Chapter Eight

Original photo from Bloodstock's official website

The group got separated in their rush to get amongst the crowd, which was growing by the minute as the show got into full swing. Tank, not having been in this environment before, at first looked about himself apprehensively as various spectators began to immerse themselves in the music, and on watching Ophelia doing the same he couldn’t help but smile.

Feeling his eyes upon her, she paused in her cheering as she gazed back up at him, chuckling at his serious character.

“It’s a festival!” she exclaimed, “Relax!”

Tank merely shrugged, with his smile now hinting that he had no idea how to do so.

Shaking her head knowingly, she clutched hold of his wrists and shook his arms about in an effort to loosen them. Tank watched with fond fascination as his now limp limbs swung back and forth, while secretly enjoying the touch of her skin against his.

The sound of loud cheering a short distance away turned their heads as they sought out the source, and on finding it Tank laughed in his surprise at the sight greeting him, of his younger brother sat upon his lover’s shoulders and… showing off, Tank mused as he watched.

Ripp was by no means oblivious to whatever stares he attracted, instead basking in the attention as he yelled happily, air-drumming and head-banging from his seat upon Johnny’s shoulders. Ripp’s body shook from the instability of his perch, as Johnny was laughing as he watched him, and occasionally he needed to lay a hand on his head to steady his balance.

“Come on you,” Johnny chuckled when he lowered him to the ground, letting his green hand linger as it slid up Ripp’s back. His smile slipped as he looked about himself, resentment tugging at his heart on spotting other straight couples plainly enjoying the company of each other.

“You okay?” Ripp checked, his hand on his shoulder and sneaking a squeeze as he spoke.
“I miss it already,” Johnny told him, still watching them, “You don’t realise how much you take this public display thing for granted, until you can’t do it anymore.”

As the show went on, Tank found it harder and harder to resist the electrifying atmosphere about him, and as the show continued, he was as lost in the performances as everyone else. By the time it was over, he was drenched in sweat with an aching neck, but also care-free and happy.

“Whew!” he exclaimed as he slowly drifted back to Earth, mopping his brow. “That was…!”

Ophelia giggled as she looked at him, noting the grin still upon his face.

“How does it feel?” she challenged as the crowds began to disperse.

“Wow…” he replied, searching in vain for the right words, “Incredible doesn’t begin to cover it…”

“Now you know why we do these things,” she grinned, “To let go.”

Tank glanced with a smile at her, while wiping his top across his glistening chest.

“I’ll have to remember that one,” he said, frowning a little as he pocketed his top. “Beats the punch-bag, that’s for sure.”

“Yeah,” she agreed, her grin becoming an affectionate smile as she eyed him for a moment, before slinking closer to his side.

“You know,” she murmured, “There’s so much more than you let on… I’ve seen a different side to you lately, and I love it.”

Tank turned to her with uncertainty in his eyes, feeling his heart begin to pound in his chest. His breathing became shallow as he struggled to keep on top of the conversation.

“Feels great to be able to show it,” he smiled, only just managing to stay in control of his tongue.

Ophelia smiled at his anxiety, finding the signs on display easy to read as it became clear that he’d never been in this position before.

“Relax,” she purred, her hands taking hold of his and guiding them round her body, before gliding hers across his midriff.

Tank began to perspire for a different reason as he hesitantly moved his hands round to her back, her small frame like a doll held in his strong arms. His fingers felt a section of exposed flesh between her top and trousers, which they began to stroke curiously as her arms folded around him, bringing them closer.

“I’ve never done this before,” he confessed, “I got no idea what I’m doing…”

“I know,” she smiled, moving her head closer to his, “I’ll show you.”

The feeling of her soft lips against his stirred new feelings in him, his eyes closing as his arms drew her nearer still, a fire igniting in his soul that shed light as well as heat to melt the icy wall encasing his heart. So used to cold and darkness he had been, that the warmth now felt was immense, and as he grew more confident in his actions, the flames engulfed his entire being as they gripped each other tightly, their lips beginning to caress each other while they continued to embrace.

“Awesome!” Ripp proclaimed, beaming from ear to ear as the snapshot sound played from his phone. Johnny cackled in delighted disbelief as he watched them.

“Wow,” he smiled, “How long’s he bin likin’ her then?”

“Longer than he’s let on, I’ll bet,” Ripp replied, a mischievous sparkle in his eye, “Least he’s saved me a job!”

“Oh yeah?” the green youth quizzed with a smile, flicking a stray lock of brown hair from his lover’s face.

“Yeah,” came the reply, before he realised that they had moved dangerously close together given that Johnny still wanted to remain undercover. Or did he? On noting the loving look in his eyes, Ripp decided to check.

“Thought you wanted to stay in the closet?”

“Pssshh,” came the indignant reply, “You really think they’re gonna keep quiet?! Angela’s a pussycat compared to her.”

“Yeah, I know…”

“Besides, I’ve been thinkin’,” Johnny murmured, snuggling up to him, “Why should we miss out on this kinda thing just ‘cause we’re both guys?”

A grin slowly spread across Ripp’s face as Johnny took him into his arms.

“I’ve been asking that since I was old enough to start dating,” he replied, sweeping blond hair from Johnny’s face as they tightened their grip on each other.

“I was happy to show my affections before, even if it was with a girl,” Johnny continued, “but this is somethin’ else… not just ‘cause you’re a guy, but ‘cause you’re so damn amazin’…” He felt himself become overwhelmed with emotion as he ran a loving hand across Ripp’s face. “I dunno why I never saw it before, but…”

“S’okay,” Ripp uttered, feeling overcome himself as he ran his fingers delicately across Johnny’s cheek, “You assumed you were straight, you had no reason to think any different.”

