If It Werent for the Two of Us

If It Weren't For the Two of Us Chapter 42

This chapter is the biggest overlap between Book Two and Book Three. Each has its differences worth exploring, but they both mirror common events. You can see the alternate version in Hi, I'm Lance, Chapter 21.

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42

Mike and I arrived at Jakob's apartment at 8:30. We had a U-Haul. We were wearing the shirts with each other's names put into fake businesses that his mother gave us.

"All right gents, where do we start?" Mike asked.

"If we go to your house first, we can shower up at our place after the second trip," Lance said.

"Sounds like a plan," I said.

It took about 40 minutes to get my furniture into the trailer. Once at Mike's house, we moved most of it into the garage, trying to make it as compact as we could. A few items were brought inside into the study. I had not acquired a lot. Most of it was bedroom furniture. We thought it would be tough to store it all, but with the bed broken down, we condensed it much better than originally thought. In some ways, it was silly to store this, but perhaps it would have some use eventually.

After the last box was loaded for our second trip, I walked through the apartment one last time. It was never full when I was there, but it seemed different as I looked at it completely empty. Having once lived there, I didn't feel the same about it as I moved into it. Back then I felt "on my own." Now it is a goodbye of sorts. Jakob had held that moment in place by being here the last two months.

I was lost in the emptiness.

Jakob walked up aside me and smiled. We gave each other a one-armed hug. I wondered what was going through his mind. Having gone through so many levels of uncertainty this year, his feelings had to be pronounced. I could tell it caught up with him as he turned to give me a full hug. He didn't say anything. He didn't have to.

I made one final check and then carried the keys down to the apartment office. They wished me well.

"Well, that's done," I said. "Farewell to The Branches. So long apartment."

Second stop, Lance's apartment.

As we unloaded the final items into Lance's bedroom, we looked at the time.

"It's almost noon," I said. "We'll need to get the truck back. You guys need a break. How about you come over to our place around 3, and then we'll drive to the lake house together. Does that work?"

"Yes. Totally," Lance said.

"I like your shirts, by the way," Jakob said.

"Aw. My parents had them made for us. I like them too," Mike said.

"There is a nice restaurant near the lake. I assume it is open this time of year. Pack a nice shirt for that," I said.

After returning the truck, both of us shared a shower together. We weren't too frisky with each other. We expected to make love later as it was New Year's Eve. We packed enough food to take care of all the meals except tonight. We placed one suitcase in the car and fit the cooler in too. Lance and Jakob pulled up just before 3.

They put their suitcase on top of ours. Perfect. The drive to the lake house took less than an hour. Mike initiated conversation about them living together with Evan. Jakob was adorable with his commitment to be a good roommate. I turned back to look at them. They were snuggled together in the back seat — completely adorable. I smiled at them.

As I turned back to look through the windshield, I reflected on who Lance was before Jakob. He was my best friend, sure, and we loved each other as college buddies. But the drinking; he scared me. As much as I loved Lance and believed in him, I wasn't sure he would have the motivation to stop — or even cut down on the drinking. The night of the car wreck still unnerved me. What if I had lost him? Thank heavens that judge's order led him to AA. I wondered how many young men that judge might have saved. He saved Lance. And all credit due, Lance saved himself. He was so strong once he joined AA.

As we pulled up to the house, I noticed how the setting was different than the summer. All the houses were more visible with the trees bare. A wreath was on the door. With no one actually living there, I told them not to expect any decorations, but to our surprise, there was a poinsettia, some garland and a December arrangement on the coffee table. No tree.

"This is lovely," said Jakob.

Mike and I showed them around. They seemed okay with the smaller room.

Mike started unloading the cooler into the refrigerator.

"What is all this? Why didn't you ask us to bring anything?" Lance asked.

"Eh. This was all our idea. Trent's actually. We brought enough to snack on and make a meal or two."

Mike held up a bottle of champagne.

"Non-alcoholic for midnight tonight," he said.

"You guys didn't have to do that. It's okay to drink around us," Lance said.

"It's also okay to want to include you."

Lance gave him a hug.

Jakob and I went to the back porch.

"I'm so glad you invited us, Trent," Jakob said, looking over the water. "This is going to be wonderful. You and Mike are wonderful. You're such good friends, the likes of which I never figured I'd be lucky enough to have in my life."

I reached for his hand and squeezed it. "I'm glad you're in my life, too," I said, letting his hand go.

When Lance first met Jakob, I wasn't sure what to think of him. On paper, they couldn't have been a worse fit. I felt shame remembering my original judgements. What a beautiful soul Jakob is.

Mike and Lance brought all of us a Diet Coke. The winter chill was pretty cold, but the house blocked the breeze. With the sun on us, it was tolerable without a coat, at least briefly.

"Wouldn't it be cool to see it snow over the lake," Jakob said.

"I like snow," I said. "I always long for a White Christmas, but so rarely get them."

"Just give me spring," Mike said, squeezing his arms tighter around his body.

Lance laughed.

"According to my phone, the Lakeside Restaurant is open until 9 tonight. How does 7:30 sound?" I asked.

Everyone agreed that was good.

Eventually the chill got to us, and we went inside. There was a fireplace, so Mike attempted to get it going. There was firewood stacked down the steps on the side of the house. Although there was one in his house, we didn't use it. Central heat was fine. Jakob offered to help. Within 10 minutes we had a cozy fire going. We all thought it was nice to just sit and do nothing, listening to the crackle.

"I love the sound of a fire," Jakob said.

"Same here," I agreed.

"You know, you two said we couldn't repeat the three-way because it was the school shower. In front of a fire could be a complete opposite," Lance joked.

I shifted my weight and looked away. I really thought with Lance being in love with Jakob, that wouldn't even be brought up. I was disappointed it was even mentioned. I wasn't sure if being intimate with someone other than Mike was a good idea. It was a little weird and seemed ... unfaithful. I wanted this conversation to drop.

"Huh? What does that mean?" Jakob said.

"Oh. It's just a joke. When I joined AA, they told me we would repeat the school shower three-way if I could stay sober until the end of the year. But, honey, that was a joke. Really."

Jakob got quiet. For 30 seconds no one said anything.

"Uh, excuse me," Jakob said. He went out the front door.

The three of us looked at each other.

"Hm. That didn't look good," Lance said.

"No, it didn't," said Mike. "Think we've said something wrong?"

"I'll go check," Lance said.

Jakob was leaning against the car. Lance took him his coat. We watched through the window.

"What do you think?" Mike asked.

"I'm not sure. I don't know if the group thing freaked him out, or if he was just jealous — or hurt — that Lance would consider doing something with someone else. I sure don't want to do anything that would upset Jakob."

They talked for a couple of minutes. Lance watched him start a stroll down the road and then came back inside.

"Hey, is everything okay?" I asked.

"Yeah. I think so. The mention of several guys having sex ... well ... it brought back memories. He was forced to have sex with four men last year. He hardly knew two of them."

"Oh my God," said Mike. "How fucked up is that."

"Yeah. I think it just shook him a second. He was afraid he would bring us down."

"Bring us down. Bless his heart. He's gone through so much. We're sorry if we upset him," I said.

"No. I don't think he's upset. Sometimes things just hit you, particularly when you used to suppress them with alcohol."

"Fuck," I said.

"It does me too. At times."

"Yeah?" I asked. "How, buddy?"

"Like the past couple of days, ... well, the holidays. I've been so happy. So crazy happy. And then it will hit me — like I don't deserve it. I shouldn't get to be this happy."

"Why would you say that?" Mike asked.

"The drinking, stupid decisions, wrecking my car ... it seems like other people should deserve to be happy, and yet somehow ... I got to be. It's crazy, right?"

"I think AA helps you do a little soul-searching," Mike said. He pulled Lance to him and held him. "You deserve every bit of happiness you are feeling. You and Jakob are made for each other. You are like soul mates."

I noticed a radio.

