Date: Mon, 08 Dec 2014 00:32:41 -0800
From: garystratford@yahoo.com
Subject: Part 7 - Together After the Fair

Together after the Fair
[Part 7 - Together After the Fair - Trying to stay connected]

*****

I believe that two people are connected at the heart, and it doesn't matter
what you do, or who you are or where you live; there are no boundaries or
barriers if two people are destined to be together.  'Julia Roberts'

Yes, maybe I am too dramatic at times.  I make no real apology for being
that way.  Nor did I count on ever again finding someone who caught my
attention, drew out the inner me and expressed a desire to love me as has
Greg.  I am not much into the whole Hollywood mystique, but hey Julie
Roberts is correct.

Please let me know what you think (garystratford@yahoo.com).

This story depicts the sexual activity between an adult male and a teenage
boy.  If you aren't supposed to be reading this type of story, then stop.
Otherwise enjoy what you read.

Gary - older male Greg - teenage boy Robbie - teenage boy (flashback)
Younger Gary - boy (flashback)

*****

...I came awake with a very hard, throbbing erection.  I was very close to
having a wet dream and had I remained asleep for much longer that is what
most likely would have happened.  The images faded.  Cathartic in nature,
sort of a release of the past.  As I lay there in the darkness thinking of
the fading dream based images, I thought about how hurt I felt when I had
to leave Robbie behind as we moved to Germany when I turned 14.  That was
the beginning of the end as it were for that relationship.

Although we had hooked up later in life, I never gave Robbie the indication
I wanted to settle down.  Thus a gap formed in our relationship, which was
formally closed earlier today when I said goodbye to him.

I retrieved my phone.  I scrolled through to the contacts for Greg.  I
smiled and felt kind of giddy when I saw his face as the profile picture
for his contact item on the phone.  I keyed up a text message.

'missing u.  please send me a schedule of events when u can. love u.'  I
keyed up and then sent the message.

I was drifting back to sleep thinking of various things over the next few
months that needed to be done and also trying to come up with ways I could
share time with Greg.

***** Part 7 - Together After the Fair - Trying to stay connected

The weeks passed, since the night Greg and I spent together in the cabin,
somewhat slowly yet not agonizingly.  He attended to his school work and I
focused on the various projects I had going.

I received a text message from Greg one evening.  'heading to pop-pop and
oma's house for thanksgiving'

I smiled.  I keyed up a reply.  'have fun and don't eat 2 much'

Greg responded: 'lol gobble gobble i luv 2 eat though'

I shot back: 'I have something for u 2 gobble'

It was about 30 minutes or so before I received a reply from that last
message.  I was beginning to worry one of his parents may have found his
phone.  The text came in: 'duuuude save it for me ur stuff is tasty'

The text message was followed by a snapchat with audio message and picture:
'Hey sexy man, miss you.  Here's something to think about.'  Was the audio
accompanying the nice image of Greg's erect penis firmly gripped in his
hand.  Close up shot of the engorged head and such.

Another text message came in: 'had to go upstairs quietly and make sure no
1 was watchin'

Another text from Greg: 'check ur email sent my wrestling sched'

I sent a text in response: 'will do and thanx 4 the image'

I keyed up one more and sent it: 'have a great thanksgiving I miss u n luv
u greatly'

Greg responded: 'thanx u 2'

Quickly followed by another: 'luv u 2'

The evening progressed and I put together some proposals.  I was trying to
wrap up some items so that I could try to get some actual downtime over the
next couple of days.  I called a couple of subcontractors and chatted about
the various projects they were working on and reminded them I would like to
have some updates at the first of the month and also to make sure they
submitted any payment requests or billings to my accountant.

I then set up an out of office message on my work email and tried to
disengage from the bustle of work.  I keyed up my personal email and there
was the message from Greg.  In it was the actual schedule for his wrestling
matches.  He was wrestling at 126, but could potentially get back down to
120 if he wanted to do so.  I hoped he would just wrestling into the weight
his body wanted to be for his size and frame.

He was a strong one for sure, maybe not a state contender, but definitely a
hard worker.  Lots of boys destroy their bodies trying to wrestle at a
weight or at an intensity level their bodies cannot support.  It is a rough
and demanding sport, not for the weak and certainly not for the faint of
heart.  I would have to make sure I attended a few matches and meets to
gauge his overall skill level.  Oh and of course to perv on his singlet
clad body.

I wrapped up the day's work and was thinking about how I could get some
more face time or interaction time with Greg.  Sure, I would love to be
able to have that special alone time were we could pleasure each other, but
I realized I had fallen pretty hard for this one and I wanted to just be
near him.  I really wanted to be able to in some way legitimize our
relationship so that we could be seen together in public and no one would
think it odd.

