14 comments/ 15746 views/ 17 favorites Jeremy Green Ch. 01 By: Eternalivan ********** Chapter 01 ********** "You know you should leave him. You deserve better, Jeremy." Tiara urged to Jeremy and held his hand. Jeremy remained silent, staring out of the café window. It was a busy city. A long line of incessantly honking cars had formed on the road. It was snowing now and the slippery road made commuting a dangerous task even for the best of drivers. Everyone was in a hurry to be at home but the snow had other plans. The tricky pavement was as slippery as the road and those walking would often get a mini heart-attack as their foot slid a bit more than they expected it to. Then there were the teenagers goofing around and sliding all over the pavement, generating frowns, scowls and even growls in some cases. The carefree spirit and I-don't-give-a-damn attitude that these teenagers had was missing in the nineteen year old Jeremy Green sitting inside and looking but not taking in the scene outside. "Are you even listening to me, Jer?" Tiara slightly pressed Jeremy's hand to bring him back from his thoughts lingering on the one person who had been pivoting Jeremy's life around himself. Jeremy sighed and looked at Tiara. His bright green eyes had a deep emotion of resignation and submissiveness. "I can't leave him, Tiara. You don't understand this." Tiara had heard a lot of this "you don't understand" for a better part of last year and was in no mood to let the conversation into that cul-de-sac direction. She began in this fashion. "Well, then please explain to me. Tell me what I don't understand. Who do you think you're kidding, Jeremy? Have you looked at what you've become ever since you met him? Where is the Jeremy I knew? Where is that happy, carefree, awesome friend I had? Who is this shadow of the Jeremy we all looked up to?" Jeremy listened to Tiara's exclamation with no sign of emotion except the look of resignation and submissiveness that he always wore now. He made no comment. He didn't say a word. No tear followed this reproach. That corner in his heart where something of this kind would have triggered some emotion, some response seemed to have become inert, indifferent, and incapable of feeling or emoting. He simply shrugged his shoulders and went back to staring outside the window. The traffic was still dragging itself on the road. The number of people on the pavement was less now but the sense of urgency to return to their warm homes had increased. The high-rise buildings and the skyscrapers on the opposite side of the road stood majestically against the black sky. The light in the tiny windows of the high buildings seemed to present a sense of peace, calm and belonging. Emotions that had long deserted Jeremy. Tiara was right. He had changed since he met him. But, she didn't know. She didn't understand that he could not leave him. He had been trying to work things out for a year now. And Jacob wasn't that bad. Jacob had his issues and there had been ugly moments but he knew despite everything Jacob loved him. "At least respond to me Jeremy. You have no idea how much it pains us to see you this way; how much it pains me. You're going down the road of self-destruction. There is no coming back. There's time Jeremy. Let him go and come back to us." She yearned with tears in her eyes. Jeremy looked at her with concern. He wiped her tears with his hands and kissed her on the cheek. "I am with you guys, Tiara. Nothing will happen to me. This is just a bit complicated. Jacob and I have some issues but then that's something all relationships have. I don't want to ruin what special bond we share just because of mere issues." "Mere issues?" Tiara's voice rose as her patience gave way. "You are so delusional. You refuse to see the truth of the relationship. You refuse to see how it is gnawing at your heart, weakening you at the core, slowly destroying you." Jeremy looked down at his coffee. The steaming cup of coffee was now cold and still. He didn't reply to what she had just announced. There was some part in him telling him to listen, but there was the dominant side that refused to let him think, to let him question, to let him analyse his situation. As he sat ruminating over his inability or perhaps his refusal to accept, his cell rang cutting through his thoughts. He checked the caller. The photo of an exceptionally handsome, well-built athletic guy about 25, with jet black hair and giving a forced smile with a raised eyebrow surfaced on the screen. Jeremy sighed and received the call knowing what would follow. "Where are you?" A rough voice spoke on the other side. He knew this did not bode well. "At the Costa Café. I'm having coffee with Tiara." Jeremy answered apprehensively. A long silence followed after he spoke. Nervousness made its way through him as he started feeling uncomfortable and slightly sweaty despite the cold. When the silence and Tiara's burning look started disturbing him, he spoke. "Hello? Jacob?" "You have fifteen minutes." The line went dead. This definitely meant bad. He quickly got up and asked for the cheque. "I gotta go. See you later." He told Tiara and rushed out without stopping to listen to her interventions. He knew there was no time to waste. When Jacob announced a time limit, he would be sitting staring at the clock waiting for him to turn up within the allotted time. A minute late and things would be bad, very bad. He walked as fast as the slippery pavement would allow. The cold air was cutting his skin, making him freeze; he wrapped his coat tightly and hugged himself in order to keep out the cold. His heart was racing and his thoughts were centred on Jacob and how he would be sitting in his chair, watching time pass on the clock. Their apartment was a block away and if he walked fast enough he could make it in due time. With each passing minute his earnestness was getting the better of him. He checked his watch. Seven minutes and the apartment was not in sight yet. Plus, they lived on the fourth floor. That would take extra time. A sense of fear gripped him as he walked faster. Funny how fate has events planned for us, quite contrary to what we expect or wish, isn't it? Well, let's say dear fate had things planned for our Jeremy too. As he walked faster on the pavement, he lost control and slipped. With wide eyes and wildly flinging of arms, he fell on the hard, cold stony pavement on his ass. A sharp blinding pain shot through him as his butt made contact with the not very inviting pavement. He yelled in pain as tears swelled in his eyes. As he lay there, rolling in pain and unable to get up, he felt a pair of strong arms hold him at the shoulders and help him get up. Slowly, wincing in pain Jeremy started getting up. After a struggle that lasted a couple of minutes he could finally stand on his feet. However, his hip hurt and he had angry red bruises on his palms from the fall. "Are you okay?" A soft, deep voice asked him. He would have felt better had the voice not betrayed obvious signs of attempting to suppress laughter. "I'm fine." He replied and now that his pain seemed bearable he turned to look at his helper. A guy about twenty-four or five, young handsome chiselled looks, ripped physique with the perfect built, spiked black hair and striking blue eyes. Jeremy thought he should have felt a sense of gratitude and endearment for such an Adonis. However, his biting his lip, trying to hold back a smile with amusement simply radiating from his eyes; didn't appeal to or amuse him. Apparently, his pain was funny for him. Jeremy raised his eyebrows and was about to retaliate when he remembered his deadline. He hastily checked his watch. Fuck! He was a god ten minutes past the fifteen minutes allotted. He was a dead man now. "Thanks." He muttered and turned quickly to walk away. However, his hurt hip didn't seem supportive and the intense pain that shot through him made him wince and fall yet again. However, this time he landed not on the stony pavement but in the arms of the hottie. "There I saved you again. Seriously, what's the hurry about? Why are you hurting this cute little ass?" He remarked unabashed. "Excuse me?" Jeremy turned the neck the most he could while he held him from behind. Jeremy had turned a deep shade of red and was guessing the 'cute ass' he was talking about was a deeper red. The guy laughed and put Jeremy's arm around his neck while his under the latter's shoulder. Once he had balanced them and they assumed a stance fine enough for walking with least discomfort, he enquired. "Where should I take you, to my place or yours?" Jeremy frowned and looked at his face. He winked at him and smiled flirtatiously. His idea of a joke at this juncture when he was torn between the pain in his ass and the thought of a fuming Jacob did not go down well with Jeremy. "If your stupid jokes and innuendos are done, I'd like to go to my apartment where my boyfriend's waiting for me." Jeremy declared. The guy looked slightly disappointed but hastily regained his boisterous manner. "Next Stop- Your place!" They walked for a couple of minutes in silence. They guy didn't speak and Jeremy was too worried to think about striking a conversation. However, silence seemed to be the guy's greatest rival. "By the way, my name is Chris. I'm interning at an advertising agency. What about you? High school?" He smiled at his humour. "My name's Jeremy. And no I'm not in high school. I'm in college doing my undergrad. I'll be majoring in English." Jeremy retorted. "Oh! Cool!" He exclaimed. "That explains this