Part 9, CLOSETS AND NEIGHBORS
From Part 8:
“Boys, why don’t you take your chocolate sundae out to the patio.
I need to talk some business with Mr. Cortwright,” Eric suggested. He knew that
the boys would love to return to the fire pit and the open-air space. Everyone
enjoyed the strip sirloin steaks and the baked potatoes on steroids. Coffee and
Grand Marnier had just been served to the adults.
“That’d be cool, Dad. Come on,” Mike said to George. They grabbed
their desserts and headed outside. The three adults watched as two bundles of
youthful energy departed.
“I think that we need to clear the air or something.” Eric looked
first at Brian, then Bill and finally at his coffee cup. He slowly sipped the
decaf and waited for a reply.
“Um, I guess you should start…Bill. When I knew you it was
Robert,” Brian said as he shot Bill a raised-eyebrow look.
~~~~~~~
“Shit…where do I start?” Bill said to no one. There was an
uninterrupted, pregnant pause before he continued. “Um, Brian and I met one
night at the Boom Boom Room in Laguna Beach, ah…maybe two years ago. Let’s just
say that our hormones kicked in and, well, the rest is history.”
“They kicked in, and kept kicking in until you stood me up one
night. Never saw you again.” Brian said it with no emotional attachment…just as
a matter of fact. Eric knew that there was probably more to it back then.
“I do owe you an apology, Brian. Here I was, living up the hill
with a wife and a ten-year old kid, successful business, rattling around in my
closet and not dealing with it very well. I’d drive all the way up to Laguna
Beach and I wouldn’t even use my real name. Sorry I didn’t come clean, then. It
was just too much baggage.”
“Well, Bill, I accept.” Brian offered his hand and Bill took it.
They both offered small consolation smiles. “Everything has a way of working
out. As you may have guessed, Eric and I are more than good friends.” Eric
noticed Brian flick on a broad grin and happily accepted his lover’s pat the
shoulder.
“Well, speaking of closets, I guess I’ve been outed to the
neighbors.” Eric laughed and shrugged to Bill.
“Only to me, guys. But there has always been some speculation
about the mysterious Eric amongst the condo neighbors. I always said that it
was none of our business and that running a restaurant probably didn’t give you
much wiggle-room for evening social activities.” Bill sounded like he was
relieved that the air had been cleared.
“I s’pose never having a woman around is a dead giveaway?” Eric
said with a laugh. “Fuck’em if they can’t take a joke. Mike’s arrival probably
will really make their tongues wag.”
“Oh, I think that my divorce will be taking center stage.” Bill
shrugged his shoulders and sipped the coffee.
“So I guess there are now
two, single, gay dads in the neighborhood?” Eric felt a little comforted to
know he was not alone.
“I’ve got the notarized divorce papers in my car. That was what
the emergency was all about, as I told you. Sometime tomorrow, the county will
officially recognize the divorce and me as George’s official parent. She wants
a minimal custody arrangement. Probably a couple of visits a month.”
“How does George feel about this?” Eric asked.
“We had a family meeting when she announced her intentions to move
out and move on. George took everything we had to say very well.”
“With the divorce rate in California, I’m sure that several of his
classmates have been subjected to split-ups, and a new mom or dad,” Eric added.
“Yeah, families sticking together are becoming a very rare
commodity. Funny thing is that he really wasn’t surprised. Our little charade
of a marriage didn’t fool him at all. Before the meeting, the wife and I had a
soul-searching talk. I ’fessed up to my sexuality and apologized for not being
able to hold up my end of the marriage. Coming out to her lessened her guilt.
Thank God, she took it well and I’m sure we’ll all be friends. The last thing
we’ll do is bad mouth the other to George.”
“You might consider maybe not letting the doc give you a
proctology exam,” Brian added. This broke up the guys.
“So George isn’t aware of your orientation?” Eric asked quietly
after the laughter subsided.
“That’s a father-son chat I need to have…soon. Honestly, it scares
the shit out of me. How did you handle it, Eric?”
“It was handled for me by my wife. Let me give you the 60 second
version of my life-defining moments, starting eight years ago.” Eric proceeded
to relate bullet points that brought Mike and him up to the present. Bill’s
mouth hung partially open when the story ended.
“Fuck, that’s a lot for a young guy to handle.”
“He’s responding to weekly counseling sessions at UCSD. And our
little talks have gone well. In fact, I might make a suggestion for you to
consider.” Eric saw that the boys were still out in the patio, talking and
laughing.
“I’m open to anything. I don’t want to create any friction between
my son and me.”
