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High School Romance

By: kitten2010



The last thing Brady expected when he walked in to the band room was to fall in love. He was going to ask the band director to find a recording of the National Anthem to play at a weight lifting fundraiser, but of course the eccentric woman wasn't there. Brady was in no rush to return to class and he figured that as a senior juggling student council and football, he had earned the right to be a lazy bum. He leaned against the wall and closed his eyes, feeling like passing out from the exhaustion of his hectic life. 

Piano music drifted from one of the practice rooms. It was a slow, melancholy piece that made chill bumps rise up on his arms. He followed the sound, almost helpless under its power. He had to hear more of it, see where it came from.

He found the source of the sound. A thin, pale boy with dark hair that was longer than most boys in the small town of Westmore wore their hair. It looked soft though, shiny. The boy's eyes were like a starless night sky and seemed to focus on nothing in particular. Brady watched his hands move across the keyboard. It was almost erotic the way his fingers made the music.

Brady stopped himself right there. What was he thinking? Erotic? Brady was straight. He liked girls. He liked how they looked and how they smelled and felt. But then...he watched the piano boy playing...and he loved the way he looked and he wondered how he smelled and felt.

He couldn't have those thoughts. His mother and stepfather would kill him. What would people think of him? "No," he said to himself. Blinking several times and turning his eyes away.

"What?" a voice behind him asked. Oh, how Brady hated freshman.

"Who is that?" he asked.

The pudgy girl with unfortunate skin squinted her eyes and looked into the room. "Ezra, the new kid. He's in your class."

Brady examined the boy again. Ezra was much smaller than any senior guy that Brady had ever seen. But that didn't really matter. Ezra looked like an angel and the music he played was nearly as beautiful as he was. Again, Brady mentally slapped himself. He shouldn't be calling another guy beautiful. He was not gay.

The freshman girl had been talking the whole time Brady was lost in thought and he had to ask her to repeat herself.

"He's like weird," the girl said. "He doesn't talk or anything. I think he's like special ed or something."

**

Later Brady's eyes were drawn to Ezra as he walked across the cafeteria. Standing, Ezra looked even smaller than Brady had first guessed. He was about five foot one and maybe a little over a hundred pounds. His clothes were all black or grey and his eyes showed the same vacant expression Brady had seen when Ezra was playing the piano.

"Hey," he said to his friends, "did you guys hear there's a new senior?"

"Yeah, some piano guy," Bryan said, before resuming the process of shoveling food into his mouth.

His friends didn't seem interested in the topic, but Brady did not give up. "Do any of you guys have a class with him?" he asked.

Bryan's smart girlfriend piped up. "He's in advanced math with me."

"What do you think of him?"

Paul laughed and said, "Why so interested, Walker? Got a little crush on him."

"Shut up," Brady snapped. He and Paul had always been rivals when it came to sports and girls. More often than not, Brady won, but Paul never failed to make life difficult for him.

"I didn't know you swung that way," Paul continued, and soon half of the group at the table was snickering.

"I don't, just ask your girlfriend," Brady said. Their lunch companions were loving the conflict and all of them reacted to what Brady said with a simultaneous "Ohhh!"

Paul's smile dropped and he stood, slamming his fists against the table. "Shut your mouth or I'll shut it for you."

Bryan sensed the situation escalating and intervened, "Easy now, no need to get into that." At that moment the bell rang, but Brady knew his comment would not go unpunished.

**

After school, Brady paced in front of the band room, debating going in. He wasn't even sure Ezra was there, but he just wanted a chance to see him again. Finally, he went in.

"Brady!" the band director said loudly, rushing over to him. "How are you? How is your mom? Great job in the game last Friday! You know you're the band's favorite!!"

He smiled, and accepted the compliment, but the truth was he kind of hated the attention sometimes. "I'm good and so is my mom. Mrs. S, I was wondering if you had a recording of The Star-Spangled Banner. The principal wants it played before the fundraiser this weekend."

The older woman made a great show of thinking about his request. "Well, I don't believe we have any recordings, but I could have one made. In fact..."

Without finishing her thought, Mrs. Smith started walking away from him. Brady followed uncertainly. She stopped in front of the piano room, where a fast and complicated melody was playing. She spoke to the person inside and then stepped out. "We'll have your recording in a moment."

Ezra emerged from the practice room and Brady felt a chill at the sight of him. Ezra didn't seem to notice Brady.

Brady knew he didn't have to stick around, but he took a seat and watched as Mrs. S set up the recording equipment. Ezra disappeared into a room and returned with two silver trumpets and sheet music.

Fifteen minutes later, Mrs. S handed Brady a CD and sent both boys on their way.

"So, when did you move here?" Brady asked.

Ezra didn't answer and continued to walk towards the parking lot.

Brady normally parked by the athletic complex, but he followed Ezra anyway.

"Hey, I think its cool how you play music and stuff like that. I tried to back in elementary, but I was no good at it. My parents didn't want me to be in band. They wanted me to be in sports. My dad...well stepdad, he was always pushing me to do football. I don't really like it though."

Brady stopped rambling and realized he had just told Ezra something he hadn't told anyone before. Ezra still wasn't speaking, but Brady noticed that he had started to look over at him. That seemed like a good sign.

"So, when did you start playing piano like that?"

No reply.

"Hey, since you're new and all do you want to go do something? I could show you a good place to eat if you're hungry."

Still no reply.

"Are you hungry?"

Finally, a nod.

**

Ezra hadn't said a word through their meal and as Brady drove him back to his vehicle at the high school he started to wonder why. As he studied Ezra's eyes, it seemed less like it was detachment they reflected, but some unspeakable pain. Brady wanted to hold him close and he didn't care anymore what others would think. He'd given up fighting the attraction he felt.

"Ezra, I got something to say. Please don't freak out."

Ezra nodded absently. Brady parked his truck next to the only remaining car in the high school parking lot.

Brady took a deep breath and started to pour his heart out. "I have these feelings for you that I don't understand. I'm not gay, I swear, but you make me...I mean I don't know where this came from. I saw you today and I just couldn't stop thinking about you. I want to know everything about you. I want to hold you and...other things. Are you as freaked out as I am? Because I don't understand why I feel this way. All I know is I want you."

Ezra was staring at Brady now, still no words.

Brady sighed. "Well...I guess let me help you out of the truck."

Brady went to the passenger side and opened the door. Ezra used Brady's arm to step out of the truck, but he didn't let go. Brady was bent down to eye level with the boy that was a foot shorter than him.

Ezra softly kissed Brady's cheek, smiled distantly, and then got into his car. Brady was still standing dumbfounded as Ezra drove away.

**

Brady's light brown hair was curly and wet as he stepped out of the locker room. He drifted over to where the band was quickly and efficiently storing their equipment and returning it to the band room. Ezra was there, as Brady knew he would be. He had been sort of stalking his classmate since that sweet kiss on the cheek. He knew it wasn't much, but he'd relived it a thousand times since then. There was something about Ezra that made Brady want to share all his secrets. Brady waited until Ezra started to walk towards the parking lot.

"Hey, wait up!" he called.

Ezra turned and Brady jogged to catch up to him. Brady couldn't figure out if Ezra even liked seeing him, but for Brady there was no option. He had to.

"You know, I can never figure out what you're thinking," Brady said. "Do you even like me? At all?"

Ezra nodded.

"OK, well I was wondering...I mean I don't know if this is something you would like but I know this place no one goes. I just thought maybe you would want to come and just hang out. Just me and you."

They reached Brady's truck and Ezra smiled. Brady helped him into the truck and drove down the country back roads, so far in the middle of nowhere that none of his friends would dare go back there for their drunken parties.

Brady parked next to a pond that was like black glass that reflected the full moon and stars above them. He went to the passenger side and opened the door. Ezra looked uncertain and didn't remove his seatbelt to step outside of the vehicle.

"It's alright. Trust me." Brady held out his hand. Ezra was frozen for a moment, several emotions swirling in his eyes, but finally he unbuckled and took Brady's hand.

They sat in the truck bed and looked at the stars for a while.

"Man, I really like you," Brady said. "I couldn't do this with any of my friends. They just don't appreciate this. Do you like this? Was this a good idea?" Brady glanced in Ezra's direction and saw him shivering. He fumbled trying to remove his letterman jacket but finally got out of it and wrapped it around Ezra's shoulders. He couldn't resist kissing Ezra on the forehead. Ezra looked at him for a moment and then returned his gaze to the stars, but Brady noticed that Ezra had slightly shifted to be closer to him.

"You're really cute, you know that?" Brady said and then he laughed a little. "I still can't get used to this. I always thought I was straight. But I don't know what I am now. You're all I think about, honestly. I haven't thought about a girl since I saw you that day when you were playing the piano. You're just unbelievably beautiful." He laughed again. "Imagine if anyone knew I was saying this. My stepdad would beat the crap out of me. I mean, if he could. I don't let him do that anymore." Brady realized he was rambling again and stopped talking for a moment. "You know, I don't get how you say nothing and I'm telling you all my secrets."

Ezra was looking at Brady, with a half smile on his face and his eyes unreadable. Brady thought for a moment they might kiss, but then pain flared in his back and he couldn't manage to cover his reaction. Ezra's eyebrows came closer together and the look in his eyes seemed to ask 'What's wrong?'

"My back. I've had this pain ever since my stepdad threw me off the porch when I was ten. It only hurts after a long practice or a game. I forgot to bring my pills for it too."

Ezra scooted and situated himself behind Brady and started to rub his small, warm hands over Brady's back. Brady recalled how those hands could bring music from the piano so beautifully and he felt warmth in his stomach that spread over his body as Ezra's hands worked the knots out of his back. Brady felt himself growing hard and finally he couldn't resist turning his body to face Ezra. Their eyes met for a moment and Brady put his hand under Ezra's chin.

After what felt like forever, Brady brought Ezra close to him and their lips met. Brady slipped his tongue into Ezra's mouth and it tasted sweeter than he'd dreamt about. He put his arms around Ezra, feeling his small body surrounded by the thick material of the jacket. Brady wanted to be as close as possible. He slipped his arms into the jacket. Ezra made a soft moaning sound and pressed himself closer to Brady, his small hands now digging into Brady's shoulders.

Brady started to work his fingers under Ezra's layers of shirts, finally reaching the warm skin of his back. He wanted to rip the cloth away and kiss Ezra everywhere on his body. His finger brushed a slightly raised area, softer than the skin around it. Ezra's body went stiff and he started to push Brady away.

Brady removed his hand and started to panic. "Look, I'm sorry. I didn't know."

Ezra had retreated all the way to the back of the truck bed and a single tear ran down his face.

"I'm sorry," Brady said softly, approaching him slowly. He felt like a cold fist was clenching his stomach and his throat was tight. "I didn't mean to. I won't touch you again unless you want me too. Please don't be upset."

Finally Brady was beside Ezra. "I'm sorry. Was that a scar? I'm sorry. I don't want to know unless you want me to. You're in control, Ezra, I swear."

A few more tears had made their way on to Ezra's cheeks and he wouldn't look at Brady.

"Can I wipe your tears away? I swear that's all I want."

Ezra didn't react, but Brady slowly raised his hand and wiped away the glistening tears. "I'm sorry. I always felt like there was something about you. Is that why you never talk? Look, I don't want anything from you that you don't want to give."

Ezra flew into Brady's arms, kissing him all over his face, crying even more. He curled himself against Brady, kissing his neck and putting his arms around him tightly.

Brady smiled wider than he ever remembered. He rubbed his hand over Ezra's back. He didn't like that there was so much cloth between their skin, but still the moment was intimate. Finally Ezra let out a long, shuddering breath. Not only had he stopped crying, but he had fallen asleep.Ezra looked completely different while he slept. He looked much younger than he was and the innocent way he sucked on his index finger with his head on Brady's chest made Brady feel protective. Brady kissed his forehead for the second time that night.