"Is everyone tired of Christmas music, or can I put some on?"

Mike and Lance looked indifferent.

"Jakob loves it," Lance said. "Put it on."

I found a station still playing holiday songs through tomorrow. Trans-Siberian Orchestra was playing.

Jakob walked in fifteen minutes later.

"I was thinking of something hot. Coffee or hot chocolate?" Mike asked.

"Hot Chocolate sounds good after dinner. How about some coffee?" I said.

Mike started the brew as Jakob came and stood with us.

"You okay, Jakey?" Mike asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine."

"JAKEY??!" Lance and I said.

"What?" Mike said. "Can't I call a friend a nickname?"

We laughed.

"Jakob, what nicknames did you have growing up?" Lance asked.

"Honestly, it was always Jakob, although people constantly misspelled it. I always liked Jakob. But, Mikey, you can call me anything you want."

The two hugged with smiles.

Just after 6:30 we started getting ready for dinner. Lance put on a dress shirt and wore a necklace I hadn't seen. Jakob wore a sweater. Mike was also wearing a sweater — the one from my parents — with a white button-down underneath. I wore a long sleeve with a Christmas plaid.

"I love the necklace, Lance. Sharp," Mike said.

"My Christmas gift from Jakob. I love it too."

Jakob smiled.

Before long, we got in the car and drove the short distance to the Lakeside Restaurant. Even for the holiday, the restaurant was not busy. We hung our coats on the back of our chairs. Our server was Elaine. Mike and I recognized her from the summer visit. She remembered us.

"I'm glad you all are open tonight," I said. "I wasn't sure with the holiday."

"Winter is much slower than summer. This time of year we are only open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. We lose some of our summer help, particularly once colleges start. But me? Heck. I'm a long-timer here. Tonight's an exception for the holiday, but it's a short shift."

"Well, it's nice to see you again," Mike said.

Mike put his arm around me. Lance looked at us.

"You guys are like an old married couple," he said.

We looked at each other and smiled. We were waiting to tell them about the proposal.

We hadn't opened our menus yet. I excused myself to wash my hands. I returned to the table a minute later from behind Lance and Jakob. I noticed Jakob's coat. It was nice.

"Jakob. I love your coat. New?" I said.

"Yes. It was my Christmas gift from Lance."

"Nice. Good job, bud."

"Thanks," said Lance. "So. What did Mike get you?"

"Um. I can't show you for six months," I said; Mike was smirking.

Jakob and Lance looked at each other confused.

"What the hell does that mean?" Lance said.

"Well ... he bought me one of two matching bands. We'll wear them when we get married in June. He proposed and I said, `yes.'"

"WHAT??!!!" Jakob and Lance screamed.

Mike and I looked at each other and smiled. We went in for a quick kiss.

"THAT'S AMAZING!!" Lance said.

The entire restaurant looked our way. There were only a few groups, but Lance realized he was too loud. Elaine came over with our iced teas.

"Everything okay, gentlemen?"

"Yes! They got engaged!" said Jakob, pointing at us.

"How wonderful. Just now? In here?"

"No," I chuckled. "Over Christmas."

"How have you NOT told me this the past week? I can't believe you kept that a secret," Lance scolded.

"I soooooo wanted to. It killed me to hold it in, but I wanted to tell you guys here during our time away."

"I am so happy for you," Jakob said.

"Good. We may have you help decorate for the wedding."

Jakob gasped. "Please!"

"I'll give you some time," Elaine said. She stepped away. It was probably awkward for her to stand there with none of us acknowledging her.

We giggled and opened our menus.

After ordering, we discussed Christmas with our families.

Dinner was delicious. I was glad that I ordered the trout. I hadn't had fish in a long time. Eventually we were Elaine's only table and one of two in the restaurant. She hovered over us a bit. We laughed at some of her stories that had happened with customers this year. At one point, she pulled up a chair to sit with us.

"So, I guess this place isn't the party restaurant up to the midnight hour," Lance said.

"Honey, who owns all these houses on the lake? It's not the young 20s crowd," she answered.

She needed to tend to some closing duties but told us she'd have our checks ready shortly.

Mike was quiet for a bit. He finally looked at Lance and Jakob and gave them a peculiar smile.

"What are you smiling about?" Lance asked.

"Do you want to know what I did for New Year's Eve last year?" he said, not expecting an answer. "I sat at home on the couch by myself. I think I went to bed shortly after 11."

"You? A handsome guy like yourself?" Jakob said.

"11 o'clock. My, how grandparent like," Lance said with snark.

"I know, right?" Mike replied. "The year before, Ethan and I had been to a party with friends. Last year, I received no invitations after the breakup. What's worse, I totally didn't care. I was just ... adrift. I suppose that woke me up a little. It made me long for a little social interaction. When the new year started, it got me to thinking that I shouldn't be so detached. I hated the thought of dating again — ugh. But I have to admit, I did start to miss ... I don't know ... affection maybe? Being with a man intimately." He sighed. "Then a few weeks later, this guy waltzes into my room needing to come out. Fate, huh?"

Mike and I kissed a long kiss.

"I was at a party with Matt and Ali," I said. "To be honest, I was freaked out. I felt like I was supposed to kiss someone at midnight. I kept obsessing over if I should do it and who was I supposed to do it with? I had been talking to a girl ... man, I don't even remember her name. I guessed it would be her. There were a couple seniors, guys, pouring drinks. I didn't know them. I think they were from the drama group. I probably had the hots for the bearded one." I scratched Mike's beard. "I do remember staring at him all night. I wasn't questioning if I was gay necessarily, I just knew I liked looking at him."

"Duh," said Jakob. "Sometimes we look past the most obvious signs, don't we?"

"Yes. The clock struck midnight, we all blew noisemakers, screamed `Happy New Year' and then I kissed ... what was her name? As I kissed, my eyes opened, and I saw the two bartenders kissing. I was freaked out for like ... a nanosecond, but immediately I was transfixed. I stared at them. It was a long kiss. I had never been in a room where two guys kissed before. My heart started beating fast."

"Here are your checks, fellas," Elaine said.

We all reached for our wallets. Each of us pulled out three twenties. We were tipping Elaine big.

"Then what?" Lance asked.

"Huh? Oh. I started questioning everything. In the past I tried not to look at guys in the showers. I told myself it was weird, and they would think I was weird. But I started looking at our teammates. You and I looked at each other."

"Is this the part where I should get jealous?" Jakob smiled.

"Oh, please. These two?" Mike said. "I'm surprised they weren't making out in the showers."

"Hey!" Lance and I both objected.

"No, we waited for you to do that in the showers," I said.

"Oh God!!" Mike said, burying his face in his hands. "You can see where I was at that point. I hadn't had anybody since Ethan ... and here was this ... gorgeous ..." He kissed me. "...beautifully hung ..." He kissed me. "... young stud who for some reason came on to his former teacher by waving his hard-on in his face."

"Dear, lord. I was a mess," I said. "I went for broke. Had it gone any other way, I would have been humiliated beyond belief. You could have been fired. I can't believe you went along with it."

"I knew better, but you were just too beautiful a package for me to turn down, baby."

"Aw. You two are adorable. And talk very openly," Jakob chuckled.

We all got up to leave. Elaine hugged each of us and wished us Happy New Year. We returned the same.

Back at the lake house, we turned on the television to see what was happening around the country. We kept switching stations to see what celebrity artist was playing where.

We hadn't had dessert at the restaurant. Lance offered to make hot chocolate. They all agreed it sounded great.

I was on the floor in front of the couch sitting between Mike's legs. Jakob grabbed a throw pillow and placed it on Mike's legs. He reclined on the couch and put his head in Mike's lap. I remembered when Lance used to do that with me in college. Mike draped his hand over Jakob's chest in a friendly — but loving — gesture.

"Want to know what I did on New Year's last year?" Jakob said.

"Sure," Mike said, gently massaging his chest.

