THE BOYS ON THE BEACH
PART TWO
I might have considered Levi Mathews and Gary Simpson as the sons I would never have except that I was only a few years older than the two young lovers. They corresponded with me frequently during their first semester in college, telling me of their delight in having the freedom to be together without the constant fear of their parents finding out they were gay. When they were seniors in High School, that fear was a real impediment to a relationship that may very well have withered had I not offered my house as a place where they could intimately make love.
I took great pride in hearing of their success in college. Both were earning mostly A's and were excited about what they were learning in class. They were also enjoying their escape from what Levi called "the suffocating environment of religious intolerance" in which he grew up. I was more proud, however, of my role in helping ensure the teens' emotional bonding by understanding their needs and periodically letting them use my guest room for their "close encounters."
In early December, an email arrived saying: "Gary and I will be home over the Christmas holidays and look forward to seeing you." I was thrilled. There was much to talk about that couldn't or shouldn't be included in an impersonal email. I fired back a reply that said: "Overjoyed that I'll see you soon. As always, you'll be welcome to visit me whenever you have the time." I knew that the two young men would interpret my invitation to mean they could use my guest bedroom whenever and as much as they wanted.
I certainly didn't anticipate what was to happen in what should have been a joyous season.
The day after they arrived home from campus, I hosted a dinner for them. When my doorbell rang, I rushed to the door. Once inside, both young men hugged me before presenting me with a bottle of wine. We went into the living room to sit down, Levi and Gary on the sofa holding hands while I sat in an arm chair. They all talked exuberantly until the timer in the kitchen buzzed to signal that dinner was ready. The conversation continued rapidly throughout the meal. It was a joyful reunion for all of us. Following another hour of conversation after dinner, the two young lovers rose to leave and thanked me for the meal. They both hugged me again and thanked me for being a friend when they needed one.
Levi, sometimes with Gary, stopped by to visit me every two or three days, including Christmas Eve to give me a present. To my surprise, however, they never asked for privacy during their visits. I offered but the lovers politely declined, saying, "That's kind of you, Mark, but we can wait until we get back to school."
Two days after Christmas, I was awakened at two in the morning by a phone call. I checked the caller ID but it gave no information other than "cellular call." Groggily, I answered the phone and mumbled, "Hello."
"Mark. It's Levi. I know it's late. I apologize. But can I come over and talk to you?"
"Sure," I said, suddenly fully awake. "Is something wrong?" It was a stupid question; from the tone of Levi's voice it was obvious that he was distraught.
"Yes. I'll tell you all about it. I'm at your front door now but I thought I'd better call first to see if you wouldn't mind seeing me."
"Be right there, Levi." I hung up the phone, threw on a robe, and went downstairs. As soon as I opened the front door, Levi fell into my arms and sobbed. I helped my young friend into the living room where we sat on the sofa. I wrapped his arm around the teen's shoulder to comfort him. A bruise was forming on the young man's cheek. When my unexpected guest regained his composure, I said, "Tell me what happened, Levi. How can I help you?"
"It's hopeless, Mark. Nobody can help me now."
"There's always hope. What happened. Maybe I can help."
"Everything was going so well," Levi began, mustering all the strength he had to stop crying. "Until last night. Gary and I went to a movie. We stopped for a beer afterwards--just one. He drove me home. It was late. All the lights in my house were off. Everyone had gone to bed. We sat in the car and talked for a while. Pretty soon, we were kissing. It had been a long time since we had sex, not since coming home from school. It was dark. We were alone. We started fondling each other. And--naturally--we got hard-ons. I unzipped Gary's pants and went down on him. Even crowded in the front seat of his car, it was wonderful. I wanted to please him. And, to tell the truth, the taste of him was fantastic. I lost all sense of where we were and the risk we were taking. Just about when Gary was about to cum, we heard a rapping on the car window. Gary pushed me off him. I sat up and saw my father scowling through the window. He opened the door and ordered me out of the car and into the house. He screamed at Gary to leave."
Levi stopped talking and was trembling. "Try to calm down," I said as though my words would have any effect.