fragility about you. English major student, I should have known." "What the hell? Stop stereotyping people!" Jeremy shot at him. He didn't like it when someone called him fragile or weak or not the normal guy. What if he was a bit mild? That didn't mean he was a weakling. "Sorry. I didn't mean to irk you." He tried to give Jeremy his charismatic smile but this wasn't the time or he the kind that it would have worked. "That's the building and that's my apartment." Jeremy pointed towards a decent and lavish building that boasted of wealth and class. "Whoa! Did I just run into a prince?" Chris exclaimed on seeing the apartment complex. Jeremy rolled his eyes as they made their way towards the lift. The way to the fourth floor was filled with Chris' over whelming exclamations about the awesomeness of the place and how he would like to get such an apartment after he moved on to a permanent job after completing his internship. He had great plans for his future and despite his earlier annoyance; Jeremy could not help but smile at Chris narrating all his dreams and aspirations. They got down at the fourth floor and made way to Jeremy's apartment. Chris reached out and rang the doorbell. After a minute they heard the lock click and the door opened to reveal Jacob standing there with a cold look on his face. However, when he saw Jeremy leaning on Chris, he frowned and gave him a murderous look before walking away. Jeremy saw him going into the apartment and knew he was in trouble. A great part of him was shouting not to go in but he knew he had to. He extricated himself from Chris and slowly entered. He turned towards Chris who looked confused and slightly unnerved at Jacob's behaviour. "Are you going to be fine?" He enquired. "Yeah, I'll be fine. Thanks for everything." Jeremy smiled at Chris who felt his heart flutter. If only he had a chance; just one chance. "My pleasure. Good night, Jeremy." Chris extended his hand. "Good night Chris." Jeremy took his hand. He thought for a second then leaned forward and pecked Chris on the cheek. With a final smile Jeremy closed the door. Chris stood there stunned. The unexpected kiss and the beautiful smile had sent his heart fluttering away. He could swear he was hearing violins and guitars. With a dazed look he made his way downwards and into the night. He stopped outside the building and looked at the balcony of Jeremy's apartment. Snowflakes, pure and white were making their way to the ground. The street and pavement was now covered with snow. Chris stood in the snow under the dark night doted by a few stars, looking at the place where he had dropped Jeremy. A light cold breeze made its way across the street and touched him, bringing him out of his reverie. He shook his head, smiled to himself and walked away. ***** Jeremy closed the door and turned to face Jacob. He was sitting opposite to him in the armchair, steadily rocking it, looking directly at him. His face did not betray even the slightest emotion he was feeling inside. This was one of the things that made him intimidating and scary. Jeremy could never guess what he was thinking. However, his body language sent chills through Jeremy's body as he felt the coldness in Jacob's heart. "I'm sorry, J." I uttered since the dead silence was unnerving me. "I fell on the pavement and then Chris, this guy who came here helped me here. I'm really sorry." Jacob stopped rocking the chair and got up. Jeremy's heart was beating faster now as he saw Jacob making his way to him. Jacob stopped inches away from Jeremy. Jacob was about a six feet and easily towered over Jeremy who was about five feet four inches. Jeremy dared not look at Jacob. He fixed his eyes on Jacob's chest. Suddenly, Jacob moved his arms and Jeremy recoiled only to find Jacob's hands on his hurt hip. He felt stupid now. "Did you hurt yourself bad?" Jacob enquired. "No. I feel better already." Jeremy looked into Jacob's eyes and smiled innocently. Jacob simply looked into Jeremy's eyes and without a word grabbed him and pulled him for a rough kiss. He kissed him intently and bit his lip making him bleed. Jeremy moaned and groaned at the cut lip. However, Jacob was indifferent to him. He picked up Jeremy in his arms and carried him to the bedroom. He threw him on the bed and got on top of him. Jeremy shocked and slightly aware of what was coming tried to ease the situation. He reached in for a kiss but Jacob simply pulled back. He almost ripped Jeremy's clothes off him, roughly removing every cloth on his body. As Jeremy lay naked, his body broke into gooseflesh with the cold. Jacob's indifference continued as he pulled off his jeans and shirt and without a warning thrust three fingers into Jeremy. Jeremy yelled in pain but Jacob didn't pay any heed. After a rough stretching session, Jacob turned Jeremy on his stomach and with one thrust fully entered him. Jeremy was simply yelling in pain now. He couldn't do anything but what Jacob wanted him to. Without waiting for Jeremy to adjust, Jacob started pounding him. He kept on thrusting roughly for about half an hour. Jeremy's insides were raw and on fire. He felt dizzy and his hip hurt both from the fall and now the endless pounding. Jeremy felt as if he would throw up and a pain built in his stomach as Jacob thrust in deeper. Finally, the moment of exaltation arrived and Jeremy felt Jacob's ejaculation. Jeremy followed suit but there was no pleasure that he felt. Jacob bent and whispered in his ear. "You will always be mine." With that declaration Jacob exited Jeremy and went to the washroom. He returned and fell asleep away from Jeremy. Jeremy sat hunched on the other side of the bed. He was overwhelmed with emotions. He didn't know what to do, how to react or what to say. He just stared out of the window into the night outside. The snow was still falling; it was serene and peaceful outside. A single tear made its way from his eyes and down his cheek. This was a good sign. He did not cry endlessly for the entire night now. Just a couple of tears and he would be asleep soon. This was just another one of those nights. Jacob was a good boyfriend. He just flipped out at times. That was all. Such and more thoughts kept him thinking till sleep claimed him. Jeremy Green Ch. 02 Jeremy felt a hand moving softly and delicately through his hair, disentangling them while caressing him simultaneously. He stirred but kept his eyes closed. He was snuggled under the blankets, warm and cosy and had no intention of getting up. He was still half asleep and had no idea who was caressing him; all he cared about was the good feeling of being touched with love. The soft hand was now on his cheek, softly plucking it and delicately touching. Then a low husky voice followed. "It's morning, babe. You need to get up, else you'll be late." As if someone had taken two drums and banged them above his head, Jeremy sat up straight throwing the covers away. However, the swift jerking didn't work out as he instantly felt dizzy and unfocussed. A few minutes passed before he relaxed and could focus. He fixed his eyes on Jacob looking at him with an amused expression on his face. Apparently, he had just showered because his towel was wrapped around his waist, his hair was damp and fell on his forehead (unlike the usual spiked look), and he looked fresh, sexy and smelled great. Jeremy felt like shit on watching him. However, his embarrassment and mild shock turned into a full blown shock when he saw a breakfast tray kept on a stand near him. He looked at the tray and then at Jacob. He couldn't believe his eyes. He was dead sure he was dreaming and about to lie down and throw the covers over himself when Jacob ruffled his hair and laughed. "Get up, lazy-bum!" Jeremy couldn't help but smile and rubbed his eyes like a kid. Jacob simply adored the cute sleepy guy on his bed. He loved that this boy was his and his alone. He loved to be the only one in his life; the sole protector, the only one the boy had; the only one Jeremy could come to. He loved to pamper him, to caress him, to make him happy, to spoil him; but he didn't like if someone else even thought of spoiling their little world. "I'm going to dress now. You better be done before I get ready!" Jacob instructed Jeremy with a smile and a wink. Jeremy looked at Jacob and smiled widely. He stretched and took his cup of coffee with hazelnut flavour. Taking a sip of the delicious and reviving drink he looked around the room. It was their bedroom. It was huge and beautiful with class and grandeur etched into every feature. Their bed was king-size and made of very polished ebony with ultra-soft mattresses and pillows; covered with white silk covers. The general hue of the room walls was dark brilliant blue except the wall against the bed. It was a crimson red painted in the manner to give it a rough dotted exterior. On this wall hung a big framed picture of the couple. The photo had been clicked on a trip to Bahamas. Against the backdrop of a raging sea, and the flaming setting sun which had casted a burning hue in the sky, stood the couple. Dressed in a black shirt unbuttoned to the abs and shorts, Jacob had his hand around Jeremy, who was clad in a sky blue t-shirt and capris. Jeremy stood smiling sweetly as the wind played with his hair while Jacob stood straight with a slight smile and a raised eyebrow holding the former as firmly as possible. Jeremy looked at the photo reflected in the huge mirror opposite to their bed. He distinctly remembered that night when Jacob had gone down on his knee and proposed. How he had been over-whelmed