“The night is young, and so are we. Let’s just get to know each other slow and easily, oh. Take my hand. Let’s hit the floor. Shake our bodies to the music. Maybe then you’ll score, mmm. So come on baby, won’t you show some class? Why do you have to move so fast? We don’t have to take our clothes off to have a good time, oh no. And we could dance and party all night. And drink some cherry wine, oh-oh.-Ella Eyre
(We Don’t Have To Take Our Clothes Off)
November 2026 (Thanksgiving)
It had been two weeks since the accident. Noah still had not regained consciousness. The doctors had no medical explanation for why he hadn’t woken up yet. Every scan and test showed that the bleeding of his brain had been repaired without any damage. They had cautioned the family that the longer he stayed asleep the less likely he would ever wake up again. They were describing it as a Minimally Conscious State (MCS).
Blair and Vivian were constantly at the hospital, sitting by his bedside. They rotated throughout the day so that he was never alone. Matthew and Ishmael were hosting a Thanksgiving dinner for everyone. Blair had opted not to attend and was going to spend the evening with Noah.
Blair entered the room, and as usual, the sight of Noah lying bandaged in the hospital bed stole his breath. It was a sight he never could get used to. Vivian was sitting at her son’s side. The nurse was checking his vitals, and all the machines were beeping. There were no longer tubes in Noah’s mouth. He was breathing on his own again, which was a positive sign. His face was still bandaged on the left side.
“Any change,” Blair asked as he made his way across the room.
“No. Still the same. Are you sure you’re okay with being here today,” Vivian asked.
“There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.” Blair took a seat on the opposite side of the bed.
“You know,” Vivian said, as she looked at her son, “he was so happy with you. He loves you, Blair.”
Blair smiled, “I love him.” It made him feel good to know that Noah really loved him.
“I think God saved the best for last, and that’s why I know he’s going to wake up and come back to us,” she said as she stood and kissed Noah on the forehead.
“Thank you for saying that.” Blair felt emotional following Vivian’s statement.
She gave Blair a simple but hopeful smile. Vivian collected her things, wished him a happy Thanksgiving, and left the room. The nurse followed shortly, and then it was just Blair and Noah. Blair took Noah’s hand in his hand.
Blair exhaled, “It’s me. Our first Thanksgiving as a couple. It’s just as memorable as the first one we spent in California with your Uncle Bobby when you friend-zoned my ass again. We were walking on the Golden Gate Bridge. Damn, I loved you then, and I love you now just as much. Through the years, we have been there for each other, and we lost our way for a moment, but God knows it’s always been you. It’s been you since the first day I laid eyes on you, but you were stuck on my sister’s boyfriend. The idiot!”
February 2006
Dolores Park was full of young adults from all over the Bay Area. They had all come for a Valentine's Day afternoon movie in the park. Blair had brought Noah as a friend because they were showing Noah’s favorite rom-com, “Sleepless in Seattle.” Things between them had been a little odd since Christmas. That was when Noah had parked Blair in the friend zone again and admitted he was still in love with Matthew.
They found a spot in the middle of the park. Blair had planned everything. He had a blanket for them to sit on, plus one to wrap themselves in should there be a strong breeze from the bay. He had food and fluffy pillows to rest on. It would have been the most adorable first date.
“Everyone here looks to be so in love or on the verge of falling in love,” Noah said as he looked around at everyone.
“Well, today is about love,” Blair said with a half-hearted smile.
“I guess so.” Noah wasn’t sure how to respond to Blair. He didn’t want to hurt him. He cared for him tremendously.
Blair coughed, “So, have you talked to the idiot yet and told him you still love him?”
Noah smiled and shook his head, “No, I haven’t spoken with Matthew since I left Alabama. I’m focusing on my life here in SF. Why aren’t you on a date? You should be looking for your love connection.”
“I am on a date,” Blair said with a devious but beautiful smile.
“You know what I mean, Blair.”
“Oh, I’m Blair now? No more, Kent?”
“You’ll always be Kent. Now, stop changing the subject. Why aren’t you dating,” Noah pried.
“I have a date later. I’m picking him up after I drop you off.”
