Sean & Dave: Making Their Own Kind of Music

The alley was in good shape, since no one on the block parked there anymore. Everyone used the street in front of their house. Many homeowners used the garages behind their homes for storage or laundry, and they fenced in their backyards. So, the only traffic the alley got was garbage and recycling pickups, which happened just a couple of times a week.

My mom and I had only lived on the block for six weeks, and I was still looking for interesting places to walk my dachshund, Penny. This was our first foray into the alley. So far, I liked it because it was quiet, with no people around.

Penny was a very friendly dog. Somewhat too friendly. She didn't bark at strangers; instead, she would run full speed towards them and roll over on her back in expectation of a belly rub. The sight of a tiny dachshund running straight at you, ears and tongue flapping, I found, could be scary to some people. They didn't know if they were about to be attacked or licked to death - even if it was only a tiny wiener dog. So, I liked to walk Penny where we wouldn't encounter many strangers.

Turns out, that thought was premature, as at that moment, Penny pulled at her leash, nearly dragging me towards an open garage door. She may be small, but Penny packs a lot of horsepower!

"Damn it!" I thought, as she fell on her back, begging for her exposed belly to be rubbed.

"Hey there, sweetie!" a male voice called from the garage. "You want your belly rubbed? Here you go…"

Once I saw everything was okay, I spoke to Penny's 'new best friend'.

"I'm sorry," I said apologetically, "Penny's harmless, but I should have controlled her better."

"That's okay," said the male voice as he stood up. "My name is David Adams - my friends call me Dave."

I looked up from Penny and viewed the handsomest guy I'd ever met! I stood dumbfounded as he held his hand out to shake. Regaining my wits, I shifted Penny's leash to my left hand and offered my right to Dave.

Dave's hand was large, and his shake was firm. I made sure my grip was just as firm so I wouldn't seem like a wimp.

"Are you the new family that moved into the house at the end of the block?" Dave asked.

"Yeah," I responded, attempting to string words together to form a coherent sentence, "Well, not a family. It's just my mom and me. I mean, that is a family… What I mean is my dad died about six months ago, so it's just us now."

"I'm sorry," Dave said with sincerity, "My mom died around that time, too. I know how it is."

I responded with, "I'm sorry."

Dave added an "Ahhhh…" to bring to my attention the fact that I was still firmly grasping his hand as if I were waiting to be pulled out of the water from a sinking ship.

"Oh, sorry!" I exclaimed, releasing his hand from what had become a bear-trap-tight grip.

"I've seen you in school," I said, trying to distract him from my handshake faux pas.

Dave laughed and said, "I've seen you too. Sorry, I haven't introduced myself there, but you know how it is, rushing from class to class."

He added another, "Ahhh…" and then I realized I hadn't introduced myself.

"Oh, I'm Sean Thomas," I said, "My mom and I moved into the house at the end of the block about six weeks ago."

"Yeah, I know," Dave laughed as I realized we had already established that fact.

"Oh, Lord!" I thought, "Why am I making a fool of myself over Dave?"

***

The answer was staring me in the face. Dave was shirtless! His shoulders, biceps, and forearms were sculpted with pure muscle, but in a natural way – not like a bodybuilder. His six-pack was faultless. His pectoral muscles were extraordinary, and his big dark nipples stood as erect as statues.

Dave had no hair on his chest, but his bushy black armpit hair practically pleaded for my attention! His slim waist was highlighted by a dark brown treasure trail of hair growing from the top of his pants to his navel! More dark brown hair covered both Dave’s forearms and the knuckles of his large, manly hands.

He had dark brown hair, cut short on the sides, parted in the middle, with the bangs feathered back. The color of his hair complemented Dave’s baby-blue eyes. His face was like that of a soap opera star or male model. No, that's not fair to say. That ‘perfect’ look appears artificial to me, and Dave's face wasn't like that – his face had character. When he smiled, the dimples in his cheeks were devastatingly beautiful, and he had a light five o'clock shadow.

Dave wore blue jeans that were at least one size too small and revealed he wasn't wearing underwear. The jeans hugged his thighs and calves, and a beautiful, shapely butt. But the show stealer was Dave's crotch. He was well-endowed. Prominent balls were tucked down his pants leg on one side of his zipper, and a long, thick penis was draped down the other. The outline of his ample cock head could plainly be seen.

He was also barefoot. Dave had large feet, bringing truth to the saying that you can judge the size of a man's penis by the size of his feet.

Dave stood 6'4"tall. I figured that out because I knew how tall I was without shoes. Gay guys keep a lot of vital statistics about themselves and other guys in their minds. Well, at least I do. It was nice to stand in front of a cute guy and have our eyes meet!

Finally, the fact that I am a healthy, horny, 18-year-old gay guy answers why I was standing virtually speechless before this Adonis of a man!

***

My eyes darted around the detached two-car garage. I was amazed to see it furnished like a regular room. A couch, a recliner, a coffee table, a TV, a video game player, an expensive CD player with all the components, and ample speakers. Many bookcases were filled with DVDs, CDs, game cartridges, and books. A lot of books! My kind of man!

In the back corner was a double-size, unmade bed with a curtain on a rod that could be pulled around for privacy. Another area served as a closet. The clothes were obviously Dave's, unless another young adult male lived there.

Dave must have seen the questioning look on my face, so he explained, "This is my bedroom."

"Really?!" I exclaimed.

"Yeah," Dave responded, "After my mom died, my dad felt bad that he was always at work and came up with this to make up for it."

Dave waved his hands about his 'room' and said, "My own private room. I can play music as loud as I want. I can stay up as late as I want. Have parties. I have everything I need, except I still need to go into the house to refrigerate food and cook. The original owners built a small bathroom with a shower stall in the back corner. Apparently, they had an above-ground pool, and this was handy."

"You don't have much privacy," I said. "In case you hadn't noticed, you're missing a wall," I said jokingly, as if he wasn’t aware of this fact.

Dave laughed at my joke and said, "I keep the garage door open for natural light. And nobody ever walks through the alley. You are the first person and dog, sorry to leave you out, Penny, to come by in a loooong time. I've got a window air conditioner, which is perfect for this space, and a portable heater. If things get too inclement, I still have a bedroom inside the house.

"I like the privacy of the place. It's great for studying." Dave said, gesturing to the roll-top desk on the opposite wall.

"Well, I'm sorry, Penny and I invaded your privacy," I said. "We'd best get going."

"That's okay," Dave said to me, "I sort of enjoyed the company," then speaking to Penny, "And you’re such a pretty girl, aren't you?"

At that, Penny rolled over and got another belly rub from Dave's big hands.

"Gosh," I thought, "What I wouldn't do to have a belly rub from those hands!" I was shocked by the vision that crossed my mind, as I wasn't normally into fantasizing about guys while standing in front of them!

"Well, be seeing you," I said hastily, guiding Penny to trot beside me.

Dave called out to me, "Sean, if you see the garage door open, don't hesitate to come in. I enjoyed talking to you."

Dave paused as if embarrassed, then continued, "And, well… I've never met anyone my age who's gone through the death of a parent, especially at almost the same time as each other's. It would be nice to talk about it. It's not easy to talk to my dad or friends."

Penny and I stopped in the alley, and I replied with sincerity, "Sure. I know where you’re coming from. I think it would be nice too.

"Take care!" I called, and the man and dog exited stage left, as the cartoon character, 'Snagglepuss,' used to say.

***

The rest of the afternoon passed with me pondering why I had acted like a lovestruck moron with Dave. I had never acted that way before, especially with a straight guy. I knew Dave was straight because he and his girlfriend were two of the most popular kids in school.

I got ready for bed by taking off all of my clothes since I slept in the buff. I stood in front of the full-length mirror inside my closet door and checked myself out. I was a good-looking guy, if I do say so myself. I had longish blond hair, parted on the left, which always threatened to fall into my green eyes. My eyebrows were dark blond, as were my sideburns, which I let grow to just below my ears. I had an oval face with a strong chin and cheekbones. My lips were full and, like Dave's, you could see the beginnings of a five o'clock shadow no matter how well I shaved. I looked like a clean-cut hippy, which was precisely the look I was nurturing.

I had a slim frame with well-defined muscles. They were nothing compared to Dave's, but anyone in an anatomy class could identify each muscle from their textbooks. (I told you I had a thing for vital statistics!)

The hair on my forearms and chest was also dark blond. My fairly hairy torso grew in a distinct pattern from my crotch, up the center of my six-pack abs and fanned outward to cover my stomach. From there, the hair formed a line up to the center of my strong chest, where it fanned upward and out, encircling my dark average-size nipples. My thighs and calves were strong and shapely and were also covered with dark brown hair.

Since I memorized vital statistics of men's bodies, I must mention my crotch. Sizable, tight balls hung behind a flaccid penis of about 3 ½ inches. When pumped up and ready for sexual action, my dick was just over 5 inches long, capped by a generous round head. My girth was surprising considering my slim body. My boyfriend… sorry, my ex-boyfriend, certainly had nothing to complain about!

I sighed at the thought of Alan. I missed him. I didn't just miss the sex. I missed the fun we'd had when we went places. I missed the long talks about serious and mundane things. I missed the emotional comfort he provided me as my dad lay dying of cancer. And I missed how deep our relationship had grown in the months that followed.

I loved Alan. It was our first relationship. We came out of the closet because we had met and fallen in love with each other.

When my mom took the higher-paying job here in Centerville, California, Alan and I knew our relationship couldn't overcome the cross-country distance. How well I remember that final afternoon when we had sex, knowing that it would be our last time together. For the first time, it felt like we were making love, not just ‘fucking’. Alan and I commented on this. We wondered if it was because our relationship was progressing or if it was only an emotional reaction to knowing there would be no more sex after this. Either way, Alan and I promised each other we would move on because we honestly cared about each other's happiness.

I shook my head to clear the cobwebs of memories and went to bed. I didn't sleep well. I kept waking up with a hard-on. The image of Dave calling me into his garage, me taking my shirt off, and lying on the floor while he rubbed my tummy overwhelmed me. I was horny as hell and began masturbating to these thoughts.

I could clearly see Dave move his hands from my stomach to my crotch. He undid the button on my jeans and unzipped them. My erection popped out as he pulled my pants down. Dave viewed my dick hungrily, then removed my shoes and socks before taking my jeans off completely.

In my imagination, I watched as Dave took off his ultra-tight jeans and tossed them carefree across the room. His dick was hefty, hard, and yearning for me!

Dave lay on top of me. Our hard-ons pressed against each other's stomachs. A wild orgy of kissing followed - open mouth and lots of tongue! Dave then raised himself off me, lifted my legs, and spread them apart. I jerked off to the image of Dave plunging his huge, hard rod up my ass and fucking me with wild abandon. I came back to reality as I shot cum all over my chest and face. I couldn't believe how intense my orgasm had been! I lay there in the afterglow and fell asleep with a smile and lots of cum on my face.

 

CHAPTER 2

The next day at school, Dave saw me in both math and history class. He waved ‘Hi’. I didn’t have the thunderstruck reaction upon seeing him as I had the day before in his garage. Maybe it was because he was fully clothed. Or maybe I had gotten it out of my system, so to speak, when I had masturbated over him that night.

During lunch, he asked me to sit at the table with his friends. I already knew a lot of them. Fortunately, with my sense of humor and down-to-earth attitude, I made friends easily. This helped, since it isn’t easy for students to change schools a few months into their senior year.

As I mentioned previously, I had seen Dave with his girlfriend, Susie, multiple times, and they seemed like a cute couple. Dave introduced us, and I instantly liked her. As the most popular girl in school, Susie was very striking, yet sensible and unpretentious.

***

When I got home from school, I walked Penny on a new route instead of the alley. I wanted to see Dave without having to manage a belly-rubbing happy doggie. I didn’t want to share Dave with her. LOL.

I waited until the same time as the previous day, then walked the alley alone. Dave undoubtedly needed a chance to get settled before he opened his bedroom ‘door’. That sounds suggestive, but that’s effectively what his garage door was. The thought of seeing him made me tingle all over, but I brushed the feeling aside.

Sure enough, Dave’s garage was open, and he was concentrating on something at his roll-top desk on the far side of ‘his room’.

I stopped at the driveway and called out a hello. I didn’t feel comfortable just walking into ‘his bedroom’ uninvited.

Dave glanced up, noticed me, smiled, and invited me in. That’s one of the things I liked about Dave: he always had a smile and a hello for everyone. That’s probably why he was so popular at school.

Dave stood and walked toward me, hand out to shake. Like the day before, he was only wearing a pair of long jeans – that is, if you could call it ‘wearing them’. It looked like he had spray-painted his lower body with denim-colored paint!

I didn’t get all googly-eyed over his body this time and shook his hand like a normal human being. I was prepared for how he looked.

Dave offered me a can of Coke, then sat in his recliner while I sat beside him on the couch.

“I’m glad you stopped by,” Dave said. “Where’s Penny?”

I explained that I had already walked her.

Dave sounded disappointed and said, “That means I can’t give any belly rubs!”

Thank God, I was wearing loose shorts because my dick sprang into instant hardness at his comment. I had a split-second image of Dave giving me a belly rub like in my masturbation fantasy! “Down, boy!” I thought, communicating to my hard-on, “heel, heel boy!”

“You’ve made a lot of friends at school,” Dave commented, “I’m glad that nobody has given you a hard time about being gay.”

“Everybody’s cool with it,” I commented, “just like at my old school. I wish more schools had students and teachers like that. It would make it a lot easier for kids like me to come out and be open. After all, I don’t bite! Well, sometimes I do, but that’s a different subject!”

I was shocked that I’d said that! For some reason, I felt very comfortable with Dave.

He and I laughed at my (semi) joke.

“I like this school.” I said, “The only problem is there don’t seem to be any other gay people. It sort of narrows the dating prospects – but that’s one of the problems of being gay.”

“There are two guys and a girl that I know of,” Dave volunteered, “One of the guys is extremely closeted, and the other I’m fairly sure doesn’t realize he’s gay yet. I don’t think the girl counts for you. But there’s always Mr. McLeod, the social studies teacher.”

“You’re right about the girl,” I laughed in agreement, “and I did have those two guys pegged with my ‘gaydar’. But the social studies teacher is most definitely verboten!

“About those two guys,” I continued, “even though I’m sure they’re gay, I don’t consider them eligible candidates either. I’d have to drag them out of the closet, and I don’t think anyone should be forced into understanding they’re gay. There’s nothing wrong with not being ‘out’. Every gay person needs to make that decision when and if they’re ready. It’s no different than you and Susie. You two have accepted the responsibility of dating. While others, both guys and gals, aren’t ready to go steady until they’re older. There’s no ‘one size fits all’ with these sorts of things.”

“But unfortunately, peer pressure can be an ugly thing when you’re a teen,” Dave added. “Being a teen sure isn’t easy.

“When did you ‘come out’?” Dave asked.

I hesitated, and Dave apologized for prying.

“Oh, it’s not that,” I said, “I’ve always been open about it.

“I came out eight months ago, when my boyfriend, sorry, ex-boyfriend, and I came out to one another. But what should have been a happy occasion was marred because it was the same day my dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer.”

“I’m so sorry, Sean,” Dave said with all sincerity.

“It’s okay,” I said, “I told my mom that day. She said she’d known I was gay since I was a kid. One of those “mother Spidey sense” type things. I wish she’d told me; it would’ve saved me a lot of angst!” I laughed.

“I didn’t tell my dad because I didn’t want to cause him more duress during his final two months.

“My boyfriend, Alan, was an incredible comfort to me during that time. I don’t know how I would’ve survived without him,” I started to cry, but continued, “On my dad’s last day, he told me he knew I was gay and was proud of me coming out.”

I was surprised by how much emotion showed on Dave’s face. Then I remembered that his mom had died around the same time as my dad. I’m sure his own memories were flooding back.

I went on, “Dad said that he knew Alan and I were a couple. He’d observed that Alan was with me every day when I visited. He’d seen the affection we had for one another.

“I know it’s irrational, but a part of me blames myself for Dad’s cancer because I’d come out on the same day Dad was diagnosed with cancer. If I had stayed in the closet, Dad would still be alive.”

“Oh, Sean,” Dave said with tears welling in his eyes, “You can’t go there. Believe me, blaming yourself for his death… I know how it is. I still blame myself for my mom, despite intellectually knowing that’s bullshit.”

I was surprised at Dave’s reveal. Here’s a good-looking hunk, who seems to have everything going for him, crying and blaming himself just like I have done with my dad.

Dave leaned back in his chair, not breaking eye contact.

“My mom was diagnosed about the same time as your dad,” he said. “She also was given two months to live. However, I was so scared to watch her decline, I didn’t visit her much. I spent more time with Susie than with my mom. I distanced myself when she needed me the most.”

Dave wiped tears from his face.

“In all fairness, Susie did try to get me to face the situation. But she soon gave up and accepted the attention I was giving her. That’s when we lost our virginity together.

“I was finally there with my mom in the end because I felt so guilty. You know how your mom knew you’d been gay since you were a kid? Well, my mom always knew that I had trouble handling traumatic things like the death of my grandparents. Typically, I was very adult, but on things like this…”

Dave was fully crying now.

“Mom said she didn’t blame me. She got on my case for feeling like she would have survived if I’d been with her more. She said she knew I was a strong person and that, in time, I would come to find that quality in myself.

“As you said about coming out, each person ‘blooms’ at different times.

“Unfortunately, my dad did… does blame me for not being there for Mom. And not being there for him. Oh, he only said that to me once, on the day Mom died, but it’s still there; we’re both trying to recover from it. You can’t take back hurtful words.

“That’s why he ‘gave’ me the garage as a bedroom. So many friends are jealous of me and would love this kind of ‘freedom’. But I know the ‘gift’ was born of guilt to try and make up for what he said that day.”

Dave paused, then looked me square in the eye. “I’ve never told anyone this, not even Susie. But I feel like his giving me the garage was him trying to keep me ‘out of sight, out of mind’.”

“Dave,” I said, “I don’t think so…”

Dave interrupted, “Rationally, just like you, I know it’s not true. But in the world of emotions, it’s hard to recognize that truth.”

Dave and I sat in silence, wiping tears from our eyes.

“Dave,” I said softly, “I never would have thought we had so much in common.”

“Me too, Sean,” Dave replied, adding a smile. “What say we make a pact to talk to each other when our irrational guilt surfaces and threatens to drag us into the mire?”

“Deal,” I said.

We clasped our hands in the air as a gesture of solidarity. We held it and nodded to one another, acknowledging that we were serious about this moment of bonding.

***

Dave and I made small talk for a bit to recover from the emotional conversation we’d had. I asked him what he’d been concentrating so hard on at his desk when I’d dropped by.

“Math,” he said, “I’m no good at math. I’m studying for the SAT. Applying for scholarships is the only way I can afford college. My dad is working double shifts at the manufacturing plant just to make ends meet. It’s been a big adjustment having formerly been a two-income family.”

“Sheesh!” I said, “I know what you mean, man. My mom works a lot of double shifts as an RN at the hospital because we used to be a two-income family, too.

“I’ve already taken the SAT and scored a scholarship,” I continued, “The school wasn’t my first choice, but hey, at least I’m going to get to go to college.”

“That’s great,” Dave sounded discouraged, “From what I’ve heard, you probably whizzed through the SAT. Some of the teachers think you’re their golden boy student. Word is, you’ll be class valedictorian.”

“Oh, I doubt that,” I said, “And I don’t like ‘class titles thing’. They marginalize the rest of the students. We should all be equal.”

“Spoken like a true hippy,” Dave laughed, “I notice your style of dress evokes that vibe.”

What Dave said was true, but I thought it was more of a 1970s look. I wore flared jeans frayed at the cuffs, blue Adidas sneakers, and tie-dye or other vintage T-shirts.

Dave added, “You just need longer hair!”

“You grasped the look I’m going for,” I said happily, “But my mom thinks my hair is long enough as it is. Truth be told, I just don’t like getting haircuts.”

“Don’t tell me,” Dave said, “You were traumatized as a kid by the movie, 'Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber!'”

“Naw, more like the opera, ‘The Barber of Seville’,” I deadpanned.

“Remind me to keep my scissors hidden so you don’t freak out,” Dave laughed.

“Thank you, thank you!” I said with a humorous tone of relief, “But just between you and me, this is about as long as I can stand it. It’s not good in the hot weather!”

“Ah, but one must make sacrifices, n'est-ce pas, to achieve ze look you are striving for, oui?” Dave said with a pompous French accent.

“Are you making fun of my aesthetic?” I responded with mock hurt in my voice.

“Me?! Never!!” Dave exclaimed, “Actually, I like your look. I like you being ‘out’; I admire you for ‘being yourself’. My mom used to encourage me to be ‘true to myself’ by singing that song, you know the one…”

Dave then sang, “You've gotta make your own kind of music.”

I joined Dave in harmony, “Even if nobody else sings along.”

“I love that song,” I told Dave. “And you’ve got a pleasant voice.”

“So do you.” He said with a wistful look in his eyes. No doubt he was thinking of his mom.

We both took a sip from our cans of Coke, which had grown warm during our emotional talk.

“Hey,” Dave sounded excited, “Would you be willing to help me study for the SAT? I’ll pay you.”

“Sure,” I said, “And no need to pay me. It’s what friends do, and we already made a pact to help one another.”

Once again, we clasped our hands in the air and agreed to start the next day.

***

My mom was home when I returned. She appeared tired, so I made dinner. I told her about helping Dave study for his SAT and that it seemed like we were becoming good friends. I skipped our emotional exchange.

“I’m glad you’re making a friend,” My mom said. “I’ve been worried about you just sitting around the house missing Alan.”

“Oh, Dave is 100% straight,” I corrected her, “In fact, it’s enjoyable making a close friend without the cloud of romance hanging over me.

“Will he? Won’t he? Does he? Doesn’t he? I don’t need that kind of pressure right now.”

My mom agreed with my sentiments. However, in the back of my mind, I couldn’t shed the amorous thoughts that had intruded about Dave. I told myself I’m just a healthy, red-blooded, gay male who misses his ex-boyfriend. And it’s normal to feel horny about a great-looking guy, even if he’s straight. What’s wrong with ‘window shopping’?

 

CHAPTER 3

The next day, Dave and I began our study sessions. He was dressed, or not dressed, the same as the previous two days. I tried not to focus on that while I was waiting for Dave to finish a math problem. After working a couple of hours, we called it quits. Dave moved to his recliner, and I sat on the couch.

“You know, you’re a good teacher,” Dave said. “You don’t tell me how to do something. You guide me into thinking of possible solutions and help me narrow it down to the proper answer.”

“Thanks,” I said, “I’m just doing it the way I like to learn. It bugs me when teachers toss you in the water to let you sink or swim.”

Dave said, “Can I ask you a personal question?”

“Sure,” I said.

“That thin, silver ring on your pinkie finger,” Dave said, “I notice you twist it around whenever you talk about Alan.”

“I think you’ve guessed it,” I replied, “When Alan and I had been together one week, we exchanged rings. They’re just cheap things, but they meant a lot to us. That maybe someday we would be more…” My voice drifted off, “I just can’t bring myself to take it off.”

“That’s special. Thanks for telling me.”

I took a sip of my Coke, then asked, “Do you mind if I ask you a question?”

“It seems like you already have,” Dave joked. “Sure, go ahead.”

“Why do you dress this way every afternoon?”

“It’s my bedroom,” He stated matter-of-factly, “Honestly though, I sleep in the buff.”

Great! Dave just planted another unwanted, but pleasing image into my mind!

“I always have,” he continued, “I walked around the house wearing jeans because I had to wear something. And my legs get cold, so it’s long jeans.”

“Oh.” I didn’t know what else to say.

“When I moved out here, I wore a long t-shirt to cover my crotch and butt, but as soon as I saw no one walking through the alley, I decided to make myself as comfortable as I was inside the house. As I said, you and Penny were the first to come by in six months. And by the way, I do dress when I have people over.”

“Ahhh…” I began to say. Then Dave caught the contradiction.

“Oh, I haven’t dressed for you at all.” He said apologetically, “I’m sorry, I don’t know why I didn’t automatically put on a shirt. Since you’re gay and all, it probably isn’t appropriate.”

Dave got up to find a t-shirt.

“Hey!” I exclaimed, “This is your place. You can dress any way you want! And just because I’m gay doesn’t mean I want to jump your bones! Yes, I can’t ignore that you have a good bod, but we’re friends! I would never go there!”

Dave stood still for a moment, then dropped the t-shirt back in the drawer.

“I’m sorry if I offended you,” Dave said, “I really am. I never meant to imply anything untoward on your part.”

I interrupted, “I’m not uncomfortable, and I barely notice your nakedness anymore. Besides, I know exactly where you’re coming from. I sleep in the nude, too. Sorry, T.M.I.”

“No, go on.” Dave laughed.

“Okay, you asked for more…” I laughed, “I wander the house wearing cutoff blue jean shorts and nothing else. And they’re just as ‘revealing’ as your pants. I’m comfortable. But I do wear a long t-shirt to cover my batch and rear when my mom is home. I don’t want her to be uncomfortable.”

Dave laughed and repeated my word, “Batch. I’ll have to use that word.”

I’d calmed down and laughed.

“And I wear a long t-shirt too when my dad is around,” Dave added.

I stood up and approached Dave. “So, we agree, it’s no big deal?”

“No big deal.” Dave responded and held his hand up in the air so I could clasp it in solidarity.

Once we unclasped, I gave Dave an exaggerated look up and down.

“You are pretty sexy though,” I said suggestively.

Dave grabbed the t-shirt from the drawer and swatted me in the face with it.

“Smart ass!” He exclaimed, chuckling.

I felt better after our exchange. I didn’t take Dave's near nudity as sexually stimulating as before. I mean, I noticed it, like anyone would. But now I understood where he was coming from and felt comfortable in that we were alike in yet another way. It was nice making a friend without the specter of sex hanging over my head.

***

That Saturday, Dave called to ask if I wanted to join him and a group of friends at the mall. I said sure and offered to drive, since we lived only a few houses apart. I already knew half of the guys. Dave introduced me to the others.

Gesturing towards me, Dave said, “This is Jon Berry…” Then he gave a sudden look of alarm, “Oops, sorry, his name is SEAN THOMAS – I forgot; he’s in the witness protection program!”

