Introspection

Introspection 4

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This document contains homosexual themes and acts. If you are underage or don't like the subject, then don't read it.

The story is not autobiographical and is a product of the writer's fertile imagination.

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Previously

We reviewed our day and made more comments about the previous evening which brought legs against each other. I decided not to give a lot of preamble. "Andrew, I have an idea and a suggestion. Dave, the fellow who rents my condo, has found a place and my condo will be free at the beginning of July. You haven't found a place to live. Would you consider my place if you are interested? It has two bedrooms and is quite comfortable but it needs a bit of work." I stopped and looked at him. He was absolutely still, looking at me. He didn't say a thing. "Ah shit, I am going too fast?"

"Would I consider? Would I be interested? Too fast? Let's see ... yes, yes and a definite no." He paused with a goofy grin. "You bloody well took me by surprise. I have one proviso, a deal breaker."

I gave him a frown with a questioning look. He looked at me. He pursed his lips. "One bedroom and one study with a sofa bed for guests or family, only." Now I had the goofy grin. That was it; we were living together. I guess my go slowly timetable was shot to hell and I was overjoyed.

Present

Andrew and I went back to my room to celebrate. When we went into the kitchen to get some breakfast the next morning, Tony and Rob were already there.

Tony looked seriously at me; he looked pissed off. I gave him a look that said what the hell is going on? He shook his head. I saw Rob cover his face as if he were brushing something off his mouth. "Remember ... your room is your room but there was a proviso."

Things clicked in for both Andrew and me almost at the same time. We both stifled our laugh. "I am sorry Tony. You didn't get any sleep. Rob, how horny did we make you? All night?"

Tony, "Pretty damn close!"

Rob put his arm around Tony's neck. "Big wimp, it was only a couple of times and you loved every minute of it. The guys were remarkably active and vocal; I kind of enjoyed it."

By this time, we were all laughing and I had my arm around Andrew. "Guys, my apartment will be vacant in late June, early July. Meet my new roommate. That was the celebration."

We were swarmed by Rob and Tony. They had come to really like Andrew. The thought, what's not to like, flashed through my brain. Hugs, kisses and warm wishes. I could tell that Andrew was touched as he leaned into me with a shy smile.

June passed quickly. I had taken Andrew over to see the condo. He liked the location, size and layout. I realized that I had made a good buy. However, my eyes saw it in a very different light this time. It looked a little dowdy. The colours of the rooms were nondescript. The wall to wall carpet in the living area had seen better days. The furniture was stuff that I had put together in my early days at work. I took pictures of the rooms and then measurements. That night, I sat down with Andrew to discuss renovations. His first words were that it was my condo and I should decided what I wanted.

"Andrew, this is our home, yours and mine." I went over and gave him a kiss. "I want you to feel that this is your place, something to be proud of and enjoy. I'll tell you some of things that I am thinking of. Hardwood floors in the living room and dining area. Ceramic tile for a large area around the entrance and I would love to have ceramic tile in the kitchen. Let's leave the kitchen cabinets as is for now but maybe a renovation when we see what everything else will cost. The carpets in the halls, bedroom and study are in good shape. I am not a big bathroom person; I can just leave them for now. New furniture for the living area." I paused and raised my eyebrows. "New bed and chest of drawers?"

"Paul, that is a lot. Cost?"

"Andrew, I have saved a lot of money in the last few years and I consider a lot of what I am suggesting as an investment which I am going to pay for by the way." I raised my hand. "I know what you are going to say and we shall do some sharing of the cost. Maybe you could buy some knotted area rugs or paintings that you can take with you when you tire of me." I sighed pathetically. Andrew gave me a shot in the arm and his trademark smile. "OK, let's start with the living area."

And so we discussed a lot of ideas, colours, new furniture. We had a lot of fun and Andrew had a lot ideas and turned out to have a really excellent appreciation of colours. We decided to make some tentative decisions but wait until the condo was free. The next days after work, we did the rounds of paint stores, hardware stores and flooring companies. We ended up with more swatches, colour charts and samples than I ever dreamed possible. We had a lot of discussions and started putting some things aside as not to our tastes.

