Same rules as for part 1.
Regret
Part 2 -- Nat's Surprise
Four years later on his sixteenth birthday Nat sat down with his parents after his party for a serious talk.
"Mum, Dad, you aren't going to like what I have to say, but know that I am not going to hang myself, because I don't think I am evil. Jamie was going to follow a life style that you couldn't understand Mum and I'm going to do the same. I realised a couple of years ago that I was the same as my brother but it didn't matter at the time, but now I have a boyfriend and I'm not going to hide it. If you don't want me in this house, just say so and I'll pack my things and go."
Alan was so proud of the mature and confidant way Nat had delivered this bombshell and realised he didn't give a fig. This son was as precious as his eldest son had been, maybe even more so as he was now the only one left, and he would love him to all eternity. He would grieve a little because he knew Nat's life would not be easy and he would not see his name carried on by a son from Nat's loins, but that wasn't all that important to him he realised.
Pat started to bluster that he could be changed or he was too young to know and Alan saw red. He grabbed her arm and propelled her into the kitchen closing the door after telling Nat to sit where he was.
"I lost my eldest son because of your bigoted attitude and that of your Rasputin, I'm not losing this one. You change your attitude or get out."
Pat was shattered at her husband's aggression and retaliated with curses saying Nat would join his elder brother in hell.
"No Pat, hell is where you will go if you drive that boy to suicide but you needn't worry, I'm not going to allow that."
With that he returned to his son.
"Well Son that came as a bit of a shock. So when are we going to meet this young man of yours?"
Nathan beamed, he had grown strong because of his love for Jamie. `I'm going to live for both of us Jamie,' was his thought when they buried Jamie and that was exactly what he had done.
For four years he had turned in brilliant academic work and performed like a pro on the sports field and athletic tracks. Any praise he earned was always replied to with the comment, `that's for Jamie'.
"It's Jesse, Dad, the boy in my class that I hang with all the time."
Alan was pleased, he knew the boy and his parents.
"Do Jesse's parents know that he's gay?"
"He's telling them tonight Dad when he gets home from my party that was our pact."
Without his son seeing it Alan crossed his fingers and hoped there wouldn't be any fireworks
Almost on cue the telephone rang. Pat picked it up and a few minutes later walked in to tell her husband.
"Jesse's parents are on their way over, they want to talk to us. What's this all about Alan?"
"Jesse is Nat's boyfriend and they made the pact to tell both parents today so I guess they want to talk about it. Did they sound accepting or angry about it?"
"A bit neutral I think. I didn't pick up any animosity."
"Well you won't show any either. I suggest you leave most of the talking to me."
Pat was feeling very resentful but she knew Alan would brook no interference on this. What she didn't know was that since Jamie's death he had learned an awful lot about homosexuality, even down to the nitty gritty of what they did together of a sexual nature. It didn't fill him with joy that's for sure, but he knew enough to advise his son about being safe.
Tom and Anna Bright were a pleasant couple. Alan knew Tom quite well from business but was only a nodding acquaintance to Anna.
"Come in, we're all in the lounge."
Alan looked at Jesse to see if he could gauge his parents reaction. He looked ok, no tear stained face so hopefully this was going to be an easy meeting.
Tom started it off.
"I presume you know why we are here Alan," looking pointedly at the two boys who were sat close together on a couch.
"Yes Tom, Nat told us of the boys pact. How do you and Anna feel about it?"
"Not over the moon, but he's our son, we are going to support him in every way we can."
"But it's a sin against God's teachings," Pat blurted out.
"That's enough Pat, that preacher poisoned your mind and cost us a son, you will not cost me another one."
Tom and Anna were quite shocked at the ferocity of Alan's words.
"I'm sorry Tom and Anna. You know my eldest son was gay and couldn't handle it because of that evil man from the church."
Tom and Anna were well aware of what happened four years ago. Alan was notorious for a while.
"Nat has my support as well. This is not an easy road they have chosen but I have done a lot of reading on the subject since Jamie died just in case lightning struck twice. I love my son with all my heart, he knows he has my support and we'll get through this as a family. I know Chrissie is only fourteen but we will tell her tomorrow and I know she will accept it as well. Who else the boys tell is up to them but I will have a long chat with them first, with your permission."
"It sounds to me like you might be the best qualified to do it Alan so go ahead, I'd like to know what you tell them so that I'm with the programme."
Nat and Jesse looked pleased as they said goodnight to each other again just touching hands that was all that was needed, their eyes said everything else.
Pat made it quite clear that she wasn't sure she wanted Alan in the same bed as her, so with no argument he went to the guest bedroom quite prepared to make this a permanent arrangement if necessary. His children were his main concern now not Pat's bigoted thinking. He had no doubt that if she didn't change he would end up a single parent but he swore to himself his children would remain with him no matter what.
The day after the revelation Alan told Nat he would like to see him and Jesse after school. Nat was quite happy, he guessed it was for the obligatory father son talk, only he knew they wouldn't be talking any birds and bees rubbish.
The boys looked suitably serious as they sat down in the lounge with Alan that day after school. Inside both were quite excited and amused at the thought of a lecture on gay loving from Nat's dad. What a shock they got when Alan started, no fumbling embarrassed lecture. Knowledgeable and to the point was how it was delivered.
