Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2005 12:17:04 -0500
From: Jaylovenj@comcast.net
Subject: Four Becomes Two Chap 22 - 23

Four Becomes Two Pt. 22  [part 22 of 22]
By: Jay Love

(Jaylovenj@comcast.net)

Four Becomes Two

Dear Readers:

I am sorry it has taken so long to post this chapter. It was written (and
then re-written due to a system crash). Of course, Murphy's Law would have
it that I misplaced the backup disc that I had, so this chapter had to come
from scratch. It's not the way it was originally written. Actually, I think
it's better.

Also, there were some health problems that had me in the hospital for a
while. I am doing much better now, thank you, and have once again been able
to get back to the story.

I want to thank all of you who have encouraged me thus far, and I hope that
you continue to find some enjoyment in the story.

Many of you have requested a "bio" from me, and that will be posted with
the last chapter. So keep reading. LOL

As always, I want to remind you that even though Dave and Greg are not
practicing safety in their sexual escapades, remember you must. We're
dealing with some serious stuff out there, and if, God forbid, the world
will lose some of its brightness and glitter without you.

This part is for all you guys and gals who are too young to be reading this
material. LEAVE NOW! (Yeah, like what am I going to do if you don't)? If
you find this subject objectionable, LEAVE NOW! And remember, this story is
a creation of my overworked imagination and belongs to me. If you'd like to
reproduce this in any form, please contact the author (me) for permission.

Also, any resemblance to any person, living or dead, is a compliment and
should be taken as such.

Thank you,

Jay

As always, this author craves feedback. Criticism only makes me a better
writer. Please respond to Jaylovenj@comcast.net. I look forward to hearing
from you.

Four Become Two: Chapter 22

The salty air and the gentle breeze were my wake-up call the next morning
as sleep gradually left my body. I reached out, eyes still closed, seeking
the heat and masculinity of my beloved Greg.

Becoming fully awake, I look around the suite hoping to see him. I suddenly
spy his silhouette against the sheer curtains covering the balcony doors. I
can't believe he's standing on the balcony-nude!

My morning hard on throbs urgently, now that it knows I am among the
living, and I scamper to the bathroom. Relieving myself, I take a moment to
rid my mouth of morning breath, and then head out to find my love.

Instead of bursting onto the scene, I stop, just taking in his beauty. His
body is a work of art-tall, lean, with just enough definition to not be
grotesque. He is covered in baby soft down that I can see is being gently
ruffled by a passing breeze.

His thighs and legs are like granite; I know because, I'm happy to say,
they have held me securely in his grasp on more than one occasion.

He's all man-my man, I think, gazing at the ring on my finger. And I'm the
luckiest man in the world to have him for my own.

"A penny for your thoughts," I growl, the huskiness in my voice surprising
even me as I slip my arm from behind around his waist and draw him to me.

"Umm, good morning baby," he says. "Did you sleep well?"

"I slept better than well. You were terrific last night."

"You were at the top of your game, too, I might add. It gets better all the
time. You are a marvelous lover."

"It takes two, but thank you. I personally feel I am a little out of
practice. Want to help me work on my technique a little more?"

"Is what I feel what I think I feel?" he chuckles, pushing his ass against
me. "After last night, you want more?"

"That's what you do to me. You leave me revved up and raring' to go." My
fingers flow through the hair on his thighs as I grip him tighter to
me. Greg lets a moan escape from his throat.

"You want me just as much as I want you," I tease.

"I do not," he quickly answers. He moans again as I encircle his dick with
my left hand, while pinching his left nipple with my right.

"Liar!" I continue. "If you didn't want me, you'd be struggling to get
away, and your dick wouldn't be this hard," I say, giving it a squeeze.

"What self-respecting man.oh.wouldn't.be hard under these circumstances? Oh
fuck!" Greg pants.

"Want to continue this-discussion-inside? I am in desperate need," I gulp,
"of a taste of Greg."

"Sounds delicious. But I have Dave on my menu," he says, turning to face
me.

"Whatever you want to eat." The words are cut off as Greg seals his lips to
mine. As usual, he tasted of fresh peppermint and Greg, a flavor I found
highly intoxicating.

His soft lips closed in on mine with a passion and urgency demonstrated in
our first coupling. It's amazing that we didn't fall and break our necks as
we made our way, kissing and groping and feeling each other, on our way to
the bed.

I pull him close, feeling the hairs on his body excite me even more. The
brashness of it against my nipples constantly stimulating them and every
nerve ending that they touch. A symphony of moans had to have been heard by
anyone passing our room at that moment.

I lift Greg into my arms, cradling him, nuzzling my lips in the crease of
his neck. His skin taste so sweet as I suck and lick at the flesh there. I
gently lower him to the bed, my eyes drinking in the site of him.

"You are so beautiful," I whisper. "I can't believe you're here with me."

Greg offers his hand to me, the one with the symbol of our love, and I
climb aboard the bed to his waiting arms. I feel his powerful arms wrap
around me, making me feel safe and secure.

"I want you," Greg says. His body expresses his words as I feel his sex
pulsate against my hip. He lifts his right leg, and somehow manages to
capture my dick between his thighs. It nestles beneath his big balls, and
is enveloped by the heat of his body. I can't stop the moan of pleasure
that escapes from me.

"God! You are enormous!" Greg exclaims as I begin and involuntary thrusting
motion. "You know, if I hadn't been drunk with lust the first time you put
this thing in me, I might never have believed it could be done, and I would
have missed out on so much pleasure. It's time for pleasure."

He opens his legs, releasing me. A chill sweeps over me as my wet cock is
exposed to the air temperature. I begin to kiss down his body, stopping at
one of my favorite chew toys, his nipples. They rise to the occasion,
getting harder, stiffer, swelling, reaching for my lips as my tongue bathes
them in sweet moisture.

Greg's fingers entwine themselves in my hair, holding me close to his
body. After paying homage to the nubs, I move down his body, tasting each
inch of flesh as I go. Greg begins to urge me towards his throbbing dick, a
towering volcano whose cone is erupting with flowing magma.

I lift my head, and in one fell swoop, plunge onto that obelisk. "Yes!
Yes!" Greg urges as I moan from the sweet flavor exciting my taste buds. He
thrusts, burying himself deep into me.

My fingers seek out the huge sack that contains his sperm factories, and I
can feel them churning inside, producing more nectar. The scent of him
reaches my nostrils, raising me to a new height of passion as I begin to
suck, lick, and tease more of the fluid into my mouth.

I clean every drop he has produced, and even manage to get part of the next
flow as the tip of my tongue worms its way between the folds of his large
piss slit. Greg's hips, which had been gently rocking, now thrust himself
deep into my throat. I can feel him begin to swell.

"Baby, I'm gonna cum," he warns, and I renew my efforts, bobbing my head
faster and faster, sucking harder. His thrusts become more powerful as he
rockets towards the clouds. I catch sight of his pucker, opening and
closing, enticing me to give it some attention.

