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Tommy - A Life Pt. 01

By: RolandQ



Tommy - A Life is a novel with 23 Chapters. I plan to release them as a serial. Comments are very welcome. Please enjoy this story. Roland

CHAPTER ONE: The Train

He sat by the window, looking out at the passing scenery with unseeing eyes. From his jeans, casual shirt, and backpack he stood apart from the suit-wearing men with whom he shared the commuter train, looking like the college student he was. At each stop, more suits boarded, filling the car. He huddled closer to the window, ignoring the man now sharing his seat. For long minutes he kept his eyes looking out the window, catching the reflection of the scene within the car. He felt the eyes of the other passengers as they passed over him. Some dismissed him as "just a kid" out of place on the commuter train. But others lingeringly surveyed his entire body. He was taller than most, very thin, his face smooth, barely showing signs of beard. His eyes were soft, hazel, changing color with the light. All told of self-consciousness, almost fear of those around him. 

An older man sitting next to him dropped a section of his newspaper. As he picked up the paper from the floor his hand grazed the student, from the ankle, along the calf, along the thigh. The student looked away from the window for the first time, his frightened eyes meeting the older man's eyes. Could the older man's contact mean something? Or was it just an accidental touch? The older man smiled. A short while later, the student again felt a touch along his thigh. As he looked up he met the older man's eyes, blatantly looking at him. The older man rose from his seat and indicated with a nod of his head that the student should follow.

The student remained in the seat watching the older man walk down the aisle, pause and gesture again. Puzzled, the student got up and followed the older man to the back of the car. There a section of seats had been enclosed, forming a compartment. With a nod to the conductor, the older man opened the door and held it open for the student to enter. The compartment held only two pairs of seats, facing each other. The student sat down as the older man closed the door and drew curtains over the inside windows. The older man sat opposite the student, smiling. Without speaking the older man knelt on the floor in front of the student and reached to unfasten the student's jeans. The student pushed down his panic and let the man pull his jeans and briefs down. 

"What's your name?" the older man asked.

"Tommy."

"You're very handsome, Tommy," said the older man as he leaned down and took Tommy's cock into his mouth. The sensations of the warm, wet mouth were unlike anything Tommy had ever before experienced. His cock quickly swelled and lengthened, filling the man's mouth, pushing down the throat. The man gasped and gulped, moving his tongue along the hardening cock. Soon the cock had grown too big for his mouth and the man had to ease off, catching his breath, teasing the head. "You have a beautiful cock, Tommy." Tommy was unable to reply, only wishing the wonderful feeling would continue. The man eagerly resumed his treatment of Tommy's cock. Almost without warning, Tommy began cumming in great spurts. The man drank Tommy's cum hungrily, feeling the cock's hardness subside. Tommy's heart continued beating fast. This was the first time he had had sexual contact with another person, and it was a man.

The man brought out a handkerchief and dried Tommy's cock. As he stood, he leaned forward and kissed Tommy on the forehead. "Thank you. You are very desirable. I'd be pleased to meet you again." He turned and left the compartment and a moment later the train entered the terminal.

On his walk from the train terminal to the campus, Tommy's mind raced over what had happened. While he was thrilled by the physical release, he was confused by the man's attention. He had masturbated for pure release, never really fantasizing about contact with another person, certainly not with a man. But this had felt so good. The man had been kind and attentive. He decided to just put the episode from his mind, having no one with whom he dare share his experience.

Tommy was a college student, commuting from his aunt and uncle's house in the suburbs. His own parents had died in a car accident when he was in elementary school, leaving him in the care of his mother's much older sister and her husband. The old couple provided a clean, quiet home and while they welcomed him, they left him to himself. 

Tommy had been a quiet child, grieving for his lost family. He didn't understand the dark feeling that marked his existence as loneliness. His brooding demeanor kept would-be friends at a distance. Tommy's life was one of isolation. He studied and got good grades that led to his acceptance and scholarship at a small university in the nearby city. The scholarship only covered school expenses, so Tommy continued to live with his aunt and uncle, commuting to the city for classes.

The train ride home at the end of the day was uneventful. On boarding next day, however, he saw the older man standing in the doorway of the compartment. The older man waved. Tommy stood frozen, unable to move until another commuter bumped into him. The train car was already full, so Tommy had no choice but to walk toward the next car, toward the waiting man. Tommy felt his face flush as he approached the man. The man smiled and gave Tommy a wink. The man took Tommy's arm and guided him into the compartment. The man pleasured Tommy as he had on the previous day. He rose to leave, again pausing to kiss Tommy on the forehead. Tommy kept his eyes closed, not sure of what he should feel. On opening his eyes, he was alone, on the seat next to him was a twenty dollar bill. 

And so began a side life for Tommy. He remained a good student, was quiet at home, but allowed first the older man, then a series of other men to suck his cock while on the train. Some left money, others small presents, even breakfast rolls and coffee. As time went by, there were often a few men waiting outside the compartment door. Tommy never spoke, certainly never asked for any reward. The money did help with his expenses and he was grateful for the attention, knowing somehow that he was helping these men with their own needs. And so passed his junior year.

***

He spent the summer before his senior year working in a local grocery store stocking shelves. He was an attentive employee that the manager was happy to leave to himself. He performed his duties carefully, often thinking of his time on the train. On a rare occasion he saw one of the men he knew from the train in the store. Tommy never spoke to them, averting his eyes as if by some unspoken agreement.

He boarded the train for the first day of the fall semester. It seemed that the entire train car was filled with men waiting for him. The conductor stood by the compartment door, counting a handful of bills. He pocketed them when he saw Tommy, and held the door open for him. Tommy blushed to his toes. How had this happened? What had he become? He walked toward the compartment, feeling all eyes on him. As he approached the open compartment door, he saw someone waiting inside. It was a man, a few years older than himself. Tommy was struck by the man's appearance, his handsome face, his fine clothing, his welcoming expression. 

"Come on in, I'm Billy. Billy Kensington. I've just got to meet the man who has become the object of desire on the 8:05 express."

CHAPTER TWO: Billy Kensington

Tommy entered and sat opposite the young man, Billy. The engaging smile continued. "So what's your name? You're every bit as good looking as Charles said. Yes, I'd say you're quite delicious." Billy moved to the seat next to Tommy, placing his hand on Tommy's thigh. "And I'm sure he wasn't exaggerating about your cock, judging from this bulge. But we can get 'more closely acquainted' later." Billy's non-stop chatter and soft touching captured Tommy's attention. Billy was absolutely self-confident, relaxed and sure in conversation. 

"I'm Tommy," blushed he.

"Pleased to meet you, Tommy. I'm Billy. Did I say that? Oh I guess I did. Well then, we shall be fast friends. You're a student? At the University? Sophomore? No, a Senior. I'm sure you're a Senior. Well, I shall have to introduce you at my club. Do you commute every day? Why not stay in town? Its much more fun in town, but then, I've heard you've been having a pretty good time on the train. Charles – who claims to have discovered you – you know nice older man, good looking, kind eyes – tells me that you're the main entertainment on the main line. Charles is at my parent's country club and oh so attentive to the younger men. He loves to tell about his conquests – not really gentlemanly, don't you think?"

Tommy sat in awe of the flow of words. He tried several times to answer Billy's questions, but Billy answered them himself or moved past them with the same forward drive of the locomotive pulling the train.

And then Billy paused, looked at Tommy full in the face, and in a single movement reached out taking Tommy's face in his hands and kissed him on the lips. Kissed him deeply. Tommy felt desire flood his body. At length, Billy released the kiss, but still holding Tommy's face, said huskily, "I could love you, Tommy, I could really love you."

The train lurched as it pulled into the terminal. Billy stood, pulling Tommy to his feet and led him by the hand out of the train, through the terminal and into the street. Tommy followed like a sleepwalker, drinking in the continuing flow of talk, gazing at the handsome young Billy, wondering where he was going. He came to his senses outside the university gates, where Billy turned to face him. 

"Meet me for dinner at, say six, at Chez Pauline. Just a few blocks down Market Street." Billy again took Tommy's face in his hands and kissed him, then turned and moved off down the street. Tommy looked after him, dazed at the incredible Billy, only just realizing he had made a date.

***

The day crawled by as Tommy attended classes. In the library, instead of his usual productive studying, Tommy stared into space. More than once during the day, Tommy was only too aware of the hard throbbing between his legs. And he had a date this very evening with a handsome man. Billy Kensington. Kensington, one of the most prominent families in and around the city. Could Billy be one of those Kensingtons? Tommy shuddered. He was so far out of his league. Did he even have a league? But Billy was so handsome and Tommy had agreed to meet for dinner – or Billy had agreed for him. 

The day finally passed. Tommy headed out of the library and had almost reached the campus gates when he realized he had left his book bag at the table where he had been working. He ran back, knowing he would now be late, even if it was only a short walk to the restaurant. He entered the front door of Chez Pauline, a place he never realized existed. It was on the ground floor of an impressive apartment building, one he had heard about related to "society" events. He entered the restaurant; the entry was filled with finely dressed people. He felt very conspicuous in his college attire. On his entry, the Maitre d' spotted him, and excusing himself from an elderly couple, moved toward Tommy. "Mr. Thomas? This way, please." The Maitre d' led Tommy to a staircase, then up to the second floor, across a dining room, to a closed door. The door was opened revealing a sumptuous private dining room. 

Billy stood across the room, posed by a fireplace. He turned and smiled at Tommy, again capturing Tommy's attention with a smile. Tommy heard the door close behind him as Billy crossed the room. Billy took Tommy into a full embrace, kissing him again and again. 

A discrete "ahem" caught their attention. Billy looked over Tommy's shoulder continued to hold him tightly and seeing the source of the sound replied, "You may serve, Renard."

They sat to a beautiful meal of many courses, each with its own wine. Tommy observed how Billy handled silverware, mimicking his every move. The food was unlike any he had eaten before, subtle flavors, delicate textures, and with the wine an extraordinary experience. This was a far cry from the common fare he had growing up. At length, the meal was concluded with coffee and a flaming dessert, prepared by Billy himself. The easy grace with which he prepared the dessert and set it aflame spoke of a lifetime of privilege. Billy had talked all through the meal, filling in conversation for the tongue-tied Tommy. Now Billy reached across the table and took Tommy's hand. 

"Will you come with me to my place?"

Billy, again, didn't wait for an answer. He rose, drew Tommy behind him and led him through a concealed doorway, down a flight of stairs, through the kitchen, winking at the chef as they hurried by, and through a doorway into a spacious lobby. The several staff in the lobby snapped to attention when they saw Billy and stepped ahead of them to call an elevator. A moment later the elevator arrived, the staff member pressed a high button, then ushered Billy and Tommy inside. The elevator wooshed upward. The moment the doors had closed, Billy pulled Tommy to him and kissed him again. Tommy hadn't noticed that the elevator had stopped moving and the doors had opened behind him. Billy gave him a playful push out the door into a tiny vestibule with three doors. Billy reached out some keys, unlocked and pushed wide the center door.

"Behold, my home away from home." Billy led Tommy inside an oval entry hall, richly paneled with a domed ceiling. The small chairs and tables furnishing the room were elegant, the Persian rug soft beneath their feet. Billy walked to each of the three doors around the room, throwing them open revealing a spacious living room, formal dining room, and a bedroom. While each room was grandly furnished – even at a glance – the bedroom, oh the bedroom. A massive canopied bed stood on a platform, dominating the room. One wall was all windows and the opposite had a fireplace, ready to be lit. Tommy stood with his jaw agape. 

When he saw they were alone in the apartment, Tommy spoke, "This is all too much, Billy. I've never been in such a place. And what those people must think of me, the way I'm dressed." With this, Tommy surveyed Billy's clothing. He too was dressed for the place, casually, but elegantly. 

"Tommy, Tommy, Tommy. You are so handsome, who would notice what you wore. But I understand. Tomorrow we'll visit my tailor and get you a few things, poor dear." When Tommy protested, stating that he could not afford such things, Billy cut him off. "It will all go on my account, really Dad's account. Don't even think about the cost. No, don't think about another thing beyond being here, with me, tonight. And I don't think you'll be needing clothes."

Billy embraced Tommy again. Billy's hands ran from Tommy's shoulders, along his arms to his hands which he grasped. He led Tommy into the bedroom, to the bed. "You sit here a moment, while I light the fire." Tommy felt hands pressing him to sit on the high bed, his head whirling. He saw Billy cross the room and with a single match, light the fire that quickly caught, sending warmth into the room. 

As Billy returned across the room, he pulled off his jacket and tie, tossing them to the floor. He unbuttoned his shirt, pulling it from his trousers. He kicked off his shoes. Tommy watched Billy, seeing him as if in a dream. And then Billy was in front of him, pushing between Tommy's knees, standing close. Billy reached up and unbuttoned Tommy's shirt, unfastened his jeans, pulled off his shoes. Tommy could feel the flush of desire rise on his face, feel his cock hardening. 

Billy paused to lean forward to kiss Tommy, his tongue invading Tommy's mouth. All Tommy's senses focused on the man kissing him. Billy dissolved into an aura of scent, pressure, and the soft sound of breathing. Tommy reached his arms around Billy. "No, not yet, Love," cautioned Billy. "I very much need to see you naked. Come over to the fire, so I can undress you where it is warm." 

Tommy stood before the fire facing Billy. Billy eased Tommy's shirt over his shoulders and let it drop to the floor. He pushed Tommy's pants, already unbuckled, over his hips and pulled them down, guiding each leg over Tommy's foot, taking the socks as well in one movement. Billy reached up and pulled down Tommy's briefs, Tommy's already engorged cock springing up. Billy looked up and smiled. Billy then stood and stepped back, looking over Tommy with appraising eyes. He moved slowly around Tommy, pausing to take in every detail of Tommy's body. Tommy stood still, uneasy in his nakedness, feeling Billy's eyes.

Billy spoke at last, "Oh my, you truly are beautiful. The firelight catches every plane and line of your body. So nearly perfect." Tommy could feel Billy behind him, stepping closer until he feel the length of a suddenly naked Billy pressed against his back. Tommy felt hands cup his ass cheeks. "You have so many surprises, Tommy. That sweet, young face, and yet such a hairy ass and legs. Very yummy." Billy reached his arms around Tommy and pulled him close, his cock nestling against Tommy's butt. Billy's hands played along Tommy's front, teasing his nipples, tracing the thin line of hair between his pecs, along his stomach, past the navel to the bush surrounding his cock. "Very fine, my dear, you are very fine." The hands cupped Tommy's balls, tugging them, feeling the weight. Tommy's cock raged upward in front of him, craving touch.

Tommy could feel Billy sliding to his knees behind him, feeling light kisses and licks from his neck, along his spine, lingering on his ass. Billy's hands took him by the hips and turned him around. Tommy felt the sudden switch of heat to cool and cool to heat on his skin as he now faced opposite. Billy again grasped Tommy's balls and with a greedy gulp, took Tommy's cock into his mouth. The wet warmth of Billy's mouth engulfed him. 

Tommy's mind emptied, feeling only the sensations surrounding his cock. He felt the soft hair on Billy's head, realizing that his hands had reached out, holding Billy, pulling the head against his cock. Billy sucked, tongued, and gulped, taking more of the hard cock each moment. Tommy's ass began to clutch, orgasm nearing when Billy pulled off and stood up, kissing Tommy on the mouth. 

"Not yet, my love. I have more planned for you." 

Tommy's still wet cock felt chill being exposed to the air, a contrast to the hot need for orgasm.

"To the bed, dammit," Billy ordered and ran toward the bed. Tommy pursued him. They embraced and fell onto the bed, still entangled. "I want you inside me," Billy whispered. With one hand, he reached into a nightstand and took a tube of lube. The other hand caressed Tommy's cock. Tommy now felt both hands stroking him, making him wet with lubricant. "On your back, Love," Billy said as he led Tommy by the cock. Tommy complied. Billy sat astride Tommy, his hands now toying with Tommy's cock rubbing its wet head against his ass. 

"Definitely bigger than I'm used to," Billy muttered through clenched teeth as he pressed his ass against the cock. Tommy's mind blanked again as he felt his cock head pop past the entry to Billy's ass. Billy let out a gasp, but got control of his breathing, and began to press down, taking more cock into himself, slowly. Tommy opened his eyes to see Billy's face in deep concentration, changing from grimacing near pain to slack with pleasure. 

Billy pushed further down, then gripping tight with his ass. He leaned forward, his own hard cock pushing along Tommy's stomach. Billy's hands played across Tommy's chest. Their mouths met in a deep kiss, the contact making Tommy's cock pulse deep inside Billy. All the air in Tommy's lungs emptied in a long sigh.


Tommy - A Life Pt. 01



"You've never done this before?" Billy asked incredulously. "My god, I'm your first fuck." 

Billy wriggled his ass, more cock squeezing inside. He sat back, being careful to keep his weight on his own legs. Tommy felt Billy's eyes again appraising him, somehow distant though very much present. Tommy spoke, his voice gruff. "I really need to cum." Billy smirked, "I know you do. Come on, I want you to take me from behind. I want that long, fat cock to fuck me hard. I want it now." He slowly pushed up on his knees, feeling Tommy's cock pulling out, regretting the emptiness left behind. They both giggled at the popping noise caused by Tommy's cockhead as it emerged from Billy's ass.

Billy hopped off Tommy and pressed his ass into the air. Tommy knelt behind him and pressed his cock against the waiting hole. He felt the hole open up, welcoming him inside. He pushed in slowly, almost overcome with the sensations again surrounding his cock. As he felt some resistance against his cockhead, he heard Billy squeek, "easy there big man. You're going to take some getting used to." Tommy pulled back. "No, don't leave, just go easy." Tommy began to fuck slowly, feeling the resistance against the glans of his cockhead, the squeeze along his shaft. He leaned forward, reaching under Billy's arms, grasping Billy's shoulders, pulling himself against Billy's back. Tommy's hips continued to thrust as he dotted Billy's back with kisses. Billy pushed against the thrusts eagerly. The speed of their fucking increased. 

Billy spoke through clenched teeth, "Not so deep, love, not so deep, oh god, deeper, deeper, give it to me, give it all to me, unh, unnnh, oh god, yes, oh, oh." Tommy felt his balls draw up and pulled hard against Billy's shoulders, driving deeper yet. Tommy's toes began to curl as his orgasm built from his extremities. Tommy's gut compressed as his body focused all energy in propelling his cum out though his cock. He could feel the powerful pulsing through out his body. 

The first spurt built pressure and then suddenly released. He felt his cum as it forced along the length of his cock and at last released. His gut hollowed as it sent the second spurt, of greater volume along the same path, blasting with increased force to be followed by more blasts. Suddenly his arms could no longer support his own weight and he collapsed onto Billy who collapsed to the bed beneath them.

Billy began to laugh, first a chuckle, then openly. "Oh my god. That was amazing." Tommy startled and began to push himself up. "No you don't, you lie on top of me and keep that sweet cock deep inside me. I want to keep feeling this." Tommy relaxed onto Billy, letting his head drop along side Billy's, giving way to deep breathing. Tommy's cock continued to pulse, aftershocks of his orgasm. Billy's voice came muffled from the pillow, "No one ever made me cum like that. It's like my ass had an orgasm and suddenly I'm shooting and a moment later you start screaming and ramming me and bang. I felt your whole body cumming. You must have shot a dozen times. Now that was a fuck."

Tommy tried to speak, but surrendered to post-cum depletion and felt his consciousness fade away. He didn't sleep, but rather retreated into the haze of pleasure the lovemaking spread over him. Billy pushed up, easing Tommy onto his side and with regret, pulled away from Tommy, giving up the still fat cock. Tommy felt a warm cloth cleaning his cock, followed by a loving kiss on the cockhead, then a kiss on the lips. Billy's arms wrapped around him and pulled him close. Tommy's head fell onto Billy's chest, feeling the soft tickle of the scattered chest hair on his cheek. A reminiscence of being held in loving arms, of being cared for and loved overwhelmed him. Tommy slept.

***

Tommy's soft breathing and gentle nuzzling soon carried Billy, also exhausted by the joyous effort of love making, into sleep. The night passed over the lovers, giving way to a bright dawn. The light through the undraped windows awoke them. Billy snuggled his back against Tommy. Feeling the erect cock against his ass, Billy reached back and guided the head into him. Tommy, still drowsy, pressed further into the pleasure. He felt the wet, yielding flesh against his ever harder cock. He reached around Billy's chest, pulling him closer, pushing deeper inside. Through the half-sleep, he allowed his hips to gently thrust against Billy. Billy pulled Tommy's hand down to his own hard cock. Tommy now stroked Billy in time with his thrusts. Slowly, gently the sensations gave way to orgasm, not so dramatic as the previous night, but more loving. Tommy held Billy tightly, hoping that time would stop and this moment of sensation and contentment would last always.

A sound from beyond the closed bedroom door caused Tommy to bolt upright. "Someone's in your apartment, Billy."

"Ah, that would be breakfast. Do rouse yourself, my passion. Here is a robe. Let us to breakfast go." Billy strode across the room and swung wide the door. Tommy watched as Billy escorted a white-coated waiter out of the apartment. He followed Billy into the dining room. The table had been set with a wonderful breakfast. "You must be famished after all that exercise, Tommy. Please, sit down. How do you take your coffee? Eggs? French Toast? Bacon? Fresh fruit? – uh no not me – heh heh. Eat my lover, we have lots to do today and you'll be needing your strength later."

The two men ate, exchanging loving looks, squeezes under the table. After the meal, Billy led Tommy to the luxurious bathroom. The shower room, too large a space to be called a stall, easily accommodated them both. They teasingly washed each other under the many streams of hot water. Soon they were both hard, rubbing body to body, slick with soap. Tommy dropped to his knees and took Billy's cock into his mouth. Sucking eagerly, he swallowed too quickly and began to choke. Billy raised him to his feet and held him close. "Poor darling, go more slowly, take what you can. You are a wonderful lover, just in need of some practice and guidance – both of which I am eager to provide." Tommy again dropped to his knees and more slowly, lapped and sucked on Billy. A few moments later, Billy's cock swelled and gushed. Tommy could feel him sway and quickly stood and steadied him in his arms. "Oh, my. I was a little light-headed. It might be the heat or maybe its this wonderful lover I've found." 

Tommy's cock ached for release, sucking Billy had excited him. Billy kissed Tommy on the mouth, holding the kiss as he reached down and with a few tugs brought Tommy to completion. Their kiss continued for long minutes, the water of the shower streaming over them. Billy released the kiss. "We'd better get out of the shower, we'll get water logged." 

Billy introduced Tommy to an array of products to arrange his hair, moisturize various parts of the body, all revelations to Tommy who had never been exposed to such extravagances. Billy led Tommy to his closet, larger than Tommy's room with his relatives. "Now let's see, you're taller than me, but thinner. I think we can find something suitable until you're new things arrive." The clothes Billy offered were not different in style to things Tommy owned, but the feel of the fabric, the way it draped across his body, the fine finishing of each stitch were worlds away. Tommy felt like a prince.

***

"Off we go, dear one." Billy led Tommy out of the apartment, down the elevator and into a waiting cab. "Phillipe's" he instructed the cab driver. 

In a few minutes they pulled up to an elegant town house.

"Is this a store?" Tommy asked.

"No this is Phillipe's, dear. Here you will be outfitted on a scale on par with your handsome face and lovely, lovely body."

The front door opened on Billy's first knock. A small man exclaimed and hugged Billy, dragging him into the front parlor. Tommy followed a few steps behind, trying not to look as amazed as he felt by the rich interior. "And who is this?" the small man asked Billy, referring to Tommy.

"My very dear friend. He's new in town and needs just about everything. Can you take care of him, Phillipe, dear?" 

Phillipe circled around Tommy, reminding Tommy of the previous night's inspection. Instead of Billy's embrace, however, Phillipe stepped to the hallway and clapped his hands. Four men appeared with tape measures, note pads, and swatches of cloth. "Forgive the intrusion, but we must remove the clothes. Not a bad fit, yours Billy? Of course. Nevermind, we shall have you set in short order." Tommy stood stock still, uncertain of what to do. The four men and Phillipe surrounded him and in a moment he was stripped to his borrowed shorts. He felt hands all over his body at once. Some raised his arms and measured, some surrounded his chest and measured, everything was measured, almost. With a discreet cough, all the men took a step back. Tommy looked over at Billy, lounging on a chair, chuckling. "Ahem, again, I must ask you to forgive me, but there are just a few more measurements needed and they are very personal. The four men turned their backs and Phillipe took a tape measure, himself. Kneeling in front of Tommy, Phillipe again measured his waist and the dimension of each thigh. Tommy blushed furiously as Phillipe discretely and gently cupped Tommy's balls in his hands. Phillipe then stretched the tape along Tommy's cock. 

"Mon Dieu" he uttered under his breath as Tommy's cock gained length and thickness. 

"I'm sorry" said the embarrassed Tommy. 

"I think you should be very glad" replied Phillipe archly.

"Not as glad as me" laughed Billy.

"Off you go then. I'll have your wardrobe sent to, eh, Billy's? this afternoon. Good." The four men quickly dressed Tommy and Phillipe led them to the front door. 

Billy led the still furiously blushing Tommy down the street. "Many more stops, dear one – I think a new haircut. Then I must introduce you to my gym. Perfection is but a few weeks with my personal trainer away for you, my beauty. I nearly cum to think of you as possibly more beautiful than now." The next stop was to another town house a few doors down. This one concealed a men's salon. Billy was greeted with much fussing by the proprietor, a tall, austere woman. Tommy was swept into a chair and again surrounded by staffers, men and women, who clipped, buffed, shined, masked, and otherwise applied the best of beauty science.

Tommy stood, slightly unsteady on his feet after all the treatments. Billy walked up to him, looking at him appraisingly again. Billy frowned. 

"No, no, it's too perfect, just not my Tommy." He reached up and in spite of a gasp from the hair stylist, tousled Tommy's hair. "Now then, that is truly perfect." He stepped back to admire his "creation" and receive the applause of the salon staff. Tommy again blushed and followed Billy to the door. Deep inside he felt good, glad of the many attentions and the reaffirmations of his looks, feelings he had never before experienced.

Billy led yet again, back to the building housing his apartment. Instead of taking the elevators, he took a stairway to the second floor. Tommy saw a discrete sign indicating a men's health club at the end of the hall. He was not surprised that Billy was immediately recognized and staff running to greet him. Billy explained to the receptionist that Tommy was to be his guest and to receive every care. Tommy stood a few steps back, again amazed at the splendid array of fitness equipment, all gleaming. Across the room Tommy saw an incredibly muscular and ruggedly handsome man. As he gazed absently at the man, he felt Billy wrap his arms around his waist. "That, my dear is Thor, my personal trainer, though not as personal as I thought I'd like. But now, I have you. Thor's never been interested anyway. But he is one hell of a trainer. Here he comes now."

The man, more defined than bulky, crossed the space and extended his hand to Tommy, meeting his eyes. He shook Tommy's hand and held on for a moment. Billy introduced them and asked Thor to help Tommy develop a routine and "add a few inches to this already delicious chest." 

"Be happy to," was his reply. "We can meet, do an evaluation of your current fitness level and design a program, make some diet suggestions, get you going." 

"And speaking of going, I've got some things to attend to," said Billy. "I'll leave you with Thor – will you see my Tommy has lunch? Pick you up around three?" With a quick peck on the cheek, Billy was gone.

Thor lead Tommy through a fitness evaluation consisting of a questionnaire, some tips on diet, and then asked him to accompany him to the locker room. Tommy could feel Thor's eyes on him as he disrobed. He laughed when Thor approached with a tape measure, sharing his experience at Phillipe's earlier in the day, suggesting that Phillipe could provide every imaginable measurement. Thor confined measurements sufficient to complete the fitness evaluation. Tommy then put on the gym clothes Thor had provided and followed Thor out to the gym floor. Thor explained each piece of equipment and how it is used, gave demonstrations and assisted Tommy in trying each piece. Thor then showed Tommy a complete work out schedule and set an appointment for the following day to begin the routine.

Thor and Tommy had lunch in the club lounge. Thor shared stories of Billy's on-again off-again workouts. "If Billy weren't so naturally built, he'd be a mess. But then, Billy does seem to have looks, money, and luck in love," Thor laughed. Tommy blushed yet again. A moment later, Billy appeared in the doorway. 

"See you tomorrow, Thor," Tommy said as he rose to go with Billy. Thor's eyes followed Tommy as he walked out.

"So dear one, did you have fun with Thor?"

"Billy, this is all so amazing. I can't believe I met you only yesterday. You've treated me like a prince. Thank you. You are wonderful, more wonderful than I knew anyone could be." 

"Tommy, I think the world of you and would give you the world." Billy took Tommy into his arms and kissed him. They both felt the longing for more than kisses and went to the elevators. When they entered the foyer of the apartment, they found stacks of boxes, labeled with 'Tommy'. 

"What's all this?" Tommy exclaimed. 

"Oh, just the things I had Phillipe send up for you," said Billy as he began to open boxes. "Ah here are your new scanties, and there some shirts, and oh my, pants and jackets. Shoes, socks, ah toiletries, and at last, your dinner suit."

Tommy stood in the entry hall with open jaw as he had the previous evening. The world of riches laid before him left him speechless yet again. He helped Billy carry the boxes into the bedroom where Billy laid them on the bed, checking each item and then directed Tommy to store them in drawers and his closet. Tommy was busily doing as told, when he stopped, smacked himself on the forehead and exclaimed, "I never called my aunt and uncle to tell them I wouldn't be home. I didn't know I wasn't going home last night until, well, I didn't know before."

"Well, call them, would you." Billy offered the receiver of the bedside telephone. 

"Aunt Harriette? This is Tommy. I'm really sorry I didn't call before. What's that? No, I didn't come home last night. Uh, I stayed in the city with a friend. From college. No, everything is all right. And I'll probably be staying tonight, too. No I don't need anything. Yeah, thanks, I do know what I'm doing. I'll talk with you tomorrow." He sat on the edge of the bed as he hung up the phone. "I could hear my uncle laughing in the background. He said, 'it's about time that boy got in some trouble. I wonder who the lucky girl is?' Yikes. Billy? Is it going to be okay?"

Billy sat next to Tommy and put his arm around his shoulders. "Tommy, sitting here holding you, I know the world is going to be okay. Now kiss me, clear off the bed. I think its time we put the bed to better use."

***

The next day, Tommy began a new phase of his life. He arose from the bed he now shared with Billy, reluctantly, but with new purpose. His academic work blossomed, reflecting the happiness and stimulation of his life with Billy. His daily workouts quickly refined and added to his body, delighting himself and Billy. Thor praised Tommy's dedication, chiding Billy's laxness. While Tommy was at school, Billy went about 'business' – 'too tedious to bore you with Tommy, dear'. Tommy's professor's noticed his new dedication, the other students noticed his new openness and sense of fun. Tommy went from being just a good student to being a 'personality' on campus. And while he basked in the new attentions and flirtations, he ran to his new home with Billy as soon as his last class ended.

His aunt and uncle seemed unconcerned with Tommy's sudden move to the city. They expressed their confidence that Tommy would act with a level head and only asked that he be sure to come for Thanksgiving. 

The new couple spent evenings with Tommy studying and Billy reading before the firelight in the apartment's sitting room. And then to bed, again to share each other's dreams, desires, and bodies.

***

One evening, a few weeks after they met, Tommy sat on the bed looking anxious. "Tommy, dearest, why so glum?" Billy kissed and tickled Tommy's neck. 

"Billy, I'm not sure how to say this. I just love how we make love. I melt for your kisses, and I don't know which I enjoy more, sucking your lovely cock or being sucked. And I truly love fucking you."

"Well, then? Tell Billy why the long face," teased Billy.

"Umm, uh, well, you enjoy getting fucked so much, I well, I just want to try it, too." 

"Oh darling, you never have to be afraid to ask for something. I admit that I've been greedy – you feel wonderful inside me. I'd be satisfied to keep going as we've been. But, I'd delight in sharing more fantastic sex with you. Let's start with a long tub, to get you relaxed. I want tonight to be as great for you as you've made my life since we've met." Billy went into the bathroom and started filling the large Jacuzzi tub, adding some bath oil. He checked and rechecked the water temperature and when satisfied he called for Tommy to come in.

"Thor's hard work is certainly showing up. My goodness, such fine pecs. And are you getting more chest hair? I hate losing the 'boy', but such a man. Tommy blushed at Billy's words. He dropped his clothes and stepped into the tub. Billy was only a moment behind him and also eased into the tub. Billy began rubbing Tommy's back with oil, massaging the muscles of his back and then lower and lower to his butt. The warm water and gentle attentions lulled Tommy into soporific state. 

"Are you ready, my love?" asked Billy.

"Uh huh," murmured Tommy.

