Making New Memories

Making New Memories

Thank you, Gentle Reader, for opening this story, a series about a man who confronts his past to find a new future. Dave, Jim, and the rest of the cast of characters are fictional, and do not represent any person living or dead. The story is fantasy and exists in that realm,

Elements in this story include sex between men, some racier elements might include some kinky sex, but for the most part just good old-fashioned cocksucking and fucking. If you enjoy this story, and others like it, please consider making a donation to keep the Nifty archive free and accessible! http://donate.nifty.org/donate.html

Chapter Ten

I saw him before he saw me. It started with his boots and the bottom of his jeans. I recognized them as soon as I saw them at the top of the stairwell. How he'd gotten those boots on and off through TSA was going to be a story, I am sure. I'd suggested he wear some easier footwear ... but I could see that he had not taken my advice. Then it was his thighs, making those jeans look sexy as more and more of him was revealed. His hips, and his belly, tucked into a nice red buffalo plaid shirt. His chest, so strong, but soft with fur, some of it showing from the top button, left undone. And finally Jim's bearded face. He looked nervous, and so fucking handsome. I raised my hand in a gentle wave, and he spotted me. His smile was genuine.

He walked right up to me, and even though we were in public, I threw my arms around him in a full hug that lasted a few seconds. It felt so good to have him in my arms. After a moment of stiffness, Jim relaxed, too, and put his arms around me. We hadn't talked about differences in public affection between Northern Michigan and the Bay Area. I was confident he'd learn. Eventually we pulled back, my hands still gripping his upper arms, I leaned back to see his whole face. His grey eyes found mine, and we smiled. "I am so happy you're here," I exuded.

"Me, too," he gently stroked my face and with the backside of his hand, "me, too."

"We probably have a few minutes before your bag comes out on the belt. Do you want to head outside for a moment?" Since he'd mentioned it before his trip, I was certain he was experiencing some smoking withdrawal anxiety.

He looked at me inquisitively, "What's outside?"

"You have time for a cigarette if you'd like one," I said, squeezing his arm. His eyes lit up, and he started walking toward the door. "There's a smoking section to the left, I think," I pointed as we walked outside.

"You mean, being outside isn't enough?" He asked gruffly, the Marlboro was already in his lips.

"Welcome to California," I steered him the thirty more feet to the smokers' exile spot.

After his first three big drags, he smiled, and said "Thank you for taking care of me," he appreciated my concern.

"Oh, trust me, you're gonna take care of me real soon, big guy," I teased him. His eyes widened and he smiled broadly.

In another minute or two we headed back inside to collect his luggage, and then headed to the garage. Jim whistled when he saw my Ford F-150, and then complimented me when he saw it had some wear and tear. "I don't know what I expected you to drive, but I didn't think you were a truck kinda guy," I could tell he meant that as a compliment, sort of.

I displayed mock offense. "Did you think I was a sedan man? Or maybe a Japanese import? You know, I am from Michigan, right?" I winked.

He loaded his luggage in the backseat, and then got into the passenger seat, as I climbed in my side. "I like it when you surprise me," he winked back.

I was just getting settled and I noticed Jim had his cigarettes in his hand and was searching around for a place to put them. I wanted to put him at ease. I am not a smoker, and so my house, my truck, nothing of mine had ever had someone smoke in them. But, if I were going to commit to loving Jim, I was going to commit to loving him as a smoker, too. I turned toward him in my seat and put my hand on his arm. "You can smoke if you want to," Jim snapped his attention to me, opening his mouth to protest. I squeezed his arm and continued, "Inside, outside, in my truck, out of my truck. What's mine is yours, and you don't need to ask permission. I want you to feel at home." I ended with a caress along his arm to find his hand, and gave it a squeeze. Then I leaned over and gave him a quick kiss on his surprised lips. "Now, let's get you home." As I pulled out of the parking spot, I heard Jim's lighter snick as he lit himself up.

Along the short drive back into the City I pointed out various sights, like where Candlestick Park used to be before it was torn down. Jim remarked on all the container ships in the Bay, and how all the billboards were for software and tech things. I laughed, having grown so used to them, that I didn't notice. "In Michigan it's all gun stores and weed shops these days," he commented, "oh, and Bible verses." We laughed together. As we drove, Jim's arm went across the console and his hand rested on the back of my neck. He rubbed it gently as we talked and I drove.

We pulled into my driveway, and I clicked open the garage door. Jim asked "Is this all yours?"

Easing into the garage I replied "I own the building. Bought it years ago in the first dot.com bust when the city was affordable for a hot minute. It has three units, which we call flats because they are the whole floor; I live on the top floor. I rent out the bottom two, and then I get the garage, because, well, it's mine."

We exited, and walked up the first set of stairs to the stoop where we were faced with three doors. "Ours is the one on the left," I indicated, and tapped my phone to unlock the door. "Welcome to San Francisco, home of the third-floor walk-up!" I grinned and pointed the way. I got a nice view of Jim's chunky ass in his jeans as he plodded up the stairs in front of me.

"Jeez, these stairs go on forever," he said, a bit breathless.

"It's good for your butt," I said, pinching his ass.

He yelped, "I'll get you for that," he said with a fake menace.

I had to pass him to tap into the door once we got to the top of the stairs. I opened the door and with a sweep and a bow, said "Welcome. Mi casa es tu casa." And Jim stepped in beside me. I picked up his bag and carried it toward the bedroom which was at the front of the flat.

