Date: Wed, 29 Oct 2003 09:59:29 -0800
From: Steve Thomas <s4d@hotmail.com>
Subject: Rob, Chapter 16

This is a fictional story. It is based on the few experiences and many
fantasies of the author. If you are really into graphic sex, it may not
satisfy your purpose for coming here. If you like to hear of real love
and real teen angst, with a little sex thrown in, you are in the right
place. There may be some amount of graphic sex between males. If this is
objectionable to you, or you are legally too young to be here, you are
cordially invited to press your back button.

Characters:

Robert E. Lee Balser

Denny (Dennis Andrew Miggs), 20

Robert F. Balser, Rob's dad

Donna Balser, Rob's mom.

Roger, Rob's attorney

Nana, The Balser's housekeeper

Garth Roth, 22

Randy Small, 24

Bob, Denny's Brother 3 years older

Gail, Bob's wife

Jack, Denny's oldest brother, 9 years older

Emma, Rob's boss.

Jack's son's, Jacky, Bobby and DennyToo

James Miggs, Denny's dad

Carol Miggs, Denny's mom,

Ray, Denny's dad's Deputy D.A. friend

Tad Newliegh, the new roomie

Jacob Smith, Rob's former "Landlord"

Linda Smith, Jacob's wife

Chris & Craig, partners, Rob's roomies.

Seth, Chris's Brother

Luke, Seth's partner.

Etta, The Smith's housekeeper

Donny, Works with Rob

Timothy -- Donny's brother

Rod -- the flight attendant

James (Red) Rod's friend

Carrie Smith, Jake's sister

From Chapter 15:

That night in bed, after we did a good bit of celebrating of our own, we
were just lying there, enjoying the afterglow, Denny's head on my chest.

"That was pretty incredible sex, Robby! Especially considering all you
had on your mind."

"I'm pretty good with compartmentalizing."

"What were you thinking when he came back with that drink?"

"Heh! You saw me thinking?"

"Yeah -- and then you seemed to be okay with it."

"More compartmentalizing. I was thinking: this party was on me. We were
at a pretty high-end establishment. All he had to do was order what he
wanted from the waitress. But maybe he thought he was going to be taking
enough charity, and at least he could buy his own drink. But the rest of
us weren't drinking, so why did he feel a need to? Things like that. All
that in a quick moment. And then I told myself, this was a party -- I had
already decided to live with -- to make the best of -- the situation, so
I let it go."

"Man, you could sure teach me a lot about that kind of dealing with
situations!"

"Oh, I will! The main thing is to learn to live each day -- in that day.
Don't worry about the future, and especially don't worry about the past
-- you can't change the past. That's why I stepped outside tonight. I
was really beating myself up -- questioning why I did what I did. But the
fact is -- I did it! I invited an almost total stranger into our home --
for three months -- for nothing. But once it was done, I -- er -- sorry,
Sweetie but -- WE have to deal with it."

I expected some response, and when there was none, I noticed that he was
very relaxed. I looked down and his eyes were closed. Heh! I had put him
to sleep with my worries! God! I love this boy!


Chapter 16

I could easily have put a sofa/bed in my office, but I decided that James
could sleep on the couch. That would make it more uncomfortable for all
of us -- but the idea was to encourage him to get a place of his own --
and/or a job that could support it.

About two weeks after he moved in -- two days before Christmas Eve -- I
came home from work to find him in my bedroom, on my bed - - with my BOY!
They were both asleep! It was late afternoon and I had worked a few
minutes late. I went over and gently shook James.

"Mmm? OH! Rob!" he said, startled. "Uh -- sorry, I -- er -- we fell
asleep!"

Then Denny woke up. He smiled his wonderful sleepy smile. "Hi, Robby!"

"What's going on?" I asked evenly. To be fair, they were on top of the
covers and fully clothed.

"We were just talking. I don't know which one of us drifted off first."

"Oh! Rob, we never -- I mean we didn't - -" James started to stammer. He
didn't look so sleepy.

"I know you didn't, James. I know Denny better than that."

I WAS upset, but I didn't let it show -- much. I added, "Just to be safe
-- uh -- let's not do this again, okay? If you want or need to talk, do
it in the living room."

"K." They said in unison. When James got up, there was a distinct wet
spot in the front of his pants. He tried to hide it, but they were pants
that showed it very well. He nearly ran out to the living room.

After James left the room, I closed the door and went to change clothes.
As casually as I could, I whispered, "Did you see his pants?"

"N -- no, wh- what - - ?"

"They had a very plain cum stain in the front -- assuming he doesn't wet
his pants. Denny, either he was jacking off just as I got home, or he had
a wet dream. Either way, I think he may like you a little more than I am
comfortable with."

