What A Difference A Year Makes

Chapter 2

Hunter finished his chem exam and handed in his paper.

"How did you do?"

"Not too bad. I think I knew most of it," Hunter replied. "How about you?"

"I guess it was all right. I never really know until I get the results back," Terry explained.

"One more exam to go," Hunter said with a sigh.

"Want to grab some lunch?"

"Um … no thanks. I'm going to the library for some last minute studying. My psych final is in about two hours."

"Oh, okay," Terry replied, the disappointment evident in her voice.

"Look, Terry…"

"It's okay, Hunter. I know you want to get good grades."

"I do, but…"

"Maybe we could go out some time once all these exams are over," Terry said hopefully.

"I … I don't think that would be such a good idea."

"Oh?" Terry's face showed her confusion and hurt at Hunter's words. "I thought…"

"I'm sorry, Terry, but I like you as a friend. That's all," Hunter tried to explain.

"I see."

"No, I don't think you do. I … I might be gay."

"Oh!"

"I still want to be your friend though," Hunter added hastily.

"I'd like that … one way or another."

"I better get going," Hunter said glad that Terry didn't seem to be mad at him. "I need to do some last minute cramming."

"Sure."

"See ya."

"Yeah, see ya."

As Hunter was leaving the library to head over to the building where he would write his psych exam he saw Nick heading in the same direction.

"Hey," Hunter called running to catch up to the young man.

"Hey," Nick smiled. "You ready for the exam?"

"At this point I better be. If I'm not, it's too late to do anything about it."

"Yeah," Nick laughed.

"Um … I skipped lunch to study," Hunter began hoping he wouldn't be turned down. "Would you like to grab a bite when we're done?"

"That would be nice, but … I can't."

"Oh," Hunter said hoping he didn't sound like a wuss at the rejection.

"I have another exam tomorrow, the last one, thank God. I really have to go home and study."

"Sure," Hunter said not knowing what else to say.

"I … I'd really like to have coffee or something," Nick added. "What are you doing tomorrow afternoon about four?"

"Nothing. I'm done with my exams today," Hunter said suddenly feeling much better.

"Then let's meet at the coffee shop. You can listen to me moan about my exams."

"Sounds good."

"See you then. Good luck with this exam."

"You too," Hunter said as they found a seat in the exam room. He couldn't help but glance over at Nick and smile. Things were definitely looking up. He tried to wipe the goofy expression off his face but it just wouldn't go away. He needed to concentrate on his fucking exam. He took the exam book that was being handed out. He glanced again at Nick who happened to be looking his way. They exchanged smiles.

Hunter read through the questions on the exam. He knew the answers to almost everything. He was going to ace this one. Now if he could just ace his date with Nick everything would be great.

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

"Melanie Marcus."

"Melanie, it's Bobby Morrison."

"Bobby! How is the number one gay lawyer in the city of Harrisburg?"

"About as good as the number one lesbian lawyer in Pittsburgh."

"That good, huh. Are you as overworked and as underpaid as I am? Or am I the only idiot who does pro bono work all the time?"

"You're not the only one. Remember I specialize in representing charitable organizations. But I didn't call to vent, I think I need your help."

"My help? I specialize in family law, not business."

"And that's where I need the help. John wants children."

"No surprise there. He's wonderful with Gus and with Brian's formerly evil nephews. And when he plays with JR, they look so sweet together."

"I know."

"Bobby, you knew John wanted children when you agreed to commit. Have you changed your mind?"

"Not really. I just wish I had more time alone with John. It's only been two years and one of them was spent living with Claire. Don't get me wrong, she's a wonderful woman. And she opened her home to me the minute she knew that John and I were a couple. But I've really only had him all to myself for a year."

"So the honeymoon isn't over."

"Not hardly. We...let's just say we've worn out a couple of mattresses already."

"TMI, Bobby."

"Sorry. But you can understand my point of view."

"Yes, I can. Linds and I were together for a long time before we had Gus and well, you know the rest. It hasn't been easy but thank God we're still together. So, is John in a hurry?"

"Yes. He just turned forty-two. He feels if we wait any longer he won't have the energy for a baby."

"He doesn't want to have to use a cane or walker when he goes to the high school football games to watch his son."

"Something like that. I keep telling him he's as strong as an ox. He has more energy than I do but his biological clock is ticking and very loudly. We nearly got into an argument last night about this but I promised him I'd do some research. Mel, I do want children but I don't want someone knocking on my door, in the future, and telling us we have to give the child back. If we do this I want to make sure that the child is ours and that no one will take away our rights as parents. It would kill John...and me too."

