Eternal Bloom - The Beginning

[Clarence591]

I wanted to post this yesterday but the site was down (I thought that only happened on weekends). So when you read this pretend it's still Halloween. Enjoy!


Chapter 1

[COLOR=#000000]Billy saw only a bright white circle as he looked through the BB rifle?s scope. He felt the barrel being pushed as the tree, then bird, came into view. ?Do you see it?? Alec asked.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Uhuh? Billy answered nervously.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Shoot, Wills? Alec ordered. Billy put more pressure on the trigger but not enough to cause the gun to fire. He watched the starling bob and weave to keep its balance on the swaying branch of the oak tree. The dark bird changed from black to purple to black again as the sunlight danced over its iridescent feathers. Billy wondered if the bird understood its life would end with him squeezing his finger a little tighter. The boy lowered the rifle from his shoulder. Alec pulled the gun from his stepbrother?s hands and quickly got off a shot. Both boys watched as the bird fell from its perch. ?Come on, Wills? Alec said as he trotted toward his kill. Billy did not move. Alec turned to see the younger boy looking defeated. ?Come on, let?s go find it?. Billy looked up to see Alec?s reassuring smile. He ran after Alec trying to keep up with his older brother?s faster pace. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]The boys could not find the bird on the ground. Billy looked up and saw it snagged on a branch over their head. ?There it is. I?ll get it?, Billy said as he began to climb the mighty oak to prove he wasn?t afraid.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?No, I?ll do it.? The older boy found a stick and poked at the bird until it fell at their feet. It was still alive, its wings fluttering as it struggled to regain control of its damaged body. After staring for a few minutes, Alec reached down and cradled the spastic bird in his hands. ?So beautiful?, he whispered. He then grabbed the birds head in one hand. With a quick twist, a broken neck ended the bird?s struggle. Alec gently stroked the lifeless bird to smooth its misaligned feathers. ?So beautiful? he whispered again. Alec turned to his anxious stepbrother, ?You didn?t want it to be in pain. It?s better off now.? Alec focused his attention back to the bird, ?It will be beautiful forever.?[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]Alec walked to the far side of the backyard, where it eased down to a shallow creek. Billy, as usual, towed behind. Like most siblings, he admired his older brother. To him, Alec was the smartest, strongest, and best looking boy that ever existed. The fact was reinforced by the compliments regularly given to Alec. Whenever their parent?s friends visited, they would tell him how handsome he was. His thick, golden brown hair and flawless bone structure were worthy of praise. But it was his eyes that garnered the most attention. When asked he told everyone they were hazel, but that word was an inept description. The color would shift from aqua green to sky blue depending on the ambient light. Their brilliance was only enhanced by the gold flecks around the edge of the irises. It was like nature was celebrating his beauty with ever present 24K confetti. Alec stood taller than his peers and his solid build only added to his captivating appearance. It wasn?t any different at school. He was always the team captain whatever the game of the day at recess. The girls would sit and whisper to each other as the watched him play. At almost every school assembly, Alec was on stage either starring in the latest production or accepting some award. He was by far the most popular boy at MeadowbrookGrammar School. Billy wished he was his real brother instead of only being his stepbrother. He seemed to be the perfect child despite the tragedy he endured during his young life.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]Billy?s father married Alec?s mother a little over a year ago when Billy was eight and Alec was ten. The newlyweds met at a single parents support group. Billy?s mother died of cancer two years ago. The death of Alec?s father was rarely talked about, but Billy?s father told him he died while in a special hospital. Billy would later find out from Alec, it was a mental institution. He suffered from schizophrenia, something Billy couldn?t pronounce and didn?t understand. Alec also had a younger brother, David, who had died accidentally when he fell from a tree. David, who had autism, was playing with Alec when it happened. Alec watched his brother fall. Billy thought that was why Alec instantly took on the role of his big brother when the two first met. He filled a void in Alec?s life.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]The boys stopped when they reached a patch of loosened earth. ?Where are you going to bury this one, Alec?, Billy asked in a strained attempt to lighten the mood. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?I think next to the jay bird? Alec answered after some thought. He fell to his knees and pawed through the soft loam. He miscalculated the location of his earlier victim and uncovered a blue jay. He lifted the worm ridden carcass from its grave. ?No, this wasn?t supposed to happen.? Alec became noticeably upset as he watched the scavengers devour the once beautiful animal. He started to pick away at the maggots pulling them from the rotting flesh. Then he remembered the other animals at rest in his personal cemetery. He scratched at the dirt and pulled out an older bird he killed. Then a mouse and pet hamster named Spanky. Each animal was in a greater decomposed state then the previous one. Alec became more and more agitated mumbling, ?No, this is not supposed to happen. You should stay young and beautiful?. Billy shook the hamster from his stepbrother?s hands.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?It?s okay Alec. This is what happens when you bury something. It?s like we learned in school. They are fertilizing the ground to help the grass and trees grow.? Billy said in a calming voice.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]Alec looked up from his dirty hands into Billy?s eyes, ?And the flowers too??[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Yes, and the flowers too. It?s like their beauty is being transferred to the flowers, making them stronger and more beautiful. It?s a good thing. I think Spanky would?ve wanted that?? Billy added still holding on to Alec?s hands. Even at his young age, Billy had a clear understanding of life and death. He watched his mother slowly deteriorate with his daily trips to her hospital bed. Afterward his father sent him to therapy to help him grieve.