Sex in the Sky

My name is Sam. I”m a firefighter. As the city was in the grips of an arsonist, I found my destiny. I wasn”t looking for it, but I don”t think anyone ever is. I knew I was gay, really understood what it meant, when I was thirteen. I remember looking through the big holiday catalogs when I was younger than that, looking for toys and finding the men”s underwear section and staring, enjoying what I saw. I didn”t understand what I felt though. But when I was thirteen, it all changed. I was with a friend; we spent the summer discovering the wonders of love. But the following year, during Labor Day weekend, Jake was killed in a boating accident. He was gone and I spent the rest of my time alone. No one wanted to play like Jake did. Okay, I was afraid of rejection and ridicule.

I graduated from high school and entered college. While there I fucked for the first time. He was a slut, but I was horny. I used a condom and fucked him rough. He was loose and he had greased himself up before I got there. From that point forward, I chose to have discreet encounters. I didn”t kiss and I never bottomed or forgot a condom. While in college, I became a volunteer in the fire department. When I graduated, I joined the force full time. I moved up the ranks, being known as fearless. I did my job and enjoyed it.

Unfortunately, I wasn”t out to my coworkers. These men, and a few women, are your family. You must trust them with your life and accept that they trust you with theirs. But I couldn”t tell them I was gay. I wasn”t ashamed, but I kept it a secret. If I had been out before I started work, maybe I would have been open to them. But I don”t know. I stood in the showers with them and I noticed them, but they were my coworkers, not items of desire. I had a few personal rules about whom I sleep with: no one at work, and no wedding rings. I never understood how anyone could be both gay and married. Wedding vows are sacred, even if I will never get to say them.

Only one of my coworkers did I look at twice. His name was Bill. He was thirty-three and married. He and his wife had seven kids. He was handsome, very quiet, and one of the hardest workers I have ever met. He was a friend and my mentor. I loved him like a brother and would gladly lay down my life for him. But what made me look at him was his manner with his wife. Whenever the two of them were together, it was as if everything else faded. They knew where the other was in a room. There was always a gentle touch or kiss. They looked in each other”s eyes and you wanted to look away because it felt like you were intruding on something very personal and intimate. When I would see him, I knew he never, ever cheated on her. A few of the other guys were like that, content and happy with their wives.

I wasn”t open about it, but I do get out from time to time. My hand did okay for a few weeks, a couple of months. But sometimes I needed to be with someone every once in a while. So I would head out to the lone gay bar in town. I would hang out for a bit and then make a move. I never forget a face and I never went home with the same guy twice. Once at their place, I would go at it all night if I wanted, but I would leave before dawn. One of the arsonist”s first targets was the bar I hung out at. So after a few weeks, I ended up at the bar that most of the firefighters hang out at. It was called “O” Tooles” and was started by a firefighter forced to retire due to burns and injuries. He left it to his nephew when he died. Unfortunately, the nephew died a few years ago, leaving it to someone who no one ever saw. I do go there for parties and celebrations with the crew, but that night, all I wanted was a few drinks.

While sitting there, drinking quietly at the bar, I saw him. He was tending bar away from me, but there was something about him. I didn”t think it was his looks, maybe the way he carried himself, but I could tell he was attracted to me. We did the silent flirting that two people tend to do. I watched him pour drinks, but his eyes were seldom away from mine. I sat there and cataloged him. He was about five-eleven and had black hair. His dark eyes and luscious, full lips were always smiling. His hair was short, wavy and a little spiky. He was beautiful. His olive skin hinted at ancestors kissed by the Mediterranean sun. I kept thinking more and more erotic thoughts about him.

I decided to step up the seduction and polished off my drink and signaled for another. While fixing it, he talked to me. Turns out his name”s Max. He owns the bar, had for the past few years, but didn”t work there until recently. He was a chef and usually worked in the kitchen but was covering for the regular bartender. We chatted and talked, shared a few coy laughs. We decided to head out to his place.

I drove, following Max. We ended up at an apartment complex. It was five stories, and had twenty units to it, four per floor. Max was on four, at the end. Once inside, Max became nervous. Not enough to ask me to leave, but enough that I slowed things down. He fixed us something to eat. It was a mixture of bacon and cheese on top of crackers. It was hot and spicy and tasted delicious. He was an amazing cook obviously. I didn”t want to hear the small talk; I just wanted a fuck. But, I could pull back and make nice.

I found out Max and his former partner took over the bar from his uncle. Max worked in a restaurant downtown that I had heard of, but never went to. When Max” partner, John, died in a car accident, Max inherited the bar. He didn”t go near it for the first couple of years after he died, but he decided to go for it. I admired the courage to give up a well-liked, good paying job and devote yourself to someone else”s dream. I told him so and he smiled, relaxed like he hadn”t been able to before. Now was the time, he was ready.

I moved toward him, like I was scenting him, ready to mate. I skimmed the backs of my fingers along his cheek. I skimmed them down to the buttons of his shirt. I started undoing them. As each button was opened, bronze skin and a light sprinkling of silky, black hair was revealed. I felt warm skin and rippling muscle as I moved lower and lower. I felt the ridges of his stomach and how they trembled below my hand. Max was breathing heavily, panting. His eyes were glassy.

I slipped his shirt off him, enjoying the sight of his well-shaped torso. He was nicely defined and his chest hair thinned to a silky, thin trail down to his waistband. I moved down to his feet and slipped off his shoes and pulled off his socks. His feet were strong, slightly sprinkled with more dark hair, and warm. I ran my hand up his legs; they were thick and sturdy. I enjoyed their shape and strength. I undid his belt and the top button of his jeans. I undid the snaps of his fly and pulled them away from him. I skimmed the heavy denim off his legs so he was sitting before me in tight, white briefs. They were tented and such a contrast to his dark skin and darker hair. I slid them down and off and admired his erection, which was long, thick and straight. He was dripping and it was an angry, aroused red more so than just a little petting would indicate. I wondered how long it had been for him.