I put on an expression of panic, “You let them know my real name! The mimes who killed that clown are still after me! You promised to keep quiet about it!”

“No,” Dave said gravely, “They are the ones who are keeping quiet about it. It’s the clowns who’re being noisy.”

“I can hear them now!” I exclaimed.

“Who? The mimes or the clowns?” Dave asked, “You shouldn’t be able to hear the mimes!”

I made the impression of a clown horn, “Boogie! Boogie!”

Dave turned to the guys and apologized, “Sorry, I should have warned you. Sean has flashbacks – all of that sugar in breakfast cereals when he was a kid.”

“But the doctors say I’m mostly harmless now that I’ve been released.”

Everyone was laughing hard, thinking we’d planned this ‘introduction’. The thing is, this wasn’t planned. Dave and I both had a bizarre sense of humor that feeds off one another. We improvised scenes like this even when we were alone. Our personalities and peculiar minds just ‘clicked’.

So, I made some new friends that day. The bunch of us didn’t do anything special. We visited the music and book stores, but we spent most of the time in the arcade playing video games. I did get a look from one of the guys who was obviously worried that what Dave had said about me was true. I was tempted to sneak up behind him and do my clown horn impression again, but I thought better of it just in case he called the police. LOL.

 

CHAPTER 4

Come Monday, Dave and I resumed our after-school tutoring. Dave was coming along well. But most importantly, he was gaining confidence. Dave was smart, but he put himself down about school. It seemed his dad had always pressured him with high academic expectations. Dave’s mom focused on nurturing his confidence, as did I. Now that she was gone, Dave was only getting one parental message. Not that his dad was home enough to offer much input.

Dave and I understood why our parents were working so much. We were worried about them and the stress they were under. Unlike my mom, however, Dave’s dad didn’t seem to appreciate his concern. Dave was correct in what he’d confessed to me: that his dad felt more comfortable with him being out in the garage instead of in the house. Dinners with his dad were exercises in silence, unlike dinners with my mom. While our schedules rarely matched, these had become opportunities for us to catch up on the little things and relax with one another.

I’ve always heard that sons are closer to their mothers. In both Dave’s and my cases, it had been true. But since his mom had died, it had become painfully clear that Dave’s dad was not that close to him. Maybe his dad resented that he had been closer to his mom than he was.

When I came strolling up the driveway to Dave’s garage, I could see something was bothering him. At first, he didn’t want to talk about it. Finally, he said, “Hell, we’ve become such good friends, I feel like I can tell you anything. I’m sorry for shutting you out.”

Dave went on to tell me he and Susie had argued. She was no longer ‘putting out’. Even though they used multiple methods of protection, she’d had worries about getting pregnant and thought they should move more slowly. Dave was okay with that and suggested that she give him blow jobs instead. He told her that, while condoms and birth control pills can fail, there’s no way she could get pregnant with a blow job.

Okay, I may be gay, but I know when it comes to teenagers, one of the people in a couple is usually hornier than the other. I was that way with Alan. I didn’t hold it against Dave for pressuring Susie. Dave was my friend, so I was on his side.

I told Dave about Alan and me, and made the comment that guys give better blow jobs than girls. After all, they know what a guy likes receiving, so they know how to give better head.

We studied for about an hour, then Dave said he needed a break. He turned to me and asked bluntly, “Would you give me a blow job?”

I was unprepared for the question, but realized I had set the ball rolling when Dave said, “Hey, then I can tell you if a guy gives a better blow job than a girl.”

Well, Dave had presented the proposal logically. And I must admit I had a bit of scientific curiosity about the subject.

“Sure,” I said.

We moved across the room, where I sat leaning forward in Dave’s recliner, and he stood with his crotch before me. I could see that Dave was already getting hard in anticipation. I would be a liar if I said I hadn’t already grown hard; Dave just couldn’t see it.

Dave unzipped his jeans and pulled them down slightly. If I’d thought Dave was well-endowed because of the way his penis and balls were packed in his tight jeans, he was even better endowed when hard.

I kept staring at Dave’s package, and he asked, “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” I said, then added with awe, “It’s big.”

“That’s one of Susie’s problems,” Dave said, then added, “Does that bother you?”

“No. Not at all. I’ll consider it a challenge.” We both laughed.

Dave had luscious, large hanging balls. Above those, protruding from a black mass of pubic hair was an erect dick that must have been just over 7 inches long, with a girth that, well… I glanced at the can of Coke on the table and thought, that was a close comparison!

Alan was nowhere near as large as Dave. I never cared, because I feel it’s not the size that counts, but how you use it. I still feel this way. So, it wasn’t so much the dimensions of Dave’s manhood that was getting me hot, but the fact that it was Dave’s member and he was offering it to me!

At that moment, I realized we were crossing a line. The previous week, I had purged myself of my lust for Dave. We were friends. And despite knowing each other only for a short time, he had become the best friend I’d ever had. I had every reason to believe Dave felt the same way. But our hormones had gotten the best of us, and I took his hard cock in my left hand and began giving Dave a hand job. With my right hand, I fondled his low-hanging testicles before gently sucking on them. Dave sighed with pleasure.

I licked his thick dick up and down, generating a series of whimpers. I shifted my tongue to lick Dave’s substantial, mushroom-shaped head. Then, without warning, I opened my mouth wide and engulfed Dave’s manhood, swallowing it down to the hilt, my nose resting in his thick pubic hair. Sucking hard, I raised my mouth up the length of Dave’s shaft until it popped out of my mouth.

Dave appeared startled that I had taken his whole dick so easily. I glanced up, and our eyes met. With them, Dave signaled that I should carry on.

I took Dave’s hard member in my mouth again and began blowing him with unbridled enthusiasm. Up and down, I continued. I had no problem with the length and girth of Dave’s dick.

Dave’s eyes were closed, and he was wearing an expression of ecstasy. Without thinking, I did what I used to do with Alan. Not losing my mouth rhythm, I placed my hands on Dave’s six-pack abs and began sliding them upward. I had almost reached my goal of his erect nipples when Dave gripped my arms by the wrists and removed my hands from his body. His expression hadn’t changed. Letting my arms drop to my sides, I continued to blow Dave as if my life depended on it.

Dave never said ‘stop it,’ or anything, but his actions spoke louder than words. He was okay getting head from a gay guy, but nothing further. I understood, and neither of us spoke about my faux pas.

After several minutes, I felt Dave’s body tense, and he cried, “I’m cumming!”

It seemed Dave was going to pull out of my mouth. I prevented him by grasping his buttocks and pushing his dick deeper in my mouth. Dave burst his load, and I began swallowing his seed as rapidly as I could. He kept shooting, shot after shot. So much semen was released, I could no longer keep up. White jizz came pouring out of the sides of my mouth, dripping on my jeans and the cement floor.

Dave’s body shuddered as he finished cuming. His eyes opened. He seemed unfocused as I removed my mouth from his now wilting dick. Dave shuddered once again as I licked and sucked all of the semen his cock had left to offer.

With my fingers, I wiped clean the cum that had run down my chin and jeans. I took those fingers deep into my mouth and provocatively sucked them dry. I hadn’t broken eye contact with Dave. At first, he seemed uncertain about what I was doing, but as I continued, a smile grew on his face. I could tell he was aroused by my actions.

Dick still hanging from his open jeans, Dave plopped down on the couch, clearly exhausted.

“Wow!” Dave said breathlessly, “That was the best blow job I’ve ever had! You were… fantastic! Was it as good for you?”

“Yeah!” I said in all sincerity, “I thought you’d never stop cumming! But I loved every minute of it!”

“The amount of cum,” Dave said, “That’s another of Susie’s problems.”

I laughed and said, “She doesn’t know what she’s missing!”

Dave put his cock and balls back in his pants and said, “I guess that answers the scientific question – Guys do give better head than girls!”

We laughed, and I added, “Well, at least this gay guy gives better head than Susie! But with a bit of guidance from me, I bet she could be a ‘flying ace’! I’ve noticed she has a big mouth!”

“You’re right,” Dave responded, a bit of sarcasm slipping through, “She does.”

“I didn’t mean it that way, Dave!” I exclaimed.

“I did.” He responded, shrugging his shoulders.

Dave perked up as he said, “Isn’t it funny how when guys begin exploring their sexuality, they often circle jerk. The accolades go to the guy who ‘cums’ first. Then, when we start having sex for real, it’s about lasting as long as we can and not cumming prematurely!”

I laughed and said, “I swear, sex and romance, whether you are gay or straight, rank up there in the top ten mysteries of life!”

We laughed heartily.

“I guess I should go,” I said, standing up. “I don’t think either of us is in any condition to study now.”

Dave laughed, “I think you’re right.”

As I got up to walk out of his ‘room’, Dave put his arm on my shoulder to stop me.

“Are you sure it was good for you?” Dave asked, “I’d hate to think only I got pleasure out of it.”

“It was great for me too, Dave.” I answered, “I didn’t realize how much I’ve missed giving Alan head. Thank you for asking.”

“Thank you for doing that, Sean.”

“No, thank you,” I said.

Dave added, “No, thank you.”

“NO, thank YOU!” I insisted.

“No, it’s you who should be thanked!”

By this point, we had goofy smiles on our faces, and as I began another thanks, Dave grabbed a pillow from the couch and walloped me on the side of my face and said, “Smartass!”

“It takes one to know one!” I shouted as I ran before he could hit me again.

Interrupting our laughter, Dave called out, “See you tomorrow?”

“Of course, we’ve got a lot of studying still left to do! Good night!”

“Good night to you, too!”

***

My mom was working the late shift tonight, so I made my own meal. Most 18-year-olds in my circumstances would just heat up a TV dinner. I usually cooked a full meal and set a plate aside for my mom to heat up when she got home.

I couldn’t get what had occurred with Dave out of my mind. I absolutely loved the blow job I’d given him. His huge dick was kind of fun. And best of all, Dave had enjoyed it.

Dave had made it clear when I began feeling up his chest that a blow job with a gay guy was one thing, but that type of touching was another. It wasn’t part of the deal. I knew that and was embarrassed that I had unconsciously done it anyway.

When I got home from Dave’s, I’d gone straight to my room and masturbated to images of what he and I had done. Truth be told, my imagination took the incident a couple of steps further and ended up blowing a load all over myself and the bed. Whew! This was the most intense orgasm I’d ever had while pleasuring myself!

I still had in the back of my mind that what we had done had crossed the line in our friendship. However, Dave and I seemed to take it in stride and joked afterward, and it wasn’t like it was going to happen again. So why did I feel uneasy about it? I couldn’t help but remember Dave’s comment, “I’ll have to shut my bedroom door the next time!” Was Dave thinking there would be a ‘next time’? And why, despite my unease, did that thought make me feel so excited?

That night, I had the most vivid wet dream of my life. I remembered it clearly, as if it had actually happened, and it centered around Dave. And I wasn’t likely to forget this dream, as my semen had also made this wet dream the messiest of my life. I lost a couple of hours of sleep washing and drying the sheets so that my mom wouldn’t accidentally find them.

 

CHAPTER 5

The next day at school was the same as normal with Dave. We said, “Hi,” with no undercurrent that anything unusual had happened on Monday. We spent lunch with friends at the same table as Dave and Susie.

After school, I stopped by Dave’s garage for more tutoring. Dave was dressed in his customary revealing way. I was getting used to sitting next to his striking good looks and killer bare torso as we studied.

We had satisfactorily completed my study plan for the day when Dave commented, “You gave a first-rate blow job yesterday. I couldn’t stop thinking of it. I hope it was as good for you.”

Dave swiveled in his desk chair and looked directly at me and asked, “Would you give me another one?”

Sensing my hesitation, Dave added, “You can jack off as you blow me. I mean, it’s only fair. Do you want to?”

All the reservations I’d had about yesterday melted away with Dave’s offer. I said, “Yes.”

“Why don’t you sit in your recliner?” I suggested, “You looked a bit unsteady on your feet after you came yesterday.”

“Yeah, you were really good!” Dave said, “And you took a lot out of me,” then, realizing what he’d said, added with a wicked smile, “Both literally and figuratively!”

Dave undid his jeans and pulled them down further than he had before as he sat in his chair. I unzipped my pants and pulled out my cock and balls as I knelt before Dave. Both of us were soft, but that didn’t last for long.

Assessing my dick and testicles, Dave said, “You know, you’re rather big yourself.”

I didn’t know what else to say other than, “Thanks.” I really didn’t think Dave would look at my package.

“I see you’re a natural blonde.” Dave chuckled.

I was confused for a moment, then said, “Oh, I get it. Susie.”

“Yep!” He smiled, “She isn’t!”

I joined Dave in a chuckle and began licking his inner thighs just under his balls. Like the day before, I suckled his testicles, pulling the loose skin with my lips. I clutched his hard dick with my left hand and lowered my mouth over his erection. Combining the two actions, I made Dave breathe heavier and heavier, and I began masturbating my own substantial cock.

Most of the time, Dave’s eyes were closed, but when they were open, I noticed that his attention was split between the blow job and my dick.

Dave’s breathing grew heavier until he suddenly unleashed a torrent of cum in my mouth. I swallowed every drop this time and kept sucking until he grew flaccid in my mouth. Dave leaned forward to watch me jack off and explode onto the legs of his jeans and the floor.

“Wow!” Dave exclaimed, “And I thought I was a big cummer!”

I kept jerking myself until all my cum had been released and I had grown flaccid too. I stood and then sat on the couch beside Dave’s chair. We both lay in our seats; jeans open, with our large, soft dicks looking like they’d just run an Olympic marathon and needed a week’s worth of sleep. I felt like I could join my dick in a nap!

“That was unbelievable, Sean!” Dave said, still short of breath, “Was it as good for you?”

“Yeah,” I whispered, “It was stupendous.”

“Was it better than with other guys?”

“Wellll…” I said carefully, “I really can’t say. Let me go to the park and the mall restrooms and get back to you. Do you want a random sampling of 100? 200 to compare? Careful with your answer, and this is going to be in our next SAT prep session.”

Dave was taken aback, then realized I was joking.

“Dumb ass,” I told him, “You know I’ve only had sex with one guy. Just like I know Suzie is your one and only. But I’ll be glad to do the research in the park and mall!”

Dave picked up a throw pillow and threw it at me. I grabbed it and began hitting him with it. Dave picked up another, and we got into a pillow fight, laughing like kids instead of the 18-year-old men we were, albeit men with their pants open, with their wedding tackle exposed for all to see!

When we calmed down, Dave asked, “Are you sure you got pleasure from it? I don’t want you to do me unless you get something out of it too.”

“No worries there, Dave.”

“Was it better than Alan?” Dave stressed.

“That’s not fair to say,” I answered. “Every guy is different. There should be no comparison. But if I had to answer, I’d have to say I’ve never had an orgasm like that before, with a guy or by my own hand.” I laughed

“Same goes for me,” Dave said with relief, “I’m glad.”

I was happy that Dave seemed to be as concerned about my pleasure as his own.

We put away our respective manhood and went on to study.

***

This time, I didn’t feel bothered by the exchange of pleasure that had occurred between Dave and me. My night was a normal one. The next day, while studying, Dave didn’t ask me to ‘do’ him. Instead, we went to a fast-food joint for dinner since both of our parents were working.

We talked about our shared interest in history, then went antique shopping. While the prices were too high for us to purchase anything, we loved looking and figuring out what some of the more curious items had been used for. Often, we made up stories about the original owners based on the scant information available. Dave said he had the Ken Burns’ Civil War mini-series on Blu-ray, and we decided to watch a bit of it every day after a successful study session.

***

On Wednesday, after studying, Dave asked me if I needed to jerk off. He didn’t ask me to blow him; it was presented as an offer for me to pleasure myself. I was feeling horny, so I said yes.

We ended up with Dave in his recliner and me kneeling before him. We were both already hard. The thought crossed my mind that Dave needed the release and had deliberately phrased it to make it seem like I had instigated it.

Regardless of who asked whom, it was another marvelous blow job and jerk off.

As a test, when Dave asked on Thursday if I needed to jerk off, I said no. If all of this was purely one-sided, I figured he would do the whole “are you sure” type thing, trying to pressure me into at least giving him a blow job. But Dave accepted my ‘no’ without a problem, and we continued studying. I guess our ‘sex’ was based on friendship and mutual respect.

On Friday, the question/suggestion never came up.

On Saturday, Dave and I went ‘antiquing’ in the many stores in Centerville. He said Susie didn’t like going to these places, so he was happy to have someone as interested as me as a companion.

One place had one of those ‘Old Time Photo’ shops. You’ve most likely seen them. They dress you in period costumes and take sepia-toned photos of you posing in the era's style. Dave and I agreed on the Civil War period. However, we couldn’t agree on whether we should be Union or Confederate soldiers or one of each. And if the latter, which army would Dave represent, and which one would be me? It was a playful disagreement, but I could tell the photographer was getting irritated, and he suggested we be civilians, not soldiers. What can I say, Dave and I take our passion for history seriously.

We were surprised by the clothing's high quality. Their authentic feel helped us get into character. Once we were dressed, the photographer gave us props and began posing us. Dave looked at me and brushed the lock of my straight blond hair from my eyes. The photographer gave us a knowing smile, and we began. He was good; we noted the stances seemed very accurate.

The photos turned out great! With a little weathering of the paper, one might think they were actually from the early 1860s. We bought antique frames to put our favorite shot in. Dave and I were tremendously happy with the results. I placed mine on my bedroom dresser.

When Susie noticed the photo on the table by Dave’s bed, she got upset with him because he had canceled a date with her to do this with me.

Little did I realize this was strike one in the beginning of the end.

 

CHAPTER 6

On Monday afternoon at our usual time, I walked into Dave’s garage and said, “Knock-knock.”

Dave looked up at me, startled.

“Sean!” he exclaimed, “What the hell has happened? You look horrible!”

“Thanks,” I said without emotion.

“No, seriously,” Dave said, standing up to greet me as I walked in, “You’ve been crying, and you look like you haven’t had any sleep for days!”

“You’re right, I have been, and I haven’t.” I knew I wasn’t making any sense.

By the time Dave reached me, I had burst into tears. “What’s wrong?” he asked.

When Dave realized that I’d clammed up, he said, “You’re my best friend. You can tell me anything. No judgments, no anger, no making fun of… ANYTHING, no matter how big or how small.”

Sobbing, I cried, “I was right. Alan… he’s found another boyfriend!”

I fell into Dave’s bare arms and cried so hard, I couldn’t catch my breath.

Dave hugged me as firmly as I hugged him.

“Take a deep breath,” Dave said. “Take a moment and tell me what’s happened.”

Dave guided me to the couch. He sat beside me, still embracing me.

“Saturday,” I began, “After we got home from antiquing, Alan called me. I knew something was up because of the tone of his voice. Hell, I knew something was up for days because he hadn’t returned my calls.”

I broke down with emotion again. Finally, I continued, “Alan told me he had met someone. His name was Jim. They met at the bookstore in the mall and started talking. They go to the same school, but have never spoken before. You know our being gay and being boyfriends was no secret at my old school. Jim thought Alan was still with me.

“They went out a few times and learned that they had a lot in common. Alan said, before he realized it, he and Jim had fallen in love.”

I choked over the last word, unable to proceed with my story. I cried in Dave’s arms for a few minutes. He held me tight, rocking me back and forth, and told me to cry as long as I liked.

After gathering myself, I sat up straight. Dave kept his arm around my shoulder.

“Alan said he didn’t want to hurt me, but we had promised each other we would move on. He still cared for me. How could he not after everything we’d gone through together? But he was in love with Jim, and he hoped I would be okay with it.

“What could I say? I do care about Alan and would never want to hurt him. I didn’t let on how I was feeling. We ended up saying goodbye. This time, I knew it was for good.”

Dave kept looking me in the eye, concern evident in his face and body language.

I continued, “Dave, I’ve known that it was over with Alan, but… but there was a part of me that hadn’t given up hope that some miracle would happen. That last afternoon when Alan and I made love – I’ve never experienced anything like it. It was so marvelous! I’m never going to experience anything like that again!”

I began sobbing once more and buried my face in Dave’s bare shoulder.

I raised my head and looked straight into Dave’s worried eyes. “You know I blame my coming out of the closet for my dad getting sick. I’ve tried to believe it’s not true. I’ve tried to think that if I’d never have found Alan, nothing would’ve happened to Dad. But now… I don’t even have Alan.”

I cried on Dave’s shoulder again as he held me tighter and rocked me.

“Sean,” Dave said sweetly, “We made a pact with one another. We said we would talk when our irrational guilt surfaces. That we would drag each other out of the mire we were creating for ourselves. That’s what I’m doing now.

“You can mourn your relationship with Alan as much as you want. But you can’t bring feelings of guilt surrounding your dad into this.”

Dave placed his fingers under my chin and raised my face so that I couldn’t avoid looking at him.

“Now, repeat after me,” Dave said, “My coming out and my relationship with Alan had nothing to do with what happened to Dad. Go on...”

I hesitantly repeated what Dave had said.

“Repeat it for me.”

I repeated it.

Dave gave me a big hug with his beefy arms. “It’s going to be okay, Sean. It may not seem like it now, but it will.”

I released myself from Dave’s grasp as I gained control over my crying.

“So, you haven’t had anything to eat or any sleep since Saturday night?” Dave queried.

I shook my head yes.

“I thought you were acting strange at school. Does your mom know?” Dave asked.

“Yeah, but I controlled my emotions better with her than I did with you,” I answered. “I’m sorry…”

Dave interrupted me, “Don’t be. I’m here for you.”

I fell back on Dave’s shoulder and cried. That’s the last thing I remembered.

***

The next thing I knew, it was dark outside. I was lying on Dave’s couch, my shoes were off, my head was on a pillow, and my body was covered by a sheet. Dave lay back in his recliner, reading a book by a solitary light.

“Howdee, sleepyhead,” Dave said, “Are you feeling any better?”

Shaking my head of sleep, I had the vaguest memory of a man without a shirt removing my shoes and staring at my sock-covered feet. I saw him pick up my legs and straighten them out on the couch, then stare at my body, still dressed in long jeans and a t-shirt. The image of the same man, with large hands, gently raising my head and laying it down on a pillow bounced back and forth in my clouded memory. I seemed to recall him covering me with a sheet and his hand brushing the hair out of my eyes. And there was a familiar man’s voice singing part of a song, “You're gonna be knowin', the loneliest kind of lonely. It’s the hardest thing to do.” The most vivid image was of this handsome man kissing me on the forehead and telling me, “Sleep well.”

Dave perceived my confusion and explained. “You fell asleep while crying in my arms. I took off your shoes and got the pillow and sheet. I hope you don’t mind.”

“No,” I said groggily, “That’s okay.”

“You hadn’t slept in two days,” Dave continued, “I called your mom. You said you’d told her what happened with Alan. I didn’t tell her too much of what happened here, but we both agreed that you needed uninterrupted sleep.”

Dave noticed the look of worry on my face and said, “It’s okay. Your mom said she’d take care of Penny for you.”

“Thank goodness!” I said, “What time is it?”

“About 2:30.”

“In the afternoon!” I panicked and started to get off the couch.

“Nooo,” Dave said with a smile on his face, “2:30 at night.”

“You’re kidding!”

“No, I’m not.”

“You’ve stayed up half the night beside me reading?”

“Yeah, you weren’t much of a conversationalist,” Dave laughed.

I was stunned that Dave would do that. As if he was reading my mind, Dave added, “You’re my best friend. I’d never abandon you when you needed me.”

All I could say was, “Thank you.”

“Anytime, pal.”

I stood there for a moment, twisting the silver ring Alan and I had exchanged. I looked Dave in the eyes and took the ring off.

“Can you get rid of this for me?” I asked.

“No,” Dave answered, “I’ll keep it for you. Someday, when the pain is gone, you’re going to want this ring back as a memento of a very special time and a very special man.”

“Thank you,” I said. “You’re a special man too. The best friend any guy could have.”

Dave smiled and said he thought it would be best if I went home, just in case my mom was up waiting to see how I was. He walked me to my house to ensure I’d be safe and not fall asleep on the way.

“I don’t want to discover you’ve become ‘Rip Van Winkle’!” Dave joked.

Dave called me when he got home to say he was okay, too.

My mom had been dozing in the living room and made sure I got straight to bed. She insisted I be ‘sick’ and stay home from school the next day. I couldn’t blame her; I was still tired.

As I drifted off to sleep in the comfort of my own bed, my memory cleared. It had been Dave brushing my shaggy blond hair out of my eyes and kissing me on the forehead. Dave’s voice saying, “Sleep well,” echoed through my mind until I was asleep.

***

On Tuesday, both Dave and I stayed home sick from school. Regrettably, a lot was covered in our classes that day. So, on Wednesday, we met in Dave’s garage to catch up on the schoolwork. We worked on it together.

Dave and I had grown so close that we often knew what was on the other’s mind, or at the very least when something was on the other’s mind. Dave shared his phone call with Susie from the previous day. Apparently, they had a date planned for Monday afternoon. She wasn’t very happy when he canceled it. She was even less happy when she learned that I was the cause.

Although Dave hadn’t gone into the details, he did tell her something had happened with me, and he needed to help me get through it. Susie demanded to know what the problem was. Dave told her he couldn’t say; that I was his best friend, and it was private.

Susie blew up over which of us meant more to him, her or me. Dave used logic, comparing the situation to her best friend(s). Would she betray their privacy and trust? Susie ultimately agreed with Dave, and things were back to normal between them.

But not really. This was strike two of the beginning of the end.

 

CHAPTER 7

Once Dave and I got caught up on the schoolwork we had missed, we resumed our regular SAT prep. Dave was doing well. He’d built his confidence and took my ‘pop quizzes’ in stride, acing them. We decided to cover subjects other than math. It wouldn’t hurt, and it might even bring up his test scores.

On Friday, Dave turned to me and said, “This week has left me stressed. How about you?”

I told the truth and said, “Yes.”

“Do you want to jerk off and give me a blow job?”

I didn’t think twice about it. It would feel really good just about now.

Dave sat in his regular spot with me on my knees in front of him. The only difference was that Dave dropped his jeans all the way down to his ankles. Man, what a sight! I knew Dave had muscular legs because of the tightness of his pants, but I hadn’t suspected his legs would be so hairy!

