Story Orgy Monday: Even Steven part 12

 

Hello and Happy Monday, Story Orgy enthusiasts! Did you have a good weekend? Mine was busy busy busy! And it ain't over yet...I have lots more to do. Whew! Gimme some Wheaties!

Okay, this week's prompt, Even Steven part 12, is brought to you by...oh...wait...that's not right. Where am I? Oh, yes...yes, this week is my week for a full 1500-word prompt. I fell short by a few inches...erruh...hundred words I mean. But, I think it will serve its purpose. The prompt used to inspire my words is a quote – "I can't protect you from that." And that purty pic? Yay, you guessed it. Story Orgy's very own Princess of the Pics found that. Sure revs my motor, how 'bout you? *grin*

And now, I present to you...

Even Steven part 12

by

JR Boyd

The urgency in Braden's tone of voice was the only thing that disengaged Steven's blind fury. Not even the random outbursts of rhetoric from the gathered guests were enough to stop Steven's mental pain and anguish. As far as Steven was concerned, Antonio would never hurt anyone again. 

By the time Braden had reached Steven, Antonio was lying on the ground choking. Steven's mind was stuck somewhere between the satisfaction of seeing his abductor in pain and regret of him still breathing when Braden called again, forcing him to realize his foot was on Antonio's throat. A final yell from Braden, "Steven!" and he snapped back to reality, quickly drawing his leg back and stepping away. Just in time too. If he hadn't have moved, he would've been brought down by Antonio's reaching arm.  

"Steven, what do you think you're doing, sweetie?" Nora's concern was apparent in her inflection. She stepped forward in an obvious attempt to make peace before things got any worse. She always hated chaos. Why she was with that goon she was with was beyond Steven; but, he didn't hold that against her.

"I'm not sure, Nora." Steven responded, quickly following up with, "All I know is why." Walking around the length of Antonio's body, Steven spoke as if he'd prepared a speech. But, what he had to say was none too nice. Antonio didn't move a muscle. And Steven knew he didn't hurt that thick neck and hard head so much Antonio couldn't get back up. It was humiliation. That's what kept him down.

As Steven commenced to speak his mind, sharing his own embarrassment helped him over the final hump. Steven talked for at least twenty-five minutes, airing out his dirty laundry with his foot planted in the middle of Antonio's back. 

Braden stepped forward, taking Steven's hand. He said, "C'mon, babe," then guided him several yards away from Antonio. The aroma of the meat on the smoker floated on the breeze, reminding Steven of how hungry he was, and how Braden must've also been just as hungry. Steven's mind stopped entertaining the thought of Antonio as quickly as it had started. "We should really be going now." Steven turned to the small crowd with a raised hand, feeling proud as he curled his arm into Braden's awaiting stance.

Steven heard Antonio's taciturn grunts and mumbles as they walked off arm in arm. "I'm so proud of you." Braden said as he leaned in, touching his head to Steven's.  

Unsure of what he'd just accomplished, if anything, Steven slipped his fingers into Braden's back pocket, content in fact that he was tucked securely into Braden's side, and his heart.

***

Braden peered over the rim of the coffee cup, his eyes telling Steven everything he wanted to hear, but nothing that wasn't already known. 

"Steven honey, where have you been? I've been trying to get a hold of you for days. Been worried sick. Worried sick I tell ya." Steven's mother walked through the dining room doorway, her finger waving in the air. 

 So, that's where I get it from. Steven cringed at his realization. "Hi, Mom. How're you and Dad?" 

"We're good. Just worried about you, dear."

 "Good afternoon, Mrs. Malone." Braden chimed in, tipping his head for Steven's mother. She has been kissing Braden's forehead since he was knee high to a grasshopper. 

"Worried sick–" 

"Alright, Mom. I'm sorry I didn't call. Please stop saying that. I'm okay." Steven interrupted, his stomach knotting as agitation rattled through his bones. 

"Oh, sweetie. Don't be disconcerted with me for caring." Mrs. Malone walked the long way around the table to greet Steven, her tennis shoes squeaking on the beige linoleum flooring. "You have dark circles under your eyes. You're not taking care of yourself. Braden? Do you know anything–"

"Mom, I did not come by so we could be put on trial. Where's Dad?"

"Don't you be curt with me, young man. You're not too old for me to bend over my knee you know." 