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]Alec?s face became softer as the anguish left his eyes. ?Yeah, I guess?. Alec wiped his hands off on his pant legs and dried his eyes on his shirt sleeve.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]Billy looked at the carcasses lying around Alec?s knees, ?Let me help you rebury everything?.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?No, I can?t bear to know they are getting uglier under the ground.? Alec looked around searching for an answer. He saw the property was littered with small twigs and dried brush from the winter. ?I know what to do?, he said with enthusiasm. Billy smiled to see the brother he admired return. He always hated when his sad side took over.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]Billy followed Alec?s every order as they collected kindling. The boys stood around the funeral pyre. Billy used his shirt to cover his nose and mouth to weaken the odor. [/COLOR]
[COLOR=#000000]Alec just watched the fire with a strange expression on his face. That was the last time Billy saw Alec use his BB gun.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]-----------------------[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]Alec and Billy were playing in the upstairs hallway. They had rolled up the carpet runner and were sliding across the newly waxed floor in their socks. The boys stopped momentarily when their nanny Delarus yelled from the staircase. ?You boys stop that foolishness right now. You are going to break something.?[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]Pushed by Alec, Billy appeared at the top of the staircase, ?Yes, ma?am? he said before giggling at the noises his brother was making out of the woman?s sight. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?I?m holding you responsible, William. I know you are the trouble maker.? She said before mumbling to herself in her native Haitian about the spoiled boy.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]The live-in nanny was hired to look after the boys when their mother got the supporting role in an off Broadway play. She, like Alec?s real father, was a formerly trained actor. Billy?s father worked in New York?s financial district. Since both parents now worked in the city, they rented a small apartment in the Upper East Side to save them from commuting every night. They returned to the family home in Connecticut once or twice a week.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?I?m the trouble maker. Boy do you have her fooled? Billy said as he walked down the hall to his brother?s side.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?What can I say? I have a way with the ladies; even the mean, old ones.? Alec joked. He had already learned how to use his natural good looks and charm to manipulate people.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Help me move the rug back? Billy said disheartened.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Why? We can keep on having fun, Wills. Just be quieter. Old Delarusty will never know.? Alec said with total confidence.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?I don?t know. If she finds out, I?m the one that?s going to get into trouble. She hates me.?[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]Alec laughed. ?Don?t worry; I?ll protect you if anything happens.?[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]The boys returned to their fun, trying to muffle their laughter. They tried sliding side by side down the narrow hall. Alec?s foot hit a rough spot and caused him to lose his balance, his heavier body slammed into Billy?s. Billy fell into the wall dislodging a sconce. The brass and glass candle holder smashed onto the floor. ?Shit? Billy said aloud. The boys froze in place. ?I don?t think she heard. Start collecting the pieces. I?ll get a box from the attic to hide it. Maybe nobody will notice it?s gone? Alec said softly before disappearing up the attic stairs. Billy started to place the smaller pieces of broken glass into the biggest piece. He suddenly became aware of someone watching him. He peered over his shoulder and saw Delarus with a stern expression on her haggard.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?It wasn?t my fault. It was an accident. We were playing and Alec bumped into me and I hit the wall? Billy spoke quickly trying to explain.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Don?t try to pull your brother into your mess, boy. I caught you red-handed and your brother?s no where in sight. You have the devil in you, always getting into trouble and lying to me.? The older woman said in her thick accent.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?But I?m not lying? Billy said defensively.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Shut your mouth, devil child. Hold that forked tongue of yours still? she said getting angrier.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]Alec emerged from behind the attic doorway. He saw the look on both of their faces and knew what had happened. ?It was an accident, Delarus. We were playing together. It?s as much my fault as his?.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]The nanny looked at Alec?s angelic face. ?You are a good brother trying to protect him. But this one doesn?t deserve it.? She pulled Billy up by the back of his shirt. ?Now you go to your room. I?ll talk to your parents about your punishment.? Billy looked up at his brother as he passed by on the way to his room.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Whatever his punishment, I deserve equal treatment? Alec said as he went to his room next to Billy?s.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Such a good boy, that one is? Delarus said under her breath.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]Delarus telephoned the boys? parents and explained what happened. The parents decided the broken sconce was not worth a punishment beyond being sent to their rooms. They also agreed it was fair to punish them both equally. Delarus told them that Billy needed a firm hand and must learn lying is a sin. But the parents could not be swayed. They instructed Delarus to not worry about the proper way to raise their children. That was their responsibility. Delaus found their careless attitude as apprehensible as Billy?s. She gave them her notice as the conversation came to a heated end. In her anger, Delarus decided to take matters into her own hands. She?ll use her knowledge of the black arts to punish the boy as she felt fit. She saw a family photo on display near the telephone. She traced the boy?s smiling faces with her finger. ?If it?s equal treatment they want, it?s equal treatment they?ll get. But it certainly won?t be fair?. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]The nanny searched the backyard for two particular types of stones; one light in color and the other black as coal. Once satisfied with her selection she returned to her room. She poured scented oils onto the porous rocks then placed them in the boys? rooms while they were in school. The light stone went under Alec?s bed while the black rock was put to rest under Billy?s. As the boys slept that night she cast her spell. The next day she collected the stones, placed them in an old tin box and then set them on fire. She later buried the still warm box among the roses in the backyard. A week later Delarus was gone.[/COLOR]
[COLOR=#000000]-------------------[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?I can?t believe you broke your leg again, Wills? Alec said as he drove his brother home from the emergency room. ?What does this make, three casts in your collection? If you want my autograph all you have to do is ask like all my other fans.?[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]Bill laughed along with his brother. ?Yeah, this is my third broken bone. I guess I am as natural of a klutz as you are an athlete, big brother.?[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Let?s see, you broke your leg the first time when we were high school. You were a freshman and I was in my junior year. I remember because that was when I was named All-American for the soccer team and mom was upset because she had to cut the leg off your suit pants so you could attend the award dinner. Remember that?? Bill nodded yes with a smile. ?Then you broke your arm, during your junior year right.?[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Yeah, and do you remember I painted my cast the colors of your university to show my support when you broke the school?s all-time passing record? Bill added.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?How could I forget? Even with the bleachers packed with fans, you stuck out? Alec pumped his left arm making his well developed bicep bulge. ?Man, my arm was golden that season.?[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?While mine was black & blue? Bill laughed again. For the first time he noticed what his brother was wearing; a sleeveless compression shirt and a pair of work out shorts. ?Were you at the gym when they called you from the hospital??[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?I was just finishing my routine. I set a new personal best in the squat. My legs felt really strong today.? Alec said while rubbing his sculpted thigh.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?I?m glad you started to work out again. Have you talked to your agent recently?? Bill asked with some concern.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]Alec nodded his head, ?She said she could get me some print ads or runway work at any time. But I?m really bored with the whole strike a pose thing. I told her I wanted to concentrate strictly on my acting.?[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?That?s great you want to continue in the family business. Your parents would have been very proud of you? Bill said putting his hand on Alec?s well muscled shoulder. He tried squeezing it, but the rock hard ball was unyielding. Alec didn?t say anything but a deep sadness was in his eyes. ?I know losing our parents for a second time was tough. But knowing they were together when the car crashed some how made it more bearable.? Alec still didn?t respond. ?Are you keeping your therapy sessions each week?? Alec didn?t respond as he kept his eyes on the road. ?And how about your medication?? Alec ignored the question. ?Alec??[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Stop hassling me, you?re worse than mom was? Alec snapped. He grasped and yanked on the steering wheel to get out his frustration. Bill saw his forearms swell with power. He took a deep breath and eased his grip. He then finally looked at his passenger. ?I?m sorry. WIlls. I just don?t want to talk about that bullshit.?[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Okay.? After a moment of silence, Bill decided to lighten the mood. ?You really look good Alec, healthy and fit again. That?s the brother I know and love; the hunky model, slash, actor.? [/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]Alec smiled and jokingly slapped his brother?s soft chest with the back of his large hand, ?jerk?.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Pretty boy? Bill shot back. Both men laughed quietly.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?You look like you dropped a couple pounds yourself, Wills? Alec patted his brother on his rounded belly. ?Don?t tell me you are working out.?[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Me? I don?t think so. That?s your thing. You know how clumsy I am. Being in a room filled with heavy weights and machines is courting disaster. For some reason the fat just started to drop off me. I think it was all the stress I?ve been under during the semester. You know; finals, graduating and the other stuff. I?ve lost about ten pounds.? Bill said sucking in his pudgy gut. ?But the last couple of weeks, I?ve been getting those cravings again. It?s taking every ounce of will power I have to keep the weight off.?[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?I lost about ten pounds too when I stopped lifting. All of it fucking muscle. I haven?t been this small in a long time? Alec looked down at his torso and he ran his hand over his still solid chest.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?You know I really hate you some times?, Billy said jokingly.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]Alec just smiled and continued, ?I?m not putting the weight back on like I used to. Over the past four or five years, I?ve been able to add like 30 pounds of muscle, but during the last few weeks it?s like I hit a plateau. Don?t get me wrong, I?m glad to be lean. But I want to bulk up. It?s weird; I?ve never had any trouble before.?