The smell of frying Bacon wafted through Brad’s kitchen, making his mouth water. He didn’t have a cooked breakfast often, preferring to have porridge oats and toast. But he thought to himself, why the hell not. It’s Christmas Day, and later on he was going to spend time with the Mandons, whose house was opposite his, that meant seeing Alex again. It was their way of thanking him for helping Alex after his father’s accident yesterday. Not that he wanted any thanks, but it was a nice gesture and one he was grateful for. Any chance of getting to know Alex and his family better, he would grasp.
Doug was in a&e for quite a while. Only being allowed home after having his ankle put in plaster and getting used to using crutches. Alex even postponed a planned night out with friends, preferring to be by his family’s side. Brad could understand how the lad felt. Alex was close to his parents. They were a very close knit family, and if Brad wanted to get to know Alex better, then getting on with Alex’s parents was, to Brad’s mind anyway, non negotiable, it simply had to be done.
Brad sat at his dining room table, 2 rashers of bacon, 2 fried eggs, a sausage and toast sat on his plate, all washed down with the obligatory cup of tea. His mind wandered to Grindr, he hadn’t looked at it for a couple of days, it could be weeks in between hooking up, so there was no difference there, the difference was that he actually hadn’t thought about Grindr at all. Usually he checked it daily. To see if or how many people have checked his profile. It was a service he paid for so he checked it as often as he could. He hadn’t thought about smoking one of his roll ups either.
He realized that it was the first time he had actually not thought about it at all, was it Alex? All he seemed to think about yesterday was that captivating young man, who had joined the same gym as him. That begged the question why? Well Alex had said that he saw his photo of him and the guys from the gym, taken last year on the 5th anniversary of its opening. Then realizing that was where he was going, followed him and joined as well. All because Alex thought he was handsome, he’d told him that much a couple of days ago, though he got embarrassed about it and quickly made himself scarce. That was after Brad had said he was beautiful, he’d told him the same yesterday. And he was beautiful. He made no bones about it. And now, Brad realized, not only was he not thinking of Grindr but the last encounter left him empty and unsatisfied, it seemed like there was no satisfaction to be gained by hooking up again, he supposed Oscar and his reaction to Brad's genuine mistake had something to do with that. But he’d had bad experiences before. Had he left it for a time before. Brad pondered it for a few moments as he chewed.
The answer was, he realized that he hadn’t hooked up again, leaving it a few weeks before he hooked up again. But he had still checked his profile daily. Now he hadn’t, well it had only been a couple of days but the difference was the same, was he finally growing up? Ready for a relationship? And was it Alex he wanted a relationship with? Well they got on well, and they had shared that quick kiss yesterday, before Doug started to come around, and if he hadn't come around, how much further would that kiss have gone? But that was an improper thought, Doug could have died, though he never told Alex and Shirley that. Sharing a kiss with Alex was improper at that moment, but he can’t apologize, that would make Alex think he didn’t want the kiss. And one thing was for certain. He really enjoyed that one quick, little kiss.
But why now? After all, he'd known Alex for years and just like the other day they’d stopped and chatted on the street or outside their respective front doors. Brad thought that Alex really was a beautiful young man. The difference this time was Brad had, albeit by mistake, told him he was beautiful. Then Alex had told Brad that he thought he was handsome. That was the difference, Brad realized that they both had the same feelings for one another, they’d just never voiced them. Brad fancied Alex and Alex fancied Brad, living opposite, both quietly fancying each other.
Brad took his empty plate and cup through to the kitchen and washed them. Then not having anything else to do went through to his sitting room. The Christmas tree lights twinkled on his tree, reds, greens, whites and blues, along with gaudy colored baubles. The tree wasn’t big, just an artificial 4ft one with a few presents underneath wrapped in shiny paper with red ribbons and little bows. His mantle piece held a few Cards from family and friends, his mum and dad, Jenny his sister and husband Dan, the next door neighbours,one from his boss Big Phil and one from Js gym, his most prized one was a small one on its front was a picture of a horse and carriage stood in a snowy scene. That one was from Tom, Smithy’s Dad. It read. To Bradley from Tom Smith. A simple little card with a simple little message, it told him he remembered Brad and that he remembered the friendship that Smithy and Brad shared for 16 odd years. And that friendship, Brad still treasured 8 years after Smithy’s death.
