Date: Thu, 11 Oct 2012 15:10:30 -0400
From: preecherdave@gmail.com
Subject: Discoveries

If you like this story or any that you have read on Nifty, a reminder from
Nifty that it needs your donations to keep these stories being published.
All donations will help.

This document contains homosexual themes and acts. If you are underage or
don't like the subject, then don't read it.

The story is not autobiographical and is a product of the writer's fertile
imagination.

Comments welcomed                    preecherdave@gmail.com


It had been a tough week but an exciting one as well. He had been working
undercover. OK, that sounds much more dramatic and exciting than reality.
James Bond, he was not. He was on a short term contract with a local firm,
trolling through their accounts, when he got the chance, looking for
irregularities. He had found them. As he put things together during the
week, he had written and documented a report to his boss in his accounting
firm. He agreed with his findings. Fraud, significant in size for a small
firm. He would have to be in the office with him for parts of the weekend
to document and finalize his report to the owners on Monday.

Right now he was looking forward to getting out dancing with Tim. Maybe he
could just get the case out of his head for tonight at least. He had kept
strange hours all week and kept assuring Tim that Friday night would be
different. He had even mentioned it that morning at breakfast with definite
times to meet. Tim had been a bit distant but he put that down to his own
stress levels. He had to get this assignment right. As he came into the
living room after work, he noticed the answering machine blinking.

"Hi Michael, some of the guys at work are going out tonight and asked me to
tag along. I'll be home later. See you then." Shit, had he not been
listening? He really needed him and a time out tonight. Maybe he had been a
little upset by his lack of attention this week but still. He suddenly
wasn't all that hungry but he made a bite to eat and forced himself to eat
it. Then he decided to check his personal emails. Maybe Tim had sent him
something after the phone message. He often brought a computer home from
work but they both used his home computer for all their personal uses.

The computer screen opened at Tim's email account. He had been distracted
and forgotten to close it. Michael must have given a quick glance at the
screen because his eye caught the title, 'Hey, Stud'. Cute. He had left it
for him to find. He read it. Shit, not cute. His stomach felt as if someone
had punched him.

Hey Stud

I like your suggestion. I would like to feel your big cock in me again and
again. I'll just tell him that the guys from work are going out tonight and
I'll be home later. I'm already boning up! See you after work. Twitching
already. Can you feel me tightening around the head of your cock as you go
in? Maybe we shall have time for a couple of rounds.

Tim

Him! He didn't even have a name. What the hell was this? A couple of
rounds.  It sounded like a game of what? Sex pool? His forensic
accountant's mind took over and he printed the email. Then his less
rational self brought on the tears. His mind processed so many thoughts in
a very few minutes. He had put down their less than average sex life for
the past week to himself, busy and absorbed at work. He had noticed that
Tim was a little distant and not as affectionate. Had this been going on
for a long time?

He thought to himself that he shouldn't look over Tim's email account. His
undercover self asserted itself. Tim was fucking someone else behind his
back, with relish. He quickly found emails to the Stud going back to their
first meeting 3 1/2 weeks ago, each explicit. Then he found a trail of
short liaisons with other guys back over several months. Good lord, had Tim
taken precautions? He and Tim had done away with condoms after tests 4
months ago.

He knew that he and Tim were different. Tim was almost too good looking,
with a nice body as well. He was charming and outgoing, always ready for a
party, dancing, a night out drinking. Michael realized that he was more
reserved, liked classical music and reading. He had a more internal life
but he had felt that the two of them complimented each other's
personalities. Even sexually, they were different but it again seemed to
bring something good out in both of them. He knew that he was not as
spectacular looking as Tim but he also knew that guys found him attractive.
Obviously not enough for Tim. Michael realized that he was feeling
abandoned, cheated, lied to but then he started blaming himself and his
weaknesses. He needed to talk, to be with someone. He phoned Jason one of
his best friends from University. Jason was married but had no problems
with his sexual orientation. In fact, they often went out with each other's
friends.

