Chrysalis Part 2: Prologue and Chapter 1
This story is about a young man's quest to fix a major birth defect--he was born without a penis. On his quest he meets his soul mate and many other soon to be friends.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, and events are the product of the author's imagination, or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to any real person is coincidental.
The story depicts procedures and practices common for gender reassignment; however, this story does not claim to be a medical treatise, and information is primarily for the purpose of the story and not medical advice. This story is written for adults with adult themes. If you are underage or live in a location where references to gay relationships or transgender people is forbidden, please log out of the story or move.
This work is copyrighted by Boethiuscell@gmail.com © 2023
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Chris Wentworth Tom Greenwood
Prologue
Chris sat by the window as he and Tom flew into New York: past the Lady and stalagmite Manhattan. Past thousands of lights reached out saying Chris, "I'm here. I exist." An abstraction of millions of lives lived in this glow: millions of lives being all connected, but unaware, by the pools of light and shadow, by the slender threads of road, by the air engulfing them, by the ground supporting them. All connected to each other; all connected to the plants in Central Park, to the weed lots, to the thistle struggling in a sidewalk crack. All connected to the panoply of animals from bird to rat to roach; all sharing this moment.
The dark rivers, Ouroboros to Manhattan, flowed below dispensing meager light back to the city; a miser distributing alms. Chris felt Tom's hand close around his as the landing gear descended, as the miles of lights became blocks and then yards. The plane landed with a shutter of an earthquake, and the hatch of its silver cocoon opened.
Chapter 1--Arrival with Surprises
Chris stood dumb struck in the doorway of Tom's apartment. There was nothing he saw that said the Tom he met in Chicago. The apartment was small, which he expected, but minimal, modern and cold--unexpected. The living area held a black leatherette sofa and matching recliner, chrome and glass end and coffee tables, and a flat screen TV, too large for the room. Two game controllers lay on the floor. Even the artwork was monochromatic abstract of greys and taupe.
"This is home," smiled Tom as he set the luggage down.
"Tommy, Tommy, your home" came a yell from a man barreling down the hall. He threw himself into Tom, arms and legs enwrapping him. Tom stumbled a bit with the unexpected weight. "Oh Tommy, I've missed you so much." The statement ended with the man's lips tight on Tom's. Tom instinctively responded. Chris looked down, embarrassed. Once the man pulled out of the kiss he plaintively said, "Oh, Tommy, I want to fuck you. Now. Here. Hard." The man slowly untangled himself from Tom and started unbuckling Tom's belt. It was then the man noticed Chris standing awkwardly in the door of the apartment. "Drop the bags and leave." He dismissed Chris with a glare before turning back to Tom.
Tom regained his equilibrium and said, "Toby, I would like you to meet Chris, Chris this is Toby."
Chris carefully looked at the young man. He was tall and too thin. His skin color was between a walnut and a mahogany that reflected light like polished stone. Chris held out his hand. Toby carefully eyed Chris like a sparing cock and extended his hand languidly. Toby turned to Tom and gave a who-the-hell-is-this look.
"Toby, Chris is a new hire by Stu. I'm to show him the ropes here in New York."
"He is staying with us?" The question was a challenge to Chris.
"I figured I'd sleep on the sofa," offered Chris. "Until I find my own place."
Slightly mollified, Toby grunted an "Oh." He gave Chris a cursory evaluation. "I can see why Stu might hire you, but can you walk?"
"He is talented," Tom said slightly defensive. Toby glared at Tom; fury just checked. "He is a natural at this business. Stu has high expectations."
"Yeah," Toby groused, "he expects our asses to make him bundles." Toby turned his full attention back to Tom, "Tommy , I have missed you," he ran a finger down the front of Tom, starting at the collar bone and ending at the crotch, but closely watching Chris. "Only you can make me purr. Everyone else in New York is boring. Tommy, I need you so inside me, and I in you." He licked Tom's ear.
Tom looked at Chris: one arm reaching for Chris; one arm pulled insistently by Toby. "Go," said Chris, "do not disappoint Toby," Chris gestured at Tom's obvious erection. "I'll be fine, Tommy." Toby and Tom disappeared down a hall and Chris heard a door close. Chris gave a soft sigh, gathered himself together. New York was Tom's haunts: his friends and his life. Chicago was magic, but the show was over. Chris knew that New York was the start of his life, and he would make the best out of it with or without Tom.