Carefully, he carried Ezra from the bed of the truck, to the passenger seat. He drove slowly back to the farm-to-market road, back to the school, back to reality. He let his truck idle in the parking space next to Ezra's car.

He was feeling something unbelievable and exhilarating. It was love.

He glanced over at Ezra, curled up in Brady's letterman jacket that was like a blanket on him. He smiled and leaned over to kiss Ezra's cheek. As he was settling himself back in the driver's seat, he saw the clock in the corner of his eye. It was three o' clock. Two hours past curfew.

"I'm dead," Brady said. "Fuck."

He stepped out of the truck and went to the passenger side. He hated to wake Ezra, but the longer he sat there the drunker his stepdad would be and the worse the fight would be.

High School Romance Ch. 02



The windows of the house were dark but Brady knew better than to hope Steve was sleeping. He used his key to open the door. He saw the flash of movement just in time to deflect the punch. The smell of beer hit him like a train, pushing away the remnants of Ezra's baby shampoo scented hair.

Brady's vision clouded with anger. He was barely aware of the sounds of crashing and grunting. All he could think of was to punch and kick, anything to end it. 

An awful screeching sound filled the room and the grown man and teenager stopped their fighting. Brady's mom was holding a broken plate in her hand.

"This was the last fucking piece of my wedding China, Brady! I swear, you just have to destroy everything I have, don't you?!"

Brady wanted to shout that it wasn't just him, but he'd given up on that a long time ago. He knew where her loyalties were.

"Just get out!" she screamed.

Brady started to stand. Steve took the opportunity to punch Brady in the gut one last time as he limped towards the door, cussing and trying not to cry. He was facing another night sleeping in his truck. It just wasn't right, after the beauty of what had happened between him and Ezra. That memory brought back warmth to him and it was like something drew his eyes to the heap of cloth in his passenger seat. His jacket. He brought it to his face and laid down as comfortably as he could. All he could smell at first was his musty cologne, but he could detect traces of baby shampoo and lavender. Ezra.

It was insane how someone that had never spoken a word had changed his entire outlook on life. Other things mattered less now.

Saturday morning passed in a blur. The fundraiser was a success, but Brady never really cared about that.

Sunday dragged on until finally it was Monday, the first day of Spirit Week, and the cafeteria was buzzing with talk of the homecoming dance, so of course it was the topic of conversation at Brady's lunch table. He didn't care about the dance so he was silent.

"Man, I got so many girls wantin' to go with me," Paul bragged. "I don't know what I'm gonna do."

Brady rolled his eyes and glanced over to where Ezra sat. He had noticed that sometimes idiots would go and mess with Ezra. He wasn't going to allow it to continue. Everything looked fine.

"Hello? Brady?" a female voice interrupted his thought.

"What?" he said.

"I was asking if you have a date yet," Abby prompted.

Brady took a quick look at the blond cheerleader he had hooked up with once. She looked hopeful and that wasn't a good sign. He had to make it clear there was no chance that he would ask her or anyone. "Oh, I wasn't planning on going."

Several of his friends spoke at once. "It's your senior year!" "You can't miss this!" "You gotta come!"

"I just don't feel like it. It's always the same music and same decorations. I've been there, done that. I have better things to do."

They continued to try to convince him to show up, but he didn't want to. He didn't want some chick in a short skirt rubbing all over him. There was only one person he wanted to go with, and that would be too dangerous. There were no homosexuals in Westmore. There were more churches than school buildings. Still, Brady wished there was a way that they could share a dance.

**

When Brady arrived at his truck after the team predictably won the game, he saw Ezra already waiting there and couldn't help but smile. "Hey," he said, opening the passenger side door and helping Ezra up into the cab.

He drove to their spot, thinking how amazing it was that Ezra had taken the initiative to seek him out.

As he helped Ezra out of the truck he wrapped his letterman around the smaller boy's shoulders. Ezra smiled and looked up at Brady, the stars reflected in his eyes.

"You really look beautiful. I hope you know that." He knelt down and kissed Ezra's lips softly.

Suddenly, an idea struck him. "Hold on," he said, staring longingly at Ezra for a moment before opening the glove compartment. The mix CD of romantic songs had been there since he started sleeping around, but for once, he was using it for something good. He skipped to the last song and turned up the volume.

"Will you dance with me?"

Ezra blushed and looked away shyly.

"No one will see," Brady promised. He held out his hand and Ezra took it. They held each other close and swayed to the music. When the song ended, Brady bent down to kiss Ezra. Ezra's arms were locked around Brady's neck and Brady lifted him up. Ezra's legs wrapped around Brady's waist. Brady carefully carried him to the back of the truck and set him on the tailgate. They broke their kiss long enough for Brady to jump into the bed of the truck with Ezra, but soon their lips were locked together again. Ezra's hands slid over Brady's chest, exploring, and finally settling over his heart.

Brady backed away and started to lift Ezra's layers of shirts. Ezra's hands quickly stopped him.

"I just want to see," he whispered. "Please."

Ezra moved his hands away and looked up at the sky. Brady lifted Ezra's shirts up and started kissing his chest. He was moving down slowly, moving his tongue and lips over the lily white skin. He got down to Ezra's stomach to find that Ezra had covered it with his arms.

"It's alright," Brady said softly. "You don't have to let me see you. But just know that no matter what I see, you'll still be beautiful to me."

Ezra's eyes were filling with tears and Brady felt like his heart would burst. He hated this. The only tears he wanted to see from Ezra were tears of joy. He kissed Ezra's damp cheeks and whispered in his ear, "There's nothing you could do to change the fact that...I love you."

Ezra was so shocked by the statement that he stopped crying and just stared up at Brady's face. Slowly, he moved his arms away, cringing as he felt Brady's eyes slide down his body.

In stark contrast to his pale white skin, dark scars spelling the word SLUT were etched across Ezra's stomach. Brady stared for a while, wondering who had done that and how he could punish them. Brady gently kissed one of the scars and Ezra's stomach quivered. Brady traced the word in kisses, and then ran his tongue along every letter. Brady smiled as he felt Ezra squirming and heard soft, happy cooing sounds.

"I love you," Brady said again. He liked saying it to Ezra and seeing his sweet smile as he heard it. Brady returned to Ezra's mouth and started to kiss him. Ezra's hands were slipping up Brady's shirt, exploring his six pack abs and wide chest. Brady pulled his shirt off and leaned back to allow Ezra to do what he pleased.

It was amazing. Brady had never felt anything like it. Ezra slid his hands over every part of Brady's chest, staring intently as he did so. His hand brushed over a raised scar on Brady's left pec and Ezra paused. He looked up at Brady and patted his own stomach as if to say 'We both have scars'. The old wound was from a knife, wielded by Brady's mother. It was about four inches long and had required stitches. Ezra gently kissed the scar, his lips like feathers, and then he trailed his tongue down to Brady's nipple and kissed that too.

Brady had told himself to take it slow, but he couldn't stop himself from reaching down to unbutton Ezra's jeans.

Ezra shyly backed away, but Brady kept holding him close.

"You can trust me," he said. "I would never hurt you. I just want to make you feel good." Brady started to kiss Ezra and soon he felt something warm and moist pressing against his stomach. He looked down to see that the head of Ezra's member had worked its way out of the elastic waistband of his underwear. Brady ran his thumb over the little bead of pre-cum and Ezra clutched him closer.

"Just let me take care of you, angel," Brady said. "I don't expect anything from you."

Ezra wiggled his pants down to his knees and Brady smiled. He hoped that he would do it right as he brought his face down to Ezra's erection that was so desperate to escape. He'd definitely never done this for another guy, but girls had done it to him and he was sure he knew how. He pulled Ezra's briefs down and massaged with his hand until it had grown to full size. Ezra shivered when Brady started to take it into his mouth. Brady smiled the best he could with so much in his mouth. He started to move his tongue around, letting his spit run down the length so he could start to work it with his hand. Ezra moaned softly and Brady started to suck more into his mouth and bob his head.

Ezra's whole body was shaking with pleasure. His hips were moving gently in time with Brady. He was so close to letting go and he wanted it. No one had ever made him feel like this, but Brady did. Ezra felt warm and safe and healed as he let go and allowed Brady to show him feelings he'd never known.

Brady could feel that Ezra was ready and prepared himself. In the distant past, Brady remembered none of his ex-girlfriends ever wanted to swallow him. But Brady was going to do it for Ezra. He was going to show Ezra that no matter what he would be there. It was all he wanted anymore.

Ezra gasped and Brady felt warm liquid fill his mouth. Four times, the sperm shot at the back of his throat, washing over his tongue. It was a new taste to him, but not a bad one. He tilted his head and swallowed.

Ezra immediately started kissing Brady, showing how thankful he was. Brady kissed him for a while and then tentatively slid his hand through the clothing and onto Ezra's bare back. He remembered well the last time he'd tried that. But this time, Ezra wasn't afraid. He laid his head on Brady's chest as Brady's hand brushed over at least twenty long, soft, raised scars. Brady wondered who had done this. All he could imagine was some heartless son of a bitch beating Ezra, leaving marks, branding that word across his stomach. It made Brady mad. He wanted to make someone pay for what had happened.

"Ezra, who hurt you?"

Despite their new closeness, Ezra did not speak. Still, Brady was desperate to know.

"Do you live with the person who did this?"

Ezra shook his head. No, he didn't live with them. Brady was glad. If Ezra had said yes, they would be on the road to somewhere far away. 

"Does this person ever come near you or speak to you?"

Again the answer was no. Brady was somewhat sure that Ezra wouldn't be hurt again, but still Brady was going to make someone pay.

As much as he hated to, Brady knew it was time for them to go their separate ways.

Brady drove Ezra back to the high school and this time Ezra rode in the middle seat, his head on Brady's shoulder and his hand playing with Brady's hair. Brady stepped out of the truck to help Ezra and they kissed good night.

**

Saturday morning came and Brady woke up with a headache. When his friends called to invite him to the mall, he told them he was sick. His mom, stepdad, and the two children they had together had gone out for the day, leaving Brady with a house to himself. He was looking forward to sleeping. That afternoon, there was a knock at his door.

Brady hoped it would be Ezra, but instead it was Paul. His big green truck was in the drive way, engine running, with the blond cheerleader in the passenger seat.

"What do you want?" Brady asked.

"Just checkin' up on you," Paul said.

"Man, I know you don't like me. Why are you really here?"

Paul smiled grossly and said, "Well, I saw something last night."

Brady felt a bit alarmed, but didn't show it. "What?"

"I know you been hangin' out with that retarded piano bitch. I'm gonna find out what's goin' on."

Brady wanted to punch Paul in his smug face, but he knew he had to be careful. It wasn't just him anymore. He had to think about Ezra. "You're wasting your time."

"Maybe. But unless you let me have your starting position for the rest of the season, I'm gonna tell everyone and we'll all waste our time." Paul turned and left.

Brady watched the truck rumble away and felt more and more panicked. Surely Paul couldn't know. Maybe he had seen Ezra near Brady's truck and was just trying to start something. He couldn't know that he was close to the truth.

Brady paced the kitchen, trying as hard as he could to come up with some solution. He would give up his starting position. That was no problem. But that wouldn't be enough. It wouldn't be long before Paul wanted more.



High School Romance Ch. 03



Brady was nervous the next day at school. Time passed by slowly, but he knew he only had to make it a few more days. This week would be a four day weekend and there would be no football game. He would have some time to think of a solution.

Brady gave up the football position that morning. The coaches pressured him, demanding to know why, but Brady didn't tell them. Paul didn't say a word about it, but Brady was sure that he knew by now that Brady had held up his end of the deal.

On the last day of school that week, Brady waited for Ezra by the band room. He hadn't told him about Paul and he wasn't sure if he wanted to. He decided to wait for a while. There wasn't really a problem at the moment after all.

The school was empty and the young couple went to their vehicles. Out of habit, Brady opened the passenger side door for Ezra, but instead of getting in the truck, Ezra motioned for Brady to get in his little blue sedan.