[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?The human body is a mysterious thing. All during college I didn?t realize I was slowly putting on weight and before I knew it I gained thirty pounds. But now I have to get serious about my weight. I?ve got to look my best to compete in this job market. Of course with my broken leg, I?m going to really have to cut my caloric intake or I?ll gain everything right back.? Bill rubbed his soft belly again.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?We can diet together, Wills. You to lose weight and me to gain.?[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Did I mention I hate you?[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]Alec laughed and reached over to playfully rub the top of his younger brother?s head. Billy softly slapped his hand away in protest. ?I?m glad you decided to come home for awhile after graduating and finishing your summer internship. Taking time off before job hunting was a great idea. I?ve been excited ever since you mentioned you were thinking about it. I know breaking your leg was not in your plans, but it looks like we were destined to spend this time together. I?m going to start my new career and once you heal, you?ll start yours. Meanwhile we have some fun.? Alec?s face got somber again. ?The house has been a lonely place lately.?[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?I?m looking forward to spending time with you too? Billy said putting his hand on Alec?s shoulder again. He pushed him slightly, ?Boy toy?.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]Alec quickly replied back, ?Nerd?.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]Alec drove his BMW roadster up the long driveway to the family estate. Billy leaned forward to be able to see the entire structure. He had taken the same drive countless times, but somehow the house looked different; colder, less welcoming. Bill held on to the car door as he pulled himself out of the low seat. He stood looking at the front door waiting for his parents to run out and greet him, but the door did not open. He studied the small, rectangular glass panels that ran up both sides and over the massive wooden portal. He saw himself as a small boy on the other side looking out. He was on the left and Alec on the right waiting for their parents to return from an extended stay in the city. It was like Christmas morning waiting to see what surprises they brought. A smile came over Bill?s face. It was a strange sensation; somehow it seemed like it happened only yesterday, but also a lifetime ago.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]Alec pulled his brother?s crutches out of the back seat and handed them to him. He made sure Bill was safely inside before attending to the luggage. Alec slowly hobbled from room to room. He hadn?t been home since his father?s and step-mother?s funerals three months ago. He went into the den and noticed the numerous additions to Alec?s extensive butterfly collection. Every spare inch of wall space had shadow boxes displaying the delicately beautiful creatures. Alec walked by the doorway and stopped when he saw his brother admiring the preserved insects. ?Beautiful aren?t they??[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]Bill was so preoccupied by the collection Alec?s deep voice startled him. ?Yes they are. Looks like you?re running out of room in here.? Bill turned to look at his step-brother. He was heavily saddled with Bill?s luggage. He had pieces slung over his shoulder, stuffed under his arm, and two bags in each hand. The effort caused the muscles and veins in his well-developed arms to swell. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?These are only the most beautiful, the truly flawless specimens. I have the others in the basement.? Alec smiled easily not at all bothered by the heavy load in carried. The light from the hallway caused an aura to surround Alec like an angelic vision. Bill just stared. He still idolized his stepbrother; the strongest, best looking man he knew. Alec repositioned the load he was carrying before saying, ?I better get this stuff up to your room?. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]Alec went to the hall and watched Alec climb the stairs two steps at a time proofing his earlier claim that his legs felt strong today. ?Sorry I?m not being much help.?[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Don?t worry about it, Wills. It?s not really all that heavy? Alec said loudly before disappearing from the top of the staircase.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Maybe not for a muscle hunk? Bill said under his breath. He turned to the open front door and was surprised to see someone standing there. The stranger gave him a little wave.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Hi, I?m Brandon, I work for the messenger service. I have a package from your stepbrother?s agent.? Bill hobbled over to the entrance. As he got closer he thought Brandon was attractive enough to be a model too if he wasn?t on the short side. His lack of stature put him in the cute category instead of handsome, Bill thought. ?You must be Wills.?[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?The name is Bill, only Alec calls me Wills. He has since we were kids? Bill said still feeling uneasy around the stranger.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Sorry, Bill. Alec has told me all about you. He said you might be staying with him for awhile after you finished school. Magna Cum Laude, good for you. I was never really good at school; I?m more of a people person than a book person. Listen to me going on and on about myself, even though I am fascinating. I want to know all about you. Alec didn?t mention anything about the leg. Does it hurt? How did it happen? I want all the gruesome details?, Brandon continued to ramble on as if they were friends.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Uh, it just happened today. I stepped off the train and somehow my foot fell between the platform and the train.? Bill wondered why he was answering Brandon?s questions. ?Did you need me to sign for something?? he asked in an attempt to end the conversation.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]Brandon?s expression went from curiosity to exuberance as he suddenly lost all interest in Bill. He looked right through him as he caught a glimpse of Alec coming down the stairs. ?Hi hi, Alec!? Alec joined his brother at the front door. ?You look really hot today. That shirt makes your shoulders look amazing.?[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Thanks Brandon?, Alec said and then gave a quick glance to his brother who had a smirk on his face. Alec grabbed the clipboard and signed his name with the pen Brandon supplied. ?What do you have for me today?? [/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Not sure, but its heavy enough to be a script? Brandon said excitedly.