Taking a Stand Chapter 05

Taking a Stand

This story may occasionally include explicit depictions of sexual acts between consenting adult males.  If you are underage or it is illegal to view this for any reason, consider yourself warned.  If you find this material offensive, please leave.

This story is a work of fiction, and any resemblance to people, living or dead, is entire a coincidence. As the author, I keep all rights to this story, and it cannot be reproduced or published without explicit consent from me.  This work is copyright © 2017 by Steven Wells.

I love to hear any feedback you have, be it positive or negative.  Send me an email with any comments or questions at MaWriterBoy@yahoo.com.

This is a sequel to my original story on Nifty.org, Jeffery Comes Home. I have tried to make this a standalone story. I look forward to hearing from you.

Previously

"I've avoided any potential to be hurt by people around me," I continued. "I don't really have meaningful relationships. I have relationships that don't rock my safe boat. I need to rectify the situation and step outside my safety net."

"In other words, you need to date other men before you settle down," Wyatt said. At least he still had a smile.

"I'm sorry, Wyatt," I added. "I didn't mean for any of this to happen."

"I thought you were moving out of your safety net," Wyatt said.

"I don't understand," I said.

"Trevor, you just told me you needed to explore relationships outside of your safety net," Wyatt continued. "You apologized just now for something you need to accomplish. Don't fucking apologize, Trevor."

"Okay," I said. I paused for a moment before continuing. "I'm not sorry."

"Better," Wyatt said. "I'm not in any position to know what I want in a relationship either. I don't even know if I'll want to have a relationship with a guy. Maybe I'll turn back to being straight. I doubt it, though. My dreams lately have been about naked men. Men in our gym group."

"Anyone in particular?" I asked.

"Henry," Wyatt confessed.

"But he's straight!" I exclaimed.

"I can dream, can't I," Wyatt countered. "You?"

"Ah...," I stammered. "I have a date tomorrow night with Remington."

"Remington!" This time it was Wyatt's term to exclaim. "You hit the big time, Trevor! He is one smoking hot man."

"I hope I'm not getting into something I can't handle," I admitted.

"Stop it, Trevor," Wyatt said. "Remember you're moving out of your safety net. Let go of the ropes that hold you there."

Chapter 05: Realization

"Trevor!" Grayson said as I scurried around our dorm room trying to figure out what I should wear. Remington will pick me up in thirty minutes. "Calm down, Trevor. You'll knock his sox off. You're sexy no matter what you wear."

"Thank you, Grayson," I replied. "This is really my first time going out with a guy I barely know. I knew Robbie from class. I knew Rupert after meeting him at a Thanksgiving dinner my family attended."

"Let's start from the beginning," Grayson suggested. "Wear those new 2Xist low rise briefs you just bought."

I dug out the two new pair of 2Xist briefs. "Which color?" I asked as I held up a light blue and black.

"The light blue ones," Grayson replied.

I slipped off my others and pulled on the light blue pair of briefs Grayson suggested.

"Perfect," Grayson said as he reached into my underwear and rearranged my dick. "Perfectly shows the outline of you package."

I looked at myself in the mirror. "Good choice Grayson," I said. "But, if you're thinking I'll get to model these for Remington, you'll probably be disappointed. Jeans?"

"The black, stretchy skinny jeans," Grayson suggested. "They show off your perfectly shaped ass and crotch. He'll be drooling."

I grabbed the jeans Grayson suggested and pulled them up. As I zipped and fastened them around my waist, I looked at myself in the mirror.

"You're right again, Grayson," I said. "You should be in the fashion for men business."

"I just know what looks good on good looking men," Grayson replied. "White slim fit shirt."

I pulled the shirt Grayson suggested and buttoned the front and collar.

"Sleeves rolled up twice," Grayson suggested. "Unbutton one more button at the top. You need to show some skin, Trevor. Skin. It will drive him wild."

"You are good, Grayson," I said as I reached for my favorite Kenneth Cole brown leather sneakers.

"No!" Grayson exclaimed. "Wear the brown leather topsiders instead with the brown leather belt. The shoes and belt almost match."

"Have you been peeking in my closet while I'm out?" I asked.

"Don't need to peek," Grayson replied. "The door is always open."

I did one last peek into the mirror. "Nice, Grayson," I said. "Thanks."

"You're welcome," Grayson replied. "What if you spend the night with him?"

