Jose Spreads His Wings
By Ben
Chapter V
"Then these thoughts and feelings you have had for me are not evil, Jose." Enrique smiled at him reassuringly. "They are natural, mi amigo. I am glad you have these feelings for me."
Jose was dumbfounded. "You are?"
Enrique nodded. "Si. Do you know why?"
Jose remained silent and shook his head, looking into Enrique's eyes for understanding.
"Because I have the same feelings for you, Jose." He reached over and took Jose's hands in his. Enrique felt his hesitation. "It is okay. We will do nothing unless you wish it. I promise, mi amigo. I know this is all new and confusing for you. For now, let us be friends, and if we become something more later, then que sera, sera."
"Si, Enrique, we will be friends." Jose agreed.
"As my friend, will you consent to go to my home and meet my family?" Enrique asked.
"Is that something that friends do?" Jose countered.
Enrique nodded. "Si, good friends do this."
"Then I will go with you." Jose resolved.
"There is something else I would like for you to do as my friend, Jose."
"Anything. You have but to ask it."
"Would you consider moving in to this condo with me. It is very lonely for me here."
Jose pondered this for some time. He considered the implications, weighed the pros and cons. On the one hand, he could save the money his Uncle sent for the dormitory, and it would be much better place for him to study. On the other hand, he was not sure just what Enrique wanted of him, or if he was ready to give it. Finally, he decided. "Si I will move in here with you. But you must let me pay for my share."
Enrique was thrilled. "Si, si, but I pay nothing for rent or utilities. It is a grant because mi Papa has such a large endowment to the university. This place is really his and he allows me to stay here."
"And what about food? Does he pay for that as well?" Jose asked.
Enrique answered. "I pay for it from my allowance."
"Very well. Then I shall pay for my share from the money mi tio sends to me." Jose said, decisively.
"Okay, it will be as you say. When would you like to get your things from the dormitory?"
"Tomorrow will be soon enough. I do not have much to bring. Enrique? Enrique turned to face him. "Si?"
"Thank you for asking me to stay with you. I know I will be much more comfortable here than in that loud, crowded dormitory room."
"You are most welcome, Jose. Thank you for accepting my offer. Would you like to watch television or do you need to study?"
"I think I have too much on my mind tonight to study. Television would be very nice." Jose answered.
Enrique grabbed the remote and flipped through the cable channels until they came to a movie which interested both of them. At least for while. Before long, He felt a weight on his shoulder and turned to see that Jose had fallen asleep. He put his arm around his new friend and held him while he watched the rest of the movie.
From time to time, he would look at the sleeping face and form of the shy, young Latino who had so recently entered his life. He had noticed him the very first day of the semester, but had not been able to catch him until he saw him entering the cafeteria. He purposefully followed him inside and struck up a conversation with him.
He did this partially from loneliness. He was in a strange place, far from home and the odds of finding a fellow countryman on this campus were certainly against him. Then he noticed this tall, handsome young man making furtive glances at him when he thought Enrique wasn't looking.
His heartbeat quickened and he would try to make and hold eye contact with him, but Jose had been much to shy. He knew he had to make the initial contact, so he waited until the time was right. The last thing he wanted was to scare him off.
It turned out he was a nice guy as well as being very attractive. Enrique studied the full, sensuous lips, the hint of dimples, the strong chin and high cheekbones. He wished he could see Jose's big brown eyes, but the were closed in sleep. His gazed moved on.
He watched Jose's tight, defined chest slowly rise and fall under his t-shirt and wished he could reach out and touch him there. He also noticed that Jose's Levi's 501 jeans fit him well and accentuated his narrow hips and displayed a generous basket as well. Again, his hand ached to reach out and touch him.
Jose stirred and opened his eyes halfway. "Oh, I am sorry, Enrique. I must have been more tired than I thought. What time is it?"
"It is just past eleven o'clock. The movie is over, I'm afraid." Enrique answered.
"I need to go to bed, then. I have an eight o'clock class in the morning." Murmured Jose.
"Did you bring and alarm clock with you? Asked Enrique.
Jose shook his head, sleepily. "No. I do not have one."
"It is alright. I will wake you in plenty of time for us to get you to class." Enrique assured him.
"Thank you, mi amigo." Jose rose slowly to his feet. "Do friends hug each other good night?"
Enrique chuckled softly. "Si, friends can hug each other any time. Buenas noches, Jose." He took the taller man into a strong embrace.
"Good night, Enrique, and thank you again." Jose padded off to the guestroom. Enrique turned off the television and turned off all the lights on his way to bed. He brushed his teeth, stripped and slid between the cool sheets. Lying there with his arms folded behind his head, his thought returned to Jose and what a sweet, gentle soul he had. Childlike in many ways, he nevertheless inhabited a beautiful, manly body.
He felt his own body begin to respond to the vision of Jose in his mind, when he heard a soft tap and his door opened a bit.
"Enrique?"
"Si, Jose. Did you need something?"
"I was just wondering..." Jose hesitated.
"What is it, my friend?"
"Is it alright...for friends... to sleep... in the same bed?" Jose finally got out.
Enrique's amazing smile spread across his face. "Si, of course it is. Come." He held the covers up and Jose slid into bed beside him."
"It is just that I am not used to sleeping alone." Jose explained as he turned on his side and snuggled his back against Enrique. "At home I share a bed with two of my younger brothers."
"I understand. I do not like to sleep alone either." Enrique said as he put his arm around Jose and drew him nearer.
Thanks for your continued readership and for your feedback. I really enjoy comments from my fans. Please take a look at my other stories, which I have posted on Nifty. Just click the "Authors" link then scroll down until you see a listing for "Lyle Benton".