I keyed in the high school he attended because there was something nagging
at the back of my mind.  His school had been in the news recently.  One of
my searches provided the details of what I was looking for and reminded me
of the issue plaguing the school.  It seemed the high school Greg was
attending had basically lost its principal due to a drunk driving
conviction and there was an interim principal running the place.  Not that
it really had anything to do with my desire to be with Greg, but it was
unfortunate the place had to be in some sort of turmoil.  Not good for the
learning environment.

I reviewed more details of the school.  They had various clubs and finally
I found one that would provide me the conduit for interaction.  Greg's high
school, like a lot of schools, has a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering
& Math) program/club.  I thought he was into the sciences as well.

I keyed up a message to Greg: 'r u into science and engineering?'

A few minutes later he responded: 'sure am, i am a member of the STEM club.
also taking all of the math and other science classes related to helping me
be a good engineer or something'

Music to my eyes - yeah would have been to my ears had he called, but
reading the text made me smile.

Another text came in from Greg: 'why????'

I responded: 'patience i will fill u in later'

He must have accepted my response: 'k'

I looked up some other information and contacts at the school and the
various regions in the area.  I had some projects that would work really
well for the students and who knows, might also get more of them interested
in engineering.  I set about finding some additional contact information
and putting together some information packets.

Several hours later I had pulled together enough of a descriptive package I
felt was ready for delivery such that it would provide enough details so
the various key individuals of the science department at Greg's high school
would be intrigued enough to allow me to come in as a guest lecturer at
least.  From there I would attempt to get their buy in to allow for the
students to participate in some field testing of various engineering
projects.

I really did not think I would get any response from the key players this
week, so I packed up my laptop and decided to go have a beer.  I drove over
to a nice little place I frequent.  I motored over to the Crown Bar and
went inside.  Time for a nice beer or two and a decent burger and pleasant
company.

As I sat at the bar I took note of a couple of guys, some I knew were
closeted and available, others were most definitely straight, others were
probably willing to go either way, but overall none of them piqued my
interest.  I sighed contentedly.  Nope, I am off the market and unless I
were to have explicit permission from Greg, I was not going to flirt or go
home with anyone.  Felt good really.

As I sipped my Boont Amber Ale and waited for my burger to arrive I thought
about Greg.  Who would have guessed I of all people could fall in love
again?  *** Yeah for all of you out there that are freaking out and
screaming about how I must be quite the predator, a big wet raspberry to
you. *** There has to be a reason why our paths crossed there at the fair
that day, Greg's mishap with his scone was not just pure luck for me.

I needed to be careful as to how much I thought about Greg while out and
about, since thinking about him made me all sorts of horny.  I did not need
to be sporting wood everywhere I went.  However, I did focus on how he made
me feel.  Being with him and having him physically close made me feel a
combination of school girl giddy, as well as contented and happy.  Hmmm, I
thought about being happy and realized it had been a long time since I had
been happy.  Oh, I had done some wonderful things in life, been with some
nice people, been all over the world (sometimes for fun, but other times
being shot at, so not fun really) and had basically enjoyed life.  However,
I realized I had not been what normal people would classify as happy with
my life.

As I slowly sipped my beer I thought about the five unique males in my life
and what they had meant to me, oh and of course my Dad as well.  Need to
call he and Mom and wish them a Happy Thanksgiving.  I can't wait for the
day I can bring Greg 'home' to meet my parents, oh boy, that will be some
shocker.

Yeah the slut that I am, there really have only been five guys who had and
or have a great impact in my life outside of my Dad.  There were lots of
guys who let me bed them and who in turn I so gratefully sexually
pleasured.  The ones who stand out though are the ones who matter most.

Brad:

He will always be there as the best friend a guy can have.  He has really
been a great confidant and strong shoulder as well as a great buddy in the
Army.  We have of course had a great run with our friends with benefits
type of relationship.

Craig:

Yes Craig.  May he rest in peace.  The only straight guy I have had a
secure all open relationship with, ever.  Sure I have had other straight
friends and acquaintances, but Craig held no malice or judgement towards
me.  He also did not mind my whistling at his bare butt whenever I saw it,
not often mind you, but on occasion in the shower or something.  Nope,
never had the pleasure of having him in a bed.  I admired how well he
treated Jennifer and how much he loved her.  Of course, his siring the boy,
correction the now man Lucas, was something worth noting.  Lucas carries
the legacy of being Craig's son, a most honorable thing indeed.

Lucas:

He is becoming a fine adult.  I can't wait for the day he graduates from
medical school.  Except for the various tours of duty that kept me away
from the local area, I have been able to watch him grow up and he of course
had the unfortunate opportunity to be there one day when life really had me
down.  His strength and courage are very inspiring.  As a boy and teen he
was quite the mature one and has carried that type of character into his
adulthood.  I will always be thankful for what he gave of himself to keep
me whole.  Sure there are those who would probably crucify me for the way I
treated Lucas that one night, but Lucas rose well above that and has
forgiven me.