Mrs. Malone thwacked Steven on the back of the head. "I suggest you straighten it up. I didn't raise you to disrespect your mother like you're doing." 

What the hell? She's treating me like a teenager. "I thought maybe we could cook steaks on the grill this evening. Do you and Dad have dinner plans already?" Steven gave his best attempt to salvage the afternoon. 

"He went around the house after walking me to the front door. Oh, there he is." She smiled and waved at Steven's dad through dining room bay window. 

Braden chuckled as Mr. Malone walked by rolling up the garden hose. Not that Steven blamed him. His dad did have the cheesiest smile when he wanted to; his very own trademark. But what stole the show was when Mrs. Malone trotted across the floor yelling, "Yoo hoo," trying to wave down her husband."

"Okay, I've got to ask. Am I on Candid Camera?" Steven said with a breathy whisper. 

"I can protect you from a lot of things; but, I can't protect you from that." Braden snorted then disguised his laughter behind a fake cough. 

Steven waited until his mom closed the back door behind her before saying anything, but then he couldn't help himself. "Okay. What was that? Is she on medication or something?" 

"Your dad didn't look like he was hurting none too much neither." Braden added with a smile, "Which reminds me. Maybe we should freshen up before dinner."  

Steven watched Braden waggle his eyebrows, his eyes hinting with that certain I want you enthusiasm Steven has gotten accustomed to seeing over the years. It didn't take long for Steven to shift gears. 

Within a matter of seconds, Steven had stuck his head out the back door and told his parents he'd be back in a few hours with the steaks to throw on the grill, put the mugs in the sink and was jangling his keys.  

***

Braden unlocked the door to his apartment, put his arm around Steven's waist and guided him inside. With the shutting of the door, all remaining tension had vanished and Steven knew beyond a doubt that he would never be able to refute his love for Braden. His eyes locked with Braden's and the world stood still, silencing everything but the steady heartbeat pounding in his ears. Braden's lips moved to the words I love you as his hands attentively peeled away the pesky material that separated their skin. 

Steven mouthed the words I love you too, closed his eyes and pressed his lips to Braden's smooth chest, breathing in the sweet musky scent of his lover's skin. Steven melted into Braden, letting the moment take him over. Braden's body pressed tightly to his, guiding him to take a step. Steven walked across the living room and down the hall to the bedroom. The heat of Braden's skin against his set Steven on fire as his lover matched Steven's pace step for step, never letting their skin separate. 

Steven made love to Braden three times that afternoon before heading back to his parents' house for dinner. And he'd never been happier than he was then. Judging by the twinkle in Braden's eyes, he hadn't either. Braden emptied three drawers full of clothes onto the bed and said, "Let's go to dinner." 

"I'm ready when you are. But, why did you dump your clothes out all over the bed?" Steven asked. 

Braden said, "So, you'll have a place for yours."

H                                                                                          <<TBC>>

Well? What do you think about all this? I'm still ready to eat! But, I'm sure Steven and Braden got more than their share of chow time *ahem*. 

Wonder what the others wrote about? You can find them here...nice and easy like...c'mon, I'll go with you. CLICK...

Em Woods - http://authoremwoods.com/
Hank Edwards - http://hankedwardsbooks.com/hankerings/

Havan Fellows - http://havanshawthaven.blogspot.com/

Jade Baiser - http://jade-wetdreams.blogspot.com/

Lee Brazil - http://leebrazilauthor.blogspot.com/

Story Orgy Monday: Even Steven part 7

Happy happy Monday morning, Story Orgy enthusiasts! This is my week for the Hook Up, so it's a shorty for you. But be ready for next week. My boy, Steven, is aching to get something off his chest. But anyhoo, you have a whole week to get ready for that.

Speaking of getting ready, have you sent The Story Orgy your prompt ideas yet? The contest is still going. Send your ideas for Story Orgy's ROAD TRIP. Here's what you do:

person

(no proper names please—give us a fighting chance *giggles*)

destination

(can be proper or not…hehe)

disaster

(something to throw this road trip in a tizzy…be creative!)

 

Send your prompt idea (one per person, please) to storyorgy(at)ymail(dot)com…and March 1st we’ll be picking the prompts that scream our names!

Oh! And did you hear about my muse? You guessed it. Em Woods has another release! Make time to hop on over to Total E-Bound to get your copy of Em's latest, "Convincing Symon". You'll be glad you did.