"In the house, my father started screaming at me. It woke the whole family. He sent my little brother and sister back to bed and lowered his voice for the rest of his tirade. My mother started crying when she found out what all the commotion was about. But my father just got more and more angry. He didn't use any profanity but he called me all kinds of vile names: pervert, degenerate, carnal sinner, disgusting, Satan incarnate, and on and on. If I tried to say anything, he'd cut me off and resume his verbal abuse. My mother left the room in tears. I heard her throwing up in the bathroom. At that point, I felt like scum. Maybe I am."
"You're NOT!" I exclaimed. "You're a bright young man. With a promising future. You happen to be gay. So what? You don't suck cock in public restrooms. You're in love and express that love in intimate ways. Which is beautiful. As beautiful as a man and woman showing their deep love for each other. You're not scum, Levi!"
"I am to my father and mother," he countered. "I love them and I've hurt them. I have to live with that."
I felt like saying they hurt themselves with their bigotry but chose not to because I didn't want to condemn the parents Levi loved. Instead I held the young man tightly to show my empathy. Then, I gently touched the growing bruise on Levi's cheek and asked, "How did this happen?"
Levi fought back the tears as he continued. "My father eventually settled down. I guess he had depleted his venom. He told me--didn't ask me--he TOLD me to pray with him for forgiveness. I thought since he had calmed down, he would listen to what I had to say. I told him I wouldn't pray to be somebody I'm not. God made me what I am and God loves all his children--black, white--men, women--rich, poor--gay, straight. He just stared at me. I don't know whether he couldn't refute what I said, whether he couldn't accept his son being gay, or whether he simply was not used to me refusing his orders. Without enough thinking, I went on. I told him that I was gay, that I was in love with Gary, that we planned on spending our lives together, and if he didn't approve I was sorry but it was the truth. He stood, slapped me hard, and went down the hall into the bedroom."
Levi's tears were flowing again. I felt like crying, too, but hugged the suffering young man and waited for him to regain control.
In a few minutes, he resumed. "I sat there for a while ... a long while ... crying. Then my father came back and told me that I had a choice to make. The first option was to repent, never see Gary again, and lead a good Christian life. The second choice was to drop out of school since he wouldn't pay the bills of a perverted sinner who won't repent. I knew I could never break up with the man I loved. Even if it meant I'd have to get a job and support myself. It was the final blow. I'd lost the love and support of my parents. My decision was clear; I wanted more than anything to be Gary's life partner. But I couldn't tell my father that. Not then. Not when we were both upset. I needed time to think. I told my father I'd let him know and walked out of the house. I wandered around the neighborhood for I don't know how long. Until I worked up the courage to call you. There's nothing you can do, Mark, but I needed somebody to talk to that would understand. Thanks for listening."
"I'm always ready to listen, Levi. And help whenever I can. Right now, the only help I can give is to be there for you, to assure you that--as bad as things are now--they're going to get better."
"Fat chance!" Levi snorted. "I've disgraced my family. My college education is trashed. All I have left is Gary. Maybe not even that."
"Hold on, buddy!" I exclaimed. "If Mark loves you the way you love him, he'll stand by you. Together, you can work things out. By the way. I assume Gary doesn't know what happened to you after he left your house."
"No, he doesn't."
"And what will he say when you tell him?"
"Oh ... he'll say he's sorry and he loves me. But then what? If I can't go back to school, we might drift apart while he's getting his degree and I'm flipping burgers somewhere."
"Is that what you want?" I asked.
"Of course not!" Levi said angrily.
"So let's not predict failure. Let's figure out what can be done. It's not likely that your father will forgive you. Not after all his bigoted hellfire and damnation sermons. But you've got a life ahead of you. With Gary. Let's figure out how to make that possible."
Levi sat quietly, brooding over the loss of his father's support and affection while I struggled to suggest something ... anything that would improve my young friend's spirits. But I knew words would be futile. Holding him close is what he needed.
After several minutes, Levi said, "I guess I should be going even though I dread facing my father again. I'm sure he's just as disappointed with me and angry as ever ... probably even more. I'm bound to get one of his sermons about homosexuality. Thanks for listening, Mark. And thanks for understanding."