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Let?s hope? Alec commented as the two exchanged paraphernalia. Alec struggled to open the plastic envelope that enclosed the delivery. Bill chuckled as the strong man struggled. Alec gave him a dirty look before gripping the edge of the envelope in his teeth.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Oh, don?t damage those perfect pearly whites. Give it to me? Brandon instructed with genuine concern. The messenger removed a box cutter from his shirt pocket and sliced open the envelope. ?A tool of the trade I?m never without?, he said with his own dazzling smile. He returned the package back to Alec?s hands.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Thanks? Alec said pulling out the envelopes contents. After a quick overview he focused back on the other two men. ?I have some reading to do. I?ll let you boys get back to your conversation?. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Wills, I mean Bill, was just telling me how he broke his leg. Poor thing? Brandon said trying to keep his idol in attendance.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Yeah, Bill can be a real klutz some times? Alec joked while putting his arm around the injured man.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?I guess you got all the cat-like grace and agility in the family, Alec? Brandon quipped with a slight giggle.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Meow? Bill added as his eyes met Alec?s.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Okay?, Alec was getting uncomfortable with the messenger?s usual admiration around his stepbrother. ?Thanks Brandon, I?ll see you later?, with that Alec disappeared into the library with his delivery.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]Brandon leaned to the right to see past Bill as he watched Alec walk away. Bill rolled his eyes in protest. Brandon noticed and smiled coyly, ?You are right, Bill. He is indeed one hell of a muscle hunk.?[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]Bill just grinned back, ?Good bye, Brandon?.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?TTFN? Brandon said with a small wave before returning to his car, a bright yellow, convertible VW Beetle.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]Bill carefully balanced himself on one foot as he closed the front door using a crutch. He limped into the library to join Alec. ?He?s an interesting character?, he commented as he slowly lowered himself into a large, club chair. Bill always loved that chair for it was like him; soft, comforting, and overstuffed. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?He?s harmless? Alec said only tearing his attention away from the document in his lap for a second.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?He?s obviously a big fan of yours? Bill said trying to get his brother?s attention without success. ?What are you reading??[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?It?s a script for a television series. My agent got me an audition for a reoccurring role. She told me there was a buzz in the industry that they may be adding another character to the cast. And now it?s definite.? Alec said excitedly.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?What?s the name of the show?? Bill asked hoping to share Alec?s joy.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?CPW, which stands for Central Park West. It?s a night time soap opera type show. It?s highly rated.? Alec answered trying to justify his reaction.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]Bill leaned forward in the chair, ?Holy shit, CPW, really! I?ve watched it a couple of times. I really never got into it like a lot of people, but it is very popular. That?s the show that made TylaLang a star. She?s one sexy, little minx. The cat fights between her character and her stepmother are legendary.?[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?So, it?s a pretty big deal right.? Alec asked looking for confirmation.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Hell yeah. What role are you auditioning for??[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]Alec closed the script and held against his chest as he crossed his arms. ?The character?s name is JakeArmstrong. He?s a personal trainer that ends up having an affair with almost everyone in the cast. The writer?s describe him as the perfect muscular male specimen whom no one can resist. It?s a good thing I started working out again. The guy has his shirt off in virtually every scene. These days an actor has got to have a six pack.?[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?And they say Hollywood puts a lot of pressure on women to be thin? Bill said mockingly resting back into the soft chair.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Men not only have to be lean, but muscular too. The standards are high, Wills.? Alec answered missing Bill?s sarcasm. He moved to the edge of the couch and leaned forward to decrease the distance between them and asked softly, ?Do you think I?m really attractive enough for the part? Be honest with me. I don?t want to look foolish?.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]Bill could see the doubt in Alec?s eyes. Bill couldn?t imagine someone as beautiful as his stepbrother could be insecure about his appearance. Alec was always the focus of attention wherever they went. His stunning features and athletic physique caused immediate reactions from the people around him. Bill occasionally got annoyed from being ignored in Alec?s presence, but he understood it. Bill leaned forward as far as possible, ?You will be a great JakeArmstrong.? After a minute of reassuring eye contact, Bill couldn?t fight his usual impulse to make a joke, ??with very strong arms.? Bill smiled and attempted to flex his unnoticeable left bicep.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]Alec smiled too, ?Thanks, Wills?. Both men fell back onto their seats. ?The audition isn?t for another two weeks so I still have time to get into better shape. I think every model and actor under the age of 25 is trying out for the part. I need every advantage I can get? Alec said flexing his arm. He ran his hand over the impressive mound still pumped from his earlier workout. ?I need to get bigger. It used to be so easy for me to put on muscle whenever I wanted. I remember this time last year, my agent told me to stop lifting because I was getting too big.? Alec?s face became suddenly sad as he continued to feel up his arm. