Watching Brad

[Kyanimal]

Awww ... I'm LOVIN' this!

 

[gsdx]

If I offended you I am truly sorry.

No offense was taken. Your suggestion was a good one, but it didn't fit in this story. Believe me, I want to see Brad as happy as you do. I'm not good at writing porn. If I was, Brad would be the happiest guy on the planet, and there would be a lot of very happy and satisfied people lying exhausted on the floor. That stuff's easy to write. I just don't do it very well.

 

[Craiger]

Neil,

This is such an marvelous story. I like that it is writing itself, as you say, and it certainly is making an impression. Over 5000 readers can't be wrong.

Craiger

 

[caddymac]

Thank you, I have enjoyed every chapter!!!!

 

[Trent0n1]

I'm hooked....and loving every word. Thanks Neil.

Trent

 

[ronboy]

Neil, I have reserved comment until now only because I wanted to see where this story was going. I am totally impressed,and as eager as the rest of the guys here to read the next installment. You seem to have captured what real love develops between two men. I like the twist that both guys are straight.

 

[gsdx]

Thanks again, guys. I appreciate it. I wasn't going to post until tomorrow when I update the next chapter, but a comment in ronboy's post struck a chord with me. I have already completed parts 10 and 11. They are proofed and ready to go. I tell you this now because I don't want anyone to think that ronboy's post influenced the story. In fact, no-one's post has ever influenced the stories I write.

You'll read Part 10 tomorrow morning, but you'll have to wait until Monday for Part 11. (When you read part 11, you'll see what I mean.)

 

[gsdx]

So far the fear just makes it more exciting, but if this story and your future stories, assuming you keep writing (I really hope you do), keep ending in tragedy and disaster, I'll soon become a nervous wreck while reading your work.

I don't like tragedy and disaster any more than anyone else, but 'Best Buddies' needed that ending. Otherwise, I include it in my other stories because it's life. Life isn't all happy smiles and apple pie with ice cream, unfortunately, but it's life. It makes the stories more real for me. So, don't worry. I doubt if you'll read another ending like 'Best Buddies' from me.

A few of my other stories are in the Jub Archives.

Nicely Packed, Bag Boy
http://www.justusboys.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-89102.html

(If you're into Stargate, I've written one with Daniel & Jonas.)
Stargate SG-1 - Last Mission
http://www.justusboys.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-79094.html

The sequel, Stargate SG-1 - Aftermath, is on Page 1 of this forum. The final few chapters will be posted soon on this one.

And now, on to Part 10 of Watching Brad.

 

[gsdx]

WATCHING BRAD
Part X​

The front door was unlocked when I came home from work Thursday afternoon. I'd given Brad a key and he was waiting inside for me. "Follow me," he said, a wide grin on his face. I followed him down the hall and he stopped suddenly, holding out his hand. "Take my hand and close your eyes," he said as he placed his left hand over my eyes.

I took his hand and he held it tightly as he guided me carefully the rest of the way down the hall. He turned me to the left, led me through the doorway, and put me into position where he wanted me. He released my hand and removed his hand from my eyes. I opened them.

I was agog. I had to be agog to use a word like that. My jaw dropped down and my eyes sprang open. All I could do was to spin around in a slow circle and look at everything and say "Oh, my God!" over and over again. I'm sure Bernice had a hand in this. The room was completely done and arranged and dressed. The unicorn and faerie paper looked incredible, and Brad had attached and painted the dado rail white. Molding encircled the ceiling and the space between the two was done. . . I'm not sure how. From the Sunset pink at the bottom, it faded somehow to almost white near the top. All of Lindsay's favourite pictures were hanging in the most perfect places, and Brad had even hooked up her computer on her homework desk. Everything was there and ready for her to move in, and it was amazing.

I just turned around and around, and I could feel the tears filling my eyes. Professional painters couldn't have done the job Brad did for me. I finally turned and found him standing there, his face full of smiles and his eyes full of sparkles. He looked like a boy who had just brought home a report card full of A's. Fuck this, I thought, and I reached my arms around him and pulled him into a long, strong hug. "Thank you, Brad," I whispered in his ear. "Thank you." I might have felt Brad's body pressing against mine. I might have felt the muscles in his back. I might have felt his crotch pushing against my own. I might have felt his heat. I might have felt all those things, but I didn't even notice. I felt only the happiness.

When I finally pulled away, I kept my hands on his arms as I looked around again. "Mom helped me arrange the furniture and she unpacked Lindsay's clothes for her. The fade effect was her idea. Just took a little glaze. So, I did okay?" he said. He was grinning again.

"Oh, Brad, you did better than okay! Lindsay is going to love this room. I love this room!" I wiped tears from my eyes. "Gee-sus, Murphy, it's beautiful!" I looked at Brad. His eyes were watery, too. "Wanna do my room next?"

He shrugged. "Sure. I like painting."

I gave him another hug of appreciation. "I'm taking you out to dinner," I said.

"I'll have to phone Mom."

"Bring her along. I owe her big time, too. And your Dad. Tell her I won't take ‘no' for an answer. Better yet, I'll tell her myself. Come on."

Brad had no choice but to follow me out of my house and to his front door.

* * * * *

John insisted on paying for half the dinner, but I talked him down to a quarter of it. His wife and his son were my treat. He finally agreed, even though he had measured all the dado and molding for Brad. "It was the neighbourly thing to do," he said.

Both Brad and Bernice were waiting for me Friday night when I arrived with Lindsay. Bernice was carrying her gift-wrapped unicorn. Lindsay went ballistic when she saw her room, ricocheting around, looking at everything, and ‘ooing' and ‘ahing' all over the place. She jumped on her bed and then jumped into my arms and gave me the biggest kiss she could. "Thank you, Daddy!" she said. "It's the bestest bedroom in the whole world!" She kissed me again. I didn't mind at all.

"I'm glad, Sweetheart, but you have to thank Brad and Mrs. Hayes," I told her. "They did it all."

Brad squatted down to get his hug and kiss and Bernice bent down and picked her up to get her own. "I've got something for you, Lindsay," she said. "Brad?"

