Date: Sun, 10 Apr 2011 21:33:52 -0700
From: David Courson <dsc110875@hotmail.com>
Subject: Quarterback with the Emerald Eyes - The Boy Who Cried Sapphire Tears - Part 8

       First, please let me thank Vann, George and Meg for helping me make
this as mistake free as possible by being my proofreaders.  Without you
guys, I'm sure there would be so many mistakes it wouldn't even be funny.
Thank you guys so much for everything.

       Second, I want to thank you guys, the readers, for being patient.
The reason that this chapter is so late in coming out is because I have
been editing the first book to no end, it seems, because it will soon be
available for in print.  Quarterback with the Emerald Eyes is getting
published!  I am going with a self publishing company, and their
copyediting service costs a little more than I am willing to spend, so
that's what I've been doing and why this chapter is late in coming out.
I'll keep you all informed of when the book will be out, or you can join
the FB `fan' page and keep up with the information there.  On FB, in the
search bar, just type in QBWTEE and you'll find it.  Come on and join.  I'd
love for you to be a part of it.

       As usual, I hope you guys enjoy this chapter.  Thanks again for your
patience and I hope you are all doing well.

       The Boy Who Cried Sapphire Tears – Part 8

       The following morning, Robert was the first to awake, as usual, and
he found himself being sandwiched between the two lovers.  Todd was
spooning him from the back, with his face in Robert's neck, and he found
himself spooning Blake.  Todd's left arm was being used as a pillow for
both he and Blake, and his right was laying over both Robert's and Blake's
sides.  Robert's right arm was curled under Blake's right arm and hanging
over his chest, resting his hand on the bed.  Blake was holding on to his
arm, thinking it was Todd's, as it usually was. Every part of the body from
their chests to their feet were pressed into each other, keeping Robert
very warm.

       Robert thought about what happened the night before and didn't feel
anything negative.  He had always wanted to try sex with a man, and last
night was his first, with a twist.  He had two men—two very hot men at
that.  For a split second, he thought about his parents and what they would
say if they could see him now.  He quickly cleared his mind, not wanting to
think of them.  He had a gut feeling that the outcome, if they found out,
wouldn't be a good one.

       Robert closed his eyes and concentrated on the two bodies pressed
against him and felt... He didn't quite know what he was feeling.  He
wasn't freaked out, which is what he thought his initial reaction might be
if he was ever with a man. But, then again, he never expected to actually
sleep with his first encounter, unless it was someone he was extremely
interested in.  Because of the situation, he had slept with his first, and
he didn't quite know how to feel.

       He wasn't grossed out, which is another reaction the thought he
might have.  But he also wasn't ecstatic about the experience either.  He
did enjoy himself, and he liked both Todd and Blake, but he couldn't figure
out what was going on inside his head.  He thought that after his first
experience, the feelings he had would either go away or get stronger.
Lying there, he didn't feel any different and it confused him even more.

       While he was thinking about everything, he felt Blake start to stir.
He opened his eyes and watched as Blake grabbed his arm even stronger as he
stretched and turned over to face him.

       "Mornin'," Blake whispered.

       "Hey," Robert whispered back.

       "How'd you sleep?" Blake asked, keeping his voice down.

       "Actually, it's some of the best sleep I've had in a long time,"
Robert answered.

       "Good," Blake said, looking into Robert's eyes.  "How are you
feeling about last night?"

       "I'm not sure yet.  I had a lot of fun, but right now, I'm more
confused than anything," Robert said.

       "How so?" Blake asked, looking concerned.  "Did we do something you
weren't expecting?"

       "No, it's not you guys.  I told Todd that I thought the feeling of
wanting to try something gay might pass, but I figured it wouldn't until I
tried it.  Now that I have, I feel the same way.  I still like girls, but
it's like I want to experiment again.  Nothing in me grew stronger or
weaker after this experience."

       "Give it some time," Blake reassured him.  "Maybe just a random
encounter wasn't what you needed.  Maybe it's an actual date with someone
you can be with.  And you're in the best city to try that out," Blake
suggested.

       "I'm not sure if I'm ready for dating yet," Robert said.  "I liked
what happened, but I guess I might feel different if it was with just one
guy?" he asked, getting more confused.

       "Maybe so.  Maybe, for your first time, you should have been with
just one guy so that you could experiment with all the pleasures you could
have, without being distracted by someone else," Blake said.

       "Who knows?" Robert said, and then fell silent.

       "Do you regret anything from last night?" Blake asked, wanting to
make sure he was really comfortable with everything.

       "Hell, no.  Last night was a lot of fun and I felt things I never
knew I could.  I'm actually glad it was with the both of you."  Robert
paused, and then added, bashfully, "To be truthful, I wouldn't mind if it
happened again."

       Blake smiled and said, "Ya never know.  It was a lot of fun for me
too.  Todd and I never thought we'd have a three-way with anyone, because a
cousin of ours told us not to try it.  He and his boyfriend did and it
almost broke them up.  There was jealousy involved, which is why they won't
do another one."  Blake fell silent for a moment and said, "I thought I'd
get jealous, seeing Todd give you the pleasure he always gives me, but..."
Blake thought about his next words, wanting to use the right ones.  All he
could come up with was, "It was actually hot."

       Robert gave a small laugh under his breath, and Blake joined him.

       "I mean, I love Todd more than anything, but last night, when I
asked him about you, we both agreed that we were going to concentrate on
you and that neither one of us would get jealous.  It was really fun
showing you how sex is with a man.  Especially when we touched your `go'
button," Blake said, winking at Robert.

       "Yeah, that was some feeling," Robert said.

       Blake looked into Robert's eyes and Robert stared back and soon,
Blake leaned in and gave Robert a kiss.  Their lips touched and they
lingered for a few moments before Blake broke the kiss and pulled back to
look at Robert's face.

       "What was that for?" Robert asked.

       "Did you not like it?" Blake asked.

       "No, no.  It was great, just didn't know why."

       "Just a good morning kiss is all," Blake explained.  "One of the
first things I love to do when I wake up is to give Todd a kiss.  I don't
care about my breath or his breath.  If my lips don't touch his within five
minutes of us both being awake, I feel lost.  And since he's still asleep,
I figured I could still have a kiss within my five minutes of waking.  I
hope you don't mind."

       "No.  It was great.  The only problem I have now is that I've gotta
pee," Robert said and gave a breathy laugh.

       "Me too.  Let me go first, then I'll come back and relieve you, so
we won't wake Todd," Blake said.

       "Okay, but hurry.  My bladder is getting angrier by the second,"
Robert said and almost caused Blake to start laughing.

       "Never heard that one before, but I like it," Blake said, throwing
the covers off and walking to the bathroom.

       Robert watched Blake leave and thought back to last night when he
was fucking Blake.  Blake did have a nice ass and he enjoyed having sex
with him.  He didn't know if he was ever going to get the chance again, but
watching Blake, he was glad that Blake was the first guy he penetrated.

       A moment later, Blake returned and grabbed Todd's right arm and
lifted it so that Robert could make his way to the bathroom.  When he was
clear, Blake crawled in and took his place and snuggled up next to Todd.
After Robert was done, he came back to the room and Blake lifted the covers
for Robert to slip back into bed, which he did because it was a little
chilly in the room.  After he was settled, he and Blake continued to talk
until they both felt Todd start to stir.

       "How did you end up in the middle?" Todd asked, rubbing his eyes.

       "We've been awake for about a half an hour.  We both made bathroom
runs and when we did, I got in the middle," Blake said, turning on his back
so that he could see Todd's face.

       After giving his stretches and yawns time to work their way out of
his system, Todd, still on his side, looked down at Blake and said,
"Mornin'," with a big smile, then leaned in for his morning kiss.  When he
broke it, he looked over to his roommate and brought his hand over to lie
against Robert's cheek and said, "Morning, big guy.  How are you feeling?"

       Robert smiled and said, "Really great and really sore."

       "Oh, yeah.  That will be with you for a couple of hours," Blake
said.  "But being your first, it might be with you all day.  Sorry we
forgot to warn you about that."

       "No problem.  I just think that when I feel the soreness, I'll think
back to last night and I'll be walking around with a boner all day," Robert
said, then started laughing.  The other two joined in for a few moments,
until the laughter subsided.