We entered the vacant condo in the second last week of June. We were armed with samples, colour swatches and charts. Andrew immediately opened the curtains to see the daytime light in the apartment. We fiddled with with various colour charts. Then we put down hardwood floor samples. It was amazing that within minutes we decided on a slightly lighter colour for the living area and a slightly darker trim and accent colour. We repeated everything in the kitchen and bathroom. Then with a devilish look Andrew led me to the bedroom. I refused to sit on the bed with him, telling him that I didn't trust him. He told me with good reason as he was ready to attack me. I told him it didn't matter because we had no supplies. He pulled out his 'boy scout' package from his pocket. It was quite a few minutes before we chose the colour for the bedroom but it sure was a house warming experience.

In early June, I had phoned various tradesmen and companies recommended by friends and had made firm commitments then for a start in the first and second week of July. I phoned them all to confirm and then we provided them with details and set dates for the work to start. We had received some very good suggestions and some excellent deals; the price had come in quite a bit under what I had expected. As a result, the kitchen was to get new cabinets and counter tops. They were the first to start. We had arranged for a painter to come and start with the bedroom and bathrooms. We were amazed as the cabinets were standard components and were very quickly delivered and installed. Beyond any expectations, the kitchen was finished by the end of the second week of July, the painting a week later. All that was left were the floors in the living area, the entrance and the kitchen.

We were at Rob and Tony's place in the third week of July when Andrew's phone rang. He answered and it became clear from his tone of voice that there was a problem. When he said 'bye Mom see you tomorrow, I shall be there as soon as I can', I knew that there was a problem.

"Paul, I have to leave tomorrow. Mom needs me."

"Slow down Andrew. What exactly is the situation and what needs to be done.

His father had fallen on a job and had broken his leg and a rib. His brother Phil had not been home for days and his mother needed help with some issues around the house and dealing with his father who was not being a good patient. She feared that he would only increase the damage by trying to do too much, too soon.

I looked at Andrew. "Do you want to go in my car? It is bigger or do you want to take both? We can split the driving if we just take mine."

He looked at me as if I were crazy. "Paul, you don't have to involve yourself with my crazy family. I have never taken anyone home."

I led him into the living room. "Andrew, we are in this together. It is summer. I am on vacation. I need some time away from the condo. Maybe this is the perfect time. If there is a problem, I can stay at a motel." I paused looking at him. "You indicated once that your cottage was a short drive from your home. I could stay there and you could even join me occasionally, if you felt the need." I gave him my most sensuous look.

"You would do that for me?"

"I shall treat that as a rhetorical question. When do you want to leave?"

"You know that you are certifiable? Mom will be OK. Dad will be brooding. God knows what Phil will be like."

"Hey, if it gets really bad, I'll hide out at the cottage or a motel and then take the bus home. Better yet I'll take the car and leave you stranded." We both laughed as Andrew shook his head in amazement.

Rob and Tony had the keys to the condo and agreed to look after the renovation. I phoned the companies doing the work and they were ready for the dynamic duo. We left at 8:30 and neared Andrew's home by 11:30. We stopped for coffee outside town and he filled me in yet again on what to expect. He was obviously nervous. I decided that I would play it by ear. Minutes later we arrived at Andrew's 'home'. It was an old brick house on a very large lot, well kept up with beautiful grass and flowers. It was surrounded by mature trees and bushes. The gardens were spectacular. I squeezed Andrew's hand before we left the car.

"Andrew, your mother and you get on well. She is going to be wary of me because of your father and brother but she will accept me. Your father has a broken leg and rib. He can only bitch about me and be nasty to me. Thick skin. Your brother is absent. I can take him in my stride if I need to. It has to happen sometime. We are here to help, a good opportunity. Lots to keep everyone occupied.

