Love that Dare Not Speak its Name, Chapter 11
Waking up in the smallest bedroom of the house put smiles on the faces of two 17-year-olds. The size of the room had no bearing on how they felt. They had slept quite well after their shower and a second round of pleasuring one another.
They were contemplating getting out of bed when they heard a tapping on the door.
"Come in," Michael called.
"Hey guys," Kyle greeted them. "We're making breakfast and I'm supposed to roust you out if you want to eat."
"I'm pretty hungry, but we should go next door and let my parents feed us," Michael answered.
"Nah, we've got plenty. They might ask a bunch of questions about last night and that could distract you from eating while you're trying to figure out how much to tell them. We're not gonna do that because we KNOW most of the answers and can guess the rest."
"Do you guys have any plans to rent the little bedroom out to another student?" Michael asked the next evening.
"We hadn't thought about it," Beau answered. "I'm not sure we'd want another guy in the house who might not understand about us being gay. Did you want to reserve it for cuddling time with your buddy?"
"Well, I kinda hoped maybe he could live there during the coming year. He doesn't want to leave our school for his senior year, and he figures if he moves to California before he's accepted at the university that they'll charge him out-of-state tuition. So, his dad would be ahead money-wise if he paid for him to live here. And he wouldn't have to fly back for the Court of Honor in September!"
"Hmm... Is money the main consideration," Cy grinned. "Could he be having separation anxiety because he's not going to be with you?"
"We both are. I tried to talk Mom into letting him live with me, but she thinks it might not work out if we had a fight or something. We kinda let it slip that we'd had some problems even before we found out about the move. As you know, we've patched things up."
"I can empathize. My dad didn't want me to move in with Beau until his 18th birthday. I'm not sure we've slept apart since then!"
"Tell you what," Beau said, "let me run the possibility by my dad and everyone who lives here. If we did come up with an arrangement, there'd have to be a formal contract, and someone besides us would have to have guardianship of Ryan, in case of a medical emergency or whatever, to protect everyone's interests."
"I'm sure Mom and Dad would agree to be his guardians," Michael chimed in. "He could eat dinner at our house, and he'd have a lunch ticket at school for noon. If he kept milk in your fridge, you wouldn't be responsible for feeding him breakfast or anything."
"It looks like you've prepared your case well, Counselor," Paul joked. "Have you thought about going to law school?"
Ryan took Michael with him when he pleaded his case with his parents. Craig Smith was hesitant to have his son living more or less on his own while the rest of the family was half a continent away. However, Lisa reminded her husband that he had started college at the tender age of 17 and had been nearly as far away from his parents at the time. In those days, there wasn't even email to keep them connected.
"You've always said that the experience was good for you because you became more responsible, having to work your way through various problems on your own. I remember how mature you seemed when you were a sophomore, and I was a lowly freshman, even though we're only six months apart in age."
"Yeah, but it was a different, more innocent time back then," Craig responded.
"Back then, you had to rely on an occasional phone call to keep in touch with family. These days, the magic of AOL will allow us to send multiple messages everyday if we wish. Besides, Ryan isn't going into a new school situation without knowing anyone like you did as a college freshman. And, he'll have Michael and his family if he gets lonesome."
"Okay, you've convinced me. It will make the transition to Iowa State easier and it could save us money. And we don't know for sure if I'll be in the California position for one year or two. I guess the next thing to do is to convince someone to rent him a place to stay. Hopefully, we'll be renting out our home, but we can't very well expect the leaseholder let our son stay in there with them."
"We've talked to the college guys who live next to us," Michael informed him. "I think they'll be fine with having him live there.
"We should probably take you over to look at the house and maybe offer them enough money to seal the deal. We should also get my parents to sign for his temporary guardianship."
"Okay," Craig grinned. "It looks to me as if this was a done-deal before you approached us. Am I right?"