"Grayson!" I exclaimed again. "This is a first date. We're trying to get to know one another, not jump into bed to get our rocks off."

"What if he asks?" Grayson asked.

"He won't," I replied.

"What if he does?" Grayson asked again.

"I'll see what happens," I replied with a smile. "It's not happening, Grayson."

My phone rang. It was Remington.

"Hello, Remington," I said into the phone.

"I'll be in front of your dorm in about five minutes," Remington said. "It'll be good to see you and just relax."

"I'll be downstairs, Remington," I replied. "And I agree. It will be fun."

We clicked off the call. I took a deep breath.

"This is it!" I sighed.

"You sound like you're facing the firing squad," Grayson said with a laugh.

"I'm nervous and excited," I replied.

"Go! Have a wonderful time," Grayson said as he shooed me out the door.

I saw a red BMW drive into the pickup area. Remington stepped out and waved me over.

"Good to see you again, Trevor," Remington said to me as he opened the passenger door for me.

"Same here," I said. "Nice car."

"Thanks," Remington replied. "My folks got it for me. They didn't want me to be driving back and forth to school in my four-year-old Mustang. It had one hundred thousand miles on it."

I stepped into the passenger seat, and Remington took his place back in the driver's seat.

"You look really nice tonight, Trevor," Remington said as he drove off.

"Thanks," I replied. "You look terrific, to, Grayson! My roommate, helped me pick this outfit. I was a little unsure of what to wear."

"Tell him he did an excellent job," Remington said with a smile. "You'll like this place we're going to tonight. It's quiet, and the food is amazing! I've been here with friends a number of times."

"I haven't been out to dinner much since I started here," I explained. "It's just so much easier eating in the dorm."

"I know," Remington replied. "I ate a lot of dorm food last year. I cook a meal now and then since I moved into the apartment. I had a tough time living in the dorm. It wasn't my thing."

"I've been hinting for my dads to let me move into an apartment," I said. "So far, no offers. I'll play to their sympathy over the holidays."

"Here we are," Remington said as he pulled in front of the restaurant. The valet opened my door before moving to the driver's side to open the door for Remington.

Remington handed the keys to the valet. He put his hand on the small of my back before moving into the restaurant. Sparks flew, and I suddenly felt so relaxed.

As we stepped through the door, the maître d' greeted us. "Remington! Good to see you again."

"Thank you, Clyde," Remington said. His hand still rested on the small of my back. "This is my friend Trevor. It's his first time here."

"Welcome to Ristorante Portobello," Clyde said. "We'll make certain your time with us is enjoyable. Right this way, gentlemen. I'll show you to your favorite table, Remington."

"Thank you," Remington said as he put his hand on the small of my back as we followed Clyde to our table in the window.

"May I get you both something to drink?" Clyde asked.

"Do you like wine, Trevor?" Remington asked.

"My Dads favored red wine," I replied. "So, sure. What would you suggest?"

"Merlot, Trevor?" Remington asked.

"Sounds good," I replied. "My Dads served Merlot at my nineteenth birthday party. It will be like extending my birthday celebration through the end of the year."

"Two glasses of your house Merlot, please, Clyde," Remington said.

Clyde scurried off to retrieve our wine.

"Nice guy," I added.

"Yes," Remington explained. "You'll love our waiter Gregory, too."

"I'm certain I will," I replied with a smile.

Another energetic man slipped beside our table with the two glasses of wine. He set the drinks in front of us.

"Remington!" the man exclaimed. "It's good to see you again!"

Remington stood and he and the man hugged.

"I've missed you the last few times I've been here," Remington said. "How's married life treating you?"

"Perfect," the man replied. "Ron and I are still in the honeymoon stage. And, you must be Trevor. I'm Gregory."

"It's nice to meet you," I replied as I stood. Gregory shook my hand.

"I'll be back to take your order when you're ready," Gregory said. "In the meantime, enjoy."

Gregory scurried away.

"It seems you really have been here a number of times with friends," I said.

"I first came here during parents' weekend last year," Remington replied. "Then every month or so after that."

"Everyone seems very friendly," I added. "Nice looking place, too. I'll bring my Dads here sometime. At least, I hope I will. Dad J will be busy once Congress starts."

"You're confident he'll win, huh?" Remington asked with a smile.

"The election is two weeks away," I explained. "Dad's up by 20 points. But, knowing my Dad, he's already written two speeches. One conceding the election and the other as a winner. Sometimes, I think he'd almost rather lose.