I knelt in front of the couch and leant towards him. I tasted the salty, dripping tip, enjoying the flavor. He arched and moaned. I took him slowly into my mouth, swirling my tongue, trying to wring pleasure from him. I let the flare of his head snag on my lips, tugging gently, forcing further moans out of Max. I pursed hard and added as much suction as I could before diving for the base, lodging him in my throat. I felt him buck his hips, grinding the head into my soft palette. I liked the slight tickle of his generous, silky pubic hair against my nose. I may never kiss or bottom, but I never leave my partner unsatisfied.

I kept a brisk pace on him, moving him in and out of my throat expertly. My tongue complimented my mouth and I had him in warm, wet ecstasy. He reached out and ran his fingers through my hair. The gesture was tender and warm. It made me feel uncomfortable. This was just sex, it wasn”t supposed to be romantic. So to keep him off-kilter, I sped up on him. I felt him thicken, his testicles raised and his breath came in harsh pants. The end was near. With one final, deep plunge, I felt him release. His first spurt was lost down my throat, but I caught and savored the rest. I kept it in my mouth, feeling his thick essence and tasting his sweetness.

I pulled off Max and looked at him. He had a silly grin and a vacant, sated look in his eyes. I flipped him over the arm of the couch and quickly stripped. I grabbed a condom and sheathed myself. I knelt between his legs on the couch and lowered so I could let his cum lubricate the next step. I spit it into his crack and worked it into him with a couple of fingers. He was tight and clasped me with a great rhythm. I couldn”t wait to be inside him. I grasped his shoulders and pushed against him slightly. He parted for me and I slid into a velvet fist. His sheath clung to me, begging me to go deeper. I started to move slowly, amazed at how easily Max was taking my length. He was totally relaxed and moved with me expertly. His motions were driving me over the edge. Each time I would pull out, his inner muscles pulled me back. I was building quickly.

I had him pinned to the couch, arching into him with each thrust. Both of Max” hands were bracing him on the floor. I kept pushing, feeling my load build. I had never been with anyone so completely able to let go and just get into the fuck. He didn”t cry and whine about my overly endowed size, he just let me move and met me courageously. I felt myself thicken, tightening up. My stomach muscles clenched, becoming a tough washboard. My thighs became weak and my back arched involuntarily. I cried out as I emptied myself into the condom. With one final, deep thrust, I felt Max let go, clamping me as he found his own release. I was amazed. I had been with others and none of them got off without a reach around or they themselves jerking off. But he was cumming and cumming hard. His cries were animalistic groans and I was charmed and humbled that I brought him to this moment.

I slid out of him and sat back on the couch, trying to catch my breath. Max rolled over and sat beside me, also trying to regain his breath. After a couple of minutes, he looked at me. I don”t know why but we both burst out laughing. It felt good to laugh with someone. It also felt good sitting next to someone who was naked and just as sexually drained as you are. I noticed the differences between us. I am about six-three. Where he has dark hair, mine is golden. His chest is lightly, sparsely covered; mine is thick, almost too thick to run your fingers through. It is springy and soft and covers me from collarbone to waist. It is only thin after my abdominal muscles end. I have a patch over my ass but that is also very hairy, as are my legs and arms to about mid-biceps. The contrast was different and I liked it, a lot. Which is probably why I started to feel uncomfortable and started getting dressed. Max looked a little confused then some sort of wall came up as he walked me to the door. I had never been at a loss for something to say; usually some banality or false promise. But I couldn”t do that to Max. There was something different about him. I just didn”t want to analyze it. I wanted out, where I wouldn”t feel this flighty need to run. I turned from him and left, knowing I had probably hurt him.

Try as I might, sleep eluded me that night. I kept thinking about how different Max was from the previous, nameless guys I had been with. He reminded me of Jake. Not in his appearance, but in my reaction to him. Normally a good fuck and I was fine. I hardly thought of it once I was home, other than to acknowledge that I was sated. But I couldn”t stop thinking of the physical perfection that we had shared. I finally drifted off about an hour before dawn and awoke to sweaty sheets and an erection so hard that it hurt. I took a long cold shower and finally jerked off to get it to go away, all the while thinking of the previous night.

I found myself thinking a lot about Max over the next couple of days. It got to the point that two nights after our initial encounter had me back in that bar. I told myself it was for a drink, but the moment I saw him behind the bar I knew I was full of shit. I wanted another round. From the frosty look I got, I knew it was going to be an uphill battle. But it was too good for me to give in so easily. I sat down and ordered a drink, forcing Max to come over and deliver it to me. He did so, but rather than anger, he was smiling at me. He told me he was glad to see me. Now I am totally confused. I was all set to appease his hurt, and he didn”t need it. I asked him if he wanted to leave with me. He nodded and I polished off my drink then drove to his place. He showed up about ten minutes later.

He wasn”t nervous this time. We went straight to his bedroom and stripped. He demonstrated his oral talent on me. I was writhing in ecstasy. He was magnificent. I didn”t want to cum so soon. I pulled him away, his mouth kept moving as he moved off me. I almost came knowing he was that into me. I grabbed the condom from my wallet and covered myself. I had Max straddle me and I let him ride. He moved expertly. Each motion had both of us moaning. This time, I could watch passion flow over his face. Each movement had him in pleasure”s grip as well. I pulled him forward, so he had to brace his body with his arms. I liked the bunching and cording of his muscles as he supported his fast undulations. I reached forward and took his nipple in my mouth as I gripped his hips. I didn”t try to slow him, he had set too good a pace, but I wanted a connection to him, other than cock to ass. I suckled his nipple, biting then laving the tight nub. He cried out harshly to my ministrations. I liked feeling his smooth, warm skin below my mouth and hands. I felt him thicken where he lay against my hairy belly. I was shocked, but it felt like he was going to shoot. I felt him clamp me and cry out as the first spurt hit my neck. Each shot got shorter and shorter on my body, but it was hot and thick. I felt him clamp me with each rhythmic blast. His orgasmic waves milked me, took me by surprise as I tripped over the edge with him. I gripped his hips and ground hard into him. I must have hit it just right, but Max clamped on me and came again. His cries were almost painful as he shot another healthy load across my belly. It was almost as hot as fire. He collapsed on top of me, cum squelching between us, running down my sides. I wrapped my arms around him, loving–no liking–the connection.