"The last house I stayed at — pretty much on a futon in a small study — the three roommates had a few other guys over. It was a small group. We drank. We drank quite a bit ... and they fucked me. At about 10:30, they all decided to go dancing. And they left. Without me. I sat at the house by myself. And I drank until I threw up in the kitchen sink. Even though I was drunk, I still cleaned it up and made it all look shiny and polished. Then I laid on the couch and cried. And eventually fell asleep I guess."

"Dear heavens!" Mike said.

"Oh, man. Jakob!" I said.

Mike reached for Jakob's hand and squeezed it. Lance put four mugs of steaming hot chocolate on a tray and carried it into the living room. He handed each of us a mug.

"Sorry, no marshmallows," he said.

We all sat up. After thanking him, everyone blew across the top.

"Now look at me this year. I'm surrounded by the closest friends I've ever had, I'm in love with the most wonderful man ... and I'm happy. Thank you — all of you — you have NO idea how lucky I feel. I love all of you and appreciate you," Jakob said before taking a sip.

Mike put his mug down and hugged Jakob. It was a strong hug. "And you are loved too," he said, giving Jakob a kiss on the cheek. Lance went over to sit next to his boyfriend. I was loving this. My fiancée, my best friends, a holiday, hot chocolate, a lake house getaway ... it was perfect. But something seemed off.

"This isn't right," I said and walked into the bedroom. Less than a minute later, I walked out in pajamas and the Pride T-shirt. "Hot chocolate screams for pajamas."

"Absolutely!" they all said.

Everyone else went to change. Minutes later, we all emerged. Mike and I matched. Jakob and Lance had the matching pajamas we gave them, but different T-shirts. Lance wore a university shirt; Jakob had on a T-shirt that had Lance's name on the back, apparently from high school. We took turns heating the hot chocolate back up in the microwave.

"I hardly remember last year," Lance said. "I wasn't drinking as heavily then, but I sure did that night. I was at a party. Aram held it in his apartment. I think there were about 15 people crammed in there. And I remember almost nothing. I woke up about 1 o'clock and couldn't remember anything about the last few hours. I vaguely remembered kissing people — I couldn't tell you who or how many. My fly was unbuttoned. I had no recollection of fucking or sucking anyone or being fucked or sucked. How pathetic is that."

"It was college," I said.

"But is that really an excuse?" he said. "Being sober now, I look back on those times as totally pathetic."

"I'm proud of you, Lance," Mike said. "I'm so happy we're all here together. Honey, I'm glad you could get this again. It's perfect."

Mike left momentarily and returned with a couple of vanilla candles lit. He placed them on the coffee table and then turned out the lights in the house. The atmosphere was wonderful. I felt like we all loved the simple pleasure of being with friends on New Year's Eve in a romantic setting.

Lance went into the bedroom to text his parents "Happy New Year."

Mike and I were reclining on the couch together. I had the remote and was switching stations. Mike had his hand down my pajamas holding his fiancée's dick. It wasn't showy. He was just holding it. Lance looked at us when he returned and sat next to Jakob, putting his arm around him. Jakob placed his head on Lance's shoulder. He draped his hand over Lance's leg. I could tell Lance was getting an erection. He didn't care if anyone could see a big bulge from his raging boner. Our group was pretty comfortable together.

As midnight approached, Mike came in with plastic champagne glasses and sparkling cider. He poured us a glass with two minutes to go.

Soon the countdown to the New Year began. At midnight, all four of us screamed, "Happy New Year." We each kissed our partner in a long passionate kiss. Each of us walked to the other for a simple peck.

We sipped on the faux champagne as we watched confetti fall and people cheer. It wasn't long before the glasses were empty, and the television coverage had switched to a performance on the West Coast.

"Well, as incredibly lovely as this night was, I wish to bring in the New Year making love to this man," Lance announced.

"Lance!" Jakob said.

"I think he's on to something," Mike agreed.

"At least with us, you two don't have to be quiet," I said.

"Like you two will be."

"It's not a competition," Jakob scolded.

"It could be," Lance mischievously said.

I walked up to Jakob. "Happy New Year, Jakob. Thanks for being here. I love you." I gave Jakob a nice kiss on the lips.

I stepped over to Lance. We locked eyes. The two of us had a long history of deep emotions. Our year together had been incredible. We had grown so much since graduation. We kissed. "Happy New Year, buddy," I told him. "I will always have your back, and I will always love you."

Mike kissed both of them too with a "Happy New Year" thrown in.

As a light was turned on in each bedroom, Mike blew out the candles. We shut our doors.

After brushing our teeth, we stripped naked. Mike had a small split of real champagne. He poured it into our glasses.

We toasted to the New Year and then kissed naked on the bed.

"Think of the year ahead of us," I said. "The Showcase. Our wedding. A married life together. My promotion. It should be wonderful."

"Totally. But as long as we're together, that's all I care about," he said.

I loved him so much. We kissed deeply. I felt his hand reach down to grip my penis, which was starting to get hard.

"I wanted to talk to you about something," he said.

"Oh?"

"What would you think about a new house?"

I pulled back. "What?? But I love your house."

"I like it, too. But it was the house that Ethan and I had together. I mean, it does belong to me, but I was thinking maybe if we save enough, we can build a house that the two of us imagine together."

"Wow. That sounds nice."

"And your father was right. The house does belong to me."

"Oh, screw him," I said.

"But, if we get a new house, we can go in 50-50 and it will be ours together."

"It could be wonderful," I said, leaning in to kiss him again.

Those thoughts could wait.

"I want to start the New Year with you inside me," I said into his ear.

He went over to our suitcase. We had brought lube. Vanilla. I grabbed a towel from the bathroom and slid it under me. We turned out the lights and enjoyed the ambience of the candle. Vanilla.

As we kissed, our hands roamed over each other's skin. Our penises lengthened in no time. I turned to lie on my stomach.

Mike slicked his fingers and ran them along my cleft before penetrating my hole. I moaned as he prodded his fingers within me.

"Fuck me, Michael," I softly spoke.

I felt the weight of the bed shift as his body maneuvered above me. I felt his presence just inches from my own body heat. His dick gently moved in. The head. Two inches. Four inches. All of the man I loved. He pushed in fully. It was only momentarily uncomfortable, then I felt filled with his masculinity.

"Oh yeah," I moaned.

Mike slid his erection in and out of me with a steady rhythm. It was exquisite. It was like his cock was gliding on ice. Hot, passionate ice.

We held nothing back. Even with the guys in the other room, we were vocal. We groaned.

"Fuck me, fuck me," I called out.

"Oh, babe, I feel so good inside you," Mike called out.

Lance and Jakob were intimate as well. I could hear them, moaning and speaking each other's names as they enjoyed their sex. Four men enjoying common lust made it hotter.

We got loud. We were deep into our lovemaking. Mike was pounding my ass. I didn't care that they could hear. We wanted them to hear our love. They, too, held nothing back.

"Oh, yeah, Jakob," Lance called out through the walls. "Suck me, baby. Suck my cock!"

I turned over and spread my legs. Mike stuck his hard shaft in me again. I wailed. He worked his cock in me. It felt so sensual. I loved his flesh in me.

"I love how you fill me, baby. Fuck me with your amazing dick," I softly said to him.

His hips thrust. He groaned. He thrust faster. He growled. His crotch shoved into my hole. He yelled. He was grinding me. Drilling me. Reaming me. Destroying my ass. As the minutes went on, our groaning got even louder. Even naked in the cool house, Mike began working up a sweat with his gymnastic fucking. We stared into each other's faces. My lover's visage became twisted with sexual ecstasy. I knew he was close. I wailed further knowing he was about to come. I was being pleasured from within. The two of us were so audible, the entire lake heard us.

"Yes! Yes! Oh God, Trent! I'm coming," Mike screamed. I knew the guys knew it.

Lance was groaning. We could hear him deep into his pleasure.

