Chapter 77 - A Gift From The Heart
We step back in time this week once more, and find out how a young couple spent some of their first Christmas together.
Back to Chapter 76
Here we are as in olden days,
Happy golden days of yore.
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more.
Through the years
We all will be together,
If the Fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.
And have yourself a Merry Little Christmas now.
'Merry Little Christmas' Tori Amos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwX62HL2vKo
It was only with a great amount of self-control that Matt was able to stay facing forward. He was sitting at his piano, playing every Christmas carol that he could remember the tune of. The holiday was fast approaching, and the young doctor was finding that the spirit of the season was quite infectious. There was fresh snow on the ground, and presents under a large tree, and mistletoe hanging in the doorway. Life was perfect. There was no other way to describe the way Matt felt. Simply and utterly perfect. And he was happy.
The reason he was happy was currently somewhere behind him. Trying to be quiet and sneaky, and yet failing miserably. Matt bit his lip, and looked down at his fingers on the keys. If he had to guess, the gifts gathering under the tree had just increased. This was going to be the best Christmas that Matt had ever had. He had a successful, well-paying job, a house in his own name, and nothing could possibly be as beautiful as Boston in the winter. But he would give those all up for the man behind him, the one that was the most important thing in his life, and the reason for his obscene happiness.
Josh. Who still hadn't adjusted to the cold Northeastern winters, and would complain daily, no matter how long he had been here, living with him. Every time Matt reminded himself of that fact-that they lived together-he couldn't stop the happy thrill that ran through him. If only Josh would stop lurking about the living room and give him a kiss! If he didn't get a kiss soon, he might simply just expire.
Josh knew that he was going overboard with the gifts, but he couldn't help himself. This was his first Christmas with Matt and he kept seeing things that he knew Matt would love. He'd never felt so happy in his entire life, and he just had to share it with the person who'd made him that happy.
After all the bad things that had happened before he left Georgia, he'd thought this would never happen, and for it to become a reality was almost beyond belief. He wasn't going to sit back and take it for granted either; he was going to enjoy every last minute.
Matt was playing Christmas carols on the piano; something that would probably have driven Josh crazy by now if it wasn't Matt. But Matt could do anything and get away with it. Josh tucked the most special package into a secret hole in the needles of their real Christmas tree; somewhere he hoped Matt wouldn't see until right at the end and after he'd opened everything else. Josh's heart thumped nervously when he thought about Matt opening this particular package. Josh just hoped it wasn't too soon to give something like it, but he hadn't been able to stop himself as soon as he'd seen this; it was the perfect gift.
Finally satisfied that it was well hidden, he turned to watch Matt's strong and beautiful back as he played. A tightening of Josh's heart made him stride towards the other man, and not wanting to disturb his playing, but desperate to touch, he stood close behind Matt, letting the warmth of his body radiate towards him.
"I'm cold. Warm me up?" he murmured, placing his hands on Matt's shoulders carefully.
Finishing out the phrase with a flourish, Matt closed the lid and looked up at Josh over his shoulder. "You're always cold." It was said with a fond smile, and Matt had to duck his head to hide the blush that was forming. He knew exactly how he wanted to warm Josh up, and even though his advances would be welcome, it still made Matt nervous and easily embarrassed.
Swinging around on the rotating piano stool, Matt set his hands on Josh's hips. A small glance at the tree confirmed his suspicions that Josh had just added presents. Matt leaned back against the piano, and pulled his lover between his legs.
"It is getting late, isn't it? We should start a fire."
Josh lifted his hands as Matt spun on the chair, then replaced them as he was pulled in by the hips, looking down with a sexy smirk as he thought about the fire he'd like to start.
"Yeah, it's a good idea. Mrs. Travers left the dinner in the oven when she went, and it sure smells good. Why don't you light the fire while I serve?" Backing out of Matt's reach just a little, he leaned down enough to offer his lover a soft kiss. Waggling his eyebrows as he straightened, he backed away further, taking hold of one of Matt's hands as he moved and only finally letting it go when he was no longer within reach.
"Won't be a minute," he promised, then with one last lingering look, he turned and headed towards the kitchen.
Cooking wasn't something either of them was proficient at, though Josh vaguely thought he should probably attempt something, since Matt worked, but they'd hired Mrs. Travers, a local woman, to come in daily to cook them a hot meal each evening and do some cleaning. Otherwise the place would probably be a lot less tidy, and they'd starve.
Of course, she didn't know the true state of their relationship and they had to maintain a certain façade so she wouldn't guess, but so far she didn't seem suspicious, and was always pleasant. She'd leave them something wonderful to eat when she left each evening, and as far as Josh was concerned, she was worth every penny they paid her.
Quickly serving up the wonderful stew and dumplings that was tonight's meal, Josh gathered together the necessary items on a tray, along with a bottle of wine and a couple of glasses, and returned to the living area, where Matt was making a fire magically spring to life in his inimitable way.
Josh placed the tray on the intimate table setting they had in one corner of the room, and quickly crossed back to Matt, where he was just rising to his feet next to the fireplace.
"Never mind the food; you look good enough to eat," he murmured, unable to resist his beautiful lover. Wrapping cool hands around the handsome man, he took Matt in a long, slow, sensuous kiss.
It was still hard to believe that they could do this without concern of who might see; that they were alone and in their own home, and free to touch as much or as often as they liked. That is, when Mrs. Travers wasn't about, which she only was for a couple of hours a day, and most of those were before Matt returned home from work, in any case.
"I love you," Josh whispered hotly into Matt's ear when he finally pulled back from the kiss, "and what I'm going to do to get warm-as soon as I've eaten dinner-will make your hair stand on end." he drew away from Matt completely and headed towards the table. "Now, let's eat; I'm starved!"
He knew the lascivious look he threw back at Matt as he seated himself-not to mention the tease he'd just offered-had thrown Matt, but it wasn't a bad thing. His more innocent lover was still learning how wicked he could be, and there was still so many new things he was teaching Matt about what they could do together; no doubt the words had stirred up more than just his imagination.
Matt wrapped an arm around his waist, and held that arm with the other. Shivers ran through his body, but he doubted that they were caused by the searing heat of the fire against his back. It wasn't fair that a single kiss from Josh was capable of robbing Matt of all thought and reason.
Taking a deep, shuddering breath, Matt firmed his resolve to do exactly what he'd wanted to all day, and take Josh into his arms and not let him go. Biting his lip again, Matt carefully undid the first few buttons of his shirt. He always felt silly taking the lead with his more experienced lover, but if he didn't, Matt knew he would have to endure a long dinner with constant teasing.
Crossing the room in a few steps, Matt reached out and took Josh's face in his hands. He kissed his lover deeply, forcing his tongue into Josh's mouth as he climbed into his lap. Unwilling to end their kiss, Matt let his hands slide down Josh's neck to his chest, where he fumbled to find the fastenings on Josh's shirt.
By the time the need for air drove them apart, Matt still hadn't managed to undo a single button, and so he let his forehead fall against Josh's. "You can't say things like that and walk away." He rolled his hips into his lover, so Josh could feel his burgeoning arousal. "Don't you know what you do to me?"
At the admission of need, Matt blushed bright red, starting at his ears and trailing down to his chest. He fiddled with one of the buttons on Josh's shirt, and kept his eyes averted. "Sorry... I missed you today. All this," Matt gestured to the decorations surrounding them, "makes me want to never leave your side."
Breathing heavily, Josh wasn't sure he could answer. What Matt had done was out of character for him; he wasn't usually so forward. Normally it was Josh who instigated things of a sexual nature between them, although Matt had never been reluctant to respond. Josh might have started it tonight too, but Matt didn't usually carry on this way when Josh turned to something else like food.
Josh wasn't complaining though; a rush of desire unlike the way he usually felt with Matt made his breath catch when his lover took such direct action.
"I sure as hell got a pretty good idea now what it is I do to you," he drawled in a low voice as Matt pressed his erection into him.
Josh let his smile soften at the evident embarrassment Matt felt. "I don't want you to leave my side," he admitted quietly, lifting a hand to stroke across Matt's smoothly shaven cheek. "In fact, I don't think I want you to leave my lap right about now. I missed you too. I'm sure we can eat just like this."
"C'mere," he insisted, circling his hand behind Matt's neck and pulling him in for another slow kiss.
Matt resisted for the briefest second before giving himself over. Josh's kisses were like a balm to his soul - washing away everything bad. Most of the stresses from his day, his embarrassment, and any lingering insecurities seemed irrelevant as long as Josh was there to love him. Since having Josh in his life, Matt didn't find himself pushing himself to be what his father never could be. Now, what he did, he did to make his lover proud and to better their lives together.
When the kiss ended, Matt smiled softly, and said, "You're just humoring me." He didn't move off Josh's lap, however. If anything, Matt settled further into the hold Josh had on him. Even if that was the truth and Josh really was humoring him, Matt was getting the closeness he was after, and he wasn't going to throw that away.
"I'd never just humor you," Josh admitted candidly; then he cracked a grin and added with a wink, "I'd be happy to eat every meal this way."
Picking up the spoon sitting next to Josh's dish, Matt scooped up a little bit of their dinner and offered it to his lover. "What did you do today? Something other than stay in and bother Mrs. Travers, I hope." Matt grinned, then affected an innocent look. "Though she and I agree, actually. With the hospital's Christmas Dance coming up, if you don't get your hair cut, you'll never find a woman of your own." Soft dimples appeared as he teased his lover, and Matt carded his fingers though the blond locks. Matt adored Josh's hair, especially on the days when Josh strove to style it, only to have it rebel against him.