Then of course there is Robbie:

He knew me when I was but a young boy.  My first real love.  By the time I
had turned 14 myself, he had turned 21 and we were separated by chance as
my Dad accepted a position with a company where his office was in Germany.
We moved and Robbie and I could no longer be together and at that time it
was better to be in the closet.  While we maintained a long distance,
mostly covert relationship sprinkled with a couple of reunions our
relationship died and finally I buried it.

Greg:

With the chapter of my life with respect to Robbie closed I was now very
free to enjoy what I hoped would be a long run with Greg.  My Fair Boy,
Greg.  Chance brought us together, but his whole being was what I craved
and now realized could love, yes I had fallen in love again.  Sure some
would say the sex was what I longed for in the relationship I was having
with Greg, but it really was deeper than that.  I took another swig of beer
and glanced about, nope no one here could shine as bright in my life as
Greg.

---

I finished my meal and paid my tab.  I decided to head for home, but when I
got in the truck I changed my mind and drove down to the waterfront and
over to Les Davis Pier.  I parked in the lot and got out of the truck and
walked along the sidewalk.  I dive here occasionally and would like to
share that with Greg.  Not really my favorite time of year to dive, but
maybe I will plan some diving over the next few weeks.

I thought about how fun it would be to get Greg certified.  He expressed a
desire to learn, so I thought it would be prudent to plan some time this
spring or summer to get him certified, if his parents would allow it.  Brad
was a certified instructor and I have been diving most of my adult life, so
Greg would be in great hands.

I breathed in the salt water air as well as the acrid aroma of the area.
Not always pleasant, but still a nice area.  I sighed and breathed in
another deep breath, closed my eyes and stood there facing the water,
listening to the evening sounds.  The only thing that would be more perfect
was if Greg was there hugging me close, cleaving to my side and enjoying
the time together.  Yes, he is who I need.

I stood there for a few minutes and then the cool air started to seep in
and around me.  I headed back to the truck and drove home.  I got ready for
bed and climbed in under the covers.  I sat in my bed with my back resting
on some pillows up against the headboard.  I scrolled through my phone
looking at the various images I had of Greg.

I soon scooted back down and snuggled in under the covers and fell asleep.
Fairly restful night.

In the morning I was putzing around, hadn't showered yet.  It was
Thanksgiving Day.  I really hadn't thought about whether or not I would
still go be with family.

My phone chimed, indicating a text was there.  I looked at the phone and
immediately a smile crossed my face and my heart beat a little quicker.
Greg had sent me a happy T-Day wish type of message: 'happy thanksgiving,
sexy man'

I quickly typed and sent a response: 'back at u, my sexy boyfriend.'

I then added another: 'miss u lots'

Greg responded: 'yeah, me 2.  hope ur day goes well, go see ur Mom and Dad'

I responded: 'I will, thanx 4 the reminder.  enjoy ur family time. love u'

Greg sent back a text: 'i want to scream i love u from the rooftop.  i
can't wait until the day i can do that.'

My phone chimed again indicating a video snapchat had come in.  I sighed
lovingly as Greg's image appeared, he pointed at the phone (towards me I
guess), then back at his chest and then blew me a kiss.

As the snapchat faded into the ether, I teared up a bit.  How can someone
so genuinely precious as Greg, love me?  I thought to myself.

Another text message came in: 'thought about u last night by the way,
needed two rolls of toilet paper'

I was about to ask why when he responded: 'one roll 4 missing u tears and
another roll 4 um well thinking about u which caused a sticky mess'

I shook my head.  Oh my, I did not realize I had that much of an impact on
him.  I sent a reply.  'sorry i was not there to kiss the tears away and
also to clean up that sticky mess.  save some 4 me.'

He replied: 'lol gotta go ttyl xoxo <3'

All those special characters, shorthand and such, I am still not in tune
sometimes.  I did gather that from the context of the texts and such Greg
still wanted to be with me, emotionally and even physically.  I have
finally accepted the fact the relationship is on, now to prepare for that
wild roller coaster ride.

--

I went upstairs, shaved and showered.  I dressed in a nice pair of slacks,
put on a dress shirt with a tie and grabbed a nice sport coat out of the
closet.  I went back downstairs grabbed a nice bottle of wine then went
into the garage and climbed into my Mustang and backed out of the garage.
Off to Mom and Dad's.

I stopped off at an open store and picked up some flowers for Mom.  Then
pulled onto the freeway.  I arrived at my parent's place about an hour and
a half later.  I walked up the stairs and stood at the front door.  I
breathed in a deep cleansing breath, sighed it out and rang the doorbell.