Greg reaches for my dick, his hot hand grasping it, pulling on it. I
realize that I have to move, or I'm going to lose it, so I gently, but
firmly remove me from his clutches.

Greg explodes in my mouth, and I find myself drinking his honey. I pull him
out of my throat so that the head is laying in my mouth, allowing me to
taste him. I love the taste of Greg's cum, so rich and creamy and
sweet. And I love the way he cums. He pulsates in rich flows that give the
receiver time to savor each deposit.

As he begins to trickle to a steady stream, I gather it in my mouth. I drop
his still swollen, red stalk onto his stomach, lifting his legs. My mind
remembers a tight, hot hole that had been winking at me.

I waste no time attacking that round tunnel, depositing his own sperm
around the opening, using it as a lube.

"Oh fuck! Oh damn!" Greg moans, as he pulls his legs tighter to his chest,
offering himself to me. I taste him, again feeling my taste buds come alive
as I dive in like a starving man, chewing, licking; get his own ass juice
all over my face. Greg is moaning, clutching the bed tightly in his fist as
my beard scrapes across the sensitive flesh.

"Fuck me, baby. Fuck me NOW!" he growls.

I lift his legs, placing them on my shoulders, and reach for the lube. I
put a liberal amount on me, and then heavily apply a coating to Greg. His
ass clutches hungrily at my probing fingers as I slide them inside.

"GET-YOUR-DICK-IN-ME!" he orders.

I move in tighter, sweat of anticipation breaking across my brow. I slide
the wet head of my dick along the channel of his ass, bringing moans of
expectation from both of us.

I stop over his hole. Because of my size, I allow him to initiate
penetration. Greg wastes no time in doing so. I feel him opening up, and
his hole vacuuming me inside.

Volts of electricity shoot up my spine as his hungry hole envelopes my
head. Greg pauses, giving himself the opportunity to adjust to the
breach. It's with great difficulty that I refrain from thrusting into him.

"Oh, yes!" he moans moments later. "Get to moving." Greg can be very
demonstrative when he wants to be. I begin to gently thrust, feeling the
soft walls of his ass surround me, a hot poker slicing through melting
butter.

We develop a rhythm, meeting each other. Our breathing changes as our
passion enflames. Greg reaches up, and begins to tug and pull on my
nipples, teasing them until they are standing fully erect like little dicks
looking for a hot, moist hole to enter.

I push his legs further back, his legs wrapping around my waist and his
arms circling my back. I hook my arms under his pits, putting my weight on
my knees and elbows, and our lips home in on each other.

"Oh Greg, this is so good," I tell him as I continue to thrust back and
forth. He's clinging to me, as if his life depends upon it. His legs are
wrapped tightly around my waist, and he's meeting my every inward thrust
with an upward thrust of his own.

I change my movements, doing circular motions, striking his prostate on
every turn. Greg's dick is hard between us. I can feel it sliding along the
hairy surface of our bodies.

"Yes baby, make love to me. You are the best lover. You fill me so
completely," he tells me.

He squeezes his ass, trapping me inside and causing me to moan. "Oh, you
like that, don't you? You think you can send me over the edge, and I not
retaliate?" he asks, bucking his hips and squeezing his ass again.

"I'm going to make you love this ass as much as I love this dick. You do
love this ass, don't you?" Again, he squeezes.

"Oh, so you want to play a little game, huh? Yeah, I know you love this
dick, and yeah, I really love this ass. This ass belongs to me, and nobody
else will ever make it hum the way I do. No one will ever fill you like
me," I say, rising up on my haunches. I grab his hips, and begin to really
pound his ass. His dick begins to flop up and down on his stomach,
secreting love juice as it bounces.

I look up at Greg, his eyes meeting mine. There is such a look of
determination in his eyes as he begins to roll his hip, squeezing his
muscle

"Feed me," he moans. "Feed me that cock! Yeah, that's it! That's the way,"
he encourages.

Sweat has covered our bodies and steam seems to be rising from our bodies.

"You wanna fuck, don't ya? You want me to scratch that itch in your ass,
don't ya?"

"Yeah. Are you man enough?" he counters.

I pull my dick from his ass, and flip him over on his stomach. I pull him
so that he is on his knees, and re-enter. I begin to slam into his ass as
he reaches for the headboard. I plow that ass, and he meets every thrust.

"I'm going to cum, motherfucker!"

"I'm not fucking a mother, I'm fucking you. And I'm there too. Cum, you
bastard, cum!"

Our hips meet in one powerful thrust, and I began to cum. I reach around,
and grab his cock, squeezing for dear life as I give it a final pull. I
could feel Greg quake in my arms as I gather him close, depositing my seed
deep inside of him.

He pours his essence out, spraying the headboard, the wall, his chest, and
covering my hand. My weight causes me to collapse atop him, and we both
tumble to the bed, riding the crest of our orgasm.

I feel his heart pounding in his chest as I clutch him to me as if he were
a lifesaver thrown to a drowning man. Each throb echoes the throbbing in my
chest, putting us in perfect synchronization.

"I love you, Greg," I whisper in his ear, as I snuggle close. I am still
buried deep in him, the pulsing of my dick not wanting to subside.

"God, if I didn't love you, I love you now. You are a master with this
thing," he says, giving my dick a squeeze. I slowly begin to slide from
him, feeling the flood of my love escape as I slid free.

"If I were a woman, I'd probably would have gotten pregnant today," Greg
teased. "Surely, you would have shaken a few eggs loose," he chuckles.

"Well, I think someone challenged my masculinity," I say, "so I had to show
them what a real man can do."

"Oh, you're definitely all man," he says, turning in my arms and palming my
dick.

"Come on," I say, "I do believe that we need to shower. Seems that that
someone that I was talking about earlier has made me a sticky, sweaty, and
funky."

Instead of a shower, we climb into the spacious tub where Greg takes the
time to gently wash my hair. By the time he had rinsed, he had brought me
off again. There is something so erotic about a man's hands massaging your
head, upper and lower.

We go down to the dining room for breakfast. They have a buffet, but we
decided to order.  We had just taken the first sip of coffee when a rather
handsome man sidled up to the table.

"Excuse me, but aren't you Gregory Jefferson," he asks.

"Yeah.Bruce? Bruce Whitaker?

"Man, it's so good to see you. What has it been? Five? Seven years?"

"Seven," Greg answers, standing and giving him a hug.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Bruce Whitaker, may I introduce Dave Welsh."

"Nice to meet you Dave," he says, extending his hand. "So, you home to
visit the folks?"

"Yeah. You?"

"Same here. Needed to get away from Boston for a while. Look, I have an
appointment in a little bit. Would you like to get together for dinner?
Kind of catch up on our lives? Here's my card. My cell is on there. Give me
a call, and we can set something up. Gotta run. Call!" And he was gone.

"Well.who's Bruce Whitaker?" I ask, "and should I be jealous?"

"Oh, Bruce?" Greg fumbles, looking at the card. "We used to be best friends
when we were growing up. He lived on the property across from us. His
family is extremely wealthy. As a matter-of-fact, they own the jewelry
store where you spent that ridiculously large amount of money.