They talked for a minute. "Michael, you sound upset. Everything OK?"

"Not really."

"Come on over. The kids will be in bed soon and Sue is going out with
friends tonight to a movie. Chick flick."

When he arrived, he talked to the kids for a while and caught up on their
school and social life. He was almost an uncle to them.

"Is this about Tim?" Michael nodded yes. "Damn, I think that I may have
something to tell you." Michael nodded to go ahead. Jason looked as if he
were trying to figure out what to say. "I heard a rumour late this week
that Tim has been seen with a guy, Eric. One of my friends said that they
looked like more than friends."

Michael shook his head in dismay. He explained the email he had found, not
quoting the exact words as they were just too tough to share. He let loose
with all the turmoil in his mind.

"Michael, stop. You are not to blame. You know that there are some people
that just need novelty. Some guys don't grow up in our society. You are one
of the finest people that I know." He paused looking at Michael. A smile
started to cross his face. "If I were gay, I would be after you in a
minute. You have it all."

"Obviously, not for Tim."

"Obviously." They paused looking at each other. "Michael, I can't tell you
what to do. But I can outline issues with some questions." He paused with
Michael finally nodding to go ahead. "How do you feel about Tim now? What
is your trust level? Do you want to forget this, to give him another
chance? Do you want him out of your life so that you can start the tough
job of rebuilding? Can you forget and forgive? Do you want to? Are you
going to confront him? How and when? Are you prepared for what he might
say. I know that this is blow to your self confidence. But remember for Tim
the best defence will be an offence and I know Tim well enough to know that
will be his tactic. It may not be pretty. He is not a subtle person."

"Believe me his emails tell me that. I have now seen him in action."

They talked a while longer. "Jason, you have no idea how much this has
helped. Do you mind if I go? I know some of the guys are going to the club
tonight and I feel like I need some noise and a drink. Thanks buddy."

Jason gave him a big hug as he left. He felt badly leaving so soon but he
needed space and distractions. A plan was unfolding in his mind. He went to
the club and had one drink. He wanted a clear head. He danced and joked as
much as he could with the guys. He gave them a brief sketch of the story;
they too had seen that he was upset. He arrived home at 11, no Tim. He had
decided that tonight was the night. He didn't want to have to fend off
possible physical intimacy with phony excuses. He wanted it on the table
and he would decide as they discussed the issue exactly how it would go. He
was trying to read when Tim arrived at 11:50.

"Michael, you didn't have to wait up."

"How was your evening with the guys?"

"Good." That came out so easily. Great sincerity in his voice.

"Where did you go? Sounded great, spur of the moment. I was sort of looking
forward to a night at the club with you."

"Oh just the pub near work. Sorry, hope you are not upset." A smooth lie.

As Tim had passed him, he could smell a distinctive cologne that was not
Tim's. His stomach churned. He decided that it really was time. "Nice
cologne you are wearing. Haven't smelt that one before. What is it?"

There was look of caution that crossed Tim's face. "Must have brushed up
against someone." He was good at the ad lib.

He saw his opening. "Oh, someone like the Stud?" There was total silence in
the room. Tim had a momentary startled look and was at a loss for words.
Michael waited and let the silence stretch. "You forgot to close down your
email. At first, I thought it was a cute message for me but then ... I felt
as if someone had punched me in the stomach."

"It was one a time thing." Another lie, they were starting to add up.

"Oh, one time, you wanted it again ... and again. Anything else you want to
tell me?"

"How do I know that I left my email open? Maybe Mr. Forensic just went
through the computer."

"Stop. A good offence is the best defence. Right Tim?" He suddenly felt
that he should just let out some of his anger. "You are the one who is out
fucking behind my back, lying to me. Do you have any idea how that makes me
feel? Shit, I thought that we were partners and could trust each other."

"Oh don't get all girly with me. You have looked through my emails so don't
get high and mighty with me." He said it with a sneer and total lack of
care.

