That Frederic was flabbergasted, would be an understatement. He looked around in awe.
-I can't afford such a nice place, he said.
When I told him the rent he said, with a smile, that he could afford it. He opened all the cupboards and closets that we had already filled with towels, bedsheets, cups, saucers and plates. Flint had bought some nice underwear and T-shirts that were neatly placed in the closet. In fact, we had too much clothes and gave him some shirts, trousers and Levi's jeans. We promised him we would go shopping if there was anything he needed. He had some tears in his eyes and that was more than a thank you. Flint had also gotten his hands on a flatscreen television and a laptop at the annual sales at his company. Everything was set up as it should. We told him that it was all secondhand furniture and that he could change it if he wanted.
-Why would I change anything ? It is just too perfect.
We left him to settle down in his new environment and unpack the things he had taken with him from the center, telling him that dinner was at 7pm. I was deep in thoughts.
-Is anything wrong Al? Filip asked.
-No, nothing is wrong at all! I answered. I was just thinking that we have done something incredibly right. Frederic has gone through to many things in the last year. He needs the support of friends and we are here. There is nothing wrong with that at all, on the contrary. I remember my own words the day I found him on the streets : "Everybody deserves a second chance". We gave him that second chance and a little voice in my heart tells me he will not disappoint us. He is a good guy that has been under bad influence. His only fault has been to believe what he wanted to hear although it was false. Haven't we all done that at one point in our lives?
Late in the afternoon Fabio came to say good-bye and we informed him that Frederic was going to live in the attic and that he didn't have to be surprised if they crossed paths. Fabio, discrete as he was, acknowledged the information without saying another word and said : "See you tomorrow" on his way out.
Let me explain to you how the house was organized. On the ground floor there was Filip's practice, the sound-proof quarters and an office that had windows with views to the garden. On the first floor we had our living and dinning room with an open kitchen behind which there was a staircase that led to the second floor where there were two bedrooms with their ensuite. Between the two bedrooms there was a huge dressing room and a storage room. The last floor was the attic where Frederic now had his quarters. In the basement, we had more storage room and our two car garage space for the cars. We had a reasonable sized garden that was Filip's proud. He could be busy in the garden for hours in a row and the result was that everybody in the neighborhood envied us for the marvelous flowerbeds he took care of. If finances allowed it, we were thinking to have a swimming pool installed in spring.
Flint took Frederic to his job every morning as he had to pass the rehab center anyway. If they finished around the same time, Flint would pick him up and otherwise Frederic would take the bus that stopped quite close to our house. It was all well organized and we had an easy life all under the same roof. The funniest day of the moment was the first Saturday of the month when we all four went together to the supermarket. Have you ever seen four gays doing their grocery shopping at the same time? It is hilarious! We did our shopping in the morning and would have the supermarket deliver it in the afternoon. Easy enough!
I started to notice that Fabio was in quite early every morning. He normally started around 8:30 or 9:00am, but lately he was already working around 7:30 or 8:00am. I was not complaining and it was true we had a lot of work. As he had the key to let himself in, we didn't hear him come in, but I noticed when going down to the office that he already had a lot done before I arrived. It made me think. Was he becoming like Fernando who worked so much just as to not feel the loneliness ? It bothered me a little although I couldn't complain. It was one morning when I was up early because of some insomnia that I heard someone coming down the stairs. My first thought was that Frederic had an early shift or something like that, but Frederic came down at the moment he normally left with Flint. Who had I heard coming down the stairs earlier ? Did Frederic had a hook-up or something like that ? Anyway, it became a bothering habit to wake-up around 6am. More than once I heard somebody coming down the stairs. It was never Frederic who came down later. On a morning that my curiosity was stronger than the other days, I opened our door when I heard the steps on the stairs. I was stunned. It was Fabio who came down. As he saw me, he immediately turned as red as a tomato.
-Good morning Fabio... You want a coffee before you go down to work?
He was like paralyzed, looking at me as if he had seen a ghost.
-Come on in, I said, the coffee is ready.
He followed me to the kitchen like a puppy. He was fully dressed whereas I had just a towel knotted around my waist. I told him to sit down and relax.
-I noticed you were more and more starting early. Now I understand that you don't come from your place, but from the attic. Am I right ?