He was the kid that was good at everything: academics, sports, girls.you
know, the guy most likely to do everything! But, he considered me his
friend, for some reason. He got me my first blowjob."

"He was a good friend, wasn't he?"

"I didn't say he gave me my first blowjob. I said he got me my first
blowjob."

"So, you gonna call him?"

"You wanna have dinner with him?"

"I don't think I was invited."

"But."

"No, that's okay. You guys would have more fun alone, anyhow. You don't
need me along, having to explain each memory. Go on! Have a good time. I
can stay home with the children."

"You sure? I would like to see what he's been up too."

"Of course I am. Do I say anything I don't mean?"

************************************************************************************************************************************************

We got to his parent's place around two. Penelope and Dean were busy
enjoying the children. Dean had them down on the beach playing in the waves
that lapped at the shore.

"Your father is like a new man," Penelope says, taking us by the arm. We
walk into the family room that overlooks the shore. "I haven't seen him
this energetic in years," she laughs.

"I hope they weren't too much trouble last night, Penelope," I ask.

"Not at all, Dave. After we got back home, we played, had dinner, took our
baths, and they were asleep by 9:30."

"9:30! Mom, that's way past their bedtime."

"Baby, we're grandparents. We're suppose to break the rules. That's what we
do!" she says, raising her arms. "We could be drummed out of the
grandparent's union, otherwise."

"Oh, you think it's funny, huh? Just wait until we come knocking on your
door in the middle of the night so they can. play," he laughs.

"So, did you two have a nice evening?"

"Very nice," Greg says, extending his left hand.

"Wow! That is some piece of jewelry you have on.you both have on! Is there
something you want to tell me?"

"Penelope? I guess I need to ask for your son's hand in marriage?" I turn
to Greg as I say the next words. "I love him so deeply. He's my world. I
can't see a day beginning without him being in it. I want to grow old with
him, sitting on a porch swing somewhere watching our grandchildren playing
in the yard.

I'll never deliberately hurt him, or cause him anguish. And I promise,
he'll never have want of anything."

"Greg, he's so cute!" she says, pinching my cheek.

"Mom!"

"Okay, well, I have to talk this over with Greg's father before I can give
you an answer, but I'm in your corner. Do you love him, Greg?"

"This is so weird, but yeah, mom, I do. I really do. I have never felt so
safe, secure, protected, and loved since I was under this roof."

"I can see you're happy, baby," she says, cradling his face. "And," she
takes my hand, "I can see who makes you happy."

"How do you think Dad is going to take this?"

"Well, I don't know. I've never heard Dean say anything derogatory about
people, other than obnoxious and ignorant people. And I guess bigots fall
into that category. He might be a little confused, but I'm sure he'll be
here for you-both of you."

Just then, the door opens, and the three of them come in. "Hi, son. Hi,
Dave.  I thought I saw that van of yours up here." The children run to us
and we sweep them in our arms, giving them hugs and kisses.

"Were you guys good?" Greg asks Micah, who's in his arms.

"You didn't give grandma and grandpa too much trouble, did you?" I ask
Robin, who's in my arms.

"They were no trouble at all," Dean interjects. "We have been having a
grand old time. So, did you have a good evening?"

"I'll say they did," Penelope says. "Dean, Dave has something to ask of
you."

"This is so silly. I'm." I hold my hand up to Greg requesting his silence.

"Dean, I've already spoken to Penelope. I've always been a very direct
person, so I'm going to get right to the point." I take a deep
breath. "Dean, I love your son, more than words can express. And I can't
imagine a day without him in my life.

Last night, I asked Greg if he would commit to me, and he said yes. My
world would be complete if we can do this with your blessing."

He looks at us, then at the children playing on the floor (with a number of
new toys, I note). "I guess that your saying yes means that you feel this
is a good idea," he asks Greg, who nods his head.

"Have you thought of the obstacles that you'll be facing? In life? In
business? With your neighbors? With society, in general. Many people do not
agree with your chosen lifestyle, some even to the point of violence.

Can you handle that? Can you keep yourselves, and the children, safe from
those people?"

"Dean, life doesn't have any guarantees. I'm the first witness to
that. But, we have an advantage. We have money. We can afford security and
comfort that should let us lead normal lives. We will be happy. All we want
is for you and Penelope to be happy for us."

"How do your parents feel about this?"

"We haven't told them yet, but they love Greg, and they love me. And they
adore the children. My father told us before we left to just be happy, and
nothing could make me-us-happier than to be united for life."

"It seems as if this has already been decided. If that's the case, you'll
get no argument from me. Welcome to the family, son." He stands and
embraces me. I can feel the power and love pour from him."

"Thank you, Dean. This means so much to us."

"Well.do I have to pay for the wedding, or are your parents paying for the
wedding?" Dean asks, with a chuckle.

"Neither, Dad. Dave and I can afford to pay for our own ceremony and
reception."

"Have you decided when and where?" Penelope asks. "The grounds are lovely
here."

"Thanks, Penelope. But, we don't want to put you guys out. Besides, we
would have legal trouble here in this state."

"You're going to have trouble in most states, son. The government doesn't
recognize same-sex unions. It's a shame, too. I think that love should be
supported under all circumstances.

When are these so-called Bible reading, scripture spouting bigots going to
stop making themselves God and let God do what he wants to do. And what he
wants is for all of us to learn to live together in harmony and love. How
can we go to heaven with hate and judgment in our hearts? And when will we
stop trying to think for God?"

"Very well put, dear," Penelope says. "So, what's up for today?" she
continues, changing the subject. Dean was beginning to go off on one of his
tangents.

"Well, I ran into Bruce Whitaker earlier. He's home visiting his
parents. And he invited me out to dinner."

"Just you?" Penelope asks. "What about your fiancé? Are you just going to
abandon him."

"Mom," I interrupt, "it's okay. Greg explained his relationship, and I'm
perfectly okay with him having dinner with Bruce. The kids and I will just
have dinner."

"Here. You'll have dinner here."

"Penelope, we'll be alright. It will give us a chance to play."

"Oh, I was hoping we could keep them another night. After all, you guys are
leaving tomorrow, and."

"Dad. Mom. If you would like them to stay again, I guess that would be
okay, if it's okay with you, Dave?"

"Sure, that's fine. I just don't want them to tire you out. We're going to
be needing you for summers, Easter vacations, and such in the future. Don't
want to wear out their welcome," I joke.

Penelope playfully taps me on the arm. "Another wiseass. You two are
perfect together."

"Yes we are," Greg says, kissing me. I give Dean a sideways glance to see
his reaction. He appears just a little uncomfortable, but he doesn't say
anything. Got to give him credit, he is trying.

Greg gives Bruce a call, and they make a date for later that evening, then
we have a glorious visit with Mom and Dad.

About 5:30, we head back to the hotel so that Greg can get ready for his
date. "So, what are you going to do while I'm out?"

"Think I'll call room service, and have that cute bellman come up for some
special dessert."