The small smile morphed into a frown as Matt thought about the upcoming dance. He was growing used to the constant social obligations that came along with being a well-respected bachelor, but he hated being around so many people and pretending to be someone he wasn't. At least Josh would be next to him, this time. "You still have three days to convince me that we should stay in and skip the party, you know." Matt cupped the back of his lover's neck, and let out a long sigh.
Wrapping his lips carefully about the spoon Matt held, Josh savored the taste of the stew-which was as excellent as all the fare Mrs. Travers provided-and teased Matt by licking the spoon sexily as Matt drew it back. Finding Matt's hips, he held him in place so that their simmering desire would be obvious to them for as long as they stayed in that position at the table.
"Good reason not to get my hair cut then," he said, offering Matt a smoldering look up from under his lashes. Letting his face turn more serious for a moment as Matt's expression changed, Josh felt a pang of hurt deep inside. They were happy-nothing could change that-but there were still times when Josh had to wonder if he'd done the right thing by Matt.
This kind of social responsibility would weigh heavily on him, and knowing that Matt could be finding it so much easier if he were a 'normal' young man seeking an eventual bride at such gatherings brought out a kind of regret in Josh. They could enjoy the dances knowing they had each other at the end of it all, but being unable to dance together or tell the world how they felt was never going to sit easy with him.
"We should go," he said now, forcing the smile to return, "You know they'll wonder more about you if you don't. Besides, I like to dance, and those women that are looking for doctor husbands? Mmm, they're mighty fine," he teased, letting his dimples grow as he remembered the last such dance where, even had he been attracted to women sexually, not a single one could have been described by any stretch of the imagination as 'attractive.' A couple weren't exactly ugly, but their personalities had left a lot to be desired; and for Josh, personalities were everything with women.
The truth was that Josh was a social creature and he did enjoy dancing. The previous dance had been fun, despite the lack of connection with any of the women paraded for the single men's benefit.
Although Josh had found one girl-and she was barely more than that and therefore not really available for serious 'courting' anyway-who had been fantastic to lead around the dance floor. Truth be told, young she might be, but she had far more personality than all of the other women present and Josh had enjoyed speaking to her as much as the dancing. He wasn't sure her parents completely approved, although he'd seen the mother whispering to another surgeon's wife with a certain look that he had come to recognize in his years of attending Southern Balls and sucking up to debutante's parents as speculation for the future.
The girl had been very lucky to be allowed to such a dance so young (she'd admitted she was only fifteen), but he couldn't help wonder if the parents were worried she'd be left upon the shelf due to the strawberry birthmark she sported on one cheek, and were therefore trying to 'sell her off' in advance by way of her youth. No doubt, if they could find someone interested, she'd be betrothed immediately and married before her sixteenth birthday had become but a memory. Josh didn't find the mark in the least off-putting, but then he didn't want to marry her; he was more interested in talking, and she was clearly very quick-witted.
Halfway through their fourth dance, she'd said quietly but with obvious conviction, "I know exactly what my parents are doing, and you certainly shouldn't feel obligated towards me. Besides, I see where your eyes go, and there's no point in hoping for impossibilities."
Josh had been shocked, sure she couldn't mean what he thought, and pulled back as they slowed down to gauge her expression. "I'm sure I don't know what you mean," he murmured. As the movement sped up again, she twirled in front of him and her eyes flicked across to where Matt stood trying not to watch Josh as he frowned at something the Chief Surgeon said.
Heart thumping, Josh wondered at her motives, but when she was close enough, she whispered, "I'm going to be a writer. Stories like yours must be worth telling? Although I imagine most people don't want to know." Pulling back again, she gave him the most intelligent and knowing look; one that encompassed many things, including no disapproval for what she had worked out that Josh desperately hoped no-one else had grasped.
"And no-one's gonna know," he murmured back, "Though I'm mightily impressed by your tolerance and forthrightness. Who taught you such things?"
The dance had ended and he'd led her to a seat and stayed to talk for a few minutes, finding her manner and intelligence well above average for her social standing and age. Knowing her mother had to be wondering about their chat, he took his leave soon after, and although he knew he'd made a friend, he knew it was unlikely there was any way to maintain such a friendship without unnecessary difficulties arising.
Back in the here and now, realizing he'd let his attention stray from Matt-admittedly not something that happened often-Josh nuzzled the man's neck as Matt turned to gather another spoonful of stew, and whispered, "I like watching you dance with all of the women and knowing none of them stand a chance. Knowing when we get home, it's me who gets to kiss you and make love to you."
He let a hand creep between them and teasingly ran a finger against the hardness he felt in Matt's breeches. "The fact that this," he emphasized with a little squeeze to the object in question, "is all for me. Nothing compares to the feeling I get knowing that in a roomful of fawning creatures desperate to get their claws into you." Josh offered warm skin one more soft kiss and smiled as Matt turned his incredible dark eyes back on him.
"Oh!" Matt gasped, and his hips hitched forward into Josh's hand. It was a struggle to keep the spoon right-side up, so with a forced but steady hand, he let the utensil drop back into the bowl. The still logical part of Matt's mind reminded him that they should finish their dinner before moving onto more strenuous activity, but his need wouldn't wait any longer.
"Josh, please," Matt implored, when the teasing touches didn't stop. "You... I can't think when you touch me!" A sort of half-growl escaped him then, and he fisted his hands in Josh's shirt. He could overcome this. It was only his body's natural response to such stimuli. An increase in heart rate, a speeding of the pulse, dilated pupils, and sensitized skin. Matt should still be able to function, no matter how distracting Josh was.
Matt cleared his throat, and let his head fall forward slightly. "I don't care what they think. I know we have to go, but... this is our first real Christmas together. Last year..." His grasp tightened in the fabric under his hands. Matt had spent the past four glorious months ignoring their forced separation. He had told himself that it didn't matter any longer. And in a way, that was true, but this still stung. "I want this Christmas to be what we couldn't have last year. I don't want to go to the party; I want to stay here and be with you."
Josh could see how difficult Matt was finding it with him continuing to stroke the man's heated cock through his pants, but he simply grinned evilly and didn't stop, even while Matt spoke.
Food could wait, and Josh really didn't want to think about their time apart right now. He just wanted to be close to Matt; closer than they were now, and if he was strong enough to put off eating, then surely Matt could wait to discuss such things as what they would do about the dance.
"Never mind all that," he purred, reaching for Matt's trouser fastenings with his free hand, the other still stroking, "Kiss me again, then let's get your clothes off. I need to feel your skin... and if you'll let me, I'll show you what we can do after the dance... if we go, that is," he added at the look Matt directed his way.
Before Matt could say anything else, Josh sucked lightly on the man's full lower lip, working the fastenings open and delving a cool hand inside to find what he sought.
Matt's breath caught in his throat, but a high-pitched noise managed to squeak out. Josh's hand was so strikingly cool on his heated flesh, it made his body quiver. It wasn't a bad sensation; in fact it was good in a really strange way.
Once more, Matt tried to work the buttons on Josh's shirt. He was able to get a few undone, and let out a sigh of relief as his hands worked their way into the opening. Josh's skin was a sight to be seen, a beautiful dark golden brown even after months in the cold. And when Matt licked or kissed it, he swore he could taste sunshine and sweetness on its expanse.
Matt let his tongue flick across Josh's lips, before engaging his lover in a slow, passionate kiss. His hips worked slowly, moving his cock in and out of Josh's warming hand in time with their lip lock. When Matt drew back, he panted against Josh's lips, "You're beautiful, and I love you. Do you want to...?" Matt's eyes flicked over to the fireplace.
Josh laughed breathlessly, uncomfortable with Matt's description of him, but the rest of his words were certainly welcome. His own cock was rock-hard inside his pants, and he kept up the movement of his hand against Matt's hot flesh as he nodded. "You bet."
Turning slightly, he nudged Matt off his lap so they could stand, but he didn't remove his hand from within Matt's clothes as he backed him towards the fireplace. Once they were close, he stopped Matt by curling his spare hand around his neck and drawing near for another mind-blowing kiss.
Flirting his tongue around and over Matt's, Josh found the tip of his tongue and sucked lightly on it, then pulled back enough to play teasingly with Matt's lips. No one had ever been as delicious as Matt, and just kissing him like this got Josh so hot, he was ready to explode.
"Need your clothes off," he insisted urgently, licking along Matt's jaw and finally shifting away from the stiffness in his hand so that he could push Matt's trousers down. His fingers flicked upwards to rapidly undo buttons. Before Matt could reciprocate, he had the jacket and dress shirt off his lover, and was kissing his way down the broad torso to kneel so he could finish getting shoes and pants out of the way.
Once Matt was naked, Josh, caring little for his own needs-despite his cock's protests at being still confined-took a firm hold of Matt's hips and encircled his cockhead in soft, damp lips.
"Ooh..." Matt's legs trembled, and he was sure that if not for Josh's hold, his legs would give out under his own weight. He made a needy noise, but bit his lip sharply to stifle it. Matt dug his toes into the thick rug under his feet, and let one hand rest on his lover's shoulder, and the other he used to cradle Josh's skull. "Please... oh, please, stop teasing me!"
It was obscene watching Josh like this. Matt kept his eyes locked with his lover, and tried to keep his breathing even at the sight of the love and lust in he saw in Josh's eyes, and the way the lips that he had just been kissing wrapped around his cock. The impact the sight made on Matt had yet to lessen in all the time they had been together, and Matt highly doubted it ever would.
Teasing? Josh had hardly begun to tease. Mind you, he needed this as much as his lover, and wasn't about to take it too slow. Instead of attempting a reply, he simply took Matt's cock in further as he continued to hold the man's gaze. His expression was incredible, and just knowing how much pleasure he was giving-it being so well written across Matt's face-gave Josh more then enough enjoyment of his own.