Max lay with his head on my chest, breathing slowly. His arms lay loosely on either side of me. I was still lodged inside him. I had never stayed in place before. I liked it. The tenderness and possessiveness I was feeling were new to me. But I genuinely liked Max. We were perfect in bed together. He was so open about what he was feeling. Normally I would be out the door, but instead I was humbled that he would choose to be so open with me. I needed this and like the worthless bastard I am, I took as much as I could get. I rolled us over and looked in his eyes. I asked if he was up for another go. He laughed at the innuendo and nodded. I changed a used condom for a fresh one and joined up with him again. Normally I don”t face whom I”m sleeping with. But I had enjoyed watching him too much not to. I rubbed my hairy body over his as I glided in and out of him. Our height difference put us at the right level to kiss, but I held back. This was new territory, but I couldn”t cross that line.

I know Max wanted me to kiss him, he angled up a few times, but each time, I turned my head so his kiss hit my neck. After a couple of tries, he got the hint and just nuzzled my neck and the hollow of my throat. I felt bad, but not bad enough. I felt him hard and wet between our bellies. As my time came closer, I lowered my head to his shoulder and bit hard as I came. With my final deep plunge, he tripped over the edge and spurted between us.

I felt bad because I couldn”t give him what he wanted. This guilt was new to me. I didn”t like it. But I pushed it aside and grabbed Max and headed for the shower. I washed us both up; he was limp like a wet noodle. I felt pride that I had brought him to this pleasure. I pushed him against the wall and knelt in front of him. I took him in my mouth. I moved over him. I loved his flavor. I loved the steely strength as it pushed past my lips. I loved knowing I was bringing him pleasure. I kept up my motions, bringing Max to the brink and then gently tripping him over the edge, sucking and nibbling to prolong the experience. When he was drained, he slid down the shower wall to face me. He tried to smile, but he was too sleepy, too sated. I chuckled and turned off the water and dried us both. I weigh about two-forty and it is all muscle. I easily picked Max up and carried him to bed. I covered him up and smiled at him as he nestled into the sheets, drifting slowly to sleep. Before I could catch myself, I leaned down and kissed his forehead. The tender gesture caused him to grin. That alone made the discomfort worth it. I slipped on my clothes and left. On the drive home, I kept reliving that simple kiss and the following grin. I felt myself smile as I crawled into my own bed and fell asleep.

The next four days were hell. The arsonist was stepping up his attacks. We were called out to three or four a night. We all work ten-hour days, supposedly four on and three off. But with the latest crisis, we have been working six days a week. We were all a little punch drunk and looking forward to getting off when we got the call. We had a duplex that had exploded due to some paint cans and gasoline kept in the garage. We headed over to help with clean up. Then we got word that someone was in the farthest bedroom. Bill and I ran in and got to the room. There was a three-year-old sitting in her bed, screaming. I grabbed her and headed out. Bill was right behind me. I made it outside and got her to the paramedics. I turned but there was no Bill. He hadn”t come out. I turned back to find him. We did eventually.

The floor in the stairs had given way. He had fallen into a closet under them. His arm was broken and he had some nasty burns on the same arm. I shut out my feelings until we had him at the hospital. I called his wife myself. I kept it together, not letting guilt or remorse affect me until she got there. They had set his arm and done what they could for the burns, but they couldn”t cast the bone until the skin healed. He asked for me first. I walked into the room, expecting my best friend, my mentor to hate me. He took one look at me.

“Wipe that guilty look off your face. Damn you, it wasn”t your fault. Stop doing this to yourself.”

I couldn”t look at him. I felt so damn guilty. “You should have carried her out. I am so much heavier than you and our combined weight weakened the floor.”

He grabbed my chin and forced me to look in his eyes. “Stop that bullshit now. I will get up and beat you until you understand.” His eyes softened, as did his voice. “It was not your fault. Stop blaming yourself. God knows I don”t.”

I couldn”t face him anymore. I didn”t deserve his forgiveness. “You don”t have to blame me, I blame myself.”

I left the hospital, knowing I shouldn”t. But guilt had me in its grips. I don”t know how long I drove around. I should have been surprised, but I wasn”t when I pulled up in front of Max”s. I knocked on his door. After a few minutes, a very sleepy Max opened it. I didn”t say a word, he just pulled me inside and we sat down on the couch. I told him everything, all about Bill, the fire, everything. He didn”t try to tell me it wasn”t my fault. He just listened, holding my hand. I know I cried at some point. All he did was grip my hand tighter.

He’d never been quiet before, but there was something so precious in this moment – this first time was as special and sweet and tender as the last he’d shared. Maybe even more so, he was older and wiser now. He cupped Adrian’s face and gazed into his eyes, his tongue lapped out gently at those sweet lips and he stayed perfectly still, waiting for Adrian to grow accustomed to his intrusion.

It didn’t take long for him to grow accustomed, soon he was arching beneath Zach and whimpering. His hands fluttered over the smooth flesh of Zach’s back and then ended gripping his ass once more, pulling him closer, forcing him to grind against him. “Please, please… I need you to move.” He gasped, and Zach grinned down at him.

He began slowly, drawing out inch by painfully slow inch before he slid home with just as much tender attention. It was driving Adrian insane, and after the first few strokes like this his breath was ragged and his eyes bright and glassy. “Fuck! Hard, do it hard.” He gasped out, and Zach hesitated.

He only hesitated a moment, because Adrian reached up to grip the back of his neck and looked up at him. “I like rough.” He whispered, cheeks flushing deeply all of a sudden.

Zach was confused for a moment, what was his lover saying? “It will hurt, you’re too tight.”

“I know.”

Realization dawned on Zach, and he swallowed hard, his mouth going dry. “You like pain?” he whispered to his lover, who nodded mutely and then glanced away shyly.

Without another word, Zach drew out of him slowly, causing a pleasured gasp to come from Adrian, and then he slammed home almost as hard as he could. Adrian cried out, his eyes closing as he shuddered beneath Zach as he began a series of pounding hard thrusts.

