Family Matters, Chapter 3
Sometime before morning, the room did cool off. But instead of waking up, the guys migrated closer together. When Michael awakened, he felt Landon spooned against his back. It was a warm, comfortable feeling. He wasn't in any hurry to have it end, but he could tell that Landon was beginning to rouse so he decided to make a smart-ass remark.
"Mornin' Honey, did you sleep well?"
Being startled into alertness, Landon sprang away from Michael in discomfiture.
"I, I'm sorry, I don't know what happened. I didn't mean anything. I mean, I'm so-o-o embarrassed!" he exclaimed.
"Hey, man, I'm just yanking your chain. It's nothing to get upset about. Turn on your side facing away from me, please; I want to demonstrate something."
Landon did as he was asked, but not without a little trepidation. Immediately, he felt Michael cuddled next to his back. At first he tensed up, but then relaxed sensing that Michael wasn't going to hurt him after all. It actually felt kind of nice.
"This is the position we were in when I woke up in the middle of the night. So, I was doing the same thing. I guess it's only natural for married guys to snuggle up to whatever warm body is in bed next to them. It did get chilly in here."
Landon was both relieved and confused. He was happy that Michael was so casual about their body contact, but he was questioning his feelings about that touch. Was it supposed to feel this good with another guy?
Michael got up to stir the embers and add a couple of logs. He also hastened to the bathroom. It was evident from the protrusion in his underwear that he had a morning erection. He made no apology about it, nor did he make any move to hide it. Of course, it had deflated by the time he came back from relieving himself.
Landon didn't conceal his state of arousal either as he made the same hurried trip. He climbed back in bed to stay warm while the fireplace began to heat the room once more. He and Michael lay there making plans for how they would cope with a continuing power outage.
Landon had a message on his cell phone from the company in New York which had sublet an ad campaign to Ad Tech. Mr. Stern needed his project emailed to them immediately. It couldn't wait until tomorrow because their client was being very difficult. If they didn't meet his demands, it would mean the loss of a lot of money for them and for Landon's employer too.
Landon called around to see if he could get into the office, but found that the building where he and Michael worked had no power either. It was going to be impossible to do anything there. Fortunately, Landon had the required file on a flash-drive with his laptop.
While Landon checked on the office, Michael called the Panera near their work place. It was open and the wireless was working. Therefore, the guys decided to head to the eatery after taking quick showers and dressing in warm, comfortable sweats.
They took Michael's SUV because it had a four-wheel drive option and had been in the garage so it wasn't encased in ice as Landon's convertible was. The trip was slow, but not as scary as it might have been because hardly anyone was out on the streets. Most of the traffic lights were not functioning and the police had placed four-way stop signs in the middle of major intersections.
Panera was like a ghost town, but the manager greeted them cheerily as they came in the door. Seeing that they had their laptop bags, he invited them to follow him.
"I know you two come in here a lot. I have a special booth for you. I hope you have your AC adapters in those cases."
The men indicated that they had brought all of the optional equipment with them. The manager escorted them to a place with electrical outlets so they could be recharging their batteries while they worked. Because of his thoughtfulness, the guys ordered more expensive breakfasts than they normally would have. They decided to pick up soup and sandwiches for lunch on their way out later as well. This man knew how to please his customers and they wanted to show their appreciation in return.
Before Landon had his second sip of coffee, he had sent the requested project to the ad agency in the Big Apple. He had barely taken his first bite of breakfast when he got a reply. The man in charge of the ad campaign was very pleased with Landon for solving the problem quickly and saving the day. He also promised to send a note of commendation to Landon's boss.
The two men ate in silence for most of the meal. They were busy checking their email accounts and answering those messages that most needed attention. Landon did turn his laptop for Michael to see the glowing note from New York. Then he went to the counter and picked up a day-old copy of the local newspaper to look at the apartment-for-rent ads. After perusing nearly three columns, he found one that might fit his needs. He read it aloud to Michael:
"One bdrm. Appt. good location, off-street parking, some utilities paid. $1,000 per mo. for quiet, non-smoking tenant. This sounds like something I could move into before your wife comes back," he said.
"Here's something better," Michael offered quietly. "Man in his late 20's facing divorce would like to share his three bedroom condo with similar male. Garage will be available as soon as his friend gets his stuff out of it. Five hundred dollars per month complete with utilities and shared meals."
