AUTHOR: Nicolas Schrammeck
COVER ART: SampsonKnight
I’d like to thank my fans and all those who helped me to write this second book in the series.
Thank you.
CHAPTER 1
November came, bringing with a blast of cold that made Alex’s teeth rattle as he tugged his jacket in closer around his body. There hadn’t been any snow yet; but if the weather man’s reports were true then the white powder was quickly coming for them. Walking down the sidewalk Alex brought his hands to his mouth and breathed against his skin, watching as his breath become steam that wafted up into the air. The cold air only served to dampen his already slightly depressed mood. For the last 2 weeks he’d been sending out job applications and resumes to just about every place he could think of. Yet he’d always gotten the same response, telling him that he didn’t fit their needs, or that they weren’t hiring, or that they simply weren’t interested in hiring him. His shoulders slumped forward as he sighed. Leo had said he could easily get Alex a job working at the school; but he’d turned him down. He wanted to find a job on his own, but that was turning out to be MUCH harder then he’d thought it would be. His school schedule, skill set, and personal preference made finding a job difficult. Trudging by a restaurant Alex noticed the ‘now hiring’ sign in the window. He really didn’t want to work with food again. When he’d been 16 he’d worked at a fast food restaurant for almost 6 months before quitting that particular brand of hell. Why would anyone work at a place where the customers were rude, the managers were jerks, and you constantly burned yourself while making the food?
Sighing again Alex dropped himself down onto a bench and waiting for the bus to arrive and take him back home. Leo had offered to drive him around but again Alex had refused. He didn’t want to have to rely on Leo all the time. He wanted to be able to provide for himself. As he waited a faint breeze picked up making him shiver slightly, as he again tugged his jacket in closer. Luckily he did not have to wait long for the bus, clambering on Alex flashed his bus pass at the driver before taking his seat and waiting as the bus rumbled along the road until it reached his stop a half hour later. Signaling the bus to stop Alex got off and began walking. The neighborhood had changed again, gone were the scary or dramatic decorations of Halloween, instead replaced by a sea of oranges, reds and browns as the leave fell from the trees. Every so often Alex would wave to a neighbor as he or she worked, raking up the leaves that had fallen. Reaching the house Alex shuddered as he passed from the cold outside world, to the warm toasty inside world. Tugging his jacket off Alex hung the article up before moving into the living room, flopping himself down on the couch with a small groan. Burying his head against one of the couch cushions Alex let out a loud groan that was muffled by the cushion. A second later Leo’s voice spoke from the doorway. “No luck?”
Alex didn’t get up from the cushion, but still shook his head. A moment later he felt the cushion next to him descend as Leo sat down next to him. A moment later he groaned again as gently fingers began scratching and rubbing his shoulders and shell. “Alex, you don't have to do this.”
But again Alex shook his head slowly sitting up as he did so. “No…..no I do. I……..I don't want you to have to buy me stuff. I want to be able to pay for myself.”
He leaned sideways resting his head against Leo’s shoulder as he gripped his hands, warming the still cold fingers. “Ok Alex. But are you sure you don't want any help? I could easily get you a job as a teacher’s aide ……maybe even as my own personal aid.”
The last part came out slightly husky; and it made Alex blush as he imagine what his new duties might entail. His mind rapidly constructing a scene where he and Leo were making out in Leo’s classroom. “No……..as much as I’d like to………….I need to find a real job.”
He groaned again as Leo shifted in, nuzzling his neck as he spoke. “Ok Alex.”