Setting Jim's bag down in the corner, I turned toward him, and held out my arms in an open invitation for a hug. Jim stepped into my arms, and our lips found each other. I moaned as I felt the full power of his kiss. It did not take long for the kiss to intensify - it started hot, and just got hotter as our passion built. But almost as quickly as he stepped into our kiss, Jim stepped back, and held his hands on my shoulder, standing us a few inches apart.

He took a deep breath, and his grey eyes looked nervous and sad. He fidgeted and worried his bottom lip. "Dave, I really messed up back in Michigan on our last day..." I started to open my mouth, I was going to let him know it was ok, that we'd covered this already. "No, no, let me finish, I just need to say this in person," he continued.

He had my attention. "I know we talked about this, and I am so grateful that you are giving me this second chance. I treated you recklessly, almost threw away the best chance I've ever had. We can, and should talk about that, at some point, and why it happened, and how I resolved it, but for right now, I want you to know I will never put you second again. I am sorry, and I will work to earn your trust again." He relaxed his hold on my shoulders, and I stepped closer, back into his arms.

"Thank you for saying that, really," I began. "That moment is in our past, and it's now one of our stories. Sure, at some point, I'd like to hear more of your side to things, but it's no longer an open case for me, I consider it closed, resolved, and over. I also have an apology. Our depth of feeling was such that I should not have run away. Had you not run into a tree, I would have left the state without seeing you again, and who knows where we would be. I am not glad you got into an accident, but I am grateful something intervened to give us a chance to see each other as human, and not just as hurt. I will not walk away from you without giving us a chance to hear and be heard. We are equals in this relationship," I confessed.

We fell against each other and held each other tightly, relaxing into each other. But soon, nature called. "I've been in these clothes for hours and I need to piss like a racehorse. Do you mind if I take a quick shower and get comfy?" Jim asked.

I showed him the bath - typical of an Edwardian flat, the bath was split: bath and sink in one room, and a water closet and sink next to it. While he finished up in there, I brought out a clean flannel robe, and started the shower water for him. He came in, and I showed him his towel, the robe. "Have a good shower, sexy, and get comfy. I'm gonna put on something more comfortable, too, and I'll see you on the back deck when you're done." I kissed him, and left him alone.

I slipped into some workout shorts, a tshirt, and kept my flannel shirt on. It was warm now, but as the sun started to slip, it would get chilly quickly. The deck was all the way in the back, overlooking the small back yard. It was through the kitchen and laundry porch, and doubled as the firescape / rear egress for the building. I'd had it rebuilt to be extra deep so that a small table and chairs could fit out there. I cracked open two beers, and enjoyed the late afternoon. It wasn't long before I heard Jim, and he came in and sat next to me, looking much more relaxed.

He picked up his beer and held it to mine. "Cheers!" We clinked and took a sip. "What am I drinking?" he asked, looking at the can.

"This is a local IPA from Fort Point. We tend to have extra hoppy IPAs out here in San Francisco."

"I guess so! It tastes like reefer!" Jim laughed.

We talked. Just normally, as friends, falling back into our pattern, Jim, having never lived in a city, was amazed that it was possible to look into people's backyards and windows, and he was observing everything. Jim took out his Marlboros, and brought one to life. We were just finishing our beers, and so I got up to get us another.

"Keep the old can here. I'll use it for an ashtray," Jim said. I chided myself internally for forgetting an outdoor wind-resistant ashtray in my preparations. When I returned, I scooted my chair a little closer, so I could cuddle up with Jim. He smelled clean, and I kissed his face, and nuzzled his ear.

"I'm so glad you came," I said, gratefully. "How was the plane?"

"Once I figured out how it felt to be in the air, and out of control, I was better. Once I realized I could not do anything or be anywhere, my mind calmed down. Flying is not my favorite way to travel, but now I know what to expect," Jim analyzed.

"So, I might be able to talk you into getting on a plane again, sometime?" I queried with a chuckle.

"We'll see." His grey eyes twinkled.

After a couple of beers, it was starting to get dark and cool off. "I'm getting hungry! How about some dinner?" I offered.

Jim's belly rumbled on cue, and we laughed. We made our way into the kitchen. I set Jim to slicing up some Italian sausage while I started some water boiling. We cut up some onion, some garlic, and I rinsed some baby spinach. I sauteed up the onions and garlic in oil, and added the sausage. Jim tossed some pasta in the water, and I added a jar of red sauce and the spinach to my skillet. Soon we had an easy dinner, which we shared at the little table in the kitchen. After dinner, and a cigarette, Jim stood up and did the dishes while I put the leftovers in the fridge.

"It's very easy to have you here," I remarked. "You fit right in. I wondered if it would be awkward to have you in my home, but it's not, it's just perfect."

Jim walked over to me and kissed my head. "Why don't you show me the place," he asked.

So I walked him through a 1908 Edwardian flat. The kitchen and laundry porch at the back - used to have open windows for drying clothes, but now had a stackable washer and dryer and storage closets. There was a dining room next, a door from the kitchen opened into it, but also the hallway wrapped around it, and the dining room had a door off the hall. It was one of two rooms with a fireplace. It was a beautiful room with built-in cabinets. I had a round table that could seat 8, and a sideboard and hutch.

"Now, what does that window look out onto?" Jim asked, noting that it wasn't the back or front of the house.

"That is the lightwell. All the interior rooms of this building and our neighbor look onto this, and it was a way of getting light into the inside rooms. See the doors to this room also have frosted glass windows, so that light could get in from the kitchen, and out into the hallway, which had no illumination back when it was gas," I was proud of this old building, and I'd kept much of the original woodwork and molding. The fireplaces worked, too.

