A New Day Dawns

Tanner's thoughts:

I can't believe that this is happening. When I started my day today, I knew that I was going to try and tell DJ how I felt. I even knew that something strange was going to happen. But I never thought this is what was going to happen. I should have known things were going to get weird when I had that fight with my foster mom this morning. Now I have a boyfriend (-smile-) I have left my home. I am probably wanted for hitting Colin with that bat (he's lucky it was only a bat,) and now we are runaways.

God if you can here me, please protect me and DJ. Help us to find a place where we can be loved and still be us. Please help us, Amen.

---

DJ's thoughts:

What are we going to do now? I am so scared. I wish I would have never woken up this morning. No, that's not true, now I have Tanner. I don't know where we will go from here, and I don't care either. All I want is for us to be together, forever. People say that it takes years to decide if a person is the right one to be with forever. We have been together since we were born. Isn't 13 years long enough?

God, if you can hear me, please let Tanner and I stay together forever. Please keep us safe. Please show us the way. I am so scared. Please be with us, Father. Amen.

---

Somewhere in the great beyond, a very special Saint was listening....

"Okay," Tanner said, "we need to get to an ATM machine and get as much as I can."

"What next?" DJ replied. "Where do we go from there?"

"Well, I think we need to go and get supplies." Tanner replied. "Since it is a four-day weekend, nobody will question a couple of teenage boys buying camping gear."

"Camping gear?!" DJ exclaimed. "What are you thinking, bro?"

"Well, I'm not sure of where we can go yet or who might be able to help us, so I figure we should head up to the river and camp out a few days and try to figure out where we can go and what we can do. I agree with you, now, I know we can't call the police. But I don't even have an idea where we should go," Tanner said.

"Well then," DJ started, "I think we need to get out of town first, before anyone catches up with us. Too many people know us here, and even more know my ex-dad. I say we catch the bus and go up to Auburn, then we can buy our gear and hit the river from there. At least if we get out of Dixon we can keep out of the spotlight."

"Good idea," Tanner said. "Let's head to the stop and get the hell out of here."

As the two young boys made their way to the bus line, it started to sink in to DJ that this was reality. This wasn't two buds going on a weekend camping trip. This was their life now. All they had was each other. They were runaways, two barely teenage runaways running for their lives and their own freedom. As this thought coursed through DJ's being, he looked to his boyfriend, his best friend and soul mate and said, "Tanner, I don't know where we are going, or even how we'll get there, but I do know that no matter what, we will be together always. I love you with all of my heart, and nothing will change that."

"DJ," Tanner began, "We have known each other all of our lives. I have always loved you, and I think it has always been this kind of love. I trust you with all of my soul. I know that we can find a place where we can be who we want to be. I am asking you to trust me. I promise we will find the right place, together."

They two boys reached the stop and boarded the CTL Link to Sacramento, then Auburn. DJ gave the driver the fare for both of them, and then they made their way to the back of the bus where nobody was sitting.

Once they were seated Tanner said, "Okay, DJ? Why did you pick Auburn as the place for us to go first?"

"Simple," DJ began, "we want to get out of California, right? Okay then. I-80 is the main route out of here. Auburn is just a trip up the highway. I know where we can camp at Lake of the Pines, and we can make our way from there. It's actually a better spot than at the river. I think it's more private. Other than that, I was just shooting in the dark. I just want to get out of here. I'm sorry if you don't like it," DJ continued as the tears began to well up."

Tanner pulled DJ's chin up and gently said, "I think it's a brilliant idea. I told you I trusted you. We have to trust each other if we are going to make it. We have to work together and agree with each others ideas and decisions. We have to, or else, why are we even trying?"

"You're right, Tanner." DJ said. He then continued. "Now, more than ever, we need to be strong for each other. I love you. Now let's get some rest."

As the bus motored down the highway the two boys leaned on each other to take a little nap. They had more than 2 hours to finally get to Auburn, and both were exhausted, mentally and physically.

