Disclaimers: This is a work of fiction. Any similarities between the characters in this story and real people (appearances, names, etc.) are purely coincidental. This story may contain homosexual material, including love and sex, so if material like this is illegal in your region or if it discomforts you, please leave.
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14 October 2017
New York, New York, United States of America
For Christian's communication class's midterm, the students had to make a presentation about the founding of a company or business.
At the end of a brown-haired girl's presentation, Prof. Justine Lane said, "Thank you, Ms. Kang-Sun. Great presentation. Crisp, clear voice. Up next is Christian Hawkings. Mr. Hawkings?"
Christian stood from his seat with a U.S.B. drive in his hand. While walking down the stairs to the front of the classroom, he buttoned his navy suit jacket.
"Good morning, class 3053," Christian said into the microphone effortlessly as he plugged the drive in the laptop. "My name is Christian Hawkings. I come from Columbus, Mississippi, where I played football for New Hope High. I was offered a position as the Columbia Lions' fullback but declined in favour of focusing on my studies.
"Today, my presentation is on Siren. In the spring of 1985, Roberta 'Bobby' Hammingstead, native of Columbus, graduated from Two Bourdelais culinary arts program. She moved back home to Columbus immediately thereafter, and opened a bakery she named Siren. Siren struggled, according to their financial records, for 3 months. Business picked in their 4th month of operations, and subsequently skyrocketed during the 5th. Siren became very well-known in Columbus and popular for its French and Italian pastries.
"Over the course of the next 7 consecutive months, Siren averaged $22,000 in gross sales per month. In month 8, Hammingstead doubled her baking staff, bringing the number of total bakers to 4, including herself.
"Fast forward to 14 months of operation, with gross sales averaging $28,000 per month, Hammingstead terminated her property lease in favour of relocating to 2nd Avenue and Main, the heart of Columbus. There, business doubled for the next 3 years, averaging $58,000 per month. Insane for a bakery in the south, right?"
Much of the student body in the classroom clapped their hands in response..
"Exactly," Christian enthusiastically agreed, his brown eyes sweeping across the rows of students. "Then after 5 years of business, Hammingstead opened another location in Jackson. Business in Jackson started out well, pulling in $29,000 in its first month. Sales steadily grew from there.
"Fast forward to today. In August 2017, Siren's 2 locations' combined gross sales was $124,376.53. And in September 2017, Hammingstead signed a property lease in Nashville, Tennessee where she is opening another bakery. The property has since undergone renovations and furnishing, and is currently training personnel. They are scheduled to officially open doors on November 1..
"That concludes my presentation today. Thank you kindly for your time and your attentive ears."
22 October 2017
New York, New York, United States of America
Warren, Chad, Porter, Christian, Carter, Misha, Laura, Katie, Lynn, and Vivian walked down Amsterdam Avenue, dressed in pea and trench coats, jackets, and scarves. The group had decided to celebrate the end of a gruesome week of midterms by going out for drinks.
Chad slung his arm around Warren's shoulders and said, "Looks like we're the only single people. Let's hope for both our sakes that we find people to go home with."
Warren slapped Chad's denim-clad ass, held onto the cheek, and replied, "I promise that if you strike out, you can join Officer Hillman and I. We love spit roasting pretty boys like you."
The rest of the group laughed, but Chad cocked an eyebrow and said, "Okay, I just threw up a little bit in my mouth. And that's a bit surprising, that you pitch, considering you wear heels that make you a foot taller."
Warren wiggled his eyebrows at Chad as he asked, "Would you like me to show you how good a top I am?"
"Okay," Chad said awkwardly while stepping away from Warren. "I'm uncomfortable now."
"I.D.'s, kids," the bouncer of 1020 Bar said boredly.
"Is Aaron joining us tonight?" Vivian asked as they moved along the line.
"He said he'd see how work goes," Warren answered. "His shift is done at 9:00."
After reading Warren driver's license, the bouncer said unimpressed, "Welcome, Mr. Akiyama, who is looking remarkable for a 39-year-old."
While sitting in a booth and removing his coat, Warren said, "I am starving!"
"Hi," a waitress said. "Would anyone like a menu?"
