The Gus Diaries

Part 49

Happy Birthday to Me
 

I definitely wasn’t thrilled with the idea of having the family over for a barbeque and pool party but since it was the day before my birthday I wasn’t going to complain. I kept reminding myself that it’s mature to compromise and if I wanted to feel like I was now more a man than a kid I had to behave like one.

While Mom had really been acting weird I knew she was seeing a therapist that came highly recommended, and that made me feel better; and having seen Mem work with her relaxed me. They really were much better friends than spouses -- too bad they couldn’t have figured that out years ago.

Despite the fact that Mom still was having a shit-load of “issues” with Pop’s place in my life, and her current lack thereof, I did have to admit that she should have a right to celebrate her son’s birthday with him in some way.

Knowing the family would be at Britin shortly I made my way to the kitchen to help Dad and Pop get ready.

“Hey.”

“Hey, Gus. You want to bring out the grill tools and extra platters to your Dad? He’s setting up the barbeque so he won’t have to do anything but throw the steaks and burgers on when everyone arrives.”

“Sure, Pop.” I started to leave with the tray of supplies and turned back, “Thank you.”

“For what?” Pop really looked puzzled.

“For letting me decide how I wanted to spend my actual birthday, for letting the entire crazy family invade our home for this party, when you didn’t plan on it until just a week ago, and most of all for letting me live with you and Dad.”

Pop put down the potatoes he was slicing for the baked french fries and wiped his hands on a wet cloth. Then he placed his hands on the side of my arms. “Gus, you can’t imagine how happy your father and I are to have you living with us. This is one of those dreams that worked both ways, but for our part, we never thought it would come true.” He gave me a hug and I hugged him back eagerly. “You’ve completed our lives and made us very happy.”

I pulled back and looked at Pop. His face always had the soft look of innocence and unconditional love, “It means everything to me, too. Everything.”

Neither of us heard Dad walk in. “Will you two sentimental fools stop wasting time. A hungry group will be descending on us soon and I don’t want to be unprepared for battle.” At first I thought Dad was serious but then he smirked, followed by his tongue-in-cheek expression.

“Okay, Dad, I’m moving.” I picked up the tray and started heading for the patio.

“Oh, and Sonny Boy,” I turned around to see what he wanted. “Happy birthday from me and Justin.” Pop smiled and they both nodded their heads towards the patio table.

There was a huge wrapped gift box resting on the table. I placed the tray I was carrying on the table next to the barbeque and went to open my gift. Dad and Pop came out to watch.

I ripped off the wrapping and, “Holy shit! I can’t believe you guys got this for me!” I hugged each one of my dads more than once and kept looking at my gift.

“Well Gus, we just figured that every artist needs the proper tools for his craft.”

“When Justin reminded me of that important concept we both knew that a news editor needs a state of the art computer system to carry out his work.”

The computer was sleek and beautiful. The laptop of every reporter and editor’s dreams.

“Your Dad has the remaining components... a new printer/copier/scanner and external hard drive in his office. We hope you like it.”

“Like it.” I looked at both of them. “It’s the best and most amazing gift ever. It only plays second to last year’s birthday gift.”

Both of them smiled and Dad choked out, “For us too.” All of us remembering that my 14th birthday gift was signing the paperwork that allowed me to live with my fathers.

I put my new computer in Dad’s office with the rest of the components and as soon as I walked out the doorbell rang.

Pop started greeting the family as they began to stream in. Jeff was coming with Grandma Jen and Tucker so I could have a quiet dinner alone with my dads the night before. Jeff and I would have plenty of alone time the rest of the weekend and neither of us wanted to be selfish or exclusionary.

“Hi, big brother. So you’re gonna be 15. Only one more year until you can get your learner’s permit to drive.” I hugged Jenny and laughed at the ideas that popped into her head. “And just so you know, I plan to negotiate a very hot car for you so I call permanent shot-gun.”

