"Was that OK?" asked Simon.
"Super. Fantastic. I'm so glad you liked it. I was worried you might not've and that I'd spoiled things."
"You could never spoil things. I liked it too. Really did. You've done it before, though."
"I haven't, Simon. You're the first. Who with?"
"Everybody knows you kissed Cynthia Jackson at the juniors."
"You can't count that," said Daniel, indignant. "It was just – " and he leaned over and briefly touched his closed lips against Simon's " – like that. Not a proper kiss."
"So was that a proper kiss then, what we just did?"
"You bet." And Daniel kissed Simon again, as they embraced, rolling on the groundsheet, their bare skin warm in the sun and against each other.
Simon had always thought of Daniel's hair as black, but now, running his hands through it, stroking it in the sunlight, he could see a host of colours, shades of deep, dark brown as well as black. This variation seemed to reflect the complexity of his lover's nature. Somehow, the closer he got to Daniel, the more there was to know. It was an adventure that would go on forever.
The following week when they arrived together at Scouts, their Patrol Leader, Miles Evans, met them.
"Daniel, Simon, I've got some news for you. I'm leaving scouts. In fact, I'm leaving altogether. My Dad's got a new job and we're moving to London."
"I'm sorry about that, Miles," said Daniel. "When are you going?"
"Next week. All a bit sudden I'm afraid. Leaving Henrys too. Bit of a blow. My Dad's hoping I can get a place at Westminster."
"Top notch," said Daniel. Simon wasn't sure what that meant, so he just waited.
"Might not happen," said Miles Evans. "But in the meantime, Harriers will get a new Patrol Leader. I know Skip was thinking of Colley, but I put in a good case for you Daniel. You've been a very good second."
"When will we find out?" asked Simon.
"That's up to Skip, Simon. Don't build your hopes up Daniel, Colley may not have been Second of Falcons as long as you've been my Second, but you’re still thirteen and he is older than you."
Both Simon and Daniel knew Nigel Colley as a keen scout, very good at the practical aspects of scouting. He was at the Grammar Tech. Daniel knew that this was perhaps his best chance at being a Patrol Leader, but Colley was a serious rival.
"I know I'd be good, Miles, and the patrol know me," said Daniel. Simon nodded encouragingly.
"As I say, I did my best for you, Daniel. You deserve it, but then so does Nigel. But I think you have more of something than Colley, and I put that case to Skip and Jeremy."
Jeremy was the assistant Scoutmaster, and his view was very important also.
"What's that? First Class badge?" asked Daniel.
Evans grinned. "No, but that does give you a big advantage. Colley's not quite there yet. I'll tell you what I meant if you get it."
As the troop paraded for the start of the session, Skip made the announcement that Miles Evans was leaving. He said what a valuable contribution he had made to the troop and to his patrol. Miles Evans would be missed, but all the scouts wished him well. Skip said that in the appointment of a new Patrol Leader for Harriers, he had looked carefully at all the patrols' Seconds. He had to take account of who already had their First Class, strongly recommended in P.O.R. for PL status, also the needs of the troop. He had discussed this with John Riley the Troop Leader and the Patrol Leaders in the Court of Honour and they had reached a decision on who would be the next Patrol Leader of Harriers. Daniel Gray.
Daniel flushed with pleasure and pride, while the Harriers made their approval known in whispers.
"Quiet, Harriers," said Miles Evans.
"We also listened carefully to what others had to say, especially Miles, on the question of who would replace Daniel as Second of the Harriers," continued Skip. "The chosen Scout has proved his worth, has already achieved Second Class badge and we know he is respected by the scouts of Harriers Patrol. Simon Scott."
For a moment, Simon couldn't take it in. There were other kids who had been in scouts a lot longer, and some had their second class badge too. But Daniel was now grinning twice as broadly. It was true. Daniel would get his second bar as PL and he, Simon, would get his single bar as his Second. Simon looked across to where Falcons patrol stood in line. Nigel Colley's face was expressionless. He felt sorry for him for a moment, but his happiness at his and Daniel's promotion swept that away.