"Here's an idea, Levi. Let your father adjust to the situation. Spend the rest of the night here. Tomorrow, call Gary. Invite him here for breakfast or lunch. I'll be at work so you'll have the house all to yourselves. Explain to him what's happened. Maybe the two of you can come up with a plan."
"No," Levi replied. "I've already imposed on you enough. I'll just go home and face the consequences."
"It's no imposition. I'd much rather know that you're safe in this house than subject to verbal and possibly physical abuse at home. Stay here. I'd worry about you if you went home tonight."
After more coaxing, Levi reluctantly agreed to stay. He went to the guest room while I returned to my own bed frantically trying to figure out how to help Levi.
Half an hour later, Levi stood at my bedroom door and asked, "Can I come in?"
"Certainly!" I replied.
Levi walked over to the side of my bed and just stood there without speaking. Even in the dim light, I could see that he was trembling. "Wanna talk?" I asked.
Hesitantly, Levi answered, "No. I just thought ... ah ... I was hoping that ... Can I stay in here with you? I guess I need somebody to hold me ... somebody who ... well ... somebody who loves me and understands."
I paused before replying. Levi's request was more typical of a small boy who'd had a bad dream than a mature college freshman. I sensed the young man's yearning for acceptance and emotional support. I wanted to give it but I also sensed a potential problem. "If you want to sit on the edge of the bed and talk, Levi, I'm more than willing. I'm going to be very honest with you. I don't trust myself. You know I'm gay. You may also know that I haven't been with a man for years. What you don't know is that I've admired you and fantasized about having sex with you. The fantasies are harmless but I've controlled my attraction whenever you've been around. I realize you're hurting and I'd do almost anything to make the hurt go away. But being in bed with you would be too much of a temptation for me. Let's not risk doing something that both of us would regret."
A slight smile broke out on Levi's face as he said, "If I didn't love Gary so much, I could easily fall in love with you. You're a true friend." He bent down, kissed me on the forehead, said, "I'll be okay. Good night." and walked out of the room.
Levi, in spite of his emotional upheaval, was tired and fell asleep quickly. I, however, lay awake for a long time, frustrated in two ways. First, I could not think of a way to help Levi. Second, the thought of a desirable young man--alone in the adjacent room--was an unwelcome arousal that I fought hard to quench.
Before leaving for work, I peeked into the guest room to check on Levi who was sleeping soundly. Only a sheet covered him up to the waist. I looked longingly at his bare, muscular chest with its dusting of hair and prominent nipples. It was an image of manhood. It was the tell-tale bulge of a morning woody, however, that triggered a surge of lust. I chastised myself for imagining what splendor was hidden from my view--lust that I knew must not be satisfied. I quickly left.
I was distracted throughout the day, worrying about my friend, and rushed home after work, hoping to find both Levi and Gary there. It was only Levi that greeted me as I walked into the kitchen. "Hi!" the young man said as he interrupted his work in the kitchen to give me a welcoming hug. He continued exuberantly, "I thought I'd treat you to a special dinner. Most of the stuff I got at the grocery store but had to use a few things from your refrigerator. I hope you don't mind. The wine is chilling. You can pour some for us... Oh! Wait! Maybe you want to freshen up first. Better hurry, though. Dinner's almost ready."
"Hold on, Tiger," I exclaimed. "What happened to the guy that spent the night here? Who's this cheery guy in my kitchen?"
Levi laughed. "Same guy, Mark. I've just recuperated. I wanted to express my gratitude for your hospitality."
"Recuperated?" I asked, utterly confused by the remarkable change of attitude.
"Yeah. It's a long story. Tell you about it over dinner. Right now I've got to get the biscuits in the oven. Oh, by the way, Gary's joining us for dinner. Is that all right?"
"Of course!" I replied, shaking my head at the sudden and mysterious change in Levi.
Gary arrived moments later. I opened the door and was given a long, tight hug but Levi got a longer one, accompanied by a passionate kiss.
"Did you do it?" Levi asked Gary.
"Yup! Everything's cool."
The teens happily hugged again.
If I was confused before, I was totally befuddled now. "All right, you guys," I demanded. "Wanna tell me what the hell is going on?"
