It was a quiet Friday evening at the Bruckner house as Ben, Michael and Hunter all joined at the dinner table. Ben had been silent since he had gotten home late that afternoon and was in an obvious funk. Michael tried to remember what his schedule for the day was and was unable to come up with a reason for this bad mood. Hunter got up from the table and walked over to put his dishes in the sink.
"Hey, I have some homework to do and then I thought I would get some sleep. Deb asked me to fill in for Justin tomorrow morning at the diner and he has the early shift. Are we still going out to the movies tomorrow?"
Michael looked at Ben waiting for him to respond but he was moving the food around on his plate in a completely different world.
"Yeah sure, maybe we will even go out for a bite first."
Hunter walked to the stairs and began to climb when he decided to sneak a peak at his new parents in the kitchen. Michael had already cleared the plates and loaded them. He was standing behind Ben with one hand wresting on Ben's shoulder and the other traveling through Ben's dark blond hair. Ben had his head rested against Michaels chest and was looking up into his eyes as if they were silently conveying secrets to each other. Hunter couldn't help but wonder if he head done something to hurt Ben. No he couldn't think that way. He remembered the time Michael and en had come home to find him on the couch with a trick. Ben had told him that if this were a test to see if they would kick him out it wouldn't work. He decided to just go to his room and let Michael deal with it.
Michael lost track of how long he stood behind Ben touching him trying to make him feel his love. Ben looked like he had been defeated and needed to be protected. Michael wished he would just talk to him but Ben always had to think things through by himself before he would reach out for Michael and tell him. Michael always admired that strength just as long as he remembered that he had family who loved him and would be there for them. Ben finally pulled away from Michael and turned to brush his hand against Michael's cheek.
"There are some papers I need to go through I am just going to go work in the living room."
"Okay, I just need to get some chores out of the way."
He watched as Ben shoulders seem to slouch and he dragged his feet into the living room.
Michael had managed to get some cleaning and laundry out of the way so that he could spend the weekend with his family. Before he came downstairs after putting the clothes away he snuck into Hunters room to check on him. He was already in bed cuddling his pillow. Michael wiped the long blond hairs from his eyes and kissed his forehead. He pulled the comforter up to cover the small form before turning off the light and closing the door. On his way downstairs he looked in the living room. Ben was sitting in a faded brown leather chair with a pile of papers spread in front of him. His hair was tussled from all the time he ran his hands through it. His royal blue shirt usually brought out his eyes but right now they were a pale gray.
Michael walked into the kitchen and pulled two beers from the fridge before going to face Ben. He went through the other entrance to the kitchen to come up behind him and waved the beer in front of his face to get his attention.
Ben grabbed the beer and didn't even look at Michael. "Thanks."
Michael sat on the ground beside the chair and rubbed his hand against Ben's knee through his tan khakis. He looked down at the papers wondering if it was writers block. Spread across the table was papers, tests to be more accurate and most of them had large red F's placed on the page. There were a few were the pen had even ripped the paper. Ben very rarely felt the need to give that kind of mark and if he did give out a low grade he always tried to make constructive comments so that his students could improve.
"Did they change the grading system so that F's are actually a good thing"?
Michael received a look of sheer disgust from Ben and silently wished that he had said anything at all.
"You remember that teacher's conference I went on last week, the teacher I had fill in for me decided to give my students a test based on what they were supposed to learn these past two weeks. He was even gracious enough to mark them and not one of my student got above a D."
"He does not sound like a very good teacher."
"He is trying to convince the head of Humanities that I am incapable of teaching my students. He passed these papers onto him along with the mark book before I even had a chance to look at them. They are talking about cutting back on some of the courses offered and the humanities usual suffer the most during hard times like these. If that was not bad enough the confidence of my students has been reduced to nil by this asshole. Today I tried to get them to participate in a discussion about the possibility of a backlash against the gay community as a result of the rights that are finally being granted to us. Not one student would raise their hand; usually I have to work hard to keep them on one target and each having a chance to speak. I never should have left Dale in charge, I know how much he is against Gay studies."
"Why is he against them?"
"He thinks it takes funding away from more important courses like his. He teaches black history and minority rights."
"Didn't part of your discussion include other classic samples of movements that experienced backlashes including African-American rights"?
"Yes, I also compared it to the backlash against feminism and your point is?"
"Maybe if you brought Dale in on a mini panel including an authority on feminism you could at least get the panel to discuss issues and Dale might even learn that gay rights are just another part of trying to ensure rights for the minorities."