He just nodded. He was like a kid that had been caught with his hand in the cookie jar.
-Relax Fabio. What you do in your free time is none of my business.
He was furiously typing on his cellphone. It took less than two minutes that Frederic barged in. They looked at each other and I understood. It was the look of love. Deep inside of me I was genuinely happy for them, but worried at the same time. I remembered so vividly what Frederic had told me at the center that he didn't trust any man. Nonetheless, love seemed to have been stronger than what he thought. Frederic was about to say something.
-Sorry Al...
-There is nothing to be sorry about Frederic. You are independent now and you are wise enough to make your own decisions. If your decisions include Fabio and that he agrees to it, there is nothing I will say or do about it. I would even say it is time for you guys to stop hiding... Love should never be hidden. From now on Fabio, I don't want to see you in the office before Frederic leaves for work with Flint. Is that understood ?
He still had that sheepish look on his face that was so endearing.
-I only have a few questions that you are free to answer or not. The questions are coming from a friend to another friend. Frederic, are you sure about what you are doing ?
-Yes Al, I am very sure. Fabio visited me several times at the center and we discovered we had more than just a friendship. I remember you asking me if I had a secret love. I already did, but wanted to be sure a hundred percent. That's why I gave you the answer you heard.
-OK... and you Fabio, do you understand Frederic's past and will be there for him all the way, showing respect?
-Of course I know what he went through and would never do any harm to him.
-That is settled then. I wish you the very best together. That also means you are part of the family now and when Frederic is eating with us, we will expect you to be there as well. For us, you two are just one and if you want to move in with each other, we won't object.
It was so sweet to see them kiss and relax and it made me horny. We finished our coffee and they went back upstairs. I went back to our bedroom wanting to share with my lovers what I had discovered. I reached the door of our bedroom and saw that Filip and Flint were taking care of each other's morning wood. Let's say I was in a romantic mood and almost had tears in my eyes when I saw them making love. It was so erotic seeing these two naked bodies pleasing the other. I wanted to watch a little longer and sat down in the easy chair that was in our bedroom. Apparently they just started and they were kissing with undeniable passion. It made me happy to see so much love in front of my eyes. Of course, I was instantly hard and opened the towel that was around my waist, starting to stroke my manhood slowly.
Filip had such an agility to move around in the bed and turned around to be in a 69 position. They both eagerly took the hard cock in front of them in their mouth, romantically sucking it and the moans were telling me they loved it. Was it consciously or not? I didn't know. They mimicked each other's action. When Flint opened his legs wide, Filip did likewise. They were lavishing their crotches, sucking dicks, licking balls and caressing, grabbing the buttocks and opening the ass-cheeks wide open. With only a little movements of their bodies, they stretched and were munching their taints. It was obvious they were going to eat their asses out and soon Filip's ass was on Flint's face. Bending down, he could reach Flint's ass. Once again it was erotic to no end. I had to leave my own cock alone because I was so close to cumming. It throbbed and had spasm that made it dance on my belly without touching it.
From where I sat I could only see how Flint was eating Filip's ass out and my imagination I had no problem picturing what happened at the other side. Flint then added his fingers to give Filip even more pleasure. I could see them disappear in the ass. Their moans got louder. They had to be rubbing each other's prostate as the romantic slow movements became more active. As Filip lifted his head and saw me, he winked at me and made a sign to ask me to join them. That morning I didn't want to join, I wanted to watch while they pleased each other. It excited me. With a swift movement, Flint found himself kneeling between Filip's legs. He as well had noticed my presence and spread Filip's legs wide open to let me see his puckered hole that was shinning with spit. He got closer to that beautiful hole, putting his cock-head at the entrance and adding his precum to it by rubbing his mushroom over Filip's rosebud. I could see Flint's cock throbbing. Filip's hole winked and we could both see it. That meant he was ready for Flint's cock to enter him. Flint flexed his ass-muscles a few times, showing the dimples that were forming on his ass-cheeks. He then teasingly slow thrusted into Filip. I could see his cock disappear in the wet hole, inch by inch. I had never seen close by such an erotic scene. Flint really took his time and Filip wiggled under him, trying to catch Flint's cock with his muscles and pull him in.