Mike stayed inside me, slowly moving his throbbing rod inside the walls of my tunnel. I jerked my cock. I used strong force to work my flesh. We were connected. I could hear Lance escalating. He stayed with me. The three of us were emerged in hot sex. Lance and I moaned louder. The crescendo announced that both of us were close. He wanted to come with me. I wanted to match him.

"Come for me, J.T.," Mike told me.

"I'm coming, Michael," I said as my cock exploded. I splattered the liquid on my chest. My cum felt on fire. It was hot lava. I screamed euphorically.

"I'm coming, Jakob," Lance shouted through the wall.

Mike and I panted. We wondered if Jakob had come. We soon heard him moaning. We received our answer. He got louder. Mike and I held each other's cocks as we listened to Jakob be in the sexual moment of our quartet. It built. We knew he was close.

"Yes!!" he screamed, loudest of all.

I pictured Jakob's dick shooting all over Lance. I had no idea what their position was. I pictured it on Lance's face.

"This was so hot," Mike said.

The two of us applauded. We heard them laugh.

Mike went into the kitchen to get a bottled water.

"Bumped into Lance," he said returning. "He was getting a towel. Apparently, Jakob was the one that was a mess."

We chuckled.

"Trent, you make me happy. I'm glad we are starting this year together. And every year to come. I love you."

I kissed him. Our arms wrapped around each other. Even following our lovemaking, our hands were all over each other. I loved this man. Praise God, he loved me back. We finished the champagne.

He blew out the candle and we snuggled under the covers. He wrapped his arms around me from behind and kissed me on the back of the neck. That's exactly how we fell asleep.

—

We hadn't been up too late. We all probably fell asleep by 1 a.m. No one seemed eager to get up. It was New Year's Day. Why bother? We slept in.

I had to get up to pee at 8:30. When I returned to the bedroom, I could hear Mike's breathing. It was the slightest snore. I put on the pajamas and let him continue to sleep.

I went into the kitchen to start coffee brewing.

We had prepared for breakfast. I looked into the fridge. There was no real reason to start yet. I was the only one up. I inhaled the aroma of coffee brewing as I went over to the big window to stare out over the lake. I wished it would snow, but we were way too warm for that.

I poured myself a cup.

Jakob came out. Like me, he was just wearing the pajama bottoms.

"Smells good," he said.

I poured him a mug. As I handed the coffee to him, I noticed his chest hair. It was quite attractive. I always thought he was the simple boy-next-door type, but as I've come to love him as a close friend, I find more things about him truly adorable.

We talked about the concept of owning a lake house like this one. I couldn't imagine being able to afford something like this. For him, coming from a place of no roof over his head, Jakob was grateful just to be in an apartment. He sat down his coffee and walked over to me.

"Thank you again, Trent, for sharing your place these past months. I will never forget your kindness."

He hugged me.

"It was my pleasure. You helped me," I said softly.

We held each other for a long embrace.

When I let go, I went to the coffee and topped off our mugs.

Lance came out of the bedroom. He was completely naked.

"Morning," he mumbled.

"Angel? Are we declaring it a no clothes day?" Jakob said.

"Eh. These guys have seen me naked."

"I think half the state has," I said.

"Funny," he replied dryly.

I heard Jakob sigh. "He can be so brash," he muttered under his breath.

Brash described the Lance I had known. When someone is born with a beast of a dick like his, it probably entitled a person to a level of confidence and machismo that others couldn't imagine. I hadn't seen his penis since college. That dick! How could Jakob take it?

"I know you don't do coffee. We brought juice for you if you'd like some," I offered.

"Please."

"Ice or no?"

"No please."

I handed him the beverage, and then I stood next to Jakob. We both just looked at Lance.

"What are you doing?" he asked us.

I moved behind Jakob and wrapped my arms around his waist. Putting my chin on Jakob's shoulder, the two of us just smiled.

"We're just enjoying looking at a very handsome man," I said.

"You guys are so comfortable together," said Jakob. "It's sweet in an almost jealous kind of way."

Mike came out, completely nude.

"Did I hear something about a no clothes day?" he said.

Jakob and I looked at each other.

"Case in point, huh?" I said to him. "Yeah, we're a comfortable crew."

I played with Jakob's hairy chest a moment.

"Hey, that chest belongs to me," Lance defended.

I went over to Mike to stand behind him. I placed my hands in front of Mike's crotch to hide his genitals. "And these are mine," I said.

Mike rolled his eyes. "Coffee please."

Jakob poured him a mug and brought it to him. I had a goofy grin on my face, still hiding Mike's dick. Mike crossed his feet and continued to drink his coffee, totally ignoring my actions.

Jakob returned to Lance and stood in front of him, shielding his nudity from us. Playing along with light heartedness, Lance stuck his hand down Jakob's pajamas.

"You people are insatiable," Jakob mumbled with a smile.

Lance kissed him on the cheek. "Love you, baby," he whispered.

I came around to the front of Mike and kissed him. Then I bent down and kissed his dick. Mike went over to the table. He seemed completely comfortable being naked around us. I was not expecting this from him. I guess no one minded.

However, I worried all this familiarity might be tough for Jakob. I could tell Lance did too.

"I'll go put something on," Lance whispered to Jakob.

"If you want," he said.

A few minutes later, Lance came back out in pajama bottoms and the T-shirt he wore last night. He poured more juice. Everyone was at the kitchen table. Lance was the only one with a shirt on.

"Everyone sleep okay?" Lance asked.

"Totally," I said. "But Mike and I always do. I remember those first nights last winter. I was so aware of you next to me," I said, looking at Mike. "Now if you were gone, it would feel strange."

"Lance and I hold feet," Jakob said.

We looked at them inquisitively.

"Our legs get all tangled together," Lance said. "We press our feet together. It's our version of holding hands, but with our feet. It's weird, I know."

"I think it's cute," I said.

Lance got up and opened the refrigerator. "Do we have thoughts on breakfast?"

"I'll make us something," Mike said.

"I hope you put something on," I said. "As it is now, it would be all sorts of health code violations."

"Fine," Mike said.

He stood up. Jakob got a full look at Mike. He wasn't nearly as endowed as Lance and me. But he looked quite nice when hard. Actually he looked quite nice all the time.

Mike was walking past Lance. He stood in front of my fiancée and gave him a peck on the lips. "I like you just the way you are, Mike."

Lance fondled his dick playfully for a second.

"Down, Lance. He isn't yours to play with," Jakob said sarcastically.

Mike winked at Lance and went into the bedroom.

"It was kind of hot listening to you guys last night," Lance said.

"I thought the same," I said. "Did you think so, Jakob? Were you okay with it?"

"I suppose. At first, I thought it was slightly odd. I've always thought sex is supposed to be personal, private. My experiences with multiple partners have ... not been great. After a while last night, I just went with it. Knowing you two are in love — you engaged lovebirds you — gave it greater meaning to me. When I used to live with people, I don't know if those dudes even cared about love. It was just about the sex ... getting off ... then moving on or going to sleep. With the four of us last night ... I don't know ... I just felt love. Maybe my brain was telling me you were sharing your love with us. Yeah, it was kind of hot, I guess."

"I believe you came last," I said.

"Right. It was intense. I was a sticky mess." Suddenly, Jakob became self-conscious. "But let's talk about something else."

I turned on the Rose Parade but kept the volume low. None of us really watched it, but we would glance over every now and then.

Lance asked me how my role would change when I returned to work on Monday. I explained a few differences, but it would be similar in many respects. The pay would be better. What would be odd I said is that I would most likely be training a new assistant. As much as the promotion was awesome, I would miss some of the tasks I had done for half a year.

Fifteen minutes later, Mike came to the table with a platter of four omelets and some grilled hash browns. A minute later, he brought a bowl of fresh fruit. He admitted the store cut them up, he just combined them in a bowl.