"Ok boys before I start the lecture, a couple of questions. I presume you have already indulged in some kind of sexual exploration, correct."
Nat dropped his eyes and mumbled, "Yes Dad."
"I know this will be embarrassing Son, but will you tell me how far the exploration has gone?"
Poor Nat, he blushed scarlet with embarrassment.
"Dad, do I have to?" was delivered in shocked surprise.
"I think so Son, otherwise I won't know what to tell you."
"We've kissed, and played with each other, but that's all."
"Well done Son. Are you both virgins?"
The blush got deeper.
"Yes Dad, we don't fool around and don't intend to, we do love each other."
"I'm pleased to hear that. Well, I have no doubt your exploration will continue to the big two, sucking and anal intercourse. I want you to think very carefully before indulging in the latter one. You can't come to much harm with blowjobs even if you swallow each other's love juice, but unless you are both 100% sure you are disease free you should wear condoms before indulging in the anal side. If/when you do, make sure you are opened up and use lots of lubricant or you will hurt each other. I won't go into detail but here is a list of web sites where you can get informed details, not the sleazy stuff."
He passed Nat a type written paper with a list of URLs. on it.
Both boys were almost speechless that Alan appeared so knowing about what they wanted to do. They also rather liked the fact that Alan had called their emissions, `love juice' and not cum.
"I won't embarrass you anymore, I just want you to know that you can come to me anytime you have questions, in fact I want you to. I will be happier knowing you are getting problems solved by someone that loves you rather than the play ground misinformation or dirty old men's interpretation. Lastly, I want you to be careful about where you show affection to each other, and definitely where you indulge in sexual activity. I can't pretend I'm pleased with the route you are taking Nat but I would sooner you made love to each other in your bedroom rather than in places where you might be seen. I will respect your privacy, just don't throw it in my face. Have you any questions?"
The boys looked at each other and shook their heads.
Nat got up and walked to his dad, grabbing him in a big hug.
"Thanks Dad, I love you."
Alan smiled and kissed his son on the forehead, told him he was loved as well and then patted his bottom as he said.
"Off you go then and get your assignments done."
Pat heard the boys talking about the talk with Alan and realised they had been given the all clear to indulge in unspeakable practices in this house.
The following morning Alan was determined that things should appear as normal as possible. Nat was happy, but a little wary around his mother causing Chrissie to give him some odd looks.
"What time will you be home from school today Chrissie?"
"Oh, about four Dad, why?"
"I'll be home about the same time, I'd like to have a chat to you. Don't worry, you haven't done anything wrong."
He grinned, he knew his daughter was a bit of a hellion, but nothing nasty, just mischievous.
Pat wanted to tell Nat that he and Jesse couldn't be alone together but was afraid of Alan's reaction so she just bit her tongue until the kids left for school.
"I don't want those boys alone in Nathan's bedroom Alan."
No explanation was necessary, it hung between them like a spectre.
"I don't either particularly, but I'm not going to stop it because they are not going to be made to feel like criminals in this house."
The tone of voice brooked no argument.
After school that day Chrissie sat with Tom as he told her Nat was gay, that she was not to say anything to anyone outside the house and that if she couldn't support Nat she was at least not to make him feel bad about his sexual preference. She was a modern miss and thought it was cool, particularly as she thought Jesse was hot.
"Not fare Nat, Jesse is so dishy and you have him," was her comment to Nat that evening when they were alone.
She was grinning as she said it and Nat hugged her.
"Thanks Chrissie, I don't know what I would have done if you had the same attitude as Mum."
"No chance," was her quick response.
Chrissie loved Nat and was pleased their father was laid back about it. The thought of her mother getting involved and possibly driving Nat to do the same as Jamie made her shudder. Her other thought was how exciting it would be to watch them make love. She knew in principal what gay men did, the anal bit made her blanch a little but she would still love to watch it and wondered who did what to whom between her brother and Jesse. Little minx that she was she started working on a way to achieve her wish.
Alan almost rode shot gun for Nat whenever he was near his mother. He would not allow Pat any chance to make him feel bad. Mother and son grew further apart as the months passed, soon to be joined by Chrissie who, as a modern miss thought Nat being gay and Jesse being his lover was quite cool. Alan and Pat continued to sleep in separate rooms and the children very soon realised this household was ready to blast apart.
The tension in the house built and Pat felt more and more isolated and helpless to do anything about it. The children grew away from her, Chrissie supporting Nat and both of them using their father as a block against her interfering. It all came to a head when Chrissie quite deliberately told her mother one day that she thought Nat and Jesse were two cool dudes for loving each other.
That comment was enough for Pat. She waited until everyone else had gone to school or work and then packed all of her personal things and went to her mother's.
She telephoned Alan that night and told him she wanted a divorce and the children.
"You can have your divorce Pat, but hell will freeze over before I give up the children."
The battle was long and figuratively speaking, bloody, but in the end Alan had his freedom and the children were with him. At fifteen and seventeen, by the time it got to court, the judge decided the children's wishes should hold sway.