He looked up at the wall above his mantle piece. There in a frame surrounded by pictures of his family was a blown up photo of 2 smiling boys, arms around each other taken when the 2 boys had just left school and had been taken to Beacon Fell a nearby beauty spot high on a hill, that overlooked the local countryside, the views where spectacular and the walks extensive. The 2 families had hiked to the top of the hill and there shared a picnic. The photo was taken by Tom, Smithy’s dad, others were taken of them all. But this he treasured most of all. It summed up Smithy’s and his friendship, carefree and innocent. But Smithy had been dead for 8 years. Taken by a landmine in Afghanistan. He’d been robbed of his best friend by strangers in a far away war. To Brad it was an unforgivable act.
He glanced around his small sitting room at the Brown furniture, the cream sofa and leather office chair, the books and cds in neat rows on a shelving unit, one of the cds was Definitely Maybe by Oasis, the cover now scratched and cracked, the very same cd He had given to Smithy on the day of his 17th birthday, the day Smithy had told him he was joining up. After Smithy had died Smithys Mum, Marge gave it to him, she knew, she said, how much it meant to Peter, and had taken with him to Afghanistan and had been found amongst his possessions after his death. Brad had never played it though. It was just a momento of a lost friendship, of an unrequited love on Brad's part. His one big regret in his life was not having the courage to tell Smithy his true feelings, he would, Brad vowed never to make the same mistakes again, if he ever met the right man he would kiss him and tell him he loved him everyday.
He looked at the presents underneath the tree, in their wrapping paper, he picked one up and turned it around in his hands, he looked at the label, from mum and dad it read, he pulled at the ribbon, it came away easily and then pulling on the paper without ceremony he ripped it apart. It was a men’s grooming set. He flipped it over and looked at the blurb on the packaging. The ultimate in men’s grooming it read, all the handles have non-slip handles, 2 toe nail clippers, scissors, and various files and tweezers, its 15 piece set is strong yet lightweight and perfect for that perfectly groomed look.
“I wonder if Alex likes beards, maybe I’ll grow one, or maybe stubble”, he said quietly to himself, rubbing his chin absentmindedly.
He took another, from under the tree. He read the label. With love from Jenny and John, his sister and brother in law, they lived in London, where his parents were spending Christmas this year. She'd invited him but he declined gracefully. He opened it. A gym bag and inside trendy new gym wear, he looked again and saw a piece of paper. He took it out, it looked like a photo of Some sort, thinking it had been left in there by mistake he almost threw it away, but feeling nosey he took a look anyway. It was a photo. There was no mistaking that it was a photo of a pregnancy, Jenny was pregnant.
Forgoing the final gift, which was a bottle of some sort, probably wine from his next door neighbour Mrs Peterson, he picked up his phone, and with a shaking hand he rang his sister.
“Hi Brad”, an emotional voice on the other end said.
“Hi Jen, Merry Christmas and congratulations, I saw the photo and nearly threw it thinking it was rubbish left in there by mistake, how long have you known”?
“About 6 weeks, I’m 12 weeks gone, so I’m due in June.”
“How did Mum and Dad take it, I guess it was as much of a surprise for them as it was for me.”
“You could say that, we deliberately kept it quiet, they were overjoyed, now I’m under strict orders to relax and she’s taken over cooking the Christmas dinner”.
Brad gave out a laugh. “That sounds like mum, I can’t believe I’m going to be an uncle.” Brad started to get emotional.
