[note]: mild sexual content

He gripped the base of his shaft, tugging slowly, in order to savor the sensation of the shower.

The cold water was an effective wake-up as it drenched his hair and drowned his face, nose and eyes, sliding slowly according to the curve of his hand wrapped around his manhood. It stood firm and unwilling to go down unless he gave it some attention.

It had been a long night lying there with Sage but pleasant, more pleasant than he could have ever dreamed.

Now his dreams consisted of something different. A hand that wasn't his own, taking hold of his member, exploring it daintily. Long, slender fingers caressing his cock in silent worship. He jerked as bit of pre-cum slid out. He worked at a leisurely pace wondering what would have happened if Sage's fingers had dipped lower during his exploration the other night.

He was sure he wouldn't have been such a gentleman.

He gulped increasing his speed as his need to release took root. He leaned against the tile wall, his long arm holding him up as he furiously worked himself up and down, up and down. His ears were pounding as he tightened his grip wanting the optimal effect to take hold with each stroke. He imagined Sage's face to as he caressed Johnny or maybe even his breath tickling the head of his dick. Like a tease.

He hissed feeling the top of his member become slick, oozing out of his head. He worked harder at himself grunting and jerking forward onto his tiptoes. He didn't even take care to keep quiet.

When he finally reached his peak he ground his teeth with a long drawn out moan slipping from his lips. He sniffled back away from the wall to take a proper bath. He stood under the shower for longer than was necessary tracing the scar on his shoulder. He hadn't been paying attention when a client had changed their mind in the middle of his manhunt and stabbed him for attacking the abuser she was still in love with.

She'd been particularly memorable to him as her situation hit too close to home. It was the one time he'd actually wanted to become more involved. It was on the tip of his tongue, the dressing down, the speech he'd perfected for his mother if he'd been a little older before she passed. He would have told her to have some self-respect. Use her eyes to see the scum she'd chosen to forgive time and time again.

He'd knocked her boyfriend unconscious and thrown all his stuff out the window; like she'd requested. She had even asked for a better place to stay so if he wasn't convinced enough she could hide out for a little bit and lay low while Johnny tailed him to make sure he left town for good.

She'd screamed like a banshee, hair wild and face tear streaked with black mascara all over. Her neck was full of bruises that she claimed were hickies. He was disgusted and quite frankly shocked when the knife she wielded cut right into his shoulder.  They'd stared at each other in shock for a while, neither of them sure what was to happen next. She helped him remove the knife, remorse kicking in.

He made the right choice when he left, giving her back her money; maybe she'd buy more booze for the love of her life. Her lifeless eyes had haunted him for a while after he'd failed to save her life.

She was dead the next week. Her name was Sheryl, a nice red-headed woman who'd wanted to start school again after her boyfriend had convinced her to leave. She worked as a barista for one of the local coffeehouses and was described as a sweet southern belle who wouldn't hurt a fly. That's what a letter from her sister had said. It was obvious to Johnny that they weren't close.

Johnny bit on his bottom lip, almost drawing blood before he snapped off the shower and drew the curtain aside. He rubbed his face violently, ruffling his hair and leaving his face feeling raw. He felt raw inside.

What had made her change her mind? What had been so addicting about that stupid son-of-a-bitch that killed her?

He stepped out of the shower breathing hard and wrapped the towel around his waist before leaning against the frame of the door-less bathroom entrance. Sage had his back to him but looking over his shoulder he could see a picture in his hand. Sage was still naked, his cheeks spread out against the carpet as he sat with his legs wide open in the other direction, his back hunched. The bed had been made and his clothes neatly folded on top of the bed, no underwear.

Johnny hated going commando.

He coughed to get Sage's attention. He watched him shove the picture away into his hoodie from the other night before scrambling onto his feet.

"You have no shame." Sage mumbled before standing in front of him.

"Nice to know you were listening in."

"Can't exactly ignore how loud you were." Sage snapped back before gripping the edge of the towel and yanking it clean off. Johnny cursed at the burn and figured that Sage was still mad maybe even fuming. Sage threw the towel over his shoulder and sauntered into the shower, dragging the shower curtain closed slowly. " Get dressed please. I'll see you out shortly." he replied behind the barrier.