"Maybe, but it still does not fix the damage he has done."
"Why are you looking at the papers if you have already given up."
"I have not given up Michael. I intend to go through these papers and examine the answers given to show that my students have comprehended some of the lessons, it is short answer and each individual will interpret a question differently and respond to it differently. My department agreed that it would be better if I graded the papers again since I know the course material better. It still doesn't help my students feel better about themselves, a few are worried about losing their scholarships if this drops their GPA's dramatically and I already had three student look into withdrawing."
"Well you don't look like you are having much success getting through these papers yet. Have you come up with any ideas on how to help your students morale's?"
Ben laughed bitterly, "My mom always dragged me out to do some volunteering. She felt that it always helped the other person and made me feel better to help out others."
"Considering that you have a good heart and a kind and loving nature I think she had a good idea."
"Somehow I don't think I can force close to two hundred students to volunteer." At least this time Michael was rewarded with a smile.
"If they get better grades on their papers with your positive comments that should make them feel a little better. I think they know you care a great deal that they succeed otherwise you would not go to the effort."
"How can you be so sure that I am not trying to save my ass from getting canned"?
"Because I know you, if all you wanted to do was spare your lovely ass you could just mark the papers up and not really give a damn about whether they earned it and yet these papers are still here and you only managed to get through that small pile."
Ben reached down for Michael's hand and pulled him onto his lap. He started to caress Michael's back while burying his face in his lover's chest.
"Did you ever discuss self esteem in health class?"
"No, I think my teachers thought I was too cocky as it was, why encourage it?"
Michael chuckled and Ben was able to relax a little bit more after hearing that glorious sound. Sometimes Ben wished he could take Michael to work with him everyday but then he probably would get hardly any work done at all. He placed a few light kisses on Michael's neck enjoying the warmth that was radiating through him.
"The reason I mention it is that I remember one activity our teacher made us participate in hoping it would make us feel better about ourselves."
"Was Brian there?"
"Nope, if you think you were cocky Brian was unbearable and I am sure the teacher would have been horrified by what he would write about people. He was probably out for a cigarette or having his weekly visit with the principal."
"You know it is not nice to gossip about people."
"I am not gossiping Brian really was a shit disturber when we were kids."
"I was talking about writing things about other kids. I sure this isn't a new flash for you but Brian still is a shit disturber."
"Let me show you."
Michael picked up a black marker that Ben had used to adjust the grades but could not find a spare sheet of paper. A few of the top buttons on Ben's shirt were undone and Michael decided to take advantage of the tanned skin. He pulled the shirt open a little more to reveal Ben's shoulder.
Your Intelligence is only exceeded by your caring spirit.
Michael left the skin exposed and watched as Ben used a mirror over the fireplace to read what Michael had written. When he finished reading the passage he wrapped his arms around Michael's waist and kissed his chin. It seemed Ben was beginning to feel better so Michael undid a few more buttons until he could remove the fabric part way down Ben's muscular arms. He grabbed the marker again and began to right from the top of his arm down to his elbow.
You are the love of my life, my heart and my home.
Ben turned his head to look at what Michael had added and Michael took advantage by sucking on part of his neck and leaving a mark.
"Let me try."
Ben leaned Michael on the arm of the oversize chair and pulled his black shirt over his head. He ran his hands over the exposed skin deciding where to leave his message. He flipped Michael over and pulled at the waistband of Michael's black sweats and wrote his message just where the curve of his butt connected to his back.
You have the most luscious ass.
Michael was resting on his elbows on the chair arm. He watched Ben in the mirror hunched over him as he wrote trying to get a peak at the message when Ben finally moved so that Michael could read it.
"Well that is good I guess for a first attempt."
Ben just smiled enjoying how easy it was to make Michael blush. Michael managed to pull himself off the arm and straddled Ben's hips. He removed the marker from Ben's hand and moved to beneath Ben pectoral muscle to write his next message.
You are a wonderful friend, son, partner and father.
Ben held his breath at the last message. Three years ago and he would have thought a person was crazy if they told him he would have a loving partner and adopted a son as well as a part time parent to Michael's daughter. He had lost track of time and was brought out of his memories by a light kiss on his nipple as Michael looked up into his face to see if he was okay. Ben kissed Michael's cheek and then his lips as he took control of the marker. He gradually pulled out of the kiss and placed the marker beneath Michael's collarbone.
You have the most tantalizing lips.