Alex’s eyes drifted closed as Leo continued to nuzzle his neck. Things had become almost perfect for him. Since Halloween Leo seemed to have relaxed a bit. The older turtle was much more affectionate, nuzzling, kissing, and touching Alex a lot more. Even at night he’d grip Alex’s body with more certainty, as they slept. Even their ‘private’ time felt different. They’d yet to have sex again, but that didn’t stop Leo from giving Alex all the attention he could ever want. Alex barely had to voice his wants or needs before Leo was on him, kissing, groping, and rubbing against his body; ding his best to sate any desire Alex could possibly have. Alex groaned again as Leo’s arms moved, wrapping around his shoulder before gently tugging him down so they were lying together on the couch. Moving slowly Alex rolled over so he was looking at Leo who leaned in and gave him a gentle kiss. In the back of his mind Alex could not help but laugh at himself. Before he’d met Leo he’d thought ‘love’ just meant having A LOT of sex with the same person. But since Halloween he’s views had changed. He’d grown to love Leo even more. To love the gentle nuzzles and kisses they shared, the times when their eyes locked together, the times like right now when they just lay there together holding each other basking in the other’s warmth. “I love you Leo.”
Leo smiled nuzzling his neck gently. “I love you too Alex.”
Alex giggled slightly as Leo’s hand shifted, gently tracing the plates in his chest before drifting along his arm. They kissed again their lips pressing against each other’s communicating just how happy they were at this moment. In the past he would have tried to push it. He would have tried to pull Leo into a deeper kiss, trying to make the older turtle aroused; but not anymore. He didn’t need to use sex to show Leo how much he loved him. Yes having sex with the older turtle had been great…….no it had been amazing. But it wasn't the standard. They didn’t need to have full blown sex every time Alex got aroused. Kissing Leo again Alex groaned as behind them the doorbell rang, making Leo pull away slightly. “They’re here.”
Alex nodded but didn’t move. “Can’t we just leave them out there and stay like this?”
Leo shook his head but held Alex for a moment longer before shifting, sitting up and leaving the couch to go open the front door. A moment later voices reached Alex’s ears, Anthony’s calm voice greeting Leo, wishing him a happy thanksgiving. A moment later a gruff voice was speaking, asking Leo if he had the football game on. Alex chuckled as he sat up and watched as his brother moved into the living room before dropping down onto the couch next to him. A second later Alex yelped and squealed dramatically as Jason pulled him into a headlock, as he spoke. “How’s my baby brother doing?”
Alex struggled against Jason's grip for a moment before laughing. “He’s fine. Starting to feel lightheaded though.”
Jason let go of his head chuckling as he reached for the TV remote before flipping through the channels until he found the football game. From the door way Leo spoke. “Alex, why don't you go wash up and when you get out we’ll eat. Ok?”
Alex nodded; he did feel oddly grungy after having walked around town all day looking for a job. Standing up off the couch Alex smiled at Anthony, “Happy thanksgiving Anthony.”
Anthony smiled back at him, “Happy thanksgiving Alex.”
Moving past Anthony Alex paused just long enough to give Leo a kiss on the cheek before moving down the hallway towards the bedroom and the shower. Closing the door behind him Alex stripped off his clothing before getting into the shower and turning on the water. He flinched slightly at the cold water that sprang from the shower at first, scrambling to turn the dial until the water became warmer. He groaned as he felt the water trickle down his skin and shell, washing away the fatigue of the day. Leo’s shower truly was amazing. It was l
ike stepping into a whole other world; as all around him droplets of water fell from ceiling sounding like rain. He moved grabbing the bottle of soap before working his skin into a gentle lather and then watching as the lather was washed away by the falling water. Behind him Leo’s voice spoke. “Hey……..are you ok?”
Arms wrapped around his shoulder, pulling him backwards into a gentle hug. Alex closed his eyes, allowing his head to roll back onto Leo’s shoulders as he spoke. “Yeah……I’m just tired. I did a lot of walking today.”
He let out a low churr as Leo nuzzled his neck. “You don't have to push yourself this hard Alex. You’ve got exams coming up in less than a month, focus on them right now. School is more important than a job.”
Alex chuckled. “You sound like a teacher.”
A moment later he yelped as Leo gave his butt a small swat. “I am a teacher.”
Shutting off the water Alex giggled as Leo wrapped a towel around his waist before pulling him in close, rubbing the towel over his wet skin. They leaned in, kissing each other as Leo brought the towel up to dry the skin around Alex’s head. Breaking apart Leo spoke. “I…..I should go. I told Anthony and your brother I was changing clothes.”