with emotion and had fallen into his arms. Engaged, they were now living together. His gaze now turned to the paintings on the other walls. Jacob was a connoisseur of art and had got some great paintings from his trips to Paris and Venice. They were interesting and amazing. However, one painting which always intrigued Jeremy was one Jacob had painted in jest. Jeremy had been laughing at Jacob's painting mania and challenged him to paint one. Jacob had taken his paints and after an hour wherein his white tee got a splash of colour stains he had made a weird blast of colours on the canvass. The painting had turned out to be a hard splash of deep red and black splashed on the canvass as if the two colours were intertwining and yet separated creating a storm or a whirlwind like pattern. Jeremy had looked at it, and laughed his head off, colouring Jacob's nose red with a little paint and running away. Jacob had caught him and both had fallen on the bed where after things had become hot. Jeremy looked at the panting and remembering the night smiled and took the final sip of his coffee. He got out of the bed and moved towards the windows. Beautiful and rich velvet curtains imparted a royal look to their room. He held the curtains and swung them away to let the day in. He was blinded by the bright sun whose brightness was magnified by the pure white snow covering the roads, pavements and buildings around. Jeremy grabbed a coat and walked into the balcony. The sun was shining bright heralding a new day. He shivered at the chill in the air but the warmth of the sun felt great against his skin. He looked at the road covered with snow which the trucks were trying to remove. People armed with shovels had come out of their houses to scrape the snow from their porch. Children were laughing loudly as they tried to make the best architecture of childhood- the Snowman. They laughed as they fell in the snow smashing the tummy or the head of their snowman or throwing snowballs at each other. Jeremy looked at the kids and felt warmth surging in his chest. Bliss and happiness soon replaced sorrow as he saw a kid shouting, "Daddy, look I made a snowman!" A slight tear escaped his eye but froze midway. The wind was chilly. Jeremy sighed and turned away from the kid who was now on his father's shoulders pretending to be a jumbo jet. He walked into the room to look if Jacob was dressed. ***** Jeremy grabbed a towel and wrapped it around his waist. He was already late for college and there was some impatient jerk relentlessly ringing the bell. Usually, as per rules Jacob dropped him at college but today he had to attend an important meeting. So he had been left on his own without a Porsche to drive him to the college. He had lost sense of time without Jacob's routinized presence and had got late. The doorbell rang for the seventh time now and Jeremy was annoyed beyond control. He reached the door and flung it open; and came face to face with a bouquet of white roses. Taken back Jeremy jerked his head away. "What the hell?" The bouquet of roses moved aside and Chris surfaced grinning widely. Jeremy looked from Chris to the roses and back again not understanding what to do. Chris however took his silent confusion as an invitation to enter the apartment. He walked past Jeremy leaving the roses in his grasp and looked around. "That's a great place you got here." He concluded. "What are you doing here?" Jeremy shot at him bewildered. Chris turned to look at him surprised. However, comprehension dawned on him and reflected on his face. "Oh! My bad; I came to check how you're doing. How's the snooty ass?" "Excuse me!" Jeremy exclaimed in indignation. Chris merely chuckled and moved to sit on the armchair. He started rocking it and soon made it a kid's game. Jeremy who would have got amused in a normal situation was not pleased. "What are you, twelve?" Chris stopped his rapid rocking and turned to him. With his tongue between his teeth he got up and scratching the back of his head said, "Sorry." Jeremy inwardly smiled at the cuteness but maintained his show of a stern expression. Chris now came close to Jeremy and with his face inches away from the latter's face asked," So, how are you feeling?" A bit uneasy Jeremy stammered, "I...I'm fine." Chris smiled and withdrew. He gave Jeremy an x-raying look from top to toe lingering at the lips and the region which the towel surreptitiously covered. Jeremy suddenly became conscious of his nudity and crossed his arms in front of his chest taking a more defensive stance. The clock struck nine and Jeremy started. Hell! He was very late now! "Listen, I'm getting late for college. It was nice of you to have come. See you." Jeremy shot at Chris. "Will you have lunch with me?" Chris replied. "What? Why? No!" Jeremy replied in haste as he began ushering Chris to the exit. Chris, however, continued his questions while being ushered to the door. "Dinner?" "No! I'm getting late!" "Please! Tonight at 8!" "What part of No don't you understand?" "I'll pick you up at 7.45! Please!" "No dude! I'm engaged!" "Please! It's a friend thing! Please! Please! Please! "Fine! Now just go!" "See you at 7.45 then! Bye!" Jeremy slammed the door in his face and rushed to his room. As he threw a shirt and jeans on he quickly thought over what he'd just got himself into- dinner with a stranger. This wouldn't go down well with Jacob. What would he do now? He had to think of something. But for now college! ***** Jacob looked at Jeremy shutting the door and running to the bedroom. He now appeared in the bedroom quickly dressing in a t-shirt and jeans. Within minutes he was ready and having grabbed his bag, he had rushed out of the apartment. Jacob's jaw was clenched as he switched off the laptop. It was a good idea that he had got the entire apartment under surveillance. He could keep track of every activity Jeremy did. This guy was getting too close to Jeremy. And how could the boy be ready to go out on dinner with a random man. Jacob stared into the black screen of the laptop. Why did Jeremy make it so difficult? Why did he have to create problems? Couldn't he just stay away from anyone and everyone who was a threat to their relationship? Didn't he realize how important their relationship was? Didn't he realize how important Jacob was in his life? Didn't he realize it was he who had come to his aid and supported him in the most testing phase of his life? Jeremy had to realize that he was with Jacob now. He was Jacob's and no one else'. He had to learn this lesson. And tonight he would learn it. Jeremy Green Ch. 03 Hi everyone, Apologies for taking so long. I was busy and didn't want to hurry with this chapter. I've invested a lot in the writing of this chapter, trying to illustrated every emotion, every character and designing the story. Hoping you like it! :) ********* "What do you mean you won't go?" Tiara whispered excitedly waving her hands frantically. The professor stopped writing on the board and turned to cast a sweeping glance at the class. A multitude of innocent faces with intense academic expressions met his shrewd scrutinizing bespectacled eyes. He looked around for awhile, finally accepting defeat and resuming writing. Jeremy, on making sure that the professor was engrossed in the writing, turned to Tiara and whispered softly. "I don't think it is a good idea to go out with Chris. I mean I hardly know him. Plus, Jacob will not be very pleased." Tiara rolled her eyes and turned to Nate who was sitting next to me. "Come on Nate. Say something to make this douche bag see sense." Jeremy turned his head towards Nate. Nathaniel or Nate as everyone called him was Jeremy's best buddy. They had known each other since the first time when the five year old Nate had punched the annoying green eyed kid who refused to give him his pencil color. What had followed was a parent-teacher session wherein Nate had said 'Sorry Jeremy' and hugged the green- eyed kid with the red swollen nose. That day at kindergarten and now, they had become inseparable. Nate had been the support figure, the one who had stuck with Jeremy through every phase. Kindergarten had led to school and school to college, the duo had been the perfect friends. Nate was the conventional popular guy, athletic with a rugged handsomeness and charming personality, sports champ and all. He was famous for his game, girls and temper. The only time when Nate hadn't been around (when he had been away on a year-long exchange programme) had been the bane of Jeremy's existence. Every possible fear he had was realized in that interim and life had fallen apart. It was at that critical moment that a random handsome sympathetic stranger at the bar had become the only hope, the sole reliable figure for Jeremy. Nate had returned to find Jeremy out of his troubles, but sadly and gradually entrapping in Jacob's vicious clutches. He had tried, tired hard, to dissuade Jeremy, to call it off; but Jeremy had refused to listen. He had made him vouch on their friendship to stay out of the relationship; to never attempt to intervene. Defeated and frustrated Nate had yielded. Nate didn't say anything whenever Tiara or anyone asked him to speak with Jeremy regarding his relationships. Jeremy knew the Nate-card Tiara had tried won't work. But, as everything else, nothing was going to work out according to Jeremy's expectations. As he turned to face the board with a slight smugness about the conversation having reached a dead end, he felt a hand gripping his chair and forcing it to revolve. Jeremy started, shocked out of