When I say hairy, I don’t mean tons of hair like ‘Bigfoot’. The black hair on his legs looked as if a designer had placed each one in the proper position to accentuate Dave’s calves and thighs. I was surprised because Dave had no hair on his torso. Just a small trail running from his crotch up to his belly button. Between Dave’s face, torso, arms, and these wonderful legs, Dave could have been a model. I told him he could pick up a lot of cash posing as an artist’s model.

Dave laughed. “I tried that, but I get hard too quick, as you can see,” he said, waving his hard dick in front of my face.

I gave Dave a blow job that produced a small yelp as he came. Not a drop escaped my hungry lips, mouth, and throat. Alan crossed my mind. I’m not proud of myself for having the petty thought, “See what you’re missing?!”

My own orgasm came as a surprise. I had used my hand on myself only at the beginning. Otherwise, my hands had been busy with Dave’s cock and balls. I actually came without touching myself! My hard dick seemed to have a mind of its own. I shot so much and so far, I made a real mess!

I apologized, but Dave said, “No worries! I’ve never seen anything like that – it was quite hot!”

My straight blond hair had gotten mussed. Dave took his fingers and brushed the locks out of my eyes. In my afterglow, I didn’t think about Dave’s action; it was now becoming natural between us.

Dave went behind his curtain and put on a fresh pair of jeans. He had a towel in his hands and was cleaning his cum covered chest. He handed me a towel, and I cleaned the recliner and the floor in front of it.

Dave had been right; we’d both released a lot of stress, all over the place!

***

Saturday afternoon, a bunch of us, including Susie, went to a restaurant to celebrate one of the gang’s birthdays. You know the type of place: all of the servers come out clapping their hands, singing a non-copyrighted ‘Happy-happy birthday! Happy-happy birthday!” before presenting to the birthday girl or boy a complimentary cake that belongs in a doll house. I dread those places; it feels like the staff is always joined by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the Boston Pops Orchestra, and anybody they could drag off the street to sing with them!

As always, Dave’s and my humor came out. He turned to me and said, “Should I tell them you’re deaf and they need to sing louder?”

I answered, “What? I’m deaf. Can you ask them to sing louder?”

As usual, Dave and I were the life of the party. We all had fun, except for Susie.

It felt like Susie was giving me the cold shoulder. If anyone deserved to be given the cold shoulder, it was her. She had told anyone who would listen what Dave had shared with her about our absence from school on Tuesday. So now everyone knew that something had happened to me, and that Dave had been needed to help me get through it!

Everyone was kind about it and showed an unexpected amount of concern for me. Susie knew this was private between Dave and me, and she’d had no right to tell anyone. I ignored the slight towards me and treated her with kindness and respect, as I always did.

Susie was going to spend the evening at Dave’s garage, ‘making out’. I was glad; maybe she was right that he spent too much time with me. As my best friend, I hoped Susie would ‘put out’ for Dave. It’d been a long time since their last intercourse, and he deserved it.

***

Dave phoned me early Sunday morning and asked me to come over to his garage. He was totally dressed for a change and was pacing the floor.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“What isn’t wrong?” was Dave’s response.

I told him he was wearing a hole in his throw rug and asked him to sit down. It was unusual for him to sit on the couch with me.

Everything came pouring out. So much so that it didn’t make much sense, as it was all out of order. For the sake of this story, I’ve pieced it together into a comprehensible narrative.

Susie had refused to have intercourse, even though she had told Dave that she would. She also turned down giving him a blow job or hand job.

Dave asked her what was wrong; she was supposed to be his girlfriend, and they used to have healthy sexual relations.

Susie’s response was one word… “Sean.”

She accused Dave of having relations with the ‘gay guy’. Of course, Dave denied it. But she threw logic back at Dave. She knew him well enough to know that he couldn’t go long without sex. He had to be getting it from someone.

I know Dave well; he doesn’t have a temper. But in this case, he lost it. It turned into an argument, with accusations and recriminations flying back and forth. Dave promised me that he didn’t tell her anything about our sexual relations. He knew she wouldn’t understand, and he didn’t want me to take any more heat. They eventually made up, and Dave promised he wouldn’t spend as much time with me once the SAT was taken.

I was hurt when Dave told me this. I know I shouldn’t have been; after all, I wasn't Dave’s boyfriend. Susie was his girlfriend. Because I was Dave’s best friend, I agreed to cut back on doing things together unless it was with a group of friends. What else could I do?

Dave was still upset and began pacing the floor again. I asked him why. Today was his mother’s birthday, and Susie had agreed to go to the cemetery with him as emotional support. However, this morning Susie called to say she no longer wanted to do it because she didn’t want to ‘feel down’.

“That bitch!” I exclaimed.

I apologized immediately, and Dave said he understood. He was crying now.

“I have to do this,” Dave said, “I wasn’t there for my mom and Dad when she was dying. I have to do this! I just don’t think I can do it on my own. My dad already refused to go with me, and now Susie has backed out! I was counting on her. I need her.

“Sean, I’m trying to be the stronger person Mom told me I can be… that I am. But I’m not.”

Dave turned to me and hugged me tightly, crying his eyes out on my shoulder. I hugged him back and started rocking back and forth much in the way he had done for me during my breakdown over Alan. I wasn’t copying Dave; I was just doing what came naturally with someone I care about.

We sat on the couch with me still holding him.

“Dave,” I said softly, “Cry as long as you need. I’ll always be here for you.”

Ten minutes passed. Dave finally stopped crying and let go of me.

“I’ll do it,” He said, “I have to do it for Mom.”

I took my hand under his chin and made Dave look me straight in the eyes.

“David,” I said, “I’ll go with you. Not because you’re weak and need someone to help you, but as your best friend. A friend with whom you can share stories about your mom and the love she felt for you.”

Dave began, “But Susie…”

“Fuck Susie!” I exclaimed, “Forget ‘who’s place’ is it to be with you. You’re an 18-year-old man, and if she wants to act like a child, let her. We made a pact, buddy, and I won’t break that!”

“Pact,” Dave said, holding up his hand for a ‘bro’ shake.

I took his hand the same way and said, “Pact! Let me go home and change into something more appropriate for visiting your mom. I think she’s expecting us.”

***

The cemetery was lovely. So many trees. So much shade. The only thing we could hear was the chirping of birds. Their happy songs rubbed off on Dave and me. As we gazed at his mother’s grave, we were filled with a serene feeling. This was a place of love.

Dave knelt at the foot of his mom’s headstone. I stood a few feet behind him out of respect.

“Hi Mom,” David said softly, “It’s me, David.” He waved his hand towards me and introduced me, “This is Sean. He’s a very special friend.”

“He’s been helping me study for my SATs. The test is next week. I think I’m going to make you proud of me.”

Dave stared at her grave, and a tear began to roll down his face.

“I miss you so much, Mom! You always told me I was smarter than I gave myself credit for. You inspired me to strive to be better. I’m trying. I really am.

“I wish I had been there more when you needed me.”

Dave began sobbing. I stepped forward and placed my hand on his shoulder.

Through his tears, Dave continued, “Sometimes I still find it so hard to face problems. I know what’s needed, but I’m scared to move forward.

“You told me to be true to myself and not worry what others think. Sean is an inspiration for what I want to be. Probably the best friend I’ve ever had, but I still can’t follow his path. I’m not strong enough.”

I couldn’t quite follow Dave’s stream of thought, but I gave his shoulder a squeeze anyway.

Dave let out an ironic laugh, then said, “You always sang that song to me…”

Dave stood up and sang to his mother’s grave, “Nobody can tell ya; there's only one song worth singin'.”

There was too much emotion, and Dave’s voice choked to a halt. I put my arm around his shoulder and continued the song, “They may try and sell ya…”

Dave put his arm around my shoulder and, in harmony with one another, sang, “'Cause it hangs them up to see someone like you.”

Dave hugged me and cried on my shoulder.

Hugging him tighter, I softly said, “It’s okay, Dave. Your mom knows what you’re trying to say. Come on, let’s go.”

After a couple of steps, Dave stopped, turned back to his mom’s grave, and said, “I love you, Mom!”

We got a few yards before we spotted Susie on the far side of this section of the cemetery. I had no idea how long she’d been there. I could only guess she had changed her mind about being here to support Dave. She was watching Dave and me walk, arms around each other’s shoulders. She turned around hastily and left the cemetery.

This was strike three of the beginning of the end.

 

CHAPTER 8

Dave and I completed our SAT study sessions the next week. He still dressed in only jeans, but there was no suggestion of a blow job and masturbation from either of us. I chalked that up to our serious attitude about the test. Still, something felt different about Dave. I blamed it on the test.

The day of the test came, and Dave felt he’d done a good job. He was acting like himself again and thanked me profusely for my help. He expressed that he couldn’t have done it without me. Now came the wait for the scores.

There was no ‘hanky panky’ that day; there hadn’t been for a week. However, Dave and I did go out to eat at a somewhat expensive restaurant – his treat. We had a good time, talking about anything and everything, as we so often did. We made plans to watch the next episode of ‘Ken Burns’ The Civil War’ the next day.

***

After walking Penny, I showed up at Dave’s garage. The door was shut, and his car was gone. Dave and I usually called each other if plans changed. Something must have come up. No big deal.

The next day at school, however, was a big deal. I didn’t see Dave, but I did run into some of our mutual friends. Every one of them warned me about what Susie was saying about me. She was spreading the word:

“That gay guy, Sean, has the hots for my boyfriend, and is trying to steal him from me. Dave is canceling dates with me so he can spend time with his boyfriend. Hell, sometimes Dave doesn’t even cancel; he’s just a no-show. I caught them hugging each other in the cemetery. They were practically ‘making out’ at Dave’s mom’s grave! And who knows what’s going on when Dave’s garage door is closed, and Sean is there!”

I got the same story from all our friends. Everyone said they didn’t believe her. They knew Dave and me too well and understood the depths of our friendship. They also knew Susie and how she’d monopolized Dave’s time when he should have been at the hospital with his mother.

I asked them what Dave had said about Susie’s accusations, and I got the same answer from everyone: “nothing.” He hadn’t defended me. He hadn’t defended himself. He just brushed it off, saying something about not needing me after taking the SAT.

I was livid! I couldn’t find Dave or Susie anywhere, but after school, I stormed down the alley to David’s garage. The door was shut, but his car was there.

I pounded on the metal garage door and shouted, “Open up!”

There was no answer, so I walked to the regular door at the side of the garage. I pounded and screamed again. Dave finally opened it and silently stood aside so I could enter. He was dressed only in his jeans, as usual.

“What the hell is going on?!” I shouted, “Were you at school today? Do you know what Susie is saying?!’

Dave was quiet.

“Well?!” I repeated, my anger building.

Dave responded, “No. I didn’t go to school today.”

“Do you know the rumors Susie is spreading? She says the ‘gay guy’, meaning me, is trying to steal her boyfriend, meaning you!!! Well???”

“Yeah, I heard,” Dave said in a monotone voice.

“She says she saw us ‘making out’ at your mother’s grave, for Christ’s sake! She implies we’ve been fooling around in here when the door’s down!”

“Well,” Dave said flatly, “We have been.”

“Not the way she implies,” I yelled, “And what we have been doing… how would she know… unless you told her? Did you?!”

“No.”

“Nobody believes her crap, but that’s not the point! Are you going to stop her? Set the record straight?”

Dave was silent again.

“If you don’t care about your reputation,” I said, “what about mine? I’m your best friend; don’t you care what she’s doing?!”

Dave turned to walk away. I grabbed him by the arm and spun him around. Looking straight into his eyes, I demanded, “Well?!”

Carrying on in his monotone voice, Dave said, “It’s probably for the best that we quit getting together. The SAT is over.”

I thought Dave was going to say more; instead, he said, “If you ignore it, it’ll all blow over. These things do.”

“If you won’t do it,” I said, “Then I’ll go to Susie and set her straight!”

“No, don’t,” Dave said quietly.

With a shocked expression on my face, I screamed at Dave, “Your mom was right! You can’t handle rough things in life. You put your emotions and yourself in hiding, hoping things will blow over, just like you did with your mom’s illness. By the time you found strength, it was too late!

“I believed what your mom said. That she knew you were a strong person. That in time, you’d grow and find that quality in yourself. Well, you obviously haven’t!”

I shook my head in disbelief.

“I thought we were friends.” I said quietly, “I thought you were the best friend I ever had. You’ve got what Susie wants. I’ll never be over here again. And don’t bother speaking to me at school. I’m over it all.”

I left, slamming the side door behind me.

At home, I cradled my dog, Penny, and cried for hours.

That was strike four, and it was the end.

 

CHAPTER 9

The next day at school, Dave and I didn’t even look at one another. Nothing changed with our mutual friends. However, they were careful not to have any get-togethers we both might attend. Some of our friends offered to talk to Dave as they thought he was in the wrong. I told them no; I appreciated it, but I’d be upset if they did. Susie quit spreading rumors, and Dave was right; all of the accusations and insinuations became a thing of the past.

It’s funny how life works out. The week after Dave and I argued, a new student enrolled in our senior class when he moved here from another state to live with an elder aunt. My ‘gaydar’ had Rick pegged as ‘family’ immediately, and like me, he was comfortable being ‘out’ as a gay man.

Rick was tall and had blonde hair like me. We looked like brothers; it was uncanny. I asked my mom if she needed to tell me something. She threw a sofa pillow at me. Have you noticed my sense of humor gets that reaction from people?

On the day we met, Rick asked me out for coffee after school. We talked a little bit about ourselves. Rick wasn’t into relationships. At his old school, there had been several gay guys. Between them and picking up guys at the mall and the grocery store, he’d had a very active sex life.

“Grocery store?” I asked.

“Yeah, believe it or not,” Rick laughed, “I would pretend to be shopping and chat up the many gay guys shopping by themselves!”

I told Rick about my sexual relationship with Alan and how long it had been since I’d had sex. I didn’t mention the blow jobs and masturbation with Dave. Rick was a direct person and immediately asked me if I wanted to go back to his aunt’s house and have sex.

Between the hurts by Alan and Dave, I figured, perhaps relationships weren’t the route for me. It had been so long since I’d had intercourse with a man, I immediately responded, “Sure!”

Rick’s aunt, whose house he lived in, wasn’t home, so we went straight to his bedroom and began kissing. Our mouths and tongues traveled down each other’s necks and torsos as we took off each other’s shirts. I said Rick and I looked like brothers; this extended to our body muscles and hairy chests. Our erect dicks were almost identical, although Rick's was a bit longer and mine was a bit thicker.

Rick fucked me. He fucked me hard. He fucked me very hard. I was so desperate for intercourse with a man that I didn’t say anything about it. In a way, it was exciting. However, as he came inside of me, I found something was missing. The only guy I’d been fucked by was Alan. We had gotten a bit rough at times, but we loved one another. Something about that made roughness more palatable. With Rick, it was just sex, so the roughness bothered me a bit. But boy was it great to have sex again!

Going out for coffee or a bite to eat, followed by uninhibited sex became a regular thing for Rick and me. We weren’t dating; in fact, we never talked about anything remotely like that. Rick and I didn’t become boyfriends; we were simply friends, although nothing like what I had shared with Dave. We weren’t ‘fuck buddies’ either. ‘Friend with Benefits’, also known as FWBs, would be a better classification. And that was fine with me.

Whenever Rick and I went places, we could guarantee that someone would ask, “Are you brothers?” One time, Rick deadpanned to the waitress, “No, we’re not brothers - we’re lovers.”

The waitress was shocked, and Rick and I had a good laugh over the joke.

***

Now that I was having sex regularly, I pondered if what Dave and I did would be considered ‘Fuck buddies’? That didn’t seem like the right definition. I cared about Dave, so ‘FWBs’ would’ve been more accurate.

Dave had been the best friend I’ve ever had, and I thought he’d felt the same. However, what he’d done to me hurt far more than a friend hurting another friend; my feelings were more akin to the loss of Alan.

The more time that went by, the more I became convinced that my memories of when I fell asleep in Dave’s arms were accurate. That a man without a shirt had removed my shoes and stared at my sock-covered feet. That I actually had seen the same man pick up my legs, straighten them out on the couch, and stare at my body. The image of the same man, with large hands, gently raising my head and laying it down on a pillow was real. A man indeed had covered me with a sheet and brushed the hair out of my eyes. There indeed had been a familiar man’s voice singing, “You're gonna be knowin', the loneliest kind of lonely. It’s the hardest thing to do.” I was now sure it had been Dave kissing me on the forehead and telling me, “Sleep well.”

The old saying, “If it had been a snake, it would have bitten me,” passed through my head. I realized that I felt more than a strong friendship for Dave. I had fallen in love with him! And I thought Dave may have fallen in love with me!

***

Whatever had been between Dave and me was now in the past. I was satisfied with my life as it was now. No more sneaking around, giving Dave blow jobs, and jacking myself off. No more walking on tenterhooks with Susie. I was getting plenty of sex with Rick, and was mostly enjoying it.

I did wish Rick would kiss more. Alan and I did that a lot. But we considered ourselves boyfriends, not ‘FWBs’, so I’d take what I could get. Who knows? Maybe over time, Rick and I would develop feelings for each other, and we might become a couple. Our classmates already thought we were a couple, and I did nothing to dissuade them.

One afternoon after school, Rick and I were in my bedroom fucking like rabbits. What can I say? Like many 18-year-old males, we couldn’t get enough sex! Rick had filled my ass with cum, but he had to leave for a job interview. So, I put on my tight, cutoff blue jeans so I could walk him out.

As I opened the front door, I saw Dave walking up the sidewalk toward my house. Seeing Rick, Dave came to a halt and stared at us. I knew I was being petty when I grabbed Rick and planted a passionate kiss on his lips. He seemed surprised, but still rushed to his car parked in front of my house and drove off to his interview. I don’t think he even noticed Dave since he was in such a hurry.

Dave came closer to the house and stood on the paved walkway to the door. I could see his eyes taking me in. That’s right, I thought; he’d never seen me without my shirt, and until these extremely short cutoffs, he hadn’t fully seen my legs. Although he’d seen me masturbate in front of him, he kept glancing at the sizable cock and balls showing through my super-tight cutoffs as if he’d never seen them before.

I don’t know what came over me. Anger overwhelmed me. Anger at how Dave had treated me. I wanted to get back at him. I was shocked at the intensity of my rage.

I called out to Dave, “Yeah! Rick and I just finished fucking! He filled me with his jizz!”

I turned to show off my butt.

“See,” I said in a taunting tone, “You can see it still dripping out of me!”

Indeed, my jeans clearly showed a wet spot growing between my butt cheeks.

“Hope you have a nice day!” I yelled, went inside, and slammed the door.

I stood near the living room window and could see Dave through the sheer curtains. He kept staring at where I’d been standing, then abruptly turned and stormed down the sidewalk to his house.

“My God!” I thought, “That was so childish of me. This is not like me at all!!!”

I’d been consumed by the urge to hurt Dave because he’d hurt me! So silly! But there was nothing I could do about it now.

***

I went to my bedroom and started cleaning up after the sex with Rick. I removed the soiled sheets and towels and tossed them into the corner to wash later. I took off my shorts and tossed them in the pile too. I hadn’t been kidding with Dave; the rear of the pants was wet and sticky from the creampie Rick had left in me.

My eyes fell on the old-time Civil War photo Dave and I had taken. It still sat in its frame on the dresser. I’d never had the heart to remove it. I told myself it was because it was a cool photo in an antique frame, and I love antiques. If Rick had spotted it, he’d never said anything. Sometimes I thought Rick was blind to anything that didn’t involve sex. But you didn’t hear me complaining.

I went to the bathroom to shower. Sure enough, just as I turned on the water, there was repeated knocking at the door, followed by an impatient ringing of the doorbell.

I shouted, “I’m coming! I’m coming!” Thinking with irony that I had shouted the same words in my bedroom not 15 minutes earlier.

I’d forgotten that my mom had a UPS package that had to be signed for. I’d promised to be home. I tried to find something to wear, but I couldn't find anything I could put on fast enough before the delivery man gave up and left. So, I grabbed a towel and wrapped it around my waist, once again shouting, “I’m coming!”

I opened the door and was shocked to see Dave standing there. This time, he was barefoot, wearing his ubiquitous tight, long blue jeans with no shirt. He must have gone home, changed, and then decided to come back.

“What do you want?” I said angrily.

Dave put his hands on my hairy bare chest and pushed me inside the house. He shut the door behind him.

“What are you doing with that guy?” Dave said sternly, “You know he’s a slut. He’s been seeing Philip and Dean – took their virginity, I hear!”

Phillip and Dean had been the closeted guys in our senior class. And I wasn’t aware Rick had deflowered them.

“Well, good for them,” I said sarcastically, “It’s about time they came out and got laid!”

“Dammit, Sean!” Dave pleaded, “Rick is no good for you. I remember you said you didn’t want a ‘fuck buddy’. That you only wanted sex in a relationship like with Alan. What are you doing to yourself? You’re acting like slut!”

I lost my temper and pushed Dave back with my hand on his naked chest.

“What right do you have to tell me what I should do?” I shouted, “You let Susie make me out to be a slut, trying to steal you from her, and you wouldn’t even defend me!”

I pushed Dave again and started, “You listen to me…”

Dave interrupted me, shouting, “No, you listen to me!” And he pushed me with his hand the way I had with him.

His gesture knocked me back a step, and my towel fell off and to the floor.

Neither of us looked down at it. Our eyes remained locked in anger. Dave brushed that stubborn lock of blond hair from my eyes with his hand. The anger in our eyes melted away, leaving only pools of love.

Dave grabbed my face and pulled it to his. Our mouths met and opened, kissing each other with wild abandon. Our tongues started probing the other’s mouth. Slobber from our wet kisses ran down our chins.

By this point, my hands were on Dave’s head, and I was forcing his mouth to stay locked with mine. I had also moved my naked body close against his partially clothed one.

Dave released my face and said, “I love you, Sean! I love you more than I can believe! I’m so sorry! I am so sorry!! I love you and never want to let you go!”

Tears began running down my face as I replied, “And I love you, Dave! I’ve loved you for so long, but wouldn’t let myself see it!”

“Same here, same here!”

Dave took a half step back and stared at my erect penis. There was a look of hunger on his face as he got on his knees and grabbed my throbbing cock.

“I owe you so many of these!” He said huskily, “I was so selfish!”

Through his tears, Dave swallowed my cock whole and began sucking my dick as if his life depended on it.

I asked, “Have you ever…”

David came up for air and interrupted, “No. You’re my first, but I’ve been taking notes. The SATs weren’t the only thing I was studying!”

I took my saliva-covered erection and began caressing his forehead, cheeks, and chin. Dave moaned, moving his face harder against my wet dick before sucking my dick again. For a virgin, he was damn good! He combined the use of his hands with his mouth and tongue, not forgetting my balls. I guess I was a good teacher after all!

Watching Dave’s handsome face attack my cock and seeing his muscular back below me sent me into an unexpected climax. I was prepared to pull my dick out of his mouth, thinking he was too much of a newbie to swallow. But Dave took each and every shot in his mouth and down his throat. I heard him swallow without missing a beat.

Dave removed his mouth and started licking every drop of semen dribbling out of my penis. He then stood before me and gave me an open-mouth kiss. With that, he transferred some cum from his mouth to mine! Dave's blow job had left me weak in the knees.

Dave guided me to the couch and lay me down.

“I want you so bad!” He said, “I’ve wanted to fuck you for so long, it hurts!”

Dave unbuttoned his jeans and pulled them off. He stood naked before me. Although I’d seen more of his body than he had of mine, I never dreamt Dave would be so gorgeous. Sexy doesn’t begin to describe what I saw before me.

Dave knelt on the couch as I placed a throw pillow under my hips. I lifted and spread my legs apart, inviting him to stick his manhood in my ass. Dave was so wrapped up in passion, he plunged his ample, hard cock straight into my hole. Fortunately, I was still open from Rick’s fucking, or else the pain would’ve been bad since I hadn’t been lubed. It still hurt, but with the sheer lust I felt for Dave fucking me, I didn’t mind!

Dave leaned over and kissed me wildly as he pumped his member in my ass. He started slow and soft and built up speed as desire overwhelmed him; a hungry grunt escaping with each thrust. I could feel his large balls slapping my rear.

“I can’t believe I’m inside you!” Dave cried. “This is what fucking is supposed to feel like!”

Dave pumped me a few more times, then asked, “Are you okay?”

“I’ve never been more okay!” I responded, “The man I love is inside of me and enjoying himself too!”

My words apparently pushed Dave over the pleasure precipice, and he came. And he came. And he came! Shouting, “I love you, Sean!” with each burst.

When Dave was spent, he collapsed on top of me. I left my legs parted so that Dave’s dick could remain inside of me. So long was Dave’s flaccid member, it didn’t slip out of my ass. The feeling of his soft cock within me was unexpected and tremendous! We lay there for a good five minutes.

Dave pulled out and lay on top of me; my legs wrapped around his waist. I felt it was time to ask the question I needed an answer to.

“You know the afternoon I found Alan and moved on from me, and I fell asleep in your arms?”

“Yes, I remember.”

“Did you look over my body? Did you brush my hair from my eyes? Did you kiss me on the forehead and say, “Sleep well?” Did you sing to me?”

“When I took off your shoes and saw your feet in your socks,” Dave said with a sweet smile, “You were so vulnerable like that. Something came over me. I wanted to protect you.

“Then, for the first time, I consciously noticed your body. Your big feet… You know what they say about men with big feet.” Dave grinned shyly. “I could see the tight thighs under your pants. And your muscular shoulders, arms, and chest… they all seemed to be straining against your t-shirt – calling to me. I wanted to rub my hands all over you and feel them for myself.

“You had opened up to me twice by then. You had exposed some of your deepest feelings. I was thinking, someone needed me, and for the first time, I didn’t want to run. I wanted to watch over you and shelter you from your pain.

“You were so cute, with your hair in your face. So handsome. For the first time, I was thinking of another man in the way I had attempted to hide my whole life. I deliberately kissed you on your forehead, and I remembered my mom singing to me, telling me that I should accept being gay, no matter how hard it may be.

“For the first time, looking at you lying there, Sean, I felt that maybe… just maybe I had the strength to do what you had done in accepting yourself as gay.”

Dave smiled at me and began to sing, “Make your own kind of music.”

I sang, “Sing your own special song.”

And together we sang, “Even if nobody else sings along.”