“You double booked?” Noah was shocked and disappointed for reasons he didn’t quite understand.
Blair defended himself, “Yeah. I knew the movie would be over before nightfall, and I didn’t want to be alone. It’s a day for love, after all.”
“Wow. Okay, then,” Noah said as he ran his fingers through his hair, “If you have other plans, you can just leave now.”
“Why would I do that? I’m hanging out with my friend. Nikolay can wait till later.” Blair knew he was getting under Noah’s skin.
Noah quickly asked, “Nikolay? What kind of name is that? What is this guy, Bulgarian?”
“What do you have against Bulgarians, Noah?”
“Oh, so now I’m just Noah. You know what? I just remembered I don’t like this movie anymore, so I’m gonna go, and you and your Slovakian prince can go have an afternoon of cheap thrills and regret.”
“Now he’s Slovakian,” Blair asked with a laugh. “Your privilege is showing.”
“My privilege? What privilege, Blair,” Noah shouted. “What are you saying?”
Blair quickly looked around, “Will you keep your voice down? You know what I’m talking about, Noah.”
“I don’t, and I’m leaving,” he said as he jumped to his feet and walked away.
Blair laughed, “Noah, come back.”
Noah was fuming with Blair. It felt like a fight to Noah. For Blair, it was a way to be honest and to make Noah realize his feelings. That night, Blair decided to take Nikolay on a sunset cruise for their date. They had a great time dancing and talking. The vibe between them was really good. Things heated up and took the turn that Blair was hoping for.
He wanted to sleep with Nikolay. Who wouldn’t want to? The guy was a stud with his short and wavy dark hair. His arms and thighs were thick and pale. He had a stubble and a dimple on his chin. His face was oval-shaped, and his eyes were dark and intriguing. Blair’s primal needs were fully awakened around this guy, and he really wanted to get laid.
The door opened, and Noah was standing in the middle of Blair’s off-campus apartment. He had decorated the entire apartment with balloons and had a bouquet of roses waiting for him. Blair was speechless. He had wanted Noah to accept his feelings, but he hadn’t expected all of this especially after he stormed off and left him in the park all alone.
“Surprise,” Noah said weakly. He was equally shocked to see the guy with Blair.
“Noah, I gave you a key for emergency use only,” he said.
Quickly, he responded, “Well, I know how bad you are at dates, so I thought I’d help you out. I was hoping to be gone before you got back. So, happy whatever holiday this is, and I’m leaving. And I won’t need a key anymore.” Noah placed the key on the table and exited. On his way out, his shoulder brushed Blair’s. They both felt the spark within each other.
Noah was halfway down the block when Blair called out to him. They came face to face. Each one was mad, but they couldn’t deny what they meant to one another. In a different life, they would’ve been perfect for one another.
“What the hell was that,” Blair asked.
“It was nothing. At least not now,” Noah said.
Blair dropped his head, “Whatever you say.”
He turned and began to walk away. Noah couldn’t let him walk away without knowing what he was feeling and knowing what Blair was going to do.
“Are you going to fuck him? Is that why you brought him back to your place,” he asked.
“Yes,” Blair answered as he slowly turned around. “Why do you care though? You don’t want me. You want the idiot. So, you can’t friend-zone me and tease me simultaneously. You have to pick a lane and stick to it.”
“You’re right. Friend zone for life, Blair. How’s that?”
“You do what you have to do, Noah.” Blair grabbed Noah and pulled him into a steamy kiss. He sucked Noah’s lips into his mouth and slid his tongue down his throat. There was no fight in Noah. He let Blair have his way with that kiss.
When the kiss was over, Noah was left speechless. He could only stare into Blair's eyes. Whereas Noah was speechless, Blair was thrilled. It was an ego boost for him.
“Now, I’m gonna go and give my Bulgarian date the best sex of his life. Good night, Noah.”
Blair turned and walked away. Noah didn’t say a word at first. Instead, he watched as Blair walked away. Just as he was nearly out of sight, Noah screamed out.
Noah yelled, “In a different life, we would be perfect together, but I met him first, Blair.”
Blair stopped for a second and took in Noah’s words. Then he walked away. There was no need for more words.