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?That was the same time I was at my heaviest. I was packing on the pounds eating all that horrible cafeteria food. God, did I crave anything fried or covered in whipped cream. I couldn?t stop myself. I didn?t even realize I was doing it until I couldn?t button my pants anymore. I can?t believe let myself get that fat. I was?.? Bill stopped when suddenly Alec stood up.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Fuck, I forgot to take my post workout shake.? Alec threw the script on his chair and walked quickly to the kitchen his voice trailing off. ?You?ve got to feed your muscles within 45 minutes after working out to get them to really grow.?[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Don?t worry about it, Alec. You still have two weeks to become the perfect man. That should be no problem for you.? Bill rubbed his soft, pillow-like stomach. His face lost all signs of joy as he whispered, ?I wish it was as easy for me.?[/COLOR]
[COLOR=#000000]------------------------[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]Bill entered the kitchen with a sour look on his face. ?Good morning? he grumbled.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]Alec was covered in sweat, his wet work out clothes clung to every well developed muscle on his lanky physique. ?Good morning to you, sunshine.? Alec poured his red concoction from the bender carafe into his sports cup. He turned and leaned against the kitchen counter, the granite ledge unable to dent his just as hard ass. ?Why are you in such a foul mood??[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]Bill passed by him without an answer. He hated that his stepbrother had already completed his morning work out and it wasn?t even eight o?clock yet. Alec?s diligence made Bill?s haphazard approach to fitness seem even worse. Alec jumped to attention and moved his 6? 1? frame out of the way of Bill?s crutches. Bill grabbed the carafe from behind his house mate. ?Are you done with this?? Alec nodded. ?Would it kill you to rinse this out once in awhile?? Bill went to the sink to clean the glass container. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Sorry? Alec said as he quickly swallowed a gulp of his post work-out elixir.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]Bill hobbled back to the blender with a gentle nudge and an annoyed look, he made the larger man move to the side. ?Since I got here, I?ve gained over 3 pounds. That?s 3 pounds in 3 days! Well, thanks to your digital scale, I know I?ve gained 3.4 pounds to be exact. It?s good I can precisely measure the level of my fatness.?[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?That?s funny I?ve gained 3.4 pounds too? Alec said in amazement.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Yeah that?s hilarious, Alec. The extra weight doesn?t quite look the same on me as it does you, sweat boy?, Bill snipped as he found his diet meal replacement among the collection of large plastic canisters. His one container was out numbered by Alec?s protein and creatine powders, work-out enhancers and testosterone boosters. Bill added his mix to the tap water in the blender. ?What happened to the days when people ate actual food??[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?It?s only 3 pounds, Bill. With a broken leg you should expect to gain a little weight. It?s not like you are moving around like you normally do, so you?re burning less calories?, Alec said trying to comfort his stepbrother.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Yeah I know. But I refuse to gain back the weight I lost. You don?t realize how easy it is for me to pack on the pounds.? Bill turned on the blender for a few seconds. ?I?m going to start having three of these a day and forget the sensible meal bullshit. That?s less than seven hundred calories a day. I would stop eating all together, but I read fasting can really screw up your metabolism. And mine is already slower than fucking?uhm, molasses in January?.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Molasses in January?? Alec chuckled his brilliant smile lighting up the room. ?Gee BillyJoeBob, when did you come down from them there mountains.?[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Shut up? Bill said holding back a laugh.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Why don?t you come to the basement with me? I?ll show how to use the equipment. That will help speed up your metabolism? Alec said slapping Bill?s back gently.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?What can I do with my leg in a cast?? Bill asked.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?You can still work your upper body; arms, back and chest? Alec answered with confidence, flexing each muscle group slightly as he named it. Bill could never refuse any of Alec?s ideas. It was obvious he knew a thing or two about working out.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]Alec helped is brother down the staircase. ?I don?t know why you won?t let me carry you? It would be a lot faster.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?I?m not having you carry me like a baby. I may be fat, ugly and crippled, but my male ego is still fully functional.? Bill said as his feet finally reached the basement floor. He looked around. He hadn?t been down here in years. The room was nicer than he thought it would be. It had been fully finished with pale blue walls, industrial carpeting in a blue-green tweed, and acoustical tile ceiling. Various high-end fitness machines were scattered about on the larger side of the stair case. On the other side was a door that led to a storage room. ?Very nice, no wonder you spend hours down here.?[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]Alec showed Bill how to use the preacher station and fly machine. He had to reset the weights to a fraction of what he used. He did it nonchalantly not wanting to damage his brother?s functioning male ego. The men heard the telephone ringing upstairs, Alec quickly ascended the staircase. His long powerful legs overtook 3 treads at a time.