Jakob hopped up to bring plates and silverware to the table.

"Delicious, dear," I said as we started digging in.

It was the right amount of food. Not huge portions, but enough to carry us until lunch. A late one. As we were taking the dishes to the kitchen, I looked at the sunshine outside.

"Hey, guys," I said. "Before we shower, can we do a run? It looks nice."

Their reactions ranged from "sure" to lethargic groans. Before long, we were dressed warmly. As I suggested a run, most of us didn't want heavy coats.

The crispness of the morning air was delightful. Lance and I were probably in better shape. We would jog ahead and rest a moment to let Mike and Jakob catch up. They had no qualms of lagging behind and just walking to enjoy the morning sun.

By the time we got back, it was almost 11. It was barely 40 degrees outside, but with no wind, we had jogged up a slight sweat.

"I'm going to get some firewood," Mike said.

Inside the living room, we opened the metal mesh curtain on the fireplace. We took off sweatshirts. Suddenly we heard Mike scream and a loud noise.

"Oh my God," we all said, rushing to the door.

Mike was lying at the bottom of the steps, groaning.

"Mike!" I screamed. "Are you okay?"

"I think. I just hit a step wrong and lost my footing. What a klutz."

"I'll get firewood," Jakob said. "You two help him inside."

"I'm fine," Mike said, as Lance and I lifted him up.

He hobbled inside. I hovered over him to make sure he was okay. Mike was confident nothing was broken. He took off his shirt. There were no cuts or scrapes, but Mike felt he would have a bruise or two soon. After limping a bit, he started walking it off. How disappointing for him, but he seemed okay.

"Just rest on the couch, babe," I said. I suddenly felt so motherly. He said he was fine, but I was still concerned.

We lifted one of his feet up on the coffee table to keep it elevated.

Jakob came in with firewood. He then made a second trip and got the fire going within a few minutes. Then he came over with us to sit with Mike.

"Seriously guys, don't fawn over me. I'm fine," Mike said.

They decided to let Mike relax a bit. I stayed nearby.

"I'll hop in the shower first, babe," Lance said to Jakob.

Several minutes later, Lance walked out to the living room. He was wrapped in a towel.

"How do you feel? Any bruises showing?"

"No. It just feels tender. At this point."

"You are staying with this no dress day, aren't you sweetie?" Jakob said.

"It's just us. I'm wearing a towel. I'll eventually put something on. If I must."

Everyone chuckled.

"If you are okay, hon', I will go shower," I said.

"I'll do the same," Jakob said.

"I'm not sure we can both fit in our shower," I smiled.

Jakob swatted my butt. "Not what I meant." We shared silly smiles. With each hour, Jakob opened up more and more. He was so sweet. Lance had chosen well. I was glad they had found each other.

After showering, Jakob and I prepared lunch. It was simple sandwiches with sliced turkey or roast beef. We had chips, pasta salad and soup. The soup I made myself. It was a family corn chowder recipe I liked.

Mike seemed to be feeling fine. Nothing seemed to be hurt, but he laid on the couch until about 2:30 after lunch. At that point, he finally got up and showered.

Jakob had found a deck of cards in one of the drawers along with a few puzzles. We spent the rest of the afternoon playing cards with football games on in the background. Mike and Lance would be interested in the score every now and then. Jakob and I didn't care. Many people would have found our day unexciting. I loved it. I loved being in this house with these men.

Mike still insisted on fixing dinner. The sun was shining on the back porch. The three of us left Mike alone and enjoyed an iced tea outside, looking over the lake. It was peaceful. I listened for the light breeze to blow over the water.

Lance just gazed over the water's surface. He seemed content.

"This summer, Mike and I had sex in the chair your sitting in, Lance," I said.

"This rocking chair!?" Lance replied.

"Oh, good. More sex talk," Jakob quietly said, rolling his eyes.

"We were silly. We wanted to do it outside, so we waited until dark. Remember, we had just gotten back together after a few weeks. We were always horny as hell. It was really hot."

"I'm amazed you didn't shatter the chair," Lance said.

"It was tricky, but we made it work. Great fun."

There was an occasional boat on the water. Most people had their boats covered for the winter.

I asked Jakob when he had to return to work. Monday was to be the first day back, so he and Lance could boxes put away on Sunday. I was excited for them. I no longer worried that they might be moving in together too fast. They loved each other. Deeply. Jakob knew who Lance was and has accepted him, warts and all. Since we were leaving the lake house tomorrow, they could start dabbling with it that evening. I asked if they needed any help.

"I'm sure we'll be fine," Jakob said. "You probably have a few new things to find places for anyway. You are kind to offer, Trent. You have no idea how nice it is to have really good friends like you and Mike."

"Were you never close to any of the people you lived with?" I asked.

"I liked some better than others. But we were simply roommates. I'm not sure any of them considered us friends. Certainly not close friends. One was rather nice to me. He'd let me sleep with him on occasion. Not in a sex way, but just to share a bed. Well, I had sex with all of them — whether I wanted to or not."

"I'm sorry," I said.

"I haven't had a close friend — until now — since the family that took me in when I got kicked out of my home. My best friend and I were really close. We liked each other as boyfriends. His family was kind and took me in. We were romantic — well, high school stuff — for a few months. That sort of went by the wayside, but we still were close. They moved away the summer after graduation, and I never heard from them again. That's when I had to fall into whatever situation I could take."

"Have you ever tried to contact him again?" I asked.

"I feel the same. You should," Lance added.

"I haven't. Maybe I should try," Jakob said.

Lance went in to see if he could help Mike. Jakob and I continued to visit.

"You are so good for him, Jakob. You two are perfect for each other," I told him.

"Thanks. Why do you think that?"

"I remember Lance from college. He is different now. He knows who he is. He is comfortable with who he is. A lot of that is you."

"Some is probably you too," Jakob said.

"Maybe a little. But ... I just watch him looking at you. He loves everything about you. You help keep him grounded. I am personally grateful to you for that. His drinking days we were not always pretty. I know they advise newcomers to not enter romantic relationships, but I'm glad you two made it work. I'm just happy for you."

"Thanks. I should be a little scared moving in with him, but ... I'm not. We love being together. I'll make an effort to give him space. Our work schedules kind of do that. It makes us look forward to being together."

"What about Evan?"

"Evan is great. Hopefully, me being there won't make him feel crowded. We actually enjoy cooking together."

"Fingers crossed it all goes smoothly," I said.

"Me too. It will, I think. I am glad we will all be saving a little more money. That should help."

"You all have discussed expenses?"

"Yeah. For the most part."

We went in for dinner. Mike asked Lance to light a candle to place on the table. Jakob checked on the fireplace.

We sat down and Mike brought the dishes to the table. We could tell by the way he was walking something hurt a little. His fall still concerned me, but he said he was fine. Everyone started with salad. Dinner was a skillet dish with diced potatoes, onions, peppers, chicken and sausage. The last thing to bring over was some cornbread fresh from the oven.

"It looks great, hon'," I told him.

It was. The meal had a country flair, which seemed to fit being out on the lake. While we didn't have a great deal to do while we were out in the lake house, the simplicity of it all was incredibly enjoyable. If it had just been Mike and me, it would have been romantic and peaceful. But with all four of us, it was just a wonderful bonding of friendship.

We put dishes away and cleaned everything up. Better now than everything at the last minute tomorrow. Just that iota of responsibility made me pause. I stared out the window and suddenly felt like an adult. This weekend hadn't been some college frat party. It was four men. Men. Adults. How different life was since graduation. We all felt it would be sad to leave.

Jakob added more firewood and stoked the flames in the fireplace. Lance sat on the couch and asked Jakob to lay his head on his lap. He pulled Jakob's T-shirt up a little so that his hand could feel his chest as they relaxed on the couch.

Jakob started up conversation about what the two of us would like our wedding to look like. We admitted we hadn't thought that far, but I was kind of hoping for an outdoor wedding.