Michael just shook his head after reading the message and then quickly ducked his head down against Ben's chest. Ben reached down and placed his fingers under Michael's chin to get him to look at him. Not only was his face bright red but his eyes had become darker in color and filled with lust but Ben sensed that this little exercise was not over just yet. Ben kissed Michael again and pressed his tongue against the bottom lip seeking entrance. He lightly pulled on Michael's hair so that the pale column of his neck was exposed. He could see that Michael's heart was racing just as fast as his. Michael finally gave into Ben allowing him into his mouth to taste him. Ben felt a hand wrap around his pulling his fingers open and reclaiming the marker. Once Michael had the object he pulled away and Ben let out a small groan from the loss of contact.
Michael still held onto Ben's hand was he had gotten the marker and brought the wrist to his lips. He placed a light kiss and could feel Ben's blood humming beneath the surface. With the marker he wrote his message traveling from Ben's wrist to his elbow and then placed a kiss on Ben's knuckles. He loved Ben's hands, they were strong and yet gentle whenever they caressed his skin or shaped his muscles. With reluctance Michael let go so that Ben could see what he wrote and waited for a response.
You have an eye for details.
That little tease, he planned on showing Michael exactly how much of an eye for details he had. His mind began racing with all sorts of things he could do, but first he was going to torture him just like Michael was doing to him right now. Ben slid off the chair with Michael still on his lap in a kneeling position. He pushed Michael back down on the carpet and then flipped him over on his stomach. He allowed his fingers to skim over the top of the waistband before pulling the pants just below Michael's ass. He traveled back up to rest his hands on Michael's butt before spreading his finger out to try and cover it as much as possible. He started to knead the flesh while allowing his thumbs to occasionally just skim the hole. Ben watched as the muscles under his hands began to clench with the increasing pressure needing to be released when he stopped.
Michael wiggled underneath him hoping that the caresses would return when he felt Ben spread him open. Michael was somewhat disappointed when Ben rested his lower body on the cushioning of Michael's ass except for what lay right between still constricted by Ben's pants.
Ben was somewhat sorry he had kept his pants on since it was beginning to get painful and yet if he had removed them he had no doubt he would never get his turn. With the marker poised over Michael's back he started to scrawl a very important message.
"Eyes front and center, Michael."
"But I can't see what you are writing back there."
"Maybe if you are very good I will tell you or let you look in the mirror."
Ben flipped Michael back over and was straddling him. He held the marker out for Michael and was pleasantly surprised when Michael reached for his zipper.
"These pants look much too tight."
"Funny how that always happens when I am at home."
Michael had dipped his hands to caress Ben's backside and was slowly pushing the fabric down. When the fabric was only part way down he stopped and grasped Ben at the hip to bring him closer. Ben crawled forward on his knees while moving his hands to try and push the rest of his pants down only to have Michael push his hands away. Ben wanted to be free from anything that was separating him from Michael. Michael slid his thumb along the skin just underneath Ben's hipbone. He reached up for the marker; two could play at Ben's game. He took his time with the writing but kept one hand on Ben's other hip sliding his fingers across the taut skin. Once he was finished he reached over for the marker lid put it on and threw it across the room. Ben leaned back with his hands at either side and behind him to read the new comment.
You have the most fantastic cock. I want it inside me until we can't tell where you end and I begin. I want to be filled by you until I can't even speak my own name.
Ben did not need to be told twice as he pulled Michael up and over his shoulder. He had to adjust his pants so that he could make it up stairs without falling and carried his prize to their room. As he entered the space he was enveloped by darkness and was worried he might run into something. He turned the light on and admired their bedroom, which had also become an oasis for them. The walls had been painted a dark tan color and had a lighter version for the trim. On the first visible wall to the room was the large king sized bed. The comforter was chocolate brown along with most of their furniture. The fabric looked like suede and was a contrast to their red silk sheets. Ben carefully turned down the cover and placed Michael on the bed. He pulled open the beside table drawer and found his pack of matches. He lit the vanilla scented candles that were on either side of the bed before turning off the light and turning around.
Ben almost moaned at the sight of Michael sprawled on his side intently watching his partner. He walked over to the bed and Michael shifted his weight until he was sitting on the bed with his knees bent barely concealing the lower extremities. He reached for Ben and started to tug at the pants while licking Ben's stomach. Michael managed to pull the fabric down to Ben's ankles and he stepped out of them. Michael pulled Ben so that they were lying side to side gazing at each other. The candles flickered in Michael's eyes causing flecks of gold against the dark warm brown. The scent reminded Ben of Michael's pale skin that seemed to taste so sweet. Ben pulled Michael closer with his leg around his waist and one hand behind his head to draw in for a kiss.
