Date: Mon, 18 Mar 2013 08:05:23 -0400 From: Morris Henderson Subject: The Ungay Deception THE UNGAY DECEPTION Danny Higgins was a happy twelve-year-old boy. An only child, he lived with his parents in a small apartment in a run-down section of Brooklyn. The neighborhood was unsafe, especially at night and young Danny was recurrently warned about playing outdoors "with the gangs and rough kids." He accepted the restriction because his doting parents filled his home life with ample joy by keeping him entertained. It did, however, impede the development of his social skills. Overly cautious even in the structured school environment, he did not make friends easily. The family had very little money but an abundance of love for one another. They also maintained a firm belief that through ambition and hard work their situation would improve. They infused young Danny with those values and a sustaining hope in the future. Danny's father worked as a janitor. It was menial labor and paid very little but he was proud that he could provide for his family— not with a spacious house or with many things others considered necessities—but at least the basic essentials. He was determined that Danny would not have to live on the brink of poverty as an adult so he constantly encouraged his son to work hard in school because that would lead to a better life. The prospect of college, however, was never mentioned because the man knew he would never be able to afford it. Danny's mother labored at home—cleaning, cooking, and taking care of her son. She also earned occasional money sewing, mending others' clothes, and baby sitting whenever another parent needed temporary child care. She didn't earn much but it was occasionally enough to avoid going hungry. Danny was aware that his family was poor. His clothes—and his parents' for that matter—came from a second-hand store. Meals were meager but healthy. Danny thought they were appetizing ... perhaps because he had never known the taste of expensive food or ever eaten in a restaurant. That cost too much. When he was very young he was puzzled that he had seen the few toys from Santa that he had previously seen in the second-hand store. The inescapable conclusion was that Santa was a myth. But that was all right. It only proved that his parents sacrificed something in order to make him happy. He had no doubt that his parents loved him. And that he loved them. What more could he want? His life changed quickly and irrevocably one tragic Tuesday. His father was walking home from work as he had done for weeks because he couldn't afford subway fare AND to buy his son a special birthday present. Halfway home, he collapsed and died from a heart attack. After a week of tears and agony, Danny's mother made a necessary but distasteful decision. She would get a full time job. The paycheck would cover bills but she would have to leave her son alone in the apartment from the time school let out until she got home. Danny was forced to grow up fast. He was determined to do what he could to ease his mother's worrying by being as independent as possible and by taking care of many household chores that his mother had previously done. The first year after his father's death was the hardest. Danny missed the camaraderie with his father. He was pained to see his mother come home from work exhausted and have to prepare dinner. As time went by, however, his grief diminished and he became accustomed to his life. It wasn't as joyful as before but he learned to tolerate it. Passing through puberty presented problems for young Danny. He knew that he would grow pubic hair because he had seen his father once in the bathtub. He also assumed, based on that single experience, that his penis would grow longer and fuller. He was not prepared, however, for the extraordinarily pleasant sensations as he fondled his penis to erection. Nor was he prepared for the surprise of an erotic thrill when his fondling resulted in an orgasm. He wished his father was still around so he could ask questions about the many mysterious things that were happening in his body. His father always had time to answer his questions. That's one reason he loved him so much and why he missed him. Something told him, however, that it wouldn't be proper to ask his mother and certainly not any of the boys at school since he and they rarely talked to each other. Instead, he continued his solitary explorations. Masturbation (although that word was not in his vocabulary) became a regular experience. <><><><><> When Danny entered high school he was more than adequately prepared for the course work and far ahead of his peers academically thanks to his parents' encouragement of doing one's best in school. He was not prepared, however, for two situations. The first was phys ed or, more specifically, showering with a group of naked boys. It was the first time he had seen a naked male body (except for the one instance of seeing his father in the bathtub) and his innate curiosity caused him to examine his class mates' genitalia. The second surprise for which he was unprepared was the derisive scorn from the other boys. He didn't understand their epithets: queer, fag, homo—words he didn't understand but the venom with which they were said was abundantly clear. He quickly realized that being caught looking too long invited unrestrained hostility. His habit of researching things he didn't understand led him to the library where he learned the meaning of the strange insults. That, in turn, led him to an explanation of homosexuality and that it was frequently abhorred by most religions and by society. His library research didn't reveal the sexual practices of homosexuals but it did convince him that he must avoid being a homosexual or even showing inadvertent interest in other boys. Once again, he wished he could talk to his father who had always been willing to listen and give advice. As a senior in high school, his life would take another significant turn. He had become friends with Mark. Both were good students academically but neither was socially gifted and therefore excluded from the cliques of popular classmates. Each, therefore, was pleased to have a friend with similar interests and personality. By the end of their junior year, they were together as often as possible. They ate lunch together, they ignored the taunts of a few snobbish students who thought them to be weird, and they often got together after school to do their homework. With final exam week rapidly approaching, Mark suggested, "I was wondering, Danny, if you'd like to come over to my place on Friday night so we can cram for the exams together. You can have dinner with Mom and me. My brother is taking his girlfriend out to dinner and a movie so you'll sorta take his place at the table. Then we can spend the whole evening studying." "That's a good idea," Danny replied. "Are you sure your mother won't mind?" "Not at all. I've already cleared it with her. She's never said so but I think she's glad that I have a friend. She's always on my case about not going to parties or going out on dates." "Yeah," Danny replied. "My Mom's the same way. I'll let her know I won't be home for dinner that night. I'm sure she'll agree." Danny's enthusiasm over accepting the invitation emboldened Mark to elaborate on the plan. "It might take a long time to review all the material. It'll probably be late when we finish. Maybe midnight or later and too dark to walk home. Why don't you spend the night? You can sleep in my bed. I'll use my brother's sleeping bag on the floor." "That's not right," Danny objected. "You shouldn't have to give up your bed." "No problem, pal. With an air mattress I'll be just fine. Cozy as a bug in a rug." "If you're sure," Danny said. He was reluctant to make his friend sleep on the floor but excited about his first sleepover." "I couldn't be more sure!" Mark gushed. "Bring your PJs and toothbrush. OH! And your school books and notes." Danny was ashamed that he didn't own any pajamas but didn't say anything. Danny's enthusiasm increased for two days as he eagerly anticipated the adventure of spending his first night away from home. Mark was equally excited but for another reason. He had a crush on his friend and allowed himself to hope that they would do more than study and sleep. It was well past midnight when the two boys finished reviewing all the material that would likely be on the exams. Mark's parents had long since gone to bed. His brother had come home from his date and also gone to bed. "I think we're as ready as we'll ever be," Mark said. "Shall we get some sleep?" "Okay," Danny replied. He hesitantly added, "But you said bring my PJs. I don't have any. I usually sleep in my underwear. I hope