"Stand up slowly and step out of the tub. Here let me dry you off." Tommy submitted to Billy's gentle drying. Billy then guided Tommy toward the bed. "Lie down, love." Tommy lay down as directed. Billy began snuggling and kissing, his hand dallying along Tommy's chest, along his stomach, teased along his cock, and then tugged at Tommy's balls. Tommy felt a small pressure against his ass pucker. Billy's lubed finger sought entry. "Stay relaxed, just feel yourself opening up. Billy's tongue followed the path of his hand. When it arrived at Tommy's cock, he began to tease with small nips. Suddeny, Billy's finger popped through the tight hole. A small "oooh" escaped Tommy's lips. Billy ease his finger in and out of Tommy. Billy sensed that Tommy was handling the finger easily. He eased a second finger into the hole and again stroked. "Okay? If we go slowly, this will be very pleasant, but you have to tell me when you're ready." Tommy nodded, already being swept away by the new sensations. 

"More?"

"Uh huh."

"Lets try with you on your knees, Tommy."

"Uh huh."

Tommy rolled over and pushed up on his knees. Billy approached from behind, generously lubing his cock, and then putting the head against Tommy's ass. "Still okay?'




Tommy - A Life Pt. 01



"Uh huh, Baby. I'm ready."

Billy pressed his cock against the wet hole. The initial resistance quickly gave way and his cock began to slide into Tommy.

"Oooh."

"Did I hurt you, Lover?"

"No, it's just so different. I didn't know there would be so much sensation."

"Go back to concentrating on relaxing. We can wait until your ass adjusts."

"No, Baby, I'm ready. Keep going."

Billy carefully began to apply more pressure, sliding deeper into Tommy's ass, until his groin pressed against Tommy's ass. Carefully watching his lover's neck muscles for signs of stress, he eased back and then in again. Tommy's breathing began to change. At first in time with Billy's thrusts, then with increasing rapidity. Tommy reached between his legs and began to stroke his own, hard cock. Billy kept thrusting, more rapidly and more strongly. Tommy stroked faster. Their breathing became faster and faster with the effort and excitement. Tommy pushed back onto Billy's cock and let loose a deep groan as his orgasm erupted onto the bed beneath him. Billy felt the pulsing of Tommy's ass and let go his own orgasm. They collapsed together onto the bed.

"Ohmygod. I never came like that before," gasped Tommy. 

"Uh huh." Tommy's earlier wordlessness seemed to have passed to Billy.

"Can we do that again?" Tommy felt energized by the fucking.

"Uh, maybe after a while," mumbled Billy, "You got it all out of me the first time."

"Ahhh, my lover. You've given me yet another delight." Tommy rained kisses on the nearly comatose Billy. Billy blinked in response and gave in to sleep. Tommy cuddled close to his lover and while listening to his soft breathing, continuing to enjoy new sensations in his ass, joined him in sleep.



Tommy - A Life Pt. 02



CHAPTER THREE: On the Town

One evening, as Billy and Tommy lounged watching a film, the doorbell rang. Tommy got up, turned to give Billy a kiss, then went to the door. A uniformed messenger waited in the elevator vestibule. He simply bowed and handed Tommy an envelope and retreated into a conveniently open elevator. Tommy merely blinked at this pantomime, then turned and carried the envelope to Billy. It was addressed to "Dearest Billy" in a florid hand. 

"Who was that?"

"A messenger, with a letter addressed to you, 'Dearest Billy.'"

"Do read it."

"Very well, 'master.'"

"Spare the S&M talk, just read the letter."

"It's an invitation."

Dearest Billy,

Here we are, well into the Fall Season, and where is Billy? No one has seen him in a month. His name has not graced the obituaries - thank goodness. Neither is he on the list of those sailing on the QE2. To paraphrase a girl about her sheep, where, oh where could he be?

Rumors surface that he's been seen around town in the company of a stunning suitor. Hmmm. Could this be love? Or has this fiend just eaten you up. Do end my conjectures by attending a soiree this Friday evening at ten at my place to either celebrate your new found love or to mourn your oh so untimely passing. The "crowd" is desolate in your absence. Do come and liven things up.

Yours, as always, in passion and despair,

Piggy

PS: You must bring "him" with you - it's him we really want to see. To have you holed up for a month, he must be fantastic.

P.

"Piggy?"

"Reginald Thornton the Fourth - Piggy to his friends and his many conquests. Seems dearest Piggy cannot get enough and can be altogether indiscriminate in his choice of lovers when "in the mood." But then, I've known him forever, shared a few beaus - damn him - and he throws fantastic parties, both at his home here in the city and on his daddy's yacht. So, what do you think? Are you up to a 'gay old time?' Booze, boys, and carnal joys? I expect to be piqued with jealousy all evening as they ogle you, my lover. At least I can tell them 'hands off' before they make a play for you when I'm not around."

"I don't want to do anything that will upset you, Billy."

"I suppose we have to 'come out' sometime. Hell, it will be fun. And I'll really enjoy all those looks of envy at my lover. Yes, do let's go."

When Tommy returned to the apartment after classes on Friday afternoon, Billy was out. Tommy found a note taped to the bedroom door informing him that Billy had to do some 'family business' and would have to meet him at Piggy's - address on reverse. The note also informed Tommy that clothes had been laid out on the bed for him to wear. With time to spare, Tommy took a long bath, remembering fondly the events that had followed his last bath. He shaved and moisturized and styled - following Billy's careful instructions. On the bed was the tuxedo Phillipe had made for Tommy. Tommy became very self-conscious and concerned. Piggy's party was going to be a formal affair? Tommy had rarely worn a tie. Billy's friends certainly came from a different world than Tommy had ever experienced.

As Tommy stood looking at the carefully arranged clothes, the doorbell rang. He slipped on a robe and stepped to the door. Upon opening it he saw one of the staff from Phillipe's, the men's clothing salon Billy had taken him to on their first day together.

"Billy thought you might want some advice on getting dressed this evening. He asked me to drop by in case you had any questions." 

Tommy reverted to his "speechless" mode, but held the door open for the man to enter. The man seemed to be familiar with the apartment. He walked directly to the bedroom and began to hand clothes to Tommy, turning away from the blushing Tommy. It was only after getting on shorts, socks, and pants that Tommy saw the man watching in a mirror. Well, no secrets from one's tailor, he surmised. The man assisted Tommy in putting on the stiff, pleated shirt. When Tommy was stumped by the lack of buttons, the man stepped up and deftly applied mother of peal studs. With a flourish, he presented a tie to Tommy. 

"I, I don't know how to put it on," confessed Tommy.

"A simple thing, once instructed. Permit me."

The man placed the tie around Tommy's neck and with what seemed a single gesture produced a perfect bow. After assisting with the coat, the man stepped back to admire his work. 

"You look perfect. I am pleased to see how well the clothes fit. Phillipe certainly has an eye. I will bid you good evening." The man turned and went through the door out of the apartment.

Tommy heard a crinkle of paper as he moved. He discovered a note in the jacket pocket. 

Tommy,

I'm sorry to not be with you at this moment. Your image in my mind is divine. A split of champagne awaits in the fridge. Have a glass for courage. I'll be at Piggy's when you arrive. And know that I love you.

Billy

Tommy's eyes teared as he read the note. Even though Billy was just across town, he missed him. Tommy wanted Billy's approval and support. He decided to follow Billy's advice and helped himself to a glass of champagne - vintage, French, obscenely expensive and typical of Billy. He returned to the bedroom to get the white scarf, gloves and cape that completed his evening clothes. A cape? How would he ever fit in? Well, in for a dime, in for a dollar. 

He put on the remaining items and took the elevator to the ground floor. The doorman raised his eyebrows approvingly as Tommy approached. A cab awaited and quickly took Tommy to the address Billy had provided. The cab drove into a curved drive in front of a large house, brilliantly lit. A man appeared, paid the cab driver and opened the door for Tommy. Tommy leaned his head back to try to take in the opulent residence. It occupied its own city block and seemed to be surrounded by a park, the grounds disappearing into distance.

Tommy climbed the entry stairs and as he approached the doors, they swung open to admit him. As he stepped across the threshold, he was met with an amazing sight. He entered a vast entry hall of gleaming marble. The room was crowded with men, tall and short, built, thin, and fat, young, old and trying to look not so old, all in black tie. Upon his entrance, the roar of conversation stopped. Heads turned toward him. He scanned the room, becoming more and more desperate until he, at last, spotted Billy on the landing of a grand staircase on the far side of the room. Billy raised the glass in his hand as if to toast Tommy. The moment of silence past and many men rushed to greet Tommy.

The crowd of men surrounding Tommy suddenly parted, giving way to a youngish man, a little plump, immaculately dressed. He smiled broadly at Tommy, winked, and drew him into a hug, kissing him on both cheeks. "You must be Tommy. Billy hasn't shared a single detail and I simply must get to know you." Smirks and snorts and ribald comments came for the surrounding crowd. The man swept Tommy toward a side door. Just as they neared the doorway, a hand caught Tommy by the arm. 

"Piggy, you don't think I'm going to let you get Tommy alone." Billy's voice.

"Darling," Billy kissed Tommy fully, lastingly on the mouth. Billy steered Tommy back toward the center of the room, nodding to and acknowledging many of the men. Leaning his face toward Tommy's, he whispered into his ear, "You entered the room like Cinderella at the ball. Quite an entrance. I've never seen anyone so handsome, no more than that, as beautiful as you as you came through the door. I can hardly blame Piggy for trying to sweep you away - bastard. There are some special friends I'd like you to meet. I think we're seated with Piggy, so we'll see our host at dinner. Now then, let's run the social gauntlet."

Billy introduced man after man. Each was courteous, some flirtatious. A tall man stepped into their path. His face was familiar, Tommy recognized the man, but he could not place him in this setting. "Tommy, I believe you and Charles have already met." Not seeing recognition on Tommy's face, Billy continued, "On the train?"

"Ohmygod," Tommy blushed furiously.

The man, Charles, stepped up and embraced Tommy, kissing him on the cheek. "I know I should be thanking you for telling me about Tommy, Charles, but somehow that would be easier if you weren't consuming him. Tommy, I've known Charles forever. He's a fixture at the country club. I think he waits for each boy to hit eighteen and then seduces him in a cabana. Certainly was a first for me in lots of ways. Over the summer, when in his cups, he kept talking about this 'Adonis of the train' - handsome, hung and humble, unaware of his charms. Even if I had to get up at an ungodly hour to catch that train, I had to see this man of Charles's. And there you were, my love."

"Charles is a very successful banker of some sort, family name and stuff. If you ever need to know about money, Charles is the man. Come to think of it, he's a pretty good handicapper of boy flesh, too. Charles, thank you for bringing love into my life."

Charles pretended to be sad, "The men on the train have wondered what became of their chief entertainment. Some have even resorted to being nice to each other. Would it be possible for you to return to the country and commute again? We'd even share you with Billy." Observing Billy's 'I don't think so' look, Charles laughingly kissed both Billy and Tommy and melted back into the crowd.

Billy continued introducing Tommy to friends and acquaintances until they were called to dinner. A large dining room was set with several tables. Piggy was already standing at the center of a long table across the far end of the room. He gestured for Billy and Tommy to join him. 

"Tommy, you sit here, right next to me, and you, Billy, over there at the end. Place cards were at each seat. The men filtered through the room, searching for their places, greeting friends as they went. At last, everyone was at his chair. 

"Friends and Lovers, I want to welcome Tommy to my home and to our little society. Raise your glasses, I give you Tommy!" All cheered. Tommy sought out Billy's eyes which returned a look of pride and love. 

Piggy fawned and flirted with Tommy throughout the many courses of the dinner. His attentions became more exaggerated the drunker he got. When, at last, the dessert was served Billy stood and indicated that Tommy should join him. Tommy thanked Piggy for the welcome and eagerly evaded a slobbery kiss. 

"Piggy can be a dear, but also such an ass - but then that's always been his best part." Billy laughed, himself a little unsteady with drink. On their way to the door, many men stopped them extending invitations to dinners, weekends and shows. Tommy had never experienced such a lively social crowd. His head swam.

CHAPTER FOUR: The Opera

After Tommy's introduction into the 'crowd', they received many invitations, most often from Piggy. One Friday afternoon, another message arrived from Piggy.

Dear Ones,

Be ready at 5 PM, full dinner dress, Armando is performing in New York and you're coming with me to the opening. Don't make any plans for Saturday, or for Sunday for that matter.

Piggy

It was already past four when Tommy and Billy got the note. Tommy looked at Billy with a questioning expression. "It'll be fun. Armando is Piggy's tenor friend." They ran to shower and change.

Unusual for Piggy, he was waiting in his car when they emerged from Billy's building. "Get in, we've got to go." Tommy squeezed into the backseat, Billy got in next to Piggy and the car roared off in a u-turn. It normally took a few hours to reach New York, but Piggy drove very fast, ignoring any and all traffic regulations. Somehow it worked for him, though he chatted the entire time and appeared to pay no attention to the road, traffic seemed to open up and give way for him.

They pulled up in front of Lincoln Center. This was Tommy's first trip to New York, the scale and energy of the city dazzled him. And arriving at the premier cultural spot of that city was all the more intense. A valet took the car and they walked across the plaza to the Metropolitan Opera House. Piggy was recognized as he entered the door. While many others waited in long lines for admission, an usher opened the way and led them up the grand staircase. The usher then used a gold key to admit them into a tiny room. Piggy preened in front the mirror and then opened another door. Through the door, Tommy first saw a theatre box with a small group of guilt chairs with red cushions. Looking past, the entire vast space of the Opera House opened before him. The giant hall and every occupant seemed to glitter. Piggy urged them to take a seat and the conductor appeared and the overture began.

This was spectacle beyond Tommy's imagination. The vast stage was occupied by personalities even he had heard about. The music, the voices, the story, and setting were magical. Billy held his hand throughout, watching Tommy's reactions rather than the opera, seeing through Tommy's expressions the wonder of this event.

Piggy applauded uproariously when a slender young man marched to the center of the stage. The man, whom Billy recognized as Armando, turned to face the box where they sat and began an aria about the passion of youth. The song ended in a great crescendo and to an uproarious ovation. Armando exited the stage at the end of the scene. A few minutes later, there came a soft knock at the box doorway. Piggy jumped up and disappeared into the anti-room. After a few minutes, Billy got up and peeked in the door. He motioned for Tommy to join him. Inside the small dimly lit red room, they saw the tenor Armando being fiercely fellated by Piggy. His eyes were closed in ecstasy as Piggy, true to his name, sucked and slurped. At a change in the music, Armando's eyes popped open and he pulled away, giving Piggy a quick kiss as he fastened his trousers and rushed out the door. A few moments later he appeared on the stage, singing lustily.

Piggy returned to his seat, wiping his face with a handkerchief. "I like to think I do my part for the arts," he said as he sat down. 

The rest of performance was marvelous and though quite long, Tommy was sad when the last curtain fell. Another new world had been opened for him. 

The evening continued with a lavish dinner, hosted by Piggy and featuring Armando. Armando had arrived at the head of an entourage of admirers. He abandoned them all to pay court to Piggy who glowed with the attention. Billy and Tommy sat back and enjoyed the spectacle, almost as grand as the opera had been.

Tommy thought he would pass out from drink and tiredness when Piggy announced that they were heading to 'the Village' to a club. Somehow Tommy found the energy and rallied. The club was in a small dingy basement. Drinks were quickly provided and then a small jazz ensemble began to play. During the course of the evening, members of the audience were identified as musicians, themselves and encouraged to join the ensemble. By the end of the night, the club rocked with the music of a large band made of celebrities. 'Wow' thought Tommy.

Tommy woke up all curled in a ball in the back seat of Piggy's car. Billy was driving, sipping coffee from a paper cup. Piggy snored loudly from the passenger seat. Billy turned and smiled at Tommy's touch. "Quite a night, lover. We'll be home in a half hour. I'll bet you need to stand up."

"I'm not sure I can. I'm still feeling those last twenty drinks." Tommy's head already ached. 

Billy drove to Piggy's house and turned over the still sleeping man to his butler. Tommy and Billy caught a cab back to Billy's apartment. They both crashed into bed and slept through the day. 

CHAPTER FIVE: At Sea

The following day, another note appeared.

You scamps,

You left me in the unloving arms of Mr. Jamison when I so much needed tender affection. Well, to make it up to me, be at the City Yacht Club at 8 PM Thursday. Daddy's boat is there and Daddy's not. Be sure to bring your sailing togs. Ah, the call of the open sea! 

Refreshments and lube provided.

Piggy

P.S. Thanks awfully for driving home. You know, Billy, I do believe you like me, after all.

Tommy was able to clear his few Friday classes and Billy always seemed to be able to take what time he needed. Billy called Phillipe and asked what the well dressed yachtsman was wearing this year. Phillipe promised a complete three-day wardrobe for two - pre-packed - would be waiting dockside.

Schoolwork and lectures, no matter how interesting, dragged by until Thursday evening. 

Billy met Tommy on the university campus and they walked the few blocks to the yacht club. True to his word, a shipment from Phillipe was being delivered as they arrived. Tommy stopped to ask an attendant which boat belonged to Piggy's father. Billy walked ahead down the main pier. Off the end of the pier a sparkling white and mahogany sailing yacht sat at anchor. It stretched beyond the yacht club borders, clearly too large to dock. A smart motor launch waited at the end of the pier. Billy directed their luggage should be brought to the launch. Two uniformed sailors waited in the launch and loaded the luggage, then assisted Billy and Tommy aboard. 

The launch pulled away and sped to the side of the yacht. Billy and Tommy called out for Piggy, but were met by other uniformed staff who assisted them aboard, explaining that Piggy was currently occupied and would they make themselves comfortable in their cabin and join the party for dinner at eight.

They could hear the sound of the sailors getting the boat ready to sail. Billy speculated that one of the sailors was probably doing special duty with Piggy, accounting for his being 'occupied.' The yacht began to move freely, they had set sail. Billy and Tommy got changed for dinner. It was like a birthday surprise, opening the suitcases provided by Phillipe. Each suitcase had their initials embossed. On opening, all the wants and needs for a cruise of several days - including shoes and somewhat silly nautical hats - were revealed. 

"Ho there, commodore," joked Billy donning his full attire. "I think we can dispense with the headgear," as he tossed his hat on the shelf. 

"You look too good in this sailor stuff, Tommy - but again, you always look better out of it." They kissed and had begun to become 'involved' when a loud rap came at their door

"Ho there, without," snapped Billy in assumed salty talk.

"Ho there, within," came Piggy's voice in reply. 

"Captain Turner won't open the bar until the guests arrive, and I want a drink, so get out here, would you?"

Tommy and Billy disentangled and opened the door to Piggy's impatient face. "It really is good of you to join me. Wasn't last weekend a blast? The evening has warmed up, we can take our drinks on deck, come on."

"So, Piggy, where is he?"

"Who?"

"Whomever has been keeping you occupied and inspired your thirst."

"Oh, him? I'm afraid he has to eat with the crew, but he'll be back. It's a small boat and I'm sure my bed is much more comfortable than his and has fringe benefits."

They had arrived on the after deck and were given cocktails. The river had opened to the bay and the ocean could be seen ahead. The boat's engine stopped and the boat healed as the open sails propelled the yacht. It took a while to become comfortable with the motion of the yacht. Its movement became sinuous as it plied the waves. 

"I asked you to come tonight so we could head south for warmer weather. The captain tells me - such a dear - that we'll have a great day for sunning tomorrow." Piggy all but leered at Tommy.

"Anyone else aboard?" Tommy asked a little desperately.

"Just we three and about fifteen in the crew, a barebones cruise. Say how about some oysters?" A buffet had appeared while they were talking, seafood of every kind. Chilled wine was served. The tastes and textures were new to Tommy, the oysters at first strange, but when Billy showed him how to eat them with cocktail sauce and lemon, he ate many. 




Tommy - A Life Pt. 02



"Well, Billy, I hope you're rested. Tommy there has eaten a couple dozen oysters. Of course, I'd be willing to help out."

"What about your sailor, Piggy, dear?" Billy chided.

"Oh very well, keep the good stuff to yourself. You always were greedy. The boys always liked you better anyway. If it wasn't for all Daddy's money, I'd be a virgin - which I assure you I'm not," he said aside to Tommy.

A gong rang and they were escorted into dinner. Tommy was beginning to regret all the oysters he had eaten. Maybe it was the sea air, but when the lovely meal was served, he ate eagerly. 

Night had fallen and the sails strained against the rigging in the freshening wind. Piggy had excused himself after dinner to 'do a little hunting.' Tommy and Billy returned to the deck. The sky was full of stars and the wake of the yacht was luminous. The yacht made pleasant groaning noises - or was that Piggy with his first prey of the evening? The voice of the wooden yacht, the rush of water at the bow and the wind in the rigging enriched the silence. 

During dinner, they had left sight of shore, the ocean was black around them. Far on the horizon, three steam ships could be seen sailing north. Billy leaned against the windward rail and held Tommy against his chest. The serenity of the ocean and fluid movement of the yacht through the water worked its way into their very being. Tommy turned to kiss Billy.

"I don't know which experience of you makes me happier," said Billy to Tommy. Last week, watching you at the opera, I saw your innocence and watched as that innocence became worldly. Tonight, we're here in the midst of the ocean and I see its beauty reflected in the wonder of your eyes. I might have been like Piggy, well a little, but since I've met you I've seen and felt and tasted my life for the first time. I need to be alone with you." Billy kissed Tommy. Huskily, Billy said, "Let's go to our cabin."

Once in bed, the motion of the yacht became the motion of the two lovers driving their thrusts deeper, causing them to cling all the tighter to each other. And if it was the sea air, the oysters, or Billy's words of love, Tommy's desire and passion grew to new levels. Billy responded as vigorously, as lovingly. Their passion was not so much spent as that they reached a point of exhilarated happiness and eased each other to sleep with kisses.

***

The morning dawned bright and hot. Tommy put on shorts and a t-shirt from the provided wardrobe. Billy braved pants and a shirt. They went on deck, looking for food. The smell of coffee lured them into the saloon, where they had been served dinner the night before. A full breakfast was set and they set to it ravenously. 

"Sea air, sex, and thou," paraphrased Billy with a smile.

Piggy staggered in a few minutes later, his face sporting a puffy bruised eye. "Damned straight bastard. All I said was what fun it would be suck each other, and he slugged me. I'd make him walk the plank, but he did do me a few more times. Ah love, I wish I could find it in someone a little less violent, a little more gay." Piggy attacked the food and ate in accord with his namesake. "I think I'll go lie down a bit and put a steak on this eye. Usually the thought of raw meat in bed gets me worked up, alas, I feel like shit. I'd suggest that you two amuse each other, but I do believe you did that all night long. I don't recall you being so vocal, Billy, though I certainly understand why." Piggy patted Tommy on the shoulder and kissed him on the forehead as he left.

"Shall we go up on deck and enjoy this day?" Billy asked. 

They went on deck and found a sunny spot to arrange some deck chairs. Members of the crew were at hand to set things right. Too warmly dressed for the already hot day, Billy went off to their cabin to change. Tommy peeled off his t-shirt and stretched out on a deck chair, feeling the sun on his body. Hands began to touch him, he opened his eyes to find a stranger, one of the crew rubbing his chest.

"Suntan lotion, sir, you don't want to get burned," the crewman said on seeing Tommy's start. 

"And we're miles out to sea, you don't have to wear shorts or a swimming suit. Most cruises are 'clothing optional'. 

"Well, I guess so," Tommy said cautiously. 

"You'll need extra lotion on parts that haven't seen the sun. If you're thinking about it, you'd better do it while I can help."

Tommy didn't want to be rude, and thought it best to play along. He dropped his shorts and underwear and lay on his stomach on the lounge. The crewman began rubbing lotion across his back, along his thighs, and then on his ass, easing the lotion between the tight cheeks. The sensation of the crewman's strong hands caused Tommy's cock to harden. 

"You'd better roll over, sir, I'll need to do the other side."

Tommy wasn't sure what to do, but the crewman encouraged him. His cock thwocked loudly on his stomach as he rolled over. The crewman chuckled, 

"I'll need to get some more lotion, I didn't expect to have to cover so much surface area."

"So, I leave for five minutes and you've found a sailor?" Billy said in mock outrage. 

"Oh, no, I mean, its not, jeez, Billy, you're putting me on." Tommy blushed red.

"I've been watching since he got you to strip. I was wondering how far you'd go, and thought I'd better step in now that you've reached the good stuff. Hand me that lotion, matey, and clear the deck, thar's a spar that needs tending." Nautical Billy, again.

Tommy succumbed to the sensations of Billy's lotion-covered hands on his cock. Billy's tongue teased his ear. Just as things began to be heated, Tommy felt a towel tossed onto his front. Before he opened his eyes, he heard Piggy's voice.

"So, here the two of you are. It looks like a fine day, but oh my head. Look at you," he said to Tommy. "You know, Billy, its just unfair. You are so lucky. You're handsome, perfect teeth, perfect complexion, perfect hair, you're poised and elegant, and now this," gesturing toward Tommy, "this gorgeous creature that dotes on your every word, makes googly eyes at you over dinner, and" Piggy snapped the towel off of Tommy, "I knew it, damn you Billy, I knew it, he's hung, too. Billy Kensington, I tell you it's unfair. I want to be in love, too, for more than a couple hours." Piggy dropped into another lounge. 

"So, Tommy, whatever is it you see in Billy? I know he's perfect, and if I recall from my early childhood, he's quite a lover, but really, doesn't all that perfection wear on you? Wouldn't you prefer being with someone who would contrast your fabulous looks?"

"But, Piggy, I am with you," Tommy demurred.

"All right, I'll enjoy the view and keep hands off. Oh Billy, isn't there somewhere you need to be right now? Why not go exploring? A nap?"

"I won't leave my little guppy alone with a shark, thank you," replied Billy. "Anyway, I don't think you're suffering all that much. You just want whatever you can't have. Surely that comely sailor over there can help you forget your troubles. I do believe he's looking your way."

"He's just eyeing up Tommy's cock, in case we need a new mast or something."

After all the teasing, the conversation eased into gossip about people Piggy and Billy knew and complaints about rich families and the troubles they created for their 'poor' children. Tommy lay back and enjoyed the luxuries of sun and the yacht.

The pampering and luxury continued through the day and evening. Tommy and Billy enjoyed the deck in the evening. That night, in their cabin, alone, they made love and gave in to the tiredness of sun, sea, and sharing each other's bodies.

The wind had picked up and seas roughened during the night. By the time Tommy and Billy emerged from their cabin they were greeted by a spray of salt air. The crew were all on deck or working in the rigging. "Excuse me sirs," said one of the crew, "we've got a bit of weather. It's going to be heavier going today. You'll need to be careful on deck and watch your heads, we'll be maneuvering much more than yesterday."

At that moment the captain called out, 'hard alee' and the yacht changed direction. For a moment all the sails went slack and then with a crack, they filled with air and strained against the rigging. The yacht lurched ahead and healed heavily in the opposite direction. For Tommy, it was exhilarating, feeling the heaving deck under his feet, the speed of the yacht as it worked wind and waves. Billy seemed unfazed and led the way to breakfast. The stewards served, but filled cups and glasses only part way. Wet place mats were on the table to keep dishes and silver wear from sliding to the floor. Tommy ate hungrily, feeling the thrill of adventure. Piggy appeared briefly in the doorway and with a "oh god, food," retreated green-faced to his cabin.

Tommy and Billy returned to the deck. A sailor was struggling with a rope, a 'line', he called it, and Tommy pitched in to help pull it taught. The sailor, after getting the sails set, explained to Tommy how the sails worked and the seeming thousands of ropes that controlled the yacht. All the complexity of the yacht was invisible during the quiet winds of the day before. Now it was revealed to be an intricate machine, vibrating with life.

The captain approached from the wheelhouse. "I appreciate your interest in the ship," he said, having observed Tommy's interaction with the sailor. "We're shorthanded for this kind of weather. There's a tropical depression south of us and this wind is only going to pick up. I hate to ask guests to lend a hand, but the safety of the ship may depend upon it." Tommy and Billy eagerly agreed to do all they could to help. "The crew will let you know how you can help, mostly, it's a strong back helping to haul at the right moment."

As predicted, the winds grew in strength and the waves increased in size. The yacht didn't seem so large now being tossed by the angry ocean. The crew worked efficiently and knowledgeably. Tommy and Billy's contribution was nominal, but they enjoyed being included in the struggle with the sea.

The day passed with much maneuvering, lots of commands being called and the crew, plus two, snapping to perform the tasks. The captain ordered a 'jibe' and the yacht healed dangerously as it changed direction. The side rail of the boat buried into a wave cascading the deck with water as the yacht righted. Then, suddenly, the wind grew calm. Tommy looked over the side of the yacht and saw that it was racing through the water. In answer to his puzzled look, a sailor explained that the yacht had 'turned before the wind', it was going in the same direction at the same speed, so they couldn't feel it, but indeed they were going very fast. The sailor speculated that the captain was trying to run on the front of the storm to get to its edge and out of the heavy weather. 

By evening the yacht had reached calmer waters. Dinner was served to 'all hands', crew and their two helpful passengers together. It was a small celebration of man having survived an encounter with the ocean. Halfway through, Piggy appeared. "Have I missed anything? It seemed a bit rough earlier." They assembled party laughed, then welcomed their employer and host.

The captain announced that due to the speed they had traveled on the winds of the advancing storm that they would arrive back in port early the next morning. Piggy looked relieved to be heading home. Tommy and Billy were suddenly feeling the affects of a day's hard sailing and wished to go to bed. Though alone and naked in bed, their bodies melted together and sleep overtook them. 

They awoke at the sound of the engines starting, indicating that the yacht was in the last leg of their voyage. They enjoyed their final breakfast aboard, joined by a much rejuvenated Piggy. He told them that he had been able to make amends with the sailor. Shortly thereafter, they arrived at the yacht club, moored and were put ashore in the launch. Their adventure at sea had come to an end.

CHAPTER SIX: At the Ballet

A few weeks passed before they again saw Piggy. Tommy and Billy were dining in a small restaurant near the university. From a private dining room in the back came a huge uproar. Waiters came dashing out of the room, dinner rolls flying after them. The manager made three attempts to enter the room before the opposing side had exhausted their supply of rolls. Shouting in several languages could be heard, but above the din came the familiar sound of Piggy's voice. He was trying to both placate the manager with offers to pay for any damage while at the same time trying to calm an enraged Frenchman. Piggy's French was atrocious and seemed to enrage the Frenchman all the more.

Billy turned to Tommy, "I think I'd better see if I can help before Piggy gets hurt." He braved the entrance to the room and in a few moments the voices calmed, the waiters returned and began to clean up the results of the melee, the manager returned to his post, and drinks were served all around, compliments of the management.

Billy emerged and gestured for Tommy to join him. Every head turned and watched as he crossed the room. Everyone was speculating what possibly was the melodrama going on in the private dining room.

Tommy entered the room, fearing the worst, but found only Piggy, a small, but red-faced man, and Billy. Billy was pouring champagne and chatting in quite passable French. Billy introduced Tommy to the Frenchman, Louis. Piggy sat in his chair and waved a greeting with his champagne glass.

"Is everything all right?" Tommy ventured.

"A minor mix up over the champagne," explained Billy. "Alas, the waiter made the mistake of offering a substitution of quite admirable American sparkling wine. Louis, in reasonable response, defended the Soul of France, and dealt the waiter several direct hits with the nearest available missile."

"It is champagne or it is not, and I, Louis, drinks only champagne. I despise this crude ruse of 'method champagnoise'. Give it to the pigs, no offence Piggy." Louis, calmer, had begun to speak English, though heavily accented.

"So, Louis, what brings you to town? Not that an evening with Piggy is not worthwhile," Billy inquired.

"Louis is in the ballet," began Piggy, but on seeing Louis eyebrows rise in rage, he amended, 

"Louis IS ballet. He is performing tonight at the Academy."

"And you all shall be my guests," Louis insisted. 

"And after you have been blessed with my performance, cher Piggy is hosting a soiree in my honor. You shall come as well." Louis's imperious tone brooked no refusal. "Allons, we go." Piggy emptied his glass and stood, and raced after Louis. 

Tommy and Billy glanced at each other. Billy assumed his best look of French intolerance and imitated Louis, "Allons, we go." Tommy obeyed, laughing.

A limousine waited outside the restaurant. They were at the Academy where the performance was to be held in a few minutes. Louis had spent the time of the ride to 'compose myself'. The others remained silent, fearful of setting off another tirade.

Piggy ushered them into the theatre bar and ordered more champagne. When Billy began questioning the origin of the wine, Piggy's glare reduced him to hysterics. "Piggy, where did you pick up this one?"

Piggy looked wistful, as he recalled a day a few years back, when an underfed young man had propositioned him in a bar in New York. Even on his last resources, the young man had been demanding. This fascinated Piggy who responded by lavishing the young man with dinner, then gifts, and every attention he could. The young man, then a less royal 'Guy', was an aspiring ballet dancer. Piggy speculated that it was more his sense of entitlement than his talent that had led to his rise, but rise he had from junior member to principal dancer of an internationally known ballet company. Now, 'Louis', 'for after all, what other name was intended for one such as I?' he had contacted Piggy to 'allow' him to entertain Louis while he was performing in the city. 

"And how could I refuse abuse like that?" Piggy asked laughing. "The good thing, is that the party later promises to be an absolute debauch. There seems to be a tradition that the younger performers, in pursuit of a patron, go to great lengths to entertain. There is a competition among them for the richest and most attractive potential patrons." Piggy licked his lips. "I guess I'll have to settle on richest now that you two are coming. Well, from what Louis tells me, there will be lots of firm young flesh for all."

