College Life

College Life - Part Two

By ds elliot

This story has a Copyright 2003. It is for your enjoyment on this site only. You many not link this story to another site, publish it, or post it at any other location without the express written permission of the author.

This story involved a growing sexual relationship between two college men. If you are offended by such a story or if you are not of legal age to read such stories or if such stories are illegal in your area, please stop now and redirect your browser to another site. I would appreciate your comments and constructive criticism. Please contact me at: dselliot28@yahoo.com

and now on with Part Two...

Showering together was a wonderfully relaxing experience. Taking the time to touch each other completely with soapy hands, explore muscles, curves and contours, soft and hard places, sensitive areas -- learning so much about each others bodies as we allowed our hands to wander freely as if in complete awe of one another. Needless to say there was a heightened level of excitement to this first shower together and we each relieved that excitement for the other with slippery hands. I'm not certain how long we were in the shower or who first noticed that the water had gone cold. Being with Ryan seemed to block out all other aspects of the world. My attention was so totally focused on him alone.

We clung to each other the rest of that day and night. We didn't seem to stray more than an arms length from each other -- still touching, caressing, kissing, and hugging. There was still a heightened awareness of each other sexually, but for the moment we were content to bask in the glow of the love we shared and Ryan had the courage to admit first. As we settled into the king size bed that night we both knew it was a first. This was our first night together. While I'm sure that sex was on both our minds on some level, we both were more interested in just being close and connected. We cuddled together with Ryan's head on my chest and my arm wrapped around his back. I relived memories of the day as I drifted off to sleep feeling more content and happier than I think I'd ever been.

Morning sex is fantastic! I was never one to stay in bed for too long in the morning, but I could see how that could easily be changed after this morning. When we did finally get up we showered together again, but our morning activities made us both feel hungry for food this time.

We cooked together -- another first for us -- and I'm certain a first for Ryan. He was awkward in the kitchen, but his insistence on helping was at the very least cute and endearing despite the mess he created.

We went for a hike above the lake together. It was a glorious day in so many ways. It seemed as if the birds were singing louder and more sweetly, like the sun shone brighter, like the air was fresher and sweeter, like flowers opened up just for us. I don't recall the hike as much as I recall the sensation of floating along while holding Ryan's hand. The world seemed to have a new look about it. Colors were sharper and brighter. It seemed that I could see more and further than ever before, and at the core of that bright, new world was Ryan and love. I had honestly never understood musicals until that morning as we hiked through the woods. Shows were actors broke out into song in the middle of the act seemed so unnatural and fake -- yet this morning my heart was full and I wanted to shout out in song at the top of my lungs, declaring my love for this man and sing love songs to him and the rest of the world.

I know it probably sounds foolish to you as you read this, but this was my first love. I was caught up in the wonder and amazement of it all. I had never experienced anything like this and never expected to. I have an active imagination, but even that couldn't prepare me for the actual experience. There weren't words to describe how I felt because the emotions were so new and so raw. My mind and body seemed to be super sensitive to all that was happening to me -- I felt exposed and opened up to the world and all of the possibilities of love for the very first time. I know Ryan felt the same way. We tried to talk about it as we walked, but neither of us could seem to find the words to express ourselves. We also seemed to be connected in a way we never were before -- like we knew what the other was thinking and feeling. Our attempts at talking seemed to be filled with half thoughts and lots of 'yea' and 'I know' and 'I feel it too'.

That evening as we were cuddling in front of the fire, Ryan told me that he wanted to make love -- that he wanted me to be inside him. It wasn't that I didn't want that same thing, but I was apprehensive about it because I was aware that it could be painful. I wasn't anxious to see him suffer that pain, but I also knew that it wasn't something I would every deny Ryan. We had been kissing and caressing each other in the king size bed when Ryan announced that he was ready.

"Don't you think we should find something to use as a lubricant?' "Jake, there's a tube on the nightstand to your right."

I reached over for the tube -- a new tube -- and looked at him with a questioning grin.

"What? I was a Boy Scout for about a week when I was I kid. I didn't get much out of the experience, but I did get the 'be prepared' part."

I couldn't help but laugh at him. I wondered if he knew on some level that this would be happening, but I brushed the thoughts from my mind. They were for another time. Ryan got comfortable on his back then pulled his knees towards his chest. I couldn't believe he was offering himself to me -- that he was anxious to share this most intimate act. I know I must have had a combination of love and lust in my eyes because that is what I was feeling as I looked down on him as I knelt behind him. I ran my hand over his ass and his thighs as I watched his penis bob and his hole pucker tight and relax. I ran my fingers over it and was drawn to the muscle movement. I started kissing his thighs and licked at his balls as my tongue was drawn towards that seemingly small pinkish pucker. I licked over it as Ryan bucked his hips up. I loved his little responses -- moans, groans, gasp -- all of them. I kissed and licked around the area and felt the tense muscle relax some as I ran my tongue over and around the opening. If I had thought about it, I know I never would have done it, but then I likely wouldn't have done any of these things without Ryan. As I licked the area I put pressure at the opening with my tongue and it slipped inside of him. I couldn't go too far, but I was amazed that I'd done it. I was also very amazed at the pleasure this seemed to give Ryan. He pulled his knees closer to his ears as he moaned each breath. I continued until my mouth was exhausted from the workout.