Chris pulled his bags into the living area, grabbed his toiletries and headed toward the bathroom. He could hear Tom and Toby and smiled ruefully; Toby could give Tom a real penis. When Chris exited the bathroom, he saw a pillow, blanket and sheets outside Tom's door. He grabbed them and returned to the living room. The sofa was just a little too short to be comfortable, but the recliner was a gem. It had heat and massage settings. Chris could be comfortable on this, for now.
The noise from the bedroom grew as Toby screeched and wailed in pleasure. Chris laughed slightly; sure, this was a show for his benefit. Chris walked to the kitchen and opened the refrigerator, as expected nothing. Hungry and not wanting to be an audience, Chris decided to try the corner deli that he spotted when they arrived. He found the apartment keys Tom had thrown on the table and left behind the sounds, "Oh god, Tommy , Fuck me Tommy , deeper."
The deli was brightly light from fluorescent lights; everything looked flat and greenish, but the smell was the reward for the garish décor. "Sit anywhere hon." said a woman at the service counter at the back of the deli. "Be with in a sec." She never turned from picking up an order.
Chris slid into a booth with red plastic benches and a Formica table. Grabbing a menu, he looked over mostly sandwiches, breakfasts, and others he had no clue: pierogies, knishes, latkes, matzo ball soup (heard of that), and poutine. Chris suddenly was excited; he was in New York with a job. He could afford to eat out and actually do things he liked--museums.
"Hey, hon, what'ca want?" Chris looked up at an older woman in her mid to late forties, dark brown hair with stands of grey woven in. She was heavy set, big bosomed, yet comfortable with her size. She immediately made Chris feel welcome. He liked this place.
"I don't know." Chris looked up at her and smiled, which earned him a return smile.
She slid into the seat on the opposite him. "Must be new, ain't seen you before." The smile was curious but not intimidating.
"Greener than grass in April."
"She laughed. Welcome hon, I'm Stella and that mug flipping." She gestured behind the counter to a window open to the kitchen "that's Stan. When, where from?"
Chris looked into her amazing brown eyes: curious, intent and cautious. "about two hours ago from Chicago"
"Humph." She waited.
"I'm staying down the street until I find my own place."
"You a model?" It was not a particularly friendly question.
"Yes." Chris said slowly.
"Got the looks. Staying with Tom Greenwood?"
"Yeah, for now."
"He and that black kid, Toby, come in here for breakfast on the way home from a party, sometimes."
"With him."
"Tom--nice kid, just needs to grow up, but he's young." She gave Chris a solid appraisal, "So are you." Chris was uncomfortable and started reading the menu. "So ready to order. I didn't mean to take up your time. I just like to know the new neighbors."
"Not sure what to have. And I am enjoying the company. I thought New Yorkers were cold and impersonal."
"Hon, we are. We're plenty friendly to strangers, but our own, no need to be nice. I recommend the Reuben with poutine fries." She smiled and slid out of the booth.
"Reuben and poutine," Chris smiled back. "And coffee." He added.
Chris glanced around the deli. It was clean and tidy. It likely had not had an update in décor in fifty years, but that made the place homey and comfortable. He knew this would be a favorite spot for him. He tried not to think about Tom and Toby. He expected Tom to slide into his New York habits with his New York friends. Ariel had warned him. He just did not expect the first night would be old habits. Toby was luscious and lusty, how could Tom refuse.
Chris stared out the window to refocus. The street lights made lily pads in a lake of black, and people and cars like frogs would jump into the light, linger and the hop back into the dark. Chris ruminated that the metaphor applied to so many aspects of life: sex, friendships, work, love, even life itself. He was on one of the lily pads and ready to jump into the black. Maybe a car. Chris snickered at this last thought.
"Here's your food, hon." Stella's voice brought him back to reality. "Might thoughtful," she added.
"This looks delicious," Chris replied. He took a bite of the fries with gravy. "poutine?" Chris waved a fry at Stella. Stella nodded, "Good." Chris replied has he shoved two in his mouth.
"Like I said mighty thoughtful for one so young. You should be light hearted and hedonistic like Tom."
"Life has not allowed me that privilege. That behavior is not me."
"Yeah, got that," Stella said as she slid into the booth again. "Ain't busy so need to rest these old bones, if you don't mind."