And we kissed one another long and hard.

 

CHAPTER 10

Dave and I shifted on the couch, lying on our sides, facing each other. Dave brushed the long hair out of my eyes. Our hands lazily caressed each other’s naked bodies.

“I never knew you had a hairy chest,” Dave said, “It’s superb!”

“You got that word studying for the SATs?” I joked.

Dave ignored my jest and began stroking my chest hair.

“I mean it,” he said, “Your chest, the muscles, and all of that hair – it really turns me on.”

“You’re the one with the magnificent chest,” I said in disbelief, “I should know, I’ve seen it almost every day for weeks!” I laughed.

“I always wanted a hairy chest,” Dave said, “But I got stuck with smooth.”

“I can’t believe you, the man with a body that could make you a fortune with modeling, is insecure about his physique! I’ve always been shy about taking off my shirt because of the hair. Slim guys aren’t supposed to have hairy chests; that belongs with the bears.”

“The Chicago Bears?” Dave joked.

“You are a nut!” I laughed.

Dave laughed too. “I guess everyone has different self-image issues. Part of humankind’s foibles.”

“There you go with the big words again!” I chastised.

Dave answered with an open-mouthed kiss, and I added my tongue to the play. The thought crossed my mind, “Susie didn’t want this? She must be crazy!”

The front doorbell rang, followed by knocking and the call, “UPS!”

“Crap!” I exclaimed and, scrambling off the couch, sent Dave to the floor.

“I’m sorry!” I cried to Dave, torn between helping him up and my mom’s delivery at the door.

“I’m coming!” I shouted so that the UPS man could hear me.

“Again? So soon?!” Dave cracked as I desperately sought anything to cover my naked body so I could open the door.

“Shut up!” I laughed. There was no choice but the towel I’d been wearing when Dave’s push had caused it to fall.

In my panic, I had trouble wrapping the towel around my waist, but I still opened the door. The deliveryman was already walking away. My mom would kill me!

“Wait!” I called, “I’m here!”

The UPS guy turned and saw me; he did a double-take but recovered right away. I imagine he’d seen crazier things in his job.

With one hand holding the towel together, I signed the electronic pad with the other. I could hear Dave trying not to laugh from the living room floor.

The UPS guy gave me a look from top to bottom. Great! My gaydar had begun screaming its alert signal. He smiled at me. Why is it that UPS delivery men always have magnificent mustaches, such muscular hairy bodies, and are so good-looking in their shorts! Is it a job requirement?

He tried to hand me the package, but the box was too big for me to hold with one hand. Do I drop the towel so I can take the delivery?

Dave was laughing aloud by now. I knew the UPS guys heard him, and I was somewhat sure he could see enough to realize a naked man was lying on my floor! The man’s professionalism kicked in, and he said, “I’ll just put it down here,” as he stepped into the foyer and set the box down beside me. At that point, the UPS man had a clear view of Dave, lying on the floor, stark naked and laughing.

“Hope you have a great day,” The man said, smiling at me before exiting the house. He gave me a wink as he turned and headed back to his truck.

I shut the door, and my towel dropped off. I stared daggers at Dave, who was now laughing hysterically. I had no choice but to join him, both in laughing and on the floor, where we began making out together.

***

Dave and I hadn’t gotten very far in our make-out session when my family’s grandfather clock struck 4:00.

“Shit!” I exclaimed, “My mom is getting off work right now, and I’d promised to do the laundry and start dinner!

“This is just like those dreams I used to have when I was just discovering what sex is!

“In them, I’d be making out with some guy, and my mom would call me to dinner, saying that Dad had brought his boss and his family over to eat! They were waiting for me in the hallway!

“Or I’d just gotten to the point where we had gotten our dicks out and a guided tour of tourists would magically appear, traipsing through my bedroom, snapping photos with their Japanese cameras! And there would always be some middle-aged woman stopping in front of me, saying, “Tut, tut! You, boys, are doing it all wrong!”

Dave couldn’t stop laughing as I kept insisting these dreams were real! He finally composed himself and told me, “You should hear about my dreams back then! I was so confused whether I should be attracted to men or women… Well, strange doesn’t begin to describe my dreams!”

***

Dave got dressed- if you can call putting on those tight denim jeans, with no underwear, shoes, or shirt, “dressed” and readied himself to leave.

I asked him why he hadn’t still been fully dressed when he’d come back over.

“I came back from seeing you with Rick and planned on staying home and crying. But after I’d changed in my room, I got angry, jealous, hurt, and came back on the spur of the moment. I wasn’t thinking straight.”

I mischievously added, “You’re right, you weren’t thinking straight. And I’m so glad you weren’t!”

I observed that my creampie had dried all over the throw pillow that had been under my ass. Dave apologized for the mess. I said not to worry and hid the pillow in my room. I’d tell my mom Penny had peed on it, and I was getting it cleaned. At that moment, my faithful dachshund trotted up and stared at me with accusing eyes. I felt guilty using her as the ‘fall guy’, so she got a couple of extra treats from me and a belly rub from Dave.

We agreed that Dave would call me at midnight. My mom would be sound asleep then. I’d let Dave in to the house, and we could make love most of the night, as long as we were quiet. We could have made as much noise as we wanted in Dave’s garage, but my mom might discover me missing, and I didn’t want to worry her. Dave commented sadly, “My dad would never miss me.”

***

Dinner and the evening with my mom were nice. It isn’t often that we have this time together. She thanked me for being here to sign for her delivery. If only she knew everything that had happened before, during, and after that!

We talked about the usual things: school, work, politics, and the weather. It was too early to tell my mom about Dave and me. He and I had a lot to talk about before we truly understood what this afternoon had meant. She sensed my excitement, but I chalked it up to things happening at school, including the senior prom.

My mom and I had already discussed what I was going to do about the prom. I had decided to go with one of my female friends who didn’t have a date. Since everyone knew I was gay, there would be no gossip, and two people who wouldn’t otherwise get to go to the prom would have the chance. I was popular enough that my classmates would’ve welcomed me even if I'd come alone. I was lucky; this was a unique school when it came to things like that. Other schools would’ve made fun of students attending alone.

After watching a bit of TV together, my mom and I went to bed. I, however, stayed awake, anxiously awaiting Dave’s call at midnight and the sex with the man I loved that would follow.

At the appointed time, Dave called and walked over to my house. Quietly, I opened the front door, and we tiptoed to my bedroom. Dave was fully dressed; I, however, was wearing only my tight, cutoff jeans.

“Gawd, I love the way you look wearing those!” he said, “As much as I can see in this light, that is.”

“Sush!” I whispered, “We've got to stay quiet. If Mom sees the bedroom light on, she’ll be worried why I’m not sleeping.”

“I forgot,” Dave whispered back, “But, gawd, do you look sexy! I’ve looked at men and have been attracted to them, but I’ve never let myself feel the way I feel when I look at you.” Dave then brushed the lock of my hair from my eyes.

I pulled Dave’s t-shirt off over his head as he kicked his shoes off. Even in the dim light, I could see his cock was getting hard, pushing its way to the side of his lap. Dave regarded my reaction and smiled. He moved his eyes to my crotch and exclaimed, “Shit!”

I had grown hard as well. But in my short cutoff jeans, there was no place for my erection to go except over to peek out of my shorts. I laughed at his reaction.

“I’m suddenly in the mood for hot dogs!” Dave smirked.

“Without the bun?” I asked. I undid my shorts and let them fall to the floor. My erection was pointed up, ready to be eaten.

Dave undid his jeans and pulled them off. His erection was at full salute also. I thought, “I’ll never see another dick as amazing as his!”

We moved closer to one another and reached for each other’s cocks. Our hands brought them together in comparison. Dave’s may have been longer and thicker, but mine appeared pretty healthy beside it.

Dave said, “I can’t believe that I’m turning you on, making you grow hard with desire.”

“Poetic,” I said, “But that sums the situation up nicely.”

I tugged at his dick and said, “I’m still trying to absorb that I’m making you horny, and not a girl!”

“I’ll tell you a little secret,” Dave whispered, “The only way I could function with Susie was by thinking of guys. Cute guys on TV, in movies, at school, in the mall – you name it. It took a lot of concentration.”

Dave moved his mouth to my ear and whispered, “That last time with Susie? I was thinking of you the whole time!” And he gave my penis a tug.

“Wow!”

Dave and I climbed into my bed and picked up our make-out session from where we had left off that afternoon.

I reminded myself that while I’d had a lot of sexual experience with men, namely my former boyfriend, Alan, and my recent ‘FWB’, Rick, Dave’s only sexual experience was with Susie. So, I was prepared to guide him through things. I thought about how I had tutored Dave for the S.A.T., and now I was tutoring him for S.E.X.

One thing Dave needed no guidance on was being a tender lover. I had wondered if he was generally as rough as he’d been during our consummation that afternoon. But it was now evident Dave had simply been carried away by his passions.

Lying in bed, we kissed each other as our hands explored the contours of the other’s bodies. It felt odd to move my hands across Dave’s muscles after studying them for so long. I started kissing Dave across his big chest and played with his nipples with my teeth, delicately biting them. He moaned with desire. I held his arms up and began licking his hairy underarms. Dave squirmed as I kissed his stomach and focused on his belly button. Out of the corner of my eye, I observed Dave’s erection bouncing up and down with every beat of his heart. Dave’s body shuddered, and white semen pumped out of his cock- shot after shot. My face and his body were covered with cum by the time he quit spasming. I could tell Dave was trying not to yell in pleasure. When he could speak, Dave said, “I’m sorry.”

“For what?” I spoke.

“For cumming so quickly,” He answered.

“Don’t apologize; the point is, did you enjoy it?”

“Hell, yeah!” He said, “I’ve never cummed without touching myself or being inside you or Susie.”

“It was lovely,” I whispered, “Like a fountain in a pond. It just needed multi colored lights and dramatic music.”

“You’re silly,” Dave said.

“I’ll show you how silly I am when you make love to me now.”

Dave pulled my body around and began nibbling on my ears. “Shit!” I thought, “Is he going to make me climax this quickly?”

He brushed my long blonde hair from my face and kissed me on the forehead. Dave’s lips moved to my nose, then under my chin and down my neck. He was careful not to give me hickies. I remember how angry my mom had been when Alan left that particular sign of his love all over my neck.

Dave used a combination of his large hands and gentle kisses to spread delight over my shoulders, biceps, and forearms before switching to my hairy chest. His hands stroked me with care, as if he was cherishing each moment as he fondled the hair. He licked my nipples before moving down the path sprouting from my six-pack abs. His fingers remained pinching my nipples until I let loose a squeal of joy.

My inner thighs were Dave’s next port of call. His tongue left a wet trail up to my tight, round testicles. Dave stretched the delicate skin with his lips, sucking gently. I sighed with satisfaction.

Using the hand, lips, and mouth combination, Dave began sucking me off. He alternated slow with fast, not letting me get used to a pattern. I started raising my hips to meet his thrusts, which kept ending with him swallowing my cock down to the hilt. I could feel the breath from his nostrils tickle my pubic hair.

I quietly said, “I’m going to cum! Oh, lord, I’m going to cum!”

Dave grasped my dick with one hand as his mouth sucked the upper third. He swallowed every shot like a trouper! I found it hard to believe he’d never sucked cock until that afternoon!

After I’d finished cumming, Dave said with amazement, “I could feel your cock spasming in my hand!”

Dave moved so that our naked bodies lay beside one another. He pressed his mouth against mine and transferred some of my cum into my mouth with his tongue.

“I love you, Sean!” he whispered, “I want to fuck you again before tonight is over.”

Staring into Dave’s loving eyes, I said, “It’s a date! And I love you too!”

 

CHAPTER 11

Dave and I lay in each other’s arms for half an hour. The warmth of our bodies pressed together, and the way we caressed each other’s face with the backs of our knuckles, was pure heaven. Unfortunately, it was also a diversion from the questions on both of our minds.

“We have to talk,” I whispered, “Today isn’t just as simple as having sex and saying I love you.”

“I know,” Dave said, “And we’ll deal with this together. I promise you I won’t run, no matter how difficult things may get.”

Dave repeated his habitual brushing of my hair from my eyes. I smiled at his tenderness.

I began with, “I guess we should lay out the issues:

“One: What are we? Are we going to be boyfriends? Are we going to be ‘Friends with Benefits’? Are we going to be ‘fuck buddies’?”

Dave took the next point, “Two: Are we going to be open about whatever our relationship is, or will it be secret?”

“Three,” I said, “Whatever our relationship, are you going to come out as gay?”

“Four: How do I handle Susie? I’ve been her boyfriend for a long time. I don’t want to hurt her regardless of what she did to you.”

I took the next item, “Five: I know Rick and I have no commitment. We’re just ‘Friends with Benefits’, but I have to play fair and explain everything to him. I do like him, and I don’t like hurting people if I can help it.

“I’ll also take Six: Telling my mom. I’ve already been in a sexual relationship with Alan, and she had no problem with it. But to be honest, I’m starting to feel bad that we snuck behind her back to be together tonight.”

Dave added: “Back to number two: Will we be open with everyone at school, whatever we decide our relationship will be? You and Rick have shown that no one there has any problem with gay people, but how much do we share? How will they accept me switching from straight to gay? Whatever I tell Susie will be spread around.”

“And last but not least,” I said, “Your dad. From everything you’ve shared with me, I don’t have a good feeling about this one.”

Dave said quietly, “I see him having a problem with almost every point we’ve brought up.”

We lay in silence for a while; each lost in his own thoughts.

Dave finally said, “I want us to be a couple, lovers, sweethearts, boyfriends – whatever you call it. If you will still have me after the way I treated you.”

“I do,” I said, “I still want you. I want it to be like I was with Alan and you were with Susie. We’re boyfriends. And I want the world to know about it.”

Dave kissed me then said, “I admit, I’ll have to get used to being openly gay, but I absolutely refuse to not be open about you. I’m proud to call you my boyfriend!”

“I one hundred percent agree.” I said, “I’m proud for people to know we’re boyfriends. And you can count on me to help people adjust to the gay thing with you.”

“So that’s one, two, and three,” Dave said before continuing, “Four: I’ll bring Susie over to my place after school tomorrow and be honest about everything.”

I added, “You know, you still have to tell me everything. I don’t quite understand how you could be gay but be straight all this time.”

“I’ve always known I was gay.” Dave began, “As far back as I can remember, I was attracted to men – their looks, their bodies, everything. I was quite naïve. It took me a long time to realize there was a name to it and that it involved a different kind of sex.

“As I was figuring this out, my dad began putting pressure on me to get involved with sports in school. ‘That’s what real men do,’ he’d say. ‘You’ve got the build of an athlete; you should be an athlete.’ ‘You can go to college if you get an athletic scholarship.’ ‘Don’t be a pussy, and have everyone laugh at you.’ I heard it all a hundred times.”

“Yikes!” I exclaimed, “I didn’t realize your dad was that way.”

Dave continued, “Dad isn’t homophobic. I’ve never heard him say anything bad about gay people. In fact, he works with some gay men at the plant, and they used to go out for beers all the time before my mom died, but he works too much now.

“No, Dad just had certain plans for his only son. Unlike him, he wanted me to have the chance to go to college. He wanted to be proud of me, and that meant being like him. Instead, I was more like my mom. I liked books, art, history, and science. He loved Mom with all of his heart and soul and accepted that she liked those things. Opposites attract, they say. But he wanted a ‘mini me’ for a son.

“You’ve never seen a picture of my mom, have you?”

“No,” I said.

“You’re aware how some kids favor one parent more than the other?” Dave asked, tears welling in his eyes. “Well, I take after my mom.”

“But you’re so handsome,” I protested, “So masculine!”

“You can be those things but still favor your mom,” Dave said, “And I do. So much so that…”

Dave stopped talking. Whatever he was trying to say was difficult for him.

“After my mom died, Dad removed all pictures of me and her from the house. I think he found my looks reminded him too much of her and her loss, which was too unbearable for him. I think that’s why he set up the garage as my private bedroom. It wasn’t for me, but to stop me reminding him of her all the time.”

“That sounds a little screwed up.” I commented, “But judging from my mom and me, grieving takes many forms, and some of them don’t make sense to others.”

“I love you so much, Sean,” Dave said before carrying on.

“With the way my dad felt, I pushed all thoughts of being gay out of my mind. I saw guys and was attracted to them. I even masturbated to thoughts of them. But being gay was a fantasy. Not a serious option.

“The fact that I look the way I do…”

“You mean cute, handsome, and sexy as hell?” I interrupted.

Dave laughed, “Call it what you like. The thing is that girls were attracted to me. If guys were attracted to me, I didn’t let myself notice. But girls essentially threw themselves at my feet.”

“Sounds painful.” I cracked.

“I had all of the attention from girls without having to work at it,” Dave said, ignoring my quip. “That helped me establish myself as straight. I could have a girlfriend and then break up with her before it got to the sex stage.

“Susie and I had just started going out when my mom was diagnosed with cancer. I freaked out over my mom and pulled away to spare me the pain of seeing her go downhill. And doing so, I caused pain for her and Dad. I focused on Susie to distract me from my parents.

“Susie did help me at first. But she likes attention. Having sex was her idea. She thought it would help me.

“Sean, it was so difficult doing it with her. I cared about her, but I certainly didn’t love her. And I had no sexual desire to do it with a woman. The gay fantasies I’d had while jerking off over the years were the only thing that got me through it.

“When Susie began wanting me to fuck her all the time, I escaped her demands by being at the hospital with my mom those final weeks. I guess I have Susie pressuring me for sex to thank for finally being there for my mom.

“Mom told me she didn’t hold it against me that I’d withdrawn from her at the beginning of her illness. She said she knew that everyone handles these things differently. She said she knew I tended to avoid highly emotional subjects until I was forced to face them. She also said that she knew I was gay. She had always known. And she knew I was avoiding the subject because of Dad.

“My mom had always sung that song to me while growing up. It wasn’t until then that I realized what the lyrics meant and what she was trying to tell me.”

Dave sang quietly, “Nobody can tell ya; there's only one song worth singin'. They may try and sell ya, 'Cause it hangs them up to see someone like you.”

Dave burst into tears for a few minutes. I hugged his naked body against mine, trying to comfort him as much as I humanly could.

Dave continued, “Everything became emotional chaos from that point on. Mom dying, my dad’s ambivalence to me, Susie’s emotional and sexual yo-yoing, trying to get a good SAT score so I could go to college my way, and then finally you.

“I’d seen you at school and thought you were cute and had a wonderful personality. You were openly gay, and I both admired and envied that about you.

“That day you were walking Penny, and she came running into my garage, changed my life. Right from that first moment, I felt something I’d never felt for a guy before. Normally, with a guest, I’d put on a t-shirt. I even did so whenever Susie was over. Instead, I stayed barefoot, shirtless, and wearing my revealing jeans. I wanted to show off my body. Not just to show it off, but to show it off to you.

“You were so cute as you stumbled through speaking to me!”

“I was taken for a loop by your looks and sexiness!” I laughed.

“I masturbated while thinking of you that night,” Dave said with embarrassment.

“Wow!” I said, “I did the same thing! Until today, I’d never had an orgasm as powerful as that night.”

“You’re silly,” Dave laughed.

“No, I was horny!”

We both laughed, then Dave went on, “The friendship that we built was real and had nothing to do with my sexual attraction to you. When you made the comment about guys being better at giving head than girls, I couldn’t resist asking you to blow me. You were so wonderful! I wanted to take you in my arms and kiss you.”

“Wow!” I said again, “I had absolutely no clue. I honestly thought you were straight. But I have to admit when you wanted me to jerk off as I blew you and when we kept on with our ‘extracurricular’ activities, I did wonder if you might have some ‘gay’ trying to get out.”

“My wearing ‘revealing’ jeans,” Dave said thoughtfully, “was a small way of letting my ‘gay’ out.”

“There was nothing ‘small’ about what showed in your jeans,” I laughed, “But you’re probably correct.”

Dave continued his tale, “The day you came over after Alan told you he’d gotten a new boyfriend; I felt so sad for you. I wanted to comfort you so bad. You were so tired from lack of sleep, you didn’t notice that as I held you, I’d developed a hard-on and that it was pressing against you. It was at that time, as I let you sleep on my couch, I accepted that I had fallen in love with you.”

“But you still weren’t ready,” I said.

“No,” Dave said sadly, “It seemed as if too much of my life had spiraled out of control. So much denial, I didn’t know what to do. But when I learned you were sleeping with Rick, everything became crystal clear. I was going to your house to apologize for what I had done to you; tell you I was gay and beg your forgiveness as I loved you so much.”

“However, you saw Rick and me after we’d had sex,” I pointed out, “Dave, I’m so sorry for what I said and did. It was so childish. But I wanted to hurt you the way you’d hurt me. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry,” Dave whispered sweetly, “It pushed us together – finally!”

“You’ve gone through so much,” I told Dave, “And you still have more to go. But I’ll be right by your side, giving you encouragement and strength through it all. I love you, Mr. Adams.”

“And I love you, Mr. Thomas.”

***

Dave was softly stroking my long sideburns with his knuckles. I began moving my face up and down against his caress and had grown hard from this action. Our discussion took priority over sex, so I forced my mind back to the topic, “So, you’re going to be honest with Susie about all of that?”

“Yes,” Dave answered, “I don’t want to hurt her.”

“But she’s hurt you and me,” I said.

“Two wrongs don’t make a right.” Dave said, “And I know at heart, Susie isn’t a bad person. She has her own scars and problems. We’ve been a couple for a long time, and we have grown close. Not like you and I, but… Well, I’ll tell her about me and us tomorrow.”

“And I’ll tell Rick tomorrow too.” I said, "And my mom.”

“Let’s tell our friends at lunch the day after tomorrow,” Dave said. “My dad is off work then, so… I guess after school will be it with him,” He added with apprehension.

“Do you want me there with you?”

“No.” Dave exclaimed, “No, that’s very sweet of you, but that would make things worse for him.”

“I see your point.” I said, “I also see it’s very late… or should I say early. We both need to get some sleep to prepare ourselves for tomorrow. I don’t think I’m going to get fucked again tonight.” I laughed.

“I don’t want to rush that,” Dave said, “I want the next time to be long, sweet, and wonderful for both of us.”

Our erections were back, and we let them rub against each other’s stomachs as we pressed our bodies together and kissed for a while. Dave got dressed. I put on my shorts and quietly let him out the front door.

My heart ached as I watched him walk away in the darkness. I never thought I would love someone as much as I love Dave. Yes, we had more challenges ahead of us as a couple, but I knew we would overcome them all – together.

 

CHAPTER 12

I got up earlier than normal so that I could make breakfast for Mom before her work shift and my school. It was simple fare, but I liked doing it because she worked so hard, and I was going to have my assigned talk with her. Before I could begin, my mom gave me that serious mom ‘look’ I so dreaded.

“Do you have something to tell me?” She asked straightforwardly.

“Uh oh,” I thought, “Somehow, she already knows!”

“I was going to the bathroom,” she said, “When I saw you let a man in the front door around midnight. I heard your voices coming from your room when I got up again later.”

“I was going to tell you this morning,” I said meekly.

“Sean, you know I have no problem with you being gay,” She continued. “And I’ve accepted that you’re a man now and are sexually active. But this is still my house. I want to know if you have anyone sleeping over. You always let me know when Alan was staying over and when you were staying with him.”

“I’m sorry, Mom,” I said, “It was Dave.”

“Oh!” my mom exclaimed, surprised at the identity of the man I’d slept with.

Everything came rushing out: “Dave is gay. He always has been, but he was hiding it because of his father. It was only yesterday, shortly before you got home, that he came out to me. I’m in love with him. He’s in love with me…”

“Whoa!” My mom exclaimed, “Slow down!”

I paused, then tried a bit slower, “We’ve been in love with each other for quite a while. I would have told you last night, but we hadn’t even had the chance to discuss what it all meant to us. Last night, we decided we wanted to be a couple and talked about everything we needed to do. We were talking because some of it is complicated.”

“I’m happy for you, Sean. I truly am, but you should have told me. Dave walking over here and back in the middle of the night could’ve been dangerous. And if his father had an important reason to talk to Dave and found him missing… Well, he’s a parent, just like me.”

I kept my mouth shut about Dave and his father’s relationship.

As expected, my mom had the last word on the subject, “I’ll let it slide this time because… well, it sounds as if you guys had a lot of heavy stuff on your minds. And you’re still facing a lot more.

“I am happy for you, Sean. You and Dave. That day he called me to tell me you weren’t handling Alan’s news about his new boyfriend well; I could tell he genuinely cares about you. I thought it was just as a wonderful friend, but with hindsight, I can see it was a lot more.”

I blushed.

“Don’t blush!” My mom laughed. “From what you’ve said, he’s a sweet, caring, and responsible man. I’m looking forward to getting to know him better.”

I got up from the table and gave my mom a big hug. Then my mom reached under the newspaper and handed me something. It was a ‘Do Not Disturb’ placard from some hotel.

“I expect you to use this to prevent any,” she paused, thinking of the right word, then said, ‘misunderstandings’.”

“You’re the best mom ever!”

“And you’re the best son ever,” she said, hugging me back, “And I may soon have the best son-in-law ever!”

“Mommmm!” I said, embarrassed. “It’s a little early for that!”

“I’m just kidding with you, Sean!”

***

The school day was rough. Every time I ran into Dave, I wanted to hug him and remind him that I was there for him. I could tell he was worried about his talk with Susie.

Just before 6:00pm, Dave called and asked me to come over to his garage.

Once the door was down, Dave and I hugged and kissed each other. For a moment, it struck me as odd to see Dave in a shirt, regular jeans, and sneakers. Then I remembered that Susie had only just left.

“Well?!” I asked anxiously.

“It went a lot better than I expected,” Dave said, sitting down on the couch. He patted the spot beside him for me to join him. I did, and I took his hand, squeezing it.

“Susie said she always suspected me of being gay, from when we first met in school. This was long before we started going out with one another.”

“Well, this is unexpected!” I laughed.

“She said she saw me looking at guys. It was subtle, she said, but it was there. It’s true. I have always looked at guys, but I thought no one noticed. I suppose if my mom realized it, Susie, being the only other woman I spent a lot of time with, would have too.

“She wasn’t sure, but when you and I became friends, she said she knew for certain. She saw a lot of meaningful looks between us.”