---

Tanner's Foster Parents House (Steve & Mary Kramer):

"Well, what appears to have happened," Detective Rob Gunn began, "is there was an altercation between your boy and Officer Colin McAllister, DJ's father." What he claims, is he was disciplining his boy, and while this was going on your son hit him in the side of his head with a baseball bat. When he tried to steady himself, he was hit again, rendering him unconscious."

"To be honest with you Detective," Steve began, "I think that Tanner is a bad egg. He's been very rude to me and my wife both. You can see there on the wall where he broke a bottle this morning. He is rude and destructive, but we think we can break him of it. He has been through some hard times in the last year with the loss of his parents. But neither of us thinks that a juvenile detention center is the right place for him. He needs to be here with us where we can nurture him."

The cold chill that Rob felt at that moment could freeze alcohol. All of his police sense and his training at the academy told him that these were very bad people. He had no doubt that there was more to the situation than he could see, but he was going to find out.

"I am going to need some more information so I can really investigate this," Rob began. "You two mentioned that Tanner left here this morning upset. "Is that correct?"

"Yes sir," Mary replied.

"You also stated that at some point during the afternoon, unbeknownst to you, he returned and took his backpack, some clothes and other items from the house?"

"That's right," Steve replied. "I wish I would have caught him. I would have �"

"You would have what sir?" Rob inquired.

"I would have sat him down and had a long talk about his behavior," Steve stammered in reply.

Rob suddenly thought to himself that Tanner would have been beat silly. 'Good going kid. I'm glad you got out of this pit. I just hope that you and your friend are okay, and you try to get help.'

"Am I correct in my thoughts, that you assume he and DJ have run away?"

"It appears that way now, doesn't it?" Steve said sarcastically.

"Sir, if we are to figure this out and bring the boys home safely, we need you to cooperate. You behaving like a child by making sarcastic replies will not get us anywhere!"

Rob continued in his thoughts that he would have to get more information about these two yahoos in front of him. There is more to them than meets the eye.

"I think I have just about all I need as far as your statements," Rob started. "However, I will need a recent picture of Tanner. An inventory of what you found to be missing from his room. I will also need both of your personal information, i.e. driver's license, social security, date of birth, and phone numbers where I can reach you with any new developments, both home and work please."

"What do you need our social security and drivers license for?" Mary asked defensively.

"Those two numbers are identifiers for Tanner's foster placement file with CPS. I will need to access his file to continue the investigation." Rob politely informed them.

Once all of the information had been traded, Rob gave them a business card with the case number, and bid them a good day.

---

Rob's Thoughts:

Rob had never been so glad to leave a home before. His gut instinct told him hat there had been abuse going on here. He knew without a shadow of a doubt that Colin had lied in his statement. He had worked with Colin for 5 years now, and he didn't trust him one bit. He still felt that Colin had something to do with his wife's disappearance. He just couldn't prove it. Rob had known DJ for a couple of years now, and he couldn't believe that he would run away without a good reason. No, something very bad was going on here.

---

Rob decided he had to dig a little bit deeper, so he called into dispatch.

"D-4 to dispatch."

"Dispatch, go ahead D-4"

"Dispatch, be advised, I am 10-24 my last location at 1322 hrs."

"Copy, D-4 is 10-24 at 1322 hours. No additional calls in queue,"

"Copy that dispatch, in that case please mark me as 10-7 for 1 hour."

"Copy D-4 is 10-7 for one hour. Be advised, Sergeant Christopher requests you call his mobile ASAP."

"10-4, inform him I will call him momentarily."

"10-4, dispatch clear."

"D-4 clear."

Rob pulled out his cell phone and dialed his longtime friend Jack Christopher.

"Jack, hey, it's Rob."

"Rob, something isn't right here. How about we meet at our normal lunch spot in 15 minutes?"

"See ya in a bit."

As Rob pulled into Cattleman's he saw the familiar Lincoln Navigator of Jack. When he went inside, the waitress took him to Jack's table. Rob thanked her and ordered a diet Pepsi, then sat down.

Rob looked at Jack. They had been friends for almost 20 years. Since way back in Jr. High. "Jack, something is terribly wrong. Those kids are in danger."

"I know," Jack replied. "I just left Colin. I know he's lying. Plus, now I know he is a pervert."

