It Can Work Out

The boys looked deeply into each other's eyes. Slowly, their heads came closer together. All of the angst, worry, fear, and nerves seemed to disappear. Andy could smell Tommy like never before. He knew what was about to happen, and his body yearned for their lips to touch.

Andy didn't feel right, even if he physically wanted to kiss Tommy and never let him go. He pulled back and in a very soft voice filled with emotion, "You have no idea how much I want to kiss you."

Lowering his chin to his chest he continued, "but it doesn't feel right yet."

He could see Tommy was crushed. He'd seen that look of absolute sadness and rejection before. It resembled his own not too long ago. Tommy had gone through so much that day, their first romantic touch in the car, their wonderful day until the end of lunch, and then, the confrontation with Curt at the mall. A single tear fell from Tommy's eye, his lower lip quivered. Andy knew there was more to this day than Tommy had let on, and he knew it wasn't time yet.

Seeing this, Andy wondered if stopping the kiss was the wrong thing to do. He tried to compose his own emotions as he said,"You've told me you love me, and I love you too." Tenderly brushing his hand on Tommy's cheek he went on, "I care so much about you that I think I'd be using you."

He could tell Tommy was visibly confused, so he continued, "You've just had a very big thing happen. Well... maybe several things, but when we have our first kiss, I want it to be something really special. I love you, Tommy. Let's take it slow, make it last."

Tommy smiled, halfheartedly, let out a deep sigh and said, "This is totally fucking with my head. I love you, but I'm afraid. I want to show you how much, and how you make me feel… but I just don't know how. You mind if we don't go to the movie?"

Andy agreed, "I think it might be best if we tried to do something normal instead. Maybe we could go back to your place and play some video games, and just talk 'bout… you know… stuff."

Tommy smiled then totally out of character he replied, "Well, just talk? I was kinda hoping we could see who was the better kisser. It might take a while to figure it out." Tommy's grin grew and he winked an eye at Andy.

Both boys laughed at that. It was just what was needed to cool things down a bit. They left the mall and together they decided to walk back to Tommy's house even though it was a couple of miles. They could use that time to talk.

During the walk the two allowed their hands to touch frequently, Andy told Tommy about his coming out to his Dad, and then his friends. He told Tommy about Roger and Alex, and how cool they'd been with it too. He explained how Kyle's reaction felt to him, how gutted he felt when Kyle stormed out of the house, and how Roger and Alex told him it was Kyle's problem, not his. Then he told Tommy about his Grandpa Mike.

"Dude! That gives me an idea! Wanna talk with my Grandpa? He's like totally awesome." Andy's excitement toward his grandfather was infectious...

"Yeah, that sounds cool." Tommy answered, but his tone reflected that there was something bothering him.

Andy looked over at Tommy with worry on his face, "What's wrong, Tommy?"

Tommy sighed, "What are we gonna do? I don't think I can keep this secret at school. I know when I look at you now, I'm not gonna sure what'll happen. I mean, are we boyfriends now? I mean, my mom only just found out during breakfast this morning. Everything in my head is all fucked up!"

Andy was surprised Tommy just came out to his mom at all. He had questions of his own, but there was a bigger statement he'd be dying to tell Tommy. "I would consider it the greatest honor to be your boyfriend, Tommy. But we don't have to worry about what others say. We love each other, and the love we share will bring us through everything. As long as we support each other, nobody can hurt us. Sure, there will be bumps along the way, hell look at what's already happened, Kyle, Curt at the mall, that kind of shit, and through it all, WE happened."

Then, looking up and down the street they were on, seeing nobody nearby and blushing deeply, Tommy gave Andy a peck on the cheek. "I'm just all mixed up. Maybe talking to your grandfather is a good idea."

The boys then finished their walk and Tommy let them into the house. As soon as the door closed, Andy felt Tommy pull him roughly toward himself. Their lips connected and it was as if a fire had been released from Tommy's body.

Andy felt Tommy's tongue coax it's way into his mouth and for what seemed like an eternity, they dueled for supremacy over each other's oral cavity. The hands of both boys franticly roamed the other's body until almost in unison they broke the kiss.

"Holy Fuck! That was hot!" Tommy exclaimed.

"Like I said, something special." Andy quipped. "But, as much as I want to do more of that, and much more, I think we need to sit and talk. I meant what I said about us not going too fast. I care too much about you, I care too much about us for this to be nothing more than a flash in the pan, as my grandpa says."

Tommy nodded, even though he looked a little disappointed, he took Andy's hand and led him to the sofa. They sat facing each other on the sofa, both hands holding that of the other, stared into each other's eyes for a few minutes, just soaking up the other.