4 people accepted menus, and Porter said, "I got the first round. I'll have 3 pitchers of Brooklyn and whatever else these losers want."
Laura and Misha ordered a Stella Artois each, but everyone else said that Brooklyn Lager was fine. So Porter handed the waitress his credit card.
"Okay," Christian called. "One rule tonight. One. No talking of school. In fact, don't even think about school."
"But oh my god!" Warren cried dramatically. "I only scored a 92 on my economics midterm!"
Smiling and amused, Christian punched Warren's shoulder, who was sitting right beside him. Warren just laughed with everybody else.
After the waitress set the bottles, pitchers and glasses on the table and handed Porter his credit card back, she asked, "Has anyone decided on grub? According to Yelp, our wings have been rated highest by N.Y.U. and Columbia students.
Warren quickly said, "Can I have a bacon cheeseburger and french fries? No ketchup, no relish, no mustard, no pickles please."
"What?" Carter said, visibly disgusted. "No ketchup on a burger? Dude, what's wrong with you? That's so un-American."
After sipping his beer, Warren shrugged and replied, "Canadian, man."
Porter also ordered a burger and fries, and yes, the burger was ordered with all the fixings. Christian ordered 8 sets of wings, 2 of each flavour, to share with everyone else.
Warren talked about his fitness journey with Christian and Vivian, who were sitting on either side of him. He then joined in on Chad, Laura, and Katie's conversation on the meaning of 'biannually'. That conversation held a smidge of heat, some annoyance, and some laughter.
While chewing his first bite of the burger, Warren moaned, "Oh. Dear.. Lord. This burger is better than sex."
Lynn shook her head before she swallowed a bite of honey-garlic chicken, and said with disappointment, "You're not doing sex right if you think food is better."
"Can I have a bite?" Christian asked.
"Get your own," Warren answered.
"I just wanna see if it's worth $15."
Warren conceded. He held the burger toward Christian, who gratefully took a bite. A big bite. That single bite diminished a quarter of Warren's burger. Warren didn't care because he knew he wouldn't be able to finish the burger and all the french fries anyway.
"That's good, huh?" Warren prompted, still chewing, and their eyes locked together.
"Mm!" Christian happily hummed and shook his head in disbelief. "Mm! That's awesome!"
"Anybody else craving a shot of tequila?" Warren asked the group while waving his hand in the air. "I'll order 2 rounds."
"Woooh!" Karen crowed with a clap of her hands.
The waitress set a tray of 20 shot glasses, a plate of lime wedges, and 2 salt shakers.
"Here's to us," Warren said, he and everyone had a shot raised. "I love you guys."
Every else expressed their love. It was a tight-knit group of people. They licked he salt off their hands, knocked the liquor back, and sucked on the lime wedges.
Warren then threw a french fry in his mouth and said, "Hey, Chad, when I'm done eating you are so teaching me dart-throwing."
2 hours later, Warren was shooting pool with Misha, Carter, and Vivian. Christian and Laura were playing a game of darts.
Warren hit the cue ball, and the striped 5 ball fell into a pocket. "Haaa yeah!"
Warren aimed his cue for the striped 7 ball. Just as he was about to take the shot, somebody pressed their crotch firmly against his ass. Warren hit the cue ball on the side in startlement, making the ball roll way off. Warren shot up and turned around.
"Aaron, you ass!" Warren cried, equal parts surprised and happy..
Aaron simply laughed as he tugged at the belt loop of Warren's light blue jeans. They shared a simple kiss of greeting.
"Hey, guys," Warren greeted Aaron's companions. "Everybody, this is Aaron's roommate Garett, and Aaron's co-worker Officer Heinrich."
Officer Heinrich said to Warren's friends, "Call me Tony."
Aaron kissed Warren again, and asked, "How drunk are you?"
With a smile, Warren answered, "Got a good buzz going. I'm on my 3rd beer and had 2 shots of tequila before. Tell you what. Finish my beer and I'll drink water until you're buzzing. Deal?"
Aaron was satisfied with that proposal. He grabbed Warren's beer off the pool table ledge and sipped it before he kissed Warren again.