Much as he couldn't wait to bury his own needy flesh deep inside his beautiful lover, he would never push him too far too fast, preferring to give Matt as much delight as he could before gaining his own release. No-one had quite made him want to give so much before Matt, and he couldn't help lavishing attention on him.
In addition, Josh's sense of guilt at what he'd done by bringing Matt into this, and his father's cavalier treatment of Matt when he'd found out, had made him feel he had much to make up for, though he would never say anything about it directly to Matt. Nonetheless, it was not difficult to hold back for Matt, and Josh was just glad to be back with him once more; his father and brothers forgotten behind him now.
Swirling his tongue around hot flesh, Josh let his hands curl around Matt's ass, one finger seeking the tight pucker and stroking across it gently.
Matt made an unintelligible noise, and averted his eyes. His blood was fired enough, and if he continued to look upon the debauched vision of Josh sucking his cock with such abandon, he would never last. Especially not long enough to get what he really needed.
When Josh's fingers delved into his crease, Matt moaned and his cock throbbed. Yes, yes, yes... This is what he needed! Matt pushed back against the finger against his hole, then surged forward again to fill his lover's mouth. "Fuck, Josh, fuck... fuck." A bead of sweat trickled down Matt's back, and he shook.
"Let me... oh, god! Fuck! Please, I need-need to l-lay down."
"Mmmm..." Josh hummed, pulling off the throbbing organ in his mouth and allowing Matt to lower himself to his knees. His hands never left his lover's body though; he needed the contact. As soon as Matt was on his level, he couldn't resist kissing him again, his tongue sliding wetly into Matt's mouth as he tasted everything he'd missed in their time apart. They may have been back together for close to four months now, but he was never going to take any of this for granted, that was for sure.
Savoring the kiss, he pulled back as slowly as he could, but only when he absolutely had to breathe, pushing Matt gently down to where he needed to be.
Then there was a flurry of movement as Josh removed his clothing desperately; needing to stay close to Matt. As soon as he was naked, he was covering Matt, watching the firelight flickering over them and kissing him again as he pressed his erection down to meet Matt's.
"I love you," he murmured against soft lips, his heart swelling at the beauty of the moment.
"I love you," Matt whispered back. He wrapped his arm loosely around Josh's neck, and used that to give himself enough leverage to firmly join their lips. Matt swept his tongue into his lover's mouth, mapping once more every familiar surface. He could faintly taste the bitter flavor of his own pre-ejaculate, and a hint of the stew they never got the chance to eat. And beyond that was the pure essence of Josh. Matt gave a low moan, and writhed beneath his lover.
When the kiss ended, Matt locked his gaze with Josh's dark, lusty gaze. "Let me suck your cock?" What little blood that hadn't been directed to Matt's erection rushed to his cheeks, and he added sheepishly, "You can stretch me at the same time?"
It still was difficult for Matt to allow himself to suggest, or even ask for, anything relating to sex that went beyond him taking Josh's cock into his mouth. There had even been one or two occasions since Josh had arrived where he had stumbled on Matt pleasuring himself, simply because he had been too embarrassed to ask for assistance with his arousal. Matt knew that this was somewhat of a sore point between them, once all was said and done, and he was trying to change that. He would do anything with Josh, and for Josh, but taking the lead and expressing his desires made him uncomfortable. Matt could only ever find the courage to open his mouth when, like now, he was too horny to worry.
Matt glanced down at their naked bodies pressed against each other, and snaked his free hand between their frames. His long, agile fingers sought Josh's length and wrapped around its silky heat. "Please?"
And that was all it took for Josh to comply. He'd never refuse anything Matt wanted; he couldn't. If only Matt would realize how much Josh would be willing to do for him, and ask for what he wanted more often. Josh tried not to think of how good it would feel to have his lover take the lead more often, and nodded. For all that, they had a good relationship; one he was perfectly happy with.
He shifted off Matt so they could re-position themselves head to tail, and offered his lover a sly smile. Stretch him, yes; but he wanted to do something they hadn't really done a lot; something that could be mind-blowing for both of them, and would be especially nice here by the fire where it was warm. As Matt's mouth closed over the head of his needy cock, Josh groaned, closing his eyes and shivering in delight. No matter how often he did this, Josh would never tire of how delicious Matt's mouth felt there.
Shifting again slightly as Matt took him in further, Josh sucked at his own fingers, wetting them thoroughly before sliding his hand down Matt's crease. Stroking temptingly across the pucker, he leaned in and began to suckle Matt's cock once more. Oh yes! Heaven could not be better!
Matt moaned around Josh's cock when his lover took him into his mouth. They had done this before--a few times at least--but even when Matt had suggested this position, he hadn't imagined that Josh would do it! Matt's whole body opened up to his lover's touch, becoming even more receptive, and Josh's cock slid even farther into his throat.
Matt's hand circled the base of Josh's erection, and his fingers teased at the sac below. And then, using the momentum of his body rocking back against Josh's fingers, Matt began to bob his head up and down. Josh felt so amazing above him, and his length filling Matt's mouth felt even more unbelievable. The only thing that could make this moment even better would be if the fingers that were currently driving him mad with their still teasing movements would sink inside him and give him what he needed.
Josh hummed delightedly against Matt's cock as the other man started moving, and slipped the tip of one finger inside; probably far too slowly for what Matt usually liked, but Josh had plans to make things last tonight. He circled the digit carefully, slipping further inside one tiny increment at a time. All the while, he kept up teasing movements with his tongue around the tip of Matt's cock.
Finally, after what seemed like hours, his finger was in as deep as it would go, and he began to back it out again. He could feel Matt's trembling under him, but he refused to go faster. Matt's mouth kept moving on his cock too, making his rising desire fight against the leisurely pace he was aiming for, but he held back, determined.
Matt was quickly approaching his pinnacle, the combined feeling of not only the strong body over his, and the delicious cock filling his mouth; but the exquisite stretch in his backside and the wet heat surrounding his own cock's head. Soon the sluggish pace his lover was taking wouldn't matter, and Matt would come regardless. He had tried diverting his attention solely to Josh's cock, to distract himself from the other sensations, and to encourage Josh to take further action, but his lover was staying stubbornly slow.
Pulling off of Josh's erection, Matt let his head fall back with a moan. With a deep and throaty cock-sucking voice Matt grunted, "Come on, get on with it. please, Christ!"
Josh loved hearing Matt in need, and it was times like this when he hoped Matt would just push him over and take what he needed, but usually he was too far gone himself and never got to see if it would happen. Sucking slowly around the head of the dick in his mouth, he began to move his finger more quickly, and soon inserted a second finger to circle and stretch.
"You want to finish like this?" he whispered, his lips still tickling Matt's sensitive glans, "or you need something else?" He hoped against hope that Matt might want to take the lead finally, but he wouldn't ask directly; it had never worked before. Those few times, he had backed off before insisting, as Matt had seemed far too shy about it, and he hadn't wanted to spoil the mood.
Throwing his arm over his eyes, Matt groaned and lifted his hips, silently begging for even more. "Josh, goddamnit, please! You know what I need, please, fuck!" He needed Josh's cock inside him, and he needed it right then. Nothing else would suffice. Unable to ignore the hardness in front of his face even as he begged, he rubbed his cheek against the length and placed little licks and kisses on it. "Please, love, please... I need, God, I need this inside me, please!"
Unable to refuse, Josh finally lifted away from Matt and repositioned himself where his lover needed him. It didn't matter how things went between them in the end, as long as they were together. Forgetting his own lesser need now, he pressed his hard and ready cock inside Matt's eager body. He moved more quickly than he had with his fingers, but still slower than Matt probably wanted as he smiled down at the man under him.
"Beautiful," Josh murmured as the intense heat surrounded him and held him firm. He propped himself up with one arm while reaching between them to seek Matt's red and weeping cock. "Are you ready?"
Instead of answering, Matt reached for his lover with trembling hands, and held Josh's face. Dark, watery eyes sought out their match, and when their gazes met, Matt surged up and joined their lips. It was too much, it felt too good, and there wasn't any way to contain it all. Their lips slid together wetly and insistently; little flicks of tongue teasing through the kiss.
Wrapping his legs around Josh's hips opened Matt up further, which allowed Josh to slide in a little deeper. Matt made a keening noise, which was muffled against his lover's lips. He was already so close that the hand grasping his erection was almost enough to send him over the edge, but first he needed Josh to fuck him.
The actions certainly spoke louder than words where this was concerned, and Josh could only do what his body now demanded; there was no way to do anything else. Keeping their mouths joined, Josh began to thrust in slow shallow bursts, angling himself just so, and trying desperately to keep his hand stroking in the same rhythm. Concentrating on Matt's pleasure, rather than his own, was the only way to hold back in such circumstances, and since Matt deserved so much more joy than he'd managed to give him so far, it was Josh's only wish to give him maximum enjoyment now.
"There," he murmured between kisses, "Do you feel that? It's all for you."
Matt moaned and shuddered underneath Josh, and most of the words that escaped between kisses were curses. When Josh spoke, Matt struggled to focus and nod. He could feel it; he could feel everything, especially the constant presence of Josh's love for him. Which was the best part, in Matt's opinion. Even now, Josh treated him with a sort of reverence that Matt could only wish to return. "Oh God, yes, love you, fuck yes..."
Unable to even attempt stopping himself, Matt let his arms fall to the ground and fist in the thick carpet. It gave him just enough leverage that he began to work himself back onto his lover's cock, and then fuck the man's fist. His balls were drawn so taut they were nearly painful, and his stomach muscles were twisting ever tighter. "Please, God, please, goddamnit please, fuck, please..."