Brad picked up the package and set it on Lindsay's desk. Lindsay scrambled down and rushed to open her gift. "Careful, Sweetheart. You might break it." She was very careful after that and, with my help, was soon looking at the unicorn. Her fingers ran gently over it, tracing the shape and form. She caressed the head and the golden horn and she turned it around and did it all over again. Bernice dabbed at her eyes with a tissue she had pulled from somewhere. She got a bigger hug and kiss than I did.

* * * * *

Lindsay spent most of the night in her bedroom, coming out occasionally for a snack or to use the bathroom or to just give me another ‘thank you' kiss. I sat with Brad in the living room, discussing the painting he was going to do. From the sounds of it, the whole interior was going to get a facelift. Somewhere in between all that, he would do the front yard landscaping.

He fell in love with Lindsay immediately, and Lindsay took to him as well. By the time Brad went home, they were already good friends.

Brad left us alone on Saturday. Lindsay and I went shopping for other things she wanted for her new room, including a shelf for her unicorn. "Get a strong one, Daddy," she said. "Unicorns can't fly."

Sunday afternoon, Brad came over, ready for our trip to Mississauga. Lindsay was ecstatic to be going to see her Uncle Warren and Uncle Bill. She didn't know her birthday presents were in the trunk, waiting for her. Brad would carry them in for us when we got there. He insisted on sitting in the back seat. Lindsay rode up front with me.

Warren was suitably impressed with Brad, of course, putting one hand on Brad's shoulder and giving him the once-over with his eyes. They stopped right where I expected them to stop. "And where did you find this cutie?" he asked. Brad blushed. "Boys ‘R Us?" Brad blushed even more.

"Warren," I said with a grin, "you're engaged!"

"But not married yet," Warren winked. His grin was wider than mine. "I've still got a few days left."

"Put him down, Uncle Warren," Lindsay said. (Hey. What can I say? She picked it up from me.) "I'm here, too, you know."

"Uncle Warren can't pick you up today, Sweetheart," I said to her. I picked her up from behind and held her out so Warren could give her a hug and kiss, then I passed her to Bill, who took her in his arms and held her.

"Is Uncle Warren sick?" she asked Bill.

"Yes," he replied, "but he's going to get better."

Warren sucked in a ragged breath. I could see him fighting his emotions. To take his mind of them, he whispered to me, "Did you bring them?" I nodded to the box on the floor beside Brad. Warren whispered to Brad, but I heard him. "Would you be a sweetie and take them in there (he pointed to an open doorway) and set them out on the coffee table?" Then he pinched Brad's cheek and said, "You are just too damned cute!"

Bill could only roll his eyes and Brad could only hurry to get away.

"Incorrigible," I said. Bill nodded.

"Where did you find that cutie?" Warren whispered loudly when Brad had left the room. "Et quel panier! It would cost a fortune to send that package by UPS!"

"He's my new neighbour."

"That's life for you," Warren sighed. "You get Brad and I get Abner Kravitz."

"But you get Tom Cruise when you move in with me."

Warren shuddered. "I'd rather have Abner Kravitz."

* * * * *

Once Brad got used to Warren, he fit in well. Warren, for his part, realized very quickly that Brad's white shorts were a touchy subject with him and stopped all the flirting. I have to hand it to Warren. He may be overboard at times, but he knows when enough is enough. Dinner was wonderful, and Mrs. Craig had set a wonderful table and cooked a delicious meal. Lindsay was wearing the new pant-suit outfit Warren had given her for her birthday, and was wearing her new bracelet as well. The new computer games he had given her were set on the table where she could see them. Warren had cried as he watched her open them. I suspect he felt it might be his last time seeing it. No-one said anything, though.

We talked about the wedding, of course, and got the times and everything set up and arranged. When we were ready to leave, he gave Lindsay a huge hug and kiss and, in typical ‘Warren' fashion, kissed both Brad and I on the cheek. But Brad got a pat on the bum. I didn't.

Lindsay sat in the back seat on the way home and was sound asleep before we hit the Four- Twenty-Seven. Brad sat up front.

"You just keep giving me good days, Ted," he said casually. "I really liked Warren, you know. I was a bit nervous at first, and he came at me like a bulldozer, but then he just became a really nice guy. I like Bill, too. I'm looking forward to their wedding next weekend."

"Warren knew you were nervous and shy," I explained. "That's why he stopped. He goes a bit queenie when he sees a guy like you. You're just his type."

"Bill doesn't look anything like me. He's a lot older, for one thing."

"When a guy is Warren's type, Warren isn't usually the guy's type."

Brad chuckled. Then he became serious.

"I hope he makes it through the surgery."

"So do I, Brad," I said. "So do I."

* * * * *

"Want a beer?" I asked.

"Okay."

"Grab a couple, then. I'll just get Lindsay in bed." As Brad unlocked the front door, carrying Lindsay's games with him, I unbuckled Lindsay and lifted her from the back seat.

She roused enough to say, "Are we home, Daddy?"

"Yes, we are, Sweetheart. Do you need to go to the bathroom?" She nodded. I carried her into the bathroom and, as she sat on the toilet, I took off her new top and pulled her new slacks off her legs, along with her shoes and socks. When she was done, I cleaned her up, pulled up her panties, grabbed her new clothes in one hand, and carried her to her bed. "What colour, Sweetheart?"

"White," she said sleepily. "Like my unicorn."

I grabbed a crisp, white nightgown out of her dresser and pulled it over her head. Soon I was tucking her under her blankets as I sat on her bedside. I smoothed her hair with my fingers, brushing her bangs out of her eyes. "Goodnight, Sweetheart," I said. "I love you." I kissed her forehead.

"Nite, Daddy," she said, but I think she was already asleep.

Brad was sitting on the wall, beer opened and waiting. I sat down beside him and took the beer from him. I pulled the cigarettes and lighter from my pocket.

"We're the luckiest people in the world," Brad said.

"Who?" I asked. "You and me?"

"No. Me and Lindsay."

"Why?"

"We both have the best fathers in the world."

"Well, your father and I are lucky, too. We have the best kids in the world. It's just too bad Lindsay has the worst mother."

"Don't worry, Ted," Brad said. "By tomorrow night, my Mom will have Lindsay calling her Grandma. Mark my words."

I believed him.

He looked at me. Stared at me, really. And then he suddenly grabbed his bottle of beer from the wall and slid away from me.

"Hey, what's this?" I asked. "Have I got BO or something?"

