Warning:
This story is copyrighted by the author known as David Lee and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without explicit permission.
This story contains descriptions of love and sexual fulfillment between people of the same gender. If possessing or reading this kind of material is illegal where you live, please leave this site at once.
My previous stories may be quickly accessed by searching for my name under the "Stories by Prolific Net Authors" heading which is found under the "Information for Readers" spot.
You may write to me at dlee169@hotmail.com. I'll do my best to answer promptly. Please put the title of this story in the "subject" line when you email.
For the full disclaimer and additional info, please read the statement that precedes Chapter 1.
As always, I thank my editors Tom and David for their proofing my work and giving me suggestions and lots of positive feedback. They're an integral part of this effort.
Chapter 30
Blake had slept over with Rob again on Saturday night, so he was up helping with Robbie in the kitchen when the rest of the household came in. The boys helped their dads get breakfast going in order to eat and make it to church on time. Getting that large a household fed and dressed was sometimes a challenge. However, if everyone kept on schedule it was doable.
The day was special because Rob and Blake were joining the church during the early service. They were both beyond caring what family or others might think of their choice of places to worship or people to love. Rob wanted to do it before he had Robbie baptized and Blake wanted to take this step with him as a sign of their intention to live together. They had found out that Dr. Mann was comfortable with blessing committed unions, straight or gay, and they were intent upon having a ceremony soon after Rob turned 18.
Blake was still not going public until after his course credits were transferred to the University of Minnesota, but after that he didn't care. A lot of his current acquaintances would be likely to drop him once they found out that he was gay. His parents would probably disown him and cut off what little money they sent him each month. However, the tuition at the state university would be far less than at the private school and Blake had worked out a budget that he could live with as long as he could keep his job at the country club.
Since both young men had come from religious traditions that expected members to adhere to precise codes of conduct as well as particular doctrines, they found it easy to embrace the tenets of their new church.
In the straightforward ceremony, they were asked to profess their belief in the basics of the faith. Dr. Mann stressed that the fundamentals he was talking about didn't mean all the rules and regulations held by fundamentalists, but what Christ had taught.
"Our Lord said that all of the law and the prophets could be summed up in one statement: `Love the Lord your God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself.' If you believe this, you are already one of us. Do you hold this view, and will you strive to live by it?"
"I do, and I will," they answered as one.
"Welcome to our congregation! May God bless you and all your endeavors."
Rob fed Robbie around 11:00 and put him down for a nap so that he wouldn't be fussy when their company came. Robbie was cooperative, falling to sleep quickly. Church seemed to have worn him out.
After lunch, the household got ready to receive their guests. Ben had baked sugar cookies the night before to put with the brownies that Roger had sent home for them. By family vote, only six of the brownies were set on the plate with the other goodies. That would give Rob's mother and siblings a chance to have one apiece, but would reserve enough so that everyone in the household could have one that evening, including Blake. They loved Ben's cookies, but had a taste for Roger's chocolate treats.
At 1:59 p.m., a big black Escalade turned into the drive. Rob's mother was evidently not going to miss one minute of the time allotted for seeing her grandson.
Ben and Scott met them at the front door and welcomed them, introducing themselves. Rob, Blake, Josh, and Eric were standing in the foyer ready to greet them in an informal receiving line.
Sophia Mancini took each person's hand smiling graciously as they said hello. She was followed by rest of her children in order from oldest to youngest. Luc was followed by Gloria who was about 15 months younger. Then came Theresa 12, Nicky (Nicholas) eight, and Mickey (Michelangelo) six. Each was very mannerly and proper.
Rob introduced Eric and Josh as his bros and Blake as his "special friend". Luc knew what he meant and Gloria picked up on it quickly.
"Does that mean he's your lover?" she asked with a look of disapproval.
"He is my soul-mate," Rob responded without taking offence. "We plan to live in a committed relationship when I'm an adult, if that's what you mean."
"I know what guys like you do. It's wrong! The bible says you're going to hell!"