Josh knew Matt was reaching the end of his tether, despite his own need to make it last, and at the last exclamation from Matt, he tilted his hips once more and gave a few longer, harder thrusts and sped up the action with his hand. His own climax was very close too, but he had to make Matt come first. "Now, do it now, for me," he instructed, panting with his own need.
At the command, Matt let out a deep, quiet moan under his breath. His whole body tensed, and then he was there. His cock jumped in Josh's grasp, and burst between their bodies in long white stripes. As his body relaxed into what felt like Josh's final few strokes into him, Matt pried his fingers out of the rug and threw them around his lover's neck. He needed more kisses, and as he pulled Josh closer to him he panted against his mouth, "Love you..."
And all it took for Josh, really, was the knowledge that Matt had come, although the vice-like grip around his neck and the welcome kisses and words didn't exactly deter him either. A last couple of thrusts and he too was past the point of no return. Shuddering with the absolute bliss of the orgasm, Josh collapsed down onto Matt, not removing himself, but seeking the warm wet interior of the man's mouth as he lengthened the kiss Matt had started.
"Love you more," he muttered between kisses, sure he must sound way too corny, no matter how true it felt.
Matt giggled into the kisses, then flushed because he did, in fact, giggle. "I don't think that's possible," Matt whispered against Josh's mouth, "I love you an awful lot." Letting his eyes fall closed, he gave himself over to the kiss again. His lips seemed to tingle, and there was a pleasant warmth in his stomach that only seemed to intensify with each kiss and touch of tongues.
Finally pulling back slightly, Matt squeezed the back of Josh's neck as he tucked his face into his neck. "Nothing is ever going to keep me from being as in love with you as I am today." He thought of Josh's father, his own father, the separation, and finally of the love they were now able to share. He was sure nothing could ever touch what they had. "You make me feel complete."
Josh suddenly felt uncomfortable; not physically uncomfortable, because that was impossible with Matt, but because he didn't deserve what Matt was saying, even though he felt the same way.
"That's 'cause I'm still inside you," he joked to cover up for his feelings. He smiled, but he knew it didn't quite reach his eyes, and was glad Matt wasn't looking at his face. He shifted, letting his cock slide out. "There, now you're... well, anyway, come and see what I got you." he moved off Matt, giving him one last kiss as he disentangled himself. "It's almost Christmas. I can give you one thing now, right?"
The fear was stupid; Matt loved him and he loved Matt. Nothing could change that now. But for some reason, Josh needed to give the gift he'd just hidden to Matt now; it couldn't wait. Maybe it would help allay the worry that had just settled under his heart.
He reached for his clothes, and pulling on only his trousers, headed for the tree to retrieve the small box from its hiding place.
"Here. I..." He couldn't even speak properly. Josh bit his lip and frowned, holding out the box awkwardly. His heart was thumping. Despite Matt's words, he was still worried it was far too soon to be offering something with such important connotations.
Matt looked at the small, beautifully wrapped box with utter confusion. He had pulled on his shirt after Josh had drawn away, because his lover's absence left him feeling cold even as he sat by the warmth of the fire. But the thin layer of fabric didn't help keep the chill away, and he doubted he would be warm again until he was in Josh's arms.
"Christmas is still nearly a week away..." Reaching out, Matt fingered the fine ribbon on the box, and his gaze flickered between it and Josh. He couldn't find the answers there to any of his questions. How could whatever this was be that important that it would cause such an immediate withdrawal. "Are you sure I shouldn't wait?"
Another look to Josh seemed to reinforce just how important opening this was right now, so he finally took the package from his lover. Carefully, he slowly pulled the ribbon off, and set it aside. Just as slowly, to delay the inevitable, Matt removed the paper wrapped around the box.
A jewelry box. Matt frowned, and sent a curious glance to Josh. He slowly opened the lid, and looked inside. And then his breath caught in his throat. He couldn't look away. Matt was fairly certain that if he looked away, the thing in front of his eyes would simply disappear.
Trying to say his lover's name proved unsuccessful. Matt could only stare at the glittering silver thing inside, and try to catch up with his whirring mind.
When Matt didn't speak, at first Josh thought he'd done absolutely the wrong thing. "I... if you don't like it, I can take it back," he started, moving closer to the fire and turning his back to Matt as he warmed his hands. A shiver ran through him and he cursed under his breath. "I just... we don't... it's not like we'll ever be married or anything," he said awkwardly, "I just thought... it's a nice ring; Matt will like it. It doesn't matter what finger you wear it on, but if you wanted to pretend, so people don't know you're not..." He glanced over his shoulder, heart still thumping and face flushed. He knew he was gabbling, but there was no way to judge how Matt felt.
Married. If Matt didn't know better, Josh was asking him to marry him. In his completely backwards, self-deprecating way. Had Matt not known Josh so well, he wasn't sure he would have been able to catch the proper meaning.
It was true that it would be nice to have an excuse so that the young ladies at the different soirees would leave him alone, but he doubted this ring would stop them. It wasn't like your average wedding ring, and with no announcement of his marriage and no wife to show, no one would believe it. Josh would know that.
Oh, but the idea of being married to Josh seemed too wonderful to be true. Josh was right, they couldn't do anything official, but to have an expression of what they felt for each other... Matt took the ring out of the box, and stood. He wrapped his arms around Josh, and set his head on his shoulder. "I know that we can't actually get married, but I know that I'm going to be with you the rest of my life. And I want this." He offered Josh the ring, and his hand. "I love you."
Josh bit at his lip. This was as good as it could get. Matt wanted to be with him forever.
It was all Josh wanted too, and the emotion of the moment welled up inside him so fast and so fiercely that he couldn't speak for a while. He nodded, blinking hard, and took the ring from Matt.
Still holding his emotion tightly at bay, he managed an almost sad smile for Matt. He was giving up so very much to be with Josh. He was more grateful than Matt would ever know, but Josh still had an underlying feeling of guilt for taking Matt away from the 'normal' life he should be living.
Swallowing hard, he finally found his voice as he turned so he could look at Matt properly. He put on what he hoped was a happier smile and asked, "Which finger do you want it on? I... I tried it on... our fingers are similar sizes. It fits my middle finger; is that okay?" He waited, holding Matt's hand in one of his, and the ring expectantly in the other.
Meeting Josh's eyes sent a heavy wave of emotion through Matt. The look Josh was giving him was so intense that it only confirmed that this was it: there was no going back and there was no wait period. After the ring went on his finger, in their hearts they would be as good as married. And Matt wanted that with all his soul.
Matt squeezed the hand in his own, flicking a glance over to it. Seeing their hands together sparked something inside him, even though Matt had seen their joined hands countless times. He would never see them the same way again, though. From now on there would be rings there that proclaimed their love...
A soft, choked laugh bubbled up, and Matt looked back to Josh. Tears shone in his eyes, and he struggled to keep a wide grin off his face. "We're going to have to go get your ring tomorrow, you know."
Nodding his consent to the finger choice, Matt had to hold himself back from kissing the man who from now on would be his husband. But he held back, because while it was silly, some nagging voice reminded him that the kiss wasn't supposed to come until after the ceremony was done.
Unable to help the answering smile that grew at the expression of love in Matt's tear-filled eyes, Josh nodded, blinking once more to stop the tears he knew would flow from his own eyes if he wasn't careful. It was far too girlish and he couldn't do it--cry in front of Matt--no matter how happy he felt.
"I'd like that very much," he managed, then dropped his eyes to watch as he slid the sparkling silver ring onto Matt's finger.
With this ring, I thee wed...
It was as good as a marriage really; no matter there was no minister and no marriage license. The only thing missing was some kind of vow...
"I promise you, no matter what," Josh murmured, lifting his eyes to meet Matt's stunning gaze once more, "I'll always be there for you. I love you; I need you; I want you. You have my heart, my soul, my body; completely."
An incredible warmth spread through him, and as the ring reached the end of Matt's finger, he laughed awkwardly, embarrassed at how silly it had all sounded. "You may now kiss the bride," he joked.
Unable to help the bittersweet feeling sweeping through him, Josh pecked Matt's lips quickly and then pulled him close, holding Matt as tightly as he ever had; as close as he hoped to have him for the rest of his life. His face crumpled over Matt's shoulders as silent tears began to flow down his cheeks.
The ring was even more beautiful than Matt had thought, and it fit perfectly on his finger. It was as if it had always been there. The heart-felt vow made Matt's eyes burn, and a few tears trickle over. He then shared a too-brief kiss with the man he loved, then shockingly, just as he went to brush the tears away, Matt was crushed in Josh's grasp.
Tears wet his shirt, and all Matt could do is pull him close and hold on tight. As the silver warmed to his skin, Matt remembered the first time he had ever seen tears swim in Josh's eyes--the first time they had confessed their love. It was only appropriate that they would cry again now.
Swallowing down the lump in his throat, Matt gave another watery laugh and buried his nose in Josh's hair. "I can't imagine my life without you, you've... made me happier than I've ever imagined I could be."
Pulling back slightly, Matt cupped Josh's cheeks. The strange feeling of the ring against his lover's skin again struck him, but he pushed that aside. All that mattered now was getting a real kiss from Josh.
The kiss he gave was tender, and not very deep; but it was long, and intimate. A true sharing of hearts, more appropriate in Matt's mind for a situation this important.
When he pulled back, Matt placed another tiny peck on Josh's lips, and brushed away a stray tear. "Now, what's this about me being a bride? All the ladies at the dance are going to be crushed."