"Well -- WOW! I never got that impression. I - "

"No, you wouldn't have. But please believe me -- it's too easy to get
into a compromising position -- and then give in to your passions --
and/or your horniness. I know, Sweetie I've had it happen. I went to
pick up a friend -- Lenny -- to take him to the Hospital when Seth was in
there. We were early, and stopped to talk. Before I knew it we were
kissing -- passionately! I wasn't attached -- but he was -- at least
informally. But neither of us planned that. It just happened."

"Rob, I would never - "

"Sweetie, it's easy to say that -- All I am asking is that you be
careful. Not being careful got my own little Seth into trouble. He almost
lost Luke over it."

He looked at the floor. "Okay. But - "

I put my finger on his lips. "Shhh." I said, as I replaced my finger with
my lips. "Let's leave it here, Baby." I said and then kissed him deeply.
When I withdrew my face tears were in his eyes.

"I didn't mean to worry you, Robby! I'm so sorry."

There was no more to be said. We went out to the living room, and James
was fixing some dinner from leftovers. He had a talent for that! We had
never discussed Christmas with him. "Where are you going for Christmas,
James," I asked, "to your parents?"

"Naw -- they're in Idaho. Too far to travel. I've been invited to a
friend's place."

I wasn't sure what to do. I was pretty sure he was lying. I was pretty
sure he had no place to go. We were going to Santa Barbara. I couldn't
ask him along. As soon as I got Denny alone, he said, "I'm sure my mom
won't mind one more on Christmas day. With my brothers and their
families -- and your parents -- one more won't really make any big
difference."

"He may be embarrassed when we do the gift exchange." I said.

"We don't have anything for him!" Denny said.

"Actually I got something from each of us -- if he offers something. I
don't want to embarrass him."

"YOU bought something from me?" Denny said, surprised.

"You don't mind, do you?" I said, realizing immediately he DID mind.

"Naw -- it's okay."

"Did you want to get something for him?"

"Well, yeah! I am growing to like him."

"Well -- okay, go ahead." I said.

"Rob?"

"Yeah?"

"Um -- Well - "

"Denny -- you can tell me anything!"

"I know! It's just -- I -- um -- I think I have the perfect present for
Red. But it's pretty expensive. It's just -- I'm sorry but, now that I
know you can afford it - "

"Well, I'm sorry, Babe, but I kinda have to hold the veto power in cases
like this. What was it you wanted to get him -- and how much?"

"Well, first of all, you better sit down."

"Why?" I asked.

"Because when I tell you how much it is, you may fall down!"

"I can take it! How much is it?"

He hesitated for a good 15 seconds, and finally squeaked out, "Twenty-two
hundred dollars."

I sat down! "Wow. Boy, you caught me by surprise there!"

"I knew you wouldn't like it!"

"Well, that is quite a lot, but -- what is it?"

"That's how much it would be for first and last at a place he looked
at!"

"Oh! He found a place for only $1100 per month?"

"It's pretty basic, but he'd have his own place. And, Rob, he'd be out
of here!" Denny said.

"Denny, that's a piece of genius! Only -- um -- maybe we can modify that
proposal a little."

"Uh -- huh. How?"

"Well, I think, that if he is honorable, he won't want to accept it as a
gift. I think we should give him our separate presents, and then give him
that as an open-ended loan. I don't care if he ever pays it back. But he
needs feel responsible. I'll tell him that it needs to be paid back, but
to take his time. How does that sound?"

"That sounds great to me." He looked up at me with glassy eyes.

"What is it, Baby?" I asked.

"<SIGH>! We -- uh -- weren't' exactly doing nothing when you got home."

My heart sank. NO! This couldn't be! I just looked at him. I was too
stunned to even cry. "Maybe -- maybe - " My voice caught. "Do you want to
tell me about it."

"Yeah. I think if I don't, your mind may make of it than what it was.
It's bad enough as it is!" Then he broke down. "Oh Rob, I love you so
much! I would never -- I mean I guess I DID, but please, I -- I feel --
terrible. And when you nearly caught us and were so sweet about it -- I
couldn't hold it back!" He started to sob. "I don't wanna lose you!"

"Denny, you haven't told me yet what you did -- or think you did."

He got control of himself. He took several huge gulps of air as he was
telling me.

"When I got home from school, James wasn't here. He was out looking at
that place. I was lying on the bed looking at my English Lit book. I
wasn't really reading it. I was half-asleep. He knocked at the door and
came in:

`Dude! I may have found a place!' he said to me

`Really?' I answered. `Wow! I was just getting used you being here.
I'm going to miss you.'

`Really? Well, I can't move in immediately, anyway. I haven't got the
first and last. But they have two, and one won't be vacant until next
month. By then maybe I can get the money together, somehow. I may find
someone to borrow it from -- or something.'

Denny now started to cloud up again. "Rob, I feel so stupid -- like such
an idiot! Anyway, he then looked deep into my eyes and said,

`Dude, I wish you were going with me!'