The lights in the lobby flickered, indicating that the ballet was about to begin. Piggy led the way, presenting Louis's card. They were led to seats in the front row of the loge, considered the best seats from which to view the ballet. A moment after they were seated, the lights dimmed.

Tommy whispered to Billy, "I like going out with Piggy. There are never any lines, no waiting for things to begin."

Billy replied, "Ah, the life of privilege. I'm just pleased that I can share it with you."

The ballet began. Billy had never seen dance like this. The music was beautiful in its own right, but the dance gave it added dimension and life. The grace of the bodies as they moved about the stage captured his attention. He began to notice not only the arrangements of the dancers, but the patterns and space, the negative space, among them. 

The dancers themselves were delicate, yet strong. Every line of body was precise, emphasizing every capable movement that a human could perform. Piggy disappeared during the intermission, returning to his seat only after the lights had dimmed. He was wiping his face with his handkerchief. "I like to think I do my part for the arts," he said as he sat down. 

The ballet featured a very spirited performance by Louis following the intermission. Piggy beamed.

Following the performance, Piggy, Tommy, and Billy were escorted back stage. There was a general turmoil as stagehands cleared up after the performance. The dancers dashed about them. Tommy remarked how small these men and woman were, could they be the same that were on the stage? Billy explained that their presence on the stage, the lighting, and the total aura of the performance gave them the appearance of greater stature, greater definition. 'All part of the magic of the ballet.'

At length, Louis emerged from his dressing room, stopping to accept congratulations from the many admirers that gathered around him. He looked up and spotted the three men, waiting with decreasing patience. "Tout le monde, everyone, I see 'mon patron' awaits. I must away." And with all the grace he displayed upon the stage, he swept through the crowd, gathered up Piggy, Tommy, and Billy, and ushered them to the waiting car.

A gaggle of young dancers followed a few steps behind, but seeing a warning glance from Louis, retreated to find other transportation. Piggy directed the driver to take them to one of the best hotels in the city. He had taken a large suite in which to hold the party.

Once at the hotel, a short elevator ride took them to a high floor. A door opened to Piggy's knock revealing a large room set up for a party. Tables with food and a bar with attendants were waiting for their arrival. Champagne was passed to everyone arriving, mostly middle aged and older men, some from the crowd of Piggy's friends, many Tommy did not recognize. 

Answering Tommy's question, Billy explained that this party was an opportunity for the city's hidden men to enjoy gay sex. Tommy's inclination was to be sad for these men who felt they needed to hide their desires, but the excitement and anticipation on most of the faces didn't brook with sadness.

The door burst open again as the dance company arrived. The young men were all given drinks. Then the posturing began. At first the dancers posed along one wall of the room, facing Piggy's guests. Appraising glances were met with tacit invitations. Slowly the two groups merged in the middle of the room. Some conversations were loud and suggestive, some were mere whispers. An older man and a dancer slipped through a door into an adjoining room. Several others paired off and went through the door. 




Tommy - A Life Pt. 02



Louis had several of the dancers around him - the most beautiful of the group. "Piggy, would you and your friends join me with these lovelies? I can't do them all and they seem to be very needy this evening." Louis led Piggy, Billy, and Tommy through another door into a darkened room. The only light in the room came through floor-to-ceiling windows over looking the city. A large bed and several divans were spread through the room. The dancers dropped their clothes and began to stretch suggestively, silhouetted against the windows. Louis, still dressed, approached one of the dancers and began to run his hands over the young man's body. The dancer was pliant in his hands. After a few minutes, Louis removed his clothes. He bent the dancer over a chair and entered him roughly. Both Louis's and the dancer's hard trained bodies were beautiful. The angry way Louis coupled with the dancer was both erotic and troubling. The dancer made no sound and seemed to endure rather than enjoy the experience.

Piggy had moved to a dark corner of the room, capturing another of the dancers. The soft light modeled the muscles on the dancer's chest as he arched his back, responding to Piggy's oral assault on his cock. Piggy knelt in front of the dancer, working to pleasure him.

Billy and Tommy stood watching the acts of passion in the room. A dancer approached each of them. Hungry hands tugged at their clothing until they were naked like the dancers. Tommy looked across at Billy, trying to catch his eye, looking for an indication about how to proceed. Billy smiled and said softly, "Just go with the sensation, it's about pleasure, not about you and me." 

An eager mouth closed on Tommy's cock, hands roved over his chest and stomach. Nearby, Billy was having a similar experience. Billy looked over at Tommy and gestured a kiss. Tommy was led toward the bed by the dancer. He knelt on the edge of the bed, presenting his ass to Tommy. The dancer's lubed hand caressed Tommy's hard cock and placed it at the entry to his hole. 

As Tommy gave in to his cock's desire for the feeling of the clutching ass, another dancer knelt on the bed and Billy stood at his side, entering that dancer's ass. Billy reached a hand around Tommy's neck and pulled him close for a kiss. They slowly fucked, each their own dancer, as they kissed and loved each other. The intensity that surrounded these sexual unions reached a fevered level. Tommy and Billy broke their kiss to complete themselves in vigorous fucking. Billy cried out his orgasm first, shortly followed by Tommy. They again kissed, feeling hardness subside. They abandoned their dancers and became rapt in each other. 

They dressed and returned to the 'party' room. Most of the guests had also returned. The room took on its initial aspect, divided between dancers and guests. The dancers were comparing notes on their selected conquests. The dancers that had entertained Tommy and Billy returned to the room and quickly became the center of the dancer's circle. 

Over the general conversation, Tommy was able to overhear comments being made to his dancer, "I can't believe you took that whole thing, that guy is huge."

"I just wish he paid as much attention to me as to his boyfriend. He almost turned me inside out and he's ignoring me, sucking that guy's face. Well, he was a really good fuck."

Billy took Tommy by the hand and led him up to Piggy. They said good night and left the party. 

Tommy was thoughtful as they walked toward Billy's apartment. "I've not been with anyone else since we met, Billy."

Billy held Tommy's hand tighter. "Maybe it wasn't such a good idea. Piggy's parties usual dissolve into an orgy of some form. I really didn't understand how that might make you feel. I didn't think of how you might feel about just having sex. I've never been with someone I cared about like you, Tommy."

"It was fun and all," replied Tommy, "and I really liked when you kissed me. I guess I like the love stuff more than the sex. Oh, and I really, really like the sex." Tommy dared a quick kiss as they walked down the street. 

"You know, Tommy, you're pretty special. And somehow, I don't think this evening is over yet. Now let's hurry home and see about more love stuff," Billy said with a wink.



Tommy - A Life Pt. 03



CHAPTER SEVEN: Thanksgiving and Palm Beach

Their time together sped by. In what seemed like days, the months of September, October, and much of November had passed. Billy read from a letter from his mother that he was required to attend a family function for the Thanksgiving holiday. Tommy remembered his promise to join his aunt and uncle. Both realized that they had not been apart for more than half a day since they had met. Both felt the pain of separation days ahead of their actual parting.

The day before Thanksgiving, Tommy and Billy took a cab to the train station. They sat in silence, holding hands, looking out opposite windows, afraid that should their eyes meet, each might break down. They shared a seat on the crowded train, making small talk in the very public place, their eyes saying what they dare not say aloud. 

In time they came to Tommy's stop, they embraced, then Tommy left the train, struggling to contain his tears. He turned, tried to smile and waved to Billy as the train pulled out of the station.

He walked the short distance to his relatives' house. He was warmly greeted by his aunt and uncle, but asked to be excused to lie down. In time he collected himself, cleaned up and joined his aunt and uncle in the living room. They had never spoken much, respecting each other's privacy and in a way the grief over the deaths of Tommy's parents. 

On this evening, Tommy told of his time in college, breezing by the details of his personal life. His aunt and uncle participated in the conversation happily, unlike earlier times. Tommy went with his aunt to the kitchen to help with making dinner. Their conversation continued and time passed quickly. 

Just as dinner was about ready, the sound of screeching tires came from the front of the house. Headlights glared at a crazy angle through the front windows. Tommy's uncle called to them that "some fool has run all over the front yard." Tommy joined his uncle peering through the front window. "Do you know anyone fool enough to be driving a convertible with the top down – in November?"

Tommy tried to see past the headlights. The dark form of a man sprawled in the front seat of the car. There was something familiar about the shape of the man's head. Oh no, Billy. Tommy raced out of the house and up to the car. A very drunken Billy turned toward him, tears streaming down his cheeks. He was inarticulate with drink, sobbing, a mess. Tommy opened the door and pulled him out, then embraced him. Billy clung to Tommy. He kept talking about "monsters" and how he had to run away. Tommy escorted him into the house and sat him on the sofa. Billy slowly calmed down and related the awful scene at his parent's home earlier in the evening. Billy's large extended family had gathered for a cocktail party. 

Billy explained that he had little use for most of his relatives, detesting their snobbery and superiority. Failing to join in the conversations brought all attention on him. A cousin made a hateful remark about 'fags' that was followed by a number of other taunts at Billy. When his father and mother turned their backs toward him, Billy was crushed by all the cruelty. He had already been drinking heavily and took two quick shots and fled the house. He took the red convertible he had been given as a graduation present from the garage, the top still down from its last use in summer. He went to the nearest bar and continued drinking. He collected his wits enough to use a payphone to find Tommy's aunt's and uncle's address. He got directions from the bartender – who tried to talk him out of driving – and then sped to find Tommy. And here he was, confused, drunk but free of the 'monsters' that were his blood relations.

Tommy's aunt and uncle stood and looked at the scene, Billy crying, Tommy trying to comfort him. Billy gratefully accepting a box of tissues from Tommy's aunt.

"Tommy, you better move that car into the driveway." Tommy's uncle said.

Tommy reluctantly left Billy's side and went out of the house. In the few minutes it took Tommy to move the car and put up the top, the scene in the house had utterly changed. Tommy's aunt was perched on the sofa next to Billy, herself in tears, but caused by laughter. Tommy's uncle sat across the room in his easy chair, joining in the fun. Billy was entertaining. As Tommy came in, he heard Billy's shameless flattery of his aunt, delighting the woman. Tommy could only stand and smile, again amazed at Billy's winning ways. Here were two people Tommy had rarely seen smile in near hilarity.

Tommy's uncle rose and indicated that Tommy should follow him into the kitchen. Over the years he had lived with the man, Tommy and his uncle had exchanged few words. Now Tommy faced a conversation that might also be a confrontation. 

"I take it you know this man?" Tommy nodded. 

"There's no girl, is there?" Again Tommy nodded. 

"He's some rich kid, isn't he?" Tommy looked into his uncle's face, unsure how to read the expression. "It looks like his own family has treated him pretty badly. I just can't see it, why anyone can treat their own like that. And he's such a pleasant young man. I have never seen your aunt so charmed and happy, laughing out loud. Even in the face of the ugly time he's had." Tommy stood nonplussed.

"Your aunt and I, well we've never been too much on talking or showing feelings. And after your parents died, well, she was so upset at losing her sister, we just thought it would be best to be as peaceful as we could. I'm afraid we might have neglected you, not tried to reach out to you. But, son, we've always loved you, always wanted what's best for you. We were so proud of you when you got into that college. No one, not one of our whole family had ever gotten into college before. And now you'll graduate this spring. You've done your parent's memory right."

Tommy stood facing his uncle finding it difficult to believe that this rough and normally silent man was saying these things. His uncle cleared his throat, seeming to struggle with the next words. 

"Does he love you? Does he treat you well?" The older man's face was all concern. After a pause, he asked, "Do you love him? No need to answer, I know from how you look at him. I never gave much thought to how you'd turn out. I always thought you had a pretty level head – said so. I figure if this is where your life leads you, well then, it's what you've got to do." 

Tears now streamed down Tommy's face. He suddenly felt the years of quiet affection and care of his aunt and uncle. He was amazed at the quiet dignity being expressed by a man he never realized was sensitive and respectful. Tommy raised both arms to hug his uncle. The older man bridled and extended his hand to shake hands. As they turned to go to the living room, Tommy felt his uncle's reassuring arm around his shoulders.

Tommy's aunt was still perched on the sofa like a little bird. She drank in Billy's unending stream of chatter, gossip about famous people he knew, tales of places he had visited. For his aunt, this was like a supermarket tabloid come alive. And to think, this was someone her nephew knew so well. 

"Tommy, this boy is just a wonder. I might have known you'd find the most fascinating people at that college. And he's so good looking, too. My, my, I don't know when I've had such a time." His aunt was more animated than he had ever seen her. "You must tell us how you met and all you've been doing all these months. I had no idea you had found someone special, someone for your life."

Billy shrugged his shoulders in innocence to Tommy's questioning eyes. "I haven't said anything," he pleaded.

"You boys don't have anything to tell me. I saw the way Tommy looked at you when you came in the door, and just now how you looked at him. I never thought I'd see the day when I'd be happy for one of my relations to be, well in an unusual relationship, but I was wondering what had happened in his life that was so good. It shows all over him. He talked non-stop all evening. I believe he spoke less than that old man, and he never opens his mouth at all. And now, conversation and stories. Nothing to hold a candle to you, Billy. I've never heard of such a life."

Billy faced Tommy, taking his hands in his. "Tommy, I know you've only just gotten here, and you're lovely aunt and uncle deserve your company, but I've just got to get away, far away from here, from my family. And I really have to be with you."

"Don't say another word," his aunt interrupted. 

"I'll just go pack up something for you boys to eat and you can get on your way. I'll bet Tommy is still packed." 

Tommy and Billy were shooed out of the house, laden with bags of food. Billy was still unsteady on his feet, and happily got into the passenger's side of the car. Tommy's aunt and uncle waved from the doorway as he backed the car into the street.

"Where are we going?"

"I don't care. Just far away." Billy thought for a moment. "I know. My grandmother's place. Palm Beach."

Tommy turned the car south and before a few minutes passed, Billy's head drooped in sleep. Tommy drove fast along the highway, eating up the miles. His mind played over the events of the evening. Amazed at how his life took new directions, had new meaning, all since meeting Billy. He was truly thankful.

Tommy drove on through the night. As the sun began to rise, its light gave Tommy his first real look at the car he was driving. He saw the rich burl wood of the dash, the leather steering wheel, the stereo system. He appreciated again the soft leather seat that both supported him and held him in a soft embrace. Only in movies had he seen such cars and now he was driving one. 

He glanced over at Billy, who even in the disarray of sleep was handsome and elegant. The fuel gauge indicated that they needed gas so Tommy steered off the highway at the next exit to a nearby service station. He admired the car's exterior as he pumped the gas. He felt the eyes of the early morning travelers, felt their silent conjectures of who this man must be to be driving such a car. 

Of a sudden Billy erupted from the car and ran to the edge of parking area and was sick. Tommy watched as he regained his composure, went into the rest room and emerged transformed into the poised and elegant Billy.

"Where's that food your aunt gave us. I'm famished." Tommy was amazed at Billy's resilience. Maybe the life of privilege had some practical lessons after all. Tommy finished fueling the car and followed Billy in to pay for the gas and purchase some drinks. A few moments later they were again on the road, Tommy driving and Billy eating hungrily in the passenger seat, passing bites of food to Tommy. Tommy drove for a few more hours, now with Billy providing entertainment, both with his chatter and stories and by his continual fussing with the dials and switches of the car stereo, heating, and air conditioning systems. 

At last Tommy declared 'enough' and pulled off the highway again.

Tommy again fueled the car. Billy disappeared into a store adjoining the gas station. He re-emerged with arms full of packages. He handed Tommy several bills to pay for the gas and told Tommy to meet him in the rest room. Paying for the gas took a while, Tommy had to convince the attendant that the $100 bills were real. It was probably the tip Tommy offered that finally convinced him. 

Tommy raced around the building and knocked on the closed men's room door. The door opened to a vision of Billy transformed. He stood in white shorts, a loud Hawaiian shirt and sandals. "We don't want to arrive in Palm Beach dressed for snow. Here put these on." He had a nearly identical outfit for Tommy. "It's not by Phillipe, but it will do. I just wanted to feel festive." Billy hugged Tommy, kissing him again and again. They returned to the car.

"You'd better drive, Billy. I'm kind of beat." 

"Just you wait until we get some time alone, you'll be plenty tired after that," smirked Billy. 

Once in the car Billy said, "Ah, just one more thing and we'll be perfect." With even more than his typical élan, Billy produced two pairs of sunglasses. "Here you are, my dear. The right touch for two men of the world on their way to Palm Beach."

Tommy nodded off shortly after they returned to the highway. It was almost dusk when he awoke. He looked over at Billy. He was concentrating on driving, his jaw set, eyes focused. And while the car moved at great speed, he was relaxed, very much in control of the vehicle. Only his fingers drumming on the steering wheel in time to the Haydn piano concerto revealed outside infiltration into his concentration. It showed a native competence that silently underlay Billy's public persona. Tommy savored this scene, learning about Billy in this unguarded moment, loving him more.

Billy's eyes scanned over toward Tommy, surprised to find Tommy's eyes open and observing him. 

Billy reached over and took Tommy's hand, raising it to his lips, at first kissing, then teasing the hair on the back of Tommy's hand with his lips. 

"You know I love you? Don't you."

"Uh huh. And I you."

They pulled off the highway to eat and fuel again. The sun set in a brilliant display. The two men stood side by side, holding each other's shoulders and watched the beauty of nature while standing in the tawdry parking lot of a diner. Tommy grabbed Billy and kissed him shamelessly, in full view of the diner windows. They both waved at the shocked faces in the windows and raced back to the car. Tommy took the wheel and they began the last leg of the journey. The temperature had risen as they proceeded south. Tommy appreciated the summer clothes Billy had purchased.

They drove again through the night, now both awake, holding hands. And this was enough. They didn't need conversation. Just to be with each other, just touching was enough to fill each of their hearts.

As signs for Miami and Palm Beach appeared, Billy took over driving. Tommy stared out the windows, which even in the darkness of night revealed a world unlike he had seen. Palm trees, vast houses on manicured grounds, golf courses. 

Billy pulled up to a massive set of gates and got out of the car. A telephone was attached at one side of the gates. Billy spoke into it, suddenly the gates opened before them. Billy got back into the car and drove up to the front of a massive Mediterranean villa. A man in a bathrobe appeared and handed keys through the car window to Billy. 

"That would be Mr. Jenkins, Grandmama's butler. They're all back at home, so we've got the place to ourselves. I thought we'd be more comfortable in the pool house. Oh, don't worry, I've got the goods on Mr. Jenkins. He has the appearance of all propriety, but on a given Saturday night, he can be found lurking around South Beach very much the diva." Billy drove around the house to a parking area. He led the way, unlocking a gate that led to a vast pool overlooking the beach and ocean beyond. To one side was the pool house. In its own right a small mansion, certainly many times the size of Tommy's aunt and uncle's home, though dwarfed by the main house.

The pool house, though casually furnished, was opulent. It had a spacious lounge, two bedrooms – 'for overflow guests and occasional indiscretions' – and full kitchen and bar. The lounge was open to the pool and view. Billy suggested that they have a swim, it was very warm despite being just before dawn. He stripped in one movement and dove in. Tommy followed suit and they were shortly wrestling in each other's arms in the pool. The fun gave way to passion. The men swam to the side and got out of the pool. Miraculously – to Tommy, by expectation to Billy – towels were set on nearby lounge chairs. They dried and ran into the pool house and into a bedroom. 

As they lay on the bed, the exhaustion of the long drive crept over them. Their arousal lasted just long enough to ease an orgasm from each other. Tommy inhaled the scent of their lovemaking, pulling Billy closer giving one last kiss before giving in to sleep.

Tommy awoke alone in the bed. At first, he was alarmed at being alone, then at being in a strange place. He got up, pulled on a robe, arrayed conveniently at the end of the bed. He walked through the lounge and onto the pool deck. There, sunning, fully nude save for sunglasses, was Billy. "Ah there you are, sleepy head. I was about to come wake you – you could go back to bed and pretend you hadn't woken. I had quite a treat in mind for you."

Tommy spotted the breakfast tray at Billy's side and moved in for something to eat. "I suppose we ought to let you get your strength back, dear one. May I pour coffee?" Billy, as always, was a perfect host.

The brilliant sun, sparkling on the ocean, enriched the colors of the tropical garden around them. "You must be awfully hot in that robe, Tommy." Billy tugged at the sash, but Tommy resisted. "Oh come on, I've seen you naked before."

"Billy, there are people here."

Billy looked around. "Where? I don't see anyone."

"Neither do I, but towels and breakfast and other stuff keep appearing. Somebody has got to be bringing it."

"Tommy, I never thought of you as shy, I guess we've always been alone. Yes, there are servants here and I guess I never thought they might be offended. All right then, we'll find some bathing suits.

They went into the pool house and Billy led the way to a large bureau in the lounge. He opened a drawer and searched around. He tossed a small piece of cloth at Tommy.

"I don't think I'd look good in a thong."

"I, most heartily agree, you look much better out of it."

"Keep looking."

Billy found two brief, but not too brief suits that Tommy was willing to accept. After Tommy had put his on, Billy openly checked him out. "Well, I think you look more obscene with that on than totally naked. You don't leave much to the imagination. I'm just glad I don't have to imagine.

They returned to the breakfast, another place setting had appeared and fresh hot coffee steamed in the cups.

"It's a little freaky. They must be watching all the time."

Billy explained that his grandmother's household was run in a very 'old world' style. Servants were always there, but never seen, and yes, it was a little freaky.

They spent the day by the pool, recovering from the long drive. At dusk they went out of the garden and onto the beach. They walked along the shoreline, hand in hand stopping often to kiss or pick up an interesting shell. As darkness fell they turned back toward the house. From the beach it looked like a magical palace. As they approached the gate, the lock clicked open admitting them. "Freaky" said Tommy. "I hope the bedroom is off limits. I'm not up to performing for an audience."

"Getting you 'up' is my job, lover. But I think we can expect privacy in bed." Billy poured them each a glass of wine from the bottle on ice in the lounge. Tommy laid his head against Billy's shoulder, putting his arm around Billy. 

"What's up?"

"I was just enjoying the sounds and scents and colors of this day."

"What else?"

"I guess I'm afraid, afraid for us. I thought we were alone in the world, that the world was just really us. But it's clear that there is a lot of world outside, and much of that world hates us."

"You're thinking of my family?"

"I see evidence of them here, in your apartment back home, all over that city, but they're invisible. I understand not wanting to tell them about us. I'm more shocked by my aunt and uncle's reaction than if they'd stoned us. But you've been facing this for a while. It must hurt a great deal."

Billy sat on a nearby lounge chair, his head in his hands. "You can't choose your family, Tommy." He looked up into Tommy's face, "I can and do choose you."

Tommy reached down and took Billy's hands and led him to the bedroom. After looking around, he closed the doors and pushed Billy toward the bed. At first, he covered Billy with soft kisses. As their urgency rose, he grasped Billy's cock and stroked it hard, causing Billy's back to arch with desire. He reached into the bedside table drawer and found – not to his surprise – lube. He spread it on his own cock and pressed wet fingers into Billy.




Tommy - A Life Pt. 03



"Yes, take me lover. Show me that you love me. Give me all that cock."

Tommy entered Billy just short of roughly, seeking to possess this man. They grappled as they fucked, seeking greater and greater contact, desperately trying to get into each other's skin, no closeness enough. At last, orgasms ripped from their bodies and they clung to each other all the harder, panting with the exertion.

"I love you, Billy, no matter what." Billy just tightened his hold on Tommy and began to cry. They passed the night entwined, heart to heart.

They spent ten days, frolicking on the beach and in the pool. They spent evenings, sometimes alone, sometimes with an adventure to the clubs of South Beach. Their bodies glowed from the sun, their faces from their love of each other. Then it was time to leave, to return north to school, work, and their life in the city. They returned closer, more dependent upon each other, but Tommy had taken on a new role as Billy's protector, at least of his heart.

CHAPTER EIGHT: Life Interrupted

The short month until Christmas passed quickly. Tommy talked Billy out of ordering decorations for the apartment, instead taking him to a flea market to buy old ornaments and decorations. They bought a sad little tree and graced it with their new treasures. They promised 'no gifts'.

The new year affirmed their patterns of life together. Tommy spent increasing time with his school work, completing a thesis and preparing for finals. He was approached by the Dean of Students with an offer to continue his education on a Fellowship. Several faculty had asked for him as a teaching assistant. Tommy was ecstatic at the offers.

Billy spent his days at his job 'in the family business', the nature of which was still mysterious. He often returned in a foul mood, but a few moments with Tommy and he again smiled.

With the coming of spring, Tommy was busier than ever finishing his senior year. Billy urged him on, proud of Tommy's accomplishments. They loved each night, enjoyed time in the gym. They spent some time with friends, but their best times were when alone together.

June came. Tommy had accepted the fellowship and was set to attend graduate school in the fall and spend some time teaching. At the graduation exercises, Tommy could hear Billy hoot when Tommy was recognized for high honors. He could see his aunt and uncle beaming next to Billy in the crowd.

Billy took them all out to dinner at a grand restaurant and fussed shamelessly over Tommy's aunt. After seeing the relatives onto the train, Billy and Tommy returned to the apartment. A little sleepy from too much wine and much happiness they tumbled into bed. The night was not spent in sleep, but in consuming each other in love. Each orgasm led to more loving until, finally at dawn their mutual attentions drifted into sleep.

***

Tommy awoke late in the morning. Billy had already gotten up and was getting dressed. Tommy tried to coax him back to bed, but Billy claimed he was a little sore and was surprised Tommy wasn't sore, too. Billy came over and kissed Tommy and pulled him out of bed, telling again of his wonder at Tommy's beauty.

Tommy took a long, hot shower. When he came out, he looked for Billy. He was not in the bedroom. He wrapped his damp towel around his waist and walked toward the living room. Billy was sitting in a chair with his back to Tommy. Tommy entered and bent over Billy giving him a large, wet kiss. Billy stiffened. Tommy stood upright and at that moment saw them, standing across the room in front of the window, light streaming in behind them. A tall man and woman and a shorter man near the desk.

"So, this is the one? I'm sorry to have ever laid eyes upon him," the woman's speech was sarcastic and cruel.

"Go get dressed, Tommy," Billy said quietly.

Tommy fled the room. He dressed quickly and returned. All talking stopped on his entry. Billy looked at the floor. 

"Billy, wait in the car." When Billy raised his head to speak, the woman said through clenched teeth, "Wait in the car." Billy crossed the room and left without looking at Tommy.

"Mr. Haskins, deal with this one. Robert, lets go."

The man and woman left the room. Tommy stood gaping. 

The small man had been speaking for some time before Tommy realized. "The Kensingtons have very specific instructions. You are to be out of the apartment today. All memberships and privileges that Billy has made available to you are ended. You are to make no attempt to contact Billy; he will make none to contact you. This is a check..."

"I don't want their money. They can't buy me off. I love Billy."

"Nonetheless, this check is made out to you. Take it. Billy wouldn't agree to their terms unless they gave it to you. He couldn't refuse them."

Tommy put the check into his pocket. He stared around the room numbly. 

"I think that's it. You understand you are to leave immediately. Your things will be sent to any address you name. You can notify my office, here is my card." The man turned to go but stopped after a step. "You should know that, despite what Billy's parents think and say, I know that what you two shared is the best thing that ever happened to Billy. He stood up to them today, and he knew he couldn't win against them, but he made sure he cared for you. I'm sorry it's turned out like this. It's no consolation, but I'd like to thank you for what you've given Billy. He's a better man for it." He left.

Tommy collapsed onto a chair and wept. What had happened? Where had Billy gone? How could his life, at the peak of happiness only hours before, have fallen into this emptiness? Where would he go? How could he live? Where was Billy?

He felt the check in his pocket and took it out. He couldn't focus on the figures through his tears. He knew he had to take some action, find some help. Money, anything to do with money - Charles. Tommy put on a jacket, put the check into the pocket. He checked his address book and found Charles' card.

He walked the city streets blind to all he passed. He came to the address on the card, an impressive, formal bank building. On entering he asked to see Charles. The receptionist asked him to wait while she inquired if he could be seen. A few moments later, Charles came striding across the vast room, holding out his hand. Tommy managed to shake hands and ask if he could speak to Charles in private. Charles indicated that they should go to his office and led the way.

Once inside the dark paneled office, Charles directed Tommy to sit on the couch. Charles then asked his secretary that they not be disturbed and closed the door. Charles sat next to Tommy on the couch. "What is so very wrong? I can see it in your face."

"Billy has left me. His parents were in the apartment this morning. They made him leave. They're throwing me out. I don't know what to do. They gave me this." Tommy handed the check to Charles who upon looking at it raised his eyebrows.

"Was there a man named Haskins with them?"

"Yes, a man, I guess that was his name."

"Haskins is their family attorney. I know him from other business dealings. Let me give him a call."

Charles asked his secretary to get Haskins on the phone. In a moment, the phone rang with the call. Charles spoke in hush tones though Tommy was deaf to everything but his grief.

"I see. Well that all fits and ties with what I've learned from Tommy. Thank you, Haskins. 

I'll see to it that he's looked after." Charles hung up the phone and sat next to Tommy. "It seems that Billy's parents disapprove of his lifestyle. They have enough power and influence to have their way. I can't image what they must have threatened for Billy to give you up, but it must have been awful. I know he loves you. Try to hold on to that. Now this check is for a substantial amount of money."

"I don't care about the money. How can this be happening?"

"Nonetheless, this money is yours. Billy wanted you to have it. From what Haskins has told me he risked greatly in getting it for you. Accept it as a gift from Billy."

"I don't know what I'll do. I don't really care. I've lost the most valuable thing in my life and I don't understand why."

"You are right to grieve, but you have more pressing matters. I understand that you are without a place to live." Charles had crossed to his desk and begun looking in a file of business cards. "I think I have a good contact. We should act quickly, take steps to get you settled. You can focus on your life's direction without those worries."

Charles dialed the phone himself. After a few moments the line connected. "Yes, Bunny? This is Charles Davenport. I have a client who is in need of advice on available real estate. You may remember him, Tommy. He made quite an entrance at Piggy's party this fall. I thought you would remember him. This is a bit of a rush. Tommy's needs new digs immediately. I'd say the price range is around $750,000. Yes a property with revenue-generating apartments would suit. Fifteen minutes? Perfect. He'll be waiting outside my office. First National Bank, yes. Thank you, Bunny. No, I'll fill you in another time."

"Tommy, a friend, Bunny will pick you up shortly and show you some properties. I'd trust his judgment; he's been in the business here in the city for a long time. The money Billy has given you gives you lots of options, but I think if we act conservatively, it can provide a good start in life for you. I need to make a few more calls on your behalf. Please forgive me if I don't escort you to the door. Bunny should be waiting." Charles stood and embraced Tommy. "I can't say it will be all right. I'm very sorry this is happening to you, to Billy. Trust that we're your friends and we'll all do everything possible for you."

Tommy plodded back across the lobby to the front door. As he stepped out of the door a large pink vintage Cadillac pulled up to the curb. The rear window rolled down and plump pink face stuck out. "Tommy, yoo-hoo. Here we are. Get in." The door opened from inside. Tommy did as told and got into the back seat of the car. A moment later it pulled away from the curb and into traffic.

"Ah, Tommy. I'm so pleased to actually be here with you. I am dreadfully sorry to hear about the horrible experience you're having, but between Charles, Cupcake – yes that's dear Cupcake driving," Bunny gestured at the delicate man of indeterminate age driving the car, "and me, we'll get you all fixed up." 

Tommy's head swam with the rapid talk. The man next to him, Bunny, was not so young but dressed in an effort to appear so. He pulled out papers, quoting addresses and prices, numbers of rooms and advantages. He directed Cupcake on where to drive. At various locations, Bunny escorted Tommy in and around properties. All the while Bunny asked questions of Tommy – about what he liked, what he did for work, questions, questions. 

As they began to cross a busy street, Bunny stopped in his tracks and exclaimed, "I've got it. The perfect place. It solves everything." Traffic came to a screaming halt all around him. Tommy, coming to his senses, grabbed Bunny and led him back to the sidewalk. "Get in the car. Cupcake, head back near the University."

"It's not a great neighborhood, anymore, but once it was the best address in town. There are four full floors, the entire top floor is the ideal home for a young man on the rise. It's been on the market for ages and I think the estate will be glad of any offer. And here we are." 

The car had pulled into a street of somewhat rundown houses. Dominating the block was what had been a large townhouse. Unlike its neighbors, this house had been carefully maintained, the front steps gleamed. Cupcake pulled into an empty spot in front of the house. Bunny and Tommy stepped from the car. Tommy leaned back to see the whole house. It still retained the elegance of a past day, the good lines of classic architecture still apparent. 

