Tales of Akron

[In Chapter 20, Mike and Dan finally arrived back at their home in Highland Square. Mike went to bed, turned his face to the wall and starred at nothing. Dan sat in the living room and looked at the floor. ]

            "This can't go on," Dan thought. He leaned back on the sofa and despite his concern for Mike's well being and his hope they could keep the relationship together, he fell asleep.

            In another part of the house, Mike looked from the wall to the ceiling and then tossed in the bed. "Is this relationship worth saving?" he said. Then he laughed. "That sounds like something I read in a tabloid, once."

            Downstairs, Dan snored quietly. His arms and legs moved and kicked in what seemed to be an effort to push someone away. He became more active and in his activity he rolled off the sofa and fell on the floor.

            Mike heard the noise and ran downstairs. He found Dan lying on the floor, unable to get up. "What's wrong?" he asked. Mike sat on the floor beside Dan and caressed Dan's head. "Are you hurt?"

            "Yes, I'm hurt," Dan said. "And, yes something is wrong, dreadfully wrong."

            Mike cradled Dan's head and caressed his chest. "I'm sorry. I hurt you. But, I have needs and you weren't meeting my needs."

            "Is that a reason to turn to someone else?"

            "Desperate needs...deep down...needs I can't explain. I can't explain them because I don't understand them."

            "I have needs, too. My first need is an explanation. Why did you shack up in a hotel with another man? You owe me an explanation."

            With deliberateness, Mike lowered Dan's head to the floor. "Here, take my hand," he said and pulled Dan to a standing position. "I want to walk. You stay here. I need to go out and get some fresh air."

            "No," Dan said. "you're not going anywhere until you explain to me what has happened."

            "I'll see you in a while."

            "No! Stop. Don't touch that doorknob."

            Mike looked at Dan and definitely reached for the doorknob.

            In a single leap, Dan was on Mike. He knocked Mike to the floor and hit him again and again. He stratled Mike, sitting on him. "You aren't going anywhere. You aren't going anywhere, " Dan screamed at Mike. Finally, spent with emotion, Dan collapsed on Mike and kissed him. Mike squired to get away from Dan. But, Dan outweiged him. Mike opened his mouth and returned Dan's kisses. The men held each other and tore at each other's clothing with a passion neither had shown at anytime in their relationship.

            "Now, " said Dan, "Now." And with a force that grew from his anger, he entered Mike.

            Mike's scream could be heard throughout the house. But, only the two men could hear.

            "That's not making love," Mike said. "It's rape. We both deserve better."

            "Go find it," Dan said, with a voice that choked with emotion. "Go find love. Find perfect sex and find all of the other things you think will make you happy."

            Mike struggled to his feet, aware of blood and other fluids on his legs.

            "Mike, we make trade-offs throughout life. Few people find the perfect lover or partner. But, we find the best we can find. I thought you were the best person for me."

            "No more. No more," said Mike as he slowly walked up the steps. He stood in the shower and let the hot water cleanse his body. He was warm, but he started to shiver with cold and then to cry. "What have I done? What have I done?" he repeated over and over.

            In their bedroom, Dan lay on the bed, facing the wall. He closed his eyes, but the tears ran down his face and made the pillow wet. "What have I done?" he said to himself.