       The room fell quiet, with a comfortable silence, and Blake looked at
Todd and saw him smiling, which caused him to smile.  After he did, Todd
reached down with his thumb and grabbed a loose eyelash that had fallen on
Blake's cheek.  Picking it up, he moved his hand up to his mouth and turned
so he was facing the end of the bed and closed his eyes.  After a moment,
he opened his eyes and blew the eyelash away.

       "What was that?" Blake asked.

       "A wish," Todd said, smiling.

       "What was the wish?" Blake asked.

       Todd gave a mysterious smile and said, "It's like a birthday wish.
If I tell you, it won't come true."

       Blake smiled again and stretched up a little more and kissed Todd
once again.  When he broke the kiss, he turned to Robert and leaned over
and their lips touched.  After Blake broke the kiss, Todd leaned over Blake
and gave Robert a morning kiss as well.  While he did that, Todd's hand
went below the covers and landed on Blake's stomach.  A moment later, he
moved it down and started grabbing Blake's flaccid penis.  He wasn't doing
it to excite Blake, but he just wanted to hold him in his hand.  But
Blake's body responded and soon, his penis started to get engorged.

       "Thanks a lot," Blake said, sarcastically, looking at Todd.

       "What?" Robert asked.

       Blake lifted the covers to show Robert what Todd did and Robert just
laughed.  "You guys are like sex machines."

       "I wasn't trying to start sex again," Todd said, slowly feeling
Blake's hard member.  "I just wanted to feel him in my hand.  He's the one
that always wants sex."

       "That's not true," Blake said, smiling at Todd.  Turning to Robert
he said, "He's the one that always wants sex.  I just give in, because I
like it so much."

       "Whatever," Todd said, rolling his eyes for comedy effect.

       Blake reached over with his left hand and hit Todd in the stomach,
causing him to laugh.  When he calmed, Blake asked when their classes
started.

       "My first isn't until 10:30," Robert said.  "But I'm not done until
seven tonight."

       "Mine's at ten, but I'm done at five," Todd said.

       Blake lifted his head and looked past Robert and saw that it was
only 7:25, and said, "So, we've got an hour and thirty five minutes before
you need to start getting ready for class.  What are we gonna do?"

       "I have an idea," Todd said.

       Turning to Robert, Blake said, "See what I mean?" while pointing to
Todd.

       "No, not sex, even though morning sex is amazing.  I was hoping you
and I could get some coffee and talk before I go to class," Todd said.

       Robert looked at Todd and thought he knew what the topic was going
to be about and instantly got worried.

       "Sure, Puppy," Blake said, excited about a quiet morning with just
his boyfriend and coffee.

       "Puppy?" Robert asked, smiling big.

       "It's my nickname." Todd said, proudly.  "He called me that last
night."

       Robert put up his hands in surrender and said, "I didn't hear it
last night," then Todd turned his eyes back to Blake.

       They leaned in for one more kiss, and as they did, Todd reached over
and put his hand on the back of Robert's head and slowly pulled him to
them.  When in was in position, Blake turned and kissed Robert.  Then
Robert and Todd shared a kiss, but before it was broken, Blake got in the
middle of it, and the three of them shared a kiss together.

       When the kiss was broken, Todd grabbed Blake's arm and tried to pull
him out of the bed.  "Get the water started.  I'll be in in a minute."

       Todd left toward the bathroom and Blake threw the covers back and
looked at Robert, then sat up and swung his leg over Robert's body to
straddle his midsection.  Robert turned on his back and smiled while
putting his hands behind his head.  Blake leaned down and shared one last
kiss with Robert, then sat back up and said, "I really had a lot of fun
last night, and I hope you don't feel weird about anything that happened."

       "I had a great time," Robert answered.

       "Good.  Maybe you're feelings will become clearer over time.  Don't
rush anything.  Just enjoy life as much as you can."

       "That's my plan," Robert said.

       "Good," Blake said, then smiled, wickedly, at Robert and reached
back and felt for Robert's penis.  When he found it, his eyes widened with
excitement and looked at Robert.  "You really do have a beautiful penis,"
Blake said, winking.

       "Thanks," Robert said, then moved his hand down and grabbed Blake.
"You do too." Then, he thought of another quick question: "Are there ugly
penises?"

       Blake laughed and said, "I'm sure there are.  Google ugly penis on
the net and see what comes up."

       "I think I might be afraid to.  It might turn me straight," Robert
said, smiling.

       "Oh, God, no.  We couldn't have that," Blake said, then leaned down
so that they shared another open mouth kiss.  Blake took Robert's tongue in
his mouth and sucked it until he pulled himself away from Robert and saw
Robert's eyes closed.  He moved off Robert and stood next to the bed and
saw Robert had an erection.

       "Ah, it worked.  You're gay!" Blake said, teasing Robert.

       "What worked?" Robert asked, looking at Blake.

       "All I did was kiss you and suck your tongue, and you're as hard as
a rock," Blake said, reaching down and grabbing Robert's erection.

       Instinctively, Robert closed his eyes with the feel of Blake's hand
on his hard muscle.  A moment later, he felt the warm wetness of Blake's
mouth and his hands went straight to Blake's head.  He was only able to
enjoy it for about thirty seconds before Todd interrupted them.

       "Blake, are you coming?" Todd called from the shower.

       Blake pulled off Robert's cock.  "I wish you were." He said with a
mischievous whisper.  "Yeah," he called to Todd.  Looking back at Robert,
he stroked him a few times and said, "Maybe we can finish this off
tonight."

       "That sounds great," Robert said, and then watched as Blake walked
to the bathroom.

       Twenty minutes later, he and Todd were in line at the Starbucks,
ordering their coffee.  Todd had asked Robert if he wanted a coffee when
they came back and Robert gave his order of a medium pumpkin spice latte.
After they received their two orders, they crossed the street to the park
so Todd could talk to Blake.  After walking to a bench, the air filled with
small talk, and then silence as they both sat and enjoyed the birds
chirping and bustling city around them.

       Once Todd was done with his coffee, he walked the short distance to
the trash and tossed his cup.  When he came back to the bench, he sat down
and grabbed Blake's hand.  "I need to talk with you," he said, looking at
Blake.

       "What's up?" Blake asked, squeezing Todd's hand.

       Todd looked around the park and saw other couples sitting with each
other, talking, kissing, caressing each other, as well as some single
people reading, eating or just enjoying the morning sun.  When he looked
back at Blake, he saw Blake's eyes showed of concern.

       "Todd, what is it?" Blake asked, turning to face Todd.

       Todd took a deep breath and exhaled, then said, "I fucked up,
Blake."

       "Okay..." Blake said, still not getting worried.  "How did you fuck
up?  Forgot to turn in some homework or something?"

       "No, Blake.  I really fucked up," Todd said again.

       Blake stared at him, waiting for his explanation, and Todd finally
found the courage to say it.

       "I gave Robert a blow job."

       "Yeah, I saw it.  So did I," Blake said, still not following.

       Todd shook his head from side to side.  "No, Blake."

       "What?  I saw you give... him..."  Blake stopped speaking and looked
hard into Todd's eyes and said, "Wait.  When did you give him this
blowjob?"

       Blake's hands were starting to sweat and he was dreading the answer
that Todd was about to give.  He felt Todd squeeze his hand a little harder
when he finally heard the answer.

       "Last week," Todd said, holding Blake's gaze.

       "But... I wasn't... here... last week," Blake said, unable to allow
Todd's betrayal sink in.

       Todd took a deep breath and said, "I know, Blake, and I'm so sorry."

       Blake's face showed of...nothing. No emotion.  No anger.  No
understanding.  Just... nothing It was completely blank. He thought about
everything that Todd had just said, and finally, he snatched his hand away
from Todd's grasp.  Todd's fingers closed in around air, before they opened
again and felt nothing.

       Blake stood and turned away from Todd and held still.  He couldn't
believe what he just heard.  His other hand loosened its grip and his
coffee slipped out and fell to the ground.  Blake didn't move and his boots
were covered in the hot liquid.

       "Blake, please, say something," Todd said, unable to move

       Blake couldn't do anything.  He stood there, hearing Todd's words,
but knew that, if he said anything, he might regret it later.  He lowered
his head and looked at the cup lying next to his boot, then finally, looked
back up and around the park.  His eyes started watering and he knew he
needed to leave.  After taking his second step, he heard Todd call his name
again.

       "Blake, where are—?"

       "Shut the fuck up!" Blake said, snapping his body around to look at
Todd.

       Todd fell silent and lowered his eyes.


