Date: Mon, 8 Oct 2001 22:20:47 EDT
From: H
Subject: "Soulful desires" - chapter 6

The story you are about to read contains explicit material one may find
offensive. It contains homosexual acts and behavior between consenting
adults. If you know you're not supposed to be here or you know this
material will upset you, please hit your back button immediately and get
out of here. The story is fictionally written with real life
experiences. Any similarities of plot, names, setting, etc. are totally
coincidental.

Chapter six - Revelations

I sat at the dining table reading a book by Allan Folsom, and
simultaneously enjoying the taste of toasted bagel, spread with cream
cheese and strawberry jelly. It was certainly a delectable snack. But
something had me feeling a bit antsy. Eric's brother was coming in today
from Maryland, and I had to pick him up from the airport. What do I say to
him when he arrives? I remember having this same feeling when I had to pick
up Sam from the airport two years ago. The only difference this time was
that Ryan and I didn't have a thing in the past, this is going to be a very
uncomfortable situation. Despite the consequences, the feeling of meeting
part of Eric was something to look forward to. Ryan is Eric's brother and I
know he's going to remind me of Eric in some subtle way.

I looked on my watch and the numbers displayed 10:22am. Adam had left 20
minutes earlier to take care his laundry. Come to think of it, I really
needed to do that too, but I'm so lazy when it comes to washing my
clothes. Maybe I'll do it later, after I pick up Ryan from the
airport. Gosh, I have to admit, my ass was sore and I tried to sit
comfortably, but I couldn't. Adam's cock is really thick, and I know you
are probably thinking I should be used to the size by now, but sometimes I
still get sore, especially if Adam and I hadn't fucked for a few days, and
then we do it after my ass has had a chance to recover. Even with that
said, I loved it still and I would want Adam to fuck me again tonight if we
get a chance to. I don't want to make Ryan feel uncomfortable if he had to
stay with us, so we may not get to fuck for a while, at least for a couple
of days. (That's a scary thought!)

Suddenly, the phone rang and startled me from my thoughts. I walked over to
the kitchen and picked up the phone. It was Bryan. He wanted me to meet him
somewhere so that we could talk. I told him I'd meet him at First Watch in
half an hour. I felt a bit uncomfortable being with Bryan, because he
openly admits that he still loves me and I just feel spending time with
him, especially when he knows he can't have me, is torturing him in ways I
can't imagine. But he told me he can handle it, I just pray that he could,
because I don't want him suffering in any form.

As I was about to go upstairs to get dress, I heard voices near my
apartment door. One of the voices I recognized right away, it was
Adam's. The second I wasn't quite sure, but it sounded familiar. I
instinctively began walking slowly towards the door, but before I reached
halfway, Adam opened the door and pushed it open. I was surprise to see the
other individual who was with him. I couldn't believe what my eyes were
seeing. Adam walked over and introduced his guest...

"Hey, babes, this is Rouge." Adam said, smilingly. "You probably met him
when I had you pick up your Birthday cake a few days ago."

"Yeah, we've met." Rouge said, looking into my eyes and smiling. "It's nice
to see you again."

I stood speechless. Why does this scene seemed so awkward to me? Last night
I was on the verge of going crazy when I thought Adam was cheating on me
with Rouge, now here he was standing side by side with my man. I barely
smiled and shook his hands...

"Yeah, nice to see you too." I told him.

We all stood silent for a few seconds until Adam spoke up.

"Taylor, looks like we'll be seeing a lot of Rouge from now on." Adam said
just a bit too joyously.

"Yeah, why is that?" I inquired.

"He's moving into our apartment complex soon." Said Adam. "Yesterday
evening, he and a friend came to check out the apartment unit and they
liked it, so I guess they would need some help in moving their stuff in
their new apartment. This reminds me of the time when I moved in here, and
I asked Taylor for his help, man, I think about that time now and it just
made me realize that I really loved you from the beginning, Taylor, I just
didn't see it."

I was surprise to see Adam talking like this in front of Rouge, maybe Rouge
knows that Adam and I were gay. Why else would Adam be so comfortable
expressing his feelings for me? I was still at a loss though.  What does
Rouge moving in have to do with Adam?

"Wow!" I responded, cheerfully, but not sincerely. "Um, Adam, I didn't know
Rouge and you were such good friends."

"Well, I didn't know that either until you mentioned it." Rouge said,
beamingly. "Adam was kind enough to tell me about University Squares. I was
looking for a new place to move to, but everywhere I searched was so
expensive."

"But University Squares met your budget?" I inquired.

"Yeah, not only could I afford a one bedroom here, but I don't have to pay
for the water I use.  That's not common anymore. Dude, this is what I was
looking for and I have Adam to thank for it."

"I see." I said, in a dubious voice.