Now, are you ready for a lil ol' sump'n sump'n about my boys Steven and Braden? If you missed last week's prompt, you will want to go back and catch up. This week's prompt is a quote; so, be on the lookout for how I use it. That way you can compare to the other Story Orgiast's blogposts hehehe...okay, the prompt quote is:

"Someone's playing the radio."

And now for this week's installment of Even Steven...and don't forget to take time to smell the...erm...I mean get an eyeful of the yummy inspiration Jade Basier found for the prompt. Mmmm...

Okay, okay! Here's the story *ahem*

Even Steven part 7

by

JR Boyd

Steven drove a path he knew well, darting an occasional glance Braden's direction. Although he was curious about what Braden could've been talking about in his sleep, Steven dared not ask. He was still figuring out a way to fill Braden in on some of the details he hadn't yet divulged.

Steven saw a huge elm tree in the distance. The landmark for the only secret he had ever kept from Braden. Steven jerked the wheel, hastily pulling the car off the road before turning to Braden.

Curling his leg into the seat, Steven searched Braden's eyes for something, anything - hope, more understanding...something that would make him feel more at ease.

"Braden, there's a few things I need to tell you."

The puzzled look on Braden's face caused a lump to form in Steven's throat, further delaying the inevitable.

"Well, spit it out." Braden's eyebrows knitted together.

"See that hill?" Steven pointed slowly, sweeping the view up ahead. "And that stretch of land?"

"Yeah."

"It's all Antonio's. Braden, it's about to get real nasty."

"What do you mean?" Braden asked.

"If my hunches are correct, Antonio is bluffing about having a hostage. So far, anyway. The bloody hands in that picture are nothing but a crazy ass photoshop job." Steven's finger pressed the photo. "But the portable stereo in the background? Huge clue. He's had it for years."

"Do you hear that?" Braden slowly rolled the window down.
"Someone's playing the radio." Shit, he was running out of time.  

<<TBC>>

Hnmmm...Steven better be for telling the scoop. Braden's too damn nice LOL. Okay...ready for the other blogposts? I can't wait to see what the other's wrote about. C'mon, you know the drill. I'll go with ya *grin* ...CLICK...

Em Woods - http://authoremwoods.com/
Hank Edwards - http://hankedwardsbooks.com/blog/

Havan Fellows - http://havanshawthaven.blogspot.com/

Jade Baiser - http://jade-wetdreams.blogspot.com/

Lee Brazil - http://leebrazilauthor.blogspot.com/

Story Orgy's Valentine Monday_Even Steven part 6

W00t! Happy Story Orgy Valentine Monday! My boy dreams of a happy place on a sofa cushion. But first, I want to remind you of The Story Orgy Road Trip prompt contest! All you have to do is e-mail us 3 prompts: a) a person (no proper names please) b) a destination (proper or otherwise is good with us) c) a disaster (gimme something good! *wink*) to The Story Orgy's e-mail addy - storyorgy<@>ymail<dot>com

Now, crack that whip and let us know what you want. Why? Because we want to write this story for you!

And a little tidbit about my muse, Em Woods...she has a new release! Be one of the first to check out her yummilicious story about a chef and a...oh hell, just go check it out. It has a fireman in it... *waggles eyebrows*. Em's hot new story is Only Sam. You can find it here.  

And now I will send you along your way to enjoy the hot passions of Valentine love headed your way this week, right after my sixth installment of Even Steven. Have a wonderful and sexy Valentine's Day and enjoy my story. This week's Story Orgy prompt is: Before your character knows it, he's drank a whole bottle of champagne on Valentine's Day Eve. Why? What happens?

Even Steven part 6

by

JR Boyd

Braden still had no idea where Steven was headed. After two decades of friendship, Braden trusted Steven with his soul. In a way, Braden felt responsible for Steven’s situation. After all, if he would’ve followed his own heart, another man would never have touched Steven in the first place. Steven would be his.

“What ‘cha thinking about over there?” Steven’s voice was uneven. In fact, he sounded dog-tired. Pulling an all-nighter wasn’t as easy as it used to be.

“You.” Braden yawned around the word.

“Stop that. You’re gonna make me sleepy.” Steven stifled his own yawn as best he could. But it wasn’t good enough. Braden was paying attention.

“Why don’t you pull over for a second? We can get out and stretch our legs a little. The cold air will wake us up.” Braden tried for persuading, but his words came out sounding more like pleading.