Rob looked at him and said, "What do you mean?"

Jack slid a manila envelope across the table. When Rob opened it up his blood began to boil. There were 3 pictures of DJ masturbating, taken obviously when he had no idea he was being watched.

"Where did you get these?" Rob inquired.

"When we got to Colin's house and got him loaded up on the ambulance, something told me to look for his medical records. I found these and over 100 similar to them instead."

"Shit, Jack," Rob whispered. "That's illegal search and seizure!"

"I know," Jack stated. "That's why we can't show these to anyone."

"So, how are we going to nail him for this then," Rob asked?

"Well, I talked with the Captain �"

Rob shot Diet Pepsi through his nose, choked, and spat out, "You talked to Jason! This could mean your badge my friend."

"No, no � Now calm down," Jack calmly stated. "The Captain and I are both in agreement on this one and you need to hear me out. If after I am done you don't want to be a part of this, just say so, okay?"

"You have my attention."

"Alright," Jack began. "Obviously our primary objective is to get those two boys out of danger. Secondly, we need to take care of this child pornography thing. Third, and correct me if I'm wrong, but you have some serious suspicions about the foster parents, correct?" When Rob said nothing, Jack continued. "My gut tells me that this is all intertwined and the stuff will hit the fan. Jason and I both want to put Colin away for what he has done, and we haven't even hit the tip of the iceberg, I'm guessing. What we are proposing is this - we want to gather as much information and surveillance as we can with regards to Colin and DJ. Talk to people at his school - friends, teachers, anyone you can. Second, we need to do the same for Tanner's foster parents. I want to know every bit of information I can get about them. Third, I want these people tracked, financially, everything. When we have enough to bust them, we are breaking the chain of command. We will not be sending this to the D.A."

"Why not," Rob asked?

"Simple," Jack countered. "Jason's uncle is a bigwig over at Starfleet Command in San Francisco. With all of the media regarding the recent uses of the Safe Haven act, and Starfleet's busting the balls of anyone doing wrong by a child."

Rob asked, "The Safe Haven Act? What's that?"

Jack replied, "It's a law that was passed by the Federaion Council back in 2002 to help abused kids throughout the Federation. It was first used last year by Lt. Commander Charles Dodds of the Starship Enterprise to protect Aaron Carter. Jason and I think involving them, once we have enough substantial evidence is a better option. Besides, you know as well as I do that our beloved District Attorney is as crooked as Lombard St. All Colin would have to do is give him a few bucks and it would all go away. I want HIM to go away! Colin and I went to the academy together, he was best man at my wedding, and I am DJ's Godfather for crying out loud. It makes me sick to see what he has become. Plus, I feel like he had something to do with Katie's disappearance. I just can't prove it."

"Okay then Jack, I'm in," Rob firmly stated. "What do you want me to do?"

"I'm glad you said that," Jack said, looking visibly relieved. "As of now, you are on detached duty. Jason will take care of everything at the department so nobody starts asking questions. We can't risk this information being leaked. You will only report to me, or the Captain. However, you will do so only to a specified private phone number. Remember, this would normally be an investigation for IAB, but they make the D.A. look like a saint." Jack then slid a briefcase across the table. "Inside here is all of the information we have so far. Pictures, financial statements (not very recent though) everything. There is a list of contacts that can help you with anything you need. Some of them are at Starfleet. Don't forget, Starfleet can track a spec of dust riding side saddle on a gnat's ass. There is a new cell phone for you. It is a secure line. There is a Visa card to cover all of your expenses. We have also found out that Tanner took his ATM card for his bank account. We can use that to track his whereabouts. Rob, I am trusting you to find these boys, and make them safe, as well as helping to put away that piece of work DJ has for a father. Be safe my friend. Don't end up dead."

"By the way Jack," Rob began. "Who is Jason's uncle at Starfleet?"

Jack replied with a face so straight you could fool the Pope. "Admiral Harrison Morrow. Have you heard of him?"

Rob just stood up, picked his jaw up from the floor and gave his friend a hug and left to start his new project. He was on duty now, and by God he wasn't going to let those boys down.