"Why would he want to lose?" Remington asked.

"He likes his life as it is," I replied. "After spending four years in San Francisco working among the down trodden, seeing the heartbreak some of his clients undergo, the problems he encounters in a small town usually pale by comparison. Plus, he loves being with Sam and Tim, my little brothers. He'll also leave the love of his life at home every week when he's in DC."

"Do you miss your brothers?" Remington asked.

"Yes," I replied. "They're cute kids. Unpredictable and creative. They do have an unfortunate habit of interacting with plants in odd ways."

"How does one interact with plants?" Remington asked.

"One plant in Sam and Tim's bathroom had a habit of jumping into the toilet," I explained. "Then, there was the plant that jumped out the window from the second story. The last incident included a new plant in the living room. The plant decided it wanted to go outside through the sliding doors to the patio. The doors were closed."

Remington began laughing about my last remark. Once he recovered, he asked, "How did your Dads react to the door?"

"The door incident came after a string of other plant related issues," I continued. "So, dealing with plants in the toilet, plants on the ground, and plants going through doorways has become the norm in the Harris-LeBlanc household."

Gregory slipped next to our table. "Are you ready to order, gentlemen?"

"We haven't looked at the menu," Remington began. "However, Trevor, if you trust me, I can order for you. I guarantee you will love it."

"Do it," I replied with a smile.

Remington gave Gregory our orders. Whatever he ordered, it sounded terrific!

"You're a music major, right?" Remington asked.

"Yes," I replied. "I did not plan my life around music, but, one day, I literally found my voice. My decision shocked more than a few people."

"You like to sing, I take it," Remington added.

"I do, but I want to concentrate on composition," I explained. "A friend of my Dads studied at UIUC. He raved about the composition program."

"You weren't inclined to attend your Dad's Alma Mater, Harvard?" Remington asked.

"I applied and they accepted me," I replied. "My other Dad went to UIUC. But the real reason I chose this school over Harvard came down to location. I just didn't see being so far away from what I love—my family."

"You're not only good looking, you're also practical," Remington said with a smile. "When did you start working out?"

"After Jeffery and Philip rescued me, I decided I needed to add bulk to my body," I said. "It gave me confidence."

"Then you must be massively confident," Remington said with a grin spreading across his face. "I first noticed you walking around on campus. Even with your clothes on, I knew you had a well-developed body. Then, I saw you naked in the gym. You were a constant distraction. Finally, I had the idea of interviewing you about your Dad's campaign. After we talked during the interview, I knew you were not only good looking, but you actually have a brain you use!"

"If you're trying to flatter me, it's worked," I said. "Have you looked in the mirror recently?"

"We're focusing on you now, Trevor," Remington added.

"Why?" I asked also with a smile. "You're just as interesting. In my book, you're actually more interesting to me."

"Thank you, Trevor," Remington said. "

"Here we go, gentlemen," Gregory said to us as he positioned our appetizer in the middle of the table for us to share. "May I get you something else?"

"We're good here, Gregory," Remington said to Gregory. "It looks and smells delicious."

"I'll be back with your entrées when you're finished with the appetizer," Gregory explained. "Enjoy!"

As Gregory retreated, Remington looked at me and smiled.

"This is my favorite appetizer of all times," Remington explained. "Muscles cooked in garlic and white wine. Dig in."

"These smell delightful," I said. "But, you'll need to tell me how to best eat these."

"Watch," Remington said as he opened the muscle shell and used a fork to dig out the muscle. He transferred the muscle to his spoon and dipped in into the broth. He lifted the spoon with the muscle and broth to my lips. "Eat."

I put my mouth over the spoon and latched onto the muscle and broth. I chewed.

"Terrific," I said after I swallowed the muscle. "Absolutely terrific. Let me try."

I repeated the steps suggested by Remington. I raised the spoon to Remington's lips. He swallowed.

"I brought some mints for after dinner," Remington explained. "I love garlic in food, but I'd rather taste the man when I kiss him."

"So, you think I kiss on a first date?" I asked with a smile growing on my face.

"I hope," Remington said as I felt Remington's knee rubbing against mine.

As we consumed the appetizer, we continued our dinner conversation. We sailed through the appetizer and entrées. Gregory cleared the table.

"Coffee or dessert?" Gregory asked.