Again Alex giggled slightly. “I think you look great in what you have on.”
As he spoke he moved, his hands rubbing Leo’s shoulders and collarbone making Leo let out his own churr, before leaning in to nuzzle Alex’s neck. “I’m sure you do. But I don't think my ex, or your brother would appreciate it if we came to dinner naked.”
Alex sighed, inhaling a bit of Leo’s scent before speaking. “Fine…….”
He whined a little as he spoke. 5 minutes later both he and Leo emerged from the room, Alex dressed in jeans and a sweater while Leo wore the same pants he’d had on before but now sported a sweatshirt that said ‘yellow stone national park’ on it. Moving into the dining room Alex smiled as he found Anthony and Jason seated at the table. Dropping down into his seat Alex blushed slightly as Jason spoke, staring at Leo as he too sat down. “It took you 10 minutes to put on a new shirt?”
Leo’s eyes flickered to Alex both of them blushing slightly. Jason didn’t respond but did let out a gentle growl towards Leo. After passing around plates of food each of them carried on a polite conversation while they ate, Anthony asking Leo how his work was going, Leo asking Anthony about the book he was writing, Jason asking Alex about how his studies were going. When the subject of Jason's football came up the red turtle shrugged. “It’s fine. Coach has us all going to get a mid season physical tomorrow. He wants to be sure we’re all in peak shape for the next game.”
Leo nodded; it was true the team had not been doing so well lately. They’d almost lost the last 2 games they’d played in, narrowly managing to score winning touchdowns in the last few seconds of both games. In the back of his mind Leo wondered just how much of the team’s sudden bad luck was because of Jason. He’d heard rumors lately, students talking about how the practices had become tense, and at several times violent; with players getting into fist fights and screaming matches in the locker-rooms, only to be broken up by coach.
But the look on Jason's face made it obvious that the red banded turtle was not willing to answer any more questions about football. The rest of the meal was pleasant, everyone voicing their approval at how good the food was, while Leo fidgeted a little, not used to so many people complimenting him. Next to him Alex giggled, patting Leo’s hand. “Leo promised to teach me some of his recipes so I can cook more than just grilled cheese sandwiches.”
Anthony grinned. “Leo is an amazing cook. You’ll be getting lessons from a master.”
Leo’s face went another shade redder.
LATER
Jason smiled, hugging Alex for a moment before turning following Anthony out through the front door and back to their cars. Behind them Leo and Alex wished them a happy thanksgiving before closing the door leaving Jason and Anthony alone outside. Moving to go to his car Jason stopped as Anthony grabbed his wrist, stuffing s scrap of paper into his hand. “What’s this?”
Anthony shrugged. “My work and home number.”
Jason raised an eyebrow. “I told you I’m straight.”
Anthony rolled his eyes. “I know. This is in case you ever want to talk. I can tell you’re agitated and angry. If you ever want to talk; either as a patient or as a friend just give me a call.”
Jason looked down at the business card for a moment. “Ok……thanks.”
Anthony smiled at him. “I know we don't know each other well. But I do consider you a friend Jason. And as your friend I want to help you if I can. A person can only take so much stress before they start reaching their breaking point. So please…….if you ever wanted to talk…..about anything, anything at all; please call me.”
Jason was silent as he thought over Anthony’s words. It was true, he was agitated. The situation with his team was testing his limits of already thin self control. But Anthony’s words had touched him slightly. That fact that Anthony considered him a friend was not something he’d expected from the purple turtle, and yet he felt himself smile slightly. He didn’t have many friends. Most of the friends he’d had were on the football team; and they were almost dead to him. “Thanks…….Anthony……..I promise, if I need to talk I’ll call.”
Anthony smiled and reaching out, touching his shoulder giving it a light pat. “Thank you Jason.”
A moment later Anthony pulled back as a small gust of wind blew past them making them both shiver. “Fuck its cold.”