“Have you had any detailed conversations about sex with George?”
”Um, not really. His mother was bugging me this spring to sit down with him. I
just didn’t know how to bring up the subject.”
”If you don’t mind me asking, has George experienced wet dreams yet?” Eric
looked squarely into Bill’s eyes and his startled expression.
“I…err, don’t mind…um, your asking. I, ah, don’t think so,” Bill
replied, squirming a little. “I mean, I’m Mr. Mom now and there’s nothing about
his laundry to suggest so. But then, I really haven’t been looking carefully.”
“Maybe George is blooming a little late but we all know that’ll
change very soon. Mike came to me when he moved in. Things were happening at
night and he thought something was medically wrong.”
“Yeah, I remember the first time and trying to figure out what
happened,” Bill said with a smile. “As I recall, my school buddy, who later
became a buddy in more ways than one, filled me in on that.” That brought
chuckles and nodding heads from all the guys.
“My suggestion is to start out a talk about puberty and how his
body will be changing.” Eric observed Bill becoming more at ease with the
conversation.
“I feel like I’m attending Fatherhood 101,” Brian said, intently
listening to the two dads.
“You may become a second father to Mike, sooner than later,” Eric
replied with a smile.
“If and when the time comes, I would be very proud.”
“It will definitely be ‘when’,’ Eric said with resolve.
“I’d like that. In the meantime, continue with your advice, old
sage.”
“Right.” Eric was happy to get back on track. He didn’t really
want to discuss their relationship in front of his neighbor. “Bill, I used this
to go into pretty frank discussions about the male and female body, functions,
sex…well everything heterosexual. My recommendation is to use the proper terms
and definitions. By the way, from what I’ve observed I’d say that our sons are
really finding girls interesting.”
“With George and Mike becoming good friends, I think I’d better
move fast. I really want to be the first person to share this information.”
“Right. In fact, after you’ve had a satisfactory meeting, I could
suggest that Mike let George read an old sex ed booklet that I found recently
and gave the boy. It was from a class I went to at ‘Y’ camp when I was that
age.”
“Let me consider that. You’ve really given me a lot to think
about. Maybe after the sex talks I can focus on some guys orientation and where
I fit into the equation?” Bill said.
“Good plan. And, if everything goes reasonably well, you might let
George know about my deal. Again, Mike could be a good reinforcement.” Eric saw
the boys enter the dining room.
“Eric, this has probably been one of the most important days of my
life. First, getting the divorce papers. Then meeting you two. Thanks from the
bottom of my heart for your advice. And Brian, I hope we can become friends.”
“I do too,” Brian said as the boys returned to the table.
“Dad, George and I are getting a little tired. Are we ready to
go?” Mike asked.
“Let’s do it, guys.” Eric stood and took out some money. Brian and
Bill stood, also.
“Whoa. Let me handle the tip. Your generosity with the dinner is
enough,” Bill said. “Thanks for everything. And I do mean everything.” Bill
smiled broadly as he set a couple of twenties on the table.
“Okay, men. Give me a minute to say hello to a few guests and then
we’ll head back up the hill,” Eric said as the party left the table. “I’ll meet
you out in the parking lot.”
“We’ll get the cars,” Brian replied as he opened the front door
for the rest of the group.
“Mike, let me talk with you just for a second,” Eric said just
before his son walked out of the restaurant.
“Sure. Whazzup?”
“I’m, ah, concerned about Brian driving home with the drinks we
had. Are you okay if I ask him to stay over and go back in the morning?”
“Like I have a choice,” Mike said with exaggerated indignity and a
larger-than-life shrug.
“You absolutely do. If you’re not comfortable with Brian bunking
in my room, I’ll have him sleep on the couch.” Eric looked into his son’s eyes
in an attempt to read behind his comment and actions.
“Daaaad, that’s not what I mean. We covered the subject this
morning. I mean I’m almost 13. Give me some credit for knowing what’s up.” Mike
offered his dad a sly smile.
“Then, you’re okay with it?”
“Yeah, more than okay. I like Uncle Brian and I know you really
do. I’m looking forward to breakfast in the morning,” Mike concluded with a snicker.
“Thanks, son. Breakfast for three, it is.” Eric placed his hand on
Mike’s shoulder and they left the foyer. Eric said goodnight to the front desk
crew on his way out.
*****
Brian had always been a light sleeper and the added attraction of
being with Eric for an entire night kept him on an edge. He therefore perked up
when he heard the bedroom door handle turn and the door slowly open. ‘Hmm,’ he
thought, ‘this is either some mystery intruder or my nephew.’
