationship; it seemed to be what the boy wanted. And now here stood Neil, a definite bottom if he'd ever met one. How was this going to work?

Neil also looked to be a little older than Mike, just less assertive. Of course it would take a lot for someone to be as precocious or assertive as a Tolliver. Mike had almost seemed to go against his very nature when he melted into Pat's arms. Tollivers were used to being the top dogs, only Pat knew that Mike was different once the bedroom door was shut.

"I told Neil all about you," Mike said, giving Pat a wink. "He knows I've been working real hard on your place."

"Yes you have, maybe Neil will be in some of your classes?" Pat said.

"I'm going to be in eleventh grade," Neil said. Pat already knew Mike was going into tenth. "At least I will if those assholes send my transcripts over here."

"You didn't come from a good school?" Pat asked.

"No ... They kicked me out," Neil said. "I ... I was glad to get out of there."

Mike looked on curiously, quite ready to let Pat find out everything about this boy he could. Mike found Neil attractive, that wasn't hard to see. He just wasn't sure what to make of it. Do I have to do everything, Pat thought?

"You guys eat breakfast yet? I probably shouldn't even bother to ask, Mike eats at the drop of a hat. Let's go inside," Pat said.

He made waffles as the boys sat at the table and drank juice. Once the food was on the table Pat sat down and the need for discovery became real.

"New Bridge is a quiet little town, accent on the little part," Pat said. "That means kids come to the high school from all over the county. Do you think you'll have a hard time getting along here, Neil?"

"Nope ... maybe. Mike said you came here from New York. I bet you've seen a lot of things in your life, met all kinds of people," Neil said.

"I have," Pat said. "My friends were chosen for their diversity, everyone brings something different to the table." How subtle could he get? Neil seemed to understand.

"I ... I'm ... " And then he looked right over at Mike. "I'm gay," Neil said.

Mike chewed a bit of waffle and nodded. "Pat and I are too," He responded as if it were no big deal.

Neil's eyes got big, looking from Mike to Pat and back. "You are?"

Pat nodded as well. "Yes, it just doesn't pay to advertise. Is that what got you in trouble at school?"

"Oh My God ... yes, it was awful. I got picked on, beat up and even raped ... well almost, he didn't quite get there when the principal showed up. They blamed me, can you imagine that? My parents sure didn't know how to deal with it, that's why we're here."

Mike put a hand over Neil's and smiled. "That won't happen here, you just have to stay cool, and no one needs to know. Somebody fucks with you just tell me, I seem to scare a lot of people, it works for me."

Neil got tears in his eyes and Pat reached over and brushed back a few stray hairs on the boy's face. "You listen to Mike; he'll take care of you."

Neil nodded. "I ... I didn't think there would be any gay people here, are ... are you guys like lovers?"

Pat looked over at Mike and saw the expectant look in the boy's eyes. He could only tell the truth. "Mike and I have explored the possibilities, there haven't been any commitments. We both had needs and I think what we found was something we both could share. I expect you'll get time to know each other better."

The look of shock on Mike's face said it all; he wasn't expecting to receive Pat's blessing like that. It was the right thing to do, the best for them both. For if he tried to defend what he had with Mike, they both would become miserable.

Now it was Mike who had tears in his eyes and Pat reached out to console him.

"Baby, it's a big bad world out there, don't you think its best if we keep our little piece of heaven intact? I told you the day might come, maybe it has." And then taking first Mike's and then Neil's hand he joined them in the middle of the table.

"I'm not saying you guys will end up in a relationship, the only thing you have in common at the moment is that you are both gay. But if there's a chance it might then I'm not going to come between you.

"You have a lot to discover about one another and I'll always welcome you into my home. This is probably the only place you can be totally safe with your feelings, Mike knows that already."

Mike and Neil stared at one another across the table and all Pat could think of was ... maybe, they were such opposites it might just work. They had the rest of the summer to find out.

They worked amidst the trees that day. Mike on the ladder in the upper branches as Neil stood at the bottom to steady it. Pat picked up the clippings Mike made to cut out several spots of infestation, and then he carried them over to the barrel for burning. He wouldn't allow the boys to spray and didn't feel comfortable doing it himself so he called in a tree service for the following day.

But this wasn't about the work they'd accomplished, it was about the boys getting to know one another in the light of the feelings they shared. Being gay in a rural setting was hard, at least until you met someone just like you. Pat had felt that when Mike first appeared, now he watched the boy go through that with Neil.

By four they had to leave; Neil needed to get his mother's car home. Pat had hoped Mike might stay, but he seemed inclined to leave the way he'd arrived, with Neil. Pat gave Neil a hug and the boy sweetly kissed him on the cheek. Mike hugged and held on for dear life, his way of being thankful. They kissed on the lips, and then he was gone.