Mike got up and said he wanted to wish his parents Happy New Year and stepped out back to make a call. Lance thought that was a good idea. I simply texted my parents. I wasn't in the mood to visit with them.

The sun was almost down. We sat on the back porch watching it slip beyond the horizon. Lance asked if it was too soon for hot chocolate. They all wanted it later.

As we sat, Jakob was very quiet. He eventually admitted he was going to call his mother. He went inside.

"He's never done that before," Lance noted. "It's always his sister. I think things will be different for him this year. We didn't mention he was moving in at Christmas. Something tells me he is telling her right now."

"You two are good together," I said. "I'm glad it worked out with Evan for Jakob to move in."

"Evan's a champ," Lance said.

The sun was gone completely. Twilight had the sky a slight blue-violet.

"Hey, before it is dark and since Jakob isn't here, show me how you did it in the rocking chair," Lance mentioned.

I laughed.

"Are you telling him about our love life again?" Mike chuckled.

We carefully demonstrated how we positioned ourselves in the chair.

"Oh my gosh. That's so hot. I'm getting hard just picturing you two naked that way."

We returned to our seats.

"So ... Jakob and sex ... what's up?" Mike calmly asked.

"It's all good. He and I are awesome. But I try to remember that in the abusive world he was in, sex was not romantic or tender or loving. It was just the physical act. The three of us here just talk about it so casually, but there have to be some emotional scars for him. But trust me, we have great sex. He was afraid at first that he would not be able to satisfy what I need. But once he opened up, it's awesome. He sees a new side to it."

"He's in love," I said. "That makes all the difference. Think about the three of us back in February. In that shower. I was just coming out, you were questioning, and Mike was trying to bounce back from a breakup. It was physical for us that evening, but that was what we needed at that point. I guess. Look at us now. Love has made it so much better."

"If it weren't for Jakob, would you really have fucked me tonight?"

Gah! I hated talking about Mike's offer. It had been the first argument between us. I got over it, but I still had some harsh feelings about it. Mike and I were now engaged. The whole three-way scenario just seemed crazy.

"I'd want some ground rules for it to work. Plus, Mike was consenting and approving of it. I would never do anything otherwise. I don't know; I might have gone along with it. However, I find it kind of risky."

Jakob came out. "Well, I talked to my whole family."

"Even your dad?" Lance asked.

"Yeah. Mom handed him the phone, so he kind of had to."

We all laughed.

"Did you tell her you had moved in with me?" Lance asked.

"I did. Not Dad, but I told her before she handed the phone. Then I gave a call to Teresa and Keaton. They wish you all a Happy New Year."

"Nice," I said.

Jakob went back inside and returned 30 seconds later with two blankets. Each couple got underneath one.

"How sweet," Mike said. "Thank you." He pulled Jakob down to kiss him on the cheek. Jakob blushed.

We sat in the dark, huddled under the blankets talking about anything and everything. Childhood hobbies, family trips, aunts and uncles, foods we hated ... it didn't matter. It was just good company.

Mike held my hand as we listened to the slightest sound of water lapping up on the lake's edge. It was quiet. We interlocked our fingers. If heaven had a place that was dark, this was it.

Eventually the chill became too much, and we went inside. Mike lit candles again, and Jakob stoked the fireplace one last time. We slipped into our PJs for the night.

"These were such a great gift for us. Thank you again, guys," Lance said.

No one seemed interested in anything that was on television, so we turned it off. As it was the New Year, we all agreed we had our share of Christmas music too. Lance went to the kitchen to make us hot chocolate again. Mike and I snuggled closer. Eventually we looked into each other's eyes. I squeezed him tightly, and he momentarily jumped. I could tell his side was tender. I apologized and gave him a kiss. He put his hand behind my head and pulled me in for a deeper kiss.

Lance returned with a tray of mugs minutes later. I was laying on top of Mike, and we were still kissing in the candlelight.

"Hot chocolate, gentlemen."

We sat up and reached for a mug. Lance could see bulges in both of our pajamas. Jakob had been watching. He had a bulge too. Lance handed him a mug. As he sat down next to Jakob, Lance let his fingers slip inside his lover's PJs to grope his stiff cock. They positioned their bodies to where Jakob had one foot on the floor and one foot on the loveseat; Lance moved in between and leaned back into his chest. Mike and I had the whole couch, but we sat the same. He kissed me on the back of the neck between sips of cocoa. His free hand moved up under my T-shirt. The dimly lit room had a mood of arousal.

No one spoke. We listened to the crackle of the fire.

"That sound will always remind me of this weekend," Lance said.

"It has been wonderful," Jakob added.

Mike and I hummed in agreement. Mike let his hand slip into my pajamas. It didn't take long before my cock was rock hard again.

Mike pulled his shirt off. As he did so, I shifted my weight. I noticed Jakob had his hand down Lance's pajamas too. Mike returned his hand to my crotch, groping my penis through the pajamas from the outside. Jakob seemed okay with the male affection going on. The candles and the fire were the only light. The ambience seemed more romantic with each passing second. Mike's hard-on prodded my back. I got bold and pulled off both my T-shirt and pajamas. Jakob was now jerking Lance's dick to where we could see it. I lay naked between Mike's legs. I was hoping this would not trouble Jakob, but after the through-the-walls sexcapade last night, we all seemed comfortable. Lance was already exposed.

Lance and Jakob whispered to each other after I had stripped.

Lance took his pajamas off and knelt before Jakob, kissing him deeply. As they kissed, I began to gently moan as Mike began stroking me again. His hand caressing my stiff flesh was loving and tender. Lance groped at Jakob's crotch. His dick was noticeably tenting his pajamas.

"Is it our turn, Jakob?" Mike asked.

"Yeah," Lance's lover softly offered.

I turned my body to pull the PJs off Mike. We were both nude. Jakob stood and pulled his off. It was the first time Mike and I had seen Jakob stripped naked. He seemed fine with us seeing his hairy genitals. Their two dicks were nothing alike. When he sat back down, Lance leaned over his crotch and took his cock in his mouth. Jakob moaned feeling his flesh enveloped by Lance's warm mouth. I found it heartwarming that the difference in dick size didn't bother them. I knew Lance loved everything about Jakob.

Mike and I were in a tight embrace. Jakob watched us grinding our hips together, our cocks rubbing. We began moaning while we kissed. Jakob watched our lovemaking; he moaned some more receiving Lance's oral service.

I moved down to take Mike's dick in my mouth. Mike moaned, "Yeah, babe. Ohhhh, yeah." It should have caused me concern to be so public and open with others in the room, but the scented candles were romantic. The fire crackled. The dim room seemed romantic and sexually charged.

Lance slurped on Jakob's stiff hard-on. "Ohhh, angel. That feels good," he said.

The oral gratification continued on both pieces of furniture. The fire began to lose some of its height. The dimmer light made the ambience even more suitable for passion.

Jakob began getting louder. He started calling Lance's name in his groaning. Then he forcefully pulled his shoulders from his waist.

"Not yet," he gasped. "I was too close."

"No?"

"Let's make a night of it," I heard him whisper.

Mike was writhing. I was doing a great job pleasuring his penis. "Ohhh, babe. I'm close."

Before I was able to bring Mike off, Jakob addressed us.

"Wasn't there some deal with Lance this weekend?"

All three of us whirled toward him.

"What are you saying, baby?" Lance asked.

"I'm saying I can watch."

I looked at Mike. Mike looked at me.

"Is everyone okay with us doing this?" Mike asked. "It's not good to go any further if we aren't all fine with ... the four of us interacting."

After a moment, we all nodded in the soft light.

"I have lube in the bedroom," I said.

I came back with a towel and the bottle.

"We cannot get anything on this furniture," I said.

"We stood in the shower way back when," Lance said. "What do you think?"

"The fireplace," Mike directed.