"As I said, four floors. Four rental apartments on the second and third floors. Caretakers apartment on the bottom, and the top floor all for you." Bunny led the way through the front door and up three flights of stairs. He produced keys and opened one of the doors on the top landing. They stepped into a dark, dusty space. Cupcake came brushing by them, snapping open the drapes, giving light onto a large sitting room with fireplace. The room appeared to have been sealed for a very long time, still containing its furnishings. Dust lay thickly over all. Bunny stepped across the room and opened a set of pocket doors. Beyond the doors was a formal dining room, table and chairs for ten occupied the center of the room. A fireplace stood opposite a tall sideboard. A deep bay window dominated the end wall. 

Tommy had said nothing the entire trip. His emotions were raw. All he wanted to do was lie down and die. Yet on entering this space, a feeling of security and home began to overtake him. 

Bunny opened another door and gestured toward the butler's pantry within, indicating that a small galley kitchen, years out of date, was beyond. A door at the end went through a door that led back to the landing. Bunny guided them toward the back of the building. He opened a door on his left and led Tommy into a room lined with shelves, many still occupied by books. A large wooden library table was in the center of the room and two leather chairs faced a small arched fireplace. 

This was clearly a scholar's library. Tommy looked around and felt a connection to the previous occupant. 

Tommy startled when Bunny called from the other room. He followed the sound and found himself in a very large bedroom. While nothing like the opulence of Billy's apartment, the room was furnished with good solid furniture, a large four- poster bed in the center. Yet another fireplace in the bedroom.

"In here, Tommy. This you must see." Tommy followed Bunny's voice and found him in a large bathroom. It had an ancient footed tub and what appeared to be a large closet with glass door. 

"Come see the ultimate bathroom feature of the Twenties. This shower stall must have 20 jets. And look, they still work. Again this bathroom needs lots of work, but just look at the quality of everything. Tommy, I know this place looks a wreck, but I think that all it needs is a good cleaning. Much of the furniture is very attractive and what you don't want can be sold. Cupcake, what do you think it would take to fix this place up?"

The diminutive Cupcake ran figures in his head. "Thirty Thousand, Forty, tops," said Cupcake, his first words of the day.

Tommy wandered to a chair and sat down holding his head in his hands. From behind his hands he muttered, "I don't know what to do. I don't care. 

I'll take your advice, Bunny. I just don't care."

Bunny patted his shoulder. "Poor dear. I truly think this building is a good investment. I think this neighborhood will return. It's only a few blocks to the university. And, Tommy, there's another reason I've brought you here. The caretakers of this house, they've been here for many years, it has been their home. They cared for the previous owner and protected this property. They would like to stay. I think that would be good for you, too."

"Yes, ok. This place is as good as any. Without Billy, it doesn't matter." Tears streamed down Tommy's cheeks. Bunny produced a pink handkerchief and fussed at Tommy's face. 

"Come on, then. I'll make all the arrangements. I can't imagine it will take long. Here, you can take the keys. Where can we drop you?"

"I guess back at Billy's apartment. I need to get a few things." 

Even Bunny was silent on the ride back. Tommy got out of the car and looked up at the building that was the home he had shared with Billy for most of a year. He entered the now familiar doorway. Not yet willing to go the apartment where his life had so dramatically changed only a few hours before, Tommy climbed the stairs toward the health club.

At the reception area, the attendant became flustered on seeing Tommy. She asked him to wait a moment while she called the manager. "Don't bother. I just came to say goodbye to Thor. I won't be staying."

At that moment, Thor came into the reception area. His face was a map of concern and sadness. "Tommy, I'm so glad you came by. They told me just a little while ago that you wouldn't be coming anymore." Tommy could not hold back his tears. Thor took him by the arm and guided him into a private office and into a chair. Thor sat in the chair next to him, holding both his hands. "Tommy, there's nothing I can say other than I'm sorry. I've enjoyed training you, I'd like to think we were friends, too." Tommy nodded. "I hope you'll keep working out. It's done your body good, it'll help when you're down, too. I work out at a gym near the university, Mike's. It's pretty rundown, but it's got all the equipment, and it's cheap. I'm there most of the time I'm not working here. When you're ready, just ask for me at the front desk." 

Tommy had collected himself. He stood and extended his hand to Thor. Thor took it in both of his hands, struggling for words. Tommy returned to the lobby.

As Tommy approached the elevators, one of the uniformed guards blocked his way. Tommy recognized the man from the many months he had lived there. "Tommy, I can't let you go up," the man said. "The Kensingtons own this building and gave orders that you were no longer welcome." Tommy moved to step past him. "I'm sorry, if I let you in, I'll be fired."

Tommy turned and walked out the door, anger now mixed with his despair. How could this have happened? He had nowhere to turn. Hours passed as he wandered the streets of the city. Toward dawn, a light rain began to fall. He looked around and discovered that his feet had taken him near the university. He reached into his pocket and found the keys that Bunny had given him earlier. With nowhere else to go, he walked the few blocks to the house. One of the keys opened the front door. He climbed to the top floor and opened the door to the apartment. No sooner had he entered the sitting room, than his strength failed him. He collapsed onto the floor overwhelmed by emotion and rage and loneliness. His sobs echoed off the walls until, exhausted, he fell asleep.



Tommy - A Life Pt. 04



CHAPTER NINE: Hopkins & Mrs. Hopkins

Tommy awoke. He was in a strange place. His body ached. His eyes burned. And yet, his head was on a pillow, a blanket covered him. As his senses cleared, he realized he was lying on the floor of a room he recognized. It was the flat he had visited with Bunny. His heart sank with the realization that the nightmare that had haunted his sleep was true. He had lost Billy. He was alone. As his despair rose up again and was about to overtake him, there was a discreet knock on the door.

"I beg your pardon, sir. We didn't realize you would be requiring the flat so soon or we should have made arrangements for you. Mrs. Hopkins thought she heard someone in need of assistance. We were very much surprised to find you here. I'm sorry we could do so little to make you comfortable. Would you prefer coffee or tea?"

Tommy sat bolt upright. Standing before him was an elegantly dressed man, looking for all the world like a stand-in for Jeeves. Tommy struggled to his feet, his expression confused.

"Oh, you are Mr. Thomas? We received a call from a Mr. 'Bunny' who said you would be taking the house and would move in directly. We didn't realize so directly. But no matter. We must ask you to excuse the state of things. The flat has been sealed, pending execution of the estate. Mrs. Hopkins and I have made things more presentable in the dining room. If you would care to freshen up, breakfast can be served at your convenience."

Tommy stood blinking. Maybe this was a dream. The man had opened the pocket doors. Sunlight streamed into the dining room. The room had been cleaned and the table set for one. The sideboard was occupied by several dome covered dishes. The man stood to one side of the sideboard, ready to serve.

"Um, forgive me, but I'm very confused. Who are you?" Tommy managed.

"Forgive me, sir. I thought you had been informed. We are Hopkins. Mrs. Hopkins, my wife and I, do for the gentleman who occupies the house."

"Excuse me," Tommy walked through the door to the bedroom and into the bathroom. This room, too, had been cleaned and fresh towels and soap had been arranged. Tommy washed up, throwing water into his face to try to wake up. On returning to the dining room, Hopkins still stood ready. 

"You're still here. I thought I must be dreaming."

"You've had a difficult night, sir. Some breakfast might bring you around." 

Tommy sat at the table. Hopkins poured coffee, asking how Tommy preferred it. He then offered plates of poached eggs, bacon, toast, and pastries. "We weren't sure what you take in the morning. Here after, anything you wish will be prepared." Hopkins retired from the room.

Tommy ate in wonder. And in fact, having eaten, he did feel better.

Just as he finished his cup of coffee, Hopkins appeared with a pot to fill it. "If it's convenient, we'd like to introduce Mrs. Hopkins." A plump, tiny woman in an apron entered the room. To Tommy's amazement, she curtsied. 

"A pleasure to meet you, sir. I tend to the marketing, cooking, and laundry. If you have any special requirements, please let us know. Hopkins takes care of the house and property."

Tommy shook his head to try to clear his mind. 

"Please tell me, what is going on. I very much appreciate this breakfast. But I don't understand why you are here."

Hopkins stepped forward. "Sir, I thought I had explained. Part of the agreement regarding ownership of this house is that Mrs. Hopkins and I are to retain occupancy of the ground floor apartment. In exchange for the rental and a monthly stipend, we are to do for the owner."

Tommy sat trying to collect his thoughts. He felt as if he had stepped onto the set of an old movie, complete with stock characters for butler and cook. Just as he was about to speak, the doorbell rang, immediately followed by loud knocking. Hopkins went into the sitting room to open a window overlooking the front of the house. Several trucks could be heard idling below. 

"I'll be down presently," Hopkins called and went off down the stairs. 

All the noise of the street burst into the house. Many men shouted at once, thuds and bangs, and oaths tumbled up the stairs, followed by many heavily shod feet. Leading the procession, like Napoleon his army, was Cupcake. He nodded to Tommy, who stood in the sitting room doorway, and began directing men and their burdens about the flat. 

"This in the bedroom, in back - and take the mattress out with you - this to the sitting room - and the sofa may go - these into the dining room, we'll use it for temporary storage while we move other things."

Working among the movers were more men with cleaning supplies. As carpets were rolled up, they cleaned and waxed floors. Others took down curtains and cleaned windows, replacing curtains with new. They toiled through the flat while moving men took out and returned with furniture. 

Tommy tried to keep up with Cupcake, trying to ask what was going on. The tiny man ducked and weaved through the crowd of workmen, giving orders, directing, correcting, clearly the center of the maelstrom.

Noon struck on a newly placed mantle clock in the sitting room. Hopkins appeared with platters of sandwiches, soon followed by tubs of drinks. "A tradesmen's luncheon is served in the dining room." 

The noise changed from moving and cleaning to eating and talking. Tommy stood in the doorway of the sitting room, gawking at the crowd eating. From behind him came the quiet sound of someone clearing his throat, trying to get his attention.

"Tommy, Bunny and I don't mean to intrude, but there were so many obvious things that needed doing, we just went ahead and made arrangements. If there is anything you don't like it can certainly go back. Charles suggested that it would be best to get you settled right away, after your ordeal and all."

"I haven't bought this place yet."

"Well, Charles said for us to go ahead. He should be here shortly with the attorneys."

The bell rang again. Before anyone could move, they could hear Charles calling up the stairs. 

"The door was open. This must be the right place, I recognized Bunny's car. And just behind me are some men with your personal possessions. I called Haskin's office and told him to have them delivered here." Charles' head came into sight over the banister. He was followed by two severe men, clearly the attorneys and then by a troupe of men carrying trunks and boxes. 

Cupcake leaped to attention and began directing the placement of the luggage. The Tradesmen's Luncheon had just concluded and the dining room table was cleared for the attorneys' business.

"Tommy, sit here. This is Mr. Wilkes, representing the estate and this is Mr. Finneman, with the Bank. Since the purchase is being made in cash and clear of encumbrances, he is here to represent you, a service to significant depositors the bank is pleased to offer.

There followed an hour of papers to be signed and notarized, checks written, and explanations glazed over. At the end, the attorney's shook hands all around and handed Tommy a thick stack of papers. 

"The house is yours. A pleasure." Charles escorted them to the stairs.

Tommy sat at the dining table, further in shock. The workmen had resumed their labors around him, transforming the long abandoned space into the home it had once been. Cupcake ruled all, submitting only to Hopkins and he only to Mrs. Hopkins. 

Slowly the number of workmen declined until quiet returned to the house. Mrs. Hopkins appeared with a tea tray that she set upon the sideboard. She drew a chair next to Tommy and sat down, patting his arm. "There, there dear. The fuss is all over. Mr. Charles has told us some of your sad story. Losing the one you love, well it's about the worst thing I can imagine. You'll be safe here, at home. You just ask for anything, anything at all, and if it's in our power, know it will be done. You just take a little while to get used to things. There's a bell in each room that will call Hopkins, and an intercom, too. We'll leave you alone now."

The kind woman left the room. When Tommy looked up, Charles stood across the table from him. He smiled, a little sadly. "Tommy, I know you can't see it now, but you'll be all right. You're an intelligent man, you've got work at the university ahead in the fall, you're even better looking than that day we met on the train. I know you need time to make sense of it all. Just don't stay inside yourself too long. You know you can call me anytime. The Hopkins will care for you. I'll look in a week or so. Maybe we could go to dinner."

"Charles, I don't know what to say," Tommy replied. "You've been more than kind, I can't thank you enough."

Charles cut him off. "Tommy, no one deserves what's happened to you and Billy. He's beyond my reach, but at least I can help care for the man he loved, who loved him. Remember, call." Charles slipped out the door.

Tommy got up from the table. He walked from room to room, smelling the clean scents of bee's wax polish and new and old furniture. The rooms were brighter, but still dressed in the character of the flat. The bed had a new mattress, spread with new linen. The bathroom was clean, but many of the fixtures had red 'x's in wax pencil on them. Tommy guessed it was marked for later renovation.

He went to the study, the door was closed. When he opened it he saw it had not been touched. His own footprints from the previous day were still in the dust of the floor. This room had been left as it was, for him to take on. He felt an unexpected gratitude for the task, an opportunity to come to know the previous owner through his most intimate expression, his library.

Tommy returned to the bedroom. He walked up to the bed, seeing how large and empty it was. Emotion surrounded his heart as tears came to his eyes. "Billy," he shouted. "Billy," he whispered as he collapsed onto the bed in sobs. And so he passed his second night in his new home.

CHAPTER TEN: A New Life Begins

Tommy awoke to the smell of coffee. On a small table by the window of his bedroom, breakfast had been laid. On the bench at the foot of the bed, clothes had been laid out for him. He got up to use the bathroom. In the mirror, his face shocked him. He was unshaven, unkempt, and worn from grief. He splashed his face and resolved to face the day. First, that good smelling breakfast. He had always been the one to prepare breakfast for Billy when they were together - Billy just called out for delivery. As much as he appreciated the efforts of the Hopkins, he could manage for himself. But here it was, perfect.

He ate then returned to the bathroom. All his personal care products had been unpacked and placed in the most logical of orders. He set about washing and shaving then took a shower. It was several minutes before he was able to adjust all the many nozzles to inoffensive angles. A few tickled enough to get him to laugh.

As he went to put on the clothes that had been left for him, he recognized them as his original school jeans and shirt. As he picked them up he heard the now familiar discreet knock at the door. 

"Yes?"

"I beg your pardon, sir, I thought you might be tackling the study and would prefer some rough clothes for the task. I've taken the liberty of providing dusting cloths and furniture oil, and a feather duster that would work well on the books. There is oil for the bindings as well."

Hopkins retired from the room and Tommy dressed. He went into the study, first opening each of the three windows. He took the vacuum cleaner provided and made a first pass over the room, collecting the worst of the accumulated dust and debris. Though he decided to work through the room methodically, each new shelf cascaded dust back onto all the clean surfaces as soon as touched. 

The task took on the aspect of an archeological dig, removing layer after layer of dust and dirt. Slowly the titles of the books emerged from the grime. Classical literature, a complete Shakespeare, Milton, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau and other philosophers, Whitman, Millay, Poe and other poets. Art books and scientific texts. First editions, fine bindings, rare old books. He carefully cleaned each one, often pausing to glance through them. A surprising number had dedications from the authors. This was the library of an educated man, one dedicated to arts and ideas. A man Tommy knew he would admire. A man Tommy hoped would like him.

Again, the knock at the door. Hopkins appeared suggesting that luncheon was in order, being well past one. A whiskbroom appeared in his hand and he attempted to tidy Tommy. Tommy took another look at the room where he had been working. While far from finished, it too had been transformed, returned to its purpose. Fully cleaning and preparing the books would probably take all summer. He was happy for the task, a task to fill the time left void by Billy.

Tommy spent his days restoring the library to order. His nights he spent alone, recalling each day with Billy, from the moment they met until the horrid scene in the apartment, the passion and loving, the fun and good times, the quiet hours spent in each other's company. At times he laughed at funny moments. Sleep came each night in a tide of tears.

Charles stopped by every other week or so. Mrs. Hopkins always had a special meal prepared, proudly served by Hopkins in the dining room. Charles kept the conversation alive with stories of the outrages of the gay society Tommy had been introduced to by Billy. Charles hoped that the gossip would entice Tommy to accept an invitation to participate. Tommy promised to think about it.

CHAPTER ELEVEN: Visit from Piggy

One afternoon, Hopkins appeared with an envelope addressed in a familiar hand, Piggy's.

Dearest Tommy,

It can't be true - but I fear it is. I ran into our Charles last week and he told all. Actually he said little, but I wormed it out of him. I am so sorry for you, I really am, and sad for Billy, too. 

Be warned: I'm descending on you for luncheon, today. We can cry over lost loves together - what my loves lack in depth they make up in sheer number. 

At one, then?

Piggy

Hopkins had stood silently by as Tommy read the note. "It seems I have a friend stopping by for lunch," Tommy informed him.

In reply to Hopkins' question as to what to serve, Tommy responded, "It doesn't matter so much as to what as to enough - Piggy is quite an eater. I leave it to you and Mrs. Hopkins. And thank you, I would have been too embarrassed to see people, but you make it all so pleasant. I've come to depend upon you both."

"So many stairs." Tommy could hear Piggy complaining loudly long before the pink head came into view. "Well, it's very nice once you get here - but all those stairs." Tommy showed Piggy into the sitting room. He sat on a chair on the opposite side of the room.

"I'm not going to bite," Piggy exclaimed. "And I'm not going to chase you. That was all in fun, and baby, what's happened to you is no fun. I'm thankful my own parents have left me alone - but I've never been so tied up with someone, like Billy was with you. I am truly sorry for what happened. And I want you to know that you can trust me as a friend. If you ever just want to go out, I'm there for you."

Tommy nervously accepted Piggy's kind words. Tommy explained that he feared going out with Piggy's crowd, he was only in it because of being with Billy, and the memory of those times was painful.

Tommy offered lunch. Piggy entertained as best he could during the meal, but Tommy was distracted. They finished quickly and Piggy stood to go. 

"Tommy, I know I teased you when you were with Billy. And I still find you incredibly attractive. But I want you to know that even if most of the time I'm a flirty, lascivious queen, I also consider myself a friend. I'll back off - for now - but if you need anything, do call, I'll do what I can for you, if only to go out for some dinner. You take care of yourself, but call, remember call me." Piggy walked toward the door, but before going out, retraced his steps and gave Tommy a hug, a chaste, brotherly hug.

Tears ran down Tommy's face. Piggy's visit had brought back the pain of losing Billy, the loneliness of his life. As he stood weeping, he heard Piggy go down the steps and out the front door. He sat in his chair, dropped his head on his arms and let the emotions pour from his heart.



Tommy - A Life Pt. 05



CHAPTER TWELVE: Surrogate Father

The summer passed. Tommy received mail from the university concerning his teaching fellowship, inviting him to an introductory session. It was a comfort to return to the university, a familiar place, a place where he had excelled. The other graduate students in the program quickly formed a close-knit group during the orientation sessions. He enjoyed the long meetings with the professor of literature to whom he had been assigned.

After one of the graduate student meetings, he was approached by a woman he knew from undergraduate classes, Karen. She had impressed him with her energy and overt dedication to causes. She took Tommy aside and began fervently telling him of a program she was supporting as part of her medical school training, a fertility program. She explained, perhaps too forthrightly, that the program needed a steady supply of sperm for its experiments and that she was recruiting likely donors. Tommy felt a bit like a bull being reviewed by a breeder. But, Karen was unashamedly ticking off the characteristics she was looking for in candidates. 

"I think you'll do fine." Not listening to any protests or comments from Tommy, Karen produced an appointment card, explained that he should abstain from ejaculation for three days prior, and be sure to be on time. Tommy stood, watching the ardent woman march off to find her next candidate. 

"Well," thought Tommy, "I'm not using it for anything else these days."

Tommy complied with the requirements Karen had specified - not much of a challenge in the face of the emptiness Tommy felt. He arrived at the clinic where he was greeted by a cheerful receptionist. He was asked to fill in some forms that covered his health and family history. He was then asked to step into an examination room and strip. There would be a physical examination.

As he sat, naked, on the examination table, waiting for further instructions, a man came into the room. He was of medium height, slight, with olive skin and a thin moustache. His nametag read "Carlo". He was very handsome. 

"Are you the doctor?" Tommy asked.

Carlo's face lit into an arch smile. "Alas, no, just an attendant making sure you are ready. Though I would very much like to examine you more closely," he said looking over Tommy. "Here is a robe, I'm sorry I was late in getting it to you. The doctor will be in shortly."

"Thanks," replied Tommy, putting on the robe.

"Hope to see you around - Tommy," said Carlo, checking the chart for Tommy's name. Carlo left just as another man, this one clearly the doctor entered. 

The examination was quickly done, the doctor concluding that Tommy looked 'healthy enough.'

Tommy was to come every three days and provide a specimen. The first time, Tommy faced the empty vial, his mind filled with images of Billy. Tears began to fall down his cheeks. As the images passed, he tried to focus on the wonderful, erotic times they had shared, of learning new ways to make love and the many happy hours they had spent pleasuring each other. He came out of his reverie just in time to capture his orgasm into the vial.

Carlo was waiting as he opened the door to the specimen room. "Whoa, you cum a lot. I thought I heard some 'happy noises' from in there. See you later in the week." Carlo's irreverence eased Tommy's nervousness about participating in the program.

***

Just before the school term began for the undergraduates, Karen approached Tommy again. 

"I'd like to thank you for participating in the program. What we're trying to do will help many people. You've made that possible." Tommy, embarrassed, downplayed his 'contribution.' 

"There is a new part of the program I'd like to include you in." Tommy wondered what else he might do. "There are many couples who can't have children. We're working on ways to conceive children outside the womb, outside the mother's body. But we've had little success. For many couples, time is of the essence, so we're sponsoring a 'surrogate father' program. We run it as clinically as possible. Contact is minimized. In some ways it's no different that what you've done so far."

"Karen, what exactly are you saying?" Tommy wondered.

"Uh, well, you'd make the, uh insertion, directly into the mother-candidate." Even the forthright Karen looked away from Tommy's eyes.

"I don't think I can do that."

"Big, strong guy like you? What could be the problem?"

"Well, for one, I've never been with a woman." Karen gaped at Tommy. "And I'm gay. I have, had, a lover, a man lover." 

Karen looked downcast. "It's only for a few moments. This whole program is in jeopardy, and I feel I've let all these couples down. Couldn't you just try?" A defeated Karen was even more compelling than an overbearing Karen. Somehow, Tommy agreed to try. Karen beamed back at him, already pulling schedules and calendars out of her bag. She reviewed her list of candidate mothers, estimating fertility cycles. After long minutes she declared that the following Tuesday would be right. She asked whether Tommy could be available after 10 AM. She couldn't pinpoint the time until the actual day, something about basal temperature of the mother. Tommy even more reluctantly agreed.

He found himself waiting in the reception area on Tuesday. Karen breezed by, thanking him again for participating. Tommy simply blushed and worried. Carlo came out and was surprised to see him. 

"This isn't your regular day, and you're not on my schedule." Tommy explained that he was here for a new program. "Ah that program? You?" Carlo looked both amused and sympathetic. "I think things might go better if you come with me." 

Carlo led Tommy to an examination room. Tommy began to undress, mechanically. Carlo stepped out for a few minutes to tell the program director where Tommy could be found. Carlo then returned. He suggested that Tommy lay down on the examining table. Tommy felt hands rubbing along his shoulders and chest. "Roll over," Carlo urged. Tommy complied and then felt Carlo's hands as they massaged his shoulders and back. While at first nervous, both from the situation he was in and the attentions of Carlo, Tommy at last relaxed. Carlo's touch became more intimate, massaging Tommy's thighs and ass. Tommy could not hold back a sigh of pleasure as Carlo's hand wrapped around his balls and tugged. "Roll over, again, Tommy." Carlo guided Tommy as he rolled over. Tommy's cock was partially engorged and flopped heavily onto his stomach. The word 'beautiful' escaped Carlo's lips and his hands began to rub Tommy's cock. Carlo added some cool lubricant to his attentions. Tommy became very hard, he could feel need rising.

A soft, hurried knock at the door, followed by Karen's voice, "ready?" Carlo whispered into Tommy's ear, "Its time, lover. I'll be right there for you. Just follow along, it will be fine." Carlo helped Tommy to sit up and wrapped him in a robe. He led Tommy down the hallway and into a darkened room. There was a conventional bed in the room occupied by a person, the candidate mother. She was modestly covered. Carlo assisted Tommy to get onto the bed and under the sheets. As Tommy's erection began to flag, Carlo teased it back to hardness and placed him against the woman. Tommy felt the woman's hand on his cock, guiding him into her. He closed his eyes and gave in to the sensations. How different this was than entering Billy. Billy was always so very tight, it was a tender effort to enter him, going easily so as not to hurt him. The woman opened up to take him in. He was surrounded by the soft, moistness. Her body was yielding to him. Her skin soft to the touch.

Tommy began to move in the woman. His mind blanked as he focused on the sensations surrounding his cock. The woman made a soft moaning noise. Tommy was distracted and stopped thrusting. 

A change in the light of the room, seen through his closed eyelids, caused Tommy to open his eyes. Across the room, yet in plain sight was Carlo, stripped to the waist. He moistened a finger with his tongue and rubbed one nipple, arching his back in response to the sensation. His fingertips ran down along the line of hair to his navel. Again he wet his index finger and toyed with the opening of his navel. His hand wandered further down, toying with the bulge in his pants. The erotic pantomime brought Tommy to complete arousal. He had begun thrusting as soon as he saw Carlo and now pressed deep into the woman letting go of his orgasm. 

As the pulsing stopped, Tommy became aware of his surroundings. Carlo, dressed, approached with the robe. Tommy suddenly felt a tremendous let down. Images of Billy filled his mind again, and he felt somehow to have betrayed that relationship. Carlo, sensing the change of mood led Tommy to a room with a shower and helped him to clean up. 

"Tommy. You've given someone a precious gift, don't feel badly." Carlo tried to reassure Tommy.

Tommy dressed, but felt all the weight of depression. He fled the clinic, heading in no particular direction trying to be away from that place, trying to escape the images of Billy and the emptiness of his life.



Tommy - A Life Pt. 06



The summer passed. Tommy received mail from the university concerning his teaching fellowship, inviting him to an introductory session. It was a comfort to return to the university, a familiar place, a place where he had excelled. The other graduate students in the program quickly formed a close-knit group during the orientation sessions. He enjoyed the long meetings with the professor of literature to whom he had been assigned.

After one of the graduate student meetings, he was approached by a woman he knew from undergraduate classes, Karen. She had impressed him with her energy and overt dedication to causes. She took Tommy aside and began fervently telling him of a program she was supporting as part of her medical school training, a fertility program. She explained, perhaps too forthrightly, that the program needed a steady supply of sperm for its experiments and that she was recruiting likely donors. Tommy felt a bit like a bull being reviewed by a breeder. But, Karen was unashamedly ticking off the characteristics she was looking for in candidates. 

"I think you'll do fine." Not listening to any protests or comments from Tommy, Karen produced an appointment card, explained that he should abstain from ejaculation for three days prior, and be sure to be on time. Tommy stood, watching the ardent woman march off to find her next candidate. 

"Well," thought Tommy, "I'm not using it for anything else these days."

Tommy complied with the requirements Karen had specified - not much of a challenge in the face of the emptiness Tommy felt. He arrived at the clinic where he was greeted by a cheerful receptionist. He was asked to fill in some forms that covered his health and family history. He was then asked to step into an examination room and strip. There would be a physical examination.

As he sat, naked, on the examination table, waiting for further instructions, a man came into the room. He was of medium height, slight, with olive skin and a thin moustache. His nametag read "Carlo". He was very handsome. 

"Are you the doctor?" Tommy asked.

Carlo's face lit into an arch smile. "Alas, no, just an attendant making sure you are ready. Though I would very much like to examine you more closely," he said looking over Tommy. "Here is a robe, I'm sorry I was late in getting it to you. The doctor will be in shortly."

"Thanks," replied Tommy, putting on the robe.

"Hope to see you around - Tommy," said Carlo, checking the chart for Tommy's name. Carlo left just as another man, this one clearly the doctor entered. 

The examination was quickly done, the doctor concluding that Tommy looked 'healthy enough.'

Tommy was to come every three days and provide a specimen. The first time, Tommy faced the empty vial, his mind filled with images of Billy. Tears began to fall down his cheeks. As the images passed, he tried to focus on the wonderful, erotic times they had shared, of learning new ways to make love and the many happy hours they had spent pleasuring each other. He came out of his reverie just in time to capture his orgasm into the vial.

Carlo was waiting as he opened the door to the specimen room. "Whoa, you cum a lot. I thought I heard some 'happy noises' from in there. See you later in the week." Carlo's irreverence eased Tommy's nervousness about participating in the program.

***

Just before the school term began for the undergraduates, Karen approached Tommy again. "I'd like to thank you for participating in the program. What we're trying to do will help many people. You've made that possible." Tommy, embarrassed, downplayed his 'contribution.' 

"There is a new part of the program I'd like to include you in." Tommy wondered what else he might do. "There are many couples who can't have children. We're working on ways to conceive children outside the womb, outside the mother's body. But we've had little success. For many couples, time is of the essence, so we're sponsoring a 'surrogate father' program. We run it as clinically as possible. Contact is minimized. In some ways it's no different that what you've done so far."

"Karen, what exactly are you saying?" Tommy wondered.

"Uh, well, you'd make the, uh insertion, directly into the mother-candidate." Even the forthright Karen looked away from Tommy's eyes.

"I don't think I can do that."

"Big, strong guy like you? What could be the problem?"

"Well, for one, I've never been with a woman." Karen gaped at Tommy. "And I'm gay. I have, had, a lover, a man lover." 

Karen looked downcast. "It's only for a few moments. This whole program is in jeopardy, and I feel I've let all these couples down. Couldn't you just try?" A defeated Karen was even more compelling than an overbearing Karen. Somehow, Tommy agreed to try. Karen beamed back at him, already pulling schedules and calendars out of her bag. She reviewed her list of candidate mothers, estimating fertility cycles. After long minutes she declared that the following Tuesday would be right. She asked whether Tommy could be available after 10 AM. She couldn't pinpoint the time until the actual day, something about basal temperature of the mother. Tommy even more reluctantly agreed.

He found himself waiting in the reception area on Tuesday. Karen breezed by, thanking him again for participating. Tommy simply blushed and worried. Carlo came out and was surprised to see him. 

"This isn't your regular day, and you're not on my schedule." Tommy explained that he was here for a new program. "Ah that program? You?" Carlo looked both amused and sympathetic. "I think things might go better if you come with me." 

Carlo led Tommy to an examination room. Tommy began to undress, mechanically. Carlo stepped out for a few minutes to tell the program director where Tommy could be found. Carlo then returned. He suggested that Tommy lay down on the examining table. Tommy felt hands rubbing along his shoulders and chest. "Roll over," Carlo urged. Tommy complied and then felt Carlo's hands as they massaged his shoulders and back. While at first nervous, both from the situation he was in and the attentions of Carlo, Tommy at last relaxed. 

Carlo's touch became more intimate, massaging Tommy's thighs and ass. Tommy could not hold back a sigh of pleasure as Carlo's hand wrapped around his balls and tugged. "Roll over, again, Tommy." Carlo guided Tommy as he rolled over. Tommy's cock was partially engorged and flopped heavily onto his stomach. The word 'beautiful' escaped Carlo's lips and his hands began to rub Tommy's cock. Carlo added some cool lubricant to his attentions. Tommy became very hard, he could feel need rising.

A soft, hurried knock at the door, followed by Karen's voice, "ready?" Carlo whispered into Tommy's ear, "Its time, lover. I'll be right there for you. Just follow along, it will be fine." Carlo helped Tommy to sit up and wrapped him in a robe. He led Tommy down the hallway and into a darkened room. There was a conventional bed in the room occupied by a person, the candidate mother. She was modestly covered. Carlo assisted Tommy to get onto the bed and under the sheets. As Tommy's erection began to flag, Carlo teased it back to hardness and placed him against the woman. Tommy felt the woman's hand on his cock, guiding him into her. He closed his eyes and gave in to the sensations. How different this was than entering Billy. Billy was always so very tight, it was a tender effort to enter him, going easily so as not to hurt him. The woman opened up to take him in. He was surrounded by the soft, moistness. Her body was yielding to him. Her skin soft to the touch.

Tommy began to move in the woman. His mind blanked as he focused on the sensations surrounding his cock. The woman made a soft moaning noise. Tommy was distracted and stopped thrusting. 

A change in the light of the room, seen through his closed eyelids, caused Tommy to open his eyes. Across the room, yet in plain sight was Carlo, stripped to the waist. He moistened a finger with his tongue and rubbed one nipple, arching his back in response to the sensation. His fingertips ran down along the line of hair to his navel. Again he wet his index finger and toyed with the opening of his navel. His hand wandered further down, toying with the bulge in his pants. The erotic pantomime brought Tommy to complete arousal. He had begun thrusting as soon as he saw Carlo and now pressed deep into the woman letting go of his orgasm. 

As the pulsing stopped, Tommy became aware of his surroundings. Carlo, dressed, approached with the robe. Tommy suddenly felt a tremendous let down. Images of Billy filled his mind again, and he felt somehow to have betrayed that relationship. Carlo, sensing the change of mood led Tommy to a room with a shower and helped him to clean up. 