"Jake that was amazing!" "Ryan, are you sure you want to do this?"

He moaned yes more than he said it. I squeezed the lube on my fingers and smeared it around and into his hole. I put a lot on him because it really did seem an impossible task to get more than a finger inside without causing great pain and discomfort. When I thought I'd done as much as I could, I put a healthy coating on my penis. I looked into Ryan's eyes. They were glazed over. I knew that he saw me, but I also knew that he was powerless over his own emotions and cravings. He was consumed by desire. As I moved closer to him he was smiling that mischievous/angelic smile of his. He said.

"Jake, please go slow. That thing you've got is huge." "It isn't that big, and we really don't have to do this." "Oh God! Yes we do. I want this so bad I can taste it. It feels like I'm on fire and you're the only one who can put out the flames. I need this Jake." "Ok, but if it hurts I want you to tell me. I don't want to hurt you." "Sure... just fuck me Jake. Make love to me, please."

I aimed the head of my penis at his opening. I was certain it would never go inside. We talked to each other as we began this new experience. Ryan told me to push a little harder so I did. At first nothing happened, but I could feel the resistance of the muscle relax a bit and open to me. I began to slide inside. I was watching Ryan's face all the while to see if the pain started. I could see that it had and stopped. I was going to back out when Ryan told me to just wait so he could relax a little more. A peaceful look came into his eyes as he told me to push in more. I did and again noticed the pained expression so I stopped. When it passed he encouraged me to go deeper. We continued along this track until I was fully inside. Up to that point I hadn't considered any sensations I might be having because I was more concerned about Ryan. Now that I was fully lodged inside of him I was aware of the tightness of the grip, the heat of his body, the sensation of being wrapped in him. I adjusted my knees on the bed, which caused my penis to move inside of him. At first I thought it caused him pain, but was pleased to hear him ask me to do that again. I tried to wriggle around inside of him to give him the pleasure he craved. As I did I could feel the grip his muscles had around my penis give way. I asked how he felt.

"I feel full. I'm not sure but I think that thing you've got is poking my heart." "Ryan it isn't that big. Does it hurt?" "It did at first, but now it feels great. I wish I could think of the words to tell you how amazingly fantastic this is." "How come you don't have an erection if it is so good?" "It went away quick when you first entered me because of the pain, but I know it will be back soon once you actually start to fuck me. I can feel it swelling now as I think about it. Fuck me Jake"

At his request I started to pull back going ever so slowly so as not to cause pain. When I was nearly out I pushed back in. He was still incredibly tight around me, but with each stroke he seemed to relax more. I'm not sure at what point I picked up speed. I suppose at some point my own cravings and desires took over my body and propelled me on. I do know that I found a spot that cause Ryan to nearly lose it each time I hit it on the in and out stroke. That caused me to try each time to get that response from him. In the process of having intercourse for the first time my mind wandered to the fact that I really didn't know what I was doing, but somehow my body did. This wasn't a learned skill, but one that came naturally it seemed. I thought there would be more fumbling and much more awkwardness to the experience, but it was fairly smooth and one hell of a lot of fun. I loved watching Ryan's face and body as we shared this experience. He was ripping the hell out of the bed as he grabbed and pulled at the sheets and blankets. He thrashed around like a fish out of water at times. He moaned and whimpered more than he did before, and he was more insistent in his demands for faster and harder and deeper. I was in awe of the whole experience. I was getting close, but I wasn't ready for it to end just yet so I slowed my pace and even stopped for a minute to calm my urges.

Ryan looked at me -- his eyes asking what the hell I was doing. I told him I wasn't ready to cum yet so I stopped for a minute. He was groaning on the bed and mumbling, but I really couldn't comprehend his thoughts. As that moment passed I picked up speed again and this time it seemed that my body was propelling me harder and faster into him. I could hear our flesh slapping together and I could feel my balls slapping against his ass as I plowed into him. All too quickly I could feel myself nearing the edge. This time I wouldn't stop. My strokes were becoming erratic -- short and hard and out of any rhythm I had used so far. All of a sudden I was there. I pulled out as far as possible and then slammed in hard as my penis erupted inside of him. The following thrusts were short but just as hard as I tried desperately to get further inside. As the first shot exited my penis I heard Ryan yell out as his sphincter muscles gripped hard around my penis he erupted spraying hot cum between us.

I have no memory of collapsing on top of Ryan as my orgasm subsided. It seemed that I had blacked out for some period of time and woke panting like a wild man as I felt the sweat run into my eyes. Ryan's legs were around me now -- tightly holding me inside of him. I was again aware of the warmth of his arms and legs wrapped around me as well as the warmth of my penis still buried inside. When I could breathe normally I raised my head to look at him. He was smiling that huge smile. I kissed him softly and tenderly. I didn't have the energy for more. We held each other as we drifted off to sleep.