I wondered what Rouge was up to. What was his real motive for moving in the
same apartment complex where Adam and I lived? I just didn't get it. Maybe
I'm acting like an ass, but I just don't trust men around Adam, especially
ones I know who want him. But I was a little bothered because Adam didn't
mention this to me.  It makes me wonder if Adam is hiding something. I'll
talk to him about it later.

"Well, when do you plan to move in?" I asked Rouge.

"Probably Wednesday, or Thursday of next week, depends on how things go."
He told me.

"I guess I should say welcome to University Squares and that you're welcome
to visit us anytime." I told Rouge, extending my right hand.

"Thanks, man." Said Rouge, shaking my hand and then winked at me.

Adam didn't know that Rouge and I met on more than one occasion, so we
pretended like we never talked to each other. I hated how lies are started.
No matter how small they seem, it still impacts a relationship on some
level, and then deteriorates the bond of trust. I didn't want that to
happen to Adam and I, so I'd consider telling him later that Rouge and I
talked on a few occasions.

"Hey, I almost forgot, I need to go and put my clothes in the dryer." Adam
interjected. "Um, Taylor, I want to talk to you when I get back. OK?"

"Yeah, um no, I mean, I won't be here." I stuttered. "I'm going out."

"Oh, OK, then I'll wait until you get back." Adam said, smiling.

"I'll walk out with you, Adam." Said Rouge. "See you later, Taylor."

"Yeah." I told him, as I turned to go upstairs.

As I slipped my legs through a pair corduroy slacks, I thought about Rouge
and Adam. I wondered if Adam liked Rouge in a sexual way, because he seems
to get excited just mentioning his name. I was Adam's first...and only.
Maybe he wants to try something new with someone else. If that's the case,
then I don't know what do to. I don't know if I should let him discover
other possibilities or fight to keep him to myself. Adam is so good looking
and so damn sweet.  Any gay guy would find him attractive and would die for
the chance to be with him. I don't know if I can handle the idea of some
guy fucking Adam and making him cum without him touching himself. I hate
decisions, especially big ones like this.

Twenty minutes later, I pulled up to First Watch. I met Bryan standing
outside with a pair of shades on. I was immediately reminded of the time we
first met, and I couldn't take my eyes of his voluptuous lips. Today was no
exception.

"Hi." Bryan hailed.

"Hey." I hailed back. "Are you really hungry?"

"Not really, why?" Bryan inquired.

"Well, I was eating breakfast when you called and I'm not hungry anymore."
I told him.

"It's cool, I need to go on a diet anyway." He said, smiling.

"No you don't, you look great just the way you are." I told him.

"Are you noticing me, Mr. Taylor Hastings?" Bryan teased.

"Oh, come on, you wanted me to say that." I said, laughing.

"You better watch out, because I'm tempted to do something I know I
shouldn't even be thinking about." He jested.

My laughter slowly turned serious, and I thought about the statement Bryan
had just made. I hope he wasn't serious.

"Don't get so serious, I'm only playing around." Said Bryan. "Look, let's
go somewhere cool so that we can talk."

We drove to the lake and sat on a wooden bench. A few men dressed in
tattered pants were fishing a few hundred yards from us. The breeze made
the palm trees dance in a seductive manner, and we enjoyed the beautiful
music that the birds made as some flew past us. Bryan looked at me for what
seemed to be forever, before he spoke...

"Taylor, man, Adam is one lucky guy to have you in his life."

"Bryan, are you OK?" I questioned him.

"Yes. I made a promise to you that I'll go on with my life and I have" he
told me. "It's just that sometimes, when I think about you, I can't help
myself wanting to feel the touch of your skin again. Sometimes when I'm
making out with Ossie, I pretend like it's you who I'm making love with. I
know that's totally unfair to Ossie, but Taylor, I really can't help it
sometimes."

"Oh man, what did I do to you?" I looked at him with much concern. "And
you're right, it's not fair to Ossie, but then again, it seems like sex is
the only reason you two are together."

"Well, he knows that I have feelings for you" he told me. "Oswaldo and I
understand that a man has certain needs, especially a gay man, and we
agreed to fulfill those needs once we stayed clear of getting attached to
each other."

"I see." I said, flatly. "Bryan, I know I should be the last person to be
telling you what to do with your life, but I care about you and I don't
want to see you get hurt. What if Ossie wants more?  Then what?"

"He wouldn't." He said, confidently.

"What makes you so sure that he wouldn't?" I pushed.

"Because, Ossie is not the relationship type." He retorted.

"But YOU are, and I know you can't live your life without something solid."
I told him. "How long do you plan on seeing Oswaldo?"

"Like I've told you, I'm not seeing him." He said, in an irritated tone of
voice. "Look, Ossie and I just fuck, that's all, Taylor!"