"Hi, Mom." They hugged. I could see her eyes focus on me over his shoulder. "Mom, my friend, Paul Watson, he was on holidays and volunteered to come up and give us a hand. He has a bigger car than mine and he thought that it might come in handy for Dad. Mom, Paul. Paul, Mom."

"That is very kind of you, Paul. Nice to share the long drive with Andy." I smiled, not a name that I would use for Andrew.

She led us into the house and offered us some lunch. She made excuses that she really hadn't had the time to buy food and Phil had been away all week anyway so ... but she did scrape some things together. It was decided at lunch that Andrew would go to the hospital with his mother and 'break the news' that Andrew had brought a friend to help. I think that I noticed a bit of apprehension but also a small smile of pleasure on his mother's face. It was clear from the way they dealt with each other that there was a strong bond between mother and son.

I decided to make myself useful. I made up a shopping list and went to the supermarket and beer store to buy easy to prepare food and to restock the essentials. I wandered around the house and grounds and then came in and started to make a simple beef stew. By the time Andrew and his mother arrived home, the house was filled with the smell of a slowly cooking stew and there was a chilled white wine and a nice bottle of red open, ready to drink. I had some cheese and crackers out to nibble on before supper.

Andrew's mother stopped short as she entered the house. She gave me a look. "Paul, you shouldn't have but oh, I am so tired and hungry, thank you so much." I steered them to the living room and gave them the choices of drinks and set out the cheese which was just up to room temperature. We sat and talked. I was told in no uncertain terms that I was not to call her Mrs. Taylor and Janice would be fine. For her the ice had been broken. Apparently, Mr. Taylor had not been quite so pleased. I smiled and shook my head.

After a delicious supper, if I do say so myself and certainly Janice said it several times, we said our goodbyes and left for the cottage with promises to arrive for breakfast. Mr. Taylor was to be let out the next day in the afternoon after some physio sessions.

There was still some light when we arrived. It was beautiful. The lake was still and we could see the sunset that was just beginning to be reflected in it. There was just a light a breeze through the trees and there was that lovely smell of country air, soft with the scent of pine trees. Hard to describe but wonderful to experience. I urged Andrew to throw our things in our room and we went out onto the enclosed porch to take in the beautiful sight. As we stood there, a loon called from down the lake. It was haunting. I pulled Andrew into me and we stood for minutes enjoying the peace and the closeness of each other. The sun had gone out after a fiery display of pinks and roses in the clouds.

"Paul, this has been one of the finest days in a long time. My mother likes you and my father knows that you are here and hasn't issued any ... uh, any ultimatums." I wiped the moisture out of the corners of his eyes. We kissed. That was all it took. The porch was very secluded and there were no lights on in the cottage. The day's warmth was still enclosing us as we slowly took off shirts, then pants until we were holding each other naked and aroused. We looked out at the lake as we slowly and erotically took each other to the edge a couple of times and then over. If there had been anyone listening, they would have realized that the moaning, sighs and gasps of pleasure were definitely not the light breeze in the trees.

We woke the next morning realizing that we had slept late. We left as quickly as possible to get back to the house for breakfast, promising each other that we would take care of our little 'waking' problem, that night. I think that I was still a little stiff as we drove into town kidding each other about the others inability to control himself.

We had a great breakfast that Janice made from the groceries that I had brought the day before. I made the coffee and she loved the special Sumatra, mid dark roast that I had bought. She almost waxed lyrical about it. She took her car as she had some errands. Andrew took ours to get some things at the hardware that his father wanted. Did I think 'our' car? Mmm, yes I did. I did some clean up and grass cutting outside to make the place look good for his return.

I was in the house when I heard the front door open and heard Andrew's voice yelling hello. I greeted him with a kiss. I put some things in the garage and as I returned to the house and was closing the door, I saw a car pull up outside driven by a pretty young lady. I recognized Phil from pictures in the house as he leaned over to give her a fairly involved kiss. I thought good for him but he could have let his parents know when he was coming and going.