When I woke up the next morning I found that we had shifted positions. Ryan was now entwined with me with his head on my chest -- what would become out sleeping position. The urge for a morning pee caused me to try to untangle us without waking him. I wasn't successful, but glad at the same time that he was awake. We kissed as I got up to go to the bathroom. He came in shortly after me and joined me at the toilet. I asked how he felt. He told me that he didn't think he'd be spending much time sitting today. Then he smirked and said that he didn't feel pregnant, but he knew he'd been well fucked. We showered as we continued to discuss the experience. Over breakfast I told him that I wanted to have him inside of me so I could share the experience.

We swam in the lake for a while -- playing and horsing around. Ryan swam behind and then under me and pulled my trunks off. I then tried the same move on him, but I wasn't successful. He had tossed my trunks so I renewed my efforts to remove his and finally succeeded. We ended up back at the cabin wrapped in towels and carrying our suits. I hadn't skinny dipped before. As I considered it there were a lot of firsts this past week. I was happy about all of them.

After lunch I enticed Ryan into the bed -- that didn't take very much effort on my part. We hadn't dressed from our swim and the towels didn't hide our excitement. We started kissing and licking and touching, but we were so aroused, and I was close already. As we positioned ourselves on the bed, Ryan did to me what I had done for him the evening before. What we later found out was called rimming was very pleasant. We both liked that very much. As Ryan applied the lube to both of us he kept encouraging me to relax, but I was so excited I was having trouble getting that message from my brain to my backside. Ryan was patient and helpful as he told me what I would be feeling. It wasn't always helpful to know ahead of time that pain or discomfort was ahead, but at least I wasn't surprised when it happened. When Ryan first entered me I could feel intense pain and feel the tears running down the sides of my face. I wanted to yell stop, but Ryan had survived and moved to a stage of pleasure and I was certain I could too.

The sharp pain dissipated faster than I thought it would. Once he was completely inside I was aware of the full feeling he described. It all made me appreciate him even more. I was at least 3 inches or more longer than he was and thicker as well. His sacrifice to accommodate me made me love him even more. He moved around inside of me and instantly I was aware of the pleasures this experience could bring. As he began to slide in and out my hand went to my penis. I squeezed it as it became erect once again. I could feel my body relax and become accustomed to his penis inside me. There was no more pain -- only pleasure as he slid in and out varying the length and speed and depth of his strokes. He had hit that sweet spot I didn't know existed inside me. I could feel my penis lurch in my hand.

Ryan established his pace of pleasure. He moved my hand to take my penis in his and was pumping my penis in time with his thrusts into me. It was an erotic and very sensual experience -- one that caused my mind to simply let go completely as all of the many sensations washed over me like waves washing upon the shore. Some of those waves of pleasure were calmer than others while some were so intense and strong that they took my breath away. I was aware of moaning, but I couldn't distinguish if they came from me or Ryan or someone else -- and I was to overwhelmed to care. Ryan moved lower to my body and snaked his hands under me to grip my shoulders. This move pushed my legs open more and further back. His pace quickened as his stomach rubbed along my penis at a frantic pace. His mouth was near my ear. I was aware of grunting as I heard him whisper 'I love you'. That caused me to tense as I felt the first shot exit my penis and splatter against his body. He growled and groaned then rammed hard against me. I could feel him cum inside me. We pulsed together as we shared the bliss of this amazingly intense orgasm.

As the pleasures slowed and our bodies calmed, Ryan slipped out of me sooner than I would have liked. I wanted him back inside me. I was acutely aware of his absence. I felt empty -- somehow unconnected. We slept for a couple of hours. In the shower later we examined each other for damage from out passion. Both of us were tender back there and the color around our holes was a darker shade of rose and the openings seemed to be puffier than usual, but neither of us could deny the pleasures we enjoyed or the fact that we both wanted to experience those feelings again -- and soon.

After dinner we spent the evening getting the house clean and organizing things to take back to campus. We hadn't made much of a mess, but we did have some food items that would have to be taken back to campus because they would spoil if left behind. We took time to wash the twin sheets and remake those beds. Our king size love nest would be cleaned up in the morning. We spent the rest of the evening cuddling in front of the fire as we talked about the coming quarter. Neither of us really wanted the break to end. We had spent the last few days in our own piece of heaven. All of that would change as we went back to school where our freedom to express our love would be severely limited and restricted to our room behind a locked door. We were both too wrapped up in our own little world to be sad or concerned about what was ahead.

We really couldn't think beyond the moment - beyond the closeness and love. We checked the cabin one last time before we left. We were both quiet as we started the drive back to campus wondering just how much our lives would change now that we had discovered love.

Life back at school quickly fell into our typical routine of classes and studying. We only shared the conditioning class this quarter so we were apart most of the school day. Each of us continued our individual schedules -- Ryan playing various sports with his dwindling group of friends from back home, and I tried to maintain my perfect gpa while still having some fun. When we had time alone we spent some of it checking out various websites to gain information about gay sex and checked out positions that we were both eager to try. Sex in our room was difficult. Ryan had a difficult time not being vocal during the experience. After one such evening one of our neighbors commented on all the noise from our room. We also seemed to check with each other on a regular basis to make certain that we weren't changing. I suppose some of that was due in part to being naïve and part to being a little insecure. I'm not sure if we thought that now that we admitted we were gay that we would suddenly see behavior changes that would indicate that we were more feminine or what exactly. We were men and neither of us wanted to see that change. Neither of us wanted to appear to be the stereotypical gay male. We didn't really have a resource to go to for our questions. What information we got was from the web, and that seemed to revolve more around porn than practical help. While the porn did create curiosity and desires, neither of us wanted to add others to our lovemaking or have experiences without the other.