"Coffee and a Tiramisu for two, please, Gregory," Remington said to Gregory. He turned his attention to me. "The Tiramisu is the best!"

"I don't eat sweets," I replied.

Remington looked at me.

"I'm kidding, Remington," I corrected. "I live for them."

"Good," Remington replied.

Gregory brought our coffee, and Remington changed the subject.

"You've often mentioned Jeffery and Philip rescuing you," Remington said. "What did they rescue you from?"

"My asshole ex-father, the honorable ex-Congressman Franklin, my seriously aloof mother, and a museum of a house," I explained. "My ex-father beat the shit out of me during a drunken stupor after he found out I was gay. My mother had a business trip to Asia and conveniently missed the show. I somehow made my way out the window of my bedroom while my ex-father lay passed out in the living room. I made it to the dumpster behind the McDonald's restaurant, and I called Jeffery and Philip. They threw my bloody body into the back seat of Jeffery's new car and brought me to their house. Rescue complete."

"Wow!" Remington said quietly. "I'm sorry you went through this hassle. It must have been traumatic for you. Your father beat the shit out of you because you are gay? I can't fathom a parent beating his kid."

"It happened," I replied. "I'm still seeing a shrink, and it's been a long journey. I don't foresee a conclusion to the journey for quite some time. If it weren't for Jeffery and Philip, I would probably be dead by now."

"I'm seeing something here," Remington said. "I hope I'm not being presumptuous, but you've become a very strong person through this. Right or wrong?"

"It's funny you asked," I continued. "Until the past week, I would have answered your question with a resounding `yes, I'm a stronger person because of these traumatic events.' However, I've realized, through the help of two friends and a shrink, I'm not really a stronger person..."

I continued to explain my trust issues and relationship choices. When I finished, I expected Remington to be ready to bolt.

"You are a strong person, Trevor," Remington said. I thought I saw him wipe away a tear. "You've faced your demons, and you're working through them. It takes a truly strong person to make the journey you're on."

"I know I've come a long way, but I also know I have a long, long way to go," I replied. "It scares me, and, yet, it excites me. I need to open myself up to experience new things outside of my safety net, which scares me. But, I also want figure out who the hell I am and make adjustments."

"I hope you don't make too many adjustments," Remington replied. "I like you like you are now."

"Thanks," I replied. "I'm hoping any new adjustments will make me a better me. Enough talk about me. Now it's your turn."

"Not a lot to tell," Remington replied. "I grew up in the Upper East Side of Manhattan. I went to a private school in the Upper East Side until I went to high school. My high school years were spent at Philips Andover. We travelled a lot in the summer. Sounds like the life of privilege, right?"

"Might be," I replied. "There's something behind those statements if I'm not mistaken."

"You're a perceptive guy Trevor Harris-LeBlanc," Remington replied. "I hated boarding school. Everyone seemed to be privileged rich kids. Conversations centered on the swank places families visited during summer break. The talk about our summer vacations changed when we finally reached the end of our sophomore year. In our junior year, we started talking about our plans for trips through Europe, Vietnam, or South America. Our senior year we talked about which Ivy League school we chose."

Remington paused before he continued. "My best friend and I met when we were in second grade. He wasn't one of the rich kids. Everyone teased him about attending our school because he received financial aid. They bullied him. I just stood back and watched. I couldn't even get the courage to stand up for my best friend. I haven't talked to him in years. I kept to myself in high school. Not many friends. I liked it. Gave me time to think."

"I can't imagine going through high school without friends who really cared about around me," I whispered to Remington.

"I envied people who had tons of friends," Remington continued. "I wasn't taught the social graces of forming friendships. My mother always traveled with her job. My father buried himself in his work. My nanny became my best friend out of school. It seemed I didn't have any real parents."

"I'd also better tell you I missed my trip through Europe the summer before my senior year," Remington continued. "I wound up in a very plush psych ward for kids of rich people because I tried to commit suicide... Jesus! What am I doing? I never talk about this to anyone except my shrink. You're the first person I ever told."

"I won't spread the news, Remington," I replied. "If someone wants others to know about events for the past, I let him or her tell them. It's not my position... Have you ever had a boyfriend?"

His index finger linked with mine.

"One," Remington replied. "From December through the end of February last school year, I dated a very handsome junior. He showed me things I didn't know happened between two men. Well..., I knew WHAT happened. I just didn't know HOW. So, some would say he was good for me."