"Tommy. You've given someone a precious gift, don't feel badly." Carlo tried to reassure Tommy.

Tommy dressed, but felt all the weight of depression. He fled the clinic, heading in no particular direction trying to be away from that place, trying to escape the images of Billy and the emptiness of his life.



Tommy - A Life Pt. 07



His unconscious steps led Tommy toward his home. Only two blocks from his home, on a street he had not previously been on, he spotted a sign, 'Mike's Gym.' It was so familiar. Was that the name that Thor had mentioned? Tommy hesitated to trust any memory from that awful day. The doorway under the sign led immediately to a long upward stair. Tommy hesitated on the threshold.

He thought of Thor, of the many hours they had spent together, Tommy working out at Thor's direction. They had had many conversations during those nine months, about Billy, about working out, about Tommy's early life, about finding love. Thor had been more of a friend than Tommy realized. He knew he had to see if this was the place Thor mentioned.

Tommy climbed the stairs, anticipation growing with each step. At the top of the stairs was a counter behind which sat an older man. His face showed all the lines and creases of life and yet the arms and torso revealed by the tight tank top were that of a young, vigorous man. 

"Can I help you?" the man asked in a manner somewhere between friendly and gruff.

"Uh, does Thor work out here?"

The man smiled from ear to ear. He leaned back on the stool upon which he sat and bellowed through an open doorway, "Thor, somebody's here to see you. You better come quick or I'm taking him, myself."

There was a thunderous clang as iron weights dropped to the floor. A breathless Thor appeared in the doorway, his face all curiosity. "Tommy," he yelled and swept Tommy into a huge hug. Thor's face was beaming.

"Uh, hi, Thor." Tommy uttered from within the bear hug. He had not expected such a greeting.

"Oh my god, I've gotten sweat all over you. I'm so sorry. It's just, it's just, hell, I don't know." Thor stammered and blushed.

"Hey Thor, where's your manners," the older man barked. "I'm Mike. This is my dump of a gym, well more Thor's lately, he really runs things. And you are?"

"I'm Tommy. I knew Thor in a former life."

Mike's eyebrows arched past his forehead. "Tommy? The Tommy, Thor?" 

Thor was crimson with embarrassment. "Yeah. I guess I mentioned that I trained you."

Mike teased, "That's not all he 'mentioned'." 

Thor froze Mike with a glance. "You're welcome here, Tommy. Five bucks a visit, or forty for a month, since you're a special friend of Thor. I look forward to seeing more of you," Mike said archly.

Thor wrapped his arm around Tommy's shoulder, again forgetting that he was wet with sweat. He showed Tommy around the facility, showing his pride in the establishment, pointing out things he had done to improve it. Men working out greeted Tommy and made comments to Thor, sometimes asking questions on lifting technique. Thor explained that he had left the health club where he had met Tommy and now existed by working at Mike's gym sometimes supplementing his income by giving private training sessions.

Thor talked and talked, far more open than Tommy remembered him. Tommy's hearing faded when he caught a glimpse of Thor in one of the many mirrors. Held so tightly to his side, Tommy had to look in the mirror to see Thor. His first impression was that Thor was more muscular and tighter than before. Of course, he was wearing a string tank top and tight shorts that emphasized his musculature and the sheen of sweat set off his physique even further. There was no question, Thor was a beautiful man.

Tommy's reverie was interrupted by a question from Thor, "So you want to work out with me? I think it would be really cool. If we work out together, I don't have to charge you and we can push each other and help each other." Thor spoke with a young boy's enthusiasm.

Tommy demurred that he had not pursued working out since he had last seen Thor and feared he was no longer in shape. Thor, squeezing Tommy's arm appreciatively, said, "Nonsense. Anyway, in a few weeks, you'll be right back on top."

There was no way that Tommy could resist the joyous bulldozer that was Thor. He promised to come back the next day at 8 AM to get "down to work." Thor walked with him to the entrance. Somehow he couldn't let go and tussled with Tommy down the stairs. Out on the street, he kept hold of Tommy's hand, talking to keep Tommy from leaving. 

At last, Tommy managed to back away. He turned toward his house. In a darkened shop window he saw his face reflected. He was smiling, smiling for all he was worth and he couldn't imagine why.

***

Tommy was faithful to his promise. He arrived at the gym, carrying his workout shoes. Thor was already there. He helped Tommy choose some workout clothes and followed him into the locker room.

"Yeah, you've lost some of the finish," Thor observed, seated on a bench next to Tommy, "but you still look mighty good. Let's hit the gym." Thor led Tommy through a warm up and then gave him a workout logbook, already filled out with a routine for the next eight weeks. Thor guided Tommy through the workout, adding tips on how to help as a workout partner. This was a different interaction, one of equals, not of an employer to employee. Though they had to decrease the weight for Tommy, they worked out as a close team. 

At the end of the work out, following some concluding stretching, they were both covered in sweat. Tommy inhaled deeply. "Thor, smell that, it's wonderful. I had forgotten." Thor also breathed deeply, his eyes closed, his face the image of happiness. Suddenly he came to, and blushing, said he had to go do some 'stuff', 'see you tomorrow, ok?'

Tommy sat on a bench, wondering what had gotten into Thor. He showered and returned to his home, eager to go back to the gym the next day. 

Classes had started for Tommy. Most were in the afternoon, leaving his mornings open for working out and other errands. He enjoyed his meals more than he remembered doing. Enjoyed the reading his classes required. Enjoyed assisting the professor with seminars and preparing for classes. He just felt good.

Two weeks passed. All during that time, at the end of each workout, Thor disappeared in a rush. 

As Tommy passed the front counter, Mike said gruffly, "Hey you, Tommy, wait a minute." He leaned back on the stool, as he had done the first time Tommy had been to the gym, and bellowed, "Thor, did you ask him yet?"

"Ask me what?"

"Thor, get your ass out here. I've had enough of you moping around for two weeks." Thor appeared, sheepishly in the doorway. "Ask him, dammit."

"Thor, what's all this about."

Thor looked at his shoes. He hemmed and hawed. This incredible figure of a man looked for all the world like a young boy who was about to be in trouble. Thor stammered, "Tommy, would you, you know, like to go have some coffee or something?"

"There, that wasn't so bad, was it?" Mike showed no mercy.

Tommy could not help but smile. "Thor, I'd love to. But let's make it dinner. Can I pick you up around seven?"

Thor tried to be calm, but was dancing inside. He threw his arms around Tommy as he had on the first day, then ran back into the gym. Thinking he was out of earshot, he shouted to the roof, 'Yahoo."

Mike just winked at Tommy.

Tommy stopped by the gym on his way back from a late seminar. He carried a shopping bag filled with items he had picked up. The ever present Mike saw him come up the stairs and leaned back and bellowed, "Thor, its time to go."

Thor was dressed nicely, including a jacket that stretched across his broad chest. He looked good. Tommy found that he was doing all the talking on the short walk to his home, until he turned to walk up the steps. 

"What are we doing here? I thought we're going out for dinner."

"I live here. I thought we could have dinner in. This bag has everything we need."

"You live here? It's beautiful. And you mean to tell me you've been two blocks away and never..." Thor's words were said with feigned anger. 

As they entered the front door, they were met by Hopkins and Mrs. Hopkins. 

"Will there be two for dinner this evening?" Hopkins asked.

"I picked up some salmon. I can make it myself."

"Salmon, I know some great ways to make salmon," Thor said.

"You'll do nothing of the sort. I'll take care of that." Mrs. Hopkins commandeered the bag of groceries and turned to walk down the stairs. 

"Let me." Thor intercepted the bag and followed Mrs. Hopkins down the stairs toward her flat.

Hopkins turned to Tommy. "There is no point resisting her, she'll have her way. Why don't you go freshen up, I'll rescue your friend and send him up."

Tommy, having nothing else to do, climbed to his flat. Almost a half hour later, Thor entered the sitting room while knocking.

"And where have you been?" Tommy asked.

"Mrs. Hopkins and I were trading recipes. She must be a fantastic cook, judging by her kitchen. She thinks you're pretty special," Thor reported. "Hell, this place is great. Not so oppressive as those places in Billy's building. Show me around."

Tommy showed him the dining room, then offered just a glance of the bedroom through the door, then showed Thor into the study. Thor was fascinated by all the books, eager to say the right thing, praising everything.

As they returned to the sitting room, Tommy noticed that the doors to the dining room had been closed. He then noticed that in front of the sofa, an ice bucket complete with a bottle of white wine and glasses had been set.

"I guess this is for us," Tommy conjectured. He stepped over and poured two glasses of wine, handing one to Thor. "To friends" Tommy toasted. As Thor drank to the toast, his eyes were fixed on Tommy's face. 

Tommy began telling the story of Bunny and Cupcake and how this flat had become his home. For the first time he realized all the crazy, funny things that happened during those first days after he lost Billy. Thor drank in his words, neglecting the wine.

Their conversation had stopped. The momentary silence was interrupted by the sound of the dining room pocket doors sliding open. The dining table was revealed set for two in regal fashion, but rather than at opposite ends of the long table, the places were across the narrow dimension, facing each other. Hopkins appeared from behind the doorway to announce, "Dinner is served." Tommy and Thor walked into the dining room, both feeling the awkwardness of children in an unfamiliar formal setting. Hopkins served the meal, poured wine, indicated that more food waited under dome-covered platters, and then retired from the room.

"Jeez, Tommy, I didn't know you had a butler."

"I don't, but I think Hopkins likes playing at one. He's just supposed to take care of the house in exchange for rent. But he and Mrs. Hopkins take care of me, too. But I never expected anything like this."

They ate the meal, both praising the skills of Mrs. Hopkins. Hopkins appeared again, briefly, to clear their plates and serve dessert.

Thor braced himself against the table with his hands, his mind visibly working. "Tommy, I know you loved Billy. And I know that he meant the world to you, and you to him. And I know it's only been a few months. And I know..."

Tommy cut him off. "Thor, would you go to bed with me"

Thor stammered on, not hearing Tommy. "And I know it's awfully pushy of me to even think..."

"Thor, did you hear me?"

"And I know I can never be Billy. And, and, what did you say?" Thor said coming into focus.

"I want to make love to you, Thor."

"Uh, ok."

Tommy reached across the table and took Thor's hand. He led him down the hall and into the bedroom. Tommy noted with some interest that the bed had been turned down. Thor stood in the middle of the room, looking unsure of what to do. 

"At least take your jacket off." Tommy encouraged.

They both took to tearing their clothes off. When Thor was down to his boxer shorts, he turned and faced away from Tommy.

"Thor? What is it?" Tommy asked.

"Shit," said Thor. "I don't want to ruin this."

"Thor? Have I embarrassed you in some way?"

"No, Tommy, its not you. It's just well..." Thor dropped his shorts and turned to face Tommy, his head hanging.

Tommy's eyes sought out Thor's eyes. He could not help taking in all of the naked man before him, the rugged, square handsome face, the broad muscled chest, the tight ridges of his stomach, and then disproportionate to even this large man, his cock. His cock hung long and heavy between his legs, above large low hanging balls.

"Oh, god, Thor. You are amazingly beautiful. I don't understand why you're upset."

"It's my cock dammit. Most guys, they just won't have anything to do with me. I guess I'm a freak."

"Thor, I'd be lying if I didn't say my ass is a little frightened. But that's not the only way to make love, it'll work out."

"Oh, Tommy," Thor crossed the space between them and kissed him deeply. They tumbled into the bed. 

"Tommy, I do love being the top, but what I've fantasized about, since we first met, was having you inside me." 

With this admission, all the awkwardness between them vanished. Thor's touch was all gentleness, supported by his great strength. Tommy's mind reeled as kisses on the mouth led to touching led to grasping. They clung to each other in increasing passion. "I want you inside me, Tommy. I want it right now. Please, Tommy, fuck me." Thor turned over onto his knees and presented his ass. 

"Thor, oh man, yes, I'll fuck you, fuck with you." Tommy lubed his cock and pressed it against Thor's hole. Thor pushed back and Tommy's cock slipped past the first ring. Thor grunted with his lust and pushed back again taking more of Tommy's cock. 

"Oh god, I need you in me, give me more," Thor demanded. 

Tommy pressed further in gently, worried that Thor might be hurt. Tommy felt the extraordinary pressure of Thor's muscled butt squeezing his cock, pulling in more. "Thor, baby, go easy. Relax a little, just enjoy this."

Thor stopped moving, his breath coming in deep pants. "I've wanted this so long, I just have to have it. Fuck me, Tommy, fuck me."

Tommy began stroking in and out of Thor's ass. The sight of the heaving muscles of his back, narrow at the waist, beyond impressive at the shoulders, inspired him to greater passion. Thor grasped his own cock and began stroking in time with Tommy's thrusts. Each could feel the other's excitement rising. Thor's entire body clenched as his orgasm ripped from his cock, spurt after spurt, soaking the sheet beneath him. Tommy's cock was nearly crushed as Thor's ass bore down. He held on, his own orgasm struggling against the pressure until the grip eased and his cum burst through pumping and pumping into Thor.

Breathlessly, they collapsed onto the bed. Thor's struggle to catch breath changed to sobs, his body was wracked with emotion.

"Oh my god, Thor, did I hurt you?"

"Oh no Tommy. I've never felt anything like that before. It's just, it's just that I've loved you from the first moment I saw you. But you were with Billy. I couldn't dream that you and I could ever...but then Billy was gone. And then I couldn't find you. I thought I'd never be happy again. And then you walked into the gym, and, and..." The emotion overtook Thor again. 

Tommy pulled his cock from the still tight grip of Thor's ass, admittedly with some reluctance. He turned Thor over and put his arms around the broad torso and held him, kissing him as Thor wept. 

Tommy felt emotion rising in his own heart and tears began to roll down his face. He clung all the tighter to Thor.

In time, the emotion passed. Each tried to comfort the other with kisses and gentle touches. New desire rose between them, less urgent, more loving. Tommy rolled Thor onto his back and sat astride him. He reached behind him and lubed Thor's hardening cock. Mimicking what he had seen Billy do so long ago, he pressed his ass against Thor's cock head and breathed out slowly. His first attempt to take Thor's cock hurt too much and he had to pull off. Thor's face was all worry.

"I want this, too, Thor. But we'll have to go easy." He pushed against the cock again and managed to take the head into his ass. While Tommy was far from being a virgin, Thor was on a scale far beyond what Tommy had experienced with Billy. Desire and the beauty of the man before his eyes inspired Tommy to keep trying, to focus on relaxing and slowly take more of the cock into his ass.

Thor began to whimper as his desire grew, needing to cum. Tommy stopped and held still, his ass spasming on the thickness of Thor's cock. Thor placed his hands on Tommy's cock, erect over his chest, and began to stroke it. The sensations on his cock diverted Tommy's attention away from his ass just long enough for him to relax. The extreme tension of being stretched gave way to the pleasure of fullness. Tommy began to ride Thor's cock, up and down. His head leaned back as the pleasure overtook his entire body, and the loving touch of Thor's hands brought him again to orgasm, spewing all over Thor's face and chest. Thor gritted his teeth as his own orgasm welled up and shot into Tommy's ass. Tommy pulled off the large organ and dropped into Thor's waiting arms. 

"No one has ever taken me like that," Thor panted. 

Tommy replied, "I never wanted anything so badly. I knew I had to try. Oh, Thor, you are so beautiful. You make love divinely. I could love you."

Thor hugged Tommy even harder. They spoke softly to each other, praising the lovemaking they had shared, and slowly drifted to sleep in each other's arms.

***

During the night, the lovers sought continual contact with each other. By morning, Thor was draped across Tommy. It was the weight pressing on his chest that brought Tommy into waking. "Thor, Thor, wake up, you're crushing me." Thor's arms tightened around Tommy. "Ok, you big lug, time for a shower."

Thor's face bore and idiotic smile. "Whatever you say, lover, whatever you say." 

Thor followed Tommy into the bathroom and into the shower. They teased and played with each other, soaping each other, stopping to kiss and neck while in the hot streams of water. Tommy dropped to his knees and began sucking on Thor. Already worked up, Thor quickly reached climax and roared with the pleasure of Tommy's mouth on his cock. Tommy stood and shared a mouthful of Thor's cum as they kissed. 

They washed again, stepped from the shower and dried each other off. Tommy offered Thor a robe, and giggled as it barely covered the broad chest. Tommy put a towel around his waist and led the way back to the bedroom. Tommy stopped in his tracks, Thor ran into him from behind. As Tommy stood staring, Thor snuggled against Tommy's back, putting his arms around him, kissing his neck.

"Thor, the bed's been made. Our clothes, they're all folded up. They've been in here while we were in the shower. My god, they must have heard..."

From the door came the familiar discrete knock. Tommy and Thor just stared at the door. After a polite interval, the door opened slightly. "Ahem, breakfast awaits you in the dining room." The door closed. Tommy and Thor broke into shamefaced giggles.

Tommy tossed on some sweat pants, insisting that Thor remain in the robe, 'just too yummy, you are.' They walked hand-in-hand to the dining room. Not only had the previous night's dinner been cleaned up, but the table was set for breakfast. Coffee steamed in the paired cups. The room was unoccupied. Tommy lifted the various covers and served up yet another wonderful meal. Both men ate hungrily, teasing each other with stolen touches under the table.

As Tommy stood to pour more coffee came the discrete knock again. "Yes?"

The door opened. "If we might have a word with you, sir?"

"It seems I have an urgent matter to attend to. Will you please excuse me, Thor," Tommy assumed a faux formality, far beyond the dignity due a man wearing only sweat pants.

Hopkins waited by the door to the sitting room. Tommy entered the sitting room to find Mrs. Hopkins nearly dancing with delight. Hopkins closed the door. "Mr. Thomas, you are looking in fine form today, if I may say so."




Tommy - A Life Pt. 07



"Oh, Mr. Thomas. You do look so happy. We're so glad. And Mr. Joseph..."

"Who?" Tommy inquired.

"Mr. Joseph, your guest."

"Thor? I didn't know his name was Joseph," puzzled Tommy.

"Mr. Joseph Johansen, I believe," intoned Hopkins.

"We were properly introduced yesterday when he was so kind as to help me with those groceries you purchased. He had so many helpful suggestions. He's really quite a dear." Mrs. Hopkins beamed.

Tommy reddened as he recalled the state the bedroom had been in and what must these kind people think about the noises of passion from the shower. 

"Please forgive me for being above my station," Hopkins, continued, "but Mrs. Hopkins and I, well we think Mr. Joseph is, well, in Mrs. Hopkins words 'quite a catch' and we'd be remiss to say nothing."

"Oh, Mr. Thomas. We've seen such a change in you these last few weeks. You've seemed truly happy, your heart light. Now we know why. We're so very pleased for you."

Tommy stood in confused amazement. He began stammering about how sorry he was that he had left the room is such a mess and that he could really take care of himself, when Hopkins, very much out of character, interrupted. "It is our pleasure to care for our gentleman. Think no more about it. Mrs. Hopkins, I believe we have things to attend to. If you will excuse us, sir." They left Tommy in further confusion.

"Tommy?" Thor poked his head between the pocket doors. His morning beard accentuated the strong lines of his face. 

Tommy returned to the dining room and took a large gulp of coffee. "It seems that Hopkins and Mrs. Hopkins approve of you. You've made quite an impression, though I can't imagine what they must be thinking. There must have been four quarts of cum on those sheets. And then you howling in the shower – which was to my total delight, by the way. You'll be howling again before long, Mr. Joseph." Tommy winked. "Who the hell is Mr. Joseph?"

"Oh, that's my real name, Joseph Johansen. I've been called Thor since I was a kid.

"Well, a Norse god does come to mind when I look at you."

Thor wrapped Tommy in a strong hug and kissed him passionately. "Tommy, I have something to ask, but I don't know how. I don't have the right to ask it."

"Thor, after last night, you can ask anything in the world."

"Well, ok, then. The building I live in, well it was condemned a few weeks ago. It was only a room, but it was all I had as a home. And well..."

"Thor, how awful. Where have you been living?"

"I've been crashing on some mats at Mike's. Grabbing food where I can"

"My poor, lover."

"So, I guess I'm asking if I can stay on your couch until I find a new place?"

"No fucking way." Thor's face fell. "If you think you're staying anywhere but in my bed, you're crazy. Thor, I know it's too soon to say this, and I can't believe what I'm feeling, but I love you."

"But what about Billy?" Thor replied, torn between joy and fear.

"I love Billy. I always will. He came into my life and the world changed. I miss him even as I'm saying this to you. But what we had was between him and me. What we have, you and I, is between us. It takes nothing away from my love for Billy. And what I feel for you, well it's unlike anything I've ever imagined. Tell me you'll stay."

At that moment there was a large banging on the street door. Mike's voice roared up the stairwell, "Thor, where the hell do you want all this stuff. It's been cluttering up my gym for weeks." Heavy feet pounded on the stairs followed by the sound of many heavy things being dropped onto the floor.

Tommy and Thor peered out the door to the landing. 

"Here you go. I can tell by the glow on your faces that congratulations are in order. Skip the gym today, it looks like you've had enough exercise." Mike winked and plodded back down the stairs.

"It's a good thing you're keeping me. I'd hate to lug all that stuff back down all those stairs," Thor said gratefully.

Tommy hugged Thor, feeling the pleasure of Thor's body in his arms.

Hopkins appeared on the landing and began taking the various bags and boxes Mike had deposited there. As he walked passed the entwined couple, Hopkins said, "We'll just get these things put away."



Tommy - A Life Pt. 08



CHAPTER FOURTEEN: Bobby

Tommy awoke each day feeling the powerful heat of Thor's body pressed against him. Whose hard cock was pressed into the other's back changed, but each felt the delight in their mutual desire. There were nights when they talked long into the night and fell asleep in the simple joy of each other's company. More frequently they enjoyed and exhausted each other making love. 

One night, after a particularly rambunctious session of sex, Thor placed both his hands around Tommy's cock and balls. "You know, we make a big deal about my cock, but I hope you realize how very special this cock in my hands is. I never fooled around much, but other than my own cock, I've never found one as large and as beautiful as this. It is my delight to see it, to hold it, to suck it, and definitely to be fucked by it. There's nothing but pleasure from any cock, but a rare one like this, well, its pleasure without any compromise."

"I never really thought about it like that. Most guys are average, that's what average means. I didn't think that you'd like a big dick, just like I do," Tommy replied with a grin.

***

The school year progressed and Tommy took on greater and greater responsibility as teaching assistant. His own course work went well, many of the books found in his study helped in his studies. He spent most evenings working in his study, Thor often worked late at the gym. His role had expanded at the gym as Mike made plans to retire.

To help in running the gym, Thor had hired a young man who spent every spare moment at the gym, Bobby. The gym had become a haven for the troubled youth while still in high school. Thor welcomed his enthusiasm for working out and found odd jobs for him to do in lieu of membership fees. That Bobby admired Thor was evident to all - except Thor. He saw Bobby as just a good kid he was pleased to help out. Bobby hung on Thor's every word, followed him around the gym, leaping at every opportunity to help.

One morning during their shared work out, Tommy said to Thor, "You're puppy must be late today?"

"Huh?"

"Oh Thor, surely you've noticed Bobby."

"Bobby? Yeah, he's a great kid. What of it?"

"Thor, Thor, Thor...you'd better be careful there. He's got a crush on you so bad it hurts, and I just might get jealous," Tommy teased.

"What? What are you talking about?"

Bobby came into the gym and walked directly up to Thor, "Guess what? Next Friday is my birthday. I'll be eighteen. You know, legal."

Thor sat up amazed. Tommy poked him in the ribs. Thor managed to say, "And I need to know that why? Are you asking for a raise?"

"No, Thor, I thought, that maybe, well I've got something to ask, but I don't know how you'll take it." Bobby stared at his shoes.

"Forgive me, Thor, but this young man looks and sounds a lot like someone I know very well," Tommy chided. "Bobby, between the pair of you, if you don't just out with it, we'll all be too old to do anything about it."

"Ok, I know you two have a really tight thing going, and I respect that, I really do. Its just that, well, I'm gay and I really wanted, since I first met you Thor, and not just because you're so good looking or anything, but because you're so decent to me and all, well I just wanted you to be the first, no offence Tommy."

"The first?" Thor puzzled.

"Wake up lunkhead, he wants you to pop his cherry," Tommy filled him in, exasperated. "And Bobby, be careful what you ask for."

Bobby stood blushing to his toes.

"Is that right, Bobby?" Thor asked.

Bobby just nodded.

Thor was dumbfounded. Tommy was amused. Here was this cute kid, his body showing all the benefits Thor's guidance could give, asking for Thor to fuck him. 

"Bobby, don't you want to do this with someone more your own age."

"Hell no. Any kid I've gotten it on with is all about sucking and getting off and getting away. I really want it to be different than that, with someone I admire - and it doesn't hurt that he's about the best looking hunk in town," Bobby added.

"Jeez, Bobby, I'm flattered and all, but I'm with Tommy." Thor seemed to be searching for a way, any way to get away.

"Bobby, would you excuse us for a moment?" Tommy took Thor by the arm and into Thor's private office. "Look Thor, I'm not jealous. I love you, and I know you love me. And you give me all the pleasure I've ever imagined, and a lot more - if you know what I mean." Tommy winked. Thor was still distressed. "I think our relationship won't be harmed if this is something you want to do. Frankly, I have to admire the kid's good sense, and good taste." Another wink.

Thor squirmed in his chair. He felt honored by Bobby's attention. He also wanted to protect his relationship with Tommy. "Tommy, I'm not comfortable with this, not doing it alone."

"I get you, big guy, we could do it together." Tommy stepped to the door, "Bobby, could you come in here?"

The young man walked into the office. Thor was standing on one side of the small room, Tommy on the other side. Bobby looked from one to the other with a question on his face.

"Bobby," started Thor. "Bobby, Tommy is my partner, he owns my heart and he's all I desire." Bobby's face fell. "I also think you're a pretty cool kid, uh man. And though, truthfully, I hadn't noticed much before, you're pretty hot. Well, I appreciate your asking me, but I really couldn't do it without my partner."

It took a while for this to sink in for Bobby. 

"You mean, I could do it with both of you? No way! I mean that's fantastic. I was afraid to ask just you, Thor, but Tommy, too? Just wait until I brag to the guys about getting it on with the two hottest studs in the city."

"Whoa there, Bobby." Tommy interjected. "First, this is a very personal, private thing. It might not be the experience you think it will be. It's better kept just among us. And secondly, who says we're the hottest studs in the city."

"What do you mean, 'who says? That's the way Mike refers to you all the time. I even read a quote of his in the gay rags about you. Where have you guys been?"

Suddenly, all the comments Tommy had heard in the university's gay students group made sense. Tommy pushed those thoughts from his head.

"Well I think we should take it slow," suggested Tommy. "We can have dinner at my place, maybe try out the Jacuzzi, then see what we want to do." Tommy remembered his first time with Billy. Then he remembered his first time with Thor. Yeah, take it real slow.

"And Bobby, if it's not what you expect, or it's not going how you want, we can stop."

"I can't wait, damn, it's forever until Friday." Bobby bounced out of the office.

"Well, Thor, it looks like we have a party to plan. Somehow, I think we should keep this one private from Hopkins and Mrs. Hopkins." 

***

Friday came and despite how long the hours seemed to Bobby, the time to go to Tommy's came. Bobby was ringing the doorbell at 7 PM sharp. Tommy and Thor waited in the sitting room. Hopkins let Bobby in and directed him to Tommy's flat. The young man raced up the stairs three at a time. He spotted Tommy and Thor at the door of the sitting room and walked toward them.

"I'm glad you're here, Bobby," Thor said, wrapping him into a strong hug. 

Tommy stepped behind Bobby and closed the hug around him. "I'm glad you're here, too."

Bobby's reply was muffled. He a few inches shorter than the two older men and pressed between their chests. 

"Dinner is ready, are you hungry?" Tommy asked.

"You bet, but not necessarily for food," winked Bobby.

Tommy opened the pocket doors and ushered Bobby, seating him on the end of the table, with Thor and himself at his sides. Tommy served the meal. Bobby wolfed down the food in his excitement. Thor was only a forkful behind him. Tommy purposely dawdled, teasing them both.

"I think that this has been a lovely evening, just as it is. If you want to go, Bobby, that would be fine."

"Are you trying to get rid of me? I can't wait to just see you guys naked. And I'm all about getting hot and sweaty," Bobby replied in excitement.

Tommy archly suggested dessert and was met by impatient glances by both Bobby and Thor. "Very well, then, shall we repair to the boudoir?" All three bolted through the door and down the hall. 

A spirit of fun was in the air.

Bobby was naked in a heartbeat, his clothes flung around the room. Both Thor and Tommy stopped part way during disrobing to admire the young man's body. His cock was already ragingly hard. Bobby's eyes ranged from one man to the other. Thor was truly a muscled god and that bulge in his underwear was impressive. Tommy was leaner, muscular but more cut, a smaller frame than Thor and where Thor must shave almost his entire body, Tommy's chest was nicely patterned with dark hair. His butt and legs were very hairy, too. Tommy's cock was half hard as he dropped his boxers, the sight of which caused Bobby to catch his breath. 

"Get into the bed," Tommy told Bobby. 

He and Thor then approached from opposite sides of the bed. Thor still wore his boxers, only scooting them off after he was under the sheet. 

The two men snuggled against Bobby. He felt the heat of their bodies, the various textures of their skin and hair. Then Tommy and Thor began to work on Bobby. Both started kissing and touching, teasing and pinching, their hands and mouths ranged over his body. Bobby had no idea which man was touching him where, all he knew was that he was in heaven. He gasped as, simultaneously, tongues lapped his two nipples. The next moment his cock was sucked greedily into a mouth and another mouth engulfed his balls. It continued, building excitement and surprise until Bobby screamed out, "Enough, you guys are going to make me cum and I'm not ready yet."

"We just wanted to make sure you felt comfortable with us," Thor said innocently. 

"I think its time. I really want you to fuck me, Thor."

Thor took Bobby's hand and placed it on his engorged cock. He felt the hand wrap around it, then felt Bobby's other hand on his cock. The hands played over it length. Bobby gulped. "I want this night to be special for you, Bobby, and for you to have everything you desire, but I think it will go better if you start with Tommy. Is that okay with you, Tommy?" Thor spoke gently, his words soothing.

Bobby was very still. Thor broke the silence, "I have an idea." Thor rolled onto his front, adjusting his cock beneath him. "Bobby, I want you to enter me, to fuck me. Tommy, when he's comfortable, you enter Bobby. We'll all go slowly. Remember this is supposed to be fun and enjoyable." 

Bobby, with the ever present hardness of youth, snuggled onto Thor's back. Tommy lubed Bobby's cock and helped ease it into Thor. While not overly long, Bobby's cock had a nice thickness. Tommy could make out a smile on Thor's face. As Bobby slowly thrust in and out of Thor, Tommy began to massage Bobby's back and ass. 

"Bobby? Are you ready?" Tommy assumed the yummy noises coming from Bobby meant yes. He took a large dollop of lube on his hand and began to work it into Bobby's hole, first with on finger, then with two. Bobby's happy noises continued. Tommy spread his fingers, trying to stretch the tight opening. Still happy sounds from Bobby. Tommy knelt behind Bobby and pressed his cock into the now wet hole. Bobby took in a sharp breath. Thor clenched his ass on Bobby's cock, distracting Bobby and Tommy slipped deeper into Bobby. 

"Oh, oh, I didn't know it would feel like this," Bobby moaned. Tommy froze, worried that Bobby was hurting. Then Bobby began to move between them, grinding against Thor, then grinding back against Tommy.

"Oh, yeah, Bobby, fuck me," encouraged Thor.

Tommy pressed deeper as Bobby moved beneath him, gently countering Bobby's thrusts into Thor. While a little awkward coordinating his movements with the other two men, the pleasure was undeniable.

Suddenly Bobby stopped moving. "I think I can take you now, Thor. I want to try. I want you in me when I cum."

Tommy kissed Bobby's back and slowly withdrew. Bobby did the same to Thor, then got on his hands and knees, exchanging places. Tommy lubed Thor's cock, then took extra lube and lying next to Bobby, reached under and began to stroke his cock. Thor's face was a mixture of excitement and concern. He eased his cock against Bobby's ass and was surprised to feel Bobby pushing back against him. The combination of being loosened by Tommy and now Tommy's distracting attention on his dick allowed Thor to push into Bobby's hole. Bobby closed his eyes and concentrated on relaxing, this cock so much thicker than Tommy's. 

Tommy lay on his back stroking Bobby's cock, watching as Thor slowly, gently worked his way in. In the soft light he observed how alike Thor and Bobby looked. Though Thor was a much larger man, Bobby was similarly proportioned and his musculature was developing much like Thor's. Their faces showed that they were at the same point of ecstasy; eyes closed, lips softly smiling, minds turning inward.

Bobby's face then changed as his orgasm approached. His eyes closed more tightly, his mouth opened as he grabbed at breath. Thor was a few seconds behind him. Tommy kept stroking Bobby's cock, feeling it surge and pulse in his hand. He watched as the muscles of Bobby's body began to clench, first his chest, then his legs, then his abdomen. Thor grabbed on to Bobby, pulling against him pushing deeper. 

