Ecstasy

Chapter 15
Anthony sipped from the water bottle thirstily before wiping his face with the small hand towel he’d brought with him. He’d never had that good a work out before and certainly not while punching the crap out of another opponent like he’d been doing.

“You alright?” Jake queried as he too sipped greedily from a water bottle.

“Yeah, just light headed.” Anthony winced a little as Jake slapped him on the back, chuckling to himself as he turned around to face a rather flustered looking Alan. Alan looked like a total bum, with his dreads tied up and a towel draped around his neck absolutely covered in sweat.

“What say we hit the weights for half an hour then we converge on the shower before having a steady walk home?” Anthony and Jake nodded in agreement as the three of them walked over to the massive floor space where all various different pieces of weight equipment sat. There were a few other students lifting various weights around but it wasn’t overly packed to say the least.

“Are you having a go Anthony?” Jake put his water bottle down by the side of a bench, as did the rest of them.

“No you go for a bit, I’m fucked.” Alan laughed at Anthony’s comment as Jake got himself comfy on the bench as Alan stood behind him for support to lift the weight.

“Yeah what ever you’re built like a bloody rock, I’ve never seen someone as little as you actually be that strong.” Anthony laughed and rested back against one of the rests watching as Jake strained and pulled to bring the bar up and down.

“Use to do this sort of stuff everyday, I was a rower in high school but I sort of got out of the habit after getting to Uni.” Alan nodded in interest as Jake put the bar back down on its safety catch and sat up panting.

“Could have picked you to be a rower you’ve got the shoulders like Alex.” Jake smiled at Anthony as he sipped from his water bottle.

“What does Alex row?” Anthony looked up at Alan for confirmation of Jake’s statement.

“She used to, one of the best in the faculty. If you look in the cabinet down stairs there’s all her trophies and medals.” Alan sighed as sat down next to Jake opposite Anthony on the bench.

“Don’t know why she stopped, Craig would probably know but she just stopped suddenly one day. I personally think something was said to her to make her quit but we’ll never know.” Anthony yawned before closing his eyes briefly, all the exercise had made him hungry and tired.
“I guess we better hit the showers.” Jake sat up from the bench glancing at his watch as he picked up his things. Alan smiled a little wickedly as Anthony agreed with Jake before standing up and making their way over to the lockers and the showers. Most of the other people in the gym had left by now and so they were the only ones left in the silent gym. The three of them stood in front of their lockers as they grabbed out some clothes and a towel for the showers. Anthony glanced nervously across at Jake and Alan who’d wrapped their towels around their waists beforoppropping their shorts and underwear to go over to the showers. He felt kind of strange what with being with two other pretty good-looking males and both of them waiting for him to do the same. Gingerly he did the same making a point to walk to the far end of the partitioned showers. Another reason Anthony was slightly nervous was because of the fact that there were no doors on the showers only small walls between each shower, so that you could talk to you’re neighbor. Anthony kept his eyes facing forward as he stepped into the shower dropping the towel.

“Could pass me the soap please.” Alan smiled wickedly as he turned to talk to Anthony over the wall. Jake and Alan could tell how nervous Anthony was as he all but jumped out of his skin at Alan’s comment before gingerly handing over the soap.

“So Anthony how do you feel now, after getting rid of the stress?” Jake smiled briefly down at Anthony as he washed his strawberry red hair. Anthony swallowed hard before smiling as best he could down at Jake, despite his own extremely conscious nerves.

“Better I guess, I still don’t think I’ll be able to look at him straight but that’s how it goes.” Alan nodded catching a glimpse of Anthony as he glanced down into Alan’s shower before quickly looking up and closing his eyes then dunking his head under the water.

She walked silently into the room the steam filtering to the roof and out of the vents as all three of them showered without knowing her presence. Sitting down quietly on the bench in front of their lockers, she glanced over each one of them individually before her eyes finally came to rest on the small figure in the last stall. She’d been watching them in the gym for sometime, listening to their conversations and watching their testosterone fuel their little ego’s and pride. They were all extremely strong but this new one was just growing in strength every day that he was living in the house. She’s sensed the fact that he’d too noticed his own strength growing but was still confused at why. He would become dangerous if she didn’t watch him carefully and treated him with respect. It was amazing at how he was so unaware of what was happening to him but still able to use it to his advantage occasionally. She’d never once in her entire life seen a hunter this strong or powerful and still be totally oblivious to what he was or what he was becoming. She smiled as she listened into their conversation quietly, her eyes never leaving the last stall and the small figure in the mist. It would prove her greatest challenge to overcome but she’d get credit for if she did it on her own.