Landon looked quizzically as Michael turned his laptop around for him to read. The message was from Samantha Day.
"Michael, I know this is not the best way to break this kind of news, but I haven't been able to get through on the phone. I hope you won't hate me. We both know I'm unhappy in the Midwest and you'd be miserable in the South especially since you'd have to leave the firm. I think it's time we faced the fact that our marriage isn't going to work. Let's part as friends. I don't want much. I think I have about $10,000 in the down payment on the condo and I would like another $3,000 for my half of the furniture. If that's too much, I'll negotiate. I'm coming back in a month or so to get the rest of my clothes and keepsakes. Please, please, don't be angry with me. I think it's for the best for both of us. You will always have a place in my heart."
Landon looked up to see the tears on his friend cheeks. He vowed in that moment to be there for Michael just as Michael had been there for him lately. He felt more protective of this guy than he had of anyone in recent memory. He reached across the table to squeeze Michael's hand as Michael tried to smile.
"I know something of what you're feeling," Landon said softly. "I can't know exactly how you feel, but I'm here for you and I will do whatever I can."
Michael nodded, trying to hold in his emotions since they were in a public place, not that the other two other customers would have noticed.
"Just don't plan to live anywhere but my place, unless you get to the point that you can't stand to be with me either. I'm gonna need company."
"I'll stay," Landon assured him.
Landon got up to order something for them to take home for lunch and then came back to help Michael get his things together.
"I'll drive back if you want," he offered.
Michael nodded and handed him the keys.
Back at the condo, Landon put the food away in the cold garage and put another log on the fire. Michael seemed to be in another world. He wasn't able to focus on anything like he had the day before. He simply allowed his friend to take care of him.
Landon undressed Michael down to his underwear and put him to bed. He got out of his sweats and climbed in too. They were both lying on their backs. Without any discussion, Landon pulled Michael over so that his head was on Landon's chest. Then he held him in his arms as he felt Michael's quiet tears falling on his T-shirt. He didn't say anything; he didn't need to. Michael could sense his compassion.
An hour later when they awakened, the men felt better. Michael apologized for "falling apart" and Landon assured him that it was only natural.
"You're aware that I've had lots of ups and downs too since you've known me. If it weren't for you, I would be a very unhappy man today. We've become like family. If we can support each other, we'll get through this."
"Yeah, but I should have been ready. I've known it was coming, especially since Christmas; I just couldn't bring myself to face it. I think the biggest part of the hurt is being rejected. Do you know how it feels to be thrown away?"
"Yeah," Landon nodded sadly.
"Oh, shit! Of course you do. I'm sorry for being so insensitive. I'm thinking only of myself at the moment, I guess. Sorry!"
Michael looked into his friend's soulful eyes and couldn't hold back. He kissed Landon on the cheek. Landon smiled slightly and returned the kiss. They again looked into each other's eyes for an eternity (or perhaps only a second, but it felt like forever) before their lips met. This kiss lasted longer. Both were breathless when their lips parted. Landon was going to apologize for making the kiss more intimate when Michael spoke.
"Do you think we're having an affair?"
"Yeah," Landon answered honestly. "But, I hope it's more than a one-night stand. Do you think that two guys can fall in love?"
"Yeah!" Michael responded. "I can't believe that I'm feeling this way. It's awesome!"
The young men tried kissing again and found that the electricity really was there. Michael parted his lips a bit and Landon accepted the invitation. That led to a session of serious tongue-wrestling.
Landon pulled Michael on top of him making them both aware of just how much their contact was affecting them below the waist. Michael began to hump slowly and sensuously as they continued to kiss. Landon reached down to help free Michael of his briefs. He raised his hips as Michael returned the gesture. Landon ran his hands over Michael's firm buttocks. He loved every contour he felt.
Their need for release turned into white-hot, passionate lust as they ground their hard members together. Sweat and precum eased their movements. Michael began a moaning chant that sounded like: "Umm, umm, umm..." Landon joined in with a staccato expression: "Uh, uh, uh, uh..." Both were vocalizing their needs and the joys of rutting. Seconds later, Landon thrust upward and froze for a moment before flooding the tight space between their bodies. Shortly thereafter, Michael gave a final gasp as he pumped out a similar hot load. Landon could feel the excess dripping down his sides.
As they were coming down from their mountain-top experience, they continued to kiss and nuzzle. Then they giggled at the sticky state of their bodies.