Pat set a chair out on the front lawn after it got dark and watched the stars come out. A clear night, just the bare glimmer of lights from the town off in the distance, and there overhead lay the universe. It always made him feel small, insignificant ... and even more so this evening.

He couldn't deny Mike what the boy needed. Being with Neil was more right than anything they had done together. Mike needed the chance to understand what love really meant, he just hoped he hadn't spoiled the thrill of that discovery.

Up there in the universe worlds might collide and they would never know it, down here it was much more personal. Neil seemed like a nice boy but he had endured far too much in his life already. No, he had made the right choice in stepping out of the way. Pat just hoped they would be careful.

He had offered his home without even thinking of the consequences. Two boys in the throes of passion behind his bedroom door might be a lot to handle. Now he realized he had done it so that Mike would succeed, what did that say? He loved the boy, that would never go away ... the only thing they had lost was the sex.

Pat walked back in the house and dug under the sink. Yes, there it was, and he pulled out the bottle of rat poison. Setting it gently on the table he unscrewed the lid and dumped out the slender pipe and that tiny bag of pot he'd brought up from New York. Mike never knew it existed; he had no need to know.

Sitting in the yard once again Pat proceeded to smoke himself into oblivion, something he hadn't done in ten years or more. It would make the thoughts go away, it would bring on a dreamless sleep, and he would find peace.

It was early, maybe nine o'clock and Pat felt no pain ... in fact his face felt numb and he giggled. His mouth was dry as a cotton ball but he couldn't move ... he was royally stoned. The stars seemed brighter now, the night darker around him. He almost freaked when a shape came hurdling at him up the driveway and landed at his feet. He looked down into Mike's eyes.

"Pat ... Oh Pat ... Jeez, are you stoned?" Mike asked.

"Yes ... I am," Pat said, his voice sounding like it came from a million miles away. "What ... What are you doing here?"

Mike crawled up Pat's body and pressed their lips together. Then he pulled back.

"Jeez, you reek of weed. Come on, let me take you inside," Mike said.

He pulled Pat to his feet and they stumbled through the front door. Mike virtually carried Pat on his broad shoulders, sliding him into the kitchen and onto a chair at the table.

"Water," Pat said. And Mike went to get him a glass.

Pat managed to drink some, spilling a lot more. The weed had a stronger effect than he'd bargained for. Mike cupped his chin and stared into Pat's eyes.

"Why did you get so fucked up ... was it because of me?"

Pat nodded and then Mike kissed him again before kneeling at his feet and looking up.

"Can I tell you something, will you understand?" Mike asked.

"Yes, I'm stoned not crazy," Pat replied. "What are you doing here?"

"I came ... I came back to say I love you."

Pat reached down and ran his fingers through Mike's hair. "That's so sweet, Neil is a very lucky boy."

Mike shook his head. "No ... I love you not him ... I will never love him."

Pat frowned, what was the boy saying? "Mike ... love takes time to develop; he's a beautiful boy and ... "

"No, you don't get it. He's too gay, or I'm not gay enough ... I don't know ... it just won't happen with him. I don't want him, I want you."

"What happened ... this afternoon I thought ... "

"Yeah, but that was all wrong. I can be his friend but nothing else. We stopped down by the river and he began to tell me about how much fun we could have being friends. He's more of a girl than most girls I know ... he just doesn't appeal to me, Pat. I know what we both thought, but it was all wrong."

Mike was upset, that was obvious. Pat pulled the boy into his lap and they cuddled. It felt so good, it always had.

Mike sniffled, on the verge of tears. "I thought meeting another gay boy would be wonderful, I didn't know Neil would be so different from me that I couldn't handle it. It's hard being gay and now seeing how different we are ... "

Mike sobbed and Pat placed a hand on the back of the boy's head.

"Oh baby, everyone is different, we're all individuals. Just being gay doesn't mean every other gay person will be someone you like. You're such a strong and handsome boy; I like the masculine side of you, and it's a wonderful part of your character."

"But why does Neil have to be such a girl, I don't like him when he's like that," Mike sobbed.

"Baby, some guys can't help it, it's just the way they think. Being gay doesn't mean you have to act that way, it's the way their minds work, and they're just acting out their feelings. I enjoy being a man and so do you, that doesn't make us any less gay."

Mike sat up and Pat saw the tears on his cheeks. "You ... you still love me don't you?"

Pat's lips compressed and he fought back the emotions. "Baby, I never loved you more."