Alan took a deep breath as he glanced down at Anthony while he had his eyes closed and lifted an eyebrow at what he saw. He now knew why Dawson had stuck around for so long, anyone in his right mind wouldn’t have given up Anthony unless it was really necessary. It was time Anthony learned how real queers went on in the real world, with know one to protect them.

“Do I make you nervous Anthony?” Anthony’s eyes sprung open at Alan’s comment as Alan leaned against the partitioned wall staring at Anthony’s concerned little expression.

“No not really.” Anthony swallowed hard trying to sound as convincing as possible considering he could see everything that Alan had, including the silver bar through the end of his cock.

“Hey Alan lay off it.” Jake looked across at Alan with contempt as Alan persisted to talk to Anthony about things.

“So you’ve not been with any one else all through you’re bi life but Dawson?” Anthony took a deep breath and looked to the ground as Alan questioned him further about Dawson and him.

“Expect all the chicks that we’ve had but apart from that Dawson’s the only male as such.” Alan nodded but they all froze as a soft voice floated suddenly into the conversation.

“That proves he’s just loyal and consistent and not a mutt like you my dear Mr Mavis.” They all spun around in unison all so surprised at someone else being in the change rooms as well as themselves especially a woman.

“Fuck Alex what the hell are you doing here?” Jake spoke softly as all three men grabbed their towels quickly as Alex raised an eyebrow at them seductively.

“Came down to hurry you along, I’m sick of being mothered by Craig I’ve only got a cold for gods sake.” Anthony wrapped the towel tightly around his waist watching in amazement as Alan walked straight over to her minus the towel. She just smiled at him as he kissed her quickly on the cheek before grabbing some clothes out of the locker. Anthony followed Jake out into the locker area to there own stuflittlittle more covered than Alan had been in front of Alex. It was kind of weird that she’d not reacted at all to Alan or seeing them naked in the shower, it was like she didn’t care. Usually females would have screamed or at least blushed but she just sat there watching them get dressed not even caring as Alan stood directly in front of her totally naked.

“God Alan you’re a poser.” Jake snapped as Alan turned around front on to face Alex, his cock just at her eye level as she sat on the bench.

“What she’s seen it before it’s not like it’s going to suddenly change, although….” They all had to smile as Alan looked down at Alex seductively as she ro her her eyes at him.

“You wouldn’t be able to handle me Alan, you stick to what you know best.” Anthony huffed a little laugh as Alex lightly flicked the silver bar in the end of his penis before getting up from the seat to walk over to the large mirror.

“So what are we having for dinner?” Jake questioned after an extended silence between the little group.

“Lamb and something green.” They all laughed at the way Alex had just said that little sentence so obviously disgusted by what was on the menu. Anthony continued to get dressed a little more cautiously though after all he had a feeling that Alex had already seen enough of him than he desired to show her.

“Sounds…….great.” Alan commented as he put the wet towel back in his bag, before throwing it over his shoulder. “Now what say we cruise?” Alan looked around to make sure Anthony and Jake were ready to go before smiling back at Alex who rolled her eyes.

They were all a little stunned at how cold it was outside compared to the cool day that had just past. Anthony did up his leather jacket as Alex snuggled down in her cape at his side.

“Do you even know how to cruise Alan?” Jake questioned as they walked out of the gym and into the fresh night air.

“Of course I do watch.” They all began to laugh hysterically as Alan did a little John Travolta strut down the pavement in front of them.

“That’s more of a strut than a cruise.” Anthony smiled as Alan hopped around in front of them before slowing down to walk at the side of him.

“I’d like to see you do better?” Alan glared at Anthony smilingly as Anthony shook his head in refusal, there was no way he was going to make a fool of himself in public.

