Westpoint Tales
by Kiwi
Entangled Tales - 55 - Justin & Billy
Lucas arrived in record time, burst in through the back door, and stood panting and grinning at them.
"Wow, Lucas. That was quick!"
"Told you I'd come running."
"Did you stop and look left, look right and look left again before you crossed the streets?"
"No. I just flew across them."
"That's not good enough! If you get hit by a car, I'm going to kick your arse."
"Yes Mum. Sorry Mum. Hello Billy. Are we ready to go then?"
Justin handed him the keys. "Ready when you are."
Walking out to the car, Billy complained. "I don't want to do this. Not now - not yet. Mum knows where I am. Why can't we just wait and give her time to get used to it. We could ring her up; we don't have to drive all the way out there."
"Get in the car, Sunny. We're going now. Don't tell me that you're scared of your mum."
"I'm scared of my mum."
"I told you not to tell me that." Justin grinned. "There's nothing to worry about. She's already told me that she knows that you love me and she's cool with that."
"She did? When did she tell you that? Have you already rung her?"
"No, of course I haven't. Your mum came and saw me weeks ago, when we weren't talking, and she told me to wait because we were going to be together."
"Really? You never told me that."
"I just did. I don't break confidences, Billy. Not even to you."
"He doesn't either," said Lucas. "Got a real closed mouth has Superboy. When you tell him something, you know it's not going to go any further."
Justin slid an arm around Billy and hugged him. "Relax, Sunny. There's nothing to worry about."
"I hope you're right." He sighed. "This is a big thing, leaving home and moving in with you and we're still at school. You don't know my mum like I do. She can be pretty fierce at times."
"Go on, Billy, your mum's a pussycat."
"Upset a pussycat and see how soft they are. She is Ma Carver's daughter remember."
"Ma's a pussycat too. She was with your mum when they came up to my room."
"No! How the hell did Ma get up to your room?"
"She walked up the stairs. Granddad told her that I wouldn't come down, so she struggled up herself."
"Really? That's amazing. But why would she do that?"
"Because I wouldn't go to see her. They wanted to tell me that you and I belonged together and that I should wait because you love me."
"Nobody told me anything about this."
"They love you, Billy. I love you, Billy. Everything's cool."
"If you say so. I hope you're right. I'm not staying there anyway, I belong with you mow."
"Hang on to that, Sunny. We belong together."
Lucas said, "Are you guys really going to move in together, live together, full-time, permanently?"
"We are."
"Whoah! And you're still at school. That's going to give the gossips something to talk about. Good on you my Friends. If that's what you want, you go for it."
Billy smiled. "Thanks, Lucas. That's what I want."
"That's what we want, Sunny."
Lucas glanced across and grinned. "And Superboy always does get what he wants. Don't you, Justin?"
"Not always. But, over the rainbow, dreams that you dare to dream really can come true."
"Good for you, Superboy. I hope you'll be happy. I was there, Billy. I was with him the first time that he ever saw you. You were playing cricket and we were all sitting on the grass. Justin saw you and fell in love. He just looked out and asked, "Who's the beautiful boy with the fire in his hair?" We all told him to stay the hell away from you, but he wouldn't listen. Just as well too, wasn't it?"
"Just as well!" Billy pulled Justin closer and kissed him.
"Look at you! The stroppy little Carver Kid, all soft and loving. That's your biggest talent, Justin. You can tame anybody, can't you? You should be a lion-tamer; they'd be eating out of your hand."
"Shut up, Lucas. I obviously haven't tamed you yet."
"Yes you have." He sang, (badly), "I'd do anyfing for you, Dear. Anyfing, for you mean everyfing to me."
"Okay Lucas. But, don't call him dear. Justin's mine, all mine."
"All yours, my Sunnyboy."
Lucas kept singing as they drove along the highway. "Oh, ain't they sweet. You see them walking down the street. Well, I ask you very confidentially, Ain't they sweet?"