Bobby began to gasp and moan. His face smoothed, yet his body tightened further and Tommy felt the orgasm burst from his cock. Thor echoed each sound and movement, also releasing in orgasm. Tommy was enraptured, able to observe his lover's extreme moment and yet be one step removed. It was the most beautiful sight. 

Tommy reached for a towel and cleaned the cum off the still heaving bodies. He got up to take the towel into the bathroom and rinse it out. When he returned, he saw the charming sight of Bobby, snuggled against Thor's broad back, both already asleep. Tommy smiled then getting into the bed and snuggling against Bobby softly whispered, "Happy Birthday, Bobby."

***

Something jostled Tommy. Something tickled and teased his left nipple. "Whaaaat?" Tommy was still thick with sleep.

"Tommy, Tommy," a voice crooned in his ear. "Come on Tommy, wake up. Bobby and I want to play." Thor's voice was indeed playful. "Bobby, today's game is - Let's Make Tommy Cum."

Tommy struggled to wake up. With no warning, four hands and two mouths began an assault on his body. From his ears to his toes, kisses, nips, and pinches teased him. Two tongues lapped and licked on his knees, up his thighs, one taking on his cock, the other his balls. On and on went the sweet torture. Then the familiar feeling of Thor's lips on his was augmented by the feeling of lips on his cock. Thor kept kissing, the other lips and tongue went wild on his cock. Tommy struggled for breath, Thor kept kissing, the mouth on his cock kept sucking. Tommy's back arched, Thor pressed down with his lips, and Tommy came enormously into the sucking mouth.

Tommy lay for a while recovering, Thor and someone else, oh yes, Bobby, were chuckling gleefully. 

"Well that was wild," Tommy managed after a time. 

"I couldn't understand how Thor could be kissing me and sucking me at the same time. I'm sorry, Bobby, but I was so deeply asleep, I forgot you were here."

Bobby bounced on the bed like a puppy. "This has been the best birthday I ever had. I can't wait to play with you guys again."

Thor cuffed him. "This was a special time, not a steady thing."

"Oh, I have a boyfriend. I just had to have you, Thor. I can't believe I got to have Tommy, too. It's been unbelievable. And you both made my first fuck so incredible. I can't wait to tell Brad and try stuff with him." Bobby bounded from the bed and helped himself to a shower.

Thor fell into Tommy's arms laughing. They lay together, kissing and necking. Bobby emerged from the bathroom in a towel, still wet. "Isn't this a pretty site? The two most gorgeous guys, ever, making out. If I didn't already love Brad, I'd sure be in love with you guys. Can't I brag about this to anyone? I've got to tell someone, or I'll bust. Not even Brad?"

"I suppose secrets between lovers aren't a good idea, but I want this to be special among us, not a sleazy orgy, and I don't want any advertising. I'm with Tommy. Last night was great, but Tommy's all I really want." Thor was gentle, but serious.

Bobby pulled on his clothes, then leapt onto the bed kissing both men. He tossed a 'thanks again, you guys are amazing' over his shoulder as he went out the door. Tommy asked, "Should we call Brad and warn him about what's coming?"

"Nah, let him enjoy Bobby's surprise," Thor laughed. He then attacked Tommy with a thousand kisses.

 

CHAPTER FIFTEEN: Tommy and Thor: Life as a Couple

Their lives settled into a loving routine. Most mornings Tommy and Thor worked out in the gym together. They developed a circle of friends from the gym and enjoyed casual get-togethers and sports filled weekends with them. Thor worked on improving Mike's gym and training clients from professional body builders to novices. 

Tommy's life was centered on the university where he took graduate classes, assisted a professor, and began teaching some classes. This occupied most afternoons and evenings. He was popular with students and faculty and was often invited to dinners and events at the university. He always took Thor. While Thor's education had focused on sport and fitness, and although he was not an engaging conversationalist he listened intently and was welcomed by academics all too willing to talk. 

One evening, the head of the Literature Department held a cocktail party for all the faculty and graduate students. Tommy was pleased to attend and took Thor, who was by now a familiar figure on the campus. 

Thor excused himself to find a restroom. Tommy noticed that Thor had been gone a long time and went looking for him. Tommy went through a door into what turned out to be the kitchen. Thor jumped from behind a counter and grabbed Tommy in a hug and kissed his face and neck. Tommy pretended to swoon with passion. A gasp from behind them caused them to jump. Mrs. Dean, the Literature Department head's wife muttered, "Oh, excuse me," and fled the room. 

Thor's face had a worried look. "Damn, what if I've just fucked up your place at the university?"

"Thor, I love you, one day it had to come out. It might as well be now. I won't be ashamed of you or what we share." Tommy spoke with conviction, but deep inside he shared Thor's worry.

The following Monday, Tommy found a note requesting him to see Dr. Dean, the department head. "I won't be worried," Tommy tried to convince himself.

He entered Dr. Dean's office, a clutter of books and papers. "Ah, Thomas, do come in. Sit down." Tommy cleared a chair and sat. "There are a number of things we need to talk about. I think you're aware that we've been very pleased with your performance, both as a student and as a teaching assistant. Professor Walkin has recommended you for the PhD program. Dr. Vassilov also has requested that you assist him in the next term. A career in this university can be very rewarding and the department faculty and I think you'd make a fine addition." Dr. Dean wound down.

"The university, however, has a responsibility to see to the welfare of the students in our care." 

Tommy's heart sank. "A policy, long in force, requires that full faculty members, those with direct contact with students, adhere to a level of propriety, both on the campus and off, above that of common society. Families entrust us with the minds, morals, and physical well being of students." Tommy feared where this must lead. 

"And so I am required, preliminary to any further discussion of a place in the university, to inquire as to your personal life."




Tommy - A Life Pt. 08



Tommy dropped his head into his hands. He loved the university. It was where he had become an adult. It was as a student he had met Billy. It was his parents' wish for him to be educated. He had no concept of being anywhere else. And now it was over.

But he loved Thor. Even if one center of his life ended, he had Thor. Still his heart was heavy.

"Yes, well," stumbled Dr. Dean, clearly uncomfortable with his role as inquisitor. "Mrs. Dean told me of a little scene during the cocktail party the other evening. And frankly, what she described gave me a start. How long have you known this man?"

"Thor?"

"Yes, seems a decent chap, would have helped the rugby team, I dare say. Yes, how long have you known him?"

"Since my Junior year. We worked out together."

"Ah, that would explain the physique, not surprising really, extraordinary how fine some young men look these days. And, uh, what is the nature of the relationship?"

"Dr. Dean, I won't lie to you. Thor is my partner, we live together, we love each other. If that means there is no place for me in the university, well, I hope you know I want nothing more than to continue on here, then I'll have to say goodbye."

"Hold on, hold on, all I asked was about the nature of your relationship. The faculty guidelines just require candidates to be in a 'stable relationship', no fooling around with the students, you get my meaning. Thank god that's over. I positively despise peering into peoples' lives. It's not like I haven't known you for five years. Well then, I've done my duty to protect the welfare of the students. Expect a letter from the Trustees in the next week or so and may I be the first to congratulate you on selection to the faculty of the university."

As Tommy stood, he realized how many times he had been taken unaware by the kindness and sensitivity of people. Here he was again, dazed and confused. He had reached the door when Dr. Dean said, "Oh, and Mrs. Dean insists that you bring, uh, you know, your beau, for dinner this Sunday. Nothing fancy, just the missus and myself and some other of the senior faculty, you know them all. Cocktails at seven."

Tommy began laughing as he closed Dr. Dean's door. He laughed the entire way to Mike's Gym. He couldn't stop to explain to Mike, he just walked past onto the gym floor and spotting Thor, grabbed his face and gave him a great wet kiss.

"That was sweet, but what is the occasion?"

"You are looking at the next full professor of literature at the university and soon to be PhD. I just talked with Dr. Dean and they've offered me the position, pending my completion of graduate classes and of course pending approval by my own true love. By the way, we're invited to dinner on Sunday. As Mrs. Tommy, you'll want to wear something pretty but understated. And I don't want you just hanging in the kitchen with the other girls."

Thor, six foot two, two hundred and thirty pounds of virile man, turned toward Tommy, his face fierce. Tommy tried to run, but Thor grabbed him by the waist and lifted him bodily from the floor. Tommy kicked and struggled, but Thor tossed him over his shoulder and marched into a storage room and kicked the door closed behind him. He threw Tommy down on some mats and began to tickle him until Tommy screamed. "So you think I'm going to be your little missus? I don't think so. And if I want to 'hang out with the girls', well mister, what are you going to do about it?" Thor smothered Tommy with kisses. "I'm so proud of you, Tommy. And if it means I have to wear a dress, well I'd do it, just be prepared for me to take out my masculinity on you later on. Hmmm, come to think of it, that might feel pretty good right now."

"Oh no, you beast. Save it until we get home. I don't want any of these guys breaking in on us. I can't think of a better way to celebrate."

Thor opened the door of the storeroom with Tommy at his side. Just beyond the door, a crowd had gathered. One of the gym regulars said sheepishly, "I've never seen you so pissed, Thor. We didn't want to butt in, but we were kind of worried about Tommy."

"We just needed a few moments of 'alone time' to discuss some stuff. Hey you guys, Tommy is going to be Dr. Tommy soon, full professor of literature at the university." Thor beamed as if the accomplishment had been his own.

From the rear of the crowd, Tommy heard someone ask, "Is that them?" On turning to the source of the voice, Tommy saw a handsome young man and then noticed that he was standing next to Bobby. Among the offered congratulations of the crowd, Tommy heard the conversation continue. "So they live at Tommy's house, he's this bigwig professor, what does he get out of it? What does Thor contribute? Does he pay Tommy by the inch?"

"By the foot more likely..." Bobby replied with a smile and hand gesture. Both young men laughed.

Tommy had made his way over to them. On his approach, they went silent. "Bobby, who is this?" 

"Oh, hi Tommy. Thor looked like he was gonna kill you. I guess you guys made up. Hey that's great news about the job and all. This is Brad, I think I mentioned him that night we, uh, you know."

"A pleasure to meet you, Brad."

Brad shook the hand that Tommy offered. He met Tommy's look and began to chuckle when Tommy winked.

"How about you guys come for lunch?" Tommy suggested. They agreed and picked up Thor, not literally, on the way out. At a nearby restaurant over lunch, Brad and Bobby peppered Thor and Tommy with questions about their relationship. The two younger men seemed to be seeking advice on how to survive as a gay couple. They were almost disappointed when Tommy said that Thor and he really weren't any different than a heterosexual couple, sure the sex was man to man, but living together, sharing time, dealing with issues and minor spats were just the same.

"So what do you guys fight about?" Bobby asked.

"Well, lets see, there are so many things..." Thor raised his eyes to the ceiling as he thought.

"Oh, yeah, mister?" Tommy challenged - in good humor, "Like what?" 

"Well, he's always in that study of his. I have to go drag him out of there every night. Hard though it may be to believe, he's able to resist me." Thor teased.

"That just depends on when you last shaved." Tommy responded. "You know, Thor shaves just about his entire body. It wasn't until we were in the Greek islands and they lost some of our luggage that I realized that Thor is very hairy. He says he shaves for 'professional reasons'. So we were there in this isolated village without most of our stuff. The place had a fantastic beach, great food, but not even a small store. Everything had to come on the weekly ferry and it had just dropped us off. By the third day, it was like living with a porcupine. By the fifth day he turned into Sasquatch. I loved it. Now I have to beg him to just let his pits grow out."

Thor grabbed Tommy for the second time that day and roughed up the hair on his head. "Not too many tales out of school, buddy." They all laughed.



Tommy - A Life Pt. 09



CHAPTER SIXTEEN: Thor and Stephen

Thor seemed uncharacteristically quiet one night. No real conversation over dinner and a cursory goodbye when he returned to the gym for a few hours. Even when he returned, he barely spoke before getting into bed. Once in bed, Tommy felt a distance from Thor, his touch returned with little attention.

"Something troubling you, love?" Tommy asked him. 

Thor looked at Tommy with distress in his eyes. 

"I don't know how to say this." Thor struggled with every syllable. "I met someone today."

Tommy tried to keep his concern from his face. 

"And?"

"And, I wasn't looking for anything, I was just there in the bank getting change for the juice bar cash register, and suddenly, there he was in the line next to me. He's not even my 'type', I can't believe just seeing him there has affected me so much."

"What's his name?" Tommy asked.

"Stephen."

"You talked with him?"

"Yes, he caught me looking at him. I can't explain it. It was like something came over me and I had to look at him." Thor looked pained.

"And?"

"And I made some small talk about doing bank business, the weather, and stuff like that. Then I asked him if he'd like to have coffee or something."

"And?"

"And we did, had coffee at the shop next to the bank. Nothing happened, and yet I can't explain why I feel this way. I'm confused. I know I love you. I never imagined I'd be as happy as I've been since we've been together."

"Thor, I love you. Nothing on earth can change that. I know you love me, too. What we share is just that, between us. I don't know why you're so involved in this, but I guess it doesn't matter, you are. I don't want to lose you, not even for a minute, but I don't own you. If this is causing you such distress, then it's something you have to find out about. I'm afraid if you don't, wondering about it might destroy what we have. I want you here with me, but my love doesn't have conditions."

Thor began to cry. Tommy held him and fought off feelings of panic. 

The next morning, Thor lay awake in the bed. Tommy felt the rigidity of his entire body, not the welcoming embrace he had come to expect. Thor asked softly, "Do you want me to move out?"

"Thor, this is your home. I welcomed you here with no requirements. Moving out doesn't make any sense. I want you to be comfortable with us, with living here. I don't make any demands on you, except to tell me what you're feeling, what you're thinking. I won't claim to be disinterested, but I'll try to be a friend, not just a lover."

Thor left for the gym. Tommy took the day off from his work out, the first time they had not worked out together. Tommy missed Thor and was afraid. He was more afraid that making demands of Thor would drive him away. Tommy hated compromising his own wants, but he loved Thor more.

Thor stayed away all day and didn't return until late that night. He crept into bed. Tommy was awake and turned toward Thor. "Can you talk about it?"

"Yeah, I was with Stephen. He works for a company downtown, accounting or something. We just had dinner together at a Chinese place. He can't use chopsticks to save his life. He's skinny, losing his hair, affected and I can't believe I can't get him out of my mind." 

"Are you going to see him again?"

"Friday night, with some of his friends, a club near the waterfront." Thor's staccato replies sounded more aggravated then eager. 

Tommy leaned over to kiss Thor, wanting to make a connection. Thor began to cry again. "Oh Tommy, I can't. I just can't. How can I make love to you when I have him in my head."

"Can I at least hold you? For now, just as a friend, someone who cares deeply about what you're feeling. Yes, I want to make love to you. I want to ease your heart any way I can. I love you, Thor, no matter what." Tommy enfolded the large man in his arms and stroked his chest soothingly. Thor snuggled back. They both felt Tommy's hard cock pressed against Thor's back, but ignored desire, seeking comfort not release.

Thor was out many evenings, but returned to Tommy's house and to Tommy's bed. He told of the outings, mostly with a group of Stephen's friends. Thor didn't understand why Stephen didn't want to be alone with him, but had to take time with him as he could. 

Tommy tried to draw him out about what attracted Thor to Stephen to help Thor know is own mind. Tommy often felt jealous, but tried to keep that out of his conversations with Thor. Thor needed his best, most rational help. So Tommy pushed down the anguish he felt in is heart and spoke with Thor's best interests in mind.

Several weeks passed with Thor's disquieting obsession with Stephen growing. One night Thor did not return. Tommy tried to push away the frightening and panic-laden images that crowded his mind. Had there been an accident? Was Thor hurt and in need of help? Why hadn't he called Tommy? After exhausting the tragic but unlikely, Tommy wrestled with images of Thor with Stephen in bed, in each other's arms, in love. Tommy spent the night in this torment until, at last, sleep came.

The sound of heavy, despondent steps on the stairway brought Tommy awake. The first light of dawn softly brightened the room. The apartment door, then the bedroom door opened. Thor stood in the doorway, physically fine, emotionally beaten. His clothes were disheveled. Even his short-cropped hair seemed askew. He stood in the doorway and stared at Tommy, shame all across his face. His jaw began to tremble. A single tear caught the morning light as it tumbled down his face.

"Will you take me back?" Thor asked softly.

"I never let you go." Tommy replied.

"Can you forgive me? I understand if you can't." Thor hung his head.

"There is nothing to forgive. One's heart goes where it will - one's dick does too - but I think that's not the story here." Tommy tried to lighten the mood a little. "I have enough confidence in our love to not be afraid of the rest of the world, that it will survive events along the way." Tears were now streaming down Thor's face. "Come here, come into the bed," Tommy gently directed.

Thor crossed the space and fell onto the bed face first, fully clothed. His body was wracked with sobs. Tommy could not hold back his own tears. They lay together and wept. In time the emotional storm passed. They lay in each other's arms catching their breath.

"What happened?" Tommy asked at length.

"We were at a club, with his friends. I asked him if we could be alone. He made excuses for a while, but I don't know, maybe he felt I was pressuring him or had some obligation, but he finally said we could go to his apartment. When we got there, we just sat on his wreck of a couch. I tried to kiss him, but he wouldn't let me, he just sat there. I tried to touch him, but he was so cold. After a while he just got up and went into the bedroom. I followed him in. He stripped and got under the covers. When I took off my clothes, he stared at me, didn't say a word, it was creepy. Still there he was in the bed. My cock was on fire, I had to be with him. So I got in the bed and started making out with him, trying to kiss and touch him. He just laid there. He wasn't even hard. I even sucked him, but nothing." Thor stopped and relived the prior night in his mind.

He continued, "I was wild to be with him. I pressed up against him, tried to hold him against me. That's when it all came apart. He began shouting. He called me a big-dicked freak, muscle moron, and I don't know what else. I can't get the image of his distorted face out of my mind." Thor turned away.

Tommy pursued him across the bed, holding him. "That must have been awful. You know it's not true, well you do have a big dick and this body is extraordinary, but you're not a freak or a moron. You're a loving, gentle, caring man. You're beautiful, beautiful in body, mind, and soul. I desire you intensely."

Thor turned back toward Tommy. "Make love to me. Make love to me the way we did that first night we were together. Make me yours again. Take me and hurt me. I need to be used by you."

Tommy smiled gently. "No, Thor. I won't, can't use you. I will make love to you, with you. I'll try to show how much I love you, try to make you feel my love. Take your clothes off. I want to see my beautiful man. I want to feel all of you against me. I want to become one with you."

Thor removed his clothes, tentative in his movements, often checking the expression on Tommy's face. Whatever he may have feared seeing there, he saw only admiration, love, and lust. Tommy welcomed Thor back into the bed and covered him with kisses. Relief flooded Thor's heart. He crushed Tommy to his chest, holding with all his strength. And they made love. They made love with all the intensity of new lovers and the tenderness of lovers for a lifetime. 

Tommy was thrusting deep inside Thor when Thor asked him to be still a moment. "Are you all right?" Tommy asked, concerned.

"Oh yes, I'm all right. I'm right for the first time in a long time. I just had to feel you inside me, on me, with me, quietly for a moment. I need to put this memory into my heart, so I always will know what it is to be truly loved." They held each other, feeling heart beat against heart. Then passion returned and they consumed each other in complete abandon.

They lay in each other's arms, feeling the aftershocks of profound orgasms. Thor began to chuckle. "He was so skinny. He had a sunken chest, you could see his ribs. I don't know what I saw in him. He's a shit, has loud, stupid friends. And he had a really little dick. Nice balls, but a really little dick. Oh Tommy, thank you. Thank you for being so beautiful. Thank you for making love to me. Thank you for loving me. I've missed you dreadfully. Thank you for taking me back - you have taken me back, haven't you?"

Tommy wrapped his arms around Thor tighter. "Just try to get away. You are my love. Now don't you have something long, thick and hard for me?"

***

After they had slaked their next passion, there was a discrete knock at the door. They sat up in the bed, arms still around each other. Tommy called, "Come in."

Hopkins entered the room, smiling. "Excuse me, sir, but I wanted to inform you that breakfast is available in the dining room." He turned to go, but turned again to face them. "Forgive my forwardness, but Mrs. Hopkins and I were growing concerned. The house had begun to lack something. And Mr. Joseph, she has commented several times how she has missed your advice in the kitchen these many weeks. We are very pleased to see that things have returned to normal." He bowed and retired from the room.

Thor opened his mouth to apologize but Tommy covered his mouth in a kiss. They lay in bed a while longer, holding each other, feeling the love they shared.

***

A few weeks later, Thor came home in the evening. Tommy could hear him come up the stairs, anger pounding each step. He heard the doors of the flat open and slam closed until Thor found him in the study. Thor's face was red from anger. He replied to Tommy's questioning look, "I ran into the scrawny bastard, Stephen, at the bank again. He had the nerve to say 'hello' to me. I asked him, right there in the middle of the bank, why he had done it, why he ever agreed to see me. And do you know what he said?" Tommy shook his head no. 

"He said that I was too easy. He was curious how far he could play me along, see how crazy he could make me. And he wanted to show off for his friends. After we had coffee that first time, he told them he had a new boyfriend, a great big hunk. They said he was bullshitting, so he played me along to prove it. And I fell for it."

"Thor, go easy on yourself. Stephen was playing a game, you were sincere. I can't say I'm unhappy the way things turned out, but you didn't deserve this deception. What I can't believe is that he didn't see the Thor I see, the Thor I love. Call up Bobby, have him cover the gym tonight. I want you here with me."

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN: Billy Returns

Thor and Tommy were walking home from seeing a film. A man, clearly drunk, stumbled into them. Tommy caught him, to keep him from falling. The man righted himself and his eyes met Tommy's. 

"Tommy!"

"Oh god, Billy," Tommy cried out. "What are you doing here? I never thought I'd see you again. Oh god, Billy." Tommy embraced Billy, holding him to his heart. Thor stood to one side, his jaw tight.

Billy's knees began to buckle. Tommy straightened him up again. "Thor, we've got to get him home. He's in no condition to be on the street. Billy, where are you staying?" Billy managed to say his old apartment. Tommy, with grudging help from Thor, hauled Billy to his apartment. The lobby staff were shocked to see the familiar faces of Tommy and Thor, recognizing them despite the intervening years. Tommy felt an oppressive déjà vu as they entered Tommy's apartment. It had been renovated in a more modern style.

Tommy went into the kitchen and made coffee as Thor escorted Billy into the living room. Billy drank the coffee as Tommy and Thor watched.

"Tommy, I'm sorry. I'm sorry I gave in." Tears ran down his face. "But I had to, they said they'd destroy you. My father is on the advisory board of the university and my grandfather has contributed heavily. They said if I didn't give you up, you'd lose everything, everything you've worked for. I was afraid they wouldn't stop there. I'm so sorry." 

Tommy asked, "Where did you go? Where have you been?" 

Billy took a while to collect himself. "Well let's see. On that awful day I left you, I got on a plane to California. Two weeks later I was married - to a very lovely girl from a family my family approved. The poor dear. I got drunk on that plane to California and have been inside a bottle ever since. Oh god, Tommy, I've missed you. But I've hurt you, terribly. Can you ever forgive me?"

"Billy, I don't know. I loved you, I will always love you. But I'm with Thor now. I love him, he loves me. We've built our life together. He's everything I want and he's more than that. He is my life."

Billy sobered at these words. Tommy had crossed the room to sit beside Thor. Thor reached out a hand and placed it on Tommy's knee, relief on his face.

"Oh god, Tommy, what am I going to do? I ran away from my life, again." Billy was despondent.

"Billy, you need help, more than I can give you. I'll be your friend, I'll do anything I can to help you find yourself, but I think you need to make some real changes in your life. Will you be all right here on your own tonight?" Thor bridled. "We can call someone to stay with you if you need it." Thor relaxed.

Billy indicated that he would ok for the night. Tommy promised to return the next day to help Billy make a plan and find the help he needed.

As they left Billy's apartment, Thor put his arm around Tommy's shoulders and held him tight. "You had me a little worried there, mister."

"I'm sorry Thor, finding Billy, after all this time, and finding him like that, drunk and defeated. I felt so sorry for him, so sad for what his life has become. I also felt how lucky I am to have found you. Billy gave me the gift of a fairy tale love - don't you laugh at me, you know what I mean. I don't know what my life would be now if he hadn't left me, but that doesn't matter. I know what my life is now with you and what I hope my life will be forever. Thor, I love you."

They returned to Tommy's house, now as much Thor's house, and went to bed. The sadness of finding Billy softened Tommy's mood. Thor caressed and kissed him. Tommy's arousal grew despite the emotional distraction. After a time, Tommy returned Thor's persistent affection. Their mutual orgasm surprised them, the result of loving touch, not impassioned sex. Tommy sank into Thor's embrace, his heart content.

Tommy returned to help Billy the next day. He had done some research early in the day about alcohol abuse and its treatment. He had contacted some friends in the medical school at the university, asking for references for medical doctors and psychiatrists. He presented his findings to Billy, saying that he wasn't qualified to make any recommendations, but encouraged him to consider medical and psychiatric evaluation. Tommy said he would go with him, stand at this side throughout the process.

Billy was gray faced. "I think I've known for a while I needed to take action. I think death was the most appealing alternative. Thank you Tommy. I guess I'll take your suggestions. I have no other thoughts of my own. I'm just sorry for all the pain I've caused you. It was never in my mind to hurt you. I hope you know that."

Tommy escorted him to the university hospital. Tommy's friends had arranged appointments for a physical examination, blood work up, a psychiatric analysis. Tommy held Billy's hand through all but the last. Billy had to face the psychiatrist alone. Billy emerged downcast, but managed to smile at Tommy who waited outside the examining room door. 

"The initial recommendation is for me to admit myself to a dry out hospital. My only challenge there is finding one not already filled up with my relatives. Tommy, I'm already so lonely. I can't imagine being locked up like that. I also can't imagine that I'd have the willpower to do this myself." Tommy's head hung. "It's probably for the best, will you come visit if it's allowed?"

"Billy, of course I'll come visit - as a friend. I care for you and want what is best, but I don't want you to have the idea that we can be what we were to each other."

"Yeah, I know." Billy collapsed further. "I messed up my life, messed up your life, messed up some poor girl in California. I let them decide for me."

"Billy, you didn't mess up my life. You made my life possible in so many ways. You saved me when I was drifting into depression and hopelessness. You made me see my own value. You loved me and showed me how to love. And I thank you for that. And then, in what I gather was a remarkable triumph, you saved me again by providing for me."

"I said I'd give you the world, and I meant it, Tommy. And I guess I've realized that we can't go back. But it was so sweet, so lovely, such fun. I should thank you also for showing me innocence and sincerity. I realized too late how much you meant to me, and then all I could do was extort money from them, for you." Billy turned to go. Tommy stepped up to him and hugged him. Billy said quietly, "I've got to go now. They've opened a place for me at a hospital west of the city. It should be a pleasant drive. Good bye, Tommy, you've probably saved my life."

***

A postcard arrived from Billy a few weeks later.

My jailors will now allow me visitors. Weekends 2 to 4. I've made every effort to undermine the system here with little success. Please come and confirm that the outside world still exists.

Billy

Thor gave the card to Tommy with a question on his face. "Yes, Thor, I'm going to go visit Billy. Would you like to come along?" Thor declined.

Tommy had never purchased a car, living in the city. Now he needed one to get to a distant suburb. He was talking over the coming trip to visit Billy at the gym one morning. Bobby walked by as Tommy wondered aloud where he could find a car for the trip. 

Bobby backed up and butted in, "my old man's got a car he never uses. I bet I could borrow it, but I'd have to do the driving. Dad's nuts about his stuff and who uses it." Tommy accepted the tentative offer, explaining that he needed to visit a friend in a hospital on occasional weekends. Bobby was always eager to help Thor and Tommy and agreed to try.

By Saturday, Bobby had obtained permission to use the car. He arranged to pick up Tommy at the gym in time to get to the hospital at two. Bobby drove with exaggerated care through the city. He relaxed more once on the highway and began to talk about difficulties with his boyfriend, Brad. "Oh he's great fun, we go dancing and hang out with friends. But he's not really into just being the two of us. I might be expecting too much, but I really want what you and Thor have, an old fashioned love, not that you guys are old or anything."




Tommy - A Life Pt. 09



Tommy laughed. Yes, he agreed about Thor and he, it was kind of 'old fashioned' despite it being two men. 

Tommy concentrated on the directions. Once off the highway, they drove down a long country lane that ended in a gated entryway. Tommy identified himself and he was asked to drive through and park to the left of the administration building. Bobby found a spot under a tree in the garden and lay down for a nap. Tommy went inside to find Billy.

A few minutes later, Billy was escorted into the lobby. Tommy was told that they were free to walk around the grounds. 

"I've not been outside since I've been here," Billy confided.

They walked side by side through the gardens surrounding the various hospital buildings. Billy took on a forced cheerfulness, Tommy tried to be attentive and supportive. Billy sat on a bench under a tree and held his head in his hands. Tommy sat next to him and put his arm around Billy's shoulders. Billy began telling of the horrors of the detox procedure. He told about trying to escape and then finally being crushed into compliance. But he also spoke of the true kindness with which he was treated and his realization that he had turned a corner in his recovery.

Tommy listened to every word, seeing in his mind the torment, feeling proud of how Billy had survived and then grown against the challenge. 

"Next month, if everything goes well, they say I can go away for a weekend, if someone will take me. I thought about calling my parents, they know I'm in here. I'm afraid they won't come, that they won't want me. I've always been an embarrassment to them."

"I think you should call them first, it might work out, but Billy, if you need me, you can come be with me, me and Thor."

As he spoke Tommy spotted Bobby walking across the lawn toward them. "Hey Tommy, who's the stud?" Bobby asked with a grin.

"Oh god, I'm not presentable," Billy moaned.

"Billy, this is Bobby, Bobby, Billy. Billy is a dear friend of mine and important in my life."

Billy rose to greet Bobby. Bobby stepped up and hugged him saying, "Good enough for Tommy, good enough for me. Mmmm, that felt good. You definitely must look me up when you're in town. I think we could have some serious fun," Bobby flattered.

Billy soaked up the attention of the young man. "Bobby, it would be a true pleasure to have some fun with you," said Billy with more than a trace of his old playfulness.

An attendant approached saying that it was time for Billy to come back inside. Tommy and Billy embraced. Tommy promised to return in two weeks. Bobby hugged Billy again, taking advantage of the closeness to give his crotch a squeeze. "Tommy, make sure you bring this one back with you, and don't hide him for so long next time." Billy actually smiled and waved as he walked away.

In the car on the return to the city Bobby spoke, "Tommy he was really hot. I mean he's not just another kid, he's handsome and you know, hot. How well do you know him?"

Tommy explained that they had been together a long time ago, leaving out the details. He agreed that Billy was 'hot'.

"I never thought about an older guy, well, except you and Thor, I think about you guys a lot. Do you think Billy would consider going out with me?" Bobby asked hopefully.

"Bobby, I think I can assure you, Billy would be very interested in doing all kinds of things with you," Tommy mused.

Bobby went on the next trip to see Billy, not just as the driver of the car, but an eager visitor. Tommy was amused at being displaced in the conversation as the connection between Billy and Bobby grew. Tommy noticed a clear improvement in Billy's appearance from the first visit. Gone were the shadows of fear and unhappiness. Bobby was clearly charmed by him.

Another post card arrived from Billy.

Tommy and Thor,

Can you guys spring me from this place next weekend? My parents are conveniently busy, they still haven't stopped by, and you're my only hope. I promise I'll be good, Thor. Can you line up Bobby? I know it's too much to hope that a handsome young kid would be willing to spend time with a worn out ex-drunk, but if he's willing, I'd be ecstatic - and that would take some pressure off, eh Thor?

Billy

Bobby and Tommy drove out to get Billy on Friday evening. Tommy signed papers accepting responsibility for Billy, assuring that he would be supervised and kept from alcohol or worse. A doctor took Tommy aside and said that Billy had made remarkable progress but was still in a fragile state. This visit could advance his recovery or set it back irreparably. Laden with this responsibility, Tommy took Billy by the arm and escorted him to the car. 

Bobby held the front door open for Billy, gesturing for Tommy to get in the back. Billy accepted the honor as his due. As they cleared the gates, the tension in Billy dissipated visibly. He began chatting about his time 'inside' amusing Bobby and Tommy also, about the various characters at the hospital. While his caricatures were funny, they were free of the sarcasm that Tommy remembered. Bobby hung on Billy's every word and encouraged Billy all the more. 

The trip to the city seemed to take no time with the lively conversation. Bobby dropped Tommy and Billy off at Tommy's house and promised to come back after he returned the car to his father. 

"This is the house I bought with the money you gave me. That gift made my life possible. It led me to Thor. I am wholly grateful to you Billy, for that and, more importantly, for opening my heart to love."

"Tommy, I meant it when I told you I wanted to give you the world. And when it all fell apart, when I let them take me over, I had to do something for you, the man who first showed me what it was to be loved. The money meant nothing to them, but it was all I could do." Billy looked away until he had regained his composure.

