I do not own Newsies or any of the Newsies characters. To the best of my knowledge they are owned by Disney.

I do not own the character Saiorse "Irish" Callan. She is owned by her creator Lady of Tir Na Nog, who has graciously offered the use of "Irish" as a character in this story.

I am making no money from this story. I seriously doubt the sanity of anyone who would pay money to read anything I have written.

Rated M for Slash, Sexual Situations, and Language.

Chapter 6 - The Next Level

The fall dance had been interesting to say the least. Jack and David had a particularly eventful evening. Rather than go out for pizza with the others, the two decided to go back to Jack' house. They both felt that they needed some time alone.

Itey and Reggie decided to leave as well. They had spent little enough time alone that evening. Tony had made sure of that. He'd been acting like a deranged super hero who'd sworn to protect innocent maidens from evil little Italian boys.

Itey decided that they could at least spend a few minutes together while they were walking home. Unfortunately for Itey, he was to nervous to enjoy his time with Reggie. He kept looking over his shoulder and waiting for Tony to jump out of the bushes and yell, "Get your hands off my sister!"

The rest of the group went over to Tibbini's Restaurant.

Mr. Tibbini was Tony's father's closest friend. All of their family celebrations were held at his restaurant.

Mr. Tibbini agreed to let them inside only if Tony promised to refrain from dancing on the tables.

It seemed that ever since Tony was a little boy, his father would lift him onto one of the tables and have him dance for the crowd. Every birthday, anniversary, communion, and conformation, Tony was expected to dance. Old habits were hard to break.

Once inside the conversation covered a wide range of topics including the school dance, the Yankees v/s the Mets, and who would make the better-looking couple, Jack and David, or Jack and Sarah. Of corse, Jack and David won, hands down.

Snoddy didn't hear much of the conversation. He was in awe of Irish. He'd seen her almost every day for the past three years. But now, she seemed different. It was like he was seeing her for the first time.

Her accent, her straight brown hair, and her violet blue eyes were all the same, yet now they were more vibrant and exciting. Snoddy used to think it was weird that one of Irish's eyes was almost purple. Now he found it incredibly hot!

Spot and Mush kept everyone entertained with their unique outlooks on the universe.

Theirs was a strange friendship. Spot was a smart mouth, hard ass realist, and Mush was trusting, wide eyed and innocent. They were polar opposites. They fought like sworn enemies both with words and fists, yet they trusted each other without question. As different as Spot and Mush were, they had one obvious thing in common. They were both extremely funny. Everyone found them great fun to watch. It was like getting free tickets to a comedy club.

Chris and Tony had a great time. They even managed to hold hands while everyone was too busy laughing to notice.

When they said their goodnights and went their separate ways, Tony and Chris headed back to Chris' house. Mrs. Hunter was away on a business trip and Tony was spending the weekend.

Originally, Mrs. Hunter had planned to take Chris along but he vehemently objected. After two days of arguing, screaming, and compromising, Mrs. Hunter agreed to let Chris stay at home if he had a friend stay with him. Chris volunteered Tony. Her instructions were clear. They were not to have any parties and were not to invite anyone over while she was gone.

Mrs. Hunter was oblivious to her son's sexual preference. She had not idea that Chris and Tony were a couple. Chris had considered telling his mother that he was gay, but after giving it careful consideration he decided that neither he nor his mother was ready for that.

Now that they were alone in the house, Tony and Chris both felt a little clumsy and awkward. They had been close friends for about a year, and had been together sexually for two months. But this was different. This wasn't a few stolen moments when they when sure that nobody was looking. It wasn't the short time they had alone in Tony's father's car in the back row of the drive in a movie. This was two days, and nights alone in Chris' house.

"Is something wrong?" Chris asked.

"Nah. Just noticed how quiet it is around here. It's not like my house at all."

"Yea," said Chris. "That's what I like about your place. Your parents are so - -"

"SHIT! My parents. I promised that I'd call as soon as we got home."

Tony's father's instructions were also very clear. Tony could stay with Chris as long as he called to let his parents know of their whereabouts. He didn't mind having to check in at home. It was a small price to pay for a weekend alone with Chris. Besides, Tony wanted to make sure that the Itey (or as Tony now called him the Sex Craved Maniac) had brought his sister back safe and sound.

