Finding Theodore

The six o’clock evening news was reporting the plight of Cody Vale, a Pittsburgh teen who wanted to take his boyfriend to his prom: “Newly elected mayor Jim Stockwell has agreed with the school board’s decision to band same sex couples from attending this year’s prom. St James Academy was the scene of violence three years ago when gay teen Justin Taylor brought his male lover to his prom. Mayor Stockwell has been quoted as saying that while the citizens of Pittsburgh may be forced to accept alternative lifestyles, he would not endorse such perversion in a public school. This Sylvia Perez reporting.”

Brian had barely walked through the diner door when Debbie attacked. “I hope you’re proud of yourself you traitor. That asshole you campaigned for just shot down a kid’s dream of going to his prom.”

“It’s good to see you too Deb.” Brian took a seat at the counter.

“First he shuts down Ted’s porn site, now he wants to ban gay teens from going to their prom. How could you endorse someone like that?” Debbie barked.

“I didn’t endorse anyone, Stockwell was just another client.” Brian defended himself.

“You sold your soul to the devil, that’s what you did.” Debbie growled.

Brian dismissed the redundant subject. “Where’s Justin?” he asked.

“Justin went home early. He said he wasn’t feeling well. I guess rehashing all of this prom shit has upset him. It’s been on the news all day. Has Justin ever talked to you about the bashing?” Debbie asked.

“He doesn’t have to talk to me about it, I was there.” Brian reminded her.

“There’s a lot that he’s still keeping inside. He needs to talk to someone.” Debbie insisted.

“There you are, I was hoping we’d find you here.” Lindsey said as she, and Gus made their way through the door.

“Daddy!” Gus broke away from his mother’s hand, and bolted toward his father.

Brian stooped down, and scooped up his mirror image. “Hey sonny-boy.” he smiled.

“We went to the doctor with mommy Mel. I heard the baby.” Gus told his father.

“You did? What did he say?”

Gus began to make the whooshing sounds that he heard through the doctor’s stethoscope.

“There you are! I told Lindz we’d find you here!” Mel came through the door.

“Mel, take it easy. You know what the doctor said.” Lindsey warned.

Debbie came from around the counter. “What did the doctor say? Is something wrong with my grandchild?”

“Mel has been spotting. The doctor wants her to go home, and stay in bed.” Lindsey told the doting grandma-to-be.

“I don’t think we want to hear this sonny-boy.” Brian covered Gus’s ear’s.

“How am I suppose to go home, and stay in bed when that crystal queen has run off with Gus’s college fun!” Melanie anguished.

“What crystal queen?” Brian asked.

“How many crystal queens do you know?”

Debbie guided the mother of her grandchild to a booth. “Calm down, and have a seat honey.” she said.

“Don’t tell me to calm down!” Mel began to cry. “That crystal queen, Ted ran away with every cent of Gus’s college savings.”

“How did he get the money?” Brian asked.

Lindsey sat down next to Mel, and placed her arm around her distraught lover’s shoulder. “Mel and I felt sorry for Ted after Stockwell closed down his porn site. Emmett told us that Teddy couldn’t find work, so we thought that we would do him a favor to kind of get him back on the investment tract. We gave him access to $5,000 of Gus’s college fund to invest. Now all of the money, and Ted is gone.”

“Gone where?” Brian asked.

“How the hell would we know? This is all your fault Brian!” Mel sobbed.

“How is this my fault?”

“This wouldn’t have happened if you hadn’t gotten Stockwell elected!”

“Maybe this wouldn’t have happened if you hadn’t given your son’s college fund to a crystal queen.” Brian defended himself.

“FUCK YOU BRIAN!” Mel wailed even louder.

“Mel is right.” Debbie interjected. “If you hadn’t put Stockwell in office Teddy would still have his site, and he wouldn’t have become a crystal queen in the first place. Now you go find Ted, and bring back Gus’s money.”

“How the hell am I suppose to find Ted?”

“That’s your problem.” Lindsey took Gus from his father’s arms.

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Brian sat in his jeep, and watched as the early evening revelers began a slow descent onto Liberty Avenue. Why was everybody blaming him for Stockwell’s actions? It wasn’t personal, or a political statement on his part. Brian’s job is to sell whatever product that is placed in front of him, and such was the case with former police chief Jim Stockwell. After reading Brian’s profile in Forbes Magazine the then police chief contacted Vanguard, and sequestered the services of the new golden boy of advertising to produce a television add that would bolster his lagging campaign. Brian’s ingenious depiction of Stockwell’s vision of a new “family friendly” Pittsburgh won the election by a landslide. How could Brian have known that Stockwell’s landslide would have such a negative trickle down effect on Pittsburgh’s gay community?