"Lucas, Whozzat are still looking for a singer."
"Do you think I should apply?"
"No, I think you should stay the hell away from them."
They arrived, finally. Lucas parked in the drive where directed, outside the house. Justin poured out of the car and looked back at Billy who was not moving.
"C'mon Sunny. Take a deep breath, square your shoulders and march on in there. Never show you're scared, that just puts you on the back foot."
"Okay. I'm not scared, not when Superboy is with me."
"I'm with you all the way. Come on, let's do it."
Billy led the way in, Justin and Lucas following. The kitchen was empty but there were open boxes of Billy's clothes and gear sitting on the table. When he saw this, Billy's face fell. "She's throwing me out," he whispered.
"What was that?" Billy's mother came in through the back door with another box of books.
"No-one's throwing you out. I thought you were going to live with Justin. Is that not right? You haven't changed your mind again have you?"
"Mum . . I," A huge grin spread across Billy's face. "Yes! I'm going to live with Justin!" He grabbed Justin and hugged him.
"And, it's all right! You don't mind, Mum?"
"Of course it's okay by me." Cecily smiled as Billy flew at her, knocking the box of books out of the way, and hugging her.
"Thanks, Mum! Oh, thank you. I was so worried about what you were going to say."
He stepped back at looked at her. "But I was still going anyway.,"
"Of course you were. You go where you belong - with Justin."
"And you're really, really okay with it? Truly?"
"Yes truly. I'm really, really okay with it. It's a bit sad to see my first chick leaving the nest, but it had to happen sooner or later. I know Superboy will look after you. He loves you, Billy."
"And I love him too." Billy spun back and grabbed Justin.
"We know that!" She scooped up the box of books and put them on the table. "Plus, we're sick of looking at your miserable face around here. You go and be happy. And you behave yourself. I'm still your mother and I've already spoken to Mrs. Reynolds. Any nonsense out of you and I'll be around to kick your butt. Hello, Justin, Sweetcheeks, you look after my boy."
"I'll look after him, Mrs. M., as long as he lets me."
"I know you will. If it doesn't work out, you can always come home, Billy. But I don't expect that you will. Ross and Robert are moving into your rooms, that's why we're packing up your stuff. Take what you need and we'll store the rest here somewhere. I hope you'll both come and see us often. Actually, you'd both be welcome to come and live out here if you'd like."
"No, thanks but it'll be easier living in town, for school and stuff. Plus, we've got plans!"
"I'll bet you have. It's an exciting time in your life. Enjoy it, Boys. We are going to miss your burgers though."
"That's part of the plans! We're going to open a burger bar - right next to the Adelphi."
"You are? Sounds good. What say we have a cuppa and talk about it? Hello, Lucas isn't it? Sit down, I'll get us all a drink. Would you like a beer, Lucas?"
"No thanks, Mrs. Mathieson. I'm driving - a cup of coffee would be good."
"That's fine. You'd be another one under Superboy's good influence, I suppose. Justin, before you sit down, would you open the living-room door and let the tribe in please? I expect they'll all have their ears glued to the door by now."
They sat around talking, kids everywhere. Billy sorted and loaded up the gear he wanted to take with him.
Justin and Billy sat side-by-side on the bench seat, not actually touching but very close together. Nobody failed to notice that Lucas and Margaret, who already knew each other from school, were getting on very well together. All the coy looks that Justin usually got were now being directed at Lucas.
When they went off together, alone, for a moonlight walk down to the river, Cecily turned and asked. "Justin, as the newest member of our family, what's this Lucas like really?"
"No good asking me, Mrs. M. I love Lucas. He can do no wrong in my eyes."
"So he's all right? He's not going to do anything with my girl?"
"Lucas is about the nicest guy I've ever known. He's not going to do anything. Any girl would be lucky to get Lucas, he's the greatest!"
"Just as well he's straight, eh Mum? I'd be getting worried."
