Eclipse Of The Moon ~ Book 1 of Aaron
Chapter 42
The Thrill Of Eagerness

Friday 7 November 2003

"This was very good, Aaron," Jane, my driving instructor, tells me as I'm about to step out of the car.

"Thanks."

"How far are you with practice?"

"I've driven about thirty hours so far with Mr. Vargas."

"Sounds good! Just twenty more and you'll be able to take the driving test," she adds. "You've got one last hour scheduled next week, so I'll see you then!"

"Yep. Have a nice weekend!"

The next learner is already waiting, so I bid her goodbye and get out.

You bet I'm doing good! Right after my birthday, Ivan made sure I learned the California Driver Handbook by heart and worked on sample tests. By the end of the following week, I was more than ready to take the knowledge test and passed it easily, but to be honest, it was quite the walk in the park. Since then, I have been practicing my driving skills with Ivan who encourages me to drive whenever I get a chance to, so yeah, I'll soon be fully trained to take the final test.

The last three weeks have been so intense again. It feels like my first time at the Heaven Water was yesterday and yet, so much has happened since then.

Although I had studied very intensely and achieved the entire program for the GED tests, Ivan didn't really give me a break. He made sure that I spent my mornings reviewing the lessons I had had the most difficulty with and this lasted until I sat at the exams on October 20th and 21st. I wasn't worried and went there quite relaxed, and rightfully so. I rocked those tests.

In fact, by scoring 180 in Reasoning Through Language Arts, 185 in Mathematical Reasoning, 195 in Social Studies and 165 in Science, I reached the category called College Ready with Credits. It simply means that depending on the college I choose, this can translate into credits that might allow me to skip certain classes. Honestly, I never thought I'd be able to reach such a high score, just as much as I never thought I could retrieve any form of fulfilment from succeeding in studies. I was wrong.

I can't even describe the emotions that washed over me when I saw my results. It was like raising a middle finger to all those who never believed I could make it. It was like achieving my parents' dreams while they certainly now thought I'd be a loser for the rest of my life. It meant being an equal to my best friends, even if I took a different path than the traditional school one. It meant opening doors for a future career, but one I'd really want. I was fucking proud!

I'm not going to start courses to become a finance guy or a lawyer like my father dreamed I would. No, I'm going to enroll in business and management because this is what's going to lead me toward a career in club management, a vocation I discovered over the past three weeks.

After what happened at the Heaven Water last mid-October, I have also spent quite some time with Ivan, asking more and more questions about all the jobs related to nightclubs and his, as a manager, more specifically. I have wanted to know all the ins and outs and Ivan has provided me with all the details I needed. I still don't really understand why he needs to spend so many nights there, but I guess he just loves to dance or just enjoys the enticing ambiance. All the same, his reactions when I get too nosy about his activities look suspicious, but the man has just too much self-control and he excels at dismissing conversations. Not for much longer, trust me.

Anyway, Ivan has fixed me a deadline to make a decision on what I intend to do in the future, but it's getting clearer every day that I'd love to embrace a similar career as his. I am not seeking wealth or to become a successful businessman who owns various types of establishments like he does, and I'm not interested in owning restaurants, pubs and hotels, but managing a club definitely sounds good to me, and Ivan is more than ready to help me, so I should totally seize the opportunity. The only point that dampens my eagerness is the educational part.

Ivan is firm on the college-condition, saying that it's not too late to start this year, and that with a bit of efforts, I will be able to catch up with those who started in September. I know what a bit of efforts means in Ivan-language, though. It means the hell of more hard work at home – and I freaking know what it implies to work under his guidance! – and three more years studying.

Earlier this week, I tried the financial approach, arguing that I had already cost him a lot and that I could definitely learn the trade while working at one of his clubs. Three years in college would add thousands of dollars on a bill I deem long enough as it is, when getting taught on the job would allow me to receive a salary and start saving money to reimburse my warden.

FUCKING STOP TALKING ABOUT MONEY, AARON!!! THIS IS THE LAST TIME I'M TELLING YOU! YOU DON'T OWE ME ANYTHING, I'M DOING THIS BECAUSE I CAN AND BECAUSE I CARE FOR YOU! JUST MAKE A DECISION ON WHAT YOU WANNA DO AND LET ME DEAL WITH THE REST! FUCK! YOU'RE REALLY A PAIN THE NECK!

Yeah, that's the booming answer my poor ears endured. I wasn't expecting any less from Ivan, but hey, nothing ventured, nothing gained, and it was still worth trying.