Brian disengaged his arm wrap around Eric and eased himself away
from his lover’s back. He turned to the shadowy figure as it approached the
bed.
“Um, Uncle Brian, can I join you guys?” Mike’s voice sounded small
and tentative with just an edge of worry.
“Hey, guy. Hop in.” Brian gently turned down the covers and
scooted around to make room. He was thankful that Eric suggested they stay in
their briefs in case Mike came in during the evening. Although there was a lock
on the door, Eric didn’t want to create any barrier in case Mike needed him
late at night.
“Thanks.” Mike quietly eased onto the bed and looked,
face-to-face, at Brian. “I suppose this sounds crazy but I was having a bad
dream and didn’t want to be by myself. This has only happened a couple of
times.”
“Wanna talk?”
“Naw. I just need to be with Dad…and you.”
“That’s cool. How can I help? Looks like your dad is really zonked
out. Should I wake him up?” Brian said as he attempted to hold back a snicker
at the double meaning of ‘zonked out’ that had been established.
“Um, naw…that’s okay. He usually pulls me close and I feel better.
Would you do that?”
“Okay. Turn over on your side and snuggle up.”
Once Mike had arranged himself, Brian draped his arm around the
boy, letting Mike’s back touch his chest. Mike wiggled a little to find a
comfortable position and sighed.
“Goodnight, Brian.” Mike
sounded relieved.
“Night, buddy. Get some rest.” Brian noticed that it was a little
after 2:00 a.m. as his butt grazed against Eric’s buns. ‘I’ve just graduated to
Fatherhood 102,’ Brian thought, as he lay in a comforting, nonsexual repose.
‘Another not-so-small step’.
About two hours later, he felt the younger Flynn move around,
slowly detach himself from Brian and get out of bed. He was also aware that
Eric had rolled over and was now in a tight spoon position.
“You doing okay?” Brian whispered to Mike.
“Just fine. I’m going to pee and go back to my bed. Thanks, Brian.
This really helped. I’ll see you guys for breakfast.”
“I hope you know that you can count on me to be there along with
your dad?”
“I’m finding that out. I think that this is going to work out.”
Mike leaned down and kissed Brian on the forehead. “You’re definitely my
favorite uncle. By the way, breakfast is casual. Dad will ’splain.”
Brian was glowing internally as Mike quietly left and closed the
door behind him. ‘You’re special, buddy,’ he considered. Brian smiled as he
inched his way backwards to be closer to Eric. He lightly grabbed Eric’s hand
and held it. Slowly, Brian fell into a fitful sleep propelled by his lover’s
rhythmic breathing and the feeling that he and Mike had bonded in a special
way.
The next conscious moment occurred two hours later. It was 6:15
a.m. and the first rays of morning sun lit the room. Brian was aware of three
things: he had a ferocious hardon, Eric’s morning wood was parked up his ass
crack and he had to empty his bladder in the worst way.
‘First things first,’ he thought as he slowly eased away from the
stimulating warmth of Eric. He looked down at his lover after getting out of
bed and smiled as Eric stirred and curled into a fetal ball in response to his
absence. Brian kissed him lightly on the forehead and went into the bathroom to
take care of business.
Once finished, he rummaged through the cabinet and found some
breath strips. Brian placed one in his morning mouth and felt the mint
freshness go to work as he splashed water on his face.
“Morning,” mumbled Eric as he shuffled in and over to the toilet.
“I guess I don’t have to worry about you needing Viagra,” Brian
said with a laugh. Eric scowled as he stood with his feet wide apart and tried
to aim his woodie.
“If we didn’t have ‘mini-me’ in the next bedroom I’d give you some
ideas about how to help me out back in bed.” Eric winked as his powerful stream
of pee hit the water.
“Let’s start with a breath strip. Open your mouth and stick out
your tongue.”
“Yes, Uncle Brian,” Eric answered in a mock, childlike tone. He
did as he was told and Brian laid the strip on the target. Eric continued to do
his thing while watching Brian move over to the shower. He opened the door and
turned on the water.
“Um, you okay with us taking a shower? Your mouth and tongue have given me some wicked ideas,” Brian said. “By the way, I should tell you that Mike visited us last night.”
“Oh, yeah? When was this?” Eric raised his eyebrow as he continued
the power whiz.
“Around two. He came and crawled into my side of the bed.
Apparently he had a bad dream. When I asked if I should wake you, he said that
I could help him. He just wanted to be held.” Brian reached in and adjusted the
water temperature. He noticed Eric’s dick becoming a little more relaxed. ‘Only
a temporary measure,’ Brian considered. He had plans.