Finally, Andy spoke, "I want to get this clear from the start -- I love you. I know this is all new to you, heck, it's pretty new to me too. You are my first real boyfriend, and I hope, with all my heart, you will be the last boyfriend I ever have. I want you to know you can tell me anything and everything you're feeling and I will do the same. Grandpa told me that only if you can be totally honest with another person, you can weather whatever happens to each other when things aren't going perfectly. Do you understand what I'm trying to say?"

Tommy understood, "Yeah, I think so. This is all so confusing to me, Andy. These feelings I'm having feel wonderful, but at the same time they're really scary. My heart tells me I want you so bad, in so many ways. But my head says… damn... I don't know what my head is saying, but I want us to work too. I love you sooooooo much... I can't explain it."

Andy's heart fluttered, "You know, this might be the best time for me to introduce you to the man who helped me come to the point where I was happy with who I am. When my Mom died, he was there to pick up the pieces, he made me feel good about myself, he taught me how to grieve for my mother while still living my life. When I first thought I was gay, it was Grandpa Mike who helped me come to grips with it and accept it. What do you say, should we call him?"

Tommy sighed and said, "Yeah. I think that would be cool."

"Hang on a sec... do you have Skype?"

"Yeah… why?"

Andy took out his phone and sent a text to his grandfather. "I hope he remembers how to read this text." Andy laughed. Moments later, Andy's phone beeped. He read the message and told Tommy, "It's okay. He'll be waiting for us to call him on Skype."

Tommy took Andy's hand and led him upstairs to his bedroom. He looked at Andy, then at his bed. Flashes went off in his mind where he saw himself and Andy making passionate love on his bed. He shook those thoughts from his mind and led Andy to his computer. After pulling a second chair by the computer for Andy, Tommy booted his computer and started Skype.

Andy gave Tommy his grandfather's address and Tommy sent a friend request which was almost instantly accepted. He made sure his webcam was set up properly then made a video call to Grandpa Mike. A few moments later the screen switched to a video feed.

"Hi Grandpa." Andy said before continuing, "I want to introduce you to Tommy. He's my new boyfriend."

Tommy's smile grew hearing Andy refer to him in that manner. His mood improved even more when he saw Grandpa Mike's smile grow ever fonder and his deep voice reply, "It's nice to meet you Tommy. I can see my grandson has excellent taste in his boys."

Andy was embarrassed, but smirked when Tommy blushed a deeper shade of red on his pale cheeks, but managed a sheepish, "Thanks. It's great to meet you too. I can see which side of the family Andy got his looks from too."

"Grandpa," Andy started, "We have so much to talk to you about. Do you have the time?"

"For you, Andy, and for you too, Tommy, I have all the time in the world."

During the nearly three hours that passed, Grandpa Mike worked through Tommy's fears. Andy's questions. Both of their worries of the future. Mike told them that any time, 24 hours a day, they could call him, either separately or together, if they found the need to talk. They talked about their love for each other, and how to tell that it was really love. They talked about Andy's dad, Tommy's mom, school, and their friends. Grandpa Mike suggested that Andy and Tommy should sit together with both Jim, and Becky for a joint talk. Grandpa then told them that he was planning on a visit the following week and they could sit together and talk more. After Tommy and Grandpa Mike shared their cellphone numbers, they ended the Skype call.

Andy felt spent after the call, but as they sat on Tommy's bed, they both wanted to try kissing again until he heard a car in the driveway. He looked at the clock and was amazed it was so late. Tommy's mom was home. They shared a brief kiss instead before straightening themselves a bit.

The boys went back downstairs and met Becky at the door. "Hi Boys, I didn't expect you to be home yet. The movie wasn't scheduled to be out for about 30 more minutes."

"We didn't go to the movie, Mom." Tommy replied. "Something happened."

Becky's expression suddenly shifted to one of concern. "What happened?"

Tommy became flustered and tears started building in his eyes. Seeing this Andy took up the conversation. "We had a great morning. We went to lunch at the food park and this jerk came up and started hassling us. He didn't know me, but he decided to mess with Tommy by outing him to me."

Becky's expression then turned to anger, as she was about to speak, Andy cut her off.

"It's okay, Becky. I told the jerk off. I told Tommy I was gay too. We decided to come here and talk for a bit, then we talked to my Grandfather for a couple hours on Skype."

"So, you're gay too? Umh..." Andy could see Becky's mind started churning. She tried to say something and then stopped for a moment. "You talked on Skype for 3 hours? Did you at least eat?"