"My dear sister, that is a matter of interpretation. I have no intention of arguing with you and spoiling our afternoon. If you're offended, I suggest that you either wait in the car or sit in the den while the rest of us visit."
Gloria sniffed her feelings of displeasure, but didn't leave the room.
"By the sounds of babbling I hear upstairs, I think his royal highness is about to ready to receive his loyal subjects," Rob joked. "I'll make sure his diaper is dry and bring him down."
"Let me do it," Blake smiled. "I think it's my turn."
Blake returned moments later with the star of the afternoon. Despite Rob's predictions about his reaction to strangers, Robbie was being his charming self. He exhibited no hesitation in meeting his aunts and uncles except for Gloria. For some reason, he cried when she tried to hold him. He smiled at his grandmother and babbled to his youngest uncle, Mickey who responded with nonsensical sounds.
Everyone was immediately enthralled. Rob went to the kitchen to prepare a bottle. He let his mother feed her grandson. Josh discreetly took photos without using the flash. Robbie made the most of the attention he was getting that afternoon.
Around 3:00, Ben and Scott served the cookies and brownies along with a choice of drinks. Sophia was impressed with how graciously it was done in this all-male household. If her two older sons were destined not to have wives, they could certainly learn from these men.
She got to thinking about Ben and Scott. Since they had sons, they must have been married or in a heterosexual relationship. She wondered if they were gay or if they had chosen to live together because of the current economic situation. From the looks of the house, they didn't seem to be in financial straits. Whatever their orientation, both seemed to be mannerly, caring people. They had rescued her firstborn from the streets; something that she should have done. She would be eternally grateful for what they had done for Rob.
As if the scene had been rehearsed, Robbie became fussy about 4:00 p.m. and Sophia took that as her cue to prepare to depart. She very much wanted to hug Rob, but sensed that he would be uncomfortable with a show of affection from her so she took his hand as she thanked him.
Luc bumped fists with his older brother, and the younger siblings, with the notable exception of Gloria, all hugged Rob before leaving.
Gloria began to make a parting shot about Rob's life style, but was quickly silenced by her mother's icy stare.
With a bit of prompting, the children expressed their thanks to their hosts. Nicky said that he'd like to visit Robbie again. Mickey wanted to take the baby home.
"Well, that went even better than I'd hoped," Rob sighed when his family had departed. "Other than Gloria, it looks like the family doesn't think I'm a leper."
"Has she always had it in for gays?" Blake asked.
"Not that I know of," Rob replied. "I suspect her attitude comes from her father. She's always been daddy's little girl, more than Theresa. She got spoiled as much as Luc and didn't end up in the doghouse like he did.
I guess I'd better put this little angel down for another nap. His company must have tired him out again. He sure didn't lack for attention!"
"I'll do it," Blake offered. "I want him to get used to having me as his other daddy."
At school on Monday, Luc sought his brother out to talk a couple of minutes during the passing time at lunch.
"Mom was really pleased about Sunday. She's done a complete 180 from how she was last year. She even likes your boyfriend! I'm gonna have a much easier time when I bring a guy home. It looks like you've saved my ass again. Have I told you how much I appreciate you?"
"About a million times already. Now get over it!" Rob laughed.
"Everybody loves Robbie; and everybody except Gloria likes Blake. Mom had a long talk with her when we got home and she sulked for the rest of the night. She says she wants to live with Dad when the divorce goes through. Anyway, I'm glad you and I are cool again."
"We're cool. Now get to lunch before you make me late," Rob said as he headed for his next class and Luc hurried to catch up with Garret.
In the middle of the week, Dylan told Eric and Josh that he had a favor to ask of them. His brother Aaron wanted to join the LGBT association at school and wanted to have support from guys on the swim team and straight kids in general. He had asked Dylan to recruit them.
"How come he didn't ask us?" Josh asked. "He's not exactly a shy closet case."
"That's his point," Dylan responded. "He says that a bunch of the guys are gonna be turned off because he's so `out there' and he thinks they'd come if I asked them."