Chris waved her toward the seat as he took a large bit of the Reuben. "God, this is good." Sauce leaked out and dribbled down his chin, which he grabbed a napkin to wipe. "Sorry about that."
"Stan didn't make it right if it doesn't drip." She laughed. "Take it your friend Tom is entertaining and you left for your sanity."
"Yeah, pretty much, but I was also hungry."
"Chris, it is wrong to leave a guest his first night in a strange city."
Chris proceeded to explain the details of Tom's dilemma between Chris and a firm black cock. The description of Tom's initial reactions had Stella in fits of laughter.
"Stan, you ain't busy, come sit with us and meet our new neighbor, Chris." Stella yelled, the voice carrying several blocks.
"Hey kid-o," Stan said as he extended a hand, soft fingered and calloused palms. to Chris. "What brings you to the neighborhood."
"Work brings me to New York from Chicago. I am staying, temporarily with Tom Greenwood, just down the street. I saw the deli sign when we arrived, got hungry and here I am."
"Temporarily, you said," Stan quirked an eyebrow.
"Yes, Tom only has one bedroom. I don't relish sleeping in a chair indefinitely." Stella winked at her husband.
"What you looking for?" Stan asked as he glanced back at Stella.
"Nothing special, furnished, small kitchen, bed. I'm OK with Spartan." Chris gave a small chuckle. He knew Spartan. He knew homeless.
Stan turned to Stella, "You know Jarrod moved out the first and we have an empty place upstairs."
"I had thought of that too," replied Stella, who then turned to Chris, "If you don't mind living above a deli, we let a place upstairs you might like."
"Is there a dumbwaiter to the deli so I can order in?" Chris asked.
"No," Stan replied. "You need to come down the stairs. But we'd feed you good."
"The location, might be perfect because I need to be close to Tom. He is my mentor for the next several months before we go to Milan."
"Milan," Stella chirped. "You are doing Milan Fashion Week?"
"That's the plan."
"How long have you been modeling?" she asked.
"Hired Monday; doing, never." Chris laughed with Stan and Stella joining.
"Someone thinks you're very good," Stan said.
"Lots of pressure to not disappoint." Chris sighed. He focused on the dark outside the window. Would he end up homeless in New York if the modeling did not pan out?
Stella cocked her head. "Interested in looking at the place?"
"Definitely."
"Tomorrow say 9:00 or 9:30. We'll be in the deli."
"Sure, what's the rent? I've heard tales of how expensive rent is."
"We ask 1000 a month, but it is negotiable. We are more concerned about the kind of renter than the amount of rent." Stan said with Stella nodding.
Chris's face went into a question. "You don't know me, so why do you assume I will be a good renter?"
Stella reached over and patted Chris's hand, "Hon, you let me sit with you when I said I was tired. That is a good person. And for some God given reason, I like you."
Stan added, "I always trust my wife's instincts." He gave Stella quick kiss. "I can tell that you are honest, grounded, have experienced hardship, and understand people."
"We would both like you as a renter, but we will show you the place in the morning." The bell over the door tinkled. "Got to get back to work. Finish eating."
Chris liked the idea of having his own place, his first place. Tom's is a good place to crash, but he did not want to interfere with Tom and Toby, or anyone else Tom might want to bring home. Chicago was special, but New York was now. Chris always prided himself as being a realist. Anything Chris and Tom had in Chicago, ended when they landed at La Guardia. Chris felt the disappointment and betrayal, but that was just Tom and him. There was so much more going for him. Chris would survive without Tom.
Chris's phone vibrated on the table. Chris looked and saw he had three text messages: his sister, Hank, and Ariel.
Chris's sister texted, "Hope you arrived safe and sound. Told Mom that we had lunch. She cried. Said she worried and prayed every night for you. Wants us to stay in touch."
Chris replied, "Here safe. Eating at deli you'd luv, nice owners. May have apartment, my first. ☺ Will stay in touch. Visit?"
Hank's was brief. "New York? Good?"
Replied, "Very Good, My own place, if can afford $."
Stella shoved a piece of apple pie in front of me. "To our new tenant." Chris liked the sound of that, and the pie was amazing.
Ariel's message was longer, "Hi, I, just checking to see how you are doing. I know you just got to New York today, but what are your first impressions. Is Tom treating you well, Chris. And Cedrick wants you to know how much we like you and consider you as part of the family. Even if Tom goes blind to your worth, we never want to lose our connection to you." Chris wanted to cry. "We will be in New York in the middle or end of May or June. We will get together. That is not an option. Love Ariel."