Ben's other hand was back to searching in the drawer for a condom. First he found the lube that they would probably need later and placed on the table and resumed his search. His hand then came in contact with a rubber like substance. He pulled it out and briefly glanced at it to try to identify the object. He couldn't help but smile at his find and soon Michael's eyes traveled up to see what had his attention. Michael's eyes widened knowing what it was for but he had never used one. Oh, how the guys would laugh if they knew what little experience he did have in some areas but Ben was always there to guide him along. He still remembered the first time Ben tied him down. Michael had mentioned it half-jokingly only to find it was something Ben had done and enjoyed. He always thought that it was strange when he saw porno flicks that involved bondage. The things they said to each other would never be said in real life. Michael usually enjoyed them more for their comedic value.
Michael watched as Ben squirted some lube onto his finger and then opened Michael's legs. The first finger slid in and gently stretched his muscles before the second finger was added. When his body had grown accustomed to the intrusion Ben pulled out and reached over to the bedside table. He spread a generous amount of lube on the plug before positioning it and pushing it in. At first Michael began to panic at the size but Ben just barely inserted the tip waiting for Michael to adjust. Michael bit his lower lip and forced his muscles to relax. He looked into Ben's eyes and with the slight nod of his head Ben pushed it in even more. Ben leaned down to lick Michael's lower lip and suck on it while he pushed one last time. Michael's eyes widened and his hands grasped onto Ben shoulder trying to ground him against the sensations. Gradually his hands released leaving Red marks surrounded by white skin. Ben let Michael's lip slip out of his hold and trailed kisses to his ear. He followed the outer edge with his tongue and sucked lightly on the lower lobe.
"Tell me"
Michael was so distracted by hot breath across his wet ear that he almost didn't respond.
"Tell you what?"
"Tell me what you love about us."
"I love our life."
Ben reached down and grabbed the plug by the base to slightly turn it. Michael closed his eyes wanting to concentrate on just the sensations. Ben arm rubbing against his inner thigh, the fingers at his entrance and the movement inside him. When the touches stopped he looked into Bens eyes and just wanted to hold him. Even though he was in total control he looked vulnerable waiting for some confirmation that this was all real.
"What do you love about our life?"
"I love coming home to you. Sharing my secrets with you about what has happened and what I think. I love hearing about your life, too, even the little things. I love falling into your arms when I need to feel safe and cherished."
Ben moved then rotated the plug back and forth a few times. Michael's hip bucked forward only to be captured and held captive under Ben's waist.
"What else?"
Michael just smiled and tried to think straight. There were so many things he would miss if anything ever happened. He told himself not to think that way, live in the now but there were times he would dream of growing old with Ben and then come across his pill vials or his protein shakes and be reminded that might not be possible. When he was finally able to think straight again, he answered and hoped Ben would be unable to detect his previous thoughts.
"I love your trusting nature. I am grateful that you took a chance on Hunter and gave him a life. I love your strength that helped us to keep. I love your courage for facing his demons until he knew we loved him and would always love him."
Ben sought out Michael's lips again as he placed his finger under the base of the plug and let it travel where it came in contact with Michael's skin. As Michael opened his mouth to moan Ben opened his over top absorbing the sound and licking the underside of his tongue. He pulled away again waiting from more and traced patterns on the exposed skin of Michael's ass.
"I love your serenity you share with me. I never would have made it through Mel's labor or Vic's hospital scare as well without your support. In the chaos of my life you are always there to help me find the calm. I needed you the first night we brought Dawn home to help me cope as a new parent. One of the most cherished moments of my life was coming home to you, Hunter and Dawn all huddled on the couch with a book."
Ben rotated the plug again but started to pull it out only to push it back in again. He repeated the actions numerous times and began kissing Michael's throat. It had meant a lot to him that Michael had shared his life and his family with Ben and he hoped Michael knew that. Michael placed his hands on either side of Ben's face and pulled him up to kiss him on the lips. Between each kiss he told Ben, "I love you."