       Blake stared at Todd, frozen in place for a few moments then he
finally found the voice he hoped wouldn't come.

       "We had an agreement," Blake said, barely more than a whisper.  He
wasn't sure if Todd could even hear him, but Todd couldn't hear anything
else.  He opened his mouth, but Blake held up a hand and Todd closed his
mouth, not wanting to anger Blake any further.

       Blake took a couple of steps back toward Todd. Ticking them off on
his fingers, he listed their agreement, getting louder by each one: "No
fucking.  No rimming. And no blowjobs!" His anger grew and, noticing Todd
wasn't looking at him, he screamed, "Look at me!"

       Todd instantly flicked his eyes up to Blake's face. He had never
seen his boyfriend more upset in the four years they had known each other.
His eyes began to water as he held Blake's gaze. "I'm so—"

       "`—sorry, Blake.'" Blake finished Todd's sentence for him.  "What
does that mean?" Blake asked, staring down Todd, "`Sorry, Blake'?  I mean,
I know what `sorry' means, and I know what my name is, but when you put the
two together, what are you saying?" He asked in a calmer voice, filled with
sarcasm.  His eyes dried, he no longer felt pain.  Instead, his mind and
body was filled with rage, stronger than he had ever felt before.

       "You couldn't hold out long enough to wait for me," Blake said.
"Instead, you had to go and suck his dick, because why?  You were just so
horny, you couldn't wait one more week?"

       "Blake—" Todd started, but was cut off again.

       "I fucking knew this was going to happen," Blake said, shaking his
head, looking at the ground.

       "Knew what?" Todd asked, confused while he stood.

       Blake looked at him square in the eye and answered.  "That you were
going to cheat on me.  I fucking knew it, but I forced myself to have faith
in you—that you could keep it in your pants while you were here.  Stupid
me for thinking that someone as hot as you could keep your word and not
cheat on me.  I mean—" Blake started before turning around.  He couldn't
keep still; he had to keep moving.  "I'm just a little math nerd—I'm not
even cute.  I'm over in Montana with the same queers, day in and day out,
with someone who actually loves me, but I hold out because I love you.
While you! You, the hot New York college student gets to choose from this
year's model of hotter guys."

       Silence fell over them. In that instant, Blake realized his anger
was leaving him.  It, once again, was replaced by heartbreak.  "I trusted
you.  You gave me your word, and I gave you mine.  I, unlike you, kept my
word.  I did nothing sexual with anyone.  I told you everything that
happened between me and Jackson, and nothing but kissing and cuddling
happened."  Blake stopped for a moment and then finished with a question.
"Is this some way to get back at me for leaving you like I did?"  A lone
tear rolled down his cheek.

       "No, Blake.  I'm so sorry," Todd said, taking another step
closer. Blake put up his hand and closed his eyes, hoping that Todd heeded
his warning.

       "Then why?" Blake asked, opening his eyes and slowly lowering his
hand back to his side.

       "I don't know," Todd said, "I just got caught up in the moment
of—"

       "Of what?  Fucking him?" Blake interrupted.

       "No.  I promise you that I didn't do anything else.  We kissed and
cuddled and well, I just got carried away and—" Again, Todd was cut off.

       "What?  His dick just slipped into your mouth?  Or did you just
happen to fall with your mouth open and land on his cock?"

       "Stop it, Blake!" Todd shouted, getting tired of the sarcasm.  "I
fucked up and I'm sorry.  I didn't mean for it to happen, but I got lost in
my own... I don't know what.  I don't love him; I don't love anyone else
but you."

       "If you loved me, you wouldn't have done it.  You would have
controlled yourself and kept his dick out of your mouth," Blake said.
There was a pause, and then Blake asked, "Do you have any idea why I'm so
upset right now?"

       "Yeah, I cheated and broke the rules," Todd answered, then looked at
his shoes.

       "That's not it," Blake said.  Todd looked back at Blake and waited.
"Out of all the sexual activities we do, giving you a blowjob is the most
selfless act I can give of myself.  When I do that to you, I don't get
anything out of it.  I don't get any stimulation, any feeling.  I enjoy you
in my mouth and I enjoy giving you pleasure, but I don't get anything out
of it.  All you have to do is lay there and enjoy the pleasure I'm giving
you.  When you do it to me, I love you just a little more, knowing how
selfless you are in doing it.  Now you go and do it to someone else."
Blake looked out over the park, then back at Todd and said, "I hope you
understand, now, why I'm so mad.  I love making love to you, but we're
doing it together.  We both get something out of it.  Giving a blowjob
means just a little more."

       Blake turned away from Todd and swiped at his eyes, not wanting Todd
to see his tears.  "I was so scared when you came to New York.  In the back
of my mind, I had the worst feeling that this was going to happen.  But I
loved you and trusted you to keep your word."

       Blake turned around and looked at Todd.  "You made me a promise, and
you gave this to me as proof," Blake said, holding up the gold ring Todd
gave him.  "This doesn't mean anything to me anymore."

       Taking a step forward, Todd said, "No, please, Blake."

       Blake flipped the ring to Todd like he was flipping a coin and after
Todd caught it, Blake locked eyes with him.  "Go on back to your roommate,
and don't forget his coffee."  After a few moments silence, Blake said, "I
don't know if I love you anymore," then turned away from Todd and headed to
the street.  Once there, he hailed a taxi and the first one that stopped,
he got into.  "Central Park near the Plaza, please."

       Back in the park, Todd stared at the spot where the taxi was when
Blake got in and couldn't move.  He knew he messed up, but after last
night, he figured it wouldn't be as bad as he was thinking.  He now knew
how wrong he was.  The wish he made earlier that morning had definitely not
come true.  He sat back down on the bench and lowered his head.  Within a
few moments, the water started to leak from his eyes and he covered his
face with his hands.

       After ten minutes, he stood and looked at the ring Blake gave back
to him, and then he looked at his own ring.  He slipped Blake's ring into
his pocket and headed back to the dorm, specifically forgetting Robert's
coffee.  When he arrived, Robert saw he was alone and figured things didn't
go well.

       "Do I even need to ask?" Robert asked Todd.

       Todd gave Robert a look that told Robert he wasn't in the talking
mood.  Before he fell silent, he asked Todd one more question.  "Where's
Blake?"

       "No idea," Todd said, falling onto his bed.  "I told him what
happened, and after berating me for twenty minutes, he left.  I don't even
know if he's coming back."

       "I'm sorry, Bro," Robert said, but instead of answering him, Todd
turned over, away from Robert.

       Half an hour later, Blake found himself about ten blocks from the
park and told the driver to let him out.  The traffic was too heavy for him
to sit around and he needed to be moving.  His feelings were a mixture of
anger and hurt.  He needed to move, otherwise he would go crazy.  After
paying the fare, he got out and walked down the sidewalk towards the park.
Before going into the park, he saw a hotdog vender and ordered two with
heavy onions.  He wasn't worried about his breath, since he wasn't going to
be kissing anyone, so he wanted as many as would fit on the bun.

       He put ketchup and mustard on the dogs and got a Coke then headed in
the park to try and clear his mind.  He found a bench and started eating
one of the hot dogs.  He didn't want to eat; didn't really feel like
eating, but his stomach was growling for something to put into it.  After
they were devoured, he still couldn't think of anything else except Todd's
words.  `I fucked up.'  He screamed at Todd in his head, and tried to see
it from his side, but instead, shook his head of the memory and tried to
forget it.  Blake stood up and started moving.  He headed in one direction
and kept going until he had to turn to stay in the park.

       He was so lost in his head that it took the phone ringing three
times to bring him back to the present.  When he answered it, he found that
it was Kelly.

       "Hey," Blake said, trying to sound happy, not wanting her to give
him the third degree.

       "Cut the bullshit.  Todd asked me to call," she said, but he heard
the concern.

       "What did that asshole want?" Blake asked.

       "He wants to know if you're okay." Kelly said.


       "I was before this morning," Blake said, finding a bench and
sitting.

       "Okay, what happened?" She asked.

       "You mean he didn't tell you?" Blake asked.

       "No, he said you guys had a fight and he hasn't heard from you in
hours and probably won't answer his calls.  He wants to find out if you're
okay."

       "He's damn right I won't answer his calls.  He cheated on me," Blake
said, emotion filling his voice again.

       "No!" She said, shocked.  "What did he do?"