Later, they discussed this with Miles Evans.
"You said you would tell me something if I got it," said Daniel.
"I did, yes. In fact you've both got it, although perhaps you don't realise it. I thought you were in with a good chance, Daniel. I was less sure about you Simon because of your age, although I hoped so."
"Yes, but what is it?" repeated Daniel, agitated.
"Leadership. Pure and simple. And John Riley agreed with me and backed you both in the Court of Honour."
Both Daniel and Simon weren't sure what to make of this, although Simon already knew that Daniel had it in abundance. But him?
"I felt sorry for Colley though," said Simon. "What about him? He deserved it as well."
"See what I mean?" joked Evans to Daniel. "That's the sort of thing I meant. Don't worry about Colley. Tim Perrett is leaving for Ventures soon, so that will mean a vacancy as Falcons PL. Not a word, but the job's his. So it all works out rather nicely."
Daniel and Simon, sworn to secrecy, just had to agree.
1958/6 Clothing
"Got much homework?" asked Daniel. They were walking up the hill from the bus stop, hot under their Henrys blazers in the June heat, school satchels full of books.
"French, Latin and maths," said Simon.
"Bring it round mine," said Daniel decisively. And with a knowing look at Simon, said, "I think I'm in on my own tonight. I know Dad and Mum are out till late.
"Where are they going?"
"Some police do. They usually get back about midnight from those."
Simon felt a thrill of anticipation, but said, "What about Louise?"
"I think she's going out. Mum asked this morning if I would be OK on my own. 'Course I am old enough and can look after myself. I said you'd be coming round to do homework."
"I'll ask. It'll be OK." By this time they were at the corner.
"See you after tea then," said Daniel.
"See ya!"
Daniel went in though the back door into the kitchen. "I'm home!" he called.
"In here, love," came his mother's voice from the sitting room. Daniel went in and gave his Mum a hug. "Much homework?"
"Algebra, Geography and science," said Daniel. "Is it OK if Simon comes round with his. We can do it together."
"Yes love, of course. He often does anyway. Be company for you, while we're out."
"What time will you be back?"
"Late I expect. Eleven at the earliest, probably a bit later. I don't know what time Louise will be back."
"Where's she going?"
"She's already gone out with Graham. I don't know where he's taking her. She said don't wait up." Graham was Louise's nineteen year old boyfriend. Daniel quite liked him, but he treated Daniel like a kid sometimes. Daniel felt excited at the prospect of he and Simon having the house to themselves. This happened a lot in the school holidays now when both his Dad and Mum were at work, and Louise was at her holiday job at the insurance office. They had taken full advantage of it. But in term time it was more difficult.
"Go and get changed, I'll make you some tea. Dad and I are eating out of course."
Daniel went upstairs and hung up his Henry's uniform. In the bathroom he washed himself down as he felt sweaty and wanted to be clean for Simon. He chose a T shirt and put on his red socks and blue denim jeans. Feeling cleaner and cooler, he went downstairs to eat his tea. His Dad had arrived home.
"Hello son," he said, patting Daniel's shoulder. "How was school?"
"Good," said Daniel, munching. "Simon's coming
round later with his homework."
"Well, don't spend all your time helping Simon at the expense of your own work, will you?"
"No, Dad. Anyway, Simon can do his homework OK."
His Dad nodded and went to take his own uniform off. Taking his tea things from the kitchen table to the sink, Daniel rinsed them off, dried them and put them away, while his parents struggled with evening dress and dinner jacket.
Simon was late. Daniel went upstairs and cleaned his teeth. He would normally wait until bedtime, but after his tea, he wanted to be fresh when Simon came. Since he had taken the risk of kissing Simon a few weeks earlier, they had both willingly explored this new aspect of their friendship. He brushed his hair and decided to make a start on his homework, tackling the algebra first. He worked steadily on at his desk, engrossed in the magical way the equations would resolve themselves.
"Simon's here!" called his mother, "and we're off now. Don't stay up too late. Lock up when you go to bed but leave the bolt off, and make sure the television's unplugged. Oh, and don't forget the Aga."