"When's the next meeting?" Eric asked.
"Friday night at 8:00. They're having a membership drive because they want this to really grow. There'll be pizza and lots of sodas. They even hired a DJ so kids can dance. There's a short program about being nice to your gay friend or something. It shouldn't be too boring and then the fun starts.
They're doing a St. Patrick's theme, but you don't have to wear a costume. There'll be several people painting shamrocks on people's hands and faces. Uh, the sponsors wanted to know if `Joshua' would consent to lending his talents to help paint."
"We don't have anything scheduled early on Saturday morning, so I guess we could come," Josh said as Eric nodded his approval. "I don't mind helping as long as I don't have to paint cheeks other than the ones on people's faces."
"Great! I've already got Marissa, Garret, and Damien to say they'll be there. It should be a good time and Aaron really needs support after Jake threatened him last week."
"Threatened him? I hope he reported it!" Josh exclaimed.
"I tried to get him to, but he's afraid it'll only make things worse if he crosses Jake again. It's been kind of scary for him lately."
"You should have told us. We can get a large enough group together to put a scare into Jake!" Eric assured him.
"Let it be for now," Dylan suggested. "A few more months and that bully will graduate and we won't have to worry about him anymore."
The LGBT meeting was part of dinnertime conversation that evening. Ben and Scott told the boys that they were happy to see them get involved.
"That sounds like a great party," Ben said. "You might make a lot more friends so that you'll have support if you ever decide to come out at school."
"If we had had an active organization like that on campus, we would have come out in college." Scott declared.
"Yeah, but we're glad you didn't or we wouldn't be here, huh Josh?"
"Yeah, are you wishing us away? Some good things come from living in the closet," Josh joked.
"Are you saying that gay guys can't make kids?" Rob asked with a grin. "I mean, the equipment works either way!"
"It sure worked fine in your case." Eric agreed. "Maybe Josh and I can get someone to carry a baby for us. Look at Clay Aiken. Is Blake gonna do that, or am I being too nosy?"
"He's talked about it. He loves Robbie like his own, but he'd like to give him a little brother or sister. I think he really wants to have a kid that's his by blood as well as love."
"By the way, where is that boy?" Ben asked. "Is he married to the club?"
"He's teaching an extra swimming class that's geared toward competitive swimming techniques. There was a big demand by parents who think their kids are going to be future Michael Phelps's." Rob said. "He figures we'll need the extra money if we're going to be able to afford the apartment together. We know his parents will go ballistic when they find out about us."
"Please tell him to consider moving in here with you. What's one more?" Scott chuckled. "Ben and I've been intending to talk to him about it, but he's gone so much that we haven't been able to."
"We could try it, I guess." Rob agreed. "I sure would like him around more. You HAVE guessed that I'm totally in love with him, haven't you?"
"Gee, you could've fooled us!" Josh snickered.
A tired Blake reached for the back doorbell only to find the door swinging open.
"Hey Babe," he said as Rob gave him a hug. "What's with the big welcome?"
"I was looking out the window watching for you to walk up the drive. Thanks for stopping here before going to the apartment."
"There's no one there that I want to see." Blake responded. "Zac's girlfriend is probably going to hang around till late and I'd rather not see them making out on the sofa."
"Why don't you just plan to sleep here?"
"I could, but I have homework to do. We college men have real homework, you know."
"Don't tell me about homework. My AP classes are college level and we're expected to produce like we're in college.
By the way, Ben and Scott want to talk to you about our living arrangement."
"Oops, am I spending too much time here? I've tried to kick in money for food, but it's hard to get them to take any."
"Come on, I think you're gonna like what they have to say whether or not you want to do it."
"What?"
"Patience, my prince, I'll let them do the talking."
Blake was very touched by the offer that Ben and Scott made to Rob and him. They had no reservations in having him live under their roof. Heating that size house would be the same whether it was occupied by four people or 10. Counting Robbie, there would be seven occupants. There would still be room for guests as long as Josh and Eric doubled up (and there didn't seem to be any signs of their not). If they had an overflow of company that needed to be bedded down, someone could campout in the bedroom next to the studio, in the den, or in the living room.