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]As soon as Alec was gone Bill let go of the cables. His unfit body had more than enough for one day. He hopped on one leg to remove his bulk from the weight machine. He positioned the crutches under his arms and headed to the stairs. He stopped and looked at the door to the storage room. His curiosity won out, as he moved from the bottom stair to the door. Bill reached for the knob and twisted it. It wasn?t lock. He pushed the door open and felt the interior wall for the light switch. Bill?s eyes quickly scanned the newly illuminated space. At first nothing caught his eye, but soon he realized the neatly organized shelves lining the walls held rather unusual trinkets. There were the butterflies deemed not perfect enough to be granted display space upstairs his brother mentioned. In addition there were birds artistically mounted in dioramic freeze frames and hundreds of small clear vials. A rectangular work surface stood in the center of the room. Precisely stored underneath the table was an impressive selection of medical supplies and anatomy books. Bill limped over to a shelf and picked up one of the medium sized vials. He brought it to his face to get a better view. In the light he could see it was a small mammal, either a mouse or vole perfectly preserved in a bath of formaldehyde. He replaced the vial back in its space. He bent is body forward and scanned same of the other vials? contents. There was a diverse assortment of bugs, small birds and mammals. The largest was that of a squirrel. Bill leaned closer to see the gray creature looking as if it had to be squeezed into its glass coffin. The tail had lost most of its fur and the lips had shriveled slightly to show its tiny, dagger like teeth. The rodent appeared angered by its final resting place. The squirrel?s miniature hands were perfectly preserved. Bill studied the sinewy fingers and pointed claws. He never got a chance to observe the delicate beauty of the live version. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Beautiful isn?t it?? Alec asked as he entered the small room.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]Bill?s body jerked from being startled by his family member. ?Yes, I guess so.? Bill straightened up and awkwardly maneuvered himself to face Alec. ?What is all this stuff??[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?It?s a collection, of sorts. My meager attempt to preserve some of nature?s most beautiful specimens. It?s amazing how much beauty there can be in the world if you look for it? Alec said, his eyes glassing over as he got more excited about his hobby. ?I?ve spent a near fortune preserving my beauties. First I tried drying?, Alec pointed to his butterflies, ?That works best for creatures with exoskeletons. I thought taxidermy would be good for other things, but you end up discarding most of the animal.? Alec softly petted the head of a stuffed robin. ?To me the inside is as beautiful and miraculous as the outside.? The curator then grabbed one of the small jars from the shelf. He held it up to the ceiling?s light fixture. The vial acted as a prism fracturing the light and casting a rainbow onto Alec?s face. ?Formaldehyde is the best way to preserve the beauty of the entire specimen. It?s a marvelous thing, keeping them beautiful forever.?[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]Bill stared at Alec as he preached his gospel. He became slightly alarmed by his tone. He wanted to bring the man he knew back to the conversation. ?You are one strange dude. You always had a thing about dead animals even when we were kids. I should call you Dr.Frankenstein?. As usual Bill tried humor to relief his discomfort. ?I guess that makes me Igor.?[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Oh, don?t think of them as dead, I don?t.? Alec scanned the shelves and raised his arms. ?They are simply sleeping, at rest, suspended in time. They?ll never fall victim of disease or old age. They?re forever young and beautiful; perfect specimens to live on for eternity without a care.?[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?And what about those that aren?t perfect? What happens to them?? Bill asked fearful of the answer he would receive.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Their role is to help make the beautiful things more beautiful. It?s nature?s way, God?s order. You know?? Alec reeled in his emotions when he saw the fear in his stepbrother?s eyes. ?I?m sorry Wills. Sometimes I get carried away with all this silly stuff. I think it?s the actor in me trying to get out. Ignore my ramblings; I don?t know what I?m saying. Actors and models, we aren?t known for our smarts.?[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Just hit your mark, say the line and look pretty, heh?? Bill asked with a grin.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Some thng like that.?[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Let?s get out of here?, Bill suggested. Alec guided Bill out of the room. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]Once Bill was out of the room, Alec turned to survey his collection of perfect specimens. He smiled, mouthed the words ?Good night?, turned off the light and pulled the door closed.[/COLOR]
[COLOR=#000000]--------------[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]Alec woke up in the middle of the night to relief his bladder. He entered the bathroom without turning on the light. He ran his hands over his cobbled abdominal muscles while filling the toilet. The above average length and weight of his cock allowed him to neatly piss without holding it. When finished he decided to weigh himself to check his progress. The red glow of the digital scale lit his face as he looked down at the reading. The shade reflected his mood as it showed 211.6 pounds. ?Shit, I?m lifting like crazy and still lost 3.1 pounds. What do I have to do to put on some real muscle?? Alec stormed out of the restroom and went down the stairs. He planned on making another protein shake before returning to bed. As he reached the landing he heard a strange noise from the library. He entered and found Bill there in the moon lit room. He was sitting on the edge of his favorite chair with a blanket wrapped around him despite the warm August night air. He was rocking back and forth, humming softly. ?Are you alright?? Alec asked with some concern.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Yes, I?m fine? Bill said straightening his back and stopping his motion. ?I just couldn?t sleep.?[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Okay?, Alec sensed Bill was not fine. ?I?m going to make a protein shake. Do you want something??[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?No? Bill barked. He regretted his tone before it left his lips. ?Sorry, Alec. I am so hungry my stomach is eating itself. I didn?t know it was possible to be this hungry. It?s like my body is demanding me to eat and get fatter.? There was a loud rumble coming from deep inside Bill?s stomach. He looked down, ?Protest all you want. But this time I?m not going to give in to you. I will loose weight even if it kills me.?