“Now, don’t get emotional on me baby brother. You’ll get me going again, it’s been quite fraught this morning as you can guess, then when Dad started crying, well we all started again.”
“Awe, I can’t believe Dad started crying, I’ve got a bit of news myself, I’ve started to get close to.” Brad paused momentarily, wondering if he was doing the right thing, after all it had only been a couple of days.
“Brad?”
“Sorry. It’s only been a couple of days. I’ve started to get close to Alex over the road from me. We met in the street a couple of days ago when I was walking back from putting flowers on Smithy’s grave. We started chatting, and well you know how these things go. Then he turned up at the gym I go to, thanks for the gifts by the way, I’m getting ready for new stuff”.
“Mum said you were still using that ratty old bag, and while I was about it I decided to buy you some new gym wear as well. And now, my baby bro is all grown up and getting himself a boyfriend at long last, I’m glad you like my gifts”.
“I wouldn’t go that far, it’s only been a couple of days, it's early days, but, yeah we really like each other”.
“Good luck, I can’t wait to see Alex again. maybe if you’ve got it together, you two can come and see us in June when the baby’s due”.
“Thanks sis, we’d love that, but why wait that long we could come down for a long weekend in the New Year”.
“Great idea, we’ll sort it out later, meanwhile I’ll put mum on, see you baby bro”.
“See you big sis”.
There was silence on the line for a few seconds as the phone was passed on to their mum. A mumbled, “I hate using these bloody things, what’s wrong with landlines”. Was heard by Brad making him snigger. He loved him mum dearly; she'd always been a rock of comfort, support and sound advice over the years. Despite her apparent sternness, she was actually a loving mum, who nearly always supported your decisions, and had a knack of changing your mind on what she thought were poor decisions.
“Hello mum, Merry Christmas”.
“Merry Christmas son, though you should have come down with us instead of being up there on your own”. She complained.
“You know I was working when you went down there last week, I’d have loved to have come, anyway I’m not here to argue, what do you think of the good news grandma?”
“You could have followed Bradley”. A mumbled, “ Brenda”. Was heard from Brad, probably by Dad. His mum changed tack. “Oh it’s lovely news apparently they’ve been trying for ages, Jens not getting any younger you know, she’s nearly 30, a bit old for having a baby in my opinion but what do I know?”
“Muuum”. Was heard by Brad, probably by Jen who would be embarrassed at their mum’s statement.
Brad laughed. “Never change mum, you always brighten up my day, anyway thanks for the grooming set, I think I’ll grow a stubble beard, I hope you like your perfume.”
“It’s lovely Bradley, thankyou, and I’m sure Jennifer likes your gift, as does John and your father”. A chorus of thankyou was heard by Brad.
“Anyway, I’d better go, because Jennifer is with child. I'm doing Christmas dinner, I’m up to my eyes in sprouts, turkey, stuffing and potatoes. Bye Bradley see you when we get back”.
“Mum, before you hang up, there’s something I want to say. Erm”. Brad felt nervous . “Erm I’ve grown close to Alex Mandon, you know the guy that lives opposite me?”
There was nothing but silence for a moment. “Well it’s about time you settled down Bradley, you're not getting any younger you know, and I want grandchildren off you as well”.
“Er mum, thanks for the vote of confidence but grandchildren are a physical impossibility”.
“You can adopt Bradley, I can’t wait to meet him, set a date then me and your father can come round for tea, it’s about time you stopped going with strange men Bradley”.
“Wha…. Er, how did you know.. oh, Mrs Peterson from next door, I forgot you're still friends with her”.
“I’ve got my spies Bradley that’s all I'll say, have a good day Bradley bye”. She hung up before Brad could reply.