“I think I’ll pass I’m to cold to strut or even cruise for that matter, plus I haven’t got a lot to strut about.” Anthony’s voice trailed off as they stopped at the lights waiting patiently to cross. Alan glanced across at Jake who sighed and shrugged his shoulders, if Anthony was going to take this extremely hard there was not much point in trying to argue the point. However Alan was determined to see Anthony out of the slump, after all Anthony was an absolutely gorgeous young man and he needed to get out and about as soon as possible.

“I heard about the tiff this morning, I’m sorry I mentioned it last night. I had no right to say it.” The group fell deadly silent as Alex glanced across at Anthony at her side her voice hesitating a tone that would suggest regret. Alan and Jake were quite amazed Alex hardly ever apologized or regretted anything, mainly because she didn’t do anything wrong in the first place.
“No I knew it was coming just a matter of time I suppose.” Alex smiled softly as Anthony sighed heavily as they walked the last few meters up the gravel path to the front door of the house.

“Well my dear Anthony in you’re presence you have one of the most talented queer’s that we have to offer. So don’t go moping around for to long because I’m damn sure he’ll be willing to take care of you and show you a few things that we queers think are necessities when single and searching in the gay world.” Alan smiled as Alex took hold of Anthony’s hands and held them in hers before kissing him lightly on the forehead. “And believe me when I say you’ve got friends you can trust here.” With that she dropped his hands softly before walking silently into the house, leaving Alan, Jake and Anthony all standing gobsmacked in their own thoughts over what Alex had just done and said.

“Jesus you got a kiss, I’ve been here three years and she’s never once actually voluntarily given me a kiss anywhere.” Jake glanced across at Anthony who felt his cheeks go a little red under Alan and Jake’s stares.

“I think she’s really sick of on something.” Alan breathed as he followed Anthony and Jake inside still a little stunned at Alex’s sudden warm streak for Anthony.

The air in the dinning room had been extremely thick tonight and everyone had felt the tension between Dawson and Anthony most acutely. They’d not spoken two words to one another over the whole course of the meal, what with Dawson sitting next to Josh and Anthony next to Alan. They’d essentially swapped partners, accept the fact that Josh and Dawson were involved and Alan and Anthony were defiantly not involved. Anthony was so relieved when Craig finally made the first excuse to leave the table giving everyone a way out of the uncomfortable dinner. Alex had refused to eat dinner with them in a cold room and had eaten dinner alone in front of the fire much to Anthony and Craig’s dismay. Suddenly to Anthony Alex had become the sort of person who’d learned to like him rather it being the other way around like it had been in the past. Finally someone had learned to like him for who he was and not judged him on his sexuality or his looks.

“Drink?” Craigeredered to the general company as they put their plates in the kitchen before making their way into the lounge room. Anthony smiled as he sat down next to Alex on the couch who curled up into the pillow with her feet on his lap. Craig had noted the way Alex had suddenly taken to Anthony all of a sudden, usually she hated all new company but Anthony had fitted right into her little world. Everyone nodded their approval as Craig began to hand out the drinks.

“Alex you want something?” Alan queried as he sat down in front of the couch where Alex and Anthony were sitting.

“No I’m fine thanks, I can’t taste anything it’d be a waste really.” Anthony could feel everyone looking at him questioningly as Alex lay out fully on the couch, her legs across Anthony’s knees as he gently stroked her leg.
“So has anyone been hassled by the society yet?” Josh broke the sudden silence as he sat down on Dawson’s lap over on the armchair.

“I doubt they’ll come out of their shells for awhile but they will eventually and I guess we’ll be their main target of abuse.” Jake stood up in front of the fire warming his arse as he addressed the question at hand. Alan glanced up at the armchair where Dawson and Josh where getting quite cosy together while Antholarelared at them with contempt. Craig noted the smug little looks Dawson was giving Anthony as he and Josh all but got with one another on the chair in front of him. Something was going to come to a head soon enough if they kept going, Anthony’s anger clearly visible to everyone in the room.

“I think I’ll go wash up it’s my turn anyway, would you mind helping Anthony?” Alan stood up immediately as Anthony took in a deep breath so close to saying something. Anthony diverted his attention for a moment as Alan smiled down at him cautiously.

“Yeah, what ever.” Alex moved her feet just enough for Anthony to get up before she put them back down in his warm spot watching out of the corner of her eye as Anthony and Alan disappeared into the kitchen. She’d seen, heard and felt what had gone on and the fact that Alan had averted a possible fight again, something they all didn’t need tonight.