Word Count: ~8448
Thanks for joining us on this step back through time, and watch out for more in-house activities next week.
Back to Chapter 76
Here we are as in olden days,
Happy golden days of yore.
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more.
Through the years
We all will be together,
If the Fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.
And have yourself a Merry Little Christmas now.
'Merry Little Christmas' Tori Amos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwX62HL2vKo
It was only with a great amount of self-control that Matt was able to stay facing forward. He was sitting at his piano, playing every Christmas carol that he could remember the tune of. The holiday was fast approaching, and the young doctor was finding that the spirit of the season was quite infectious. There was fresh snow on the ground, and presents under a large tree, and mistletoe hanging in the doorway. Life was perfect. There was no other way to describe the way Matt felt. Simply and utterly perfect. And he was happy.
The reason he was happy was currently somewhere behind him. Trying to be quiet and sneaky, and yet failing miserably. Matt bit his lip, and looked down at his fingers on the keys. If he had to guess, the gifts gathering under the tree had just increased. This was going to be the best Christmas that Matt had ever had. He had a successful, well-paying job, a house in his own name, and nothing could possibly be as beautiful as Boston in the winter. But he would give those all up for the man behind him, the one that was the most important thing in his life, and the reason for his obscene happiness.
Josh. Who still hadn't adjusted to the cold Northeastern winters, and would complain daily, no matter how long he had been here, living with him. Every time Matt reminded himself of that fact-that they lived together-he couldn't stop the happy thrill that ran through him. If only Josh would stop lurking about the living room and give him a kiss! If he didn't get a kiss soon, he might simply just expire.
Josh knew that he was going overboard with the gifts, but he couldn't help himself. This was his first Christmas with Matt and he kept seeing things that he knew Matt would love. He'd never felt so happy in his entire life, and he just had to share it with the person who'd made him that happy.
After all the bad things that had happened before he left Georgia, he'd thought this would never happen, and for it to become a reality was almost beyond belief. He wasn't going to sit back and take it for granted either; he was going to enjoy every last minute.
Matt was playing Christmas carols on the piano; something that would probably have driven Josh crazy by now if it wasn't Matt. But Matt could do anything and get away with it. Josh tucked the most special package into a secret hole in the needles of their real Christmas tree; somewhere he hoped Matt wouldn't see until right at the end and after he'd opened everything else. Josh's heart thumped nervously when he thought about Matt opening this particular package. Josh just hoped it wasn't too soon to give something like it, but he hadn't been able to stop himself as soon as he'd seen this; it was the perfect gift.
Finally satisfied that it was well hidden, he turned to watch Matt's strong and beautiful back as he played. A tightening of Josh's heart made him stride towards the other man, and not wanting to disturb his playing, but desperate to touch, he stood close behind Matt, letting the warmth of his body radiate towards him.
"I'm cold. Warm me up?" he murmured, placing his hands on Matt's shoulders carefully.
Finishing out the phrase with a flourish, Matt closed the lid and looked up at Josh over his shoulder. "You're always cold." It was said with a fond smile, and Matt had to duck his head to hide the blush that was forming. He knew exactly how he wanted to warm Josh up, and even though his advances would be welcome, it still made Matt nervous and easily embarrassed.
Swinging around on the rotating piano stool, Matt set his hands on Josh's hips. A small glance at the tree confirmed his suspicions that Josh had just added presents. Matt leaned back against the piano, and pulled his lover between his legs.
"It is getting late, isn't it? We should start a fire."
Josh lifted his hands as Matt spun on the chair, then replaced them as he was pulled in by the hips, looking down with a sexy smirk as he thought about the fire he'd like to start.
"Yeah, it's a good idea. Mrs. Travers left the dinner in the oven when she went, and it sure smells good. Why don't you light the fire while I serve?" Backing out of Matt's reach just a little, he leaned down enough to offer his lover a soft kiss. Waggling his eyebrows as he straightened, he backed away further, taking hold of one of Matt's hands as he moved and only finally letting it go when he was no longer within reach.
"Won't be a minute," he promised, then with one last lingering look, he turned and headed towards the kitchen.
Cooking wasn't something either of them was proficient at, though Josh vaguely thought he should probably attempt something, since Matt worked, but they'd hired Mrs. Travers, a local woman, to come in daily to cook them a hot meal each evening and do some cleaning. Otherwise the place would probably be a lot less tidy, and they'd starve.
Of course, she didn't know the true state of their relationship and they had to maintain a certain façade so she wouldn't guess, but so far she didn't seem suspicious, and was always pleasant. She'd leave them something wonderful to eat when she left each evening, and as far as Josh was concerned, she was worth every penny they paid her.
Quickly serving up the wonderful stew and dumplings that was tonight's meal, Josh gathered together the necessary items on a tray, along with a bottle of wine and a couple of glasses, and returned to the living area, where Matt was making a fire magically spring to life in his inimitable way.
Josh placed the tray on the intimate table setting they had in one corner of the room, and quickly crossed back to Matt, where he was just rising to his feet next to the fireplace.
"Never mind the food; you look good enough to eat," he murmured, unable to resist his beautiful lover. Wrapping cool hands around the handsome man, he took Matt in a long, slow, sensuous kiss.
It was still hard to believe that they could do this without concern of who might see; that they were alone and in their own home, and free to touch as much or as often as they liked. That is, when Mrs. Travers wasn't about, which she only was for a couple of hours a day, and most of those were before Matt returned home from work, in any case.
"I love you," Josh whispered hotly into Matt's ear when he finally pulled back from the kiss, "and what I'm going to do to get warm-as soon as I've eaten dinner-will make your hair stand on end." he drew away from Matt completely and headed towards the table. "Now, let's eat; I'm starved!"
He knew the lascivious look he threw back at Matt as he seated himself-not to mention the tease he'd just offered-had thrown Matt, but it wasn't a bad thing. His more innocent lover was still learning how wicked he could be, and there was still so many new things he was teaching Matt about what they could do together; no doubt the words had stirred up more than just his imagination.
Matt wrapped an arm around his waist, and held that arm with the other. Shivers ran through his body, but he doubted that they were caused by the searing heat of the fire against his back. It wasn't fair that a single kiss from Josh was capable of robbing Matt of all thought and reason.
Taking a deep, shuddering breath, Matt firmed his resolve to do exactly what he'd wanted to all day, and take Josh into his arms and not let him go. Biting his lip again, Matt carefully undid the first few buttons of his shirt. He always felt silly taking the lead with his more experienced lover, but if he didn't, Matt knew he would have to endure a long dinner with constant teasing.
Crossing the room in a few steps, Matt reached out and took Josh's face in his hands. He kissed his lover deeply, forcing his tongue into Josh's mouth as he climbed into his lap. Unwilling to end their kiss, Matt let his hands slide down Josh's neck to his chest, where he fumbled to find the fastenings on Josh's shirt.
By the time the need for air drove them apart, Matt still hadn't managed to undo a single button, and so he let his forehead fall against Josh's. "You can't say things like that and walk away." He rolled his hips into his lover, so Josh could feel his burgeoning arousal. "Don't you know what you do to me?"
At the admission of need, Matt blushed bright red, starting at his ears and trailing down to his chest. He fiddled with one of the buttons on Josh's shirt, and kept his eyes averted. "Sorry... I missed you today. All this," Matt gestured to the decorations surrounding them, "makes me want to never leave your side."
Breathing heavily, Josh wasn't sure he could answer. What Matt had done was out of character for him; he wasn't usually so forward. Normally it was Josh who instigated things of a sexual nature between them, although Matt had never been reluctant to respond. Josh might have started it tonight too, but Matt didn't usually carry on this way when Josh turned to something else like food.
Josh wasn't complaining though; a rush of desire unlike the way he usually felt with Matt made his breath catch when his lover took such direct action.
"I sure as hell got a pretty good idea now what it is I do to you," he drawled in a low voice as Matt pressed his erection into him.
Josh let his smile soften at the evident embarrassment Matt felt. "I don't want you to leave my side," he admitted quietly, lifting a hand to stroke across Matt's smoothly shaven cheek. "In fact, I don't think I want you to leave my lap right about now. I missed you too. I'm sure we can eat just like this."
"C'mere," he insisted, circling his hand behind Matt's neck and pulling him in for another slow kiss.
Matt resisted for the briefest second before giving himself over. Josh's kisses were like a balm to his soul - washing away everything bad. Most of the stresses from his day, his embarrassment, and any lingering insecurities seemed irrelevant as long as Josh was there to love him. Since having Josh in his life, Matt didn't find himself pushing himself to be what his father never could be. Now, what he did, he did to make his lover proud and to better their lives together.
When the kiss ended, Matt smiled softly, and said, "You're just humoring me." He didn't move off Josh's lap, however. If anything, Matt settled further into the hold Josh had on him. Even if that was the truth and Josh really was humoring him, Matt was getting the closeness he was after, and he wasn't going to throw that away.
"I'd never just humor you," Josh admitted candidly; then he cracked a grin and added with a wink, "I'd be happy to eat every meal this way."
Picking up the spoon sitting next to Josh's dish, Matt scooped up a little bit of their dinner and offered it to his lover. "What did you do today? Something other than stay in and bother Mrs. Travers, I hope." Matt grinned, then affected an innocent look. "Though she and I agree, actually. With the hospital's Christmas Dance coming up, if you don't get your hair cut, you'll never find a woman of your own." Soft dimples appeared as he teased his lover, and Matt carded his fingers though the blond locks. Matt adored Josh's hair, especially on the days when Josh strove to style it, only to have it rebel against him.