Now it's time to hurry back home and get ready! A half-hour walk again. Just two more weeks and I'll be a licensed driver. I will no longer have to walk or take buses and cabs to go out.

Sure, Aaron... And how are you going to pay for a car?

Just shut the fuck up, stupid Conscience!

And yet, I can't deny that my conscience is right. I have no money and I can't resolve to ask for Ivan's help again.

In fact, I just hate my parents. I hate them with a passion.

A few days after my birthday, I went to the Bank of America. It was time to retrieve those ten thousand dollars from the bank account that my parents had opened for me. The ten thousand dollars that my grandparents had given them for me. To my utter dismay, there were only ten dollars left on said account. Ten fucking dollars. Of course, I argued, saying there must be a mistake, but looking into the past transactions and after a bit of research, the lady at the counter explained that the rest of the money had been transferred about a year ago and was sitting on another bank account.

I just couldn't believe it. How dared they steal the money that my grandparents had donated to me!? I screamed blue murder, but unfortunately, I couldn't do anything about it. As long as I was a minor, they had every right to manage my money as they wished for they were the one who had opened the account. And actually, they didn't really steal it. No, of course, not. It wouldn't meet their zealous catholic beliefs.

Instead, my father created some sort of joint account in the names of Arthur Cox and Aaron Cox, something he was able to do legally and without my consent while I was underage, and now that I am over 18, none of us can get the money unless we both sign a withdrawing tip. And that's until either party dies.

So, yeah... I hate my father. I hate him with a passion. Because there's no way I'm going to New Jersey to ask for his approval on a withdrawing tip!

I guess it was his way to tell me Fuck you, son, but well, it wasn't long before he got my answer.

That same week, Ivan was making me review my lessons in the library when we received the unexpected visit of a policeman and a man from the social services. I can't tell which of my visit to the bank or using my ID to enroll at the driving school or the GED pressed the alarm button, but it turns out that the young Aaron Cox who was reported missing by his parents in New Jersey on November 1st, 2002 was suddenly spotted in Los Angeles, California.

I can't begin to describe the fright that washed over me then. I wasn't scared of being forced back to my parents, of course. At 18, I can live my life as I want, my parents have no grip on me anymore. I feared for Ivan. The policeman was quite suspicious on the reasons why a 39-year-old man would put up with a minor, and although he did show that I had my own bedroom, was tended to and how much progress I had made in terms of education, the guy from social services said that he wouldn't avoid an investigation. My distress only grew when Ivan was summoned to follow the cop for a long questioning, but as I should have expected, Ivan had prepared himself for that moment.

Don't worry, Menino, he chuckled. I knew it was a possibility and my lawyer has been working on this ever since last July.

So, I guess that's one of the things you've been hiding from me?

One of them, indeed, he replied with a wink.

I was only grateful that it was all sorted out very quickly indeed, and needless to say, I was quite forthright later that day when I was told that my parents expected me to return to New Jersey. They can go fuck themselves was my answer. I couldn't care less about the shocked expression on the social service guy's face, and when he tried to reason me, shit hit the fan. I just let it all out. I told him about my parents' extreme beliefs, about my father's educative ways, how he used his belt, how he saw my future as a priest because I was gay.

I almost mentioned the rape and how I suspected my father's involvement, at least as the instigator of that ignominious crime, but Ivan was beside me, and I couldn't call his attention on certain details I hadn't told him. I was just too happy he hadn't broached that subject again, not even when we lodged a complaint against the fuckers who had spiked my cocktail at the Heaven Water. On top of that, I don't want my father to be investigated either. One reason is that it would get Tony in trouble, and then, I just want that old story to get back where it was, and that is at the far back of my head.

Anyway, the little I revealed about my childhood and adolescence was enough for them to leave me alone, so I don't think I will ever hear back from my parents. I'm still quite upset about my grandparents' donation, but at the end of the day, I would rather manage on my own or with the help of people who truly care for me, and that makes a huge difference.

Scratching your skin won't help, Aaron... Instead of brooding over dark and useless thoughts, you should focus on the present and near future...

Now that's a great advice for once!

The present includes packing my duffle bag with clothes before I go and spend a good evening at the Heaven Water, and the near-future involves a four-day reunion with my best friends in Boston. The latter has me on edge and bubbling with a thrilling eagerness that I can't even explain with words. It's been a year since I last saw Joshua, Camden and Mark. One fucking whole year, so I can't guarantee that I will have any control over my emotions when I finally get to hug them, but who cares?

The choice for this specific weekend was well thought-out. My friends have now reached a regular routine in their college lives and gotten used to all the personal work it implies, and they're still quite far from their first finals in December. Cam will miss a few classes on Monday while Mark's and Joshua's agenda is pretty light on Mondays, so with Tuesday being Veterans' Day, it gives us four days to enjoy ourselves together.