his wits and found himself face to face with Nate. Nate's face was inches away from his. Nate looked straight into the brilliant slightly scared green eyes. "You will go to dinner with this guy. No arguments! Do you understand me, Green?" Jeremy simply gave him a blank look and gulped. "Do you understand me Green?" Nate added a menacing tone to his deep husky whisper and clicked his knuckles. Jeremy gulped again and fervently nodded in agreement. Nate smiled and turned to face the board. Jeremy sat in the same pose aghast. What the hell had just happened? He looked at Tiara who bore a very satisfied smug look. Jeremy rolled his eyes and returned to taking notes. But, his mind had already wandered. He had some serious thinking to do now. If Nate had sided with Tiara and made this threat then he had to go. There was no escaping this situation and by the looks of it, any attempt to speak with Nate would earn him a black eye. "Fine, I'm going to dinner. But you guys better not expect anything to happen out of this." Jeremy muttered through the corner of his mouth. "We shall see!" Tiara retorted with a slight laugh and flung her hair. The smugness was too much to handle. Annoyed and stung he rattled in a loud whisper, "Screw you! Nothing is going to happen!" "Well, guys...I guess something IS going to happen and by the looks of it; it's not good." Nate cleared his throat and mumbled. Tiara and Jeremy turned to follow Nate's gaze. Their eyes met the victorious form of the professor. He had finally found the culprits. A crooked smile on the wrinkled face with a huge hint of smugness and satisfaction, the professor stood basking in glory at his achievement. They looked at him and gulped fearing the word that was to follow soon. And it did, the pronouncement came getting collective sighs from everyone present. "Detention!" ***** "You are one gorgeous man!" Chris complimented as he checked himself out in the mirrors in the elevator. Dressed in a light blue shirt that accentuated his brilliant blue eyes, black jeans and a black vest; his shiny black hair spiked in the usual fashion, Chris felt a fresh surge of confidence as he approached the fourth floor of the complex where Jeremy's apartment stood. He had spent the most of the last two hours dressing to get the perfection he was now admiring. Laughing at his vanity, Chris got out when the elevator doors opened, a mechanical female voice announcing the floor. He walked to the apartment door and rang the bell. Standing their humming a tune while tapping his feet, Chris waited for the cutie he could keep his heart on a platter and offer him, to open the door. But, minutes passed and the door remained motionless. There was no sound of footsteps behind the door or any voice calling on the intercom checking for the visitor who was incessantly ringing the bell. After debating for about ten minutes, wherein the big balloon of hope, desire and confidence in him deflated gradually, realization dawned on Chris. He guessed Jeremy was not going to show up. Disappointed he turned away from the uninviting and unyielding door he walked towards the elevator. He still couldn't believe his bad luck. He was now having serious doubts about his charm and capabilities. No guy had ever been able to evade him. As such and many more thoughts crossed his mind, he stopped as the elevator made its way to the fourth floor. As the vault of metal stopped at the floor, Chris turned to look at the apartment door one last time, hoping beyond hope that it would somehow open to yield Jeremy. As fate had it, those doors didn't open but the elevator doors did, and as my dear reader will be expecting the cliché moment that happens in all romantic narratives, Jeremy stepped out. Chris didn't see him and walked straight into Jeremy. "Aeow!" They exclaimed in unison as foreheads, noses, chests and stuff in the lower regions met, slightly hard. Chris, being the stronger, first recovered from the meeting. "I'm so sorry! Are you okay?" He asked Jeremy with his hands in mid-air not sure what to do; to approach Jeremy and try to comfort or would that be too personal. Confused and with no inkling of how to react in the situation he simply did what he could- Apologize and ask well-being again and again. Jeremy, on the other hand, was clutching whatever part urged him to in order to ease the pain. And Chris' hysteria was not helping either. However, the moment passed and Jeremy relaxed. "It's okay. I'm fine." "Are you sure? I did bump into you real hard!" Chris continued hyperventilating. "I-am-fine!" Jeremy stressed and walked towards the apartment. Unlocking the door, he looked at Chris, who after a split second of blankness followed him inside. "I'm sorry I got late. I got caught at college- nutty professor and stuff." Jeremy spoke to Chris, while switching on the light and flinging his bag on the couch. Only to remember the last time he had done that and Jacob had got a fit, he hastily picked it up and kept it in the 'assigned' closet that Jacob had 'shown' him; speaking all along. "Just gimme fifteen, I'll be ready to leave. Make yourself at home. Don't mind but just don't shift stuff; Jacob is quite particular about this." With that he went to his bedroom. Chris waited till Jeremy was out of the seeing or hearing range. He rolled his eyes and stuck his tongue out, speaking in a mocking voice. "Jacob is quite particular. Screw Jacob!" He turned to look around the apartment. Man, this guy was rich! The place looked as grand and a rich man's place as the building appeared. Plus, the owner seemed to have some awesome taste evident in the ebony sofas, the elaborate tables, couches and the velvet curtains, all imparting a deluxe touch to the place. It looked like one of those 'dream houses' they published in those magazines. As Chris saw around the room, taking in the grandeur, he came across a digital photo frame, showing the photo of a very handsome and arrogant chap in his mid-twenties. "So you are 'Jacob'!" Chris spoke stressing on the name. "You're one arrogant bitch, aren't you? I can see it in that smug face of yours. God knows why he's still with you! I've et guys like you who think their shit doesn't stink!" "Ahem?" Chris froze in horror and his heart started pounding against his chest. Slowly, he turned to look at Jeremy and his heart stopped beating. Or maybe it skipped a beat, because he was breath-taken by the handsomeness of the boy in front of him. Jeremy was wearing an emerald green shirt that made his to-die-for eyes sparkle like the stars outside. His black jeans and black shoes added with his slightly damp but neatly set hair simply made him drop dead gorgeous. Chris simply stood there, staring at Jeremy. All thoughts of dinner forgotten, he just wanted to rush forward, pull him into his arms and kiss those tender red lips. Before he could act on the impulse, Jeremy cleared his throat again. "Who were you talking to?" The question broke his reverie like the shattering of glass when it falls on a stony path. "I...no one. Just a usual habit, talking to myself." Chris ejaculated a lame reply, cursing himself at his lameness. "Oh! Anyway, I'm ready. Let's go." Jeremy answered. "Yeah! Let's get going." Chris said in a slightly louder voice than he wanted to and walked towards the door, wincing at his pitch. Jeremy looked at the photo on the frame and then at Chris walking to the door. He shook his head and smiling, walked to join him. ***** The dinner was- there is no other word Jeremy wants me to use for it- perfect! And quite contradictory to his expectations. Again, nothing is going according to his expectations. As far as Jeremy knew Chris, he expected to be taken to some pizza place, shoveled pizzas down his throat, dancing around madly and then dropped at his apartment. But, Chris turned to be a different person! By the end of the night, Jeremy was sure this guy had several faces/sides/personalities- whatever you want to call it. Firstly, it was no pizza place. It wasn't the usual elite and super-deluxe restaurants that Jacob took Jeremy to. Chris had brought him to a decent and quite good restaurant in the heart of the city- Aries. The place had a great ambience and Jeremy loved the place and felt at ease here unlike the strict protocol he had to follow at the very elite joints! There was soft soothing music, the cuisine was delicious and the wine simulating. Jeremy and Chris sat in one of the corner tables, their privacy ensured by the position and the plants near by. "I'll end my internship this April. Hopefully, I'll get a permanent job! Fingers crossed!" Chris spoke crossing his fingers and smiling. Jeremy sipped his wine, smiled and crossed his fingers. "With your kind of personality, the advertising agency would have a great ride!" "Thanks man!" He grinned sheepishly but a thought passed and he smiled flirtatiously. "What now?" Jeremy asked noticing the change in expression. "About the ride part- many others have admitted that I've taken them on a great ride." He spoke grinning. "Oh shut up!" Jeremy waved his comment away. That was like the tenth time he had thrown a flirtatious innuendo. He could swear the man was a relentless pursuer. "Just kidding!" Chris raised his hands in submission and smiled. "So, what about you? It's me who's been blabbering. What do you plan to do after your under grad?" Jeremy took another sip. "I don't really know. I mean I don't plan stuff. Let's see where life takes me." "Interesting." Chris answered with a heavy voice and nodding his head in a serious and contemplative manner; before bursting into laughter. "Screw you!" I rolled my eyes and joined in the laughing. "It's sad you're committed." Chris suddenly shot at him. Jeremy almost choked on the drink. He hadn't been expecting this to actually come up. "Where did this come from? Friends on dinner, remember?" "Chill, relationship soldier!" Chris said smiling. "I remember it's a friends' dinner. Just mentioned stuff. I got out of a relationship six months ago. 