"Shut up Billy. Lucas is the best, but you're better."
"Shut up, Justin."
When they left, waving happily, Lucas pulled out on to the highway and Billy contentedly cuddled up to his mate. Justin sat smiling quietly and supporting Billy across his chest.
Lucas glanced down. "Have you got your seat belt on Billy?"
"I've got a lap belt on. Anyway, Superboy will hold me if you crash."
"We're not going to crash. What would you think if I asked your sister out?"
"Are you going to ask Denise out on a date?"
"No, Dork. Not Denise, Margaret. What would you think?"
"Isn't it a bit soon after Shelley? Rebound things don't work usually."
"It's not too soon. Two or three months ago might have been, but not now. Shelley and I have been over for a long time really. Again, what would you think?"
"She could do worse, I suppose. You go for it, Lucas."
"Good, 'cause I already have - we're going out tomorrow."
"Whoah. Don't waste any time do you?"
"Not when it's important. I really like your sister, Billy."
"I think she likes you too."
Justin said, "So, Lucas Sheridan is going out with a Carver Kid?"
"Nothing wrong with Carver Kids. You should know that, Superboy."
"Thanks Justin." Billy grinned. "Without you, my sister would never have got to go out with one of the hottest boys in Westpoint."
Justin and Lucas both said, "Shut up, Billy."
Next morning, early, Billy wouldn't get out of bed so Justin went running alone, out to Carver's Beach around the airport and back home.
After breakfast, they walked to the Carvers' house, talking burgers all the way.
The only comments Ma made were, "About bloody time too! Justin, you look after my boy. Billy, you look after Superboy."
From there, they wandered over to the racecourse where Jinks was riding around in a trotting sulky, exercising his dad's best horse. He saw them standing there, leaning on the fence, and pulled up next to them.
"Hey Guys. I heard you were together now. How is it going then?"
"Sweet, Jinks, everything's sweet. Is this your horse? What's he called?"
"Look again, Justin. She is called Maverick. She's my dad's horse really, I'm just working her."
"Looks like pretty easy work to me. Shouldn't you be standing up in your chariot thingy?"
"No, I shouldn't!" Jinks laughed. "It's called a sulky. Don't know much about horses do you?"
"Ooooh. Who's in a sulky then?"
"Shut up, Billy. So, Superboy, you're supposed to be the fastest thing on two legs. Want to try racing against a horse?"
"I've never run against a horse. Is she fast?"
"Faster than you, Boy. Look at the size of her legs, and she's got twice as many as you have."
"Okay, Jinks. We'll try it. But, don't you laugh at me if I lose. How many circuits of the track?"
"Laps, Superboy. Three laps of the track. And, I'll try not to laugh."
He stripped off his sweatshirt and jeans, left them with Billy, and hurdled the fence to line up next to Jinks' "chariot".
"You call, Billy. 3-2-1, go! And watch Superboy eat my dust."
A small crowd of people gathered to watch the unusual race and it was not Justin who had to eat dust. He easily outpaced the horse and was way in the lead when they finished the course.
He streaked across the finish line and circled back to meet Jinks coming in. There was a ripple of applause from the sideline and exultant yells from Billy.
Jinks stopped, raised his goggles, and peered at him. "Bloody Hell, Superboy! You're not even sweating! What are you? Nuclear-powered or something?"
One of the on-lookers called out. "Jinks! Next time make him pull the sulky. Your old nag might have more chance if she's running free of it."
Justin just grinned, shyly. "Thanks, Jinks. I like to run - that was fun. C'mon Sunny, let's go."
They left the park, still carrying his clothes and he stopped to put them on when they were outside the school.
"You're still blushing, Sweetcheeks. Didn't you enjoy that then?"
"The running was fine. I just didn't realise that there were so many people watching."
"There's nothing to be embarrassed about. You're bloody incredible, Superboy. And so the legend grows."