The small smile morphed into a frown as Matt thought about the upcoming dance. He was growing used to the constant social obligations that came along with being a well-respected bachelor, but he hated being around so many people and pretending to be someone he wasn't. At least Josh would be next to him, this time. "You still have three days to convince me that we should stay in and skip the party, you know." Matt cupped the back of his lover's neck, and let out a long sigh.
Wrapping his lips carefully about the spoon Matt held, Josh savored the taste of the stew-which was as excellent as all the fare Mrs. Travers provided-and teased Matt by licking the spoon sexily as Matt drew it back. Finding Matt's hips, he held him in place so that their simmering desire would be obvious to them for as long as they stayed in that position at the table.
"Good reason not to get my hair cut then," he said, offering Matt a smoldering look up from under his lashes. Letting his face turn more serious for a moment as Matt's expression changed, Josh felt a pang of hurt deep inside. They were happy-nothing could change that-but there were still times when Josh had to wonder if he'd done the right thing by Matt.
This kind of social responsibility would weigh heavily on him, and knowing that Matt could be finding it so much easier if he were a 'normal' young man seeking an eventual bride at such gatherings brought out a kind of regret in Josh. They could enjoy the dances knowing they had each other at the end of it all, but being unable to dance together or tell the world how they felt was never going to sit easy with him.
"We should go," he said now, forcing the smile to return, "You know they'll wonder more about you if you don't. Besides, I like to dance, and those women that are looking for doctor husbands? Mmm, they're mighty fine," he teased, letting his dimples grow as he remembered the last such dance where, even had he been attracted to women sexually, not a single one could have been described by any stretch of the imagination as 'attractive.' A couple weren't exactly ugly, but their personalities had left a lot to be desired; and for Josh, personalities were everything with women.
The truth was that Josh was a social creature and he did enjoy dancing. The previous dance had been fun, despite the lack of connection with any of the women paraded for the single men's benefit.
Although Josh had found one girl-and she was barely more than that and therefore not really available for serious 'courting' anyway-who had been fantastic to lead around the dance floor. Truth be told, young she might be, but she had far more personality than all of the other women present and Josh had enjoyed speaking to her as much as the dancing. He wasn't sure her parents completely approved, although he'd seen the mother whispering to another surgeon's wife with a certain look that he had come to recognize in his years of attending Southern Balls and sucking up to debutante's parents as speculation for the future.
The girl had been very lucky to be allowed to such a dance so young (she'd admitted she was only fifteen), but he couldn't help wonder if the parents were worried she'd be left upon the shelf due to the strawberry birthmark she sported on one cheek, and were therefore trying to 'sell her off' in advance by way of her youth. No doubt, if they could find someone interested, she'd be betrothed immediately and married before her sixteenth birthday had become but a memory. Josh didn't find the mark in the least off-putting, but then he didn't want to marry her; he was more interested in talking, and she was clearly very quick-witted.
Halfway through their fourth dance, she'd said quietly but with obvious conviction, "I know exactly what my parents are doing, and you certainly shouldn't feel obligated towards me. Besides, I see where your eyes go, and there's no point in hoping for impossibilities."
Josh had been shocked, sure she couldn't mean what he thought, and pulled back as they slowed down to gauge her expression. "I'm sure I don't know what you mean," he murmured. As the movement sped up again, she twirled in front of him and her eyes flicked across to where Matt stood trying not to watch Josh as he frowned at something the Chief Surgeon said.
Heart thumping, Josh wondered at her motives, but when she was close enough, she whispered, "I'm going to be a writer. Stories like yours must be worth telling? Although I imagine most people don't want to know." Pulling back again, she gave him the most intelligent and knowing look; one that encompassed many things, including no disapproval for what she had worked out that Josh desperately hoped no-one else had grasped.
"And no-one's gonna know," he murmured back, "Though I'm mightily impressed by your tolerance and forthrightness. Who taught you such things?"
The dance had ended and he'd led her to a seat and stayed to talk for a few minutes, finding her manner and intelligence well above average for her social standing and age. Knowing her mother had to be wondering about their chat, he took his leave soon after, and although he knew he'd made a friend, he knew it was unlikely there was any way to maintain such a friendship without unnecessary difficulties arising.
Back in the here and now, realizing he'd let his attention stray from Matt-admittedly not something that happened often-Josh nuzzled the man's neck as Matt turned to gather another spoonful of stew, and whispered, "I like watching you dance with all of the women and knowing none of them stand a chance. Knowing when we get home, it's me who gets to kiss you and make love to you."
He let a hand creep between them and teasingly ran a finger against the hardness he felt in Matt's breeches. "The fact that this," he emphasized with a little squeeze to the object in question, "is all for me. Nothing compares to the feeling I get knowing that in a roomful of fawning creatures desperate to get their claws into you." Josh offered warm skin one more soft kiss and smiled as Matt turned his incredible dark eyes back on him.
"Oh!" Matt gasped, and his hips hitched forward into Josh's hand. It was a struggle to keep the spoon right-side up, so with a forced but steady hand, he let the utensil drop back into the bowl. The still logical part of Matt's mind reminded him that they should finish their dinner before moving onto more strenuous activity, but his need wouldn't wait any longer.
"Josh, please," Matt implored, when the teasing touches didn't stop. "You... I can't think when you touch me!" A sort of half-growl escaped him then, and he fisted his hands in Josh's shirt. He could overcome this. It was only his body's natural response to such stimuli. An increase in heart rate, a speeding of the pulse, dilated pupils, and sensitized skin. Matt should still be able to function, no matter how distracting Josh was.
Matt cleared his throat, and let his head fall forward slightly. "I don't care what they think. I know we have to go, but... this is our first real Christmas together. Last year..." His grasp tightened in the fabric under his hands. Matt had spent the past four glorious months ignoring their forced separation. He had told himself that it didn't matter any longer. And in a way, that was true, but this still stung. "I want this Christmas to be what we couldn't have last year. I don't want to go to the party; I want to stay here and be with you."
Josh could see how difficult Matt was finding it with him continuing to stroke the man's heated cock through his pants, but he simply grinned evilly and didn't stop, even while Matt spoke.
Food could wait, and Josh really didn't want to think about their time apart right now. He just wanted to be close to Matt; closer than they were now, and if he was strong enough to put off eating, then surely Matt could wait to discuss such things as what they would do about the dance.
"Never mind all that," he purred, reaching for Matt's trouser fastenings with his free hand, the other still stroking, "Kiss me again, then let's get your clothes off. I need to feel your skin... and if you'll let me, I'll show you what we can do after the dance... if we go, that is," he added at the look Matt directed his way.
Before Matt could say anything else, Josh sucked lightly on the man's full lower lip, working the fastenings open and delving a cool hand inside to find what he sought.
Matt's breath caught in his throat, but a high-pitched noise managed to squeak out. Josh's hand was so strikingly cool on his heated flesh, it made his body quiver. It wasn't a bad sensation; in fact it was good in a really strange way.
Once more, Matt tried to work the buttons on Josh's shirt. He was able to get a few undone, and let out a sigh of relief as his hands worked their way into the opening. Josh's skin was a sight to be seen, a beautiful dark golden brown even after months in the cold. And when Matt licked or kissed it, he swore he could taste sunshine and sweetness on its expanse.
Matt let his tongue flick across Josh's lips, before engaging his lover in a slow, passionate kiss. His hips worked slowly, moving his cock in and out of Josh's warming hand in time with their lip lock. When Matt drew back, he panted against Josh's lips, "You're beautiful, and I love you. Do you want to...?" Matt's eyes flicked over to the fireplace.
Josh laughed breathlessly, uncomfortable with Matt's description of him, but the rest of his words were certainly welcome. His own cock was rock-hard inside his pants, and he kept up the movement of his hand against Matt's hot flesh as he nodded. "You bet."
Turning slightly, he nudged Matt off his lap so they could stand, but he didn't remove his hand from within Matt's clothes as he backed him towards the fireplace. Once they were close, he stopped Matt by curling his spare hand around his neck and drawing near for another mind-blowing kiss.
Flirting his tongue around and over Matt's, Josh found the tip of his tongue and sucked lightly on it, then pulled back enough to play teasingly with Matt's lips. No one had ever been as delicious as Matt, and just kissing him like this got Josh so hot, he was ready to explode.
"Need your clothes off," he insisted urgently, licking along Matt's jaw and finally shifting away from the stiffness in his hand so that he could push Matt's trousers down. His fingers flicked upwards to rapidly undo buttons. Before Matt could reciprocate, he had the jacket and dress shirt off his lover, and was kissing his way down the broad torso to kneel so he could finish getting shoes and pants out of the way.
Once Matt was naked, Josh, caring little for his own needs-despite his cock's protests at being still confined-took a firm hold of Matt's hips and encircled his cockhead in soft, damp lips.
"Ooh..." Matt's legs trembled, and he was sure that if not for Josh's hold, his legs would give out under his own weight. He made a needy noise, but bit his lip sharply to stifle it. Matt dug his toes into the thick rug under his feet, and let one hand rest on his lover's shoulder, and the other he used to cradle Josh's skull. "Please... oh, please, stop teasing me!"
It was obscene watching Josh like this. Matt kept his eyes locked with his lover, and tried to keep his breathing even at the sight of the love and lust in he saw in Josh's eyes, and the way the lips that he had just been kissing wrapped around his cock. The impact the sight made on Matt had yet to lessen in all the time they had been together, and Matt highly doubted it ever would.
Teasing? Josh had hardly begun to tease. Mind you, he needed this as much as his lover, and wasn't about to take it too slow. Instead of attempting a reply, he simply took Matt's cock in further as he continued to hold the man's gaze. His expression was incredible, and just knowing how much pleasure he was giving-it being so well written across Matt's face-gave Josh more then enough enjoyment of his own.