My Mom opened the door and cheerfully greeted me.  "Gary dear, thank you
for coming."

I stepped inside and hugged my Mom, something I hadn't done in many years.
Yeah, they only lived an hour and a half from me, but ever since that night
where my Mom pushed every button in the world and I came out at the party,
well I hadn't felt too lovey dovey.  It was me though, more than them, they
tried more than I did to make and stay in contact.  I was either too busy
or on some sort of deployment.  No, it had not been years since I had been
to their house, but quite a long time without contact between visits for
sure and the visits were typically short.

My Dad was in his den and I heard him holler from there.  "Be out in a few
minutes."

I closed the door and hugged my Mom.  "Happy Thanksgiving, Mom."

She hugged me tightly and I felt good about being there in her arms.  I
still had the bottle of wine and flowers in my hands so the hug was a bit
awkward.  My Mom let go of me and I noticed her misty eyes.  She looked at
me and smiled, brushed my cheek and then grabbed a hold of my hand again.
"Missed you not being around."  She said quietly.

I nodded.  "Believe it or not, I have been missing you as well."  I replied
and handed her the flowers and the wine.  "Love you lots, though."  I
finished.

She smelled the flowers, "Oh they smell wonderful."  She said and took the
bottle of wine and flowers and headed into the kitchen.  "Gary Dear, please
take off your coat and sit down and relax."  She said over her shoulder.
Then added, "You look so handsome."

I chuckled and wandered over to the fireplace to look at the photos
displayed.  Wow, me as a boy.  Cutie I should dare say.  Some more recent
ones of our family were displayed as well.

My Dad came out of his den and greeted me warmly.  "Hi Son, thanks for
coming home on this holiday."  He said as he shook my hand and then pulled
me into his hugging embrace.  "Too much time slips quickly away, you know
before all of us turn old and gray."  He said as he finished hugging me.

I chuckled.  "You certainly are never lost for words."  I said.

He smiled and offered to get me a drink.  "Care for a before dinner
cocktail?"  He asked.

I nodded.  "Yes Sir.  A scotch on the rocks if you please."  I answered.

He nodded, "Good choice Son."  He replied and wandered over to the bar area
he had near the kitchen area.

I wandered over to the dining room and noticed that there were 5 place
settings.  I stepped into the kitchen.  "Um, Mom.  Are we expecting other
guests?"  I asked.

My Mom looked at me and smiled.  "Why yes dear.  Jennifer and Lucas will be
joining us."  She said.

Wow, it has been a while since I had seen either Jennifer or Lucas.
Hopefully my Mom was not out trying to fix Jennifer and I up again.  I did
not want another fiasco.  I drained my scotch and went back into the living
room to chat with my Dad and get a refill.

I walked into the living room and my Dad was sitting in his big chair
looking at a photo album of all things.  I refilled my glass, double this
time and sat down on the couch close to, but across from him.  "Dad, what
are you looking at so intently?"  I asked.

He shifted in his chair.  He sipped from his scotch and set the glass on
the end table next to his chair.  He held open the photo album and tilted
it around for me to see.  There was a photo of a younger me, much younger
dressed fully in snow gear, helmet and gloves as well.  It had been taken
by Robbie while we were out at his family's cabin.  We had gone snowmobile
riding and that was the weekend I almost lost my virginity, but was way too
freaked by the possibility that I had to have Robbie stop what he was
doing, he almost didn't, but in the end respected my wishes.  Fun weekend
all the same as it was just Robbie and me together.

I chuckled to myself.  The pictures Robbie gave me to give to my parents
were not the only ones taken.  We had several Polaroids of the two of us
together.  Definitely child porn in today's skewed world view though, still
fun all the same.

I looked at my Dad and asked.  "What was I, twelve or something?"

My Dad smiled, nodded and sighed.  "Yes, twelve and heading on to thirty or
so it seemed."  He paused and looked at me.  "You know son, it was about
that time we had a series of talks about various things and I have been
wondering if I perhaps said the wrong things or in some way confused you
about life."

I looked at him with a weird expression.  "Um Dad, pardon me, but what do
you mean?"  I asked.  I was perplexed.

He looked at me with a pained expression.  "I have always wondered what it
was I did or did not say or said incorrectly that made you feel you could
not at least tell me and or your mother that you were attracted to other
boys and thought you might be gay.  I completely missed it and it seems you
spent many years trying to figure out what it was that you were feeling."

I was even more perplexed.  "Dad, I never blamed you or Mom for me being
gay.  It is who I am.  It was who I was back then, although most people did
not accept it as well as they do now."  I said and then leaned forward and
touched my Dad on his knee.  "I did not know you felt this way, I am sorry
you think you did something wrong.  Why do you feel so strongly about it?"
I asked.