Tommy led the way up to the flat. Thor was waiting in the sitting room, looking uneasy. "So, Billy, how's it going?" he offered.

Billy looked fragile in Thor's presence. Tommy claimed their attention by saying that he had had the back studio apartment on the third floor set up for Billy to sleep in. They'd have dinner in that night and could make plans for Saturday and Sunday morning. Bobby would be joining them for dinner. Thor went to get soft drinks.

"He doesn't want me here," said Billy after Thor had gone to the kitchen.

"No, but I do," replied Tommy. "He's threatened by you Billy. He knows how close you and I were. I've told him I love you. I've also told him that I can't and don't want to go back to then. I guess no one can ever understand how another person feels about him, if he did, he'd know that I love him and my life is with him. He's a kind man, Billy, I think he'll be able to handle it."

The sound of feet running up the stairs interrupted the conversation. Bobby burst through the door, his face red and hot. 

"You must have run all the way, Bobby, that was fast," Tommy said.

Through his puffing breaths Bobby, said, "Yeah, I didn't want to miss anything. We don't have much time, it's only the weekend." He smiled at Billy. 

Thor came in with drinks. Seeing Bobby just arrived and in need, he handed his drink to him and went out for another. Bobby drank the iced tea in a gulp and followed Thor to get some more.

"I think Bobby may have some plans for you, Billy," Tommy kidded.

"I'm not sure what a good looking kid sees in this battered old wreck. I hope he's not disappointed."

The conversation was lively over the dinner table among three of them, Thor watched Billy silently. 

It had gotten late as they talked and Billy began to yawn. "I don't have late nights in the hospital. I guess I'm kind of tired."

Bobby offered to make sure Billy got safely down the flight of stairs and into the apartment. "I'm wondering if Bobby is going to see Billy safely to bed, too?" Tommy said after they had gone. 

Thor was still moody, but quickly responded to Tommy's overtures. Tommy had approached Thor to reassure him but was quickly carried away with the sensations of touching Thor, smelling his scent, listening to his breath quickened with desire. Waves of desire and love overcame him and his lovemaking was returned eagerly by Thor. They passed the night blissfully.

Finding Bobby there in the morning was not a great surprise, though Tommy took him aside to make sure that nothing occurred that might negatively affect Billy's recovery. Bobby described a night of tentative sex. Billy was self conscious and shy. Bobby said he had succeeded in convincing Billy of his admiration - he was still sleeping.

They had sat down to breakfast when a much-tousled Billy entered the dining room. He said nothing, just sat down and helped himself to coffee. Bobby got up and served some eggs and toast to Billy and delivered them with a kiss. Billy looked past Bobby at Tommy. "I must say the service at this establishment is far superior to my usual place. I will suggest lusty young bedmates to the hospital administration upon my return." He tucked into his breakfast. Tommy and Bobby laughed. Even Thor joined in.

Billy spent the morning with Tommy who walked him around the city running errands. They picked up lunch and took it to the gym to join Bobby and Thor. Saturday was a very busy day and they rarely had time to get away to eat. After lunch, Bobby grabbed Billy and sailed out the door, promising to have him back that evening and no 'misbehaving.'

Tommy looked at Thor. "I'm not sure what 'misbehaving' is for Bobby. I'm not sure for Billy either. I suppose they'll both survive."

Tommy and Thor had finished dinner and were settling in to watch some TV when they heard Bobby and Billy come in the main door. They could hear Billy swearing as he climbed the steps. Bobby was consoling Billy and laughing at the same time. When they at last appeared in the doorway, Billy looked undone.

"Do you know what this kid does for fun? Rollerblading. I thought we were heading for some marathon sex and he takes me rollerblading. What the hell kind of date is that. I fell on my ass a hundred times - you might be regretting that later. I'm lucky I didn't break anything." 

Bobby shrugged his shoulders. "All the guys go blading. I thought it would be fun. And Billy really did pretty good. I think your ass will still work. Hey Thor, you got anything I can rub on his ass?"

"I've got some liniment, but I'm thinking you've got something of your own to rub on it," Thor teased. 

Billy harrumphed in an amused way and reached out to hug Bobby. "I'm beat. Have you ever spent a day with this guy? We must have 'bladed' to Cincinnati and back. Then a walk along the waterfront. And he's just chattering away, not slowing down for a minute. When I get out, I'll have to take up aerobics with you Thor."

"Bobby's a pretty good trainer," Thor offered. 

"I'll bet he'll put together a custom work out just for you. And he'll go easier on you than I will."

Tommy escorted Billy and Bobby to the stairs. 

"Now we have to return Billy to his keepers tomorrow. Don't wear him out too much."

Bobby hung back as Billy went down the stairs. "Tommy? Do you mind if I take Billy back tomorrow, just us two?"

Tommy gazed at the young man. "I'll have to call to make sure that's within the hospital guidelines. I'm responsible for Billy and I don't want to jeopardize any future time off he might get. I appreciate your interest in Billy. I'm sure you've made a big difference. I am a little concerned about where this is leading, about what you two are getting into. Maybe that is something we can all sit down and talk about the next time Billy visits."

Bobby hopped down the stairs. Tommy heard the door close and returned to the sitting room. Thor was stretched out on the couch. "So gorgeous, how do you think this is going?" Tommy asked.

"Well, Billy has behaved very well. I guess I can give up being jealous, but I happen to be well acquainted with all your charms and couldn't blame him for making a move on you. Truth be told, I'm worried that Bobby's getting in over his head. 

Billy is handsome, very charming, rich, and very needy. Bobby is enjoying the attention of an older man and the chance to have his help accepted. That might feel like love. They're grown men, but both vulnerable. I guess we'll have to watch them."

Tommy was informed that the hospital had no problem with a driver bringing Billy back, providing no stops were made when out of his supervision. Bobby promised to go straight to the hospital and turn Billy over.

Late that evening after dropping Billy off, Bobby stopped back at Tommy's house. He appeared to be moody and thoughtful. Tommy tried to draw him out. "So, what are you feeling about Billy?"

"It's really different than any of the other guys I've been out with. It's like we're just two people together, talking and stuff, and yeah there's sex, but that's just one thing we do together. I don't know, I just like being with him. It was hard not to cry when I dropped him off. I've never felt that way before."

Tommy hugged Bobby and kissed him. "You're a sweet man, Bobby. Go as easy as you can in this. Billy has a long way to go. He's coming back from more than alcohol abuse, he's had a pretty messed up life. I do know how loving he can be. He'll always have a special place in my heart and I care how his life works out. Thor and I also care about you."

Tommy paused. "I was about to say that you should be careful about expecting too much of Billy, but the moment that thought crossed my mind it seemed stupid. Bobby, love as you must. Don't hold back. If this is what you want and need, go for it. If it doesn't work out, then you cry, forgive, and wish each other well. If it does, then be happy. Either way, loving someone can only enrich your life. Loving is cumulative. You'll know better how to love by loving. I guess I'm getting sappy, but there it is."

Thor cleared his throat behind Tommy. How long he had been in the room listening, Tommy didn't know. He simply leaned over and kissed him. "Bobby don't you have somewhere to go?" Thor asked. Bobby took the hint and said good night.

***

Tommy called the hospital to request feedback on how the weekend visit had affected Billy's recovery. The doctor, while limited in what he could tell Tommy, assured him that Billy's recovery was helped by the time away from the hospital. The doctor did share with Tommy that he thought favorably of the budding relationship between Billy and Bobby. Tommy surmised that Billy had told the doctor about his weekend in some detail. The doctor explained that patients who had a positive life to go to after the therapy were motivated by that goal. The outcome was less successful for patients who were returning to the same environment where they had resorted to alcohol and drug abuse and even worse where they had no prospects for the future at all. The doctor did express concern that while Billy's recovery seemed on track, it would require a special dedication on the part of Bobby to see it through. 

A special seminar series in which Tommy was involved conflicted with the visiting hours at the hospital for several weekends. Bobby happily took the opportunity to visit Billy on his own. He expressed some disappointment at only being able to visit in public areas that limited any expression of affection, but he did say he enjoyed his time with Billy.

Tommy, Thor, and Bobby,

I'm afraid it must seem like I was just imposing on you a short time ago, but it seems forever since I last enjoyed the weekend with you. I've become such a model patient that even the hospital staff can't stand me anymore. Will you sponsor me on another weekend away?

I'm feeling much more human, specially after all the attention Bobby has given me. It makes me more comfortable with myself, but even crazier to be out of here and back in life. Please say yes.

Billy

P.S. If they agree, Bobby, let's spend a little more quiet time. My ass still hurts from falling down last time - at least I think that's the reason.

B

Bobby drove out to collect Billy and returned in time for dinner with Tommy and Thor at their home. Billy certainly looked better. The weekend plan was to follow much the same pattern with Bobby taking over the care of Billy and most of his time. Both seemed eager to spend time together. 

Dinner was a casual, sandwiches from a local shop, chips and soft drinks. Billy said a little sadly, 

"You know, after a while this soda stuff isn't too bad. I appreciate you're efforts to keep me on the straight and narrow. I haven't been this healthy since I was ten, maybe eight."

"Good thing, I've got plans for you" Billy said eagerly.

"Yes, my prince, shall we retire?"

Tommy felt Thor squeeze his hand under the table as they watched Bobby and Billy leave. "What do you think about them?"

"I know Bobby's sincere. He's young, though. Billy's got his troubles, but he's putting out more of an effort than ever before in his life. I guess we stand by and be ready to pick up the pieces if it comes apart."

Thor pulled Tommy to him, putting his arm around him. "They both learned a lot about love from you, my love. So have I." Thor kissed Tommy. "Shall we retire?" Thor copied Billy. 

"Do let's" Tommy playfully responded.

***

The weekend was spent close to home. Tommy had a major paper to complete as part of his graduate work. Thor was occupied with the gym and was covering for Bobby so he could spend time with Billy. 

Billy knocked on Tommy's study door. "May I come in? I'd like to talk to you, before Bobby get's here."

"Of course, Billy, come in. Why do I feel like a principal or something?"

"You look good behind a desk. You looked better splayed across it in a romantic entanglement, but those days have past - for me anyway. I really wanted to talk to you about what comes next, for me." Billy was serious.

"You know I'll be there to help, however I can." Tommy offered.

"Yes, I do." Billy shifted uneasily in his chair. 

"I'm really touched at how you've come to my rescue." Tommy scoffed. "No, I mean it, our relationship is long over, but you - and Thor - have given your time, shared your home, introduced me to a pretty wonderful man. Now it's time for me to grow up and do something concrete with my life, to deserve my friends. I've been thinking lately about how good it is to be able to come here and be with you. Every other person in that hospital needs someplace to go. Some have welcoming families, many don't. And there's always those kids who get rough treatment from their families. They need a safe place. And sometimes things don't work out with a boyfriend or roommate, a guy needs a place to go. It's kind of like the family we all need, but often don't have. That's what I'm thinking about. How do we do that?"

"I don't know" replied Tommy. "If you want, I'll ask around. I imagine the University has contacts and among our friends, someone will probably have some insight. If anything comes up, I'll let you know."

"Thanks Tommy. You were a fantastic lover. 

You're an even better friend." They heard footsteps running up the stairs. "If you'll excuse me, I believe my afternoon's entertainment has arrived. I'm going to see if I can steer it toward an art gallery or film, or at worst a long walk along the water front. Bobby has so much energy."

"Just be careful. We can meet up for dinner. There's a great Cuban place on Second Street."

"See you then." Billy went out the door to be greeted by Bobby, who shouted his goodbye to Tommy as they went out into the city.

Tommy and Thor walked along the city streets enjoying the fine evening on their way to meet Billy and Bobby. Tommy told Thor about the conversation with Billy. "He's in a very different place now. I'd like to do what I can to help him get something started."




Tommy - A Life Pt. 09



"Billy's knows more rich people than anyone else I've ever known. That should help. What about Charles? He's always got good advice on money matters. He seems well connected to the city's elite, too. There has to be some charity executives on his list. I'll even go over my old client list, I used to train a lot of influential people when I worked in Billy's building." Thor was thinking how to help.

"You know, big guy, I love you" Tommy said.

"I'm counting on it, because I love you." They stopped to kiss, ignoring their usual circumspection in public. No one seemed to notice. Who would mess with Thor in any case?

Dinner was lively at the Cuban restaurant. The four enjoyed their meal, their conversation, and the atmosphere. The pairs divided as they walked toward home. Tommy and Thor sat for a while in a park, listening to the sounds of the city mix with the quiet of the park before returning home. 

Bobby and Billy came in later. Billy came up to the sitting room to say good night. "When I ran into you that night, I was nearly done. Now I'm looking forward to completing my treatment at the hospital and thinking about the future. You two have made that possible. Thank you. Now I'm going to go downstairs and do my best for that young man."

"He seems very pleased with you" Thor assured Billy.

"As I am with him. Goodnight."

***

 

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN: Billy's Release

An official letter arrived from the hospital where Billy was being treated. It requested Tommy's presence at a meeting to discuss releasing Billy - the treatment requiring hospitalization was ending. The letter stressed the importance of a specific plan covering Billy's return to the world and the support he would need. While he would continue treatment, it would be with a therapist.

Tommy replied that he would gladly participate as a support for Billy and that he would attend the meeting. 

Upon arriving at the set time, he found a tall, older woman already waiting in the doctor's reception area. She cast her eyes over him, then turned away. After a time, without turning toward him, she began to speak, "You're the one aren't you? You're the one he was with that day."

"Excuse me?" Tommy replied in confusion.

"You were his, well 'catamite' seems dated but 'lover' seems approving. You're the one he left."

Again the awful day, now so long ago, the day Billy left him came back into Tommy's heart and mind. This was Billy's mother, of course. He had not really seen her face, she had stood with her back to a bright window and left quickly, but the tall, even elegant form and aura of money certainly fit his recollection.

She continued, still facing away, "I suppose I should thank you. The doctor tells me you and your friends have helped in Billy's recovery. It's not the kind of thing I thought your kind would do." Tommy began to refute the woman, but she talked over him. "I certainly hope you're prepared for what comes next. I won't be able to support him as he's been accustomed. I bring the sad news that Billy's father died some months ago. It seems Billy's father wasn't any better a businessman than he was a father. His family fortune tossed away. I'll be lucky to salvage the apartment in town from the mess he left behind. I'm afraid Billy will be on his own from this point on." 

She rose to leave. Tommy got up and stood in front of the exit. "Mrs. Kensington, I don't know what you think of me or my friends, I don't really care. But I do care about Billy, and I, we will do what needs doing to help him get back into life. As his mother, I'd think you'd be more concerned about his well being, not just his finances."

She stepped past him with a frosty air and was gone.

***

A few minutes later the doctor came into the room, looking for Mrs. Kensington. "Oh she was here, but apparently only to bring the news that Billy's father had died and that Billy's finances were troubled. Then she left."

"Perhaps just as well," the doctor ventured. "I'm more comfortable with you as Billy's guardian through this process, you've been involved since the beginning. Client confidentiality forbids me to share other reasons." The doctor asked Tommy to join him in his office, where Billy was waiting.

Billy jumped up and hugged Tommy. "Thank you, thank you, Tommy. I'm so glad you're here. I know you're making it possible for me to get out of here, no offence, Doc. I was expecting Mom, though. She wrote and said she was coming."

Tommy glanced at the doctor with questioning eyes. Receiving a nod, he spoke, "She was here earlier. I guess she came to say that your father had died." Tommy paused to watch Billy's reaction. 

Billy seemed to try on the news, looking for some emotion. "I can't be upset by that. He never did much but bully me and ruin my life. I admit that I let him, but I can't be sorry to hear he won't be around anymore."

"Your mother also said that the family's finances were in distress. She said you couldn't expect help from her anymore."

"My mother being dramatic - as usual. I've still got a significant inheritance from my grandmother. We visited her house in Palm Beach. Oh what a fabulous time that was. Sure I won't be able to live the high life, but somehow through all this I crave a simpler existence. It might do me good to have a real job."

The doctor joined in, "That would be my recommendation. Responsibility and constructive use of time are components of your recovery. Now, Thomas, you'll need to sign the agreement of custody then we can let you get going with your new charge."

Tommy wrapped his arm around Billy's shoulders as they left the doctor's office and walked toward the exit. Billy could contain the question no longer, "So, where's Bobby? I thought he'd be here, too."

Tommy chuckled. "We're not even out the door yet and you're looking to get laid? Bobby and I agreed that it would be better for him to wait in the car until you were officially released." At that moment the doors ahead of them burst open and Bobby came rushing in sweeping up Billy into his arms. Tommy was pushed aside by the gesture. After a minute, Tommy began guiding the entwined pair toward the door. "Uh, maybe I should drive?" Bobby tossed him the keys and got into the back with Bobby, leaving Tommy to collect Billy's luggage and load it into the trunk. Tommy looked over the seat at the pair to find them kissing, laughing, and crying. He put the car in gear and began the drive back to the city.

***

Halfway back, Bobby gained enough self-control to thank Tommy for driving. Tommy's few attempts to have conversation were met with single syllable replies. They seemed content to be with each other.

Thor was waiting on the street when they arrived. As he helped remove Billy's luggage from the car, he said, "Tommy, while you were out you got a call from Bunny. He's got a place to show Billy."

"When?" Tommy asked.

"Now. He's right down the block." Thor replied.

"What's this all about?" Billy asked.

"You know how you said you wanted to do something meaningful, to give back to the community? And you thought that some kind of safe place for gay guys in trouble is needed. Well, I made a few calls to see how feasible that could be. You remember Bunny, one of Piggy's friends."

"Yes, small man - in real estate" said Billy recalling.

"Yes, he admired your idea and apparently moved quickly."

"I'll take these things in, if you want to go meet with Bunny now. Bobby, you can return your dad's car and meet us back here." Thor offered.

Tommy and Billy walked down the block, spotting the pink Cadillac and Bunny waiting enthusiastically beside it. They exchanged hugs and Euro-kisses.

Bunny began talking at once. "What a wonderful idea. There are so many people in our community that sometimes need a helping hand, displaced boyfriends, kids in trouble with their families, recovering, and just lost for a bit. I've been talking the idea up among 'the crowd' and they're all behind it. I think you'll need to establish a foundation or something to manage support and donations. Charles has offered to serve as treasurer, and of course Cupcake and my services - as invaluable as they are - are gratis. So I've looked high and low for possible properties that might suit. It would need to be a large place, with a flexible floor plan and room for expansion. I thought if we focused on a more distressed area of town, the city council would look more favorably on the project. It all came together very quickly."

"Where are we off to?" Tommy inquired.

"Across the street." Bunny responded. "What looks like a block of row houses is actually an early apartment building. The original builder was trying to maintain the look of the neighborhood of townhouses. In recent years, it's been used for many purposes, most recently a kind of flop house until damaged by a fire and worse when they extinguished it. It will take a fair amount of work, but I've already had an engineer examine the structure. It's sound. We would have needed to put in new plumbing and electrical anyway, so the interior walls would have to be replaced in any case." Bunny led them over and opened a door and led them into what was once an elegant lobby. "We'll try to keep the plaster work and wood work. It might even be architecturally significant. Off the lobby here are hallways that lead to a variety of apartments, studios and one-bedrooms. There is a larger apartment at the far end, perhaps for the administrator."

"Whoa, what will all this cost? Where's the money going to come from?" Tommy was concerned.

Billy looked around, eyes full of expectation. 

"There's more money in this town than you know. But I do know. How do I make it work? Bunny, you're fantastic, you've got a real vision here."

"You had the vision, I've just given it a little focus. You can do this Billy. We'll all help. Cupcake already has a list of contractors. You know the right people at City Hall, or at least their boyfriends. Getting the right licenses and permits shouldn't be a problem."

"So when do we start?"

"Monday, bright and early. You've got a meeting with the building inspector and an architect. It's up to you to organize the fund raising."

"Tommy, do you think I can do this?"

"Billy, I know you can."

 

CHAPTER NINETEEN: Billy's New Life

Billy set to work immediately contacting friends and members of local society. Many were generous with their support, others required Billy's coaxing. He needed to overcome his reputation as a troublesome member of a prominent family. For some, his participation in a worthy cause was admirable, for others offering support was a way to distance themselves from a newly persistent Billy. 

Charles and the attorney Mr. Haskins advised on how to set up a foundation to manage donations. At an early board meeting Billy laughed out loud when Charles reported on "the rapidly growing endowment." Charles blushed when he caught up with the innuendo.

Billy poured over the architect's plans, making decisions quickly when necessary. He was adamant that the place not be institutional, but rather that it should feature comfort and safety. He drew upon his own hospital experience and how that contrasted with the haven provided by Tommy and Thor. He was motivated to get the project going, looking forward to having his own place and to no longer impose on his friends. And he still didn't like Thor's watchful eye.

The project came together quickly and soon Billy was able to hire a contractor to begin work on the building. Billy posted flyers around the community offering jobs, skilled and unskilled, on the project. There would be lots of hard work to be done and his thought was to engage the community from the start. Billy opened a temporary office in the building in the midst of the demolition and construction. He enjoyed the interaction among the hard-nosed construction professionals and the growing group of young gay men who needed a job. Many stereotypes were demolished for both sides as they tore down the old walls. Hard work was recognized as hard work, no matter the orientation of the worker. And the skills of the professionals outshown their gruff exteriors. Billy particularly enjoyed watching the change in the interaction at lunch hours. Early in the project, the two sides separated into clear camps. As time went on, men working on the same part of the project began to sit together: gay, straight, men, women. Mutual respect was built as a part of the new building.



Tommy - A Life Pt. 10



CHAPTER TWENTY: Ben

The phone rang, disturbing a quiet evening at home. Thor was working on plans for a new weight room at the gym. Tommy was grading papers. Even though together for over ten years, they were happiest in each other's presence. Tommy even enjoyed Thor's muttered oaths as he tore up, yet again, a trial floor plan.

The insistent ringing of the phone demanded answer. Thor grabbed the phone irritably. "Yeah?" Then softer, "May I ask who's calling? One moment please." Thor cupped the receiver in his large hand. "Tommy, a woman calling for you. She says it's important."

Tommy took the phone from Thor. "Hello?" 

The voice on the other side was breathy, but composed. "I am dreadfully sorry to be calling you at this hour. It's just that it's so terribly important. I must speak to you as soon as possible."

"Can you tell me what this is about?" Tommy asked.

"I really must speak to you in person. I think when you hear what I have to say, you'll agree that it would be best face-to-face." Hearing Tommy's hesitation she continued, "I'm not selling anything, it's just that I have no where else to turn. You are the only hope I have, even if you don't know me. Please say you'll see me," the voice pleaded.

Tommy was struck by the emotion in the voice. "Of course I'll see you. When would be convenient?"

"I'll be in the city this Saturday. I won't have a place to meet. Would it be possible to meet you at your home or office?" 

"I'll be at home on Saturday morning. Does that work for you?" The woman agreed. Tommy gave the address. The phone conversation ended. 

"What does she want?" Thor asked. 

"I don't know, but she sounded very near desperation. I can't imagine what I might be able to do for her. I guess we'll just have to wait until she shows up on Saturday.

***

When Saturday arrived, Thor went to check on the gym early and hurried back. Tommy was surprised to hear him come back in.

"Curious too?" Tommy asked. 

"Sure am." Thor had barely hung up his coat when the bell rang at the outer door. Listening at the top of the stairs, they could hear Hopkins greet someone and direct them to the top floor. Two sets of feet came up the stairs, one quick and light, the other moving with difficulty, stopping often.

Tommy and Thor hurried back into the sitting room to wait for their unknown guests. A knock at the outer door told them they had reached the top of the stairs. Thor answered the door. "May I help you?"

"I need to talk to Thomas." 

How could she know that Thor wasn't Tommy, she was a stranger or so she had said.

Thor led her into the sitting room. With her was a boy, clearly her son by his attachment to the woman. Tommy asked them to have a seat. The woman accepted gratefully being out of breath.

"I'm sorry about all the stairs, I didn't realize it would be difficult," Tommy apologized.

She waved off his apology as she caught her breath. "Thank you for seeing me. Now that I'm here, the situation seems all the more absurd. I do have to speak to you about the most personal of matters. If I could see you privately?"

"I should introduce, my partner, Thor. Ms..."

"I'm Elaine Parker and this is my son, Ben."

"Ms Parker-"

"Elaine, please, by the end of this, we must certainly be past any formalities." 

"Elaine, I guess I need to make myself more clear. Thor is my partner. There is nothing I don't share with him. If you would tell me, then you can feel free to speak in front of him," Tommy explained.

"I would ask if there is somewhere my son might wait. I'm sorry I had nowhere to leave him, today. We're staying at a hotel and I was uncomfortable leaving him there."

Tommy looked at the boy closely for the first time. Since walking into the room he had sat at his mother's side silently looking at Thor. Thor stood up, offering, "Perhaps Mrs. Hopkins could find some cookies or something. He'll be perfectly at home with her. She's the housekeeper. Her apartment is on the ground floor." The boy looked at his mother, then rose to follow Thor when she nodded her assent. The boy looked up at Thor, his eyes fascinated.

After Thor and the boy had gone, Elaine began to explain. "He seems quite taken with your, eh, Thor. He's a very handsome man."

"I think so, too."

"I again apologize for coming to you, it's just that I have exhausted every other possibility. And I will certainly understand if you refuse my request, it's just that I have to try."

"I'll hear you out, you seem very much in need, though I can only wonder what it is you wish to ask of me." Thor returned. He stood in the doorway staring at Tommy. At last satisfied, he entered and sat next to him.

"Elaine, forgive me for interrupting, but how did you know that I wasn't Tommy," Thor asked.

"Thomas, Tommy and I met once before, a long time ago and very briefly."

"I'm sorry, I don't remember meeting you."

"I'm not surprised, it was only for a few moments and the place was dark, an unlikely place to make an acquaintance. I think you'll recall as I tell my story."

Elaine paused, again breathless. Thor went into the kitchen to bring her a glass of water that she sipped gratefully.

"I am a widow, though my husband left me many years ago. He was killed in a car accident no doubt brought on by his own drunken recklessness. We were very happy when first married, but things fell apart when we tried to have a family. Both my husband and I are, were, only children. There was a lot of pressure on us to have a child. Both sets of our parents were older and they all wanted a grandchild. After several years of trying, we sought professional help. It turned out that Grant, my late husband, was infertile. He was humiliated and ashamed. Nothing I could say or do got through to him. I don't think he meant to be hateful, but he was in such pain. I heard from my doctor of a program being conducted here in the city where infertile couples could be helped. At a point of desperation, I applied to participate in some experiments they were doing. After several more months of these experiments it was determined that I was not a good candidate for the procedures they were using."

"I don't mean to be rude, but I don't see how any of this applies to me," said Tommy.

"There was another program, an offshoot of the first. You, Tommy, participated in that program." 

Tommy's was thunderstruck. "Oh my god, you mean, can you be telling me?" Tommy ran out of words. Thor nodded knowingly.

"Yes, Tommy, you are the father of my child, Ben's father."

Tommy sat speechless. Thor put a hand on his shoulder. Tommy turned to Thor, concern on his face, "Thor, its true I did, just one time, but it couldn't be."

Thor looked at Tommy again. "It didn't hit me until Mrs. Hopkins said 'why it's Mr. Thomas as a boy, surely.' Then I could see it too, looking at Ben must be like seeing you, Tommy, as a boy."

"They talked me into participating, I had no idea this would happen. What is it you want? Money?" Tommy stammered defensively.

"I'm afraid there is more to tell, please bear with me." Elaine paused to collect her thoughts. 

"I might as well get to the point," she said. "I am dying. I have several forms of cancer. The cancer has metastasized and I have only a short time to live. My husband is dead. My own parents ands are also dead. I have no living relative but Ben and he has only one other living relative, you. The hospital fought against revealing your identity. It was only after I had proved that I had pursued every other course of action on behalf of my son that one doctor, a woman, agreed to tell me who you were."

Tommy's head was reeling. "What are you asking of me?"

"I am asking you to take in my son after I am dead. I have nowhere else to turn. He will become a ward of the state and I must try to do better by him, I must do anything possible to ensure that he is cared for, protected, and loved. I am asking you to give where you have no obligation, but I must ask, he's my son."

"Elaine, I'm not sure you realize my situation," Tommy explained. "Thor is my partner, I thought you understood. I am gay. Thor is my lover. We share this house and each other's lives."

"I see two men who obviously care for each other. I see a comfortable home. I am in no place to impose some supposed morality. I would only ask that you care for my son, your son, as you so clearly care for your partner. If I may be so bold?"

"I cannot agree to anything without talking it over with Thor," Tommy demurred.

"Tommy. I love you and will eagerly take on any burden in your life. I will stand by your decision."

"This is an incredible thing to drop into your lap, Tommy. I only ask that you think about it. I understand if it is something you cannot do. I had to try. I had to ask." She got up from the chair where she had been sitting and moved toward the door. 

Thor opened the door and offered to help her down the stairs. She refused, saying that she was still able to walk down. Thor preceded her and got Ben from Mrs. Hopkins. The boy emerged from her apartment with cookies in each hand. He began telling his mother about the wonderful lady and her comfy kitchen and how nice she was. The closing door cut off his words.

Tommy waited for Thor in the sitting room. When Thor came in, he simply looked up at Thor. "I'm so sorry, Thor. I had no idea at the time what consequences might occur. I only did it once. They talked me into it. They told me I'd be helping someone. Afterwards, I was miserable, it didn't seem the wonderful helpful thing they described it as. And now this. What can I do? That poor woman. That poor little boy."

Thor sat beside him, wrapping him in a hug. "I am reminded of another boy who was orphaned. A boy who was cared for by relatives. A boy who grew up to be the man I love. Tommy, you could be a wonderful father, now you have the chance. Sure, it will change our lives, but I think you could do it. I think our life together has room for this boy. I don't see how you have any choice."

Tommy kissed him. "I was about to apologize for doing this to you, but you seem to have it all clear. I guess we'll wait for her call."

On Monday, two days later, the phone rang early in the morning. Tommy answered the bedside receiver. At first there was no one on the line. Then Tommy heard someone crying. "Who is this?" he asked gently. "Tell me who is on the line."

Through the sobs Tommy heard, "I'm Ben."

"Where are you, Ben? Is your mother there?"

"She's in with the doctors. We're at the hospital. My mom, she gave me this number to call if something should happen. I don't know what to do." The small voice dissolved into crying. 

Another voice came on the line, "I'm Joan Burch, a nurse at University Hospital. This young man's mother was admitted a short while ago. Are you a relative?"

Tommy replied, "sort of."

"You'd better come down straight away. This boy needs looking after. You can get details on his mother when you arrive."

In answer to Thor's questioning look, Tommy replied, "Elaine is in the hospital. Ben is there alone."

"Here's your coat," Thor grabbed Tommy's coat and his own. They hurried the several blocks to the hospital in silence, each wondering what the situation would be upon their arrival. The reception desk directed them to an upper floor. Once off the elevator, they approached the nurses' station. On seeing them, one of the nurses approached them.

"Are you with Elaine Parker?" she asked.

"Yes, we came as soon as we got the call," Tommy replied.

"She's in Room 515. The boy is with her now, but he cannot stay."

Tommy and Thor walked down the corridor with growing unease. Through the door of the room they saw a distressing scene. A woman, Elaine, was lying in the midst of machines, their blinking monitors being fed by wires and hoses like a steel and plastic octopus embracing her. The boy stood at her side, in among the machines, one human connection, holding her hand. Tears streamed down his cheeks as he gazed at his mother's face. She appeared to be unconscious, but roused when Tommy called her name. On seeing Tommy and Thor, she smiled. Tommy pulled a chair next to the bed to be able to talk to Elaine without standing over her. Thor called for Ben, took his hand and led him from the room.

"He'll be alright with Thor," Tommy assured her.

Only able to mouth the words, she said, "I know."

"I, we, will take care of him."

She struggled to speak, "I knew that by your coming. Thank you."

"Thank you for trusting me."

"When I came to see you, I felt I had no choice. On meeting you, seeing you now, I know I made the best choice. I'm sorry to be doing this to you, to your lover. I don't want to leave my son. In my bag, there is information from my attorney. Call him, please." She lapsed from consciousness.

Tommy took the papers and went out of the room, looking for Thor. He spotted him in a lounge area, holding Ben in his arms like a baby. The boy was asleep against the broad chest. "I have to make some calls. Will you be alright for a little while?"

"We'll be fine."

Tommy found a pay phone and called the attorney. When Tommy explained the situation, the attorney agreed to come later the same day. 

They took the boy to a nearby restaurant for a late breakfast. He warmed in their attention. He insisted on sitting next to Thor in the booth. 

Afterwards they went to a nearby park with a playground, setting Ben free to run. They sat on a bench where they could watch Ben, Thor putting his arm around Tommy's shoulders. Tommy looked at Thor's face and smiled. Thor returned the smile. They sat silently together, taking in the change that had come to their lives.

Thor called Ben when it was time to return to the hospital to meet with the attorney. He was already in the room, speaking quietly to Elaine when they arrived. "Are you sure this is what you want? I must say it is very irregular and I would advise against it." Elaine affirmed her decision.