As we got closer to summer and our summer vacation from school, I think we were both getting a little worried about the time apart and the distance between us during that three month break. Neither of us liked the dorm situation because of the restrictions we were forced to live with there, but my scholarship would not allow enough money to make it possible to pay for rent, utilities, and food if I left the dorm. Ryan and I talked often about living off campus, but I knew that was a dream and not a reality because of my financial situation.

Ryan, however, wasn't as concerned about a little thing called money. When he got a plan he still rolled along and still expected anyone involved would roll right along with him. Without my knowledge, Ryan had enlisted the help of his parents to find a place for us. They found a place not too far from campus -- a three-bedroom; two bath townhouse that would be perfect. It was bought, paid for, and furnished before I was aware that he was even seriously looking. A month before the end of the school year Ryan took me on Saturday to 'look at some apartments'. I knew it wouldn't be worth arguing and restating my financial position so I went along for the ride. We drove by several apartment complexes around the area before we turned down a residential street and parked in front of several brownstones.

Ryan got out of the car and told me to come check this one out. I got out thinking that these were all single-family homes. Maybe I'm naive or slow, but my first thought was that he'd found a room in one of these homes. It didn't even occur to me to think anything different as he used a key to unlock the door. We walked inside the home as Ryan turned on lights and proceeded to give me a guided tour of the place. It was nice I have to admit -- way nicer than a college student could afford. There were no stacking crates as bookshelves or block and board bookcases, no folding or beanbag chairs, no mismatched and badly worn furniture. In fact it was in many respects much nicer than my parents home in some ways -- here everything looked new.

The tour ended in the master bedroom upstairs. It had a great king size four-poster bed with matching dresser, chest, and nightstands. It was indeed very nice. Ryan excitedly asked,

"So what do you think of this place Jake?" "I think it is very, very nice. Everything looks brand new. I also think it is so far outside anything I could ever afford that it makes me wonder if I'll ever be able to afford a really nice place like this." "Yea... but wouldn't you like to live here?" "Sure I would. Who wouldn't? The fact is that I still can't afford this or anything even close to this." "Why do you always worry about money?" "I don't have a lot of it so I have to consider where it goes. My scholarship allowance for room and board would probably allow me to live here for three months at the most. What would I do then -- sleep in the street? Ryan, even if I got a part time job to help pay for all of this I could still not afford it. School is too important to me right now. I was lucky to get the scholarship in the first place. Without it I wouldn't be here at this school. My parents have too many kids at home to help me pay for something like this. I know your family has more money than mine. I also know you are accustomed to nicer things and more things than I am. We live pretty simply where I'm from." "Do you love me Jake?" "I hope you know that I do. How could you even ask that?" "Do you know that I love you?" "Yes I know that you do." "Would you marry me?" "Is that a proposal?" "Yes it is. So would you marry me?" "Yes I would if we could get married, but there are so many things that I think should come first. We both need to finish school. That should be our priority. There is also the issue of telling my family that I'm gay and have met someone that I love with all my heart. Then there is also the issue of telling both of our parents that we want to spend our lives together. I also think that you can be headstrong and worry that sometimes you charge forward without considering some of the downsides of things. What if you get tired of me over the next few months? What if you find someone who more suits you? What if you change your mind about me?" "Where the hell did that come from? How can you even think that I would get tired of you or want someone else or change my mind? Geez, Jake, I haven't thought about anyone but you since I met you. I've been in love with you from that first meeting and that love has only grown stronger. I thought you felt the same way. I thought we were committed to each other. I know the priority is school -- for both of us, but that shouldn't preclude marriage if that is what we both want. I've never thought that you would ever want to be with someone else. We love each other and to me that implies a commitment and sharing our lives -- the good and the bad. Am I wrong about that?" "No you aren't wrong. I love you more than I ever thought it possible to love another person. There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you. I would love to live here with you, but Ryan, it all comes down to the fact that I can't afford it. No matter how much I want it; I just can't find a way to make it happen. I've been trying ever since you first mentioned it. I've even looked for jobs around and near campus, but none of them will pay me enough to afford anything near this nice. I mean we might be able to afford one of those dumpy places, but I know that really isn't where you want to live -- and I suppose I don't really want to live there either -- but I could do it if you were there. I just don't know what to do." I could feel tears in my eyes. Ryan put his arms around me and hugged me close to him. He whispered in my ear as he held me close to him. "I love you more than I love myself. There isn't anything I wouldn't do to make you happy. I know we have different backgrounds, but that doesn't have to be a problem for either of us. I love you for the man you are and not the money you have or don't have. When I gave you my heart you got the rest of me too. Now I don't want to piss you off or anything but we are going to live here."