"I missed you," Warren said quietly.
"We saw each other 2 days ago," Aaron responded with a giggle. "But I missed you, too."
Misha then said, "Your shot, Ren."
When Warren turned back to the pool table, Aaron said, "I'm gonna order a burger and pitchers of Hefeweizen. Help yourselves."
After a few minutes, Laura shot, and the 8 ball fell into the corner pocket.
"Ahh!" Warren groaned. "Good game, guys. Ohmygod! I love this song!"
Warren danced in front of Porter, who was already dancing to 'Mi Gente'. Warren hopped in his 5.5-inch chunky-heeled boots, and his arms swayed, and he clapped his hands. Porter sidled up to Warren's front, and they danced almost like a tango but an organized, sensual mess of limbs.
Karen slapped Warren's ass and whooped them on.
When the song ended, Warren whooped and punched Porter's shoulder. He then strutted back to the bar. He grabbed the pitcher of water and poured himself a glass.
Aaron offered Warren a warm smile when the young blonde slid into the seat next to him. "You looked so hot over there dancing."
With a wiggle of his eyebrows, Warren replied, "Let's see how the night goes. If I don't find someone with a mind dirtier than yours, maybe I'll go home with you, Officer."
"Mmm," Aaron hummed. "Luckily I know for a fact that I have the filthiest mind in all of New York State. In all of the eastern- in all of North America even."
Warren giggled at the utter adorableness that was his boyfriend. He pressed a kiss to Aaron's stubbly cheek, and then stole a french fry from Aaron's plate.
"How was work?" Warren asked, turning and laying his legs across Aaron's lap.
Aaron sighed and answered, "It was hard. Can't say names, but a case involved taking a child to social services because their parents passed out on cocaine."
"Awwww," Warren moaned, holding the police officer close. "I'm sorry for the kid and that you had to deal with that."
"Come with the territory," Aaron said with a shrug. "How'd your exams go?"
"I'll tell you about it later," Warren replied with a smile. "Chrissy Pompom has banished all talk of school tonight."
"You'll thank me later," Christian said from across the table and offered the 2 blondes a wink.
3 hours later and varying degrees of drunk, the group knocked back their last shots of tequila. Christian and Misha were the last to don their coats and exit the bar. Christian saw Warren being embraced by Aaron at the edge of the road where they waited for a cab. They were laughing about something, Warren's forehead pressed against Aaron's shoulder. They were sickeningly cute.
Christian affectionately smacked Warren's arm and said, "Diss was an awesome night, Quicksilver. G'night."
"Yeah," Warren said as he turned to look. "Yeah. Tonight was awesome. Thanks for making it happen."
Inside Misha's dorm room at Carman Hall, the girl attacked Christian with heated, passionate kisses. Their lips danced sloppily, and audibly smacked. Misha stripped Christian of his letterman jacket and threw it wherever. As they continued to make out, Christian unzipped the back of Misha's purple dress and the girl shimmied out of it.
Christian, as usual, pictured Warren as the one he was getting hot with. He thought of the pompadour sandy-blonde hair rather than Misha's long brown hair. He imagined gazing into Warren's green eyes hungry, instead of Misha's bright blue.
But that night it did not turn him on, picturing getting hot and heavy with Warren. It rather caused a great ache in his chest. It was profound, powerful, and all-consuming.
After unfastening Christian's jeans, Misha confusedly stated, "Y'r not even hard."
Christian was beyond scared and shameful and self-deprecating. He hated himself. Tears immediately prickled at his brown eyes.
"I- umm- I- I gotta go."
"You okay?" Misha asked, very much concerned.
"I gotta go."
Christian ignored Misha's calls. He put his jacket on without his shirt, and ran down the lobbies and stairs. He ran the 2 blocks to John Jay Hall where he laid in bed staring up at the ceiling.
He did not sleep that night.
15 October 2017
New York, New York, United States of America
Christian finally moved. He took his cell phone out of his back pocket to check the time, but his cell phone was dead. Daylight was streaming in through his window, so it was at least 7:00am.
After placing phone on the charging pad for wireless charging, Christian opened his laptop. It told him that the time was 7:18am.