that's all right." "That's fine!" Mark replied, encouraged by the improved probability of success with his hidden agenda. "Can I let you in on a little secret? I don't even wear my underwear. Have you ever done that?" "No," Danny replied, somewhat surprised by Mark's unusual admission and question. "You oughta give it a try sometime. Maybe you'd like it." "Maybe I will," Danny said unconvincingly, paused, and added, "Sometime when I'm at home." That was not the direction Mark wanted the conversation to take. "Or tonight," he suggested. "It's just you and me. If you want to try it, tonight's as good as any other night." Then, to persuade his friend more, he said, "Besides, I'll feel more comfortable if I'm not the only one sleeping with nothing on." As a guest in Mark's home, he didn't want to make his host uncomfortable. "Okay. I'll try it." Mark was careful to conceal his feeling of success in progressing toward his goal. He laid the air mattress on the floor and the sleeping bag on top. He began to blow up the mattress, knowing that it wouldn't inflate. "Shit!" he exclaimed. "There's a tear in the mattress. It won't hold air." He sat cross-legged on the floor, pretending to be upset but waiting for Danny to say something—hopefully a suggestion to share the bed. After what seemed to Mark to be a very long silence, he heard Danny say, "You take the bed. I don't mind sleeping on the floor." It was not what Mark wanted to hear. He declined the offer and tried another tactic. "Let me think." He paused to refine his scheme. "I've got an idea. We can both be comfortable. It'll be a little crowded but there's just enough room for both of us in the bed. That is, if you don't mind." Again, Danny agreed to his friend's suggestion. After all, it was only a small sacrifice of comfort so that his host could also be reasonably comfortable. He did not consider it inappropriate to share a bed with another guy. Sleeping with a good friend for one night was, in his mind, quite acceptable. Mark felt a small tingle in his crotch as he anticipated lying alongside Danny. In the nude! He deliberately distracted his thoughts because he certainly didn't want to sprout a boner too soon. That might scare his prey. The teens started to remove their clothes. Danny was nervous. He was accustomed to undressing in the locker room after gym class but this was different. He was alone with Mark. They would be in the same bed. All night. Naked. Memories of what he had read about homosexuality intruded into his mind. Memories of other boys spitting out malicious insults toward anyone even suspected of being queer gave rise to an uneasy anxiety. He would have to be very careful not to look too long. Even worse would be any touch that could be misinterpreted. He didn't want to lose his best friend ... his only friend. He turned away from Mark as he removed his pants and jockey shorts. Whereas Danny was nervous, Mark was excited. He had admired his friend's personality, character—and body—for a long time but, since they didn't have gym class together, he had never seen what lay under his shirt and trousers. The mystery was about to be revealed. When Danny lowered his shorts it revealed what, to Mark's lustful mind, were perfectly proportioned ass cheeks He was eager to see what his friend carried between his legs. But he got only the briefest glimpse because Danny moved quickly to the bed and covered himself. The quick look was enough to determine that his bedmate had an impressive, uncut cock, low-handing balls, and a thick pubic bush. Mark had planned on undressing in a way to show off his own masculine endowment and, in the process, try to assess Danny's interest. But his slowly engorging cock changed his plans. The possibly long process of seducing his prey would be ruined if an erection made his arousal obvious. He moved quickly to crawl into bed alongside Danny. Mark lay on his back. Danny was on his side facing the wall. Only a few inches separated them. Each could feel the heat of the other's body. But it affected them quite differently. Danny was reminding himself to avoid ANY bodily contact. Even an innocent and inadvertent touch could arouse suspicion and trigger Mark's disgust. It could demolish a friendship. Mark, meanwhile, was refining his plan to interest his friend in unquestionably deliberate bodily contact. Mark carefully thought through how best to entice Danny into agreeing to share their bodies. His plan included several escape hatches in which he could retreat if Danny showed any signs of disgust with a suggestion. But as he lay next to his intended target, he worried about the risks. He resolved to go slowly even if it might require multiple nights together to achieve his goal. He would have to restrain his lust and proceed cautiously. "I'm glad you came over to study, Danny. And to spend the night. I enjoy being with you." "Thanks for the invitation," Danny said without turning to face his bed partner. "I've enjoyed it." "I hope you don't mind being crowded. Two of us in one bed, I mean." "Not at all. It's better than your sleeping on a hard floor." "That it is," Mark said. After a carefully timed pause, he continued, "There's only one small problem." "What's that?" "Never mind," Mark replied, deliberately being coy. "It's nothing to worry about." Danny's curiosity was roused. He wanted clarification of his friend's problem. "Are you not comfortable in half a bed? I can use the sleeping bag." "It's not that. I'm quite comfortable. It's just that..." "It's just what, Mark?" "Well... Since we're good friends, I guess I can tell you. I usually jerk off before going to sleep. I can't do that with you here, can I?" Danny often did the same thing but was stunned by his friend's candor. After a moment's thought, he said, "Of course you can. I won't mind." Mark took the next step in his plan. "Do you jerk off at night?" Danny was very hesitant to answer honestly but Mark had entrusted him with a very private secret and it seemed to deserve a reciprocal admission. "Sometimes. Well ... most times. So go ahead if you want to. I won't mind." Things were going well for Mark and he proceeded to the next level of his plan. "Why don't you join me? I'd feel silly doing it by myself." "Geez, Mark. I don't know. It seems kinda ... well ... gay. To do it with somebody, I mean." Mark chuckled. "It's not gay. All guys masturbate. They usually do it in private but there's nothing wrong with doing it with a friend. Come on, buddy. I'm getting hard already and I can't relieve myself unless you join me." "Well ... all right," Danny replied. He was still unsure but he agreed partly as a favor to his best friend and partly because his own cock had begun to stiffen. Mark was elated by Danny's consent. It was a necessary if preliminary step toward what he sought. "Good!" he exclaimed. He pushed down the sheet and blanket, exposing both of their naked bodies from the knees upward. He was disappointed that Danny remained lying on his side showing only his back and ass. "Roll over on your back, Danny. It wouldn't be good if you shot your cum on my sheet." Danny grew nervous over exposing his stiffening cock to view. But the logic of Mark's reasoning was compelling so he complied. "Nice!" Mark said as he stared guiltlessly at his bedmate's growing cock. "You can be proud of what you've got down there." Danny said nothing nor, out of carefully practiced habit, did he look at Mark's stiff cock. To direct Danny's attention to it, he said, "I think your dick is bigger than mine. What do you think?" Danny glanced down at Mark's now fully erect cock but diverted his eyes quickly and mumbled, "Hard to say." They lay wordlessly, each stroking his own cock at a leisurely pace. Mark was going slowly because he didn't want to cum. He had a larger goal—if he could manage to attain it. Danny, on the other hand, was anxious about what was happening. He tried to calm his nerves by reminding himself that he was merely going along with his friend's suggestions. He hadn't initiated anything. In his steadily increasing arousal, he easily accepted Mark's argument that what they were doing was not gay. Eventually, Mark's lust drove him to break the silence. "This is great. Jerking off with somebody feels a lot better than doing it alone. What do you think, Danny?" "It's okay, I guess." "Okay? Is that the best you can say about it? Danny hesitated as he worked up the courage to say what he was thinking. "It's just that.... I'm embarrassed. Don't get me wrong. It's like we're doing something we shouldn't. It's sorta like we're two gays. But we're not gay, are we?" Mark was prepared for that sort of resistance. "No. We're not gay. We're just doing together what every guy does in