I pulled my head back to look into his eyes. He was smiling.

"How?" "Easy really. It's our place. These are our things. Come on check it out."

He grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the windows in the bedroom. When we got there he opened the French doors onto a deck that overlooked the backyard. It was a small yard, but it was a nice view.

"Ok Ryan... tell me the whole story." "Oh geez Jake -- the whole story? Lets go downstairs."

He was smirking when he asked that last question. We settled into the overstuffed sofa in the living room. Ryan took a deep breath then started.

"Give me your hand. Ok. Lets see where should I start. My parents have plenty of money. In fact it was there idea to buy a place when I first came to college. They felt it would be a smart investment because the value would go up in the four or five years I would be here. Now at the time I wasn't convinced that I would be here even a year, but thanks to you that has changed. Anyway... I called my dad when I first got the idea to get a place and found all the apartments close to the school to be worse than the dorms. My mom came up and found some places with the help of a real estate agent. I liked this place the best of all of them and it was also the closest to campus. My parents were all set to buy the place, but that wasn't what I wanted. I really wanted this place to be ours -- yours and mine so I had a long talk with my parents. They already knew that I loved you. I also told them about our trip to the cabin and knew you felt the same way. They also know that once I make up my mind it isn't easily changed. That is a family trait you will get to see more when you spend more time around my parents. I got a trust fund from my grandparents. It is way more money than college will cost so since my dad is the trustee of that fund I talked him into letting me buy the place. Once I bought the place I asked my dad to check on your scholarship. I learned that some of your school money comes to you as a result of your parent's income. I didn't want to jeopardize any of that so instead of putting both our names on the deed I had separate papers drawn up that make you part owner of the place without having your name on the title. If you decide to leave me at any point then you get half the value of the house. If something should happen to me you get the whole house. I think that covers all of it. Oh yea... my mom decorated the place the way she thought we'd like. If you don't like it -- don't tell her. She spent several days shopping to make this place into a home for us and I don't think she forgot a single detail. We've even got dishes and glasses and pots and pans and towels and cleaning supplies -- everything." I was too stunned to talk. I kept opening my mouth but nothing was coming out. I was more than amazed. I knew Ryan was head strong, but I didn't think he would or could do something like this. I mean it was just too much. I was sitting there on the sofa trying to convey emotions that I'm not sure I even knew how to deal with. I felt more than loved by the one I loved in return. I felt like we had created something that was greater than either of us individually. It felt like a family in so many respects. When I finally got my brain and mouth in sink, the first thing out was, "You told your parents about the trip to the cabin? Did you tell them everything?" Ryan just laughed until I thought I'd have to throw cold water on him to get him to stop. As he calmed down he just looked at me saying, "Well that isn't what I thought would be the first thing out of your mouth. No I didn't tell them everything. They still think of me as their little angel, and I don't think they want that picture in their minds of your huge tool taking my tender ass." Now it was my turn to laugh. I sat and thought for several minutes while Ryan nibbled on my earlobes and playfully poked and ticked me. During the time I was sitting there I came to the realization that this was indeed where we were going to live if I wanted to continue living with Ryan, and I wanted that more than anything else. I also realized that he was much more inportant to me than school or family or anything. Sure, those other things were critically important to me, but they really all were secondary to him and what we had together. I sighed and said, "So I guess now all we have to do is move in. I don't want you to spend all of your trust fund money on me Ryan, but I also know that I can't help much. I feel bad about that, but I would feel worse if we weren't together so you win this round." "It's a win for both of us. Now we won't have to worry about the neighbors hearing us. The walls between these places are solid brick - completely soundproof." "you are the one who is loud." "Yea, but you make me loud." We shared a laugh and went to explore the place one more time. Ryan's parents came the next weekend and stayed at our new home. We spent the rest of the quarter living on campus mostly because it was so close to finals and also because there really wasn't enough free time to move everything to the new place. While Ryan's parents were there they made a point of stocking the house for us. They filled all of the cupboards and freezer as well as got some other items that his mother forgot the first time. At first I felt very awkward because I felt somehow guilty for loving their son, but they both made me more comfortable when they hugged me and welcomed me to their family. It also helped that they called me their son too. Since we were cleaning out our dorm room and moving, I told my parents that I would be a week late arriving home. I didn't tell them that I was moving off campus because I didn't want to tell them that kind of information over the phone. During that last week on campus Ryan asked if I was going to tell my parents. I told him that I planned to do that within the first week of being home. He asked if that was what I really wanted to do. I told him that I would feel that I was lying to them if I didn't tell them the truth. He wondered how they would take the news. In all honesty I wasn't sure, but I felt that we had a strong family bond that could withstand the news. I had never heard either of my parents say anything negative about gays and also knew that my father had supported one of his classmates from the seminary who later came out. I was expecting a positive response from them. He asked if he could come home with me. At first I was reluctant on several levels. First I thought that my parents would be able to see the love we shared because they were very attuned to their children and always seemed to know when one or the other of us was affected by something. Second I thought it might be too much to hear my news and meet my boyfirend, husband, companion all at the same time. Third - and the reason I gave first - was there really wasn't a place for him to sleep unless he wanted the sofa and no privacy. Naturally he dismissed all of my concerns and told me that he thought it would be great if he drove me home. We both planned to come back to campus within the month. I had a full-time job lined up that would start at the end of June. Since rent was free here as well as at home I thought it smart to take the job where I could make the most money. I also didn't realistically expect that I could stand to be without Ryan for the whole summer. If I'd planned to try that I knew that I'd have to book space in a nut house for the both of us. I also figured that if I had decided to stay with my parents that Ryan would have moved to town within a week and set up residence there somewhere. I gave in... Ryan was driving me home. We left once we had everything moved into our new place. The drive was way more fun than the bus - mainly because of the company and the fact that it took half of the time. We pulled into town just after 4:00 in the afternoon. We went straight to the house where my whole family was waiting to greet me. Everyone got hugs from everyone else and Ryan was right in the middle of it all - hugging my brothers and sisters and picking up and holding the smaller ones as he was introduced to them. He was a big hit with the entire family and especially the girls who thought he was movie star cute. I agreed with them though I didn't tell them. Ryan and I were put in my old room and my younger brother got the sofa. We cleaned up and went down for dinner. The food was great. It was so good to be home just listening to the chatter around the table. There were questions for me, but all the kids and especially the girls had a million questions for Ryan. After dinner the kids settled in the family room to watch tv while my parents, Ryan, and I sat in the parlor talking. My dad commented on my watch. I blushed as I showed it to him. I told him Ryan gave it to me for Christmas. I could see the wheels turning in my dad's head, but he didn't say anything else. Instead we talked about our classes, grades, some funny stories about college - safe topics. We went to bed somewhat early that evening. The next morning I told Ryan that I thought my dad may have thought more about the watch than he admitted. Ryan agreed saying he was waiting for more questions and was surprised when they didn't come. I told him that I would talk with my parents that afternoon. I asked him to take the kids to the park to play ball while I talked with them. I asked for an hour at least and two if he could manage it. I felt like that was asking a lot of him since he wasn't use to being surrounded by kids.