"Here they are," said Elaine, forcing cheerfulness when she saw them. Ben dashed over and wound his way among the wires and hoses to hug his mother. 

The attorney was clearly irritated that his advice was not being heeded. He pulled a stack of documents from his briefcase and began to review them with Tommy and Thor. They were papers assigning legal guardianship, he explained. Elaine had already approved and signed them. They stated that upon her death, Ben would be under the guardianship of Tommy. Thor was listed as a secondary guardian. What property she had would be turned over to their disposal for the care of Ben.

Tommy turned to Elaine. "If this is what you truly want, then I am honored by your trust." Thor stood at his side.

"It is," she replied.

Tommy took the pen offered by the attorney and signed all the many places he indicated. Thor took the pen from Tommy and did the same.

Elaine sighed deeply. Her expression lightened, she looked younger, almost well. "Ben, Tommy and Thor will care for you now. They'll need your help to be good parents. I know you'll be a good boy." A nurse appeared and indicated that they should all leave.

"We'll stop back this evening," Tommy promised.

Tommy, Thor, and Ben walked back to their house. Hopkins and Mrs. Hopkins were waiting at the door as they arrived. "Thor, why don't you take Ben up to the flat, I'll be up in a minute." To the Hopkinses, he said, "Can we talk for a minute?"

"Of course," said Mrs. Hopkins, who led them into her kitchen. Mrs. Hopkins made tea that she served at her kitchen table.

Tommy relayed all that had happened over the past few days, from the phone call to the interview with Elaine, to the scene in the hospital to bringing Ben into their home. The older couple listened, Mrs. Hopkins shedding tears

"Of course we'll help with the child," she volunteered, before Tommy could begin to ask. 

"And to imagine that he's your own son, there's an aspect of fate to all this."

Hopkins suggested that the again vacant studio apartment could be set up for Ben's room. It was just on the floor below Tommy's flat, close but Tommy and Thor would still have some privacy. This would be a big change for all of them.

Tommy went up to his flat to find Thor and Ben watching television in the sitting room. They sat on the floor, side-by-side, their heads leaning at the same angle, both laughing at a silly cartoon. Thor roughhoused with Ben during a commercial, getting the boy to laugh. When the program began again, he snuggled against Thor, pulling Thor's arm around him. Tommy smiled at the scene. He had never seen Thor around a child before. Thor's natural ease and affection was evident. He hoped he could be as comfortable but felt all the responsibility and dreaded the coming death of the boy's mother. 'Each of us has a roll in this,' he concluded.

Mrs. Hopkins prepared a picnic meal and invited them all to her kitchen. If her thought was to step into the role of grandmother, she succeeded admirably. Ben was already very much at home in her kitchen. Even the usually formal Hopkins softened when with the boy.

Tommy and Thor took Ben back to the hospital for evening visiting hours. Elaine was barely conscious while they were there. The nurse explained to Tommy that they had increased the dosage of narcotics. Elaine had entered into a phase of decline marked by intense pain.

Over the next few days, afternoons were the best time to visit Elaine. Thor and Tommy took turns making sure Ben spent as much time as possible with his mother while they juggled their professional lives. 

On the tenth day of Elaine's hospitalization, a secretary from the department interrupted a seminar being conducted by Tommy. Thor had called, Elaine was failing. Tommy turned over the class to the students to run themselves and dashed out the door. Thor was waiting outside Elaine's hospital room. By a glance at his face, Tommy knew the end was near. Ben sat on a chair in the room staring with unseeing eyes. Most of the machines had been removed, only a few monitors remained connected to Elaine.

Tommy approached the bed, again sitting close to Elaine's face to talk. She responded to hearing her name. "Elaine. It's me, Tommy. I'm here with Ben and Thor. Ben will be all right with us. He even has some adoptive grandparents, you met them when you visited me that first time." Elaine nodded, indicating that she understood. Tommy took her hand. Ben came over and took her other hand. "Talk to her Ben."

"I really like living with Tommy and Thor. They have such a neat house, it's on a bunch of floors. And Mrs. Hopkins always has good stuff to eat in her kitchen She says I'm sweet. Can you come see us? I've got my own room and it's got its own bathroom. They don't even make me make my bed. You should see Thor's gym. He lets me sit at the desk sometimes. Everybody says hi to me. It's really neat." Despite his eager chatter, Ben had begun to cry.

"Ben, I love you," murmured Elaine. She turned toward Tommy. Thor stood at his shoulder. "I can go now, he has you." 

An alarm on the machine began to make noise. Tommy stepped around the bed and scooped up Ben and handed him to Thor. Nurses and a doctor appeared in the room. Thor went out of the room, carrying Ben. Tommy stood by, again holding Elaine's hand, feeling the life leave. The medical staff checked for signs of life. Finding none, the doctor met Tommy's eyes, and shook his head. It was over.

***

Thor carried the emotionless Ben out of the hospital. When Tommy offered to take a turn, Thor replied, "Tommy. I love you and will eagerly take on any burden in your life. I meant that. I want to do this. But he's not a burden."

Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins met them at the door and knew from their expressions that Elaine had died. Sadness swept over the house.




Tommy - A Life Pt. 10



Tommy, Thor, and Ben sat distractedly through the evening until Thor suggested that they go to bed. Tommy and Thor settled Ben into his bed in his room, then went to bed themselves. They communicated their emotions and sadness through touch and gave in to sleep. 

At some time during the night, Tommy heard the bedroom door open. A small form crossed the space and climbed over the footboard into the bed between them. It was then that Ben let loose the tides of emotion brought by the death of his mother. Tommy and Thor comforted as they could. Tommy got up to get the boy a drink of water and returned to find him at last asleep, snuggled against Thor. Tommy got into the bed completing the envelope of care. 

Ben slept late into the morning. This gave Tommy and Thor an opportunity to set the funeral arrangements in motion. All the plans had been completed by Elaine and her attorney some months before. Elaine was to be buried in a family plot in the rural town where she had lived. She owned a small house there that had been Ben's home. The attorney indicated that he had arranged for it to be sold. They could stop by the house for any personal items or mementos they wished to keep for Ben. The rest would be sold at auction and proceeds turned over as a contribution to Ben's care.

Thor called Bobby at the gym and told him of Elaine's death. Tommy notified the university that he would need a few days to deal with matters related to Elaine's death and his new charge of Ben. 

Two days later they traveled by hired car to the funeral home. Tommy went into the funeral director's office to finish a few details. When he came out, he was surprised to see the chapel filling with people. There were the Hopkins's, Bobby and Billy, many of the regulars at the gym, the entire literature department and staff. Even Piggy showed up, late and disheveled, but he was there. 

A tall, thin, rigid man introduced himself as Elaine's pastor. His face might have been kindly, but greeted Tommy and Thor coldly, with an air of disapproval. "You are the guardians? Perhaps our community could find a more suitable home for the boy, not exposed to improper goings on."

Tommy looked around the room. Here, too was a community. A community of concern and care, mostly men, mostly gay, and all there. A community that had closed around this boy in his hour of need, supporting Tommy and Thor. "It was his mother's wish that he be entrusted to me and my partner." He took Thor's hand, "No one could care for him better."

The ceremony was to be held at the graveside. Tommy watched with pride as his friends gathered, a testament to their generosity, kindness, and concern. Only a few people from the town arrived. They spoke among themselves about this gathering from the city. The pastor said the fewest words possible. Ben's mother was respectfully buried.

After the ceremony, Thor and Tommy took Ben to his former home. It was a small house, sparsely furnished. Tommy reasoned that Elaine's resources had been consumed in fighting her illness. Ben led them through the house. He picked out some things to bring with him. Tommy collected all the photographs and albums he found. These would be Ben's only connection to his past. He took from the wall a large wedding photograph of Elaine and her husband. How very sad this family had come to this end.

They gathered the things into a box and returned to the car. The ride back to the city was quiet, only a few bits of conversation along the way. Billy had arranged with the Hopkins's for a buffet meal and had invited everyone who had attended the funeral. It was served with the customary perfection in Tommy's dining room. Tommy was grateful for this caring gesture. It reinforced the closeness of the group of friends.

Ben spent the night with Tommy and Thor again. By morning, the mood tolerated at little tickling and teasing. Thor lifted Ben off the bed. "Why don't you see if Mrs. Hopkins has something for breakfast?"

Ben gave Thor an exaggerated wink. "I see, you want to be alone. That's cool, but next time, just say so. I'm ten, remember? I know what goes on." He hopped out of the room.

"Well, no secrets there." Thor concluded. He rolled over and grabbed hold of Tommy and held him tightly. "I've needed to do that for days. It just didn't seem right. But I think its time now. Make love to me Tommy. We've got to start our life as a family. And that starts by telling you that I love you. Then making love. Then showing that boy that his life goes on. Now then, about the I love you part." 

They lost themselves in each other's satisfaction, exchanging healing loving. They were enjoying the after glow of lovemaking when a not so discrete knock came at the door. "Hey, you guys done yet? Mrs. Hopkins has breakfast ready and said you'd better come and get it while it's hot. Jeez, lovebirds."

Laughter burst from them both as they exchanged looks of wonder at this new member of what was now a family. 

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE: School Moms

Tommy was working in his study when the bell for the street door rang. Hopkins had accompanied Mrs. Hopkins for some extensive shopping, so he knew that he would need to answer the intercom. 

"Yes?"

"I'm Fran Smith, the mother of one of Ben's friends from school."

"Of course, Ben has mentioned Ken. I'll buzz you in. We're on the top floor."

Tommy made a quick dash to the sitting room to make sure everything was in order. A glance showed that Hopkins had set things right before going out. Tommy heard the approaching footsteps and met Fran Smith at the top of the stairs.

"I'm sorry to drop by, but I was on the street and thought it would be a chance to meet you and follow up on Ken's request to visit with Ben." 

"I'm Tommy, Ben's father. Do come in to the sitting room." She followed him into the room, observing every detail.

"I hope I'm not disturbing you."

"Oh not at all. I was just reading some term papers. I teach at the university. I work at home when I can. Ben has said he'd like to get together with Ken after school. I'm pleased that he's made a friend so quickly after moving here. I appreciate your coming over. I'm afraid I should have made the effort to meet you and help set things up."

"I hate to be paranoid, but I do check to make sure I know something about Ken's friends and where they live."

"I'm afraid I'm rather new to parenting. It seems a good idea. Can I get you something to drink? Tea?"

"Tea would be nice, thank you." She followed Tommy through the dining room into the small kitchen, still observing.

"Shall we sit at the table here?" Tommy set the teapot and cups on the dining room table. 

"You said you were new to parenting. I don't understand." Fran posed.

"Ah. Well it's a complicated story. Ben just came into my life a few months ago, when he moved here. His mother died quite suddenly."

"Your wife?"

"This is all rather personal and as I said it's all quite recent."

They were sitting a moment in an awkward silence when a loud voice boomed up the stairwell, "Tommy, get your sweet ass into that bed." Heavy steps raced up the stairs. "Come on, baby, I can't live without you for another minute. Let's fuck." 

Thor burst into the sitting room looking for Tommy. He turned and looked into the dining room. His jaw dropped. He blushed from the top of his head to his toes. "Ohmygod, I'm sorry, I didn't know anyone else was here."

"This, Fran, is my partner, Thor. Thor, this is Ben's classmates' mother. She stopped by to make sure it would be ok for Ben and her Ken to play together. We've been going through big changes and I'm afraid we miss our private time together." 

Fran sat erect in the chair, looking from Tommy to Thor. As she stood, she said, "I'll not keep you."

"If you'll let me, I'd like to explain. I don't want anything to interfere with Ben's friendships."

The woman looked nervously about her. Thor had slumped into a chair in the sitting room, his head in his hands.

"While I am Ben's father, he was conceived in a surrogate father program. His mother's husband could not have children. Ben's family had all died and his mother searched me out rather than have him be an orphan. My partner, Thor, and I agreed to raise him. We are his legal guardians. We want Ben's life to be as full and complete as we can make it."

"You mean you two are, uh, together?"

"I think you might have guessed that from the comments you could not help from overhearing. Yes we are a couple, partners, lovers, however you want to phrase it. I sincerely hope you don't see that as a problem to our sons' friendship. As I said, we're still figuring things out as parents."

"I'm so sorry, Mrs. uh..." Thor said, coming into the dining room. "We never, I never say anything, you know, around the boy. I thought Tommy was here alone."

"Fran, our relationship is completely open to Ben. It was acceptable to his mother. We've been together over ten years."

Fran sat visibly working over this information in here mind. "I don't know how comfortable I am with this kind of household. I came expecting to ask Ben's mother to join the other mothers in helping out in the classroom and with class trips."

"Sure, we'll help." Thor volunteered.

Fran was even more uncomfortable as she looked over the large, muscular man. "This is all so very different than other households."

"Not really," Tommy defended. "We get up, brush our teeth, get dressed, have breakfast, go to school and work, then come back in the evening for dinner and bed. We're a new household, but we're a loving household. And we're all Ben's got. Please think about the boys."

"I'm thinking about my own son, first." The woman walked out the door as Tommy and Thor looked at each other.

***

"Oh, Tommy, I'm so sorry. I didn't know. I've fucked it up again." Thor was desolate.

Tommy walked over and took him in his arms. "It would have come out anyway. It shouldn't matter, but I guess we'll have to do what we can for Ben's sake." 

Tommy kissed Thor. "Anyway, I was pretty flattered that you wanted to make love so desperately. Come on, there's still time before Ben comes home - and he's smart enough to knock first," Tommy chided.

Tommy dragged Thor toward the bedroom. "I do love you, Tommy," Thor said sheepishly.

"Then off with these clothes and into that bed," Tommy ordered. Thor obeyed. He lay down, his embarrassed genitals shrunken. Tommy rolled him onto his back and sucked Thor's still small cock into his mouth. Thor eased into the bed, feeling the pleasure of Tommy's mouth, feeling his cock respond, filling then overflowing Tommy's mouth. 

Tommy tried to keep Thor's cock in his mouth, but it kept swelling and lengthening until he had to back off. 

"Oh, Tommy, that is divine."

"I had to act fast while I still had a chance. It's a rare day I can suck all of you. Oh baby, come on, let's fuck. Isn't that why you came home?"

"Yeah, I wanted, want, to make love to you. To show you how I feel about you."

"Come on then, Thor, make love to me. I want you, too." 

Thor's first moves were tentative. Tommy reached back and lubed Thor's hard cock and pressed the head against his ass. Thor was gentle, easing into Tommy. Tommy pushed back, hungrily, taking more cock, encouraging higher passion. Thor fell under the spell of their lovemaking and became bold, seeking to pleasure Tommy as he stroked in and out of his ass. The pressure on Tommy's prostate had started him leaking pre-cum and became more intense with each of Thor's thrusts, the thickness of Thor's cock applying tremendous pressure. Thor pumped harder, deeper. Tommy felt his abdomen go numb with the fucking until suddenly he felt his orgasm gush from his cock. Thor kept thrusting, holding onto Tommy's bucking ass until he let go his own orgasm, flooding Tommy's ass. 

They collapsed onto the bed. Thor clung to Tommy, both breathing heavily. "Yeah baby, that's what I wanted."

"Me, too."

As they drowsed in each other's arms, a knock came at the bedroom door. A moment later, Ben's head peaked around the door. "Hi. I'm home. Why are you guys in bed? "

Tommy leaned over and kissed Thor.

"Oh, love stuff," said the boy. "My mom was always alone, but she loved watching those romantic movies - no fights or anything good. I'm going to go see Mrs. Hopkins, I'm hungry." They heard his footsteps on the stairs.

"So, what about Ben's friend?" Thor asked.

"I guess we need to get involved in the school and show them the wonderful family we're trying to be. I didn't live with my parents and I turned out alright," Tommy asserted.

Thor reached under the blankets to grab Tommy's cock and balls. "Yup, you turned out just fine. Yum, I love you."

***

One of the many papers Ben brought home from school later that week was an invitation for all 'mothers' to come to class to organize school activities. "Here's our chance," Tommy told Thor.

They both cleared their schedules for the meeting time on Friday of that week. 

They went into the school, stopping at the principal's office. Tommy had met the principal briefly on the day he had registered Ben. The principal, a large, bluff man, stood to greet him. 

"Mr. James, this is my partner Thor Johanson, also Ben's guardian," Tommy introduced.

Mr. James' eyebrows rose on his head in surprise, but he extended his hand. 

"We're attending the class activity meeting in Mrs. Berg's class," Tommy explained. 

Mr. James escorted them to the classroom, promising to keep an eye out for Ben as he transitioned into the new school. As he opened the classroom door, he muttered half to himself, 

"This I gotta see."

He gestured for Tommy and Thor to enter. The students were all in their seats, with Mrs. Berg, the teacher, at the head of the room. In the back, a clutch of women stood whispering. All talk and noise stopped as Tommy and Thor entered the room. Tommy recognized Fran among the women. He offered a small wave of greeting. Tommy, in reply to Mrs. Berg's questioning glance, said, "Hi, we're Ben's parents."

Tommy saw Fran give an affirmative nod to the women gathered around her. He walked toward the group, wearing his best friendly smile. He looked back to make sure Thor was following. Thor, a large man in any space, looked enormous in the room designed for children. Every child's eyes looked up at him as he towered over the room.

Ben ventured, "Hi Thor." Thor waved back, then followed Tommy toward the women. 

"I think you men can take care of yourselves," Mr. James offered with a chuckle. He turned and left the room.

"Children, your mothers and uh, well parents, are here to help us organize class activities. Please get out your reading books and do today's assignment while we get organized," the teacher directed. Every child took out his book, but all heads craned around to follow the scene of tension at the back of the classroom.

"For those of you who are new, I'm Mrs. Berg," the teacher explained in her classroom voice. "We need help with some in-classroom activities and field trips. I'd also like to have a special party of some kind to serve as a reward for special effort by the class. I've found that it can serve to foster cooperation among the students."

The women, all of whom had worked together in past years quickly took on assignments and made arrangements. Tommy and Thor stood by, unsure of how to offer help.

"Now about the party..." Mrs. Berg began.

Thor interrupted. "I've just put in a full size basketball court at my gym. We could have all the kids come play some games, basketball, have refreshments. It's only a few blocks from the school."

All eyes turned toward Thor. Several of the children cheered. The mother's scowled. Tommy looked with love. Mrs. Berg announced that it would be a 'fine idea. Physical activity was so very important.'

The planning being done, the meeting broke up. The women moved off in a clump. Tommy and Thor followed at a distance. 

Ben had become the center of attention with questions about how his parents had a gym with a basketball court. That was so 'neat.' Ben waved as Tommy and Thor went out the door.

The women had gathered outside the school door and were talking feverishly. As Tommy and Thor came through the door, Fran stepped forward. "I don't know how this is going to work out, but it looks like you're in for the toughest assignment. Welcome to the Room Mothers. Maybe now we can get some of the other father's involved." 

Tommy felt Thor's hand on his shoulder - chastely - as they began to leave. Fran spoke up again, 

"Maybe Ben could come to our house tomorrow afternoon? I'll call with directions."

Thor's hand squeezed Tommy's shoulders and they smiled at each other. Another challenge met.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO: Ben Grows Up

The next years flew by. Tommy became a tenured professor, on a track to head the department. Offers from other universities were considered and turned down in light of Thor's commitments to his business with the gym, their friends and community and stability for Ben. Thor's gym, now wholly taken over from Mike, prospered and became a noted athletic facility and cornerstone of the gay community. 

And Ben, Ben grew up in the loving care of Tommy, Thor and the Hopkins. If asked, Tommy could not have recalled when it had happened. The thin, shy boy had gotten taller, stronger, hairier. Ben had the advantage of Thor's gym and training support by Thor himself. He had become a very handsome young man. Every then and again, Tommy would look across the dining table and seeing Ben, realize the different person he was becoming, had become.

Then one day it happened. The phone rang and a girl's voice asked to speak to Ben. Tommy handed over the phone with a questioning eyebrow, then retreated from the room to give Ben privacy. Later at dinner, Tommy could resist his curiosity no longer. "Ben, who called earlier?"

"Amy."

Thor now raised his eyebrows. "A girl?"

"Yeah, she's a girl."

"From school?"

"Yeah, from school."

"So, uh, is this something we should talk about?"

Ben began to quake with amusement. "If you two aren't the silliest things. I get one phone call from a girl and you're both in terror. Well relax. She's not the first girl I've talked to. And I think she's pretty cool. Other kids have been dating for years, I just never thought about it before, but she asked me to go to a movie on Friday. Is that alright?"

"Yes, well, uh, certainly," Tommy stumbled.

Later that night while in bed, Thor took Tommy in his arms. "It seems he's growing up. I never really thought about Ben being old enough for girls and dates and stuff, but he sure is. How do you feel about it?"

"Thor, I didn't realize it was happening, Ben growing up. Life was going along and taking me, us with it. Ben was my little boy. He appeared suddenly and changed our lives. And now he's starting to leave us. It makes me sad and proud. I really like Ben, not because I'm his father, but as a person."

Thor picked up the theme, "Yes, Ben's a fine boy. I'm thinking this dating stuff may be harder on us than it is for him."

***

Friday arrived. "Ben, what's the plan for the movie?" Tommy asked with an effort that surprised him.

"Oh, Amy's meeting me here. We'll walk over to the Broad Street Cinema."

"Will you ask her in?"

"Sure. I think she's curious about where I live. She lives in those apartments beyond the University."

Ben seemed to spend an unusual amount of time getting ready. Tommy could here the shower running even longer than usual. Thor came home early from the gym and joined Tommy waiting nervously in the sitting room. Tommy poured some wine for them both. Ben appeared in the doorway, and leaned against the frame. "Are you two nervous or something?" he teased. The doorbell rang and Ben raced down the stairs. Tommy could hear him shooing Hopkins from the door, answering it himself. "This is Hopkins and Mrs. Hopkins." Ben was introducing the girl.




Tommy - A Life Pt. 10



Ben chatted away as they climbed the stairs. Tommy could hear him telling about the first time he had come here, with his mother. He'd forgotten how many stairs there were, now that is was his home. "My room is on this floor, but my Dad's apartment is one up." Tommy hoped he had cleaned his room before showing it to the girl. They again climbed the stairs. "And this is the sitting room and here is my Dad and Thor, his partner." A girl, really a young woman entered the sitting room. She was blond, attractive, and holding on to Ben's arm.

Tommy rose to greet the girl. Ben continued on with the tour. "The dining room and kitchen through there. My dad's study is really neat." Ben led the girl toward the back. Tommy could just hear the girl quietly ask a question to which Ben replied, "Only my dad and Thor's room." Ben led the girl back to the sitting room. "This is the place. I've lived here since my mom died. Dad and Thor have taken care of me ever since - with the help of the Hopkins. Well, it's about time to go if we're going to get good seats. See you guys later." Ben took the girl by the arm and guided her out the door.

Tommy called after them, "Nice to meet you, Amy." 

He returned to the sitting room and sat next to Thor. "Did that go ok? I'm never sure how people will take our being Ben's parents, even after all these years."

When Ben returned later that night, he responded that the movie as not that great, that he'd walked Amy home, and that he was going to bed. Tommy asked, "Was Amy okay with, uh, you know, with Thor and me?"

Ben paused for a minute. "It really didn't come up. She did ask if you two shared a room. I told her all about you being sex fiend lovers," Ben teased. 

"You'd better not have," Thor threatened. Ben just laughed and walked down to his room. "Love you guys," he called up to them.

***

Dating with Amy continued for several weeks. When calls stopped and her name wasn't mentioned anymore, Tommy asked Ben about it. "Oh, it wasn't serious. Anyway she's in some gymnastic stuff that has her away a lot."

And then another call. "Is Ben there?" No, he's out. "Could you tell him Clay called. He's got my number."

Tommy delivered the message to Ben. Ben ran down to his room and could be heard dumping out his book bag. He returned running and grabbed the phone. "Hi, Clay? This is Ben." A pause. 

"Yeah, great. I'll have to ask my dad, but I think it will be okay. Saturday night, at the Civic Center. Sure, it sounds great. How much are the tickets? I'll call you back."

"Dad, can I go to a concert on Saturday? It's a really cool band. I've got one of their recordings. Clay got free tickets through his older sister and asked me to go."

"I suppose so. Who is Clay? I don't remember hearing you mention him before," inquired Tommy.

"He's a guy in my English class. I never really knew him before, but we had to work on a paper together. He seems pretty cool and his sister works for the band."

Tommy didn't really think much more about it until he heard Ben come home from school one afternoon. Tommy was working in his study when he heard Ben's familiar heavy footsteps on the stairs - what had happened to that light-footed child? Ben knocked briefly and entered the study. "Tonight's going to be great. Clay got backstage passes, so it doesn't cost anything for the concert."

"Backstage passes?" Tommy's face showed concern.

"Come on Dad, we're not going to get involved with any weird stuff the band is doing. It'll be neat seeing what goes on, about the performance, I mean. These guys are really talented."

"Okay. I'm counting on your good judgement. Does Clay want to come for dinner before you go? Don't worry, nothing fancy. We could send out for pizza or sandwiches or whatever you guys want. I'd like to show appreciation for Clay getting the tickets. He must be a good friend."

"Why don't you just ask, Dad? 'Is he your boyfriend?' You're about as subtle as a brick. No, he's not. This isn't even a date. Though I'd think about it, if Clay was interested" teased Ben. "But then there's Sheila, she's real pretty. Then there's Jorge. Then again, Claire is a honey."

"Okay, okay, I'll stop butting in" Tommy retreated.

***

Tommy called to ask Thor to pick up the sandwich order on his way home, explaining that Clay would be joining them. Clay had arrived a few minutes before Thor got home. Ben and Clay were talking in the sitting room, waiting to eat.

Thor came up the stairs, dropping off the food in the dining room, then went looking for Tommy. After a kiss he asked, "So is this person special to Ben?"

"Ben told me to back off and stop speculating on his love life. I guess he is sixteen. At his age I was too scared to talk to anyone. I never had a real date until I met Billy, but things picked up speed from there. Come to think of it, I only had one date with you." Tommy said.

"One time is all it takes with me, baby. My own sordid past will remain mysterious" Thor alluded. To Tommy's inquisitive look, Thor responded, "I was too busy lifting weights and doing sports to get involved with anyone. Anyway the coach told us not to fool around. I'm glad I got over that with you." Thor winked. 

"Hmmm, we could go to bed early tonight, the kid will be away." Tommy and Thor had begun to become romantic when they felt someone's presence.

"If you guys can control yourselves, we'd like to eat. Forgive them, Clay, for as long as I've been around, they haven't been able to keep their hands off each other. I suppose it's cute, and it is nice that they don't really ever fight, but I wonder what kind of example a couple of sex fiends set for an impressionable youth like myself?"

"Set the table and get some drinks. We'll be there in minute. Now, if you'll close the door on your way out?" Tommy ordered and teased.

***

Ben more formally introduced Clay when as they sat down to eat. "This is my dad, Tommy. He's a professor at the University. This is my, well my other father, Thor. He runs Mike's Gym. He's a trainer to some big sports stars here in the city. Thor, could Clay come work out?"

"Pleased to meet you Clay. We'd need your parent's permission, but sure you could come to the gym. Ben's probably as good a trainer as me. He's been working out since he came here."

Clay quietly said to the table, "I've noticed. I don't know about my parents. They're good people and all, but not much up on different kinds of families. They're not real comfortable with my sister working for a rock band. I guess I could ask. I'd like to do it with you Ben, work out I mean." Clay blushed. Ben blushed.

Following the awkward silence, Thor asked for more soda. Tommy gladly poured.

"Well, it's about time to go" Ben said, looking dramatically at his watch.

"Be careful, Ben." Thor cautioned.

"Let us know when you get in" Tommy requested.

"They sound just like my parents" Clay said.

"Other than being two guys, I'll bet their just the same. Always after me to clean my room, brush my teeth, get a haircut" Ben lamented.

"Way sexier, though" Clay said under his breath.

***

"So, sexy, shall we go to bed?"

"I thought you'd never ask?"

"Since when do I have to ask?"

"I sense some role play coming on."

"Strip and get on your knees."

"Like the kid said, way sexier."

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE: Ben Graduates

It seemed as if the entire neighborhood was involved. In the midst of a gay neighborhood, there were few children. Some gay couples had begun adopting and there were a few 'weekend children' from divorced families, but Ben had come into Tommy and Thor's life half grown. Eight short years later, Ben was graduating from high school and as a kind of community mascot, all the 'uncles' and neighbors participated in the excitement of the event. 

Each of them, Tommy, Thor, and Ben spent a fair amount of time informing the community about progress in selecting a college. They had spent many weekends over the prior eighteen months visiting prospective colleges and universities. Ben had chosen a small school in New England. Ben received advice from everyone. He was very patient with each well wisher, understanding that their suggestions fulfilled their own need to share love as a parent. But his departure for college was in the coming fall. Now was the time to celebrate his graduation.

The morning of graduation began with a grand breakfast served in the dining room. The Hopkins prepared and served the meal. This time, however, they joined Tommy, Thor, and Ben. They felt pride in Ben's accomplishment as much as anyone. 

Thor declared that is was time for pictures. He suggested that the front steps would have good light. They rotated groupings for the pictures, first Ben alone, then with Tommy and Thor, then with the Hopkins. Before many shots had been taken, a crowd of neighbors had begun to assemble in the street, all seeking to be in the pictures with Ben. A hapless passerby was enlisted for the final picture, about thirty people crammed onto the steps with Ben in front in his cap and gown.

"Not a typical family" Tommy remarked to Thor.

"No but the best family I've ever known" was Thor's response.

The crowd ambled along in a kind of silly parade to the high school, escorting Tommy, Thor, Ben, and the Hopkins to the graduation ceremony. There was limited seating at the event, so the friends and community settled for 'three cheers for Ben' to his extreme embarrassment in front of his school mates.

The ceremony itself was typical. Speeches that tried for inspiration and guidance, the awarding of diplomas and lots more pictures. Thor became teary when Ben received his diploma. Tommy hugged him, sharing his pride in Ben. 

After the ceremony, Ben hugged them both, dumped his diploma and cap and gown with Tommy and ran off to be with his friends. "Be home for dinner, the celebration continues" Tommy called after him as Ben sprinted away.

Thor put his arm around Tommy as they walked home. "He's not our little boy anymore."

"You've done a fine job with him" Mrs. Hopkins assured them.

"With your help. He had a rough start, but with all you've done for him, he's a good, happy person." Tommy came to a halt. "And you Thor, from the first moment, when Ben's mother came to us, you took him to your heart and then gave everything to Ben when you didn't have to." Tommy became emotional.

"Let's go home, Tommy." Thor led Tommy home, winked goodbye to the Hopkins and took Tommy up to their room. He sat Tommy on their bed, got a warm cloth to wash Tommy's tears away, then began to unbutton Tommy's shirt. 

"Oh, that's where this is going?" Tommy realized and began to undress Thor.

***

"Is this a gray hair?" Thor asked toying with Tommy's chest hair. They were laying in each other's arms recovering from some extraordinarily passionate love making.

"I'm afraid time is taking its toll."

"I couldn't tell that ten minutes ago."

"It was pretty spectacular. Somehow, it usually is."

"Usually?"

"Stop, you know what I mean. It's enough to just kiss you, smell your scent, hear your breathing for me to be totally happy" Tommy told Thor punctuated by many kisses.

"I prefer it when it goes further" Thor replied, reaching for Tommy's balls.

"You are in the mood today."

"Well, Ben will be going away this Fall. It will be just you and me again."

"Late mornings in bed, early afternoon trysts, before dinner scoozing, and all night humping?"

"Something like that, on a quiet day" Thor teased.

"I love you Thor. You've made my life a joy."

"Tommy, I'll always remember you when Billy brought you to the gym that first day. You were so young and innocent. Not as innocent as the day before, I understand. I could see how in love you were with Billy, but you were already in my head and my heart. I had no reason to think you'd ever be mine. But then it happened. You were there at Mike's looking for me."

"I'm still kicking myself for not finding you sooner" Tommy confessed. "It took you long enough to ask me out. Thank god for Mike's urging. Billy had me dazzled. If his parents hadn't pulled us apart, I don't know what might have happened. But that didn't happen. You did."

"I'll take what the Fates have given me. I couldn't be happier. I love you Tommy."

They didn't hear the knock on the door or notice that Ben had entered the room. "Well, I don't need to guess what you two have been up to." 

"He's mine, and I'll make love to him whenever I want to" Thor said declaring his territory.

"It's nice to be loved, but you're not scaring anybody."

Ben sat on the edge of the bed. "Thank you guys. Sometimes seeing other kids and their families reminds me of how lucky I am. You've managed to encourage me without setting expectations. You've let me explore relationships - not too far - and showed me everything about loving. I am a little worried that when I go to college, you'll never get out of bed."

"Funny Thor was just saying the same thing, though he wasn't worried, he was counting on it."

"You're off to a good start, judging by appearances."

"How long until dinner?" Thor asked.

"If we get this kid out of here, we have time for another round."

"Jeez, love birds."