He smiled at me and shook his head. "No," he said. "You smell nice. I almost went back on my word, that's all."

I think I understood. I almost made him go back on it myself.

"Do I need to rent a tux or anything?" he said after he'd taken a healthy swig of his beer.

"Got a suit?"

"Black and grey."

"I'll be wearing dark blue. Either will be fine.

"What about the gift."

"They're asking for donations to the Heart Association instead. I'll handle that."

"I'd really like put in my share, Ted."

"Okay," I said with a small nod. "I'll pay it and I'll deduct a bit out of your wages. How's that sound?"

"Sounds like a plan."

* * * * *

Mrs. Grange, Lindsay's babysitter, grabbed me by the arm and dragged me outside when I got home from work Monday night. She was a short, rather roundish woman with a bump on the side of her chin and a chest the size of Manitoba. Her face reminded me of Elvira Gulch when she was on her way to pick up Toto. All that was missing was the big nose. Oh, how I hated that woman! Her voice was hushed, but still loud. "Mr. de Villiers. If you don't keep that young man out of this house while I'm taking care of Lindsay, I'm afraid I'll have to resign my post."

"Why?"

"He's a disgusting, wicked, evil young man. He should not be parading around and putting himself on display like that."

I didn't like the woman, but she took good care of Lindsay. It didn't matter. I flipped. "He can't help what he has in his pants any more than you can help what you've got in your bra," I said. Oh, did I tell you I didn't like the woman? "No, I take that back. You can help it. If you'd lay off the Twinkies and ice cream, you wouldn't be carrying around a couple of Goodyear blimps in your blouse! Brad is far-too-much the gentleman to say that, Mrs. Grange, but I'm not. Now get your big, fat ass in your car and haul it off my property! You'll have your severance pay in the mail by the end of the week!"

And I walked into the house and closed the door on her.

Brad and Lindsay were sitting on the sofa playing Nintendo. I walked over to them and sat beside Lindsay. "Can you pause that, Brad?" He did. I lifted Lindsay onto my lap, took the paddle from her hand, and held it out to Brad. He took it from me.

"Lindsay, Sweetheart?" I said quietly. "I need to take you back to stay with your Mother for awhile."

Her eyes filled quickly with tears. Her lip quivered. "Why, Daddy?" she asked, her voice on the edge of crying.

"Mrs. Grange is gone," I explained. "I fired her. I need you to stay with your Mother until I can find another sitter for you."

Lindsay collapsed against my chest, tears flowing and body jerking in sad sobs. "No, Daddy. Please." I hugged her and rubbed her back and kissed her hair.

"I'm sorry, Sweetheart." I hated it when Lindsay cried. Kids are supposed to laugh, not cry.

"I'll watch her until you find someone else, Ted," Brad said.

"I can't ask you to do that, Brad." Lindsay sat up, listening intently. Her crying had stopped.

"Why not? We spent most of the day together anyway. Mrs. Grinch was too busy watching her soaps to look after her anyway. The only time she paid Lindsay any attention was during commercials."

"It's ‘Grange'," I said.

"Could have fooled me," Brad said. "Besides, it's just until you find someone else, right?"

"And Grandma's right next door, Daddy," Lindsay said excitedly. I looked at Brad. He had an ‘I told you so' look on his face. "I like Brad. He smells good. Not like Mrs. Grange. She smells like your Ben Gay and baby powder, and I'm not a baby anymore."

"Call my Mom," Brad told me. "She'll tell you I've been babysitting since I was fourteen."

"I don't doubt your abilities, Brad. Lindsay can be a handful at times."

"Name one kid who isn't."

He had me there. "Please, Daddy? Please let me stay with Brad? I don't want to go home. I want to stay here with you. I'll be good. I promise."

"I know you will, Sweetheart."

"Then I can stay?"

I looked at Brad. He didn't change his expression. He just sat there and looked back at me. I smiled at Lindsay. "Okay, Sweetheart. But only until I can find someone else, okay?"

"Okay, Daddy," she said, and she hugged me.

"So, kiddo, where did you get the Nintendo?"

"It's mine," Brad said. "I hardly play it anymore anyway. You don't mind, do you?"

"No," I said. "Why would I mind? Okay, Sweetheart, you and Brad get back to Mario and I'll make supper for you. What would you like?"

"Hamburger Helper and rice," she said. "The beef one so I can put soy sauce on it."

"Coming right up, Sweetheart," I said. "Just as soon as I change. Brad? Will you be joining us?"

"Uh. . ."

"Stay, Brad," Lindsay said. "Daddy's makes good Hamburger Helper." She leaned in closer to him and whispered. "He makes soggy rice, though. It's better if you put soy sauce on it."

Brad laughed. "Sounds delicious," he said. "Need some help?"

"Nah," I said. "I can change my clothes all by myself, thanks."

I was halfway down the hall before I realized he was talking about the Hamburger Helper.

* * * * *

I needn't have worried. Brad was as good at taking care of Lindsay as he was with everything else he did. Bernice came over each day and made them lunch. Thursday night was ‘interview night', and Lindsay sat in my lap as I talked to the four women and two men who had applied for the job. I could tell by the way Lindsay kicked at my legs with her feet and squirmed in my lap whether or not she liked them. Three women and one of the men were mentally scratched off the list immediately. One woman barely made it through "Good evening, Mr. de Villiers" before Lindsay was expressing her displeasure.

It came down to the three, and, between Lindsay and me, we finally settled on a young lady who insisted we call her Terry. She was pleasant, competent, and she liked unicorns and faeries. That nailed it for Lindsay. I called her back for a second interview Friday night. Brad was with us this time and I explained that he was hired help and would be working around the house on a regular basis. She didn't have a problem with that, especially since Lindsay was sitting in Brad's lap this time.

She was hired and would start the next week I had custody. Brad went with us when I took Lindsay to her Mother's place Friday evening, more for company than anything else. He waited in the car as I took Lindsay up to her apartment. I was ready for a confrontation, but I needn't have worried. The Bitch was out for the night and the babysitter was waiting for us.

I squatted down, gave Lindsay a big hug and lots of kisses, and said, "Now you be good, Sweetheart. I'll see you next Friday."

"I love you, Daddy."

