Chapter 5

Dan paced impatiently in the waiting lounge near the gate where Phil's plane was expected. It was late. The splatter of a spring storm on the large plate glass windows was testimony that, even though man'singenuity had progressed from a few yards of flight to hundreds of miles in minutes, more work was needed to combat the elements.

Checking with the harried attendant and getting another, later arrival time, Dan slumped into an uncomfortable molded chair and reached for another cigarette.

You'd think I was a nervous bridegroom, he chided himself as he stared the third time or so at a crumpled newspaper. He forced himself to become engrossed in a review of a second-rate movie and failed to see the sleek jet roll slowly to a stop outside the rain-streaked windows.

When the public address system finally announced the arrival and, at almost the same moment the door from the walkway to the plane burst open with the first passengers, Dan got to his feet and glanced over the faces of the emerging passengers. He couldn't locate Little One.

He was about to walk to the information desk to see if possibly another plane was expected when at last he saw Phil coming through the door, struggling with a large clothing bag and a big smile on his face as he spotted Dan.

Phil almost dropped the clothes as he threw his arms around Dan, hugging him tightly.

"God, it's good to see you again," Little One cried, oblivious of Dan's blush and curious glances from others in the lounge.

"I was just about to give up on-"

"We couldn't find this damned clothes bag," Phil explained, "so we had to wait until the crowd thinned out. They don't have those planes laid out very well for getting people and their baggage on and off without a lot of damned commotion. I'd think somebody would work on that."

Dan smiled and took the packages from Little One and led the way to where his other luggage had been delivered from the plane's luggage compartment.

"We'll splurge and take a cab, if we can find one," Dan said as they reached the curb. By a combination of luck and Dan's expert waving, they soon were resting in the back seat of a cab splashing toward Manhattan. There still was some lightning, but the rain was letting up and by the time the car passed through the tunnel into Manhattan the rain had quit. Dan directed the cab to his Village apartment and soon they were unpacking Phil's belongings.

"You've got a groovy apartment," Phil said. "I thought everybody either lived in a tenement or a penthouse here, not just a regular old apartment."

"You'll think this is the penthouse when the rent comes due," Dan said and chuckled. "I was lucky to get this for what I pay, especially with air conditioning and a separate bedroom that's big enough to turn around in."

It didn't take long for Phil to dump his clothing into the drawers and hang his slacks up. Then he was pacing about the living room, glancing out the large window into the night, puttering with knick-knacks on the mantle, toying with the keys of Dan's typewriter.

Dan smiled as he watched Little One prowl.

"I guess it's time to begin the Grand Tour. You're too anxious to wait until tomorrow. Have any preferences, or will you put yourself at the mercy of an old New Yorker?"

"I'd rather have a handsome young New Yorker," Phil said impishly, at the same time hugging Dan and pecking him on the cheek. "There's so much I want to see I don't know where to begin. I'll let you be my guide."

"Fine, but you better bring your raincoat just in case the storm turns around. I don't want to press my luck in finding a cab twice on the same night."

Dan led the way three blocks to the subway, listening with amusement to Phil's chatter about activities at home, including protests from the theater about his being gone for the summer.

"I wouldn't miss this for anything," he said. His hand reached out and gripped his companion's. "I hope you don't get tired of my being here. If I ever do anything wrong or-I hope you'll tell me right off. You don't know how much this summer means to me, being here in New York . . . and being with you," he added softly, all the time clutching Dan's hand tightly.

"If I'd know you wanted to hold hands we could have stayed at home where nobody would bother us," Dan said to break the tense atmosphere.

Little One blushed, and pulled back.

"I-I'm sorry, but what I said, I meant every word of it. You don't know how much all this means to me. I don't want anything to go wrong. Sometimes at home I seem to fuck up. I just don't want that to happen here."

"I'll never grow tired of your company, Phil, believe me," Dan said, throwing his arm around the lad's shoulder and, throwing caution to the wind, kissing him tenderly on the cheek. "I'm glad you realize you do seem to get into difficult situations. Mind if I sound terribly like those sickening TV commercials and give some advice? No, you don't have bad breath, but I think your tendency to be over critical is a problem. I know you're often quite right, but somehow an adult doesn't like to be told he's done something wrong, expecially if it comes from somebody he might consider a punk kid. Get what I'm aiming at?"

"I think so," Phil said and nodded reflectively. "I'd never thought of it that way, but I guess you're right. I get so damned mad sometimes, seeing people do things wrong and knowing they're doing it wrong that I just can't seem-"

"It's not the criticism so much, Phil, as it is the way you've gone about it, implying the person doesn't know anything at all. After all, if someone has a,job, he must know a little about it, even if not everything. See what I mean?"