He hadn't listened to a word he had said. He didn't care and that made up
Michael's mind. Michael went into the bedroom and brought out the sheets,
blankets, pillow and Tim's night clothes. "You can sleep there, pointing at
the couch or make arrangements with the Stud for all I care at this point."

"I live here too."

That comment caused anger to flash through him. It was all about himself.
There was no remorse, no caring.  Did he really expect to a share a bed
with him tonight?

As he walked into the bedroom and started to shut the door, "For now, you
live here. We can discuss that tomorrow. Is that too god damn girly for
you?" The look of astonishment was almost worth it. Tim tried to talk.
Michael silenced him, "Tim, you have said and done quite enough for this
day. By the way, I hope that his big cock was worth it." He shut the door
to the bedroom, none to softly and put a shim under it so that it could not
be opened. He had already put the computer in the bedroom. Tears of
frustration and betrayal stained his cheeks.

A few minutes later, he heard Tim going in and out of the bathroom and then
a quiet talk on his cell phone. He only heard snippets of the conversation;
it appeared that it was all Michael's fault. Then he heard the front door
open and shut. Somehow, that did indeed settle it for Michael. There would
be no going back for him.

He tossed and turned but when he finally slept, he had a surprisingly good
sleep. During breakfast he phoned the alarm company and reset all the
verbal codes and then he reset the codes on the entry pad. When he left
later in the morning, he left a note on the door telling Tim what he had
done and told him to phone if he wanted things from the condo. Michael took
the computer and all the electronics with him to the office.

He actually managed to get a lot of work done and he only had random
thoughts about his situation. That ended with an angry call from Tim at 2
p.m.

"What the hell are you playing at?"

"I told you last night that we would discuss things today. I had to go
out. I just wanted to make sure that there would be a discussion." He
really emphasized the last words. Even he was surprised at how calm he felt
and how calmly he reacted. "When do you want to meet?"

"Well, I am at the condo, right now." Tim's tone was that he was being put
out. He was there and therefore so should Michael.

"Well, I am not!" He paused to let his anger dissipate, "But I'll finish up
what I am doing and I'll be there in 30 minutes." He hung up and when the
phone rang again he checked the number and turned his phone off.

By the time he arrived in 40 minutes, Tim was angry. "I still live here!"

Yet again anger surged through him. He clenched his teeth and narrowed his
eyes. In a low voice so that no one else could hear him in the hallway,
"Let's get some things straight. I own the condo. You don't have a lease.
You haven't paid this month's and only part of last month's rent. Believe
me, it is not going to be a pleasant place to be. To say nothing of
uncomfortable, you sure as hell wouldn't be in my bedroom. You didn't like
the idea of the couch last night. I guess the Stud's bed was more
comfortable." They moved inside. He made certain that Tim would not see the
new code.

"Come on Michael I fucked up. You can understand that can't you?" His
wheedling voice just annoyed Michael more.

"You fucked up all right. You cheated and you lied. It was not a one time
thing; it has been going on for months. Yes, I read your other emails. My
computer remember? A question Tim. Did you use condoms all the times you
fucked around?" There was just a slight pause and look that Michael
caught. "You, stupid bastard! I was asked some very good questions by a
friend last night. They made me think. Bottom line is that I don't trust
you and I want to start anew without you."

"Fucking Jason."

"My, you do have, fucking, on your mind. Jason is quite straight; I tried
in University." Michael smiled to himself; he could still manage some
humour, good sign. Shaking his head and in a voice of resignation, "Just
take what you need and go. I don't want you here. I don't trust you. End of
issue." Again in the same tone, "I realize that I have just been,
literally, your fucking ... convenience for the last month and more. Well,
until something more exciting came along." Michael just stared at him.
Little did Tim know how much that had hurt him to admit, even to himself
but now, he didn't care.

"Come on Michael. Remember the good times. We have a lot of memories, you
and me! We can make it work." He tried to give him his bedroom eyes.