Brady smiled and obliged. Ezra drove cautiously and in fifteen minutes he had parked in front of a nice one story house.

"Is this where you live?"

Ezra nodded.

"Are your parents home?" Brady asked. He wasn't the type that anyone would bring home to mom and dad, but if that's what Ezra wanted then Brady would go.

Ezra shook his head and held up one hand with his fingers spread out and one finger.

"They get home at six? Oh, OK."

Ezra led the way into the house and took Brady by the hand. He led Brady to a bedroom and started to show him things. They were simple things and it made Brady smile. Ezra beamed as he showed a closet full of clothes, a twin sized bed with two pillows, and finally a soft red blanket. Ezra stood up on his tip toes and rubbed the soft material against Brady's face.

Brady laughed and kissed Ezra's forehead. "You have a very nice room."

Suddenly Ezra was completely focused on something but Brady didn't know what it was. Finally Ezra opened his mouth and made a few soft sounds. "Uh...ah...I...I..." He sighed and tried again. "I...l-l-l...l-lo..l-love..." He paused again, his eyebrows nearly touching and finally his eyes locked on Brady's. Brady watched him in wonder. "I...l-love...yuh...you."

Brady kissed Ezra softly. "I love you too."

Ezra buried his face in Brady's chest, little moist tears soaking through the material. Ezra nuzzled against Brady's neck and kissed him. Brady sat on the bed and then lay down, taking the red blanket covering Ezra with it.

"You look like an angel," Brady whispered. He couldn't believe how happy he felt. It was unlike anything he'd ever experienced. He would never understand why he was lucky enough to be holding someone so small and precious. He kissed the top of Ezra's head and held on to him a little tighter. He could stay like this forever. Unfortunately, the sound of a car broke the peace.

They slowly separated and stood. Ezra looked up at Brady, smiling softly. He stood up as tall as he could and put his hands on Brady's shoulders. Brady knelt down and they kissed, their tongues intertwined for a moment before a car door slammed.

Ezra went to the front door and Brady followed, smiling. Ezra hugged the woman before she made it through the threshold.

"Well someone is happy," the woman said. She looked to be in her late forties with a kind face and short ash blond hair. When she saw Brady she couldn't hide her surprise. "I didn't know you had a friend over," she said and rushed to introduce herself. "I'm Amanda Lockheart, Ezra's mom."

Brady shook her hand. "Brady Walker. I hope it's OK that I'm here."

"It's great that you're here," she said. "Do you want to have dinner with us? I'll call William and have him pick up a pizza and some movies. Ezra, if you would like, your friend can stay the night."

Ezra nodded and Brady accepted the invitation with a smile.

Ezra drove Brady back to the high school so that he could get his truck. "Go on back home," Brady said, kissing Ezra's forehead. "I'll be there soon."

**

Brady went into his house and grabbed clothes and a few toiletries. He hoped to make a quick exit without any questions, but Steve was by the door.

"Where are you going?" he demanded.

"Just staying with a friend," Brady explained, careful of his tone.

"You didn't ask my permission," Steve said with a sneer.

"I didn't think it would be an issue," Brady said. He felt pressure at the back of his head, a sure sign that his temper was about to flare.

"You live in my house. You ask me before you do anything, you little bastard."

Brady stiffened at that word. He could take any name but that one. It stung a little too much because it was true.

"Fuck you!" Brady shouted, pushing Steve aside and heading out the door.

"Don't think you can fucking come back here!" Steve slurred. "You stay the hell away from my house."

The drive to Ezra's house was the longest of his life. He couldn't stop the thoughts that filled his head. He should have outgrown the feelings he was experiencing, but that damn word brought it back every time.

**

Ezra was waiting for Brady by the door and immediately sensed his bad mood. He went and put his hand on Brady's forearm.

"Are you alright?" Mrs. Lockheart asked.

"Just got in an argument with my step-dad is all," Brady said.

"What's wrong? If you need anything, just ask."

"I was told not to go back there. I don't think he meant it. He was drunk. Mrs. Lockheart, I really hate to ask but...can I stay here? Probably just for a few days."

"Of course. You're staying here," Mrs. Lockheart said.

**

Ezra was sleeping with his head on Brady's shoulder as the movie credits rolled. Brady carried Ezra to his room and tucked him in to bed and then went back to the living room. Mr. Lockheart had already gone to bed but Mrs. Lockheart was standing in the kitchen.

He casually walked in and stood beside her and she put away dishes. "Thank you again for letting me stay here," Brady said.

"I'm just glad that Ezra made a friend," she said. "I worry about him all the time. He never speaks and I'm worried that he gets bullied at school."

"I won't let that happen."

She smiled. "You're a very nice young man."

"Ezra is very special." Brady cringed. Special? That sounded so gay. "What I mean is...he's cool."

Mrs. Lockheart smiled knowingly and Brady was sure she knew, but she didn't say anything. "He's had a hard life. I'm glad he has a friend now."

"He's not really your son, is he?" Brady asked. He had noticed that Ezra looked nothing like his parents.

"We adopted him two years ago."

"What happened to him before that? I've seen some of his scars and I just wondered."

"He was abused. I believe it was his uncle that...tortured him. When Ezra came to us he was constantly terrified. We worked with him, gave him the best therapist and doctors. When he found music, it was a miracle. He learned so much so quickly, not only with music but everything, especially math. He's very smart, just..." She couldn't find the word, but Brady knew what she meant. Ezra was something beautiful that had been damaged, but was now healing.

Brady nodded. "Well, I'm going to try to get some sleep," he said.

"Before you go, I just wanted to warn you that Ezra has nightmares. He might wake up in the middle of the night upset. If he does feel free to wake me or my husband and we'll take care of him."

"Thanks," Brady said.

"Good night," Mrs. Lockheart said.

Brady smiled and replied with the same.

He carefully slid into the bed behind Ezra. There wasn't much room because Brady was so big and tall. Finally, he found it was most comfortable to mold himself to Ezra's curled up body. Brady wrapped his arms around Ezra and started to fall asleep.

Suddenly, Ezra was shaking, whimpering and kicking in his sleep.

"It's OK. Wake up, Ezra," Brady said soothingly, giving Ezra a light shake.

Ezra groaned and kicked more.

"Wake up now," Brady said. "Come on. Wake up. It'll be over if you just wake up."

Ezra finally opened his eyes but didn't seem to know where he was. He was crying so hard his entire body shuddered with every sob. Brady held Ezra close to his chest. At first Ezra fought but then gave in and let Brady hold him close.

"It's over now," Brady said. "I won't let anyone hurt you. I love you."

Ezra started to cry again.

"What's wrong?" Brady asked.

Ezra raised his shirt and showed the scars that spelled slut.

Brady sat up in the bed and pulled Ezra into his lap. "No. You are not a slut."

Ezra shook his head in disagreement. Brady lifted Ezra's chin and kissed him. Their lips crashed together and Brady's tongue slipped inside Ezra's mouth.

Ezra pulled away and pointed again to the scars.

"That isn't your fault. You didn't deserve to have that happen to you. You're my angel."

Ezra reached into the drawer of the bed side table for a pad of paper and marker. He wrote one word and underlined it and then showed Brady.

"You are not dirty! Nothing about you is. You're beautiful, angel. Please don't let that dream hurt you. It'll never happen again."

Still Ezra sobbed until Brady couldn't stand it anymore. He stood up, carried Ezra into the bathroom and turned on the shower. When it was at a good temperature, he started to strip away Ezra's pajamas and then his own. Together, they stepped under the stream of hot water, steam rising all around them.

Brady bent down and claimed Ezra's mouth with his. Their tongues tangled together and Brady held Ezra close. He broke their kiss and whispered, "It'll all be alright, angel. If you feel dirty, I'll make you feel clean." Brady grabbed the liquid body wash and poured it onto his bare hands. He got on his knees and rubbed Ezra everywhere, covering him in bubbles. Ezra's skin was so smooth and warm under Brady's hands and Brady felt more connected to Ezra than ever before.

Brady gently grabbed Ezra's penis and worked it with his slick hand until Ezra groaned softly. Brady continued to jack him off as his other hand continued to spread soap over Ezra's body. Brady gave Ezra's firm butt cheek a squeeze and Ezra whimpered.

Brady held Ezra close and they let the water wash the bubbles away. They kissed and Brady started to run his hand over the head of Ezra's penis. He gripped it and started stroking and then went down to his knees and started to suck. Brady wrapped his arm around Ezra's back side and felt the tight entrance there. He slipped one finger inside and started to move it in and out. This seemed to drive Ezra closer to the brink. Ezra grabbed Brady's hair with both hands and Brady could feel the raw desperation. It was like an aphrodisiac, encouraging him to bob his head faster and increase the speed of his fingering. Ezra whimpered and sperm shot into Brady's mouth. The next few waves of it spattered over his face and he was sort of disappointed that the water washed it away.

Brady shut the water off, stood, and grabbed a towel. As he was doing so, he felt a hand fondling his balls. He looked over to see Ezra smiling nervously.

"That feels good," Brady said. He kissed the top of Ezra's head. "You do whatever you want, angel."

Ezra dropped to his knees and looked up at Brady. Brady stared down at him, watching every move he made. He licked at the tip of Brady's penis and Brady brought the towel roughly over his mouth and held it there with his fist to keep from crying out as he watched Ezra take his length into his mouth.

Ezra took all seven inches and it felt amazing. Brady groaned into the towel. Watching Ezra was the sexiest thing he'd ever seen. The shy boy deep throated him with ease. Brady was about to cum, when Ezra stopped and moved down to his sack. He kissed and licked it, sucking one nut into his mouth and Brady nearly screamed. He'd never felt anything like it before.

As Ezra began to deep throat again, Brady was overwhelmed that his shy little angel was doing this for him. Brady removed the towel and huskily whispered, "I'm going to cum, angel."

Ezra started to bob his head faster, looking up at Brady with pure adoration in his eyes. Brady felt the tightening of his muscles and he moaned into the towel as he found release. Ezra swallowed it all and then stood and hugged Brady closely.

Brady wrapped the towel around his angel and started to dry him.

"I love you so much," he said. "Thank you."



High School Romance Ch. 04



Warning: This chapter gets emotional. Just remember, there's a happy ending.

**********************

The next few nights that Brady stayed with him Ezra didn't have a nightmare. Each night, Brady would lie beside him, his large body covering Ezra in a way that let him know he was safe.

Ezra didn't think it was possible to feel happier. He felt clean and whole for the first time. One night while everyone was watching TV, Ezra felt so happy that he couldn't do anything but cry. His parents sat in their respective recliners, his mother trying to learn to knit and his father shaking his head as the news anchor listed the world's problems. Brady was beside him on the couch, holding his hand like it was a treasure.

Happy tears started to roll down his face. Ezra was very quiet, but Brady noticed and pulled him close. In Brady's arms, Ezra felt completely safe, surrounded by warmth. He rested his head on Brady's muscular chest and let Brady's steady heartbeat comfort him to sleep.

Sometimes he would wake up when Brady was carrying him to bed, but he pretended to be sleeping still because the way Brady treated him made him feel special. Brady was always so gentle, and he made sure that all the blankets were covering Ezra and the red one was right next to his face so that if he woke up scared at any point that night he would have the unbelievably soft blanket to remind him of his parents' love.

During the days, Ezra and Brady would stay in the house alone together. They watched movies and Brady taught Ezra how to play card games. Sometimes they just sat in silence, holding each other closely. Ezra liked that the most. He liked being kissed and being told he was loved. He liked Brady's big hands moving over his body. Brady didn't care about the scars and that made Ezra start to feel less insecure. His bad memories started to fade and even though the marks were still there and always would be, Ezra felt that he could accept that and didn't hate himself anymore.