“Arsehole.” Alan whispered as he began to fill the sink with warm water and washing up liquid watching as Anthony grabbed the tea towel.

“I can’t believe he’s being so public about it.” Anthony sighed quietly back as leant against bench taking the washed dishes off Alan, wiping them and putting them away.

“He’s just doing to get to you, he wants a reaction from you and while ever you say stuff he’s winning.” Alan looked sideways at Anthony as Anthony nodded and sighed heavily.

“Can I ask you something?” Alan nodded as Anthony sat himself up on the bench, watching as Alan finished the last few dishes.

“Yeah sure.” Anthony glanced into the lounge room to make sure no one was listening, before leaning in close to whisper to Alan.

“Did you feel strange at the gym this afternoon?” Alan raised and eyebrow at Anthony, confused by his meaning.

“No not really apart for a shocking back ache, but what do you mean?” Anthony thought about it for a while before replying quietly again.

“Just before Alex suddenly turned up, did yeel eel funny inside?” Alan smiled at that comment, he definitely felt funny inside after seeing Anthony the way he was however Alan knew that wasn’t what Anthony was talking about.
“Hey if you’re cut over the shower thing I’m sorry, it just pisses me off when other men get all shy and coy over seeing each other naked, its not big deal.” Anthony looked up at Alan and shook his head in repute.

“No that’s not it, I mean don’t you find it strange that she just suddenly appears places at seemingly the right time?” Alan shrugged his shoulders still confused at what Anthony was on with.

“Alex goes where she pleases, you just except that she might just turn up, she’s like that, it’s part of her nature I suppose.” Both men jump a li as as someone buts into their conversations.

“What are you two little boy’s bitching about?” Anthony breathed out heavily as Craig smiled at them from the kitchen door before walking over to put his cup in the sink.

“Nothing much.” Alan added, winking at Anthony as Anthony jumped down off the bench to let Craig past to get to the cupboard.

“Oh yeah I’ve heard that one before.” Both Alan and Anthony blushed as Craig looked at the suspiciously. “Well we’re going to bed okay, Alex is staying with me tonight, she’s pretty sick. You going to be alright on your own?” Craig looked directly at Anthony who nodded as best he could despite the fact he was still apprehensive about spending the night on his own. He knew it was childish of him to be actually scared, he’s have to get used to it on his own sometime he might as well start tonight.

“Yeah.” Anthony whispered as Alan looked at him a little stunned, obviously he’d not heard about Anthony staying with Craig at night. They both stood in silence as Craig smiled and disappeared back into the lounge room. Anthony lowered his head as he became more aware of Alan staring at him.

“Since when is Mr Fox staying in Craig’s room?” Anthony rolled his eyes, he knew that was coming.

“Since I was feeling down the other night and needed company. It was one night and it made me feel like I was eight.” Alan laughed as he patted Anthony on the back as they walked into the now empty lounge room.

“Don’t stress I’d be shit scared sleeping so close to the top floor on my own as well.” Alan flicked off the lights as they walked to the bottom of the stairs to go up to the next floor.

“Thanks for making me feel better about tonight.” Anthony bit sarcastically as he caught a glimpse of the knife sticking out of the end of the banister. It made him shiver every time he looked at it, the painful cut in his hand a constant reminder of its presence. Alan smiled guiltily as they got to the top of the stairs, Alan watching as Anthony stood at the bottom of the next set of dark stairs.
“You sure you’re going to be alright?” Alan questions softly as he watched Anthony stare blankly up at the stairs. “Anthony?” Alan urged again, as Anthony seemed transfixed on something up the stairs. “Anthony!” Anthony all but jumped out of his skin as Alan placed a hand on his shoulder in an attempt to gis ais attention again.

“Sorry what did you say?” His voice wavered a little as he kept glancing up to the dark staircase and what lay a head for him.

“Don’t worry about it, just wait here and I’ll get my stuff I’ll stay with you tonight.” Anthony watched and smiled a little as Alan walked into his room leaving Anthony on his own at the bottom of the stairs. It seemed like forever in the silence before Alan emerged with his own pillow, some clean boxers and a few other bits.