Mike wiped away the tears and a smile crept onto his face. "I was afraid ... I didn't know what you were thinking, it was like you gave me to him this afternoon."

Pat nodded. "I would have if that's what you needed. If you love someone and they need to be set free then you have to do it to preserve that love. It's getting late, baby, won't your daddy wonder where you are?"

"No, I told him I was staying here tonight so we could meet the tree service in the morning, he was half drunk, and he doesn't care."

"So you came back ... I never would have become so stoned if I'd known," Pat said.

"I didn't know you smoked ... was it because you were sad?"

"Yes, I haven't done this in ten years ... Look, I'm sorry."

"It's ok, I don't do anything but cry when I get sad," Mike said.

"This didn't help me feel any better, but seeing you sure did."

"Then let's go lay down and love each other," Mike said.

And as they lay in the darkness Mike slid into his arms and Pat knew this was all he had ever wanted. This boy had chosen him, had come back to him and what better sign of love could there be.

Mike lay on his chest and Pat knew he could not hold out any longer, he had to give Mike the ultimate expression of that love and the boy knew it. He was ready, so ready that Pat had to do little except allow Mike to rise up and slide down on him.

The long slow slide into the heat was exquisite. Mike looked down into his eyes the whole time knowing that what he was giving Pat was the totality of his being, and they mated.

It had been years since Pat had felt anything like the passion of that moment, if ever at all. With Mike there was something he had never felt before, something that kept his eyes glued to the boy's face. And there in those eyes he saw just what it was; Mike was committed, so totally in love that nothing else mattered.

With any other boy Pat would have shrugged it off as mere infatuation, but not with this one. Their love had been kindled in the depths of a blizzard and now it produced enough heat for a hundred suns, and at that moment they became one.

It was late, so late in fact that the only thing left in the night sky was the stars. After making love twice, the second time at Mike's insistence, they had come outside with a blanket and lay in the grass under the stars.

"I couldn't see the stars when I lived in the city, too many lights," Pat said.

"I've been looking at stars my whole life, even when I was a little kid," Mike said. "But somehow they look different tonight."

"Through the eyes of love the stars shine brighter and hearts beat faster,

For true love is divine, the source of all life delivered by our master ... "

"I can't remember the rest of it." Pat said.

"Is that a famous quote by somebody?" Mike asked.

"Yes, that somebody is me, I wrote poetry when I was in college."

"That was very good ... you could understand the stars even if you couldn't see them from where you were," Mike said.

"Clever boy, that was it exactly. Seeing is not always believing, faith often takes its place. I don't have to see love to know what's in your heart, baby."

"Yes, it's there and it's all yours," Mike said. "I think Neil is gonna be disappointed, you think he'll get mad?"

"No, we were together before he got here; I think he already knows we're in love."

"I don't think he'll do too well at school, he's gonna have problems."

"I thought you were going to take care of that?" Pat said. "Having second thoughts?"

"It's gonna be hard, there are some real assholes at my school ... I mean our school. There's no way he can hide what he is."

"Don't suppose giving him manly lessons will work, will it?" Pat asked.

"Not hardly, you saw him ... he ought to be at Bradford."

"What's Bradford?"

Mike laughed. "Like only the snobbiest prep school in the state, it's over in Littleton, all the rich kids go there, cute rich kids."

"Does Neil know about it? Maybe he ought to find out before anything bad happens," Pat said.

"Yeah, now that would be a real act of friendship wouldn't it?" Mike laughed.

"Now don't be mean, he'll still be living here ... we ought to be friendly to him," Pat said.

"I guess ... I haven't even met his parents."

"Maybe we ought to ... "

"Oh yeah, Dad would like that too .. .good idea."

"Another good idea would be to get back inside, the dew is starting to fall and we're gonna get soaked," Pat said.

The tree service awoke them a few hours later when they roared up the driveway. A pleasant fellow who admired what they had done already, then proceeded to spray the trees with something foul smelling. Pat was two hundred dollars poorer and a lot wiser for the experience.

After lunch they drove over to the Brownlow estate to see Neil. Pat had only driven past the gates last fall, now he drove through them and up to the house. The property might be huge but the house wasn't a mansion, it seemed to need a lot of repair on the outside.

Neil opened the door at their knock and seemed pleased to see them and Pat figured Mike had not let the axe fall on the relationship just yet. Mrs. Dennison seemed like a nice lady and was only too glad to meet someone else who was not quite a local. They introduced one another as the boys went off to look around while Pat sat with her in the living room.

"I've never seen the inside of this house before, it's quite lovely," He said.

"Thanks, but it's still just a mess. I asked Tom to find me some help," Nora said.