"Next time I fly off the handle, just give me a swift kick, will you?" Phil grinned. "But watch out for my butt, it may be sore if you've gone exploring again."

"You may have an awfully sore rear for a while, for I certainly hope to go exploring.! '

Dan led the way down the littered stairs to the subway station and they caught the first train and quickly arrived at the grimy, teeming Times Square station. With a gleam in his eye, Dan led Phil out of the station and up the stairs to glittering, bustling Forty-second Street. He guided the youth past the hustlers and the aging men who sought to purchase pleasure from the tough young midnight cowboys.

Phil gaped at the rows of tawdry theaters and hole-in-the-wall bookstores, and paused in front of one that displayed the most blatantly explicit books.

Shaking his head in disbelief, Phil turned back to Dan and they pushed on past the clusters of older men who glanced longingly at Little One. They turned the corner and Dan glanced at Phil with a smile. The boy had been talking and, after the initial shock of the street scene, had been oblivious to what was going on around him.

Only after they had walked several feet down Broadway's famous square did he look up, gasp and pause to stare at the gaudy flickering of the dozens of animated signs.

"I've seen pictures of this thousands of times, but there's nothing like seeing it for real, " he gasped.

They sauntered down the street for a couple of blocks, then Dan led Phil onto a side street. Little One again paused-there stood the first legitimate theater he had seen, its lights still glittering even though the show was nearly over.

At last the final sign at the final theater had been inspected, and Dan led Phil to a dimly lighted bar nearby.

"If anybody says anything, and I doubt they will here, just say you're eighteen," he warned. "That's the legal age, but nobody verifies it unless the police are pressuring them."

"I don't really-"

"You can have a soft drink if you like," Dan said and smiled. "But I think you'll find this place quite interesting."

He led the way into a narrow, murky room with clouds of smoke billowing from the tables and bar. After they placed an order with the handsome young waiter, Dan explained the reason for visiting the bar.

"This is a theater bar, nearly everybody here is in some show close by, or has been in a show and still comes to see friends and listen to the show biz gossip. It's a nice place to gather after the show. Kip Ralston, who has one of the principal roles in my show, is supposed to stop by and I thought you'd like to meet him in a little more congenial surrounding than an empty theater when rehearsals begin."

Phil nodded, but was more interested in gaping at the walls which were adorned with dozens of photos, many signed, of stars past and present. Although there were a few obvious tourists in the bar, the majority were obviously dancers and actors. Nobody but an actor exuded that certain dramatic flair, even when not on the stage. Conversations overheard also, Phil noted, were quite theatrical.

"That old queen offered me a run-of-the-show contract if I'd agree to put out for her, and when everybody was saying the play was going to be a flop," shrilled one chorus boy with a flip of his long mane of golden hair.

"I was going to do stock, but then I decided just to stay here and brave out the summer-the idea of having the producer paw me every night was just too much," another gypsy said to nobody in particular for his companion had turned to stare openly at Little One.

"Looks like you have an admirer," Dan said and chuckled. "Better not go to the John right away or you'll be snatched up before you can say John Banymore and carried home to bed."

"Yours-or his?" Phil replied, a smile brightening his face as he turned his back on the admirer.

"Touche," Dan said, nudging Little One's knee. He glanced at the door as another rush of people came in, and smiled broadly.

"Here's Kip at last, just when I thought I was going to lose you to some little theater fag."

"Theater fag-is that any way to treat a star?" Kip gushed as he reached the table. "How's New York's newest young successful author tonight?"

"Fine, and I didn't mean you, you fairy," Dan said and laughed. "Kip, I want you to meet Phil Decker. He's just arrived from the boondocks to spend the summer watching us put the show together. Phil, this is Kip Ralston."

They shook hands and the actor slid into a chair next to Little One, his knee immediately brushing against the young boy's leg.

"And how do you like the Gay White Way-or have you been here long enough to find out?" he said, turning toward the bar and bellowing a drink order.

"He's the only one I know of who gets away with shouting at the waiters here," Dan confided to Little One. "I think he has a piece of the action here and just won't admit it."

"Got it all wrong, Big Daddy, it's the waiters who would like to have a piece. I just keep them hoping and hopping.'

As the harried young waiter brought Kip's drink, the actor playfully patted the young stud on the bottom, then turned back to Phil.

"You didn't answer my question. How do you like all this fairyland of lights and music and filth?"