“Thanks, you don’t have to I know why you all sleep on this level.” Alan laughed and nodded as he took a deep breath and glanced up the dark stairs. It had been two years since he’d been up stairs, the last time he’d been up stairs was when Craig had lost his girlfriend and they all had to identify the body or what was left of it.

“Hey we’ll be fine, if not you can permanently move into my room and that’s a promise.” Anthony smiled and nodded as Alan took a deep breath and began up the stairs, Anthony close at his back.

“Jesus it’s cold up here.” Anthony shivered as he and Alan swapped positions so that Anthony could open the door to his room. Alan relaxed a little as both men entered Anthony’s room, pleasantly surprised how warm it was compared to outside in the hall.

“It’s not to bad in here.” Alan flopped down on Anthony’s bed, kicking off his ugh boots as Anthony smiled weakly.

“Yeah well it’s only been recently that’s it warmed up, it used to be colder than outside.” Alan looked up suddenly at what Anthony had just said as they both stared at one another in silence.

“Freaky shit.” Alan breathed as he stood up and began to take of his shirt. Anthony took a deep breath and looked away as Alan got changed in front of him, changing his boxers and all. It was weird that Alan could do that without the slightest hesitation what so ever, Anthony how ever took a little longer making sure that he was fairly covered most of the time. “Right a quick dash to the toilet next door, and then back as quickly as possible I’m not fond of that particular bathroom.” Anthony nodded as he followed Alan out into the corridor again, both of them in just their boxers and skipping across the cold floor.

“You can go first.” Anthony closed the door and cleaned his teeth while Alan went to the toilet. Alan couldn’t help but smile as he caught a glimpse of Anthony watching him in the mirror. If it killed him he’d teach Anthony not to be as shy about making moves on other men, and now with Dawson out of the picture it was perfect.
“Excuse me.” Anthony shifted across from the sink to the toilet as Alan came over to wash his hands, and clean his own teeth with his own brush he’d brought with him. Alan noted the way Anthony was extremely hesitant about taking it out to go to the toilet with him standing there. Anthony could feel Alan looking at him as he hung a leak before quickly putting his cock away again and going to wash his hands.
They both walked back into Anthony’s room in silence, each of them slightly concerned about the night ahead.
“Jesus, you get a comfy bed.” Alan grumped as he jumped down onto the bed rolling under the covers over on the far side, leaving room for Anthony to get in. Anthony laughed and nodded, he’d assumed the fact the bed was still good was because it had hardly been used.
eah eah pity about the position of the room it’s in though.” Alan sighed as Anthony slipped in at the side of him, making sure that there was a definite gap between them. They both lay there for a while in silence staring up at the ceiling, after Anthony had turned out the big light only leaving the soft side light on. “How did you know Alex wasn’t going to react when you walked out of the shower at the gym?” Alan sat up on his elbow staring down at Anthony as Anthony continued to stare up at the ceiling.

“She’s done it before, walked in on us so it’s no big deal. It doesn’t effect her however stick her in a room full of naked women and she absolutely freaks. She goes into a shell and is obsessed with covering up, so we just assume she’s more comfortable with men.” Anthony looked across at Alan strangely, Alex was weird usually it would have been normal to be more comfortable with women.

“You don’t find that strange?” Anthony questioned, getting nosier and nosier as the more information about Alex was provided.

“Not really, you’ve not been a room where she’s got changed have you because if you had you’d understand why we don’t mind and don’t question it.” Anthony couldn’t help but smile at that remark, obviously there had to be an alteria motive to them all not caring about her seeing them naked. “So what’s with all the questions about Alex, you’ve taken quite a shine to her haven’t you?” Anthony began to blush as Alan raised an eyebrow at him suspiciously. It had been obvious to them all about how much Anthony and Alex were getting on together.

“Yeah she’s nice, I like her. I’m just interested to know about her.” Alan nodded unconvinced as Anthony went back to staring at he ceiling trying to act cool.

“Yeah whatever Fox, I’ve seen the way you look at her you can’t keep your eyes off her. Craig’s going to be pissed.” Anthony tutted and rolled his eyes as Alan smiled at him wickedly, then nudging him in the shoulder.

“I said I like her not love her, I admit she’s a picture perfect artwork that you can’t help but look at but, you know as well as I do that she’s not likely to date anyone. You said it yourself she’s never had a boyfriend, so why would she change suddenly now?” Alan continued to smile at Anthony widely as Anthony made an attempt to get himself out of shit that he was digging himself into.