I yelled to Andrew that we were going to have a newcomer in the house shortly. He stuck his head out from the kitchen looking questioningly at me. I mouthed Phil. He rolled his eyes. This time I laughed and mimicked a spanking. We were both chuckling when Phil strode into the house. He stopped dead when he saw me and then his eyes got big when Andrew came around the corner.

"What the hell is going on? Who the hell is this?"

"Where the hell have you been?" Andrew was no longer a shrinking violet. "Dad is in the hospital and Mom needed help. Phil, this is a friend, Paul, who volunteered to drive me up here and help." As we walked into the kitchen, Andrew explained what had happened.

"So Paul is a friend who drove you up to help. How was he going to help you? Is he your fuck buddy?" The sneer in his voice made me furious. Who in god's name would ever say anything like that? I decided on the spot that he was a bully and I had learned to never back down from them. Another thought ran through me that I was really thankful for the years of martial arts training that I had had in high school and university.

Andrew just stared in total disbelief, even I was silenced for a moment. Silence just stretched as Phil looked at us with a mixture of self satisfaction and disdain. That only made me angrier.

"Well, Phil, good to meet you. Can I ask a question?" He gave me a strange look. With a tight smile on my face, "I just want to get this straight. Is this your way of being funny and light or are you just plain rude?"

"Watch it buddy."

"I am not your buddy." I paused looking at him. "OK, another question. I saw you pull up and say a fairly passionate goodbye to nice looking young lady. Is she a friend that you screw and then say goodbye to until you want to get your rocks off again?" I knew that I was way out of line but I was bloody angry at the effrontery of this prick. Andrew had told me how he had treated him. I had now experienced it. Well not any more.

Phil's eyes bulged. "Watch your fucking mouth. It is none of your fucking business."

I looked at him with my smirk. "Ask me the question that you asked your brother a few minutes ago. You know the one about our relationship." He stared looking at me. "Cat got your tongue or have you forgotten."

"You mean is he your fuck buddy?" The sneer again.

"Yeah, that's the one, Phil." I said it flippantly. "None of your fucking business."

It was interesting. We had a stand off. We all stood staring at each other waiting for someone to break the silence. He took a step forward with his hands balled up. I took a classic defence posture from my training. I decided to at least try to verbally take a step back. "I would advise not to do anything as I am trained in several martial arts. I have reacted to your words and attitudes to us and I don't really want trouble but Phil, I won't accept you bad mouthing me or your brother."

"You are in my house and I can talk any fucking way I want."

"Actually, I am in your parent's house and I have been welcomed by your mother. Your father knows that I am here and he has made no comments of any kind to Andrew. I am not staying here at night as Andrew and I are staying at the cottage. We had supper with your mother last night and I assume with everyone tonight. Now, your mother is coming home for lunch and Andrew and I were just about to get it ready. You are welcome to eat with us."

"We'll see what Dad says when he gets home." He stomped off with his backpack. Just like Peter, he had to get the last words in. OK, Paul, he gets to save a bit of face and the situation is diffused, I told myself.

I signalled to Andrew to come to me as I moved to him. I hugged him. "He is a bully and I will never back down. Sorry Andrew. I can leave if you want."

He gave me the hottest kiss that I have had in a long time. "You leave? Not on your life."

"Let's be honest. If your father suggests it, I shall go."

"If you go, I go with you! This ends here, now. Let's get some lunch made."

I had bought some really nice cold cuts and salads the previous day. We put them out and set the table with some flowers that I had picked while I had done some of the yard work that morning. Janice arrived. Big smile when she say the table set and everything ready to go. Andrew told her that Phil was back. Janice looked a little ill at ease. She did comment that that explained the extra place setting. She called out to him telling him that lunch was ready. As Phil came in, I asked her if she wanted tea or coffee with the meal. I used her name, Janice. Phil heard her say that she wouldn't mind a repeat of this morning's wonderful coffee. I set it brewing and we all sat down for lunch.

We started to dig in with Phil taking fairly large portions. I guess his activities with the young lady gave him a good appetite. Oh, how I had to bite my tongue. We started to eat. Phil stopped and looked up. "Where's the milk?" That was directed at me.

