Opposites Attract

Joe awoke after hearing the front door close. He sat up and shook off a nearly blinding headache when Craig walked in to the bedroom, carrying a large bag.

"Hey," said Craig. Joe was already relieved he seemed his usual self.

"Hey."

"You look like crap" said Craig as he unpacked his bag, placing things in the dresser.

"I feel like crap."

"I'm going to fix something to eat, and then we have to talk." His tone was matter of fact and dry. His lack of the usual affection was unnerving but considering recent events Joe wasn't surprised.

Joe walked in the kitchen to get some water and try to start a conversation with Craig but he was unusually quiet. They ate in silence but Craig did not look upset to Joe. He had time to ponder what he was going to say and how much he was going to reveal.

Craig broke the silence. "You acted very childish last night."

Not what Joe wanted to hear. "How so?"

"The fact that you don't know bothers me. I have always been truthful to you Joe, but you continue to doubt me."

"I do apologize for that, but believe the omission of truth is like a lie."

"Granted, I should have told you I still had the apartment and that John was still living there. But even after I told you that you still did not believe me. What's with that?"

"My insecurities I guess. I don't like to wonder."

"You don't have to with me. I will be honest with you at all times, even if it means hurting your feelings. That's the way I am. Take it or leave it."

After telling him about last night Joe had the feeling he'd be leaving it.

Craig continued. "One last time – I am not doing anything with John. I went back to my apartment last night and told John we can’t fuck around anymore. I packed the rest of my belongings to bring back here."

This is not getting any easier for Joe. Craig's loyalty to him was apparent. Joe had no such revelation of strengthening their relationship to tell. He sat up to prepare for the big moment.

"Craig, you're a damn good man and I'm lucky to have you in my life. But I fucked up and wouldn't blame you for leaving my ass right now. I slept with someone last night." There – said it. Joe felt like covering my head to prepare for an onslaught of truthful insults to his persona. But it didn't happen. Craig remained calm.

"Really? With who?"

"A guy I met at The Hole. I went there last night after we fought to have a drink."

Craig interrupted "And the next thing you know you're on your knees sucking his dick." Craig said dryly. "Did you let him fuck you?"

Joe wasn't ready to tell him all the details. He figured he'd get past this hurdle and divulge the rest later – maybe. "No, just oral." Joe never was a good liar and Craig was very good at spotting one.

"So what all else did you do? You go back to his place?"

"Yeh I did." Joe went on to describe other sexual acts they performed on each other but left out the fucking. He couldn't tell Craig and at that point vowed to never do anything again that he could not tell him. Craig was a much better man than Joe and he felt really bad.

"So you want to get back with him?"

"He's a hot guy."

"Answer the question boy!" Craig slapped him somewhat playfully on the side of the head.

"Yeh, I'd like to. But that's something we have to discuss. Are you comfortable with that?"

"No I'm not. I don't want nobody else's hands on you unless I'm in same room."

"That's cool Craig."

"I got to back to my place for a few more things. You coming?" Though secure in their relationship, Craig was getting more possessive of Joe. His abrupt ending to the conversation avoided further confrontation.

Joe really wanted to sleep but felt this was a time for him to start giving up his selfish needs and learning to satisfy his partner's. "Yeh, let's go."

When they got to Craig's apartment he told of stories of parties that went on there. He obviously enjoyed the place and Joe fully realized how much this man was investing in him. He felt dirty and ashamed for not having the self-control last night and not divulging the truth to Craig that day. He once again vowed to not let that happen again.

On the way back Craig announced he wanted Joe to meet his mother and they'd be going to her place the next day. Craig wasn't out to his mom but felt comfortable with Joe meeting her. She showed obvious dislike for John –probably because of his outwardly effeminate disposition.

"Hell Craig, she has to know you're gay after bringing John."

"She knows but we just don't discuss it."

"My mom thinks I'm totally straight."

"Wait until she meets me and I grab your ass in front of her."

"You better not."

They both laughed about their situations. Joe was really looking forward to meeting Craig’s mom – she sounded like a fun person.

"There's something else you need to know Joe. I have a kid."

"What?!" Joe was flabbergasted.  

He felt that was something he definitely should have known but quickly calmed down and let Craig talk. Craig had a child when he was 17 back in Mississippi. That made the kid 10 years old. Apparently the mother was doing a good job raising "Little Craig" and he wasn't worried about him. He said it was important that they meet and it was time to take a road trip to Alabama to meet the rest of his family. His mom and dad were divorced. His dad was still in Alabama living with a woman and Craig's son was close by. Though reluctant, Joe told Craig he was looking forward to meeting his family.

"Is there anything else I need to know Craig? Maybe you're a Nobel Peace Prize winner, you're the king or president of some small island nation?”

"NO babe, that's everything, except one thing..."

"Damn, I knew it."

"I don't think you know how much I love you.

They were at a stop light so they kissed. Although Joe was not comfortable showing affection in public, Craig could care less.

"I love you too Craig."

They got back to the apartment and had very intense sex later that evening.

Craig was more like his old sexual self, lot of spanking and rough handling.

