Adam opened the door and gasped. “TJ, what are you doing here? You said you went to visit a relative for Christmas.” “I fibbed a little, my grandma actually lives near us. I just um, wanted to surprise you and bring you Christmas spirit, even though it’s uh, in a week.” TJ pointed to the roof of his car. Adam glanced at the direction and gasped. “You brought me a tree? “Yep. You sounded so bummed out and homesick that you couldn’t come home. I know you’ve had it hard being off at trade school, and I missed you. Sooo I’m bringing Christmas to you, even though you’re now 150 miles away.” Adam sniffled. “Goddammit TJ. You have no idea happy this makes me. I really wanted to come home, but with my car, and work making me do holiday hours, I couldn’t; and I really wanted to do a tree and stuff, but the cost of it and the decorations, and everything with my car…” His chest fluttered and his eyes spilled over. TJ wiped Adam’s tears away with the sleeve of his hoodie pulled around his fist. “Aw, Adam. There, there, it’s ok. I’ve missed you so much too. Being apart is hard. I wish we could go to school closer to each other.” TJ gave him a gentle kiss. “I missed you more,” Adam whispered, sounding pitiful and tired. “Not possible. But we’re going to spend the day together setting this up. I collected a bunch of extra Christmas decorations and lights from everyone, and picked up some stuff from the dollar store. And I got you presents, and I brought you the presents from your parents.” “Oh dear, I got you a little something, but that’s all…” “That’s fine, Adam. Your face when I opened the door was good enough of a gift.” Adam chuckled. “Did I look surprised?” “You did. It was epic. Now let’s get this tree off my car. I have no idea how they got it on there and it’s like six feet tall.” Adam shoved his feet into his shoes and followed TJ outside. There was four inches of snow on the ground but he didn’t feel the cold at all. There was a red hot furnace inside of him fueled by loved.
__________________________ Captions are fictional.
The automatic timer went off just at the right second, which was good because a moment later James and Ryan were wrestling on the floor like children in their silly matching Christmas pajamas over who wanted the other to open their presents first. They eventually wore themselves out, and Ryan won the right to make James open his presents first.
The presents didn’t really matter to Ryan after all. James was his gift, and always would be. Two years ago, Ryan was stuck at home on Christmas with a broken leg from a skiing incident. He ordered some groceries to be delivered, but when James arrived to drop them off, he noticed something was wrong. The pain pills Ryan were given were affecting his appetite and he hadn’t been eating well; his blood sugar levels were showing dangerous numbers. James called 911 and the medics got Ryan’s diabetes under control before taking him the hospital.
Ryan begged the delivery company to put him in contact with James and sent him flowers and a card. James visited him in the hospital. He’d even delivered more groceries. They’d kept in touch, and by spring, romance had blossomed. In Ryan’s opinion, he was given a second chance at life, and he was going to use it to love James and spoil him. James was his guardian angel after all. And that meant a lot of presents.
Santa was surprised to receive an unexpected letter at the North Pole: “Dear Santa – I’m all grown up, but I never got to experience Christmas as a child. I have been a naughty young man this year, which means I was a good boy right? So wouldn’t you come visit me? You must miss adult company a lot. I live on a ranch and your reindeer can graze. And it’s cold, so it will feel like home.”
Santa couldn’t resist such a nice letter, and after his route was over, he made a special stop in Montana. Timothy was very much a nice boy with naughty ideas. It was a new way to relax after the busiest day of the year. Even though Santa fell asleep shortly after, he woke up late in the night with an empty stomach. Santa couldn’t help slipping out of bed in the middle of the night to grab a cookie. But the lights came on! Timothy caught him. “Oh Santa, are you leaving already?”