Christian put on the first shirt that he saw in his closet and put his jacket on, and left the dormitory. He walked through the busy early morning streets of Manhattan, totally unaware of the buzz of people, whirs of vehicles, and sirens of emergency responders.
"Welcome to Le Guerison," a red-haired young man said when Christian went up the cafe's counter. "You don't look so good, no offense. Are you alright?"
Despondent, Christian said, "Can I have a large blonde-roast with lots of room?"
The young man filled a large cup with coffee and said, "On the house, sir. You look like you could use it."
This did not lighten Christian's mood. He simply offered the ginger a single nod and went to cream and sugar his coffee. He used a lot of sugar to help energize him.
As Christian was placing a lid on the paper cup, another young man with light blonde hair and purple eyeshadow entered and went to the counter.
The cashier drove his fingers through his long red hair and said to the blonde, "Hey, Babe. You're here early."
The blonde leaned over the counter and they kissed, and the blonde said, "I need to take the car to--"
Christian didn't hear another word. He just watched the handsome couple. The redhead was tall and built, like himself. The blonde was shorter, like Warren naturally was when he didn't wear heels, and slim. Realizing this just served to further sadden Christian.
Fifteen minutes later, after walking an unknown number of blocks, Christian entered the Saint Thomas Church. Sitting in the pews, Christian leaned back and gazed at the altar.
Christian was not the least bit aware that anyone else was in the church until a man wearing black set bibles in the pew rack in front of Christian. He was middle-aged, with greying brown hair. His clerical collar told Christian exactly who the man was.
"Morning," Father Olafsson said while sitting beside Christian. "I've seen you here the past 2 Sunday's."
After a sniffle, Christian responded, "I've been coming to church every Sunday for almost 2 months."
"Oh," Fr. Olafsson said with a nod. "What brings you in during the early hours of a Saturday morning? And reeking of whiskey?"
"Damn, I'm sorry," Christian said. "Shit, I shouldn't swear in church. Oh my god. Umm..."
The priest just laughed, and said, "I'm sure the Lord will overlook this, seeing the state you're in, son. Would you like to talk about what's bothering you?"
"Last night, I- uhh..." Christian stopped to wipe at his eyes. "I have a girlfriend. Her name is Misha. We went out drinking last night.. We went with a group of our friends. Anyway, I- umm... I went home with her. But I couldn't- I couldn't... get aroused."
Fr. Olafsson nodded and replied, "It's not uncommon for a man of any age to find difficulty in achieving an erection when drunk."
"No, no, no," Christian said softly, shamefully. "I- umm.... I was thinking about... another... man."
"Ah," the priest said with a single nod of his head.
Christian quickly said, "But I can't be gay, Father."
"Why can't you be gay, son? Because of the Bible? The Bible was written in a time of simplicity. Things were totally different back them. This clerical jacket is 90% cotton and 10% polyester, but does that mean I'm going to hell for wearing it? Many of this congregation give others proud looks, are full of themselves- Lord forgive me. I eat pork, as I assume you do, too.
"We can't take the bible word for word like they did 2 thousand years ago. It is my belief, as I've believed since I was a young teenager, that the Bible does not explicitly condemn homosexuals to Hell.
"Romans 1:26-27 says, 'Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.' I was taught that 'natural' meant loving, caring, warm relationships no matter the gender and sexual orientation.
"Matthew 19:3-6 says, 'Haven't you read that at the beginning the Creator made them male and female and said, For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.' Homosexuality was not even on the radar in the time of the Bible. It was not heard of. So how could Jesus and the writers of the Bible have written about it? Matthew speaks about the importance of marriage, what it means, what it holds, what it represents. Homosexuals are more than capable of establishing beautiful relationships with each other, and loving each other with such intensity. They do that and so much more in marriage.
"And you know what else? My brother lives in Detroit, and presides over the Saint Luke Church. His husband has a career in television, and he takes their 2 children to church every week. They are some of the happiest, healthiest people I've seen."
"But-" Christian spluttered and wiped at his eyes again. "But I was taught that gays were a sin and a mistake."