Johnny obliged and even smiled a little at how commanding the boy seemed to be. He was definitely more alive than he had been the night before. His jeans rubbed against his bare-ass but he could manage. He had bigger worries than his dick being rubbed raw by his pants.

He donned his decorative jacket., a sense of pride overcoming his worries. He felt bigger and more capable while filling out the leather piece. He felt like he'd earned the pair of clothing. It was one thing he'd have a hell of a time letting go of, other than Sage, at this point. He hadn't had many articles of clothing as  a child. After he'd wear each piece of clothing out beyond use another raggedy replacement came along. As long as he was warm his mother would give it to him to wear but this jacket was something else. It exuded honor. It spoke volumes of the trust and care of this community that was now in his hands. It was a lot of pressure but Johnny had never felt more at ease.

He hated feeling helpless. He hated knowing there were helpless people out there in the world. Like Sage.

He sat down not particularly gracefully, his feet encased in his thick boots and watched Sage's shadow dance along the curtain of the shower.He imagined smooth skin drenched in water and suds, small hands rubbing furiously against his skin unintentionally coloring himself red. Johnny would have liked to make Sage blush.

His eyes drifted to the sweatshirt he'd sported when he entered the bar as his last resort. Fingering the sole pocket at the front he came upon a picture. He didn't have time to look it over as Sage finished his shower. He stuffed it back, having riled up a storm of sass from Sage this morning and not wishing to step on his toes any further but curiosity itched at him. He was positive the photo was of the brother, Shea.

He looked around the place wondering how two boys made a life for themselves in this dump. If Sage wasn't lying, they were sixteen when the brother had been kidnapped. Where were their parents? If they didn't have anyone why weren't they themselves reported missing or were the police even more lax than they had been in his youth.

Sage emerged from the shower fresh-faced. His hair darkening a bit as the strands had thinned out and now instead of laying softly atop his head, were sharp and dangled about like spires. Johnny smiled a bit but neither of them spoke. Johnny could see the hesitation to undress from Sage.He'd crossed the room to a pile of clothes lying in the corner folded neatly like his own had been. He spotted a schoolbag and briefly wondered if the boy went to school but crossed that possibility out of his mind. It cost too much.

He wondered how Sage got paid. His worst conclusion was prostitution. It wasn't a pretty job and the thought of this blonde bombshell selling ass on the street made his knuckles turn white, as white as the ass that had popped out from the towel Sage dropped. His anger was momentarily soothed replaced by admiration for the small body before him.

Sated by the view of Sage's luscious body  he leaned back on the wall, a sly smile playing on his lips. "I figured what the hell. We slept naked. Can't be shy now." Sage said aloud as he buckled a pair of faded jeans, the knees colored white and snatched up a long-sleeved navy blue shirt.

Sage crossed the room before picking up his sweatshirt and bringing out the picture.

"I know you said you wanted to get to know me... Shea, my brother, is my life always has been. I need him back." His words were quiet and sincere to Johnny's ear and a pressure built in his chest, a nervous one.

What if he failed? And he hadn't even said yes to this. Did he even need to?

He took the picture as Sage handed it to him; the boy's head hung low. He watched one of his hands wipe at his face, a frown covering his pink lips.

Johnny took a good look at the picture and found an almost identical face but this one had sharp edges-a strong forehead, a jaw that could cut ice and thinner lips. His hair, rather than fall softly like Sage's own, looked rigid. It would take a serious beating to turn into the blonde,suave mop on his head. He was just as striking as his brother, if not more confident. You could feel his spirit seeping off the picture, although it was crumpled and worn.

What would he look like now?

"The only school picture he ever took." Sage commented. "I would have preferred something more personable as a keepsake but couldn't save much when we left."

Johnny's brows furrowed. He hated what he was going to say next. "I'll take the pic to my boss-Tomas- and I'll see what he says." There was a system among his brothers. Johnny had to know if he'd earned the right to take out his insurance this early.But deep down Johnny knew whether Tomas declined to help or not he'd do something, anything. It was quite frankly agonizing seeing Sage like this and he knew the only thing Sage would appreciate from him at a time like this was to give him his brother. Because one way or another, no matter how many times Johnny touched or kissed this boy, Sage would never let go of his brother. His brother was the key to unlocking Sage's soul.