Phil glanced at Dan, not at all certain if he liked the actor or not. He didn't understand everything Kip was saying, but he did get the impression the actor was implying things he had rather not hear in public.

"Phil just got in about nine, so he's hardly had time to see anything." Dan internpted. "We walked up Times Square-"

"How touristy quaint!"

"Well, it's something to see once, even if we do think it's one big pesthole of trashy stores and it's the only way to get to the theaters."

"So I suppose you'll be busy the next few days doing the tourist bit. Why not get a glimpse of New

York the way it really is and come with me to an orgy tonight?" Kip said to Phil. "There's a party in the Village and if it's like the ones that mad creature usually gives, it might last for a couple of days. Simply heaven if you're not the sort to cruise the bars or the Johns.

"Thanks, but no thanks," Dan again interupted. "I don't think Phil's ready now for one of your infamous parties, and I know I'm not. I've got that damned second act rewrite to get done if you're going to have any lines to read. And you know you like to be on stage all evening."

"Well, it would've been fun. Of course, I understand. You just don't want to share the goodies."

He grinned at Phil and jostled his knee against the lad's once more.

"He would have been a sight to see, I bet, and that party would be a real eye opener," Kip continued inticingly.

"That'll do, Kip," Dan said, and his soft voice had a definite edge to it. "I think it's time we shoved off. Tomorrow'll be a busy day."

"Don't run," Kip pleaded. "I'm sorry if I said anything out of order, but you know me. The night's young and you should let Phil celebrate his first night in the big city. At least let me buy you a drink."

"Okay, but just one round. I do have to get some work done tomorrow."

Kip grinned, nudged Little One once more, and bellowed at the waiter for another round.

Their conversation turned to the play and Phil sat quietly as the actor and Dan bantered back and forth over the number of lines the performer would have. Another half hour was spent before they finished their drinks. Then, despite Kip's pleading, Dan was firm on his insistance that they had to leave.

"Stay on, if you like," he said to Kip. "You don't have to work until my job is finished, but Phil and I just have to get home."

"Well, if you must," Kip said. "Pleasant dreams, and don't do anything I would like to do and can't.

The crowds were beginning to thin out as the theater parties made their way home, and without too much trouble Dan was able to flag down a cab even though it again was raining slightly.

"That Kip is sure something," Phil said hesitantly as the cab pulled into traffic.

In the darkness Dan gripped Little One's warm hand.

"I'm sorry he was acting up tonight; he's not usually that crude. I think it's the summer and the boredom of just waiting around for rehearsals to start. You'll find him quite a nice guy really."

"I certainly got the idea he was interested in me. What sort of party--? "

"Nothing you should ever be caught at," Dan was quick to reply. "An orgy of the caliber he was talking about is quite something, and it can get out of hand. I've known some kids who've gotten hurt at such affairs. It's best you come along home."

"Where we can have our own'little orgy."

"If you like, but it won't be anything like what that wild thing will be having."

Phil leaned back, his hand still grasping Dan's fingers lightly. For a block or so he was silent. Then he looked over at Dan solemnly.

"Is-is everybody going to be like Kip?"

"How do you mean?"

"You know, he seemed so . . . so outspoken. like he didn't care who heard him. I-"

"That's New York. But to answer your question, no. And even Kip usually isn't as loud and noisy. like I said, he's just impatient for the show to start, and perhaps he was trying to put on a bit for you. Naturally, there are people who are crude, but you'll find them back home just as you do here. I know that sometimes this outspokenness in front of strangers can be embarrassing, but that, as I said, is part of New York. Just try to ignore the guys when they start-some of them even do it for shock. If they see it upsets you, they'll go even further."

"But-but sometimes I'm not really even sure what they're saying. like tonight. Half of what Kip was chattering about I'm sure was supposed to be funny, but I wasn't certain at all what he meant."

"All those sly little comments were just Kip's way of being clever-and to let you know what he is and that he was available and damned eager to trick with you."

"I got that message the minute he sat down-his knee nearly pushed me off the chair."

"That's Kip," Dan said and chuckled. "Doesn't lose a minute, even if he knows he's moving in on someone else's territory."

The rain was pelting the cab as it pulled to a halt in front of the apartment, and Little One skipped across the walk and into the foyer, just as he had skipped up the sidewalk back home, Dan thought as he followed the boy inside.

"Nothing like a rainy night for sleeping," Dan commented as they climbed the stairs. "Be nice if it rains all night."

Phil nodded, sty fling a yawn as he did.

"You've just about had it for one day, I think," Dan continued. "I suggest a quick shower and then right to sleep. Tomorrow'll be a busy day."