"Um, no Mom. We just got involved in the conversation."

"I need to call my Dad, Becky. Tommy and I want to have a talk with you and him. I'll ask if he can come here after work and bring some Chinese food or something for all of us."

Becky nodded, went to Tommy and wrapped him in a hug while Andy called his father. Once Andy had completed his call, he turned to the others, "Dad said he'd be here in about 45 minutes. Becky, Tommy and I really need to talk for a bit before he gets here, do you mind if we go back to his room until my dad gets here? We'll answer all your questions then, okay? Please?"

Becky had a reserved look, then nodded to the boys and watched as they went back upstairs.

Once back in Tommy's room, Andy wrapped Tommy in his arms and said softly into his ear, "Don't worry, Babe, this will go a lot smoother than you think. I've already been through this kind of thing with my dad and I know how he'll react. Your mom seems to only want whatever makes you happy."

"You… you… you called me 'Babe'. I kind of like that! I know what you're saying, but I'm still scared." Tommy replied. "Besides, Mom wasn't the one I was worried about."

Andy kissed his boyfriend, then released him from the hug. "I have an idea. How about I get us in touch with my friends, from where I used to live. Roger and Alex would absolutely love to meet you."

"I guess, anything to keep my mind off talking to our folks." Tommy then took Andy's hand and led him to the computer.

Andy sat at the computer this time, logged out of Skype and logged in with his own ID. He selected his two friends and sent them a text.

Andy: Hey Guys!

Roger: Dude! It's been weeks! Wassup?

Alex: 'Sup Andy.

Andy: Weeeeeelllll…. I kinda got some news. Can you cam?

Alex: Ya.

Roger: K

Andy switched to a video conference, before doing that he told Tommy to move out of the camera's range. The screen switched to a split screen with Alex on the left and Roger on the right.

Alex opened by saying, "Are you at home? The room looks different."

"Yeah, it's clean!" Roger quipped.

"Um, that's one thing I wanted to tell you, I'm at my Boyfriend's house, on his computer, in his room." Andy smirked.

"Dude! You got a boyfriend? Where is he?" Roger exclaimed excitedly.

"Yeah, I gotta see what kind of guy would hook up with a loser like you!" Alex joked.

Andy turned and motioned for Tommy to sit with him. Tommy sat on one side of Andy's lap, giving him a kiss on the cheek as he did so.

"For your information, I don't have a loser for a boyfriend. He's the best anyone could hope for. I'm Tommy, by the way." Giving Andy another peck on the cheek. Tommy was really liking this kissing stuff.

"Damn, Andy, you hit the jackpot, he's hot!" Roger said.

"You switching sides too Rog? Nice to meet you, Tommy. I was just givin' my old bud a hard time, I didn't mean anything by it." Replied Alex.

"No, I'm not switching teams, Alex. But I can tell a good looking guy from a dog like you! Nice to meet you, Tommy. If Andy doesn't take good care of you, you let me know and I'll come there and smack some sense into him."

Everyone laughed at that comment. Andy then told the guys the story of how he and Tommy came out. All about what happened at the mall, and what happened since… except that first kiss. That was between him and Tommy. They talked for a while longer, just getting to know each other, but when they heard a car pulling into the driveway they ended the call--Andy promising to give Tommy their Skype info. After breaking the connection, they went downstairs.

Jim was already in the house when the boys got downstairs, Becky and Jim introducing themselves to each other. Jim asked Andy to go to the car and get the box of food. As Andy went to do as he was asked, Tommy stood nervously not knowing what to do or say. Becky broke his trance asking him to set the table with plates and glasses, along with silverware.

Jim asked Becky, "Do you know what this is all about? Andy just said he needed to talk to you and me together with Tommy."

"You know about as much as me, but they told me something happened at the mall. I think we should just eat dinner and see what they say. By the way, do you need me to pay for any of the food?"

"No, I got it this time, maybe next time you'd be willing to cook for us. It's been a long time since we had a meal cooked by, don't take this wrong, but… A mom. Not since before my wife passed."

"I'm sorry, I didn't know. It'll be nice to cook for you. It'll be like cooking for my family before my husband took off not long ago."

About this time, Andy returned with the food and was directed to the kitchen. The adults followed him and Becky showed them where to sit so that she and Tommy could sit in the seats they usually did.

They dished up the food which smelled wonderful. Tommy asked what everyone wanted to drink, then brought the adults a can of soda each, and the jug of Sunny D for he and Andy. Everyone dug into their food and had an enjoyable meal together. Near the end of the meal Andy looked at Tommy who nodded.