We went down the hall, seeing the split baths again, and then there were three doors left. The front room was the bedroom, which Jim had seen. Adjacent was the double parlor. The front room looked out onto the street, with a big bay window. It had the second fireplace. I used this as my living room, and it would have been the formal, or Sunday parlor back in the day. Separated by pocket doors, with a window onto the lightwell, was the family parlor, which I used as my den. I had a comfy sectional in here and a big screen tv. It was perfect for stretching out and watching a movie.

"Wow, this is really nice. It's a lot of space, but it's not all open like a modern house," Jim remarked. "And those ceilings!"

"Yeah, twelve feet," I nodded.

Jim was appreciating the craftsmanship, that even nearly 120 years later still looked beautiful. I walked up behind him and hugged him, and he slowly spun around in my arms, and came in to kiss me. There was no rush, no urgency, but there was heat and passion and love in this kiss. I felt Jim's dick enlarge against mine, and in our workout shorts and sweats there was little holding us back. I dropped my hands down Jim's arm, and grabbed his hands. Walking backwards, we shuffled toward the bedroom, and I backed against the bed. Maintaining our kiss, which kept getting hotter, Jim laid me back on the bed and came down on top of me. I scooted up and rolled in, pulling him with me, so that we were fully on the bed, then I went back to kissing.

I started with his forehead and kissed his closed eyes. My hands framed his beautiful face, rubbing his temples, and behind his ears, and the tense spots at the hinges of his jaw. Jim moaned as I tenderly kissed him. I nipped one ear, then the other, and then kissed down his jaw through his trimmed beard. I made my way down his neck and throat, tickling and nuzzling and kissing as I traveled his handsome face, then I came back up the other side. Finally, I could not wait any longer, and I moved back to his lips, which were parted in ecstasy. I kissed them full, then traced his lips with my tongue, sucking on his bottom lip, then making my way around his mouth.

Jim moaned lustily into my mouth as I covered it again with mine, and we kissed deeply. Jim's hands wandered my body, rubbing and caressing and smoothing as he went. I started tugging at the bottom of his shirt, and we parted our lips long enough to pull off our shirts and shuck off our bottoms. Feeling Jim's furry soft belly and his strong arms around me felt like a homecoming, this was where I wanted to be. Our legs wrapped around each others, and I knew that our cocks were hard and leaking, as I could feel the wetness spreading between us. Jim smelled and tasted and felt so good to me. My fingertips tingled, my tongue salivated, my body vibrated just to be next to him, with him.

I felt Jim's arms tighten around me, and spin me under him. We went from facing each other on our sides, to me being under him. His strong arms lifted his upper body slightly off the bed so he wouldn't completely crush me. Jim's beard tickled my chest as he kissed my nipples, my chest, my throat, working his way up to my lips. We ground against each other, feral with lust, a deep longing taking over, pushing us toward this reunion. As quickly as his kisses came to my lips, they left again, and Jim worked his way back down my body to find himself eventually at my leaking cock. He took it deftly into his mouth, wrapping his lips around it, and pulling me deep into his throat. Down and up again, his lips, throat, tongue working in unison to bring me pleasure.

I rotated my body while he kept my cock in his mouth, arranging my body to be able to take Jim's length into my mouth. Jim's taste and the smell of his musk was a drug to me, and I was instantly addicted. Jim drove his thick dick into my throat, filling me. We sucked each other for a while - our mouths and cocks in rhythm, our hands stroking and rubbing and caressing whatever skin they most easily found. It was so good to be reconnected to Jim, our chemistry absolutely in sync. I was starting to get close, and so was Jim. I felt his cock thickening, so I backed off, and rolled out from under him. My dick came out of Jim's mouth with a pop.

Quickly reorienting myself, I pulled Jim on top of me. Our eyes met, and I reached up to caress his cheek. He nuzzled into my hand, and then pulled himself up to a kneeling position. I lifted my legs around him, and our gazes met again. "I'm ready for you, Jim."

He let out a sigh, his eyes gleaming, and the head of his cock found the pucker of my ass. Even though it had been months since Jim had fucked me, and even with all the tension, I needed no preparation. Mentally I was prepared, and my ass followed suit, opening to welcome Jim back into me. He slid in easily, moaning as he did. I arched my back, feeling his full length, and grabbed onto his waist. His belly and love handles were perfect leverage for me to pull him as deep as he could be into me.

Our bodies immediately found their rhythm. "So good, babe, you feel so good," Jim huffed as his throbbing cock bottomed out in me.

"I gotta feel you fuck me, babe. Make me yours," I begged.

"You're all mine, and I'm only yours," Jim promised as he slid almost out, and then back in.

"Make love to me, I missed you so much!" I affirmed.

"I fucking love you, Dave!" Jim pledged.

"Ungh, yeah, that feels so hot!" I shouted as Jim's flaring head grazed my prostate. Once he knew he'd found it, he changed his angle and pummeled it. Beating against my nub with his dick, sliding out and in, thrusting. My hands massaged his back and I felt the power of his muscles working as he drove himself deeper into me. His assault on my prostate was paying off, and I was going to cum. "I am going to cum now! Right fucking now!" I shouted as my orgasm built from deep within me and came hurtling through my body. My cock spasmed, and my first shot jetted out to hit Jim's chest and my belly. Followed quickly by more, I spewed cum between us as Jim's thrusts became more erratic and determined.