“No, Timmy, I’m just grabbing a snack, you gave me an appetite and I can’t resist cookies and milk. Did you bake these? They’re very good.” “Yes Santa. Mama’s recipe. Oh dear, it seems my cat has been playing with the Christmas tree again! Ornaments everywhere!” Timmy bent over to return the ornaments to their branches and noticed some small boxes. “What are these?” Santa smiled. “I left him some toys under the tree too.” “Oh Santa, you really are the best! And look, you’re standing under the Mistletoe. I will thank you for your kindness with a kiss.” And he rewarded Santa with a kiss. “Oh ho, it has been a Merry Christmas after all hasn’t it Timmy?” “It really has! I’ll make you a sandwich, and let’s take it, the milk, and the cookies back to bed Santa. You must be very tired and my bed is very warm.” Santa yawned. “How do you know what I want every time?” “Ha! Maybe I’m a magical elf.” Santa had a big belly laugh. “Oh ho! If all elves were like you Timmy, I wouldn’t be able to get ready for Christmas in time!”
____________________ Captions are fictional. Yeah I wrote Santa porn, come at me.
You know that barbed wire post I just did? When I finished writing it, I hit something on my keyboard and the screen refreshed and I honestly thought I lost the whole thing. I just like completely gave up and walked away from the screen.
I was checking my activity after the swim post I just made, and I noticed people liking the picture and I was like … what the heck? And I realized the whole post actually got posted. I wish you could have seen my face when I realized that. It looked like this. O_o.
“Hey, Cas, are you alright?” “Huh? Yeah, just tired.” “I’m a little worried about you to be honest. You’ve been pushing yourself really hard lately in the pool. I get you want us to help win the competition, but it’s not worth your health being compromised.” Cas sighs and sets his bottle down. He turns off the water. I hand him a towel. “I have been pushing myself, but my lap times aren’t getting that much better.” “You’re wearing your body out. Give yourself time to rest. This isn’t the Olympics remember? Just a hobby swim league for gay dudes. The only thing we’re really competing for is dick size really.”
That makes Cas chuckle. “There is some truth to that.” He pulls off his Speedo and wrings it out. “How am I doing on that front?” “Better than most,” I admit as I enjoy the view. “Better than me. Although I’m going to chalk it up to the water being cool, ignoring the fact the water in the shower is warm.” Cas gives me a half smile. He has put his Speedo on the hook and is finishing drying off. “I can see your bulge, I’m sure you got plenty to entertain someone in bed.” “Aw Cas, that’s so sweet. See, this is why we need you around. You’re one of the nicest people on the team.” “I appreciate you saying that Sean. No reason we all have to be catty to each other.” Cas puffs out his cheeks and exhales. “I don’t know why I’m pushing myself so hard latel. I still can’t see to outswim the feeling I’m getting older. I think I’m seeing my stagnating times as failure of my body.”
I immediately scoff. “No way. You’re in better shape than some 21 year old babies I know who survive off Starbucks and vaping and live at the gym. Seriously, your set times are fine. The race is a relay, we win as a team. And we want you on that team. Alive, ideally.” “Thanks, Sean, I appreciate that. I like being on that team. Alive, that is. I just want to help us win.” Cas rubs some lotion on his skin. “You will.” I chew on lower lip. Do I go for it? I decide to go for it. “Hey, you got some time after this?” “Yeah I got a free afternoon, what’s up?” “Why don’t I take you out for a burger? I bet that rabbit diet you’re on is why you’re so tired, you need some real heavy calories.” Cas pulls on some dry clothes. “My knee jerk reaction is to say no to that, because I’m scared an extra ounce will impact my times but – I’m starving. Like, I have been sort of noticing lately I am just constantly hungry. Maybe you’re right. Got a place in mind?” I gasp so softly I’m not sure Cas even heard it. I clasp my hands together against my chest. “Um, yeah I do. I can drive, and drop you off here to pick up your car later?” “That sounds fine to me.” Cas finishing buttoning his shirt and searches his bag for a comb to run through his hair. “We don’t really hang out much as team members outside practice do we?” “We really don’t,” I say. Cas’s stomach grumbles loudly and I giggle. “Come on, let’s go put some meat on your bones.” Cas folds his towel in his hands. “Yeah yeah, but first. One thing.” “Hm?” He hooks an arm around my waist like a side hug, but adds a peck to my cheek. “I’m really glad you’re on my team, Sean. Thank you.” I can feel my skin flush and the residual trace of warmth from his lips. “Ah-I’m, I’m glad we’ve met too.” Cas pets my hip twice and parts to go finish packing his bag. “Say, do they have milkshakes at this place?” he asks. “Giant ones.” “Awesome.”