"That's not a bad idea. I think I will." Steven pulled over. Turning to Braden, Steven stifled yet another yawn. "I don't know about you, but I may need to take a nap too.

"Now you have the bright idea." Braden smiled, knowing it would be virtually impossible to deal with the Antonio drama without at least a little shuteye. Braden pointed. "Pull up there where there's shade."

Steven did as Braden asked and found a spot a little over a hundred yards further up the shoulder of the road. A cluster of trees gave enough shading to shield them from the sun for a while.



"Hey! This is where we used to help your Uncle Carlton and his lover Justin sale their produce, isn't it?" Braden rolled down the window and stretched out his neck, checking the ground for any broken glass or debris that may be lying around. The last thing he wanted was a flat tire or a hurt foot.

"You remember that?" Steven sighed before yawning again. "We couldn't have been more than 6 or 7 years old. My parents were out of town and I stayed with them." Steven chuckled. "And I begged until they said you could stay with me."

“Yep.” Braden flashed a knowing smile. And I knew then we’d always be together. One way or another.

“You gonna get out and stretch your legs?” Steven sounded anxious and tired rolled into one.

“Nah. I’m just gonna rest. I have a feeling we’re gonna need all the energy we can get."

Steven nodded. “Good point. We can always get out and stretch after a little shuteye.”

Braden reached for the lever to recline his seat but Steven got out of the car, squeezing between the partially opened door and the tree cluster. He stepped to the back door and squeezed inside, stretching out in the back seat.

"Well? C'mon." Steven's eyes were droopy. His voice breathy.

Braden was as tired as Steven. There was no denying that. Without hesitation, Braden got out and then back in again. Placing one knee between Steven's thighs, he straddled one leg and gently lowered to meet Steven's firm torso. Braden flashed a tilted smile as he looked into Braden's eyes. Braden wiggled and wedged himself between the back of the seat and Steven's body.

"Mmm." Vibrations tickled Braden's chest as the calm, low sound resonated in Steven's throat.

"This is nice," Braden whispered, letting his eyes finally close for the first time since before the party. He dozed off to sleep to the feel of Steven's body close to his - warm, soothing.



Braden sat on his sofa, scanning the room for any possible ideas for improvements that might have come to mind. He marked of a whole list of things from his checklist, his eyes darting from the writing tablet to the last place in the room he had scanned.

Shaking his head slowly, Braden tapped the pencil eraser above his brow then took a long slow sip of champagne. Savoring the flavor and enjoying the feel of the bubbles as they tickled his tongue before rolling to the back of this throat. One smooth swallow and Braden's thoughts were no longer in his head.

"There's got to be a little more I can do. Element of surprise, that's what I need! But, how...?" Braden's anxiety rose.

No matter what Braden did it just wasn't quite enough. Braden wanted more. Not for himself. Uh uh. Everything was for Steven. Braden would die for him if things ever came down to it.

Braden scratched of a few more items from his list. Discouraged with the lack of fresh ideas mixed with his limited experience drinking bubbly, he tried to quench his thirst and his nerves by downing the last of the champagne in his glass. He filled it back up, then drained it again.

It wasn't long before Braden heard keys jangling against the door. He raised his head from the overstuffed cushion on the back of the sofa, just in time for his eyes to focus. As the vague and distorted image transformed into a more tasty image, Braden found himself staring into the bright eyes of his dear friend. His date. His Valentine! 

"What are you doing, honey?" Steven leaned over, closing the gap between his face and Braden's. Picking up the empty bottle of bubbly, Braden couldn't help but chuckle a little. His eyes twinkled when he said, "Since when did you start drinking sparkling wine?"

"That was the real deal. The bubbly wubbly...and that ain't no mumbly." Braden closed the rest of the gap as he stretched out his neck, pressing his nose to Steven's.

"That depends on which end of the communication you're on. Sure was a lot of mumble to me." Steven's hand cupped the crown of Braden's head. A light push to Braden's chest and Steven snugged up tight, his crotch meshing with Braden's.

"You couldn't wait for me?" Steven's voice a low growl, rousing the heated flesh in Braden's groin.

"Yeah, baby. What's that? Huh?" Steven's hips gyrated, grinding his cock with Braden's with each round.