"Yes, OK. Bye!," called back Daniel. "Send him up, and have a good time."
Simon came into the room, dressed now like Daniel in jeans, but retaining his white Henrys shirt. Daniel knew immediately that all was not well. Simon put down his satchel and sat on the bed, looking unhappy.
"What's the matter?"
"They were arguing again. I hate it when my Dad's at home at teatime."
"What about?"
"Dunno. But they were shouting and Frances tried to stop them, so I did. But then Dad started on me, so I did what you showed me ages ago and tapped my chest twice for you, and I told him to stop shouting at me coz I'd done nothing wrong. But he got madder and said he was going to slipper me, so I just said I was coming here to do my homework and walked out. Here I am."
"Does he still slipper you?"
"No. Well, he hasn't for ages now, but he sometimes says he will."
Daniel left his desk and sat next to Simon, putting his arm round his troubled friend.
"I'm sorry, Simon," he said. To Daniel, his own Dad was someone he was proud of. He didn't have a high up medal like Simon's Dad, he had spent the war in the military police, but he was high up in the ordinary police now and Daniel loved him.
"It's OK," said Simon, "I'm used to it. And I've got you."
"You've always got me," said Daniel, and leaned toward Simon's face, who responded by meeting his lips.
"Now?" said Simon, "While everybody's out?"
"That's just to keep you going," said Daniel happily. "I’ve just had a pee, and you know it takes time after that. We've got all evening, and anyway, homework first."
"OK," said Simon, accepting Daniel's lead. "But I mustn't be too late back."
Daniel shifted his things along his desk to make room for Simon to work on the end, sitting on a stool. The two boys worked on, in unspoken unity, Daniel with his geography and science, Simon with Latin and French translation and maths.
"Can I borrow your French dictionary?"
"What word?" said Daniel.
"That one," Simon pointed.
Daniel looked across. "Jusqu'à. It means 'up to' or 'until'." Daniel read the French sentence. "Best there would be, 'as far as'."
They worked on. Daniel finished to see Simon working on his maths. But he was stopped, looking blankly at the page.
"You stuck?"
Simon nodded. "Can you help me?" Daniel knew that Simon found mathematics hard, ever since he had helped him get ready for the eleven plus. Patiently he sat and talked Simon through the problems, trying to show him the reasoning, not just do it for him. It was done, and with relief, Simon put his books in his satchel.
"Thanks, Daniel. I'd be lost without you."
"Me too, without you. That's school, now it's our time,"
They lay on the bed, holding and kissing, feeling each other.
"You're ready, aren't you," said Daniel, smiling.
"So are you," replied Simon, starting to undo Daniel's jeans.
"Wait," said Daniel, and gently moved Simon onto his back, lying face up. Slowly, Daniel unbuttoned Simons' white shirt, and pulling it out of his jeans, pushed it aside, and stroked Simon's chest and tummy. Simon sighed at the touch.
"What do you want me to do?" asked Simon.
"Nothing. I've been thinking about undressing you like this for ages, ever since your first day at Henrys when I was the one to debag you. Just lie still."
Simon lay still, content to hand over control and responsibility to Daniel. Daniel removed Simon's socks and then ran his hands up Simon's jeans, teasing his hardness, but carrying on to Simon's shoulders, kissing him again. He then eased Simon's arms out of his shirt, and lifting Simon slightly, pulled the shirt away. Daniel smiled at Simon's erotic response to this caressing. He moved his hand down Simon's tummy, sliding under the jeans to the warmth of Simon's groin. Simon stirred, his eyes meeting Daniel's in mutual sensuality. Daniel undid the jeans and slid them and his pants past Simon's bottom, Simon's eyes closed in ecstasy as Daniel's hands guided his clothes over his buttocks and down his thighs, legs and off his feet.
Daniel, still fully dressed, stood up and looked at his friend, lying nude on the bed and now very aroused. Daniel again felt that satisfaction he gained when Simon surrendered control to him. A sense of power certainly, but also a strong feeling toward Simon. He wanted to protect Simon, look after him, make everything right for him. He felt Simon's unhappiness and it made him unhappy. Conversely, when Simon was happy - and Daniel knew he was a major source of happiness to Simon – then he was happy too.