I laughed and said, “I wish she’d told us! It would’ve saved us a lot of angst, and we would’ve been a couple sooner!”

Dave laughed too, then added, “I think what she said is true. But she’s also trying to ‘save face’. It’s embarrassing to not know your ‘straight’ boyfriend is interested in guys and has fallen in love with a man whom she thought of as a friend.”

“I guess so.”

“She said she did and does care about me; I took her virginity, after all. She says she even loves me, but she was not in love with me. That, I believe. We were comfortable with each other; the sex was nice…”

“Nice!!!” I interrupted, “Are you sure she’s talking about the same man I had intercourse with yesterday?!!! Sex with you is stupendous, not just nice!!!”

“Hey, I did care about her and I tried to pleasure her as much as I was capable of doing. I guess I did a better job of it than I thought.”

We laughed and kissed one another.

“She said I’m the best-looking guy in school and all the girls are jealous of her.”

“Well,” I conceded, “She is right about that; you are the best-looking guy in school!”

“She didn’t want to lose me. But she wants me to be happy.”

“What happens now?” I asked.

“Susie is going to stay home from school tomorrow,” Dave said. “That way, when we tell our friends about you and me, it will be only about us. No competition with people saying how sorry they are for her.”

“Hmmm,” Was all I could say.

“Then the next day, she can tell them how she spread all those rumors about us, and that the jealousy act was her trying to force us together!

I glared at Dave incredulously. “Are you okay with that?”

“Sean, I do care about her. She was there with my mom and me in the end. If it helps her save face, I’m okay with it. This way, no one looks like the ‘bad’ guy in this. Just a lot of love and caring all around.”

“You are an incredible man, Dave Adams.” I said, “Even my mom says you’re wonderful!”

Dave and I spent the next half hour talking about my mom that morning. When I told him she said he'd be her future son-in-law, Dave said, “You know, I could grow used to that.”

“Whoa, lover boy!” I exclaimed, “We’ve barely made it to first base! Let’s give that some time!”

***

Dave pulled a couple of Cokes from his mini-fridge and handed me one. We basked in each other’s looks. Dave brushed the hair out of my eyes, and we kissed a while.

Dave asked me how it had gone with Rick.

“We met after school at my house,” I explained, “I’d let him know at school that the visit would just be talking about something.”

I took a sip of Coke, then continued, “Rick was okay about it all. He said he knew he and I were only ‘Friends with Benefits' and we had no commitment to one another. He had already put two and two together about you and me. He’d heard Susie’s accusations of me stealing you from her. He didn’t believe these for a second because he thinks I’m too much of a ‘Boy Scout’. But he’d gotten to know me enough to realize I was in love with someone. He figured it was you because I had moved our old-time Civil War picture to the side of my bed a few days ago.”

“You did?” Dave said with awe, “Even though I’d hurt you so bad?”

“I put it in a drawer in the beginning,” I said, “But I missed it. Despite the hurt, it reminded me of the good times we’d had as friends.”

“I never moved yours,” Dave said, “It remained by my bed.”

“You’re sweet,” I said, planting a kiss on Dave’s lips.

Dave shook his head in amazement. “You know, it’s starting to sound like everybody knew that we were becoming more than just friends but us!

“So, what else did Rick say?” Dave asked.

“Nothing,” I said evasively.

Dave looked at me doubtfully and said, “Your nose is growing.” He looked at me more closely and laughed, “Sean, you’re blushing!”

“Okay, okay, I’ll just come out and say it!” I exclaimed with embarrassment, “Rick said sex with me was the best he’d ever had – and he’s had a lot! Are you satisfied?”

“It sounds like Rick was satisfied! I’m glad he provided such a glowing reference for you.”

“Daaave!” I protested, “It wasn’t like that. That’s just the way he is – very cavalier.

“Rick also said that you were a very lucky man to have me,” I went on, “And that I was very lucky to have you because… Well, he thinks you are incredibly handsome and sexy and…”

“Go on,” Dave said teasingly.

“And that if we ever wanted to have a threesome, just call him and he’ll come running! He thinks we’d have a fab time!”

The only thing Dave could say was, “Oh!”

After regaining his composure, Dave said, “As tempting as it may be…”

“Daaave!” I yelled.

“Well, he did think I’msexy,” he said contritely.

And I argued, “Don’t forget he’s had the best sex with me!!”

We burst out laughing at our playful reactions.

Dave became serious and said, “Considering I’m just coming out as gay, and we’ve been a couple for just one day,” he said, “It possibly wouldn’t be a good idea to have a threesome.” He paused, then added, “For now.”

“You bastard!” I yelled, smacking him with a couch pillow. Dave smacked me with another pillow. Soon we were having a rambunctious pillow fight and laughing the whole time. We needed the fun release.

Dave and I became serious again. We decided to wait on lovemaking until we’d told everyone about us. We needed all our energy for that. And after talking all night and worrying all day, we both needed sleep.

We made out a bit, then said goodnight as I went home to my bedroom, and he remained in his.

***

Dave and I had the ‘big reveal’ to our school friends planned for Friday’s lunch break. Most of our friends were mutual ones, and our group sat together. I was sitting next to Dave. There was a brief mention of Susie being out sick, so Dave felt that would be a good segue into our announcement.

“Hey guys,” Dave said airily, “There’s something big I- that is, Sean and I- need to tell you.”

Dave now had the gang’s full attention.

“Well,” Dave said, “Might as well cut to the chase. Susie and I have broken up because I’m gay.”

Our friends began speaking over one another.

Dave regained control of the gang and continued, “And Sean here is my boyfriend.”

Dave and I joined hands.

Three of our friends shouted animatedly, “I knew it!” “I knew you guys were in love!” There had even been a betting pool on when this day would come!

Once again, Dave and I thought again, “Sheesh! How did so many people know except us!”

“I know you have a million questions,” Dave started, “But here it is in a nutshell; I’ve always known I was gay. But for several reasons, most of which I won’t talk about, I pretended to be straight. One reason was fear of being different.

“When Sean started school here and was openly gay, I admired him for doing so.”

I chimed in, “You all know that Dave and I both lost a parent to cancer about seven months ago. It was, and still is, difficult for us. We understand what the other is going through, and we’ve helped each other deal with it.”

“And,” Dave added, “Along the way, Sean and I fell in love, but we were scared.

“Suzy pretty much always knew about it, but like Sean and I, she was scared too. It’s easy to stay comfortable.”

I added, “Susie spreading the gossip about Dave and me helped push us together. It was a rough time, but I thank Susie for bringing us to admit everything to ourselves.”

“How is Susie? Is she hurt and hiding from school?” One of our classmates asked.

Dave’s smile was genuine when he said, “She’s fine! She stayed home sick so Sean and I could talk with you all. She thought that if she were here, it would be a bit chaotic, with people asking her how she was too. She’ll be back Monday.”

The bell rang for the end of lunch, and as Dave and I got up from the table, we took each other’s hands for everyone to see and made our way to our next classes. Ours was a small school, so by the end of the day, there wasn’t a student or teacher who didn’t know about what had happened. Dave and I were surprised at the number of ‘Congratulations!’ and ‘Right Ons!’ we got. If anyone had trouble with us being open, they kept to themselves. We knew we lived in a tolerant town, but this was incredible!

Although Dave and I had decided to be ‘open’ at school, demonstrative displays of affection just weren’t our style. We limited ourselves to quick kisses on the lips and the occasional hand-holding. Even if we had been a straight couple, we wouldn’t have gone further than that. We certainly weren't prudes. Dave and I just felt there was a time and a place for open-mouthed, tongue-twisting kisses and full-body contact groping. The school, the mall, the grocery store, and places like that just weren’t the places for that. We preferred sharing our affection in private; we had no interest in ‘putting on a show’ for others.

When school was over, Dave and I stood in the school parking lot. We were both dreading the next ‘coming out'–the one with Dave’s father. I kissed Dave on the lips and said, “I’ll be with you in spirit. Call me or come over as soon as you can.”

We mouthed, “I love you,” as we drove away in our separate cars.

 

CHAPTER 13

My anxiety level was through the roof as I waited for word from Dave about his mission. I was lying down in my room trying to read, but kept finding that although my eyes may have been passing over the pages, I hadn’t comprehended a thing. After reading the same page four times, I gave up and switched to another book. This one was better. I only read the pages twice before realizing I hadn’t seen a thing.

My mom was home as she didn’t go on duty at the hospital until 6:00 that day. She was worried too, and neither of us was in the mood for small talk. She busied herself in the kitchen.

Just after 4:00, the doorbell rang. I heard my mom answer the door and Dave’s voice saying something about not knowing “where else to go.”

My mom shouted, “Sean, you’d better come here!!” Then, in a lower tone, “Come in, honey.”

I ran from my room as fast as I could. In the foyer, my mom was shutting the front door. Dave stood there, slumped, with an overnight bag in his right hand. He was crying.

As soon as he saw me, Dave dropped the bag and ran into my arms. Through heavy sobs, Dave said, “M-my dad. My dad kicked me out because I’m gay!”

I was crying too as I guided Dave to the sofa. Neither my mom nor I could make out a word of what he was saying. As she sat down in the recliner, her eyes met mine. A half-nod told me to keep holding Dave and let him recover before asking any questions.

About 5 minutes later, Dave calmed down enough to talk. I had my arm tight around his shoulders, and we grasped hands. His hands were shaking.

“When I got home from school,” Dave began, “I told my dad there was something I needed to tell him. While my dad sat, I paced the floor. I just came out and said it. My dad is a blunt kind of guy, so I figured I should be blunt with him.

“Dad, I’m gay, and Sean Thomas is my boyfriend,” I said.

“My dad sat quietly for a few moments. Then asked me if it was the guy who’d been helping me study for the SAT who made me gay.”

My stomach knotted up when Dave said that.

“I tried to correct my dad, that I had always been gay, and you had nothing ‘making’ me gay. I told him that I had pretended to be straight.

“My dad’s neck was growing red. I knew he was going to burst. I made it worse when I told him Mom had known I was gay and hoped that I would come out someday.

“Dad remained quiet, so I continued by telling him that you and I had fallen in love and everyone at school knew.”

Dave squeezed my hand tighter. I hugged him harder.

Dave continued, “Dad exploded! I don’t remember exactly what he said, but he blamed you, Sean. He blamed Susie. He blamed Mom. And he blamed himself.

“Dad was upset that people at school knew before him, and how could I do this to him? How could I be a fag?!!”

My mom and I gasped, but let Dave get his story out.

“I tried to tell him I was the same as I’ve always been. But that upset him more because that meant I’d always been a 'fag'. I wouldn’t join sports in school. I was always reading. I was always thinking about history.

“Dad said that if I’d played sports and gotten an athletic scholarship like he wanted, I wouldn’t have needed that ‘gay kid’ to tutor me.”

“I’m afraid I lost my temper at that point.”

“I screamed at him that your name is Sean and we’re not just in love, but he’s the best friend I've ever had. That you’d been there for everything, unlike him. I know that hurt my dad, but I was hurting too.

“I asked Dad where all of this hate was coming from. I knew he had gay friends at the plant and had never shown any homophobia about gay people before.”

“You know what he said?” Dave began crying again, “THEY aren’t my SON!”

My mom got up and sat beside Dave. We both had our arms around him and were crying too.

Through his tears, Dave choked out, “Dad told me to get out! Get out of his house immediately! That meant the garage! Everywhere! I could pack my stuff over the weekend, but he didn’t want me anyplace near him, or else!”

At the ‘or else’ threat, my mom lost her temper. She stood and started heading for the front door.

“I’m not going to let that go. You may be 18, but you’re still his son. No one should ever talk to their child that way over something so stupid! He needs some straightening out about what it means to have a gay child!”

Dave jumped off the sofa to block the door.

“No, Mrs. Thomas,” He pleaded through his tears, “That’d only make things worse. Maybe later, but not right now.” Dave’s words faded, “Not now.”

My mom looked at me, and I gave a slight nod of agreement to Dave’s request. So, my mom turned Dave to face her. Hands on his shoulders, she said gently, “You are welcome to stay here for as long as you like or need.”

Dave seemed so lost. It broke my heart.

My mom continued, “We’ve got a spare bedroom, and you can make it yours. Or you can stay with Sean. Whatever you two decide.”

Dave was stunned by the offer. “T-thank you,” he said.

“I’ve got to go to work,” my mom said, “But that’ll give you boys…” She stopped and corrected herself, “That’ll give you two men a chance to talk and sort this out.”

I was startled by my mom calling us men. To me, it was a sign that, even though Dave and I were technically still teenagers, Mom thought of us as adults and took our love seriously. Amid all the chaos of the moment, something felt good.

My mom stopped in the hallway, turned to us, and repeated, “Dave, this is your home for as long as you like or need. I love you both.”

As Dave sat on the sofa, crying in my arms, I watched my mom leave through the back door for work. She blew me a kiss, and I mouthed, “I love you too.”

***

Putting my knuckles under his chin, I lifted Dave’s face to look at mine.

“I love you, Dave,” I whispered, “I love you and will be right beside you through all of this. We’ll get through this together.”

“Sean,” Dave said, “I knew there might be issues with telling my dad, but I never expected this.”

“Neither did I,” I said. “You don’t have to decide on which room right away. This will probably blow over before we know it.”

“You don’t know, Dad, Sean,” Dave warned. “He meant what he said. I’ll need to get the rest of my stuff out of my ‘room’ as soon as possible.”

“Tomorrow’s Saturday, will that do?”

“Yeah,” Dave said. “He’ll be at work.

“Sean, I don’t think I could ever live under the same roof as him again. He already didn’t ‘like’ me, but…”

“Let’s just focus on the now, okay?” I said, “Remember our pact?”

Dave nodded yes.

“As of now, the terms and agreements have been extended to cover your feeling as if any of this is your fault. I’ll remind you of that every time you go there.”

Dave gave a weak laugh and said, “Your voice may grow hoarse doing that.”

“Then you’ll have to kiss me each time and make my voice better!”

“Mr. Thomas,” Dave said wearily, “You’re silly.”

“No,” I said, “I’m a man in love.”

***

Dave decided to make the spare room his bedroom. After discussing it, I agreed. We had two reasons: I didn’t have enough drawer and closet space to fit all of Dave’s clothes.

Second, we both needed our own space. Some people may think that strange, considering most nights Dave and I would be sleeping together, whether we had sex or not. But Dave and I hadn’t been together for 72 hours. We had a lot to get used to. Being together all night, all day at school, every evening, and on weekends might be too much togetherness.

Dave had a lot to sort out in his head with his dad. Also, while saying that he’d accepted being gay, Dave had a lot of years pretending to be straight. Being gay isn’t a switch you can just turn on. It comes with many emotions and thoughts. I may love Dave, and he can bounce things off me, but much of this would have to come from within, as most gay people will tell you. He was going to need some personal space.

Together, Dave and I unpacked his overnight bag and decided how he would organize his new dresser and closet. Penny kept interrupting, wanting belly rubs from Dave, so I played with her for a while as this wasn’t the right time for belly rubs from Dave.

Dave gazed at the bed in thought.

“Sean,” he asked, “You know I sleep in the nude.”

“Yeah, so do I. I have for years.”

“Will it be okay with your mom if I do so over here? He asked.

“Uhhh,” I said, “Well, Alan and I slept in the nude. We just made sure we were dressed when she was home. Otherwise, when no one else is around but us…”

A bark came from Penny.

“And Penny,” I added, “Wear what you used to bum around in. I’ve missed seeing you in nothing but tight jeans,” I laughed.

“And I’m going to have to get used to you wearing nothing but tight cutoff jeans and showing off the sexy hairy chest! I guess there is a plus side to being kicked out of home.”

Dave’s smile immediately fell when he absorbed the reality of what he had said.

We hugged each other in Dave’s new room. He managed not to cry.

After we finished unpacking, I suggested we go out to eat. The change of scenery cheered us both up. Although it was early for a Friday night, Dave and I were beat. Penny was already asleep in her doggie bed. We went into my bedroom, not forgetting to put the ‘Do Not Disturb” sign on the door handle.

We were about to undress for bed when Dave sighted the Old-Time Civil War photo in its antique frame sitting beside my bed. He started to cry.

I put my arms around him and asked, “Honey, what’s wrong?”

Dave buried his face in my shoulder, wracked with tears. He was gasping for air, and I couldn’t understand what he was saying. I hugged him and told him to take deep breaths. Soon he was able to talk again, although the crying hadn’t stopped.

“What’s the matter?” I asked again tenderly.

Dave pointed to the photo beside the bed.

“Dad followed me to the garage,” Dave wept, “He wanted to make sure I didn’t take anything that wasn’t mine.”

I bit my tongue. Now was not the time for me to make an editorial comment about Dave's father.

Dave continued with difficulty. “H-he’d seen me pack my copy of the photo at the top of my bag. He asked if that was you? I said yes. My dad picked it up. I tried to take it from him. It slipped from both of our hands and fell to the concrete floor!

“Dad mumbled something about taking ‘my little boy’ from me’ and stormed back into the house! I tried to pick up the pieces. T-the frame was beyond repair. T-the photo was bent and shredded.’

Dave looked me in the eyes as he cried. “It’s still there.”

I held Dave as tight as I could. The only thing I could do was hold him while he cried and cried and cried. I laid us on the edge of the bed, cradling Dave until he fell asleep.

I moved out from under him and looked down at the man who had grown to mean the world to me. I lifted Dave’s legs and feet to the bottom of the bed and was struck by déjà vu. About a time, now weeks in the past, when I’d cried and fallen asleep in Dave’s arms.

I repeated what Dave had done for me. I took off his shoes and thought how vulnerable he appeared in his socks. I lifted his head and placed a pillow underneath it. I went to the linen closet in the hall and pulled out a top sheet. As I unfolded it, I viewed Dave’s magnificent body, snug against his t-shirt, and thought of the days and nights that would follow. But not right now.

I took off my shoes, leaving my socks on. Then I turned out the light, kissed Dave on the forehead, and climbed into bed with him. With us both fully clothed, I spooned Dave under the top sheet. We slept that way for half the night. The other half was spent with Dave spooning me while we lightly brushed our stocking feet together.

 

CHAPTER 14

We woke up early with Dave still spooning me. We turned to face each other. I smiled at Dave and told him everything would be okay. He took his knuckle and brushed the hair out of my eyes.

“I know,” Dave said, “Today is the first day of a new life. I’m not going to mourn the old one.”

We gave each other a passionate kiss, and I guided Dave to the bathroom in the hall. My mom would be at work until late that night. Another double shift. We stripped and stepped into a much-needed hot shower. Our cocks were hard before the water hit us.

Dave and I took a bar of soap and lathered our bodies. Our hands explored each other’s muscled contours, committing them to memory as a road map to future pleasures. With our dicks soaped, we masturbated in front of one another. I must admit, it was quite an erotic experience. The entire time, Dave and I smiled, never breaking our intense eye contact, even during our orgasmic release. It was like we had melded into one being, even though we weren’t touching. The experience left us hungry for more, but we knew we'd have plenty of time for that later.

Once rinsed and dried, we dressed for the task of cleaning out Dave’s garage. We wore regular shorts; Dave wore a T-shirt, and I wore a tank top.

Dave smiled lasciviously and said, “Man! I love your muscles!”

I countered, “You’re the one with the muscles! They’re a lot bigger than mine.”

“But yours are so tight and beautifully formed!” Dave said.

I laughed, then insisted that we eat a couple of granola bars so we’d have plenty of energy for the task ahead.

I sent my mom a quick text to let her know how Dave was and what our plans were for the day. She reiterated that Dave could do whatever he wanted with the spare bedroom to feel comfortable – move things around, hang pictures, whatever. She signed off with love to both of us.

I drove us down to Dave’s house at the end of the block. The car was filled with empty suitcases and as many boxes as we could find.

Dave unlocked the side door and stepped in. He was probably remembering the night before, because his body language was uncomfortable. The first thing he spotted was the smashed old-time photo of the two of us lying on the floor. Dave picked it up and was heading for the trash can when I stopped him.

“Don’t,” I said, looking at the picture and frame’s condition, “The frame may be a loss, but we need it so we can find one similar. And I’m sure I can repair the photo. It’s beat up, it makes it look like a real photo from the Civil War.”

Dave carefully handed it to me and said, “Thanks!” smiling lovingly at me.

We attacked the packing with gusto, placing all of Dave’s clothes in suitcases. Then we began packing 18 years’ worth of toys, knick-knacks, and decorations.

“I’m not going to want all of this stuff in my… ‘new’ room,” Dave said.

“I understand,” I said, “A new day, a new life. But let’s pack everything anyway, and you can make decisions as you get settled at home. No hurry. There’s plenty of room in our garage to store these until then.”

The move to my house took two car trips. We had to walk Dave’s bookcases and roll-top desk down the alley as they wouldn’t fit in our cars. Happily, he and I were in good shape, and it was only from one end of the block to the other, but it was still a chore.

When we were finished, Dave examined the garage, empty except for furniture. He looked at me, smiled, then shut and locked the door for perhaps the last time.

***

After having only a snack for breakfast, Dave and I went out for a more substantial lunch. I could tell Dave was feeling better emotionally. On the drive home, Dave got a phone call from Susie.

He looked at me and said, “She wanted to know how it went with my dad yesterday. After not hearing from me, she’s probably a bit anxious.”

I smiled and nodded my understanding. Dave gave Susie a condensed version of what had happened, along with his new living arrangements. Susie was very upset. Unlike me, she had met Dave’s dad and had expected better of him. She still thought of Dave with love, as in friendship, and was concerned about him. She felt better when he told her how my mom and I were helping him through everything.

Dave handed me his cellphone and said Susie wanted to talk to me.

Ordinarily, I wouldn’t talk on the phone while driving, but I wanted to get whatever she had to say over with.

“Sean,” she said, “I wanted to apologize for what I said to everyone about you. And what I did to Dave to hurt your friendship. I’d say my emotions got the better of me, but there’s really no excuse.”

I remained silent, so Susie continued, “You were nothing but kind to me all the time when we hung out together. And I genuinely like you.

“Anyway, I just wanted to tell you that I’m happy for you and Dave. I sincerely am. He’s a good man, and he deserves someone as good as you.

“I’m worried about him. Look out for him, will you? That’s all.”

“Thank you,” I said, “I appreciate it. And you take care of yourself too.”

I handed the phone back to Dave. He wrapped up the call and hung up.

“That was very kind of you,” Dave said, looking at me with admiration.

“I’m not one to hold grudges for long.” I said, “Life is too short to waste on such negative energies.”

Dave put his hand on my hairy leg and stroked it softly.

“You know,” I said, “By Monday, everyone and their brother will know what happened and where you are living.”

“I know,” Dave explained, “That’s why I wanted to tell Susie now. Not that I’m saying she’s a massive gossip, but… well, she’s a massive gossip!” He laughed, “This will make it a bit easier for us on Monday, by not having to explain things to everyone.”

“I always knew Susie had good uses,” I laughed, but then apologized, “That was a little catty. I guess I haven’t quite gotten over my grudge, but I’m getting there.”

I placed my hand on Dave’s and kept driving us home.

***

Dave and I got a lot done that afternoon. There wasn’t much in the guest room to start with, so I was able to make spots for Dave’s desk and large bookcases. I even unpacked all the books and organized them on the shelves.

Dave hooked up his TV, DVD player, and CD player with all the components and speakers. He kept all his discs in slotted notebooks, which fit in a small bookcase in the closet.

We stood in the doorway, held hands, and surveyed the room. Dave hadn’t put out any keepsakes or posters on the walls, taking my suggestion to decorate later.

Without saying anything, I guided Dave back to my room, put the ‘Do Not Disturb’ placard on the door handle, and shut the door.

I pulled the comforter off the bed and the sheets down. Our eyes met. We were totally in sync. Dave lay down on his back. I undid his shoelaces and pulled off his shoes and socks. Standing by the bed, I did the same with my shoes and socks.

I crawled into bed, straddling Dave. I pulled my shirt off and tossed it to the floor. I helped raise Dave so he could remove his t-shirt. We remained silent as our eyes surveyed each other’s torsos.

Even after seeing Dave without a shirt for weeks while studying, I found myself spellbound by his muscles. Dave wasn’t a bodybuilder, but to me, his body epitomized male perfection.

Dave was studying me as well and said, “I still can’t get over your lovely, hairy chest. Between it and your sinewy muscles, you have a body that epitomizes male perfection.”

I laughed, “I was just thinking the same thing about you.”

Dave joined me in the laugh as I moved down to kiss his lips.

“I want us to make love,” I whispered. “I want us to fuck, blow each other, jerk off; anything that comes to mind. I want our bodies to make love and do whatever we want to do. For you’re right, today is the beginning of a new life – one with each other, in both love and lust.”

***

Straddling Dave on all fours, I gave him a kiss on the lips, then moved up the side of his face. Neither of us had shaved since the previous morning, so we had a generous amount of stubble.

Dave said, “Wow! I like the feel of our beards! Susie hated it when I didn’t shave.”

“Forget about Susie,” I purred, “You’re making love to a man now, which I think you’ll find a whole lot more exciting!”

I kissed and licked Dave’s face until I reached his left ear. After a few licks around and in his ear, I began nibbling on it, from top to bottom. Dave gave a moan of pleasure as I moved my mouth behind his ear and down his neck. Dave was moving his hands across my hairy chest, stopping at my nipples, which he pinched lightly. It was my turn to moan.

Holding Dave’s arms above his head, I kissed and licked his delightfully bushy underarms, causing Dave to squirm as he was a bit ticklish there. I proceeded to his chest and played with his nipples with my teeth. Dave let loose a tiny squeal and involuntarily lifted his waist with each soft bite.

Still straddling Dave, I sat up on my knees and used my hands to massage his six-pack abs. When I reached his pants, I wasted no time in unbuttoning his jeans, unzipping them, and pulling them, along with his underwear, right off. I was now standing at the foot of the bed, admiring every inch of his body. Dave had an incredible build and was handsome as hell.

I undid my jeans and let them fall to the floor. Dave appeared mesmerized by my naked body, particularly my 6-inch erect dick. Stepping out of the legs, I walked to my bedside table and took out a pump container of lubricant.

Crawling back in bed, I straddled Dave as before. Leisurely and with deliberate strokes, I lubed Dave's erection. Then I inserted a generous amount in my anus, moving my fingers in, out, and around to loosen myself up.