"Steven, all this is for you." Braden strained to speak without a slur, knowing his voice was a low grate and that the champagne had gotten the best of him. Why had he started without Steven? Oh yeah. He was practicing romance.

Steven's eyes swept the room. Braden read his lips as they seemed to move in slow motion, enjoying the grin that spread across Steven's face as he scanned – candles, confetti, champagne...

"You did all this for me?" Steven's lips tickled Braden's cheek as he leaned in, then he continued in a low grouse. "But, honey, it's the day before Valentine's Day and you don't even like champagne."

A nip at Braden's earlobe and a sharp pain jolted hastily, coursing along Braden's most sensitive of nerves. "I was planning a special Valentine, rehearsing. I thought it would be perfect, babe. You weren't supposed to be back from your business trip until tomorrow. Valentine's Day!" Braden bucked under the Steven's weight. "And the champagne? I was trying to acquire a taste for it, that's all. Don't you see?"

"The only thing I see is a weasel. A low down dirty rotten weasel." Steven reached behind his back then his hands reappeared with handcuffs. "There's only one thing to do with rascals like you."

"Oh no, I don't think so." Braden grunted with another buck, gaining a bit more moving room. Enough for him, anyway. With slight pressure to Steven's wrist, Braden reversed the roles in a matter of seconds, flipping Steven and burying his face into the crack of the couch cushions.

"You want some control? I'll give you control." Braden fixed Steven's hands behind his back and fastened the cuffs. "Now, roll over." Braden ordered as he raised up, standing beside Steven as the other man deftly flipped onto his back with a grin, unfettered his own aching need.

Hastily stripping, Braden knelt beside Steven and carefully worked his lover's pants down the fittest pair of legs Braden had ever seen on a man.

"Mercy sakes alive, babe." Braden slung the pants over his shoulder, dragging a slow and deliberate trail of saliva with his tongue along Steven’s cock.

Throaty moans filled the room when Braden flexed his fingers, digging his fingertips deep into either side of Steven's inner thigh muscles. The whimpers were exactly what Braden wanted.

You're begging for it, aren't you? That's right; tell me your asshole twitches at the thought of my cock stretching the sides of your hot, sexy ass."

“Braden…oh, Braden!”

Confusion dragged Braden from his sleep as he was shaken awake. “Wha-“

“Shit, Braden.” Steven’s face was pale, his eyes wide, scared. “We gotta go.”

<<TBC>>

Wow. Braden can pull me into a dream anytime. Whew! Okay...let's go see what the other's are talking about. C'mon...I'll go with ya...

Em Woods - http://authoremwoods.com/
Hank Edwards - http://hankedwardsbooks.com/blog/

Havan Fellows - http://havanshawthaven.blogspot.com/

Jade Baiser - http://jade-wetdreams.blogspot.com/

Lee Brazil - http://leebrazilauthor.blogspot.com/

 

Story Orgy Monday_Even Steven part 4

Happy Monday, everybody! I hope this morning found you safe and well. Story Orgy is here to make sure you get your week started off right. 

But first, it's time for your weekly Story Orgy tidbits: 

Tidbit #1:

The Story Orgy Goddess, brilliant writer and my amazing muse, Em Woods, is part of a scorching anthology titled His Hero, available from Total E-Bound. You'll be glad you did. Her story, "Only Sam," is about a firefighter; and things get really heated up when he meets the owner of a restaurant. Can you say man in uniform...erm...toting a hose? Mmm... okay, moving right along. 

Tidbit #2:

Your Story Orgy writers are up for an award and we need your help! We'd just love it if you would show your support and click on over to Dawn Roberto's reading nook and vote for our Breathless Press anthology, Word Play in the LRC Loop's Best of 2011 Contest!

Tidbit #3:

And did you make your way over to Breathless Press to download Lee Brazil's most recent tale, The Librarian? It was released on January 6^th. Click here to get it now. You know what I always say – You'll be glad you did!

Tidbit #4:

I saved this tidbit for last. I want you to pay very close attention. Don't come to me next week saying I didn't tell you so. So, listen up *ahem*. Next week, your Story Orgy writers have something very special planned. We don't want to just spend the morning with you; we want to spend the whole DAY with you! Why? Well, let's just say it has something to do with our very first posts as a group. Think you know what it is? You'll want to check in right here on my site first thing next Monday morning to find out, and that's all you're going to get from me.