Ted’s “Jerk At Work” porn site was the first on Stockwell’s hit list, followed closely by two of the three most frequented bath houses near Liberty Avenue. They were now padlocked due to minor code violations. Other predominately gay establishments were now quick to follow the lead of a more palatable gay lifestyle encouraged by Brian’s arch enemy the Gay, and Lesbian Center. “Uhhh!” Brian perished the thought, and commenced his search for Theodore.

It wasn’t hard to track down a crystal queen. All one had to do was travel through the bowels of Pittsburgh. There was always an edge play, or crystal party going on somewhere, and the legendary bad boy of Babylon had connections to all of them. Brian pulled out his cell phone, and made a few quick calls. The evening festivities were taking place at a run down motel known as the “Starlight”. The tentative plan was to swing by the crystal party to pick up Ted, render him to Mel for beheading, then go home to attend to Justin who Deb said was still wrestling with past demons over his own prom fiasco.

The Starlight Motel was located off highway number nine. Away from view of main traffic, it was one of those places that someone would have to actively go looking for. Brian pulled into the half filled parking lot where a pulsating beat could be heard echoing from an enclosed area. Since crystal queens had no concept of time, he didn’t find it at all unusual that last night’s party was still in full swing, and headed into it’s second, or maybe even it’s third day. A sentry of three leather clad bruisers greeted the newcomer stepping out of the unfamiliar black jeep. “You got business here?” One of the bouncers asked.

“I have an appointment to see the doctor.” Brian gave the password, and was allowed instant access behind a tall wooden gate. The scene in the private pool area was like that of ancient Greece. Naked young men, many obviously underage frolicked in the water, while others serviced the older gentlemen who occupied rows of poolside loungers. Brian’s instincts immediately put him on yellow alert….

“I understand you’re looking for me. I’m Dr. Mark.” A stranger extended his hand.

Brian returned the handshake. “I’m Brian.”

Dr. Mark made a quick inventory of Brian’s physical assets. “Take your clothes off Brian, and stay awhile.” he smiled his approval.

“I can’t stay long. I’m looking for a friend.” Brian said

“Aren’t we all?” Dr. Mark chuckled. “What kind of friend are you looking for crystal, crank , crack, heroin, blonde, brunette?”

“I’m looking for Ted Schmidt.”

“Teddy?” Dr. Mark scanned the area. “I know he’s around here somewhere. You make yourself at home Brian. I’m sure you’ll run into him. Right now you’ll have to excuse me. I’m being paged.”

Brian looked toward the other end of the pool where a dark haired young man was beckoning for Dr. Mark.. As the good doctor sauntered off to greet more new arrivals, Brian began his search for Theodore. A gathering of young men were making a commotion on the other side of the pool. It was obvious by the sounds of their jeers, and cat-calls that something very hot was taking place. Brian decided to begin his quest over there….

“Brian?”

The oh too familiar voice stopped Brian dead in his tracks. “Kevin.”

Kevin pulled his dick out of a young man’s mouth, and stood up from his lounger. “I thought that was you.” he smiled.

“I thought I’d killed you.” Brian growled.

“I’m a lot tougher than you give me credit for.” Kevin chuckled and secured the ties on his robe. “I might have know you wouldn’t miss a party like this.” he said.

Brian sidestepped Kevin, and resumed his quest. There was nothing that he wanted to say to, or hear from his former lover. Kevin followed. “I want you to know there’s no hard feelings Angel.” he said.

“Speak for yourself. And don’t call me Angel!” Brian said without looking back.

“You were right, I was way out of line.” Kevin continued. “I shouldn’t have laid a hand on your boy without your permission. By the way, is Justin here with you?”

Brian stopped, and turned around. Without thinking he grabbed Kevin’s throat with one hand. “Stay away from me Kevin.” he warned.

“HEY! WHAT’S THE PROBLEM OVER THERE?” One of the bouncers called out.

“No problem!” Brian called back, and eased his hand away from Kevin’s throat.