"Nope, we'd never do this without your permission, even if it meant I'd have to be in far-off California," Ryan insisted.
Before Lisa and he went to talk with the college guys, Craig drew up a contract and printed copies with his new dot-matrix printer. As part of the deal, he offered them $300 per month for giving Ryan a room in their home.
When they toured the house, Lisa and Craig were quite impressed with the way the place looked and how neat the young men were keeping it.
The guys hadn't expected to get so much rent from the room and countered that they would feed Ryan dinner for that kind of money.
Lisa joked that they might be sorry for making the offer because her son could eat $300 a month in groceries. She would send him money to take the rest out to eat on occasion.
Everyone seemed content with the language of the contract, and so, the deal was struck. Two high school seniors were about as happy an anyone in Ames that day.
For Labor Day weekend, the college guys drove the 100 miles home, taking the Airstream with them. Though it would have been fun to have it for a weekend getaway, they would need the spot by the garage as a parking place for Ryan's car. Besides, they could always camp in it by the quarry at home if they wanted to have a break without needing to tow it somewhere and pay a camping fee.
The college boys trusted Ryan to stay in the house by himself even though his parents were on the West Coast already. Michael was allowed to stay over with him, and, of course, Michael's family invited Ryan over for meals. As his guardians, and their son's best bud, they wanted to do right by him.
Knowing that school obligations would soon cut into their freedom, the two 17-year-olds made the most of their long weekend together. They soaked naked in the spa and sunned in the same state of undress on the deck. It was particularly freeing when there was no one else around, so they could end up expelling jizz when the mood struck them.
"I can't believe how well everything's turned out," Ryan sighed. "I was so afraid we'd be split up by my father's move that we'd never get to be together. Now, it's like, wow!"
"Yeah, I thought I'd lost you for sure. I couldn't be happier since you got to move next door. But don't you miss your family some?"
"Sure, but it's not like they died or something. They're planning to come back for Christmas or have me fly out there. I'd like to be in a warmer spot in December, but not without you. Do you think you could go with me?"
"I doubt Mom would want me away over the holidays. But let's forget about that and enjoy this holiday!"
Kissing interrupted their conversation and led to other things which occupied their young minds, pushing out all other concerns.
Back in school after Labor Day, Michael and Ryan decided to make the most of their senior year. Feeling that they weren't proficient enough athletes to compete next year in college, they thought they'd add track to their public school schedule.
There was a new assistant coach for cross-country and he was slated to help with swimming as well. It probably wouldn't hurt to get on his good side in the fall semester.
It didn't take Michael long to have reservations about the young wannabe coach. He seemed overly friendly and was a touchy-feely sort. Michael didn't feel comfortable around him and mentioned it to Ryan, so he'd be prepared to fend the man off if he became overbearing.
The college guys found that their term also started off with a bang. However, since they were already settled in their house and were familiar with their surroundings, they were able to take everything in stride.
This year, they were taking more courses in their various major fields, which meant fewer classes in common as a whole group. Beau and Cy shared a number of classes, and some sections as well, since they were both majoring in computer technology.
Chet and Derek, had a similar situation, both being in agricultural studies. Their major instructors advised them to get some computer training as well. The future of farming was bound to become more dependent on technology as machinery would use computer chips to direct them. They would become more like robots which would need less guidance from humans for their operation. It was a brave new world.
Of the couples, Paul and Kyle were the ones with no classes in common other than one in contemporary literature. Kyle's design major involved a lot of specialized curricula. Then too, Paul was thinking about changing his major and going into teaching or counseling. Having helped Michael and Ryan with some of their problems, Paul thought he might like working with teenagers on a regular basis. He had made some inquiries into the education department in order to begin taking courses which would prepare him for that kind of career.
He realized that, of the three state universities, it was The University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls which had the strongest education department. He didn't want to transfer there because it would mean leaving his buds – especially his boyfriend. He had seen other couples, who had been close in high school, drift apart when attending different colleges.