My Dad put his hand on the one I had placed on his knee and squeezed it
lovingly.  "Son, how else can you explain why you bottled it up until that
blow up you had several years ago at Jennifer's house?  Why did you yell at
your Mom so harshly if you weren't mad at us for being clueless or
something?"  He asked.

I realized they still did not know.  I sat back and looked at the ceiling.
I closed my eyes.  I sighed and then looked at my Dad.  "Dad, I was not mad
at Mom per say..." I began then paused and swallowed firmly.  I licked my
lips.  "My heart was breaking all over again that night and I was so
overwhelmed with emotions."  I finished and realized my Mom had wandered
into the living room.

My Dad looked at my Mom and back at me.  "Heartbroken about what?"  He
asked with what I felt was a sincere caring in his voice.

It was my Dad's turn to look perplexed.  I scooted forward off the couch
and again knelt in front of my Dad.  I pointed to the picture in the photo
album of me at 12 or so years of age, the one all dressed up ready for the
snow.  "Dad..." I said as I pointed, "that young boy fell in love with a
wonderful older boy.  One who loved him back for who he was."  I sad
softly.

My Dad was not cluing in as fast as I had hoped.  It was my Mom who spoke.
"Robert."  She said in a tone barely above a whisper as she placed a hand
over her mouth and closed her eyes.

My Dad's eyes widened and he looked at my Mom with a quizzical look on his
face.  "Robert is married and has children."  He stated.

I nodded.  "That is what broke my heart.  It was a firm statement that I
would never get to be with the one I thought I was meant to be with and
whom I had shared so much of myself with."  I stated as I sagged back into
a sitting position on the floor.

My Mom came over and sat on the couch behind me.  She leaned forward and
placing a hand on my shoulder urged me to scoot back towards the couch.  I
did and she kissed the top of my head as she had done many times before
when I was a child.  "I am so sorry, honey.  I made a mess of things that
night.  No wonder you have avoided me and appeared so strained to be near
me."  She said trying to comfort me.

I sighed and patted the hand she had placed on my shoulder.  "Oh Mom, stop
fretting about it.  I wasn't mad at you, I was frustrated with the
situation.  I am truly sorry I have been less than cordial with you."  I
apologized.

My Dad spoke next.  "Gary, why did you not come and talk to us if you were
having this struggle?"

I shook my head.  "Dad, what would you have said back then?  What would you
have said if I told you I loved Robert and that he made me feel wonderful
and accepted me for being different?"  I asked.

"I would have probably told you that you were too young to be in love.  I
don't really know."  He replied then asked.  "Is that why you were so off
the wall sometimes while in Germany and why you rushed off to join the Army
right after graduating high school?"

I nodded.  "Yes, I am sorry you guys had to deal with me like that.  I was
pulled away from my best friend, first true love, my first lover and forced
to move to a new country."  I had said it without thinking about it.

I felt my Mom's hand tighten on my shoulder a bit and then shudder, just as
my Dad cocked his eyebrows.  My Dad cleared his throat.  Before he could
speak I raised my hand.  I licked my lips.  "Before you get angry, remember
it was more than thirty years ago and I need you to understand that Robert
never forced me to do anything I did not ask first to do and more so wanted
to do.  After all, you always said I was mature for my age."  I stated.

"I will withhold my judgment about Robert's actions at this time.  It won't
make me any less concerned for your well being though because you were a
child, no older than 14 or so."  My Dad said.

The doorbell rang.  'Saved by the bell' was what I thought.  I jumped up
and headed for the door.  "I'll get it."  I said.

I opened the door and was greeted by Jennifer and a very handsome older
version of Lucas.  Jennifer was surprised to see me.

"Gary?"  Jennifer asked excitedly.

I smiled and nodded as she leapt into my arms hugging me tightly.  "I have
missed you so much.  You haven't come by, no calls, no contact for a long
time."  She said and then kissed me on the cheek followed closely by a
small slug on the shoulder.  "Darn you."  She said all teary eyed.

"I am sorry.  It's just me, the way I roll some times.  Hopefully I will do
better."  I promised.  Jennifer stepped aside and I had to look up into
this, well this dashingly handsome young man's face.

Yes, as I got a good look at this well over 6 foot tall very handsome
blondish haired guy, I realized I could still see the boy I knew in this
man's face.  "Lucas, is that you?  You are so handsome, damn."  I asked.

He smiled and blushed a bit.  He stepped forward and hugged me and I had to
stand on tip toes in order to kiss him on the cheek.  "Uncle Gary, it sure
is good to see you."  He said.

"Gary, please let them inside, it is cold out there."  My Mom said as she
closed the gap between the couch and the front door.