"You're so tight when you cum, you are milking me. I am going to cum babe, I can't stop it!" Jim's head looked up as he made a final triumphal thrust. "FUCK, yes!" And I swear I felt the first blast splash inside me. His cock throbbed and pulsed as he unloaded into me, and my body welcomed it. I pulled him close with my legs and my arms. I wanted to feel all of him. Our bodies continued to slide against each other, shuddering and grinding as we slowed down, winding our dance to its end. Jim collapsed on top of me, his sweaty body and my sweat and cum bonding our bodies. It was going to be a bitch to comb out of his furry chest and belly later, but right now it was so worth it.

Eventually, Jim rolled over onto his side, and kissed me, stroking my chest and face gently. There was no conversation, there were simply no words needed. Sex is communication, and we'd just had the most intense, meaningful conversation. In that moment, no doubt existed that being with Jim was the right choice, and that our feelings for each other were sincere. We scooted up the bed. Jim rested against the headboard and I rested in his arms. He lit a cigarette, and caressed me as we enjoyed the quiet.

"Wanna take a shower with me?" I said after a while. Jim and I were covered in cooled cum and sweat. Stepping into the hot shower, we took care of each other. Washing, smoothing our hair, cuddling, kissing. We took a long shower, letting the water wash away the sweat and cum, and also the worries and struggle. These two weeks were going to be special, and I was really excited.

We woke up to the sound of rain on the windows. There was a nice storm beating against the glass. I stayed in bed as long as my bladder would allow, cuddling Jim. It felt so good to fall asleep against him and wake up in his arms. We stayed touching in one configuration or another the whole night.

"How'd you sleep?" Jim's groggy voice was in my ear, I felt his warm breath on my skin.

"The best night ever," I was being honest, I had never slept so contentedly. "How about you? Was the bed ok?"

"Any bed would be ok with you in it, but yes, I felt great." Jim kissed my shoulder, and I felt his beard tickle along my chin.

I sighed. "I'm gonna make a quick trip to the restroom, and I'll be back with coffee," I said, untangling my legs from his.

"Mmmm. Coffee, you say?"

"Mmmhmm. Stay in bed, I'll bring it," I swung my legs over the side and sat up. I threw open the curtains to reveal a rainy day, the bare trees just outside my window were being lashed by the gale.

"What time is it?" Jim inquired.

I looked over at the clock. "Just about eight. We slept long," I observed.

I was in the kitchen fixing coffee, and I heard the toilet flush, I knew Jim was up. I hoped he'd go back into the bed so we could cuddle some more, and when he didn't appear in the kitchen, I knew that's what he'd done. When I appeared back in the bed, Jim was on his side, his head propped on a stack of pillows. He was looking out the window. A cloud of blue swirling smoke filled the air.

I set Jim's mug down on the table near him, and then came around to his back, and sat in bed, the covers up around my legs and lap. I rubbed Jim's shoulder, and caressed his head as I sipped my coffee.

"I've never lived in a city," Jim began. "There's something comforting about the sound of traffic on the wet street, but the streetlights are no fun," he chuckled.

"Yeah, it's not like living in the country, for sure. It's never silent or dark."

Jim's chest expanded and relaxed as he breathed in and out. He stubbed out his cigarette and picked up his mug. Spinning around and sitting up a bit, he joined me. "Mmm, good coffee."

I leaned in to kiss him. "Mmm, coffee flavored kisses."

Jim's grey eyes sparkled and smiled. We enjoyed our coffee for a bit.

"What's our plan today?" He asked.

"This. I didn't know it was going to storm today, but now that it is, maybe a day just to watch some football, relax, rest, cuddle. I have a lot of kissing that I've been thinking about, and I need to catch up." I giggled at my joke.

"I could get used to this," Jim leaned in to punctuate the moment with a soft kiss.

"I figure we can do our grocery shopping tomorrow for the big day, and then maybe do some exploring. Is there anything you want to see?"

"I'm looking at San Francisco's best feature right now," Jim grinned at me.

I rolled my eyes, but inside I was smiling. Jim could be romantic and sappy, and I liked it.

Eventually our hunger called us to the kitchen, and wrapped in flannel bathrobes, I made us a batch of waffles and sausages. We stayed in and had a great day of football games, making out, some hot afternoon sex, and dinner. Later that evening we were on the couch. We'd stayed mostly naked or in bathrobes or covered in blankets all day. It had been truly lazy. Jim got up to use the facilities and when he came back, instead of climbing back on the couch, he knelt in front of me, and started kissing my thighs and fondling my dick and balls. They instantly responded to his touch.

Leaning forward, Jim took my cock into his mouth and started teasing the head with a light suction and a tickle of his tongue. Then he went all the way down my shaft a few times, getting it slick before working on the head again. He repeated this for a while, driving me mad. Jim's hands traced up my torso and found my nipples. He gave a squeeze and my cock pulsed in his mouth.

"Mmmmph," he moaned appreciatively around my cock. I must have given him a little spurt of prefuck when he tweaked my nipples, so he did it again, and then sucked hard on my dick. I felt my pelvis hit his nose, and he swallowed my whole cock. Jim had never taken me this deep before, and soon I felt his gag reflex around the head of my dick. That was amazingly erotic, but he pulled off a bit and took a deep breath, and went back for more. Jim alternated small strokes at my glans with long strokes, his throat opening to take me. All the while his hands kept playing with my chest.

"Yeah, fuck yeah, that feels good," I grunted in pleasure. Jim continued his hard work, reaching one hand down to stroke my balls.