"Sure," Levi said. "But first, let's get dinner on the table."
I couldn't help wondering if he took a small bit of pleasure in teasing me by delaying an explanation.
Resigned to having to wait for clarification of the inexplicable improvement in Levi's mood, I obediently helped set the table for dinner. Levi brought the food to the table--roast beef, baked potatoes, broccoli in cheese sauce, and hot sesame rolls--all of my favorites. Gary poured the wine.
"This is a spectacular treat, guys," I said as I sat down, "but I really can't enjoy it until you tell me what's going on."
Levi chuckled and said, "Gary came over this morning. I told him what happened last night--my father's tirade and your taking me in and giving me a shoulder to cry on. We agreed that you were the proverbial friend in need and I'll never be able to thank you enough. We discussed my situation for a long time. Gary let me vent and then said all the right things to make me feel better. And then we ... ah ... well ... we reaffirmed our love for each other."
"You could have left that part out," Gary laughed.
Levi chuckled and continued, "I know you tried to talk some sense into me, Mark, but I was too upset last night to listen to you. Anyway, we figured that since Gary's dad is one of my father's parishioners and a good friend, he would tell him all about what he saw so he could rescue his son from damnation. We decided to take the offensive. So, Gary, tell us both how that went."
Gary grinned and said, "When I got home, dad and mom were still awake. I asked if I could talk to them. I got right to the point and came out to them. I knew they were not as bigoted as some ministers I could name but their reaction surprised me. Mom said she was not surprised; she had suspected it for quite a while. Dad was disappointed and challenged me as to whether I was really sure. Then I told them about how Levi and I love each other, that we're committed as life partners. Dad then said the most wonderful thing: `Son, if you're going to be gay, you couldn't find a better partner.'" Gary looked lovingly at Levi and continued, "He's right, you know. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me."
"So your parents are okay with it, Gary?" I asked.
"They took it better than I expected," Gary grinned.
Turning to Levi, I asked, "And how about your father? Has he cooled down since last night?"
"Only a little," Levi admitted. "But Gary convinced me that I'd have to come out to him sooner or later. In a way, it's good to have it over with."
"But it's a shame that your father is not more open-minded," I mused.
"But he's not," Levi said. "I just have to accept that. I still love him, even though he's a bigot. If he doesn't want to love me for what I am, then so be it."
"And your mother?"
"She won't talk to me. She just goes back into the bedroom and cries. That hurts. Deep down, I think she loves me but is afraid to say so because of my father's domination of her. Maybe one day--when he's not around--we can talk; hopefully, she'll understand that I'm not the wicked creature that my father thinks I am."
Gary added his thoughts. "Fathers can't get past being a macho man. Mix that in the brew with an extreme interpretation of Christianity and it's a toxic combination. Mothers, on the other hand, tend to have an instinctive bond with their children. I don't buy in to stereotypes but that's just a result of the pressures society puts on men and women. I think your mother will come around. It may take a while but she will. I'm just glad my parents are not like that. Mom has had a professional career, which I think has brought some equality into their marriage."
Levi smiled at his lover and excused himself to get the desert, hot apple pie. When he returned, I said, "I've been thinking about your situation, Levi ... a lot of thinking. I hate to see you go back to a hostile environment at home. Would you like to stay here until you go back to school?"
Levi and Gary looked at each other. I could tell from their expressions that there was more they hadn't told him.
"Well," Levi began hesitantly. "I'm not going back to school. My father refused to pay tuition and expenses. So Gary and I have decided on an alternate plan. I'll go back with him but I'll find a job and place to live. He will go to school full time and work part time. We figure that by September, we can afford for me to work and go to school part time. It isn't ideal but it's doable."
