This story is outstanding. I can totally see them that way; Joe directing the action, sweet-talking the girls, especially the one that Billy smacked--what a great scene! You get the sense that Joe likes to charm people more than he likes to offend them, and that makes him so three-dimensional, not just a stereotypical punk. He's incredibly talented at charming people; does it like breathing.

But that moment when Billy turns over for "a better angle" and what they've been telling themselves (or at least Billy has been telling himself) is "just fucking" becomes obvious lovemaking--oh, that just killed me. Beautiful and tender, and still so THEM. And maybe Billy will shy away from the truth later, but Joe is so completely nonchalant. That works for me. It isn't the only way I see them, but it is one of them, and it works.

Thanks for posting this. I just loved it! I can't believe these three great stories are your rejects from the challenge. Can't wait to see what you finally sent in for the challenge.