By the time everyone showed up, including Uncle Emmett with enough side-dishes and desserts to feed a third world nation, AND a huge birthday cake to finish the deal, some of us were already playing games in the pool. It actually was a lot of fun and on a couple of occasions I watched as Mom sat and smiled.

She spent a lot of time chatting with Grandma Deb and Grandma Jen and at one point I saw her sit down with Pop. I got a bit nervous, hoping that wouldn’t become a disaster, so I strategically got out to dry myself off and sit on a chaise near them.

“How are you, Linds?”

“I’m slowly beginning to face my new reality.”

Pop pulled his chair a bit closer to hers and took a sip of his soda. “And what reality would that be?”

Mom laughed. It wasn’t a sick laugh, but more like one of resignation and understanding. “The reality that says I’m old enough to have a young man for a son.”

“Is that all?”

“You’ve always been so mature and so perceptive Justin. No, that’s not all.” Mom took a sip of her iced tea. “I’m facing the realization that I failed in my marriage and there’s no going back so I really do have to move forward, and I’m facing the reality that moving forward does not include Brian Kinney.”

Pop didn’t say a word. He just nodded slightly.

“Besides, he already has a husband he’s very deeply in love with.”

“Have you faced that realization fully, Linds?” Pop didn’t take anything for granted and wanted to only hear honest responses.

“Not yet, but at least I can say it. My therapist says that’s the first step. But we have many more to take.”

Pop leaned over and kissed Mom on the cheek. “I’m proud of you.”

“You think Brian is?” It was still all about Dad for her.

“He’s not ready to let you back in. It’ll take a long time I’m afraid.”

“I understand. I’m going to keep working.” She took Pop’s hand. “My life depends on it.”

“I think that’s the best present you can give your son.”

“Have you let me back in?”

“Does it matter?” I could hear the hurt in Pop’s voice.

“Of course it matters. We were once close. Remember, I gave you the opportunity to have your sketches viewed in your first show.”

“I’ve never forgotten. But I wasn’t a perceived threat back then. Things changed.”

Mom lowered her head and I saw her gently touch Pop’s hand which was resting on the table. “I’m working on changing them back.”

“I’d like my friend Lindsay back. Let me know when she’s ready to have lunch -- and maybe go to an art exhibit at PIFA. We could search for new talent together.”

“I’d like that. More than you know.” Then there was a short pause. “Will this new Lindsay have trouble renewing her old friendship?”

“Not as long as she’s sincere. I have it on good authority that her old friend misses her.”

Mom leaned over and timidly hugged Pop and leaned her head on his shoulder. When she pulled back they looked at each other and she nodded and moved on to chat with Grandma Deb and Carl.

One of the barbeque tools made a clattering noise as it fell to the ground. I looked in that direction to see Dad following Mom as she walked away from the table. He must have heard too. I could see a look of, well... longing in Dad’s eyes.

It wasn’t long before the food was all served and everyone chatted and seemed to have a pretty good time together, including me. The entire family was here at Britin, just to share my birthday. I was so glad that I wasn’t in Toronto anymore. It was a beautiful place, but it wasn’t home.

My gift haul wasn’t too bad either. Some better than others.

Uncle Drew got me a press pass for the upcoming season’s Ironmen games. I’m not sure who liked the gift more -- me or Jeff. He loves the Ironmen and still idolizes Uncle Drew.

Jenny got me a gift card for The Gap. Dad groaned in pain and Jenny couldn’t stop laughing. “Oh, Uncle Brian, chill out. It’s also good at Old Navy.” Then she continued to snicker.

“Fuck! It’s obvious that this girl is being raised by lesbians.”

“Oh please, give it a rest. If you look at the card you’ll see it’s also good at Banana Republic.”

Dad actually looked at the card. “There may still be hope for you.”

Mom and Mem each gave me a big check and told me to buy something that I would enjoy but wasn’t a necessity. My mind was already imagining all the great things I could get for myself.

Uncle Michael gave me a raise in salary. That was totally cool.

Grandma Deb’s gift was a definite shocker, especially since she wanted me to wear it on my first day back to school. It was a t-shirt (like the ones she’s always wearing to the diner). The slogan on the shirt read, ‘Me and my family are all gay and that’s okay!’

