Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:10:10 EDT
From: Draginacht@aol.com
Subject: the-bandini-affair- 24

The Bandini Affair 24

Draginacht@aol.com (AKA Jeff)

* * * * * * *

Disclaimer: The following is a work of fiction and any resemblance to real
people or events is purely coincidental.  The story contains graphic
descriptions of sex between men. Anyone who is forbidden by law to read
such material must stop now.  This story is being posted to the Nifty
Archive solely for the enjoyment of its readers.

This story is a spin-off of an earlier story, "David's Initiation." If you
haven't read "DI," that won't be a problem because this story can
stand-alone. However, some of the characters from "DI" will appear
throughout the story. "David's Initiation," along with earlier stories can
be found in the Author's section of the Nifty Archive.

Reader comments are welcome, just be sure to include the title in your
subject line (even "TBA" will do) so that it doesn't get dumped as spam.


* * * * * * *

>From Chapter 23

* * * * * * *

"Can we go to that church this morning, the one down on the corner?" Leo
asked.

"Sure," Matt replied and pressed his lips gently to Leo's. "You think we
need absolution for what we just did?" He smiled playfully and Leo
chuckled.

"I didn't know we needed absolution for that."

"Ha-ha, we don't; they don't take confession but if they did, Father Tim
would probably give us a blessing and tell us to do it again... many
times." Matt kissed Leo's forehead.

"Father Tim? Is it a Catholic Church?"

"Ho-ho, not likely; it's a non-denominational church that serves this gay
community. Tim Fields is our pastor but everyone calls him Father Tim. He's
gay and has a partner, too. Now, you ready for a shower?"

They had plenty of time to catch the 10:00 AM service and were joined by
Mike, Todd, Dan and Berk. A teenager came with Mike and Todd and after the
service he was introduced as Trace, their adopted son.

* * * * * * *

Chapter 24

* * * * * * *

It was approximately nine months ago, the first Wednesday in March to be
exact, that Leo Carlsen's life took a dramatic turn from the ordinary. He
flew to Amsterdam, Netherlands, to research and write an article about the
gay lifestyle in that cosmopolitan city. The experience opened his mind to
thoughts he never knew he had and had suppressed for years.

Arriving back home unexpectedly a day early, the drama increased
exponentially. He found his wife entertaining another man in his own
bed. Following the annulment, Leo struggled to find out who he really
was. He allowed his mind to delve deeper into almost unthinkable questions
about his sexuality, things he'd never considered before. He sought
counseling and ultimately concluded he was gay but he had no idea what to
do about it.

In late October, whether by fate, karma, divine intervention, luck or
whatever, Leo's father's mini-stroke intervened to present a new set of
circumstances that would change his life forever. Leo rushed home to be at
his father's side and help out at the family business, the Bandini
Nursery. That brought him in contact with Matt Close, a valued employee.

Through a series of events during the early days of November, Leo had to
confront many life changes, including a rapidly developing loving and
semi-intimate relationship with Matt. Two days after Pop was released from
the hospital, Leo spent the day with him and they had a long overdue
father-son conversation. Leo learned that his father was more accepting of
Matt and homosexuality than he'd ever imagined. Pop explained that he and
Matt had reached an understanding that Matt's being gay wouldn't be a
problem as long as it didn't interfere with his work.

A few days later Leo's secret was compromised when Megan saw him and Matt
kissing in the storage shed. That forced the issue and he came out to his
family the next day. However, he never mentioned one word about being
involved with Matt. He'd misinterpreted his father's statement about Matt
not letting his homosexuality interfere with his work and Leo feared if
their relationship became known it would jeopardize Matt's job.

The next day, the Sunday before Thanksgiving, Leo abruptly and sadly
decided the only way he could protect Matt was to returned to Nashville and
begin rebuilding his professional life. The problem with that plan was that
it left his personal life in shambles.

Monday morning Matt appeared unannounced at Leo's apartment door and by
Tuesday morning had convinced Leo to return home and move in with him. The
rest of the week was a whirlwind of activity that helped Leo adjust to his
new situation.

Tuesday evening the two men had dinner at Meg's and Mom and Popp were
there. Everything went fine; there were no awkward moments. Late Thursday
afternoon they shared Thanksgiving dinner with Leo's parents and Megan's
family. After dinner, Leo and Matt spent the rest of the day at Matt's
Uncle David's house where he met a whole group of well-adjusted, successful
gay adults. Friday was a workday for Matt while Leo proceeded to cover the
coming NFL game but Saturday evening they returned to Dave's house where
Leo was introduced to Matt's Parents and extended family.