I could see Janice, ready to react. I interjected quickly and innocently. "I think that I saw it in the door of the refrigerator, bottom left." He was left looking at me. "Janice, did you get everything done and how is Mr. Taylor today?"

Thank god. She took the hint and described her day and said that Jack was looking forward to getting out and having a home cooked meal. "By the way, he really liked the stew that you made yesterday. He made a hearty early lunch of it while I was there. He told me to tell you that it was delicious." I think that Phil almost swallowed his pickle, whole. He never did get up to get his own milk. I hoped that it was another lesson learned.

They all left a little while after lunch. I did the dishes and prepared the vegetables I was going to do on the BBQ, including the potatoes I would bake. I put out the strip loin steaks that I had bought to come up to room temperature. I put in several more beer that I had replenished making sure that I bought only the brands I found in the house. There was wine from yesterday and I had decided to drink beer if that was what Mr. Taylor drank. I had some cognac and scotch in the car if it was needed, by me. Lots of it, if necessary.

I took out my iPad and caught up on emails. The renovation was progressing. Everything else was as it should be. I heard cars driving up. I saw Mr. Taylor getting out of our car. I guess it had been easier than Janice's compact. No one had taken his truck.

There was a commotion at the door. I opened it slowly. "These damn crutches. Don't be at me you two. I'll have to learn to manage." He looked up. "You must be Paul. I'd shake hands but I would probably fall on my ass and break that as well."

I was stifling my laughter. "We can do the introduction stuff later. Welcome home. I've got some cold beer. Sound good?"

"God, someone with the right priorities." He gave me a smile and wink. This was not the guy I was expecting. Phil looked positively shocked. Andrew had the beginning of a small smile and Janice looked as if she had accomplished something good. There must have been some talks, negotiations, ultimatums, who knows what. I was just happy for Andrew. Maybe I wouldn't need the scotch.

It was close to 4 and as everybody did their thing, I went to the kitchen and got the cheese and junk food. I stuck my head out of the door and gave him the choice of two beer.

"I thought that we were all out of those."

"I can find the beer store or the LCBO for that matter in any town or city in Ontario." He gave me a brand and a big smile. "Bottle or glass?"

He was chuckling. "Bottle is good. It is not going to last long anyway. God I'm thirsty and hungry after that torture session." He must have looked at someone. "I know, I know, I have to do it if I want to get back to work. Right now I know what I want and no one said I couldn't."

I brought in a tray with food and his beer. He dug right in. I winked at Janice and quietly asked if she wanted beer or wine. She let me know the same as yesterday. I got it for her and then announced that everyone else got their own. I joined him with a beer in the bottle. I was hungry and I dug into the food. It did hit the spot. "So how did the torture session go?"

"Actually, to be honest, quite well. I have to keep active or I won't get back to work. Did you do the work on the front lawn?"

"It was just a little welcome home present. Didn't take long. Good exercise." He nodded his appreciation. It was one of the things that Janice wanted done.

I received a lot of praise for supper. Some of it just came from the second helpings that everyone asked for. During supper Andrew mentioned that his mother had said that help was needed for some things around the house. His father said that there were a couple of big jobs and this probably wasn't the time for them. Andrew pressed and it was tree in the back yard that he was worried about.

I decided to get the ball rolling. "I take it that it is poplar in the back? The widow maker." Jack smiled acknowledging the tree and it reputation in the past for coming down unexpectedly and killing people. "It doesn't look too difficult. Pretty open. Nothing to really hit when it comes down. Have to watch the fence on the left side but it should be OK. Let's take a look at it after supper. I always like to case it before I do anything. Chainsaw up and running and lots of gas?" Jack said that they had used it a few days before his accident.

Jack complained a lot as all the men walked back to the tree. He was still getting used to the crutches and he clearly hated being dependent on anyone or anything in his own home. It was one those situation where Jack had done all the chainsaw work by himself or with some of his employees so Andrew and Phil really didn't know the first thing about taking down trees. I was surprised when he looked at me and asked what I thought. However, I recognized it as a test not a challenge. I walked around the tree.