“I’m proud of both of you. He trusted you and you handled the
situation perfectly.” Eric discharged the remaining drops and automatically
shook his softening penis.
“He also invited me to breakfast. Mike said that it was casual and
you’d explain what that meant.” Brian opened the shower door wider and nodded
for Eric to enter.
“Hey, buddy, you have arrived,” Eric said with a chuckle as he
walked into the large shower. “We have breakfast in our briefs or boxers.
You’re going to experience a Flynn tradition.” He pulled Brian into the stall
and playfully pushed him under one of the two showerheads.
“Right now I want to experience another tradition,” Brian said as
he cupped Eric’s balls.
“I think this is something I could wake up to…often.” Eric pulled
Brian into an embrace and brought their lips together. Brian opened his mouth
slightly to invite the second part of their kiss. He was delighted to receive
the probing tongue.
“Mmmm,” groaned Brian, as he started dueling with Eric’s tongue.
They both darted around each other’s mouths before he finally yielded to Eric’s
curling forcefulness. At the same time, two hard, precum-leaking cocks were
getting to know each other very well, pressed against each other.
Eric disengaged after a few minutes of trading spit and slowly
lowered his body in front of Brian. He then tenderly left a trail of kisses from
Brian’s neck, pecs, stomach, and navel to a groomed pubic patch of light brown
hair. Eric finally sat on the floor for easy access and comfort.
“Oh, man. I could definitely get used to this,” Brian said as he
took in a deep breath and exhaled. He gently stroked Eric’s scalp as his lover
started kissing the glans of a very excited penis. “Fuuuck.”
“Soon,” Eric said playfully. He
wrapped his lips around Brian’s erection and steadily moved forward until his
nose was touching Brian’s pubes. Slowly he started movement back and forth,
taking time to twirl his tongue around Brian’s cockhead when he was on the up
stroke. He was thrilled when Eric’s finger found its way back to his pucker and
beyond the wrinkly surface.
By instinct, Brian started a fucking movement to supplement Eric’s
expert sucking. He was impressed that Eric was able to negotiate the entire
shaft down his throat again, and again and again. Brian started feeling a
delicious tingling throughout his body. The epicenter was the groin and he knew
by his balls tightening that a crescendo was due…soon.
“Oh, shit, babe…I’m…cummmming,” Brian croaked as he started
pumping hot semen into Eric’s willing mouth. Brian could feel his balls being
stroked as Eric concentrated only on having Brian’s shooting dickhead in his
mouth.
”Urghh,” was all Eric could utter as he took the entire load and didn’t spill a
drop. The shower water continued to pelt the two bodies.
*****
“Damn,” Mike said to himself as the shower water started getting
cold. ‘I better mention this to Dad,’ he thought. ‘There might be something
wrong with the water heater.’ He quickly rinsed off and turned off the water.
It was 7:15 a.m. and he didn’t want to be late for breakfast.
He toweled off, brushed his teeth and applied some extra-hold hair
gel so that the front of his hair stood straight up. He retrieved a clean pair
of briefs and made a mental note to suggest that they do laundry soon.
Mike smiled when he saw dad’s bedroom door open and smelled the
aroma of freshly brewed coffee. He was still partial to hot chocolate.
“Hi, Dad…Uncle Brian,” he said as he entered the kitchen. Mike
smiled to himself at the sight of these two adult guys: Dad was in boxers;
Brian in dark boxer briefs. ‘Ole Brian is a pretty buff dude, too,’ he observed.
“Morning, buddy. The usual?” Eric stood, grabbed a clean cup and
walked over to Mike. He loved it when his dad ruffled his hair and squeezed him
on the shoulder.
“Absolutely.” Mike watched Eric walk over to the stove to fetch
the hot water for the Hershey’s cocoa mix.
“Mike, you doing okay?” Brian asked as he offered a good morning
handshake.
“Just fine, Uncle Brian. Thanks for helping out last night,” Mike
replied low enough so that just Brian could hear.
“Anytime you need us, we’ll both be there.” Brian shook his hand
firmly and winked as Eric returned with Mike’s chocolate brew.
Mike nodded at Brian and returned the smile. He picked up on
Brian’s use of the term ‘us’. Mike was pretty sure that this guy was going to
become an important part of his life.
“Okay, guys, how do you want your eggs? Scrambled or over-easy?”
Eric asked.
“Over-easy, Dad. I’m done with scrambled.” Mike was caught up in memories of his young
life. He was ready for a positive, permanent change.
“Me, too,” Brian replied, as he winked at Mike.
____________________
TO BE CONTINUED