The court of honor for conferring the rank of Eagle Scout on Michael and Ryan was set for the middle of September, a week before Parents' Day at the university. Whoever planned it was wise not to have scheduled it at a time when the community would be overrun with people from out of town.
Lisa and Craig flew in for it, bringing Ryan's younger siblings, Randy and Brad with them. It would have been a costly trip if Craig's boss hadn't gifted them with a lot of his frequent-flyer miles.
Lodging didn't cost them anything because Marge and Tom insisted that they stay with them. Michael was happy to give up his room with the queen sized bed for Ryan's parents to use, while he slept with Ryan next door. Michael's younger brother, Denny, had twin beds in his room and Randy, who was 14, slept in the other one. Brad, who was 12, thought the blowup air mattress was cool, especially when it was in Denny's room with the older boys.
The ceremony had the usual amount of ritual in it. The boys who achieved the rank felt that their leaders and peers all acknowledged the effort they'd put in to reach this status.
Both fathers received tie tacks which said "Eagle Dad" on them. Their mothers were recognized for their part in aiding the boys along the way.
Of course, there was a reception following the ceremony, so everyone had time to congratulate the teens while munching on goodies.
Ryan's family stayed until Sunday noon when they had to catch their flight home out of Des Moines. It had been an adventure for the younger boys who loved to travel by plane, and it had provided the chance for the family to be together again.
Craig was impressed at how mature his eldest son appeared. It was as if he'd grown up in the few weeks since he'd seen him. Lisa had been right in saying he was old enough to adjust to living without them. He was both proud, and a little sad, that Ryan was so independent. A part of him longed for his son to still be his "little boy."
"I think we should have dates for homecoming if we don't want other kids to speculate about our orientation," Ryan suggested. "I know Sara and Laurel would be open to going with us."
"Um do you think you'd be comfortable after what happened last time?"
"Sara's mother has finally realized that I didn't get into her daughter's pants, so I'm no longer in the doghouse. In fact, she's been rather friendly, because I'm such a nice' boy. Sara also confided in me that her mother put her on the pill in case she accidentally does go too far. Sara said her father reminded her mother about a worry' they'd had when they were dating. I'm guessing they must have messed around before they tied the knot."
Michael wasn't keen on the idea of going out with girls – especially when it included one whom Ryan had gotten to second base with. However, he kept his concerns to himself. He reasoned that he couldn't prevent Ryan from doing what he wanted to, and that making a fuss over this might drive a wedge between them. Perhaps, Ryan needed to have more experience in order to settled down. They were young, after all.
"My major professor wants me to consider transferring to the RISD. He thinks I'd get a better education and have more opportunities," Kyle said to Paul as they were getting ready for bed.
"What, and where, is that?"
"It's the Rhode Island School of Design, and interestingly enough, it's in the state by the same name."
"So, are you going to do it?"
"I don't think I should. I don't want to be that far away from you. You know what's happened to the romances of some of our straight friends when they're hundreds of miles apart."
"Kyle, you have to do what's best for you in the long run. I can't ask you to mess up your career for me."
"Well, you've decided not to transfer to UNI for their education program."
"Um, how much of this are you making up?"
"What do you mean?"
"I think you're saying this to get me to consider going to Cedar Falls instead of staying here in Ames. So, fess up!"
"Professor Mims did say that my work is good, and he felt I'd be capable of making it at his alma mater," Kyle grinned. "I'm not going to the East Coast even if I could afford the tuition. I just wanted to hear your unselfish response, so I could show you that I won't stand in your way either. Besides, Cedar Falls is under 70 miles from here."
"Kyle, you're such a sweetheart! I've checked into the education department here, and it's very good, especially in counseling, which I'd like to do. If I were going to be an elementary teacher, I might be better off going to UNI. But for my purposes, this university is fine.
"Let's get into bed so I can show you how much I appreciate you."