Much as he couldn't wait to bury his own needy flesh deep inside his beautiful lover, he would never push him too far too fast, preferring to give Matt as much delight as he could before gaining his own release. No-one had quite made him want to give so much before Matt, and he couldn't help lavishing attention on him.
In addition, Josh's sense of guilt at what he'd done by bringing Matt into this, and his father's cavalier treatment of Matt when he'd found out, had made him feel he had much to make up for, though he would never say anything about it directly to Matt. Nonetheless, it was not difficult to hold back for Matt, and Josh was just glad to be back with him once more; his father and brothers forgotten behind him now.
Swirling his tongue around hot flesh, Josh let his hands curl around Matt's ass, one finger seeking the tight pucker and stroking across it gently.
Matt made an unintelligible noise, and averted his eyes. His blood was fired enough, and if he continued to look upon the debauched vision of Josh sucking his cock with such abandon, he would never last. Especially not long enough to get what he really needed.
When Josh's fingers delved into his crease, Matt moaned and his cock throbbed. Yes, yes, yes... This is what he needed! Matt pushed back against the finger against his hole, then surged forward again to fill his lover's mouth. "Fuck, Josh, fuck... fuck." A bead of sweat trickled down Matt's back, and he shook.
"Let me... oh, god! Fuck! Please, I need-need to l-lay down."
"Mmmm..." Josh hummed, pulling off the throbbing organ in his mouth and allowing Matt to lower himself to his knees. His hands never left his lover's body though; he needed the contact. As soon as Matt was on his level, he couldn't resist kissing him again, his tongue sliding wetly into Matt's mouth as he tasted everything he'd missed in their time apart. They may have been back together for close to four months now, but he was never going to take any of this for granted, that was for sure.
Savoring the kiss, he pulled back as slowly as he could, but only when he absolutely had to breathe, pushing Matt gently down to where he needed to be.
Then there was a flurry of movement as Josh removed his clothing desperately; needing to stay close to Matt. As soon as he was naked, he was covering Matt, watching the firelight flickering over them and kissing him again as he pressed his erection down to meet Matt's.
"I love you," he murmured against soft lips, his heart swelling at the beauty of the moment.
"I love you," Matt whispered back. He wrapped his arm loosely around Josh's neck, and used that to give himself enough leverage to firmly join their lips. Matt swept his tongue into his lover's mouth, mapping once more every familiar surface. He could faintly taste the bitter flavor of his own pre-ejaculate, and a hint of the stew they never got the chance to eat. And beyond that was the pure essence of Josh. Matt gave a low moan, and writhed beneath his lover.
When the kiss ended, Matt locked his gaze with Josh's dark, lusty gaze. "Let me suck your cock?" What little blood that hadn't been directed to Matt's erection rushed to his cheeks, and he added sheepishly, "You can stretch me at the same time?"
It still was difficult for Matt to allow himself to suggest, or even ask for, anything relating to sex that went beyond him taking Josh's cock into his mouth. There had even been one or two occasions since Josh had arrived where he had stumbled on Matt pleasuring himself, simply because he had been too embarrassed to ask for assistance with his arousal. Matt knew that this was somewhat of a sore point between them, once all was said and done, and he was trying to change that. He would do anything with Josh, and for Josh, but taking the lead and expressing his desires made him uncomfortable. Matt could only ever find the courage to open his mouth when, like now, he was too horny to worry.
Matt glanced down at their naked bodies pressed against each other, and snaked his free hand between their frames. His long, agile fingers sought Josh's length and wrapped around its silky heat. "Please?"
And that was all it took for Josh to comply. He'd never refuse anything Matt wanted; he couldn't. If only Matt would realize how much Josh would be willing to do for him, and ask for what he wanted more often. Josh tried not to think of how good it would feel to have his lover take the lead more often, and nodded. For all that, they had a good relationship; one he was perfectly happy with.
He shifted off Matt so they could re-position themselves head to tail, and offered his lover a sly smile. Stretch him, yes; but he wanted to do something they hadn't really done a lot; something that could be mind-blowing for both of them, and would be especially nice here by the fire where it was warm. As Matt's mouth closed over the head of his needy cock, Josh groaned, closing his eyes and shivering in delight. No matter how often he did this, Josh would never tire of how delicious Matt's mouth felt there.
Shifting again slightly as Matt took him in further, Josh sucked at his own fingers, wetting them thoroughly before sliding his hand down Matt's crease. Stroking temptingly across the pucker, he leaned in and began to suckle Matt's cock once more. Oh yes! Heaven could not be better!
Matt moaned around Josh's cock when his lover took him into his mouth. They had done this before--a few times at least--but even when Matt had suggested this position, he hadn't imagined that Josh would do it! Matt's whole body opened up to his lover's touch, becoming even more receptive, and Josh's cock slid even farther into his throat.
Matt's hand circled the base of Josh's erection, and his fingers teased at the sac below. And then, using the momentum of his body rocking back against Josh's fingers, Matt began to bob his head up and down. Josh felt so amazing above him, and his length filling Matt's mouth felt even more unbelievable. The only thing that could make this moment even better would be if the fingers that were currently driving him mad with their still teasing movements would sink inside him and give him what he needed.
Josh hummed delightedly against Matt's cock as the other man started moving, and slipped the tip of one finger inside; probably far too slowly for what Matt usually liked, but Josh had plans to make things last tonight. He circled the digit carefully, slipping further inside one tiny increment at a time. All the while, he kept up teasing movements with his tongue around the tip of Matt's cock.
Finally, after what seemed like hours, his finger was in as deep as it would go, and he began to back it out again. He could feel Matt's trembling under him, but he refused to go faster. Matt's mouth kept moving on his cock too, making his rising desire fight against the leisurely pace he was aiming for, but he held back, determined.
Matt was quickly approaching his pinnacle, the combined feeling of not only the strong body over his, and the delicious cock filling his mouth; but the exquisite stretch in his backside and the wet heat surrounding his own cock's head. Soon the sluggish pace his lover was taking wouldn't matter, and Matt would come regardless. He had tried diverting his attention solely to Josh's cock, to distract himself from the other sensations, and to encourage Josh to take further action, but his lover was staying stubbornly slow.
Pulling off of Josh's erection, Matt let his head fall back with a moan. With a deep and throaty cock-sucking voice Matt grunted, "Come on, get on with it. please, Christ!"
Josh loved hearing Matt in need, and it was times like this when he hoped Matt would just push him over and take what he needed, but usually he was too far gone himself and never got to see if it would happen. Sucking slowly around the head of the dick in his mouth, he began to move his finger more quickly, and soon inserted a second finger to circle and stretch.
"You want to finish like this?" he whispered, his lips still tickling Matt's sensitive glans, "or you need something else?" He hoped against hope that Matt might want to take the lead finally, but he wouldn't ask directly; it had never worked before. Those few times, he had backed off before insisting, as Matt had seemed far too shy about it, and he hadn't wanted to spoil the mood.
Throwing his arm over his eyes, Matt groaned and lifted his hips, silently begging for even more. "Josh, goddamnit, please! You know what I need, please, fuck!" He needed Josh's cock inside him, and he needed it right then. Nothing else would suffice. Unable to ignore the hardness in front of his face even as he begged, he rubbed his cheek against the length and placed little licks and kisses on it. "Please, love, please... I need, God, I need this inside me, please!"
Unable to refuse, Josh finally lifted away from Matt and repositioned himself where his lover needed him. It didn't matter how things went between them in the end, as long as they were together. Forgetting his own lesser need now, he pressed his hard and ready cock inside Matt's eager body. He moved more quickly than he had with his fingers, but still slower than Matt probably wanted as he smiled down at the man under him.
"Beautiful," Josh murmured as the intense heat surrounded him and held him firm. He propped himself up with one arm while reaching between them to seek Matt's red and weeping cock. "Are you ready?"
Instead of answering, Matt reached for his lover with trembling hands, and held Josh's face. Dark, watery eyes sought out their match, and when their gazes met, Matt surged up and joined their lips. It was too much, it felt too good, and there wasn't any way to contain it all. Their lips slid together wetly and insistently; little flicks of tongue teasing through the kiss.
Wrapping his legs around Josh's hips opened Matt up further, which allowed Josh to slide in a little deeper. Matt made a keening noise, which was muffled against his lover's lips. He was already so close that the hand grasping his erection was almost enough to send him over the edge, but first he needed Josh to fuck him.
The actions certainly spoke louder than words where this was concerned, and Josh could only do what his body now demanded; there was no way to do anything else. Keeping their mouths joined, Josh began to thrust in slow shallow bursts, angling himself just so, and trying desperately to keep his hand stroking in the same rhythm. Concentrating on Matt's pleasure, rather than his own, was the only way to hold back in such circumstances, and since Matt deserved so much more joy than he'd managed to give him so far, it was Josh's only wish to give him maximum enjoyment now.
"There," he murmured between kisses, "Do you feel that? It's all for you."
Matt moaned and shuddered underneath Josh, and most of the words that escaped between kisses were curses. When Josh spoke, Matt struggled to focus and nod. He could feel it; he could feel everything, especially the constant presence of Josh's love for him. Which was the best part, in Matt's opinion. Even now, Josh treated him with a sort of reverence that Matt could only wish to return. "Oh God, yes, love you, fuck yes..."
Unable to even attempt stopping himself, Matt let his arms fall to the ground and fist in the thick carpet. It gave him just enough leverage that he began to work himself back onto his lover's cock, and then fuck the man's fist. His balls were drawn so taut they were nearly painful, and his stomach muscles were twisting ever tighter. "Please, God, please, goddamnit please, fuck, please..."