"Hey, I'm sorry that this is making you upset." I apologized sincerely. "I
didn't know this was such a sensitive subject."

Bryan looked at me and I could tell he didn't mean to raise his voice at
me, but I understood. Here I am trying to give him advice about Oswaldo and
I was the one he wanted.

"Taylor, I'm sorry for snapping at you like that." He said, clutching my
hands between his. "Please, let me deal with this in my own way, if I get
hurt, then I just do.  That's life."

"OK, if that's what you want, I'll butt out and let you handle your own
situations." I told him, with a sincere smile on my face.

"Thank you. I'm going to be fine, Taylor." He assured me. "Don't waste your
time worrying about me."

"Don't say that." I told him. "You know that I care for you, and I'm
naturally going to worry about you if I know you're not doing well."

"I'm a big boy, Taylor." He said, laughingly. "I'm not as fragile as I
look."

"I didn't say you were fragile." I told him. "We all have weak moments in
our life, and we all need someone to lean on."

"I get your point, Taylor." He smiled. "At least I have you as a friend and
that's better than not having you in my life at all."

"I'm here for you, Bryan." I told him, as I tapped him softly on his
shoulders. "Oh man look at the time, I have to get going. Are you sure
you're OK?"

"Of course I am." He said, assertively.

"OK, I'll se you around, soon." I told him, as I stood up."

We hugged each other and parted in separated cars.

Meanwhile, in Rouge's Apartment..............

"Hey, it looked like everything's going according to plan." Said Rouge
joyfully. "I'm moving in University Squares very soon, and things are going
to heat up around there."

"I want this shit to work, no screw ups." Came the voice on the other end
of the phone. "I want Taylor and Adam's relationship to come to a halt. I
can't take it anymore!"

"Don't worry, man, I'll have Adam eating out of my hands before you can say
my name backwards." Said Rouge, laughingly.

"Just don't fuck him, he's mine." Said the voice, sternly. "You can have
foreplay, kiss, watch porno movies, whatever, but don't stick your damn
cock up his ass!"

"Hey, hey, I hear you, man. I'll do my part, you just relax and I'll update
you on the details in a few days." Rouge told his partner.

"One other thing..." the voice interjected.

"What's that?" Inquired Rouge.

"Are the police still on the Eric Royal murder case?" Questioned the voice.

"They haven't closed the case, if that's what you're asking." Answered
Rouge.

"They'll never find what they're looking for." The voice laughed. "Keep me
updated on both stories."

"Yeah, will do, man." Said Rouge. "Relax, everything will work out the way
it's suppose to."

"You just don't fuck up!" The voice said, strongly.

Back at Taylor and Adam's apartment.

I sat in the den trying to decide whether to do my laundry before I go to
the airport for Ryan. It was about 2:15pm and I assessed the hours between
now and the time to go the airport, and my conclusion was that two hours
would suffice to sort my clothes, put them in the washer for thirty
minutes, then in the dryer for an hour.

When I came home earlier, I didn't meet Adam here. I wondered where he
could be? I try not to think any negative thoughts, but I had a hard time
trying to convince myself that Adam and Rouge were just platonic friends
and nothing more. This Rouge guy was such a mystery to me, and I couldn't
figure out for the life of me, why he was so damn intriguing. There's
something about him I can't put my finger on, and it seems like Adam really
likes him.

The thoughts of me letting Adam explore his sexuality with other gay men
sent a chill all through my body. I don't know if I can handle the mental
pressure. The part I'm still questioning is why didn't Adam mention Rouge
to me? I hate this feeling that was inside of me, it felt like something
bad was going to happen and there wouldn't be much I can do to stop it.

I ran upstairs to sort out my dirty clothes into two piles. One pile was
for the whites and the other for colors. As I opened the door to go the
laundry room, Adam appeared in front of me. He smiled, kissed me and walked
inside with a brown paper bag in his hand. I turned and looked at him, with
a bemused expression.

"Hey you, what you got there in the bag?" I questioned jokingly.

"Oh this?" He teased. "Just a little something I picked up from Spencer's."

Now I know Spencer's was an adult store and I started to wonder what in the
world Adam was doing there.

"So are you going to tell me what's in the bag?" I pushed.

"Nawh! You have to wait until tonight." He laughed.

"Oh, come on, I can't wait that long." I pouted playfully.

"That's too bad!" Adam said, still laughing. "It'll be worth the wait."

"The suspense is killing me, Adam!" I exulted. "I can't take it anymore,
I'm going to put my clothes in the washer, and I'll deal with you when I
get back."