**

Brady knew that the long weekend had to end eventually, but it was still depressing to go to school that Monday. Brady couldn't wait for Thanksgiving and Christmas, when they could spend more long days together, uninterrupted by the world outside.

Brady preferred to stay with the Lockheart family, but he felt like he was overstaying his welcome. After school that day he went home to test the waters. If he couldn't move back in, he would at least take all of his stuff, including some of the cash he'd tucked away.

The house was empty when he got there and Brady started to walk around. He looked at the pictures on the walls. Most of them where of his mother and stepdad, and their daughter and son. There were a few of Brady as a child, and those were the ones he looked at. He saw one of him and his grandmother. He looked happy and he felt the echoes of the pain left by her death.

Growing up, Brady didn't understand a lot of things. It wasn't until he was older that he realized he was unwanted. His biological father wasn't around, probably didn't even know his name. His mother blamed him for the fact that she never finished college. The rest of his family was a bunch of judgmental Southerners who hated that they were associated with the shame of a fatherless child. He took the picture frame off the wall and slid the photo out. Grandma wasn't like the others. She never blamed him for something he couldn't help.

He knew he couldn't stay there. If the Lockhearts couldn't take him in, he would just live in his truck. He went to his room. It had been trashed, but Brady had half-way expected that. His clothes were piled in the middle of the room. Gingerly, he picked up one of the garments and it smelled like piss and beer. He dropped it back in the pile and looked under the bed. At least Steve hadn't found this. Rolled up and tucked inside a sock was all the money Brady had to his name. Two hundred dollars he'd earned doing odd jobs for local ranchers was all he had to start his new life with.

**

When he tried to offer the money to Ezra's parents, they wouldn't accept it.

"You've already paid us back," Mr. Lockheart said. "We know that you and Ezra are close."

"And we're OK with it," Mrs. Lockheart added rapidly.

Brady nodded. "I just don't want to be a burden on you guys."

"You won't be," Mr. Lockheart said. "We aren't rich, but we have enough. It won't hurt us financially."

"Brady, we would be glad to have you stay with us," Mrs. Lockheart said, putting her hand on his shoulder.

**

It was Friday night and the Westmore Bulldogs were playing their district rivals, the Thornton Panthers. It was halfway through the second quarter and the coach was fuming. The Panthers had a 21-7 lead.

Finally the coach found his target. He stormed over to Paul and grabbed him by his shoulder pads. "What the hell, boy! You are slower than a damn goat in rubber boots! You're out!"

Brady knew what came next. Paul was out of the game, Brady was in. They won. Brady was the big hero of the night. Paul was out for revenge.

Brady was an emotional wreck the whole weekend. What could he do? He had nothing to give Paul but money, and Paul didn't need that. He was pretty sure that he was about to be thrust out of the closet, and his innocent angel would be the one hurt the most. 

**

Ezra played a few chords on the piano and then wrote some music down. He played the melody, and then he erased it. He wanted to come up with a special song that he could play for Brady, so Brady would know just how much Ezra loved him. 

The door to his practice room opened and Ezra smiled, but when he looked up it wasn't Brady.

"Come on," Paul said.

Ezra didn't move. He felt frozen.

Paul grabbed his arm and pulled him from the room. Ezra tried to make Paul let go, but he wasn't strong enough.

He kept willing himself to make a sound. Any kind of sound. But his voice wouldn't work for him. He fought as hard as he could, trying to make noise, but no one heard. They were out of the band room now, out on the concrete and Ezra planted his heels. It didn't stop Paul, but it slowed him down a little. Ezra reached out for the support beams of the awning that covered the sidewalk and held on to it with all his strength.

Paul jerked Ezra away from the metal pole, which felt like Ezra's arm was being ripped off, and hit him hard across the face. "You're coming with me."

Ezra felt his face growing hot. In his mind, he heard himself as a child saying, "Please don't. Please don't." That was all he could think of. He still tried to fight back and Paul punched him in his stomach. He started to cry and Paul shoved him into the locker room.

"Told you he was a queer," Paul said to the four other boys in the room. They were all much bigger than Ezra.

They circled around him and he tried one last time to run away, but one of them grabbed him and pushed him to the ground. He curled himself into a tight little ball.

"Hey...guys, I don't know about this..." one of them said.

Ezra looked up at the speaker desperately.

"It's fine," Paul said. "It ain't wrong if he wants it."

"He doesn't look so good..."

"He needs to learn his lesson. If you're gonna be a pussy then leave. Otherwise, hold his head still."

Ezra cried so hard he couldn't breathe. The boy who had seemingly had a change of heart didn't react, but one of the other boys did. Paul unzipped his pants and started to make himself hard. Within a minute he was pounding in and out of Ezra's mouth.

Ezra gagged and choked. He couldn't breathe. Between what Paul was doing and his crying he felt like he might pass out if he didn't get air. Desperate, he bit down with all his might and Paul howled and started beating Ezra on the side of the head.

Ezra released and fell back, gasping for air like a drowning man.

Paul bellowed like an angry bull and started to kick Ezra. Then he ordered his friends to remove Ezra's pants.

"Hold on, Paul. You never said anything about this. You can't rape him."

Paul turned and punched his friend. "Get the fuck out!"

The only chance Ezra had of a savior left the room, hands clutching at a bloody nose.

The boys started to tear at Ezra's clothes. They ripped his shirt and saw the scars on his stomach and they laughed at him.

Ezra couldn't make himself talk, it wouldn't have helped if he could have, but in his mind he repeated Brady's name like a prayer.

**

Brady was concerned that Ezra wasn't waiting outside the band room like usual. He checked inside, but no sign of his angel. When he stepped back outside he saw his friend Trevor with blood dripping from his hands and face.

"What happened to you?" Brady asked.

"You have to go to the locker room," Trevor said. "Man, its bad. Just get there."

"What's going on?"

"Paul...man, I don't know if what he said was true, but..."

Before Trevor could finish his thought, Brady was running. He cursed because he couldn't seem to go fast enough.

Finally, he got to the locker room and kicked the door to find Paul behind Ezra and three other guys bending him over one of the benches.

Rage blinded him and Brady pulled them away from him and started hitting Paul with all his strength. Nothing broke his focus until he heard sirens and the other boys fled.

Brady knelt beside Ezra, hot tears flooding his eyes.

"Did they...?" Brady couldn't finish the question.

Ezra made a pathetic mewling sound, like a hurt kitten. He was naked and pale, curled up on the ground, with blood on his face and swelling bruises.

Brady watched as the paramedics rushed in. Both were male and Ezra cried out when they touched him. One checked Ezra's vital signs while the other collected the discarded clothing and put it into a paper sack.

**

It was an endless stream of doctors and policemen and both of Ezra's parents crying. Brady cried too when he had to tell what he'd seen.

He walked through waiting room of the ER, wondering if the people around him could tell his world was falling apart.It was cold and of course nature decided now was a good time for an awful thunderstorm.

Brady went to the bathroom and locked the door for some privacy. He stood with his hands gripping the sink and stared into the mirror. His lip had split at the side and he washed away the dried blood and pulled himself together, trying to stretch in a way that would relieve the pain in his lower back. 

He left the bathroom when someone started knocking on the door. He started walking down halls until he ran across a little gift shop. He walked inside and grabbed a soda from the refrigerators in the back. As he went to the register, a display of stuffed animals caught his eye. There was a cartoonish plush tiger with big, sad eyes. He felt it and it was soft. He thought Ezra might like it, so he bought it and made his way back to Ezra's room.

Mr. Lockheart stepped into the hallway. His eyes were rimmed in red behind his thick glasses as he somberly approached Brady.

"He was...our son was..." Mr. Lockheart couldn't say it. Brady put a hand on Mr. Lockheart's shoulder. "My wife and I need to visit a resource center. Will you sit with him?"

Brady nodded and followed Mr. Lockheart into a small room in a quiet corner of the ER.

Ezra looked small in the bed; an oversized hospital gown was falling off of one shoulder. Both of his parents kissed him several times and explained where they were going. Ezra just stared at the IV tube taped to his hand.

Reluctantly they left and Brady sat in a chair next to Ezra's bed. He took the plush tiger out of the bag and set it on Ezra's lap. Ezra didn't react.

"Angel, I'm sorry," Brady said. His voice broke, but he held the tears back. "I love you. Nothing will change that."

Ezra reached for the stuffed animal and hugged it to his chest. He looked at Brady

Brady stood and put his arms around Ezra. "It'll be alright," Brady whispered. "I'm here. I love you."

Ezra kissed his lips lightly and then nuzzled his face against Brady's chest.

Brady lay beside Ezra in the hospital bed and stroked his hair, kissing his forehead, and whispering, "I love you."

Ezra sighed. "I-I...lo-l-love...you. F-f-for-forever." He clutched the material of Brady's shirt in his small hand.

"Forever," Brady repeated.



High School Romance Ch. 05



I just want to let my readers know that it may take me more time than usual to post from now on. Classes start at university in a few days. But I will try to have one up at least every other week.

**************************

A few months had passed since the incident. Paul and the other boys had all been charged with assault. Mrs. Lockheart had given up her career as a wedding planner to home school her son. It was winter, and it was colder than usual that year. Ezra constantly shivered, even with the heater on and blankets around him. It was below freezing and Christmas was getting closer. Mrs. Lockheart was gone shopping for gifts with her sister, so the boys had the house to themselves for the first time in a while.

Brady was looking forward to a nice day alone with Ezra. He made a mug of hot chocolate, topped it with whipped cream, and carried it to his boyfriend.

"This should warm you up," Brady said softly.

Ezra sipped at the sweet, warm drink and smiled distantly. He tilted his head up and Brady kissed him, running his tongue over Ezra's lips to clean away the whipped cream.

"You taste sweet," Brady joked.

Ezra smiled and finished his drink. Brady held him and they fell asleep. Brady was the first to wake and when he glanced outside he thought he was still sleeping. He'd never seen it in his life, but it was really happening.

"Ezra, wake up!" Brady said.

Ezra's eyes popped open and he looked around nervously.

"Ezra, snow!" Brady took Ezra by the hand and got their jackets on.

Ezra was amazed by the falling white clouds of snow and flinched when one landed on his nose. The two boys stood for a while with the snow falling.

Brady looked down at Ezra, with melting tufts of snowflakes in his hair, and he smiled. He leaned down and kissed Ezra softly.

"Are you too cold?" Brady asked.

Ezra shook his head no and picked up a stick and wrote 'I Love You' in the snow. Brady laughed and swept Ezra up into his arms. Ezra was smiling more than Brady had seen in a long time. Brady kissed him playfully, but soon Ezra had his arms around Brady's neck and their tongues were dancing around each other.

Brady carried Ezra into the house and in record time, set Ezra down, removed both their jackets and shoes, and then picked him up again and carried him to their bedroom. Brady carefully laid Ezra down and kissed him again. Brady was on top of him, but always careful not to rest too much weight on him.

Ezra pressed his face against Brady's chest and lightly sucked at Brady's neck.

"You know I love when you do that, angel," Brady whispered. He took a deep breath in and the familiarity of Ezra's smell turned him on even more. He started to gently grind his hips against Ezra's. To his surprise, Ezra started to reciprocate.

Brady stripped off his shirt and Ezra sucked at his left nipple. Brady eased his hands under Ezra's layers of shirts and pulled them off all at once. He kissed down Ezra's stomach to his jeans and undid the buttons. Ezra tensed and Brady returned to lightly kissing Ezra on his stomach and chest before trying again. This time Ezra allowed it. Brady licked away the pre-cum and trailed his tongue all the way to the base of Ezra's penis, and then down to his sack. Brady was uncertain, but Ezra's moans of pleasure gave him the confidence to spread apart Ezra's cheeks and lick the tight, pink opening.

Ezra bucked and grabbed the sheets with both hands. Brady looked up at the expression of pure ecstasy on Ezra's face and felt desire stronger than he ever had before. Brady felt a deep possessiveness as he licked at the hole lightly and Ezra's entire body reacted. His stomach quivered and his knuckles were nearly white from clenching the sheets in his hands. His eyes were closed and his mouth was open. He was making the sexiest sounds of pleasure, whimpering and purring.