"Oh, fuck yeah, right there, big guy," I praised him. He rewarded me by deep throating me again. I was getting really close, and he was pushing all my buttons. My breathing started to rush. "Jim I am gonna bust my nut in your throat. Take my load, big boy!" I said, thrusting into him. My orgasm rushed up my dick, and all my muscles clenched to drive my body over the edge. I fell into Jim, and gushed, emptying my balls into his mouth, onto his tongue. He kept on me, and savored every drop until finally I stopped shooting. I fell back onto the couch in pure bliss. Jim knew how to satisfy me, for sure.

When he stood, there was no question about what was coming next. Jim's dick was hard as a nail, leaking precum, and his purple head was flared. Even in my post-orgasmic bliss, I could not resist, and I sat up, scooted forward, and took Jim all the way into my mouth in one go.

"Fuck!" he shouted, surprised at the quickness of it. "Yeah, boy, take my thick cock."

It encouraged me to work harder, and I suctioned him, and grabbed his ass, pulling him deep into me.

Jim started thrusting into me, and pulling out. I realized he was going to fuck my throat, and I opened up and let him. Every time he pulled out, I increased my suction, feeling him all the way out, riding my tongue along the vein that ran under his dick. When he plunged in again, I opened up, wrapping my lips around his cock and feeling him as he hit against my tonsils.

"I love fucking you, in your beautiful ass, in your greedy throat, any way I can get you,"

I hummed around his dick, knowing that it was sending vibrations up his cock and teasing his orgasm. I pulled him deeper, my hands grabbing his soft but muscular ass. "Mmmph."

Jim pulled all the way to my lips, my mouth open, a drool of prefuck dangling like a pearl from his cockhead. I looked up at him and he looked down at me.

"Fuck! That look. You are begging me to unload!"

"Cum in me, Jim! Gimme that load," he cut me off from saying anymore by slamming into me and fucking my throat with a fury. His hands grabbed my head and held it just at the right angle while he quickened his pace. He threw his head back at the ceiling and shouted, howled, a primitive string of praise and profanity as I felt his pulsing cock unload in my waiting mouth.

I suckled him, and ran my tongue along the length of his cock and head and balls to get every drop of cum and my thick saliva. Jim's legs trembled with the exhaustion of post orgasm, and I reached up to his hips and guided him back down to the couch, where he fell with a comfortable thud. His breathing was still heavy. I put my arms around him.

"That was fucking hot," he commented.

"That is an understatement," my throat was a little hoarse, so I reached for my glass of water. "First, a mindblowing blowjob, and then you full on fucked my throat," I chuffed. "I love how you feel, and how you can be so tender and so forceful at the same time."

He nuzzled my forehead with his beard and kissed the top of my head. We stayed like that for a while, content, nuzzling, talking softly, cuddling, sharing kisses, until finally we poured ourselves into bed. The rain was finally letting up, and the night was chilly. I was glad to have Jim in my bed to keep me warm.

The next morning, over coffee and cereal, we made our shopping list. We decided on a simple, straightforward traditional Thanksgiving. A big bird so there'd be leftovers, dressing, green bean casserole, cranberry relish. I told him that Tony was bringing yams, and that Carlos would be bringing pies. Add a few appetizers and snacks, and that would be fine. We knocked off our shopping by lunch time, and then hopped in the car. "Let's head to lunch," I suggested.

I drove us out of the city and down to Pacifica, a little beach town. There we picked up a few sandwiches and drinks, and I headed back toward the truck. I put them in the backseat, and realized Jim was staring across the parking lot. "That's the Pacific," he said with a quiet amazement. "I've never seen the ocean before."

I walked up and put my hand on his back. "We're gonna drive down to a little beach and you can see as much of the ocean as you'd like," I kissed his shoulder and squeezed his arm. We got back in the truck, and Jim looked off to the right the whole time as we drove South, out of Pacifica through Moss Beach and Half Moon Bay. Finally, we hit Pescadero, and my favorite rocky beach. Hand in hand, we walked down the stairs to the beach, and sat at a picnic table. Jim faced the water.

He was quiet - the ocean amazed him. "It smells so fresh," he remarked. "I never knew it was so big. I mean, the Great Lakes are huge, but this, it's immense." I loved how excited he was, and that I was able to show him something new.

After lunch, I threw our bags and scraps away. "Take off your shoes and socks and roll up your jeans. Let's get our feet wet," I suggested.

As we approached the water, we held hands. It was not a cold day, in the 60s, but it was blustery, and we were the only ones out. "The water is gonna be cold. This current comes down from Alaska," I warned. It did not stop Jim, and he waded right in.

The waves were not too rough. He let them wash over his feet, and I stood next to him. I saw a wave approaching quickly, and began walking back, urging him to join me. We moved too slowly, and the wave rushed up our calves, soaking the bottom of our jeans.

Jim laughed, and I couldn't help but laugh with him. We walked along the beach but mostly just stayed at the edge of the surf. My feet were frozen, but as long as Jim wanted to be there, I was not going to walk away.

Later that night, after another round of amazing sex, Jim and I fell asleep facing each other, I had another load safely stored in my ass, everything was right with the world.

Soon it was Thanksgiving, and all our preparations paid off. Some folks came real early in the day to watch the Lions annual loss. Jim and I complained as good Michiganders do. Most folks arrived after the Cowboys kicked off, and rounds of Manhattans were made and consumed. Once everyone had a round or two of drinks, the conversation started getting louder and funnier, as people tucked into the snacks.