Tony spoke briefly with his father. When Mr. Higgins was convinced that Tony and Chris were fine and Tony was convinced that Reggie was fine they said goodnight.

Tony wandered into the livingroom to sit on the couch and thumb through the TV channel guide.

"I've got a surprise for you," Chris called out from the kitchen. He soon emerged carrying a tray of assorted snacks and two bottles of beer.

Looking at the label Tony shook his head approvingly. "Imported . . . Very nice."

"Nothing's too good for you and our first night alone together," Chris smiled.

Chris lay across Tony's lap looking up at him as they talked. They talked about everything. Their families, their friends, their special dance, and how happy they were to be together.

Tony looked down at Chris and couldn't help noticing how beautiful he was. Not beautiful like he would say a girl was beautiful. There was definitely nothing feminine about Chris. But Tony could think of no other way to describe him. In his eyes, Chris was absolutely beautiful. There was no denying it.

Chris' skin was incredibly smooth and had a sort of pink glow about it. His sighted eye was a shade of blue that Tony had never seen on another person. The brown leather patch over the other gave Chris a strong and masculine look. But Chris' smile was the thing that Tony loved the most. His lips were full and inviting. Tony couldn't help but run his fingers across them as Chris spoke. Chris began to kiss Tony's fingers and savor each one as they moved gently over his lips.

Chris could feel Tony getting hard against his back. Then he could feel his own body responding likewise.

Tony was more than a bit surprised when Chris sat up and straddled him. Chris had always waited for Tony to make the first move.

Chris found the sensitive spot behind Tony's ear and kissed it gently sending a serge of warmth throughout Tony's body. He nibbled his way down Tony's neck then stopped for just a moment to let his warm breath, tease the skin. Then, when he reached the base of Tony's neck, he bit firmly, just the way Tony liked it.

Tony growled and arched his back with pleasure. Chris had to grab onto Tony's shirt to keep from being tossed to the floor. Then Chris covered Tony's mouth with his own.

They could feel their desire for each other intensify through the fabric of their slacks.

Chris' boldness was unexpected but was definitely welcome. Tony became lost in this new experience allowing himself to follow Chris's lead. His pulse pounded in his ears as his body trembled with excitement.

Chris drew back slightly, and whispered through their kisses. "Race? . . . Have you ever thought about doing something . . . different?"

Tony's mind was clouded from the touch, and taste, and sent of Chris.

"Yea . . . Ah, no . . . Huh, what? What so you mean, different" he sighed?

"You know . . . sex."

The sudden recognition of what Chris was asking pulled Tony back to reality.

"Okay," Tony said as he eased Chris slightly away from him. "I think that you've had a little too much to drink."

"It's not the beer," Chris replied. "Look," he said as he waved the bottle in front of Tony's face. "I didn't even finish the first one."

Tony gently moved Chris off of his lap. "Of course I've thought about it. I'm just surprised that you've thought about it."

"Look, Race. I'm going to ignore the fact that your making me sound like an idiot."

"You mean sound like a blond," Tony laughed?

"Yea, Race, that's very funny. I am capable of cognitive thought, you know."

"I know," Tony said reassuringly. "I'm just teasing you . . . But to answer your question yes I have thought about it. I've thought about it a lot. But we are not going to do this when you've been drinking."

"Cone on, Race. You know that I haven't had that much to drink."

"I'm serious Blink. If we are going to take this to the next level, I want to be sure that you know what you're are asking. I'd hate to think that you'd wake up tomorrow, regretting what we'd done."

"No . . . No I wouldn't regret it. I was thinking that I would like to . . . you know . . . Do it. But I was kinda hoping that you would have suggested it by now It's just that you are more experienced, and I was wondering why you hadn't."

Chris waited for a response, but Tony said nothing. Chris began to squirm inside. Suddenly this didn't seem like such a good idea.

"I didn't mean to put you on the spot, Race. Just forget that I said anything."

"Look, Blink. This is a big step for you. I know that it was for me. I have to be sure that it's what we both want."

Chris sat back against the couch and pulled his knees up against his chest. "Oh," was all he said.

"Okay, Chris. What's the matter? What did I say?"