Chris: "What a wonderful treat to hear from you. You and Cedrick are special to me too. I cherish the thought of us being friends. I may be moving into my own apartment tomorrow. The deli down the street from Tom's has a room for rent. I am excited about being on my own. I know Tom will appreciate the full freedom of his place without me underfoot."
Chris looked at his phone and felt the love with each message. He was going to be great. Chris looked around, left a twenty on the table and found Stella talking to a customer, "Sorry to interrupt but I need to get some sleep, been a long day. See you tomorrow at 9:30 about the apartment. Oh, I left money on the table."
Chris let himself in the dark and quiet apartment. They must have worn themselves out, he thought wistfully. He went into the bathroom, brushed his teeth and changed into a T-shirt and boxer briefs. He debated leaving his prosthetic penis in the bathroom to freak Toby out, but decided to maintain that secret for a while.
Chris awoke about 7:30 remarkably rested--he had turned on the shiatsu massage on the chair until he was almost asleep; every wrinkle in his body smoothed out. He showered and made coffee. With his coffee, he checked his bank account and saw more money than he expected, so he would be able to afford any security deposits Stan and Stella required. Also, there was a text from Hank wishing him well with finding an apartment. As the text said, "Big step. Proud."
The apartment was quiet except for Tom mumbling to Toby. Chris figured another round was soon to start. Chris worried about leaving the apartment without a key, but he knew that Tom would need it, and, with luck, he would have his own place tonight. Chris left a note on the fridge saying out apartment hunting. Closing the door, he heard Toby screaming, "Harder." Good time to leave.
Stella took Chris upstairs through a door on the side of the building. "Private entrance Stella mentioned. Stella unlocked the door and Chris was giddy with excitement. The main area was one large room with a sofa and two wingback chairs. A large window overlooked the street, and another window was over a dining room table with four chairs. The kitchen sink was under another window along the same wall as the dining room. The kitchen had a stainless-steel refrigerator, with in-door ice dispenser and an electric stove with a microwave in the hood behind a prep island. The queen-size bed was against the back wall and the entry wall. It had over-sized pillows and a rust brocade duvet. Between the kitchen and the bed were two doors.
"It may not be up to the standard you had in Chicago," Stella said apologetically. Chris almost choked at the irony. "but it is comfortable." She walked to the first door, "This is a closet," Chris walked in; it was the size of a minivan. He did not have enough clothes to fill a third. "This door leads to the bathroom." Chris walked into the narrow room that had the usual sink and toilet, but beyond that was a huge claw foot tub and beyond a small shower with a small window. Chris was stunned. This was so perfect. Stella guided Chris to the all the outlets and cable connects. She said Wi-Fi was available through the deli connection. She smiled at Chris waiting for a response.
"This is far more than I expected. I'll take it if the rent is good."
Stella smiled broadly, "I'm glad you want it because as Stan and I said last night, we would like you as a tenant. It's a thousand a month, if that is good for you otherwise we can negotiate. That includes heat and water. It does not include electricity and cable."
"Can I move in today?"
Stella blinked with surprise and stammered, "Yes, of course. We just need to do the paperwork."
Chris knocked on Tom's apartment door. After a pause, Toby opened the door. "So how was the apartment hunting." Condescension was behind Toby's words, who was naked.
"I found a place and move in today."
Tom took a step back. "Today."
"Just came to pick up my stuff then I'll be out of your hair."
"Today?" Tom stood still. "Today! I expected you to stay until." Tom stopped unable to find a date.
"I think it best if I move out now." Chris looked from Tom to Toby and back to Tom. "I am just in the way here." He put his hands on his hips; a statement on his independence and a fuck you to Toby. Chris knew his type: charming, cunning, and dangerous.
Tom was just hit by a bus and did not know how to respond. "Where?"
"It's perfect, just down the street so we can meet when we do whatever Stu wants us to do and when done we can split and go our separate ways." He smiled at Tom's groping for words.
"Where?"
"I have a room above the deli. You know Stella's Deli. Stella says that you and Toby stop by late at night returning from the bars." Chris could not avoid the dig. "It is only a few blocks from here; I will good to be by myself and not intruding here, where I am a third wheel, a flat third wheel."
" Deli?"