'Twas a scandalous break up. And then I meet you. But, you're booked. Life's harsh!" He punched the air pouting his lips but started laughing again. Jeremy looked at Chris trying to fathom the depths of this seemingly superfluous person sitting across. For any simpleton lacking Jeremy's insight into character, Chris' response would have been a casual remark. But, Jeremy knew better. He knew this guy was simply using this over-enthusiastic attribute to cover the truth- he knew he was trying to be strong, trying to keep his vulnerability at bay- dissolving his weakness in the portrayal of superfluous happiness. Jeremy looked at Chris and smiled sadly. Chris saw the look on Jeremy's face and snapped his fingers. "What's up with you?" "Nothing." Jeremy said and returned to his drink. The rest of the night passed smoothly. Jeremy had not experienced such unadulterated happiness in a long time now. Chris had come as a fresh soothing breeze in his marooned desert existence. The liberating feeling when the first few drops of rain hit your face after a long dry spell of harsh summer was gradually settling over Jeremy. As the dinner ended they decided to walk back to Jeremy's apartment, where after Chris would be on his way. The night was beautiful. The black sky was studded with stars surrounding the silvery crescent moon shining brightly. The night sky was an expanse of serenity, bliss and eternity. The serenity above, after hours of struggle with the noises of the busy city, was finally settling in the streets below. Occasionally, a car would pass honking by disturbing the silence, which would flood back when the echoes died out. Jeremy and Chris walked on the pavement. The snow from last night was no longer there but the cold had crept and become intimate with the breeze. As the breeze passed over Jeremy, he clutched to his coat and hugged himself. Chris saw this and put an arm around him. Surprised, Jeremy looked up. The confident playful blue eyes met the twinkling and surprised green eyes. "Trying to keep you warm. Friend to the rescue!" He winked at him. Jeremy smiled amused and shook his head. Chris laughed and they continued walking. The stores on the street had been shut or were being shut. Everything around them was retiring for the night. But they walked on, enjoying each other's company. As they came to the familiar corner from last night, Jeremy laughed. "Remember last night?" "Hell yeah! Won't be able to forget it in a long time now." Chris said and looked at Jeremy with a soft smile and dazed eyes. Jeremy didn't know what happened next. All he remembers now is that he lost himself in the depth of those two blue caverns. It was unexpected. It was unplanned. It was as if an invisible force had made him incapable of thinking; he found himself drifting away; drifting away from everything that held him to his dark life to light; light that Chris manifested. A soft breeze made its way as Jeremy leaned in. Their lips met and truth crashed on Jeremy. He leapt back in shock. He looked at Chris and shook his head. "No, this can not happen. I'm so sorry." "You need not be sorry, Jer. It happens between friends." He joked. Jeremy couldn't help but smile. He had wanted to run away from him at that moment. But, he couldn't. Despite the guilt of having kissed him he didn't; he couldn't run away from Chris. "I guess I should get going. Bye Chris." Jeremy said. He knew he shouldn't walk with him any further tonight. He was too vulnerable. Chris smiled. "Bye Jeremy." Chris turned and walked away. Jeremy saw him walking away. He saw him walking into the night away from him. An impulse seized him. He knew this was going to be a big mistake. But, something told him this was not a mistake. He shouted. "Chris!" Chris turned and looked at him puzzled. Jeremy took a deep breath and ran towards him. Chris opened his arms as Jeremy embraced him. They stood embracing each other. As they stood under the night sky with the moon shining above them, pure white light flakes of snow made their way towards the earth. After a minute, Jeremy broke the hug and looked at Chris. "Thank you for everything you did tonight. I can never thank you enough." Chris looked at the light quivering in those green eyes he was deeply in love with. He smiled. "I can never thank you enough for giving me the chance to do this for you." They stood looking at each other as snowflakes made their way to the pavement, the street and every place around them. They stood looking at each other. They stood having lost each other in themselves. They stood silent; silence speaking between them. They stood at the place where this had begun. At that beautiful moment Jeremy knew, he had set the wheel of change in motion. He knew the time was not far. Jeremy Green Ch. 04 Hey fellas, Sorry for the delay. I've been sick for sometime and then work piled up so I couldn't get to writing. Anyway, I needed to figure out the story as well. So here is next chapter. Reviews, please :) *************** The lock clicked making Jeremy wince. The low sound of the click seemed to echo throughout the silent hallway. His heart was thudding against his chest. He wiped the little drops of sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand and gulped. He had to go in. And hopefully, it would be one of those nights when Jacob returned late from his business meetings. Praying fervently, he turned the door knob and entered. The hall was dark. Jeremy stepped in and as a year of living in the apartment had conditioned him, extended his arm to trace the switch on the wall. The room flooded with light. Jeremy's eyes flinched with the sudden bright light. He took a minute and then focussed around himself. The chair at the opposite corner facing the entrance was still and vacant. He heaved a sigh of relief and headed to his room. There was a spring in his step as he changed into shorts and a baggy t-shirt. Humming softly he got into bed. Lying comfortably between the sheets, he checked his cell. There was a text from Chris. "Thanks for everything. Hoping to see you soon. Good night babe! ;)" Jeremy smiled and texted 'good night' in response. A bit curious he sent a text to Jacob. Five minutes passed with no reply from him. Accustomed to the ignoring treatment, Jeremy didn't think much and let sleep engulf him. He was walking on the sandy beach; the gushing and raging sea on the side with the wind howling loudly. Wet sand stuck to his bare feet making motion difficult. But swift sea waves would travel to his feet, washing the sand away. The sand continued to cling to his feet, the sea continued to wash it away. The wind was howling in his ears. The sound of the raging sea filled his senses. He looked ahead. There stood Jacob looking at him. He was smiling. His bare chest had sand on it; he stood with his arms outstretched. Jeremy savoured the sight. His green eyes brightened with radiant joy at the sight of his lover. He moved faster, he was walking faster now; he was running now. But the distance between them never seemed to fill. Jacob seemed to be far away, the more Jeremy ran, the more the distance grew. He was panting now. But he had to reach him. He ran harder, his feet sinking into the sand. A sharp blinding pain emanated in his feet and travelled through his body. Jeremy sat up straight screaming in pain. He looked up and saw a dishevelled Jacob glaring at him with a thin but sturdy metal rod in his hand. Jeremy clung to the soles of his feet which were now angry red and burning with the blow. Tears swelled up in his eyes as he quickly flung backwards against the bed post, staring in shock and fear. Jacob's face was red with anger, his eyes bulging in fury; he hit Jeremy with the rod. Jeremy flung himself backwards, his head hitting the wall; but could not avoid the rod as it hit his leg making him howl in dual pain. "Please...please Jacob. Please leave me. What have I done?" Jeremy urged in desperation as tears spilled from his eyes. He was stuck against the wall with no escape. Jacob cast him a contemptuous look and stomped on to the bed to reach him. Jeremy pleaded in fear, hurling himself against the wall. "You! Son of a bitch. What did you think? You're gonna run off with a motherfucker and I won't know. You fucking slut! Tonight I'm gonna show you, bitch!" Jacob thundered and grabbed Jeremy's hair. Jeremy winced in pain as Jacob pulled at his hair and hurled him of the bed, onto the cold floor. Jeremy fell dragging the silk white sheets with him. A mess of sheets entangled in his legs, Jeremy landed hard on the floor. Jacob grabbed the sheets and pulled them away. Jeremy tried to get his legs out of the entangled mess but couldn't. Jacob was seething in rage and yanked harder; jerking Jeremy's body in the process. His knees hit the corner of the bed and a blinding pain shot through him while his head banged against the tiled floor making him dizzy. He yelled in pain and begged. But nothing could stop Jacob. Nothing had ever stopped Jacob before. Endless cries of pain, sorrow and pleadings had fallen on a deaf ear, against an ice cold hard heart. Jacob swung the rod again hitting