Carlos ran to grab the phone. “Hello?” “Hey babe.” “Hiii Johnny. How’s work?” “I swear the view is the only reason I stay here.” “Not good huh.” Carlos moved the bag on the chair and sat down. “So annoying. But like, my co-worker’s girlfriend came to pick him up for lunch, and the receptionist was like confused because another girl came two days ago, and she let that slip, and there was a huge fight. And I’m just calling to let you know I love you a lot, and I’m feeling really smug that it’s not us.” Carlos laughed. “Smug that your secret homosexual love life is better than the straights as theirs goes down in flames?” “Exactly. Especially because my co-worker has made some snide comments about our ~lifestyle~. He deserves getting caught.” “Being attracted to you definitely isn’t a lifestyle, Johnny. I had no choice in the matter. I was completely helpless.” “You poor thing,” Johnny said dryly. “Must be hard being under duress.” “Well,” Carlos said, “The hard thing is definitely true. I was out shopping – I finally found a tie to match that odd colored shirt I found at the thrift store, but the salesman at the store was so hot that I’ve been just like turned on since then. I’m really impatient for you to get home. I’m just pacing around in my underwear.” Johnny made a frustrated noise into his hand. “How can you say things like that casually when I’m stuck here for the afternoon, Carlos.” “Why don’t you take a long lunch?” Carlos asked with eagerness in his voice. “I’ll send a taxi. Tell your boss the fight was disruptive to your focus and you’re taking a break until the air is cleared.” There was silence on the phone. When Johnny spoke his voice was in a low whisper. “Are you suggesting I skip out on work to come home and have sex”? “That is exactly what I’m suggesting. Selfishly, of course.” Carlos was now pacing with the phone cord wrapped around his fingers. “Is that in line with our lifestyle?” Johnny asked. “Absolutely it is. We must keep up with the standards.” Johnny giggled. “We must. I shouldn’t have a problem grabbing a taxi on 5th ave this time of day. Be home soon. And be ready.” “Goddamn do I love you.” “Love you more.”
Carlos hung up the phone. “Holy crap I can’t believe that worked. I am a lucky man.”
As bizarre as it was to see Johnny show up to their condo mid-day in his work clothes, it was even stranger to send him back to work freshly showered and freshly fucked. Carlos got nothing done for the rest of the day thinking about it – tossing Johnny’s jacket over the chair, yanking down his slacks, doing it right there over the dining room table. Redressing him after a quick shower. Sending him back to work with an interesting gait to his step and kiss swollen lips. Carlos didn’t even mind having to do the clean up himself. Having a secret homosexual love life could be a blast.
__________________________ Captions are fictional.
Joseph made a soft groan as he awoke. The pillow was really hard. He lifted his head to see he’d fallen asleep on Dominic’s shoulder. Joseph drank in the luxury of seeing shirtless Dominic first thing in the morning. Joseph ran his palm up Dominic’s sternum. Joseph shifted and was reminded he was going to be a little sore. Joseph liked how it felt to know he wasn’t a virgin anymore. He was no longer a boy, but a man. They’d rented a hotel room last night – by themselves! – using Dominic’s credit card. They ate out at nice Italian restaurant. No one gave them a second look holding hands together. Joseph carefully turned and looked over his shoulder. The sun-washed city was spread out into the infinite horizon in the long, narrow gap between the open drape panels. Joseph decided he liked New York City a lot. He liked the idea of making it part of his future. A man in front of him, the city behind him. Couldn’t be a more perfect way to start every day.