"I think we could've replenished a sperm bank for a year with what we just unloaded." Landon grinned.
"Yeah, I'm sure we could have. But the best thing is that I've never felt anything this good in my life. I didn't even know it could BE this great!"
"I agree," Landon said enthusiastically. "Should we mop this up with our underwear or are you into licking each other clean?"
"I don't know if I'm ready for that or not, but I would like to taste it if you don't think that's gross."
By way of answering, Landon ran his fingers between their bodies and licked the juice off one of them. Then, he offered the others to Michael who did the same.
"Not bad!" Michael exclaimed.
The guys used their discarded briefs to soak up most of the rest of their cum before sprinting to the shower to clean up. It was a turn-on sharing the shower and both got hard again.
Michael's eyes asked permission as he reached for Landon's throbbing cock. Landon nodded while reaching for Michael's. With a little shower gel for lubricant, they began to slowly jack each other off. As their desire increased, so did the speed of their hands. Minutes later, they came all over each other again. It was exciting to watch someone else's jizz pumping out like water from a fire hose. They kissed passionately as their sticky offerings washed down the drain.
After they dried off, they put on their sweats (sans underwear this time) and went up to light the camp stove to reheat their Panera soup and eat the sandwiches for lunch. Both exhibited healthy appetites.
Later in the evening as the guys climbed into their shared bed, they talked for quite a while. They determined that they would try living together for the foreseeable future. It would help both of them to keep their spirits up and also benefit them financially.
Both guys secretly wanted to make some sort of love again, but neither was exactly sure if it was too soon. Neither wanted his friend to think that sex was the only thing on his mind.
Sometime in the night, the power came back on. When Landon woke up wrapped around Michael's back early in the morning, he didn't flinch or pull away. Instead, he playfully tweaked Michael's right nipple and declared: "It's time to get up, Honey!"
The guys hurried to throw things together so they could go to the gym before work. The club wasn't busy at all since many people didn't know whether or not it would be open, and driving was still not for the faint of heart. There was no problem getting to the equipment they wanted to use, so there was time for a bit of steaming to relax their muscles before going to breakfast.
The steam room was deserted. As usual, the atmosphere was as thick as a legendary 19th century London fog. One of the lights was burned out and that only added to the sense of being alone on a misty island.
Landon reached over and put his hand on Michael's leg. Michael didn't pull away. Instead, he placed his hand of Landon's thigh. Landon's slight moan gave him encouragement. He moved his hand further up toward Landon's crotch.
They hadn't intended to do anything sexual in a public place, but the experiences of yesterday afternoon had opened the lid on a long-sealed Pandora's Box of mystery. Neither guy had any intention of closing it again – ever!
The heat of their passion threatened to surpass the temperature of the steam that filled the room as they slowly stroked each other toward climax. Since they hadn't planned this, they had no towel or article of clothing to catch the soon-to-be-released spooge. At the last possible moment, they cupped their free hands to capture as much of the other's load as possible.
Michael grinned as he brought the offering up to his mouth. Landon quickly followed his example. He was eager to taste it again, but had been afraid that Michael might be turned off by it.
They shared a sticky kiss as they smeared the rest on each other's body. It sort of blended in with all of the sweat. After a few minutes, their cocks softened enough to allow them to go to the showers without feeling self-conscious.
In the ensuing weeks, their lives fell into a pattern which suited them both. They cooked and ate most of their dinners together and often met for lunch. They fell asleep in each other's arms every night and made love as often as they both wanted to. They became emotionally, as well as physically, closer by the day as well.
Michael had filed for divorce and it was progressing rapidly because Samantha had been completely reasonable in her requests. Landon hadn't filed early on because he had been going for counseling. But, after a while, the counselor said she saw little hope for reconciliation. By that time, Landon had fallen in love with Michael and wanted to stay with him for the rest of their lives. So, he had engaged the other junior partner in the firm, Brandon Gladbrook.
When Samantha came for the rest of her clothes and a few keepsakes to ship home, she met Landon. Her impression of him was favorable. He seemed to be keeping Michael on an even keel and that was a good thing. She had never thought a couple of men could help each other emotionally. She'd always assumed it was only women who could do so. It didn't enter her pretty little head that the two could be in love. She left town feeling less guilty about initiating the breakup.