Anthony just laughed.
THE NEXT DAY
Jason grumbled as he watched another teammate follow the doctor into the back of the clinic. Sighing again Jason looked around the waiting room for what must have been the 100th time. White walls, with the occasional boring picture of a hill or countryside met his gaze. He’d been here for hours, watching as slowly the number of players in the waiting room had dwindled as they were first called back and then allowed to leave. Closing his eyes Jason leaned back allowing his thoughts to drift. He was starting to feel it; the stress of the situation he was trapped in. he wanted out, he wanted to quite football and get as far away from the team as he possibly could; but Leo had been right. If his quite then the school would pull his scholarships. And then he and also Alex would have to drop out, and he couldn't do that to Alex. Not when things were going so well for the younger turtle.
Silently he smiled as he remembered how happy Alex had been during thanksgiving; how Alex had grinned ear to ear as they eaten, how he’d giggled and squirmed when Leo had pulled him into his lap and given him a kiss on the cheek. There was no denying Alex was happier now then he’d been in a long time. Jason sighed. Or course he still didn’t fully understand his little brother at times. Coming out as being gay had been a big shock to Jason, yet……it seemed to ‘fit’. Thinking back on their childhood and teenage years Jason could begin to see signs and subtle hints that Alex might have known even back then. He distinctly remembered a moment when they had been 15 and they’d gone to a local girl’s birthday party.
Somehow they’d ended up playing ‘spin the bottle’; when it had been Alex’s turn the bottle had landed on another boy. And while that boy had protested loudly that there was no way in hell he’d kiss Alex; Alex had tackled him and pinned him down before claiming the boy’s lips for a moment.
“THE TURTLE KNOWN AS JASON.”
Jason's eyes drifted open to find the assistant who had been calling his teammates back was now standing in front of him. For a moment Jason looked the man up and down; taking in the clean and crisp suit he wore, his black hair, blank almost emotionless face. After a moment Jason spoke. “My turn?”
The assistant nodded before speaking in a flat monotone voice. “Yes. It is time for the turtle known as Jason to have his blood drawn by Tony. Please follow Tony”
Jason raised an eyeridge as the assistant apparently named Tony, despite the nametag on his suit that said his name was NOLAN; motione
d for him to follow. Getting up Jason glanced around, he was the last person to get his physical, everyone else had left already. Following ‘Tony’ through the hallway Jason soon found himself in a small room. In front of him an examination bed had been set up while on the far wall several medical instruments hung. Next to the examination bed a small table had been set up. “Please be seated on the examination table so Tony may begin drawing the required sample of the blood for analysis.”
Again Jason raised an eyebrow at the way ‘Tony’ spoke, but nevertheless did as instructed. Sitting down on the table, Jason watched as ‘Tony’ readied the needle and syringe before turning to him. “The turtle known as Jason may feel a slight pinch.”
Jason bit his lip as he felt ‘Tony maneuver his arm upwards before putting the needle against his skin. A moment later Jason did indeed feel a pinch as the needle was slowly inserted into his arm. Watching Jason felt his stomach flutter slightly as his blood began to fill the syringe.
“So……..” He was talking now, trying to distract himself from the slightly disturbing sight of his blood leaving his body. “What’s the blood sample for?”
‘Tony’ didn’t look up at him as he again spoke in a monotone voice. “The blood sample will allow Tony to ensure that the turtle known as Jason is healthy and able to participate in the athletic sport of football. It will also allow Tony to determine if the turtle known as Jason should be given any form of medication.”
Jason nodded slowly. “Ok…….for a moment I was wondering if you might use it to see if you could swap our brains into each other’s bodies.”
He chuckled as he spoke, more out of nerves than seriousness. He always got nervous when he was in doctor’s offices. Something about the combination of white walls, eerily clean smell, and the bizarre smiles everyone gave in an attempt to comfort their patients; made him jittery and nervous.
The Lives We Lead (A Student In Need Book 2) Page 1