April 2007
Spring had finally arrived in NYC. It was a beautiful Saturday morning, and Noah had found himself at a local art gallery he frequented often. He was admiring a painting when the gallery owner walked over and stood beside him.
“I find myself fascinated by this one as well,” he said.
“There’s so much pain in the colors, but the way the artist frames it makes it so beautiful,” Noah said as he continued to stare at the piece.
The gallery owner stood behind Noah and placed his hands on Noah’s shoulders and began to massage them. His actions took Noah by surprise. He wasn’t quite sure how to respond.
“I think you’re so beautiful. I watch you come in here often and see you buy pieces of art. I ask about you. A rumor goes around that they call you Heartbreaker. Can you break mine?” The owner was very clear about his intentions.
Noah slowly turned to face him. The gallery owner was a beautiful Brazilian man with gray hair. He looked to be in his late 50s, but he had the sex appeal and charm of a twenty-five-year-old.
“Heartbreaker,” Blair called out from the entrance.
Noah’s eyes lit up when he saw Blair. His feet moved before his mind could form a thought. He quickly wrapped his arms around Blair and pulled him into a hug, and then their lips met. Noah gave Blair the same kind of kiss that he had been given a year ago. Blair was left speechless, but he loved every moment of having Noah’s lips against his.
“I owed you that one,” Noah said with a naughty smile.
Blair licked his lips, “I could use another one.”
Noah rolled his eyes and pulled Blair by his hand out of the art gallery. They spent the day wandering through the city. They watched a Broadway play, visited the Empire State Building, shared the sights of NYC on a helicopter tour, and took a late night through Central Park.
“So, you and the idiot broke up again? Why,” Blair asked as they walked the streets of the city holding hands.
“We both needed to explore life outside of one another. Also, I slept with someone else, and then I slept with his friend.” The regret in Noah’s voice was evident.
“Wow, you’ve been busy since we last saw one another. Always thought you’d call me when you grew tired of him.”
“You really want to fuck me that badly? I tried to sleep with you at the Lake House. You had the chance, and you rejected me.”
“Please don’t rewrite history, Noah. I didn’t reject you. I passed on a pity fuck, and the fact that you’re doing it again just says you don’t care about me.”
Noah yelled, “I care about you. For you to stand there and say that is such an insult, Blair.”
“No! The insult is to throw a fuck at me when you know I want everything. I want all of you. Every horrible and beautiful thing about you I want. Why don’t you want me the same way I want you,” Blair yelled back.
There was silence between them. Noah wanted Blair the same way, but something inside him wouldn’t let him, no matter how much he wanted to. He was afraid to have the discussion with Blair.
“Fuck this. I’m going home,” Noah said as he turned to walk away.
“No, you aren’t,” Blair proclaimed as he spun Noah around and kissed him.
The two men were in Blair’s hotel room. The passion between them began to heat up. Their hands explored each other’s bodies. Blair pulled his shirt off and then he pulled Noah’s shirt off. He pressed his chest against Noah’s chest. They stared at one another, and Blair moved his fingers along Noah’s arms.
Blair whispered, “Look at us. Your beautiful chocolate skin in perfect contrast with my pale skin. I could give you the world if you’d let me.”
“After you tell me why you accused me of having privilege in Dolores Park,” Noah said as he backed away from Blair. He knew what he was doing by bringing that up.
Blair exhaled, “Your parents are wealthy, Noah. Your father was a multi-millionaire real estate developer in Miami. Your mom is the chief of Plastics at UAB and has three cosmetic surgery offices. You have two guys who are crazy about you. More importantly, you have me wrapped around your finger.”
“I think you meant something else. I think I should go.” Noah picked up his shirt.
“You’re afraid. It scares you how much you love me as well. You’re afraid that if you let yourself feel my love, it will erase all your feelings for him. You’re afraid, but I deserve my chance, Noah.”
“Now, whose privilege is showing? You think you have all the answers. Since the first day I met you, you’ve held yourself as some sort of wise Yoda. Well, here’s some news for you. I’m not afraid. I just love you so much I don’t want to hurt you.”