"I don't like it!" I exclaimed. Both boys gave a startled frown. "It'll be too much pressure on both of you. You don't need any more pressure right now. Both of you need to concentrate on your education ... at least when you're not making love." The teens blushed and laughed. "One of the things I considered as I thought about your father's ultimatum, Levi, is how to ensure that you finished college. So here's a suggestion. I got a sizable inheritance when my father died. Part of it I used as down payment on this house. The rest I socked away, thinking it was a good start on a retirement nest egg. You would do me a great favor if you let me pay your tuition and expenses. I should add, however, that it's not a gift; it's an interest-free loan. You don't have to pay me back until you get established in a career ... however long that may take. I won't need the money until I retire and that's a long time off. Why am I offering this, you may ask. Simple. I can't think of a better use for the money than to ensure the success and happiness of two deserving young men. Before you say yes or no, I want you two to discuss it. You're partners and you should both agree. As you discuss it, however, keep one thought in mind; I would be immensely pleased if your answer is yes. Now, why don't you go off to the guest room and discuss it in private while I clear up down here. And, if you want to take full advantage of the privacy, do whatever you need-- or want--to do."
The boys were dumb-struck by the generous offer and could do no more than stare at me in amazement.
"Don't just sit there like dumbbells!" I exclaimed. "Get your asses upstairs! You've got a decision to make. And," I added with a grin and a wink, "If you wish to reaffirm your love, then do so. Take your time."
The boys didn't budge so I stood, pointed to the stairway, and gave my best imitation of a drill sergeant, "What part of `move it' don't you understand? GO! NOW!"
I think both Gary and Levi recognized that I was being dramatic but still felt a little intimidated by my uncharacteristic outburst. They scampered up the stairs.
I had barely finished clearing the table, putting the leftovers in the refrigerator, and loading the dishwasher when I was attacked by two young men who hugged me so tightly that I found it difficult to breathe. I finally broke loose, looked at my watch, and said, "I've heard of quickies before but you guys must have set a record."
"We didn't do anything but talk," Gary laughed. "Levi didn't want to accept your offer but I pointed out that it would make three people happy. Our answer is not just yes' but yes and we love you'!"
"We also discussed something else," Levi added. "Come with us. NOW!" Without waiting for a response, each young man grabbed one of my hands and guided me up the stairs.
"Where're we going?" I asked.
"Upstairs, dummy!" was the only explanation I got. I had no clue what they were up to.
They escorted me into my bedroom and stood me next to my bed. "SIT!" Gary commanded. I must not have been quick enough because Levi pushed me down onto the bed. Then, in a much gentler tone, he continued, "Levi and I agreed to accept your offer. But a simple `thank you' is so weak. We wondered how we could more adequately express our appreciation. You've been very loving and generous. What could we do to show you our love for you? You've given us what we needed. We're going to give you what you need."
Levi picked up on the explanation. "I told Gary about how I was such a nervous wreck last night and, like a little boy, I asked if I could get in bed with you so you could hold me. I told him that you refused. And WHY you refused. Then we both had the same idea at the same time. We're both going to give you the sex you've been missing. Not just sex, mind you. It will be an expression of our love for you."
"NO!" I shouted. "I told you then and I'll tell you again! I won't do anything that will jeopardize the relationship you two have."
"Not to worry," Gary said. "Levi and I are committed to each other. We're doing this together as the partners we are. It's something we want to do for you. Because we love you. That's different than being in love like Levi and I."
"But...." I stammered.
"But nothing!" Gary interrupted.
Levi gently pushed me back onto the bed, raised my legs onto the bed, and stood beside Gary. Both boys then began to take off their clothes. It wasn't necessarily a strip tease but it was slow, seductive. And extraordinarily arousing! I could only stare, speechless, at the spectacle before me--Levi, the muscular one with a slightly hairy, well-formed chest and Gary, thinner but firm with no visible chest hair. By the time they lowered their trousers, I had to reposition my engorging cock. When the two virile young men let their trousers drop to their ankles, I inhaled sharply at the sight of prominent bulges in their briefs. All my objections and reservations about what was happening vanished. The briefs came down next, slowly, first revealing thick pubic bushes, then the root of their cocks, and finally the full frontal view. Thick, flaccid cocks dangled in front of pendulous ball sacks. I gasped.