"You're really kind to invite me to live here. I'll consider it, but I want to make sure that my partner and I pay our share of the food bill for us and our son. And, we need to help with the utilities. I know that your water and electricity bills will go up." Blake said.
"We will let you help with those bills if it makes you feel better. But, we want you to remember that we are here to support your relationship and we don't want you to have to worry about finances or to work yourselves to death." Ben told him.
"I'm hoping that Rob won't have to work while Robbie is little," Blake insisted. "He needs to be a parent for as many hours as he can. I can work extra in the summer when I'm not in school. I'll do whatever it takes."
"That's our point," Scott insisted. "You shouldn't have to work that hard either. Rob and Robbie need you too!"
"Oh you guys are awesome!" Blake exclaimed. "This is good news on top of good news. I got an email today from my university advisor that all of my credits have been accepted, even the class I was afraid I'd have to take over. I'm really pumped!"
"You need to settle down enough to do your homework, oh my college man." Rob joked. "Get your books and come back over. Bring clothes for tomorrow too because you're sleeping with me tonight."
"Aye, aye, Sir!" Blake saluted as he headed for the back door.
Both young men sat at the kitchen table working diligently on their studies. They didn't take a break until around 10:00 after they had finally finished.
Eric and Josh came down from the studio to forage for a late snack before bedtime. They turned on the small TV to catch up on the news.
They discussed the pros and cons of living under the same roof. Not surprisingly, Josh and Eric were all for the arrangement.
"Dad leaves pretty early most mornings and Scott can shower whenever," Josh stated. "So if things get too crowded in the main bath, Eric and I can use the master bath. Besides, I guess we can all squeeze in there anyway. It's not like we haven't seen it all before."
"Yeah, and think how great it'll be to plan things like canoeing together and stuff in the summer. We can get a tiny life jacket for Robbie and he can learn to love the water before he's able to walk." Eric enthused. "We have lots of equipment among us and we'd love including you guys. I'm so lucky to have a bunch of bros after being an only child for so long!"
All four young men headed upstairs before the broadcast was over. Tomorrow was a school day and they needed their sleep. Eric and Josh brushed their teeth before climbing into bed together. They cuddled like an old married couple, going to sleep without even making out.
Rob and Blake, however, were more like newlyweds. They took a quick shower together justifying it by saying that they'd be clean for morning. That was before they started making out.
"Hey college man, you'd better get your rest." Rob said as he broke their passionate kiss."
"I'll never get to sleep with this problem," Blake chuckled as he guided Rob's hand to his steely erection.
"That is a big problem you have there, Mr. Ault! May I give you a hand with it?"
"I was hoping that you'd offer, Mr. Larson-Brady. You seem to be in a similar predicament. The least I can do is pay it `lip-service'."
"Let's cut the innuendo. Tell me in plain English what you want to do to me." Rob declared, his voice thick with desire.
"I wanna suck your big, uncut cock dry!" Blake responded in lust-filled tones.
"Oh yeah!" Rob panted. "And I want your load coating my tongue and tonsils."
"Let's not waste anymore time talking..."
Rob lay awake for a few minutes after his love had zonked out. He kept hearing Blake's words: "partner", "our son", and something to the effect that Rob's place was to be with Robbie. Those comments were more important to Rob than the hot sex they'd just experienced. Wow! He was totally head-over-heels in love with his college man. And best of all, the feeling was mutual!
Author's note: Thanks to those who responded since last posting. The list includes: Rutabaga, Bill K, Mike DeW, Caleb, Carroll, Harry T, David P, Paul R, Jim We, Paul L, Tim E, Tom G, Tom A, Ken, Bertrand (Zeke), and Chea. As always, I hope I didn't omit someone!
Did you observe the anniversary of the Stonewall riots as well as the 4th of July (for my American readers)? It's almost like having two independence celebrations within a week's time.
David