"Nothing . . . I understand."

"Apparently you don't understand, or you wouldn't be upset."

"It's just that . . . well, you know how I feel about you. And lately, I been thinking that I want to be with you . . . you know . . . that way. I've been thinking about it a lot. I was hoping that you wanted the same thing. I thought that you felt the same way about me . . . But it's okay. I understand."

Tony stood up and walked across the room and grabbed his duffel bag.

A slight panic welled up inside Chris. "Race, please don't leave. I won't bring it up again. I promise"

"Jesse, Blink. Will you relax? I'm not going anywhere. I'm just looking for something."

Tony fumbled around inside the bag, then pulled out a small black zippered case.

"Here," Tony said as he tossed it to Chris. "Go ahead. Look inside."

Chris opened the bag, and together with Tony's toothbrush, comb, and other personnel items, he found the lube that Tony had purchased earlier in the day.

Chris's face blushed red at the sight of it.

Tony smiled with delight as he wondered how Chris could be bold enough to bring up the subject of intercourse then blush at the sight of the tube.

"Ya see," he said, as he sat back down next to Chris. "I have thought about it. I thought about doing it tonight. Hell, I've jacked off to the thought of doing it! I just want you to be sure. That's all."

Chris looked at Tony with the pout that melted Tony's heart.

"That's not fair," Tony scolded. "You know I hate it when you give me that look."

"You don't hate it," Chris teased. "You love it."

"No, I don't. And it's not going to work so just stop it!"

"You do too love it," Chris laughed as he poked Tony in the sides. "Come on admit it. You love it."

"God, Blink. You're such a child."

"And you're an old man," Chris laughed.

"Jackass," Tony sputtered.

"Asshole," Chris grinned.

"Slut," Tony smirked.

"Prude," Chris Laughed.

Tony stood up and snatched the tube away from Chris with one hand and took Chris's hand with the other.

As Tony lead Chris down the hall he mumbled, "I don't know what I'm going to do with you."

"Something really incredible, I hope," Chris replied.

About half way down the hall, Tony stopped, and pinned Chris against the wall.

Tony's mouth pressed against Chris' more fervently than at any time before. Their teeth clashed together as Tony's tongue went deeper into Chris' mouth. Tony's movements were strange to Chris but were eagerly accepted. Tony tore at the buttons on Chris's shirt and quickly discarded the garment. He undid Chris' belt and relieved him of his suddenly too tight pants and boxers. A flash of heat engulfed Chris's body. The sensation made him moan with delight.

Tony quickly shed his clothing, and pressed his body firmly against Chris. He began to bite at Chris's ear, then slowly worked his way down then neck, leaving small red marks at each stop. By the time Tony reached the shoulder, Chris was writhing uncontrollably. His hips were pressing back against Tony's. The pressure was building within Chris, and he knew that he couldn't hold back much longer.

"Race," he said breathlessly. "If you keep this up it's all going to be over right here."

"Okay," Tony said, pushing away from Chris.

Chris was headed back down the hall when Tony asked, "Where are you going?"

Chris was completely puzzled. " I was going to the bedroom. I thought we were going to . . . you know."

"Yea, I know," said Tony. "But if we are going to do this then it's going to be my way. Okay?"

Chris became quite apprehensive at the serious tone of Tony's words. But Chris loved Tony and trusted him completely.

"Yea . . . Okay, Race."

"Where do you keep the eye-patch that you use for swim meets?"

"It's in my gym bag," Chris responded uncomfortably.

"Well, go get it and put it on."

Chris went to his room and found the bag. His hands were shaking as he rummaged through the contents.

He removed the leather patch and placed it carefully on his dresser. Chris looked at himself in the mirror. He examined his uncovered eye and wondered when, if ever, he would feel comfortable enough to let Tony see him without the patch.

"Blink? Is everything all right in there?" Tony called.

"Yea. I'll be right out," Chris called back as he donned the new patch. He took a quick glance in the mirror to see that it was on straight, and went back into the hall to join Tony.

The hallway was empty. A trickle of light showed around the slightly open bathroom door.

Chris waited uncomfortably for Tony to finish whatever he was doing.

Suddenly, Tony called out, "Blink, you out there?"

