Bringing Home Danny (24 page)

“
Who wouldn't be interested in someone as cute as you?”
 

“
Yeah, right. Cute isn't exactly a turn on. I'm not so stupid to think you would choose short and scrawny when you have tall, dark, and burly.”
 

TJ gave a seductive smile. “I could have had anyone I wanted. It was you I chose to kiss that night.”

“
That's because you were going home to Mitch and Antonio. They're both big and strong. They have biceps the size of my entire arm. Who wouldn't want them? They're both hot.”
 

TJ chuckled. “Yeah, there is no denying that.”

“
Then why are you sleeping in here alone?”
 

“
I wanted to be close in case you had another bad dream.”
 

Danny didn't know how to respond to that, so he sank back into the bed. “You feel sorry for me,” he finally said in resignation. He felt like a small child who was just told Santa Claus didn't exist.

“
I care about you. I only want to help.”
 

“
You can't help me.”
 

Danny turned to get out of bed. TJ reached for him, overpowered him, and pushed him against the bed.
 

“
I can help you to sleep,” he insisted.
 

“
It's too late. I'm getting up.”
 

“
No you're not. Be quiet and relax. You could use some sleep, you're long overdue.”
 

Danny thrashed about unsuccessfully. He was too weak from lack of sleep to pull free.
 

TJ held firm. “I said relax. You're not going anywhere until you get some sleep.”

“
Fuck you!”
 

“
Not tonight. Close your eyes.” TJ hoped he sounded firm yet gentle like Antonio.
 

Danny hated having his raw feelings exposed. He fought against TJ and his body's desire to surrender into his arms. TJ was unyielding. He used his entire body to press into Danny causing him to lie defenseless against the mattress. Danny was unwilling to allow himself the comfort TJ was offering. He was mortified and angry. The warring emotions and fatigue caused Danny to slip into a flashback of being held against his will. No longer aware of his surroundings, he cried out, “No! Please don't hurt me!”
 

“
I'm not going to hurt you, Danny. I need you to relax.”
 

Mitch and Antonio entered the room at the sound of Danny's muffled cries to be left alone.

“
It's okay, Danny,” TJ tried to sooth. “It's okay. We're just going to get some sleep.”
 

Mitch could see the boys in distress and quickly strode to the bed. “Danny, it's Mitch,” he said calmly, but stern enough to force a reaction. “Look at me,” he ordered.

Danny couldn't catch his breath. He began to hyperventilate. TJ jumped back in fear, allowing Danny to swing out wildly. Mitch caught his fists and held them against the bed.

“
Settle down, Danny, and take a deep breath.” Mitch spoke softly as he readjusted his hold on him. Antonio sat on the bed and wrapped his arms around Danny's legs to keep him from kicking out.
 

TJ was visibly shaken, but felt helpless to do anything. “I'm sorry,” he kept repeating like a mantra.

“
That's enough, TJ, it's not helping. Danny, stop it!” The loud strident reprimand snapped Danny out of his flashback into full consciousness. “That's it,” Mitch encouraged. “Stop struggling. Good boy. I'm going to let go of your arms if you promise not to swing at me.”
 

Danny closed his eyes attempting to block everything out. Mitch waited to feel his muscles relax and the fight go out. “We're going to let you go.” Mitch looked to Antonio to signal their release.

Once the pressure on his arms and legs were removed, Danny burrowed into the bed. Antonio comforted TJ while Mitch pulled the blanket over Danny. He sat by the edge of the bed running his large hand through Danny's sweaty hair. “It's all right, son. Get some sleep.”

Danny was completely worn out, and fell into a deep sleep within five minutes.

“
I didn't mean to do anything wrong. He came to me. He said he couldn't sleep,” TJ cried, into Antonio's arms.
 

“
It's okay, TJ.”
 

Despite Antonio's best effort, TJ was inconsolable. “I just thought if I could hold him down long enough he'd tire out and fall asleep.”

“
I know, honey.” Antonio placed soft kisses to both side of TJ's tearstained face.
 

“
I didn't think he'd freak out like that.”
 

“
We know you didn't mean anything wrong. He's okay now.”
 

“
I kissed him,” TJ blurted out.
 

“
What?” Mitch and Antonio questioned simultaneously.
 

TJ looked up into his lovers' questioning eyes. It was time for a full confession. “That night in Florida, when I first met him, I was supposed to find out if he was underage. He seemed so helpless and innocent. I didn't have the heart to kick him out. I watched as his friends kept supplying him with alcohol. I didn't trust them from the beginning. I was trying to keep him sober and out of harm's way. I didn't mean to, but I kissed him. It was the first time he ever kissed a man.”
 

“
Did you do anything else with him? Any other first times we should know about?” Mitch asked, bewildered.
 

“
No, I swear.”
 

“
Have you been leading the poor boy on?”
 

“
No, Antonio. I mean, I didn't think I was. I told him I was involved in a relationship before we left for New York.”
 

“
Were you not warned that by getting into bed with him you would be giving him mixed messages?”
 

“
I'm sorry, but it always helps him to fall asleep. If you could have seen him that night, after he was violated by those
friends
of his. I never want to see him in that much pain again. I can’t bear to hear him cry like that.”
 

Mitch and Antonio listened patiently as they processed TJ's full confession.

“
When he came to my room tonight I tried to get him to talk about whatever was bothering him." TJ hesitated then said in a rush, "He kissed me, very innocently, on the lips." TJ started to sob. "You were right. I didn't know. He acts like he barely tolerates
me some days.”
 