"Yes, it's perfect, open plan, nice kitchen, fully furnished, walk-in closet, bathroom with tub and shower. From the dining room window, I can see part of the Brooklyn Bridge." Chris did not mention that the portion he saw needed identification to be recognized.
"You can't afford an apartment." Tom was grasping for straws.
"Paid the security deposit and first and last." Chris smiled. He enjoyed being smug with Tom.
"How'd you find out about it?"
Chris walked into the living area and sat, Tom and Toby followed. "Last night you and Toby were very vocal, so I could not sleep." Toby grinned at Chris claiming his ground. "I was hungry and remembered the deli. I stopped in; Stan and Stella mentioned they had an apartment they would rent to me. I looked, I loved, and I rented."
"That is not how it is ever done in New York. It took me months to find this place." Tom's face turned into a scowl, "I bet they are over charging you."
Chris leaned over and patted Tom's hand to say stupid boy. "I believe it was more than fair, if not cheap." Chris almost felt guilty at Tom's discomfort. "Tom, I am a big boy and know how to handle myself. I survived the streets of Chicago, why not here." He then gave Tom a big shit-eating grin. "I'm so adorable that I can charm anyone. Even you said that."
"Fine, if that's what you want." Tom growled as he rose and stomped into the bedroom.
"You enjoyed that." Toby stated.
"Yes." Chris grabbed his suitcase and backpack and head toward the door. "Go make Tom feel better." Chris smiled and closed the door.
Chris unlocked the door to his apartment. His very own apartment. He felt mature, adult, responsible and scared, but it was his own apartment. He immediately texted Helga to give her his new address. Then he texted with pictures to his sister and his address. He sat on his sofa, which he realized was a sleeper sofa, and looked at the large flat screen TV. He did not remember it when he toured the apartment. A small note was attached.to the base of the TV. "Welcome home, Stan and Stella." Chris suddenly had a fear that he moved upstairs from his parents.
He checked the refrigerator, which only had a sandwich and a couple of cans of soda, again from Stan and Stella. He felt proud that he needed to do grocery shopping.
In the deli, Stella gave him a large warm hug. "Do you like the place?"
"Yes, very much, and thank you for the TV. You shouldn't have."
"Tutt, tutt. It was sitting in the office gathering dust."
"Something to eat?"
"No, I'm good. Is there a grocery store close? I want to start stocking somethings in my own fridge." He smiled at her smile. "It is far more than I ever dreamed just two months ago. So much good luck so fast worries me."
"You deserve good things, everyone does. It does not always happen, so enjoy it now."
"Yeah, I guess, but new job, great apartment, phenomenal landlords all within a week."
Stan came over and nudged him in the ribs. "The apartment is yours. You may entertain anyone you want overnight. We live a few blocks away, so you can crank up the music if you want after we close at 11:30. You understand?" Chris blushed.
"Aw Stan, you made him blush," Stella cooed.
"Grocery store." Chris stated to change the topic.
"Left, then four blocks and a right. It's a nice Italian store, but it caters to a diverse community."
Once Chris was back at his apartment, he promised himself that he would never buy more than he could carry. He ended up leaving two bags at the bottom of his stairs and making two trips. Chris smiled at his refrigerator and pantry with his food. Hank and Dion would be proud. He texted Hank and Ariel with his new address and a few pictures. He also wondered what Tom would think, but he brushed that aside. Tom was part of his old life. It was 2:00 PM on a Saturday afternoon with nothing to do.
Chris went down to the deli and found Stan. "He kid-o, getting settled?"
"Not much to do, you have almost everything already there. Got food; so good."
"So now you're bored."
"Yeah, I thought I might do a museum in Manhattan."
"Not much for museums myself. Went to the Natural History in school. It was OK."
"Not sure I want to try it alone."
"The hype about the dangers of this burg are over the top, except for the touristy areas--Lady Lib, Time Square mostly. Of course, all cities have their bad areas, you know and avoid. No sense asking for trouble."
"I'll be good then by myself?" Chris waited for assurance.
Stan looked a Chris, "Benjamin, get your ass in here." A tall lanky kid, about 16, in jeans and an old Grateful Dead T-shirt sauntered in.
"Yeah, Uncle Stan."
"Want to go to Manhattan?" The kid blinked in confusion but otherwise did not move.
"Sure."
"This is Chris. He just moved into the apartment upstairs today. New to the Apple. Want to go with him to a museum."