Ryan organized the ballgame and headed to the park with the kids. I sat down with my parents at the table and after several false starts finally got to the point of my talk. Neither yelled or ran from the room when I finally got it out that I was gay. They did have a few questions - and God how embarrassing - my mother asked if we were practicing safe sex. I also told them about my summer job back at school and that Ryan had a place where we would both be living. Of course my dad wanted more information about that so I relented and gave him all of the details I knew except the fact that I was part owner of the house. My father asked how much money Ryan and his family had. I told them I really had no idea. I believed Ryan when he told me that he had enough for school and the house so I guess I really didn't think I needed to know more than that. He asked how he would make the house payment. I didn't know. He asked a few other questions that I didn't have answers to - practical things really that just didn't occur to me to ask. My dad said that he wanted Ryan to join us and talk about the practical issues before he would tell me that he thouht this was a good idea. The converstaion ended with my parents telling me that my news didn't change anything. I was still their son. They still love me as much as ever. I was still an important part of the family and always would be welcome. They also said that they really liked Ryan and were glad that he was joining our family. My mother said that the girls were sure to be broken hearted when they learned that I'd snatched him up before any of them could. That made me blush several shades of red. I asked about telling the others - my brothers and sisters. My parents thought for the time being we should not tell them until after the three of us and Ryan talked.

Ryan walked back from town with all the kids in tow - several with messy faces and sticky fingers from the ice cream cones he bought all of them at the only restaurant (diner) in town. I'm sure Peggy hated it when they all trouped in to the place. Peggy had been there for years and wasn't the fastest or the happiest waitress by a long shot. As the kids lined up for a turn at the bathroom sink I told Ryan what I'd told my parents and related their questions. Ryan and I went for a walk as we talked more about the questions. I told him that my parents were concerned about the house payments and some other issues that now I began to feel were really too personal. Ryan said that he would answer their questions and wasn't worried. So we walked around town and I pointed out the sites - well they weren't so much sites as simply places that held some part of my past.

When the four of us sat down to talk later that evening, I could tell that Ryan was nervous. I tried to make him calm and relaxed, but he told me that he felt like he was asking my parents for my hand in marriage and nothing would make those butterflies go away until it was over. My parents were polite and asked their questions and Ryan answered them honestly and completely. When the question of house payments came up Ryan told them that the house was paid for and the only issues were property taxes and insurance and that both of those were paid for the coming year. My father asked what a house cost near campus these days. Ryan told them he'd paid $365,000.00 for the house. Now I almost fell out of the chair. I was staring at him with my mouth open. My father asked just how much money do you have anyway? That wasn't a question my father would have ever asked, but I think he was as floored as the rest of us at the price of the house. Ryan told him that he had nearly 25 million in the trust fund from his grandfather. I know my jaw was on the floor. I felt light headed and like I would faint at any moment. Ryan went on to say that his parents were worth over a quarter billion dollars and should anything happen to them he would get half of their estate. He also said that his uncle - the one who owned the cabin we used - was also a multi millionaire who was divorced with no children and at his late age wouldn't be having any. Ryan was the heir to his estate as well. All three of us just stared at him completely amazed. Ryan looked at me and asked,