Finally, Flint was deeply embedded in Filip's ass. He let go of Filip's legs that immediately hooked themselves at Flint's lower back. I could see he was flexing his leg-muscles, pulling Flint even deeper in him. Like in slow motion Flint started to move his hips, pulling his cock out of Filip till only his cock-head was trapped by Filip's sphincter to then going back in, in one powerful and rapid thrust. Jeez... he controlled his movements as he pulled out, again teasingly slow and again thrusting in rapidly and forcefully. Filip grunted like a wounded animal, wanting more and using his legs to push on Flint's buttocks who started to increase speed. Like a diesel engine, he was slow to start, but soon reached a steady rhythm, driving Filip crazy with lust. Filip reached out and grabbed him by the neck, pulling him down for a frenzied kiss. Flint's hands were on his chest and I saw he was pinching Filip's nipples quite brutally. That was when Filip threw his head back and cried out loud. I knew he had reached his orgasm and was unloading between their pressed bellies, clenching forcefully his ass-muscles around Flint's moving shaft. Flint breathed heavily and the sweat drops fell from his face on Filip's. His thrusts were deep and when I saw his ass-cheeks contract, I could only imagine his seed spurting into the ass he was abusing. That was the exact moment I shot my load all over my chest and belly. I quickly joined them in a three-way kiss.
If you ask me, that was the best way to start our day. As the water heater had been replaced, we took a long shower all together under the warm cascading water. As usual there was still some grabbing and kissing, although no too much. It was a work day after all. We dried each other off like it was a ritual and then dressed before going to the kitchen for much needed coffee. It was only then that I told my lovers what I had discovered the same morning. Speaking of the devil... they came in hand in hand and it was no secret anymore. They had probably, no... surely used their time to do exactly what Flint and Filip had done and that I had witnessed. Everybody was smiling and we could all feel the good vibes that traveled around the room.
Flint and Frederic soon left to avoid the heavy morning traffic. Filip had early appointments and Fabio and I went to start the recording of the first audio-book. It was incredible how relaxed we all were, to the point that the recording was going really well and I did two chapters instead of one. Fabio was professional enough to interrupt me if needed, but that morning he didn't have to. When we stopped at noon, we were really happy with the results. Fabio then did what he had to do to convert the recording in the required formats. That was when I went up to prepare lunch.
I was surprised to see Filip was sitting at the kitchen islands, nursing a glass of white wine. At lunch we almost never had wine, except during the weekends. He had a worried look on his face.
-Is there something bothering you Filip? I asked.
-Yes... I had an unexpected phone call this morning...
I let him take his time. Knowing Filip like I did, there was no sense in questioning him. If he wanted to tell me what was going on, he would at his own pace. He stayed silent for the longest moment and I felt he was in need of a hug. I went over to him and gave him what he needed. I felt him relax in my embrace.
-The phone call was from Ferdinand, my brother...
I didn't even know he had a brother ! As we both had had difficult times with our families when we came out, the subject was not a taboo but we never talked about it. I knew Filip's father had died but that his mother was still alive. He had no contact with her whatsoever. He knew that my parents were both still alive and just like him, there was no contact. I had no bothers nor sisters and I was convinced it was the same for Filip. His last sentence was telling me the contrary.
Filip was silent once again, apparently collecting his thoughts. I started lunch as Flint would arrive soon and had little time to lunch and relax a bit before he had to return to work. I suspected Fabio would come up soon as well.
-We can take a bit of time after lunch it you want to talk about it, I said. That is if you really want.
-I guess it is about time that you know the details about what happened as Ferdinand called...
We lunched and Flint and Fabio returned to their respective jobs. Filip and I sat down in the living room. It was as if Filip didn't now where to start, but did anyway.
-I already told you how things went when I came out... not very well to say the least. In the whole discussion about my being gay, the most virulent comments came from my brother. He called me all sorts of names, showing me he was the mere essence of homophobic attitude. If he had been allowed, he would have killed me there and then. That was almost ten years ago. It was not only the fact that my parents threw me out, he added some gasoline to the fire. His call this morning was to announce that my mother died about two months ago. He wouldn't have called me except that he needs me to sign some papers. My parents didn't write a will and that makes me their heir anyway. He can't get anything done without me signing those papers.