I said, `Well, yeah, I know, but Rob and I really have to stay here.'

`Not Rob -- just you! I mean I know you and Rob are like -- attached,
but if you weren't, I'd definitely want you to move in with me.' I was
speechless, Rob. I just didn't know what to say. It never occurred to me
that he would want ME! He looked deeply into my eyes, and before I knew
it we were kissing!"

It was like a sword went right into my heart! I sat there and stared
stonily back at him. I wanted to offer some kind of consolation to him,
because he was so distraught, but I just didn't have enough for both of
us. He continued:

"Oh my God, Rob, don't look at me like that! God knows I deserve that --
and more! <SIGH!> Well, I'll finish."

Oh no! There's more?

"Rob, I broke the kiss. And we gazed into each other's eyes for what
seemed like an eternity. I closed my eyes. Already I felt terrible. I
decided to pretend to be asleep. I don't know if that was such a good
idea. I felt the bed gently moving. I barely opened my eyes and he was
masturbating, looking at me! I watched him slowly stroke it until he
started to take deep -- though quiet -- gulps of air. He quickly put it
into his pants and continued to rub it until that wet spot showed. Then
he rolled over and seemed to go to sleep. After that, I went to sleep,
too. Next thing I knew, you were talking to Red."

I was still so stunned I didn't say anything. I looked at Denny for a
long time then I looked at the floor.

"Please, Rob, say something!" Denny pleaded. "Yell at me -- hit me --
anything! But don't just sit there looking disappointed! Well, okay, I
guess have reason to being disappointed. Say something1"

"What do you expect me to say? I just told you that I was in a similar
situation as James was in recently. So I can't really be too incensed at
him. Denny, maybe -- maybe I'm expecting too much from you. You are so
young. Maybe you're not ready for commitment yet!"

"NOOooo, Robby! NOOooo!" His tears were tearing me up! But my practical
side kept talking.

"Denny -- Babe -- maybe you SHOULD move in with Red. Maybe you're too
young to make a commitment like this."

"NOOooo!"

"I'll wait. As far as I'm concerned, you are the one for me. The only
one. But if you are not that sure, maybe you need time to work it out."

"Rob! Please! Don't talk that way! Please? I don't want anyone but
you." He flew into my arms. I looked deeply into his eyes. I could see
repentance there. I could see love. I could see resolve.

"Denny -- I love you more than I thought possible." After a big breath of
oxygen, I continued. "Let's go tell him about our loan idea right now."

"I gotta wash my face. But first," he ran to me and jumped in my lap.
"There'll never be anyone else but you for me. Never ever be. Just
couldn't be anyone else but you!"

It was pretty late at night, but we went out to the couch, where James
was sleeping. I motioned for Denny to sit. So we both sat right in front
of him.

I touched him. "Red?" I said gently.

"Mmm? Oh! What's up?"

"Actually we had an idea that couldn't wait."

"You want me to move out!" He said.

"Well, yeah -- but that was always the plan, right?" I started. "We want
you to spend Christmas day with our families, over at Denny's parents.
And we also want to give you a gift -- of sorts."

"Oh! Wow! I couldn't afford anything for you!"

"Well, this isn't exactly a gift -- only sort of. We want to loan you --
your first and last. Denny said how much you want this place you looked
at. Don't worry about paying it off immediately. Just pay it as you can.
No interest."

"Oh! Did Denny tell you how much it was, including the cleaning deposit?
2200 bucks!"

"I'll write you a check for it tomorrow." Now it was James's turn to be
stunned. Tears came to his eyes.

"Denny told you what happened, didn't he?"

"Yes."

"I'll leave now." He started to get up.

"And go where? Stay where you are!" I commanded.

"I can sleep in my car! It wouldn't be the first time!"

"It's too cold out there now. It's December 23rd, not the middle of
August."

"And you'd let me stay? After all I did?"

I was tempted to tell him my own similar experience, but for once good
sense prevailed. "Stay and then go to the place and give them your
deposit tomorrow."

"I can't move in until the first of the year."

"I think we can stand you for another week!" I said, and smiled.

He smiled back and said, "Thank you. I'll take you up on your offer. For
the loan, I mean. I feel a little funny about it, but it will get me out
of your hair. I'm so sorry about what happened. I don't have any excuse
besides loneliness."

"How about Christmas dinner?" Said Denny. "I know my mom would welcome
you."

"Naw, I think it's better if I find somewhere else. I'll be okay."

"Well," I said "if you change your mind - "

"Thanks."

The next afternoon we packed the small amount we could fit into the
Vette, and before we left, after mentioning it to Denny, I said, "Listen
James, you may as well sleep in our bed for the next couple nights.
We'll be in Santa Barbara tonight and Christmas Eve night, then only
home long enough to change some clothes and get down to Denny's
parents' place. Please, if you have nowhere else to go, consider coming
with us."