Michael laughed. "You can be a charmer but you know what? For me now, your
charm is like silver plate; it wears off after a while, certainly not
sterling. Yeah, Tim, you were a good lay. I learned a lot to take with
me. But it appears that you have the sex drive of an alley cat and the
morals to go with it. I don't know what I want exactly but I know that I
don't want what you are prepared to give." Michael had never talked like
this in his life. Someone looking in would ask where the real Michael had
gone.

With anger and bad grace, Tim stormed through the condo. Can I borrow your
duffel bag? I'll bring it back or do I have to leave a deposit?

"If you think you have to ...." Michael shrugged. Michael set up his
computer to continue his work at the office. Luckily it didn't require a
lot of thought. He had a meeting with his boss tomorrow and he had to get
the file to his home computer this afternoon. Tim announced that he was
ready to go. "Tim, there are bigger things around here that are yours or
partly yours. Send me an email with some dates and we can sit down here or
at the pub and draw up a list of what is what. I'm busy tomorrow and a lot
on my plate on Monday. I think that the iPod dock and music system is
yours. Take it now if you want. You used it more than I did.

"There, you see you do care."

"Don't, Tim! I am just being fair."

Tim left with the music system and most of his personal items. He pushed
aside some of his thoughts and questions and immersed himself in his report
and had it sent to his boss by 4 p.m. Then it was supper and clean up
time. The guys had heard some of the story the night before and insisted
that they meet at one of the clubs downtown. Michael had already decided
how this evening was going to end.

He arrived at the club at 9 p.m. It was noisy, crowded and boisterous. It
was what he needed. The guys had him on the floor almost immediately. He
broke away a couple of times and had dances with guys who asked him or ones
that interested him. He went to the bar about 11 to get a refill. He was
standing beside a guy about his height, 6 feet, a little younger than him
but Michael was young looking for his 31 years. They guy turned to him and
they started to chat. The guy finally looked at him, "Well, I guess you
will be wanting to get back to your friends I saw you with."

"You noticed." He paused and decided that he would step out of his usual
comfort zone. "I am actually alone, just with some friends who are all
attached."

The guy cocked his head, "I guess we should introduce ourselves, I'm
Jack. Would you like to dance? "

"Michael. Yeah, that would be great."

Jack was a good dancer. It felt good. The music turned slow. Michael was
getting unspoken messages from Jack but Jack turned to leave for the slow
dance, Michael looked at him and held out his arms to dance. Jack smiled
and they came together. Michael figured the guy must have felt his
erection; he knew that he had felt Jack's.

It had been a long time since Michael felt so bold and forward. "You seemed
to be enjoying the slow dance."

"I could feel, that you were." Jack had a little smile on his face.

Michael decided to take the leap. "Want to see if there is anything else
that we might enjoy tonight.?"

"Your place or mine?"

"Jack come on back to my place. Can we set some parameters now?" Jacked
nodded yes with a smile of appreciation.  "Whatever we do is safe. I have
supplies. Just so we know, top or bottom?"

"I have been told that I am very versatile. You."

"So am I but tonight I am a top. It's a bit of story."

"From what I felt in that last dance, it will be my pleasure." It was said
in such a way that Michael felt a twitch in his enlarging cock. He really
was horny. Jack continued, "Oh, by the way I have to leave this evening. I
cannot stay."

Michael want to yell, 'yes that is exactly what I want'. Instead, he said
quietly, "Understood."

"Nice place." He took his coat and they took off their shoes.

"Want a drink or anything?

Jack tilted his head, "There is something I want but it is not a drink. I
have been told that I am a good kisser." Michael smiled and pulled him in
close.

The kiss was erotic and by the end of it, both shirts were off. For Michael
this was a new situation. This was for sexual release and pleasure, nothing
else but he also knew, that in fairness, Jack wanted the same thing. Those
were the ground rules for him, pleasure for both. Michael wanted to
dominate; he almost needed it but he could not go over the top.