Brady penetrated the hole with is tongue and Ezra moaned loudly and moved his head back and forth. Brady wet his fingers with spit and inserted one inside Ezra. Ezra pushed back against Brady's finger eagerly.

"I love you," Brady said as he moved his finger in and out. "I wish you could see yourself right now. You look so beautiful."

Ezra arched his back and brought one of his hands up to his nipple and lightly pinched it. Seeing Ezra touch himself in that way drove Brady wild. He dribbled more spit onto his fingers and this time penetrated with two.

Brady noticed that when he hit a certain spot, Ezra would nearly scream with pleasure and the sound was music to his ears.

He started to suck Ezra and continued to penetrate him with two fingers. Ezra gasped and came. Brady held the semen in his mouth and let it run into Ezra's crack. Ezra was trembling with desire and Brady spread Ezra's legs. He worked the sperm into Ezra's tight hole and then spit in his hand and rubbed it onto his penis.

"Are you ready?" Brady asked.

Ezra pressed his opening against Brady and put his hand on Brady's shoulders. Brady pressed slowly and finally his head slipped in. It was amazing, so tight and hot. Ezra closed his eyes and dug his fingernails into Brady's shoulders. Brady continued to slowly penetrate until he was completely connected to Ezra.

"I love you, angel," he said. Ezra moaned and bit his lip as Brady started to move inside him. Brady brushed Ezra's prostate and Ezra whimpered and started to grind himself against Brady, further stimulating his prostate.

Brady started to thrust in an out, always returning to that same spot that made Ezra whimper, moan, and gasp. Ezra was starting to get hard again and he shyly licked his fingers and touched his erection. 

"It's OK, angel," Brady said. "You're so sexy right now."

Ezra's shyness faded and he stroked himself as Brady slid in and out of him. He was biting his lip and moaning. Brady had never seen anything more lovely. He felt that in that moment that his heart completely and totally belonged to Ezra and always would. 

With that thought, he gasped, pulled out, and came on Ezra's stomach. Ezra's own penis swelled and came and soon his stomach was coated in white liquid. Brady carried Ezra to the shower and started the water. In the mirror, Brady could see he had little, red, crescent moon shaped marks from where Ezra had been grabbing on to him.

They stood together under the water and held each other close. Brady knew that he couldn't see living his life with anyone else. He needed Ezra more than he'd ever needed anything in his life.

**

Brady looked at the jewelry displayed under harsh light. The cash felt heavy in his pocket.

"Can I help you, young man?" an elderly employee asked.

"Yes, I was looking for a ring," Brady said nervously.

"Well, we have plenty of options," the woman said. "If you'll come over here, I can show you a lovely set of reasonably priced promise rings."

"Actually...I was looking for something a little more...masculine."

The woman nodded knowingly and her smile never faltered.

Brady left the store with a simple sterling silver band in a black velvet box.

**

It was dark outside and Brady and Ezra sat together near the sparkling Christmas tree they had just decorated. The gold, red, and green reflected on the window pane and a few inches of snow had stuck, but would probably be gone by tomorrow. Brady had his arm around Ezra and he couldn't remember ever being so nervous.

"Ezra, you know you're my world," Brady said.

Ezra blushed.

"You really are. I want you so bad. You're beautiful and sexy. I would do anything for you. I want you in my life. I want to give you everything you've ever dreamed of. I got you something..." Brady reached into his pocket and took out the ring box. "I got you this ring as a symbol. I want you to promise me that one day, you'll marry me." Brady opened the box and Ezra gasped. A tear ran down his face and he looked from the ring to Brady and back to the ring with wide eyes. "Will you take this ring? Will you promise me that we'll be together forever?"

Ezra nodded. Brady took Ezra's left hand and slid the ring on. It was a little too big, but Brady didn't really care and neither did Ezra.

Brady reached out and stroked Ezra's cheek, then lifted his chin and brushed a kiss on his lips. Their fingers laced together and Brady felt his ring there. It gave him a deep satisfaction almost at a primal level to have Ezra wearing a physical symbol of their love for everyone to see. Brady was so happy that as they kissed, he couldn't stop from crying. 



High School Romance Ch. 06



Brady sat across from Ezra and watched him reading diligently. Brady loved studying together, and he loved what happened when studying got boring even more. The only problem was Ezra was a lot more dedicated to his studies than Brady, and oftentimes Brady found himself gazing around the room or out the window while Ezra was still focused. He watched the cars that passed by. He was slightly offset by a green pick-up that slowly crawled by. He'd started seeing that truck every day, and he didn't know who it belonged to, which was odd in such a small town.

Brady stripped his shirt off, stood and walked around behind Ezra, wrapping his arms around the boy's chest and nibbling at his earlobe. "Aren't you done yet?" he whispered, adding another playful nip.

Ezra smiled widely and pretended to ignore Brady. He turned the page of his book and continued to read.

Brady laughed and started to rub his fingers lightly across Ezra's chest, causing his nipples to perk up through the material of his shirt. Ezra remained stubborn. Brady gave both nubs a little pinch. Ezra gasped and shifted in his chair. Brady noted the growing bulge in Ezra's pants and smiled. He started to kiss and nibble at Ezra's neck and soon the boy gave in. He turned in his chair and the lovers' lips met, barely brushing at first, which just made Brady even more sensitive. He unzipped his pants to allow his growing erection room. Ezra worked his hand into Brady's boxers and started to smear pre-cum over the flared head.

The chair made a soft scraping sound as it was pushed away. Ezra lowered himself to his knees and pulled Brady's pants down to his ankles and did the same to his boxers. He started run his tongue over the warm, soft skin of Brady's shaft, looking up at Brady as he did so. Ezra looked both angelic and devilish as he wrapped his lips around the pulsing organ. Brady groaned and ran his hand through Ezra's hair. He watched as inch by inch his erection slid into Ezra's hot, slippery mouth. Ezra started to bob his head, gripping Brady's thigh with one hand to steady himself as his rhythm sped up. His other hand was busy tickling at Brady's balls. The whole time, Ezra's eyes were locked on Brady's and the feeling of connection made the experience twice as pleasurable.

Brady could feel his climax approaching fast and tapped Ezra's shoulder. Ezra let Brady's erection slip from his mouth with a wet popping sound of suction. Brady stepped out of his pants and underwear, carrying them with him as he led the way to the bedroom. Brady laid Ezra on the bed and started to kiss his stomach, making little goose bumps rise up. Ezra whipped his shirt off and Brady made his way up to Ezra's neck. He trailed kisses from there to Ezra's left nipple and gave it a teasing lick. Ezra's heart was pounding. Brady could see Ezra's pulse fluttering at his neck. He groaned as Brady trailed kisses down his stomach and started to undo his pants.

Ezra gasped when Brady started to stroke him, spreading the drops of pre-cum around. Brady took Ezra's hard length into his mouth and worked his tongue over the head. Brady bobbed up and down slowly. Ezra sucked in breath, then sighed and moaned softly. 

Brady went to the dresser and retrieved an unopened bottle of lube. Ezra sat on the edge of the bed and watched Brady fumble a little as he opened it. Brady positioned Ezra stomach-down on the bed with his feet on the floor. Brady knelt behind Ezra and spread his cheeks open to expose the smooth, pink opening. Brady started to lick at the tight entrance until it was loose enough for his tongue to slide in. Ezra moaned and gripped the bedspread.

Brady lubed his finger and slid inside Ezra, following with a second and third finger. He added more lube, spread it around, and then lubed his erection and pressed the head against Ezra's opening. He felt Ezra tense up and he backed away. Ezra crumbled to the floor, holding his knees to his chest and started to shake.

"I'm sorry," Brady whispered. "I didn't think." He wrapped his arms around Ezra and held him tightly. "It's alright now. We can stop. You never have to do anything you don't want."

Ezra sighed and wiped his face. He sniffed and gave Brady a watery, half-smile.

"It's my fault for not asking first. I should have thought that me being behind you where you can't see me might make you nervous."

Ezra rose to his feet with help from Brady and wrapped his arms around Brady's waist. He stood on his tip toes and started to kiss Brady, nibbling at his bottom lip. Brady eased down on the bed and let Ezra settle on top of him.

Ezra searched for the lubricant. Once he found it he let a liberal amount drip on to Brady's erection. He applied the lube to his entrance and Brady grinned at the sight of Ezra preparing himself. Ezra positioned himself and Brady helped him balance as he lowered down onto Brady's dick.

Both boys gasped at the feeling. Ezra felt completely full and his erection twitched from the feeling. Brady could feel Ezra's muscles tightening around him and he groaned as Ezra started to move. As Ezra sped up his motions Brady let out a satisfied moan. Ezra's eyes were half closed and his mouth fumbled with sounds. Finally he cried out, "More!"

Brady quickly guided Ezra to change the position, now entering side on. He pumped in and out as fast as he could. Ezra let out a scream and muttered the word again. "More..." He groaned and gripped his erection. With a few strokes, he was spurting semen all over the bedspread. Brady cried out and came inside Ezra. He braced himself against the headboard and panted for a while. He felt delirious.

Once he'd caught his breath, he eased off of the bed and to the door. He turned to see Ezra on his knees with sperm running down his thigh. Brady smiled and took Ezra by the hand.

"I love you," Brady said. Ezra gave Brady's hand a squeeze and they stepped into the shower.

**

Mr. Lockheart got off from work early that afternoon. "Hey, boys," he said as he thumbed through the stack of mail in his hand. "Is Amanda still at the doctor?"

"Yeah," Brady replied. "She called about fifteen minutes ago. She has to wait for a prescription and she's bringing pizza home."

Mr. Lockheart nodded. "Hopefully she'll be feeling better soon." He paused. "Well, Brady, looks like you have a letter here."

Brady raised an eyebrow. "That's odd." It was a regular sized, unmarked white envelope addressed to Brady. The return address was an out of town P.O. box and there was no name.

Brady sat next to Ezra on the couch an opened the envelope.

The letter was written in neat block print on unlined paper.

Brady, it said. I'm not quite sure what to say, so I'll start with my name. I am Adam Key. Your mother and I went to college together and were very close for a short time, but then we fell out of touch. A few months ago, I discovered from her old roommate that Alicia had left school due to pregnancy. I hired a private investigator and that is how I found you. I will gladly pay for a DNA test if you wish to have one done. I know this must be difficult for you to read. I have so much I would like to say to you, but I understand if this is too much. Please call me at 984-384-2848 if you want to get to know me. I hope you call. I would like to make up for lost time.

Brady read the note twice before he muttered, "Holy shit..." The paper fell from his hand and Ezra put his arm around Brady's shoulder. Brady didn't even realize he was crying until he felt Ezra's soft fingertips brushing his cheek.

All those years of wanting to know his father, but never believing that he would, felt like a weight on his shoulders as he picked up the letter and looked at the phone number. He wanted to call, but it felt too good to be true.

"May I see it?" Mr. Lockheart asked.

Brady let him read the letter and took the opportunity to hold Ezra close.

"It's up to you to decide," Mr. Lockheart said.

Brady nodded. "I just don't know yet."

**

It was a week before Brady could bring himself to finish dialing the numbers. The Lockheart family was huddled at the kitchen table, watching and listening. Brady was glad to know that they were there for him.

"Hello," a deep voice came from the other end of the line.

"Um...hi, this is...Brady." 

Silence.

"Hello?" Brady said.

"I'm sorry. I didn't exactly expect you to call..."

"I was just...nervous."

Silence.

"Well, that's alright, Brady...I'm glad you called."

Silence. Brady looked desperately to the Lockhearts. Ezra had a concerned look on his face, but offered a smile of encouragement.

"Sorry. It was just kind of unexpected."

"I'd like to meet you."