"Perv!"

"What? Didn't you think he was cute?"

"He's alright, if you like that kind of guy. He slips on a pair of dark
blue slacks with a gray shirt and a dark blue tie. It plays with the color
of his eyes.

"Dressed, or undressed, you take my breath away," I say, giving him a kiss
as he turns from the mirror.

"I don't know how to answer that," he admits.

"Just accept the compliment. Have a good time. Enjoy your friend. I'm going
to take a shower, pour me a drink, and curl up with a good book. Now, get
out of here. Don't want you to be late." With a parting kiss, he heads out
the door.

*************************************************************************************************************************************************

 I enter the restaurant downstairs, and I see Bruce already waiting at the
table. I order a drink, and we settle down for a nice meal.

"So, Greg, you look good. Tell me what you've been up too."

"Well, I don't know where to begin. After high school, I went to Columbia,
and then onto Columbia Law.

I started my practice with Wright, Cooper, and Green."

"Very prestigious," Bruce interrupts.

".where I was until last month."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, I just resigned. I accepted a position with Paradise Cruise Lines."

"Oh yeah. What will you be doing?"

"I'm on a team that's developing a new resort for the line: Paradise
Island."

"I heard some buzz about that." We go on discussing PCL financial outlook,
corporate hopes, touching very little on my personal life.

"What about you," I ask, as we enjoy a cup of coffee. "Where are you now?"

"I'm in Boston. Like you, I am a lawyer. Capehart, Davis, and Young."

"Impressive, but you were voted the one most likely to succeed." The waiter
returns with his credit card, and we prepare to leave. I've had a great
time, and I feel as if I have my best friend back.

"Would you like to come up for a drink, and we can continue talking."

I think for a moment. "I shouldn't.."

"Aw, come on. I've enjoyed this evening, and I really don't want it to
end. I haven't seen you in so long."

Against my better judgment, I concede, and we go up to his room. It's not
as lavish as our suite, but it's okay for a single person.

"You were drinking gin and tonic. Right?"

"Yeah. Thanks."

"Make yourself comfortable." I sit on the divan in the room.

"So, are you married?" Bruce asks, as he hands me my drink, and sits on the
other cushion.

"No, I came close a few times, but never quite made it there. You?"

"No," he chuckles. "I'm not married. Could never find that special
someone."

"Hell, Bruce, we all thought that you'd take your pick from any one of the
many girls you were dating back in high school, and be settled down by
now. What was her name? Jennifer.Jennifer."

"Weeks? Jennifer Weeks?"

"Yeah, her. She was all over you like a cheap suit senior year."

"That's all she was: a cheap suit. But she could suck a dick."

"So, who's sucking you now?"

Bruce lets out a chuckle. "No one right now, unless you see something that
I don't." He pauses, look down at his crotch. "It's so good being here with
you again. I've thought about you often the past few years. I always asked
your Mom about you whenever I came home."

"Why didn't you ever call?"

"She gave me your number, but.I guess I was just too chicken. I planned to
call, but minutes turned into hours that turned into days and then
months. You know. There were times I really could have used a good friend
to talk to, you know?"

"Yeah."

"You could have called."

"You're right. But I plan on rectifying that in the future. I promise to
keep in touch, although I don't know what my schedule will be like with the
new job, but I plan to make time to have my best friend back in my life."

"Let me freshen up your drink," he says, taking my glass and going back
over to the bar. He pours another drink. I notice his is a little heavier
than the one he made for me. After handing it to me, he then walks over to
the sliding glass doors, looking out the window to the world outside.

"Have you ever been so distraught that you ever thought of ending it all?"
he asks. The question catches me totally off guard, but before I can
respond, he continues. "I have.

Does that surprise you?" He still hasn't turned from the window. "Here I
was, voted the person most likely to do.anything.and I had thoughts of
killing myself."

"Bruce, what are you talking about?" I ask, moving up behind him.

"You don't know, buddy boy. You don't know."

"Then tell me," I compel.

"Greg, you'd never understand."

"Try me. We are best friends, right? Best friends try to understand, and
support each other, right? Best friends help each other, right? Best
friends will go through hell and high water for each other, right? Now,
talk to me, please. You know I'd do anything for you. Always would have,
always will."

"Greg, you have no idea what you're saying! You can't make promises that
you can't keep!"

"Nothing is that bad, Bruce. I'm here for you man. Ask me anything."

He chuckles. "You know, there is something you could have done in the
eighth grade."

"The eighth grade?"

He sets his drink on the little table next to the window where I put mine
when I came up behind him. "This," he says. He takes my head in his hands
and brings his lips to mine. I open my mouth to protest, and he slides his
tongue between my lips. I can taste the flavor of the scotch he's drinking
in his mouth.

His arms envelope me, pulling me close to his body. I can feel the
beginnings of his hardening member as he presses his crotch into mine.

"I've wanted to do this since the eighth grade," he says.

"Bruce." He silences me by putting a finger to my lips. "Please, don't
talk. Just let me do this. I have dreamed of this moment for years. Please
don't deny me. I promise, just this one time, and you'll never have to see
me again. Just let me. You don't have to do anything."

He kisses me again as his hands begin to remove my tie and open my
shirt. He moans as he begins to caress the flesh of my chest, Spreading
open my shirt, his fingers find my nipples, pinching them, caressing them,
and bringing moans of pleasure from my throat as his hands run through the
hairs on my chest.

"Feels good, doesn't it? I promise to make you feel better." His hands
reach for the buckle of my belt, and soon my pants are in a puddle around
my ankles. His hand reaches for the swelling outline of my dick, stroking
it, bringing it to full hardness through the fabric.

"I've wanted to do this for so long," he says, dropping to his knees. His
trembling hands begin to lower my underwear. I knew I should stop him, but
there was such desperation in his pleading, that I didn't have the
heart. Besides, deep down, I knew that there was some part of me that
wanted this to happen. For a fleeting moment, I think of Dave, but all
thoughts dissipate as I feel his lips suddenly close over the head of my
dick, and he starts a gentle sucking motion. I realize that this is
something that I've wanted for so long just as Bruce has.

Bruce begins to lick and probe my dick, opening his mouth, and swallowing
as much as he can. He retreats as the head reaches the back of his
throat. I look down into his eyes, seeing the lust and desire there as he
stares back at me.

His fingers begin to play with and roll my nuts in his hand, bringing a
moan of pleasure from my lips.

He releases my swollen dick from his lips, much to my chagrin, and stands,
pulling me back into his arms. Then, with a gentle push, I stumble back and
land on the bed. Having my feet tangled in my pants helped.

Bruce removes my shoes, socks, and then pulls my slacks from my
legs. Briefly, I experience a fleeting moment of guilt, but that quickly
leaves my mind as Bruce reaches out and squeezes my hard shaft.

"I've wanted this for a long time," he says, his voice husky with lust.

He begins to disrobe. His nimble fingers begin to unbutton his shirt, and
soon his smooth flesh comes into view. My mouth waters as his pert, little
nubs come out of hiding, erect, bright red, and asking to be loved.