"You ARE a great kisser." As he said it, Michael stepped back and undid
Jack's belt and his zipper. Very quickly his pants and shorts were on the
floor. He started the kiss again, invaded his mouth with his tongue and
ended up biting Jack's upper lip. Jack shivered. Michael smiled to himself;
the ground rules were working. He took Jack's cock in his hand and lightly
fingered it and then slipped his entire hand around him and started to move
up and down. As there was no lube, he did it lightly. He noticed little
gasps from Jack.

"No fair you are still dressed!"

"We can change that in a second." He moved Jack to his bedroom and made him
sit on the bed. He stood in front of Jack and slowly undressed. He was as
hard as he had been in a long time and wanted Jack badly. Before Jack could
move, Michael pushed him onto his back and laid on top of him again kissing
him hard. He pushed himself up on his arms and bent over and sucked Jack's
nipples and bit them.

"Oh, shit, Michael."

It became no holds barred; they scratched each other; they bit; they pulled
hair. They became more frantic.

"Michael, you said that you wanted to top. Go."

Michael got the condom and lube and gave them to Jack. Jack put a bit of
lube on the head and then slowly rolled the condom down the length of his
cock. It felt fantastic, light touches, a little constriction from the
condom. Michael took the lube and put a lot on his fingers and put one
finger in Jack. He found the prostate and massaged it lightly. Jack was
squirming. When he had opened him, he let Jack choose the position. Jack
was quickly on his hands and knees.

Michael was careful and slow until he was all the way in. He waited until
Jack adjusted to him. Michael had not felt so turned on in a long time. He
started to piston in and out. His hands and fingers were all over
Jack. Jack obviously really reacted with pleasure when he started to shaft
him with his lubricated hands. Michael slowed and stopped just once to
prolong their pleasure.When he resumed, he dominated with hard, long
thrusts. He could feel it start in his legs and groin until the first
ejaculation travelled up and out into the condom. He was making small
noises of pleasure in his throat.  When he finished, he pulled out, turned
Jack around and sucked his almost purple cock hard with a lot of
suction. Jack let him know that he was there and he took his mouth off and
finished him with his hands. Jack's first load arched to his chest as did
the second; the remaining erupted out and down the side over his hand. He
liked just the little sensation of wetness and warmth.

Michael lay beside Jack as they both let their breathing return to
normal. Jack spoke first. "Michael, I felt your need to dominate but so
thoughtful in finishing me. I almost wish I could stay." He paused. "I
think I just saw the start of a nod of a no?" He grinned. "You're right I
have to be up fairly early tomorrow. This place seems to have two people
living it. Either you are having a little off the record fun or there is
only one now?"

"What makes you think that?"

"There are two deodorants in here. Different brands. You don't strike me as
the cheat. He would have taken it with him if it were a trip."

"Sherlock, only one now. End of story."

"Private story! OK. I really do have to go but I'll leave my card if you
ever are in need of doing something else again."

Michael smiled, stood up and stopped as he realized he still had the condom
on. Jack looked at it. "Nice load. You must have been saving up." They both
laughed. It was a nice way for him to leave.

Michael went to work on Monday, still evaluating his situation. He had met
with his boss on Sunday. They had made a few changes but the boss was very
pleased with his report. He felt a little subdued but he had to deliver his
report to Kevin. They had a meeting arranged with his business partner Paul
and his lawyers, John and James. It didn't last too long as the lawyers
were billing the meeting. They were more than satisfied with his report and
they developed a strategy for the next day.

He went back to work and his other cases. He actually felt good and worked
hard and well. It was when he arrived back at the condo that he was
immersed in his situation. The place seemed empty and a bit forlorn. There
was message from Tim with suggestions as to when they could meet. After a
bite to eat he worked up the energy to phone Tim. He was happy that he got
his answering machine. Michael had decided the meeting would be at a pub.

The meeting the next day went really well. Again he felt subdued but in the
meeting, he knew that he had to perform and perform he did, asking tough
questions when he thought that it was called for.

As they were getting ready to leave after the meeting. Kevin turned to
Michael, "Thank you so much for the excellent work that you have done. Your
report was meticulous. You must have put in a lot work in this weekend."