"It's a big bugger but I've cut bigger ones." That got a smile. "A little bend midway up, luckily towards the backyard, not to the forest, good. Big branches to the sides and to the backyard side. Should be a piece of cake. There are some clear emergency exits behind and to the side of the tree. Oh and there don't appear to be any areas where the branches will get caught up. I'll notch it here to try and make it fall this way, away from the fence, just in case." I looked at him. He gave me another genuine smile.

"You don't have to do this."

My thought was, yes, I did have to do this for a whole bunch of reasons beside the fact that it was a challenge and I wanted some physical challenges. "Tomorrow, after an early breakfast before the day heats up. Let's say breakfast at 8:15 with a 9 start. We'll need three hard hats? These guys are going to get their first lessons in chainsaws and trees." I paused with a nasty smile on my face. "And stacking and carrying wood. I think that the guy who cuts the tree gets a break there." Jack and I started to chuckle at the same time.

We went back to the house with the accompaniment of Jack's complaints about the crutches. Janice had the table cleared and everything in the dishwasher. Andrew looked at me with a glint in his eye. "Mom, we have decided on an early breakfast at 8:15. We start with the tree at 9. I think we have to head out to the cottage. Early rising tomorrow."

We arrived at the cottage with the sun going down again. Andrew closed and locked the front door. I guessed that meant no standing on the front porch tonight. "Paul stop right there. No lights on." I turned to look at him. Unfinished business and lust was etched on his face. "Strip!"

I smiled and as I started to obey, "Horny bugger!"

"You have no idea. The last few hours have been torture."

"Maybe I need my sleep? Maybe I have a headache after all the work today? 8:15 breakfast. It is going to come quickly." I sighed loudly.

"Tough! And I am not going to cum quickly, tonight." He smirked at me.

My body betrayed me as he stripped my clothes off me; I was hard by the time my shorts were on the floor and I was naked. He just stared at me as he very slowly took off his shirt. He smiled as he reached out and lightly flicked the head of my cock several times. I closed my eyes to revel in the little charges of pleasure. I started to leak. He slowly undressed. As he pulled off his underpants, his cock sprung up hitting his stomach. I reached out to touch it but he stopped me by grabbing me and turning me around. His hands were all over my back and ass. Then it was his tongue down my spine until he was licking my ass interspersed with erotic bites.

He moved over to the couch forcing me to kneel with my hands on the back of the couch. Suddenly, there was a wet finger at the entrance and then it was entering finding my prostrate. Quickly I was in overload.

Suddenly, he withdrew and stopped. "Paul, still tired? You are right 8:15 is going to come early. Sleep time?" As he said it, he moved his cock up and down my crack.

Through clenched teeth, "You bugger, I need you in me, now!"

He paused. Finally, "Hold that thought." He went to the bedroom and came back with the supplies. He handed me a condom. "Put this on me with your fingers and your mouth."

This was yet another facet of Andrew; I liked it. I sucked the head of his cock to wet it and then slowly rolled the condom down using fingers and mouth. I put on lots of lube. I immediately knelt back on the couch with my knees spread wide. Even the cool lube felt great as he opened me. Finally, I felt him at my entrance.

He slipped in and held. I felt full and my opening contracted several times. He moaned. Finally, he started to push into me slowly but without stopping. As he slid over my prostate, it was my turn to draw in my breath and make little noises in my throat. When he was totally in, I felt full and erotically charged. I felt connected to another person as never before. For the next 15 minutes, he made love to me using his hand to bring me to the edge several times as he stopped himself several times on the edge. Eventually, I had insisted that we move to the bedroom with me on my back. I wanted to see him and kiss him. We finally let each other know with our expressions and eyes that it was time. I don't think that I have ever been so in sync with a person and have ever had such a charged, intense climax in my life.