private. That doesn't make us gay. Let's just enjoy it." Several moments later, Danny asked, "Do you think other guys do what we're doing? Straight guys, I mean." "I'm sure of it. Matter of fact, let me tell you something I've never told anybody else. My brother and I did it quite a lot. Before he met his girlfriend." That was a lie but Mark had concocted the story just in case Danny needed an additional bit of reassurance before agreeing to far more active sex. "He's as straight as they come. What we did together was just ... well ... call it recreational sex play. It was enjoyable and it didn't turn him—or me—into a homosexual." Mark felt he was on a roll. Danny did not seem to be shocked at the revelation. So he charged ahead. "Yeah, we jerked off together a lot—until he met his girlfriend. And we did more than that." "More?" Danny gasped incredulously. Mark grinned inwardly. "Oops. I didn't mean to say that." (But, of course, he did.) "You're my best friend and I trust you to keep a secret so I'll tell you. It started out just jerking off together. I was thirteen at the time and he was sixteen. Before long, we were jerking each other off. Believe me, that's much better than doing it to yourself. Before long ... I hope this doesn't shock you ... we were giving each other blow jobs." "What's a blow job?" Danny asked, compelled to find out more about what gay guys did. "You don't know?" Mark asked incredulously. "It's oral sex. You suck on a guy's dick for a while. Let me tell you, it's a great feeling to have a warm, wet mouth stimulating your dick. Much better than a fist. There's nothing like it. And when you cum, you can feel it throughout your body. Just imagine, Danny, the sensations in your dick amplified a hundred times." It took a while for Danny to process what he had heard. He had to know more. "You don't mean you shot semen into your brother's mouth. Surely he would let go of your penis before orgasm." Mark had to quickly revise the script he had invented and ad lib. "At first we did. But a couple of times our timing was off and we squirted into each other's mouth. You may think that's disgusting. I did, too, at first. But the orgasm is far more intense when you let go into a wet mouth. And whoever is on the receiving end gets what my brother called a blast of protein. The first couple of times it tasted funny. But you get used to it. And you look forward to it because it's a good feeling to know that you've done a big favor to your partner—maximized his enjoyment." "I don't think I could ever do that. Taking somebody's penis into my mouth? And swallowing his semen? It's definitely gay." Danny had hesitated up to this point but this was the first firm resistance Mark had encountered. He made a quick decision. He would lower the bar and hope that his friend would be more willing to experiment. "I understand, Danny. `Cause I felt the same way. So let me show you what I mean when I say having somebody suck your dick will give you the best orgasm of your life. And I assure you, it doesn't mean you're gay. And it won't turn you into a gay. All it is is two friends getting a bit of pleasure. Are you willing to let me give you a blow job?" Danny thought for a few moments. Mark was his best friend and could be trusted. If he said the sensation was so wonderful, it must be true. If he said it wasn't really gay and only a pleasure of the moment, it must be true. It's not at all likely that he would lie. But most of what Mark said was pure fabrication. He had never had sex with his brother. He had never had sex with anyone. So the claims about the sensations while getting a blow job was imagination and were offered only to deceive and seduce. And it was effective. Danny felt he had to get one thing clear. "If you suck my penis, do I have to suck yours?" "Not if you don't want to. Believe me. I just want to make you feel good. And prove to you that it will be a sensation far beyond using your hand to jerk off. Danny's hesitancy faded and he said, "Okay. Go ahead." Mark was delighted. He wouldn't get the blow job he wanted but Danny's permission to proceed gave him the opportunity to see, feel, and taste another guy's cock for the first time. Before his friend could change his mind, Mark propped himself up on an elbow for a more unrestricted view of his friend's naked body. It was not muscular by any means but it was firm and trim. A light dusting of hair surrounded prominent nipples and blazed a trail downward to a generous thicket of pubic hair. Mark's frequent fantasies lay before him, available to freely explore. His heart rate climbed. His cock tingled. In his mind, the world evaporated except for the alluring body that lay before him, offering the experience that he had craved for years. Intimate contact with another man was no longer wishful thinking; it was real. "Oh," Mark said. "With all the conversation, you've gone soft. Relax. Let me restore your hard-on. Don't think of anything but the sensations. Enjoy the pleasure." Mark began by massaging Danny's chest and tracing circles around the nipples. Their response surprised him. They grew firm and extended upward as if requesting more stimulation. It also surprised Danny. The feelings were considerably more intense than when he had played with his own nipples. It was enough that he abandoned all concerns over engaging in something gay. He slipped into a state of pure enjoyment. Mark moved his hand downward across the abdomen until his fingers could plunge into the pubic bush. He watched with delight as his friend's cock inflated—without being touched. Soon, it was a towering mast of firmness. Mark was eager to envelope it in his mouth but resisted the temptation so that he could prolong the delight of having a naked body at his disposal to explore and to relish. For the next stage of Mark's strategy, he repositioned himself. He sat up, spread Danny's legs slightly, and kneeled between them. With a gentle touch, he felt the inside of firm thighs, moving from the knees slowly upward. Another surprise: Danny's cock, now fully erect, began to twitch, accompanied by soft moans from the formerly reluctant and now completely submissive Danny who was overcome by the onslaught of erotic stimulation and adrift in a sea of sensual delight. Mark, unable to contain his lust any more, directed his attention to the shaft of manhood that had already begun to ooze precum. A thin strand extended from the pulsing cock head down to a small pool just below the navel. It was irresistible. Mark scooped up some from the pool with his finger and tasted it. Subtly sweet, he thought. He was still anxious to take the fleshy rod into his mouth but—partly to prolong his own pleasure and partly to increase his friend's arousal and intensify the orgasm—he chose to tease the cock. He gently ran a finger from the base up the bulging outline of the urethra. The response was dramatic. Danny's cock twitched to the point of spasm. The foreskin only partially concealed the head of the cock that seemed to be straining to escape the protective covering. Mark set it free by pulling back the skin to reveal a deep purple helmet. A fresh supply of precum cascaded down to the pool below. Mark teased the sensitive cock head first with his fingers but, unable to control his lust anymore, used his tongue to continue the tantalizing treatment. It would be impossible to say which of the two teens were enjoying the experience more. Each was captured by a different but equally intense delight. Danny's was the exhilarating ecstasy of physical, sensual euphoria. Mark's was more mental, the fulfillment of a fervent wish that had percolated in his psyche for years. Mark finally wrapped his lips around the quivering, jerking cock and started a stroking motion. It didn't last long. Just as Mark's stroking built to a rapid pace, Danny—with no conscious awareness of what he was doing—instinctively bucked his hips and drove his swollen, almost painfully stimulated cock deep into Mark's mouth. Was it the head of the cock or a forceful blast of hot cum that assaulted the back of his throat? It was both. Multiple volleys of cum followed. Mark was gagging but powerless to release his mouth's grip on Danny's pulsing pole until the deliriously satisfied teen collapsed in a near paralysis of bliss. Mark got only the slightest taste of his friend's cum since almost all of it went straight down his throat. It was enough, however, to tell that it was distinctly different than his own. Was it actually sweeter or did it seem so because he had waited so long to savor another guy's creamy nectar? Mark resumed his former position of lying beside his friend but this time was different. One difference was that he laid his arm across Danny's