       "He said that last week he said he got caught up in something and
gave his roommate a blowjob," Blake stated.  "He said that he loved me but
he couldn't hold out for another week."

       Kelly started to hear the tears fall and felt heartbroken for Blake.
"I'm so sorry, Blake.  I wish I was there with you."

       Blake tried to hide is sobs, but it was no use.  His voice gave him
away. "I wish you were here, too, Kelly."

       She kept quiet for a short while until Blake controlled his tears.
When he did, Kelly asked him what he was going to do.

       "I don't know.  I'm in Central Park now, just walking around.  I
don't know what to do.  I do know I'm not going back to the dorm tonight.
I don't want to see him," Blake said.


       "Where are you going to sleep?" Kelly asked.

       "I'll check into the Plaza Hotel.  Pax added me to his account."

       "What do you want me to tell Todd?" She asked.

       "Tell him you talked to me through text and I said I was fine.
Don't tell him anything else.  I'll text him tonight to let him know I'm
okay, but tell him not to call me.  I don't want to talk to him, and don't
tell him where I am."

       "I won't," Kelly said.

       "If I see him at the park or the Plaza, I'll know you told, and I'll
be pissed," Blake warned.

       "I promise, Blake.  I won't tell him.  What have you been doing for
the last few hours?" She asked.

       "Just walking around the park.  I'm trying to think about
everything, but I can't.  All I can see is what he did to Robert, his
roommate," he explained.

       "Listen, go on and check into the hotel.  Call me later.  I hate to
run, but I'm between classes.  I'm done at five," she said.

       "Okay.  Study hard," Blake said, then told her he loved her and hung
up.

       After sitting in the park for another hour, with his mind blank, he
finally found the strength to walk over to the Plaza and got a room.  When
he walked in, he recognized Pierre from his first visit to New York and
walked up to the desk.

       "Good afternoon, sir.  How may I help you?" Pierre asked.

       "Yes, my name is Blake Moore.  I'm a friend of Paxton Andrews,
and..."

       "Mr. Andrews is one of our favorite guests, and I remember you from
last year, Mr. Moore.  How are you?" Pierre asked, cutting Blake off.

       "I'm fine, thank you," Blake said, seeing no need to tell the truth.

       "Would you like to check in this afternoon?" Pierre asked.

       "Yes, please, but I don't know what I need to do.  Everything is on
his account, I think," Blake said.

       "Yes, sir, it is.  I remember Mr. Andrews added you."  Pierre
started typing on a keyboard that went to a hidden monitor under the
counter and a few moments later, he produced a key and asked how Pax was
doing.

       "Last I talked to him, he was just great.  He's starting a business.
Apartments, small hotels.  Things like that," Blake said.

       "How marvelous," Pierre exclaimed.  "When you see him again, would
you please tell him I said hello and that the Plaza would love for him to
come and visit us again soon?"

       "I will be more than happy to, thank you," Blake said, wanting to
snatch the key from Pierre.

       "Let me just call Ronald over and he'll escort you to your room,"
Pierre said, then raised his hand, but before he could call out Ronald's
name, Blake spoke first.

       "Please, Pierre.  It's just me without luggage.  I just want to get
to my room as fast as I can," Blake explained, but kept his voice in check.

       Pierre eyed him and asked, "Is everything alright, Mr. Moore?"

       "Not really.  I just need to get away for a bit," Blake said,
keeping his cool.

       Anything I can help with?" Pierre asked.

       "No, but thank you," Blake said, finally getting the key from
Pierre.

       "Excuse me for saying so, Mr. Moore, but you're looking a bit pale.
Have you eaten today?  Would you like me to have a fruit plate sent up, or
maybe a sandwich?"

       Blake stopped thinking of everything and concentrated on his
stomach, and realized he was hungry.  The hot dogs didn't last as long as
he thought.  "A great big cheeseburger with fries and a..."

       "Mellow Yellow?" Pierre asked, remembering last year.  "We started
carrying it just because you requested it."

       For the first time all day, Blake cracked a smile and said, "That
would be wonderful."

       "Consider it done, Mr. Moore.  Please, enjoy your stay at the Plaza.
Your order should be up very shortly."

       "Thank you, Pierre," Blake said, then walked over to the elevators,
where a bellman was waiting and pressed the button when he saw Blake
approach.

       Once in the elevator, Blake looked at the room number and realized
it was the same number as Todd's dorm room.  He closed his eyes and pressed
the button for the twentieth floor.  After being in his room for only ten
minutes, there was a knock at the door.  When he opened it, it was his food
order.  After the waiter rolled the cart to the table, he asked if Blake
needed anything else.

       Blake remembered that he didn't have any toiletries and asked who he
would need to contact to get some.  The waiter asked what he needed and
assured Blake he would tell the right person.  After giving a small list of
items, the waiter disappeared and Blake attacked the food on the cart.

       The concierge brought the items Blake needed, and when he left, took
the empty cart with him.  Blake put his toiletries in the bathroom, then
came back and fell on the bed.  He grabbed the remote and flipped on the
TV.  He settled on a movie and about halfway through it, fell asleep.

       After her next class, Kelly decided to give Todd a call.  When he
answered, she asked the question he hoped not to hear.

       "What were you thinking?" She asked.

       "He told you," Todd stated.

       "Damn right."  There was a pause, then she asked, "Todd, why?"

       Todd looked at his feet, feeling bad for what he did to Blake, but
to have Kelly know only made him feel worse.  "I wasn't thinking."

       He went on to tell her about his first date with Robert and about
the phone call from Blake and the rules they made.  He explained what he
was doing with Robert and how he was trying to show Robert how things could
be with a man.

       "That night, I was showing him the sensual side of stuff.  I started
kissing his body, and when I got down there, I just stopped thinking.  I
didn't mean for it to happen, but it did."

       "Todd, you shouldn't have been doing anything with Robert," Kelly
said.

       "But Blake's doin' the same thing with Jackson," Todd said in his
defense.

       "What?" She asked, confused.

       "He and Jackson are sleeping together—not sex, just sleeping, in
the nude.  They cuddle when they're watching movies or TV.  I'm assuming
they've kissed.  I didn't do anything that Blake didn't know about, or that
he wasn't doing, until I blew Robert," Todd explained.

       "Wait," Kelly said, still sounding confused.  "Are you guys still a
couple?"

       "Up until the moment I told him what happened, yeah.  Now, I don't
know." There was a moment's pause before concern crept in.  "How is he, by
the way?" Todd asked.

       "He's fine.  I talked to him and he's angry," she said, telling Todd
the truth.

       "Where is he?" Todd asked.

       Kelly thought for a moment and wondered if she could trust Todd not
to go after Blake.  She wasn't sure, but then, she wasn't involved with
Todd, and he hadn't done anything to lose that trust.  She decided to tell,
but only if he promised not to go after Blake.

       "Blake forbade me to tell you where he is, but if you promise me you
won't go after him, I'll let you know, just so you won't worry."

       "I promise, Kelly," Todd said.

       "I mean it.  If you do, he'll know I told you and I will never trust
you again.  It might put mine and Blake's friendship in jeopardy."

       "I give you my word.  I just want to know he's okay," Todd said,
anxiously awaiting her answer.

       "He's at the Plaza and he's fine, just upset," she stated.

       "That's right.  Pax has him on his account.  I should have guessed."
Todd paused for a moment then asked, "Did he say anything else?"

       Kelly took a breath and answered his question.  "He said not to call
him, because he won't answer the phone if it's you.  He also said that he'd
text you tonight to let you know he's okay.  That's all."

       Todd stayed silent for a moment, and then said, "Thanks, Kelly.  I'm
sorry you had to be put in the middle, but I really do appreciate it."

       "Well, if you could have controlled yourself, I wouldn't be in the
middle," she said, not thinking, then realized the power of her words.
"I'm sorry, Todd.  That was mean."

       "It's the truth," he said, getting her off the hook.  "Look, I
promise I won't bother him and I won't go to the hotel.  Just thank you."

       "If you need me, call me.  My next class is about to start, so I
gotta go," she said.

       "Okay.  Talk to you later.  And, thanks again," Todd said, and then
hung up the phone.

       Blake was awakened to the sound of his phone ringing.  When he
grabbed it, he saw it was Christine.  He cleared his throat and pressed the
button to answer the call.

       "Hello?" He asked.

       "Hey, Blake.  How are you?" Mom asked.