Sunday was "Game Day."

Mom and Popp had insisted they fill in for Leo at the nursery so he could
attend the game and be with Matt's family the rest of the day. However,
with the rain continuing to fall coupled with below normal temperatures,
Pop decided not to open the nursery and gave everyone the day off.

Matt and Leo arrived at the stadium early, took the elevator to the skybox
level and quickly found what they were looking for. They were the first to
arrive, which helped Leo figure out the best way to do his work. He chose
to set up shop outside the glassed-in area so he could hear and feel the
crowd noise and the PA announcements Ð that made it seem more real. There
was also a 32-inch HDTV nearby so he could watch replays and hear the
announcers as well as view the jumbo screen at either end of the field.

Family members began to arrive and the only ones new from last night were
both sets of Matt's grandparents. Leo was excited; he'd never covered a
game in this way. He worked hard typing his column in his laptop while Matt
made sure he had something to eat and drink. Family members would come out,
look over his shoulder, and generally give him support. They knew he was
working. By halfway through the fourth quarter, the outcome of the game was
no longer in doubt and Leo actually finished his column before the game
ended; he only had to enter the final score and a few closing remarks. Mark
had played well but he couldn't overcome his team's weak defense, which
allowed the home team to score at will.


After the game, all the family left for Dave's house except Matt and
Leo. Matt had previously arranged to wait for Mark and drive him to
Dave's. That worked out well for Leo because it gave him time to finish
editing his article and email it to his client, thus relieving him of the
pressure to do it later.

Matt thought it would be fun to surprise his brother and suggested Leo go
to the locker room on the pretense of conducting a brief follow-up
interview and then accompany Mark outside where he would be waiting. Leo
was to ask Mark to introduce him to his brother, whereupon they would
embrace and kiss right in front of Mark and surprise him. Leo agreed to the
plan even though he expressed some reservations about it being too far out
of character for them both.

Leo entered the almost empty press area of the locker room. Most of the
press had completed their interviews and left. Leo advised the team media
rep that he was waiting for Mark and sat down. It wasn't long before Mark
walked in, dressed in business casual with a sport coat and carrying a
small bag. The team would leave without him and he'd fly home tomorrow with
his wife and kids.

"Hey, Leo, nice to see you again; sorry we couldn't give you a better game
to cover."

"You played well, Mark; too bad the defense couldn't do a better job." Mark
sat down and Leo asked a few perfunctory questions that would justify
calling this an interview. "Thanks, Mark, you going home now?"

"No, I have family waiting so I'll be leaving without the team."

"Mind if I walk with you?"

"Please do; my brother should be outside with my ride." Leo smiled.

"You mean your twin brother?"

"Why yes, would you like to meet him?"

"Absolutely," Leo grinned. This was working out better than he and Matt had
planned and he felt excitement building.

Exiting the stadium, the two men walked around the team bus. The rain had
slackened and parking lot was virtually empty, which made it easy to spot
Matt leaning against his truck. Matt pushed away from the truck as the two
men approached.

"Oh, Bro, it's so good to see you. How are you?" Mark and Matt embraced and
held each other for several seconds while Leo watched with interest. It
appeared as if they were engaged in some kind of re-bonding process.

"I'm good Bro, I'm good." Matt hugged his brother even tighter. Finally
they separated.

"Oh... I forgot," Mark began. "Matt, I'd like you to meet Leo Carlsen, he's
one of the reporters who just covered the game; I've known him for a few
years." Matt and Leo smiled at each other then Matt stepped up beside Leo,
placed his arm around Leo's shoulders and looked down into his upturned
smile.

"Yes, we've met," Matt said and looked at his brother. Leo instantly
realized Matt must have had second thoughts about his plan and changed it;
this seemed to work much better. Matt didn't waste any time. "I haven't had
time to tell you but Leo and I've become an item. In fact, he moved in with
me last Tuesday and two days ago we agreed to become partners." Matt
grinned proudly.

Mark was slow to react, like he was trying to process the information
clearly and carefully. Then his mouth dropped open slightly and as a smile
began to form. He just stared at the two men like he was watching pieces of
a puzzle drop into place.

"So that's the reason for all the personal questions yesterday." Mark
stated. Leo and Matt began to chuckle and Mark joined them.

"That's great, Matt, just great? And Leo? Never in a thousand years would I
have suspected anything like this. I'm amazed!" Mark stepped forward and
wrapped his arms around both men. "I'm really happy for you. Why, you even
found someone I already know!"