"I love you too, Sweetheart. Be a good girl for me?"

"I will, Daddy." She hugged and kissed me again, and then she went inside.

* * * * *

Brad enjoyed the wedding, and he even shed a tear or two, right along with me. He looked amazing in his grey suit, and I felt rather proud when I got all the envious stares from everyone. If Brad noticed, he didn't mention it.

Warren and Bill looked so handsome and happy together, and the ceremony was rather emotional. I was happy for them, too. Warren was always the wild one. Bill was his stabilizer. Together, they made a wonderful couple, and I was delighted that they finally had the right to legalize their love for each other and become a real family.

The reception took place in the ballroom of an hotel in Mississauga. I'd made a reservation as soon as I had discovered which one. I knew I wouldn't be driving home afterwards. At first, I reserved two single rooms for myself and Brad but, at his insistence and, with his common sense, I changed it to one room with two beds.

The music was nice and the disc jockey was accommodating and energetic and he kept the party rocking. Brad had money of his own and insisted on sharing the cost of the drinks. Most of the party-goers were men, and most of them were gay. Brad felt comfortable with that, although he got more than his share of compliments, pecks on the cheek, and casual gropes. He didn't say anything about it. He didn't make a fuss. But I could see that it made him uncomfortable.

It became serious when someone I didn't even know got a little rambunctious. He was obviously drunk. He'd been groping Brad openly and I could see Brad trying to push him away while I tried to convince him to back off. The guy yanked opened Brad's zipper and shoved his hand inside the suit pants. Brad pulled his hips back, but couldn't escape. I could see from the painful look on his face that the guy had latched onto him and wasn't about to let go until he got a good feel of the goods. I grabbed the guy's arm and tried to pull him away, but his arm jerked and twisted instead. Brad's eyes suddenly opened wide and his jaw dropped. His face contorted in agony and I could see him doubling over. A horrifying sound came out of his throat. I let go of the arm, got behind the guy, wrapped my arms around him from the back, and yanked him away. It surprised me that I actually lifted him off his feet. With a grunt of anger, I twisted my body and threw the man into the crowd. He hit the floor, stumbled, and would have fallen flat on his face if he hadn't run into one of the other guests.

Bill showed up immediately, bless him, and grabbed the guy by the neck. With the help of one other guest, the man was escorted out of the ballroom and, probably, out of the hotel entirely. When I looked back, Brad was on his knees on the floor, bent over so his forehead was touching the floor. His hands were in his groin and I could see his body shaking. I knew he was crying. A young man was on the floor beside him, tenderly rubbing his back and whispering things into Brad's ear. I dropped to me knees on the other side and the young man leaned back, letting me take over for him, but he remained where he was.

"Brad? Are you okay?"

"Oh, God, Ted," he cried. "It hurts!" He spoke to the floor.

I soothed him for awhile, consoling him, comforting him, asking if he wanted to go to the hospital. Finally, when he had stopped crying and lifted himself up, I asked, "Can you stand?" He nodded. I grabbed his arm with my left hand and wrapped my other arm around his waist. The young man beside him grabbed his other arm and, between the two of us, we got Brad to his feet. His zipper was still open. I reached down and pulled it back up for him.

"Over here," someone said. It was Warren, and he was making a path through the crowd so we could walk Brad to some soft, cushioned chairs against the wall. We settled Brad into one of them. Warren sat on one side. I sat on the other. The youth remained standing. Brad leaned his head back against the wall, his eyes closed and his hands resting protectively over his crotch.

"I'm sorry," the youth said. "That was my date. I guess he had too much to drink." He was almost in tears. He looked at me. "Really, I'm sorry. If there's anything I can do. . ."

I smiled my thanks to him. "What's your name?"

"Randy."

"If you wouldn't mind, could you get our beers for us?" I pointed to our table where our drinks sat, along with our suit jackets which we'd hung over the chairs. Randy grabbed everything and brought it all back with him.

I took the beers from him and Randy set our jackets over the arm of the chair to my left. Bill arrived then.

"He won't be back," he said.

Randy looked at him. "Can I at least stay until I make sure he's okay?" He pointed to Brad.

"Why?" Bill asked. "You didn't do anything except help Brad, here."

"I came with Tony. I didn't think you'd want me here, either."

"Do you want to go?" Warren asked. Randy shook his head ‘no'. "Then you're welcome to stay."

"You can join us for the rest of the evening." I grabbed our jackets and moved them to the arm of my chair.

Randy pulled the chair away from the wall and sat facing us. "Is he okay?"

Brad sat up and opened his eyes. I put my hand on his back. He looked a lot better. He took a deep breath and let it out through a small ‘O' in his mouth, then sucked in another through his nose and let it out slowly. He looked at Randy. "I'm okay," he said and smiled. "Thanks for helping me." He held out his hand in greeting. "I'm Brad."

The youth took his hand and shook it. "Randy. I'm really sorry he hurt you like that."

"Booze does that to some people. It's not your fault."

Randy smiled and nodded once. "At least let me buy you another beer."

"Okay," Brad said. "Thanks."

Randy disappeared toward the bar and returned with two bottles of Blue in his hands. He handed one to Brad and the other to me. "Didn't you get something for yourself?" I asked.

"I didn't have enough money," he replied. "Tony was paying for me."

I pulled my wallet out of my pocket, pulled out a tenner, and handed it to him. It took some persuasion, but Randy finally accepted the money and went to get himself a drink. When he came back, he handed me the change.

* * * * *

"Don't you guys dance?" Randy asked us. We were sitting at the table together now.

"I don't know. Can you dance, Brad?" I joked.

"Not very well," he replied. "Besides, which one of us is supposed to lead?"

Randy looked confused. "Aren't you guys. . . you know. . . a couple?" he asked.

"No," I answered. "We're neighbours. Brad just came to keep me company."

"I'm sorry," Randy said. "I thought I saw. . ."

"Saw ‘what'?" I asked.

"Well, I saw more than just a little neighbourly concern when Brad was hurt."

"Like what?"

Randy looked from my face to Brad's. "Sorry," he said. "I just misread the two of you. That's all."

I looked at Brad and he looked at me. What was Randy seeing that we weren't seeing? I avoided the question by asking Brad if he wanted to dance.

He shrugged. "Sure. First time for everything, eh?"