The appearance of Kevin had caused an already shaky situation to take a sudden turn for the worst. Brian stepped up his pace. He needed to find Theodore, and get the hell out of there fast. Any party that would include a low life like Kevin could only mean trouble. Now on orange alert, Brian continued toward the gathering on the other side of the pool. Upon his arrival he found a young man sprawled on a poolside lounger. The tweaked out teen laid center stage in a circle jerk where he was covered with cum, as he feebly attempted to service every straining cock that was being shoved his way. Brian turned away from the humiliating scene. Where the fuck was Ted?

His next stop would be to explore the units where similar jeers, and laughter could be heard on the other side of the closed doors. Brian tapped lightly on the first one. He was about to place his hand on the doorknob when a leather clad guest opened the door just enough to peek outside. Brian stepped back from the door. “Is this where the party is?” he asked cooly. The leathered gentleman briefly looked the handsome stranger up, and down before allowing entrance.

The first thing that caught Brian’s attention upon entering the cramped motel room was its musky smell. Even the air conditioner, which was turned up full blast was no match for the roomful of sweaty bodies that had gathered around the bed to watch the edge play activity that was taking place there. Brian stretched on his tiptoes to see the focus of their attention. From where he stood he could see that it was some poor slob laying on his back, with his wrists bound to the bedposts. The man’s legs were spread eagle, with his ass propped up on a stack of pillows allowing full access to his well dilated asshole. One man was just finishing up a wild ride, as the next man in line was preparing his hand, and wrist with globs of lubricant. Closer examination revealed that the poor slob providing the early evening entertainment was Theodore.

Brian wedged his way through the group, and placed his hand on the shoulder of the next man in line. “The party’s over gentlemen. It’s time for my friend to go home.” he said.

A wave of disappointed sighs, and jeers swept through the room as Brian sat down on the edge of the bed, and proceeded to untie a dazed, and confused Theodore. “Brian.” Ted recognized the face.

“Hey Theodore. Let’s get you out of here.” Brian said gently.

“Who the fuck are you?” Someone called from the gathering of voyeurs.

“I don’t want any trouble, I’m just here to take my friend home. Where is his clothes? Stand up Theodore.” Brian ordered, but Ted was like a rag doll. Brian reached for the nearest pants he could find, and began to slip them onto his friend’s limp legs.

“I’m afraid I can’t let you take Teddy.” Dr. Mark emerged from the group. “He’s working off a debt.”

“What kind of debt?” Brian stopped to asked.

“A pharmacy debt.” Dr. Mark smiled.

“How much does he owe? I’ll pay you.”

“I have a better idea. Perhaps Brian would like to take Teddy’s place.” Kevin stepped forward. “I can personally vouch for his roll play entertainment quality. He takes it rough, don’t you Angel?” Kevin smiled, as the room seconded his suggestion.

Dr. Mark thought for a moment, then eye signaled his bouncers. Brian rose from the bed. He looked past Kevin’s shoulder where the train of tricks had closed ranks, and were now blocking the door. Ted continued to lay sprawled out on the bed, and near unconsciousness. The situation had now upgraded itself to a full code red alert.

“Why don’t you give our guest a hand with his clothes?” Dr Mark instructed his bouncers.

Brian clinched his fists, and prepared to repel their advance. He wasn’t going down without a fight. “I don’t think so.” He said with authority.

“Don’t waste your energy Brian. It’s going to happen. Why not just relax, and enjoy it?” Kevin grinned sardonically. “You don’t have your friend Anthony Massey to protect you this time.”

Dr. Mark immediately held out his arms, to stop his henchmen. “Wait a minute, you didn’t mention anything about Anthony Massey.” he said.

“What are you doing, what are they waiting for?” Kevin protested.

“You didn’t tell me that he was a friend of Mr. Massey.”

“What difference does that make?”

“I don’t want any fucking trouble with Tony Massey.” Dr. Mark uttered to Kevin.

“Fuck Anthony Massey!” Kevin insisted.

Dr. Mark ignored Kevin’s protests. “I’m so sorry about the misunderstanding Brian.” He suddenly changed his tune. “Please take Teddy, and leave. In fact let me get someone to help the two of you to your car, and don’t worry about the debt. I’m sure it’s just a bookkeeping error on my part. Please give my regards to Mr. Massey, and my sincerest apologies.” The good doctor groveled.