His body hadn't changed much in the years since I last saw him. He still
maintains the same muscular tone, and there isn't an ounce of fat on him. I
watch as he deftly unbuckles his pant, and slowly lowers his zipper, the
swell of his cock evident.

The pants drop from his hips, and I see the large wet stain that is coating
his shorts, his thick meat pulsating beneath the fabric. His thumbs hook in
his waistband, and he begins to lower them. Suddenly, I want to unwrap the
treasure, and I scoot to the foot of the bed.

I quickly remove his hands, and slowly peel back the fabric. His hairless
groin greets me, making me remember him as a boy, the boy, I realized, I
wanted long ago. A boy with man's dick.

I finish removing his shorts, rubbing my face in his crotch. I could hear
Bruce moan with the pleasure he was now feeling.

I lick from the base of his cock to the tip, tasting the honey that is
flowing freely. His dick is throbbing, pulsating hotly as I open my lips,
and bathe his head with my tongue.

"Shit! I'm close, man, real close," he moans. Hearing those words, I
swallow him whole. I want him to cum; I need to taste his cum.

His legs begin to tremble, and I feel him throb in my throat. Bruce cries
out and I feel him flowing into my body. We cling to each other for dear
life, me holding his legs, and him clutching my head as he bends over me
from the waist.

I manage to pull back so that his flavor is coating my tongue, filling my
mouth, before I swallow him inside. Finally, the throbbing meat ceases
spewing his load, and Bruce relaxes. I continue sucking, claiming every
drop that he has to offer.

My hands are squeezing the hard, tight globes of his ass. They are like
marble, smooth, round, and hard. I release his cock from my mouth. Bruce
jerks my head back, and plants his lips to mine, tasting himself.

He crawls up my body until those golden globes are directly over my cock. I
feel him begin to lower himself. "Do you have any lube?" I ask.

"Yeah. Give me a sec." He hops off and dashes to the counter next to the
bathroom sink. I can see his reflection as he lubes up his ass with
petroleum jelly that he has there. I see him shove two fingers up his ass,
coating the insides, preparing himself for my hot cock.

I watch as he takes a glob onto his fingers, and walks back to the room. He
looks into my eyes. Damn! This boy is hungry, I think.

He lifts my dick from its position on my stomach, and applies the jelly,
coating it, getting it ready for entry. I watch as he squats above
me. "I've wanted to try this for so long. I'm a virgin, but I want you to
have my cherry." With those words, he begins to lower himself onto me.

I hold my dick up, meeting resistance as he begins to settle. He stops,
apparent pain registering on his face. I stroke his thighs, urging him to
relax. "We don't have to do this," I say.

"Greg," he pants. "We've waited too long already." He begins to lower
himself more before he stops. He has about six inches planted. He begins to
rock back and forth, pushing more of me into him on each downward thrust
until I am firmly seated in him. He stops again, in order to let himself
adjust.

Sweat has broken out on both our bodies. Bruce leans over until his lips
are inches from mine. "It feels so good," he moans, "just like I knew it
would. Now, fuck me!" he begs. "Fuck me. Make up for all those lost
years. Fuck me like the cunt you want me to be."

He begins to roll his hips, squeezing me deep, massaging my dick deep
inside of him. I can feel him milking me. I reach out and grab his swollen
dick, and begin to stoke it.

Bruce begins to bounce up and down. I can hear the sucking of his ass on my
phallus. Moan and groans of pleasure emanates from us. Bruce begins to
pinch my nipples, an erogenous zone. My hips begin to pound him, rising
from the bed on each upward thrust. His ass is so sweet; I know I'm not
going to last too much longer.

"Cum with me," I moan, thrusting harder into him. He meets me with hard
thrusts of his own. "I'm almost there."

"Me-too! Oh God! Oh God!" I can feel his muscles contract as I slam into
him one last time. I erupt with a fury into his ass, spilling my seed deep
within him. At the same time, I am being coated by his sperm as it lands on
my chin, my chest, streaking my body with his offering.

"You were wonderful," Bruce says as he cuddles me afterwards. I knew you
would be. That was the best! We should have done this years ago. I think I
have always loved you."

"I should have.we shouldn't have."

"No regrets," he says. At that moment, my left hand comes into view, and I
see Dave's ring on my finger.

"What have I done? Oh my God, what have I done?" I disentangle myself from
Bruce, quickly grabbing my clothes. Bruce, obviously confused, looks up.

"Greg, what is it? What's the matter?"

"I.I shouldn't have," I sob. "Oh God!"

"Greg? There is no shame in what we've done. Look, it was all my fault." I
could hear the worry and the shame in his voice. "It was me, Greg. I'm no
good. I should have killed myself long."

"NO!" I shout. "Don't you ever let me hear you say that again," I
warn. "It's not you, it's me." My voice is so soft I have trouble hearing
me. I begin to sob again, burying my face in my hands, one leg in my pants.

"Then, what is it Greg?" he asks. I see tears streaming down his face as he
kneels nude in front of me. "Talk to me," he begs. "Tell me what's going
on. Why are you so upset?"

I hold up my left hand, showing him the ring. "I am engaged, if he can
forgive me. I betrayed the love of my life.the guy I was with
earlier. Dave." I hang my head in shame.

"I didn't know."

"No, I don't blame you, Bruce. I was a major player in this. I could have
told you no-I could have left. I have no excuse."

"You don't have to tell him. This can be just our little secret. An itch we
scratched from our past. If you tell him."

"If I tell him, I will be honest," I whisper. "We don't have secrets from
each other. You didn't see him tonight. He helped me dress. He was happy
that we were getting together again after all these years. He even told me
to have a good time. How can I ask him to forgive me?"

"If he loves you."

"HE DOES LOVE ME!" I shout. "He loves me so much that he risked his life
for me. He loves me so much that he took me back after I abandoned him. And
how do I repay him? I betray him."

"Greg, you've got to get a hold of yourself."

"Will you put on some clothes?"

"Look, take a shower, and go home. This never happened. I will never
mention it, and I won't look for anything in the future. You go on with
your life. I'll go on with mine. You can tell."

"Dave."

".Dave, that we are too far apart to be close again. It was good seeing
each other again, but we now have little in common. Too much time has
passed. And, if you have to tell him, and you find that he can't forgive
you, just look me up. I will always have a place for you, just as it should
have been all these years."

I don't hear anymore he says as my mind fogs over. Bruce takes me by the
hand, and leads me to the bathroom. He washes me. I am sort of
catatonic. He helps me dress, and then, leads me to the elevator.

"I'm in Room 312. I'll be here for another four days. My door is always
open-for you." He presses the button to call the elevator. "If.if I never
see you again, I want you to know that I have no regrets about what
happened tonight. It was the greatest night of my life, and I'll always
treasure it."

The elevator opens, and he nudges me inside. I press the button. Nine
floors. Nine floors separated me from happiness and heartache.