Simon looked up from the bed at Daniel, standing, smiling down at him. Simon as always felt overawed by Daniel's physical presence and yet in no way intimidated. As he had for many years now, he trusted Daniel implicitly and was ready, wanting, to please him; in this, at scouts, at school, on the running track.
"Your body is just super," said Daniel.
"Mine? What about yours? It's fabulous."
"It's all that running, you're really fit now."
"Then it's all that swimming. But you've always been super fit."
"That's true," said Daniel in a matter of fact way. "You feeling better now, after the shouting and all that?"
Simon nodded. "I feel really good now."
Daniel quickly undressed and lay next to Simon. "Did you like that, me undressing you?"
"I loved it."
"So I can do it again?"
"Yes. Every time." Simon thrust his hand down to Daniel's groin, stroking his scrotum, aware of the potency within. He knew Daniel liked that.
Daniel squeezed Simon tightly. "Let's get in." They climbed into the bed, already warmed by their body heat. They kissed and hugged, enjoying each other, admiring the other's body, but the older, bigger Daniel dominant. Then Simon was lying on his front, Daniel running his hands up and down him. Simon felt Daniel lie on top, felt the shaft of his arousal, hard and male, pushing down between his thighs. Simon didn't move, wondering what Daniel was going to do. Daniel was moving himself against Simon's groin, holding his shoulders, kissing his neck.
Then Daniel stopped. "This doesn't feel right," he said.
"Are you going to stick it in?" asked Simon, nervously.
"You mean fuck you?" said Daniel, surprise in his voice. Simon, still on his front with Daniel poised above him, nodded. Daniel pulled Simon over onto his back, now facing Daniel. His face was serious.
"Simon, I wasn't going do that to you. You’re my best friend. Why did you think that I would? You trust me don't you?"
Simon was relieved but felt a bit ashamed that he had misjudged Daniel, after all these years. He felt tears coming, but fought them back.
"Course I do. More than anybody, ever. It's just that when you said it didn't feel right, I thought you wanted more."
"Would you have let me?"
"I think so, I think I want you to. It’s just I’m not sure."
"Oh, you a
re an idiot. Did you like it when I was between your legs?"
"Yes, that was good. It's like you were sort of extra close to me."
"Well, when I said it doesn't feel right, I meant that that it was wrong for you. It was all me. I felt like you were being used and that made me feel horrible inside."
"It's OK," said Simon.
"No it's not," said Daniel firmly. "You are a wonderful kid, with a super body too. You're the best friend I've ever had and ever will have. I know I'm two years older than you but that just means I have look after you, not be a bully."
"Daniel, you could never be a bully. You stand up to bullies, like Fielding. I wish I could."
"You can. Remember Barry Spence?"
"Oh yes," said Simon, pleased. He tapped his chest twice. "Coz you were there."
Daniel smiled. "You’ve had no real problems like that at Henrys, have you?"
"No," conceded Simon.
"So there you are." Daniel gave Simon a squeeze. Both boys' arousal had faded during this discussion, but quickly returned.
"Try again if you want, but this way," said Simon. "I did like the closeness. And if you want to put it in, you can."
"Maybe later, when you're ready and feel absolutely sure." Daniel put his arms round Simon, lying beneath him. Simon felt enveloped by the male power and strength of Daniel, yet safe as always, his desperate inner insecurity assuaged by Daniel's strong, warm, masculine presence. They kissed again as Daniel placed himself between Simon's thighs.
"No, keep your legs together," Daniel said, as he moved up and down, the two now holding each other, pulling closer. Simon knew Daniel well enough to know when he was getting close and squeezed his legs more and moved his body to help, which served to bring him close too. Then Daniel buried his head on Simon's shoulder, his body shuddering and arching as Simon felt against his groin the thrusting pulses of Daniel's climax, instantly transporting Simon to the same heights of orgasm.
The Secret Catamite Bk 1, The Book of Daniel Page 18