Ben couldn't hold out anymore so he removed the plug and let it fall off the bed. He sat up and grabbed a condom and tore the packaging open with his fingers than handed Michael the latex. Michael pushed Ben back on the bed and used his mouth to apply the protective sheath down. When he was covered Michael applied pressure to the top of the head before traveling down the length. Ben wrapped his fingers in Michael's hair and rubbed the back of his neck. Michael alternated between sucking and gliding up and down until Ben was on the brink. Ben felt Michael deep throat him and then the vibration from his humming and Ben could no longer prevent the inevitable. Michael slowly removed the condom and lay down beside Ben. He placed his leg between Ben's legs and nuzzled against his neck. Ben could feel Michael's erection resting against his thigh and yet he knew if he wanted to go to sleep right now Michael would not be angry with him. Then again Ben could think of a lot better things he could do with Michael and there was no time like the present.
Ben started to heat things up again by moving his leg up and down against Michael's erection. He felt himself begin to respond again and reached over for another condom. He slid his hand down between there bodies that were now slick with sweat to stroke Michael. First his fingers probed what lay hidden beneath outlining them with his fingers. Gradually the finger and palm of his hand moved upwards and along Michael's length before grasping it in his fist and applying pressure before finding a rhythm going up and down. Michael had bent one knee with his foot flat against the mattress giving Ben full access. When Ben's thumb pressed on the piss slit in a circular motion Michael back arched. Except for Ben's strong arm around his waist almost fell off the bed.
"Bennn..."
"You still know my name but do you know your own?"
Ben pulled Michael to the center of the bed and placed him on his stomach. He placed kisses down Michael's spine until he reached his ear and nipped at the tip. He pulled one of their pillows from against the headboard and placed it under Michael's hips. Michael's knees scooted forward with his legs apart as he felt Ben pressing against his entrance. Michael was already stretched and with a slow glide Ben was buried deep inside. He pulled almost completely out only to slide in again with a slow and gentle push. When Michael tried to push back into Ben his hips was captured in a powerful grasp demanding that Michael give in. He pulled himself slightly off the bed and was now on all fours as Ben slowly entered him again and again. Ben began to angle himself just right to target the prostate and was rewarded as Michael's arms started to shake. Pulling Michael back against him he became even further embedded in his heat.
"Is this what you wanted?"
"Hmm."
Michael felt exhausted and yet exhilarated at the same time as Ben held him. Part of him wanted to beg for more and yet he was not sure how much more he could take. He felt himself being pushed forward again with his hands positioned on the footboard covered by Ben's. Ben was penetrating him again but this time he was picking up speed and managing to find the sweet spot each time. Ben's larger frame and the footboard trapped Michael. He felt like at any moment his body would shatter from the pressure only to have Ben stroke him using the same tempo. Michael arched his back into Ben when he finally reached his peak only to feel Ben come soon after. Ben's arm around his waist and chest were the only barriers that kept him from colliding with their bed frame. After what seemed like an eternity of heavy breathing as they had fallen back onto the bed with Michael on top, they could finally move. Ben moved Michael to one side and pulled out and got rid of the condom.
"Michael?"
Michael could just barely move his head to look at Ben though his half closed eyelids. He managed to crack what looked like a goofy smile but Ben knew he was probably wearing the same one that only made him smile more. He placed a pillow under Michael's head and the sheet over top of him. His flushed skin was even more noticeable against the red and Ben sat and watched as he eyes fell shut. After a few moments Michaels hand reached over to Ben's side trying to feel him. Ben blew out the candles and slipped under the sheets to join him. He grabbed Michael's hand and rubbed his thumb against the palm before placing it against his heart. Michael's sleeping form turned to him and wrapped his arms around Ben's neck pulling them closer. Ben let one hand caress Michael's ass as the other hand was running through his raven hair placing his head at the juncture of Ben shoulder and neck before sleep claimed him.
Michael had woken up late that morning and just listened to the sounds of the house through the partially opened bedroom door. He could hear Hunter trying to pick on Ben for what had obviously happened the night before. Although Ben was very sexual with Michael there were a lot of things he would never say or do in front of their family. Michael could only imagine how flustered he was getting trying to avoid that conversation. He finally decided to greet the day when Hunter had headed out to the diner. No doubt Ben would be back in the living room trying to remark the papers and Michael hoped he would be more successful this time. He was still somewhat sore and sticky from the previous night and headed to their bathroom. He was about to hop in the shower when he noticed something black on his back. The message, he had totally forgotten about it. He backed up closer to read it.
The greatest gift I have ever received was that in this life I was loved by you.
Ben hardly had a chance to put his coffee mug down before a naked Michael landed in his lap on the leather chair and gave his lips a searing kiss.