I take a deep breath and slide the key in the lock, and open the door. The
lights are dim, but I can make out the prone figure of Dave lying on the
bed. He's been reading, evident by the book laying on his chest. He looks
so beautiful, so angelic.

I move over to the bed, just watching him sleep. I suddenly feel so
dirty. How could I betray him? How could I risk his love? I feel the tears
slowly slide down my cheeks.

I wipe my eyes with the backs of my hands. "Dave? Dave, baby," I call.

He stirs. "Hi honey, did you have a good.Greg, what's the matter?" he asks,
noticing my puffy, red eyes.

"Dave, sit with me. I have something to tell you."



Four Become Two: Chapter 23 [part 23 of 23]


I can see the worried look on Dave's face as I sat on the bed beside
him. How was I going to tell him this? How was I going to tell him that one
day after pledging my love to him, I weakened and slept with another man?

I have NO excuse. I wasn't weak, I wasn't drunk, and I wasn't even raped. I
volunteered. I volunteered!

"Greg? What's the matter, sweetheart? Is it one of the children? Your
parents? My parents? What?"

I took a deep gulp, looking for courage. "Dave, please hear me out before
you say anything, okay?"

Tears were starting to form in his eyes. They were already flowing from
me. "Greg, you're scaring me. What is it baby? Let me help you?"

"Dave, I love you."

"Oh, no. This is going to be bad," he says.

"Dave, I'm not sure how it happened, but I slept with Bruce tonight. We
went back to his room.for drinks.after dinner, and we got to talking." I
told him about Bruce saying that he had thought of suicide; and how I could
have helped him in the eighth grade; and then how he kissed me.

I told him how guilty I felt afterwards, and how Bruce suggested that we
just keep this away from you when I freaked out. "But I knew I couldn't do
that. I knew that I had to tell you. I'm not going to ask you to forgive
me. I can't forgive myself. I'm just going to ask you to start over again,
with me. Don't give up on us."

I waited for an answer. I had been talking with my head lowered, afraid to
look in his eyes. When I looked up, Dave was staring at me. Disbelief on
his face, tears flowing freely down his face. I hurt even more knowing that
I was the cause of those tears.

Dave took a deep breath, and walked into the bathroom, doing something we
rarely did. He shut the door.

"Dave? Baby? Can we talk about this?" I begged through the door. No
response. After about ten minutes of me pleading with him, the door opened,
and he walked out. He didn't even look in my direction.

I watched as he started to get dressed. "Dave, where are you going baby?"
He slipped his shoes on, grabbed his cell, and walked out the door. I
collapsed in a pile of tears, wondering what the future held, and wondering
how I could have ever done something so low.

*************************************************************************************************************************************

I don't remember the ride down in the elevator. I was numb. I walked out of
the hotel, and began to walk. There was no one around. I looked at my
watch. Midnight. "I slept with Bruce," I hear Greg say.

Great! I walked on, thinking about Greg, feeling the tears flow in rivulets
down my cheeks. I spot a neon light ahead, and realizing it was a liquor
store, I head there. "I slept with Bruce."  I grab a pint of the first
thing I saw, and walked out.

About three hundred yards down the road, I saw an entrance onto the beach,
and I stumbled out there. I sat on the cold sand, feeling the spray of the
surf around me. I laugh. It's not spray, but rain. Perfect! "I slept with
Bruce."

I unscrew the cap, and take a drink from the bottle. I should get out of
the rain. Water might weaken the liquor I chuckle. Whatever this is, I
reason, is getting me buzzed.

I look around, there is something like a pier behind me, and I move back to
it, just enough out of the rain to keep from being totally exposed. "I
slept with Bruce."

Why can't I get that phrase out of my head? I ask aloud. The bigger
question is WHY? Why would he cheat? What was it that was missing?

"I thought you loved me, Greg!" I scream, collapsing onto the sand, unable
to stop the tears, the rain beating on my back.

 **********************************************************************************************************************************

 Where is he? I ask myself. I goes to the window, and look out. There is a
steady downpour. When did it start raining? I didn't get a bit of sleep
last night, and Dave didn't come home.

Maybe he went to my parents. I could call, but if he's not there, then I'll
have to explain. How can I explain to them how much of a fuck up their son
is? I went to the telephone.

"Hello, front desk. This is Mr. Jefferson in room 1215. Do you see
Mr. Welsh in the lobby...Well, have you seen him in the last hour? This
morning? Well, thank you," I say, hanging up the phone. I decide to give it
a little while longer. I won't call Mom and Dad. If he's there, they'll
call me!

 **********************************************************************************************************************************

I am so cold when I wake up. And wet. There is a breeze blowing and it
sends a chill to my bones. "I slept with Bruce."  It hits me like a ton of
bricks, and I start to cry, again. Where I am finding the water?

He was so matter-of-fact. "I slept with Bruce."  I thought Greg loved
me. "Ha!" I laugh out loud. "You're such a fool."

I find the bottle that I was drinking from, and take a last swig from
it. "Well, if he wants Bruce, then he can have Bruce.

I begin to walk back to the hotel, the rain now is torrential. I am
completely soaked by the time I enter the building. I get some strange
looks from the guests as I move towards the bank of elevators.

I wait impatiently for the car to arrive. "Mr. Welsh?" I hear my name
called just as the doors open.

"David? What the hell happened to you?" I look up into the face of Bruce.

***********************************************************************************************************************************

"What do you want-Bruce?" The sarcasm is dripping heavily from my voice as
I struggle to stand in the elevator. He got back on with me. I felt so
fortunate to be the only other passenger with him.

"What happened to you?" he ask, innocence flickering in his eyes.

"Oh, are we playing stupid now? Or are you forgetting you had my
boyfriend's dick up your ass last night?"

"He-told-you?" he gulped.

"Yeah. How magnanimous of him, don't you think? How utterly PC to fuck
someone, and then tell."

"I'm sure it wasn't like that, Dave."

"Please, call me Mr. Welsh, but I guess we should be on a first name basis
since we're fucking the same guy." The elevator arrives at my floor, and I
stumble to the door to my suite.

I get the door open. "Honey, we're home!" I shout. Greg comes bounding from
the bedroom. He stops when he sees us. Bruce in his beautifully made
tailored suit, and I looking like a rag-a-muffin, dirty and soaking
wet. "Look who's come to fuck!" My world suddenly goes black as I pass out.

************************************************************************************************************************************

"Hi Mom.how are the kids?.You and dad aren't spoiling them too badly, are
you? Remember Dave and I have to live with them.I slept in kind of late
this morning.oh Mom, get your mind out of the gutter.anyway, did Dave drive
out for them?" I'm hoping against hop that she will say yes. "Okay, if you
see him before I do, tell him to give me a ring. I'll have my cell.Give the
kids a kiss for me and tell them I love them." At that moment, I hear the
door open. "Oh Mom, he's here. We'll be out to pick them up later.Gotta go,
mom. Love ya!"

I hang up, and run into the outer room. Surprise would be a
misstatement. There is Dave, looking like death warmed over, and Bruce!
"Look who's come to fuck!" he says, before he collapses.