And once again, our exquisite beauty this week was contributed Story Orgy's very own by Jade Baiser. Pssst...I call her my princess *wiggles eyebrows*. 

Alrighty! Whew! I think we managed to make it through all the good news and special announcements. I sure hope I didn't forget anything. Okay, on with the post. As you know, I alternate between long and short. Well, this week is a full length for me! Wait, did I say that right? Drop me a comment and let me know if you need any clarification. 

And this week's Story Orgy prompt is: Something has been mail ordered and is going to be delivered today...what is it? what is it for? What happens? 

Are you ready to see where the story goes with this? Remember, last week was a shorty. Feel free to go back and read it if you need to *wink* 

Even Steven part 4 

Steven saw his brother through the window of the coffee shop as he slammed on his brakes and laid on his horn. "I know that backpack anywhere."

"Where? I don't see him!" Braden's voice cracked with his excitement.

"Right there." Steven pointed. "Behind that tacky yellow paint that reads, A whole lot o' coffee pot."

"Ah. He must've heard you. Here he comes and he's running. Antonio's right behind him."

"Son of a bitch. What a fucking night." Steven rested his foot half on the brake pedal and half on the gas.

Danny jerked the rear car door open and dove into the back seat. “Go, go, go!”

Steven took off so fast the door slammed shut. Braden rolled down his window and yelled, "Fuck off, prick!"

"You tell him, baby." Steven couldn’t help but smile.

It didn't take long for Danny to chime in from the back seat. "Tell him hell. Get as far away from that psycho fucker as possible. You know that bastard said he's going to kill us all?"

"Just fuckin' great! Happy fuckin' New Ye-" Steven gripped the steering wheel harder.

"Steven, just calm down. We can call the cops or something." Braden's attempt at rational thinking was quickly shot down.

"Yeah, about that. He said you don't wanna do that. He supposedly has somebody you care about, Steven." Danny's voice teetered on the edge of concern being pissed off.

"Hostage?" Steven spoke to Danny's eyes framed in the rearview mirror.

"That's what he said." Danny spoke back.

"Who the fuck could he possibly have?” Steven slapped the steering wheel with the heel of his hand. "Okay. First things first. I'm taking you home, Danny. Don't tell mom or dad anything about this. I don't want them to worry."

"Don't worry? How am I supposed to–"

Danny's words stopped short when Steven narrowed his eyes and glared at him in the rear view mirror. Shaking his head and tossing his hands in the air, Danny mumbled, "Whatever. You’re the one that’s gonna be in an assload of trouble."

"C'mon, guys. Now's not the time for a sibling fall out. And, Danny, it would be a good idea if you kept your phone handy. Now, are there any more clues Antonio may have dropped while he was harassing you?" Braden slapped the dashboard as he looked over his shoulder.

"Actually, he did mention something weird. He said that Steven must keep his promise, or else."

"Or else what?" Steven peered into the mirror again.

"Well, that was when he said he's gonna kill us all."

"Like hell he is." Braden's words were clipped, unforgiving.

Steven drew a deep breath, remembering the text message USPS he'd received the day before. He still hadn't made it by his parents' place to pick up his package. "Hey, Danny. We're almost home. Do me a favor when we get there. Run inside for me? There should be package for me on the console table by the front door."

"Sure thing."

Steven turned the radio on low, trying to find some sort of distraction. If only for a few minutes. Braden and Danny didn't seem to mind the peace either. After several stop lights and a few turns with no sign of Antonio, Steven reached his parents' house. He turned his lights off and pulled into the drive. The sun was kissing the horizon in the distance, giving hope to a new day. Steven put the car in park and waited as Danny ran inside.

Danny didn't waste any time inside. Their parents had been putting their deliveries in the same place since the boys were old enough to get mail. He jogged toward the car, stopping short several feet. With a swift under throw, Danny sent the package spiraling through the air and Steven caught the small box through the window with ease.

Steven nodded his appreciation and put his car in reverse. "Thanks, bro."

Danny pointed at him, worry aging his youthful face by ten years at least, "Be careful." Then he turned and trotted back to the house, his shoulders hunched.

Steven turned to Braden and flashed an optimistic smile, putting his arm across the back of the seat – across Braden’s broad shoulders. Nothing out of the ordinary, just the regular way anyone would back up their car. While he was busy thinking, busy plotting how to steal another kiss, busy trying not to think of Antonio…Braden did it for him. All in one move.