heaving chest and a leg on top of his bedmate's legs. More significantly, a sense of fulfillment permeated his mind. He had attained, at least in part, his goal. Since Danny was still uncommunicative as he descended from orbit, Mark absent-mindedly reached down to fondle his cock that was still swollen, erect, and seemed to be pleading for relief. With a surprisingly few strokes Mark felt the unmistakable signals of an impending orgasm. A morsel of reason prompted him to shift his body so that his cum would land on Danny and not the bed sheet. A sizable array of creamy globs was deposited on the recovering teen's abdomen, pubic bush, and softening cock. Shortly thereafter, Danny moaned, "You were right. It was wonderful. I would never have imagined anything so ... so ..." "Satisfying?" prompted Mark. "No. Much more than that. I can't think of a word that describes it." "I'm glad you're pleased," Mark grinned. He was indeed pleased to have given his best friend such pleasure. But more than that, he was pleased that it was a reason to hope for many more similar encounters. After several moments of post-orgasmic bliss, Danny asked, "Do I have to do the same for you now?" "No," Mark grinned. "I promised that you wouldn't have to. Besides, I've already relieved myself. Look down at your crotch." "You did that?" Danny asked in astonishment. "I didn't plan to but yes, I did. You know how it is when the urge to cum gets so powerful that you can't stop yourself. I'll get some tissues to clean you up." Danny was surprised when Mark returned with the tissues but started lapping up the larger globs of cum with his tongue. He finished the cleanup (what little was left) with the tissues. They fell asleep with arms and legs intertwined. When they awoke late Saturday morning, Danny was troubled. "What's wrong? Mark asked. "It's what we did last night. I mean it was gay, wasn't it." It wasn't a question but it was stated as a fact. "Absolutely not!" Mark exclaimed. As I told you, it's quite all right for two guys to have some recreational sex with each other. It's not gay. And it most certainly doesn't mean that either of us is gay. You could call what we did UNGAY." That eased Danny's regret over consenting to his friend's suggestion. It didn't make him gay and therefore vulnerable to vicious persecution. Ungay was more than a label. It seemed to accurately describe totally acceptable recreational sex. But neither he nor Mark recognized at the time that what they did had forged a significant bond between them, one that would have a major impact on their relationship and possibly upon their future lives. <><><><><> Danny walked home thinking not about the upcoming school exams or about his customary Saturday duties at home helping his mother. Rather, he reflected on what he and Mark had done in bed. It was undeniably enjoyable. But was it right? Mark had been persuasive in claiming there was nothing wrong with innocently engaging in sex and that it wasn't being gay. But his keen sense of logic cast doubt on the case his friend had made. He had long since decided that masturbation when alone, although no one had explicitly endorsed the practice, was acceptable. Doing it with someone else, however, was a slippery slope. And using one's mouth on another guy—what did Mark call it—a blow job—was surely gay. Calling it ungay was dishonest. "If only," Danny thought, "my dad were still around. His advice was always good. NO! I don't think I would have the courage to ask him. He was emphatic in telling me that I should find a nice girl to marry when the time was right." Mark also spent a lot of time reflecting on his conquest of Danny. He had tricked his friend into sleeping nude and in sharing the narrow bed. He had maneuvered the conversation to sex and persuaded him to join in masturbation. By fabricating a story about sex with his brother, Mark succeeded in obtaining permission to render oral sex. But it was a partial victory. To go as far as they did, he had to promise that Danny would not have to return the favor. He looked forward to the next opportunity when, with luck, his friend would be willing to more fully engage in sex and give a blow job, which was something he had craved for a long time. It was even more desirable because he liked Danny, his best friend, who had a thoroughly sexy body. Mark still had work to do—careful planning and flawless execution—before Danny would willingly suck cock to climax. Of one thing Mark was sure. It must be consensual. Any coercion could cost him the only friend he had. Winning consent might be an insurmountable obstacle. But it was a goal he was determined to pursue. All he needed were the right circumstances in which to deploy his strategy. Neither teen talked about their ungay experimentation for two weeks. During that time, Danny found himself fantasizing as he masturbated. He imagined he was doing it with Mark in bed beside him. It significantly enhanced his pleasure. Gradually his desire to repeat their one-time experience increased. Significantly, he worried less and less about whether it was gay or ungay. Mark did much of the same as he jerked off, visualizing with surprising clarity the firm, trim, naked body of his friend and recalling how he freely explored it with his eyes, hands, and mouth. He could almost taste Danny's cum. He yearned for another encounter. When he was not actively pleasuring himself, he tried to think of a scheme to create another opportunity and how best to manipulate Danny into voluntarily giving a blow job. The opportunity came unexpectedly just two weeks later. "Danny," his mother said over dinner on Tuesday. "I have a favor to ask." "Anything, Mom." "Actually, it's a favor from both you and your friend Mark. My sister Irene in New Jersey wants to come for a visit. We haven't seen each other for a long time. The problem is that she can't afford the cost of the trip AND to stay in a hotel. If you and Mark are willing, you could stay with him and let Irene use your bedroom for the weekend. Would it be possible for you to stay with Mark while Irene is here?" "Of course!" Danny replied with perhaps too much enthusiasm. "Not so fast, Son. You'll have to ask Mark if it's okay. And he'll have to ask his parents." "I'll ask him. But I'm sure he ... and his parents ... will agree." "Okay. But if he and his family have other plans, can I ask you to sleep here on the sofa Friday and Saturday night?" "No problem, Mom. I'll call him right now so you can let Aunt Irene know she can stay here." Danny knew what staying again at Mark's house would include. Or at least he hoped because recalling—frequently—their one night in bed together had softened his reluctance to participate in an indisputably homosexual act. As the emerging lust in him cast a fog on his normally rational thinking he even began to accept what he formerly thought was a dishonest claim: two normal guys enjoying sensual pleasure together was ungay. "Fantastic!" Mark exclaimed over the phone. "Hang on and I'll ask my folks." Moments later, he returned to the phone and gushed, "It's okay! I can't wait! It'll be a great time together." Danny allowed himself to translate "great time" into "great time in bed" and was surprised when his cock quivered in anticipation. "It's sweet of you, Danny, to give up your bedroom for me," Irene said over dinner on Friday night. "I'm happy to do it, Aunt Irene." Neither his mother nor his aunt realized just how happy he was to spend two nights with Mark. After dinner, Danny cleared the table to wash the dishes. That was his usual practice so his mother could relax from a hard day's work. "Irene and I will do that tonight, Son. You run along to Mark's place before it gets dark. You know what the neighborhood is like at night." No further persuasion was necessary. Danny grabbed his backpack and a sack of clothes, hugged his mother, and said, "Enjoy your visit, Aunt Irene." Almost before any response from the two women, he was out the door and scampering down the stairwell because it was quicker than waiting for the elevator that might be out of order again. Mark and Danny spent most of the evening in Mark's room pleasantly talking about everything—except what might happen in bed that night. Mark's older brother went to bed early since he had to be up at five thirty in the morning and on the job at six. While Mark's parents watched the evening news on television, the two teens raided the refrigerator for a snack. At eleven thirty, Mark's father asked, "Bed time, guys?" "No," Mark replied. "If it's all right, we'd like to watch a movie on TV. We'll keep the sound low so you can sleep." Watching a movie was the last thing Danny wanted to do but he said nothing. When Mark's parents