"Thanks. I'll be all right. You guys have fun with your friends."

The traffic wasn't too bad. It was the night of Dec. 23rd, so most of
the traffic would be tomorrow night. So we got there in plenty of time
for dinner. We were in communication via cell phone, so they expected us
for dinner. When we got there, they had put in a double inflatable bed
into Chris's room, because it is the biggest. I know that Seth was
disappointed. I guess I was a little too. I won't admit to lusting after
Seth, but I love when he cuddles up to me. Maybe it comes from being an
only child. Having a "little brother" of sorts is pretty special to me.

Etta fixed a simple supper for us all, and after chatting a bit with the
family a bit, we all went back up to the guest house. We were tired, but
we also wanted to talk and get caught up. Jake and Colin and their kids
were in the extra room, which is why Denny and I had to double up with
Chris and Craig. We sat around the living room, yakking until nearly 1:00
AM.

When we got into the bedroom with Chris and Craig, Chris grinned at me.
"What?" I said.

"Oh, I don't know. I guess all the time we have spent, sharing rooms and
even our timed orgasms together -- it was always -- umm -- you were not
gay then!" He grinned bigger and smiled at Denny.

Thinking I was picking up on something, I said, "You must have been
talking to Seth!"

"No. Why?"

"Oh! Well, it was -- heh -- we did something when we were here last
time."

Craig jumped in with, "You guys did it together? A foursome?" He was
grinning.

Denny got a humorous -- almost hopeful look on his face. "NO! Well, not
exactly." I turned red. I looked at Denny and his face hue matched my
own, but I could still see he was hoping.

"Not exactly?" Chris came back with. "And what `exactly' does that
mean.

"We -- erm -- we just did it on the same bed -- at the same time." I
answered.

"Oh! We've done that with Jake and Colin a few times!" Chris said. "We
probably would have again if we were not with you guys. Usually it's
Craig and Jake that push for it."

"But you know you like it!" Craig said, laughing.

"Yeah." Chris said.

Denny surprised the heck out of me! "Well, are we gonna -- do it --
tonight?" I didn't expect it from Denny! But it was what we all were
thinking!

So with an unspoken understanding, we locked the door and all of us piled
on Chris and Craig's king bed. In the dark, we had all taken off all our
clothes. Denny lay on his back next to Craig, and I was on top of Denny,
right next to Craig, under Chris. In the moonlight, I saw Craig and Denny
exchange grins. Then Denny pulled me down on his face and we kissed deep.
For a moment, it was as if we were alone.

Then I felt Chris's hip next to my own, grinding. At first I was
embarrassed, just as I was when we were with Seth and Luke. But Denny's
insistent tongue in my mouth quickly brought me back, and I kissed his
with renewed passion. When we broke, Denny looked over at our bedmates.
Chris was kissing Craig's neck. I decided to take lessons from the more
experienced Chris. So started to kiss Denny's neck and in tandem Chris
and I worked our way down, first to suck on their nipples. Chris sucked
on Craig's, then changed to the other. I was still sucking on Denny's
first, so Chris giggled and popped over and started to suck Denny's
other titty!

Denny laughed and pushed him away, then I dove for his other nipple. All
of them were giggling by this time so I gave in and laughed too. As Chris
kissed his way down Craig's chest and tummy, I followed suit. As Chris
was kissing the side of Craig's tummy nearest us, he laid his head on my
side, and caressed it -- on purpose -- with his hair. I finally relaxed
and decided to just enjoy it. Then both of us clamped on to their by now
raging hard dicks. Our eyes were locked as we stroked them in time with
each other. It was like an electric shock when Chris grabbed my hand,
squeezed it and then locked arms with me. I noticed then that Craig had
already done this with Denny.

By this time, both Chris and I were going like a couple of well-driven
pistons. Denny started to take big gulps of air and Craig reached over
and grabbed my head, effectively slowing me down. He said, "Wait for us!"

I immediately understood and just went slow enough to drive Denny crazy.
Then I could hear Craig start to pant heavier, and Craig made louder
sound and pushed my head. Both of us started to pump like crazy, and I
felt the excitement rise to a fever pitch. Just then, Craig put his
outside arm over and pulled Denny's head close to his, and started to
kiss him. Filled with passion as he was, he kissed him back, almost
desperately, as both started to moan then cry out from pleasure.

When we were finished, Denny in Craig's arms and I was by now kissing
Chris, and mingling their juices between ourselves. Then we climbed up
and kissed our waiting lovers, giving us all a taste of the result of
love and passion. Chris's and my arms were still locked and Denny's and
Craig's arms were around each other, as well as their legs were crossed
under each of Chris and mine. It was hot, but somehow not uncomfortable.

"That was amazing!" Denny said. I was thinking the same thing, but
wouldn't have admitted it out loud if someone else didn't first. I was
almost appalled that I did it -- and even moreso that I -- liked it! I
did admit that -- at least to myself.