"My job and not much else to do this weekend."

Kevin cocked his head. "You were excellent at the meeting but you have
seemed subdued the rest of the time. Hope all the work didn't cause any
problems?"

"Bad weekend." He had a determined, stark look on his face. Kevin paused,
his look asked for more information.

The guys had been so good to him. He just felt like sharing with them. "Oh
just a little personal matter. I kicked my partner out this weekend. I
caught him sampling greener pastures."

"Michael, the guy must be crazy. We have really enjoyed working with
you. You have it all."

Michael just shrugged his shoulders and sighed. "Well, it appears that Tim
doesn't share your excellent tastes." He smiled a very wry smile.

Looks were passed between Kevin and James. Kevin looked at Michael. "Join
us at the club on Friday night. I know that we are old farts compared to
you but we can have a drink and dance. Hey, you might find some stud and
get lucky." There were little chuckles and ribald comments. "We won't take
no for an answer. It's only one night." They set a time and the place to
meet, James' condo, and they would all go together.

He had decided to take matters in his own hands that night and he went down
in the early evening by himself to a club and had some food and stayed for
the dancing. He had never done anything like that before. He nursed a few
drinks and ended up having a lot of dances and a couple of attempts to pick
him up. He finally found a guy that he thought compatible and they went
off. Michael wanted to be the bottom that night and he left the guy's
place, in his own words, well fucked.

Michael found out that he did have a life without Tim. He worked out the
Wednesday at the gym and stayed home with some really interesting cases on
Wednesday and Thursday nights. He actually found that his work was more
precise and he was enjoying it. His hand became his partner both
nights. But he did miss the little intimacies of living with someone,
sharing experiences, sharing of the day's activities and the little special
things each did for the other. Best not to dwell on it.  Friday night he
joined the guys at James' and Matt's place where they all left from.

They settled in at the club. It was Matt who looked at him while they were
chatting over a drink. He said out loud just at a lull in the talk around
the table. "Michael look on the bright side. With all of us old guys you
are going to find some guy who wants to get you away from us and give you a
good time."

He looked at Matt very seriously with all the guys now listening, "Give me
a break. Matt, are you saying that because of you guys, I am only going to
get a sympathy or pity fuck tonight?"

There was silence and then the entire table erupted in laughter. It was
Kevin who while still chuckling added, "Now that is the Michael that we
have come to know and love. Give him hell!" More laughter.

Paul looked mischievously, "If, that is the case, then you had better get
up with me to dance a lot of times." More laughter. Paul was in his sixties
but was in great shape and was handsome.

"Paul, they would probably chose you before me. You are hot." More laughter
and comments directed at Paul. They all got up to dance. Paul looked at him
with that wonderful smile, asking him to dance.

"My pleasure and privilege, Paul."

He had never met a group of guys like this. He was trying to figure out
what it was about them. They were bright and articulate. They could be
tough; he had seen Paul in action at the meeting on Tuesday. Don't mess
with Paul. He learned a lot from that. They could display their feelings;
later he had seen an intimate moment between Paul and John, the senior
partner in the law firm. It was pretty clear that the two had feelings for
each other. He watched how the partners Kevin and Dave, James and Matt
treated each other. The respect and care that they gave to each other. The
warmth and care with which they had taken him in. He felt like part of a
family. He would have to store this away for reflection in the days ahead.

Paul was a fantastic dancer. If he was correct, John was a lucky guy. He
danced a lot with Paul and the other guys but Paul left early, leaving him
the odd man. He danced with some other fellows but he spent some time
nursing his drink and looking around the room wondering about some of the
guys that he saw. He focused on the ones in his age range. He picked out a
couple and watched them off and on during the evening. He focused on one
guy in particular, probably slightly older than him, who was with a group
of younger fellows, maybe university types. They just had that look. The
guy danced a bit but seemed to be doing almost what he was doing, scanning
the crowd. He looked like he felt right now, comfortable but searching.