went into their bedroom for the night, Mark said softly, "Thanks for playing along. It's a dumb movie but we can watch for fifteen or twenty minutes and then go to bed." He grinned and added, "I think we can find something to do more interesting than a movie." Danny's broad smile signaled his understanding of what Mark meant. "Sounds good to me," he replied. As soon as the bedroom door was closed, both teens started to strip off their clothes. In contrast to their first night together, Danny was not at all shy about being seen naked. In fact, he rather enjoyed Mark's admiring visual scrutiny almost as much as he enjoyed looking without fear or guilt at Mark's muscular body and thick cock suspended in front of a pendulous ball sack. Nor was Danny embarrassed when his cock slowly stiffened because Mark's did the same thing. They scanned each other's bodies unashamedly and with a tsunami of lust engulfing them until both their cocks were fully erect. Mark stepped closer to his friend and grasped him in a hug. Danny, no longer concerned with the difference between gay and ungay, eagerly hugged back. Mark ground his crotch into his friend's and Danny responded in kind. Both teens were lost in a sea of erotic stimulation. Mark led his partner to the bed. They lay down beside each other and Mark, taking his buddy's rigid rod and their mutual crotch grinding as permission, immediately began massaging his partner's chest, abdomen, and thighs. Danny's passivity contradicted his delighted welcoming of the attention and his eager anticipation of what he knew was to happen next. When Mark's warm, wet lips encircled his throbbing cock, Danny was not troubled by the reservations he had during the first blow job. He was able to free himself entirely to the glorious sensations. Mark deliberately took his time in order to heighten his friend's arousal and pleasure. Danny tolerated the delay while relishing the erotic sensations that radiated from his crotch throughout his body. Soon, however, the urge to ejaculate was too much to bear and he became impatient for the ecstasy of climax. When it came it was explosive. It overwhelmed all his senses except those emanating from his hypersensitive cock. It drained him of the ability to move. He lay there virtually paralyzed by the intensity of his climax. Mark waited patiently for Danny to recover, lying next to his friend with their bodies pressed tightly together. After several minutes, Danny purred, "That was wonderful, Mark. No. Wonderful doesn't begin to describe it." "I enjoyed it, too," Mark replied. It was true. He liked having Danny's cock in his mouth. His partner's soft moans gave him confidence that he was delivering a service that produced great pleasure. He liked the taste of cum and savored it in his mouth for a long time before reluctantly swallowing. "I want to do it to you," Danny said. "You don't have to, Danny. I promised that you didn't have to. Unless you really want to." "I really do, Mark. I want to give you the gift that you've given me." Danny rose and propped himself on an elbow. He tried his best to duplicate what had been done to him—exploring chest, abdomen, and thighs with his free hand and with his tongue. He was encouraged by the re-inflation of Mark's cock. He positioned himself between his friend's legs. Inches from the virile shaft, a thought arose in his mind. "Geez. I'm about to put somebody's penis in my mouth!" But he immediately dispatched the thought, replacing it with a genuine desire to please his best friend. That it might be gay ... or ungay ... never entered his mind. He wanted to experience what it was like. More significantly, he wanted to give his best friend the gratification that he had just enjoyed. His techniques may have been amateurish but Mark was thoroughly pleased. He had set a goal and achieved it without coercion—a little deception perhaps (fabricating the story of previous sexual encounters with his brother) but Danny was obviously willing. When Danny felt and tasted the volleys of cum in his mouth, he thought it was unpleasant. Unlike Mark, he had never tasted his own cum and was therefore not prepared for the somewhat bitter taste. Still, he felt a sense of achievement in having made his friend happy. The teen's second sexual experience was, each confidently hoped, the beginning of a continuing sexual relationship. The next challenge would be to create opportunities to get together. In the meantime, Mark (and Danny) hoped to repeat their coupling at least three more times that weekend—in the morning, the next night, and the following morning. They fell asleep locked in an embrace. <><><><><> Danny was the first to awaken in the morning. Rather than disturb Mark who was still asleep, he lay there thinking of what had happened. He had eagerly anticipated sleeping with Mark. He was aroused by the sight of his friend's naked body. The sexual contact was extremely enjoyable. But he had sucked a guy's cock. He swallowed cum. Did that mean he was gay? Or was their sexual contact what Mark called ungay—innocent pleasure that couldn't be regarded as gay? He didn't want to be gay and suffer the malicious persecution that it would bring. But neither did he want to give up the thrill and intensely satisfying sex. Could he continue having sex with Mark at least until he met a girl and got married? Would sex with a girl give him as much pleasure? Twenty minutes of grappling with those imponderables passed until he could no longer wait to empty his bladder. He carefully slipped out of bed, put on his jeans, and walked down the hall to the bathroom. After finishing his morning ritual, he opened the bathroom door to find Mark standing in the hall with a pained expression, both hands on his crotch, and his legs crossed. Without a word of greeting, Mark rushed into the bathroom. Danny returned to the bedroom where he briefly considered getting dressed but rejected the idea in favor of crawling back into bed and hoping that when Mark returned they could indulge in another session of sex. He took off his jeans and lay on the bed, uncovered and naked. Mark had the same idea. Immediately after closing the bedroom door, he saw Danny fully exposed. He smiled broadly and quickly shed his boxers. His fondest hopes, having sex with a guy, had been realized. Not just any guy. It was Danny, his best friend ... a boy with an awesome personality and a gorgeous body ... a boy whom he had admired and lusted after since their first meeting. He lay down on top of Danny. They both grinned. Half an hour later, each having been sucked to orgasm, they lay blissfully face to face and fondling the other's flaccid cock. "Being here with you is wonderful," Mark said. "I agree," Danny replied. "But I have a confession to make. That first night we spent together.... I was nervous. Afraid. Worried about doing gay stuff. But I let you do it. Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed what you did. Last night and this morning was far better. Because, I suppose, I was more willing. Less afraid." "Afraid of what?" Mark asked although knowing what the answer would be. "Afraid of becoming gay. You know very well what happens to gay guys at school. And even to adults throughout their life. Insults. Discrimination. Persecution. I don't want to live like that." Mark was ready with a rebuttal. "How many times do I have to tell you?" He instantly regretted using a tone that sounded like a rebuke so he softened his tone and continued, "Okay, what we've done is what gay guys do. But there's a difference. A big difference. We're having recreational sex. Two guys can do that without being gay. It happens all the time. Guys in school or even college and beyond do stuff together. Later on, most of them will find a woman to have sex with. They get married and have kids. A few will continue having sex only with other guys. All of them—those that marry a girl and those that don't—were born gay. Nobody is made gay because they have ungay experiences." "What do you mean—born gay? "Not everybody believes it or, more likely, they're not willing to believe it but there's a lot of evidence that gays can't help it. It's in their makeup. They're born that way even though it usually doesn't show up until they mature. Some guys are naturally attracted to other guys. It's unusual—like red hair or being left- handed—but they are what they are. Many of them keep their secret. They even get married and continue to keep their secret. But the attraction to other men never goes away completely." "How do you know that?" "Because I've read a lot about homosexuality. I'm only telling you what the experts say." Mark grew pensive, debating with himself whether to elaborate. He decided to be honest. "Now