Adrian writhed, screamed, begged and pleaded.

Zach loved it.

Drawing Adrian’s hands up over his head, Zach held them pinned there as he gazed down into his face and continued to fuck him with intense stroke after stroke. He was getting close, he know he couldn’t keep this up forever. Quick hard thrusts were incredible, but they made it hard to hold orgasm at bay.

Zach dipped his head down as Adrian arched his head back into the pillow, baring the column of his throat. It wasn’t that throat that he was aiming for, however, it was the flat little nipples that begged for attention, those nipples he had found were so incredibly sensitive. He caught one between his teeth, tugging, and he felt Adrian’s fingernails biting into his wrists and writhe beneath the warmth of his body.

“ZACH!” he cried aloud, his body coiled, ready, so incredibly close. “Close, close… oh gods.”

Zach couldn’t believe he was about to cum with only limited exposure to direct cock stimulation. His belly brushed that turgid length between the two of them with each stroke, but it was hardly enough.

He let go, he let go completely. He nipped and bit and tugged at each of those nipples roughly as his body slid home into Adrian’s with such force it rocked the bed on its base, causing it to clamor against the wall again and again. The harder he fucked Adrian, the more he responded. The sounds were incredible, moans, cries, pleading words and begging. Adrian was completely wanton.

Zach loved it.

He was close, so so close, and after only a couple more of his brutal strokes he felt himself raising up and then crashing down over the edge of orgasm. He came in a rush, quick and hard as he devastated Adrian’s body. His teeth left red imprints around his sensitive nipple, and then he tore his mouth away from those sensitive nubs for fear he might bite too deep. His hands released Adrian as he shuddered through his climax and his fingers slid quickly to Zach’s hair, tangling in those silken locks to drag his head down for a kiss, offering into Zach’s mouth the moans and whimpers as he finally toppled into the sweet oblivion of climax, joining his beloved lover in a torrential downpour of pleasure and sensation.

They laid together, panting softly, shuddering weakly in each other arms, Zach still imbedded deeply within Adrian who trembled softly beneath him. It took quite some time for them to regain their heads, and when they did all they could do was look at one another and grin sleepily.

“That was amazing.” Adrian whispered, then laughed, “But I won’t be able to sit for a weak.” He groaned and rolled his eyes.

“Mmm, I was willing to go gentle, you didn’t want it.” Zach growled gently, and Adrian turned his head to gaze back at him again, grinning.

“It was the best thing I’ve ever experienced.” He whispered gently, “Thank you, Zach.”

“I love you, Adrian.” He whispered.

“I love you too.”

“Stay in this bed.” He murmured, “Sleep with me.”

“Mmhmm.” Adrian mumbled, his eyes already drooping.

“Sleep well, love.” Zach watched him as he began to drift, his cock slowly flagging and easily slipping free. He removed the condom carefully, trying not to jostle Adrian who slept with his head pillowed against Zach’s chest.

Zach watched him silently for a while, enjoying the peaceful angelic look on his face. But even he couldn’t stay up forever to watch his beloved, and soon, though he fought it off, his eyes began to shutter and finally fall shut as sleep rose up to consume him in sweet warmth and comfort.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@ Adrian woke slowly, his body aching in the most pleasant manner imaginable. He felt sated and warm. The night rushed back to him and a slow sexy smile touched his lips as he reached out beneath the covers for Zach’s warm hard body, only to find the bed empty.

Opening his eyes, Adrian saw a note on the bedside table with his name printed in bold letters. He reached for it, forcing his eyes to focus on the words written on the page:

“Adri,

I had to go to class, but I didn’t want to wake you. I hope you wake up feeling good, I can’t stop thinking about you, and last night. Gods, I need you. I hope you’ll meet me in front of the oak tree for lunch today.

I can’t wait to kiss you.

All my love belongs to you,

Zach”

Adrian smiled at the note, then glanced at the clock. He didn’t have classes this morning, and it was already ten o’clock. He knew Zach would get out at eleven thirty and so forcing himself out of bed he kissed the letter childishly before placing it back on the bedside table and rushing to go get ready, showering and dressing.

When he was finished, he picked up the letter again, tucking it into his pocket and headed for the door, unable to keep the shit eating grin from his face. He wandered all the way out to the oak tree before he realized he had at least a half an hour to wait. Shrugging his shoulders, he dropped himself down to the grass to rest his back against the old burly trunk, wincing at the pain in his very, very tender backside. Settling more gingerly on his rump, his hand dipped into his pocket to pull out the letter.

Carefully he opened it, his fingers caressing the sheet of paper as he read it again and again. He had spent so much time composing his own letters, and though this one was short and to the point, it was precious to him. He thought about the night previous, and he ached in places he never thought he’d ache before, but it was such an incredibly luscious feeling. He’d never felt like this after a tumble with the fairer sex, not this sweet seductive sated feeling that went bone deep and left him relaxed and pleasantly happy.

From nowhere, fingers plucked the letter from his fingers and before he could reach out for the precious piece of paper the thief had danced out of reach. “Whatcha got here, Adrian?” Adrian felt his heart stutter and stop when his eyes met with the captain of the football team, his mouth gone dry.

He was already reading.

Adrian couldn’t find his voice.

A bark of a laugh escaped Scott’s mouth, “Oh holy shit! You really ARE fucking Zach!” he cawed, just as Sandy wandered over. “This can’t get any worse, it can’t, and Scott’s father knows mine. God, no, no!” He screamed internally.

He forced himself to snort and laugh, “Hardly, he’s got a crush on me and his fantasy world is rich.” He heard himself say, his heart shattering into a million shards as he stood to try and reclaim the letter.

“Yea right, lookit this Sandy.” He handed the girl over the letter before Adrian could reclaim it, and the color drained from her face as she read the words and Adrian felt his whole world crumbling.

He fought it, the fading of the light, he couldn’t go down like this. It would ruin him. He hadn’t been thinking, he could never have anything with Zach, what was he thinking, and what was he thinking?