He came out still hovering over me. "Paul, you have given me back my family." He put his fingers on my lips. "Yes, you have and you have given me so much more. I feel so lucky that you called me that Sunday and we spent the first of many wonderful times together. No words necessary. Your actions speak volumes every day." He kissed me before I could get a word in.

We slept in and had to rush that morning but not without a lot of touching and promises to each other. We made it for 8:20 breakfast. Not bad

Breakfast was over quickly and I sensed that both Andrew and Phil were excited and anxious about the tree. Jack showed me how this chainsaw started. I gave the guys instructions on how to hold it and then drilled into their heads about the danger of kick back if you touched the tip of chain to the tree or even to small branches and twigs. I had them pick up the saw and heft it and then they showed me how they were not to use the tip. Jack looked very relieved. I was looking after his boys. Right Jack but I was looking after my Andrew. I told them that I would be the one actually felling the tree. They would help with the bucking of the branches and the trunk.

I took them to the tree and explained about the lean in the tree and the weight of the branches and why I felt it would fall in the direction I wanted. I explained the notching and then the cut from the back. We picked escape routes for when the tree started to move. I emphasized to run to the back and the side.

I started the saw. I showed them the first bottom cut of the notch and then explained the down cut. They were sent back and to the side. This was a poplar and it was big. Be prepared for any eventuality. I cut the notch. I showed them where I would cut from the back. They left as had told them, back and to the side. The moment of truth as the saw started to cut through the tree. I saw a little movement in the tree. I was close. A bit more and the tree was starting to move. I moved back, put the saw down and then quickly joined the guys as the splintering and tearing sounds increased and suddenly the tree was falling, within half a metre of where I had said it would go. The guys yelled like kids. I heard cheering from Jack and Janice on the back deck. I grabbed the saw and stood on the tree like a safari hunter over his kill. I think I saw Janice taking a picture.

By the end of the morning, the guys had become pros at branching a tree and cutting the tree into useable log sizes. The splitting of some of the large pieces would come when we got a splitter in. We even had a large amount of it stacked in the garage to start to dry for winter use. Lunch was a blast with the stories and heroics of the event but what stood out in my mind was my encounter with Jack as we finished before lunch. The guys had gone ahead with the gas, saw and hard hats. They were actually acting like brothers who liked each other.

Jack stopped me as I stepped onto the deck, tired, sweaty and dirty but exhilarated. "I have been watching you. I don't pretend to understand it but you really like my son, don't you?" I nodded my head not knowing what to say. "It is obvious even to me, in little ways and he seems truly happy for the first time in years."

"Thank you. It is not just me. He is so happy to be accepted by the people that he respects and who mean so much to him. Be proud. He has accomplished a lot."

"I think that he is as lucky as I have been with my partner. You did a fantastic job on that tree. You make a very good instructor. You know your stuff."

"You haven't seen my bill yet." He slapped his knees, laughed loudly and put his around my shoulder and gave me a manly squeeze. Nothing else had to be said.

We spent the rest of the afternoon cleaning up the mess left by the tree. Only the large sections that had to be split were left and we stacked them. We even had time to do some other chores round the house. Time for beer and snacks. I had involved Phil through the entire day. I noticed that he seemed a little withdrawn, pensive even. He left to make a phone call. I could hear parts of it. He was obviously talking to the young lady who had dropped him off. He made the day sound like a real adventure and an achievement. I would discuss that with Andrew. Supper was great.

We arrived back at the cottage after dark totally tired. As he climbed into bed, I smiled at Andrew. "You look so fuckable but I am just too damn tired."

"This has to be a first for both of us. Make up for it tomorrow morning?"

"Be careful what you wish for."

"Paul with you never."

That was last coherent thing I remember until I woke the next morning to find a warm mouth around the head of my very hard cock. As it turned out, we both got exactly what we would have hoped for. We were a little late for breakfast. I am almost certain that I saw a small, knowing smile on Janice's face as she listened to our excuses.