“I’m a big boy, Noah. If I get hurt, I get hurt. Have you ever thought that maybe you’re worth whatever hurt I feel? I want to be with you. And I don’t want to play any fucking games! I’m a grown man who knows what he wants.”
“I don’t want to ruin our friendship. I’m scared that I’ll mess us up, Blair. You don’t get to demand that I give you a chance. You earn it!”
“Have I not earned it? What else do I have to do? Do you even really love me?”
“You already know the answer.”
“Damn it, Noah. Just answer me, please.”
“YES! I love you. I liked you the moment we first met. I fell in love that night on the bridge. It scared me to know I was in love with two men at the same time, and I still am. I can’t help it. You make me feel seen. I’m seen when I’m around you, and it scares me.
“Stop fighting it. Give me the same chance you gave him. Aren’t I worth it?”
They held each other’s gaze for several minutes without speaking. The entire time, Noah was thinking of all the reasons he shouldn’t give in to temptation. Blair was thinking of every reason they should finally give in to temptation.
“I’m sorry. I can’t do it. You’re worth all the love in the world, but I just can’t be the one to give you the love you deserve.” Noah walked towards the door.
Blair shouted, “If you walk out of here, then that’s it. We are done. I can’t have you in my life anymore, Noah. It hurts seeing you and not having you.” His voice cracked with the last word.
Noah never turned around. He stood facing the door. His eyes were filled with tears. He accepted what Blair said and walked out the door, and that was the last time they would be around each other for almost twenty years.
September 2026
The stars hung bright in the sky. Noah stood on the balcony, looking out at the ocean. The waves were crashing, and the breeze was blowing. Noah’s thoughts were broken by the sound of Ella Eyre’s “We Don’t Have to Take Our Clothes Off.”
Blair pulled Noah into a warm embrace, and the two began to slow dance. For the first time in a long time, Noah felt safe in someone else's arms. Blair’s heart leaped as he got to hold the one he had spent the early years of his adult life chasing and older years wondering about.
“I’ve dreamed about this for such a long time. Just us somewhere far away under the stars,” Blair said.
“I want you to live out all of your dreams. Do everything you want to me,” Noah said.
“If I start living my dreams, I won’t be able to stop,” he said.
“Who said anything about stopping,” Noah countered.
No more words were spoken. Blair took Noah by the hand and led him inside the villa, and that night, they made love for the first, second, and third time. Noah woke up feeling free and at peace. He sat at the desk and began to work on his second novel, titled “First Love: Breathe Again.” He was three chapters in when Blair woke up.
“What are you doing,” Blair asked.
“Finally writing my second novel. You gave me life again in more ways than I can count,” Noah said with a joyful heart.
Blair climbed out of bed. He stood behind Noah and wrapped his arms around his neck. His naked body parts were pressed directly into Noah’s back.
“Well, let me give you some more life,” he said as he kissed Noah’s neck.
October 2026
Noah watched as Blair and Lola played on the beach. Blair was a natural with Lola, and that made Noah feel comfortable with the direction of their relationship. There was nothing more sexier than a man stepping up and being a father. Most people would be taking their time and moving slow, but Noah and Blair had been in love with each other for years.
Noah couldn’t lie to himself any longer. Blair had always known that Noah carried around feelings for him. He just had to wait for Noah to finally stop living in fear and finally accept that he was his other great love.
That evening, Noah found Blair standing in front of the bed in his black boxer briefs. Noah stopped and just admired Blair’s lean torso and smooth chest. Watching him was all the push Noah needed to finally be open and honest about everything.
“Hey you,” Blair greeted him with a smile. “Lola asked me today If I was going to be her second dad. She’s going to be some type of investigative journalist. Just watch, and I can’t wait.”
“I’m not a historical revisionist. So, please don’t take this as me rewriting our history. I’m just telling you the truth. The day I met you I knew that I wanted to always have you in my life. I knew the second you made me dance with you at the lake to make Matthew jealous that I could always count on you. Our first Thanksgiving I fell deeply in love with you. Our first Christmas I knew you loved me more than anyone else in your life. Valentine’s Day was when I knew that I wanted you more than I cared to admit.”