"For the outside you could probably get Mike and his dad to do some work. Mike tends my yard quite a bit ... his father is a different sort," Pat said.

"Oh? Mike seems like a nice boy."

"Yes ... um, he has a more worldly view of things; the father is still pretty much a local character. I've been tutoring Mike all winter to improve his math skills," Pat said.

"Oh, you tutor, is that your profession?" Nora asked.

"No, not really. I'm a software designer, the security industry mostly. I left New York for health reasons but I still consult to some degree. What brings you folks to New Bridge besides the view?"

"Tom spent summers near here as a child; I suppose he never got that out of his system. And Neil needed a better place to grow up; he had some issues back in Lansing. I'm so glad he found a friend in Mike, Neil has a hard time making friends."

"He seems like an easy going boy, they ought to get along just fine," Pat said.

So how was he going to broach the subject of school, he wasn't even sure Nora knew of her son's sexual preferences.

"I imagine you're a bit more aware of life's issues than most around here, New York has all kinds of people. But Neil has ... well, he isn't like most boys," Nora said.

So she did know. "I understand ... he's gay, and that must cause you a lot of concern," Pat said.

Nora smiled. "Yes, any mother would worry ... how did you know?"

"I'm gay as well, and Mike doesn't seem to care about what I am so I assume he won't worry about Neil either. I take it Neil will be at the public school this fall?" Pat asked.

"Yes ... do you see that as a problem?"

"I don't ... but Mike does, he thinks Neil won't be able to hide his feelings. It's a sign of concern for their friendship that he expressed that feeling to me last night," Pat said.

"Oh ... Neil had a pretty bad time last year. Now what am I going to do?" Nora said.

"There's always the Bradford Academy over in Littleton, a private school and I don't know much about it. But Mike seems to think that Neil might find them a little more accommodating."

"Mike seems to know an awful lot," Nora said.

"Bright kid ... he probably ought to be at Bradford himself except his family can't afford it," Pat said. "I'm sorry ... I didn't mean to presume anything about your financial situation, it's just this house and all ... "

Nora smiled. "It's fine; I know what it looks like. Tom is much like you; he's in the financial industry and he's been doing quite well. I suppose we ought to look into Bradford, I don't think Neil could face another year of rejection at school. Thank you for the suggestion."

Pat smiled. "I think it's sweet that Mike is looking out for your son, I hope their friendship continues. It will do both of them a lot of good."

"So what is Mike's father like?" Nora asked.

They shared a cup of tea and talked for over an hour before Mike and Neil came downstairs to find them. One look told him that Mike had ended any thoughts of a romantic entanglement, Neil looked positively sad.

I suppose we ought to be going," Pat said. "Thank you for your hospitality."

"You're both welcome anytime, and Mike, I hope to be seeing more of you in the future," Nora said.

"You will, Mrs. Dennison," Mike replied.

"I'll walk them out," Neil said.

"I'm sorry, Neil ... Mike still wants to be your friend," Pat said once they were outside.

"I know ... its never easy is it?" Neil replied.

"No, but I think you might like what I suggested to your mother. Mike and I both think you would be better off in a private school, I'm pretty sure you'll find a close friend or two over there," Pat said.

"Yeah ... Bradford, Mike told me. Thanks for telling my mom about it, I don't need another bad year with a bunch of assholes."

"I think Mike is just looking out for you, we have to keep our secret little family safe and sound."

"Thanks Pat ... and you too Mike, I wish you guys the best of luck."

"Don't be a stranger, even if you do end up in a school full of cute boys, come see us, ok?" Pat said.

"We're gonna do the Fourth of July together," Mike said.

"Yeah, that ought to be fun," Neil said.

"Come by this weekend, Mike plays a mean game of chess and I hope you can smash him, I sure can't," Pat said.

"Aw, you just let me win, I'm not that good," Mike said.

"Ok, maybe I'm just terrible," Pat laughed. "Oh, and Neil ... I told your mother I was gay but I said nothing about Mike, maybe we ought to keep that secret."

"Yeah, I will ... bye guys," Neil replied.

"Bye, Neil." And they both gave the boy a hug.

"That went pretty well," Mike said as they hit the end of the driveway.

"I think you're a pretty special guy, Mr. Tolliver ... you handled that very well."

"Thank you, Mr. Stevens ... can we go do some more of that homework about love? You tutored my ass pretty damn good last night, but I need another lesson."

Pat laughed. "Yes we can ... you seem to be a very good student."


On to Chapter Two

Chapter Index

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"Seasons for the Boy" Copyright © 6 September 2008 Chris James. All rights reserved.
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