Then Craig said, "Well, didn't you guys want to get off too?" Again, I
would have been satisfied to stop there, but Denny said, "

YESss! You have to cum, too!"

"Rob, I know you are a bit more conservative than any of us are here."
Chris started. "And I could tell that Denny got into that pretty hot. But
just listen before you say no." I was being unconsciously caressed by
Denny at the moment and I had my hand on his spent manhood. I gave it a
squeeze.

"And?" I said.

"This is something which we have done with Jake and Colin before. Craig"
he looked at Craig, who nodded, "and I want to go down on the two of you,
while you just concentrate on each other -- kissing and caressing as you
please."

I started to shake my head, then Denny caught my eye, with that "Oh
PLEASE!" look. I swear, I could be his slave. "O- okay." I demurred. "If
Denny wants it, I'll do it."

"I don't want to if it makes you that uncomfortable -- if you don't
want to do it." Denny said, with concern.

"It does make me uncomfortable, Denny, but I want to do it -- because I
love you so much, and I know you want to." I could see more confusing
emotion in his eyes, so I continued, "I want to! Let's do it."

I made the mistake of looking at Chris. We both blushed deeply. "Rob -- I
want to -- er -- `do' you." He stammered. "I wanted to so bad up in
Berkeley! Craig has really filled whatever I need. But I want to do this
for you -- and Denny. Believe me, it's worth it."

Two guys who really loved us could only accomplish what came next! First,
they laid next to us, on the outsides, upside down, so they were laying
half on us and their heads were in our crotches. Because of our size
difference, Denny and I could never kiss while we were having sex. Both
guys started to lick and suck at our genitals. At first, I was still
pretty embarrassed and VERY aware that they were there. But soon enough,
Denny and I were kissing, and the awareness of the other guys was
diminished. Denny and I were kissing each other's face, lips ears and
necks, while Chris sucked and licked me and Craig did Denny. As I came
close to orgasm, Chris slowed down. Remember, Denny had just gone off. He
needed time to regenerate.

As I felt Chris going faster again, I knew Denny was coming along. Four
times we got close, each time a little more intense, and they slowed
down, letting the excitement ebb. We were aware that they were there,
because we wanted our bodies closer, but our passion for each other just
kept growing and growing each time Chris and Craig renewed their rhythm.
Finally on the fifth time, they kept going faster and faster, both
sucking and jacking. When it became difficult for us to kiss, because we
were panting and sucking so much air, screaming out with pleasure, I felt
a finger go in my butt. I clamped down and then something inside me
overrode my embarrassment. I assumed that Denny was getting the same
service. I started to cum with a power that almost scared me. We were
both crying and kissing and crying out, as wave after wave of orgasm
assaulted us.

When we were finished, Craig turned up to me and Chris to Denny and gave
us our lovers' juice in the mouth, and quickly moved to their side of
the bed, where they started kissing each other. Denny and I kissed deeply
and swallowed the gift we received. When Denny was able to talk, to my
almost horror, he said, "When do we get to do that for you guys?"

"Not now." Craig said gently. "You guys just go to sleep for now."

I was glad. I quickly got over my horror, seeing it was only fair. As
Denny and I held each other, our hot bodies finally in full contact, our
wet, softening penises still pulsing between us, I determined that we
WOULD do it for them. Tomorrow.

Christmas Eve was more festive than it had ever been. The full banquet
table was set, with leaf extensions that filled the whole dining room.
Another table was set in the living room. It was so nice to see Jake and
Colin, who privately teased us about the night before. The walls up there
in the guesthouse are sound insulated, but that only cuts out some of the
sounds.

I asked Jake where his sister was. You may remember, I used to be engaged
to Carrie. Jake said, "You mean Chris didn't tell you? She's away,
visiting Al's family."

"Oh?" I said.

"Rob, come on!" He responded. "Don't tell me you didn't know! Carrie
and Al are a couple!"

"No SHIT!" I exclaimed. Denny was talking to Seth, but when I said that
(I seldom cuss!) Denny turned around. Seth Said,

"He must have told you about Carrie." We were in the parlor, away from
the other, older adults. I had sat down, and was staring, unbelieving, at
the floor.

"What is it Robby?"

"Denny," I said looking up at him, "I dated both of them!"

"Heh!" Craig scoffed, "And never touched either of them!"

"Yeah," Chris explained, "Ever since that first night when you asked us
to take her in, she and Carrie have been inseparable."

When we were asked to be seated for dinner, I saw so many people who had
touched my life in the last 3 years! Of course Chris and Craig, Seth and
Luke, And Jake and Colin, with their kids. But also Colin's brother
Bobby, and his brother-in-law, Lawrence (Rennie) and Rennie's pal, Lenny
were there. Also Chris and Seth's parents (their mom is Uncle Jake's
sister) and their other children and grandchildren. Craig's dad was
there. Craig's mom had died about 1 ½ years ago. His dad brought along
his late wife's sister, and they looked pretty happy. Denny leaned over
to me and quietly said, "This is great. It's making me really miss my
own brother's Jack and Bob. We'll see them tomorrow.