"Yea. Im here."

"Well come on in then," Tony instructed.

The Room was filled with steam. The thick damp air took Chris' breath away for just a few seconds.

The frosted glass door of the shower slid open, and there stood Tony. His body wet, and glistening through the steam.

Chris' body reacted to the site, and his excitement became immediately evident.

"Come on," Tony said softly as he held his hand out to Chris.

Chris flinched at the feel of the exceptionally hot water.

"Sorry," Tony said, as he turned down the temperature. "I like my showers hot. The same way as I like my men," he chuckled.

"What are we doing in here?" Chris asked tentatively.

"Relaxing," Tony said.

Tony took the large bath sponge he had found in a basket next to the shower and squeezed on a generous portion of liquid soap. Slowly and methodically, he began to wash Chris' back.

Chris's apprehension began to fade as the sponge slowly made its way around his body. The hot water, the steam, and the rhythmic movements of Tony's hands captivated Chris. He was entranced, swaying slightly to match Tony's movements. Tony pressed his body against Chris's back as he reached around to massage Chris' chest. The liquid soap made their bodies move easily against each other. They were engulfed in a closeness that was new and intoxicating.

Soon Tony's hand, and the sponge, traveled down Chris' body. Its slow and easy movement across his abdomen and stomach sent a chill down his spine. Tony continued down the outside of Chris' thigh, then slowly began the travel up, coming ever closer to his destination.

Suddenly, Chris pulled away from Tony's embrace.

"Come on, Race," he said sounding slightly annoyed. "I told you before that I couldn't take much more of this."

"So?" Tony said almost laughing.

"So!" Chris was becoming increasing irritated. "So, I'm serious. You know that if you keep this up that I will . . . be finished."

"So what are you trying to tell me, Blink?"

"So I don't want it to be over here. I want to do what we talked about."

Now Tony was laughing. But it wasn't a mocking laugh. He was delighted by the innocence of his lover.

"Blink, don't you realize that you can do both? You're seventeen years old for crissake. At this age we can do this over and over all night. It doesn't have to be just once and you're through."

Chris looked at Tony as if he had suddenly solved all the mysteries of the universe.

"I know all of that, Race. I've taken biology too. It's just that we've only done it once each time we were together."

"Blink, we've never had the time or the opportunity to do it more than once," Race assured him. "I don't want this to be a just do it and get it over with thing. I want this to be different and special for your . . . I mean for our first time."

Tony leaned over and kissed Chris, then continued his lathery exploration of Chris' body.

Soon he succeeded in satisfying both their needs.

Tony grabbed a towel and wrapped it around his waist. Then he took another and wrapped it around Chris' shoulders.

Then, they stood silent, in each others arms.

Eventually, they made their way back to Chris' room and stretched out comfortably on the bed. Chris was now considerably more at ease and thankful that he had a considerate and understanding lover in Tony.

They relaxed and made pillow talk. They were enjoying the simple closeness of each other. Soon their light and playful kisses became urgent and needful.

Tony's eyes traveled the length of Chris' body.

Chris became suddenly conscious, of Tony's gaze. In a fleeting moment of modesty Chris turned slightly to cover himself.

"Don't" Tony whispered. "I love to look at you. You're beautiful."

Soon, Tony was on top of Chris. There was an eagerness in both of them.

"Chris? Are sure that this is what you want? It doesn't have to be tonight. We've got a lot of time ahead of us and - -"

"Damn it, Tony you can't stop now. This is what I want!"

There was an urgency in Chris' voice that Tony had never heard before.

"Please Tony, don't make me wait . . . Please?"

Tony examined Chris' face. Perspiration was forming on his temples and upper lip. He could see the need in Chris's expression.

Tony was sure that this was the right time. Chris was ready, and he was ready.

While he prepared himself, Tony explained what he was going to do and what was going to happen. He didn't want Chris to be afraid or surprised.

"Your first time isn't always easy," Tony said.

"I know," Chris assured him. "But it's what I want."

Tony prepared Chris as softly and as comfortably as possible.

Tony took Chris, gently and lovingly.

It was incredible. This ultimate expression of their love, was more beautiful then either had imagined was possible.

Their sleep came quickly and easily.

END - CHAPTER 6

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