Upon the boys' arrival at the Ryerson estate, their concern for Cory gave way to thoughts of enjoying the two hours of private time before their dinner engagement at Ramon's apartment.
Rushing upstairs to TJ's room, where they eagerly did what they could not do in public: kiss and hug passionately. Before long, they were naked on the bed clinging to each other and expressing their love in gentle, intimate ways. Words were unnecessary. Each knew how to delight his partner and was committed to that goal. It was the ultimate way of saying, `I love you.'
TJ's mouth found its target and began its sensual stimulation of an erect and ready cock. Neil changed positions so that he could also enjoy the feel and taste of manly meat and could bring pleasure to his lover.
Proceeding slowly, they devoted their efforts to prolong their gratifying foreplay. Rather than stroking, which was likely to lead to orgasm, they devoted their efforts to licking from base to tip, mouthing one or, both, balls, and flicking a tongue over the sensitive glans. Neil began to tenderly rub his finger across the puckered hole of his friend who followed suit.
Wanting to prolong his euphoric state, TJ willed himself to hold back, despite teetering on the edge. Unfortunately, his success was short-lived. Volleys of hot cream erupted into the mouth that tightened its grip on his throbbing cock to avoid the loss of a single precious drop.
Neil patiently waited for his companion's recovery before resuming his teasingly pleasant foreplay. Not long thereafter, although not feeling a compelling urge to climax, he used the code word to signal his imminent blastoff. "Alabama!"
In less than sixty seconds, his obliging sex mate was savoring the treasured love juice.
In prolonged snuggling, they chatted about school, family, the coming trip to Oklahoma, Cory, and Ramon's boyfriend while periodically reaffirming their devotion to each other.
As much as they enjoyed lying together in bed, the time arrived when they had to get ready for their evening engagement so they reluctantly uncoupled, left the bed, and prepared to dress.
Neil suggested, "Jerry may be planning a formal meal so we better wear a suit and tie."
TJ, however, successfully argued, "Casual attire is fine. Besides, the clothes you brought fit better than anything I can provide."
They left the house just as Isabel returned from visiting her sister. "Ah," she said as she got out of her car and saw the boys walking out of the house. "There are my two favorite boys. Or should I say young men?"
"Call us your loyal subjects, Your Majesty!" TJ laughed.
Reminded of her royal treatment the previous evening, she smiled and said, "You two have fun. And give my regards to Ramon and Jerry. I'll be in my apartment all evening so call me on the intercom to let me know when you get home."
Her remark was partly a genuine wish that they would enjoy their visit and partly an obligation to ensure the safety of her employer's son. However, there was also an implicit message that the two love-struck boys would be assured of privacy upon their return.
With Neil driving and TJ navigating, the teens easily located the apartment. Ringing the bell, they felt nervous anticipation. They had previously discussed how much to reveal of their relationship, concurring they would be honest, but not volunteer anything more than seemed to be appropriate to the conversation.
Opening the door, the gorgeous man cordially welcomed the youths before escorting them to the kitchen to meet his partner who was making a salad.
Jerry was the polar opposite of his partner. Unlike Ramon who was tall and muscular with a typically Latin complexion, he was short, wiry, and fair-skinned with flaxen hair over his collar and ears. In contrast to the poised, almost subdued Hispanic, his spouse was animated, exuberant, and almost hyperactive as he greeted the guests, before adding, "Please relax in the living room, I'll call you when dinner is served."
The conversation began with casual talk about the boys' school, activities, and interests. The host steered the conversation with questions, active listening, and an obvious interest in the teens who immediately felt at ease.
Having established a friendly atmosphere, Ramon changed topics. "Pardon me for asking, but I'm curious about something you mentioned last night. You said you were in-love. Let me put it bluntly. How can you be sure?"
The teens expected their relationship would be discussed and suspected that it was the real reason for their invitation to dinner. However, the question took them by surprise. Even though they had given considerable thought to their mutual admiration and had shared their feelings with each other, they didn't know how to explain their love to someone else.
Neil was the first to respond. "Since puberty I realized I was gay, with my attraction to guys increasing since then. I'll admit my interest, initially, was physical. But that changed. I met another boy and became very fond of him. I was devastated when he left me. So I've had some experience with affection and love. That brings me to your question. How can I be sure I love TJ? When we first met, I admired his intelligence, his attitudes on social justice, and character. To be completely honest, I was attracted to him sexually as well. As I came to know him better, admiration turned into affection; affection blossomed into adoration. How can I be certain it's real? Simple! Because, I'm happier when I'm with him and ache to see him when we're apart. I'm committed to making him happy. And, most important, is my overpowering desire to share my life with this beautiful individual because without him I'm incomplete."
Ramon was touched by Neil's convincing sincerity. Looking at TJ he asked, "Are you certain?"