-How was he on the phone?
-Extremely polite and respectful, but then again he needs something from me and that made him act that way. He knows perfectly well that if he starts to insult me or being rude, I can block everything and that he won't get a dime from my parents assets. He seems in need of that money and wants to sell the parental house. He can't do it without my signature. I so learned as well that he is married and has three kids. He asked me to be at his lawyer's office at what he calls the most convenient time for me... I don't know what to do : go and sign or demanding apologies and explanations.
-What does your heart tells you, deep inside?
Filip sighed deeply.
-I don't know Al... Ten years went by without any contact at all. The last time we ever saw each other, he said some quite horrible things. He even wished me dead ! He said I had no right to live.
-Maybe he changed Filip.
-Maybe, but even if it sounds like a prejudice, I strongly doubt about that. You may be right thinking that being married and becoming a parent himself, he changed and became more tolerant. I sincerely doubt about it. Like I said, he was polite and respectful, but I have a gut feeling he does it because he desperately needs my signature.
Just at that same moment, Filip's cell phone rang. The caller ID was a number Filip had not in his contacts. He took it anyway. From the start of the conversation, I understood it was Ferdinand's wife. They were quite a while on the phone, but surprisingly, Filip didn't say much. I heard Flint's and my name a few times as I had returned to the kitchen to give Filip some privacy. If there was anything important, he would tell me anyway. The call finished and he came to where I was.
-As I said, they are in desperate need of money. Clara, Ferdinand's wife, told me that. It is obvious is that she doesn't have the slightest idea of how her husband acted the last time we saw each other. I come to that conclusion as she is very supportive about our throuple. I agreed to see her and promised her I would tell her a few things she probably doesn't know. She'll drop by in about half an hour.
Indeed, exactly thirty minutes later we heard the doorbell. Filip asked me to come down as he intended to receive her in his practice. Clara was a beautiful woman and at first sight a very nice one as well. The first five minutes were dedicated to banalities and then, Filip entered the delicate subject of his brother. He started to tell her that famous night where he left his parental house and clearly mentioned the list of insults and other dead-wishes of her husband. Her eyes went open as big as last century's LP's.
-It is very difficult to believe you Filip. I don't say you are lying, but we are surrounded by gay people at the house and Ferdinand has a very good relationship with them, to the point that I asked him if he had bisexual tendencies !
-I learned with time, Filip answered, that some men can accept homosexuality as long as they are not directly involved, like a brother or a son. That is the only explanation I can find. If he really is so tolerant about gay people, how come he never called ? Did you ever wonder why there was no contact between us ?
-He told me that you had done quite some harm to your parents and that he couldn't forgive you that ...
-Except now that he needs the money, right ?
Clara was suddenly quiet as she knew Filip had made a point there.
-The only harm I eventually did to my parents, was coming out. I just wanted to be honest with them. They threw me out Clara and your dear husband didn't do anything about it, on the contrary. He insulted me to the highest level in their presence so as to get their favors. That is something I call "doing harm". Did he made you call me ?
-NO! He doesn't even know I called and that now I am here. I wanted to know the truth about certain facts. He forbade me to invite you to our wedding and when I asked him why, he just said it was none of my business. He even said that if I invited you anyway, he would not be at his own wedding. I admit that I didn't insist, but that will change as soon as he gets home tonight and that the kids are in bed. I make it a point to never argue with anyone in front of my children. Tonight he will have to tell me the truth and nothing but the truth. I can promise you that.
It seemed that she was forging a plan in her head. She looked up and I could see a very strong determination in her eyes. I suspected that she and her husband would have a very animated conversation.
-Listen Filip, if you want to refuse to sign the papers, I will completely understand. We will find another way to solve our financial problems. Try to understand I didn't have a clue about that distancing, or rather the reason of that distancing between the two of you. If I had known, I can assure you I would already have taken measures to make him spill the truth. If it is OK with you, I'll keep you informed. If it was none of my business for the wedding invitation, it will certainly be my business to know the truth coming out of his mouth.
She got up and was about to leave. Once she was out, Filip and I looked at each other and Filip had a serious and worried look on his face.
-I told you that he hadn't changed. His prepotency is still there.