“Grandma, I love it, but I can’t wear it to school. We still have uniforms.”

“That’s such a fucked up rule. My Michael used to always wear his favorite t-shirts to school.”

Dad laughed out loud. “No wonder you were relieved when I came around to watch your ass.”

“Hey, I liked those shirts.” Uncle Michael seemed to take a slight bit of offense at Dad’s statement. “In fact I still wear t-shirts to work in the summer.”

“Mikey, you work in... own, a comic book store. The rest of us have jobs that just may include a modicum of dignity.” Dad smirked.

Then Uncle Michael looked at me. “Would you wear the shirt to work when it’s not a school day?”

I turned to Dad and he was still smirking a bit. “Of course I will. It’s a cool shirt.”

Grandma Deb chimed in, “I’m so glad you like it. I made up the phrase on my own and had the shirt specially made just for you, honey.”

I gave her a big hug and thanked her.

“Well now that that’s resolved how about we get down to the important shit -- Emmett honey, come on before the kid turns sixteen.”

Uncle Emmett walked in carrying a huge cake shaped like a basketball. Everyone sang the birthday song and it wasn’t too bad having all these people around me, who loved me, singing off-key in my honor.

Jeff leaned into me and whispered, “You are so fucking lucky.”

But I already knew that, although it was nice to be reminded.

 

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
 

Dinner at Papagano’s, on my birthday, was better than I’ve ever experienced there. I’d been there a few times with my dads but this was so much better, so different. It was great being there with only Jeff and he really pulled out all the stops.

I think Dad helped him out and told Mr. Papagano to take especially good care of us, because from the moment we entered the waiters and the maitre d’ were incredibly attentive. At one point the waiter got a bit too attentive towards Jeff, but I noticed Mr. Papagano drag him to the side when he left the table with our soft drink order after trying to get too friendly again.

When we first arrived at the table I was surprised to see a dozen red roses waiting for me in a vase. When I opened the card I was truly taken aback, “For My Newbie, with love, Your Jeff.”

I got up and gave him a quick hug and a kiss and then sat back down.

“So you like them?” Jeff seemed particularly shy tonight. I know we were out of our element so I chalked it up to that.

“Like them? I love them.” I was about to take Jeff’s hand when the waiter arrived to take our orders.

Jeff really went all out. He insisted we get appetizers and everything, despite the expense. He continued to seem extremely quiet -- even for him.

“Are you okay? Are you sure this isn’t too much? I know you’re trying to save for college.”

Jeff put his hand over mine. They rested on the table together. “I’m fine. I just really want to make this night special for you...special for us.”

“Look, Jeff, I know you’re more experienced than me, but we’ve already done a lot so I’m not worried.” I smiled at him to show him that I meant what I said.

“It’s just that with you it’s different.”

“Different. How?”

“With my ex, he was hungry for sex and I went along for the ride. But with you we both know it’s more then just sex for both of us. I want to do all the right things and make it as good for you as I possibly can.”

I looked into Jeff’s eyes and smiled, “By saying that you already have.”

He smiled back. Sometimes I forget that he needs assurances almost as much as I do.

The rest of our dinner went on peacefully. We talked about everything. School was starting in just a couple of days and basketball practice had already begun.

It was great to be on the same team and the coach didn’t seem to mind that we were still together. “As long as you two can separate practicing basketball from practicing other things. I don’t care if you get married and figure out how to have kids. Even more important, you’re two of my first string players. I need you both totally focused when we go into every game.”

Those were promises we could guarantee and we had no intention of holding hands and making out at practice or at the games any more than the hetero guys would with their girlfriends, so we were all set.

Most of the members of the team seemed a bit shocked that we lasted through the summer, mostly because they were so used to breaking up and hooking up with other girls, mostly cheerleaders, on a monthly basis. In some ways I figured I was fucking lucky not to have all that competition for Jeff jumping up and down in front of him all the time.