“Why are you telling me this now,” Blair asked.
“I’m getting to that point. I was scared to fully love and date someone white. I was scared that something could or would happen that would put me in a position where I wouldn’t have the mental capacity to explain it. My lived experiences will always be different, no matter how much money I have. I like men, period, but I have this thing for dark hair and blue eyes. I mean, the first guy I fell in love with was white adjacent. Then came you. I was just scared to really have that uncomfortable conversation about race. If the last few years have taught me anything is that race relations aren’t going anywhere until people have conversations that make us feel uncomfortable. Uncomfortable part of the growth process. So, if we are really going to do this, then we should be able to talk about it.”
“I’m glad you finally told me. Noah, I’m not blind to the world. I know there are things I’ll never fully grasp. However, I’ll always be by your side. I’ll always be ready to learn and understand as long as you’re willing to teach me. I can’t help who I am, just like you can’t help who you are. Together, though, we can be an example of what unconditional love looks like. If you’re open to it, I can share some things about my experiences.”
Noah mumbled, “Unconditional love.”
“Unconditional love, my heartbreaker,” said Blair as he pulled Noah in for a kiss.
That night, all the boundaries shattered. Every uncomfortable topic was discussed with care and love. An open mind is a free mind. Their minds were open to each other’s very different lived experiences and all the things that make us different but the same.
November 2026 (3 Days Before Noah’s Accident)
The sun was blocked by clouds, and rain was falling nonstop. Noah stood on the patio, staring out into his secluded backyard. The last four days had been miserable. MJ had moved out and gone to stay with Matthew and Ishmael in Boston.
The house no longer felt like home. Lola was off on a play date, and the rain was calling to Noah. Blair walked out on the patio and placed his hand on Noah’s lower back. They smiled lovingly at one another.
Noah asked, “How was your meeting?”
“It was productive. They offered the contract to me. The job would require me to move to London for at least a year,” he answered.
Noah followed up with, “Are you going to take it?”
“Honestly, I’d like to. I’d like for you and Lola to come with me as well. We could have an adventure of love in London. Or does that sound super cheesy?”
Noah turned and began to kiss Blair. Blair pushed him against the pillar and dropped to his knees. He pulled Noah’s pants down and kissed his pelvis before kissing the shaft of Noah’s dark cock. He rolled his tongue around the head of the penis. He took it in his mouth.
Noah watched him carefully. He admired the way Blair sucked his dick. He worked the shaft with his hand as he sucked on the head. Noah ran his fingers through Blair’s dark hair. The sensation was incredible. Blair’s lips looked perfect wrapped around Noah’s cock.
Every so often, Blair would spit on Noah’s cock and then take it further down his throat. Each time he did it, it would make Noah moan. Blair loved the taste of Noah. He could have stayed on his knees forever, but he wanted more.
He jumped to his feet, and two men began kissing and slowly stripping each other of their clothing. Their hands explored each other’s bodies. Noah moved his lips to Blair’s neck and began to suck on him. He then kissed his chest and sucked his nipples. Blair sighed and allowed Noah to have his way with him.
Noah moved down Blair’s body. He came into contact with Blair’s ever-so-long uncut cock. It was throbbing in anticipation of what was to come next. Noah opened his mouth and swallowed the long dick. He moved his head back and forth, sucking on the cock with sheer force and pleasure.
Blair gripped the pillar as Noah worked him over. His balls rested in Noah’s hands. His toes curled, and his leg shook. It was like his dick was being bathed in lavender. Noah’s oral skills were unmatched and could make any grown man see God.
Blair pulled Noah to his feet and pushed him into the wall. He got on his knees behind Noah and spread his cheeks. Blair’s tongue flicked Noah’s rosebud, and then he pushed his thumb inside of him.
“Oh fuck,” Noah moaned.
Blair pushed his tongue inside of Noah and began to rim him. With each flick of his tongue, he jerked Noah’s hard cock. The rain fell harder, and their groans grew louder. The wind blew the cold air across their naked bodies. Blair’s tongue went deeper inside of Noah’s anus.