Tossing the bottle across the bed, I began lowering myself on Dave’s huge, hungry cock. Intermittently, I would stop to allow my hole to adjust to the penetration. Dave held me by my hips to steady me. Then, with one final shove, I sat on Dave’s cock, letting the pain and pleasure engulf me! We simultaneously issued sounds of desire!

Raising my ass rhythmically up, then down, then up again, I let Dave’s engorged penis fuck my man hole. His smile was like the cat who ate the canary! He was loving every moment of this fuck, which I assumed he’d never done this position with Susie.

Dave matched my rhythm and started to thrust his hips upward as I moved mine down. I threw my head back in ecstasy, my longish blond hair flying, as I was caught up in the primal urge that had overtaken us.

As he quickened his thrusts, I slowed mine, letting Dave take control. Then, like a rabbit fucking its mate, Dave let loose like a madman! I yelled, “Yes! Yes!” encouraging him to continue.

Then Dave surprised me. Lifting me with his strong arms, he maneuvered me onto my back, his penis still deep inside of me. I instinctively spread my legs and lifted them, letting Dave grab hold of my calves.

Dave leaned forward and gave me a hard, wet kiss, which I returned readily. Then he resumed fucking me, starting low and then building to a hard, steady pace.

“I love the way your balls slap my ass!” I moaned, our eyes meeting in pleasure. I had never been fucked so magnificently before! Dave’s eyes seemed to echo mine.

I issued a yelp of rapture while Dave grunted like an animal with each thrust. Jerking my hard dick, I climaxed, shooting cum across my stomach, chest, and face. The sight of me cumming triggered Dave to blow his load. I felt his hard cock spasming inside me. Dave let loose a series of “Ohs!”, growing louder with each ejaculation of semen in my ass.

Pulling his dick out, Dave leaned over me, licking up all of the cum I’d expelled on my face, chest, and stomach. Then he wrapped his mouth around my softening dick and sucked all lingering semen from my tool.

Once finished, Dave raised my legs again to gather some of my creampie with his large fingers. Dave lowered my legs, lay his naked body on top of mine, and both of us began licking his cream-covered fingers clean of cum. After one more wipe of my creampie and shared licking, I took Dave’s two fingers in my mouth and sucked on them like a popsicle, until he gasped, “No more!”

“Gawd!” Dave exclaimed, “You were fantastic! You were…” he faded, at a loss for words.

“And you were the best fuck I’ve ever had!” I smiled like the Cheshire Cat. “Not bad for a beginner at gay sex!”

Dave brushed the hair out of my eyes and gave me a slow, passionate kiss. Then he climbed off and lay beside me. Together, we lay naked on my bed and snuggled in silent contentment.

 

CHAPTER 15

Since my mom would be home in a couple of hours, Dave and I got dressed in T-shirts and regular shorts instead of our tight jeans and no-shirt ‘comfort wear’. It was unusual for Mom to have two days off so close together, so I decided we’d take her out to eat as a treat. Also, to thank her for what she had done for Dave and me.

Since Dave and I didn’t have jobs, our spending money had come from our parents for doing chores around the house. Dave told Mom he planned to get a job since he wouldn't be doing any more chores for his dad. My mom was adamant that he didn’t need to. She was going to treat Dave the same way she treated me. She didn’t want either of us working during our senior year; school should be the most important thing.

She also didn’t want us to take summer jobs. She wanted us to enjoy ourselves, as once college started, we’d have our hands full with both college and jobs. That is, if Dave got a scholarship. He’d applied but hadn’t heard back from anyone. I was all set with my scholarship, which included a lodging allowance.

When we got back home, my mom was impressed at all we’d done with Dave’s new room. She was glad that he was making it his own. The books in the bookcase attracted her attention, and she commented on how well-read Dave appeared to be in history. Dave explained that he wanted to be a history teacher at middle school or high school level; it would all depend on whether he could secure a scholarship.

Afterward, Mom asked us to sit down in the living room for a little talk. My stomach did flip-flops. Teenagers and ‘little talks’ weren’t usually a good thing.

David and I sat on the couch holding hands. I could tell he was a little uncomfortable with showing gay affection in front of others, and I whispered, “It’s all right,” looking down at our hands. Alan and I had been a couple for over six months, so I knew what my mom was comfortable with and what she wasn’t.

“Dave,” my mom began, “When you and Sean first became friends, he told me your mom had died about the same time as my husband, and of the same type of cancer. He mentioned how you distanced yourself from her in the hospital, and that had bothered your dad. He also said you blame yourself, that if you’d been there, she might have gone into remission. And you know about Sean’s irrational guilt about his dad.”

Sean tightened his grip on my hand.

“I know this is personal, and as a rule, I wouldn’t stick my nose in your business. But you know that I’m a registered nurse?”

Dave shook his head yes.

“I’ve seen more than my share of people dying like your mom and Sean’s dad. You’ve indicated that you feel weak for not being there for your mom and that you feel weak about other things you’ve had to manage in your life. I imagine, not acknowledging you were gay and keeping up the pretense that you were straight was an enormous burden to bear.”

I gave Mom a look like, “What are you doing?”

She responded, “I’ve got a point to all of this.

“I’ve seen families handle the lingering death of a parent in all sorts of ways. Young people and older people. There is no one proper way to handle that. We’re humans, not robots. Withdrawal is one way people cope. It isn’t selfish. Yes, it hurt your mom and dad. But forcing yourself to be there could have hurt far worse. Far worse, because your mom would have seen what you were doing to yourself, and she would have been worrying about you when she needed all her strength.

“I’m not saying how you handled it was right or wrong. I’m saying you were human. And in the end, you were there for your mom during her last two weeks.”

Dave was crying now. I surprised myself when I wiped the tears from his face. It had been automatic - an instinctive gesture for the man that I loved.

“No right or wrong also applies to being gay and when and how you decide to ‘come out’. Believe me, I had to deal with Sean coming out and having a boyfriend while coping with my husband's dying. There was no right. There was no wrong. We were lucky that Sean and I have always been able to talk candidly about things. We accept each other for who we are and deal with it.

“Now this isn’t just about your dad. What I’m talking about is how you feel you’re weak. You don’t have courage. You withdraw and don’t deal with things. Nothing could be further from the truth.

“I see a very strong man sitting before me. They say it takes courage to ‘come out of the closet’. Do you realize it took courage to keep up the pretense of being straight? There is no right or wrong. Each person is different. Each person has a different family and their own dynamics. Don’t beat yourself up over how all of this happened. You’ve been thoughtful and caring about how you’ve come out, even if others didn’t like it. You have to make your own kind of music even if nobody else was singing along.”

Neither Dave nor I had told my mom how significant this song was. We looked at each other and felt more comfortable talking.

“There’s something Sean doesn’t know,” my mom continued, “my mother, his grandmother, had small strokes and increasing dementia in the last few years of her life.

“You’d think that as a registered nurse, I would understand the medical aspects and deal with them scientifically. But I couldn’t. I didn’t visit her as often as I should have, not that she was capable of noticing that. We couldn't talk like we used to.

“Mind you, she wasn’t nearly as bad as some of the other nursing home residents. But every time I looked at her, I saw a ‘vacancy’ in her eyes as she smiled at me. She knew my name, all of that kind of stuff. But there was ‘something’ missing that last year, and I hated seeing it. I knew I should visit her, but sometimes I avoided it.

“My point is, if you’re worried that you’re going to let Sean down because you can’t face something important – stop it. You are far stronger than you give yourself credit for. Just take whatever problems you have- your dad; being new at living as a gay man; your scholarship; whatever- and deal with them one at a time. Remember, there is no right or wrong answer.”

My mom stood and kissed Dave on the forehead.

“If my son fell in love with you, I know that you’re an honest, caring, strong, and responsible man.”

Mom looked at us both and said, “I love you guys,” and headed off to bed.

I wiped more tears off Dave’s face. I laughed when he said, “You’ve got some too,” as he wiped them from my face.

Dave and I embraced and sat on the couch for a long time, comforting each other.

 

CHAPTER 16

That evening, Dave and I watched a DVD in Dave’s new room. It was an attempt to test the system and our comfort level with living in the same house. When it was time for bed, we hung the ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign on the door handle and took off our clothes. We made out for a while, and then Dave surprised me with a question.

“Would you fuck me?”

“Uhhhh,” I said, taken off guard.

“I’ve never asked,” Dave continued, “I assumed Alan was the top and you were the bottom.”

“Ahhh, well…” I hesitated, “Pretty much yes. We did switch out occasionally. But what we did doesn’t matter…”

“I know,” Dave said, “I’ve always known I’d be a top. And I’ve loved topping you.”

“And I adore you topping me!”

“It’s just that,” Dave said, “Well, I’m curious. I’d like to know what you feel when I’m fucking you.”

“If you want to, I’m game. But the lube is over in my room.”

Dave smiled, opened his nightstand drawer, and pulled out the bottle of lube. “I brought it in here in case we had sex tonight.”

“You know, that’s a good idea!” I said, “We should have spare clothes, underwear, and stuff if we’re going to be sleeping in both rooms.”

We both went to the bathroom, then met back in Dave’s room. We stood and kissed for a while, open mouth and lots of tongue, our hands probing each other’s body.

I moved Dave into bed and had him kneel on all fours. He gave me a questioning look, and I explained doggy style is easier for the ‘first time.’ Satisfied with my explanation, Dave did as I instructed and let me lube his ass.

I explained the purpose of my ‘finger fucking’ him with lube was to loosen his rectum. Dave enjoyed the training run.

“This is going to hurt,” I said, “The first time can be bad. But each time, it gets better because you know what to expect.”

“Do I have to sign a waiver?” He asked.

“You’re so silly!” I exclaimed.

“Silly in love with you!” Dave answered confidently.

I carried on with my instructions, “If it hurts too bad, just say the safe word… ‘stop’. Then I’ll stop and let you relax your anus. When you’re ready for me to push my dick further into you, just say, ‘ready’.

“Are you sure you want to do this?”

Dave didn’t waste a moment, “Yes, Mr. Adams!”

After lubing my dick and adding more to Dave’s hole, I began to penetrate him. I felt resistance and was surprised I got as far as I did before he said, “Stop.”

Dave must have sensed what I was thinking and commented, “I’ve always had a high pain tolerance. Okay, I’m ready.”

Dave didn’t say stop again, but when my dick completed its final penetration, he did let loose a surprised groan of pain.

“Are you okay?” I asked.

“I wasn’t quite prepared for that at the end,” he responded, “but I’m fine now.”

I gradually moved my hard cock in and out of Dave’s rear. Each time, I pulled out farther and pushed in harder.

“Wow!” Dave said, “It hurts, but it feels strangely good at the same time! Is this what you experience?”

“Yeah,” I said, smiling.

I ramped up the speed and could feel my hard cock hitting Dave’s prostate. He moaned with pleasure each time, and I explained what was happening.

“Go faster,” Dave asked.

This time, I didn’t question him. Dave could judge his own body.

“Oh, lordy!” Dave exclaimed, “It feels good, but mainly because I know it is your cock inside of me! I can’t imagine two men being any closer in body and soul than us at this minute!! I love you so much, Sean!”

“I love you too, Dave!” I exclaimed, “And I agree, me being inside of you, fucking you, giving you pleasure, is incredible!”

I guess the words I’d said affected Dave, as without warning, he began shooting his wad all over the bedsheets! I didn’t think a man could shoot that much for so long! That thought brought me to my climax, and I shouted, “I’m cumming! I’m cumming!”

Dave pushed his ass tight against my hips to force my dick in as far as possible. And like Dave, I came, and came and came!

“I can feel your cock pulsing inside of me!” Dave said excitedly, “I love you, Sean!”

Dave fell onto his stomach, and I fell flat on his back, my longish dick still inside of him.

We were breathing so heavily, neither of us could speak.

I pulled out of Dave and lay beside him. We wrapped our arms and legs around one another.

“Do you want a cigarette?” I asked Dave.

“You know I don’t smoke.”

“Neither do I,” I replied, “But if every fuck is going to be like this and this afternoon, it seems like we should have a cigarette like in the movies.”

We laughed and kissed one another.

“So, is your curiosity satisfied?” I asked.

“Yeah,” Dave said, “If this is what you feel…”

I interrupted, “Whatever you felt, as good as I may have been, is nothing compared to what I feel when you fuck me. I can guarantee it!”

“There’s no doubt that I’m strictly a ‘top’,” Dave said, “But if it’s you doing the fucking, I’m a ‘bottom’ for you. That was the best part, feeling you inside of me!”

Dave gently brushed my disheveled hair from my eyes and said, “I love you!”

“And I love you too.”

***

Dave and I may have loved each other, but that didn’t help much when it came to sleeping together. To clarify, I don’t mean ‘sleeping with each other’ as in sex, but in the restive ceasing of brain and physical activity, often accompanied by my dreams.

Dave was a restless sleeper, changing positions often and sprawling about the bed like the squirrels do in our yard. He wasn’t used to spending the night with another human in bed with him. I had gone through this with Alan until we grew used to sleeping with one another.

And although Dave had slept in the nude in his own bed, the touch of my naked body against his would bring him an instant hard-on. I’m not saying I didn’t have my share of those; just the thought of Dave’s naked body brought arousal to my loins. In Dave’s case, however, he would try to fuck me in his sleep. I’d heard of sleepwalking and talking in one’s sleep, but never ‘sleep fucking’. I’d have to wake Dave, and he’d apologize profusely. It would take time for us to get used to one another in many ways.

We got up early, feeling rested, and joined my mom in the kitchen for breakfast. At one point, my mom had wagged her finger at me as a summons to ‘come here’.

She whispered to me, “Hey kiddo, if you and Dave can turn the volume down a notch next time, I’d appreciate it.”

At first, I was puzzled by her remark, then the memories of me shouting, “I’m cumming! I’m cumming!” the night before came back, and I turned beet red.

My mom smiled and said, “Well, well wdda ya know, I can still make my grown man of a son as embarrassed as he was as a little boy!”

I pleaded, “Mommmm!”

Dave raised his head from across the kitchen and asked innocently, “What’s up?”

My mom and I tried to hold back laughter at Dave’s unintentionally risqué comment.

I managed to compose myself and said to Dave, “Nothing. I’ll tell you later.”

When ‘later’ came, it was Dave’s turn to turn beet red. We agreed that from now on, whenever my mom was home sleeping, we’d only have sex in my room since it was across the house from her room.

CHAPTER 17

Dave and I spent the day at the amusement park just outside of town. After all the stress of the past few days, we both needed to unwind and have some fun. We shared a ton of laughs and a beautiful kiss when the Ferris wheel stopped at the very top.

Afterward, we had a late lunch at a Chinese restaurant that was practically an institution in town. While I struggled to eat with chopsticks, Dave dived right into the meal with his. He said I looked like ‘Bambi’ when he was learning how to walk. So, Dave moved his plate and sat down beside me in the booth, saying he’d teach me.

Dave pressed his body against mine and gave me a wicked grin. I’m sure he knew that it would be difficult for me to learn with the hard-on I was now sporting. Dave was an excellent teacher and a major tease as he placed his hand over mine to guide my fingers with the sticks. I soon was eating with them like a pro. Dave stayed pressed against me the rest of the meal. I decided to ‘pay back’ his giving me a hard-on by slipping my hand under the table and giving both his inner thigh and crotch a great big squeeze. I was barely able to restrain my laughter when he dropped his chopsticks, food and all, onto his plate, and people in the restaurant looked up from their meals!

***

When Dave and I got ‘home’ (it was going to take a while to get used to that!), my mom was getting ready for her next shift at the hospital. She wanted to share something with us before she left.

She had seen Dave’s dad’s car in his driveway and decided there was no time like the present to say what she had to say.

Seeing apprehension on Dave’s face, she said, “Don’t worry, Dave. I didn’t say anything about you.

“I introduced myself to him, and he was courteous. He listened politely when I shared with him what it was like learning my son was gay and the mixed feelings my husband and I had. We were concerned because we knew that being gay brings out hatred in some people, and we didn’t want that for our son.

“I told him how my husband and I had discussed that it now seemed unlikely that we would be grandparents. This hit my husband hard because he only had a few weeks to live. But we reminded ourselves that gay people can adopt. Even straight couples often don’t have children, especially these days. And who are the most important people in a child's life? Loving parents or loving grandparents?

“I told him how we accepted Sean’s sexuality because other than that, Sean was still the same person we had raised from infancy. Sean was no different from any other child who’d grow to be an adult. It just happens that he was born being attracted to men. He falls in love, he has heartbreak, he has angst, and he has joy with a partner, just like ‘you and I’ when we were growing up as ‘straight’ people.

“I told your dad how proud I am of my son. And how proud his late father was of him, too. That I’m sure Sean’s dad would be standing here with me if he could. But it wasn’t meant to be.

“That’s all. I told your dad I’d said my piece and thanked him for his time.

“I’m not going to give my opinion of how I think your dad took my speech. I don’t know him, so my impression may be worthless.

“I will say, he was polite, attentive, and thanked me for sharing with him. He appreciated it.”

My mom took Dave’s hands and said, “I hope you’re okay with what I said, Dave.”

Dave gave a weak smile and said, “Yes. You said you were going to do this, and I do appreciate you doing so. I really do. Thank you, Mrs. Thomas.”

My mom took off for work. Dave and I remained holding hands in the living room. The talk brought back memories of my dad – the wonderful ones as well as that horrible final month. I wondered what my dad would think of Dave. I think he would like him, but that’s the problem when you lose someone; there will always be questions that you’ll never have answers to.”

I commented to Dave, “I wonder if we’ll ever get over the pain of losing our parents?”

“I know we will,” Dave said, “Children growing into adults and losing their parents have been part of the life cycle. But I think it’s the pain of seeing them get sick and wither away that hurts the most. What your mom said about her mother… I don’t know. I just don’t know.”

Dave and I continued to sit on the sofa; each lost in his own thoughts.

Tomorrow was a school day, and we knew it would be emotionally intense, as our friends would want to console us about what had happened with Dave and his dad.

Neither Dave nor I was interested in sex. We just wanted to be together. We watched TV in Dave’s room, snuggling while fully clothed. Dave asked if he could sleep alone in his room that night. He had a lot of thoughts bouncing around his head and needed some space to himself to process it all.

I would miss having his body next to me, but I understood where Dave was coming from. We kissed and closed our respective bedroom doors, saying, “I love you,” and meaning every word.

***

The next day at school went as expected. All of our friends continued to congratulate us on being a couple. Many told Susie how happy they were that she’d brought Dave and me together. Most expressed their dismay at Dave’s father throwing him out. But school was still school. We had to attend classes, and we needed to learn lessons.

It was nice seeing Dave between classes, even if we could only exchange a smile. Only once did we kiss, at the end of lunch, and it was no more than a quick peck on the lips. As I mentioned, I thought demonstrative romantic affection shouldn’t be flaunted in public, and Dave felt the same. Pecks on the lips and the occasional holding of hands were all he and Susie did when they had been a couple at school.

Although it had gone well, Dave and I were relieved when school was over, and we got back home. Since my mom was at work, Dave and I could make love again; this time, as loud as we wanted.

We may have been 18-year-old men, but we acted like children as we made as much noise as we could as Dave fucked me! It was fun to be silly; the adult in us needed to get it out of our system. Although I do wonder what the mailman thought when he came by the house!

***

The next few weeks were filled with such happiness for Dave and me. School was going well. Dave being gay and us being a couple had lost its novelty. We were treated the same as always with our gang of friends. Even Susie remained part of the crowd. She and Dave had no trouble staying friends. We were lucky that our school, heck, even our town, was progressive enough that people would accept homosexuality as nothing to scream about.

At home, Dave got the antiques out of his boxes and decorated his room. We had gotten used to not having sex while sleeping with each other during the week because we needed to be rested for school. ‘Rumpy Pumpy’ was reserved for weekend nights and the afternoons of Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, as long as my mom wasn’t home. Dave and I were as horny as any other healthy, red-blooded 18-year-old males. Anytime we could have sex, we would!

The weeks Dave and I had spent becoming friends, getting to know one another, and bonding had brought us closer than most teenage couples. And that familiarity manifested itself through sex. When Dave and I made love, our goal was to bring pleasure to the other – not just ourselves. And that made for a vigorous and exciting sex life. We were as happy experimenting with new positions and techniques as we were with basic masturbation beside one another.

With such contentment, I should have known something would happen that could ruin it all.

 

CHAPTER 18

Although Dave’s father had made no attempt to contact him, Dave’s aunt came for a visit. He made it clear he didn’t want to discuss the situation with his dad. She respected that. On Friday, we made dinner for her at ‘our’ house and had a delightful time. She was what I described as the eccentric, wild, and fun, red-haired aunt with whom there was never a dull moment. On Saturday, the three of us went antiquing. Dave’s aunt was astounding; she could find the rarest and most interesting items wherever she went. And boy, could she haggle!

On Sunday, I let Dave spend some alone time with his aunt as they went to flea markets all across the county. I stayed home with Penny and read. I wore my standard ‘alone’ outfit: extremely tight, short cutoff jeans, no shirt, and barefoot. When the doorbell rang, I didn’t think about putting on a t-shirt to cover my hairy chest and ample ‘junk’ showing in my crotch.

I opened the door and was surprised to see Alan standing on the porch. Yes, that Alan. My first sexual partner, my first love, and my first heartbreak.

Alan appeared just as I remembered him. Black hair brushed to the side, long sideburns, and blue eyes that looked like gems sparkling in sunlight. He was six inches shorter than me, but I’d never minded that. His height made it perfect for him to nuzzle his head under my chin and for me to rest my chin on top of his head.

He was wearing shorts with a 7-inch inseam, which showed off his manly, hair-covered legs. I could see Alan’s muscled back and chest straining against his T-shirt. His muscles were different than mine or even Dave’s. They were well developed, but his build was enveloped in what I always called a bit of baby fat. It made each muscle round and soft to hold. They had driven me wild whenever I saw him naked. And I felt stirrings in my groin just remembering that now. 

“Alan!” I exclaimed, “What are you doing here? How’d you know…”

Alan finished my sentence, “Where you lived? Remember, we used to write letters to one another when you moved?”

“It’s nice to see you!” Then, remembering my manners, I said, “Come in! Come in!”

I waved Alan to the couch and asked if he wanted anything to drink. He said a Coke, and I got a can for each of us and sat beside him.

“What am I doing here?” Alan said, smiling with those devilish dimples of his, “My parents and I were on a vacation and stopped here last night because my dad was too tired to drive any further.

“I knew this was where you’d moved to and just wanted to see you. How are you doing?”

“Fine,” I said, feeling like I was stumbling over my words, “Just fine. You look fine.” I finished.

Alan smiled again, looking at my near-naked body in my cutoff jeans. “I see you haven’t changed your ‘couture’. That was one of the things that attracted me to you before we came out to each other. I thought, ‘cute’ but ‘strange’.”

I laughed, “I remember I made a pair of tight cutoffs for you. You were too embarrassed to wear them for almost two weeks, even though I was the only one who saw you in them! You were so shy about showing off your body. Our only argument was over you not sleeping in the nude with me in bed.”

Alan said, “Thankfully, I got over that.” He and I shared a laugh.

“Gawd!” I exclaimed, “Even though it hasn’t even been a year, we were so young and naïve!”

“We both were so scared about coming out of the closet to each other!” Alan said, “Then when we did, we didn’t know what to do!!”

I laughed, adding, “We took off our clothes, waiting for the other to make the first move! Thank goodness that friend of yours lent us those gay porn DVDs! It’s hilarious now, but thinking back, I’m surprised that we didn’t put our clothes back on and say, “Let’s forget the whole ‘gay thing’.”

We laughed wholeheartedly.

“I’m glad we didn’t,” Alan said soberly.

“Same here,” I responded, “I don’t know what I would have done without you when Dad…”

“I was glad to help.”

Trying to lighten the subject, I said, “You look good! You’ve lost some of that baby fat you hated so much!”

“You look good, too, Sean,” Alan’s eyes darted up and down my body, “Just as handsome as ever.”

We sat in silence for a moment, then Alan informed me, “I broke up with the boyfriend I told you about. Well, more like he broke up with me.”

“I’m sorry,” I said genuinely.

“I thought this guy could replace you in my heart. I really loved you, Sean. I know your mom had no choice but to take the job at this hospital, but I kept wondering if I couldn’t have found some way to go with you.”

“And I really loved you, Alan,” I said, raising my right hand to his face, then stopping myself.

“Seeing you again just reinforces that I’m still in love with you, Sean.”

Alan had moved closer to me. The hairs on our legs were touching. That feeling was so familiar. Oh, how I’d loved it.

Alan moved his head slowly towards mine. His lips kissed me gently. I responded in turn, and before I knew it, we were in a wild orgy of open-mouthed kissing, our tongues searching out paths they had taken in the past. Our hands held each other’s faces. We backed off for a breath, and Alan glanced at my crotch and laughed.

“I’ve never forgotten how sexy it is when you get hard, and your dick pushes out of your cutoffs!”

Alan moved his hand across my hairy chest, then moved his mouth to my right, very erect nipple. He kissed and nibbled on it, then…

“Stop!” I said, “Alan, I can’t! I have a boyfriend! We’re living together.”

Alan removed his mouth from my chest and backed off, keeping our legs from touching.

“I’m sorry!” Alan pleaded, “I didn’t know…”

And I said kindly to him, “And I didn’t let you know. I should have said something. I let the old feelings for you come back. I should have said something before we even sat down.”

A tear was running down Alan’s cheek. “And I should have asked you right when I walked in. You know me, Sean. You know I would never try to make love to someone in a relationship! That just isn’t me!”

“I do know you, Alan,” I said kindly, “And I know you haven’t changed. Because of the way we had to break up, we’ve both still got a lot of unresolved feelings. I know we would still be together today if…”

“Yeah,” Alan said, “I do know. I should go.”

Alan and I stood up at the same time. We were face-to-face like our first awkward attempt at sex.

“You can’t go home again,” Alan said wistfully.

“No, you can’t. But I do think we needed to see each other again to close the book that neither of us has been able to.”

“Yeah,” Alan said, “I think that too.

“They say you never get over your first love,” I whispered, “You just put it in the proper place - behind you.”