Jeremy's fingers as the latter tried to defend himself. Jeremy jerked backwards and Jacob kicked him in the stomach. Jeremy couldn't even shout as the wind was knocked out of him. An intense choking pain struggled throughout his body. He recoiled and writhed on the floor while Jacob stood straight glaring at him, breathing hard and sweating. Jacob took the rod and struck again. Only this time the rod snapped into two as it made contact with Jeremy's back. Jeremy arched in pain. His stomach and back were aching; the room was spinning around him, blurring slowly. He tried to gain focus but couldn't. He needed air. He felt as if he was being strangled. He had to breathe. But, the pain in his stomach wasn't allowing him to. He shuddered repulsively as he felt an acidic feeling in his oesophagus. He felt it and tried to stop but couldn't. He retched all over the floor. His throat felt burnt and his tongue repugnant. Suddenly, cold water splashed onto his face. He shook his head, and wiped the water from his eyes. As he gained focus he looked up and saw Jacob standing with an empty glass. "I'm not done yet. Wake up!" He scowled at him. Jeremy looked up at him with tears and sobbed. "W...what have I...I...d...done?" "What have you done!?" Jacob scorned. "You think you will cheat on me with petty road tramps and I won't know!" "But I did not cheat on you. I would never betray you." Jeremy pleaded between sobs. "I...I love you, Jacob. I would never do so." "You love me." Jacob spoke softly and came near him. He bent and came face to face with Jeremy lying on the floor. Jacob smiled and Jeremy looked at him in expectation. Suddenly, Jacob's face distorted in rage and he slapped Jeremy across the face. The sound echoed throughout the apartment. Jeremy was shaken and fresh tears began to spill from his red swollen eyes. Red marks began to appear on his soft fair cheek. Jacob grabbed Jeremy's face in his hand and made him look up. "You can never betray me, Jeremy. The day I saw you, I decided you would be mine. The day I proposed and you said yes; you became MINE. And now FOREVER, you will be with ME. No one can ever come into your life ever again! I am the owner of your life!" Jeremy looked in to the handsome face contorted in scorn and anger. He looked into the cold and furious black eyes. He felt his hot breathe on his face. He felt the rage and possession in the hand that held his face; he felt the authority in the strong husky voice. Jeremy looked at his assaulter. He looked at his fiancé. He couldn't cry anymore. There were no tears left to shed. He felt trapped and choked. He felt sick in the gut. He wanted to jerk his hand away. He wanted to run out of the door right now and never come back. But he couldn't. he knew he had to stay. He knew he had nowhere to go. He had no home. His family had turned him out and the only person who had let him in was Jacob. There was no escaping him. Jacob let go of his face and pushed him away. He fell back on the floor with a low thud. Jacob stomped out of the room towards the bar. He grabbed a bottle of whisky half empty and drained it. Jeremy tried to get up. He rested his hand on the floor trying to get up; but the instant his body weighed on the bruised fingers, they gave way and he fell. He tried to lift his leg but it hurt badly and the attempts were making his head dizzy. He felt a hot liquid trickling the side of his head. Blood, he had hit himself hard when he had fallen. Jacob re-entered the room. He staggered towards him and bent. His face inches from Jeremy Jacob spoke. A whiff of alcohol filled Jeremy's senses. "Let me help you." With that Jacob scooped Jeremy in his arms and helped him lie on bed. Jeremy winced in pain as he was carried and kept on bed. Lying on his back he looked at Jacob. Jacob was looking at him in a childlike manner. His head tilted to one side. A single tear made its way from his eyes. Jeremy looked at the familiar state. He knew what was next. He had been shocked the first time. But after months of the same situation, he was better informed. Sure enough Jacob sat down next to him and softly grazed his hand on Jeremy's cheek. He looked at him sadly and bent to kiss him on the spot where his hand had hit him. "Why do you do this to me? Why do you make me hurt you? Why don't you understand? I love you so much." Jacob spoke in a soft voice while caressing his cheeks and ruffling his hair softly. Jeremy felt repulsed at the touch. Perhaps, the feelings of tumult and pain within him were overwhelming to the extent that his disgust appeared on his face. Jacob didn't miss it and stopped dead. Jeremy realized his grievous mistake and looked at him in fear and despair. Jacob looked at him with his eye brow raised but resumed his caressing. Jeremy heaved a sigh of relief. He didn't know that the ordeal had not ended. The soft caressing soon became harsh. His pulled his cheeks. He laid his hand on his stomach and moved his fingers all over it. Next second, he jumped on top of him. Jeremy winced in pain as his body got crushed by Jacob's. He pressed his lips against Jeremy's forcing him to open them. When Jeremy didn't, Jacob pinned his arms to the side and forced his tongue into Jeremy's mouth. With the multiple aches in his entire frame, Jeremy had lost all will to struggle. He let all resistance give way. He let Jacob bury his face in his neck, biting him in passion. He closed his eyes to Jacob's touch. He closed his eyes to the world around him. *** "What the hell?" Jeremy winced at Tiara's shrill reproaching voice making its way out of the cell phone. He was still dizzy and weak from the night's events and her reproach did nothing to soothe him. "I'm not well. I can't come today. See you around." With that he disconnected the call, not waiting to enter into a series of arguments when his head was already pounding and every inch of his body was in unending pain. Sighing he pressed the switch-off key and the cell went dead. A cold breeze made its way through the atmosphere making him shiver violently. The soft fluffy snowflakes that had fallen as he and Chris stood looking at each other, oblivious to the world around, had taken the form of a stormy hail in the course of the night. The thundering storm could be heard echoing outside, raging against the windows of the several apartments of the sky-scrapers of the city. The morning news had said that it was one of the most terrible nights of the winter months of the city. Oblivious to the raging winds outside, Jeremy had been suffering the ravages of Jacob. It was around 8 am and the city was waking up to witness the aftermath of unleashed nature. The steadily increasing cold that was chilling his spine and the buzz of the waking world around him woke up Jeremy from his reverie. He turned away from the balcony and softly slid the door, to enter the bedroom. He entered tip-toe, trying not to make much noise. To his relief he saw the limp and rhythmically breathing form of Jacob lying on his stomach on the bed. Perhaps, Jacob had drunk too much and the frenzy of the night's activities had exhausted his faculties. A dead and tranquil silence hung in the room. The ambience was that of a tomb except consistently disturbed by the low breathing coming from the bed. A sharp pain rose from a bruise on his face and made its way through the nerves. He needed some medication. With the thought in mind, he slowly limped towards the washroom. The lights illuminated the spacious and grand washroom. But, the spotless whiteness of it hit Jeremy's eyes as he flinched. Slowly, his pupils dilated making him adjust to the sudden brightness. As vision restored itself he walked towards the mirror, the cold tiles sending piercing sensations through his bare feet. As he stepped in front of the mirror and his reflection appeared, Jeremy stood still in a stunned moment. His hair was dishevelled with a purple bruise on his left eye. His lower lip was cut and swollen, with a thin faded line of clotted blood having made its way from the corner of the lip to his chin. His right cheek had a faint imprint of fingers and there were deep red marks with congealed blood all over his neck. He moved his hand towards his face, tracing the imprint of fingers on his cheek, the slap of the night echoing in his ears, in his nerves, in his soul. A hot tear swelled up in his eye. A choking feeling started building up in his throat. His breathing became forced and deeper. The spacious room seemed claustrophobic now. The emotions in his heart were surging now. They rose in his heart, raging like the waves of the stormy sea, making their way towards the shore. And the tear made is way out of his eyes and down his cheek. The barrier had broken today. The inability to cry had somehow gone away. That one tear marked the beginning of many more as they swelled in his eyes and rushed out. He wept his heart out. He wept for all those endless nights. He wept for himself. He wept for the person looking at him from the mirror, as if saying- "this is because of you." He wept for the mess his life had become. His sobs filled the room. His short paced breathing and hiccups echoed in every corner of that grand spacious equipped room. The tears continued to pour. His heart continued to rage with long controlled emotions. The remaining strength in his legs gave way and he landed on the cold floor, weeping his soul out. We will hear the masochistic men condemning crying and boasting how tears are effeminate. That crying is for women and men who cry are weak. What they don't realize in the façade