“Oh come on Sandy, you don’t honestly think that holds any merit what so ever?” Adrian rolled his eyes and sidled up to her, plucking the letter from her hands and then deliberately shredding it into numerous pieces.

His heart broke.

He hid it well.

Adrian wrapped his arms around Sandy, letting his seductive smile spread over his lips. “And who was I with last night?” he purred to her playfully, she blushed. He felt like he was going to be sick.

Scott laughed, clapping him on the back as he grinned to her. “Ooh, gonna be his alibi huh?” he teased.

“He took me Salsa dancing last night.” He agreed, “And then he came in for a while.” Her blush deepened and she stood on tip toes to press her mouth against Adrian’s in what she must have considered a seductive kiss. Adrian’s stomach heaved as he forced himself to draw her in flush with the rest of his body, holding her as that kiss lingered.

When finally she drew away, he pretended to let her go reluctantly, his playful smile plastered to his lips like a plastic expression. He felt so sick he could barely breathe, but he grinned despite himself as she fluttered and snuggled into his arms.

That was when he saw him.

@@@@@@@@@@@@

Zach had heard some of the conversation, enough to have watched Adrian tear up the note he assumed was the one he’d left on the bedside table. With each tearing sound his heart had gone with it. Watched the way Adrian touched Sandy, like he would drown without her. He kissed her like he’d kissed Zach last night, needy and hungry. It looked to real not to be.

Pain lanced through his heart, tightening around his chest like bands of steal, slowly cutting off his air supply as he watched that kiss unfold, and then it ended and his lungs resumed working. He drew in a shuddering breath, and Adrian looked up at him. There was a flash of something in his eyes, then he hid it and smirked.

“Speak of the devil.” Adrian waved. They were best friends after all, right? He could still act like best friends.

Scott turned around and made a derisive noise, “God you need to get your dick screwed on straight. Let go of Adrian man, seriously.” Scott snorted, “God I hate fags.” Zach felt his heart shrivel a little more when Adrian shook his head.

“Man, if he wasn’t my best friend I’d know what you meant, but as it is, he is my best friend, watch your mouth. You weren’t s’post to see that letter, leave him alone.” Adrian stood up for him, but it didn’t matter, Zach never cared what that little religious bigot had thought about him.

“I rather like my dick screwed on the way that it is. And if you don’t shut you’re mouth you’ll be staring at it from your knees, cock-sucker.” He snarled. He didn’t care about Scott, he didn’t, but his heart was dead from what he’d witnessed, and all he wanted was distract himself from the pain in his heart.

“You shouldn’t be hanging out with a fag, Adrian, you’re father would have a fucking fit. You know how he feels about ‘their kind’.” Zach flinched visibly, and Scott laughed sharply. “What? Don’t you know that you’re Adrian’s little secret? That’s right, Daddies in the church and a leader in the anti-gay movement in his area. What daddy doesn’t know is that Adrian has a soft spot for faggots.”

“Do you really think that you’re bigotry hides the fact you like sucking cock, Scott? Yea, that’s right, I know about you and little Alan. Like the twinks huh?” Zach smiled a smile that was pure malice, and Scott let out an inarticulate scream as he lunched for him.

Zach didn’t even think, he simply swung out with his book bag, catching Scott flat in the face before landing a punch directly to his solar plexus. The other man went down to his knees, fighting to take a breath, and then he roared as he leaped at Zach, grabbing him around the waste to shove him off balance. Zach tumbled down, rolling to try and dislodge the other man, but it was useless, and when it was said and done Scott was on top of him, hitting him in the face.

He remembered thinking, as his nose broke, that this was infinitely less painful then what Adrian had done. He tasted blood, and his eyes stung but he didn’t lift a hand to protect him. He didn’t even move when Scott rose to his feet and began to kick him in the ribs. He gasped for breath, groaning, but he just couldn’t bring himself to fight back anymore. He didn’t care.

It went on for a moment, and distantly he heard Adrian screaming at Scott to stop, Sandy’s voice shrill in the background, and then there was nothing but pain, blackness, and a dull roar exploding through his head.

@@@@@@

Adrian had never seen Zach fight, not once in all the time he’d known his friend. He was generally even mannered, even tempered with enough patience that he could rival a saint. Which is why when he tossed his bag at Scott he thought it’d end at that, but it hadn’t.

Adrian stood in shocked disbelief as the two men tumbled and when Scott ended up atop Zach Adrian has though he’d fight to get the upper hand again.

But he hadn’t.

Never in his life had Adrian seen some one take the type of blows that Scott dealt to him. His face impassive, he’d taken punches that could have killed him. He didn’t even lift a hand. Adrian stood transfixed by the sight, stunned into inaction. It was when Scott stood up and began to kick the man he loved in the ribs repeatedly that he was spurned into action.

“STOP IT!” he screamed, launching himself at Scott, taking him down in a tumble and landing on top of him. Scott was bigger, but he wasn’t interested in fighting Aidon. “He’s my friend damnit!”

“He’s a fucking faggot!” Scott said, trying to dislodge him. Adrian glanced up as Sandy went to check on Zach, she glanced up, looking pale and started to say something, but rage overtook Adrian the moment he realized Zach was truly hurt and he drew back and smashed his fist into Scott’s stunned face as hard as he fucking could.

“I love him, you son of a whore!” he snarled, then leapt up to go to Zach, who was wheezing pitifully.

He glanced up, “Sandy, call 911. NOW.” He snarled to her, and she fumbled for her cell phone as Scott stumbled to his feet and others began to circle around them. “Hold him there, he’s going to fucking jail for hate crimes. SOME ONE HOLD HIM!” Adrian screamed, rage suffusing his face. Three men stepped forward and surrounded Scott, glaring at him, but Scott was still shaking his head, blood pouring from his mouth as he stumbled unsteadily.

Adrian didn’t know what was broken, but he had a good idea that one of his lungs wasn’t working. He heard Sandy on the phone dimly, the police were on the way, but each breath that Zach took was growing more and shallower.