Mark had always been concerned about Matt finding the right man for his
mate. He knew his brother well enough to know how much he wanted to settle
down with one special friend and build a life together. He thanked his
Uncle David for that role model. His main concern had been about the
temptations for risky sexual behavior. He wanted to believe his brother was
too smart for that scene but that didn't completely eliminate his concern.

"Hey, let's get out of this weather; I'm sure it's warmer in the truck,"
Mark suggested. Moments later Leo sat in the back seat, directly behind
Matt, with Mark's bag in the seat beside him. He'd insisted Mark ride
shotgun because it gave him more room. Matt started the truck and reached
for the transmission selector.

"Wait," Mark said, stopping his brother. "I'd like to sit here and talk for
a while; you know we won't have time when we get to Uncle Dave's house."

That's exactly what they did. Mark wanted to know how they met and was
surprised to learn they first met when Matt was only fourteen years
old. Leo and Matt took turns bringing Mark up to date on how they met a few
weeks ago, some of the events that happened (like the attempted robbery and
getting caught in the shed by Leo's sister), and how they developed a
relationship. As they talked, Mark would occasionally reach back and hold
Leo's hand for a few minutes then release it, only to do it again. Leo
thought how strange it was that he never liked to talk about his personal
life but here he was, actually enjoyed it.

Later at Dave's, Leo watched with amazement at how adding Mark to the group
seemed to change the group dynamics. Mark and Shannon definitely took
control and seemed to feed off each other while Matt, JD, and PD fit into
supporting roles. And they brought Leo right into their group like he
belonged.

"Okay, Mark, you have to settle a question." PD hadn't forgotten last
evening's discussion. All eyes turned to Mark and Shannon. "Remember the
first time we all went to Vail? Well, Shan says it was your idea to go moon
bathing in the hot tub. So what's the real story?"

Mark began laughing. "The truth?" Mark looked around the group and saw
heads nodding. "It was Shan's idea but I was already thinking it so I can't
let him take all the credit." The two men draped their arms around each
other and shared a hardy laugh. It was clear that both men shared a spirit
of adventure and it surfaced at an early age. Mark was now an NFL
quarterback and Shannon was about to enter astronaut training.

At one point, Leo found his way to the bathroom Ð even though he didn't
need to go Ð just so he could relax and allow a few tears to well up in his
eyes. He was sure the emotion of happiness was the cause. He splashed water
on his face hoping that would cover the slight redness in his eyes. Matt's
grandparents made a point of welcoming him into the family, something they
felt comfortable doing because they had full confidence in their grandson
making a good choice.



Later Sunday night, Leo and Matt lay pressed against each other in Matt's
king-size bed. Matt felt moisture on his chest and lifted Leo's head so he
could look at him.

"What's the matter, Leo?" He could see the tears trickling down Leo's face.

"NothingÉ" Leo replied with a smile. "I'm just happy, that's all." And more
tears began to flow. "Hold me, please." Matt did just that. And he began to
rub Leo's back in soft, smooth, soothing strokes. Leo lifted his head and
brought his lips to Matt's. In less than a minute Leo had maneuvered
himself on top of his lover, his erection pressed firmly into Matt's lower
abdomen. He could feel Matt's member stiffening and lengthening. He allowed
his knees to slide off on either side of Matt's hips then took Matt's left
hand and placed it on his left cheek.

Matt took the hint. Using both hands, he slowly massaged Leo's globes,
separating his cheeks and fingering his rosebud. As the action heated up,
Matt moistened his finger with some of their combined precum, lubed Leo's
ass and, for only the second time, invaded Leo's core. A few minutes later,
Matt gathered more lube and added a second finger. Leo's response was
positive and Matt was considering adding another finger when Leo
straightened his legs, thus restricting access to his hole. Again Matt read
Leo correctly, removed his fingers, and placed his prick between Leo's
legs, along the length of Leo's crack. Leo seemed to know what to do
next. He pressed his thighs together, trapping Matt's member and began
moving in slow, short thrusts while lifting his hips to stimulate Matt's
dick. Matt's precum provided all the lubrication they needed.

Their lips, mouths and tongues played together while farther down their
bodies were communicating as perfectly as two lovers can. The action was
different from anything they'd tried before and both men were at a fever
pitch. With each stroke, Matt's cockhead brushed Leo's anal lips, adding
more precum to the recently opened hole and causing tremendously erotic
sensations.