He laughed at that. I really loved Adam with my whole heart and I'll do
anything for him, even if he wants to have sex with other guys. Suddenly,
it hit me that I have a presentation to make first thing Monday morning and
I needed to add the finishing touches to my notes. I'm confident that the
directors will be pleased with my work, but I always get nervous when I'm
about to talk in front of a group of people. But seeing Jonathan's face
would make me feel much better. His presence gives me a sense of assurance
and I just smiled at the thought of just having such a wonderful
supervisor.

Finally, an hour and half later, I was done with my laundry. I looked on
the clock which read 4:01pm. I washed my face, put on a clean shirt, and
hurried down to my BMW. I was on edge as I drove to the airport to pick up
Ryan. I put on some soft R&B/Pop music to try and take my mind off the
situation at hand. I didn't want to appear to be a nervous wreck.

My birthday was actually tomorrow. Although my friends had a party for me
on Wednesday past, I wasn't going to be 24 until Sunday. Maybe that's why
Adam went to Spencer's. He wanted to do something special for me. Gosh,
that guy is something else.

Approximately 25 minutes later, I pulled into the airport parking lot. I
walked to the gate entrance and waited on Ryan to come through. I sat
distracted for 5 minutes and then I saw Ryan. I couldn't believe how
different he looked from the last time I saw him. I almost didn't recognize
him. Man, he looked good! I stood and stared at him as he approached me. He
definitely had Eric's eyes and I knew this was going to be a very
interesting time for me.

"Hey." Ryan hailed, as he extended his right hand.

"Hey." I hailed back and shook his hand. "I almost didn't recognize you."

"I looked that different?" He inquired. "Maybe it's the glare in here.

Oh my goodness, he smiled and I saw Eric all over again. I know it sounds
lame that I want Ryan to look like Eric, but I'm so serious with this.
Ryan really had strong resemblance to Eric. I continued to stare at this
young, fresh, untouched specimen.

"Are you OK, dude?" Ryan asked, alerting me back to reality.

"Oh, yeah. Why'd you ask?" I questioned.

"You seem far away, that's all." He said.

"You remind me of Eric." I told him, not realizing those words left my
lips. "Man, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bring him up."

"You don't have to apologize for missing him, you know." Said Ryan. "It's
nice to know that you haven't totally forgotten about him."

"I'll never forget Eric, how could I?" I said seriously. "Anyway, we better
get going so that I can get you sorted out at the college."

"I'm not staying at the dorm." Ryan told me, as we walked downstairs to the
baggage claim.

"What you do you mean you're not staying at the dorm?" I questioned him.

"Just like I said." Ryan said seriously. "My father wants me stay at the
dorm until I turned 20 and then move into my own place, but I don't want to
wait.  I want to move to my own place now."

"Oh boy! I don't want to know where this heading." I told him.

"Hear me out." He said, trying to hold a gaze as we walked and then stood
waiting for his luggage to come through. "My mom said you'll be willing to
help me out, does that offer still stand?"

"Not if it's going to get you into trouble." I said, trying to sound
serious.

"What's the big deal?" He questioned. "I'm 18 and I can decide whether I
want to live on campus or not."

"But your dad is paying for your college tuition.  At least that counts for
something." I told him. "How do you know once he finds out that you're not
living on campus, he's going to go along with it?"

"How's he's going to find out, unless you tell him." Ryan said looking at
me. "Look, if you don't want to help me find a place, I'll do it on my
own."

"Man, even if I decide to help you, you're not going to get approved for an
apartment right away." I told him. It's going to take at least two weeks
before you can find one that you can afford, and speaking of paying for an
apartment, who's going to take care of that?"

"My mom." He answered quickly. "She promised to send me the money for rent
until I get a job to take care of my own bills."

"I see. You have this all figured out, huh?"  I said, sarcastically.

"Not really." He said, looking at me.

"What do you mean?" I inquired.

"I need somewhere to stay until I find my apartment." He said, looking in
my eyes for a response.

"I'm not going to fight you on this anymore." I told him. "You can stay
with me if you want."

"Thanks, dude. I knew you wouldn't leave me stranded." Ryan said, as he
picked up his suitcase and walked with me back to my car.

Ryan seemed to be cool so far, but I don't know how cool he's going to be
when he actually realizes that he's moving in with two gay guys. He didn't
even mention anything about my sexual orientation. Maybe he prefers not to
talk about it at all. Ryan was good-looking and very sexy for a straight
guy. He had blonde hair with highlights, which reminded me of Jonathan. He
appears to be 6'1 and probably about 150lbs. I couldn't believe I was
sizing up Eric's brother. I just hope he's really OK with living in the
apartment with two gay guys. And judging what Adam had in that bag from
Spencer's, we may just fuck our brains out tonight...

To be continued...

This is where chapter six ends. I hope you enjoyed it as much as had
writing it. Stay tuned for chapter seven and watch a mystery unravel before
your eyes.