"What? Are you ok? You look kinda pale. Do you need some fresh air?" "Ryan... geez... you could have told me you were the original rich kid. Why didn't you tell me?" "Jake, you never asked. I'd have told you if you'd have asked." "Shit!" "Jake! Watch you mouth in front of your parents. I've never heard you talk like that. You aren't upset about this are you? The subject never came up. Honestly if it had I may have let others convince me that you only wanted me because I had some money. I know you love me for who I am, and not for what I have. The money is just a little bonus that will make our lives a little easier." "For the last month all I've been complaining about is the lack of money on my end. If I'd known you had that much I don't think it would have changed anything. It probably would have only made me feel inadequate and more insecure." "I think the money would have scared you away. For the first time I am truly happy. Jake you make me happy. I have had more money than I could ever spend since I was born. The money never made me happy. The money won't make either of us happy. It will give us both the chance to do things that we might not be able to do, but I would much rather wake up with you in my arms than money in the bank." "I love you Ryan." "I love you Jake. You make me happier with each day. I am so damn lucky to have found you."

We pulled together in a very passionate kiss. Thank God there was no inappropriate groping because I had completely forgotten about my parents being in the same room until my dad cleared his throat. My mom was beaming and said,

"They are so cute together. I remember when we were like that - couldn't keep our hands off each other. Those were the days - and probably the reason we had so many children."

We both blushed. Ryan excused himself and went to the kitchen saying he would be right back. He came back carrying a bottle of champaigne and four fluted glasses. He opened the wine and poured us each a glass. His first toast was to love and being cute together. My dad next wished us happiness and good health - he said we already seemed to have good fortune. The kids started to wander in from the tv to see what was happening. My youngest sister climbed into Ryan's lap. One of my brothers asked what we were celebrating. My mom said they were welcoming Ryan to the family. The sister on his lap gave him a big kiss then told him he better be nice to me cause they all loved me very much. She always was a perceptive little one.

The rest of our time with my family was nothing but family celebrating being a family. Ryan was a welcome addition and no one treated him any different. We enjoyed our stay there and before we left we asked my parents and the kids to all come to visit us during the summer. My mom said that was a great idea and they certainly would. My dad didn't look to thrilled at the prospect, but since there were three drivers I knew that it could be done without a major strain on anyone. I encouraged them to come in August when my father normally took his vacation.

Our summer continued as we lived and grew closer - always discovering new things in and about each other. We talked about everything with rarely a major difference of opinion. when we did disagree, we had spirited debates. Both of us had strong values that tended to stear us towards similar views. We traveled to visit Ryan's parents. They didn't live in a house - at least not one that I had imagined. It was huge. His family was great though and it was difficult not to feel like part of his family. Ryan learned to be more helpful in the kitchen - always a good thing, but he always deferred to me when I was around and he was hungry. We discussed our hopes and dreams and insecurities. I was surprised one evening when Ryan asked,

"Jake do you ever wish that you could be with someone different?" "No. You are the one I want to be with. I never even think about anyone else." "Do you think I'm lacking in any way?" "No I don't. You are everything I've ever hoped for and more. What brings up this line of questions?" "I don't know. I guess I was just wondering about things." "Ryan, what do you really want to know?" "Jake... do you ever wish I was bigger? You know that I had a bigger dick?" "Geez no. I think you have the perfect penis. It works great and fits nicely in all the places I like to have it. Why are you thinking about size all of a sudden?" "Jake you are way bigger than me in that area. I've been reading and it seems that all guys want a guy who is equipped like you. I was just wondering if you feel cheated because you are stuck with my stuff," "Ryan, Ryan, Ryan... I like what you've got because it is attached to you. I don't care if it is big or small, fat or thin, blue or red, or anything else. I love what you have because it is yours. Now I'm certainly no expert in what all guys want, but I really can't imagine there is a guy out there who would rather have a large dick instead of the true love of a wonderful man. I'm not that shallow, and I know you aren't either. I love you just the way you are - and I wouldn't change a thing about you even if I could." "Damn I knew there was another reason why I loved you so much."

We were lucky in so many ways. We didn't have problems. Some might think that it was all that money that smoothed our way, but that really isn't true. Sure we did have a nice home, but we didn't live like kings. We lived like typical college students doing typical college things. We were lucky because we knew what we wanted and we did everything we could to protect and take care of what we had. I really think it was our shared values that helped us most during those early years as well as the examples set by both sets of parents. Ryan and I often discussed what they had and shared. We both knew we wanted the same things our parents had and we strived to get to that level. We've both been asked how we managed back then. If I have to give an answer I suppose it would start with the fact that we really were friends - best friends. We always treated each other with respect. We went out of out way to do those 'little things' that are important because they are silent ways of showing that you love, care, and think about the other. These really are little things too... things like fluffing a pillow or cooking a favorite meal or helping with a task or creating romance at the end of a hectic and stressful day. We were both romantics at heart, but I was the one to get misty-eyed at a tender moment in a movie. Ryan was more the jock type than I, but he would go out of his way to create romantic moods... rooms filled with candles, mood music, rose petals scattered in the foyer and up the stairs to the bedroom - little things that just said 'I love you' that weren't huge production numbers but a part of the underlying theme of our lives. In late August Ryan came home from Saturday activities more excited than normal. I asked what all the excitement was about, but he wanted to shower first. When he came down he was dressed in a suit and tie. I had no idea where he was going, but it was obviously important if it got him in a suit. When I asked him he said he wasn't going anywhere. I was confused, but knowing Ryan there was a plan somewhere in his mind that he wasn't sharing with me at this moment. He drug me from my book to the back patio. When he had me in the chair he wanted me in he proceeded to kneel on one knee in front of me. He took my hand in his and asked me to marry him again.