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At home Ted lifted his face toward the hot spray that flowed from his shower. Even the fragrance of Irish Spring soap couldn’t wash away the stench of the last two days. How low he had sank to steal money from a baby.

“Are you still alive in there?” Brian called from the living room.

Ted stepped out of the shower, and tied his robe around him. “I’m still here.” He answered wearily as he made his way to the bathroom doorway.

Brian walked over, and handed his friend a warm cup. “Here, drink this tea.” he said. “You look like shit. Are you sure you won’t let me take you to the hospital?”

Ted took the cup with trembling fingers, and lifted it to his lips. “Thank you Brian. I’ll be fine.” he said. “Where’s Emm?”

“Emmett is on his way home. He was over at the munchers trying to help Lindsey keep Mel in bed.”

Ted dragged himself over, and plopped down onto the sofa. “I know Mel and Lindsey must be furious, and so should you.” he said. “What I did was despicable. How can I ever thank you? As Gus’s father you should have left me to my fate with Dr. Mark, instead you risked your life to save me. I’m a piece of shit.”

“Yes you are, and you’re going to be road kill shit when Mel finishes with you.” Brian warned.

“I’m so sorry Brian.” Ted whimpered.

“You’re not gonna cry are you?”

“I can’t help it. I’ve made such a fucking mess of my life. I’ve disappointed my friends, and hurt the man I love. I don’t deserve to live.”

“It’s not the end of the world Theodore. You’ll get yourself dried out, find a new job, and move on.” Brian tried to sound optimistic.

“That’s easy for you to say. Your life wasn’t ruined with the stroke of a pen. Stockwell may as well have put a bullet in my head when he closed down my web site. It was all I had.” Ted anguished. “I tried to get in to see him, to reason with him. I wanted to show Stockwell that I was a legitimate businessman, and not some pervert, but he wouldn’t see me.”

“Well you certainly did look like a pervert tied to the bed, with your ass in the air.” Brian attempted to make light.

“I’m a piece of shit.” Ted’s tears began to flow.

Brian walked over to the sofa, and took a seat next to his overwhelmed friend. “Don’t worry Theodore. You’ll be alright. We’re going to get you checked into treatment, and then we’re going to see about getting your porn site back. I have a few strings at city hall that I may be able to pull.” he said.

“Thanks Brian.” Ted blew his nose. “I know you’ve done more than enough already, but could I ask you for one more favor?”

“Sure.”

“Would you stay here with me until Emmett gets home?”

Brian looked at his watch. It was almost eight o’clock. He remembered what Debbie had said about Justin going home early, and being upset about the news coverage of the plight of Cody Vale, the gay teen barred from his prom for wanting to take his male lover as his date. “I really need to go.” Brian said.

“Please Brian. I don’t want to be by myself right now.” Ted pleaded.

“Sure, I’ll stay with you.” Brian said.

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“Sometimes I go for days without thinking about it. In fact I hadn’t thought about the bashing for quite some time now. I remember the day I was released from the hospital. My dad wanted to take me straight home, but I insisted on stopping to see Brian. I believe I actually heard him run out of the bathroom, and through the bedroom when he heard me call his name. I can still see him standing at the top of his bedroom steps.” Justin smiled.

“I remember how he traced his fingers across the bandage on my head, and down along the side of my face. Then he asked my mom if he could keep me. That’s when my father came in. He told Brian that I was going home, but Brian told him that I was staying at the loft with him. Then my father pushed Brian. They were about to fight when I stepped in between them, and told my father that I was staying there with Brian.” Justin continued to recall.

“We slept that whole afternoon. We didn’t even make love. We just pulled off our clothes, crawled into bed, and fell asleep in each other’s arms. That was the best sleep.” Justin smiled again. “Brian had been awake for days, and I couldn’t relax when I was in the hospital for thinking about him. You see everyone was so worried about me. They all forgot that Brian had been a victim too. I know he blames himself for the bashing. Some say that he shouldn’t have shown up at my prom. But I say being able to share that special night with someone that I loved made what happened afterwards almost worth it.”

Tony cuddled Justin closer, and kissed him ever so lightly on the forehead. “It’s getting late princess. Shouldn’t you be getting home to that boyfriend of yours?” he uttered.

Justin placed a kiss on his man’s chest, and stroked his hand down the length of Tony’s abdomen. “Yeah, I suppose so.” he sighed.

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NEXT WEEK: Something In Common, part 1

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