your next question is: `Why did you read about homosexuality?' Because, Danny, I'm gay. I've known it since puberty. I denied it at first. I convinced myself it was a passing phase. From denial I went through a period of guilt. I hated myself for what I was thinking ... for being abnormal. That's when I started researching homosexuality. What I found out opened my eyes. It let me realize that I might be homosexual. But I continued to deny it. Of course I kept it secret." "And your brother. You said you had sex with him until he met his girlfriend. I assume he's not gay even though you two had frequent sex." Mark didn't want to admit that his story of having sex with his older brother was a lie so he simply answered the question. "No, he's definitely not gay." Danny lay there quietly digesting what Mark had said. Mark patiently gave his friend time to process the information. "What made you think you might be gay, Mark? If your brother turned out to be straight, didn't that make you think you would, too?" "Mostly the fact that I was attracted to other boys. Most guys are attracted to girls and want to get into their panties. I wanted to do that with another guy. The thought of having sex with a girl was ... well ... I wouldn't call it disgusting but it simply had no appeal to me. I found out that when I jerked off, it was more enjoyable if I thought about guys. Here's another little secret. After we met, it was you that I most often fantasized about." Dawn broke in Danny's mind. "So you invited me over to study and spend the night so you could seduce me. To have more than a fantasy. To have me actually with you. For sex!" "Guilty," Mark said. "But let me be very clear. It was NEVER my intent to force you into anything. I'd never have done anything if you weren't willing. If you had said `no' at any time I would have backed off. Even if I sensed that you were not comfortable doing something, I would have retreated. And let me be very clear about something else. I like you. A lot. From the first time we met. You're smart. You have a terrific personality—which, by the way most people don't recognize. Trust me when I say that I admire you and want to be your friend." In spite of what Mark said, Danny still felt as though he had been used. He lay there quietly sulking. His funk was interrupted when Mark said earnestly, "Listen to me, Danny. I'm not proud of talking you into having sex. But last night and this morning seems to prove that you like it. That doesn't mean you're gay. It just means you like recreational sex. If you want to continue having sex with me I'll be pleased. If you don't, I'll understand and will never do or say anything about sex. But here's the most important point. Whether we continue or not, I want us to be friends." Danny studied Mark's face to assess his friend's sincerity and asked, "If I tell you—either now or later on—`hand's off' then you'll accept it?" "Absolutely! First and foremost I want you as a friend. With or without sex. It's entirely up to you." "I'll have to think about it, Mark. It's true that I enjoy it. But it's also true that I don't want to be gay. Can we still be friends if I say no more sex? As far as I'm concerned, the answer is yes. Here's the deal. If I decide to continue having sex with you, you should be looking for another sex partner. When you find one, our sex will stop. If I decide that I don't want sex anymore, we can still be friends. Right now, I can't tell you what I'm going to decide. Can you give me more time to think about it?" "Of course! But let me say one more thing. I appreciate your understanding. That's just one of the things I admire about you. You didn't condemn me as a fag. You didn't let it destroy our friendship. Now how 'bout some breakfast?" <><><><><> Danny spent much of the morning weighing his options. One option was to continue having sex with Mark. He would definitely enjoy that. But his enjoyment may force him to confront the possibility that he was, in fact, homosexual. He feared that because he thought being gay was a condemnation to persecution by bigots. The other option was to discontinue having sex. That would eliminate the fear of being labeled a queer—by himself and by others. But he would have to forego the extreme sexual pleasure he had already begun to crave. The benefits and risks of both options battled each other in his mind. The battle raged and a stalemate persisted. He felt compelled to make the decision before nightfall when sleeping with his friend would corrupt his reasoning. Mark similarly thought through the situation. He hoped that Danny would agree to continue having sex and hoped even more that it would continue indefinitely and turn into a lasting relationship. Danny had captured his attention and won his affection. But he knew the probability of his friend becoming a life partner was low. The probability was even lower that he would find anyone else with whom he wanted to share his life. Several times he wanted to ask Danny for his decision. But he was wise enough not to force the issue. All he could do was wait until Danny decided. In the afternoon Mark and Danny were walking through a neighborhood park. As they passed by an empty soccer field, Danny said, "Let's sit down for a while. We need to talk." They sat on the grass near the goalie net and well away from anyone who might overhear the conversation. Mark's spirits lifted with the hope that Danny would announce his decision to continue having sex. But his hopes were dashed when Danny said, "I can't make up my mind. The only thing I know for sure is that I want us to continue being friends. As for the sex ... well ... let me get straight to the point. Until that first night we spent together, I'd never given any thought to doing stuff with a guy. Since that time, I've been forced into examining myself—more specifically, whether I might be homosexual. But I refused to accept it. Being with you has always been enjoyable. Being with you in bed is a pure delight. It's made me think. Am I just reacting to the physical sensations or is the intensity of those sensations a sign that I'm basically gay? Maybe you can help me answer that question. What exactly convinced you that you are gay?" Mark paused to frame an answer. Eventually, he looked at Danny and said, "Part of me wants to answer your question in a way that would convince you to continue having sex with me. I won't do that. It would be selfish. That first night we were together I was selfish. I maneuvered you into agreeing to jerking off and getting a blow job. I told you before that I'm not proud of doing that. What I haven't told you is that I'll never again try to manipulate you. If I want to remain your friend, I must respect your wishes. So I'll give you a straightforward answer to your question. It's simply this. I'm attracted to guys. Not to girls. At first I thought it was just curiosity about how other guys were built. And how they were hung. And what they might look like with a hard-on. As I struggled with what I thought was an inappropriate curiosity, it only became stronger. I wished that I could put my hands on their bodies. And their cocks. I wished that whoever my current obsession was would join me. But I refused to admit I was homosexual. Then one day in Psych class the teacher was explaining what she called self-delusion as an ego defense mechanism. Bingo! It hit me! I realized that's exactly what I was doing. I realized my curiosity was much more than that. It took a while for me to accept being homosexual. But it was inescapable. Yes, Danny, I'm gay. Does that shock you?" "Am I shocked? No. Am I surprised? Yes, because I thought we were only having recreational sex and it was not gay sex. You called it ungay sex. But it seems it was gay sex for you. Right?" "Right. But let me add something very important. When I met you and got to know you, it caused me to redefine what it means to be gay. I was attracted to you initially because you're sexy. But the attraction soon focused on your personality. Your character. Your wisdom. In short, Danny, my attraction to you turned into affection. To the exclusion of anyone else. I admit that first night we were together I was partly motivated by physical lust. But a greater part of me wanted to make you happy. Yes, I enjoyed exploring your body. But a deeper, stronger enjoyment was ..." Mark paused to consider how to say what he wanted to say. "This sounds trite but it's true and I mean it ... the deeper, stronger enjoyment was expressing my affection for you. So there you have it. It's how I knew I'm gay. And why you mean more to me than a bed partner." Mark fell silent, having surprised even himself with the confession of genuine affection. Danny