At the end of our meal Jeff told me that unless he fucked up the Fall SAT’s it looked like he was a shoe-in at CMU and they were thrilled to get him as they were trying to elevate their athletics program. I think that was one of the best pieces of news I could possibly have received all night.

Apparently Tucker was working with Jeff to make the best possible scholarship deal they could manage. Hopefully Jeff would only have to make enough money for books when all was said and done.

At the end of the meal we didn’t realize we’d spent over two hours at the restaurant talking and eating. It seemed strange being able to spend that much time together despite the fact that we saw each other all the time.

Pop had loaned Jeff his car for our date, knowing that we would be coming back to Britin together for the night. I couldn’t help thinking how glad I was that my dads both knew my plans. Having no secrets, nothing to hide, helped me remain relaxed.

Before we left for dinner Pop and I, had a quick chat while Jeff was finishing putting on his suit in my bedroom.

“Gus, remember tonight is yours. You’re in charge and that means all the choices for the evening are yours too -- including the choices you make when you return to Britin tonight.”

“I know, Pop. If I get cold feet Jeff will understand.”

“I hope he will. I do get the feeling that he respects you enough so I’ll respect your judgment where he’s concerned. Just keep in mind that...”

“I can handle it Pop. If I want to put the brakes on I will. Trust me.”

“I do.”

I gave Dad and Pop a hug good-bye when I left for dinner.

“Oh, and Sonny Boy, if Justin and I are in our room -- don’t knock to tell us you're home -- we won’t want to be disturbed.”

I laughed and then laughed a little harder when I noticed Pop blushing as he smacked Dad on the arm.

Now we were on our way home. I’m sure the bill was high and I offered to help pay for it, at least the tip, but Jeff wouldn’t hear of it. So I took my vase full of flowers, which I discovered was ALL mine to take (vase included) and we left for home.

The ride was quiet and we mostly listened to some music on our favorite radio station.

After putting the flowers on the kitchen table so Dad and Pop could see them in the morning, and so they’d get the light through the sliding glass doors, we went upstairs.

It started out a bit awkward. I took off my tie and tossed it on my desk chair and then Jeff followed suit. Then knowing how Dad freaks out if you don’t respect a high quality suit we both took off our jackets and slacks and hung them on their hangers.

At that point we hadn’t said a word to one another since we’d arrived in my room. Now we were just wearing our shirts and briefs.

I looked at Jeff and then as he looked into my eyes I’m not sure what he saw there but he walked towards me. He brushed my hair from my forehead. “You look so beautiful tonight. I know we’ve seen each other dressed up before but you looked better than ever -- and that’s hard to top.”

“To top?” I laughed and so did he. It finally broke the tension.

“This may sound fucking crazy but I’m nervous.”

“Me too, Jeff.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll take my time.”

At that point I was done with talking and it was apparent that Jeff was as well. He started to unbutton my shirt slowly. After each button was opened he’d leave a kiss on my chest beneath. I started to feel all tingly.

When my shirt was hanging fully open he stopped and didn’t remove it yet. He first slowly unbuttoned his and removed it. Then he slipped two fingers in his mouth and sucked on them for a moment. I felt myself getting harder and I’m sure it was evident in the appearance of my briefs.

He dragged his wet fingers down his chest slowly, placing them on the band of his briefs and released his hard cock from its captivity. After removing his briefs he stood their nude and gorgeous.

Then he sucked on his fingers again and this time removed my shirt and then dragged his moist fingers down my chest. I drew in a sharp breath. It was so sensual and the moisture made me shiver. When he reached my briefs he slowly pulled them down and kneeled in front of me as he was doing it.

When the briefs reached the floor I stepped out of them and no sooner were my feet planted on the floor than Jeff licked a path up the entire length of my cock. It was so hot and beautiful all at once. Almost immediately, he took me all the way into his throat and sucked. I nearly came as I fisted his hair but then he pulled away quickly. I could hear myself moan in frustration, as if the sound was coming from someone else.