Benjamin eyed Chris over, with a small gleam in his eye. "Sure, no prob."
"Tell your aunt that I'm sending you on an errand. Then be off."
"Aunt Stella," Benjamin yelled as he faded into the back of the deli.
"Nice kid, too brainy for this joint. He'll show you any museum. Would live there if his parents let him."
"Ready Chris?" Benjamin asked. Chris nodded, "cool. Let's blow the joint."
"Benjamin," Chris started.
"Please, Benjie. I hate Benjamin" This was said with a curled lips and wrinkled nose.
"Benjie," Chris amended, "What do you recommend?"
"The Met is cool, and the Nat is also cool. The MOMA if you like freaky art."
"Let's start at the Met."
Benjie led Chris down several streets to a subway. "Easiest way to get around is the sub. This will take you to the Island. Slick and easy"
"I'm sure I'll manage with time."
Once the turnstiles and seats were obtained, Benjie asked "What brings you to the City?"
"Work. New job."
"Cool," but Benjie waited for more.
"Do you know Tom Greenwood?"
"Yeah, hot dude comes in the deli with other hot dudes and hot chicks occasionally. First class model."
"I will be working with him, modeling."
Benjie gave Chris a careful perusal. "Yeah, your hot too, can see that."
"Are you gay?" Chris quietly asked.
"Naw, I like chicks. Just got to admit when people are hot they're hot no matter what hangs where." Chris laughed. "You gay?"
"If liking men is gay, yeah."
Benjie gave Chris a curious look. "Don't mean to offend man, but you laugh like a girl."
Chris froze for a second and thought what the hell, this is Chris's new life. "I am a girl." Chris smiled.
Benjie paused and looked at the obvious bulge in Chris's jeans. "My friend wants to be a girl, wears dresses and make-up. Planning surgery in a few years, so it's cool."
"I will have surgery next year."
"Getting rid of the dick?"
"No way, getting one; one the works too." Benjie did not react shocked, disgusted or uncomfortable with the gender change.
"Good for you. I figure people need to be happy in their skin, and today with the surgery, be happy."
Chris and Benjie wandered the Met. Chris was impressed by Benjie's knowledge and astute eye. They laughed their way through the Greek section, commenting on all the little penises on the statures.
They were commenting on the bronze sculpture of Trebonianus Gallus and how unflattering the image was when Benjie nudged Chris. "45 degrees, you're being cruised." Chris looked bewildered "Guy to your right checking you out. Hot too."
"No, it's most likely you."
"No man, it's you. His eyes follow you not me."
Chris did a slow walk around the statue pretending to examine it while getting into a position to look surreptitiously. As Chris looked up, the guy caught his eye, waved with his fingers and smiled shyly. Chris smiled back.
"The men's bathroom on this floor is cruisy and casual. If you want to meet him." Benjie's statement was permission.
"Here, in the Met!" Chris knew that Chicago was the same.
"Very popular. The police and museum guards try to control it but finally realized that cruising would pop up elsewhere, like Wack-a-mole. Now they just keep it tamer. Some of my friends make a little extra cash hustling. I haven't, but money is money."
"I know that need." Chris replied. Benjie gave Chris a sideways glance but did not say anything.
They stood in awe of the larger works, which covered whole walls. The Egyptian tomb was somber as were the mummies. Chris bought lunch at the Café, where they trashed the various tourists and what they wore.
"Man, you are sure oblivious."
"What"
"In every room some hot guy tried to get your attention. You're some sort of pied piper with men."
"You are exaggerating. I didn't notice anyone."
"Fuck man. Three separate men just decided to have lunch so they could cruise you. If only you'd attract chicks that way. I'd have a phonebook of numbers."
Chris's phone buzzed for the fourth time, he looked at it and turned it over. "Are you going to get that?" Benjie asked.
"Nay, nothing important. He can wait."
"He?"
"Yeah Tom."
"Model Tom?"
"Yeah." Chris replied. "We flew in together, and I stayed with him last night. I moved out today and into your Aunt and Uncle's place. He wants to know what I am doing."
"You hiding?"
"Yeah, guess so."
"You curve him last night?" Benjie paused and quickly added, "Not that I'd mind seeing him naked."
"No, we got to his apartment and his boyfriend greeted him before we even got through the door." Benjie looked why the problem. "He was naked and immediately pulled him into the bedroom. The noises were, shall I say enthusiastic. I was a third wheel and moved out."