Brady's stomach turned. "I'd like that...I'm just...I don't know."

"That's OK." Pause. "Tell me about school."

Brady thought that it seemed sort of a trivial thing to discuss, but he was still glad to have something. But all he could come up with was, "It's alright."

"You're a senior, right?"

"Yes."

"Hopefully I can come see you graduate."

"That's in May."

"Oh."

More silence. All those years, Brady had imagined what it would be like to speak with his father, but he never imagined it would be so awkward.

"But...I mean you could come..."

"If you want me to...when the time comes."

There was more silence. Brady scrambled for a subject. "Uh...did you ever play football?"

"No."

"Oh. Well I did."

"That's good...So...the P.I. told me that you aren't living with your mother..."

"She married a jerk," Brady said quickly.

"Look...I'm so sorry. I really had no idea..."

"I understand that now." Brady walked into the bedroom to avoid getting emotional in front of Ezra's family. "I used to be angry at you...but I understand now that you didn't know."

"I really want a relationship with you. Can I please meet you soon?"

Brady thought about it.

"Please, Brady," his father said. "This is something I want very much."

"OK."

**

Brady stared at the ceiling for what felt like a few seconds, but when he glanced at the clock he realized it had been more like hours. He was surprised to see Ezra was still awake, though looked like he could fall asleep at any moment.

"You can go to sleep," Brady said, kissing the tip of Ezra's nose.

Ezra shook his head and yawned.

Brady smiled for the first time that night. "I love you," he whispered. Then he sighed and started to ramble like he had on their first date. "I'm just scared of what I'll find out. All these years I just...I thought I wanted to meet him but now it seems crazy. I don't know what to expect. What if he turns out to be some sort of ex-con or something?"

Ezra nodded.

"I guess I'll find out soon enough."

They laid together in silence for a while. Ezra sighed and stirred and Brady saw that he was asleep. He kissed Ezra's forehead and figured he should get some sleep too.

**

Brady arrived early, but stayed in his vehicle in the parking lot of the restaurant. He watched the people entering and wondered which one was his father. He wondered if he would see the man and know instantly who he was.

It was fifteen minutes after the agreed time before Brady gathered the courage to walk in. The hostess was a petite brunette and she bounced over to him, ponytail swishing.

"Just one?" she asked.

"Actually I'm meeting someone...Adam Key?"

She smiled. "Right this way."

Brady followed her to a table. His father was there, waiting for him. Brady felt like the whole thing was a dream as he sat down. Adam Key was completely bald and slightly pale, but he seemed like a tall, sturdy man. Brady noticed that they had the same colored eyes, and same high cheekbones.

"Hi..." Brady said. His voice was dry.

"It's nice to meet you, Brady," the man said. Brady was glad to see he wasn't the only one having trouble speaking.

"Yeah...same here." Brady was having trouble making eye contact and instead stared at his menu.

"You can just call me Adam. I don't expect you to call me dad."

Brady nodded. "Alright."

"How is your mother?"

"Fine last I heard..."

"Do you want to tell me more about why you moved out?"

"I just couldn't stand it there anymore," Brady said.

Adam took a long drink of his water and nodded. "So...what are your plans after high school?"

"Don't know."

Brady glanced up and saw that Adam didn't really look pleased to hear that.

"I see...so, Brady...any girlfriends?"

"Boyfriend," Brady said abruptly. He hadn't exactly planned on coming out to his father, but it was out there.

Adam looked uncomfortable. "Boyfriend?" he repeated.

"Yes," Brady said. He was almost daring Adam to get upset. Brady was confused and reverting back to his old anger at the man who had never been there.

"Alright then..." Adam said. "I didn't expect that."

"Well...you don't know me."

"I wish I did."

Brady shrugged. "I wish you did too."

"Your mother never told me," Adam said. "I was young, just like she was. I can't say I would have done the right thing, but I never got a chance."

"I used to hate you," Brady said. "I mean...just the idea that you abandoned me. That's how she made it sound..."

After that admission, it seemed like something between them clicked. Over the course of the meal, Brady learned that his father was an engineer, that he had married and divorced but had no other children. He enjoyed working on cars and golfing in his spare time. During dessert, Brady admitted that he had been abused and Adam apologized, though Brady no longer blamed Adam.

They agreed to meet again, same time same place, next week.

**

Brady felt relieved when he arrived home. He told Mr. and Mrs. Lockheart about his father and they expressed an interest in meeting him. Ezra smiled brightly and Brady could tell that Ezra was proud of him.

The parents went to bed and Brady lifted Ezra up and carried him to the bedroom. Ezra indicated that Brady should sit down and began to shyly strip for him. He tossed his shirt aside and ran his fingers over his nipples. He looked up at Brady's intense gaze and blushed. Brady undid his pants and pulled out his cock and started to slowly stroke as he watched Ezra undo his belt and drop his pants. He stepped out of them and bent down to toss them aside, giving Brady a nice view of his rear end. Finally he took off his white briefs and went to Brady.

Brady pressed their lips together, his tongue demanding entrance into Ezra's mouth. Both boys were gasping for breath and Brady pulled at Ezra's hair. Ezra pulled away from the kiss and Brady started to nip at his neck. Ezra let out a soft moan and Brady smiled.

"We have to be quiet," he whispered.

Brady shifted in the bed and guided Ezra into a 69 position. Ezra took the head of Brady's throbbing erection into his mouth and ran his tongue over every bit of it. Brady lifted Ezra's leg and licked at his pink hole. Ezra shivered with delight.

They spent several long, sweet minutes pleasuring each other and came simultaneously. Brady kissed Ezra and the salty taste of cum and sweet taste of a kiss mingled together in an unbelievable delicious way. 



High School Romance Ch. 07



I apologize for how long this took to finish but my dang math professor keeps assigning homework. I really enjoy writing and especially feedback from you people. It inspires me to keep writing. I hope you all enjoy :)

*********************

Same restaurant, different overly perky hostess. This time though, Brady wasn't as nervous. He held Ezra's hand in his and he knew that Mr. and Mrs. Lockheart were close behind him. Brady spotted Adam and smiled. They made introductions and sat down. Adam took a short moment to look over Ezra before turning his attention to the Lockhearts. "I wanted to thank you for taking Brady in," he said.

"We're glad to have him," Mrs. Lockheart said. "He's a great young man."

Adam nodded. "I've recently learned more about his situation. I'm very glad he had you people there for him."

"Really it was our son," Mr. Lockheart said. "The boys care for each other very much."

Adam looked at the young couple. Ezra shrunk back into his chair. He didn't like being looked at too much.

"Brady tells me you're a musician," Adam said.

Ezra glanced around and nodded.

"He doesn't like to talk," Brady said, putting a protective hand on Ezra's shoulder. "But yes, he plays piano, along with others."

"That's a good skill to have," Adam commented.

Ezra seemed to relax a little. They enjoyed their meal and as they parted, there were promises of meeting up again.

**

It was dark. Ezra was cold. He was huddled in the corner. He was in trouble.

"I'm sorry," he whimpered.

Sorry wasn't good enough. It never was. He covered his face. "Sorry." He couldn't stop saying it. Why couldn't he stop saying it? It only made it worse.

A big hand captured a small wrist and pulled the small boy away from the corner that was his only defense. Uncle Roger pulled Ezra's pants to his ankles and tapped the several leather straps of the whip against Ezra's backside. He sobbed, "Please don't. Please. I'm sorry."

Pain tore through him. His little body shook and he tried to get away. Tried so hard to get away.

Big hands grabbed him, hurt him. A voice that smelled like death said, "Stop fighting."

Ezra tried to cry out. A big hand covered his mouth. More pain. He screamed. A hand around his throat. He couldn't breathe. He choked and coughed. The world was red.

Then suddenly, a soft voice. "Open your eyes, beautiful. It's OK. I'm here." A gentle shushing sound. "It'll be over just open your eyes."

More pain. Blood ran down his legs.

Brady was there, just like he always was. Ezra clung to him. The nightmare was over. Ezra felt the seat of his pajama pants. No blood, no bruises. Just a dream. Brady's hands brought warmth back to Ezra. He sighed.

"That was a bad one, huh?" Brady murmured.

Ezra closed his eyes, listened to the steady rhythm of Brady's heart. He took a slow breath, in and out. It was over. Uncle Roger couldn't get him anymore.

Ezra didn't really remember his real mom and dad. All he remembered was Roger. A big man with hard hands and breath that smelled like whiskey. He remembered beatings that got worse and worse. He remembered the night when Roger's friends had come into his room and how they had called him a slut for what they made him do. He had been nine years old when his uncle had branded him with the word. Nights were hell, and during the day was just as bad. Roger would clean up what he'd done. He would bandage up his nephew, feed him the table scraps from the day before, and then it was time for lessons.

Ezra learned fast, it was his only option. He had to be smart, or at least try to be. He studied as much as he could every day, and did his best to make his uncle happy with him so that maybe when the sun went down he wouldn't feel those rough hands around his wrist, or that biting pain of the whip.

He still remembered it every day and relived it every night. It was getting better now. Brady made the world seem like a brighter place, a place with less pain.

Brady yawned and held Ezra closer. "Go back to sleep, beautiful," he muttered. "It's alright now."

Though it was obvious he was tired, Ezra noticed in his last moments of lucidity that Brady was still awake, watching over him.

**

"Good morning, beautiful," Brady said as he kissed Ezra's cheek. Ezra opened his eyes and looked around in a daze. Brady found it adorable how Ezra was so slow to wake up in the morning. 

Ezra shut his eyes and sighed.

"It's time to wake up, angel," Brady whispered.

Ezra groaned and pulled the blankets closer to him.

"Come on," Brady said, laughing. He tugged at the blankets.

Ezra let them go and instead curled up in a tight ball. Brady picked him up and carried him to the bathroom. He plugged the drain, started the water, and coaxed Ezra into raising his arms. His shirt dropped to the ground and his nipples contracted to little rosebuds from the cool air around him. Brady removed Ezra's pants and boxers and led him to the tub. Ezra smiled at the feeling of the warm water on his skin as he sat down. Brady stripped his own pajamas off, turned off the water, and sat behind Ezra in the tub. It was a tight fit, and there wasn't much room to spare, but Brady liked that.

Ezra laid his head on Brady's shoulder and yawned.

"Wake up," Brady whispered, sprinkling a few droplets of water onto Ezra's neck and then kissing them away.

Ezra groaned and smiled, but kept his eyes closed.

"Are you going to sleep all day?" Brady asked.

Ezra nodded.

"Does this mean I have to wash you?"

Ezra nodded again.

Brady smiled and reached for the bar of soap. It was handmade by a friend of the Lockhearts, the source of Ezra's lavender smell. Brady moved the bar over Ezra's chest and stomach, leaving little pieces of lavender flower on his skin. Brady set the bar down and moved his hands over Ezra's body. He found himself becoming aroused just from touching the one he loved.

Ezra sighed and Brady saw the head of his erection start to peak above the water. Brady poured shampoo onto Ezra's hair and started to massage his scalp. "I love you," he whispered.

Ezra made a soft, musical, humming sound that Brady had come to recognize as Ezra's shy way of saying 'I love you too'. Brady knew that talking was difficult for Ezra. He often got frustrated with his stuttering and gave up. But Brady loved the sound of Ezra's voice, really any sound Ezra made, and he sometimes wished that Ezra would open up more.

"Did I miss anywhere?" Brady asked, as Ezra rinsed the suds from his hair.

Ezra moaned slightly and led Brady's hand to his groin. Brady gripped the throbbing organ and maintained a steady pace until Ezra gasped and came.

They stood and turned on the shower to rinse themselves off. Ezra knelt down and took Brady's erection into his mouth. Brady moved Ezra's dark hair aside and Ezra looked up at him as he moved Brady's dick in and out of his mouth.