I was out of the room checking on the bird and moving things around in the oven for a few minutes, and when I came back in, there was a quiet, thick tension. Jim looked pissed, Tony looked defiant, and Mark was horribly embarrassed. Everyone else stared at me like they'd been caught stealing as I walked back into the room.

"Everybody having a good time?" I asked, hoping to either break the tension or hear what was going on.

Jim stood up and came up to me, gently, but decidedly grabbed my arm and led me out of the room into our bedroom. He closed the door. As soon as he did, I heard conversation erupt in the tv room, and it was heated. I opened my arms to Jim and he stepped into them. We hugged for a moment, then I leaned back so I could see his face and make eye contact. "What's going on, honey?" I asked, rubbing his back with my hands.

"Tony is an ass," Jim stated.

"He can be a real dick, especially after a few. What did he do?" I could have defended him, as I had many times, but I decided just to listen for a moment and see how bad it was.

"He told Mark that he should have tried harder to get with you before I came to `fuck with your head again,'" Jim explained, "and more or less that Mark was better looking and didn't smoke, and wouldn't hurt you. What is he talking about? Did you and Mark date?"

"No, we didn't. Tony tried to match us up at the bar one evening. It was awkward. Mark and I went out for dinner and I told him all about you, and us, and how I was not on the market. He understood immediately, and we shifted into friendship. He's actually been a nice, sane person to hang out with, which is why I invited him to Thanksgiving," I stopped, wanting to give Jim a chance to ask questions or check in.

"So, there's not been anything with Mark?" Jim verified.

This annoyed me a bit, as I'd just said that, and given Jim's history, I didn't think he should be too righteous, but I bit my tongue, and just said "Exactly. Nothing except the building of a nice friendship."

"What's Tony's problem, then?" Jim wondered.

I wondered, too, "I don't know, really. He did not indicate that he had this much of a problem with you and me. He is very protective, but he's also misguided and impulsive, and in this case he's really stepped in it." I pulled Jim in for another big hug, and then, found his lips and kissed him. "There is no doubt in my mind that you have a place in my life, in my home, with my friends. I am honored to have you here, to be yours," I affirmed.

Jim sighed, and kissed me again. "Me, too."

"How would you like us to handle this? It's not just you Tony's offended. Do you want to say anything? Do you want me to do the talking? Do you just want to let it go?" I was trying to let Jim know that we were a we, and that we would work this out together. I did not want him to feel like he wasn't an equal.

"No, I'll let you handle it, and I'll respond appropriately. But if Tony keeps running his mouth ..." Jim didn't need to finish the sentence.

I kissed him again, and then said "Let's go sort this out," and I opened the door to find a surprised Mark his knuckles about to make contact with the door, as if to knock. We both exclaimed shock and quickly recovered.

"I'm gonna head out, I think," Mark stated, looking sad and embarrassed.

Jim pushed past me, and stood in front of Mark, extending his hand. "I'd like you -- we'd like you to stay," Jim said, earnestly. "This wasn't your doing."

I agreed, and said so.

I spun Mark back around and walked into the tv lounge where everyone looked tense. I pushed Mark gently back to his seat, and then took Jim's hand in mine. "So, friends, this is Jim. He's my boyfriend, and I'm his. Mark and I are friends, and happy with that. Does anyone have anything to say otherwise?"

There was a moment of silence, and most of my friends just looked at Tony. "I'm your best friend, am I not supposed to raise concerns if I see them?" Tony said, his defiance weakening, but he just couldn't stop himself.

"Are you really doubling down on this right now?" I asked. I put my arm on Jim's arm.

"Tony, drop it." Carlos' deep bass voice boomed. "Just shut up, man. You're out of line."

Tony directed a furious gaze toward Carlos, then up at me. "I guess I should leave," Tony said, the anger rolling off his body language. He stood up.

"You only need to leave if you can't find a way to stay. We're all friends and today's a day when we should act like it," Jim piped up.

That was the invitation everyone needed, and I felt the tension drop. Jim walked over to Tony, and extended his hand. "I appreciate that you have Dave's back. Together, we can take care of him."

Tony looked stunned for a moment, then took Jim's hand, and reached around in a hug with his other arm. "I'm sorry," he said, muffled into Jim's shoulder.

They separated, "Your man gives good hugs. I guess you should keep him around," Tony said, using some humor to bring the fun back around.

I made another round of drinks, and we continued watching the game and laughing; but poured Tony a ginger ale. "You're cut off `til dinner," I winked at him, and then poked his chest so that he knew we were ok.

After all the dishes were done and the food was put away, I opened the back door and sat on the deck. It was a quiet evening. A city like San Francisco has a lot of people who came from other places, and the holidays can be quiet as people leave town. Even at the end of November, it was not a chilly evening, and a little cool air felt good. Jim came out with a big slice of pecan pie and two forks. "Second dessert is a thing, isn't it?" he laughed.

"I loved the way we worked together today. A team. From cooking and hosting, to diffusing the Tony bomb, and everything else, today I feel like we're really a couple," As soon as I'd said that, I felt maybe I needed to clarify. "I mean, of course, I've known we're together, but today we acted as one," I was babbling, but I was so content and happy with things.

"I felt the same way. Today I felt like your partner, not just your boyfriend. I felt like I belonged here," Jim confessed.

After we finished some pie, Jim patted his lap, and invited me to swing my feet up. He rubbed my feet and calves, my favorite place to be massaged. I could go on for pages about how strong Jim's hands and thumbs are, and how he could work out the tension, but suffice it to say, that I woke with a start when my head hit the back of the outdoor loveseat, and Jim laughed at me. We took our cue and went in.