I placed a kiss on Alan’s lips, then said, “I’ll always love you, Alan. I always will. It will always be one of the most special, if difficult, times of my life. I wouldn’t be here today if you hadn’t stopped me…”

Alan interrupted me by placing his index finger on my lips. "We don't talk about that, remember?"

I shook my head in acknowledgment.

“I will always love you, too, Sean. Because I know we were meant to be together and love one another then. Neither of us would be the men we are today without that love and time together.”

Alan gave me a quick kiss and headed for the door. Outside, he turned to me and said with a smile, ‘So if you cannot take my hand, and if you must be goin', I will understand.’ Keep singing your own special song, Sean.” Then he walked to his car and drove away.

That song seemed to be everywhere in Dave's and mine’s lives!

I burst into tears, went to my bedroom, and cried on my pillow.

 

CHAPTER 19

Dave dropped off his aunt at his dad’s house, where she was staying. Obviously, he didn’t go inside. Dave got back home about 5:30. He found me lying in bed, as I had been for the past several hours.

Immediately, Dave could see I’d been crying and crawled into bed to hold me.

“What’s wrong, honey?” He asked, “You look horrible.”

“Thanks,” I responded, “I’ll remember that on Valentine’s Day,” and gave a weak smile at my joke.

I reached for Dave’s hand and gripped it hard, saying, “Alan stopped by while you were gone.”

Fear flashed across Dave’s face.

“Don’t worry, nothing happened,” I said, emotion still in my voice, “Not that it didn’t almost happen. But I could never do that to you. And Alan isn’t that type of person either.”

“You want to tell me about it?” Dave asked, “If you don’t, then…”

“Yes,” I interrupted, “I have to tell you about it. It’s important.”

Dave sat up, back against a pillow on the bed’s headrest. I moved to sit between his legs, my back lying against his chest. Dave enveloped my torso with his strong arms, hugging me as if he would never let me go.

I told Dave everything. How I’d invited Alan in, and our leg hairs were touching while sitting on the couch. I confessed how Alan and I had waxed nostalgic for when we came out to one another and were initially so awkward at sex. I explained how we had kissed and just as Alan had begun suckling my nipple, why we stopped. I also told Dave about the deep, emotional feelings Alan and I had come to terms with and put behind us. I apologized copiously to Dave for even entertaining those thoughts.

Dave squeezed my hand and said, “I understand. You needed closure. You both needed closure so you can truthfully move forward. If I’d had a relationship in my past as good as what you and Alan shared, I would’ve felt the same things.

“Tell you the truth, that’s something I’ve envied about you,” Dave remained quiet for a moment, asked hesitantly, “You said you wouldn’t be here today if Alan hadn’t stopped you?”

I began sobbing uncontrollably, gripping Dave’s forearms so hard that I could tell it was hurting him.

“Dave,” I managed to get out, “Dave, no one but Alan knows this. No one. Not even my mom.

“About six weeks after Dad died, I attempted suicide.”

I lay in Dave’s arms for a few minutes to regain my composure. Dave knew better than to say anything as I would continue in my own time. I could feel a couple of Dave’s tears drip on my back.

“You know how I had that irrational belief that if I hadn’t come out of the closet, my dad never would have gotten ill. And my mom was now working so hard to make things work on a single salary. I blamed myself. I’ve learned not to, and you’ve helped a lot with that. But then…

“At that time, I couldn’t bear the loss of my dad. I loved him so much. I thought Mom would be better off without me.

“I took a lot of Tylenol. Subconsciously, I realized I didn’t want to kill myself; I was just overwhelmed. I told Alan immediately what I’d done. He forced me to vomit most of the pills out. He made me drink lots of coffee and kept me walking and talking so I wouldn’t fall asleep. I know now that since Alan got to me so quickly, I really wasn’t in any danger. But then…

“Dave, Alan stayed by my side for days. My mom was at work most of the time, and he helped me cover it up by saying I had the flu. I don’t know how he pulled that off since my mom was a nurse! I guess she was still reeling over my dad’s death. I’ve never told Mom because I feared she’d blame herself.

“Our love for one another grew so much from that point. It wasn’t just that I was grateful to Alan, or because he was taking care of me… something… something happened. Sort of like when you and I began getting close.

“We grew up so much during those six months. If not for the boys we were then, neither Alan nor I would be the men we are today. I will always love him, and he’ll always love me.

“We’re no longer in love with each other; that’s all in the past. But that love will remain forever.

“I’m sorry I never told you about my suicide attempt. I’ve always said there are no secrets between us, but I was ashamed. I was such a coward.

“Dammit!” Dave exclaimed, “Don’t you ever say that again! You’re the strongest man I’ve ever known. You were human! Just like your mom said about me.

“I love you with all my heart and soul, Sean. Never forget that!”

I looked up at Dave and said, “I guess you understand why I was so able to understand when you told me about your ‘dark’ times after your mom’s death. I’d been there and had gone a step further than you ever did.”

Dave smiled at me and said, “I believe you and Alan were meant to be together when you were. Just like you and I were destined to be together now. Every day, I love you more and more. You are the man of my dreams come to life.”

“Even when I snore?” I asked.

“Even when you snore.”

Dave moved me from his lap onto my back and climbed on top of me, kissing me slowly and deeply. My hard cock was jutting out of my tight cutoff jeans. Dave unbuttoned, unzipped them, and pulled them down my legs. He surveyed my body with love and tenderness reflecting in his eyes.

Dave pulled off his t-shirt, shoes, and pants and lay back on top of me. Our hard-ons pressed against each other’s stomachs as we resumed kissing. I soon had my legs up and wrapped around Dave’s mid-section, pulling his groin to me. Dave’s hard cock had slipped between my legs and was rubbing against the area between my buttocks.

Dave’s hand grasped his hard-on; he spat on it several times as lubricant and penetrated me. I wouldn’t have thought it possible; the pain of Dave’s ungreased cock entering me should have been unbearable. The discomfort was there, but all I felt was ecstasy, total and complete ecstasy as the man I loved fucked me unhurriedly and gently. From the look on Dave’s face, he was feeling the same.

For 15 minutes, with each thrust, Dave grunted, and I moaned until he came inside of me. I moved from under and straddled Dave so that I would blow my load all over the look of joy on his face. Our kisses were sticky from cum, but we savored each one, occasionally exchanging my seed between our mouths.

We cuddled for half an hour before going to the bathroom and showering together. There may have been no sex, but the way our hands and lips explored one another’s wet bodies was one of the most erotic times of my life.

After drying ourselves off, Dave asked me to come into his room. He opened a box in his dresser and pulled something out. It was the pinky ring that Alan and I had given each other. The one I had wanted to throw away when I learned Alan had ‘moved on’.

I smiled when I saw it.

Dave handed me the ring and said, “I told you I’d keep it because you might want it someday.”

I slipped it on my finger, then off again and stared at it. Many wonderful memories of Alan flashed through my mind.

I told Dave, “You were right. I’m glad you kept it. Come on,” I said, having Dave follow me to my bedroom.

I opened a drawer and pulled out an old, battered cigar box. I opened it so Dave could see. It was full of what most people would call ‘junk’. But to me, they were precious mementos of my young life. There was a dried four-leaf clover, a Bazooka Joe gum comic strip and my dad’s keyring; all things that had some precious memory attached to them. I put Alan’s ring in with the rest of the treasures from my past and put the box away.

“Thank you,” I said to Dave, loving him more than ever. We snuggled our naked bodies under the sheets and fell asleep.

 

CHAPTER 20

The Senior Prom was fast approaching, and I asked Dave to be my date. We’d talked it over with our friends to see what they thought of the idea and if they thought there’d be any trouble. Everyone thought it was a fine idea. Everyone except Dave.

Dave wasn’t reluctant to be my date. His problem was that he’d asked Susie to go with him some time back, and she no longer had a date since they’d broken up. I suggested to Dave that we both take Susie to the prom if she was willing. She was, and we did.

Susie was the envy of all her girlfriends, having the handsomest man (Dave) and the second handsomest man (Me, although I really didn’t see that) take her to the Senior Prom as her date(s).

As immodest as it sounds, Dave and I made a stunning couple dressed in identical tuxedoes. And Susie was beautiful in her gown. Dave and I each gave her a corsage, and the three of us arrived in style in a stretch limousine. My mom had paid for that and an upgrade in our formal wear because she was so proud of Dave and me. There weren’t many men who would go to the prom as a couple, she said. Even fewer men would have cared enough to be so considerate of Susie, especially after the lies she’d spread. But we’d become good friends since then, and both Dave and I believed you do special things for your friends.

The three of us were shocked when our classmates voted Dave and me Prom Kings and Susie Prom Queen. Our peers felt we set an example of what humanity should be about, but so often fails at it.

***

A few days after the prom, Dave received a letter from his dad. He was reluctant to open it, so I did it for him and handed it to him to read. Here’s what it said:

“David,” (Dave’s dad was the only person who called him by that name.)

“I know it’s silly to mail you a letter when we live only a few houses apart. But I don’t think I could handle saying this in person. Not that I don’t want to see you. I just couldn’t get through it emotionally.

“There is nothing I can say or do that will make up for the hurt I’ve caused you. I’ve not been the best of fathers because of my own selfishness in wanting you to be the son I wanted, and not the son you are. All I can say is, I’m sorry.

“I’ve accused you of being weak. But I've been the weak one.

“Your mother attempted to prepare me for you being gay when you were very young. I don’t know how she knew, since apparently even you weren’t aware. Your boyfriend’s mother told me it is something that mothers just seem to know. My gay co-workers and parents of gay children at the plant have said the same thing. I’ve learned a lot of ‘coming out’ stories and how the participants handled it in very different ways. Some of them horribly so.

“Your mother’s illness and death affected me far worse than I believed. I am now seeing a therapist on learning to deal with both that and accepting that I have a gay son.

“That is NOT an excuse; it’s merely a fact I wish to share with you.

“I am proud of you, David. I am proud of the man you’ve become. Your mother would be so proud of you, too. You remind me so much of her; this has been painful for me and is something else I’m dealing with in therapy. I always called her my better half, and I lost that when she left us. I’m learning that the so-called better half hasn’t been lost, but is ‘within me’; I just need to recognize it.

“I am so proud of you; getting a scholarship, having the courage to admit you are gay, and having the strength to have a relationship with a man, of whom I hear is pretty special. What you and Sean did at the Senior Prom (I heard from other parents), going as a couple and taking Susie… Let’s just say, I never would’ve had the courage and kindness you (and Sean) have demonstrated.

“I know things will never be the same between us. In fact, that’s a point in my therapy, to move forward and grow, leaving that behind. I hope we can build a relationship as a father and his adult son. This won’t be easy for either of us, but I’m willing to try.

“One last thing: can you send me the photo of you, Sean, and Susie at the prom? I would be proud to place this prominently in the house.

“Much love to you, David, and to Sean, and my kindest regards to Mrs. Thomas. Love, Dad.”

David didn’t cry when he finished the letter. He was more in shock. He was glad his father hadn’t tried to express these thoughts in person.

That night in bed, Dave rested his head and hand on my chest and cried softly until he fell asleep.

***

As you may have caught in his dad's letter, Dave had been awarded a full scholarship. And thankfully, it was at the same college as mine. We could combine our housing allowance to get a small furnished apartment together and avoid a cramped dorm room.

We spent the summer doing what my mom wanted by having fun. However, Dave and I were too responsible to do that the whole time. While not relaxing, which often consisted of having sex in one of our bedrooms, we took on some major chores at my mom’s house. She had always wanted to paint the house, but couldn’t afford it. She could, however, afford to pay two strapping 18-year-old, soon-to-be 19-year-old men to do the job. And we did a great job, if I do say so myself!

We also did some major landscaping around the house, making sure it would be something easy for my mom to maintain after we went to college. When we weren’t doing chores around the house, Dave and I traveled to the next state over to check out apartments near our college. We found one and paid the month in advance and the deposit.

Dave and I also checked out the local part-time job scene. Dave secured a job at a local bookstore and was set to start work in September. I had a couple of good leads, but they wouldn’t be hiring until school started. I remained optimistic, however.

***

Only a week and a half remained before we packed our things and moved into our college apartment. Dave and I were excited, sad, scared, and happy. This was going to be a big change in our lives. That's when something unexpected dropped into our lives as a couple.

Dave and I kept exchanging greetings at school with my former ‘Friend with Benefits’, Rick. There hadn’t been any awkwardness staying friends because, emotionally, we were simply friends who’d enjoyed sex together. During the summer, we’d crossed paths at the mall and shared updates on our mutual college plans.

That day, I got a phone call from Rick asking if he could come over to my house to talk to Dave and me, as long as my mom wasn’t home, he added. We said that now was okay. Dave wore his customary tight, long jeans; I wore my skin-tight cutoffs. We didn’t feel we had to get dressed for Rick.

Other than a manly mustache, which made him look like a 1970s porn star, Rick hadn’t changed since our time together. He had always been direct, and now was no different. He came out and asked Dave and me if we wanted to have a threesome with him!

“Sean,” Rick said, nonplussed, “The sex I had with you was the best I’ve ever had! And Dave, you are incredibly handsome and sexy as hell!”

Rick had said this to me when I broke off the casual sex relationship we’d had, but I was still shocked. Dave looked at me, wondering if I had heard the same thing as him.

“Bear with me for a moment,” Rick continued, “Dave, I know that before Sean, you’d only had sex with girls. I don’t know how you got through it, but that’s neither here nor there. The point is, you’ve only had sex with one man.

“Sean, you had a solid relationship before you moved here. Then there was us. You’ve had plenty of experience, and I can vouch for that!”

I blushed, but continued listening.

“You two have one of the solidest relationships I’ve ever had the pleasure of witnessing. I think you’re going to be together the rest of your lives.

“I know you, Sean, and I’m confident that neither of you would ever cheat on the other. It’s just not in your DNA.

“But Dave, have you ever wondered- do you think you will wonder- what sex would be like with another man? Do you wonder what you missed because you fell in love with your first lover?”

Dave looked at me seriously. I looked back and said, “I have to admit, Dave, I’ve had the fleeting thought of you needing to test the waters elsewhere… I know you never would, but…

“When Alan showed up, I saw the curiosity on your face about what his and my sexual relationship was like. And you did say you were envious…”

Dave interrupted, “I, well, I have to say it did cross my mind that afternoon.”

Rick gave us one of his charming smiles and added, “You know I’ve been around the block a few times… Well, more like I’ve been around the whole city… But that’s neither here nor there. What I’m trying to say is, with all that sex, I’ve never had a threesome.

“Threesomes can be sticky with one of the three getting emotionally involved deeper than the others. Also, well, I hate to admit this, but I’ve been getting tired of just having sex. I’ve seen the love between you guys and have been thinking about what I’ve been missing. I want to experience first-hand what’s between you.

“I know a one-time deal for this between you guys won’t hurt your relationship. It may even help it. You may learn a few things to add to your repertoire, Dave.”

It was Dave’s turn to blush.

“And Sean,” Rick carried on, “While I don’t think there’s anything we didn’t try, I’ve gained a few tricks since then.”

Now I blushed.

“All of us will be off to college in a week, no awkward meetings in the mall, or such afterward. It’ll be in the past. Think about it and call me. I won’t be hurt if you say no. It’s a strange request, but as Sean knows, I’m kind of a strange kind of guy.”

Rick stood, getting ready to leave. Dave and I stood and gazed deeply into each other’s eyes. As so often happened between us, we didn’t have to speak; we knew what the other was thinking, and both said, “Yes!”

Now it was Rick’s turn to be surprised.

I spoke first, “What you said has a certain validity to it, Rick.”

Dave piped in, “And if we don’t do it now, with someone we trust, then we never will.”

Rick asked, “When do you want…?”

“Now,” Dave and I said simultaneously.

“We’ve got the house to ourselves until tomorrow night.” I said, “That leaves a day and a half to do this thing leisurely, and you can truly see what it’s like when Dave and I make love.”

A wicked grin crossed Rick’s face. I thought, “Now that’s the ‘fuck buddy’ I remember!”

 

CHAPTER 21

While Rick used the main bathroom in the hallway, Dave and I used the one connected to my mom’s room. Dave and I peed in the bowl at the same time. We had gotten into this habit to minimize the number of times my mom might hear us coming out of my room at night to use the toilet. Besides, there was little point in modesty about showing our dicks to one another when we’ve had one or the other of them down our throats or up an ass several times a week.

I asked Dave, “Are you sure about what we’re going to do with Rick. You don’t have anything to prove to me. You are the best lover in the world!”

“Yeah,” Dave said, “But when a guy like Rick, who has fucked anything that isn’t nailed down, says that you are the best fuck he’s ever experienced, it makes me wonder. Can I be better?

“Susie is the only person I fucked before you, and those weren’t good experiences. I ask myself, is there something I’m missing in pleasuring a man – in pleasuring you?”

“You aren’t missing anything,” I said, “And I want you to see that for yourself. Rick is probably going to give you a reference almost as good as mine.”

Dave playfully whapped me on the side of my head and said, “You bastard! If you want to make a competition out of this…”

“I’ve got my money placed on you!” I said confidently, “Come on, let’s get this show on the road.”

Dave brushed the lock of blond hair out of my eyes, took my hand, and said, “Let’s go.”

***

Rick, Dave, and I met in my bedroom. I placed the ‘do not disturb placard on the doorknob on the unlikely chance that my mom might come home. The three of us sat at the edge of the bed, taking off our shoes and socks. I sat between Dave and Rick.

Since Dave and Rick didn’t really know one another and I had been intimate with both of them, I decided to take the lead. I stood, pushed them onto their backs, and knelt down between them. I gave Dave a big open-mouth kiss, and he returned it – it was wet with lots of tongue & lip action. Rick took the cue and brought his face to mine. Mere inches from Dave, Rick grabbed my face with one hand and pressed his open mouth to mine, with tongue and lip action of his own. Like soldiers met in battle, we carried on for nearly a full minute.

Out of breath, I said, “What the hell!”

Rick grinned like the cat that ate the canary.

“I always complained that you barely kissed!” I exclaimed, “Now you kiss like…”

“Like Dave?” Rick interrupted, “I told you, I’ve been growing, thinking about what I’m missing by not being intimate.”

Rick thrust his face toward Dave’s, and they were swiftly engulfed in a frenzy of kissing, holding each other’s faces to prevent the other from escaping.

“Jeeze!” Cried Dave, “All I can say is, wow!”

“What the hell,” I said, “This is what we wanted to do; we might as well do it the best we can!”

I forced myself on top of Dave and began kissing and licking the left side of his face, ears, and neck. I pulled off my t-shirt, followed by Dave’s, and continued my mouth play in his armpit hair. Rick pulled off his t-shirt and duplicated my moves down Dave’s right side. Dave squirmed with pleasure.

I moved to Dave’s jeans, unbuttoned them, and unzipped them. Dave’s hard-on had already been trying to force its way out of his skin-tight pants. Dave took hold of his dick and pulled it out. I took off his jeans the rest of the way, threw them to the floor, and began licking his cock up and down its left side. Rick joined in licking the right side. Soon we were trading off on taking Dave’s member down our throats, sucking with burning passion. Dave had his hands on the top of both of our heads, forcing each of us to swallow every inch.

Dave and I exchanged knowing looks, and I stood up by the bed and rapidly pulled my ‘slut’ shorts off, exposing my hard manhood. Rick was distracted by this, and Dave took advantage of that to push Rick onto his back and lie his naked, muscled body on him.

Dave made love to Rick’s face, ears, and neck. I knelt on Rick’s side and deftly removed his pants, freeing his dick for my mouth to swallow. Rick moaned in ecstasy. Dave continued his mouth play down Rick’s hairy chest while using his large hands to focus on the rest of his body. Rick was doing much the same thing, stroking the muscles of Dave’s back with his hands.

I left Rick’s dick to grab the lubricant from my bedside table. I lay back on the bed beside Dave and guided him to focus on my body. My legs were in the air as Dave rimmed me, opening my butt cheeks wide so he could get his tongue as deep as possible as Rick peered on.

I handed the lubricant to Rick so he could lube my ass and Dave’s huge dick. It was obvious that Rick had not expected Dave’s size, and he was enjoying greasing it. Then, with Rick looking on, Dave penetrated me with one thrust. It was a bit harder than normal, but when he and I were as turned on as we were now, we did get a little rough, and we enjoyed it.

My hairy legs were wrapped around Dave’s midsection as he thrust his manhood in and out of me. He grunted with each pump while I let loose pleased squeals to match. Rick was kneeling above me so I could take his cock in my mouth and suck it as I was getting fucked. I was in heaven!

Suddenly, Dave withdrew, crawled to Rick’s side, and began greasing his mighty pole! Memories of the great fucks Rick and I had once shared popped into my mind. Dave scooted over so Rick could mount me. With no preamble, Rick was fucking me soft, then hard, then soft, then hard – not letting me get used to a pattern. Dave was watching his boyfriend get fucked by another guy, and he seemed to be enjoying it. He needn’t feel guilty, as I was enjoying myself also while getting fucked by Rick. He’d always had a certain something in his technique that neither Dave nor Alan had. And I don’t mean this competitively; it was unique to him.

Obviously, Rick was enjoying himself too. With a mighty thrust, he held his hard cock inside of me and began shooting his shot, grunting with every spasm. I could feel some of his cum running out of my ass already. Once Rick was almost finished, Dave took over fucking me, softly and with love. He lay his chest against mine, and we kissed, our mouths open and tongues thrusting passionately.

Dave and I were making love in front of Rick, just as he’d wished. This is what it’s like between two men who love each other dearly and want to share that love through connected bodies.

My cock exploded with cum all over our chests where our bodies met as we continued to kiss. When I finally quit cumming, Dave raised himself from my chest, took a deep breath, and with our eyes locked on each other’s, he started shooting inside of me with each tender thrust. Even when Dave had finished, all of our attention was on each other’s faces and the love in our eyes. Our bodies remained locked together, with Dave’s penis deflating inside my rectum. White semen dripped out around Dave’s dick and ran down his generous, hanging testicles.

Dave eventually pulled out, and we became aware of Rick again. They kissed, then Rick kissed me. The three of us lay in my bed, exhausted, our legs and arms in a bit of a tangle as we tried a three-way cuddle.

As more cum dripped from my satisfied ass, the thought crossed my mind that I’d had these two men’s seed in me once before, on the afternoon Dave and I became a couple. Dave and Rick’s babies were swimming around inside of me. I wonder what a cloned baby with Dave, Rick’s, and my DNA would look like. It was a ridiculous thought, and I began laughing. For some reason, it struck me as funny, and peals of laughter were all that could be heard in my bedroom.

Dave and Rick sat up on their elbows. They looked at each other with confusion, looked back at me, then back at each other – totally mystified. Both men had done their damnedest to fuck me the best they could, perhaps in competition with each other – and here I was laughing!

Dave asked, “Why are you looking at us that way?”

Still laughing, I got out of bed and said, “I’ve got to go to the bathroom.” I opened the door, left the room, and closed the door behind me, leaving two naked men lying in my bed with their jaws hanging open.

 

CHAPTER 22

Rick showered in the main bathroom. Dave and I did the same in my mom’s bathroom.

Dave kept asking me what the laughter was all about. “Was it something with Rick and mine’s performance?”

I was enjoying this and kept saying, “It was nothing. It’s not important.”

As Dave, Rick, and I got dressed in my room, Dave kept pressing the subject. I could tell Rick was dying to do so too, but felt it wasn’t his place.

On the drive to dinner at an Italian restaurant we knew, Dave asked, “You said ‘it was nothing’ and ‘it wasn’t important’ – are you saying our fucking you ‘was nothing’ and ‘not important’?”

Rick piped in and said, “I’ve fucked a lot of guys, Sean, and I’ve never had that reaction. Weren’t Dave and I good?”

As fun as it was, I couldn’t leave them dangling any longer. So, when we pulled into the restaurant parking lot, I put them out of their misery and told them.

“That’s what you found so funny?” Dave exclaimed, “You bastard!” he cried and began slapping me with a coupon shopping flier that was in my car. I began laughing again.

Rick said, “Give me that!” and Dave handed the flyer to him so he could get his smacks in, as I laughed harder.

A middle-aged couple was leaving the restaurant, passed by my car, and stared at us. I could imagine what they saw… two rather good-looking men, shouting, while hitting a third, better-looking man, with coupon flyers, while that last man laughed uproariously – all in silence because the car was soundproof. I wondered what scenarios went through their minds the rest of the night.

Was this some sort of strange fraternity initiation?

Was this some paranormal vision, ghosts from the past reliving traumas repeatedly in the night?

Was this the prelude to some new sort of kinky sex? (I’m sure either the man or the woman was going to look it up on the internet once they got home.)

I began laughing harder, much to Dave and Rick’s chagrin!

***

The three of us talked a great deal over dinner. Although Dave and Rick knew each other in school, it had only been as acquaintances. I had never talked much about Rick to Dave, essentially because the only things we had done with one another were eat and fuck. We had never gone deeper with one another, talking-wise, that is – we definitely went deeper otherwise! LOL.

I was surprised that there was much more to Rick than he liked to show. The three of us had a lot in common: our sense of humor, TV shows, movies, and our seriousness about school and college. Rick was very smart and had spectacular grades!

Another thing we shared was the loss of a parent. In Rick’s case, it was both of them in an accident about the same time as Dave’s mom and my dad got ill. Rick was passed around amongst relatives for a while before moving here to live with an older aunt. He was pretty much on his own.

Rick had come out as gay at 14 years old, and he’d been open about it with his parents, but he didn’t sleep around. He’d experimented a bit, but was hoping to get in a relationship. It was an emotional reaction to the sudden loss of those who loved him last year that Rick became a- I’ll go on and say it- a ‘slut’. I knew from our time as ‘FWBs’ that Rick was determined to have as much sex, with as many guys as possible, with no emotional attachments.

When Dave came out of the closet, and he and I became an openly gay couple in school, we had shown Rick what love and monogamy could be like. Rick wanted to change, but was afraid of getting hurt.

Rick meant it when he said he trusted and respected Dave and me. He knew we wouldn’t hurt him. We’d been where he was. This was heavy stuff over dinner, but it was good that he was talking. He hadn’t in a very long time.