Ain't that awesome?

I think it is and I honestly can't wait to get there, but meanwhile, I will enjoy one last evening at the Heaven Water and try to hook up with a cutie.

* * *

It's way past midnight and I have been dancing for a couple hours, completely entranced by my effervescence and elation. However, I should really hurry up making a decision on which twink I will drag to the restrooms over there because curfew is at 1am tonight. Well, boarding time is at 8am tomorrow for my flight to Boston, so I can't complain.

That he would let me go out when I have to get up early on the following morning was already a nice surprise, and it didn't even require much convincing. I can rest some more on the plane, and since you'll have to drive me back, it'll be a good excuse for you to finish early. Yes, because sadly – or not – Ivan is working tonight and he won't be able to join me on the dance floor. The last few times I went to the Heaven Water, he managed to spend at least an hour or two with me, but not tonight.

Tonight, Mister Ivan has stuff to do, and in the end, it might be for the better as it will give me more chances to hook up with someone. Or two someones. The truth is that I have spotted quite a few cuties, but there is this couple who keeps getting in my sight, and to say the least, they have been openly flirting with me from a distance.

Well, I think they are a couple, otherwise, they wouldn't be literally eating each other's tongues, right?

The smaller one is really cute – I love the way he keeps biting his lower lip each time he is ogling me – but the taller one is truly a goddam sexy hunk. About my size and my age, the sandy-blond haired guy shows off such a firm body underneath his perfectly fitted jeans and his Bon Jovi tee-shirt that I have had to bear with a boner for quite a while now. I am trying to focus on other young men, but my attention keeps straying back to the sexy couple and their languorous – almost sexual – moves, and I wonder if I should take the blonde's winks as an invitation to join their dance.

Crap! The tall one has just flipped his partner around and he is now humping the smaller guy's backside, bluntly groping his crotch, so before I jiz in my pants, I hurry to the bar for a fresh drink to quench my thirst. Sandra and her mates are busy tending to other customers, but barely one minute into waiting for my turn, someone settles beside me, much closer than they should considering that there's enough space at the counter, and I almost startle when long fingers cover my hand.

"What can I get you, handsome?" a deep voice echoes in my left ear.

Turning to my left, I am only half-surprised to see the blond hunk standing there, smirking at me. Fuck! I swear I could drown into his ocean-blue eyes. Now that I get to see him closer, I realize that he is just a tad shorter than I am, though slightly thicker, and that he is even more gorgeous than I thought. A certain self-confidence and authority are emanating from him, but he's no Ivan Vargas, so I won't let him impress me. Instead, I straighten my back and offer a smug smile.

"A Coke would be great, thanks."

"Two Cokes, please!" he then calls out to Sandra who was approaching, squinting at us, before he returns his attention to me. "I'm only 19," he then adds, shrugging his shoulders.

"18 here, and I'm fine with soft drinks anyway."

"Same. So? Are you enjoying your evening here?"

"Sure, even if it's gonna be a short one. Seems like you and your boyfriend are enjoying yourselves too?"

"Err... Speaking of that little minx..." he trails off, leaning over to whisper in my ear, "it turns out that he's crushing on you..."

What the fuck!? Taking a step back, I take in the smug expression displaying on his face. For some reason, I almost feared he was going to punch me or at least reproach me with hitting on his boyfriend, but his husky tone and the way he is now gawking at me with lust clearly hint that it's not going to happen this way.

"I think I do too," he then purrs, briefly peeking at his lover who remained on the dance floor before he gives me a very blunt once over. "Do you need help with that bulge?" he adds once Sandra has given us our glasses.

Now, this is clearly an invitation to the restrooms at the back of the lounge area. The naughty restrooms where dirty things happen as I was able to witness twice already – once to just make out with a hunk two weeks ago and the second time for mutual hand jobs with another guy last weekend. Thinking about what I could possibly do there with two men has my cock release a load of precum, but I quickly gather my spirits and decide to play along.

"Maybe. I'm just wondering which of your boyfriend's lips or yours would fit better around my dick," I reply, casually bringing my glass of Coke to my mouth.

After what happened three weeks ago, I have learned my lesson well, so I don't let go of my soda and keep a firm grip around the glass.

"To be honest, I'd gladly blow a sexy hunk like you, but," he lingers, once again peeking at the dark-haired boy who is sexily swaying his hips on the dance floor, "but I think you should try Xavier's tongue instead. I bet you won't last more than a couple of minutes," he smirks proudly before he empties his glass and slams it on the counter.