       "Not too bad," he stated, and then looked at the clock.  "Just
waiting for Todd to get out of class.  He's got another hour or so before
he's done."


       "I thought he was done at three," Christine stated.

       "No, that was yesterday.  He's done at five today," Blake said.

       "Oh, well that explains why he hasn't answered my calls," she said.

       "Is there something wrong?" Blake asked, concerned.

       "No, no.  Just wanted to talk to him.  Must've gotten my days
confused," she said.

       "Well, try him after five, and I'm sure you'll get him," Blake
stated.

       "I will.  So, how's the vacation going?" she asked.


       Blake decided not to tell her of recent events.  He didn't want to
worry her until everything was either dissolved or fixed.  So he lied.
"It's great.  Love being with Todd again.  We've been all over the city and
had some great food.  It's been a blast so far."

       "That's great.  When do you leave?" she asked.

       "Saturday afternoon.  Gotta be at work on Monday, so I wanted a day
to rest up."

       "Sounds great.  Well, I'll let you go.  I'll try Todd later.  I love
you, Blake," Christine said.

       "Love you, too, Mom.  Tell Dad I said `hey'," Blake said.

       "Well do, sweetheart," she said, then hung up.

       Blake ended the call and tossed his phone on the bed and grabbed the
remote.  He flipped through some other channels and decided nothing was on
worth watching.  He flipped off the TV and headed to the window.  He looked
out and wondered what Todd was doing.  `He was probably in class,' Blake
reasoned, and stared out over the city.

       What Blake didn't know was that Todd was too upset to go to class.
He had missed his classes that day and when his mom called, he ignored her.
He didn't want to talk to her, or anyone else, but Blake.  He told himself
he wasn't going to call, but he picked up his phone and hit Blake's number.

       Blake heard the phone ringing and stepped over to the bed and
grabbed it.  When he saw it was Todd, he silenced the ring and dropped the
phone back on the bed.  A few seconds later, he heard the little beep that
told him he had a voicemail.  He ignored it and continued to stare at the
city.

       Todd hung up after leaving his message and realized Kelly was right.
Because Blake wouldn't answer his calls, he was really getting scared that
he lost him.  Todd felt that if he lost Blake because of how stupid he was,
he would die.  Blake was his rock and he wished he could turn back time and
start over.  He wouldn't have done anything at all, much less give Robert
the blowjob.  But there was nothing he could do about it now.  He messed up
and he knew it.

       He walked to the window and looked out, trying to figure out which
way the Plaza was.  After scanning the buildings in the distance, he
realized the hotel must be on the other side of the building.  He glanced
down at the park and looked for the bench he and Blake were sitting on this
morning.  `That might be the last place that Blake and I share together,'
he thought.  When he did, his eyes started to fill with tears again.

       About 5:30, Kelly called Blake again to check on him.  They talked
for a few minutes and Blake was starting to understand what he wanted to
do.  He didn't tell Kelly, but he said he'd tell her after everything was
done with Todd.  They talked for an hour more and Blake asked how Howie was
doing.  She said that he loved Auburn and that she was afraid he might not
want to graduate because he loves the football program a little too much.
This, as well as a few other things, made Blake laugh, which he needed.
Once they ended their phone call, he flipped on the TV once more.

       About thirty minutes later, Blake's phone rang and when he picked it
up, he saw it was Todd, again.  He silenced the ring and dropped his phone
back on the bed.  A few seconds later, another beep told him he had another
voice message.

       Todd hung up the phone and threw it down on the bed in frustration.
Then he collapsed on top of it, exhaling loudly.  All he wanted to do was
find out of Blake was okay.  He wanted to hear it from Blake's mouth, not
second hand.  He had stopped himself a few times from heading to the Plaza,
only because he knew that Kelly had broken a promise to Blake, and he
didn't want Blake to find out.  Lying on the bed, he told himself it was
over.  He had lost Blake for good, and he couldn't hold back the tears.

       Later that evening, Blake was falling in and out of sleep while
watching TV, when his phone, once again, brought him back to full
consciousness.  He looked at the caller ID and saw it was Todd.  This time,
instead of silencing the ring, he contemplated answering it, but before he
moved, the ringing stopped.  He continued to stare at the spot where Todd's
picture had shown, and blinked when he heard the beep.

       He touched the screen to call his voicemail and when he did, it
announced he had three messages.

       "Blake, I'm so sorry for everything.  I have no excuse for what I
did and I wish it never happened.  I'm begging for another chance.  I don't
want to lose you.  I love you so much."  There was a pause before Todd
finished, "I love you more than anything.  Please believe me."

       Blake pressed the button for the next message and it played.

       "Blake.  I haven't heard from you in a few hours.  I just want to
make sure you're okay.  Please call me and let me know.  I love you.
Please don't let me worry about you.  I'm sorry about what I did.  I wish I
could take it back.  Please, Blake, just call me."

       Blake pressed the same button and the last message played.  This
time when Todd spoke, Blake could tell it was through tears.

       "Oh, God, Blake, I'm so sorry for everything.  Please don't let me
lose you over this.  It was all my fault and I'll do anything to make it up
to you.  I'm so afraid I'm going to lose you, and I wouldn't be able to
handle that.  Please let me know you're okay.  I'm really worried.  I love
you so much.  Please, Blake.  Call me.  I love you."

       When Blake hung up the phone, he had to wipe his eyes.  Hearing the
emotion in Todd's voice brought out the weakness in Blake.  He knew Todd
was hurting, or more like he was scared, but Blake, he was feeling the hurt
of betrayal.  Todd had given him a ring and made a promise that nothing
would happen, but he deliberately broke that promise.  He knew he still
loved Todd, but that love wasn't the strongest emotion in him at the
moment.  Not knowing if he could trust Todd was consuming him.

       He thought back to the first time he had thought Todd might cheat.
After giving Blake the ring on his birthday, Blake believed Todd and
trusted him.  The day that Todd left for NYU was one of the worst days of
his life.  After getting into bed that evening, he thought about the
pancakes, the flat tire, the feelings he had running though him, all
because Todd left and he felt helpless.  While in that small depression,
his thoughts ran to Todd being with someone else.  He shook it from his
mind as quickly as possible, thinking it wasn't even a viable option, after
all, Todd did promise.

       Now, that's all he could think about.  What he couldn't understand
is why he wasn't angry with Robert.  Robert had participated and let Todd
give him the blowjob, but Blake still couldn't be mad at him.  He placed
the blame squarely on Todd, for not keeping himself in check.  Maybe Robert
wanted this to happen so Blake and Todd could break up and Robert could
have Todd all to himself.  But Blake put that option aside as well.  Robert
had just been introduced to sex and he even admitted that he was more
confused than before.  No, he couldn't blame Robert for allowing it to
happen.

       Blake could see the attraction of Robert.  He was a very hot guy and
very much enjoyed having sex with him, but he thought, more than anything
else, Todd's love for Blake would have prevailed.  Maybe the love Todd has
for Blake isn't as strong as Blake's love for Todd.  If one moment of
weakness caused this much pain, he couldn't imagine what might happen if
Todd got drunk one night and went all the way with someone else.  He made
up his mind and if Todd didn't like it, then Blake would have no choice but
to end the relationship.  He didn't want to feel this hurt again.

       Blake picked up the phone and selected the text option and found
Todd's name to put as the addressee.

       `I'm fine.  I'll see you in the morning.'

       Blake pressed the send button and a few moments later, he got a
reply.

       `Where are you?'

       `At the Plaza.  Same room number as the dorm.'

       `Can I come over?' Todd's text read.

       `No.  I'll see you tomorrow.  When is class?'

       '10:30 – 2'

       `I'll be over before class.  I've made up my mind.'

       `Can you give a hint?'

       Blake thought about his for a moment, and then said, `No.  We'll
talk tomorrow.'

       `Can I at least know if it's good or bad?'

       `G'nite.' Blake wrote back, wanting to keep Todd suffering just a
bit longer.

       When Todd read Blake's reply, he felt like his stomach was a
bottomless pit.  He immediately felt nauseated and had to run to the
bathroom.

       Robert was sitting on his bed when Todd flew by and wondered what
had made him act this way.  After seeing the door closed, he looked back to
the bed and saw Todd's phone sitting there.  He looked back at the door
once more then quietly got up and leaned over to read the last two
messages.  When he saw the words, he understood Todd's feelings.  Before he
could get back to the bed, the bathroom door opened, and Robert headed to
his dresser, acting like he needed something.