“Tell them to hurry up, he’s hardly breathing.” Adrian said, rocking beside his lover, his fingers stroking through Adrian’s hair. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry Zach, oh god, keep breathing, love, keep breathing.” He didn’t want to move his head, not sure if anything in his neck had been broken at those brutal punches to his face. Instead, he just stroked his face, his hair, and his shoulders. “Shh, breath, open your eyes, love, open them.” He pleaded, tears staining his cheeks and he didn’t even care.

“You really are in love with him.” Sandy said, pain in her eyes.

Sirens sounded in the distance.

“Yes.” Adrian whispered brokenly. “I’m sorry.”

Sandy shrugged her shoulders, falling to her knees beside him and rubbing up and down his back. “Don’t worry about me, let’s get your man taken care of.” She said, and the shock in his face made her grin wryly. “You should never hide who you are, Adrian, no matter who doesn’t like it.” She wiped away his tears and then looked down at Zach, who was still unconscious.

“Thanks, Sandy.” He whispered brokenly, “I did this to him because I was afraid of what my family would do. I did this to him. I was going to tell you before I saw Scott and realized what coming out meant.”

Whispers drew his attention, and he realized the people gathered around to see what the fuss was about were staring at him in shock, some nodding, and some smiling, some shaking their heads. They all knew, by the end of the day everyone in school would know that he was gay.

And he didn’t give a flying fuck.

His finger continued to stroke Zach’s hair and he murmured words of encouragement while Sandy stroked his back and moments later the police and paramedics arrived, muscling him out of the way.

“How long has he been out?” One of the men asked. Adrian was too numb to answer, his hands coated in both Scotts blood and Zach’s.

“About 7 minutes.” Sandy spoke for him as he watched the Paramedics get oxygen over his face.

“Stats are dropping.” One of the men said.

Adrian watched in horror as the men began to work on Zach, it was frenzy, and everyone stood by, grim faced and pale as they got him on a stretcher and began to take him to the ambulance.

Adrian followed.

One of the men got in front of him, a hand on his chest. “Sorry man, you can’t go.”

Adrian shoved him, “I’m going, don’t even begin to tell me that I can go!” he snarled.

The paramedic shook his head, “Friends can’t go.” He said firmly, “You can meet him at the hospital.”

“He’s not my friend, he’s my boyfriend!” Adrian screamed at the man, and his face softened a little.

“Shit, alright, come on.” He said, running a hand through his hair as he led Adrian to the back of the ambulance. “Sit at the side, stay quiet and stay out of our way. There will be an officer at the hospital to take your statement.”

Sandy ran up as the doors were being closed, “I’m going to stay and tell the cops what happened. I’ll meet you later.” She shouted and he nodded mutely as the door shut and the ambulance began to roll.

It was a hellish trip, and though he stayed quiet, he never took his eyes off of Zach. It was so hard for him to sit by and watch them doing everything they needed to do to keep him alive. A punctured lung, they’d told him, but they still needed X-rays to find out for certain. Surgery, they’d told him. Adrian thought he was going to be sick.

He’d done this. His fear of who he was did this. The fact he was too chicken shit, to much a coward to just admit to the love of his life.

He sat holding Zach’s hand, fingers gently brushing over his knuckles. They’d settled him into a room after taking the x-rays, expecting to have to wheel him away to surgery any moment. “I’ll never lie again. I’ll never deny you again, just survive, please, please god I love you so much.” He whispered hoarsely, brokenly as the tears stained his cheeks.

Sandy came into the room, worry etching her features. She was followed by a police officer, but Adrian wasn’t willing to take his attention off his beloved yet, so the police officer stood back and waited.

Moments later, a group of people came in and as Adrian sobbed the wheeled him to be prepped for surgery, a place he couldn’t follow. A doctor explained to him and Sandy that he was likely to survive the surgery, that it looked positive, but Adrian couldn’t stop shaking.

Truth was, he was so glad that he had Sandy there to hold him and hug him that he could have shot himself for how he’d treated her. She truly was the best woman he’d ever known.

“Son, I really need to take your statement.” The officer finally said gently as Adrian’s tears began to subside.

“Yea… that bastard kicked the hell out of him and he wasn’t even defending himself.” Adrian snarled. “I hope you put him in jail. Before he attacked Zach he was calling him a fucking faggot and it’s well known that he doesn’t like gays.”

“I heard that Zach accused him of being gay himself?” the officer said quietly.

“Yea, but I don’t think Scott’s really gay. Zach was hurt, oh god I hurt him.” Adrian began to cry again and Sandy wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tightly.

“He is gay.” Alan walked through the door with a grim expression.

He was a slip of a man with almost girlish good looks, a sweet humorous personality, gentle nature and the brightest green eyes he’d ever seen on anyone in his life. He was also one of Zach’s closest friends.

The officer looked up, surprised. “He is gay… are you his boyfriend?” he asked Alan gently, and Alan pursed his lips.

“Fuck toy.” He corrected. The officer winced, but nodded his head, writing in his little book carefully.

“He’s afraid of what he is, and he is very violent at times. I’m not a very good character witness for him.” Alan snorted, coming up to wrap an arm around Adrian. He barely came to Adrian’s chest, but he had a strong soothing presence.

“Thanks, Alan.” Adrian said, trying hard to get himself under control. The two of them comforted Adrian as the officer finished taking the statement, then told him that they would be holding Scott until Zach decided if he wanted to press charges.

When the officer finally left, his friends ushered him over to the chair as they waited for Zach to come out of surgery. Alan went out and got him food while Sandy stayed by his side, then Sandy went and got his overnight bag from his dorm room while Alan stayed and made sure he ate.

“Tell me what happened.” Alan said softly, getting a warm wet washcloth as Adrian absently poked at his food with a fork.

“I hurt him.” Was all Adrian could force himself to say for a moment, until Alan came up and began to clean his face gently with the washcloth. The gentle caring action had Adrian sobbing again and Alan just continued, cleaning the dried blood from Adrian’s hands gently.