was also quiet, feeling somewhat overwhelmed by Mark's candor about his feelings. After several minutes, Mark broke the silence. "Did any of that help you decide? Or did I just make a fool of myself?" "You're not a fool, Danny. I appreciate your honesty. Did it help me decide? Yes and no. The yes part is that I've had the same curiosity about other guys. Especially in the shower after gym class. But I didn't let the curiosity get out of control. Now I have to wonder whether I'm doing what the Psych teacher talked about—self delusion. Is it just a way to deny that I'm gay? And protect my ego? I've never dated a girl but I've had two excuses. One, everyone knows my mom and I are poor and I can't afford a date. Two, everyone knows that I'm a loner, an outcast, so they don't bother wondering why I don't chase girls. I'm now starting to think that those excuses might be part of my self-delusion. That's the yes part. It helped me recognize—and accept—that I might be gay. I said MIGHT be. I'm still not sure. Here's the no part. Suppose at some point I decide I'm really not gay. Or that I am but decide to live straight and conform to society's standards. That would mean no more sex with you. The more we have sex the more difficult it would be to stop. Based on what you said about affection, it would be more painful for you if we continued for a long time and then stopped. I don't want to hurt you, Mark. If I can't avoid it, I'd prefer to stop now so it would be a little hurt rather than a much bigger hurt later. So you've answered my question but it's left me with another layer of conflicting feelings." "Thanks, Danny, for explaining how you feel. I'll leave you alone tonight in bed." "NO!" Danny immediately exclaimed. "I want it to be just like last night!" He swallowed what he was going to say next and instead sheepishly continued, "I guess I just showed how much I want to have sex with you ... whether it's gay or ungay." They both laughed. <><><><><> That evening, Mark's parents planned to attend a dinner party with friends. "I apologize for leaving you here alone," his mother said. "Jason is having dinner at his girlfriend's place. One of those bonding with future in-laws affairs. There's a casserole in the refrigerator. You can warm that up for supper. We should be home around nine. Will you be all right while we're out?" "Enjoy yourselves," Mark replied. "We'll be fine here." Both Mark and Danny had the same thought: an empty apartment and ample time to enjoy each other's company ... in bed. They watched a movie on television while waiting for Mark's parents to leave. Neither paid much attention to the plot because each of them was anticipating the private time together. When Mark's parents went into their bedroom to get ready, Mark whispered to Danny, "Let's put dinner in the microwave and eat early. By the time we're finished, we'll be alone and can do what we want." "Have something in mind?" Danny asked with a devilish grin. Playing along with his friend, Mark replied, "Yeah. I thought we could play Monopoly or something." Danny faked a frown and said, "I've never done that. You'll have to teach me how." "Don't worry, Danny. I've already seen how quickly you learn to do new things. And how you enjoy new skills." Danny laughed and said, "That's only because I had a great teacher." They had almost finished dinner when Mark's parents came down the hall to the kitchen. "See you later," his mother said as she put on her coat. "You guys can entertain yourselves?" His father asked. "Sure," Mark replied. "I thought we might play Monopoly while you're gone." It took all the will power Danny could muster not to laugh. Soon after the apartment door closed behind Mark's parents, Danny said, "We're alone. Can we get started? I'm horny." "We'd better wait a little while," Mark replied. "Just in case they forgot something and come back for it." Mark's prudent thinking was fortunate. Five minutes later, his father came back into the apartment to retrieve a chilled bottle of wine from the refrigerator. The sex-hungry teens waited another ten minutes before going eagerly into Mark's bedroom where they lost no time stripping off their clothes. By the time they were naked, their cocks were beginning to inflate. They stood admiring each other, willing to delay physical contact in order to shamelessly cement the sight of their friend's naked body into memory. It was not their intent at the moment but the visual memory would often serve as a stimulant to their masturbation when they could not be together. For the moment, each was captivated by what he thought was the perfect male body standing before him. Their cocks attained full engorgement. Danny's pointed to the ceiling with just part of the tip straining to escape the confines of his foreskin. Mark's jutted out just slightly above horizontal as if aimed at the target and ready to fire. The mutual display of virility boosted each young stud's lust that was already consuming his mind. Mark was the first to yield to his lust. He stepped toward Danny and embraced him. They pressed their engorged, sensitive cocks together until Mark led his friend to the bed. They lay on their sides, resumed the mutual hug and forcefully pushed their pelvic regions together, accelerating the erotic sensations that had already seized full control of their minds. Danny began to fear that he would climax as the two rubbed their cocks together. "Who goes first, Mark?" "We both do," Mark replied. What do you mean?" "It's called sixty nine. I think you'll like it." Without further explanation, Mark repositioned himself with his face inches from Danny's uncut manhood and offered his own cock to his partner's mouth. Danny instantly recognized what was expected. Mark, not by verbal instruction but by example, established the rules. He proceeded slowly. He licked his friend's ball sack, took each ball individually into his mouth and caressed it with his lips and tongue. He then licked the throbbing cock repeatedly from base to tip. Danny imitated the procedure. Mark was only partially selfish in his technique. Although he wanted the dual pleasure of sucking a cock and being sucked, his major consideration was to give his friend the same double dose of pleasure. His intent to please his partner caused him to stop sucking. He hoped that an intermission in the procedure would prolong the pleasure and increase the intensity of orgasm—just as it had done when he masturbated alone. Danny was irritated that his cock had been abandoned but he had confidence in his guide through sexual pleasures and he did the same. He promptly released the hot, now slimy shaft that he relished. He was surprised when he felt Mark's finger rubbing his ass hole and even more surprised that it heightened his arousal and pleasure. Just as Mark's finger penetrated slightly up into the soft, dark channel, Danny ignored his previous idea that the anus was filthy, recognized it as an erogenous spot, and mimicked Mark's bold move. At the third disruption of active sucking, Danny cried out, "Don't stop! I can't take it any more! I've got to cum! NOW!" Mark was mildly disappointed. He, too, had been on the brink of cumming but, at least temporarily, Danny's pleasure took priority. His disappointment was lessened by his eagerness to receive and savor the hot love cream. Danny's orgasm was accompanied by a convulsive thrust of his hips and a loud moan of "Oh Gawd!" As he waited for his friend to recuperate and resume sucking, Mark watched Danny's cock shrink and his ball sack relax. His patience was rewarded when he felt warm moist lips around his cock. It didn't take long to bring him to the brink again and he shot explosive volleys of cum into his friend's mouth during an intensely powerful climax. They cuddled together wordlessly for a long time. Each was reflecting on what he had just experienced. And upon his feelings for his friend. For the first time, Mark seriously entertained the hope that he and Danny might have a future together. Danny's fear of being homosexual was gradually being dispelled and replaced by a welcomed attachment to his friend. Danny was the first to speak. "Mark, that was marvelous. YOU'RE marvelous." "Thanks. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I certainly did." "I've got more I have to tell you. You said once that your desire to have sex with me was replaced by affection for me. I dismissed it at the time. I thought you were exaggerating. Or that it was the kind of affection that two good friends might have. But I've thought about it some more. I'm not a hundred percent sure but I may have an affection for you that's very different than before ... different than just between two good friends." "I'm glad to...." "Wait," Danny interrupted. "Let me finish. I've considered the possibility that how I feel about you is only because of our having sex. That's been a joy beyond all imagination. But there's more to it than that. I've always liked you. And we've been good friends. But in the process of trying to sort out my feelings for you I've realized that you're more than a good friend. More than a best friend. I don't know how to explain it but I guess affection comes closest to describing what you mean to me. Does that make any sense?" "Yes, it does," Mark grinned. "I don't think I could have said it any better. And I can't tell you how pleased I am to hear it. Why? Because for a long time I've wanted more than just having sex with you. But I thought it was a hopeless pipe dream. I had to keep telling myself to lower my sights. Even the goal of having you in bed was a stretch. But what you've just told me makes me the happiest guy in the whole friggin' world." Mark impulsively kissed his partner, which was something he had never done and never had the courage to do. He was sure that Danny would refuse to go along with it. For whatever irrational reason, he thought kissing was too gay for his naïve and initially reluctant partner. Mutual blow jobs could be labeled as ungay but kissing was unmistakably gay. However, it seemed that Danny had gone through a rapid and radical transformation and was now completely comfortable with gay behavior. Mark's assumption was correct. Danny was consciously accepting his own homosexuality. Therefore, he not only welcomed Mark's kiss, he returned it whole-heartedly. With that simple but meaningful act, Danny symbolically entered into the world of homosexuality. Mark broke a long, blissful silence when he said, "I'd like to stay here with you like this forever but I think we'd better get dressed. My folks could come home earlier than they expected." "There's something we have to do first, Mark." "And what's that?" "This!" Danny said and gave his lover another long kiss that originated in the depths of his heart. <><><><><> Sunday morning was bittersweet. Their sex was especially satisfying because it was no longer between good friends. It was between two lovers. But when it was over, they despaired at the reality that their next time together might not be for a long time. "It's been marvelous," Danny said. "Next time might be even better, Danny." "I don't know how it could get better." "I've got an idea. It's as gay as it gets but I want to try it. If you don't want to do it, I'll honor your wishes. Or you may try it and decide you don't like it. Again, I'll respect your wishes." "What are you talking about, Mark? Are you deliberately trying to confuse me?" "No. Let me be more clear. We've had oral sex and I agree it's been fantastic. What I'm talking about is anal sex." That explanation did little to clarify the mystery ... until Danny suddenly guessed at the meaning. "You want to fuck me? In the ass?" "Yes. But it's not just me fucking you. You'll fuck me, too." "I don't know if I'm ready for that. I liked your finger poking into me but your cock is a lot bigger." "Not to worry, my friend. I'll prepare you for it. And I'll be gentle. But you'll have to prepare also." "How?" "Before we get together, you must use an enema to clear out your bowels. I'll do the same thing. I'll use a condom. And you will, too. That way, we eliminate the possibility of getting poop on our cocks." "I'm game to try it. Once! When can we do it?" "That's a bit of a problem, isn't it? We'll have to figure out a way to get together. Soon. And often." They kissed again—as only lovers parting for an unpredictable time can do. They dressed and went to the kitchen for breakfast. <><><><><> The following weeks were agonizing for both Mark and Danny. They saw each other only occasionally and never in private where they could express their affection for each other. That changed with the arrival of spring vacation from school. Danny's mother and Mark's parents and brother were all at work during the day, allowing the two frustrated teens to join in erotic and amorous sex. "Did you prepare yourself?" Mark asked when they were together late Monday morning. "I did," Danny answered. "But I'm still nervous about your fucking me. I'm not sure your cock will fit in me." "Trust me," Mark replied. "It will fit. I'll go slow. First, I'll relax your hole with my fingers and lubricant. That will make it a lot easier for you. But you have to promise me that if it hurts or even if you're uncomfortable, you'll tell me." "Okay." Mark applied the lubricant generously and slowly inserted a finger. Then two. Then three. Danny, who was initially fearful, enjoyed it. Mark paused to put on a condom and lubricate his cock. He had to use his fingers again to stretch the anal ring. "You're ready, Danny. Your hole is big enough now. I'm going to insert my cock." Danny felt the uncut head of Mark's cock slip into place followed by further pleasant sensations as more of the invading shaft was buried in his bowels. "Everything okay, Danny?" "Yes. I didn't think it would fit but it feels good." "I'm going to start pumping now. Slowly at first." Danny suddenly cried out. "What's wrong?" Mark asked, worried about his partner's comfort. "Nothing's wrong. It's just that I got this very strong sensation back there." "I'm rubbing your prostate. Does it feel good or do you want me to stop?" "Don't stop. It's not painful. It was just a surprise." Mark gradually increased his pace until he stopped, buried the full length of his cock in Danny, and filled his condom with cum. They lay together, physically and emotionally united, for several minutes until Mark's cock shrank and slipped easily out. Mark rolled off his friend, lay by his side, and gave him a deep, passionate kiss. Mark had to give Danny periodic instructions—how to put on a condom, how much lubricant to use, and how best to relax the anal orifice—but from that point onward, Danny knew instinctively what to do. After cuddling for several minutes, Mark asked, "Well. How'd you like being fucked and fucking me?" "It was different, for sure. Did I like it? Sort of. But can I be honest? I like sucking better." "Does that mean you don't want to do it again?" "NO! We can do it again ... because I enjoyed it. As long as we also suck each other." Mark respected his friend's preference and the next two sexual sessions that day were oral. Just before it was time for Danny to go home, Mark said, "Today has been heaven. I'm looking forward to tomorrow. I can come over to your place if you like." That was an offer that Danny had dreaded. He was ashamed of his sparsely furnished apartment in a blighted neighborhood. Compared to Mark's apartment, his was a hovel in a slum. He hung his head. "If you don't mind, Mark, I'll come over here." Danny's posture and tone worried Mark and he easily guessed the reason for his friend's reluctance. "Is it because of where you live? I know you and your mother can't afford to move. That doesn't matter the least little bit to me. The only thing that matters is that I care about YOU. Not where you live." Openly admitting his shame to someone over being poor—even to his best friend—was painful. It wasn't nearly as traumatic as admitting to himself that he was homosexual after years of deceiving himself about it but it was nevertheless difficult for him to say, "Yes. It's not nearly as nice as where you live." "Let me tell you something ... something I've felt for a long time but never mentioned it. "I knew you were poor. You didn't have a lot of clothes. And you often skipped eating lunch claiming that you weren't hungry. But you know what? That's one of many reasons I admire you. You don't have a lot of money but you have something far more important. You have character, ambition, intelligence, and—this is the most important— compassion for other people ... other people who may have money but have other problems. In short, Danny, you're a model of what a person ought to be." Mark paused before adding, "Of course you have a very sexy body, too. And one more thing. You're always welcome to visit me here." The five days of Spring break from school were glorious. Danny spent every day at Mark's place, increasing their bond physically and emotionally. EPILOGUE Following high school graduation, Mark and Danny went to work for a company in New Jersey that Mark's uncle owned. They lived together in an apartment near work, visited their families often, and enjoyed the constant growth of their love for each other. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Iatia's editing and suggestions were valuable contributions to this story. His support and encouragement were even more valuable.