Tommy and David (Part 5) - The end of an ERA and new beginning!

A month and a half. A month and a half of crying behind closed doors and drawn curtains. A month and a half of wondering why. A month and a half of pure misery. Tommy had left David and he’d left with no explanations and, no goodbyes, just a “Dear John” letter. David had spent that time wondering what he’d done wrong and feeling sorry for himself. If it weren’t for his well meaning neighbor Bruce, he wouldn’t have come out of the house at all. Tommy and David had met Bruce the first week they moved into the house. He lived right next door and he became a fast friend. Bruce had made sure David ate, showered, shaved and (when he could) smile. Today was somewhat of a breakthrough though. Today he was sitting outside on the front porch and they were having a beer in the warm Florida sunshine. Bruce was trying to get David to pack up Tommys things and dispose of them but so far was having no success.

“I just don’t want to think about it right now,” David said quietly. “I know David,” Bruce replied. “But every time you look at that stuff it’s just a hurtful reminder and you sink deeper into your own misery. You have to let it go.”

“I’ll tell you what,” David smiled weakly. “Why don’t we go for a walk along the beach? When we come back, I promise I’ll start packing his stuff.” Bruce looked at him somewhat skeptically, sighed and gave in. “Ok,” he smiled. “Let’s go.”

They finished their beers silently and walked the few blocks down to the beach. The sun was setting out over the ocean and it was a perfect postcard view. Bruce knew that Tommy and David had often taken this walk and thought maybe this is what he needed. A sort of a ‘farewell’, or a cleansing of the soul. In any case, they reached the beach which was unusually deserted and they walked down to the shoreline. The tide was going out and a warm breeze was blowing. Bruce watched quietly as David slowly walked ahead of him, heading out towards the water. Meanwhile, David was lost in his own thoughts. Bruce had been so kind to him these past few months and David was afraid he was falling for him. It was ok because he knew that Bruce was gay and that the man had a crush on him. But he was so afraid of being hurt again. He stopped and stared out at the horizon and wrapped his arms around himself. He watched as the seagulls rose above the water and dived down to scoop up some unsuspecting meal out of the ocean. A tear slowly made it’s way down his cheek and he choked back another sob. NO! He wouldn’t do this again! He was going to move on with his life and if Bruce was willing, he would move on with him! Bruce. He’d never met anyone like him before. Bruce was chinese. He had the classic beautiful blue-black hair and dark penetrating eyes. He was slender and David’s height. He probably weighed a little less than David too. He wasn’t all buffed out either but, then again, what he lacked in size and muscles (which was what David was used to,) he more than made up for in a charming personality. David sensed his presence as Bruce walked up behind and gently wrapped his arms around him.

David sighed and leaned into Bruce’s chest. “It’s time for me to let go, isn’t it?” He asked without turning around. Bruce hugged David to him and placed his chin on his shoulder. “Yeah David,” he whispered. “It is.” “Will you help me Bruce? I-I mean, will you help me forget?” Bruce gently turned David around so that they were facing each other. He lifted his chin with one finger and wiped the lone tear from his cheek. He leaned in and gently placed a kiss on his soft lips. “Yes,” he whispered huskily. “I’ll help you forget.” David smiled gratefully and returned the kiss. He brushed his lips softly across Bruce’s and sighed with relief as Bruce licked his bottom lip and then sensuously slipped it past David’s lips and into his mouth to fuse them together. David curled his arms around Bruce’s neck and moaned softly as they kissed slowly and passionately. If anyone had been on the beach to see them they would have seen to people in the distance embraced against a magnificent sunset as a backdrop. Bruce placed his hands on David’s waist as he entwined his tongue with his. He’d waited so long for this moment. He was going to do everything in his power to make David happy once more. Slowly, as if on cue, they dropped to their knees still kissing. In their kneeling position, Bruce lifted David’s tank-top over his head and tossed it aside. He then removed his own t-shirt and threw it on top of David’s. They embraced once more and as their skin came into contact, a bolt of electricity went through them both.