“We all hurt those we love.” He whispered, his eyes flashing with a slightly haunted look before he smiled gently. “You had a lot to fear, it’s not really that uncommon what you went through. A lot of guys don’t want to admit that they are really gay. It’s hard, you know?” he said, and Adrian nodded his head.

“I know, but he saw me tear up his note, he saw me kiss Sandy.” Adrian’s voice shook. Alan simply stroked his hair back from his forehead.

“I know Zach, he’ll forgive you. Especially when he hears how you proclaimed your love of him in front of everyone.” He said, smiling a little. “You love him, that’s what counts. Now I want you to eat. I can’t have you getting sick on me.” He said softly, smiling.

And Adrian did as he was told, eating methodically, but the food turned to ash in his mouth.

“Adrian right? The doctor told me to let you know that the surgery was a success. He’ll be brought back here after recovery.” A pretty blonde nurse said, smiling.

Adrian swept Alan into a huge hug and sighed a sigh of relief.

@@@@@@@@@@@

Pain. Zach woke slowly to pain lancing through his chest. Every breath he took came with a price, and his head was so fogged he couldn’t remember what had happened. He groaned softly, one hand coming up to his head, rubbing his eyes and when he finally managed to get his eyes open he saw an IV in his hand. Someone moved beside him, and he tried to turn his head to look.

“Don’t move, they said you’d be hurting, but that we needed you to wake up before they could give you any more pain killers.” He picked up the hospital bed remote and pressed the call nurse button while Zach tried to gather his thoughts.

“Why am I here?”

Silence met the question for a moment, then Adrian sighed deeply. “You remember our night?” he whispered, and Zach nodded. “And then the afternoon when you came to meet me by the oak tree?” Sudden pain stuttered through his chest that had nothing to do with the surgery he’d had to endure as the memory flooded him.

“Please leave.” Zach whispered, voice broken suddenly. Tears seared his cheeks as he turned his head away.

“Please, Zach, I’m sorry. I got frightened and I hurt you and I’m so sorry.” Zach felt Adrian take his hand, stroking his fingers gently, and Zach didn’t know how to react.

“I don’t want you anymore. You killed my love.” He whispered, and the sound Adrian made was like some wounded animal.

“I won’t leave you.” He whispered through a sob.

“I wish he’d killed me.”

Adrian groaned, and Alan got up from his seat to rest a hand on his shoulder. “He broke your ribs, one of them punctured a lung. You could have died.” He said gently.

“I always told you he was an asshole.” Zach said, smiling a little as his eyes slid to his friend.

“Yea, I know.” Alan said, sighing deeply. “He is definitely an asshole, but he’s an asshole I love.” Zach groaned, and it wasn’t for pain.

“Christ, Alan, he’ll just hurt you.”

“I know.” He whispered.

“You don’t want me to press charges, do you?”

Alan sighed, pain in his eyes. “I want you to leave him in Jail as long as you can without giving him years.” He said with conviction, and Zach nodded his head.

Zach could hear Adrian trying hard to smother his sobs. “Tell him to leave, Alan.” He whispered softly.

“I’m afraid I can’t do that.” Alan murmured, shaking his head slightly.

“Why not?” Zach replied, as if Adrian wasn’t there at all.

“Because you belong with him.” Alan said simply, and Zach frowned. “You do, and you know it. Once you get over your hurt you’ll know I’m right.”

“I’m pretty sure right now that you’re wrong.” He coughed and then groaned as the pain of it sent him clawing at his bed sheets. Adrian was gripping his hand in a moment, giving him something to squeeze while the waves of pain coursed over him.

“Damnit, Alan, go get a nurse and drag her in here by the hair if you have too.” Adrian growled.

Alan nodded, disappearing out of the door with a parting glance. “I told you.” He said sedately, then went in search of a nurse.

“Why are you doing this?” Zach whispered, wheezing a little.

“Breath slowly, love. Here,” he drew his hand away for a moment, coming back with a small cup and a spoon sticking out. He spooned out some ice chips and put them up to Zach’s lips. “Open.”

Zach was stunned by how incredibly loving Adrian was being, how gentle and attentive he was. The ice chips tasted good in his hot mouth, the cool liquid sliding down his throat and he found himself opening to another spoonful, his eyes closing.

“I hurt.” He told Adrian, who nodded his head and touched his forehead.

“Alan’s getting the nurse. I’m going to make them give you morphine.” He said, as if he could control what drug they gave him. It almost made Zach smile. Almost.

Just then, Alan came in with a nurse trailing behind him. She had a syringe full of some liquid and smiled down at him. “You’re friends here said you’re in some pain. Is that right?” she asked, and when he nodded his head she patted him on the head. “You’re lucky to have friends like this who look out for you.”

“I’m not his friend, I’m his boyfriend.” Adrian said, his eyes locked on Zach’s face as he said it. She depressed the plunger on the syringe, emptying the contents into the IV. Zach didn’t argue with the words, but something lit in his eyes like he might want to.

“Aaw, that’s sweet, you two boys experiencing young love.” The elderly woman said wistfully, “And I’m sure all of the girl’s moon over you like dewy eyed virgins.” She grinned, going on to take his blood pressure and temperature before writing everything down and taking her leave.

“Boyfriend, huh? Earlier today you didn’t even want to tell your friends.” Zach said, unable to keep the malice from his voice. Adrian felt so horrible about his behavior he couldn’t muster up any words to explain himself.

“He’s since learned the error of his ways.” The feminine voice coming from the doorway was Sandy, Adrian’s girlfriend, and the sight of her alone made him want to cry. But tears would cost too much energy and hurt far too much to be worth it, so he kept his agony inside, though it showed easily enough on his face.

“Don’t worry, we’re not dating any more.” She smiled as she came in and touched his hand, “How you feeling, Zach?”

“Fine.” He said warily, and she chuckled with a shake of her head.

“I want Adrian happy, and that’s not gonna be me in this lifetime so I am afraid it falls to you to forgive the dumb brute.” She grinned, and Zach sighed, shaking his head.

“I hurt, I had surgery, and you are all pleading his case before I can get up to piss on my own.” Zach said gruffly, and Adrian sighed, his eyes filling with tears. Zach ignored it.