CLINK CLINK CLINK! "Toast time!" Uncle Jake said. "We have had an
especially eventful year! We have had some triumphs and some very sad
events. We're especially happy to have Bobby, Rennie and Lenny here
tonight. For those who don't know, they lost the rest of their family in
the San Diego earthquake. But we won't dwell on that. We are just so
pleased that they have agreed to join us at this festive time, knowing
our hearts and prayers go out to them, at this, their first Christmas
without their loved ones. Bobby is like family, and I have worked closely
with Rennie, with his estate affairs. I appreciate and love him for his
confidence and trust in me.

"There are others here that I would like to mention. Rob is like one of
my own as well. I feel like I have about 8 sons and 2 daughters. Carrie
is with Al's family for Christmas. She called earlier, and sends her
love to you all. Anyway, I understand Rob and his guy have an
announcement. May I, Rob?" I nodded. "You may have noticed the ear studs
in their ears. They match the stones in each other's rings. They are
planning to commit their lives to each other -- well, I guess that's
already happening!"

"It better be after what I heard last night!" Jake said. Everyone
laughed. Even I laughed -- as I turned bright red!

"They plan to do it -- erm -- COMMIT publicly, that is -- (more
snickers!) in the spring. Congratulations!" And he raised his glass to us
and they all clinked glasses in our honor.

"Next I want to say what is nearest and dearest to my heart. In recent
tests, Jake has been declared completely free of the disease! He is now
officially HIV negative!" Uncle Jake NEVER cries, but he had to stop at
this point, and wipe his nose and eyes. So here is to his health, as well
as everyone else's!" More clinks and drinks.

Lastly, I want to give my love, and honor to a man that has not only won
my heart, but my utmost respect. He has stood through unbelievable
heartache and emotional lows, and has literally nursed our Jake back to
health -- risking his own to do it. Colin, we love you so much!"

By now most at the table were crying. After a few more people said their
piece, I stood up.

"I too want to say a couple things. First, I want to say to you all how
much I love this kid sitting here beside me. Denny is my sun in the
morning and my stars at night."

Craig quipped, "Yeah and we know how you like those `stars'!" All
laughed.

"I also want to say, being an only child, how I love my `family' here.
Uncle Jake and Aunt Lindy have treated me as if I really was related to
them -- when in fact, I was only a friend of their real nephew. I love
you both more than I can explain. And all my brothers! Chris was my
roommate up at Berkeley, and then Craig. I learned so much from them!
Seth (my voice cracked here) my wonderful Seth! He worked his way into my
life and heart the first time we met. He's got to be the best little
brother in the world -- and I thank Chris and their parents for sharing
him with me.

"Lenny!" I looked at him. He smiled, but looked a little worried. "Lenny
and I shared a special moment in a tense time, worrying about our mutual
friend Seth, in the hospital. I learned something deep and special that
day!" Lenny smiled. "Lenny is the first boy I ever kissed!" I blushed
when I said that, but both Lenny and Rennie exchanged smiles.

"I learned to love Luke, and Jake and Colin, and little Ursula and Uri. I
may be an only child, but
I have more family than most Mormons I know! I love you all!" I raised my
glass to more clinks and drinks!

Uncle Jake stood once again. "Rob, you ARE one of our own! Now I am going
to ask that everyone join hands as our son-in-law, Colin, says a blessing
on the food.

"Father in heaven, as so many have already expressed, we have so much to
be grateful for. We thank you for all of this and so much more. Please
bless those who are not with us today and watch over each of them in
their various places. Please bless this food to our health. In the name
of Jesus Christ, Amen"

"AMEN!" Echoed all of us.

We exchanged gifts and then all of the young of us went into the Smith's
theater. No one ever watched, but it was a tradition by now, so we went
in and about 8 couples of us, including siblings that I didn't know,
cuddled in front of the Smith's giant screen, projected with a crystal
clear picture of -- I have no idea what the movie was. I think Arnold
Schwarzenegger was in it.

When the movie was over, we retired to our various sleeping quarters. The
"straight" families stayed in the big house, while all the rest of us
went upstairs to the guesthouse. Chris took me aside and whispered. "Rob,
I know you and Denny were planning on some more fun and games tonight,
but we wanted to spend this night with Jake and Colin."

"Oh!" I said. "But we owe you `something'!"

"First of all, let's not keep score, okay? And it will be soon enough
when we see you again. We don't see Jake and Colin very often."

"Well, I guess it's okay then. I know Denny will be disappointed. But
he'll get over it. I'll make sure of that!" I said, as I winked at
Chris.