The guy was six foot one. Slim swimmer's build and looked as if he kept
himself in shape. He had a lovely colour of medium brown hair, nicely
cut. His clothes were well chosen and he wore them well. He had on a very
sharp pair of glasses that set off his face and eyes. Not ruggedly handsome
but damn attractive. He had not danced in a while and in fact, he had
refused one of the young guys in his party. He did it with good grace and
smiles. He saw him get up. He was either leaving or heading to the
bar. Michael decided to go to the bar; his drink was empty. The quarry was
at the bar. He stood beside him and heard him ordering a scotch. Nope he
didn't know his scotches. Not going to be a phony. He ordered one of the
good on tap, micro brewery offerings.

The guy looked at him. "I am with a younger bunch and you are with an older
crowd."

"Observant, you noticed. I guess we are closer in age to each other than
our friends for the night. I am told that that I look younger than I am. I
noticed too that we have both been doing a lot of perusing of the crowd
tonight between sporadic dances."

"You have been observing. I am Stephen Bourgeois."

"Michael Burtchell."

They started talking about the club and crowd that was here. Interesting
observations. The guy was well spoken and had a sharp eye for little
details. He liked how Stephen was soft spoken and his observations were
gentle and interesting. The conversation became very interesting as they
somehow found themselves on the topic of the economics of the financial
crisis. It became obvious to Michael that Stephen was an expert in the
field but he managed from his reading and talk around the office to at
least not be a complete dud. However, he was rusty on the current
literature.

Stephen suddenly became a bit pensive and then started to laugh. "Aren't we
the pair. We are sitting in a gay dance club discussing the global
financial crisis."

"You are right. Should we be discussing the latest fashions, the latest
hair styles? We are in a gay bar. If we were macho, it could be the
upcoming hockey season. I guess I should stop the stupid stereotypes." But
Michael drew himself up, put on his best macho imitation with a bit of
swagger. They both chuckled. "I have enjoyed our conversation. Esoteric as
it is." He wiggled his eyebrows.

"Michael, I've enjoyed it too. I am finding the noise level is getting to
me and I would like to leave. Would you like to come back for a drink? I
have some really good scotches."

"The noise is awful, leaving is a great idea. I don't know a thing about
scotch."

"The nectar of the gods. If you will try some, I shall forgive that little
lapse in taste."

"What will it cost me?"

"You can pay what you want, a free will offering only."

"Smooth, Mr. Bourgeois."

"Seriously, you don't even know if I am gay. I may have come down with the
young ones as a bit of a lark."

"Point taken, I didn't do my due diligence." Stephen's eyes opened wide and
he had a big grin. "The guys I am with are people that I worked with this
week and we have been involved with lawyers. Heard the word several
times. By the way, I am gay."

"So am I. Michael, I have truly enjoyed the last hour. Come, sip and leave
and it will still have been a great evening." He could tell from his tone
that he really meant it. Michael liked the depth of his brown eyes. They
sparkled when his was engaged.

He received a crash course on scotch whiskey. Stephen gave him one that he
thought a first time taster would like. It was like nothing he had ever
tasted. It was wonderful. They tried several others each different. He
found the peaty, smokey ones a little difficult but he could see how they
would excite some palettes. He had no idea that scotch could have such a
variety of tastes. It was fascinating.

"Stephen, you were with group of younger guys. You danced a bit but seemed
apart."

"OK, time for real introductions. I am a professor at the University. They
were some of my fourth year and graduate students. Tonight started out at
as a dare by some of the gay guys to the hetero guys last week at the
pub. The gist of it was that the gay guys were having a good time at a
basically hetero pub and they challenged the guys to join them
tonight. They know that I am gay and they had all handed in a major
assignment to me this week. So it was a time to let off a little steam."

"I noticed that you turned down a young man just before you went to the
bar. You handled him really nicely and that is what made me get up and
pursue you."