"I hear a `but' in there somewhere," I added.

"Yup," Remington replied. "It turned out he wanted more out of me than sex. He wanted money—my family's money. He... he... he was... emotionally abusive. He tried to isolate me from the few acquaintances I had as well as my family. You're the first person who made me want to move out of my old world and into the new world. It's like we're in the same phase of our very complicated lives."

"Could be," I said as I pulled his hand into mine. "Why did you ask me out?"

"You mean why did I ask you out when I'm such a mess myself?" Remington asked as he interlaced our fingers together in both hands.

"No," I replied. "I don't perceive you as a mess, Remington. Quite the opposite. When I first saw you in the gym locker room—naked with a towel slung over your shoulder—I immediately saw the really strong, confident, and empathetic person you are. I still see the same strong, confident, and empathetic person after you told me about the `messes' in your life."

"I shouldn't ask this," Remington said after a long pause. "Did you ever meet someone and know immediately you wanted to be best friends or maybe even more than best friends?"

"Yes," I replied as Remington kept our fingers laced together. "Robbie, Rupert, and Wyatt. I thought I wanted even more with Robbie and Rupert. But that was before I discovered I needed to move out of my circle of safety. Now, I'm looking at things somewhat differently. Why?"

"I never had," Remington explained. "I hadn't met anyone who sent sparks through my body until the day I saw you at the gym. I don't really know whether it's friendship or more. All I know, and please don't bolt from the table on me, right now, I want to lean over this table and kiss you."

"I don't think I'm ready for you to kiss me in the middle of this restaurant," I began. "However, I wouldn't rule out the possibility if we were in a more private place."

"Do you think you'd want more than just a kiss on your first date?" Remington asked.

"Depends on the kiss," I replied with a smile. "I don't believe I am out of my safety net enough to do more on the first date. I wouldn't rule out the second date."

"Does this mean you'd be willing to go on another date with me?" Remington asked.

"Yup," I replied.

"Are you busy Saturday?" Remington asked.

"Nope," I replied. "I'd like to take you to dinner next Saturday if you're not busy."

"Do you want me to pick you up in front of your dorm again?" Remington asked. "Seven?"

"Perfect," I replied.

~~~~~

"What's Remington really like?" Grayson asked as we busied ourselves dressing for a lazy Sunday.

"He's a nice guy," I replied. "Very polite. Great conversationalist. Magnetic personality. Keenly aware of people around him. Addicting sense of humor. Quiet romantic—based on my limited time with him."

"You at least kissed him good bye last night, right?" Grayson asked.

"Yup," I replied.

"And?" Grayson continued.

"And what?" I asked.

"How was he at kissing?" Grayson asked.

"Judging from my limited experience with him," I began. "I'd rate him a 10 out of 10. I've never felt so... so... so energized from a single kiss."?

"Where did this kissing incident happen?" Grayson asked.

"In his car in front of the dorm," I replied. "I wanted to drag him to my bed and rip his clothes off. But, I fought the urge because I don't sleep with someone on the first date."

"Second date?" Grayson asked.

"I'd consider it," I replied. "We have another date Saturday night. He's picking me up."

"How will you make it through the week without your heart throb boyfriend?" Grayson asked.

"He's not my boyfriend," I replied.

"Yet," Grayson added.

"I did ask him to join our gym group on Tuesday and Thursday," I added.

"You sly dog, you," Grayson said.

"Nothing is etched in stone yet, Grayson," I suggested. "How are things with your Dad? I haven't heard you talk about him after your explosive phone call."

"It hasn't gotten any better," Grayson replied. "My mother called me two days after our blow out. She begged me to call him and apologize. I called him. I didn't have a chance to apologize because he went off on me again about how I'm an awful son and a pervert. And you know what pisses me off? He and my mother have gay friends. One gay guy works in my father's office. It's okay for the other people, but not their son. Oh no! He hung up on me before I could hang up on him."

"I'm sorry you're going through this," I said. "I know it sucks. You're lucky he's in Chicago and you're in Champaign. Otherwise he might pull a Franklin and beat the shit out of you."

~~~~~

"You remember Remington, guys," I asked.

"Who could forget a good looking naked guy with a towel slung over his shoulder as he's on his way to the bathroom?" Grayson asked.

"Do you pick up all your boyfriends in the gym locker room, Remington?" Robbie asked.