Andy looked at both his father and Becky before speaking. He made sure to keep his voice confident as he said, "A whole lot happened today. But the hardest one happened right after lunch. We were just about finished eating when a kid came over, about our age, and started hassling Tommy. He was being a total jerk, but he proved it when he asked Tommy if he'd told me he was gay. Tommy hadn't even told the kid he was, but he thought he could make trouble. I told the jerk that Tommy hadn't told me, but I hadn't told Tommy I was either. I then got rid of him. Tommy told me he was too. Over the last few weeks, Tommy and I have spent a lot of time together, and, well, we sorta fell for each other. I've asked Tommy to be my boyfriend and he agreed."

Andy fell silent waiting for their reaction. Tommy seemed more nervous than he had ever been, as Andy moved his chair next to Tommy and they held hands under the table.

After almost a minute of silence Becky spoke. "Well, this is moving a bit fast. Tommy didn't even tell me he was gay until earlier today."

"You may not have known he was gay, but if he's anything like Andy, then he's known for a bit longer. They have spent a lot of time together." Jim replied.

"Mom… this is all new to me, but I know how I feel. Whenever I'm near Andy, I feel… I dunno… something special. I know in my heart that I love him, and I believe with all my soul that he loves me too." Tommy had found his voice. "I feel so strongly about this, that I want to talk about maybe coming out totally. I know there will be some bad stuff that will happen because of the other kids at school, and honestly, that scares the shit out of me. Sorry for cussing, but… it was the best word to describe how I felt."

"We talked to Grandpa Mike… sorry, Becky, Grandpa Mike was my Mom's father. He has really helped me to accept who I am, and I thought he could help Tommy. He said he's coming next week for a visit and you can meet him. I know you'll love him! I also know that if, and I mean IF we all agree that coming out would be best, then I know we'll have the best support around with you two and Grandpa Mike."

"Well, you seem to have it all worked out. Personally, I think that Andy and Tommy make a cute couple. I think they might be good for each other." Jim added.

Becky looked at the two, and at that moment, Andy and Tommy moved the hands they were holding onto the table. They turned to each other and just stared into each other's eyes for a moment, before turning back. Becky felt the emotion of this situation and finally said, "They do look good together, and they seem to be pretty much in love. I can say I'm still a bit shocked, but I'd rather we knew what was going on between them than them doing things behind our back."

Both Andy and Tommy giggled at her comments and that's when the penny dropped and Becky realized what she said could have meant. She blushed deeply letting out a nervous laugh of her own adding, "Well, you know what I meant. But I guess it would apply to both meanings. I will insist on some ground rules."

Jim agreed that there needed to be some structure and that is when Andy and Tommy surprised them both.

"We don't plan on rushing things. We agreed we wanted to take thing slowly. We're not saying there won't be anything 'happening' between us, but, our relationship isn't just an excuse to get all freaky. We won't be having sex." Said Andy.

Tommy continued, "When we do anything, we'll be showing our love for each other. But if I know my Mom, she's wondering if we'll be needing condoms soon. And answer to that, no. We agreed that we will not do that until we have been together for a while. This is all very new to me, and Andy has already told me he wants us to last. That's what I want too, so, we're gonna wait for that."

Becky looked at Jim who said, "I am proud of both of you. You have obviously thought this through and I, for one, am happy with things as you proposed. What do you think, Becky?"

"Well," Becky was trying to decide exactly how she felt, but she continued, "I don't see any reason to stand between these two. I'm relieved that they have taken a mature attitude to it, and I'm reassured that they thought of condoms. However, I feel it important, Jim, that we both provide a supply of them, just in case. And a refresher course on how to use them properly."

Everyone agreed to this, even though both Andy and Tommy were visibly embarrassed at the thought that Jim would be teaching them the finer things of… well… you know. Just before dinner ended, Andy again showed his grandfather's influence by saying, "We know you two want to talk a bit without us, so, why don't you go into the living room and talk while Tommy and I clean up the dishes from dinner."

Becky again was astonished. Seeing this Jim said, "He spent a lot of time with his grandfather. The man is a stickler for manners, and I guess some of his logical mind seeped into Andy. I think talking together is a good idea, don't you agree?"

Becky nodded. As the adults were about to leave, Tommy asked, "Jim, Mom? Do you think Andy could spend the night?"

Before Becky could speak, Jim said, "We'll talk about it and let you know when you come join us in the living room." With that, he led Becky out of the kitchen.

The boys started cleaning up from dinner while the adults had a chat.

 

[To be Continued]