"Oh, William. I feel that William is conflicted about his sexuality and my
sixth sense tells me that he has his eyes on me to try and sort it out. I
don't date or associate with my students while I teach them or after." He
paused looking as if he were thinking about something. "You were with a
group of older guys. Who was that very striking guy in his 50s or 60s?"

"I am an accountant. Pretty dull, eh? Kevin, the one with the light brown
hair, owns a company and I was there last week, undercover," he raised his
eyebrows a couple of times, "Not as exciting as it sounds. I found very
large irregularities in their accounts. Paul, the older man, is one of the
owners with Kevin and the tall, dark haired guy is a lawyer, James, somehow
related to Paul I think. We got on really well and when they found out that
I had a personal problem over the weekend, they insisted that I go out with
them to get my mind off it."

"Can you tell me?" His tone indicated that he could tell or not but he was
interested.

"Short story. I figured out that my partner was off sampling greener
pastures."

"Is he stupid?"

"Thanks for the compliment. No, just a fucking bastard, literally." That
brought a smile to Stephen's lips.

"You seem to be taking it rather well now."

"Yes and no. I have a lot of garbage to work through. He is gone, believe
me. I am a bit like you with your students right now. I am staying clear,
in my case, until I work through this. I am confused about a lot of things
but I am working on it. It may sound stupid but I am getting to know
myself."

"Sounds very intelligent. I think I get the message and understand your
situation."

"Stephen, I really enjoyed tonight ...."

"But?"

Michael chuckled, "But I think that I am going to thank you for the scotch
and I should be going. It is getting late."

"Michael, I have enjoyed this evening much more than I expected. If at any
time you want to talk or just be with a sympathetic soul, get in touch" He
handed him his card. Michael didn't look at it but he did put it in a safe
spot in his wallet. "When you sort things out or if you want a chat, some
scotch, call. I never thought that I would enjoy this evening so much."

"Neither did I. I need time." As he left, he couldn't resist. He gave
Stephen a hug and light kiss on his lips.

Outside, going to his car, Michael wanted to scream, to kick himself. Did
he do the right thing? Stephen was fascinating and more. Did he just blow
him off? Possibly. But he was correct; it was not fair to anyone while he
was distracted and didn't recognize the man he was, himself.

Stephen sat down with another scotch and reflected on his reaction to this
man. He had been attracted to him more than any person he had met since he
and Bradley had parted. Stephen understood Michael's situation more than
Stephen would ever realize. It had taken him time to sort himself out after
the fiasco with Bradley; he had hurt several guys emotionally. Michael
probably never even realized how incredibly kind and sensitive he was
being. Stephen would have gone to bed with him in a minute, definitely the
wrong time.  He downed his scotch and went to bed with his friend, his
hand. So did Michael.


Author's Comment

You may recognize Michael. He is a character that I used in What a
Difference a Year Makes, Chapter, Paul 2 (see list of stories below) as
part of the plot. I decided to take the character and develop a full
character with his own story. So Michael is developed with his own
entirely, separate story.

There are 3 more chapters to follow. They are basically written but there
are the inevitable revisions and proofreading. If you enjoyed this one, the
next chapter should be published next week.


Comments 			preecherdave@gmail.com


If you liked this story, you might want to read the others that I have
published on Nifty. In particular, Unexpected Change has had the most
positive comments; one of my favourites is Getting My Act Together.

Unexpected Change, Nifty, College, April 16, 2011
Friendship, Nifty, Adult Friends, May 20, 2011
Surprising Last Year at University, Nifty, College, June 9, 2011
Murder Changed My Life, Nifty, Beginnings, July 8, 2011
What is Love?, Nifty, Beginnings, August 31, 2011
Getting My Act Together, Nifty, Adult-Friends, November 10, 2011
Surprised, Nifty, Adult-Friends, January 14, 2012
Surprised Eric and Dave, Beginnings, February 10, 2012
Surprised Graham and Robert, Nifty, Adult-Friends, March 22, 2012
What a Difference a Year Makes, Nifty, Adult-Friends, September 13, 2012