“Valentines day is tomorrow, Zach. Don’t you think that it’s a time for new love?” Alan chuckled, and when Zach glared at him Adrian sobbed and got to his feet, shoving the cup of ice chips at Sandy before he fled the room.

“He doesn’t know what to tell you.” She whispered to him, “He knows he fucked up. He hurt me too, I was his shield from what he was, Zach, but it’s you he’s in love with. You should have heard him when you passed out. He screamed to everyone that you where his love, he punched Scott, he nearly killed the paramedic who said he couldn’t go with you, and when they let him in the ambulance with you he didn’t leave your side until they took you to x-ray and surgery right after that. He has not gone home. Alan and I have been bringing him everything he has needed.” Sandy said, and Alan stood behind her, his hands resting on her shoulders in a friendly manner.

Zach was sure they hadn’t known one another before this, but now they seemed like old friends, something peculiar really. He blinked back tears, thinking about Adrian admitting in front of everyone what they were together, and tears misted his eyes.

“So, he was an idiot and panicked when he realized he’d have to come out as gay. You were an idiot when you let Scott break your ribs. I think the two of you are even.” Alan said succinctly, arching an eyebrow and grinning.

“I’m not convinced. Just… I need some space, okay? Maybe I could just sleep the night alone, okay? Can you convince him to go home for the night?” Zach asked.

“I’ll bring him back to my room.” Alan said, nodding his head. “He needs sleep anyhow. He has been worrying about you none stop.” Alan drew Sandy up, but she paused.

“You sure I couldn’t stay with you, Zach, I really hesitate in leaving you alone at the hospital, and I doubt that Adri would leave if he knew you wouldn’t be with some one.” She said, the voice of logic and reason.

He hesitated, and then closed his eyed briefly. “I don’t want to impose on you.” He whispered, focusing on drawing in a slow breath.

“No imposition, I have plenty of homework to finish, you just go on sleeping and when you wake I’ll have ice chips and meds okay?” she asked, and despite himself, Zach found himself not only smiling, but genuinely liking her.

“Okay.” Sandy said, nodding her head and taking her seat once more.

“I’ll get him out of here, but just this night, Zach. Tomorrows Valentines Day, I expect you to make up tomorrow.” He growled playfully, but Zach was not amused. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Zach. Rest.” And with that he disappeared out the door just as the medicine began to draw him into a restless sleep once more.

“Rest well, Zach.” He heard Sandy say before darkness closed around him once more.

@@@@@@@@

The scent of flowers tickled Zach’s nose, and curiosity drew him out of the comforting embrace of unconsciousness. When he opened his eyes, he blinked in utter surprise. Flowers covered every single flat surface of the room, roses, lilies, and tulips – every flower imaginable littered counters and even overflowed onto the floor. He blinked again, then noticed little boxes of valentine candies poured overflowing from between the flower vases, there must have been a hundred boxes. He glanced around him, and when his eyes landed on the figure in the chair beside his bed his heart contracted.

Adrian sat there, his eyes shinning with love, an oversized card in his hand. It was a huge heart, the words “”Sometimes I’m an ass.”" Written on the front of it. When Zach’s lips twitched, Adrian wordlessly opened the card, exposing the inside, which read: “”But isn’t my ass your favorite part of my body? (Besides, isn’t making up the best part of having ass who loves you?) Be my Valentine, being an ass is no fun alone.”" Then in flowing script he knew to be Adrian’s the words, “”I love you more then words could ever express, forgive me, and give me a chance to make it up to you. Yours always, S.A.”"

Tears pricked at Zach’s eyes, and he blinked them away as he looked up at Adrian’s somber face. He looked like he was getting ready to be rejected, and the resigned sadness in his beautiful eyes plucked at Zach’s heart.

“You bought me all these flowers?” He asked, swallowing hard. He’d never had anyone buy him flowers before. It made a strange warm feeling spread through his chest.

Adrian nodded his head silently, his Adams apple bobbing as he swallowed hard.

“Can I have a box of Candies?” Zach whispered, and Adrian reached over, handing him one of the tiny boxes. He looked at it, and on the box was written: “To: Sexiest man alive. From: The Ass.” Zach chuckled softly as he read it, shaking his head as he opened the box, pulling out a pink candy.

“U R Cute.” He tossed the candy at Adrian, whose lips twitched. Zach pulled another candy out, “My love.” He murmured softly, then tossed it too at Adrian, his eyes locked on the other mans face. He took out another one, “Soul Mate.” He whispered, liking his lips before tossing it at his lover, hitting him in the chest. Adrian couldn’t keep the smile from his face as Zach went about pelting him with cadies. The next Candy was green, and when he pulled it out Zach smiled slowly, holding it up, “Be mine?” he said, making it a question.

Adrian nodded silently, trying to hold back the tears that threatened. He put the card down and reached forward to take Zach’s hand in his own, his fingers shaking as he stroked over the back of his hand.

“Get into this bed with me.” Zach growled roughly.

“I won’t fit.” Adri blushed.

“Yes you will, just come over on this side, it doesn’t hurt as much.” Zach told him, shifting his larger form just enough so that Adrian was able to slip down onto his side, one hand reaching out to adoringly touch Zach’s jaw.

“I love you.” Adri whispered, and Zach turned his head to nip Adrian’s fingertips.

“I love you too, Adrian.” He replied, “You’re everything to me.” He murmured.

“Does this mean I’m forgiven?” Adrian whispered softly, tilting his head down so he could gently brush his lips against Zach’s.

“Mmhmm, after you make it up to me.” He purred gently against those fluttering kisses Adrian kept bestowing on him.

“What should I do then?” he murmured, then deepened the kiss before Zach had a chance to even respond.

“Hold me.” Zach whispered between the gentle kisses and the deeper ones. “Just hold me.”

And that’s exactly what Adrian did.

” I Hope you all enjoyed the story! Please take a moment to vote below, and if you enjoyed it, or if you have some helpful bit of feedback, I always enjoy getting comments from my readers! Let me also take this time to thank my dear friend for Editing the piece, Love you James!”