---

Just as the bus started to enter Auburn, the boys woke up. They had fallen asleep on each other.

DJ looked to Tanner and said, "Man I gotta pee, bad."

"Me too," Tanner shot back.

Tanner reached up and pulled the cord to indicate that they wanted the next stop.

When the doors opened up, both boys shot out of the bus like they had a fire in their shorts and ran straight into a Taco Bell. First thing they ran right for the men's room and took care of some needed business. After they had cleaned up they decided to get some food and discuss what supplies they needed. Luckily enough there was a Super Wal-Mart right across the street and they figured that they could get everything there.

"Well, it will be dark in about 4 hours," DJ began, "the lake isn't to far from here, but we'd better shop and hit the road so we can set up camp."

When the boys reached the store, the first thing they did was go to the ATM machine. The sign said you could withdraw up to a maximum of $1000.00 dollars each day. Tanner swiped the card, entered his pin and tried for the maximum. He wasn't sure how much money there was in the account, so he just went for it. After taking about 30 seconds to process, the screen showed a picture of money being dispensed, and 50 twenty dollar bills came out. The boys took the receipt and went shopping.

"This money and your money are going to have to last a long time," Tanner said. I'm not sure if they can track us with my ATM card, and I don't want to give the police any clues.

"Good thinking," DJ offered.

The two boys went back to the camping section and picked out what they needed. 2 camping backpacks, sleeping bags, a small fishing kit that included a collapsible pole, hooks, weights, bobbers, and bait. They also found a small camp cook kit, a 2 person tent, a small first aid kit, 2 canteens, water purifying tablets, a compass, maps, and a flashlight and lantern with batteries. Next they found a hatchet with a sheath, and then went to get food.

On the food aisle's they bought canned ravioli, granola bars, protein bars, trail mix, powdered Gatorade mix, hot cocoa mix, instant oatmeal, potatoes, a package of burger, some foil, paper towels, and toilet paper.

As they walked up to the front to check out they also bought a magazine with a picture of *NSync on the front. (That was their favorite band, and hey, they had to read to keep their minds sharp, right?) They also bought a couple of newspapers (so they could start a fire.)

When they reached the checkout, the lady just smiled and started ringing things up. She then asked, "Are you sweet young kids going camping this weekend?"

"Yes ma'am," Tanner said. "We are going on a trip with our Boy Scout troop."

Everything totaled $275.00. Tanner paid, thanked the lady and they left the store.

When they went outside, they began packing their items into the packs, and strapping the rolled sleeping bags to the bottom of the frames.

While they were doing this an older teen drove by and yelled out, "Look at the faggoty boy scouts. Where are your faggot leaders, and the rest of your faggot friends?" Then he laughed, threw his cigarette out at them and sped off.

After he was out of sight, Tanner began to cry. "I hate people like that. Why does he have to laugh at us?"

"Some people are just ignorant, or jealous."

"Jealous?" Tanner sniffled.

"Yeah, jealous," DJ shot back. "How many of them can say they have a boyfriend as cute as you?"

"I can only think of one person," Tanner said. "Me."

As they boys started to walk toward the lake DJ stated humming. Tanner was trying hard to catch the tune but couldn't place it. Finally he asked, "What song is that?"

"You wouldn't know it," DJ said. "It was one of my youth choir songs a couple of years ago. It's a country song by Mark Wills called Don't Laugh at Me."

"Please sing it for me," Tanner asked.

DJ agreed, and soon the air was filled with his sweet angelic voice:

I'm a little boy with glasses
The one they call the geek
I'm a little girl who never smiles
'Cause I've got braces on my teeth
And I know how it feels
To cry myself to sleep

I'm that kid on every playground
Who's always chosen last
A single teenage mother
Tryin' to overcome my past
You don't have to be my friend
But is it too much to ask...