Andrew, Phil and I did a lot of small but necessary jobs around the house. We had to leave in the late afternoon as Andrew and I had to be back at work on Monday. We were packed and our stuff was at the door. It was going to be interesting to see what our send off would be like. Jack had corralled me earlier in the day to ask me what he could do to let his son know how happy he was to have him back. I had thought about it for a few minutes and told him to do something that told Andrew that he was accepted for who he was. He had looked at me with a question on his face. I told him that I was not saying this for myself but an invitation to come back with me would do it. I explained why but told him how to put a little twist in it and to play the scene by ear.

We were at the car with bags loaded. Janice gave me a hug and her son a kiss. Phil shook hands. I had said quietly to him that the three of us had made a good team. He had simply answered that yeah, we did.

Jack looked at his son. "When will we see you again?"

"I guess that is up to you Dad."

"Another weekend this summer, Labour Day or Thanksgiving?" He paused looking at his son. Then nodding his head at me, "You can bring him if really want to. Can't imagine why but ...." He shrugged his shoulders, looking at me. "He is not good for much. Lazy, opinionated, can't cut a tree worth a damn. Oh, did I mention, a terrible cook."

"Dad, you were always a good judge of character. What can I say?" He had answered with total sincerity looking at me askance, shaking his head.

"Hey, guys I'm here." I looked severely at Andrew. "You ... you want to take the bus?"

I must have had the correct tone of voice, even Phil was laughing. "Dad, I guess Paul and I have something to talk about on the way home. We'll be in touch."

"Safe trip guys. Give your Mom a call when you are home safely."

We made it to the next street when Andrew ordered me to pull over.

"Did you forget something?"

"I just want to give you something." The kiss lasted quite a while and I had to adjust myself.

We arrived back at the condo in the early evening. In a call to Rob, he had told me that it was ready and there were basic supplies in the kitchen ... and the bedroom. Tony was beginning to really rub off on him. I had chuckled for minutes after the call.

I opened the the door with some trepidation. I had spent a bundle; did we get it right? I gasped. Somehow Rob and Tony had had our new furniture delivered and they had arranged it exactly as we had planned. The colours in the room were exquisite, exactly what we had envisioned. Andrew had been the mastermind, especially the colours and furniture arrangement. The kitchen was incredible. I almost broke down when I looked into the bedroom. The new bed was there with a beautiful duvet cover with a big note wishing us the best; it was a gift from Rob and Tony. There was an empty bottle of bubbly on the side table with another note that the said that real stuff was in the refrigerator. Beside the bottle was a box of condoms and bottle of lube. We both broke out into laughter and pulled each other close.

On the way home, I had had time to reflect on the time with the Taylors, my first encounter with Phil, the chats with Jack, the warmth that Janice gave to me, even our time with Phil in the last two days and our wonderful time at the cottage by ourselves. I was beginning to really realize just how much this guy meant to me. I felt so close and we seemed to enjoy each other in so many ways. It had been a wonderful time. It hit me as we stood in the bedroom holding each other comfortably close that we were home. Our home.

Author's Note

There is another chapter being written. I hope to publish next Thursday or Friday.

Let me know your thoughts on this chapter preecherdave@gmail.com

If you liked this story, you might want to read the others that I have published on Nifty. In particular, Unexpected Change which has had the most positive comments and one of my favourites, Getting My Act Together.

Unexpected Change, Nifty, College, April 16, 2011 Friendship, Nifty, Adult Friends, May 20, 2011 Surprising Last Year at University, Nifty, College, June 9, 2011 Murder Changed My Life, Nifty, Beginnings, July 8, 2011 What is Love?, Nifty, Beginnings, August 31, 2011 Getting My Act Together, Nifty, Adult-Friends, November 10, 2011 Surprised, Nifty, Adult-Friends, January 14, 2012 Surprised Eric and Dave, Beginnings, February 10, 2012 Surprised Graham and Robert, Nifty, Adult-Friends, March 22, 2012 What a Difference a Year Makes, Nifty, Adult-Friends, September 13, 2012 Discoveries, Nifty, Beginnings, November 1, 2012 Introspection, Nifty, , 2013