“Now I’m seein’ you in a whole new light,” came the choked reply as he gazed into the blue pools of Ripp’s eyes, “I love you…”

The words played like the sweetest music he had ever heard, pushing him over the edge into the salty waters as they fell from his eyes.

“Oh Johnny,” he whispered, “I love you so much…”

Green fingers brushed away the tears from his face, before in one movement the two boys melted into each other, sharing the strongest burning blaze either of them had ever experienced.

Tank smiled happily as their lips parted, his eyelids sliding open to reveal the mirrors within reflecting the glow of his awakened soul. They remained in a firm embrace as their noses stroked each other for a moment, before he allowed himself to bask in this new feeling of emotional freedom as he inhaled deeply, his head tilting back as his eyes closed for a second time. He exhaled slowly, unaware of the fascinated observation of his new girlfriend as his eyes slowly opened, before he made known what thoughts accompanied his actions.

“Ah, freedom,” he grinned blissfully, “Freedom from hatred, anger… boy does this feel good!”

The euphoria was catching, with her gently tugging his head back to meet her gaze as she smiled broadly.

“It shows,” she told him, genuine delight shining through in her whole manner, “It’s wonderful to see, Tank, I’m so happy for you.”

An excited giggling escaped his lips, accompanied by tears of joy as he pulled her into a hug.

“Damn,” he uttered as they broke away, “That guy’s awesome… why I never saw it before I dunno, but…”

“You mean Ripp?” she checked.

“Yeah,” he confirmed, looking about him, “I really need to…”

He trailed off as his searching eyes located the young man in question, a knowing yet loving smile playing upon his lips as he watched him enjoying an intimate moment of his own… a very public, intimate moment, he suddenly realised.

“Hey, Philly,” Tank began, “Ain’t that the guy who was so scared about getting pulled outta the closet?”

“Yeah,” came the equally slow reply, “Least it was last time I checked…”

“Funny,” Tank mused sadly, “I kinda don’t wanna go back in…”

“Me neither,” Ripp agreed, “but then I hate it there anyways. Just easier now I’ve got my other brother back.”

Tank’s head turned to his younger brother before reassuringly patting his leg. Ripp returned his gaze briefly, before looking across to Johnny who now was in the front seat, after they’d decided to let Tank and Ophelia have a chance to cuddle up together on the way back. Ophelia now had been dropped off, leaving just the male teenagers in the car, with the older alien again stepping in as a chauffeur.

“Better go I guess,” he muttered, not hiding the reluctance in his voice at having to do so.

“Yeah,” Johnny acknowledged, holding out a hand in a parting gesture.

Ripp leaned forwards to clasp it, propping himself up on the backrest as they firmly gripped each other’s hands. He dived forward in one stroke, placing a lengthy goodbye kiss on Johnny’s lips as their eyes closed, their mouths brushing together as the others in the car looked on.

As Peter turned to eye his son however, he froze. Movement out of the corner of his eye triggered warning alerts in his mind, and on recognising the figure in the glass behind Ripp, he quickly moved to nudge him in the waist.

“Johnny…”

“Hm?”

Johnny’s eyes opened at the interruption, and almost instantly locked onto the now moving character in the rear window. His eyes grew wide as he drew a large, sharp breath, his hand frantically pulling free from his lover’s grip.

“What’s wrong?” Ripp quizzed, thoroughly puzzled.

Before he could receive an answer, there was a frantic rapping on the window, and on seeking out the source, his face fell like a stone.

“Oh no…” Tank commented on following his gaze. Thinking quickly, as his brother slumped back into his seat, he lay a hand on his shoulder as he spoke.

“I got him,” he told him, “I’ll see if I can’t clear the path for ya.”
All Ripp could do in reply was nod as Tank got out of the car.

“Go easy Dad,” Tank began, but Buzz was in no mood to listen.

“Inside, now! Both of you!!” he barked at him, glancing furiously into the car before storming back into the house.

Tank stared after him in despair, but also unease. No matter how much Ripp had managed to antagonise him in the past, never before had he seen him this angry.

“I’m so dead,” Ripp whimpered.

“Look,” Peter offered quickly, “If you need a place to stay, you’re more than welcome at ours.”

Ripp gazed back at his boyfriend’s father, wearing a smile of sadness, fear and gratitude as he felt himself beginning to tremble.

“Thanks,” came the barely audible reply, before the car door opened. Tank’s head ducked into the vehicle just enough to assure him it was safe to leave, before holding the door open wide.

“Good luck,” Johnny uttered apologetically.

“Thanks,” Ripp answered as he left, “I’ll need it.”

“I’m scared,” he admitted, not daring to look back at the now foreboding building they called home.

“I know,” Tank soothed as he pulled him into his arms, “I’m right here for you, okay?”

Ripp managed to nod as he clung desperately to his older brother, tears staining his cheeks as his racing mind could only anticipate certain doom.

“Look, Dad, um… I really don’t think leavin’ ‘em like this is a good idea,” Johnny confessed, “I didn’t like the look on his face, or the way he knocked on the window…”

“Me neither,” Peter admitted, “I must admit, he didn’t look that mad even when I had him in a headlock.”

“Can’t we just… hang around somewhere?” Johnny pleaded, “I don’t like this Dad, I’m worried all hell’s gonna break loose in there…”

“Me too Johnny,” Peter agreed grimly, “but if we linger in the doorway, all we’ll do is make things worse.”