Bruce helps me take him into the bedroom. He is soaking wet, and he smells
of alcohol. "Go draw a tub of water. Make it hot. He's burning up." I begin
to strip off his clothes.

I get him naked, and together, Bruce and I get him into the tub. Slowly,
Dave begins to come back around. I sit there on the side of the tub, a
washcloth in my hand, gently washing away the grime that covers his body.

"I'm so sorry," I whisper to him, tears streaming from my eyes. "I don't
know how I could have done what I did. I'm not going to ask you to forgive
me, because I can't forgive myself. I just don't want you to be
sick. Getting sick over me is not worth it. I'm not worth it!

I would give everything I own to take away the pain. You don't deserve
this. What did you do? You sent me out for a night of fun and remembrances
with an old friend. It was me! I'm the one that's no good.

Just say the word, and I'll leave you alone. I don't want to go, but rather
than cause you any more pain, I'll go." Tears are now flowing freely down
my cheeks. "I just love you so much. The happiest I've been."

"Greg?"

"Yeah, Dave?"

"Just shut the fuck up. I can't deal with this now," he says. I wasn't even
aware that he had heard me. He tries to move, to get out of the tub, but in
his weaken condition, that is impossible.

"Let me help you," I say, wrapping my left arm about him, and then
assisting him in sitting up.

With unsteady legs, he steps out of the shower. I help to dry him off, and
naked, he walks back into the bedroom. I didn't know Bruce was still
here. I look in his direction but don't acknowledge him as I crawl into
bed.

"Greg, sleep on the couch tonight, and tell Bruce that I want to talk with
him in the morning," he says. He is soon snoring lightly.

************************************************************************************************************************************

"I'm sorry," Bruce said as I came into the outer room.

"You have nothing to be sorry for, Bruce. The guilt belongs to me. I'm the
one who fucked up."

"But."

"Bruce, I am the one who broke the trust-again. I am the one who broke his
heart." I couldn't stop the tears that flowed. I sat on the chair. Bruce
continued to stand, allowing me the chance to cry the pain out.

"I need to order him some food. Who knows the last time he ate. He has a
little fever, so I'm going to get him some soup." I pick up the phone, and
dial for room service. I order Dave a bowl of soup, and a sandwich, as well
as had them brew a pot of tea.

"I'm going to go change, but I'll be back," Bruce says when the food
arrives.

"You don't have to."

"Yes, I do. Dave said that he wanted to talk with me, and I owe him
that. Besides," he says with a leer. "I might get the chance to see him
naked again, you lucky thing, you." I give him a half-hearted smile.

************************************************************************************************************************************

About fifteen minutes later, the door chimes sounded, and Bruce
reappeared. This time he was dressed very casually in a pair of lounging
pajamas and his robe and slippers. He was only wearing the bottoms to his
PJs, and I could see a splattering of hair on his perfectly formed chest.

"Why don't you fix us a drink?" he asks, "and then we can talk. Okay?"

"As long as we just talk. Remember, this is why I'm sleeping out here
instead of in there with Dave."

"I want to apologize again for my part in this," he says.

"I can't really blame you. It took the both of us. My guilt out-weighs
yours by a ton."

I go on, telling him about Dave and my history, being prompted further upon
his questioning. "So, these two women tried to have you killed?"

"Yeah, isn't that a trip? They both were arrested last September, Shelia in
Houston, and Annette in St. Thomas.

It took us months and months to finally get our children. When that
happened, it seemed that the world started to fall in place. On our way
back from St. Thomas with them, we received a call from Dave's father,
saying that he wanted us in Chicago, immediately!

Dave thought that this was the perfect opportunity to introduce them to the
children-our children, so we flew to Chicago. It's also the first time I
really got to see, or experience, Dave's wealth. I really had no idea."

"Really? You had no idea?"

"No! I knew that he had money. Christ! He has his own private jet. But,
Bruce, he's filthy. He grew up on Lake Shore Drive, in a tree-story
penthouse apartment that occupies the top three floors of a 30-story
building.

We visited PCL Headquarters, which is on a lower floor."

"Why did his Dad want to see him? What was so urgent?"

"I don't know if you read the papers, or if you saw the news, but PCL
announced that they were developing a new resort, Paradise Island? Well,
Dave's dad has convinced the board and the stockholders that this project
is important enough to be handled personally. He has such respect and has
made the company so much money with his visions that they trust his
judgment.

He asked Dave, his brothers, Rich and Jeff, and me to head the
project. Rich is an architect; Jeff is an engineer; Dave and I are lawyers;
so, he figures he has sensible people at the helm.

"I'm sensible, alright," I add, somewhat crestfallen. "How could I do this
to him? I've fucked up once again."

The ringing of Dave's cell phone interrupts my thoughts.

"Yeah?" I say, answering the phone.

"Jeff? He's sleeping.what? When.Okay, we're coming.As soon as Scott can get
here.See you in a couple of hours."

"What's the matter, Greg? You're as white as a ghost!"

"That.that was Jeff, Dave's brother. Robert and Mavis.they're missing."

"Who are Robert and Mavis?"

"Dave's parents.they're missing."

"Oh God!"

"I have to tell him. We have to go! Let me call Scott first."

I speed dial Scott's number from Dave's cell. I look over at the
clock. 4:45 a.m. "Scott? This is Greg.Greg Jefferson. I hate to waken you,
but it's an emergency. We need you to fly us to Chicago as soon as
possible. It's Dave's parents. They are missing.we are in Maryland.Yeah,
there's an airport near here, in New Castle.Okay.see you at seven."

I then call Mom and Dad to see if they can watch the children. Of course,
they had no problem with that.

I then went in to tell Dave. "Dave? Dave, honey. Wake up." He groggily
opens his eyes. I can see the pain in them, and it forces me to look away.

"What's the matter? The children?" he asks.

"No, no, the children are fine. I just spoke with Mom. It's your parents
Dave, Bob and Mavis.they're missing."

"Missing? What do you mean, they're missing?"

"Jeff called. I don't know all the details, but they're plane was flying
over the mountains of upstate New York. There was an unexpected storm.Dave,
the plane went down."

"We've got to go.do you think Penelope and Dean."

"I've already called them, and Scott too. He's meeting us in New Castle. At
seven."

He jumps up from bed. I can't help but get a twinge of lust as I see his
naked body. He does that to me. Bruce is also looking, I notice, as Dave
tosses his robe over his shoulders. It is then he notices Bruce.

"Bruce? What are you doing here?"

"You asked me to stay. I'm sorry about your parents. Is there anything I
can do?"

"Yeah, Bruce. Can you drive us to the airport?" Greg asks. "I don't think
either of us should be driving."

"No problem. Let me go change." He dashes out the door. I look at Dave. His
face is showing mixed emotions right now.

"We're too emotional to be driving," I answer his unasked question. Without
a response, he turns and goes into the bathroom.