Just then, Craig walked over and whispered, "I assume Chris has talked to
you -- about us and Jake and Colin?" I nodded. "I have one more request.
Could we ask you to sleep over in Seth's room? We don't want to disturb
Uri and Ursula." I thought about last time we slept in Seth's room. I
was pretty sure Seth wouldn't mind! "We can move that inflatable bed --
that you never used -- to the other room."

"Oh," I started, "I doubt if that will be necessary." I couldn't keep my
crimson face from grinning.

"You DOG!" Craig said.


As we settled in to a similar tryst with Seth and Luke as we had done the
last time we slept there, I whispered to Denny that maybe we could give
them the same service that Chris and Craig had given us. We did. I did
Seth and Denny did Luke, while those two kissed and loved each other.

They wanted to immediately reciprocate. I told them no -- as Chris had to
me. "Just enjoy each other for the rest of the night." Seth looked at me
with so much love, then settled in his sweetheart's arms. Denny told me
he was pretty tired, and as I was content doing that for Seth, I was
completely okay with that. We went to sleep in each other's arms.

Seth woke me up. "We're ready!"

"Huh? What?" I said. I looked at the clock. It was 7:30! "Seth! What?"

"Are you ready for yours?"

I kissed Seth on the nose and whispered, "No little brother. Not now." He
looked crestfallen. "Listen, have you ever done that with Chris and
Craig?"

"Ewww! Chris is my brother!" He said, with a sickening look on his face.

"I'm your brother!" I said, defensively.

"That's different!"

"Well, Chris and Craig showed us how to do that, and we owe them. I just
thought - "

"I don't THINK so! And speaking of owing!"

"What?"

"Rob, if you had any idea how long I have wanted to get hold of that big
guy under your belly button! Then you wouldn't say no!"

I am such a push over! So we again got the same service we had gotten two
nights before. And by the brother of the guy who got me the last time! I
was feeling like some kind of slut! Denny told me I shouldn't feel this
way. These were, after all, all close friends. It wasn't as if we were
sleeping around! I wasn't totally convinced. When we left, Seth's voice
was hoarse, and he was having trouble swallowing at breakfast. That
won't happen again!

We drove home early enough to take a swim in the heated pool at our
place. But we never made it to the swimming pool. When we walked in, it
was quiet. The bedroom door was closed. I knocked. No answer. I peeked
in, and James was on the bed. I walked over and shook his shoulder. He
barely twitched. "James, were home!" I said quietly. No response. I poked
him harder. "JAMES!" I said firmly. He moaned. I turned him over and the
pillow was covered with vomit. "Denny! Come in here!"

Denny came running in, flipping on the light as he came. Then we saw it.
A mostly empty bottle of sleeping pills were on the floor. I knew we had
no time to lose. We had to get him to Emergency and fast and had to keep
him awake! We went in Denny's old car. Denny had trouble starting it,
but when it finally started, he drove and I sat with James' head on my
lap. I hollered and yelled at him, shaking him every time he tried to nod
off.

The doctor told us that we did all the right things, but one. We should
have called paramedics. They could have treated him there at home -- or
made the decision to bring him in. As it was, he had vomited most of the
medicine, and there was not enough left in him to kill him. He told the
doctor, once he was awake, that he had taken them early in the morning.
"He would be dead by now if he hadn't vomited." Said the Doctor.

We could not leave him alone, so we brought him back home after the
police report, and cleaned him up, and compelled him to go with us to
Christmas dinner. He looked halfway presentable by the time we left. It
was not easy getting him cleaned up. He wasn't much help. He had
obviously also mutilated his penis. He must have been pretty depressed.
You won't believe when you hear the whole story.

We didn't hear James's version of what happened until after we got home
from Denny's parents' house. While we were there, We just said that
James wasn't feeling well -- which was true. We did get him to eat some
turkey, gravy, and potatoes. Then when he fell asleep in Denny's old
bedroom, we went out and exchanged gifts. My parents gave us an upper
deck stateroom on the Holland America Mexican Riviera cruise leaving the
day after our vows. I gave them a solid gold key, symbolizing they would
always hold the key to my heart, as their devoted son.

Denny's parents gave us matching luggage for our honeymoon. We gave them
the same as we gave my parents. We wanted to give them something less
significant, but more practical, but with my parents there, we decided
not to embarrass them. They oooed and awed over the heavy gold key.

"Mom, Dad, can we leave James here for awhile, while we go somewhere? We
won't be too long."

"Of course son." As we walked out, I quietly said to my dad, "Dad, keep
an eye on James. He tried to -- kill himself this morning!"

Dad was very cool, and he didn't mention it to the others.

"So, Mr. Mysterious, where are we going?" Denny asked me.

"Well, if you can get this car started, drive down toward Beach Blvd." He
did as he was told. We turned on to Beach Blvd, then drove toward the
beach for about ten minutes. "Turn left here."