Blair stood up and slapped his blood-filled erection across Noah’s ass. With one solid push, his dick slid into the hot ass that was awaiting him. They both let out a gasp and then Blair began to fuck Noah. He moved in and out of him slowly at first. He wanted Noah to fill every inch of him.
Blair groaned, “Oh my God. You feel so fucking good.”
Blair slowly increased his speed. His cock moved through Noah like a musical instrument making a love song. His dick was tapping Noah’s spot and making him moan and groan like a lover at the height of their heat.
Noah’s insides were hot and gripping Blair’s cock like a fitted glove. Each thrust was deeper than the previous. They found themselves fucking each other. The wetness in Noah’s anus coated Blair’s cock. Noah threw himself back on Blair’s dick. Their bodies collided like thunder raging in the sky.
Blair took a seat in one of the chairs. Noah stroked Blair’s pulsing member before easing down on it. The fat cock spread him wide and pushed the muscles in his anus further apart. Blair’s dick had a way of opening Noah that he enjoyed.
“You’re so deep inside me,” Noah said as he kissed Blair.
Noah bounced up and down on Blair’s cock. His ass cheeks clapped each time they smashed into Blair’s thighs. Deeper and deeper, his hole took the cock. The muscles in his ass gripped Blair and worked his dick like a favorite play toy. Their moans grew even louder. The smell of sex at midday floated into the air.
Blair grabbed Noah by the hips and fucked into him harder. Noah wrapped his legs around his lover’s waist and grind his ass in Blair’s lap. They both groaned and wanted more from the other. Blair made Noah lean back and moved in and out of him faster and harder.
“You like that cock,” Blair asked.
“It feels so good. Fuck me just like that,” pleaded Noah. “Come deep in me.”
Blair slammed his dick in and out of Noah’s tight ass. Each time his dick pulled out, he pulled some of Noah’s insides with him. They didn’t want the feeling to end. The pleasure was intense and deep. Their bodies were on fire and consumed by the passion that was running between them. Noah’s cock was throbbing and on the verge of exploding.
Blair reached out and grabbed hold of Noah’s cock. That one touch sent him over the edge. Noah screamed and erupted. His liquid lava love coated them both. Blair found himself not far behind. He couldn’t take it much longer. Noah’s hole was just too good. He gave one final plow into Noah’s guts and then flooded him with cum.
Through pants, Blair asked, “So, how about we do this every day forever in London?”
Noah didn’t bother to answer him. He just simply pulled him into a hot kiss. The thunder roared in the background.
November 2026 (Thanksgiving)
MJ was standing in the room he now called his bedroom. He wanted to be at the hospital next to his dad’s side. There was so much regret running through his young mind. His thoughts were broken by the sound of someone knocking at the bedroom door. Ishmael entered the room.
“I just wanted to check on you,” Ishmael said as he stood next to MJ. “Your grandmother just arrived. So, we’re all about ready to eat.”
“How can we be thankful when he may die? It’s all my fault. He came here to see me. I treated him horribly. I blamed him for things that weren’t his fault. How do I live with that?” MJ broke into sobs.
Ishmael pulled him into a loving embrace and tried desperately to calm him down. It was no use, though. MJ was losing himself to his guilt. The pain in his heart was extreme. He needed Noah to live and wake up so he could apologize for what happened between them.
“Hey, your dad knows you love him. This is not your fault,” Ishmael said as he stroked MJ’s back lovingly. “Things happen that are out of our control sometimes.”
MJ looked up at Ishmael. His eyes were red and puffy. Ishmael wiped MJ’s tears away. It was safe to say that MJ was grateful for Ishmael. Their eyes connected. Suddenly, the feeling of Ishmael’s hand on his face sent a tingle running down his body.
Something pulled at MJ. He didn’t fight it. He just did what felt natural to him in the moment. His lips grazed Ishmael’s lips. Ish quickly moved back an inch.
“MJ, what are you doing,” Ishmael asked.
“I don’t know, but I liked it,” he said, assured of himself.
He leaned back in and that time Ishmael didn’t move. Their lips connected, and they began to kiss. A slow kiss soon became a powerhouse kiss.
TO BE CONTINUED
© Grayson Rose 2025. All rights reserved.