Illuminated only by the streetlights coming in the window, Jim and I got into bed. Our kiss was intense, gentle, longing, loving. On my back, Jim covered me with his body, kissing my mouth and my jaw line, and my throat and chest. It did not take him long to reach my cock, which lengthened and filled his talented mouth. He sucked me lovingly, running his tongue along the underside of my shaft and swirling around my sensitive head before plunging back. Jim could tell his ministrations were having impact, as I began thrusting. He pulled back. "No, not so fast, I have other plans for you," he grinned, moving his lips from my cock and balls to my ass. He found my pucker and began to lick and tease it.

When Jim finally pushed my legs up and knelt in front of me, he drooled a bit of spit into his hand and rubbed it on the head of his cock. "Fuck me, babe, please," I begged.

Jim obliged, and slid into me easily. I welcomed him as he pushed past my ring and slid deeper. One long steady push and I felt his balls against my ass. I reached up my hands to rub his chest, and then traced down his sides to his sexy love handles. I pulled myself onto him, and that was his cue to begin moving. He pistoned slowly in and out, thrusting with purpose. Our moans and grunts filled the quiet space of our home.

"So, good, Jim," I was lost in pleasure, and I started playing with his nipples. Jim moaned appreciatively and adjusted his angle to hit my prostate. A jolt of joy and electricity shot through me as he slid across my gland over and over, his thrusts becoming more rapid as we drove ourselves to the edge.

"You feel so perfect," he said, his breathing ragged. "I love being inside you."

"You are home, Jim, where you belong," and I lifted my hips to push into his thrust, increasing the intensity for us both.

"Ungh, you are gonna make me cum!" Jim warned. I squeezed my ass around his big dick as he said that, eliciting a curse from him. "Seems like you want it, is that right?"

"Fill me, big guy. I want to feel you!" I begged.

Jim's fucks against my prostate increased, and I knew I was right on the edge, too. "Yeah, make love to me, Jim! Make me yours!" I egged him on.

"I love you!" he shouted, his body tensing as he began erupting into me. I felt his first jet of hot cum coating my insides, and I shot off, too, my cum spewing against my belly, covering his fuzzy stomach. We fired together, round after round, murmuring love mixed with cussing. Our fucking was phenomenal. Finally, we were spent, and Jim fell to my side, reaching for me. I clenched my ass shut to keep him inside me. Sweaty, our bodies gasping for air, we held each other and nuzzled and kissed. Without bothering either to brush our teeth or shower, we fell asleep, worn out from the day, content in our love for each other. Thanksgiving.

The next morning was bright and sunny, with an autumn crispness to the air. San Francisco fall is not the obvious season that it was in other parts of North America - it is realized mostly in the angle and color of the sunlight, and the different pattern of wind that keeps the fog away. The autumn can be the best weather of the year in the Bay Area - that day was such a day.

After coffee and some warmed-up slices of leftover apple pie, we threw a canvas tarp, some twine into the pickup, and I tested the electric chainsaw battery before tossing it in the back. We headed down the coast about an hour to Half Moon Bay and wheeled into the lot of a Christmas Tree lot. There weren't many other people there - it being only the day after Thanksgiving, but the grass parking lot had a few other trucks and cars in it.

After checking in at the office and getting a map of where the different species of trees were planted, we headed off. Walking hand in hand, was such a peaceful feeling, as we smelled the pine trees mixed with the salty air on the breeze, and we shared stories of Christmas Tree day from our history. Rounding the trail and coming into a stand of Noble Fir, we both focused on the perfect tree at the same time. Standing a bit taller than its siblings, this tree would be perfect in the twelve foot ceilings and wide area of the front bay window. We laughed that we both picked the same tree, and I saw it as a good sign.

An hour later, tree tied into the back of the truck, we stopped at my favorite hole-in-the-wall place for some well-deserved lunch. Barbara's Fish Trap on the bay was exactly the kind of place you would think it would be given its name. Grease clung to the walls and windows, ancient plastic-covered tables wiped down with a bleach solution between guests, a coffee can of utensils and napkins and condiments. Barbara served up seafood and shellfish, broiled or fried, and don't ask for a salad. We got a mound of fried scallops, shrimp, and rockfish and a plate of fries and some fried zucchini wedges. They served their homemade tartar sauce by the half-pint, and plenty of cocktail sauce as well. Along with a draft of local beer, it was an amazing meal. Our conversation was easy, and Jim was as amused and delighted by Barbara's as I was. These were the kind of memories I wanted to build with someone, I'd been wanting to grow a relationship like ours for so many years. It occurred to me that as I put more distance between my present and my past, I was open to so much more possibility and joy. I brushed my thumb against Jim's hand, and squeezed it as we stood up to go.

Jim lit a cigarette as soon as we left, and we strolled along the beach for a few minutes, trying to get some digestion started after pounds of fried seafood. The bay offered a natural harbor, and so the waves were very gentle here, more like a lake than an ocean. At one point, Jim reached down on the beach and pulled up a perfect sand dollar. He put it in the front pocket of his flannel shirt. Soon we got back into the truck and headed back North to San Francisco.

I rummaged around in the garage storage shelves for the Christmas boxes and found the stand for the tree. I laid out a buffalo plaid round tree sheet on the floor, and we had the tree in its temporary home in no time. As the afternoon passed, we decorated the tree. I connected up my phone to the living room Sonos and soon had a random mix of country Christmas songs playing. We strung the lights. Before we turned them on, I pulled Jim aside. "Ok, so these are LED lights and we can pick the color," I began. "First question: do we want white lights, or multi-colored? Or a single color?" I tossed in the last option as well. I opened my phone and showed Jim the app.