Jakob and Mike sat on the furniture while I squirted lube on my fingers. I let them probe up inside Lance's hole as he placed his hands on the mantle. My fingers explored inside of Lance.

"Ohhh, buddy. Yeah."

I applied more lube to my cock. I reached around to wipe the remaining lube on my hands on Lance's butt cheek. Then I gently entered him. In some ways, an ass was an ass, but I suppose there were subtle differences between the two men I had fucked. One thing was the same, it felt good inside a man.

"You okay, buddy?" I asked him.

It took him a moment, but he let me know he was fine. "Yeah, Trent. You can fuck me. Fuck me, buddy."

I began thrusting my hips. I held Lance's for balance. We moaned as my cock slid in and out of his insides. Mike and Jakob jerked their own cocks as they watched. We suddenly felt like a show. The front of Lance's body began to perspire as heat from the remaining embers warmed his torso. His sweaty cock bobbed and swung. It was a burning beast.

After a few minutes, the two of us were loud. Jakob got up and looked Lance in the eyes. He pulled him from the fireplace. They kissed as I continued fucking Lance as we stepped back from the flames. Jakob played with Lance's swinging cock as they kissed. I kept groaning as I pounded his ass. The fire was dimming, but we felt so hot that it was almost like radiating heat energy from our bodies. My mouth kissed his neck, subtly quenching my thirst with his sweat. My perspiration made my body glisten in the low light just as Lance's was.

Jakob went to sit next to Mike. He reached over and moved Mike's hand off his dick. Mike complied and soon they both reached across and began jerking the other's flesh.

It seemed odd to me that someone else was groping my fiancée. I wasn't sure how I felt about it. However, seeing those two hairy-chested men jerk on each other was hot to me. Lance and I cheered them on in the most guttural growls.

"You know that thing is just begging for our attention," Mike said to Jakob.

The two of them moved down to the floor, one on each side of Lance. He suddenly had both sets of lips on each side of his cock. They licked and slurped all eight inches of his manhood. It was amazing to watch from above, even if I couldn't see Lance's hardened meat from my position.

"Oh, guys. That's amazing. My cock feels so good when both of you do that."

Their faces were all over the place. Lance's balls were being licked. His head was being sucked. His shaft was being lubricated with their saliva. What I couldn't see from above, I imagined in my mind. It was so hot. They momentarily stopped when they reached the end of his cock and began kissing each other. Again, I wasn't jealous. It was what we agreed to, but something about it didn't seem right. Mike was mine. But watching him kiss was ... electrically charging. My cock was throbbing. Both the physical and visual stimulation was escalating.

"Lance, I'm almost there. I'm about to come inside you," I said.

"Stop!" he demanded.

Everyone jumped.

"Not yet, guys. I want to go longer."

"How about the bed?" I asked, knowing that would give my dick a momentary break.

Mike carried one candle to the bedroom. As we entered, I ripped the covers off.

"We can do sheets tomorrow, but we can't get anything on the blankets."

Lance came in with the lube and towel. He stretched his body on the towel and reached out for Jakob to lie on top of him. Mike lay down, but suddenly called out "ow!"

We looked at him with concern.

"I'm fine. I just twisted wrong. I'm okay."

I maneuvered my body on top of his. We were a couple of feet apart from Lance and Jakob. The four of us kissed like mad. Our breathing became heavy, turning into groaning. We were all hard again. Jakob and I momentarily looked at each other. We leaned over for a quick kiss. I had kissed him before, but never like this. This was during sex. Then I leaned down to kiss Lance. A deep kiss. I loved kissing. It reminded me of the night we made love in college.

"Fuck me some more," Lance told me.

The two of us got up.

"Jakob? Can I pleasure you in some way?" Mike offered.

"I don't know how I feel about that. Lance is the only person I will let fuck me. It's too personal for me. Only the man I love can be inside me."

"That's sweet," Mike said.

"But I have an idea," said Jakob.

He pulled Lance further down the bed and let his legs hang off. We slipped the towel under his ass. Jakob reached for the lube. He slicked up Lance's hole again and then coated my hard cock. I could tell Lance loved watching Jakob's hands slide around my cock. Jakob and I kissed again. Then he stepped back.

"Fuck your brains out guys," Jakob cheered.

Lance spread his legs and held them up. I stood before my best friend. My pole found the entrance to his passage again and thrust inside. We both groaned. I reached down to hold his legs as my cock sawed into his interior.

Jakob coated Lance's huge cock with lube, then he slicked his own hole. Carefully Jakob straddled him and inched back until he was right above Lance's cock and just inches in front of me. He held Lance's cock straight up and lowered onto it. Lance gently entered him. Shortly his entire length had moved up into Jakob's ass. I wondered how much that hurt. Lance was totally inside him. I was totally in Lance.

I'm sure Mike was pondering what that astounding mass of cock would feel like stretching our limits. Jakob was impressive.

I moved Lance's legs to my shoulders. I then grabbed Jakob from behind and felt his chest as he was riding Lance's cock. The three of us were connected, moving and gyrating together. It was a sweaty sex sculpture.

Jakob's chest wasn't like Mike's, but I enjoyed the touch of his hair between my fingers. I gripped hair between my fingers to appreciate the feel even more.

"This. Is. Hot." Mike said, watching the show.

"Mike, you are left out," Lance said.

"Oh, I'm enjoying this."

"Mike, give me your cock. Let me suck you," he requested.

Mike moved slowly. He moved his knees near Lance's shoulders. He lowered his dick down to my best friend's mouth. Looking directly at Lance's partner, Mike began kissing Jakob again. The lust in the room was going berserk. Lance gently stroked the base as the dick bent it to his mouth. Four men were in the flames of passion — sex was everywhere.

I was groaning loudly. My rhythm was steady, but Lance's legs on my shoulders wasn't as easy as when he had them further spread. I still maintained keeping my dick deep inside my best friend.

"Fuck me, buddy. You feel good inside me," Lance said, momentarily taking Mike's dick from his mouth.

"Oh, yeah, buddy," I returned. "My cock is throbbing."

Mike pulled his cock from Lance's face and slowly turned around 180 degrees. He winced and said "ow" again from his accident. He now straddled Lance in a more comfortable direction for sucking. He plunged his hairy dick back into Lance's waiting mouth. Jakob could now wrap his arms around Mike and the two pressed their bodies together as Jakob continued to slide up and down his lover's granite tower.

Lance's hormones were in overdrive. He had a beautiful cock in his mouth. His dick was deep inside his lover. And I was plowing his ass. Mike's cock took the brunt of Lance's screams as he erupted. Lance's hips bucked and he shot cum deep up into Jakob.

"That's it angel. Come for me. Come for us. Fill me with your love," Jakob cooed.

It was totally stimulating to watch.

"I'm almost there," I yelled. I pounded Lance's hole.

Jakob moved faster on Lance's pole, working the stimulation while he was still fully hard. It all took me to the edge. My blood stream was high voltage.

"Lance! Jakob! Mike!" I screamed. "Ohhh, yeah!"

I thrust my cock in deep, pushing my bush into his ass as spurt after spurt of cum shot from my cock deep in him. I remembered coming inside him in his dorm room last spring. That orgasm was the best I had ever had up to that time. With all of the buildup tonight, this one felt off the charts too.

"Oh, Lance! I'm coming inside you, buddy." Following those words I just called out in ecastacy.

I pushed and pushed with gasping screams until my cock fully unloaded. All of us had been tested in the past, and I knew we were safe. Coming. Safe. Hot. Love. Men. Hair. Coming. Screaming. Cum. Cocks. Safe.

"Mike, face me," Jakob requested.

Mike maneuvered back around. Both he and Jakob jerked their stiff erections as they faced each other. Mike's ass was positioned in front of Lance. My friend let his tongue travel up the cleft of Mike's butt. Then he pushed it as far as he could in his hole.