Joseph resumed cuddling Dominic’s body. Dominic cracked an eye. “Hey,” he croaked. “Mornin.” “Sleep well?” “Mmhm. You?” “Amazing,” Dominic exhaled.
After a moment, Dominic spoke again. “Did we really have sex last night? Or did I dream it?” “I hope it wasn’t a dream. I tried to get up. Doesn’t feel like it was a dream.” “You can feel it? Did I hurt you?” “No… it feels nice. Reminds me it’s real.” Joseph squeezed Dominic’s torso. Dominic turned his head toward Joseph and kissed his forehead. “I’ll remember how your body felt for the rest of my life. It was just amazing. Thank you for uh, doing that. With me, I mean.” Joseph chuffed. “You’re welcome? I mean, I wouldn’t have wanted it to be anyone else.”
Dominic smiled. “I hate that we have to check out in a couple hours and go home.” “Well, just because we check out doesn’t mean we don’t have to go home. We still gotta get bagels for breakfast. And we have the whole day ahead of us. The city is ours.” “Why Joseph, I think you are right. Can we lay here a little while longer though? This is nice.” “This is nice,” Joseph agreed. “And I’m quite comfy.” Dominic nuzzled him. “Good. Just a while longer.” “Then can we shower together?” “Uhh yeah. I like that idea a lot.”
I closed the door to the sun porch. “Marc. What the hell? This – this is supposed to be you meeting my parents. Like, you know, the next serious step in our relationship.” Marc folded himself on the sofa and propped his head up with his hand. “He was disrespecting you.” “But that doesn’t give you the authority to punch my father!” “Well I had to do something!” Marc nearly shouted. “No one was going to do anything. You think by just saying ‘dad’ between your teeth has any repercussion?” I was pacing at this point. “My dad is an old boomer who is getting older, Marc. He’s not going to magically change his boomer thinking, and he’s not going to magically see the light of day. I told you my dad has some conservative ideas.” “But those weren’t conservative ideas!” Marc retorts. “That was negging. He was putting you down. Passively aggressively. You look hurt. It upset me.”
I paused my pacing at the tone in his voice. “I looked hurt?” “Yeah, you looked wounded. You pulled back a little.” “Oh.” “Yeah,” Marc gestured. “See that’s the thing. If some hot guy dissed you at a bar like that? I’d punch him. Hands down.” “There are other ways to react than violence, Marc.” Marc sighed. He looked at his red knuckles. “I’ve made Thanksgiving a little awkward haven’t I?” “A little.” I crossed my arms. “Listen, I don’t mind you standing up for me. But this cannot be a trend. Cause if we are going to stay together, we’re gonna run into my parents sometimes. They’re not cool and liberal like your parents.” “You think my parents are cool?” Marc asked with one eyebrow up. “Um yeah, your dad’s got that Corvette and all those birds. He’s super cool.” Marc chuckled. “He’ll be happy to hear that.”
“I bet. But Marc, seriously. You need to think about how you want to move forward with this. Starting with apologizing to my father for hitting him.” Marc’s eyes narrowed. “I’m not apologizing for that.” “So we’re just never gonna bring this up over Thanksgiving dinner? It’ll just sit on the table, next to the turkey, taking up room?”
Marc sighed again. I walk over to where his bare feet are propped up on the arm of the small sofa and began to rub one of them. When I dug my thumbs into his sole he groaned. “Goddammit,” Marc said. He leaned back. I watched until his shoulders relaxed. I let Marc think. I had moved on to the other foot when he broke his silence.