I stood aside to let them inside and I took Jennifer's coat.  "Come in."  I
said enthusiastically.

My Mom greeted them as well and my Dad was up and moving in our direction.
"Jennifer, Lucas, I am glad you were able to accept our Thanksgiving Day
invitation."  My Mom said.

"Thank you Sally."  Jennifer said and hugged my Mom and then moved on to my
Dad.  "Good to see you too Gary."  She said.  Yes, Gary Sr. and Gary Jr. in
the same room where people were tossing around the name Gary, bound to be
some fun this year.

"Now let me get a better look at this handsome young man."  My Mom stated
and then continued.  "Jennifer I think he has gotten taller since I last
saw him that time at lunch before summer break."  She finished.

As Lucas hugged my Mom, of course having to bend over to do it, Jennifer
turned and cocked her head.  She nodded.  "You know, Sally, I think he has
gotten taller.  Hopefully this will be his last growth spurt.  The previous
one started and seemed to go on for his entire high school career.  Now he
has to buy his own clothes."  Jennifer finished and then chuckled and
looked at me.  "That is unless, he can convince his Uncle Gary to drop a
ton of money on him outfitting him."  She said sort of sarcastically.

I laughed.  "Hey, what is an uncle for if he can't spoil his favorite boy?"
I asked.

Jennifer chuckled.  "Yes, maybe now the jeans you think he needs and looks
good in may be appropriate."  She said and then cocked eyebrows at me
causing me to blush slightly and I smiled.

"He looked cute in the ones I got him from Myrna."  I said jokingly, but
really enjoyed the mental image that replayed quickly in my mind.

Jennifer shook her head.  "My gosh Gary, he was only thirteen.  Cute yes,
but those jeans were a bit much and left little to be imagined for sure."
She admonished me.

I was about to comment further when Lucas interjected.  "Mom, please."  He
said and at the same time a firm hand gripped my shoulder in a solid
squeeze from my Dad.

"Sally, I think dinner is ready.  We should all go into the dining room and
enjoy the day, the food and the company."  My Dad requested.

My Mom, Jennifer and Lucas headed into the dining room. My Dad held me
firmly in place.  He whispered in my ear.  "You are a very welcome guest in
our home, Son.  Please mind your manners and quit embarrassing Lucas."

I nodded and sighed.  My Dad let go of my shoulder and we walked into the
dining room.  My Dad sat at the head of the table with my Mom at the other
end, Jennifer took a seat to the left of my Dad and Lucas took the seat
across the table facing her just to my Dad's right and my Mom waved me over
to other place setting next to Jennifer.  Oh well, for so many years
Jennifer and I could have been just a married couple the way we interacted
and such, why not sit next to her.

At least I could sit where I could glance at Lucas.  He certainly was a
handsome young man.  Definitely inherited his Dad's great looks, refined
with his Mom's beauty and eyes.  Very masculine jaw and shoulders for sure.
It had been more than year or so since I had last seen him.  I had chatted
with Jennifer, but had not been in their presence for quite a while.  There
were a couple of Christmas and New Years eve parties she attended at Brad's
of all places with me.  Funny, she would be one of the few real females
present surrounded by a lot of gay guys.

My Dad said grace and then offered wine to everyone.  We all had a glass,
wow having all drinking age adults around the table was really amazing.
The food was passed and everyone enjoyed the meal.

Of course there was the standard level of general small talk.  I appeared
to be the one on the outside though.  I chuckled inwardly.  Jennifer
certainly had been adopted into our family, probably as the daughter-in-law
my parents would never have.  I was thinking to myself that one day I hoped
they would be so open to embracing Greg at this table as one of the family.

I took a sip of water to wash down some food and then sipped some wine.  As
I was putting my glass down Jennifer turned to me and asked, "So Gary,
anyone new in your life?"

I sat back, a small smile crossed my face and I then kind of shrugged my
shoulders.  I wanted to scream 'Yes and he makes me feel wonderful'
however, I did not think it would do much good to give too much detail.
Jennifer of course was so good at seeing through me for whatever reason.

Jennifer chuckled.  "Oh come on Gary, please.  There is someone special now
in your life isn't there?"

I paused a bit and then took another sip of wine.  "Well, yes there is and
I don't want to jinx it because it is such a new relationship."

My Mom reached out a hand and grasped mine.  "Why didn't you invite him
here for Thanksgiving?"  She asked with what I thought was a very genuine
caring in her voice.

I sighed, "Oh Mom, like I said it is a new relationship and I have had
quite the bumpy road with relationships.  I really did not want to have
things go awry."  I confessed.  It was really true.  I mean I was
definitely one who had way too many flings with very few longer term
relationships scattered here and there.