"Only one," Remington replied. Did it really look like I was trying to pick Trevor up?"

"Yes," the others said in unison.

"We shouldn't be too hard on Remington," Makato said. "His diabolical plot worked after all."

"Speaking of diabolical, we need to hit the gym," Jackson said. "I have my eyes on this pretty little thing in my history class. I need to look my best."

Remington and I slipped out of our street clothing and into our workout clothes. I watched every move he made through the corner of my eye.

"Like what you see, Trevor?" Rupert whispered into my ear.

"Yes," I whispered back.

Remington and I worked the weight circuit together. He gave me inspiration as I watched his muscles undulate under his skin.

"Trevor," Ryan said as we were almost half way through our workout. "Whatever happened to Landry? He hasn't been with us for a couple of weeks."

"Landry decided he needed to focus on his studies," I explained. "He's a perfectionist, and he's driven to succeed. His father told him he was stupid for so many years. So, he's determined to prove his father wrong."

"He has his shit together," Henry exclaimed. "Unlike my friend Jackson. Jackson's priority is getting into a chick's pants. Isn't that true, Jackson?"

"Bite me, Henry," Jackson replied.

Remington moved off the bench press, and I took his place. I managed my first set with my usual weight.

"Why don't you add another twenty pounds to the bar?" Remington suggested.

"You're kidding?" I reacted. "I can barely do this."

"On the contrary, Trevor," Remington said. "The weights you use aren't challenging enough. I can see it. You can do more."

"Why should I?" I asked.

"You want to push yourself out of your safety net, right?" Remington asked with a smile.

"He's right, Trevor," Ryan weighted in. "You can easily add another twenty pounds."

"Conspiracy theories abound here!" I exclaimed. "I'll haunt you both if I maim myself."

Remington added ten pounds to one side of the bar, and Ryan added ten pounds to the other side.

I began the second set using the additional weights. I had visions of the bar falling on me and crushing my chest. I persevered.

Come on, Trevor," Remington said as motivation after my first lift.

"Yea, Trevor," Ryan added. "You can do this."

"Two more times, Trevor," Remington pushed.

"Only one more, Trevor," Ryan said.

"Done!" Ryan and Remington said in unison as I lowered the bar to the safety rest.

"How did it feel, Trevor?" Ryan asked.

"I'm ready for set three!" I replied.

Remington and Ryan coached me through the third and final set.

When I lowered the bar to the safety rest, I heard a round of applause from our gym group.

"Thanks, guys," I said as I moved off the bench press. "I never thought I could press more weights. I owe you both."

Remington's right eyebrow raised.

"Remington," Ryan began. "You're a good man. When I first heard you had asked Trevor on a date, I wanted to cut your balls off. I'm beginning to actually like you now, bro."

"Is this a love fest?" Henry asked. "If so, take it outside. We don't want the neighbors to know."

We took seats at the table in the window of the pasta place. We all left the gym feeling buoyed and energetic.

"So, Remington," Grayson began. "When will you take Trevor home to meet your family?"

"It's a little premature at this point, Grayson," Remington replied. "I don't want them to scare Trevor off."

"Your family can't be bad enough to scare our little Trevor," Robbie added.

"You haven't met my family," Remington replied. He smiled broadly. "They don't have the charisma I have."

"Did you get your charisma from charm school?" Jackson asked.

"Boarding school," Remington answered matter of fact manor.

"Boarding school?" Jackson asked. "Which boarding school?"

"Philips Andover," Remington replied. "It wasn't the best part of my life."

"Ah!" Jackson continued. "You didn't fit in with the rich boys?"

"I fit in too well," Remington replied. "Fitting in became one of the most harrowing experiences of my life."

"So, are you a rich boy, Remington?" Henry asked.

"Guys!" I exclaimed. "Give Remington a break. He's not testifying in front of a jury."

"I'm not a rich boy," Remington replied. "I just had parents who wanted me to act like a rich boy. Living a lie isn't the best way to spend your high school years."

"I could see how it might be problematic," Henry added. "I didn't mean to grill you. I can be a real ass sometimes. Just tell me to shut the fuck up. I'll eventually get the message."

"Don't worry, Henry," Remington said. "I've seen enough shrinks to know I need to face my demons not hide from them."

"I need to roll, guys," Makato said as he stood and gathered the trash. "I have a class to attend, and people to see. I'll see all of you on Thursday."