**

Just as Brady was getting ready to walk out the door, Ezra hugged him tightly again. Brady shrugged and leaned down to give Ezra another long, good-bye kiss. Neither of them wanted to be the first to pull away. Brady set down his bag and wrapped his arms around Ezra and he could feel Ezra smiling.

Unfortunately the time came that Brady had to leave. He was so ready to be out of high school. Graduation was in a few months and he couldn't wait. He didn't like not having Ezra there, but he knew it was safer for Ezra to be home-schooled. People were still very hostile as the rumor spread that Brady and Ezra were a couple. It was unheard of in a town like that. Of course Brady was certain there were other homosexuals, it was a well kept secret.

The parking lot was full of vehicles Brady had never seen before and it took him a moment to remember that there was some sort of college/career fair going on. As soon as he made it to his classroom, the seniors were called to the gym for the beginning of the fair.

Brady leaned on the wall. He hadn't really given much thought to his future and he knew it was something he had to start doing soon. He visited the tables of a few junior colleges and a technical school before passing by an elaborate U.S. Army display.

He looked for a while. One of the guys passing by shouted, "Don't ask, don't tell!" His group of friends got a good laugh at it. Brady glanced at the soldiers sitting at the table and one of them gave him a sympathetic look.

"That shouldn't be a factor," one of the soldiers said. "It's on its way out."

Brady stayed for a while and walked away with a plastic bag filled with pamphlets, pens, pencils, rubber band bracelets, and book covers. He wasn't really sure how he felt about it all, or what Ezra would think.

That was the most important thing. Ezra. It wasn't just Brady anymore. He had to think. How would he support Ezra through college? Or was Ezra even going? Brady had never opened discussion about their future plans.

**

"Ezra...do you ever think about the future?" Brady asked.

Ezra shrugged. They had returned to the place they used to sneak away to, back when their relationship had just begun.

"All I know is I want you there," Brady said.

Ezra smiled widely and kissed Brady.

"Wait, smile like that again," Brady said. He kissed Ezra's cheek. "You have a little dimple right there."

Ezra laid his head on Brady's chest and looked at his ring under the starlight. Brady looked at it too, the way it seemed to shine in the night, and he felt reassured. He started to kiss Ezra's neck and Ezra arched in his lap. Brady lightly bit him and goose bumps popped up on Ezra's skin.

Ezra turned to face Brady, still in his lap, and started to move back and forth. Brady held Ezra close and kissed him deeply. Their tongues slid around each other. Ezra made a soft sound as Brady unzipped his jeans and freed his growing organ. Ezra shivered as Brady started to spread the pre cum with his thumb. Brady nibbled at Ezra's collarbone as he laid back in the truck bed. He liked the feeling of Ezra grinding against him. He gripped Ezra's hips and guided him up so that he was on his hands and knees and his erection was positioned over Brady's mouth.

Brady started to lick him lightly. Ezra shivered and pressed himself into Brady's mouth, but timidly backed off.

"I want to make you happy," Brady whispered. "You know I love how you cum. Do what you feel like, angel."

Ezra let go and started to slide in and out of Brady's mouth. Brady focused on relaxing and was proud that he didn't gag. He was really happy to be used for Ezra's pleasure. He heard the soft series of moans that meant Ezra was ready. Brady kept the semen in his mouth as it spurted in and moved onto his hands and knees. He spread Ezra's cheeks and let the cum run into the crack as he licked at the tight opening.

"Do you trust me, beautiful?"

Ezra moaned desperately and made himself more open to Brady.

"I love you," Brady said. He pulled his shorts down and entered Ezra slowly. He heard Ezra gasp as he entered. Brady was concerned and paused. Ezra pushed back on him, taking Brady deeper. Brady entered him completely and reveled as he always did in the moment that they truly became one. 

Ezra squirmed and Brady began to thrust in and out. Ezra was biting his lip and reciprocating every move. Brady reached around with one hand and gave Ezra's nipple a pinch. His other hand roamed over Ezra's scarred back. He swore he would make things right. The person who had hurt Ezra would suffer.

Brady sped up his motions and Ezra moaned as Brady stimulated his prostate. Brady closed his eyes and listened to the heavy breathing and flesh slapping against flesh and Ezra's gasping and moaning.

Brady slammed into Ezra one last time and came. They were still for a moment. Brady pulled out and watched a little stream of cum dribble out of Ezra and on to the truck.

He smiled and took Ezra into his arms.

"Whatever life brings, I'm just glad I'm with you."



High School Romance Ch. 08



I'd like to say a special thanks to pizzaboyatdoor (even though he told me not to). He is the reason this chapter was completed.

****************************

The weather was a little warmer, the sky a little more blue. Green started to show up on the brown expanses. Tiny flower buds were waiting for the right time.

Brady had been working all weekend, trying to turn planks of wood, nails, and some chain into a romantic swing that he and Ezra could sit in while they looked up at the stars. He could see Ezra watching him now from the front porch. Brady winked and pulled his shirt up over his head and let it fall next to his tool box. Ezra smiled and walked towards him, so Brady dropped his hammer and wrapped Ezra in his arms.

"It's almost done...I think," Brady said, gesturing to the half completed swing. The seat part of it was completed and tested. Though it didn't look very pretty with the addition of a few cushions it would be perfect. Brady was now working on a structure to hang the swing from, which was nearly completed. His biggest concern was the whole thing falling apart, though he had consulted the shop teacher about his plans before beginning.

Ezra stood up on his toes and kissed Brady's cheek. "Thanks," he whispered, then laid his cheek against Brady's chest and closed his eyes.

As the sun was setting that evening, Brady ran inside to find Ezra studying. He kissed him quickly and lightly on the lips. "Come on," he said, but instead of having Ezra follow him, he swept him up into his arms, carrying him like they were newlyweds. Ezra wrapped his arms around Brady's neck and nibbled at his ear.

The swing was complete and swayed lazily in the early spring breeze. The night had a bit of a chill to it, so Brady had set a few blankets on the swing. It was a clear sky though, with the sun dying the horizon crimson red. A V-shaped formation of birds soared past, looking like tiny ink dots in the distance.

Brady and Ezra sat close. Brady covered them with blankets and Ezra curled up against his one and only as stars began to appear. Brady kissed the top of Ezra's head and pushed the swing slowly back and forth.

Brady smiled and traced pictures in the stars as Ezra started to fall asleep on his chest. He knew he'd found true happiness, because the moment he was in was just as good as any sexual encounter they'd ever shared.

**

Brady didn't really look at the prom invitation that the preppy junior girl handed him. He stuffed it into his back pocket and forgot about it until that evening when it fell into the grass as he and Ezra were leaving their swing.

"Oh, that's just..." Brady didn't say anything. Ezra's eyes seemed to light up as he looked at the invitation.

It was on black cardstock, with a red ribbon wrapped around the top. In silver calligraphy it read 'The Westmore Junior Class invites you to the Jr./Sr. Prom: A Night Under The Stars...' followed by the location and time of the event. In the bottom corner of the invitation there was a picture of the Eiffel Tower with a full moon behind it.

"You want to go?" Brady asked. He was kind of shocked. He hadn't really expected Ezra to want to go to the prom.

"Y-yes," Ezra whispered nervously.

Brady tilted Ezra's chin up and gently kissed him. "Ok, we'll go. But let me ask you properly. Later, though."

The next afternoon, Ezra found a teddy bear in a suit jacket and bowtie sitting on his desk, holding a note that said 'Will you go to prom with me?'

**

Brady was surprised at how nervous he was. He looked at the fresh flower boutonniere in its plastic container. He'd chosen a white rose because when he saw it, he thought of Ezra. He shifted his weight and tugged at his tux. He'd never worn one before, having skipped his junior prom to start the after-parties early, and he was very uncomfortable in it, though everyone had assured him he looked nice in the black tux, black shirt and vest, with a brightly contrasting red tie.

He knew Ezra was about to appear when Mrs. Lockheart rushed in with her digital camera in hand.

"Wait! Don't let him out yet," she shouted. "Brady, fix this damn thing."

Brady laughed and switched the camera from viewing mode to picture taking mode and handed it back to the woman who was more of a mom to him than his own mother was.

Ezra appeared in a tux that matched Brady's. Their eyes locked for a moment and both smiled uncontrollably.

Brady took the flower out of its container and pinned it to Ezra's lapel and then kissed his cheek.

"Wait a minute!" Mrs. Lockheart said. "I missed it. Do it again."

Brady and Ezra smiled at each other and repeated the entire process. After taking pictures by the doorway, Ezra's mother had the boys pose by a tree in the front yard and on the swing. Brady, Ezra, and Mr. Lockheart were nearly laughing hysterically as she continued to direct the young couple's 'candid' poses. Around the fifth time that Brady had helped Ezra into the sleek black Mustang they had borrowed from Ezra's uncle, Brady had to put a stop to it. "We'll miss the dinner if we don't leave now," he said.

Mrs. Lockheart kissed both boys on the cheek and said, "Be careful."

"Be back before sunrise, boys," Mr. Lockheart added.

Brady smiled as they drove away, noticing Mrs. Lockheart snapping a few pictures of the car leaving. The sky was overcast and Brady hoped it wouldn't rain. He reached over for Ezra's hand.

"Are you happy?"

"Yes." Thunder rolled and a few raindrops hit the windshield.

"That's all I want," Brady said.

They were one of the last couples to arrive at the Riviera Country Club and at that point the rain was coming down hard. The front doors had been decorated with white Christmas lights. They joined the line of arriving couples. Chaperones were checking invitations and the teacher in charge of the yearbook was taking pictures of the couples as they arrived.

The man taking invitations gave them a dirty look and the school photographer refused to take their picture for the yearbook page. Brady was angry about that, but he didn't want to ruin the night so he let it slide and put an arm around Ezra as they entered the dining area.

The buffet table had chicken and beef, a salad with vinaigrette, a pasta dish of some sort, green beans, and asparagus. Once they had their plates, Brady led the way to an empty table. The tables were large enough for eight people and though some people ate while standing, none accompanied Brady and Ezra.

The wait staff brought the dessert out and Brady was sure to thank the young waitress that brought theirs because she was the first kind face he'd seen since arriving at the prom. The dessert was a lemon with candied curls of the peel on top. Brady laughed at the cute way Ezra wrinkled his nose when he tasted it.

"You don't like it?" Brady asked.

Ezra shook his head and pushed the plate away.

"I'll give you something sweet later," Brady whispered in his ear. Ezra blushed and smiled.

The clock chimed at seven and the students herded towards the separate area that the dance would be held in. Brady could hear a pop song playing as they entered the room, passing the area that was being set up for the professional photographer. The backdrop was of a starry night sky, and a mini cardboard Eiffel Tower covered with lights stood for the couples to pose next to. The room itself was lit by Christmas lights and candles with rose petals strewn over the black cloth covered tables. The dance floor was disappointingly small, but no one was interested in it. As was common for most Westmore dances, everyone crowded to the tables and against the walls until a country song was played.

Brady got a glass of punch and brought it to Ezra as they sat at their own table. The dancing started to pick up. Girls tossed away their shoes and boys took off their jackets as they started to really enjoy their night.

Brady started to worry. Ezra was silent as usual as he watched the couples on the dance floor.

"Do you want to have our picture taken?" Brady offered.

Ezra nodded and they went to wait. The line was short and soon the young couple was standing under a bright light next to the cardboard cutout.

The photographer was a man in his late forties, with a beard and ponytail and glasses that made him look scholarly. The boys posed in the classic prom picture way, standing slightly sideways, Ezra in front of Brady, and Brady's arms around Ezra's waist.

"No, no, no!" a voice called just as the photographer was about to take the picture. The assistant principle stepped in front of the camera. "We don't condone that sort of thing here."

The photographer narrowed his eyes. "You may not, but I am an independent photographer. You cannot tell me I can't take this lovely couple's picture. Now, if you would kindly move out of my shot."

"We are running this prom!" she shouted, her product laden hair nearly moved showing just how frustrated she was.