of the stereotyped man is the power that tears have. Bottling up one's emotions, trying to be a 'Man', thrusting all emotions down your throat is perhaps a greater weakness. It's the inability to come to terms with your emotions, with yourself. Letting your tears flow gives an outlet to your emotions. Letting yourself cry for that weak moment gives you the strength to fight. It gives you clarity of thought that pent of emotions devoid you of. Crying your heart out infuses in you strength to persist, a new will to aspire, to work for change. The moments of crying may seem those of great weakness and despair. But, as the sobs subside, the tears cease to emerge; you re-gain your vision; only this time the vision is a new one. Jeremy has broken down with tears. He's at the most low in his life at this moment. But, when these tears will stop and his energies will have been spent; he will realize the phoenix that has emerged in him. He will realize the strength that has come in him. He will rise against Jacob. The rise will be gradual, subtle and difficult. There will be moments when he will be thwarted. But those shall not be the end. All barriers will give way. This new- found strength will lead to the final finale- the ultimate confrontation. And with the inherent qualities that Jeremy's character has- this confrontation is just around the corner. Jeremy Green Ch. 05-08 Chapter 05 ************* A shrill sound rattled Jacob's drunken nerves. His limp form woke up with a start making his head ache with a nauseous feeling. It was a horrible hangover state. The shrill ringing was still echoing in the room annoying him further. He grabbed the clock and threw it across the room where it hit the wall and became silent after its dismemberment. Jacob slumped back on the bed but his drunken sleep was gone now. And the events of last night were forming blurred images in his mind. He groaned as his head gave another pang and he remembered the rod and the weeping form of Jeremy. "Uhhh... Fuck!" he murmured as he got up to go to the washroom. With shaky steps and a slouching stance he reached it. He turned the tap on and splashed cold water on his face. The water stung his hands and face in the cold weather but helped to wake him up to a sober state. He looked at himself in the mirror. Bloodshot eyes and a swollen face. He had a meeting today and his state was so inadequate. The meeting! What was the time? As the thought struck him he exited to enter the bedroom, looking for his cell. After a fervent search, he found the equipment lying under the covers at the end of the bed. It was 12 p.m. "Fuck!" He swore aloud. The meeting was in 15 minutes. Everything else escaped his mind as he rushed to get ready. By 12.15 he was making his way through the city's crowded streets, no thought of Jeremy disturbing him. Twelve hours of relentless work passed and finally Jacob was driving through the roads of the slowly sleeping city. The traffic on the road was minimal except an occasional truck or a car filled with drunk teens and loud music. The stores were shut and the pavement had none but the scavengers from the lower ranks of the crowded metropolis. The weather this year had recorded one of it's coldest temperatures with consistent snowfall and rains with hale. However, all this and more was not his concern. After a day of no Jeremy, the thoughts of his boyfriend and the events of last night had come flooding to him. He felt uneasy. He knew this time he had gone far. He was positive that Jeremy wouldn't/couldn't leave him. But one knows when is the time for amends. After all rebellion happens when pushed beyond limits irrespective of what the constraints be. He reached the building and made his way to the apartment. He was trying to figure out how he should act in front of him. However, to his surprise, he found the apartment vacant. There was no Jeremy waiting for him. Concern filled his heart and he hastily dialled Jeremy's number. The call connected and he waited with apprehension to hear his voice at the other end. The call es disconnected. He stared at the cell. Perhaps, some mistake had happened. He re-dialled only to find the call disconnected sooner. Was Jeremy disconnecting his calls? A seething rage rose in him. How dare he? Wasn't last night a lesson enough? Who was he with? He was forcing him to reenact last night. Jacob dialled his number again. ********************************* Chapter 6 ************* Jeremy saw the familiar photograph flashing across the screen for the eleventh time now. Without thinking for a second he rejected it. He had had enough now and every inch of him was filled with anger at Jacob. 'Not anymore' were the words his self- respect kept chanting to him. "Is it him?" Chris asked surreptitiously. Jeremy merely nodded and continued looking into the distance. The park was darkened by the shadows of the night. But there was no greenery, due to the extreme cold. The trees and shrubs were barren. It was a desolate and melancholic sight. "I'm repeating Jer," spoke Nate. "It's time to pack your bags and leave! You've had enough at the hands of that psychopath. I will not let you go back!" "I have nowhere else to go." Jeremy replied without looking away from a naked and dried tree. Nate stamped his foot in annoyance and frustration. Tiara kept her hand on Jeremy's face. The soft touch of a friend touched a cord in Jeremy's turbulent heart and a tear made it's way out of his eye only to be frozen by the chilling gust of wind. "Nate is right, Jeremy. It's time to get out of this horrible bondage. Why are you not ready? What is it that's stopping you?" Jeremy opened his mouth to reply but no words came out. He was overcome with emotions and a knot tied in his throat as he tried to push tears back. Suddenly, he felt an arm on his shoulders. He turned to find Chris putting his right arm around him and pulling him to himself. Jeremy felt warmth and comfort in being so close to Chris. The knot in his throat eased in his embrace. "Jacob has been there for me in my most distressing time. Guys, you don't understand, 'cuz you've not been through what I had to when he, Jacob, was the only support I had. Nate, you know how you had been on a soccer tournament away from town for 6 months. And Tiara you had the internship in South. Well then Chris, my dad got to know about me. My being gay that is. I dunno how it happened but the news reached him." Jeremy stopped for a second and took a deep breath. The rest were listening . Chris, the most alert, took his hand and pressed it lightly. He resumed the narrative. "Nate knows how conservative dad was. He never liked those 'blasphemous faggots'. How did he feel when he heard he had begotten one of those filthy faggots? It was a nightmare. Arguments. Screams. He was furious. That day he turned me out of the house and disowned me. Mom just sat weeping in a corner with my younger brother. I still write to them, you know. Never got replies though." "Anyway, after that I had no place to go. That town is full of orthodox conservatives and the scandal I had created was enough to stop anyone from helping me. Even my friends turned me out. I spent a week scavenging on the roads, lying with the dogs, breathing with them. And then winter turned worse. As bad as it is this year. I was sick and was freezing on the streets. I had some rags to keep some cold out. But I knew my time had ended." Tiara sobbed and shuddered. Nate put his arm around her shoulders. She buried her face in his chest and weeped silently. "And then Jacob found me. I was outside a bar, counting my last days, when he walked by. He saw me, took me to the hospital, and became a part of my life. I owned my life to him. He nursed me to health. He supported me when I was alone in the world. He was the one. I just can't turn my back on him. Can i? No. He owns me. I own my life to him." "No, he doesn't own you, Jeremy." Chris spoke in a firm and steady way. Jeremy turned to look at Chris's face inches away from his. The bright blue eyes were shining with determination as he spoke further. "He saved you during the worst of your life. Accepted. But if anything he made it worse for you. The physical abuse is outrageous itself. But do you know what's even worse? That what he's done to you. He has destroyed You. He has taken every inch of your identity and esteem and mutilated it. He has made you into the despairing person that can't even think about getting out of that hell. This is what hurts everyone who loves you more. To see you this way is even agonising as seeing your scars. You have to leave him, Jeremy." Jeremy sat listening silently. Nate and Tiara looked at him earnestly shaking their heads in approval of Chris's words. Jeremy slumped onto the bench and rested his head against it. He looked up at the sky. The dark night was getting darker. Dark clouds were gathering and hiding the stars. The wind had picked up speed. " I can't leave him. Sorry guys." He finally said. Chris got up suddenly and started pacing in agitation. Jeremy was shocked when he kicked a trash can in anger. Nate and Tiara looked at him but said nothing. "Chris? Chris, I'm sorry but.." Jeremy began. "Don't.Don't say anything. I've heard enough out of you tonight. You wanna stay with that son of a bitch. Fine! Go! Do whatever you want. But I won't stay to watch you kill yourself. Yes Jeremy. I am leaving. I love you. I've loved you since the first night when you fell in my arms. I've loved you despite the fact that you've kept me and my love at bay. But not anymore. If you want