Their lunch at Panera almost finished, the guys discussed what they would do on the upcoming weekend. The spring weather was wonderful and they thought that attending the "Tulip Festival" in a neighboring city might be fun. Neither had ever gone and the expected warm weather would be great for driving the convertible with the top down.
In the midst of their conversation, Sarah's mother, Laura Burns stormed up to their table.
"How dare you abandon my daughter in her condition?" she demanded. "I always thought you were at least a gentleman."
"What in the world are you talking about, Laura?" Landon shot back with less volume. "She's the one who threw me out. And, I'll thank you to lower your voice; we're regular customers here and I don't want a scene."
"Well, you're going to get one whether you want it or not!"
Michael shook his head. He spoke softly, but with a certain edge in his voice that stopped Laura mid rant.
"Lady, if you don't act in a reasonable manner, I'll ask the manager to call security and have you bodily removed. That would not be to your best advantage."
Laura was momentarily cowed into submission, and Michael continued.
"There is a private office at my firm and it's only a couple of blocks away. We'll go there and you may talk confidentially. I may record our conversation in case it's needed in the future. And I'll text Landon's lawyer to join us."
Although still seething, Laura managed to hold her tongue until the three had been ushered into a small, comfortable law office where they could sit around a table. Brandon Gladbrook was free at the moment and joined them shortly. Then, the woman began her tirade in earnest.
"How could you leave my daughter the minute she found out she's pregnant? That is so like a man. You get her knocked-up and then hit the road. I really had thought better of you than that."
Next, Laura launched into a vitriolic harangue about men in general which eventually wound down. All the while, no one tried to interject anything. The two lawyers knew if they let the woman babble long enough without interruption she would run out of steam sooner or later and be easier to deal with. Landon hadn't heard anything beyond the announcement that Sarah was pregnant.
"When did you learn your wife was expecting?" Brandon asked of his client.
"Just now, when you did," he responded.
"Are you sure she IS pregnant, Mrs. Burns?"
"Of course; she's not huge, but she's wearing maternity clothes. I've been there and know the signs. I got to watch the second ultra-sound. I went with her since her husband wasn't around for her! They're pretty sure it's a boy."
Landon was shocked. The last time he had seen Sarah, she had been wearing a bulky sweat suit and could have been pregnant, but he definitely couldn't have known. Yes, she had looked like she'd gained weight several months ago.
"I'm certainly not going to totally abandon her if she is carrying my child. However, I can't see how we could reconcile. I went to marriage counseling alone since she refused to try. I did what I could and now I'm ready to move on with my life. She became increasingly paranoid the last several months we were together and constantly accused me of seeing other women. I couldn't deal with the suspicion, the controlling attitude, and verbal abuse anymore. She even hit me about a week before she threw me out."
"She says you packed up to move in with your girlfriend," Laura insisted.
"He moved in with me because he had nowhere else to go on a moment's notice and I had a spare room," Michael interjected.
"Is that true?" Laura asked in disbelief.
"I'll swear it on a stack of Bibles if you like."
"Hmm, she has seemed a bit mistrustful of people now that you mention it, Landon. I wanted her to see a counselor and she acted as if I were trying to get her committed to a mental ward. I wonder what it's all about."
After Laura Burns had actually listened to Landon's story, she mellowed considerably. Her concern was now directed toward her daughter's state of mind rather than her son-in-laws insensitivity.
"Landon, I'm sorry for jumping to conclusions. Really I am. I had only heard her side of it. I'll admit I'm biased against men after what my husband did to me. Please tell me how you think we can help Sarah."
"I'll do what I can, but I honestly think she'll trust you more than she'll trust me. I'll go with you to see her doctor if it will help," Landon offered.
"I have an appointment with him this afternoon to discuss my concerns. Do you think you could go with me on short notice?" Laura asked.
"Since I'm in really good standing with the boss, I'm sure it can be arranged."
Author's notes: Thanks to all who emailed this past week: Jim W, JS, Paul R, David (SC), Ott H, Tony W, Bob O, Doug T, Bill K, Ash T, Mike M, Bill B, Jae B, Tom A, Douglas and Lawrence, Desert D, Geoff, David McI, Tony F, Johan D, Walt S, Vern, John W, Felipe C, and Thomas A. Long-time readers can see that there are a number of new names here as well as last time. I appreciate all of you!
Paul R sent the following quote which I love: "Fear is peeing your pants; courage is doing what you have to do in wet pants." ~ Unknown
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