[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Why don?t I make you one of your shakes or even half of one? Alec said in a soothing tone.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Can?t, it?s all gone. I used the last of it before I went to bed.?[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Have you tried drinking a large glass of water to fill your stomach?? Alec suggested. Bill waved an empty water bottle over his head. ?Do you want me to drive to the mini-mart by the highway? I can pick up one of those shakes in a can. Or I can get you something else from the kitchen. We have plenty of fruits and vegetables in the house.?[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?I?m afraid once I start eating I won?t be able to stop. I?ve had these feeling before when in college, but not this intense and I know what will happen. I won?t go down that road again? [/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]Alec could hear the fear in Bill?s voice. ?Okay, you do whatever you feel is best? Alec said calmly as if speaking to a junkie going through withdraws. ?Is there anything I can do??[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?You can congratulate me. As of an hour ago, I?ve lost 3.1 pounds. I?m down to 211, or 212 if rounding up. It might not mean much to someone like you, but it?s a real victory for me.? Bill said turning to face his step brother for the first time.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?What was your exact weight?? Alec pleaded after a slight delay.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?211.6, why?? [/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?No particular reason?, Alec lied. His mind went into overdrive. .[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Would you mind picking up some of the mix for me tomorrow morning. If I know breakfast will be waiting for me, I?ll be able to get through the night. I would really appreciate.? Bill begged.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Sure, no problem.? Alec said automatically. He was still deep in the thought process. He needed to be alone to think. ?Is there anything I can do for you tonight?? Bill shook his head no and started to rock again. ?Good night then.? Alec returned to his room forgetting about his own late night snack. He lay in bed with his eyes wide open for the remainder of the night. He recalled his recent conversations with Bill about their weight. He realized they both lost and gained the same amount of weight at the same time. Somehow their bodies were linked. Alec didn?t understand how or why, but he had to test this brotherly bond.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]Alec had left the house before the sun broke the horizon. He sat in the parking lot of the closest mega store waiting for it to open. He went to the pharmaceutical area and found Bill?s diet meal mix. Farther down the same aisle he found the sports nutrition products. There he picked up a similar size and flavor of a weight gainer powder. ?Holy shit, 1,200 calories per serving?, Alec said out loud as he read the product?s label. He returned to his car and opened the trunk of his BMW. He removed both canisters from the bag and opened the diet supplement. He emptied its contents into the bag. He then opened the weight gainer formula and poured it into the diet canister. Alec tossed the empty gainer container and bag into a nearby trashcan. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]Alec quietly closed the front door of his home as to not wake Bill. As he crept passed the library a groggy voice stopped him. ?Did you get my stuff??[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]Alec turned to see his stepbrother rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. ?Yes. I?ll go make your breakfast?, he answered holding the canister in front of him.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]Bill sat up on the couch where he had fallen asleep. ?No, I?ll do it. You?ve done enough already?.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?I don?t mind. You take your time getting up; go splash some water on your face. I know you had a rough night.? Alec did not wait for a rebuttal. He quickly left the doorway and entered the kitchen. Alec couldn?t let Bill know the safety seal had already been broken from his tampering. He twisted off the lid and put two scoops of the calorie laden powder into the blender. He went to the refrigerator to get a bottle of water and a handful of ice. As he poured the water into the carafe, Bill entered the room. Alec looked at him and smiled brightly before pressing the machine?s puree button.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?I hate morning people? Bill mumbled between yawns. Alec turned the blender off and poured the contents into a glass. Bill seemed mesmerized by the thick liquid, like a child staring in a candy store window. He rubbed his empty stomach trying to soothe away the hollow feeling. Alec handed him the glass, Bill raised it high and said ?cheers? before taking the first gulp. ?Damn, that?s good. Is this the vanilla flavor?? Alec nodded yes looking at the canister to confirm. ?This taste a lot better than the chocolate.? Bill took a larger gulp. ?It?s so thick and creamy. This shit tastes better than a milkshake from Kregg?s. Alec understood the comparison to their favorite local ice cream shop?s fare. Bill drank down the remainder of his meal. He used his tongue to lick the rim of the glass. ?I can?t believe that was only 180 calories. It tasted like ten times that amount.?[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?It?s the ice, it makes it colder and thicker? Alec said with a straight face.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?Whatever it was, you make a great drink, Barkeep? Bill said running his finger inside the glass to get to last remnants.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]?I?m glad you liked it Wills?, Alec said before turning away to clean the carafe in the sink. ?I?ll make you another one just like it for lunch and dinner?. He raised his head to look out the window over the sink. He smiled as he viewed the dawn of a new day.[/COLOR]

[redkage]

This sounds like a good story in the works. Let me see if I got things straight though; In order for Alec to keep his muscles, he needs to have his brother Bill gain fat? Hardly seems fair, but you write it pretty well.

Will be looking forward to more!
-Red