me, you have to leave him. Call me selfish. But it's only because I love you a lot and can't see you do this. I know you won't come. So I'll go now. But I love you. And always will. No matter if you don't reciprocate." With this outburst Chris walked away. Nate and Tiara stood torn between Jeremy and Chris. Jeremy sat shocked and numb looking after the slowly fading figure of Chris. A storm had risen in his heart. His entire being had been shaken. Nate turned to him and began, "hey. Listen.." Suddenly Jeremy's cell rang again. " I have to go now. It's time." Jeremy spoke and got up as the lightning flashed in the sky. ********************************** Chapter 07 *************** It was a restless night for the inhabitants of the metropolis. Something foreboding and ominous had settled itself in the slowly unsettling atmosphere. The news stations were abuzz with weather forecasts warning about the worst storm ever in the last half decade. The dark and heavily clouded sky emphasized the very nature of the approaching thunderstorm. It was expected to be a night of sheer unrest and chaos as stormy nights are usually seen. One such warning forecast was being watched by Jacob as he sat waiting. However, he was taking no notice of the 'well made up' woman talking about the approaching storm. He sat in a reverie. Ideas going through his head. The clicking of a key turning in the door knob snapped him out of it. So, Jeremy was finally back. He murmured 'Turn off' and the TV shut down. Turning the rotating chair he faced the door as Jeremy entered. Jeremy's eyes landed instantly on him. Without a word he proceeded towards their bedroom. "Where have you been?" Jacob asked in a low but firm voice. Jeremy halted as if to reply but thought not to. He ignored the question and went ahead. Jacob felt slight anger but knew he could not lose control tonight. The matter was too delicate at the point. He followed Jeremy into the room. "Why didn't you answer my calls, babe?" He spoke aligning his frame against the door. "Don't call me that." Was all Jeremy said without looking at him once while changing. Jacob's hand rolled into a fist instantly but he took a deep breath and walked towards Jeremy who was arranging his clothes, facing the other way. As Jeremy turned he found Jacob's chest inches away from his face. He looked up at his face. Jacob tried to put his arms around Jeremy's waist but he pushed them away. "Don't touch me! After what you did last night, I can not stand being near you. Just stay away from me!' Jeremy spoke agitated and pushed him away. As He walked ahead, he felt Jacob's hand grabbing his elbow and pulling him back. The force made him fall on the bed. He turned his head to see Jacob's face screwed in rage. "You do NOT order me to get lost! You do NOT talk back to me! I am the owner of this apartment, every thing in this place! And that includes You as well, Jeremy!" Jeremy sprang up from the bed and looked straight into Jacob's eyes. His entire frame was shaking in anger. Something was building up in him. And before he knew it, before he felt it spilling out- he burst, " No! I am Not a thing! You are NOT the owner of my life! I will do what I want! I will not let a psychotic controller like you ruin... " But his sentence was cut short by a resounding slap that sent him staggering backwards. The power in the apartment suddenly went out. The emergency back up turned on and the room was lighted by a low red light. The storm had hit the city in full force now. The winds had turned violent and were wreaking havoc on the streets. The rain had started to hit the earth hard. And the gusts of wind were making the rain drops violent and offensive on the earth. Jacob was lit in the red light that magnified his ferocity and sheer insanity. He moved towards Jeremy while spitting venom. "You filthy bitch! I was the one who picked you up from the streets and gave you shelter. You would have died a dog's death but for me! And tonight you show your ingratitude and traitorous nature! I know where this is coming from! From that mother-fucker Chris who's been fucking you! Hasn't he? You dirty whore! Where were you? Sucking his cock!? Making him fuck your ass? I'm gonna show you what is due for cheating thankless bitches like you!" Jacob grabbed the belt from the bed and swung it at Jeremy's back who recoiled in pain. Jacob then slapped him across the face harder. Jeremy's hand touched his cut lips. When he saw the blood on his hands the dam of patience got annihilated in a wink. Anger and Fury rose in him and he felt a sudden rush in his entire frame. Jacob raised his hand again and swung it at Jeremy. " ENOUGH!" Jeremy's voice echoed in every corner of the room as he stopped Jacob's blow. At that moment the windows gave up restraining and the stormy winds entered the room bringing with them the drops of rain. The curtains blew violently with the wind and the room was filled with cold air. Jeremy felt the cold air washing over him. He felt stronger and more alive than he had felt for such a long time. He threw back Jacob's hand and spoke loudly over the howling winds. "I will have no more of your crap, Jacob Gardner! Enough of the shit I've been with you. If you touch me again, I swear you'll regret it for the rest of your life!" Jacob stared at him shocked. But his fury got the better of him and he swung the belt. This time Jeremy was ready. He caught the belt and snatched it out of his hands. Next he took it and hit Jacob across the face with it. Jacob shouted in pain and retreated holding his face in his hands. "You're not the only one who can hit! You thought I was weak. That I had nowhere to go! You were wrong! I am not weak! I am not alone! I have people who love me! And tonight I kick you out of my life! Fuck off! I am leaving you!" With that Jeremy threw the belt at Jacob's feet who made no effort to get up as the belt had hit him in the eyes and the pain didn't let him bother about anything else. As Jeremy stepped out onto the street he looked upwards. The storm was settling now. He let the drizzle wash over him. The wind soothed him. The east had cracks of dawn peeking through the clouds. A new feeling of hope was filling Jeremy's heart. He looked at the street ahead. He knew where he had to go... ************************************* CHAPTER 08 *********** Chris punched the punching bag for the fiftieth time now. He kicked it in sheer frustration. He groaned in agitation. He had spent the night venting his vexation at the bag. He had not slept a wink and every moment Jeremy's face flashed before his eyes. And then the thought of Jacob angered him even more. And then he would start punching and kicking again. His cell started ringing Andrew Belle's ' In my veins'. He stopped punching and took off his gloves. His bare chest was glistening with sweat while his hair dripped with it. He adjusted his boxers and grabbed the cell. It was Jeremy. He thought for a second and disconnected the call. He couldn't talk to him. The cell rang again but he disconnected. Next he grabbed a towel planning to shower and then perhaps try to go to bed. As he walked towards the shower he heard the door ring this time. He looked at the clock. It was 4 am. Who would call on him at this hour? He walked across the living room where the fire was lit and warmed it. He turned the knob and opened the door and stood struck. "Jeremy?" To his astonishment, Jeremy stood there drenched to the skin. His black shirt and jeans stuck to his skin. His wet black hair fell on his soft pale forehead. He looked at him through twinkling blue eyes. The fire was quivering in Jeremy's eyes. "What do you want Jeremy?" Chris asked in a low voice. " You." With that monosyllable that knocked Chris out of his wit, Jeremy stepped in and with his arms around Chris 's neck, Jeremy locked lips with him. Chris let the towel fall and slamming the door shut, pushed Jeremy against it, while kissing him- the tongue now being active. Chris felt himself getting painfully harder and started unbuttoning Jeremy's shirt and pulling it off him. He moved his fingers softly at the scar on his chest. He looked into his eyes. Jeremy smiled and kissed him again while murmuring, " It's all right." Chris picked Jeremy up and carried him to bed. He laid him on it and got on top. Kissing his neck and chest, Chris got rid of his jeans while Jeremy took off his boxers. Their penises slid against each other as Chris felt Jeremy's soft body against his muscled form. " I love you so much." Chris spoke into his ear. "I love you too. But you smell sort of funky." "What?!? Funky?!? " Chris looked at him shocked; all sweet sex talk forgotten. Jeremy had a sly smile and laughed. "You're sort of stinking. " He spoke. "What the hell? Hell man! You want me to shower now! With this ultra hard penis? " "Uhm... Sort of." Jeremy spoke with his tongue in between his teeth. "Urghhh!" Chris prepared to get off but Jeremy pulled him back for a deep passionate kiss. "I think I'll survive this time." He spoke between the kiss. Chris ticked him and both laughed. After the long passionate love making which involved a lot of bed shaking and pillows thrown and loud comments and echoing laughter, as they lay in bed panting, Chris turned to Jeremy. "You know I love you, J. And whatever be the case, I'll always be there for you. You are in my veins." "I love you too Chris. You're the best that could have ever happened to me. This life or any other, I would want you always there. " With these vows of love they kissed to seal the bond of happiness...