"Is he that good?" I chuckle.

"You'll have to see for yourself, it's up to you. Just know that three minutes from now, I'll be pounding in his cute little ass in the restrooms and you're welcome to join us. We'll be in one of the stalls, so just call out my name if you want to try his mouth," he says, already turning around and gesturing toward the restrooms for his boyfriend to meet him there.

"Hey! What's your name?" I call out as he heads away.

"Yeah, it could help indeed... My name's Kayden," he laughs and the next second, he's walking toward the restrooms, with Xavier in his tracks.

Fuck!

What should I do?

Looking at the clock, I only have fifteen minutes left before I'm supposed to meet Ivan outside of the club. The offer is too tempting to decline it, so I quickly down the rest of my Coke and speed along the back of the Heaven Water to reach the kinky restrooms. I swear this place must have been designed for the naughty activities taking place here, because it's by far the largest restrooms of the club and it holds a dozen big stalls. There are several couples making out already and a guy is even pistoning his girlfriend over a sink counter. I'm not mentioning all the noises coming from behind the numerous doors...

"Kayden?" I call out loud enough to cover the other sounds.

One of the doors slightly opens and I slip myself inside the stall, my cock twitching at the sight in front of me. Kayden is sitting on the toilet lid and Xavier is literally bouncing on him, his back to the blonde's chest and his jeans pooled at his feet.

"Glad you decided to join us," Kayden cheers. "Right, Babe?"

"Mmm yeah... you're... hot..." Xavier breathes out through his jerky panting.

"Let's swap places... Hmm...What's your name by the way?" Kayden asks, pulling himself to his feet and rising his boyfriend in his wake.

"Aaron."

"Then have a seat, Aaron, and free what looks like a monster from your pants."

There are a few awkward seconds as we shift inside the stall. The place is big in length, but it's not that large for three guys to shuffle around, especially as one is still buried deep inside his lover's ass. I still manage to go and sit on the lid of the toilet while Kayden moves to stand against the door, and things go quite fast from here to say the least. I have barely opened my jeans and pulled out my purplish erection that Xavier bends over, resting his hands on my thighs, and swallows more than half of my length.

"Holy fuck!!! What the heck is this!?" I exclaim at the unknown sensation over my hard-on.

"Ahahah, is he already playing with his piercing?" Kayden laughs out.

So, that's what it is!?

I hadn't noticed that Xavier had a tongue piercing and this is my first time being blown by a guy who has one.

Fuck!! This is blissful!

The dark-haired boy is indeed running the bead along the veins of my cock, trailing it over my frenulum and the most sensitive areas, and it's just amazing! I now understand why Kayden said I wouldn't last more than a couple of minutes and I'm already fighting to contain my building orgasm.

While Xavier continues to bob up and down my length, Kayden grabs his hips and starts pounding into his ass, making his boyfriend moan with deep pleasure. The vibrations erupting all over my erection don't help my self-control, but locking eyes with Kayden while I run my fingers through Xavier's dark locks, I find it in me to hold back a little longer.

It is so freaking hot to watch the tall blonde ram into his boyfriend's rear while the latter is giving me head! Somehow, it reminds me of that time I was fucking Danny on Joshua's bed and he was sucking my best friends in turns. I can totally understand the fever in Kayden's eyes right now as he reaches for Xavier's cock and begins to stroke it.

I believe the three of us are close to release now if I judge by the loudness of our groans and moans, and indeed, it's only seconds before we all climax. My seed erupts at the back of Xavier's throat and despite his needy moans, he swallows my entire load while Kayden explodes in his backside. Fuck me if it wasn't good!

With a mischievous smile, Xavier leans back up, flicking his tongue over his lips before he turns around to kiss his boyfriend. I can't believe that these two are making out again and I wouldn't be surprised if they went for a second round, but unfortunately, I can't stay to verify my theory, so I tuck myself back inside my jeans and get up from the toilet.

"Thank you, guys, it was really nice," I chuckle, as I try to make my way out of the stall, cautiously avoiding to skid on Xavier's spunk on the floor, but Kayden grabs my arm.

"Hey... Wouldn't you like to try his ass now?"

"Yes, please... I'd love to feel that huge rod against my prostate," Xavier adds in a whisper, fishing a condom from Kayden's pocket.

Holy shit! Way to give me another boner!

I would definitely love this, but if I stay any longer, I'm going to get in trouble with Ivan and I can't have that on the eve of my trip to Boston.

"I love the idea, but unfortunately, I gotta go now."