       "You okay, Bro?" Robert asked of Todd.

       "No," Todd said, in a stuffy voice.  Robert could see his eyes were
red and puffy and his nose was just as red.

       Robert closed his dresser drawer and turned to look at Todd.  "Todd,
I'm so sorry for everything.  I should have stopped you that night."

       Before Robert could continue, Todd said, "I should have never gotten
involved.  You were too much of a temptation.  Now because of my stupidity,
I might have lost the best thing that ever happened to me."  He held
Robert's gaze for a moment longer before he moved to his bed and lay down.

       In normal circumstances, Robert would have probably felt hurt by
Todd's words, but tonight, he felt nothing for himself.  He hurt inside for
Todd.  It was just as much his fault as it was Todd's, but Todd was taking
all the blame.  Robert wanted to call Blake and scream at him for being
such an ass toward Todd, but he knew it wasn't his place to get involved
between them.  He had already done enough damage and calling Blake might be
the straw that breaks the camel's back.  He wished he could tell Blake to
put some of the blame on him, but for all he knew, Blake would never talk
to him again.  If that's what it took for Todd and Blake to stay together,
he could live with that.  He just hoped that one day, Todd could forgive
him, and himself.

       The next morning, Blake woke around 7:30 and lay there for a few
minutes running over his plan.  He knew what he was going to tell Todd and
if he didn't agree, he would have no choice but to say goodbye.  If Todd
didn't want to lose him, he would agree, and hopefully, Blake thought, have
fun in the process.  It was the only option that gave him any hope that
they would be together in the future.  Without it, doubt would always be
present and he couldn't stand the feeling he would have from it.

       He got himself a quick shower and headed back to the dorm.  When he
arrived, he had two cups of Starbucks in his hand and kicked the door with
his foot, lightly, as a knock.  When it opened, Robert looked at him and
froze.

       "Can I come in?" Blake asked.

       "Yes!" Todd said, getting out of bed.  He was in his underwear and
was exposed through the opened door, but he could care less.

       Blake walked in, but before he could get past Robert, Robert put his
hand out to stop Blake and said, "Blake, please, blame me.  I was just as
much a part of it.  I—"

       He was cut off.

       "Robert," Blake started.  "I don't blame you.  I can completely see
your side of it, and to you it was just a blowjob.  It was no fault of
yours that this happened."

       "But Blake—"

       "No.  I don't want to hear it, please."  Blake put down one of the
coffees and cupped his hand behind Robert's head and pulled him in for a
kiss.  When he broke it, he said, "It's not your fault.  You have nothing
to worry about."  Blake turned to see Todd staring at him, wondering what
was going to happen.  He looked at Robert again and asked, "Do you mind if
we have the room for a bit?"

       Robert brought his mind back to the present and said, "No.  I'll
head to the diner before classes start."  Then he looked at Todd and said,
"I've got my phone."  Todd understood and looked back at Blake.

       After Robert left, Blake picked up the second coffee and walked to
Todd and handed it to him.  "Caramel macchiato, two sugars, with foam."

       Todd took the coffee, but was too nervous to even taste it.  "Blake,
I'm so sorry for everything.  I was stupid.  I love you so much.  I promise
it will never happen again."

       Blake let Todd finish and then he spoke.  "Yes, you will."

       Todd was taken aback for a moment and said, "No, Blake, I promise
you I won't."

       "And I'm telling you, you will.  I'm giving you my permission."  Now
Todd felt confused and was speechless.  "I'm giving you my permission to
sleep with anyone you want to."

       Realization started to hit him and Blake could see his bottom lip
start to quiver.  "You're breaking up with me?" Todd asked.

       "No," Blake said, flatly.

       There was a pause, then Todd said, "Then I don't understand.  What
do you mean?"

       "Let's sit.  It's gonna be a confusing explanation.  Or, at least,
it is in my head."

       Todd sat on his bed and Blake sat on the edge of Robert's then
started.

       "When you first left for college, I had the worst day of my life.
Do you remember me telling you about it?" Blake asked.

       "Yeah.  Flat tire, pancakes.  Everything," Todd answered.

       "That night in bed I also thought that the only thing that could
make that day worse was you cheating on me.  It took you a year, but it
happened.  The problem is that I haven't stopped loving you.  I don't love
you more, but I don't love you any less."  Blake took a sip of his coffee
and Todd mimicked his actions.  It was perfect, just like he liked it.

       "I'm hurt that you broke your promise, but I can see it from your
side.  Robert is very attractive.  Hell, we both know he's hot.  I can see
why you got caught up in whatever it was you were doing.  But what hurts me
most, now, is not knowing if I can trust you again."

       "You can," Todd interrupted.

       Blake took a breath and said, "I know I will be able to, eventually,
but right now, I don't.  Because of this, I have a proposal to give to you.
If you don't accept it, then I only have one other option."

       Blake looked into Todd's eyes and Todd was waiting with baited
breath.

       "The proposal is that we open the relationship."

       "No," Todd said, shaking his head.  "What's the other option?"

       "We end the relationship right now.  I leave tonight, to go back to
Montana. Then, after you graduate, we could try again," Blake said.

       "I don't want that option either," Todd said.

       "I'm sorry.  This is the only thing I could come up with." Blake
looked at Todd and Todd was getting angry.  He knew he needed to explain
further.  "Think about this Todd.  First off, there is a lot of temptation
in this town for you.  There are a lot of guys who would want to be with
you, sexually.  Why not give it a try?"

       "Because I love you," Todd said, voice louder than normal.

       "And I love you, too.  But think about the first time I call you and
you don't answer.  Let's say I get your days confused and I think you're
out of class, but you're in class for another two hours.  You let my call
go to voicemail and I try back later.  Again it goes to voicemail.  My
first thought is going to be that you're with someone else.  Then when you
finally call and explain, I won't believe you, and then I'll accuse you of
something you didn't do.

       "If the relationship is open, then I can't get mad if you're with
someone else, or just in class.  I would rather us do it this way, knowing
we will be together when you graduate, then go through the next three years
wondering what if all the time."

       "So this would go both ways?" Todd asked.

       "What do you mean?" Blake asked, not sure of the question.

       "You could sleep with anyone too?" Todd clarified.

       "I don't have anyone to sleep with," Blake stated.

       "Does this have anything to do with Jackson and wanting to be with
him?" Todd asked.

       "No.  Jackson, I don't think, is an option, even if I wanted to,"
Blake said.  Todd stared at him and so Blake continued.  "I already told
you that Jackson told me he was in love with me.  If we slept together, it
would only bring up those emotions, but stronger.  I mean, if you broke up
with me, but wanted to have sex a week later, I wouldn't be able to get
over you.  It has to be the same with Jackson.  We've never done anything
put peck each other on the lips, cuddle and sleep."

       "So, I can sleep with other people—and you too, if you find
anyone—and you won't be upset about it?" Todd asked.

       "Exactly," Blake said.

       "But I'd be pissed that you slept with someone else," Todd said.

       "I'm sorry, Todd.  I don't see any other solution.  I'll always
wonder in the back of my mind that when you aren't in school, or we're not
on the phone, you're gonna be with someone else.  Right now, I don't trust
you enough to say you won't break another promise.  If I was in New York,
this wouldn't even be an option.  I'd forgive you, and we'd go on with our
lives until you earned my trust again.  But it's not an option."

       "Then let's make it one.  Move to New York.  We could get an
apartment and live together," Todd said, putting his coffee on the table
between the beds.

       "That's not an option, either.  I have a life and a job back in
Montana, which I really love, right now.  I might still love it in three
years, but I'll be willing to let it go to be with you again.  I don't want
to give that up right now.  We agreed to live our own adventures.  This is
part of your adventure," Blake said.

       "What if I should sleep with someone and I fall in love?" Todd
asked.

       "Then maybe we aren't meant to be after all," Blake said, not
missing a beat.  "But deep down, I know I'm supposed to be with you
forever.  But this is our opportunity to live apart.  Do our own things."
Todd remained silent and Blake added, "You are in the most magical city in
the world.  I mean, coming over here, I had at least ten guys check me out.
It felt good.  But I don't love them.  I love you."  Blake placed his
coffee on the table and moved to sit next to Todd.  "We are both in our
prime, sexually.  You're in a city to take advantage of that.