"Bobby, I am the last one who'd argue about the rights of gay parents. No, strike that, I've been arguing for years about gay parental rights. Don't tell Brian this but what he did for Gus, for me and Lindsay, well, I never did thank him properly for it. The big asshole. Bobby, I'll help you in any way I can. If it's a surrogate you're looking for, I can help with the search. When I thought I wouldn't be able to have a baby and Lindsay didn't want to get pregnant again, I looked into surrogates. I still have a file. I'll also help if you want to adopt. I'll make sure you have an unbreakable decree."

"Thank you Melanie, I appreciate this. And I promise; it won't be pro bono."

"Hey, don't mention it. But I want a video of Brian changing his nephew or niece's dirty diaper."

"You got it. I'll be in touch."

"Goodbye, Bobby, and give that husband of yours a hug for me."

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

Justin came out of the studio building at PIFA. He was still finishing up some odds and ends before he left for good. He started the walk to the bus stop when he heard a car start up. He didn't pay any attention until the car pulled up beside him and he heard a familiar voice.

"Had a busy day, little boy?"

"Not too much."

"I can change that."

Justin turned and looked at Brian the smile on his face radiant. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at work?"

"I'm the boss. I can take time off if I want."

"I see. So what brings you over here?"

"Oh, I don't know. I thought I might run into somebody I know."

"That's what you thought, huh?" Justin laughed.

"And it seems that I have."

"Are you offering me a ride?" Brian nodded. "I don't usually take rides from strangers who just drive up and expect me to get in."

"I knew I'd be taking a chance, but I'll make it worth your while."

"What did you have in mind?" Justin chuckled enjoying the little game they were playing.

"I have a little surprise for you."

"You do?" Justin asked his smile especially bright. He loved Brian's surprises. "How come?"

Brian shrugged. "I just felt like it."

Justin grinned and walked around the car to the passenger side. "My better judgment tells me that I shouldn't go with you. You might take advantage of me. But, I guess I'll chance it," Justin explained as he opened the car door and slid in.

Brian snorted. "I always knew you never followed all those public service announcements you are forever making."

"What do you mean? I'm very careful. I always do the right thing." Justin tried to look indignant.

"I hope you'll be very careful when you go to New York," Brian said solemnly dropping the little pretense for the first time. "I want you to come back and I want you around for a long time."

"I intend to be," Justin said leaning in to kiss Brian's cheek as they drove away. "Now what's my surprise?"

"It would hardly be a surprise if I told you, would it?"

"So where are we going?" Justin tried another ploy.

Brian rolled his eyes. "Sit back and relax. We'll be there shortly."

Justin smiled to himself and leaned his head back against the headrest. He liked Brian when he was like this. There was a playful side to him that he hardly ever showed. Justin could imagine him doing things that he had never been allowed to experience as a child. And when they did them together Brian could pretend they were for Justin. And they were, but a little bit of it was for Brian too. This had happened on more than one occasion.

A few minutes later the Corvette came to a stop.

"Babylon?" Justin asked realizing where they were. "What are we doing here at five o'clock in the afternoon?"

"Come with me, little boy," Brian ordered getting out of the car.

Brian inserted his key and let them into Babylon. Nobody would be at work until 8:30 when the staff would start setting up to open at nine.

"Brian?" Justin asked with a frown. "What are we doing here?"

"I felt like dancing."

"What?"

"I even burned a CD with all the songs I like. Dance with me, Sunshine?" Brian requested as he slipped the CD into the sound system and hit the lights so that they reflected off the rotating mirrored ball. The floor of Babylon changed and became a sparkling, magical place.

Justin felt himself pulled into Brian's arms. The song was slow and easy and they moved around the floor.

"This reminds me of…"

"Don't," Brian said putting his finger on Justin's lips. "Don't talk, just dance."

They danced very close together feeling the rhythm of the old tunes. Occasionally Brian would spin him around or dip him over backwards. Several songs had gone by when Brian finally stopped moving.

"Thirsty?" he asked looking into Justin's eyes.

"Mostly for you," Justin replied feeling his cock stiffen even more. He had been hard since Brian first took him into his arms.

"Dancing is strenuous work." Brian moved to the bar and pulled out a bottle of champagne from behind. He popped the cork and poured two glasses. "To us," Brian said handing the other glass to Justin. They clinked them together and each took a drink.

"What's this all about, Brian?"

"I … I was feeling nostalgic, I guess. We haven't danced like this since … that night."

"I know, but why now."

"I wanted a good memory of us together to hold onto while you're away."

"You are the sweetest man on earth," Justin said with tears in his eyes. He reached out and cupped Brian's cheek with his hand. Brian leaned into the caress like he could never get enough of it and he couldn't.

"I made these too," Brian said reaching behind the bar and producing a tray with cheese and crackers. "I thought we might need to fortify ourselves."

"You cooked," Justin giggled with his mouth full of cheese.