"You'll see! That's the best you've got!" Sage exclaimed glaring up at Johnny.

"Look around you Sage! If someone wanted you gone, you'd be gone! He's gone! Three fucking years. Christ,Sage!" Sucking in a breath, "I know you know this but I'll say it again since you like to be stubborn about every goddamn thing that comes out of my mouth. You should have come earlier if you wanted assurance." Johnny's nerves had gotten the best of him. This kid, Shea, was missing. He didn't watch  much television but he knew the odds of finding him were insurmountable. He didn't want to come off as a prick and Sage's hope and determination was admirable but when circumstances were bleak like this Sage had to know the truth or else he'd make himself sick, insane even with all the uncertainty-with the impossibility of it all.

"Don't talk to me as if you know me,you shithead!" Sage screamed back with not a care in the world if he woke up his destitute neighbors. "You're supposed to be apologizing to me! I sure as hell didn't give myself up to you like some desperate virgin just for this in the morning!"

Johnny cocked his head to the side his eyes narrowed as he tried his best to remain level headed but Sage sure was giving him a run for his money,  though he was glad to know he was Sage's first sexual partner. Hell, sexual experience.

He shrugged. Johnny's pants tightened. His dick hurt just a bit more than it had previously.

"I'm a virgin because I have other priorities." He finished off, his voice much lower now and a tinge of pink coloring his face. "Don't look so smug, Johnny. Who says I don't jerk off?! There are plenty of poster boards of hot men around town. It helps if their mouth is open in the picture. It's easier for me to imagine sticking my dick in their mouth."

Reigning in his need to prevent himself from showing Sage a real good time, Johnny came up with a thought provoking question.

"You ever think of contacting the police?" Johnny asked, the word tasting like poison on his tongue but going off of what Sage had told him Shea would have been sixteen when he disappeared. For Sage and whatever family he had out there that would have been his best option.

Sage sobered, his face no longer red in indignation but his mood had darkened considerably. "Fuck the police." he seethed quietly. "I'm not elaborating any further until you agree." Sage waved his hand around before beginning to gnaw on his fingers again.

Johnny bit his lip. It seemed like Sage really detested these guys. Johnny only disliked them, felt sorry for them even. They weren't his problem, specifically. Sage sounded like he wanted them burning in hell. Hiding from the law? Sage didn't look like the type. The boy would have to tell him why sooner or later.

Sage fidgeted, a desperate look in his eyes. "Just try, okay. Promise..." The boy's voice a hoarse whisper, a look of sheer distress on his face. "This is some serious shit but I can't tell you anymore until you say yes."

"Okay, I promise." Johnny returned quietly before shoving his hand into Sage's hair and pulling him forward for a hard kiss. It was a kiss to explain both his aggravation, nerves and general affection towards the boy. With each stroke of his tongue, Johnny demanded Sage give in to him, feel the need pouring from him. It was a wet affair between their mouths that created heat and passion swiftly.

Even as Sage tired from the kiss, Johnny continued to suck on Sage's tongue and mouth, needing some sort of strength or reassurance. He needed to create a physical memory so strong Sage wouldn't have the guts to doubt Johnny's word . He would deliver his best. Johnny flicked his tongue leisurely over Sage's chin, lathering the skin softly around his neck before sucking at the corners of his mouth. He finished with a soft peck on the breathless boy's lips and a quick glance in his eyes told Johnny that he'd succeeded. Sage was entranced.

"I'll be here when you come back." Sage murmured pulling away and but leaving his fingers to dance playfully on top of Johnny's bare chest. Johnny nodded to himself before clearing his throat, dropping his hand from Sage's head where he'd been rubbing him. He would have been content with that if this place was safe if

"No, Sage. You're coming with me."

It was once again a savage yet noble thing to say. In Johnny's mind, he was being the perfect gentleman.

・

austin rhodes as shea [sixteen years old]