We dispersed, and Remington walked me out of the restaurant and toward my class.

"I'm sorry the group asked so many questions," I said. "Sometimes, I don't believe they understand how difficult they can be."

"I didn't mind, really," Remington added.

"I want to ask you something," I began.

"Ask away," Remington said.

"My Dads and my little brothers want to meet me for dinner tomorrow night," I continued. "Would you come with me?"

"You want me to meet your family?" Remington asked. He seemed surprised.

"You told the group meeting your family would be premature," I said. "This is different because I want them to meet you as you and not necessarily as my boyfriend. They know we're taking things slowly."

"I'd be honored, Trevor," Remington replied as he grabbed my hand on our walk. "Where?"

"The place you took me," I replied. "I'll make reservations."

~~~~~

Remington picked me up in front of our dorm before we met my Dads at the restaurant. The arrived just as Remington handed the keys to the valet.

My Dads made quick work of releasing Sam and Tim from their car seats. Suddenly, two balls of energy jumped to the ground and made a mad dash toward Remington and me.

"Trevor! Trevor!" Sam and Tim exclaimed in unison as they neared their target.

I kneeled to their level to avoid two boys leaping into my arms.

"Hey, little Dudes!" I exclaimed as I hugged them and picked them up. "Sam, Tim, this is Remington. Remington, these two are my brothers Sam and Tim."

"Are you Trevor's boyfriend?" Sam asked.

"Ah...," Remington stammered.

"Yes," I said to save Remington from struggling with the answer.

"Are you our uncle if your Trevor's boyfriend?" Tim asked.

"Ah...," Remington stammered again. "Do you want me to be your uncle?"

"Yes," Sam and Tim said in unison.

"Then, I'm your uncle," Remington said. He looked at me with fear in his eyes as Tim transferred himself so Remington held him.

"Dads, this is Remington," I began. Remington, this is Philip and Jeffery Harris-LeBlanc."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Remington," Dad J said while he shook Remington's hand. "Thank you for the terrific article you wrote."

"You're welcome, Sir," Remington replied.

"Jeffery, please," Dad J suggested.

"Philip," Dad P added.

"Shall we go in?" I asked.

Remington and I led the way inside.

"Trevor!" Clyde exclaimed. "Welcome back."

"Thank you, Clyde," I replied.

"Follow me, please," Clyde said.

We followed Clyde to a table in the window set for six. Clyde had already added the booster seats to the two end chairs. My Dads sat opposite Remington and me.

"Trevor told us you're studying to be a journalist," Dad P said. "Your father is also a journalist, right?"

"He was a journalist," Remington replied. "He retired from the New York Times to write about topics he thought would be important. I'm not certain I'll pursue newspaper work. I watched my father work important stories on a deadline. He wasn't around a lot when I was a kid, and I don't want to be a married-to-his-job father."

Dad J looked at me with his quirky smile. I smiled back. It was a signal he already liked Remington.

"His mother is a business consultant," I added.

"Did you attend school in the city?" Dad J asked.

"Yes," Remington replied. "Until my parents shipped me off to Phillips Andover. I never had family with an in-person mother and a father. These two guys," Remington pointed to Tim and Sam, "are lucky to have all of you around."

"How's the campaign going, Dad?" I asked to move the topic away from grilling Remington.

Dad J smiled at me again.

"It's moving along," Dad J said. "I'm eager for it to be over. Too many rubber chicken dinners and baby holding rallies."

"Your poll numbers keep going up," I said. "You must be excited."

"I am," Dad J replied. "I still don't know what I've gotten myself into."

"You'll know in a couple of weeks," I said. "Then you can start doing the job you were elected to do: make change happen."

"Let's hope," Dad J continued. "I've had several conversations with Stephen Morris, the Representative from Massachusetts. He believes we would make a great team working on issues we both care about. Philip has some news of his own, right?"

"I do have news," Dad P began. "Nothing as exciting as my husband becoming a member of the House of Representatives. The parent company of our organic food business decided to relocate its entire corporate offices to our sleepy little Southern Illinois town. They have asked me to be CEO."

"Congratulations, Dad!" I exclaimed. "Does this mean you can buy me the condo at school?"

"No," Dad J and Dad P said in unison.

"Got it!" I replied. "How many people?"

"About five hundred," Dad P explained. "Our tech centers will remain in Cambridge, San Jose, and Chicago. Once we bring the call centers from India, we'll have another four hundred people."