The boys then turned their attention to disrobing me. I was completely powerless to resist. With all three of us totally naked, the treatment began. Four hands and two tongues roamed over my body from ears to toes but avoiding, for now, the throbbing rod between my legs that was drooling precum into a pool near my navel. I was intoxicated with euphoria but as my sensitivity to the erotic stimulation increased, the urging from my pelvic region for ejaculation and relief also increased. Then a bolt of lightning shot through me. Lips encircled the head of my cock. A tongue teased it toward the unbearable. At the same time, something invaded my ass. There was no pain; it must be a finger, a finger that soon found my prostate and launched me into a higher orbit. I was in no state of mind to care whose lips and tongue or whose finger; the sensations had paralyzed my body and overwhelmed my mind. The lips let go. Why? With the remnants of consciousness, I glanced downward to find that Gary and Levi were working my cock in tandem. They alternated and gradually took more of my sensitive shaft into their mouths. It wasn't long before I screamed. Simultaneously, I thrust my hips upward, forcing my cock deep into the throat of Levi who happened to be the lucky one of the pair whose turn it was to deliver pleasure. He and Gary quickly changed roles so that Gary might capture subsequent volleys of cum.
Gary and Levi grinned at each other, no doubt knowing they had given their benefactor the ultimate in sensual pleasure. They kissed passionately to affirm their love and to celebrate their success in pleasuring me. They lay down on either side of me as I recuperated and pressed their naked bodies against me in an embrace. I was sandwiched between two very skilled and very handsome young men. I was blissfully contented and thanked my young friends profusely.
We lay together wordlessly for several more minutes before I asked, "Are you ready for the second part of the favor?"
"What do you mean?" Levi asked.
"You want more?" Gary asked, as though fearing that I had not been completely satisfied with their effort.
"You've already given me more than I deserve," I said. "And to tell the truth, it was the best sex I've ever had. But as you said, `thanks' is a pretty weak way of expressing appreciation. May I return the favor?"
"That's not necessary, Mark," Levi said. "We're happy that you enjoyed it. That's quite enough for us."
"I'm not asking out of some sense of obligation. I genuinely want to return the favor. But ONLY IF YOU'RE WILLING. I'll be quite honest. I would enjoy exploring your bodies. I would welcome the chance to swallow your cum. This may sound corny to you but it would seal the bond between us. Not as lovers--I certainly don't expect to do this ever again--but as friends. So you see, it would make all three of us happy. You can say `no, thanks' and there'll be no hard feelings."
Gary and Levi looked at each other for a moment and then burst into laughter.
I was surprised and suddenly remorseful. "I'm sorry, guys. I shouldn't have asked. I didn't mean to offend you. Forget I said anything. Just remember that I appreciate your giving me the experience of my life."
"No, no, Mark," Levi said through his laughter. "It's just that I've always wondered what it would be like to be sucked and fucked at the same time. But I figured there would be no way I'd ever find out. I'm game. I'm sure Gary is game. The question is, are you willing to suck me while Gary fucks me?"
"Let's go for it," I replied enthusiastically, partly because it was Levi's cock that I was more interested in.
In no time at all, we were in position. While Gary carefully prepared Levi's ass for penetration, I adoringly fondled Levi's cock to erection. It was impressive soft but breathtakingly beautiful when it was stiff. When I noticed Gary beginning to pump, I started sucking. It tasted even better than it looked. It wasn't long before we fell into a synchronized rhythm and Levi was moaning in delight. Gary came first and locked his arms around Levi while he pumped his seed into his lover's bowel. Levi was not far behind and filled my mouth with creamy nectar.
<><><><><>
Levi spent the few remaining days of Christmas break at my house with only a few visits to his own home to gather some personal belongings. He told me that on his final visit--to say goodbye to his parents--his father was not home but he was extremely pleased that his mother hugged him and said, "God be with you, son." Had his father said the same thing, Levi reasoned, the meaning would be May you see the error of your sins and repent' but from his mother, he was sure it meant I love you and pray that God protects you.'
I had no further sexual contact with the boys. There was not even a mention of the wonderful threesome in our conversations. Not bringing the subject up, I suppose, was more the result a tacit agreement that it would be the only time we would share a bed. Nevertheless, I treasured the memory of our first and only sex. I hoped the two lovers did the same.
Levi and Gary returned to campus soon after New Years Day where they would study hard by day and nurture their love at night.
I resumed my life, which was now enriched by the memories of a glorious evening of carnal pleasure.
to be continued