I let my meat slip from his ass. I slowly withdrew it leaving Lance empty. I moved onto the bed to watch Lance rimming my man up close. I put my face next to Lance's. "Lick it, buddy."

Our lovers above Lance worked their arms fiercely. Mike could see Jakob's expression. It was the look of someone about to come. He grabbed the back of Jakob's head and pulled him forward. They kissed. Lance pushed his dick up into his partner's ass even though it wasn't fully hard.

"Yes!" Jakob screamed.

Jakob's cum splattered on Lance's chest. Some of it landed on Mike's dick. Mike reached down for more and slid it all around his shaft. Jakob kept coming — it was a lot.

"Oh yeah. Oh yeah!" Mike called.

I moved closer to see my fiancée's cock explode on my best friend. Mike was screaming as each wave shot from him. The volume of the bedroom of us crying out was significant.

Then it became quiet.

For a moment, all of us were panting, either sitting or lying on the bed. We could hear each other's breathing. It was a communion of four lustful males regaining their strength.

The three of us surrounded Lance's splattered body; all of us laid our nude bodies on the bed, overwhelming the physical space of the mattress. We were tightly compressed with legs overlapping everywhere. We felt tightly pressed together. We felt each other's body heat for a long moment. Then I sat up. Lance's chest was glistening in the candlelight from two men's cum. I handed him the towel after dipping my tongue in it and kissing all three gentlemen.

The room seemed calm. We were silent a minute.

The heat of passion had passed. We all contemplated what happened. It was so spectacular, but ... now what?

"Is everyone okay?" Mike asked. "Jakey bear? Are you good?"

"Okay! Sorry, I'm putting my foot down," Lance said. "I'm vetoing Jakey."

Everyone laughed.

"I'm okay. That was incredible," Jakob said. "But ... this is just tonight, right?"

"Exactly," I concurred. "I'm in love with Mike. This was great fun, but ... it was a special moment. Like a once-a-year thing. I can't let this be a regular thing."

"I think everyone feels that way," Mike said. "I'm up for a New Year's tradition of sexual Twister every year."

We laughed. All of us considered it to be a special bond, so we agreed. Some slight regrets of what we had just done slipped into my thoughts, but then I looked at all the male skin lying about me. I loved each one of these men, each differently. That helped my brain process it.

We moved back out to the living room. It was 10. Too early for bed. None of us put clothes on. We lay naked on the furniture. Jakob curled up on a blanket in front of Lance.

"I love you gentlemen," Lance said.

"We love you too," said Mike.

The fire had little crackle left. We listened to its last steaming moments.

—

It was 2:30. Mike and I heard the other two rustling about. We realized we had drifted off to sleep in the front of the fire. We all moved from the living room and went to sleep in beds.

"What a night," I whispered, straightening out the sheets so we could get in them.

Mike lifted the covers from the floor.

"Ow." He had twisted his side again.

I let him position himself comfortably. I draped my arm over him.

"I love you, Michael."

"Love you, J.T."

We started to drift off again.

"Barbara!" I said.

"Huh?" Mike jolted.

"That's the name of the girl I kissed last New Year's Eve."

"Great. Wonderful. Go to sleep," he mumbled into his pillow.

—

There was plenty of light coming in the window by 8:15. Mike and I knew each other was awake. I rolled to hold him.

"You feel okay?" I asked.

"You mean my side or about the four-way?"

"Your side. You aren't bothered by last night, are you? I kind of thought it was your idea."

He rolled onto his back.

"Right. I haven't had many multiple-people encounters. Last night was by far the best. I really did feel a lot of love. But there is still those moments when I realize you were fucking another man and I was kissing someone other than you."

"I know what you mean. I'm not sure how people can be in relationships that have these open arrangements. It's not for me." I kissed him on the cheek. "YOU are for me."

We kissed.

"I feel the same, babe. The world would be too crazy if it weren't for the two of us, right?"

"I seem to have heard that somewhere."

We got up. I could tell he was moving more slowly. A purple bruise was quite visible from the fall. He stared at it in the mirror and gently graced his hands over the surface of the violet-tinted skin. Mike walked into the living room naked and got our clothing. He brought it back, and we got dressed. I pulled off the sheets and added the towels to a load of laundry. We'd shower later back at the house. I loaded them in the washer.

"Didn't you think the sheets were still damp this morning?" Mike asked.

"You mean like four sweaty men had sex on them the night before and they were soaking wet?"

He smiled as he walked to me. "They weren't soaking wet ... but sexually moist." We kissed and put our arms around each other.

Mike had coffee brewing by the time I got to the kitchen. Once the pot was finished, we poured ourselves a cup and stood at the window, looking out over the lake.

We could here Jakob and Lance fumbling around.

"Hi. Sorry. I know we have to do the laundry," Lance said, emerging from the bedroom.

"No worries. We have our sheets and towels going," I told him.

They were wearing their underwear and shirts, but their clothing from last night was still by the fireplace. We had on our pajamas but no shirts. Mike had started making pancakes.

"Sweet," Lance said. "Smells good."

Mike turned toward Lance, and Lance noticed the bruise on his side, just above the hip.

"Oh, man. That's no fun. How sore?"

"Meh. Sore, but not horrendous. I'm just careful around it."

Jakob gave him a gentle hug from behind. Mike smiled and made a slight hum of approval.

"Is Evan home this weekend?" I asked.

"Oh yeah. He went to his parents for Christmas, but only a few days. He'll be there when we get home."

"Should we get Robert something for sharing the lake house with us?" Jakob asked.

"Yes. I actually brought a card we can all sign," I said. "I thought a bottle of champagne — you know, for the New Year — and maybe a gift card to a restaurant."

"We'll pitch in," Lance said.

The pancakes were delicious. They thanked Mike for being the cook. The two showered quickly so they could throw their load in when our sheets were out of the washer.

Close to noon, the second load was about out of the dryer. We had remade our bedroom and bath.

"Does the room scream four-way?" I asked. "Think they can tell?"

Mike laughed. "Baby, how would they possibly know. Any cum that hit the sheets is washed and clean. You were very careful about the covers."

I pictured myself fucking Lance the night before. I never would have expected a four-way. I'm sure mixed feelings would haunt me from time to time. But, fuck, it was hot.

We started loading the cooler with remaining things from the fridge. They helped put dry items in bags, but we all managed to finish the chips. The idea was to go out for lunch on the drive back.

Once they had made up the second bedroom, we took one final scan to make sure everything looked clean and in place. The four of us stood at the door and looked at the room. Then we looked at each other. It became a group hug.

"Thank you so much for inviting us," Jakob said. "I loved everything about the weekend."

"Me too," Lance said.

"It wouldn't have been nearly as fun with anyone else," Mike said.

"And he's not talking about the sex," I added. "Although that fits too."

We chuckled and got in the car.

—

Before dark, I went out for a run. With his side the way it was, Mike simply went for a walk. We showered together. We had enjoyed more than enough sex over the weekend, but we still kissed a little in the shower. Holding each other in the warm spray was nice.

We were still full from lunch, so we didn't fix dinner. We picked at some leftover things from the cooler.

Mike turned in early. I seemed like his side was bothering him.

I took the wreath off our door. We had taken the tree down before heading to the lake house. Odds and ends could be done tomorrow. I sat on the couch reflecting on the holidays. Once again it sunk in that I was engaged. I walked to the desk to pull out my journal.

January 2

Wow. So little space left. A new year seems appropriate to write something. Our weekend with the guys was incredible. We took a big step with our friendships and relationship. I hope that doesn't cause any issues. It was great, but I can't stop thinking there was some risk.

Mike brought up a new house. I don't have the money he does — and that's just a teacher's salary. If we do this, I want it to be done fairly. We'll see how well I save with my promotion.

This new year has so much to look forward to.

* * * *

Look for a post on the blog called "New Year's Eve." It can be found at timothylane414stories.blogspot.com.

Did you like the chapter? Hate the chapter? Email: timothylane414@gmail.com