Don't laugh at me
Don't call me names
Don't get your pleasure from my pain
In God's eyes we're all the same
Someday we'll all have perfect wings
Don't laugh at me

I'm the cripple on the corner
You've passed me on the street
And I wouldn't be out here beggin'
If I had enough to eat
And don't think that I don't notice
That our eyes never meet

I lost my wife and little boy
When someone crossed that yellow line
The day we laid them in the ground
Was the day I lost my mind
And right now I'm down to holdin
This little cardboard sign...So

Don't laugh at me
Don't call me names
Don't get your pleasure from my pain
In God's eyes we're all the same
Some day we'll all have perfect wings
Don't laugh at me

I'm fat, I'm thin, I'm short, I'm tall
I'm deaf, I'm blind, hey aren't we all...

Don't laugh at me
don't call me names
don't get your pleasure from my pain
In God's eyes we're all the same
don't laugh at me

By the time Tanner was done with the song, DJ's eyes were misty, and they were at the entrance to the campground.

They walked down by the lake and looked around, and found a clearing up in the trees about 150 yards away from the lake. The area was deserted, which was perfect for them. They then began to set up camp.

First order of business was to clear the area, make a fire pit, and scout for firewood and kindling. Both boys actually being Boy Scouts made quick work of this task. Next was to set up the tent and get their things inside. Finally they worked on building a fire. As Tanner started to bunch up the newspaper to make the fire, he noticed an article that he wanted to keep.

"Hey DJ, look at this."

DJ walked over and looked at the article which was entitled; Federation Youth Services Director Teri Short Tackles Child Abuse to Help Gay and Abused Children .

By the time both boys had read the article, they had decided. This was the person who they needed to find to get them help.

Once they had a fire going they decided to get dinner started. DJ took some potatoes down to the water to wash and get some water to boil, while Tanner made some hamburger patties. When DJ came back they wrapped the potatoes and the burger patties in foil, and set them in the fire.

When everything was cooked, the boys ate their supper in silence and just watched the sun setting, the fire, and each other. When they were done, they cleaned their dishes in the hot water and put everything away. One more time they went down to the lake to get more water for purifying. Once they had the last of their chores done, they went into their tent to call it a night.

"Hey, do you want to zip these bags together so we can keep each other warm," Tanner asked?

"Absolutely," was DJ's enthusiastic reply.

After that was done, both boys began undressing. They took off everything but their boxers. When they reached those Tanner bashfully reached out and started to pull DJ's off. Then DJ returned the favor. Both boys stood there looking at each other in the fast dimming light then lay down next to each other. Not a word was spoken as Tanner started to lightly touch DJ. First he started by outlining his face, then he slowly moved down to his neck. When he reached down for the nipples, he leaned in closer and began to kiss DJ deeply. As the kissing continued Tanner moved his hands down further and started to play with DJ's belly button. Next he moved in for the kill, and lightly touched the top of DJ's now very hard 3 1/2 inch shaft. DJ moaned in anticipation as Tanner slowly started to play with first the tip then the base of his boyhood. Finally Tanner got brave and went down and kissed the head, sending a bolt of electricity though DJ like he had never felt. As Tanner continued to work on him, DJ moved himself around and found his prize staring him right in the face. DJ moaned again as he felt Tanner's warm mouth engulf his pole. DJ too took Tanner in all the way to the base. As both boys slowly sucked on their partner, the moaning got louder and the tent got hotter. Neither one had ever experienced such pleasure, plus they both were equally enjoying giving pleasure in return. DJ sensing his fast approaching orgasm, pulled away to warn his love of his impending release. Tanner never missed a beat and just continued to work on his project at hand. DJ as well went back to work and very quickly both boys were very close. DJ was first to the finish line. He tensed up and let loose with what seemed to him like a full gallon of cum. Tanner didn't miss a drop. As he was swallowing his first offering, he too lost all control and had the biggest orgasm of his life. DJ took all he could, but some dribbled out. Finally both boys were totally spent. They turned back around to each other, kissed and relaxed.

DJ came to his senses first, and looked at his lover and said, "Tanner that was the most awesome feeling ever. We were a part of each other. I love you so much."

Tanner took DJ's hand and said to him, "We were meant to be."

Both boys held each other until they finally fell asleep, tangled in each others arms and legs, breathing contentedly, and dreaming of their life together.

---

TO BE CONTINUED ...

---