"I hope you've personally bought up a lot of real estate," I added.

"We haven't, no," Dad P replied. "The company bought the Williamson mansion for a corporate retreat center."

"You mean no more Christmas dinners in their third-floor ballroom?" I asked.

"A price we have to pay for growth, Trevor," Dad P said.

"Uncle Rem," Tim interrupted. "You should visit us and talk to Mable."

"Mable?" Remington asked.

"She's a cow," Sam explained.

Remington looked at me with a goofy grin.

"Before you decide we're a bunch of loons, Mable is an old, wise cow who lives on Dad P's organic farm," I explained. "First, Dad J began talking with Mable to gain insight into a pressing issue he wanted to speak about on Sunday morning. She suddenly morphed into an overnight Internet success and has acquired many followers."

"You're kidding me, right?" Remington asked.

"No," Dad J replied. "Mable's messages don't consist of words coming out of her mouth. Just relax, touch her snout, and close your eyes. You'll understand her messages when it is time to understand them."

Remington looked skeptical.

"Plan on a visit to our small village, and you can see for yourself," Dad P suggested.

"It seems, Trevor, I'll be visiting your hometown," Remington said to me. "I want to experience Mable's wisdom."

"You're welcome to visit anytime," Dad J added.

"How are you and the plants getting along these days?" I asked my brothers.

Sam and Tim looked at one another. They both had a worried look on their faces.

"We're not allowed to touch the plants anymore," Sam explained.

"But the plants get lonely," Tim added.

"The plant in our bedroom wanted a bath," Sam continued. "But we couldn't touch it."

"We used the vacuum cleaner to clean it," Tim added.

"We didn't know its leaves would come off so quickly," Sam said quietly. "It no longer needs a bath though."

Remington and I could barely contain our laughter.

"We don't have plants anymore," Dad P finally said.

We continued our conversation through our entrées and finally dessert.

"Excuse me a moment," Remington replied. "I'll be right back."

"Trevor," Dad J said after Remington was out of earshot. "You said Remington was nice looking. You are wrong. He is phenomenally handsome."

"I agree, Dad," I replied.

"How close are the two of you?" Dad P asked with a smile.

"Dad!" I exclaimed. "We're just getting to know one another. We've only had one date. He took me here for dinner. He is a really good kisser, though. Beyond that, I have no idea what he's like."

"I see," Dad P replied. "Your Dad landed in bed with me on the first date!"

"Philip!" Dad J exclaimed.

"I want Trevor to know we're not two old, stodgy men," Dad P continued. "Just be careful."

"Got it, Dad," I replied as Remington returned.

"We need to be running," Dad J said as he nodded to the little ones who were almost asleep. "It's getting near our bedtime."

I exchanged hugs with my Dads. Dad P pulled Remington into a hug. "Be good to him, Remington. And don't let him get away with shit!"

"Thank you, Philip," Remington replied. "I plan to be good to him. Don't worry."

Remington and I waived to my Dads and brothers as they drove away. The valet brought the car to us.

"I love your family, Trevor," Remington said as he put his hand on my thigh.

"They are incredible, aren't they," I said. "They like you."

"I hope," Remington replied as we drove away. "You make an incredible family. Everyone plays off the others. And your brothers! I haven't been around kids a lot, but I could adopt them in two seconds and live happily ever after."

We arrived in front of my dorm. Remington leaned over the console and kissed me.

"I could kiss you all night long," I hissed.

"But not tonight, right?" Remington asked.

"No," I replied. "Soon."

"I'll accept soon," Remington said with a smile.

~~~~~

To be continued...

If you would like to be on the announcement list for this story, please send an e-mail by clicking here.

I would enjoy hearing your comments about this story. You can write to me at MaWriterBoy@yahoo.com.

Please also see:

John's Journey Forward found in the Beginnings section

Together Forever found in the Beginnings Section (Sequel to John's Journey Forward)

Sam and Chris in the College section.

We're in This Together found in the Relationships section. (Sequel to Sam and Chris)

Jeffery Comes Home  in the Beginnings section.

Taking a Stand in the College section.

Life With Tim in the Authoritarian section (Please note, this story is not for everyone because there are several scenes depicting Master/slave and BDSM relationships. So, if you are not interested in this activity, please, please do not read this story.)

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