Steven's knee locked as his foot pressed hard against the brakes, jerking the car to a stop. His breath was stolen by Braden's full lips, a perfect fit for Steven's eager mouth. All reserve was lost at that very moment. Steven knew he had to do what was necessary. And from the look in Braden's eyes as they parted, Steven could tell he knew it too. He put the car in park right then and there.

Stopped half in the driveway and half in the street, Steven white-knuckled the steering wheel. "Braden?"

"Yeah?"

Steven felt as though Braden's eyes could see right through him. All the way to his very soul. He swallowed hard, trying to force the lump from his throat. "This is serious stuff. And I completely understand if you–"

"What? Just tell me, Steven. What's wrong?"

Steven turned and cupped Braden's cheek, peering deep into his adoring eyes. "Nothing's wrong. Not a single thing." With the tick-tock of Antonio’s threat in the back of his mind, he realized he had to get moving. “Braden, I have something for you and I want to give it to you now. I wanted to give it to you on Valentine's Day, but I figured you could use a little pick me up right about now. You know, with my drama and all."

Braden's cheeks turned four shades of red. An interesting contrast against the backdrop made up of the paleness of the streetlight and the graduating warmth that spread out across the morning sky, Steven thought. He took Braden's hand, placed the box in the palm and looked deeply into his eyes. "I don't know if you have this one or not. I don't think you do. I can always exchange it. It's the one–"

Braden pressed his finger to Steven's lips. "Shh. You're doing that rambling thing again." His smile was no surprise. Steven has always gotten nervous during special moments. If Braden never said anything back in elementary school, Steven might not have ever known Braden liked him too. That's when they decided to be best friends for life.

Steven noticed that the sky was getting lighter as the rising sun brought on the new day. "Well, are you going to open it?"

Braden flashed a wide smile and tore into shipping box, only to have a smaller box slide out. Steven read Braden's lips as he read the box to himself. Old Timer.

"A new knife for my collection. Thanks, Steven!" Braden slid the new knife from the box and rubbed it with his thumb. "And it's one I don't have yet!"

"Yes!" Steven fist pumped the air in triumph. "You have so many. I didn't know if you had that one or not."

Braden grasped Steven’s shoulder, giving it a little squeeze. "You're amazing. I couldn't ask for a better friend."

Steven tilted his head, pinning Braden's hand to his shoulder. "That's just it. We have been friends for a long time. I know we've played and kissed; but, I love you, Braden."

"Steven, I–"

Steven straightened his head and put his finger to Braden's lips. "It's my turn this time."

Braden closed his eyes and gave slight a nod.

Steven drew a deep breath and blurted his thoughts. "I have been planning to talk with you on Valentine's Day. But, that seems so far away all of a sudden. Antonio's bullshit has really got me thinking. I want more than just your friendship."

"I get the point, Steven." Braden's seriousness faded away as his smile broke the tension. "I've been thinking the same thing, but didn't want to risk ruining our friendship."

"Nothing could tear you away from me, Braden. Nothing."

Braden's lips locked with Steven's and they shared the same breath for what seemed like an eternity. But, given the way Steven felt at that moment, eternity wouldn't even be long enough.

Honk!

"You're still parked in the middle of the street!" Braden nearly busted a gut he laughed so hard.

"I think we may have a pissed off hamster on our hands." Steven chuckled and pulled the car back up into the drive so that the other car could pass.

Once the car stopped, Braden planted a kiss on the side of Steven's face and lightly slapped his thigh. "Let's go find Antonio and get your friend back. What d'ya say?"

Steven glanced at the sun as it peeked over the roof of his parents' house. "I think I know just where to start."

Steven shifted the car into reverse and eased out into the street again.

<<TBC>>

Sheesh! Those boys are having one helluva night. I hope they get some sleep soon. Now, let's go see what the other SO writer's came up with for their prompt this week. I don't mind going with you. Just follow me...and don't forget to meet me where next week?

HERE!

When?

First thing in the morning! *chuckles*

Now, let's go see the others... Click

Em Woods - http://authoremwoods.com/ 

Hank Edwards - http://hankedwardsbooks.com/blog/

Havan Fellows - http://havanshawthaven.blogspot.com/

Jade Baiser - http://jade-wetdreams.blogspot.com/

Lee Brazil - http://leebrazilauthor.blogspot.com/