       "Why not experiment a little with other people?  Why not let someone
show you something that's awesome so you can show me?  We shouldn't have to
be celibate for ten months out of the year to prove we still love each
other.  We can sleep with other people and still be completely in love."

       Todd listened to Blake's words and, in his own way, understood where
Blake was coming from.  He had broken Blake's trust and if this was the
only way for Blake to feel more comfortable, he didn't see any other
option.  He could swear on a stack of Bibles that it would never happen
again, but he still wouldn't think that Blake would believe him.

       "If I agree to this, what are the stipulations?" Todd asked.

       "What makes you think there are any?" Blake asked.

       "I know you, Blake.  You always have stipulations," Todd said.

       Blake smiled and said, "See, we are meant to be together.  I have
two.  The first is we have to be 100% safe.  That means condoms when we
have sex with someone else.  The second is we can't get emotionally
involved.  If someone tells us they are starting to like us as more than a
friend, or that they love us, we have to cut them off.  We go into every
situation telling them the truth: that we do have a boyfriend, and so
therefore, they can't say anything when we stop seeing them.  And if we
start liking someone else, it will have to be a choice we make.  You will
always be my choice.  I don't think there is anyone out in the world who is
meant to be with me, other than you."

       "I still don't like this," Todd said.

       "Well, you don't have to participate, if you don't want.  But just
because you don't, doesn't mean the relationship won't still be open,"
Blake said.

       "So, you'll sleep with another guy if you get the chance?" Todd
asked.

       "Probably, but what chance do I have?  Montana, the entire state,
has about one million people.  New York City has close to ten million.
Missoula has one gay bar that I know of, and it's a dump, from what I've
been told.  I don't know where the fags hang out in the city.  I hang out
on the farm and all I have is my coworkers.  If I sleep with anyone,
Jackson is probably my only opportunity, but like I said, I don't know if
that would be a good idea."

       "I don't know," Todd said, but Blake could feel him breaking down.

       "Let me give you another scenario.  Let's say that one of your
friends invites you and Robert to a party.  You get there and you have a
great time and start to drink.  After a while, you're wasted.  The next
morning, you wake up in a strange place lying next to a naked man.  You
freak out and go to the bathroom and see a used condom in the trash.  What
is the first thing you're gonna think?" Blake asked.

       "That I wouldn't be in that bed if Robert came with me," Todd said.

       Blake sighed and said, "Take Robert out of the equation.  Now, what
would you think?"

       "That I wouldn't be getting drunk," Todd said.

       "Todd, would you answer the fucking question?" Blake said, growing
frustrated.

       "Fine.  I would think, `did I fuck him?'" Todd said loudly.

       "Exactly.  Then you would feel guilty, not remembering anything and
not knowing if you were the one that used that condom.  Then you would
either: keep it a secret, and never tell me; or you would feel so guilty
and tell me and I would be heartbroken again.  If the relationship was
open, then you wouldn't have to feel guilty and instead tell me, 'I got so
wasted last night and woke up in some guy's bed.'  I think we fucked, but
I'm not sure.  My only question would be, were you safe?" Blake said.

       "You're placing me between a rock and a hard place.  You realize
that, right?  I mean, either I say we can fuck other people, or you end
everything now," Todd said.

       "I know, and I'm sorry.  But I don't see any other option where I
will feel good about everything.  One missed phone call and I'll think the
worst.  Hell, if it's only Robert you ever do anything with, then that will
be your choice.  But you can be with anyone you want while we are apart.
The only think I want is the details," Blake said, smiling, trying to break
the tension.

       "There's no other option?" Todd asked.

       "Not that I can see," Blake said.

       "Then fine, I'll quit school and move to Montana," Todd said,
defiantly.

       "The hell you will," Blake said, standing.  He turned back to Todd
and said, "On top of cheating on me, you want to make me feel guilty for
you leaving NYU?  It's not gonna happen, buddy.  You're gonna stay here,
like we originally planned, and finish school.  Every summer you can come
to Montana like you did before, and then we can live our lives again,
separately.  We only have three more years.  Nothing will change except who
we can sleep with."

       "No, I won't agree to this," Todd said, standing and walking to
Blake and grabbing his hand.  "I love you too much to do this."

       Blake looked at Todd and said, "I'm sorry you feel that way," then
pulled his hand away and walked over to his suitcase.

       "What are you doing?" Todd asked.

       "Packing.  I'll change my ticket and I'll be gone this evening,"
Blake said, looking at Todd.

       "You're seriously going to break up with me unless I agree to open
the relationship?" Todd asked.

       "I'm sorry, but yes.  This benefits you more than me.  I love you
and the last thing I want to do is break up with you, but I can't go
through the next three years with doubt in my heart and mind.  If you don't
agree, then this is the only other option," Blake said, staring at Todd for
a few moments before he turned his attention back to his packing.

       "I can't believe you're being so selfish," Todd said.

       Blake froze and turned his head to look at Todd. "I'm not the one
that sucked my roommate's dick," Blake said, harshly.

       Todd wanted to retort something, anything, but he couldn't think of
one thing to say back to Blake.  Blake only stated the truth, and it hurt
Todd to know Blake was 100% correct.

       "Mom called me last night," Blake stated, changing the subject.
Todd turned and Blake added, "I didn't tell her.  But now, they are both
going to have to know we aren't together anymore.  I think I'll leave that
to you."

       Todd didn't want to think about anything else right now and said,
"I've gotta get ready for class," then headed to the bathroom and slammed
the door.

       Blake finished putting everything away and turned to look out over
the city.  It was a clear day and the only clouds that filled the blue sky
were white and puffy.  He really thought Todd would have chosen to open the
relationship rather than lose him, but he knew what he was doing was best
for him.  He couldn't have that doubt in his mind for the next three years.
He wanted to trust Todd, but even the promise ring he gave Blake wasn't
enough to hold him to his own promise.

       Fifteen minutes later, Blake heard the water turn off and another
minute passed before he heard the bathroom door open.  He was still staring
out the window and a moment later, he felt Todd wrap his arms around him
and said, "We'll open the relationship.  I don't want to lose you and if
this is the only way..., then I'll agree to it."

       Blake turned around and said, "Todd, I really do love you, and I
want to trust you again, but this will be good for us.  Think of it as a
test.  Maybe we were meant to be together to lead us to this moment.  Maybe
we aren't supposed to be together forever.  I still believe in my heart
that we are, but..."

       "So do I," Todd said, agreeing.

       "Maybe this is just so we can do our own experimenting.  We can
learn new things, meet new people, and have some fun in the process.  I
really don't care who you fuck along the way, as long as you remember that
you're making love to me."

       Todd listened and when Blake was done, he leaned in and gave Blake a
kiss.  Touching Blake's forehead with his own, he said, "I'll always make
love to you and no one else.  That, I do give my word on. If I do end up
sleeping with someone else, it won't be anything but sex."

       "I know, Puppy.  I'm sorry that this is the only option I have right
now, but I don't want you leaving New York.  You've worked so hard in
getting here.  You need to enjoy it while you can, because you might not be
back," Blake said.

       "I know," Todd said, lifting his head up and looking into Blake's
face.

       "And if I hated my job, I'd be here in a New York minute," he said,
and then laughed.  "I'd beg Pax to buy an apartment in the city somewhere
so we could both live together.  But I have a great job and I love what I
do, not to mention the people I work with.  It's not every day that I get
to work at probably the only gay ranch in Montana."

       Todd had nothing to say, instead, he put his head on Blake's
shoulder and held him close.  After a few moments of silent bliss, Blake
broke the hug, teasing Todd.  His hands slipped down to Todd's behind and
he let them rest there as he said, "Now, you need to get dressed, otherwise
you might not make it to class."

       Todd gave a breathy laugh and looked at Blake and took a step back.
Blake stared at Todd, completely nude, and said, "You are so sexy."

       "Not as sexy as you, Baby," Todd said and smiled.

       "I think if the guys in this town had their pick, they would pick
you in a heartbeat over me any day, and I find that hot," Blake said.


       "Why do you find that hot?" Todd asked.

       "Because it's me you're going home with, and they all want to."

       "Oh, so that's sexy, is it?" Todd asked, stepping closer again.

       "Not as sexy as your body," Blake said, reaching between them to
grab Todd.

       "You can't do that.  I'll skip class if you get anything started,"
Todd warned.

       Blake put his arms around Todd again and rested his hands on Todd's
bubble butt.  "You get off at three?" Blake asked.