“Alex is strange she could change, maybe she was just waiting for someone like you?” Anthony smacked Alan in the shoulder as he continued to persist that he had a crush on Alex.

“Besides I’m queer I prefer men any day, women are only good to keep lustful urges at bay.” Anthony closed his eyes after he realized what he’d just said, god he was stupid sometimes. “Sorry women are good for other things, but I still prefer men.” Alan nodded and sighed pulling himself closer to Anthony so that he could see Anthony’s facial expressiperfperfectly when he’d asked his question.

“Then why are you so damn scared of expressing yourself to the world, when you know what you are?” Anthony looked away from Alan’s eyes as he stared down at him confronting him on a subject that had plagued him for most of his life.

“Because I don’t want to get hurt, I got the crap beaten out of me everyday for being a queer in school, then not satisfied with that I’d also get the crap beaten out of me by my dad, who said that I was a disgrace to the family. I met Dawson and things got better, we kept it behind closed doors, and slept with women to keep people from talking. I was safe, but now I guess I’m once again open for ridicule because of my choices in partners. That’s why I don’t look at other men’s cocks in the bathroom, because of all the memories of getting my head kicked in for even glancing sideways in the toilets at school.” Alan watched as Anthony closed his eyes and turned over away from him, as tears fell silently down his cheeks.

“I’m sorry, people are so cruel sometimes.” Anthony sniffled a little as he felt Alan snuggled into his back, resting his head lightly at Anthony’s neck.

“I just don’t trust people, and up until a few days ago the only person I did trust was Dawson, but not now. I was stupid for trusting anyone.” Alan sighnd pnd pulled Anthony over back on his back to face him, before staring down at him sadly.

“You’ve got to trust someone Anthony, or you’ll go through life without company and I couldn’t see you doing that. Not as fucking cute as you are, I’d hate to see you alone knowing that there are men out there that would kill to have a partner like you.” Anthony blushed as Alan smiled softly down at him. “Now you’ve got to learn to relax around other le, le, especially men if you want to find another partner. So I’m suggesting that I take you out on the town this weekend, how about it?” It was weird hearing advice from another male, and it not being Dawson. YeahYeah I guess so.” Anthony whispered as Alan smiled and nodded, happy with the fact that he’d got some life out of Anthony.

“Trust me.” Alan whispered brushing his hand over Anthony’s cheek, as they stared at one another in silence. Anthony felt himself let go as Alan lowered his head and brushed his lips softly over Anthony’s. He’d never kissed another male before, apart from Dawson, so was slightly apprehensive about what came next. Alan smiled as he pressed his lips softly against Anthony’s gently pushing his tongue past his lips to tenderly taste Anthony. Anthony began to relax a little as Alan deepened the kiss, running his fingers softly through Alan’s hair while Alan pressed his body against Anthony’s. Anthony licked his lips lightly, slowly opening his eyes as Alan finally broke away from him. There was an eerie silence as they looked at one another before Alan smiled widely. “See you’re learning already.” With that they both began to giggle quietly. Anthony was ecstatic about kissing something so different and Alan was just happy he’d gotten a little closer to Anthony. Just as they composed themselves they stopped deadly silent as something moved outside the bedroom door, scraping along the wall or the floor.

“Shit, what was that?” Anthony breathed as he huddled into Alan’s side, hugging him tightly as they both were transfixed on the closed bedroom door.

“Our cue to get some sleep.” Alan smiled halfheartedly, well aware at how fast his heart was pumping at that particular moment as they both settled down in bed. “Light.” Alan gestured for Anthony to lean across and put out the light.

“Fuck off, I’m not doing it I’m likely to get my hand chopped off or something.” Anthony shook his head and snuggled further into Alan’s arms as Alan sighed and leaned over quickly and turned of the light, leaving them totally in the dark. “Oh god I don’t want to die.” Anthony whispered as they fell into silence and the scraping sound came back the other way.

“Shut up and kiss me, at least if we get horribly murdered we’ll have had made the most of our last moments alive.” Anthony swallowed hard as he felt Alan wrap his arms tightly around his waist, before they locked lips for the second time except this time more hesitant because of their own secret fears.

TBC.....................