"The Westmore school district rented the dining room and function room twelve. We are currently in the foyer. You have no control here," the photographer said.

The assistant principle rushed off to find someone with more authority.

The photographer smiled at the boys and took a few shots. He stepped in front of the camera and guided them into a different poses.

"I just wanted to say..." he began. "I'm gay also. I know how tough it is in high school. I have to say, you boys are braver than I was. I didn't go to my prom. Just know it gets better." He winked at them and returned to his camera and took a few pictures of them standing, facing each other and holding hands.

"One more, pose however you want," the photographer said.

Brady saw the assistant principal returning with the superintendant and a member of the school board. He quickly leaned down and kissed Ezra's lips. The camera flashed and as soon as it had, Brady took Ezra by the hand and they returned to the dance.

The young couple had found new hope in meeting another gay man.

The DJ played a fast pop song and the dancers trickled off of the dance floor. He followed that with a slow song, 'Your Guardian Angel' by the Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. Brady and Ezra shared a look and then stepped onto the dance floor.

Brady put his arms around Ezra, his hands lightly resting on the small of Ezra's back. Ezra's hands were on Brady's shoulders. They danced as close together as was possible, the heat between their bodies seemed to fill the room. Everyone stared, but they didn't notice.

Disaster struck as the instrumental break began. Two of Brady's ex-teammates flung full glasses of punch at the dancing couple. It splattered at their feet and some of it got on their clothes. Brady went blind with rage and the next thing he knew he was being pulled away from a boy with a bloody nose.

The room was nearly in a riot of shouting and chaperones desperately tried to tame the crowd.

The assistant principal sneered as she approached the source of the commotion with the principal at her side. After hearing the jock's point of view, the principal turned his rigid face to Brady and said, "Fighting, Mr. Walker? I'm afraid you'll have to leave the prom and report to my office tomorrow so we can discuss your punishment."

"That is completely unfair," someone said before Brady could make the same statement. "It is obvious that those boys started this." The new English teacher stood in front of Brady and Ezra protectively. She was a petite brunette young woman, fresh out of college.

"Brady was the first to throw a punch," the assistant principal said, scrunching up her face like she'd just smelled a skunk.

"Throwing this couple out of the prom is completely and utterly wrong. You and I know it's not about the fight. It's your own damn prejudice. You have no right to be in charge of this school if you condone such blatant discrimination."

The principal shoved the English teacher aside and said, "Mr. Walker, you and your"—he paused and made a sound like he'd bitten into something rotten—"date...need to leave now."

Again, the English teacher spoke before Brady could say anything. "I'll escort them out. I need to be leaving too. Consider this my two-week's notice."

It was still raining outside but barely as Brady, Ezra, and the young teacher stepped out into the parking lot.

"I'm so sorry about that," she said.

Brady shrugged. "Thank you for standing up for us."

She nodded and fished in her purse for her keys. "I hope you boys have a nice night, despite all this."

Brady nearly wanted to hug the woman, but he didn't and she climbed into her Ford F150 and left. Though the night hadn't gone as planned, he was amazed to see that there were some people willing to speak out against the bullies and homophobes.

**

Brady parked the car in an abandoned dirt lot near a park and the young couple climbed into the back seat.

"I love you so much," Brady whispered and then slid his tongue into Ezra's hot waiting mouth. 

They had quite a difficult time getting themselves out of their tuxes, but it only added to the heat of the moment as they tore at each other's clothes between hot, wet kisses.

Ezra's erection was the first to spring free and Brady immediately took the hardness into his mouth. Ezra moaned a little and leaned back against the door, accidentally hitting the button and cracking the window as Brady swallowed him. He squirmed and whimpered with delight as Brady's tongue laved over his sack.

After five minutes of pure bliss, Ezra signaled that it was Brady's turn. Ezra smiled shyly as he kissed Brady's muscular chest. He nibbled at Brady's nipples and worshipped well-toned abs with his agile hands, before taking hold of Brady's manhood. He dove down and licked away the pre before taking every hard inch into his mouth. He flexed his throat muscles and Brady let out a husky moan. "Yeah, baby...that's good," he said.

Brady thought he was about to explode when Ezra stopped and whispered, "I l-l-love you."

Brady gave Ezra's firm ass a squeeze and started to kiss his way down Ezra's stomach, to his inner thigh, to Ezra's rosebud opening. Brady licked slowly and Ezra trembled with desire. He let out a soft sound as Brady penetrated with his tongue, working inside Ezra to get him nice and loose.

Ezra searched for words to communicate the desire to be filled by Brady, but none came to him. Instead he moaned Brady's name and squirmed against Brady's tongue.

Brady pressed the head of his cock against Ezra's opening. Their eyes locked and Brady entered as gently as possible. Ezra chewed on his bottom lip and reached up to trace the lines of Brady's pecs as Brady started to move slowly in and out of him. Ezra closed his eyes and moaned from the bliss as Brady hit the right spot.

Brady sped up his thrusts and watched as Ezra's shyness disappeared the way it always did. Ezra arched his back and moaned. "Oh!" Ezra moaned as the first white rope of cum painted his smooth stomach. Brady felt himself starting to cum as well. He delivered two final thrusts and then emptied himself into Ezra.



High School Romance Ch. 09



Brady came home that afternoon to find Ezra sitting at the dining room table with two envelopes in front of him. One was from Sam Houston State University and the other was from Baylor. Brady could only guess they were the letters Ezra had been waiting for nearly the day after he sent out his applications and from the size of the envelopes it looked like Ezra had been accepted to both.

"Hey, baby," Brady said as he pulled a chair close to Ezra. 

In between the two envelopes was a legal pad that Ezra had been writing on. It was split into three sections. In the middle, Ezra had written 'music' and 'smaller school'. On the side closest to the SHSU envelope, Ezra had written 'closer to home' and 'honors program' and 'scholarships'. The Baylor side had only 'small scholarship, better program'. At the bottom in large letters 'Brady?' was written and underlined four times. Ezra tapped it with his pen and looked at Brady.

Brady smiled at the fact that he was a factor in Ezra's decision. "I haven't applied anywhere, babe, I don't know where I'll end up."

Ezra nodded and looked at his list again. He traced the lines under Brady's name and shuffled his feet under the table.

"I was actually thinking..." Brady was having a surprisingly hard time getting the words out. "I was thinking of the military."

Ezra's eyes got wide like a deer in headlights and his mouth dropped open a little. "N-no," he said.

Brady searched for words and finally managed to meekly offer, "It's a good option." He hadn't known what to expect, but certainly Ezra disagreeing hadn't crossed his mind.

"No!"

Brady jumped at the force behind Ezra's voice. Ezra's hands were trembling and he threw his pen down and wrapped his arms around Brady.

"D-don't go," Ezra muttered. He sniffed and tightened his grip on Brady. "I need you. D-d-don't leave."

Brady ran his hands all over Ezra's back and breathed in the sweet smell of the one he loved. "I won't leave," he said. There was no need to think about it. Ezra needed him to stay, so he would. He would apply to the school Ezra chose and hope that he would figure things out along the way.

**

Brady stretched as the sunlight fell on his face. Ezra stirred beside him, smiling in his sleep and snuggling closer to Brady's side. Brady caressed Ezra's cheek and kissed the forehead of his angel. He settled back in the bed, thoughts buzzed through his mind.

The first thing of course, was the night before and the look on Ezra's face as they made love. The feeling of Ezra's hands tangled in his hair, their lips meshing together as their tongues danced, and the soft sounds of ecstasy.

The second was the online application to Sam Houston State University that he'd just completed and submitted. He was nervous about his future of course, but more nervous that he would be rejected and let Ezra down.

Ezra interrupted his thoughts with a light kiss and swirl of his tongue on Brady's pec. "Good morning," Ezra whispered.

Brady smiled as Ezra climbed on top of him. "Good morning, beautiful," Brady said. He gave Ezra's firm ass a squeeze as their lips met. Ezra started to squirm and grind against Brady's body. The head of his erection worked its way free of his boxers and the pre-cum rubbed against the warm skin of Brady's abs.

Brady pulled the waistband of Ezra's boxers down enough to free his erection and then he did the same for himself. Their dicks rubbed together, the pre-cum providing lubrication as Ezra frantically thrust his hips. He nibbled at Brady's ear and then licked at his neck. Brady put his index finger in his mouth and got it wet. He teased Ezra's opening and Ezra sped up his motions. Brady fingered Ezra, finding the hot spot and stimulating it each time Ezra thrust his hips. It wasn't long before Ezra was moaning and gasping as hot cum poured onto Brady's stomach. Brady moaned and threw his head back as he felt the rush of his own orgasm.

**

Brady felt like he might go insane. Every week there were new scholarship applications due and some required interviews. He was always nervous and he hoped that it wouldn't hurt his chances. He was trying to find a job near SHSU, but he hadn't received a letter from the school yet and he was stressing himself out checking every day. It was a month until graduation and he didn't feel like his life had any direction.

The only comfort he found was in the evenings when Ezra would practice piano on a keyboard borrowed from a local church. The sweet sounds of Clair de Lune would often make Brady stop what he was doing and watch, mesmerized by Ezra's hands.

Finally, the letter came. Brady sighed in relief when he saw he'd been accepted.

That evening the Lockheart family had a small celebration, complete with a cookie cake. Mr. and Mrs. Lockheart surprised Brady and Ezra with matching SHSU Bearkat T-shirts in a glaring, bright orange color.

At midnight, the young lovers had their own private celebration. Ezra ran his tongue over Brady's stomach, showing tender affection to every chiseled muscle before he finally touched the tip of his tongue to the salty tasting head of Brady's cock.

Brady groaned and grabbed fistfuls of the blanket beneath him as Ezra took the length into his mouth. "That's so good, baby," Brady said with a smile as Ezra started to work his throat muscles around the mushroom cap.

After five minutes of pure bliss, Brady signaled that it was Ezra's turn. It was Brady's turn to worship with his tongue and he did just that, trailing his tongue over every hauntingly beautiful scar on Ezra's lithe body. He nibbled at Ezra's nipples just to feel his angel writhe with pleasure beneath him before he lowered himself to Ezra's pulsing organ.

He took the length of it into his mouth and bobbed his head for a moment before letting it free with a pop of suction. Brady licked at Ezra's balls and nibbled at the patch of skin between his sack and the pink opening. Brady slid his tongue inside Ezra and his lover gasped and arched his back.

Finally, when Ezra was loose enough, Brady slid his cock inside and they both moaned softly at the amazing. It was so right, the two of them as one.

Brady thrust in and out, working the hot spot inside Ezra. Ezra was holding onto Brady's shoulders so tightly that Brady could feel the raw hunger, the need for release. Brady nibbled and sucked at Ezra's collarbone, getting such a beautiful reaction that he got carried away and left a little triangle shaped love mark on Ezra. But Ezra didn't care. He bit his lip and moaned, caught up in the feeling of being complete, whole, unbroken. 

Both boys gasped as they came at the exact same moment.

**

Brady adjusted his tie and zipped up the graduation gown. He joined the line of his classmates and stood silently. He heard the music start inside the gym and the rumbling of people's voices stopped. The line of graduating seniors shuffled forward.

Once inside the gym, Brady scanned the crowd. He saw his dad in a dress shirt and tie smiling slightly uncomfortably. Mrs. Lockheart was fumbling with her camera and Mr. Lockheart was trying to hide the fact that he was laughing at her. Brady's eyes settled on Ezra, who wore a grey jacket striped with black despite the increasingly warm summer nights.

As the commencement ceremony continued, Brady thought about the experience of his senior year and how lucky he was to have Ezra. As he walked across the stage, he knew he was taking the first steps into a bright future.

********************************

This will be the last installment of High School Romance. But don't worry, I'll follow Brady and Ezra into their college days with a sequel series (tentatively entitled 'College Days' because I lack in the title talent department). Thanks so much to everyone who has ever voted, left a comment, or sent feedback.