Of course, Rick was still Rick, and he was soon talking about what had happened in bed with us. We all agreed we’d liked it and were looking forward to more. Dave and Rick ganged up on me again over my laughing incident, but soon our similar sense of humor had us describing a cloned child of the three of us. It got fairly weird, but that’s the sense of humor Rick, Dave, and I shared.

***

As soon as we got back to my house, Dave, Rick, and I were ready for another round of sex. The three of us shared a strong sex drive and were able to perform again relatively quickly.

After a quick trip to the bathroom, the three of us met in my bedroom and took off our clothes. We stood there admiring our naked bodies and the erections we sported.

Dave shook his head and said to Rick and me, “I can’t get over how similar you two look. You could be brothers.”

Laughing, Rick said, “Waitresses would always ask Sean and me if we were brothers.”

I added, “Once Rick corrected them and said, ‘No, we’re lovers’.”

“I would’ve loved to have seen their faces!” Dave laughed.

Dave, Rick, and I stood deep kissing, our arms around each other’s waists. We moved to my bed and formed a ‘daisy chain’, sucking each other’s dicks. In due course, we flipped directions and continued to suck each other.

From this position, I maneuvered Rick in front of me and I ‘scissor fucked’ him while Dave sucked and jerked his cock. Rick and I flipped flopped with him scissor fucking me and Dave moving his oral attention to my dick.

Rick asked Dave if he wanted to be fucked. Dave was hesitant as he felt he was a solid top unless it was me fucking him. But he told Rick he would try it.

Because of Dave’s uncertainty, Rick changed his style and made love every inch of Dave’s body before rimming and fingering him to open his hole. It was fascinating to see Rick move so tenderly through this and the doggy style penetration of Dave. Rick was slow and gentle with his thrusts. Dave and I made eye contact; he indicated he was enjoying it, but wanted me involved. So, I greased up my cock, stuck it in Rick, and fucked him in rhythm to his thrusts into Dave. Sounds of pleasure escaped our lips as we moved like one human body.

Rick said, “I’m getting close. Let’s switch.”

Rick guided me to lie on my stomach with a pillow under my waist. He lubed my ass, his dick and ass, then Dave’s cock. Like the director of a stage production, Rick orchestrated his own full penetration of me, then Dave’s full penetration of him. I was grinding my cock against my stomach and the pillow beneath me.

Rick lay on top of my back; his thrusts were even and came from his waist, his hairy chest pressed snugly to me. Rick raised my arms above me and placed his above mine. Our fingers were tightly interlaced.

Dave lay his torso flush to Rick’s back, and his thrusting movements came from his crotch as well. Noticing Rick and my hands, Dave moved his on top of ours. We were like a beast with three backs, undulating like a snake with the thrusting.

Dave's, Rick’s, and my climaxes couldn’t have been timed better. With Rick still gyrating inside of me, I shot my wad into the pillow. When I was spent, Rick blew his load into my ass, letting loose a small yell, as he was still getting fucked by Dave's significant organ. Then, right on cue, Dave had a frenzied orgasm inside of Rick. We lay on top of one another for a while.

***

Unlike earlier in the day, Dave, Rick, and I showered together. What was meant to be merely a way to get cleaned up became a tender exercise in making love under the running water. While our kisses were open-mouth exchanges of tongues, they remained slow and passionate, as were our hands, which soaped and explored each other’s bodies. We jacked each other off, and with impeccable timing, we enjoyed watching each other’s orgasms as well as our own.

***

Dave, Rick, and I retired to my bedroom to get some sleep. All that sex can exhaust a guy! Like Dave and me, Rick slept in the nude, too. The sensation of flesh touching flesh kept waking us up with hard-ons. We ignored the ‘taking care of business’ and kept returning to sleep. I found it interesting that Dave, Rick, and I had grown so comfortable with each other’s bodies that, in our sleep, we seemed to make a point of cuddling despite the awkwardness of three bodies.

We woke early, and I made coffee for us. Rick saw I was wearing my usual revealing cutoff jeans and said he’d always liked the way I looked in them. Rick was shirtless, but wearing regular shorts. I told him to hold on a moment, and I returned with another pair of my distinctive shorts.

“Here,” I said, “We’re the same size. So put these on. You can keep this pair!”

Rick thanked me and eagerly slipped them on. He looked delicious.

Dave, who was wearing his tight, regular jeans, glanced at us both and gave a wolf whistle.

I told Dave to wait there and returned with another pair of skin-tight cutoffs for him.

“I made these just for you.”

He had a look of doubt on his face.

“Dave,” I said, “I’ve told you forever that you have magnificent legs. You need to show them off along with the rest of your ‘ample’ assets. No one but me will see you like this, except Rick today, so there’s nothing to be embarrassed about.”

Stripping off his jeans, Dave began putting on the cutoffs when he noticed…

“These are made from one of my own pairs of jeans!” Dave exclaimed, “You cut off the legs of one of my pairs of jeans!”

“Well, duh!” I said, “They already showed off your great butt and left nothing to the imagination with your cock and balls…”

“But these were my beautiful jeans,” Dave said, sounding like he’d lost a pet hamster or something.

“You have plenty more in the closet,” I responded.

Rick said, “I think you’ve lost this one, pal. Besides, I want to see you in them too. And I’m your house guest, so you should entertain me.”

Dave gave Rick a look and said, “Traitor.” And put them on.

Rick and I gave an approving, “Wow!”

The three of us stood together admiring our looks. Dave admitted, “They do look and feel good.”

Three good-looking, sexy men, dressed in nothing but slutty shorts, sat down on the floor, bodies snug, legs overlapping, and watched Saturday morning cartoons for the next two hours!

 

CHAPTER 23

Dave, Rick, and I went out for breakfast, wearing regular shorts and T-Shirts. Like the night before, we learned more about each other, but this time we avoided painful, emotional topics. After a stop at the mall to play video games and check out the bookstore, we returned home.

Back in my bedroom, Rick directed us to lie on our backs. With a salacious smile, Rick removed my tennis shoes and began massaging my stockinged feet. Then he did the same to Dave. There was no way he could know that this small act was something special between Dave and me. Rick removed our socks, then removed his own shoes and socks.

Rick commented on how sexy Dave's and my legs were. He sought to prove the point by massaging our hairy legs with his hands and tongue. When he reached the bottom of our regular shorts, Rick unfastened them and pulled them off, leaving us in our underwear. He then continued his ‘massage’ up to our crotches. At that point, Rick helped Dave and me out of our t-shirts, then stood at the end of the bed and began a slow, erotic striptease of every stitch of his clothing.

Rick kept his eyes focused on Dave, and my hard-ons straining under our underwear. Dave and I didn’t know where to look. His slim, muscular, and hairy body? His eager cock bouncing slightly up and down with every beat of his heart? Or his lust-filled face with the cute 1970s porn mustache?

Rick swiftly pulled off our underwear, causing both Dave's and my hard cocks, to lift with the fabric, then fall back with a slap as they hit our stomachs. Using the bottle of lubricant, Rick greased up our hungry poles, then applied a generous amount inside his ass.

Crawling into bed, Rick straddled Dave and gradually sat on his hard dick. Rick threw back his head and exclaimed, “Yes!” when his buttocks were flush with Dave’s lap. Rick moved his hands seductively over Dave’s stomach and chest as he started bouncing up and down on his dick. Dave soon thrust each time Rick dropped down. They increased the pace until Rick placed a wet kiss on Dave’s lips and lifted himself off his body.

Rick was now focused on me, riding my cock the way he had Dave’s. Rick and my hands were all over each other’s chests. With a moan of pleasure, Rick quit riding me, took the bottle of lube, and spread it inside my rectum. Lubricating Dave’s cock, Rick guided me to ride him. We had gained a delightful rhythm when Rick added more lubricant to my ass, which was already riding Dave’s manhood. Rick had me lay my torso down on top of Dave’s. I knew what Rick wanted to do and gave a quick nod of consent.

Rick lubed his considerable dick and climbed on top of me. Dave quit pumping, and Rick began sticking his hard-on in my ass above Dave’s. He took it slowly, as it did hurt, but not as much as it would’ve if I hadn’t been stretched out by his and Dave’s cocks multiple times since the previous afternoon.

Once Rick was solidly in my body, he began fucking me. Dave added his thrusts, and with my movements, the three of us were in a solid rhythm.

“What does it feel like?” Dave asked me.

“It hurts,” I said, “but I can actually feel both of your hard dicks inside of me! How about you?”

“I can feel the warmth and shape of Rick’s dick pressed against mine!”

Rick added, “Same here!”

As the pace of their fucking increased, Dave and I joined mouths in an orgy of kissing. Rick lowered his head to mine, and turning my head back, I kissed him with wild abandon, too.

Initially, the double penetration had left my penis soft, but now, I had a raging hard-on. The thought of two studs inside of me, one of them being my beloved, excited me so much I came all over Dave’s chest and face!

Dave and Rick shouted, “I’m cumming!” and blew their loads in my ass simultaneously! All of that cum had nowhere to go but squirt out of my ass when Dave and Rick thrust in me! All three of us could feel the two dicks spasming inside me and against each other.

Dave and Rick pulled out of me. I lay down and rested my head on Dave’s cum covered chest, making room for Rick to do the same. Cum continued to drip out of my ass as the three of us shared hearty kisses, then lay contented in bed.

***

After going out for a leisurely lunch, Dave, Rick, and I sat in my living room, fully clothed, talking.

“I should be going,” Rick said. “I can’t thank you enough. Both of you. The sex was incredible!”

Dave and I both agreed.

“But the best part of it,” Rick continued, “Was that you shared with me what you two share with each other. I felt the love between you, and it was extended to include me. I liked it. Maybe it is time for me to change my attitudes and open my heart to such love.”

“Rick,” I said, holding Dave’s hand, “It can be scary, and there will be disappointments and heartbreak along the way, but when you find the right man, they all will have been worth it.”

“Dave,” Rick said, “You’ve got an incredible man here. Cherish him. And Sean, Dave is one of a kind. Never doubt that.”

“I enjoyed getting to know you better, Rick.” I said, “I wish we had done so sooner.”

“I agree on being glad to know you better, too,” Rick said, “Both of you.

“But Sean, to everything there’s a time and a place. What was then and what is now is part of it. I’m glad we’re in the now. I consider you two friends, and I don’t make friends easily.”

Rick stood to leave.

Dave said, “Let’s stay in touch. Please. Whenever we're all home for Christmas break or whatever, let’s get together.”

Rick smiled and said, “Just to visit or go out somewhere. The sex we had is one of those things that had its time and place. Besides, I don’t know if my heart can take another workout like this!”

We laughed and exchanged lengthy kisses for one final time.

When Rick was halfway down the walkway, he turned and said, “Sean, Dave, I know you won’t take this the wrong way, but I love you guys.”

Tears had formed in our eyes.

“I haven’t let anyone touch the me inside since my parents died.”

Dave said, “We understand what you mean by love. We’ve been there too.”

“We love you, too, Rick,” I said. Dave and I held hands as we watched Rick get in his car and drive away.

 

CHAPTER 24

Dave and I were nervous as we waited to be introduced. Only about 25 people sat in the audience, and this wasn’t exactly a stage, but it was intimidating nonetheless.

Susie was wearing a smart jacket and skirt. She’d told us to dress in whatever made us comfortable. Dave and I had shared a laugh over that, picturing our leisurely dresswear of nothing but tight cutoff jeans that look like they’d been spraypainted on our butts, balls, and penises. We’re reasonably certain that wasn’t what Susie meant. So, we dressed in casual shirts with ties.

“I’d like to introduce two very special people,” we heard Susie say, “without whom I’m sure this dedication of this center wouldn't be going on tonight. Dave Thomas-Adams and Sean Thomas-Adams.”

Dave used his knuckles to brush my blonde hair out of my eyes.

“You’re never going to get regular haircuts, are you?” Dave asked.

“When pigs fly,” I said.

“Technically,” Dave responded thoughtfully, “they have. ‘Pigs in Space’? ‘The Muppet Show’?”

I grinned at him and politely said, “You’re never going to win this argument.”

There was a round of applause, and Dave and I walked out on the raised platform.

What’s going on here? I'll start at the beginning: six years ago, when Dave and I left for college.

***

Dave and I became settled in our furnished apartment. We brought a TV, a stereo system, and all our CDs and DVDs. We found a couple of bookcases at a thrift shop and made room for them. We fit most of our books in them, but still had to leave a lot at my mom’s house.

We loved living together without worrying about disturbing my mom. Unsurprisingly, we wore nothing but our super-tight cutoff jeans around the place whenever we were alone. I was happy that Dave had gotten used to his. One of the benefits of wearing the cutoffs was that whenever Dave’s dick got hard, it would conspicuously stick out from what was left of the pants leg. How I loooved to see that! It was such a turn-on! Of course, he’d always said that about my dick, so we both got a show.

We got used to handling both full-time school and our part-time jobs. We’d brought my dachshund, Penny, with us. No matter how busy Dave and I were with school and work, we always made time for her. She and I both cherished Dave's belly rubs! Our lives also included going out with friends, both gay and straight, and an enormously active love life!

Things had started to improve between Dave and his dad. My mom invited his dad over for Thanksgiving dinner. This was the first time they’d seen each other since Dave’s dad had kicked him out of their house. It was awkward at first, but thanks to my mom keeping the conversation going, Dave and his dad made their first attempt to build a relationship as two adults. Uncharacteristically, I still resented how his dad had treated Dave. Still, I did my best not to burden him with my feelings.

My mom invited Dave’s dad to share Christmas with us. Things went a little better this time.

During that two-week break from college, we spent a lot of time with our old friends, including Dave’s ex-girlfriend, Susie. She turned out to be a big surprise: she was studying business management and minoring in psychology.

We also got to see my former ‘FWB’ and the third person in our day-long three-way, Rick. We did what we promised and stayed in touch from the start of our freshman year. Because of the bonds that were built that frenetic weekend, Rick had become our best friend, and vice versa. We could talk about anything and have fun doing it. Rick relied on our feedback about the guys he dated and his attempts to build a relationship with them. Because the three of us had been so intimate, Rick didn’t hold back on details, and we didn’t hold back on opinions. We truly respected one another.

Our Easter break brought a surprise when we learned my mom and Dave’s dad were now dating. It was strange, especially with all the past emotions between the four of us, but Dave and I could see that my mom was good for his dad. And Dave’s dad treated my mom well. She deserved some happiness.

Dave and I only came home a couple of times during the summer because we were taking extra classes so that we could graduate earlier than planned. We were anxious to start our lives together back in Centerville with our new degrees and begin building our careers.

One of our visits home was to attend my mom and Dave’s dad’s wedding. Only Dave and I were invited, and it was lovely. Yes, Dave and I both had some difficulty in accepting that my dad and his mom were being ‘replaced’. But it was Susie, of all people, who used some of what she was learning in college to listen and talk with us until we stopped thinking that way. My dad and Dave’s mom would always be there and would never be ‘replaced’. There were simply two new people in our parents’ lives, and their relationships with us would be different from our deceased parents'.

During our sophomore year, Mom and Dave’s dad announced they were selling both of their houses and buying a larger one. It made sense to me. Dave, however, struggled with the news. His dad’s house was where he’d grown up, and his mom lived there until her death. My mom selling her house didn’t bother me. She’d sold the house I’d grown up in with my dad when we moved cross-country so she could take a better-paying position as a nurse here in Centerville.

Much to our surprise, my mom and Dave’s dad bought a house with a spare bedroom and with its own bath for Dave and me to live in as long as we needed, while we settled into our careers. They let Dave and me go through all our combined furniture and stuff, and decorate the room however we wanted. They kept anything we didn’t choose in storage for us, in case we needed it when we got an apartment or a house of our own.

There’s not much to say about our junior year of college. It was business as usual with Dave and me. Our senior year brought excitement as we planned the next chapter of our lives together. During that spring break, Dave hit me with a whammy – he proposed to me!

I wondered if we weren’t too young to commit like this. But Dave used his usual logic and pointed out that we’d been together longer than any of our friends who had gotten married. We had shown love, stability, and commitment to one another. And it helped that our sex lives were just as active as they had been in high school. We bounced it off Rick, who told us we were idiots not to, and that we should have done it long before.

A justice of the peace officiated the wedding, with only my mom and Dave’s dad in attendance. Rick served as our best man. With his sense of humor, Rick put on a small show as both of our best men, jumping from one side of the platform to the other, pretending to get confused, and not being able to find our rings! You have to love a friend like Rick!

Dave and I decided to take each other’s last names, Adams and Thomas, and hyphenate them. As we tried to make the decision of which name would come first, friends and family witnessed our sense of humor in full play as we argued and threatened divorce. Fortunately, they all knew us too well to believe it was real. Dave’s red-haired, crazy aunt, however, had never seen us go through our humorous routines and was nearly in tears when we played this scene for her!

Graduation came and went. We moved into the room in our parents’ house. I got a job at a prestigious financial firm as a family financial planner. And Dave was hired as a history teacher at our old high school. During his interview with the principal, who had been our principal when we’d attended the school, Dave was told that he and I were sort of legends there. The story of how Dave had come out, how our fellow students had accepted us as a couple, how we’d attended the senior prom together with Dave’s ex-girlfriend, and how they had voted Dave and me both as prom king, had been passed down by students and teachers alike.

During his very first class, Dave was taken aback by the students’ awe of him. Fortunately, that wore off, but Dave remains one of the students’ favorite teachers. This was because of his teaching style. Dave brought history to life by hooking students on what life was like during an era, then segueing into the lesson. He often used archaeology to help them understand better. Dave refused to toss his students in the water to let them sink or swim.

 

CHAPTER 25

About two years after we started college, Rick met a man who loved him dearly, and Rick let himself be loved back. Todd was 10 years older than Rick, and they were planning to get married soon. Oh, and you’ll never believe this… but Rick’s boyfriend was the UPS man who’d delivered the package for my mom on the afternoon Dave and I had confessed our love and had sex the first time!

Rick and Todd’s romance was almost as beautiful as Dave and mine.

Rick was going to college to study computers, website building, and customizing various systems for small businesses. He had started his own business, which he ran from his apartment, long before he graduated. I told you Rick was smart!

He was always getting shipments of software and hardware from wholesalers. One shipment had come via UPS. Todd was the delivery man. He had what Rick, Dave, and I call the trademark ‘UPS Man’ look: well-muscled, deeply tanned, with a full mustache, and furry all over. Todd was about two feet shorter than Rick, had wavy dark brown hair and a melodic, deep voice. But what captivated Rick the most was his brown eyes, which seemed to be ‘windows to his soul’.

Rick was strangely drawn to Todd when they met, and it was more than just physical. They had chatted for a couple of minutes and learned that Todd had been slowly going through school for the same thing as Rick. As Todd turned to leave, Rick knew, ‘If I don’t do something, I’ll never see this man again,’ and I want to spend more time with him.”

Rick called Todd back, grabbed a pen and wrote his telephone number on the UPS man’s hand. Both Rick and Todd looked startled. Rick had been forward with many guys, but never with someone who was probably straight, whom he had barely talked to. But something about Todd had compelled Rick to give his phone number. Todd gave a wave and left. Rick thought that was it; at least he’d tried.

That night, Rick got a phone call from Todd. He started by telling Rick he normally never would’ve responded to such a forward ‘come on’. But there was something about Rick that he liked and wanted to get to know better, so he asked Rick out on a date.

On that date, Rick and Todd spent more time talking than eating. Todd had been in a relationship once and even lived with the man. It had lasted over a year before things sort of fizzled out. Todd blamed it on the fact that they had started having sex from the first date and hadn’t, in actuality, gotten to know one another until later. Todd wanted to be up front with Rick and told him he’d vowed never to repeat that mistake.

Rick also wanted to be up front and told Todd how he’d basically been a sex junkie and for the last two years he had been changing. He explained to Todd about Dave and mine’s beautiful story, including the three-way and how we’d influenced him to change. Rick explained how he wanted something like what we had.

Rick was sure he’d blown his chances with Todd because of his honesty about everything, especially how the three-way had changed him. But Todd seemed to appreciate the brutal honesty; Rick wasn’t a game player. Besides, Todd confessed, he’d once been very much like Rick. He had been a ‘wild’ until his early 20s, so he wasn’t shocked at the three-way. He agreed that Dave and I seemed like very special friends to have.

So, for the next six weeks, Rick and Todd dated – with no sex. There had been some heavy kissing and make-out sessions, but nothing further.

As he had done with previous men he’d dated, Rick talked to Dave and me about everything, seeking encouragement and advice. It sounded like he and Todd were developing something special. Ultimately, one night, they agreed to ‘do it’. Rick told me I was no longer ‘the best sex he’d ever had’; Todd had replaced me because the sex was ‘magical’! Although he’d experienced something close in the three-way sessions with Dave and me, for the first time in his life it hadn’t been sex; it was “making love.”

Todd had only an average-size cock, Rick told us, “But he proves size doesn’t count because, man-oh-man, does he know how to use it!”

“I guess that’s one of the benefits of dating an older man,” Dave and I said, “they have a lot more experience!”

The next time Dave and I were in town visiting our parents, Rick introduced us to Todd at a fancy restaurant. Looks of recognition crossed our faces. Todd responded with a dramatic, “We’ve met.” He gestured to Dave and said, “You were naked on the floor; nice ‘batch’ by the way,” and, gesturing towards me, said, “and you were the cute naked guy who had trouble keeping his towel on.”

It turns out Todd has as wicked a sense of humor as Rick, Dave, and me. He enjoyed seeing the looks on our faces when he made the pronouncement. Todd, Dave, and I spent the next 20 minutes explaining to Rick what had happened that day and reassuring him it was all innocent.

Todd added, “And as cute as I thought you were, Sean, I found someone even cuter - Rick.” And he clasped his hand.

Knowing my crazy sense of humor, Rick was nonplussed when I told Todd with confidence, “Rick and I look like brothers, so I know that when you found him, he was simply a replacement for me.”

And Dave added with pride, “And don’t forget, you liked my ‘batch’!”

“But, I…,” Todd protested.

Rick started mock-crying, and Todd was taken off guard, thinking we were serious. He learned that night that if you get Rick, Dave, and me together, he’d have to expect performances of bizarre humor that could go anywhere!

So, Rick and Todd have been together for four years. They live in an old but well-maintained 1950s house that belongs to Todd. Rick moved his business into one of the spare rooms. Todd has finished school and is going to invest and become a partner in Rick’s business. At 34, Rick knew he couldn’t remain a UPS driver forever; it paid well, but it punished the body. This is why he’d been taking classes whenever he could manage the time off work.

They say working together, especially in the same place where you lived together, is a recipe for disaster. Both Dave and I feel it will work with Rick and Todd. Todd’s ‘Zen-like’ calmness counters Rick’s wildness perfectly. They are like two pieces brought together to form a whole.

I must admit, Rick and Todd make a cute couple; both were hairy, looked great in shorts, and had complementary mustaches – Rick’s 1970s porn-style stache and Todd’s trademarked UPS driver stache, which he has kept! UPS didn’t ask for it back when Todd resigned; just kidding!

Using her degrees in business and psychology, Susie helped found a non-profit ‘clinic’ for young people with problems. They handled counseling for drug abuse, domestic problems, including the loss of parents like Dave, Rick, and me had experienced; dealing with blended families, and LGBTQ issues. Susie put her heart and soul into getting the city to support it.

Which brings us to now.

***

Tonight was the ‘official’ opening, and Dave and I were speakers.

The audience consisted of teenagers, young adults, parents, and a few businessmen who supported the venture. My mom, Dave’s dad, Rick, and Todd were also there.

Dave began speaking first.

“My husband, Sean, and I are so pleased to see a center like this open in our town.

“Being a teenager isn’t easy. It never has been, it never will be. Friends, family, movies, books, music, and TV are always telling you that you should be this, that, or the other thing. They try to tell you there’s only one song worth singing. But that isn’t true; there are many songs out there, one for each of us, - which one is yours?”

I picked it up from there, “That’s the universal question that nobody can tell you the answer to.

“Dave lost his mother, and I lost my father just as we turned 18. It was painful and quick. It affected us deeply, as well as our surviving parents. It changed our lives. We all found ways to blame ourselves, even though it wasn’t true.

“To make things more complicated, I accepted I was gay and came out of the closet at the same time. Some people get hung up when they see kids like me being openly gay. It’s easy for people to say it’s easy to ‘come out’. But it’s really one of the hardest things to do.”

Dave picked it up, “Coming out of the closet- when and how you do it- isn’t a one-size-fits-all. Staying in or coming out - both can make you feel the loneliest of lonely.

“I hid my sexuality. I knew I was gay. I pretended to be straight. In doing so, I hurt several people, including myself. Should I have come out like Sean did? That too would have hurt people, including myself. There was no right or wrong in my case.

“In the path I chose, I met Sean. We bonded over the loss of our parents. We became the closest of friends imaginable without me letting Sean know I was gay. While the first part was great, there’s nothing better than a close friend; not being true to myself with Sean drove us apart.”

I continued the story, “Events out of our control forced Dave to accept he was gay and for us to admit our love to one another. That sounds like a fairy tale. Everything in the world was right again.

“Dave and I were making our own kind of music, but not everyone else was singing along. Dave almost lost his father because he was doing his own kind of thing.

“Do you see how every choice created a domino effect? Some dominoes fell on the good side; others fell on the bad. No matter what Dave and I did, there were going to be consequences.”

Dave carried on, “We’re not telling you this to make you scared. The reality is that there may be rough going no matter what you do.

“But talking about these things, communicating with family, friends, or volunteers at this center, will help you get through; Help you survive some of the hardest things you do.

“If one person or place doesn’t help you, find another; don’t give up. Both Sean and I have been there, and we’re thankful we found people, or they found us, who helped us.

“We have a special friend out in the audience whose life was changed for the better because he opened his heart and trusted Sean and me. That wasn’t easy for him. I can’t tell you how much it means to see a genuine smile on his face tonight instead of the old emotional mask.”

“In closing,” I said, “if there’s a message to our talk tonight, it would be to make your own kind of music, because it’s your music. Sing your own special song, because it’s your special song. Your voice may be loud. Your voice may be soft. Neither voice is right or wrong.”

Dave concluded, “As my mom used to sing to me during that terrible final month…

“Make your own kind of music,” he sang.

I sang, “Sing your own special song.”

I joined him, and together we sang, “Even if nobody else sings along."

END