"I wouldn't go quite that far, but I tried. Ready for another dance?"

"With you … always."

They did several more turns around the floor and had some more champagne and cheese and crackers.

"Let's go home," Brian said suddenly.

"Yeah."

Quickly they made their way out to the car and then to the loft. Magically their clothes disappeared and they were in their big bed. Brian lay atop his boy cradling Justin gently beneath him. Justin could sense the sadness that seemed to engulf his lover.

"It's not the end, Brian," Justin said softly.

"I know but…" Brian couldn't finish that statement.

"We're going to be together. You'll come visit me, and I'll come home every chance I get."

"Promise."

"Yes."

Brian nodded and gently entered his partner. They rocked together holding on tight to each other and making their solemn vows to be true with every touch and kiss and caress. The orgasms were explosive and left them both spent. Brian was still spread across his lover, his softening dick still up Justin's ass. Brian made to move aside.

"Stay," Justin asked.

Brian stopped moving and instead kissed his young partner. Tongues dueled and lips swelled from the needy pressure of their love and lust for one another. Brian felt his dick grow hard once again. Justin's eyes opened and he held Brian's neck keeping the man close to him. Gently he began to rock his hips as he felt Brian's hardness inside him. He was in control now and he liked that. He thrust up imbedding Brian fully once again. His legs wrapped around Brian's waist.

"I love you so much," Justin whispered.

"You know I feel the same."

Justin smiled at Brian's method of not saying those words. They still came hard for him.

"Make love to me again, Brian."

Brian nodded. "Now and forever," the tough ad exec felt compelled to add. His fingers entwined with Justin's and he knew he could never let Justin go.

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

Hunter stood outside the coffee shop. He wondered if Nick was already there. He opened the door and looked around. There was no sign of his date and a germ of worry crept through Hunter's system. Maybe Nick wasn't coming. He found a booth and slid in. Suddenly Nick was sitting across from him.

"I … I thought you might not come," Hunter said and then mentally kicked himself for sounding so pathetic.

"Why wouldn't I come?" Nick asked with a twinkle in his eye.

"I … I don't know."

"Hunter, stop worrying. You look scared to death."

"I … I am scared to death. I've never done this before."

"What, go on a date?"

"No, I've been on dates, just never with a man."

"Oh, a virgin?" Nick asked trying to tease Hunter and lift the mood.

"Hardly."

"I didn't mean it as an insult," Nick tried to explain.

"There are some things about me that you don't know."

"But you're going to tell me, aren't you? That's what first dates are for … to get to know each other."

"I suppose."

"So, are you just discovering that you're gay?"

"You could say that." Hunter made his answer non-committal. He wasn't sure how much he should reveal or how fast.

"I hear you're living at the Andersons," Nick offered trying to get to a safer topic.

"Yeah."

"They're good people."

"Yeah."

"You're a real chatterbox, aren't you?"

"I … I'm not sure I should be doing this."

"Look," Nick said. "Is your truck outside?"

"Yeah."

"Let's go for a drive and we can talk privately."

"Okay." They made their way out to the truck and Hunter started it up. "Where do you want to go?"

"I don't care. Some place quiet."

Hunter thought for a moment and then he knew where he would go. He headed for the farm. He hoped nobody would be home. He didn't want questions. He wanted privacy. As he turned into the driveway, he noted that Claire's car was not there. She must be at a church meeting or out shopping. That was a good thing. Hunter pulled the truck around behind the barn where it would be out of sight. He climbed out.

"Where are we going?" Nick asked following Hunter as he headed off towards the trees.

"This is my favorite quiet spot in the whole world," Hunter said.

They walked down to the stream and Hunter placed his butt on the big rock patting a spot beside him for Nick to use. Nick sat down. He waited for Hunter to say something. When no words were forthcoming he felt compelled to ask, "What's going on, Hunter?"

"I … I like you … a lot," Hunter felt emboldened to say.

"I like you too."

"I said that you're my first date … with a guy … and you are."

"I'll be gentle," Nick chuckled.

"It's not that."

"Then what is it? Talk to me, Hunter."

"Would … would you kiss me?"

"I thought you'd never ask," Nick laughed.

"I mean it. Kiss me. I need to know something."

Nick pulled Hunter towards him and gave his best toe-curling kiss. When Nick released him Hunter let out a little gasp.

"Did that answer your question?"

"Um … yeah."

"Are you hard?"

Hunter nodded. "Why?"

"Because so am I. You must really be gay."

"Seems that way."

Nick reached for Hunter ready to proceed with some more kissing and whatever else they felt like doing. Hunter held up his hand.

"I don't think we should do that again," Hunter stated.

"Why not?" Nick frowned.

"There are some things you need to know first."

"Like what?"

"Like … that I'm HIV positive."