Michael still had misgivings about taking dates to the homecoming dance when the evening arrived. He'd agreed with Ryan that it might be best not to come out in high school but wait until college at least. It wasn't that their parents were unaware of their orientation or that the boys would be loved less by members of their families. It was more about how they'd be treated by their peers. He wasn't sure he felt comfortable about using the girls as cover. He hoped they wouldn't get too attached!
The dance was a lot of fun. The disc jockey began the evening with enough line-dance numbers to break the ice and make the kids feel comfortable, whatever their skill levels were. Later in the evening, he played more of the slower music which was more conducive to dancing close to one's partner. It was likely to stir some libidos for activities after the event ended.
Sara was Ryan's date, and he had driven. That put Michael in the back seat with Laurel. Sara wanted them to drive onto a backroad at the edge of town which dead-ended at a cornfield. Ryan followed her directions, but he was apprehensive where this might be leading. He was of two minds, he wasn't eager to end up making out with her, but he didn't want to look like a wuss. Michael had been hesitant about the whole dating thing, and now it appeared he'd been right.
Ryan turned the car around facing the direction they'd come from, in case they needed to make a hasty exit.
The minute he switched the ignition off, Sara was on him like flies on a garbage truck.
Her actions made Laurel as uncomfortable as it did Michael. She feared that Michael might expect the same thing from her. Sara had regaled her with a tale of how awesome it felt to have her nipples sucked, and it had sounded great to Laurel until the moment it looked like it could become a reality. Now, she had second thoughts. Would Michael be content to stop at that point, or would he expect her suck on his dick or force himself on her?
"I'd like to go home," she whispered to Michael.
"Okay," he replied, just as quietly. "I don't think those two will be happy, but Ryan can drop us at my house and I'll drive you home and they can do whatever."
"Thanks," she whispered. "I don't want to be a wet blanket, but I'm not ready to do any heavy petting. Maybe I could be feeling sick."
"Uh, Ryan, I hate to break up the party, but Laurel has a headache and I'll take her home if you swing by my house to get my car."
"I have Motrin in my purse," Sara said. "I'll give her a couple."
"No thanks," Laurel spoke up. "It feels like a migraine and that won't cut it. I need my meds soon."
"I'm on it," Ryan said. "It's getting late and I think we should take Laurel home immediately and then drop you off, Sara."
Sara wasn't happy about how this was going down, but she kept her mouth shut because she didn't want to appear like she was easy. There was bound to be another opportunity in the future. Next time, she wouldn't make the mistake of going on a double date with Laurel. She suspected that the sudden headache was a ruse.
"Please sleep with me tonight," Ryan pleaded, after they'd dropped Sara off.
"Did she get you all horned up and you couldn't finish because of Laurel?" Michael sighed. "I'm sorry to have interrupted your chance at getting laid. I felt bad for Laurel because the whole scene really made her uncomfortable."
"Don't apologize; you did me a favor. I wasn't sure how to get out of the mess without looking like a wimp."
"From where I was sitting, it looked like you were enjoying it. If you weren't ready to go any further with Sara, you shouldn't have gotten yourself into the situation in the first place. You had to know what might happen if we parked out there. You either need to get fucked or have the balls to admit you're gay. I don't like being jerked around all the time. Let me know when you've made up your mind."
"Michael, please! I promise I'll tell her on Monday that I'm definitely not her boyfriend and I don't want to go out with her again."
"Yeah, well, like I said, let me know when you've made up your mind. Who knows; I might be crazy enough to give you another chance."
Once Ryan's car was parked on the slab where he was living, Michael got out and headed next door to his own house. He never looked back.
Author's notes: Thanks to Paul R, Tony C, Andy R, Geoff (2), Peter S, Ott H, Hotrod, Frank K, Mendy D, Bill T, Joe W (1), John L, Paul F, Geoff (1), and Dale W who emailed this week.
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Thanks, David
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