"Jake, you are the love of my life. I couldn't exist without you. You mean more to me than anything else in the world. My most treasured posession is the love I have for you and the love we share. You are the reason I wake up in the morning and the only one I will ever want to share my bed with at night. Without you there would be no point in living. You are my sunrise and sunset. You make the stars sparkle in the sky. I want to spend the rest of my life treasuring you, caring for you, loving you. I know you want the same thing so I want you to promise me that you will never leave me - that you will be with me and continue to love me despite my faults and shortcomings. You make me the best man I can be. I never knew what I was capable of until I met you. You not only give meaning to my life, but you define me."

If you think sad movies make me misty-eyes you know this had the tears running down my face. I wanted to talk, but I couldn't get the words to form in my brain and travel out of my mouth. I was aware that Ryan was fumbling in his pocket, but really could only think of the love he was expressing and knowing I felt the same way. He had something in his hand, but the tears in my eyes made my vision so blurred I couldn't tell what it was. I wiped the back of my free hand over my eyes to clear them. Ryan had a box from a jeweler. In the box were two gold bands. He took one and slipped it on my finger and put the box in my hand. I took it and marveled at what was happening here. We would likely never have a traditional wedding or even a non-traditional one, but we could pledge our love and show that love and commitment to each other by sharing these rings. I looked in Ryan's eyes. There was anticipation there for what I would do. Taking the ring from the box I started to put it on his finger as I said,

"Ryan... you will never cease to amaze me with the intensity of your love and devotion. Your courage and strength inspire me and create a solid foundation on which our lives together are built and upon which our love will always continue to grow. I never imaginged being as happy as you make me. I never believed I could be so loved until you. I thank God everyday for the love we share. I realized a while back that you are the single most important part of my world. Everything and everyone else is secondary. When I need comfort I search out your arms to wrap around me to ease my pain. When I need inspiration or motivation I look to your spirit to find what I need to overcome whatever obsticle is in front of me. When I need love I look to your heart. When I need to find peace I look to your soul. Will you marry me? Will you promise to always be the light in our world?"

He leaned in to kiss me. The first kiss was so tender - so much like that first tentative kiss on the swing at the cabin. Our kissing became more intense and soon found Ryan on his back on the patio as the passion of the moment played out for us.

After dinner Ryan built a fire in the fireplace. We both knew it was August, but this was one of those little romantic things that he would do. The windows were open and the fans were blowing as we sat on the sofa admiring our rings. Ryan started...

"You know Jake the rings are going to give us away. I never really thought much about telling anyone else that we are in love and together, but these rings will certainly do that for us. How do you feel about everyone else knowing about us?" "If you think you are going to get me to not wear this ring - this symbol of our love - just because people will figure out that we are together then you are sorely mistaken. I love you. You really are the center of my world. Sure, on some level I care about what other people think, but I don't care so much that I want to hide my feelings for you because of their thoughts. I expect as people learn that we are a couple we will lose some of the people we have considered friends. I think that is too bad -but too bad for them and not for us. Besides I really don't think the rings are an issue. All anyone really has to do is spend a little bit of time with us to know that we love each other. I wanted to shout to the world that I loved you the morning after our first night together. I still want to do that. I am proud of the love we share. Some people won't understand it. Some people won't give us a chance to be in their lives because of that love. I can't be concerned about those people. We will be fine. I'm also sure that the friends we have who really care for us won't be bothered by our status as a loving couple." "That is what I hoped you would say. I feel the same way. In fact I probably should have told you first, but I've already told some of the guys I hang around with. Some thought it was a little weird, but no one ran away screamming or anything. Anyway, I invited a bunch of them and their dates here on Saturday for a barbeque and some beers. I thought it would be a good way to let them see us together and to show of my boyfriend/lover/husband. What do you want me to call you anyway?"

I couldn't help but smile and chuckle a little. That was my Ryan - rolling right along. I told him I didn't care what he called me as long as he loved me. We discussed that further and he decided that we should be each others husband. I wasn't sure if that made sense to me at the time. I wasn't put off by the term, but I just wasn't sure if it fit. For lack of better terms though we stuck with being husbands. It was sometime later that I actually heard Ryan refer to me as his husband to other people. I can honestly say that I felt my chest puff out a little more as I beamed with pride at my husband.

another convenient stopping point... Thanks for reading my story. If you have any comments or constructive criticism, please contact me at: dselliot28@yahoo.com

Thanks for reading my submissions!

Peace and Love.

ds elliot