We made it to the dance floor and started our gyrations and jerks, probably looking every bit the idiots we felt we were. But I was having fun and I didn't care. That song ended and another began. We danced to that one, too. Brad was grinning broadly now, as was I, and then we started to laugh. We were in hysterics when The Chicken Dance followed and I had tears rolling down my face by the time we got through it. I can't remember when I'd had so much fun.

And then Unchained Melody began, and the Righteous Brothers themselves were singing it. My favourite version. Brad looked around as couples fell into each other's arms and began to sway to the tune. I was having fun. I didn't want it to stop. But, more than anything, I didn't want to miss this dance. Brad looked at me. I loved this song, and I loved dancing to it. And now, I wanted to dance to it with Brad.

I held out my hands to him. He hesitated a moment, looked around again, then stepped forward into my arms. I wrapped them around his back and he put his hands on my waist. He kept his distance, though. Our bodies didn't touch, but I could feel the heat from his. We began to move. We began to dance. I looked into Brad's eyes and he looked into mine. Our gaze locked and he didn't look away. I could feel the breath from his nostrils stroking my chin. I tried to imagine what he was seeing in my brown eyes and I tried to figure out what I was seeing in his green eyes.

He swallowed hard and he blinked, and then his hands slid around my back and his body moved into mine. He turned his head and rested it against my shoulder. I could feel his breath on my neck and his scent wafted up to my nostrils. There was nothing sexual about the dance. Erotic, yes, but not sexual. I could feel Brad's crotch pressing against me, but he didn't get excited and neither did I. It was just a few short minutes of sharing.

Lonely rivers flow to the sea, to the sea,
to the open arms of the sea.
Lonely rivers sigh, wait for me, wait for me.
I'll be coming home, wait for me.

Oh, my love, my darling,
I've hungered for your touch a long lonely time.
And time goes by so slowly and time can do so much,
Are you still mine?

Oh, I need your love.
I need your love.
God speed your love, to me.​

Brad pulled his head back and looked at me. There was something else in his eyes and I could see him fighting against it. Finally, he spoke. "I've never broken a promise in my life, Ted, but you made me make a promise I can't keep. I'm sorry."

He leaned up slowly and his lips met mine. His kiss was just as intense and passionate as mine was, and I didn't want it to stop.

It didn't - for a long, long time.

To Be Continued​

 

[Kyanimal]

Whoof!! Just when I'm fairly sure your story has reached a plateau, it goes up one higher/better!!

 

[pkacrotjs]

I don't want it to end! Literally can't look away--love it love it love it! Okay... i'll take a deep breath now. Thank you SO much for sharing it with us!

 

[tommy296]

Okay, I'm jumping on the "wow" bandwagon. Great story and thank you for sharing it with us!

 

[caddymac]

I can not stop, I don't want to stop. YOU CAN NOT STOP , please go on. This is much better than anything on TV anyway.

 

[shea]

This story just keeps getting better. When
you think you know where it is going , it goes
in another direction.
You are a really good writer a very pleasurable
read. Thak you so much.
shea

 

[pro1gym]

GREAT Story, I'm hanging on every chapter and waiting for the next. I hope this never ends.
I also wish I could find a Brad type of guy, and not for the up front package but for his genuien nature. Thanks for a GR8 story.

 

[newkidondagayblock]

Very nice indeed.

 

[harry113]

Neil, this is a fantastic story.
Just as I think I have your intentions worked out, you throw in another twist.
I don't know how you mean this to finish but I do hope everyone comes out happy
Peace & Love
Harry

 

[gsdx]

Thanks again, guys. Hold onto your hats. Here comes the next Part.)

WATCHING BRAD
Part XI​

I felt a hand on my shoulder. "Come on, Casanova, the song's over and you're gathering a fan club." It was Warren. I pulled myself away from Brad. "If you rented a room, I suggest you hie thee to it toute de suite."

I smiled, but it disappeared quickly enough. Over Warren's shoulder, I could see Wayne standing there. I hated his guts. He was friends with The Bitch and was probably here to spy for her. He had an evil, wicked sneer on his face and he held up a digital camera and waved it at me. Shit! Fuck! And Dammit All!

I disengaged myself totally from Brad and looked at Warren. "I need to talk to you and Bill," I said. Warren looked amused.

"Sure, Teddy," Warren said, still grinning. "We can tell you everything you need to know."

"Warren! Now!"

The grin disappeared from Warren's face. "Shit! What's wrong, Ted."

"Wayne! Behind you!"

Warren looked around and saw Wayne with his camera. "Fuck!" He scanned the crowd and quickly found Bill. Bill caught Warren's gaze. Seeing a tiny twitch of Warren's head, Bill immediately excused himself from his friends, and approached quickly. Warren grabbed my arm. "Come," he said urgently. "Brad, come."

Warren released my arm and I followed. Brad walked close behind. I detoured slightly to tell Randy to wait here. We'd be right back. He nodded.

Warren led us out a door and into a hallway. It was quiet there. Bill joined us a moment later. "What's up?" he asked Warren.

"Wayne. And he had a camera."

"Bill," I said desperately, "you know he's going to take this back to The Bitch. Can she use it against me?"

"What do you mean?"

"Can she use it to keep Lindsay away from me?"

"Oh, God, Ted." That was Brad, and he just got louder and louder. "Oh, God. Oh, God! Oh, God! Oh, God!!" He turned away and slammed his fist against the wall. "Oh, God!! Oh, God!! Oh, God!!" He continued screaming and slamming the wall.

I put my hand on his shoulder from behind and grabbed his arm. "It's okay, Brad. It's not your fault."

Brad jerked away from me and spun around to face me. His eyes were on fire and his tears were trying to extinguish the flamed "It's all my fault! Oh, God, Ted! Oh, God! I'm sorry! I am so sorry!" And then he turned and sprinted down the hall.

"I'll get him," Bill said, and set out running after him.

Warren took my hands in his comforting grasp. "Bill knows what to do, Ted." That's what I loved about Warren. He knew when I had to stop being ‘Teddy' to him. "Everything's going to be okay."

I nodded to him and tried to smile. "I hope so."

"I always had my suspicions about you, Ted. I always felt you might be gay, but you were afraid to open the closet door. You love Brad, don't you."