"So, we can have any color?" Jim was amazed.

"Yep," I definitely had a preference on my tree, but I wanted to see what Jim wanted.

"Well, a million color choices, and the only one I want is white," Jim suggested.

"Like this?" I selected a warm white setting.

"Exactly like that," he put his arm around me, and kissed me gently.

"Perfect," I replied. I could have been talking about the lights, or the kiss.

I didn't have a lot of ornaments. I had none from my childhood, as I had not been able to grab those when I was thrown out, and I had not collected many over the year. I preferred a sparsely-decorated tree anyway, as just having a fir tree in the house was beautiful enough. The sun had set, and the room was illuminated by just the streetlights and the tree. I ran the boxes back downstairs to the garage.

When I came back up, the first thing that struck me was that Frank Sinatra was playing on the speakers. I was certain he wasn't in my Country Christmas line-up. Jim had also lit some candles. He was sitting on the couch, fully naked, with a bottle of red wine and two glasses. I had only been gone for five minutes, but he'd worked pretty fast!

"You're overdressed," he said with a wink.

I quickly fixed that situation, shucking off my jeans, and lifting my tshirt over my head. I threw them both in the corner. Seeing Jim on the couch, his bearish body, pecs that I knew were strong covered by just the right amount of fur and flab; his cock filling with blood as we looked at each other; his thick legs spread apart, showing his balls and inner thighs, my own dick started to harden. I took two strides, then sunk to my knees in front of him, engulfing his cock in one motion. I loved tasting Jim, the way his cock and balls had a musky smell after being trapped in his jeans all day. His cock head hit my tonsils and slid past as I took him to his root. I teased his shaft, nibbling and licking my way up until just the head was between my lips, then I plunged again.

"Oof, that feels so fucking good," Jim huffed.

I hummed my agreement which I knew sent vibrations along his dick and deep into his balls, because I felt him pulse and gasp. I tugged on his balls, gently rolling them in my hand as I pushed his dick deep into my throat. Jim's cock was magnificent. Thick and veiny, his glans flared and enlarged as he got more and more turned on. I had heard the term worshiping cock before, and now I knew what it was - Jim's dick was worthy of all the attention it could get.

All too soon, though, Jim reached down and pulled me up by my armpits. "Don't get me too close, Dave," he husked, his dick dripping a string of precum. He stood with me, and we walked to the tree, and he pushed me down. Together we sank first to our knees and then he pushed me back. We were lying next to the tree on the carpet. Jim pulled a pillow off the couch and put it under my lower back, and lined up with my hole. I was so turned on, I needed no preparation, and Jim pushed his way into my trench.

"Ohhh, yeah, So big, So good," I was babbling, my senses on overload as Jim pushed deep into me. "I need you inside me. Need to be yours."

Jim grunted and moaned as his dick was caressed by my velvet hole. My ass was made for his cock, they couldn't be more compatible. "I love the way you give yourself to me. I'm gonna take care of you." It was both a present statement and felt like a future promise. Jim thrust and pounded my hole as I tweaked his nipples, caressed his beard, pulled him deep into me. Our love making was intense, filled with passion.

Our eyes met as he thrust hard against me, and pulled back almost to the ring, and then plunged again. Holding his gaze I egged him on. "Come on, Jim, own my ass, make it yours and keep it. I want to feel you mold my ass to shape your cock," I swore and pounded on his chest as he toyed with my prostate. "Ungh, yeah, fucker, that's right, pound on me there. I can take it," I promised.

Jim grunted and gave it to me harder, the sweat beading on his forehead and dripping off him. A drop landed on my lip, and I snaked my tongue out to taste his salty essence. "Fuck yeah, Jim, even your sweat tastes good. I'm so addicted to you. I am for you," I shouted, thrusting up to meet him.

"And I am for you," Jim was panting now, his breath more erratic as his orgasm approached. With the way he was beating my hole and pummeling my prostate, I wasn't going to last much longer, either, and I felt the tingle begin. I clenched my legs around his torso, my muscles beginning to contract with my first shot of cum. We both watched as I howled and moaned, my first blast hitting Jim's chest and dripping onto mine. My ass must have been milking his cock now, because he shouted. "Take it, fucker, take my load. You fucking make me cum!"

Together we shouted and pounded on each other and held each other's gaze as our orgasms united to celebrate our love. Later, our breathing restored, we went back to the loveseat. Lit by the light of our tree, Jim opened the wine, a nice Zinfandel from Sonoma County. He lit a cigarette, and leaned back, while I served us each a glass. We shared a kiss, toasted to our love, and listened to Frank croon "Have yourself a merry little Christmas." It was going to be a beautiful Christmas, even if we were apart.

A few days later, I drove Jim back to the airport. Neither of us wanted this moment, but, through emotion-filled voices we promised each other that we'd get together soon, a winter trip to Michigan, after the holidays. As I watched Jim walk through the security checkpoint, he turned and waved. I waved back, then turned to leave, before I felt a tear slide down my cheek.

End Chapter Ten

Our boys are doing their best to move forward despite the distance between them. Honest conversation, and a strong momentum are keeping them together even when friends, regrets, and anxieties appear. As the days shorten and the year draws to a close, what will their resolutions be? Let's find out together, in Chapter Eleven, coming soon.