Both of us finally naked, Jeff guided me towards the bed and lay us both down, me on my back and him facing me on his side.

When he leaned in to finally kiss me on my lips I was in heaven. His tongue and mine moved about our mouths and when he actually sucked on my tongue I began to moan again.

Then the most incredible touching began. Looking at me and holding my gaze at all time, Jeff ghosted his fingers across my cheeks then on to my neck, slowly working their way across my shoulders, down my arms, over my chest, my nipples and down my legs to my feet, then ending by circling my stiff cock but never touching it.

I began to wiggle with need trying to get my cock near his hand but he pulled it away. Then I heard an amazing noise for the first time since we’d been together, since I’d discovered I was able to fall in love with a boy... no, make that a man. It was the tear of a condom wrapper being opened.

Jeff whispered in my ear as he handed me the condom, “Put it on me. I want to feel your hands on my dick.” I moaned and did as he asked.

He then took the nearby tube of lube and applied a generous amount on his fingers. I automatically spread my legs wider and bent them at the knee so he’d have easier access. Jeff began to work his lubed fingers around my hole and then entered. I cried out a bit but then when he pressed in further and moved two fingers within me, touching my prostate every few seconds. I pressed my head back into the pillow and began moaning and groaning loudly.

He soon removed his fingers and I arched up wanting more, “Fuck, fuck!” I couldn’t help yelling.

“Gus, look at me. Look at me.” I looked into his eyes. They were so beautiful. “I’m covering the condom with the rest of the lube. I want you to be mine now. Are you ready?” His words were the best words in the entire world; loving and tender all at the same time.

“Yes,” was all I could say as my body arched again wanting to find his, knowing our bodies were meant to be together.

“Put your legs around my back,” I did as he asked immediately. “Don’t stop looking at me, I want to see your beautiful face.”

Then I felt him nudge my hole for the first time. I spread my legs as wide as I could without removing them from him. Suddenly I felt the sharp pain of the entrance of something wider than I ever imagined entering me. “Ahhh, ahhh...”

He stilled. “Are you okay?” Jeff leaned down and whispered in my ear. He looked at me and I nodded, feeling more adjusted.

While intermittently kissing me Jeff pressed his long gorgeous cock further in until he was all the way in. He paused again to let me adjust and this time I moaned in pleasure to let him know I wanted more.

Jeff began to pull part way out and press in, angling his body so on every other thrust he hit my prostate. I know I was crying out, “Oh fuck, oh god!” and moaning with the greatest pleasure I’d ever experienced in my life.

It was so much more than I ever imagined. “Look at me, Gus.” I struggled to look at him. He thrust in and rested the tip of his cock against my prostate and then leaned down to give me the most passionate and deep kiss. I never imagined a kiss could say or mean so much.

Jeff leaned up slightly looking at me the whole time. “You are the most incredible man in the world. Now I know what it means to be really happy.” With that he took my cock and stroked it just twice as he thrust two more times and I arched and shot come all over our chests. He called out my name as he came inside me for the first time.

Then with Jeff collapsed on top of me I placed my arms around him and held him tightly. I never wanted this moment to end. I didn’t want him to move or leave me. This is a feeling I wanted to capture for the rest of my life.

Soon I felt his cock soften and he carefully pulled out, making sure to hold the condom in place as he did. I’m not sure how much people usually come, but that condom looked pretty fucking full to me. He tied it off and tossed it on the floor at the side of the bed carefully and then lay half on top of me.

“Jeff.” I was stroking his back and shoulder.

“Yeah.”

“You’re everything to me.”

He looked at me and I wondered for an instant if I’d said too much.

“I know. I never thought I’d ever say this, but the feeling is more than mutual.” He kissed me gently and stroked his hand across my cheek. “I love you, Gus Taylor Kinney, more than I ever imagined I could love someone.”

“I love you too, Jeff.”

We held each other close and didn’t let go as we began to fall blissfully asleep.

“Happy birthday, Gus.”

“It sure was.” I felt him smile against my neck as I feel asleep.

 

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