I just looked at my best friend. I couldn't say anything.

"I already know you do, Ted," he said calmly. "I could see it that day you brought him to Ryerson. I could see the way your face lit up when you talked about him. I know you do, Ted, and you know it, too. You just need to hear yourself say it."

I continued staring at Warren. He always knew what words needed to be said. I stood there in silence, just thinking and being scared. I swallowed hard and I found my voice. "I think I really love him, Warren."

Warren stayed silent as he stared into my eyes. He knew those weren't the words I needed to hear myself say. . . and I knew it, too. I took a deep breath. "I love him, Warren."

Warren's lips curled into a caring smile. He moved his hand to my cheek. "And Brad loves you, too. He just doesn't know it yet."

"Is that possible, Warren?" I asked. "Is it possible for a straight man to fall in love with another man?"

"There's no gay or straight where love is concerned, Ted. It doesn't look at gender. It looks at the person. It just happens. And when it does, it's up to the individual to decide if it's right or wrong. Does this feel wrong to you?"

"I don't know," I replied honestly. "All I know is that I want it to be right."

Warren nodded. "Then it will be. If you figure it out before I go into surgery, please tell me. I don't want to die not knowing."

"You're not going to die, Warren."

"A flip of the coin, my friend," he said. "A flip of the coin."

"I love you so much, Warren."

"And I've always loved you, Ted." He pulled me into a big hug and he held me for a long time.

We separated finally. Brad and Bill were still nowhere in sight. "Maybe I should go look for him," I said.

Warren grabbed my arms, holding me in place. "No. Stay here with me," he said. "Bill knows what to do. He'll bring him back. Trust him."

"I do."

We waited for five more minutes before Bill finally returned. He was walking beside Brad, his arm thrown casually over Brad's shoulders. Brad hung his head, afraid to meet my gaze, I suppose. They stopped when they reached us.

"He's good," Bill said as he removed his arm from Brad's back.

Brad still wouldn't look at me. I reached out and took his hand in mine, squeezing it. He looked there first, and then up to my face. Warren and Bill waited patiently. Someone opened the door, saw us there, and went back inside, but I didn't look away from Brad's green eyes.

"I'm sorry, Ted," he apologized quietly. "Do you hate me?"

I smiled reassuringly at him and shook my head. "No, Brad, I don't hate you. I could never hate you. Not when I love you so much." Bill and Warren politely stepped aside and turned away, allowing us our moment.

Brad looked at me. "You really love me?"

"Yes, Brad," I said. "I love you. I just realized it."

Brad started crying. He fell into me and I pulled him into me and let him cry as I rubbed the back of his hair and held him. He didn't cry very long, but I enjoyed every second of it. I enjoyed comforting him like that. It made me feel good. Needed. Eventually, he stopped crying and leaned back to look at me, but he didn't let go of me. "I think I might love you, too," he said.

I smiled and kissed him again. "Just let me know when you're sure."

He smiled back and everything felt better to me. But I knew I had a tough row to hoe ahead of me. I turned to my friends, but I kept one arm around Brad and he kept his arm around my waist.

"Bill? Warren?" I said. They turned to face us. "Thanks."

They nodded to us.

"Now, Bill," I said, "can The Bitch use this against us? Can she use this to keep Lindsay away from me?"

Bill shook his head. "Not legally, no, but she might be able to use it to sway the judge's mind if you get some head-up-the-ass conservative. To try and prove that she could provide a better environment for Lindsay."

"But I'm a damned good father!" I shouted. "I don't put anything before my daughter! Not like that fuckin' Bitch, running around all night slapping it up with every guy with a fat wallet!"

"Then use that, Ted," Bill said. "Use that against her. Prove to the judge that you can provide a better home for Lindsay."

I just stared at Bill. My mind raced, trying to figure out what he was talking about and getting it all muddled up with my concerns about Brad.

"Look," Bill said calmly. "Forget about you and Brad. Put that right out of your mind. It's not an issue. It's discrimination. It's illegal to use it against you, and if she does use it and she wins, you have grounds for appeal. Even if Brad moved in with you - hell, even if you got married - it's not relevant anymore. It's the law. Do you have any proof of The Bitch running around like you said?"

I shook my head. "No, but I can get it."

"How?"

"Babysitters. Lindsay's had a lot of different ones. I'll find them. I'll hire a detective and find them. And The Bitch is out getting pumped by a new guy every week. I'll find the proof of that, too. Just tell me what I need."

Bill just smiled at me. "You just said it yourself. That's all you need."

I jerked my head back in surprise. "That's it? It's that easy?"

"I didn't say it was going to be easy, but it's a damned good start." He stared at my surprise, then he chuckled. "Look, Ted, I know you're a good father. Warren knows it, and I bet Brad knows it, too." He looked at Brad. "I'm guessing you get along with Lindsay okay?"

"Sure," Brad said. "I've been taking care of her all week. She likes me. We get along great."

"There you go, then," Bill exclaimed. "The judge will be talking to Lindsay alone, and he or she will undoubtedly ask Lindsay how she feels about you and Brad." He paused a moment. "Lindsay is your best weapon, Ted. Just make sure you have all that other stuff to back it up."

I nodded. "What about Brad and me?" I asked. "You know, the age difference. Wouldn't it make me look like a pervert or cradle-chaser or something?"

"That's even more irrelevant than Brad being a man," Bill said.

It suddenly hit me then. I had already resigned myself to this relationship. I was in love with Brad and that was that. End of story. I didn't know if I was gay or straight, but I knew I loved him. But, time for thinking about that later. I put it out of my mind. Lindsay needed me now.

Bill continued. "The cards are stacked in your favour, Ted. And Judy's been stacking them for you. If you need any money to help gather evidence. . ."

I wouldn't let him finish that though. "Thanks, Bill, but I have to do this on my own."

He nodded. "I can give you a list of good investigators, at least." Then turned to Brad. "And you. Don't ever think you're a threat in this. You're not. If anything, you're the best asset Ted has in his own defense, and that's because Lindsay likes you. And, on a more personal note, don't allow fear to prevent you from finding yourself."

Brad smiled. "I won't."

Warren clapped his hands. "Okay. What do you say we get back to the party, then?"

"Go ahead," I told him. "We'll be in soon. I want to talk to Brad."