"You bet! He may be my first but he's everything I desire in a lifetime partner. He's honest, smart, compassionate, and has provided me with more joy than I've ever experienced. He mentioned love is a feeling that can't be rationally explained. That's the ecstasy I have. The love I have for my parents and Isabel are different, far less intense. I would hate to lose my parents or Isabel but I would be devastated to lose Neil."
Ramon thought for a moment before saying, "Here's a tough question for both of you. Be honest with me and each other because your future may depend on it. Suppose you had to choose between your family and each other. Is your devotion strong enough to risk losing the family you also love?
"We've already discussed that possibility," TJ promptly replied. "My mother will be disappointed but eventually understand. My father is likely to disown me. However it's a price I'm willing to pay. Isabel, of course, has already accepted that we're gay and approves of our relationship. At the moment, we haven't decided how or when to break the news to our parents but we're hoping to find a way that minimizes their disappointment."
Neil added, "My parents will be surprised but they are open-minded. They will quickly welcome a son-in-law. My brother won't approve. However he may change his mind. In my case, therefore, the risk is less. But, if I had to choose, it would be to share my life with the one I love."
Ramon smiled warmly before declaring, "I'm ninety five percent convinced your emotions are genuine. The remaining doubt concerns your tender age. More significantly, you're going to face many problems, especially in the next few years, obstacles that may jeopardize your relationship."
"We know!" the older replied. "But, together, we'll overcome them."
"I sincerely hope so. However, I'm not sure you realize the difficulty. I've gone through it and I can tell you that some of the problems are far more serious than you expect. When Jerry and I came out and moved in together, we were ridiculed and scorned by our families and so-called `good friends'. The emotional toll was brutal."
"But, you endured, as we will!" TJ countered.
"Perhaps. However, you will have to provide encouragement, emotional support, and love to your intended spouse, even though you are discouraged and feeling pain yourself. That's the ultimate, defining measure of a union. Are you willing to do that?"
"Yes!" the two loudly enthused.
"Aha! I've put you on the horns of a dilemma!"
Now, both were confused.
"Here's what I mean. You've said you value your buddy's happiness more than your own. That's love. But, you admitted you are willing to upset your parents by rejecting their moral principles, causing them grief. That's being selfish."
Although the man's tone was friendly, his words were confrontational, discomforting the pair. They had thoroughly discussed their parents' reaction to having a homosexual son. However, they had viewed it as a disappointment, not a betrayal. Now, they were forced to acknowledge the impact their union would have on individuals whom they also cared deeply about.
Ramon let the two ponder their dilemma while wondering what their reaction would be.
TJ spoke first. I don't want to hurt my family. I love them but I love Neil more. I've got my life ahead of me. I refuse to live it without the man I love. I can only try to make everyone else understand, hoping they will accept my choice."
Neil resoundingly added, "I agree! It's a painful decision: choosing between my family's love and my commitment to TJ. But I firmly believe that my parents will understand and eventually be pleased that I am happy."
Ramon smiled. "I said before I was ninety five percent sure. I challenged you with a dilemma but your response was convincing. Based on what you've told me just now, I'm ninety nine percent sure."
Two very relieved boys smiled.
"You're going to have many more problems. Your adoration for each other will be severely tested. My aunt helped me immensely. I understand why she can't do the same for you. If there's ever a time when you need advice or just somebody to talk to, I hope you will contact me."
Before the pair had a chance to thank their host, Jerry bounced into the room, announcing, "Dinner is served. You'd better be hungry!"
The meal was excellent. It included a small chicken Caesar salad, wine, shrimp linguini, garlic bread, steamed zucchini, and a raspberry tort. The guests were lavish in their praise and Jerry beamed with pride.
The evening's chef declined the teens' offer to help clean up, insisting, "Visitors are not allowed in the kitchen! Go into the living room to chat. But, don't get fresh with my partner, because I'm a monster when I'm jealous!"
Although the youngsters expected more conversation about love, being gay, and the obstacles they would encounter, Ramon steered the conversation toward other subjects.
Time passed rapidly. The two were reluctant to end what had been a fascinating visit but, at the same time, were eager to return to the privacy of TJ's room where they could once more show their love for each other.
************************* Thanks to Baruch for valuable suggestions on this chapter.
AUTHOR'S NOTE
Thus ends the story of how an improbable love developed quickly between teens. It was unlikely because of their youth and the need to conceal their yearnings. In spite of these barriers, they discovered each other. I hope it became clear that their relative maturity, character, and selflessness made the blossoming not improbable but inevitable.
However, TJ and Neil's full story is incomplete. The rest of their narrative remains to be told. If there is enough interest, a sequel will follow their lives, including their efforts to unite as a couple, the turmoil they experience coming out, the resistance and objections of family and friends, and their struggle to nourish their love in the face of continuing obstructions.