"Wha -- this is a Chevy agency!"

"You noticed!" I said. "It's also an Olds and Caddy agency. Take your
pick!"

"What?" Denny said, still not comprehending.

"Well, I only have one request." I said. He looked at me in disbelief.
"It has to have a back seat and four doors!"

"You're serious!" He said.

"I'm serious. I've been planning this for a couple weeks. When we had
trouble starting this old car of yours this morning, I was sure it was
the right decision!"

"I don't know where to start!" He said.

"Start at the top!" I said.

"Let's see, this XLR is out -- not enough doors or seats!" We were
walking around the show room. "Umm -- that SRX is cute!"

"Is cute what you are going for?" I asked

"I don't want to overdo it!" He worried.

"I didn't bring you to the Mercedes or the Rolls Royce dealership. You
might want to be sure that your partner is comfortable -- hint hint!"

Just about that time we were coming up to a neon-blue colored EXT, just
outside the show room. He said, "This has four doors -- and a back seat!
It fits your criteria!"

"Oh?" I said, innocently. It was just what I was hoping he would like.

"Yeah, and it makes into a pickup truck!"

"Cool" I said, still acting demure.

"Let's drive this one!"

"May I help you gentlemen?" As stuffy salesman said.

"Actually, is Marc here?" I asked. He sniffed and got Mark.

"You boys wanna drive this one?" Marc asked. He already had the keys in
hand. He smiled and winked at me. Denny grabbed the keys.

"Hop in!" Denny said. I got in the passenger front door. Denny waited and
when Marc didn't get in, Denny said to him, "Aren't you coming?"

"I know Mr. Balser. You can take it for as long as you like." He smiled
widely.

"Sure helps to have money!" Denny said, as he roared the big V-8 into its
running state. "Started right up! That also was one of your criteria!"

We drove it around for about an hour. He oo-ed and aw-ed over all the
gadgets and automatic things. "This car almost drives itself!" he said. I
was pleased. I was afraid he would balk. He drove us out to Huntinton
Beach and we parked in the state beach parking, overlooking the ocean. He
took a small wrapped box out of his pocket. He handed it to me. "By the
way -- I want this car -- er TRUCK -- or what ever it is!"

"It's a truck." I said, as I opened his gift. Immediately I got tears in
my eyes. It was the most beautiful, and most masculine heart pendant,
with about a half carat diamond set on the edge. "Denny! This is -- well,
it's beautiful! Where did you find it?"

"Same place we got our rings. I confess -- I had help!"

"Help?"

"Yeah. Timothy -- at the photography store -- I asked him for help. He
says, `I know just the thing!' And he took me next door and led me
directly to this. `I wish someone would buy it for me!' He said. I
liked it right away too! But - "

"But - ?"

"I just feel kinda bad. How can I ever compete with you?"

"Compete with me?"

"Rob! $50,000.00!"

"Oh. Well look at it this way, Sweetie Pie. Don't look at it as
$50,000.00. Look at it as a percentage of -- say -- 8 million!"

"Huh?"

"Okay -- well, it's none of my business, but - - how much was the
pendant?"

"About $200.00."

"Okay. Well, $200 is like 20% of the $1000 I gave you. And yet $50,000 is
a little more than 1/2% of what I had to spend."

"But - - - you couldn't spend all that on me!"

"Yes, I could have! But it wouldn't have been smart! And you were smart
to only spend $200 on my present!"

"But - "

"And besides that, you gave it so much more thought -- so much more heart
-- than I did."

I was on a roll.

"And - - - you didn't YOU didn't manipulate me into buying what YOU
wanted -- like I did! What you gave me I will treasure forever. What I
gave you, in three years we both will be cursing because it will be
falling apart!"

"Oh. I never thought about it that way."

"Denny, you can choose any vehicle you want! Truly, if you want to go to
the Rolls Royce dealership and buy a Silver Cloud, I'll do it for you!"

"But - "

"Oh for heaven's sake, stop saying `But'! The thing is I LOVE what you
got me. Do you love what I got you?"

"Yes." He said seemingly studying the leather on the seat.

"Are you sure? I mean with the Silver Cloud, if we broke up, you could
almost sell it for enough to retire on!"

"Shut up!" He said to me and he kissed me. I kissed him back. He then
leaned over and unzipped my pants and -- well you can probably guess the
rest.

"Careful Sweetie!" I said. "You get any of that stuff and the leather,
and this truck is -- is -- is -- is -- ah -- ah - ahhh -- oooo -- uhhh --
OHHHH! I guess it's yours now!!"


Notes: Did anyone recognize The Ricky Nelson song I threw in there?
Address any comments to Steve at s4d@hotmail.com. Be sure to put "Rob" in
the subject line. Thanks and love, Steve


Bottom line: Love will Rule in the end.