“I will apologizing for hitting him,” Marc says. I lifted my head. “You will?” “Yeah. Cause this isn’t the hill I want to die on. I don’t want this to be the crack that crumbles this relationship.” I smiled as relief flooded through me. “I’m pleased to hear you say that.”
After a bit more talking, we left the sun room and walked back into the kitchen. My father was sitting at the kitchen table with his ice to his cheek. My mother was stirring gravy. When we came in, they both looked up at us. I felt like a little boy whose friend had thrown a ball in the house and broken a lamp.
“Dad, Marc has something he want to say to you.” “It better be-” My dad started. “Bob. Hush. Let him speak.” I gave a glance of gratitude to my mom.
Marc exhaled. “Sir. I apologize for punching you in the face.” “Damn straight-” “But.” My attention snapped to Marc. Oh no, this wasn’t in the script. I think my mother could see the panic on my face. Marc didn’t waver at all. “I am dating your son. And you did a fine job of raising him. Jeff’s successful, thoughtful, creative, funny, and sweet. I care about him a lot. And he cares about you both, and I understand that as we’re dating, that means sometimes it involves Bob and Helen. But I will not stand by and listen to you disrespect him, unfairly, because he doesn’t confirm to whatever standards you think should define his life. You don’t get to choose who he dates and what either of us does for a living. We do.” My jaw dropped. I must have looked like a fish. “The audacity of you telling me what I can and can’t do in my own house! What I can say or not say to my son is not your decision to make.” Bob stood up from the table, face red.
I was torn between wanting to fling myself into Marc’s arms like a fairy tale princess and jumping between them for damage control.
“It’s not, but I wouldn’t be a good boyfriend if I stood by while someone hurt his feelings.” Marc replied. “It’s constructive criticism. I didn’t hurt his feelings.” “You did, Bob.” Helen said. “You did. You say hurtful things sometimes. You mean well, but you could be nicer. Who cares what Marc or Jeff does for a living? Jeff pays his rent. He bought me that nice Hermes scarf for Christmas last year. He’s fine.” Bob gawked at her. Helen harrumphed. “This is all so silly. It’s Thanksgiving. My son is here, we have company, I’m starving, and the turkey has been sitting enough, Bob. Carve the damn thing so we can eat ok? Please? I don’t feel like mothering three sons tonight. That’s why I only had one.” She slammed the lid back on the gravy, making everyone jump.
Marc met my gaze and mouthed. “I love her.” I smothered a giggle. Bob sighed. “Fine. I’m hungry too. But we’re going to talk about this later.” Bob pointed a finger at Marc. He walked into the kitchen toward the turkey, muttering.
I pulled Marc into the hallway outside of the kitchen. “Sorry, it just kind of came out-” Marc stammered. I cupped his face in my hands and kissed him hard. “Mmnn!” Marc squeaked in surprise, but quickly got with the program. I slid my fingers around the back of his neck to deepen it. We both reluctantly broke for breath. “That. Was amazing. No one has ever stood up for me like that before.” Marc blushed. “Well, I, it kind of just came out….” “When we go to bed tonight, I’m checking the size of your balls because I do not remember them being that huge.” Marc blushed. His stomach grumbled.
I adjusted his shirt and we walked back into the kitchen together. Marc swooped in with helping plate the table, and he complimented my mother on how great everything smelled. When we finally ate, he complimented how juicy the meat was. Even Bob looked pleased about that. I spent most of the meal watching Marc instead of anything else. I think I missed putting the fork in my mouth once, because I was just so utterly smitten with him. How did I get so lucky? A little butterfly started fluttering around my mind. If he could handle Battleax Bob, then …well, maybe there was a chance Marc and I could get married one day.
___________________ Captions are fictional. It turns out if you want to find a photo of a guy in a shirt, just search for “men in shirts” on Tumblr.
For some reason, my entire feed is shirtless men. I tried to find a photo of a guy in nice-ish clothes today, and I could not. I mean…that’s a very Tumblr specific problem.