       "Two," Todd corrected.

       "How about at five tonight, we go on a date?  A nice romantic
dinner, maybe a movie or just a walk in the park or something different.
Then, we head over to the Plaza, get a room and make love all night long,"
Blake suggested.

       Todd smiled and gave Blake a deep, passionate kiss and said, "You're
on, but why wait until five?"

       "So you can get your homework done, if you have any.  If not, we can
move it up a bit," Blake suggested.

       "And we could skip the movie or the walk or something else and just
go from the restaurant to the Plaza.  Or better yet, we could go to the
Plaza and order room service and relax with a hot bath after dinner, then
make love all night long," Todd suggested.

       It was Blake's turn to smile and said, "I think I like that option
better.  Dinner, movie, bath and being with you.  It sounds like a night in
heaven."

       Todd leaned in again and touched Blake's lips with his own and held
Blake tight against his body as they kissed.  When Todd finally broke the
kiss, he smiled at Blake and turned away to get dressed.  When he did,
Blake gave him a playful slap on his butt.

       "What'd you do that for?  That hurt!" Todd said, rubbing the place
Blake hit.

       "You know me and your ass.  It's just so sexy!" Blake said, smiling
and then laughing at Todd's reaction.

       After Todd was dressed, he looked at the clock and realized he was
going to be late.  He grabbed his bag and kissed Blake one last time before
heading to the door.  Before he left, Blake got his attention one last
time.

       "You've forgotten something, mister," Blake said, smiling.

       "What?" Todd asked, scanning the room.

       Blake held up his left hand and said, "I need my ring back."

       Todd smiled and reached into his pocket and grabbed the shiny gold
ring.  Walking to Blake, he slipped in on Blake's hand and smiled.

       "I really hope to never have to take it off again.  I feel so naked
without it," Blake said.

       "I know, Baby," Todd said, then gave Blake one last kiss before
leaving for his classes.

       Todd was gone for a little more than an hour, when the dorm door
opened and Robert walked in.  When he saw Blake, he hesitated for a minute,
and then closed the door and headed to his desk.

       "Got a break between classes?" Blake asked, flipping off the TV.

       "Yeah," Robert said, then dropped his bag on his desk and pulled out
his chair and sat down.  He turned to look at Blake and asked, "Is
everything okay with you and Todd?"

       "Yeah.  We talked about everything and we're good," Blake explained.

       "That's good.  I want to apologize again for what happened.  I just
wasn't thinking," Robert said.

       "Don't worry about it, Robert.  You're a hot guy, you've got a great
cock.  The temptation was there and it was just too much for Todd.  I can
see why.  But, like I said before, it wasn't your fault.  Todd was the one
in the relationship and he broke the rules."

       "Then how are you okay with this?  How did you forgive him so fast?"
Robert asked.

       "Because I love him.  Now, if you two had gone all the way, I don't
know that I could have forgiven him, but because it was just a blowjob, I
guess it was just easier.  And we've decided to open the relationship,"
Blake stated.

       "What does that mean?" Robert asked, confused.

       "It means, we can fuck whoever we want to, but are only committed to
each other.  Because we are so far apart, we shouldn't have to not have
sex, to show we are committed to each other," Blake explained.

       "So you can have sex with anyone and Todd can too?" Robert asked.

       "Yup.  And that means, if you and he have sex again, I won't care.
I just told him I want details," Blake said, and smiled real big.

       "That's understanding of you," Robert said, scratching his head.  "I
don't know if I could do it."

       "Well, I know that Todd and I are supposed to be together for the
rest of our lives.  I wasn't going to let this one bump in the road destroy
all that.  And hey, now we can have some fun while we're apart," Blake
said.

       "Yeah, I guess so," Robert said.

       Silence fell between them for a few moments until Blake asked, "Do
you have anything you need to catch up on before class?"

       "Nope, just waiting for the next class to start," Robert said,
looking at Blake.

       "Well, I told you that I would finish what I started.  If you're
game, I can finish it now," Blake said.

       "What do you...?"  Realization hit Robert and he looked at Blake and
said, "You mean, now?"

       "Why not?  Todd got to without me here, and I started yesterday
morning, so why not let me finish?" Blake asked, moving to sit on the end
of the bed.

       "Won't Todd get angry?" Robert asked, already rubbing his hardness
through his jeans.

       "Being with you, no.  It won't bother him.  When I'm with someone
else, if that happens, that, he might have a harder time with," Blake
explained.

       Robert stayed where he was for a few moments until Blake reached
over and started rubbing on his leg.  He smiled at Blake and finally,
stood.  Once in front of Blake, Blake unfastened the button and unzipped
Robert's pants and started groping Robert through the fabric.

       A few moments later, Blake reached inside Robert's underwear and
fished out his manhood.  When it was free of its confines, Blake took him
to the base and sucked Robert with all he had.  Robert put his head back
and placed his hands on Blake's head.  He didn't push; instead, he placed
them there to keep his balance.  As Blake sucked on Robert, he reached with
his right hand and held Robert's balls in his hand.  He would lightly tug
on them and give them a quick squeeze.  With the combination of all of
those sensations, Robert couldn't hold out for very long.

       He finally was able to look down and watch Blake take him down to
the small brownish/blonde bush of hair and when he did, he used his hands
to push Blake farther.  After watching for only a minute or more, he
couldn't hold back.  He warned Blake he was cumming, and Blake brought his
left hand up and wrapped it around Robert's cock and started stroking as he
was sucking.  Robert, once again, threw his head back and held onto Blake's
head as he let lose a climax that made his knees shake.  Blake never
stopped sucking.  He was sliding down Robert's pole as fast as his body
would let him.  When he finally got all of Robert's orgasm in his mouth, he
started to slow.

       He kept up his back and forth motion until Robert started to writhe
around and exclaiming that it was getting too sensitive.  Only then, did
Blake slowly pull off of Robert's spent, and now flaccid, penis and look up
to him.  When he did, Robert bent over and locked his lips onto Blake's.
Unbeknownst to him, Blake hadn't swallowed his load yet and they ended up
sharing it.  Finally, Blake wrapped his arms around Robert and pulled him
down to lay atop him.  Robert's legs were sticking straight out from the
bed with his pants around his knees as they kissed.

       After a few minutes, Robert broke the kiss and they swallowed what
they had, and Robert smiled and said, "That was fucking amazing."

       Smiling, Blake said, "Todd seems to think so," then gave a laugh.

       "Are you sure Todd won't be angry?" Robert asked, still lying on
Blake.

       "Nah.  Like I said, since it was you, I don't think he will.  And if
he shows any anger, I'll just remind him and tell him this is the revenge.
He'll be mad at me if he's mad at anyone, but we both agreed that the
relationship is opened.  So, I didn't break any rules."

       "I trust you, then.  I just don't want him mad at me and things get
uncomfortable between us," Robert said.

       "Don't worry, Lucky.  They won't," Blake said, then locked his lips
with Robert's once more for a long make out session.

       Todd was a very lucky guy.  He didn't know how he got to be so
lucky, on that particular day, but none of his classes assigned any
homework.  He was so excited, he practically ran all the way to the dorm.
When he arrived, he dropped his bags and grabbed Blake in a hug and told
him the news.  Within fifteen minutes, they were out the door with an
overnight bag and some clothes for the following day.

       After getting settled in the room, Blake decided to tell Todd of his
little adventure he had that afternoon.

       "You gave Robert a blowjob?" Todd asked.

       "Yup.  I figured that since you did it, alone, I should be able to
do it, alone.  And I also promised him I'd finish what I started when you
went to get the water ready yesterday morning," Blake explained.

       "Was it good?" Todd asked, showing no signs of jealousy.

       "It was great, and he was sweet too, like the other night.  But,
you're better, as always," Blake said.

       "Yeah, I know," Todd said, and then laughed at Blake's expression.

       They finally ordered some food and watched an old black and white
movie, during which, Blake ended up using Todd's stomach as his pillow.
When it was over, as promised, Todd ran them a hot bath, which they soaked
in for an hour, before stumbling back to the bed, lips locked onto each
other's, where they made love until around three in the morning.

       Tonight, Blake was on his back and Todd fell on Blake's torso,
wrapped his arms around Blake and told him he loved him before falling
asleep.  Blake was awake a short while longer, holding Todd with his right
arm and playing with Todd's hair with his left hand as he slept, hopefully
dreaming of something beautiful.

       To Be Continued...