"The legend grows. Much longer and the horse would have overtaken me. One of these days, I'm going to fall flat on my face."
"That's never going to happen, you're the real thing, Justin."
"Yeah, yeah. Come on, let's walk out to the cemetery - we'll go and see Jeremy."
"He's not really there you know."
"I know that, but it's a good place to remember and think about stuff."
They arrived at the cemetery. The sun was getting really hot. They stopped for a minute at Carl's grave, saluted Gemmy's in passing, and then flopped down on the grass next to Jeremy's in the shade of a big old tree.
Billy rolled over, sat up and addressed the photo on the headstone.
"Hey Cousin. Look at me. I wish you could see me now, I'm here with the friggin' weirdo and I'm totally in love with him."
Justin lay on his back, grinning fondly up at him. Billy returned the smile, then turned back to the headstone.
"You're lucky you're not here, Jeremy Carver. I'd bust your chops if you were. Stupid fucking idiot! I loved you, Jeremy. I miss you. I'll never forget you and what you did for me. Poor, stupid, fucking idiot. I loved you."
Tears were streaming down his face. Justin sat up and embraced him, holding him while he cried. Accompanied by the wind in the trees and Billy's sobbing on his shoulder, Justin began to sing, quietly.
"The valley is hushed. The flowers are all dying. The meadow is white, with the winter snow.
Come find the place, where you know that I'll be lying. Say a silent prayer, so I'll know."
Billy looked back at the grave and sang.
"Oh Jeremy, Oh Jeremy, the pipes, the pipes are calling. From glen to glen and down the mountainside.
The summer's gone and all the leaves are falling. It's you, it's you must go and I must bide.
Oh come ye back, when the sunshine's on the meadow. Or when the valley's hushed and white with snow.
For I'll be here, in sunshine or in shadow.
Oh Jeremy. Oh Jeremy, I love you so."
He rubbed his teary face on his bare arms. "Thanks, Justin. I never did get to say goodbye properly, until now."
"You don't have to say goodbye, Billy. Not really. As long as you remember him, Jeremy will live on in you."
"Don't you pinch me. If I wake up and you're not here, I'll die."
"I'm here, Sunny. I'll always be here."
They kissed, tenderly, then Billy looked back at the grave.
"He shot me you know. I tried to stop him going back to school with the gun and he fucking shot me! I never thought he'd shoot me."
"I know. I never thought he'd shoot me either, but he did."
"The difference is you kept coming back. One, two, three times and you kept coming. I couldn't do that, once was enough for me. I should have stopped him."
"You couldn't have stopped him; he was out of his tree. He would have kept shooting until you stopped."
"You didn't stop - you kept coming."
"It was different then. He'd already done what he was going to do. Brad Stephens was dead before I got there. And, I couldn't have gone any further. I was falling down when Jeremy caught me and held me up."
"But you weren't scared. That's the difference, I was terrified."
"You think I wasn't? Billy, I was so scared I pissed myself."
"Never!" Billy grinned. "You didn't!"
"I did you know. Everyone chose to ignore that, but I did."
"So you are human after all. I'm glad - be silly to be in love with a robot."
"I'm human, and much more flawed than you are, my friend."
"You are not! You're perfect, Superboy. Everyone knows that."
"Don't say that, Billy. Everyone calls me Superboy, but I'm not. You should know that - I'm not super. I'm flawed, scarred, damaged. I'm far from perfect."
"I know. I know you're flawed, but you're bigger than your scars. You are perfect, Justin. For me, you're perfect."
Justin sat looking down, shaking his head, then he raised his eyes and looked into Billy's.
"Have I told you lately that I love you?"
"Not for at least ten minutes."
"Well, I do you know. I love you, Billy. I'm so glad that you're here with me."
"I'm really glad to be with you. I love you."
"This is a graveyard you know, not bloody lover's lane!"
They whipped around and saw a stern looking, middle-aged man looking down at them. Justin grinned as he stood up.
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