************************************************************************************************************************************

Within an hour, we were on our way to the airport with Bruce behind the
wheel. I had packed a couple of items in a bag, and made arrangements with
the hotel to reserve our rooms, indefinitely. Almost immediately, I began
to feel drowsy, and Dave permitted me to lay my head on his
shoulder. Having him near me again soon had me entering slumber land (since
I hadn't been to sleep it was easy).

We had been traveling about fifteen minutes when Bruce spoke, "Dave?" he
said, looking in backseat at us using the rearview mirror, "this may not be
the right time, but I may never have this opportunity again.

I want to personally apologize for causing you-the two of you-pain. I had a
plan in mind to seduce Greg the moment he agreed to have dinner with me. In
my defense, I did not realize that you were a couple. Actually, I think I
have wanted him all my life. It was just a fantasy fulfilled, but it showed
me what I've been needing to know all these years.

I've come to some hard conclusions since then. I am gay! I've never
experienced anything as wonderful as the pleasure that Greg gave me. And
I've never felt as much guilt as I feel knowing that I may have done
something to hurt you.

I hope that you won't let this come between the two of you. You have
something that I want to attain-a loving, caring relationship."

"Bruce, I respect what you just said, but my relationship with Greg,
frankly, is none of your business."

"That's true, but I care about him too."

"Look, what happened hurt-it hurt a lot, especially since the night before
we pledged our love to each other, and exchange promissory rings in
anticipation of a commitment ceremony. Don't think that I'm going to throw
that away, but right now I'm hurt, and I'm in mourning-grieving the loss of
some of the trust that it has taken so long for us to rebuild.

And I'm questioning myself. What made it so easy for Greg to fall into your
bed-and not mine? What were you offering him that I wasn't? Does he really
love me, and want me as he says he does?"

"I'm so sorry," Greg says, sobbing.

"Greg, I didn't know you were awake."

"I'm sorry, baby. I just put myself in your shoes. I feel the pain that
you're feeling-truly, honestly. It hurts so much. You should hate me. I
hate me. I am so disappointed in me. How can I ever ask you to forgive me?"

"I do forgive you Greg, but."

"It's a matter of trust," he concludes. "How to trust me again is the
issue. I promise to spend the rest of my life rebuilding that trust. I
promise to never take you for granted-again!"

I truly believed what Greg just said. There was so much sincerity in his
voice that it made my heart ache. I loved him so much. I pulled him closer
to me. This didn't seem to pass Bruce's eyes, and a smile formed at the
corner of his lips. At mine, too.

"Does this mean that we can be-just friends?" Bruce asks.

"I won't promise, Bruce, but I'll try," I answer.

"I understand, Dave. But I'll understand if."

"Let's try. Hey, we all need friends." He nods.

We would weather this storm as we face a new one on the horizon.

****************************************************************************************************************************************

 "So Bruce, what have you got planned for the next few days," I ask,
noticing the surprised look on Greg's face.

"Well, after I take the van back to the rental agent, I don't know, I
thought I'd just hang around town for a few more days. I don't have to be
back at the firm for another two weeks. I should do some work on the
reunion plans."

"Why don't you come with us to Chicago?"

"Dave," Greg interjects, "maybe Bruce would rather stay here." The
Gulfstream had not landed yet, but it should be momentarily. I had received
a call from Scott telling me he was on approach.

"I couldn't go with you.I'd be in the way, what with all you will be
doing. Anyway, wouldn't it be kind of awkward?"

"Bruce, if we're going to get past this, and be friends, we should get to
know one another better. I don't mean like you and Greg know each other."
They both blush with embarrassment. "But on a more-casual-term," I
continue.

"What about my clothes-and the hotel room?"

"That's not a problem. Come on, climb aboard," I urge. "We can have your
clothes packed, or just go shopping. And the room can be put on hold."
Again, I urge Bruce to climb aboard, and he relents.

************************************************************************************************************************************


Bruce gushed over the plane, after all, she is a sight to behold. Once
airborne, I urged Greg to give him a tour.

It wasn't long before we were landing at Midway. As always, Scott had
called for a car, and soon we were in the elevator taking us to the
penthouse.

Sadie met us at the door. I had never seen her so down, or so
quiet. Shortly after heartfelt hugs to Greg, and me we introduced her to
Bruce.

"Where are the babies?" she asked.

"My parents are taking care of them for us Sadie," Greg answered.

"Well, I guess they are better off. I was just hoping for a little
distraction, now I'll have to focus all of my attention on all of you."

"Uh oh, looks like were in for some heavy mothering," Jeff said as we
walked into the foyer. He immediately embraced me, and then Greg. I could
feel the tension in his body.

"They're going to be alright," I said to him.

"Yeah."

"Little Bro, I'd like to introduce Bruce Whitaker. Bruce is an old friend
of Greg's who we ran into in Delaware. Bruce, this is my younger brother,
Jeffrey Welsh." They shake hands, holding on a little long, I notice.

"Nice to meet you," Jeff says.

"Same here," Bruce answers, looking into Jeff's soft brown eyes. "I just
wish the circumstances were better."

"Yeah, me too."

"Come on, y'all. Breakfast is ready," Sadie says, coming into the room. No
one really had an appetite as we sat there listening to Jeff recount the
details that he knew.

Mom and Dad had gone to Vermont to visit her sister and family, Aunt Mabel,
and everything was fine, as far as he knew. They had only been airborne for
a short while when the tower at Montpelier received a distress call from
their plane.

Apparently, they had a leak in their fuel tank, and that there was
something wrong with the instrument panel. A sudden storm had arisen,
producing heavy snow and lightning. The lightning had struck the plane,
disabling the instruments. The pilot radioed his position as best he knew,
but so far a search of the area so far had failed to locate them. "We just
have to be patient and wait.

"Some guy named Bryan Lane wanted me to tell you that he was there, and
that he'd let us know as soon as he knew something," Jeff said.

"Bryan is there?" I asked.

"I guess so," Jeff answered.

"Who is Bryan Lane?" All of us turn as Rich and Betsy come into the
room. "Well?"

"Bryan was one of the detectives that assisted us with Shelia and Annette,"
Greg answers Rich. "Hi Rich. Hi Betsy."

"Hi everyone," they say simultaneously. "Who are you?" Rich continues.

"This is Bruce Whitaker. A friend of Greg's." We were surprised that the
introduction came from Jeff.

"Oh, nice to meet you, Bruce. My wife, Betsy," he says indicating Betsy.

"Nice to meet both of you, but I wish the circumstances were different," he
answers.

"So, what do you know?"

Once again, Jeff recounts the events as best he knew, filling in Rich and
Betsy. "You two look like shit," Rich comments, when Jeff finishes. "And is
the honey.is there honey in the kitchen?" he continues, obviously changing
his train of thought in the process.

I glare at him rather openly. I hate the way he subject-hops, and his smug
attitude. "I'm tried. I'm going to bed. Bruce, make yourself at home. I'm
sure everyone here will make you comfortable." I head off towards my
room. I soon hear footsteps behind me. I know it's Greg.