Josh knew Matt was reaching the end of his tether, despite his own need to make it last, and at the last exclamation from Matt, he tilted his hips once more and gave a few longer, harder thrusts and sped up the action with his hand. His own climax was very close too, but he had to make Matt come first. "Now, do it now, for me," he instructed, panting with his own need.
At the command, Matt let out a deep, quiet moan under his breath. His whole body tensed, and then he was there. His cock jumped in Josh's grasp, and burst between their bodies in long white stripes. As his body relaxed into what felt like Josh's final few strokes into him, Matt pried his fingers out of the rug and threw them around his lover's neck. He needed more kisses, and as he pulled Josh closer to him he panted against his mouth, "Love you..."
And all it took for Josh, really, was the knowledge that Matt had come, although the vice-like grip around his neck and the welcome kisses and words didn't exactly deter him either. A last couple of thrusts and he too was past the point of no return. Shuddering with the absolute bliss of the orgasm, Josh collapsed down onto Matt, not removing himself, but seeking the warm wet interior of the man's mouth as he lengthened the kiss Matt had started.
"Love you more," he muttered between kisses, sure he must sound way too corny, no matter how true it felt.
Matt giggled into the kisses, then flushed because he did, in fact, giggle. "I don't think that's possible," Matt whispered against Josh's mouth, "I love you an awful lot." Letting his eyes fall closed, he gave himself over to the kiss again. His lips seemed to tingle, and there was a pleasant warmth in his stomach that only seemed to intensify with each kiss and touch of tongues.
Finally pulling back slightly, Matt squeezed the back of Josh's neck as he tucked his face into his neck. "Nothing is ever going to keep me from being as in love with you as I am today." He thought of Josh's father, his own father, the separation, and finally of the love they were now able to share. He was sure nothing could ever touch what they had. "You make me feel complete."
Josh suddenly felt uncomfortable; not physically uncomfortable, because that was impossible with Matt, but because he didn't deserve what Matt was saying, even though he felt the same way.
"That's 'cause I'm still inside you," he joked to cover up for his feelings. He smiled, but he knew it didn't quite reach his eyes, and was glad Matt wasn't looking at his face. He shifted, letting his cock slide out. "There, now you're... well, anyway, come and see what I got you." he moved off Matt, giving him one last kiss as he disentangled himself. "It's almost Christmas. I can give you one thing now, right?"
The fear was stupid; Matt loved him and he loved Matt. Nothing could change that now. But for some reason, Josh needed to give the gift he'd just hidden to Matt now; it couldn't wait. Maybe it would help allay the worry that had just settled under his heart.
He reached for his clothes, and pulling on only his trousers, headed for the tree to retrieve the small box from its hiding place.
"Here. I..." He couldn't even speak properly. Josh bit his lip and frowned, holding out the box awkwardly. His heart was thumping. Despite Matt's words, he was still worried it was far too soon to be offering something with such important connotations.
Matt looked at the small, beautifully wrapped box with utter confusion. He had pulled on his shirt after Josh had drawn away, because his lover's absence left him feeling cold even as he sat by the warmth of the fire. But the thin layer of fabric didn't help keep the chill away, and he doubted he would be warm again until he was in Josh's arms.
"Christmas is still nearly a week away..." Reaching out, Matt fingered the fine ribbon on the box, and his gaze flickered between it and Josh. He couldn't find the answers there to any of his questions. How could whatever this was be that important that it would cause such an immediate withdrawal. "Are you sure I shouldn't wait?"
Another look to Josh seemed to reinforce just how important opening this was right now, so he finally took the package from his lover. Carefully, he slowly pulled the ribbon off, and set it aside. Just as slowly, to delay the inevitable, Matt removed the paper wrapped around the box.
A jewelry box. Matt frowned, and sent a curious glance to Josh. He slowly opened the lid, and looked inside. And then his breath caught in his throat. He couldn't look away. Matt was fairly certain that if he looked away, the thing in front of his eyes would simply disappear.
Trying to say his lover's name proved unsuccessful. Matt could only stare at the glittering silver thing inside, and try to catch up with his whirring mind.
When Matt didn't speak, at first Josh thought he'd done absolutely the wrong thing. "I... if you don't like it, I can take it back," he started, moving closer to the fire and turning his back to Matt as he warmed his hands. A shiver ran through him and he cursed under his breath. "I just... we don't... it's not like we'll ever be married or anything," he said awkwardly, "I just thought... it's a nice ring; Matt will like it. It doesn't matter what finger you wear it on, but if you wanted to pretend, so people don't know you're not..." He glanced over his shoulder, heart still thumping and face flushed. He knew he was gabbling, but there was no way to judge how Matt felt.
Married. If Matt didn't know better, Josh was asking him to marry him. In his completely backwards, self-deprecating way. Had Matt not known Josh so well, he wasn't sure he would have been able to catch the proper meaning.
It was true that it would be nice to have an excuse so that the young ladies at the different soirees would leave him alone, but he doubted this ring would stop them. It wasn't like your average wedding ring, and with no announcement of his marriage and no wife to show, no one would believe it. Josh would know that.
Oh, but the idea of being married to Josh seemed too wonderful to be true. Josh was right, they couldn't do anything official, but to have an expression of what they felt for each other... Matt took the ring out of the box, and stood. He wrapped his arms around Josh, and set his head on his shoulder. "I know that we can't actually get married, but I know that I'm going to be with you the rest of my life. And I want this." He offered Josh the ring, and his hand. "I love you."
Josh bit at his lip. This was as good as it could get. Matt wanted to be with him forever.
It was all Josh wanted too, and the emotion of the moment welled up inside him so fast and so fiercely that he couldn't speak for a while. He nodded, blinking hard, and took the ring from Matt.
Still holding his emotion tightly at bay, he managed an almost sad smile for Matt. He was giving up so very much to be with Josh. He was more grateful than Matt would ever know, but Josh still had an underlying feeling of guilt for taking Matt away from the 'normal' life he should be living.
Swallowing hard, he finally found his voice as he turned so he could look at Matt properly. He put on what he hoped was a happier smile and asked, "Which finger do you want it on? I... I tried it on... our fingers are similar sizes. It fits my middle finger; is that okay?" He waited, holding Matt's hand in one of his, and the ring expectantly in the other.
Meeting Josh's eyes sent a heavy wave of emotion through Matt. The look Josh was giving him was so intense that it only confirmed that this was it: there was no going back and there was no wait period. After the ring went on his finger, in their hearts they would be as good as married. And Matt wanted that with all his soul.
Matt squeezed the hand in his own, flicking a glance over to it. Seeing their hands together sparked something inside him, even though Matt had seen their joined hands countless times. He would never see them the same way again, though. From now on there would be rings there that proclaimed their love...
A soft, choked laugh bubbled up, and Matt looked back to Josh. Tears shone in his eyes, and he struggled to keep a wide grin off his face. "We're going to have to go get your ring tomorrow, you know."
Nodding his consent to the finger choice, Matt had to hold himself back from kissing the man who from now on would be his husband. But he held back, because while it was silly, some nagging voice reminded him that the kiss wasn't supposed to come until after the ceremony was done.
Unable to help the answering smile that grew at the expression of love in Matt's tear-filled eyes, Josh nodded, blinking once more to stop the tears he knew would flow from his own eyes if he wasn't careful. It was far too girlish and he couldn't do it--cry in front of Matt--no matter how happy he felt.
"I'd like that very much," he managed, then dropped his eyes to watch as he slid the sparkling silver ring onto Matt's finger.
With this ring, I thee wed...
It was as good as a marriage really; no matter there was no minister and no marriage license. The only thing missing was some kind of vow...
"I promise you, no matter what," Josh murmured, lifting his eyes to meet Matt's stunning gaze once more, "I'll always be there for you. I love you; I need you; I want you. You have my heart, my soul, my body; completely."
An incredible warmth spread through him, and as the ring reached the end of Matt's finger, he laughed awkwardly, embarrassed at how silly it had all sounded. "You may now kiss the bride," he joked.
Unable to help the bittersweet feeling sweeping through him, Josh pecked Matt's lips quickly and then pulled him close, holding Matt as tightly as he ever had; as close as he hoped to have him for the rest of his life. His face crumpled over Matt's shoulders as silent tears began to flow down his cheeks.
The ring was even more beautiful than Matt had thought, and it fit perfectly on his finger. It was as if it had always been there. The heart-felt vow made Matt's eyes burn, and a few tears trickle over. He then shared a too-brief kiss with the man he loved, then shockingly, just as he went to brush the tears away, Matt was crushed in Josh's grasp.
Tears wet his shirt, and all Matt could do is pull him close and hold on tight. As the silver warmed to his skin, Matt remembered the first time he had ever seen tears swim in Josh's eyes--the first time they had confessed their love. It was only appropriate that they would cry again now.
Swallowing down the lump in his throat, Matt gave another watery laugh and buried his nose in Josh's hair. "I can't imagine my life without you, you've... made me happier than I've ever imagined I could be."
Pulling back slightly, Matt cupped Josh's cheeks. The strange feeling of the ring against his lover's skin again struck him, but he pushed that aside. All that mattered now was getting a real kiss from Josh.
The kiss he gave was tender, and not very deep; but it was long, and intimate. A true sharing of hearts, more appropriate in Matt's mind for a situation this important.
When he pulled back, Matt placed another tiny peck on Josh's lips, and brushed away a stray tear. "Now, what's this about me being a bride? All the ladies at the dance are going to be crushed."
Word Count: ~8448
Thanks for joining us on this step back through time, and watch out for more in-house activities next week.