"Sure?" Kayden insists.

"Yeah, I really have to go. Perhaps another time?" I suggest with a wink.

"Anytime, sexy hunk," he replies, batting an eyelid at me too.

Anytime?

Well, I can only hope so. I wouldn't mind another session with these two.

But for now, I had better hurry up because it's almost 1am, so I pick up speed as I walk around the main dance floor, traverse the huge entrance hall and rush out the nightclub, only to feel a strong hand gripping my arm.

"Aaron, wait a minute," Jake the bouncer says, pulling me to his side to let some late clubbers in. "I've been asked to tell you that Mr. Vargas will be a little late and to keep you here with me until he arrives," he then explains, letting go of my arm.

"He's late? How late?" I ask, a bit upset.

"Dunno. Maybe ten minutes. Just wait here."

Great... As the minutes pass, while I watch a few more people who obviously decided for a late night at the discotheque, a certain anger begins to fuel my veins. It's twenty past one when I see Ivan's SUV stop over by the Heaven Water.

Twenty minutes!

Twenty fucking minutes which would have been enough for a second round with Kayden and Xavier!

Bidding goodbye to the bouncer, I walk toward the car, ever so slowly, and take my time settling inside.

"I'm sorry for being late, Menino," Ivan apologizes as he pulls back on the road. "Did you have fun?"

"Yeah," I just grunt in answer.

"Huh, huh... Didn't you find anyone to your tastes this time?" he teases.

"I did. Two, actually."

"Two?"

"Yeah, two. A sexy hunk and his boyfriend who apparently don't mind sharing," I reply dryly.

"Hmm, hmm... Then what's that mood about?"

"The mood is about that I could have had a second round with those guys if I'd known you'd be late," I grouse after a minute of silence. "What were you doing that was so important and couldn't wait until tomorrow?" I accuse, a bit unfairly, I admit.

"Stuff," he replies coldly, though his voice sounds a little anxious.

"Stuff?"

"Yes, stuff."

I hate it when he does that. Ivan is usually quite prone to explain things in detail, especially when it concerns the Heaven Water, but there are times he just dodges my questions, and in these moments, when he doesn't sound as confident, I wonder if he is hiding things from me. Well, I feel like he is hiding things from me.

"Guess what? I'm getting really tired of all your little secrets," I comment with exasperation.

Ivan sighs but he doesn't reply, focusing on the road ahead and the last five minutes of our ride home remain silent. Once parked in front of the mansion, we both pull out of the car and head inside. I'm ready to go upstairs without even a good night when he grabs my shoulders and locks eyes with mine. For two long minutes, he doesn't say anything and just stares at me with the most powerful intensity I have ever seen, leaving me mute as I wonder what causes this state of tension.

"Listen, Menino," he eventually starts, his brows furrowing deeply. "There might be a couple of things I should tell you indeed. Things I couldn't tell you earlier. It'd require quite a long explanation, but it's late and we've got an early start tomorrow. However, I promise that I'll tell you everything when you return next week. Fair enough?"

I'm super-tired right now and what I mostly register is that we have an early start in the morning because I'm going to see Joshua, Mark and Camden. I just can't wait to be there and hug them close to me... Whatever Ivan has to reveal, it will definitely wait because the thrill of meeting my dearest friends after a whole year without them wins over, so I just nod in answer, give him a goodnight hug and we both go to sleep for a few hours.

Published on 22 April 2020

Ahah, were you expecting that encounter already? See that's one of the things that needed to happen before we get to more serious things (I'm talking about the nice and drama-less night at the Heaven Water). The other is the reunion with the guys obviously. So that's two more chapters until you finally visit the Hell Fire.

Now, about that chapter... There'll probably be some readers saying they would have liked more details about all the stuff that happened during the three-week skip, but there are several reasons I just flew over that period. One is that this book is long enough as it is and has already expanded much more than the draft plan I had made and I just can't detail everything. The other is that my knowledge of the American law is too poor, and even if I tried to make some research, laws change all the time, it's hard to find how it was almost twenty years ago and to make things easier – not... – it varies according to the States.

So, even doing it this way, they might be inaccuracies – there are probably a lot of them as far as the bank account is concerned, the investigation, the social services, etc – but for once, I'm pulling out the Fiction Card. It's a fiction and as much as I always strive to keep it realistic, this time I passed my turn. Perhaps in the future, when the whole series is over, I'll look back into that chapter and do more research, but for now, it'll stay as it is :)

That's it for today, hope you enjoyed this chapter. Next Wednesday, it'll be time to meet Joshua, Mark and Camden again and see how they've grown in a year.