"But the orgy!" Phil said, a grin on his face but a note of determination in his voice.

"Plenty of time for that this summer. Don't become a sex maniac at your tender age, please," Dan bantered.

Phil grinned, but almost immediately after a quick shower Phil fell onto the bed and was asleep. More leisurely Dan showered, then sat down on the edge of Little One's twin bed to smoke a final cigarette. He gazed down at the serene face, its mop of golden hair already tousled and falling down on his forehead..

Dan sighed. The lad knew so much, yet so little. The summer could be quite an awakening, in many ways. It was up to him to see that Phil came to no harm, which was all too easy in a callous city that even was so uncaring as to allow stabbings to go unchallenged and unsolved. Who would care if another youth was corrupted? like some said, they had to want some fun to let themselves be seduced.

Dan shook his head. With his handsome youthfulness, Phil would be prey to every lustful creature he came in contact with. What between them was a bond of true love could all too easily be tarnished if Phil experienced some of the more sordid aspects of the city.

At last Dan extinguished the cigarette, then leaned over and, as he turned out the light between the beds, gently brushed his lips against Little One's moist lips.

The lad stirred, then reached up and pulled Dan close again. Dan sat down on the edge of the bed and their kiss became more passionate.

One hand reached over and untied the robe and pulled it away, then pulled Dan down beside him.

"Oh, Dan, I've missed you so much," he whispered as his hands rippled up and down Dan's sturdy back, then around to cup his heavy balls and squeeze the now throbbing cock.

"And I've missed you, Little One."

"I want tonight to be . . . be like that first night in Dallas. Do you remember?"

"How could I ever forget?"

He sat up and gently began massaging the youth's supple body, although this time he did not hesitate as he brushed over the boy's thighs and crotch where his ample cock was standing at attention.

Soon he leaned over and engulfed the boy's delicious cock, sucking it expertly, frantically and quickly bringing the excited youth to a climax accompanied by moans and a great sign as he shot out his hot sticky cum.

"I've longed for that, my love," Phil whispered. "And now...."

He slowly rolled over on his stomach and spread his legs as he had done in Dallas.

Dan leaned over and kissed each of the firm young buns, then with one hand massaging them and teasing the winking asshole, he reached with the other for a tube of lubricant which he applied to his long cock and to the boy's down-ringed fuck hole.

Slowly Dan leaned forward and touched the greasy hole with the tip of his thumping cock. Phil lifted his buns slightly, and reached around to spread them apart. He gasped as the tip of Dan's cock slid into the dark tunnel of desire, but urged Dan on.

"Push it in, I want to feel your whole big cock inside me, all the way," he whispered as Dan hesitated.

Dan pushed forward again and his glistening cock easily slid up the warm, moist boyfuck tunnel until his wiry pubic hairs were scratching the boy's buns. Little One relaxed and gave himself completely to Dan, who began the fucking movements of love slowly but steadily, and with ever quickening pace.

Soon he was pounding his cock furiously into the boy's asshole and the love juices began to surge toward the tip of his cock.

"I'm cuming, I'm cuming, my love," he cried out as he corkscrewed his dick deep into the boy's ass, then shuddered and spilled his cream in the tight tunnel.

"Yes, yes, yes!" the boy breathed. "I can feel it! Give it all to me, give me all of your love!"

As the last drops of Dan's boiUng cum spilled from his softening cock, Dan collapsed on the boy and kissed his cheek gently.

"Oh, my love, I have missed you so much these past weeks," he whispered.

"And I've missed you, too."

Slowly Dan pulled away from the boy, who moaned as the tip of the deflating cock slid from its tight cum-f illed hiding place.

By the time Dan had returned from the bathroom, Little One was sound asleep. Silently Dan slipped into his own bed and smoked another cigarette as he listened to the rain splattering against the window pane. Yet he was unable to sleep. Perhaps it was the excitement of the day, the realization that Phil again was but a few inches from him, and would be there throughout the summer.

With this joy, however, was the stern realization that he was responsible for the youth's well-being for the summer, a summer that only too easily could get out of hand with all the hot-blooded people Little One would meet. How to allow the lad to enjoy himself while not getting into trouble would be a major task, for the lad was naive in many respects and perhaps would become involved before he realized the dangers.

Yet he could not bear to think of Phil having to be curbed, even though to run free would possible lead him into situations that would soon make him jaded and tainted, unable to enjoy anything but the wildest sort of sex which would be so laughingly called love.

What was now so perfect, so pure a love, must not be allowed to become anything less. With this thought racing through his mind, Dan at last dropped into a troubled sleep.