The Cost Of Love (Bxb, Rape, Abuse)

Cooling Down To Heat Up

After Austin got changed into a pair of old shorts he met Ryan by his old pick-up truck. When he got in he noticed the picnic basket was present again. He just looked at it and both he and Ryan laughed.

The old swimming hole was down the road just past the bar. Ryan slowed the truck and turned down the old dirt road which dead ends at the swimming hole. It was a very peaceful area surrounded by tall weeping willow trees, lush green grass and a deep blue sky over head, it was a perfect day for a swim.

After about an hour in the water, they decided to get out and see what Shelly had packed for them in the picnic basket. As Ryan unfolded the blanket, Austin opened the basket and peered inside. It was stuffed with sliced fruits, roast beef sandwiches, and two giant pieces of Shelly's homemade apple pie. Austin could not wait to dive into the food. They ate and enjoyed their company and the beautiful surroundings.

"It is so beautiful and peaceful here." Austin said as he took the last bite of the pie.

"It sure is. It's one of the many reasons I decided to stay here." Ryan said as he looked out over the swimming hole.

"I'm kind of curious as to why you stayed? Your brother is a doctor and you said your sister lives in California." Austin asked.

"This is where my heart is, and home is where the heart is. People see Levy as a little knock about town but to me it is my life. I love how close knit everyone is here and how we all look out for each other, that is something I think most people have forgotten about." Ryan said as he laid back on the blanket. "But my brother and sister never really loved that. My sister hated this town and couldn't wait to get out, so when the opportunity came she left and never looked back. Now that she lives in Los Angeles she thinks she is better than us, and acts like it too."

"I'm sorry to hear that." Austin said as he nuzzled Ryan's ear.

"I'm not. I can't stand the bitch. She caused my parents nothing but headaches when she was growing up, I'm glad she is gone."

As Ryan continued talking about his siblings, Austin laid there listing till he nodded off to sleep. It took Ryan a few minutes before he realized that Austin had dozed off; he decided to let him rest for a little. Ryan shut his eyes and relaxed under the southern sun till he nodded off himself.

It was forty-five minutes later when Austin awoke and as he opened his eyes, and looked toward the hill, he thought he saw a person looming in the bushes. He sat up rubbing his eyes and glanced back toward the bushes but this time the person was gone. Austin wondered if it was just his groggy mind clearing but the person almost looked like Eric. As he got up Ryan stirred and asked if everything was okay. Austin told him that he just was stretching from his nap. Austin grabbed a smoke from his pack and made his way down to the water. When he returned Ryan was still relaxing on the blanket and the way the sunlight was hitting him it gave almost a heavenly glow to him. Austin could do nothing but smile at how perfect Ryan looked.

"What's that smile for?" Ryan asked as Austin approached.

"Oh, nothing." Austin said still smiling.

"You just don't smile like that for no reason." Ryan said.

"It's just, this is the happiest I've been in ages and I don't want anything to ruin it." Austin admitted as he sat next to Ryan.

"I know you're worried about Eric, but we are going to get that taken care of so he doesn't bother you again." Ryan reassured Austin.

"I know, it's just been over a month and I haven't heard anything from him. Makes me think that he is up to something horrible." Austin said as he looked over at the bushes.