He was fucking – not making love. Joe couldn't help but think it was a revenge fuck for him going home with Lawrence. He realized how much he missed it. The slow screwing was hot and sensual but there was something about getting turned out that really excited him. Joe came without touching his dick while Craig was delivering a brutal pounding. His sperm shot on his face and Craig licked it off and fed it to him as he shot his load inside the warm tunnel. They fell asleep that night in each other's arms. This was probably the best person Joe had ever met. They truly loved each other and knew their boundaries that were ever expanding.

That next morning there was a text from Lawrence saying, “When can I have that white ass again?” with a picture of Lawrence’s hard dick. Joe texted him back. “Soon I hope.”

Before Joe could have the opportunity to meet Lawrence again he and Craig drove to his mother’s place in Chicago, a two day road trip that bonded them closer. They stayed at a local hotel in the south side of Chicago. Not the cleanest place but typical of an old hotel in that area.

Craig's calmness about introducing his mom to Joe was soothing. He obvious was confident that they would get along. Joe dressed nicely for the occasion which pleased Leo.

"Damn, looking good! Mama's going to like that. She loves handsome young white men," said Craig, fixing Joe’s shirt collar.

"So it's in the genes huh? So what should I call your mom? Don't think I'm ready for mama yet."

"And probably never will be. Her last name is Washington from her fucked up husband after she divorced from my dad. But she still goes by Bellingham --

Mrs. Bellingham. And by the way, she's never married a white man. She likes the brother for the long haul. Just remember that." Craig kissed Joe before they left out, along deep kiss. "Love you."

That was definitely food for thought. Before Joe could respond they grabbed their coats and headed to the west side where she owned a 2 flat building with an English basement. It was in good shape but needed a few repairs, which later Joe would be assigned to that task.

They walked in and immediately Craig gave her a peck on the cheek. "Hey old bird. You're looking good," he said to her lovingly.

"Hello son. And you're full of shit. So who's the white boy?" she said with a hint of suspicion.

"Don't start ma. This is my friend Joe. Joe, this my dear mother whom I do not wish to claim at all times."

Before they shook hands she told Craig what a bastard he was. Joe enjoyed their playful bantering, wishing he had that type of relationship with his mother. Craig's mom was a big woman with a beautiful smile. She deeply resembled her son.

"Nice to meet you, Mrs. Bellingham."

"Likewise Joe. Come into the kitchen for dinner."

"Mother, you cooked dinner?" Craig said surprised.

"No, the dinner you're about to cook."

"If you weren't my mother ..." Craig retorted.

"You wouldn't be here shithead. You know where everything is baby. Come sit down Joe, make yourself comfortable. Would you like something to drink? Beer, pop, water?"

"I'll take a beer."

"Well use the two legs and arms God gave you. Get it yourself Joe. It's in the refrigerator." Joe was embarrassed but at the same time really liking this woman. It wasn't difficult to tell who was in charge around here.

"Yes ma'am," said Joe, getting up to get he and Craig a beer.

“And a white boy with manners, good job son,” said Mrs. Bellingham. Joe wondered about the ‘good job’ comment but didn’t want to get too deep into the situation.

While Craig cooked, the three of them conversed without the uncomfortable moments of silence that can be typical when people meet each other for the first time. Not here. Joe told Craig's mom about his family and she was not hesitant to tell about Craig’s childhood. Apparently Craig had been and aggressive bully all his life and military was the best option for him.

They sat and ate fried chicken, greens, and cornbread that Craig rustled up to perfection.

"Baby boy, I know where you didn't get to learn how to cook," said Mrs. Bellingham, laughing.

"Mama, I don't how I got so big. If I depended on you for cooking I'd be a runway model."

"Shit.  You were a big baby -- that's why you were my last."

Speaking of big baby, how's Ronald?"

Ronald was Craig’'s older brother with whom he didn't have much to do.

"Doing fine. He's got another child on the way."

"He needs to stop producing those messed up children."

His Mom laughed. "They certainly are different. How's your boy doing?  I haven't heard from him lately."

"I'll call him to let him know you're asking about him. His mama is so damn irresponsible about that."

So how is Ann doing?" Joe just realized that he didn't know the baby’s mama’s name until now.

"Trifling as usual," responded Craig.

"And you knew it back then. Why you chose to get with that girl is beyond me."

"Can we talk about something else mama?"

Mrs.  Bellingham laughed. "Go right ahead and talk about something else, as long as you clean up this mess you made. I'm going to nap."

"I've done enough today. Joe, make yourself at home and clean up this mess," Craig said.

His Mom laughed. "You sure know how to treat a guest. I taught you so well."

"Joe, would you mind helping me clean up?" Craig said sarcastically.

"Not at all," he said, anxious to show Craig and his mom he wanted to be part of the family.

"Shit.  You don't have a damn choice." They had a good laugh and Joe was really getting a sense of belonging.

"Well young men, I'm going to nap for a few. Joe, it was nice meeting you. Come back anytime."

Mrs.  Bellingham went to her bedroom while Joe finished up cleaning. She obviously was not the best house keeper so he gave the kitchen a thorough cleaning while Craig and I talked. His mom was in poor health and not able to stand for very long but did have a niece that lived close by that took care of her.

It was obvious their relationship took another step up that day. Craig’s mom was a wonderful person who welcomed Joe into her home. He truly felt honored and fortunate.