Warren was about to say something but thought better of it. Instead, he said to Bill, "Come on, Babe. J'ai faim." He took Bill's hand and led him back into the ballroom.

"You're always hungry," Bill replied.

I turned to face Brad and took his hands in mine. We just looked at each other for awhile. "I'm scared to death, you know that?"

Brad laughed nervously. "I'm terrified. Can't you feel me shaking? And my pits are soaked. I must stink."

I laughed with him. "I wasn't going to mention it."

We laughed for a bit, and Brad turned more serious again. "Are you gay, Ted?"

"I don't know, Brad, but if that's what it means to fall in love with you, then I guess I am." I thought it best not to ask what Brad was thinking about himself. He was still trying to figure it out.

His eyes flicked back and forth between mine. "I think I want to break my word again."

I smiled at him. "I think I want you to."

Brad's arms came around my neck and he moved closer. His lips found mine and we spent the next few minutes tasting each other. I could feel him beginning to swell against me, and I responded in the same way. That's when he pulled away from me. He smiled shyly. "I can't hide it in these clothes. I think we'd better go back so slowing things down again."

"I agree," I said.

"Will you come to the bathroom with me? I want to at least wash my pits and dry my shirt out a bit."

"Sure." We started walking side-by-side down the hall, and then I felt him slipping his hand into mine. I began walking a little taller.

* * * * *

"I wasn't sure you guys were coming back," Randy said when we arrived back at our table. "I was getting a little worried. Is everything okay?"

I smiled at him. "Everything's wonderful," I said. I pulled a twenty out of my wallet and handed it to Randy. "Would you be a sweetie and fill us up again? Get whatever you want for yourself."

"I'll get your drinks, but I really should get going after."

I looked at my watch. "It's still early yet."

"I know," Randy said, "but I need to start looking for a way to get home."

"Where's home?" Brad asked.

"Hamilton," Randy replied.

"Whoa," I said. "Too far for me to drive tonight."

"Don't worry. I'll manage. I always do."

"And if you don't," Brad said, "where will you sleep?"

"I've slept on park benches before."

Brad grabbed my forearm. "Ted."

I looked at him and, somehow, I knew what he was thinking. I looked back at Randy. "We have a room here. Two beds. You can have one bed and we'll take the other. I'll drive you home in the morning."

Randy sat back in his chair. "I don't do sex with people I don't really know. Especially if it's just to have someplace to sleep."

I chuckled lightly. "And we don't do sex just to give someone a place to sleep." I held up my hand. "This is the only sex I've had in three and a half years since my wife cut me off."

Randy looked incredulous. He glanced over at Brad. "Since I was twelve," Brad said.

The young man looked back and forth between me to Brad. One side of his mouth curled up into a confused smirk. "Aw, come on. You're both joking, right?"

"No joke," I said sincerely.

"Would you admit to seven years of diddling and no sex?" Brad said.

Randy took a deep breath. "You guys really on the up-and-up?"

"Yes, we are," I said and held out the bill. "Now, come on. Stay for one more drink, think about it, and if you decide not to stay, I'll see that you get home tonight somehow."

He thought for a long moment, nodded, and took the money from my hand.

"You don't mind sleeping in the same bed with me?" Brad asked after Randy had disappeared into the crowd.

"Why? Do you?"

"No. I think I'd like to sleep with you." He thought about what he had said and he blurted out, "I mean. . . um. . ."

"I know what you mean, Brad," I laughed. "Tonight, it's just the snoring kind. I'm not ready for the grunting and groaning kind yet."

Brad laughed, chipped tooth and all.

* * * * *

It was after two before we said our goodbyes and best wishes to Bill and Warren. They kissed us both and wished us their own best wishes and Bill promised to send out the names of the investigators as soon as he could. I promised Warren we would be back before his surgery, and then we were on our way to the room with Randy in tow. He'd decided to stay

Randy hit the bathroom first, taking a leak and washing up. He came out and started to undress as Brad took his turn. He already had his shirt off and told me he was going to rinse it out in the sink before he took a quick shower. I sat up in bed, waiting my turn. I looked over at Randy when I heard his shoes hitting the floor. He was facing away from me, pulling down his pants. I looked away again.

He was a good kid. I liked him. He was taller than I am and just as thin, but a lot more muscular. He had jet black hair and blue, deep-set eyes. His face was handsome and powerful. He had a strong nose and full lips, but the dark shadow on his cheeks and chin and over his lips belied his youthfulness. It was that kind of shadow that was always there, no matter how closely he shaved.

I could hear him getting into bed and under the covers. "Ted?" he said, and I turned to look at him. He was facing away from me, but had turned his head to look at me. "Thanks for everything."

"No problem," I said. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight," he replied, then turned away, pulled the blankets up around himself, and fell silent.

Brad opened the bathroom door awhile later, all showered and clean. He held a towel and his wet shirt in front of himself as he peeked around the corner. His suit pants and tie were in his other hand. He saw Randy in bed, then came on into the room. I climbed out of bed as he laid his shirt over the back of a chair. He wore only his underwear. As I passed, he handed me the towel. It was wet and I realized he'd only brought it out to cover himself.

"What side of the bed to you want?" he whispered. I pointed to the outside and he nodded.

When I came out, Brad was already in bed lying on his side and facing away from the middle. Randy was already snoring softly. I put my folded clothes on the chair, turned off the bedside lamp, and climbed into bed on my side. "Goodnight, Brad," I whispered.

"Nite, Ted," he replied.

* * * * *

Brad was facing me when I woke up. He was close and his left arm was wrapped around my own. I could feel his breath on my shoulder. I looked at him and saw Randy sitting on the side of his bed. He was already dressed.

"Good morning," I said softly.

"Hi," he said. "I didn't wake you up, did I?" Brad stirred beside me.

"No," I said. "How long have you been awake?"

"Oh, an hour or so."

"Good morning," Brad said. "Oh, God. Morning breath. And I forgot to bring a toothbrush."

"I've got these," Randy said as he rose from his bed. He held out a small packet. It was those breath-freshener strips you put on your tongue.

"Thanks," Brad said. He pulled one out and put it on his tongue, then took out another and held it out to me. I opened my mouth, stuck out my tongue, and he plopped it on and handed the packet back to Randy. "Um. . ." he said. "Would you mind waiting in the bathroom for a minute until I get dressed?"