It was my Dad who interjected next.  "Are you afraid we won't be open and
friendly or welcoming to your boyfriend?"  He asked.

I looked at my Dad and then at my Mom.  "Honestly guys, I think it would be
best to just accept that I am in a new relationship and that when the time
is right you will be able to meet him.  Besides, I think it is a discussion
we as a family should have and not bother our guests with my foibles,
relationship wise."  I pleaded.

Lucas came to my rescue sort of.  "Uncle Gary, we are part of your family.
No judgements here from anyone around the table, not from me not from my
Mom or from your parents.  However, if you don't want to discuss it then we
should all accept it for now."  He stated very maturely, then added.
"Although, it does kind of seem like you don't trust that we will be as
accepting as we should be and that is kind of sad."

Damn it.  He was right, but I really could not come out and tell everyone I
was dating an almost 15 year old boy now could I?

I offered a compromise of sorts.  "Lucas, I apologize if I have come across
like I don't appreciate all of you as family.  Like I said, with my history
of less than ideal relationships and such I just really did not want to
jinx it.  Stupid excuse, I know, but I want the relationship to age enough
to solidify more."  I said.  This seemed to placate everyone for the
Moment, but I sensed they needed a bit more.

I drained my glass of wine and refilled it.  "Okay, his name is Greg.  He
makes me feel really good inside and I enjoy being with him.  I haven't
felt this way for many years and now that I have finally accepted that I am
able to love someone again and have them love me back I don't want it to
fall apart.  Just so you know, he is spending his Thanksgiving with his
family and no they do not know we are dating either, in fact he is still in
the closet as not everyone is as accepting of people being gay."

My Mom smiled and patted my hand.  "Gary dear, I am sorry if we appear to
be pushing so hard and all.  It is just that we want you to be happy and
for so long you haven't been.  We do accept who you are, maybe we don't
understand it all, but we certainly want to be part of your life and will
welcome Greg into our lives as well."  She said and my Dad nodded in
agreement.

I nodded.  "I wish it were that easy.  I really do, but can we wait a bit
to make sure the relationship takes and all?"  I asked.

My Mom nodded.  "Okay dear, when you are ready to share Greg with us, we
will be here."  She said.

I tried to steer the conversation in another direction.  "So, um Lucas,
what is the news on medical school?"  I asked.

Jennifer beamed.  Lucas smiled and answered.  "Well Uncle Gary, I think I
did really well on the MCAT's.  I won't have the final results for a while,
but I have the various packets put together and I did really well on the
practice exams."

I nodded.  "That is great news.  Any idea of a specialty?"

Lucas nodded.  "Well, I was thinking of Emergency Room Physician and or
Sports Medicine."  He stated firmly.

I nodded.  My Dad jumped into the conversation.  "Lucas, what piqued your
interest in Emergency Room medicine?"  He asked.

Lucas looked at my Dad and answered, "Well, Mr. Stratford, I have always
admired Uncle Gary here for being a combat medic and all and there were
some stories he told me about some of the adventures and types of issues he
had to deal with that got me thinking in that direction.  The closest thing
for me would be an ER Doctor."  He stated and smiled at me then continued
as he pointed at me.  "Uncle Gary, you are my inspiration in many ways."

It made me feel good the way he talked about me being an inspiration and
all.  "Why thank you Lucas.  The ER is a very fast paced world of medicine.
You have a big challenge ahead of you, but I believe you have what it
takes.  Good for you."  I said.

My Dad nodded in agreement.  He raised his glass of wine.  "Here's to your
good choice and great success in your studies."

We all raised our glasses and Lucas finally raised his in acceptance.
"Cheers.  Success in your studies Lucas."  Everyone chimed in and we
clinked glasses.  We all took a sip of our wine.

Lucas looked at me and raised his glass one more time.  "Here's to the man
who inspired me and taught me to stand firm in my convictions and to stand
my ground through any adverse situation, my hero and a man I really admire.
Uncle Gary."  He saluted.

Every one raised their glass quickly, except for me.  I hesitated and
slowly shook my head.  "I don't deserve that praise."  I said.  In more
ways than one I had failed to live up to the very things Lucas lauded me
for.

Lucas nodded in my direction.  "Yes, you deserve the praise.  You taught me
to be a man and I honor and respect you for it.  Please accept my toast."
He urged.

I raised my glass and we cheered again.  We all sipped again our wine, this
time in honor of me.  One who felt very flawed.  I often wondered if I did
more harm than good, but Lucas seemed okay.

My Dad looked at me and said.  "Thank you for your service Gary.  Thank you
for being an inspiration to Lucas."  He stated.

My Mom announced it was desert time.  "Would everyone like some pie and
some coffee?"