"Did you know about the boyfriend?"
"Yeah, but he, Tom, said it was just casual. Last night was not casual nor this morning when I collected my things."
"I smash, but never when I have a guest. That is not chill." Benjie commiserated with Chris.
"He now thinks he hurt my feelings, but he hasn't." Chris smiled at a gay couple having tea. "I like being on my own. I like making my own decisions. I like having my own bed."
"Man, I think some serious shit has happened to you, but you're cool. I like you."
"Thanks, you are my first friend in New York." Chris gave Benjie his warmest smile.
"Naw, my Aunt and Uncle really like you too. They are very fussy about who they rent to. You have them wound around your finger." Benjie gave a sly smile, "Can you teach me how. They ride me bad."
Chris looked at another vibration from his phone. Tom again. "Time to head back. I don't want your Aunt and Uncle thinking that I am corrupting you."
Benjie laughed, "They already think I am corrupt." He smiled again. His lips parting to show an edge of teeth. "Because I am."
When Chris and Benjie walked into Stella's Deli, Tom and Toby were in a booth drinking coffee and eating fried pickles. "Were the hell have you been?" Tom growled, his voice rumbling like a low revved engine. Toby was carefully watching Tom.
Chris kept his tone causal, "I moved in to my apartment, unpacked. Then I did grocery shopping, and then Benjie and I went to the Met." Benjie took a step closer to Chris until their shoulders touched; he did an open hand wave.
"You just up and moved out?" Tom was seething.
"Yes, I am old enough to do that."
"I got angry emails from both Helga and Ariel about driving you out of the apartment last night." Tom seemed less concerned about Chris moving out than the angry emails.
"I'm sorry about that," Chris was genuinely sorry, "I just sent my new address without explanation."
That was not the answer that Tom wanted. "In less than 24 hours you find an apartment, move, and meet Benjie," Tom waves his hand accusatively at Benjie.
"That is it in a nutshell," Chris smiled calmly.
"That's it."
"Yeah, I realized last night when I could not sleep because of all the noise," Toby smirked, "that I needed a bed and not a sofa. I popped over here for quiet, and I was hungry. Stan and Stella, who own this place, mentioned that had an apartment above for rent. It's nice, so I took it." Tom glared at Benjie. "This is Benjie, Stella and Stan's nephew. This is Tom and Toby, but I know you've seen them together in here before." Toby rose enough to shake Benjie's hand, while his eye evaluated the body. Tom gripped the edge of the table like it was the last life boat of the Titanic.
"I need to see the place," Tom stated.
"Not today, maybe some other time. I still need to settle in." Chris was all sweetness. "Sorry to leave you," Chris smiled at Tom and Toby.
"Want to go out to supper tonight and hit some of the clubs?" Tom asked almost pleading.
Benjie interrupted, "Remember, you were to meet some of my friends tonight. Get the native view of this burb."
"Right, but I am pooped and will stay in." Chris smiled at Benjie, "I would love to meet your friends, soon." Tom sat still at a loss. Chris was leaving him. "But I need to finish nesting." Chris turned to Benjie. "I had a blast this afternoon. I would love to do it again."
"Yeah me too, your fam now." Benjie leaned in and gave Chris a kiss on the cheek while smiling at Tom. Benjie waved bye and went to find Aunt Stella before he broke into laughter.
"Are you still going to the Easter diner tomorrow, or will you be with Stan and Stella."
"I already said I will go before we left Chicago. I have no plans of backing out, and look forward to meeting your friends."
"Good," grumbled Tom.
"Unless you don't want me." Chris knew he was being petulant but did not care. He knew in his mind that Tom owed him nothing. And if Tom was with Toby, Chris needed to let go. But Tom could have been honest.
"They invited you by name, so guess you are expected."
"What time?"
"It's brunch, so we'll come up to your place at 12:30, dress is casual."
"I'll meet you in front of the deli." Chris turned to leave.
"You going to wear your T-shirt?"
No way in hell would he wear it "No, perhaps I should give it to Toby." Chris finished as he exited the deli. Toby looked at Tom confused.
Chris had no sooner entered his apartment when his phone vibrated. It was a text from Benjie. "u played him so coolly LOL need to teach me hope u not mind the kiss"
Chris looked around the apartment, his apartment, and felt happy.