"Sure," Randy said and did as he'd been asked, closing the door behind him.

Brad looked at me with panic in his face. "What in hell am I going to do with this!" he whispered urgently. He hadn't been close enough for me to feel it, but I knew exactly what he was talking about.

"Will it go down by itself?"

"Yes, but not for an hour or so."

"How long would it take to jerk it?"

"Huh! The way I shoot? I can't hide that, either. Ted, what am I going to do?"

I thought quickly. "Okay, just get dressed and hold your jacket in front of you."

"That will look stupid!"

"Not if I do it, too. We don't have any other choices except to leave Randy in there twiddling his thumbs for an hour." He paused. "Look. You just have to get from here to the elevator. I'll give you the car keys and stop at the lobby. You and Randy go on down to the parking garage. Remember where we parked?"

Brad nodded. "E-12."

"Right," I added. "I'll pay up and check out and meet you at the car. We'll stop for breakfast somewhere. You should be soft by then, right?"

"Probably."

"Then that's the plan. Now, come on. We can't leave Randy in there forever."

"Okay."

"Just another minute, Randy!" I shouted.

Randy's voice was muffled. "Oh, good. I thought you guys were going to skip out on me."

I watched with fascination as Brad dressed and hid himself as best he could. It was a marvel to behold. He didn't seem shy about it anymore. At least with me. He was quite comfortable, actually. His cock stood straight up out of his underwear, held in place against his belly. He pulled on his socks first, then his suit pants and shirt. He tucked in his shirt, sucked in his gut, and zipped up as far as he could. He left the button undone. With his jacket in front of him, he looked quite presentable.

"Can't see him," I told him. "Do you want to use the bathroom first?"

You go," he said. "I can't go until this thing goes down." He sat in the chair, his jacket held in front of him.

"Okay, Randy!" He opened the door. "Just a quick leak and we're on our way." Fortunately, it didn't take me as long to lose my morning hardon. A minute later and I was ready to go. I grabbed my jacket, held it in front of me, and made a quick, final check of the room. Then we were off.

* * * * *

We hadn't driven very far when Brad pointed out the Golden Arches. "Can we stop there?" he asked. The wink he gave me told me that he was ready to have his morning pee. I pulled in and Brad was on his way before I got my door open.

I was just about to close the door when I noticed Randy hadn't moved. I bent down and looked into the back seat. "Well, come on," I said with a smile. "Breakfast."

"You're a nice guy, Ted, but I don't have enough money at home to pay you back."

"And I'll be damned if I'm going to let you sit out here drooling while we're stuffing our faces. Now, get your ass out of my car and take it inside."

And then he smiled at me and opened the door.

* * * * *

"I hope he does okay," Brad said as I drove back toward Toronto on the QEW. "I liked him. I wish he lived closer. I think we could become good friends."

"What was he whispering when he was helping you after that guy squished your nuts?"

"He was saying how sorry I was and asking if I wanted to go the hospital. Stuff like that." He paused for a moment. "He was crying, Ted."

"I hadn't noticed. I was too worried about you."

"I think that's why we could be friends. If he was hurt and crying like that, I'd be crying, too."

"What if it was me?"

He looked at me. The scenery zipped by and Lake Ontario sparkled outside his window. And then he said, "You don't want to know, and I hope neither of us ever have to find out."

* * * * *

I was sitting on the wall having my first smoke of the day. I had my bottle of beer in my hand. Brad's was waiting for him. The sun was shining way too brightly and burned down on me. Off to my left, I heard "Ding-a-ling-a-ling." I looked, and there was Brad, heading toward me. He had on only his faded cut-offs.

"What in hell's all that ‘ding-a-ling' stuff?" I said, grinning.

"Cowbells."

I laughed hard. He picked up the unopened beer, stepped over the wall, and sat beside me. "Is this for me?" he asked as he twisted off the cap.

"No," I said. "Claude Rains."

"Who?"

"Google him," I said. "Hey, what's with the shorts? I thought you were going to slow things down."

"Yeah, well," he answered, "I figured if we could sleep together and all I got out of it was a hardon, I'd be safe wearing these. I'll change if you want."

I could see he was serious about the offer. I was just as serious with my response. "I don't want."

He smiled. "Oh, Mom says you're invited for dinner tonight. Roast beef. She won't take ‘no' for an answer."

"And I haven't had roast beef in years," I said. "I accept."

We talked and joked and had a lot of fun just being together. I told Brad he had the day off until I could pick up the paint. No problem for him. He said he'd work on the landscaping program and do some phoning around for materials and stuff.

Dinner was delicious. Brad had changed shorts and had pulled on a T-shirt, and then we just sat around talking with his parent for hours. It was a good evening. We said our goodbyes on his front step.

"You just keep giving me better and better days," he said.

"Do you think your parents suspect what's going on with us?"

"Mom already knows," he said. "I tell her everything."

I waited. "And?"

"She's happy that it's you."

"Really?" I said, surprised. "What about you the way she feels about you?"

"She's happy that I'm happy."

"What about your Father?"

"Dad just wants what's best for me. And, if you're what's best for me, he'll be okay with it."

I just shook my head slowly. I looked at him and I inhaled him and I knew that he was best for me. He looked like he wanted to kiss me. I wanted to kiss him, too. I beat him to it.

"Goodnight, Brad," I said.

"Goodnight, Ted."

I walked home and looked back as I opened my door. Brad was still there watching me. I waved and he waved back at me, but he didn't move until I went inside and closed the door.

To Be Continued​

 

[gsdx]

Thanks for the edit, Autolycus. I proofed the damned thing, too. Unfortunately, my spell checker can't tell that 'been' is the wrong word. As long as it's spelt correctly, it says 'okey-dokey' and lets it pass.

I might post another chapter later today. (If I do, I'll give you a hint. Keep the Kleenex handy. I didn't, and my keyboard's all soggy.) I'm already half-way through writing Chapter 14, so I'm staying ahead of you guys.

By the way, for my own edification, my browser shows only 5 pages with each topic link, then it just adds 'Last Page' after it. When this thread is 5 pages full, would it be better to continue the story in a new thread?

 

[harry113]

Thanks, this just gets better & better