For Matt, the realization that he was so close to entering the man he'd
desired for so long sent him over the edge. His first volley landed just
above Leo's crack and drained down into the small of his back. The rest of
Matt's cum found it's way back into Leo's crack, providing even more
lubrication.

Leo wondered if his anal lips were still parted from when Matt's fingers
were inside him and he imagined Matt's swimmers attempting to enter his
body. That, combined with Matt's glans rubbing against his pucker was all
it took to push Leo over the edge. This was the closest he'd come to losing
his virginity and he was extremely aroused and excited. Leo knew he wanted
it, and soon.

"You okay?" Matt asked quietly, followed by a soft kiss on Leo's forehead.

"YeahÉ" Leo exhaled slowly, kissed Matt's lips gently and rested his head
on Matt's chest. He could smell the aroma of raw sex, of fresh whipped
semen. It permeated the room. He smiled. He'd come a long way since last
March.

"You wanna shower with me?" Leo asked.

"Bear shit in the woods?" Matt replied. They chuckled, crawled out of bed
and showered. That's one thing they wouldn't have to do in the morning
before going to work.

* * *

Monday morning and both men struggled to wake up. Leo was first into the
bathroom while Matt got dressed. They shared a quick kiss as Leo left the
bathroom and Matt entered it. They moved quietly around the house getting
ready for work and eating cereal for breakfast. Leo was first to break the
silence.

"You going to work?" he sounded a little surprised. "It's Monday Ð your day
off."

"Yeah, but I promised Tony I'd go look at those properties."

"Oh yeah, I forgot. I guess we should drive separately." He was going to
suggest that, anyway, because there was something he wanted to do.

"Okay, and there are some things I need to do this afternoon, so I'll call
it a half-day." Matt paused then added, "Oh, Wednesday evening I'll be
conducting another training class at the Academy; wanna come?"

"HmmÉ Maybe I'll stay home and fix a nice meal for my man when he gets
home." Leo smiled. He loved the way they seemed to coordinate their
activities so effortlessly.

Megan arrived at the nursery shortly after 9:30 and Leo gave her about
twenty minutes to settle in before he asked if she could cover for him
while he ran an errand Ð he promised to bring her lunch when he
returned. Of course she could. At 10:25 AM, Leo drove into the parking lot
in front of Roehl House, home of The Philos Foundation.

Leo returned to work with two Subway value meals, Meg's favorite. He also
asked his sister for the recipe of the baked chicken breast she served last
Wednesday Ð Matt had really liked it.

Matt spent the morning examining the properties Tony asked him to look
at. He came up with sketches for each and recommendations of what to plant
and where, along with a cost estimate. Matt caught Tony at his office and
he offered to spring for lunch while they reviewed Matt's proposal. After
lunch, at about 2:10 PM, Tony pulled into the Roehl House parking lot.

"HeyÉ" Leo said into his cell phone. He'd seen Matt's name on the screen
before answering. "Wha cha doin'?"

"Oh, callin' you; wanna have a date tonight?"

"DependsÉ" Leo responded. This was beginning to get funny and he was trying
not to laugh.

"Mother invited us to dinner. I told her I'd check with you first. Whadda
ya think?"

"I need to shower and change first but sounds good to me."

"Want some help?" Matt was beginning to chuckle and Leo could hear it.

"Depends on how much time we have." Now Leo was chuckling.

"She said to plan for 6:30 and it's about an hour drive."

"Then I'd better not have any help." Leo paused, then continued when he
didn't get an immediate response. "I can get away from here a few minutes
early and I'd love to see your parents again."

"Okay, I'll call Mother and tell her. She sounded excited when she called
so be prepared."

"Yeah, you mother's a really nice lady."

"Thanks, I'll tell her you said that."

"Okay, see ya later."

"Bye." Matt closed his phone and smiled. How could he be so lucky?


Dinner with John and Kate Close was very warm, welcoming and relaxing. Kate
baked a large chicken and all the things that went with it. Matt had a
chance to show Leo his old room, which Leo found interesting with all the
trophies on shelves along the walls. Leo felt remarkably relaxed as he and
Matt explained how they met, the first and second times, and about the
attempted robbery that sent Leo to the hospital. The conversation continued
until they had to leave at 10:30 PM.

The two men felt even closer as they drove home. `Home,' it sounded so good
and comforting. Both men were too tired to think of anything more than
snuggling and going to sleep.

Tuesday was a normal day, as was Tuesday evening.


(To be continued.)