We all nodded.  I got up and started clearing plates and brought them into
the kitchen.  I went to help my Mom with getting the desert.

I hugged my Mom.  "Thanks for being willing to wait for me to give you more
information about Greg.  I am sorry and hopefully one day you will be able
to understand it all and why I am concerned about the relationship."  I
stated.

My Mom nodded.  "It's okay dear."  She responded.

My Mom cut pieces of pie and put them on plates.  I started some coffee and
then grabbed the whipped cream.  I helped shuttle the plates into the
dining room and passed around the whipped cream.  After all what good is
pumpkin pie without whipped cream?  I also thought about the other things
whipped cream is good for and my cock lurched in my pants.

A few minutes later the coffee was ready and I went back into the kitchen.
Lucas joined me in there shortly to give me a hand.

"Uncle Gary, I am sorry I embarrassed you.  I honestly believe what I said
and feel about you the way I expressed it."  He said.

"Okay.  I am sorry I did not appear to appreciate it.  I really did, but I
do sometimes not feel deserving of the love or caring others have for me."
I responded.

Lucas nodded.  "Can I spend the night at your place?"  He asked abruptly.

I was a bit surprised at the abruptness of the request.  "Lucas, um.  I,
um.  Well..."  I stammered.

He chuckled.  "Not can I sleep with you, can I spend the night?"  He
corrected.

I blushed.  "Okayyyy."  I said.

"I need to talk with you about a couple of things.  You promised me you
would always be there if I needed to talk."  He reminded me.

I smiled and nodded.  "Sure, why don't you plan on driving me home.  I have
had a bit much to drink in all honesty.  Sure, might not be buzzed, but
better safe than sorry."  I stated.

We returned to the dining room with the coffee pot and a stack of cups.  I
followed Lucas around the table as he set cups and I filled them.  We then
took our respective seats.

We all had eaten our fill of the delicious meal and the desert provided by
my Mom.  We sipped coffee and chatted about various things and fortunately
everyone steered clear of more questions about Greg.  I was relieved.

After dinner we cleared the table I poured myself another scotch and
offered to do the dishes.  Lucas volunteered to assist.  He and I worked in
the kitchen to cut through much of the work as quickly as possible.  We
chatted a bit about school and I tried to keep from prying into what he
wanted to discuss with me later.

We finished in the kitchen and came back into the dining room then after
noticing that my Mom, Dad and Jennifer had gone into the living room we
decided to join them.  I stretched a bit and wandered over to sit down next
to my Mom.

"I wanted to thank you for such a wonderful day.  Dinner was delicious and
the company was wonderful.  I think I am going to head home though."  I
said to my Mom and leaned in and kissed her cheek.

"Okay sweetie.  Thanks again for coming.  I am glad you had a good time."
My Mom stated.

I turned to Jennifer.  "Jennifer, it was such a nice surprise to see you.
I will try to visit or get together with you more often."  I said then
added.  "Lucas is going to drive me home tonight, I did not want to drive."
I stated.

Lucas interjected.  "Mom, I will just plan on spending the night at Uncle
Gary's.  I will call you tomorrow to let you know what I plan on doing for
the weekend."  He stated then asked.  "Will you be okay driving home by
yourself?"

Jennifer nodded.  "Sure honey.  Talk to you tomorrow."  She said.

I stood and put on my coat and my Dad stood up and came over and hugged me.
"Thanks for coming over son.  Please remember you are always welcome."  He
said and kissed me on the cheek.

I hugged him back and pecked him on the cheek as well.  "Thanks for loving
me and caring about me Dad."

Lucas said his goodbyes as well and I headed for the door.  "Love you all."
I said.

Lucas and I walked out to my Mustang and I tossed him my keys.  "Am I going
to have a problem getting these back?"  I quipped.

Lucas laughed as he opened the driver's side door and once we were both
inside he answered.  "If I said no, I guarantee it would be much more
difficult to plunder my ass than it was that first time."  He boldly
asserted.

I laughed, "Fair enough.  Home then, please."  I said.

Lucas started the Mustang and motored onto the road and towards my place.

***** End Part 7 - Together After the Fair - Trying to stay connected

I will always struggle with some feelings and urges I have for various boys
and men in my life.  Lucas is one who, while straight, I have had sex with
and a desire for which seems to always be there.  Will I break my vow to be
committed to Greg?  Well you will have to wait until the next part at
least.

"It is not flesh and blood, but heart which makes us fathers and sons."
~'Friedrich von Schiller'

I hope you enjoyed reading.  If you liked this let me know.  Remember, the
fine folks at Nifty make all of this possible, but it costs money to
maintain it all.  If you like reading about these adventures please
consider donating to help the cause - http://donate.nifty.org/donate.html.

All comments welcome, let me know what you think: garystratford@yahoo.com