“
TJ, you are an extremely handsome and charismatic young man. What boy wouldn't fall for you?”
 

TJ had to laugh at Antonio's flattering proclamation, and his assumption that all boys liked men. “I wasn't sure he was even attracted to guys. I tried to let him down easy, but he refused to talk about it. He wanted to leave. I knew he needed to sleep so I wouldn't let him go. I'm sorry.”
 

“
TJ, the boy is sixteen years old. I don't care how long he has been on his own. He is not an adult. You can't treat him like one," Antonio said prudently. "Don't be fooled by his tough act. Danny is a scared kid who's been without parents for far too long.”
 

The men gazed wistfully over at the sleeping boy. They then headed for their room. Each with their own worries and conflicting thoughts, they turned to each other for physical comfort.

*****

Danny didn't think it was possible to hate himself even more. He liked sleeping with TJ. Now, he was sure he had ruined his chances of ever sleeping with him again.
Why did I have to kiss him?
 
TJ's interest in me is not the same. I was deluding myself to think he could ever be attracted to me. How am I going to face them after losing it like I did?
Once Danny started torturing himself with worry and self-doubt, he couldn't stop. To top it all off, he was sure TJ was going to tell Mitch and Antonio that he kissed him. Not that he thought anyone would be threatened by it. No, it would be worse.
They'll laugh at me behind my back for being a stupid little kid.
What's wrong with me? It's only bad dreams. Why did I have to freak out like a baby? I bet Mitch and Antonio will want to have a "conversation" with me. Why am I such an idiot?
 

It didn’t take long for Danny’s fears to be realized. It was midday when he ventured from his room and made his way downstairs. Mitch cornered him in the hall, then steered him towards the kitchen.

“
After you have lunch why don't we have a little talk in the office?”
 

Danny didn't need to be told that Mitch's request was not intended as a choice.
Oh great, a discussion in the office. That always turns out well.
 “I’m not hungry. Couldn't we have the talk now and get it over with?”
 

“
We'll wait for Antonio to get here. In the meantime, I would like you to eat something.”
 

Danny frowned at the idea.

“
Hey, Danny, I made mac and cheese. Want some?”
 

Danny turned to TJ who was taking a casserole dish out of the oven.
“Okay,” he said, making an effort to sound casual.
 

TJ scooped him a generous portion that Danny took to the table to eat.
 

“
Do you want some, Mitch?”
 

“
No, thank you, TJ. I had a big breakfast. I'll have some coffee if there's any.”
 

While making Mitch's coffee, TJ became increasingly agitated. Spying Danny sullenly move his lunch around on his plate, he snapped, “What's wrong with it?”
 

“
Nothing,” Danny sniped back.
 

“
Are you going to eat it or just pick at it?”
 

Danny scowled at TJ. “I guess I'm not that hungry.”

“
I'd like you to have some of it anyways. It might help to bring back your appetite,” Mitch said, taking milk out of the refrigerator. He poured Danny a glass and
set it in front of him.
 

Danny resented Mitch imposing a meal on him. He bit his tongue, choosing not to push the issue. He grudgingly picked up his glass to take a small sip.

“
Mmm. Is that TJ's famous mac and cheese? Is there enough left for me?”
 

“
Sure, Antonio. No one else is exactly jumping for it.”
 

“
No? What do you think, Danny? It's good, isn't it?”
 

“
I dunno. I haven't had any.” Danny took a forkful to appease everyone at the table. “It's good,” he agreed.
 

“
Well, eat up. You need to put some meat on your bones,” Antonio encouraged.
 

Danny nodded. He managed to spend his time avoiding intrusive inspections of his plate by diligently consuming half of its contents.
 

“
If everyone is done eating we can adjourn to the office while TJ cleans up,” Mitch said, after washing down the remains of his coffee.
 

“
Why do I have to clean up?” TJ griped. It upset him to be left out of the meeting. After all, he was the one who brought Danny home.
 

“
Because I said so,” Mitch said sharply, leaving no room for discussion.
 

*****

After Danny was led to the office, Antonio pulled out chairs, and motioned for him to sit. While the men methodically imparted their views regarding Danny's place in the household, the bored teen made an effort to stop biting his nails to appear attentive.
 

 “
Danny, we understand that you are becoming a young adult, and are used to
more independence. However, until you turn eighteen, you are to follow the rules we set. You will be expected to accept any decision we make for you,” Mitch continued.
 

Danny was annoyed that they felt a need to keep repeating their thoughts on his age, and the limits they were imparting on him. In his opinion, they were far too strict. Besides, he didn't think he would be sticking around that long. This arrangement would be tolerated until he could get a place of his own. On the other hand, he was touched that they were offering him a place for as long as he needed. “I know. We already had this conversation,” he said, with a sulk.
 

“
Good. But please don't interrupt.”
 

Danny rolled his eyes. He was about to mutter his annoyance when Antonio broke in to say, “You should know we have your best interest at heart.”

“
We've been a little concerned about your nightmares, and we think it is best if you see someone about it,” Mitch added, cutting to the chase.
 

Danny turned suddenly towards Mitch.
“What do you mean?”
 

“
I've arranged for you to see a counselor at the education center where you will be attending classes for your GED.”
 

“
I don't wanna see a counselor,” he said defensively.
 

“
Nonetheless, you have an appointment on Monday right after your first class.”
 

“
Why do I have to take classes?”
 

“
We've already discussed this, as you have pointed out. It's high school or a GED program.”