"God created us all, yes? He is perfect, right? He makes us in His image, correct? He makes no mistakes, young man. You are His. You were created as He wanted you to be."
Christian walked back to John Jay Hall not knowing how to feel. Or think. At all. He was a trillion times more confused than ever. But one thing he knew he had to do was end things with Misha. It was not fair to her that he was using her to try to bury his true sexuality.
Said girl was sitting on the floor against Christian's dorm room. Christian stopped in surprise, and Misha looked. Christian offered her a tight-lipped smile, and continued toward the door.
"Hey," Christian unsurely greeted as Misha stood.
"Hey," Misha greeted just as awkwardly. "I- umm- I don't remember much of last night. But I know that you left when we..."
Christian nodded when Misha said nothing else. "Can we talk?"
In his dorm room, Christian sat on his bed with his face buried in his hands. Misha leant against Christian's desk. They remained in silence for a few moments, the only sounds were the guys of the 9th floor walking back and forth for the showers.
"What happened last night?" Misha asked gently.
Feeling guilt, Christian responded, "I just came from church. Where I talked with... with Fr. Olafsson. About- about homosexuality."
"You're-" Misha scoffed. "You're... You fucking scumbag. You. Fucking. Scum. What was I to you? Just a learning curve?"
"No," Christian answered meaningfully. "Of course not. I care about you, Misha. I just didn't wanna be gay. I don't wanna be gay. I have to work through this. I can't be with you for that reason, and because I didn't tell you. You deserve better. You deserve someone who can make you feel good."
Misha wiped tears as she said, "You stay away from me. Don't call, don't text, and you look away the instant you see me. Fucking dick."
20 October 2017
New York, New York, United States of America
While Warren sat alone in the library working on his accounting homework, he received a text message from Aaron asking if they could meet at Le Guerison Cafe. Warren was confused because the time was 7:03pm and Aaron was scheduled to work until midnight. But Warren texted back that he was on his way, and packed his messenger bag.
At the cafe, Warren was even more confused upon seeing his boyfriend sitting at a table, who was dressed in a pink polo and jeans.
Warren said, "Hey," before kissing Aaron. "What happened to work?"
"I had a job interview today," Aaron answered solemnly.
"Oh my god! That--"
"--In Portland."
Dreading and uneasy, Warren asked, "Portland as in Oregon? Other side of the country Oregon?"
"Back in July I applied for a position there," Aaron said remorsefully. "Lieutenant for precinct 11. I didn't get it. They kept my application and resume. This morning I was interviewed for a position as detective of the narcotics unit."
"You were offered the job," Warren concluded, trying to fight his tears.
"I gave my 2-weeks notice here," Aaron replied. "I have to take this job, Warren. I can barely afford to live here. And I have my student loan to pay off before I can even think about starting a family.."
Trying to be reasonable, Warren said, "We can't do long distance because you're broke and I'm an unemployed student. I- uhh, excuse me. Ignore my tears."
Aaron pulled Warren's hand, and made the young man sit in his lap. Warren buried his face in Aaron's neck and sniffled, and Aaron kissed his cheek.
"I want you to take the job," Warren said as strongly as he could. "It'll be good for you."
"Yeah," Aaron said with dejection.
With a laugh, Warren said, "What sucks even more is... is... I think I love you."
Aaron's lip trembled hard, but he tried to choke back his tears. "I love you, too. My beautiful, sexy Warren."
Warren kissed Aaron's neck before he begged, "Promise me 2 things? One, that you live life with wonder in your eyes. Two, if we're both single in 10 years, I'll show up on your doorstep and propose and you'll say yes."
Aaron tearfully laughed, and replied, "Deal. Done."
Back outside, Aaron walked Warren back to his S.U.V. to say goodbye. Aaron didn't ask permission before he pressed Warren against the vehicle and initiated a passionate kiss. He held Warren's neck in his hands, and Warren held Aaron's hips.
Aaron pressed his forehead to Warren's, and whispered, "Goodbye, Warren Patrick Altier."
"Farewell, Aaron Victor Hillman."
To Be Continued...
Thank you for checking out this series. If you are enjoying it, feel free to check out my other works.
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