1 hour later, Brad was stood outside Number 21, the home of Alex and his parents Doug and Shirley, he felt slightly apprehensive, there was no real reason for it, after yesterday Doug, Shirley and Alex were very grateful for his help, but after thinking about The previous 48 hrs left him contemplating his future. Brad realized that he needed something different in his life, it seemed a bit drastic hoping for a relationship with Alex after one bad hookup but in reality it was more than that. He was 28, he now realized that his life had been stagnating for years, possibly since the death of smithy, but Brad And Alex had only shared one chaste kiss, but they both admitted that they fancied each other and that was as good a start as anything as far as Brad was concerned, they were on the same page, all Brad needed to do was make sure Alex was ready for a relationship. The front door Brad had been so assiduously staring at suddenly opened.
“Are you going to stare at our front door all afternoon or are you going to come in?” Asked a festive looking Alex.
Alex was wearing a smart pair of dark trousers and a Christmas Sweater, red in color with the face of Father Christmas on it. In comparison to Brad's blue Jeans and grey jumper. To Brad, as he looked at Alex, looked as beautiful as ever.
“Oh, er, I was miles away, Merry Christmas, I’ve fetched a bottle of wine with me.” Brad said holding up the bottle of wine Mrs Peterson had given him, he’d got round to opening his last gift and decided that it would be perfect for today’s festivities.
“Oh thankyou Brad.” Alex stepped aside letting Brad in, they looked at each other. Alex spoke again.
“Merry Christmas Brad.” their lips met in a quick kiss.
“Mum, Brads here and he’s come bearing gifts, in other words a bottle of white wine.” Alex said whilst walking into the kitchen with Brad following close behind.
“Oh thankyou for the wine, it’ll go lovely with lunch, and Merry Christmas, I’m so glad you’ve come.”
Shirley accepted the wine and gave it to Alex. “ Take that to the table please.”
The smell of Roasting turkey and spices from the Christmas pudding slowly steaming, filled the air. This was what Christmas was all about. The smells, the giving and receiving of gifts, everyone in a good mood, and then having a snooze after the king's speech. He leant on the kitchen counter and watched Shirley as she worked at preparing the Christmas Lunch. She was wearing a light blue dress that came down to her knees and set off her green eyes beautifully. Over that was a pinny with flower patterns on it to keep her dress clean. She was certainly a striking Woman and could see where Alex got his looks from, though his eyes were definitely his fathers.
The house itself was slightly smaller than Brads only being a two bedroom house, but was ample for the family’s needs as Alex was an only child. The kitchen was similar to Brads in layout, but had brown doors and black work surfaces with the obligatory white goods. The floor had gray tiles.
“Do you need a hand with anything Shirley?” Asked Brad, making her jump.
“Oh, I didn’t know you were there, I thought you had gone with Alex. No it’s alright love, I’m on top of everything. You can go through to the lounge if you like.” Shirley continued to talk though.
“But before you go through. I just want to say that I know you have designs on my son and he obviously likes you, but I want your promise that you won’t hurt him, I know you get men round on a regular basis. But promise me you will be loyal to my son.”
Brad looked at Shirley for a moment, contemplating what to say. “Look, I will be honest with you. The last hookup I had didn’t go well, I won’t go into details, but it left me feeling empty. It made me think about my future, I think Alex is a.” Brad stopped talking. Dare he continue talking about Alex like this to his mum, he felt odd talking like this.The problem was he’d got this far, so he had to continue.
“ He’s a good looking young man, I’ve never had, or needed a full on relationship until now. We like each other very much. And I want to see how it goes. I need to try a relationship and I want to have a relationship with Alex. That is if he wants to of course. And if he does then I will be loyal. I would never, could never hurt him, on that I promise.”
Shirley looked at Brad. “Honorable words. But deeds speak louder, I don’t doubt your truthfulness,but make no mistake. I will watch you. Alex means more to me than anything else in the world. You hurt him. Well you get the picture don’t you.”
“Yes Shirley, I promise I won’t hurt him”.
Shirley smiled. “Well you go through to the lounge and relax, I’m on top of everything here, and I will be with you shortly.”
Brad nodded and left the kitchen saying nothing. Shirley was a strong willed woman. And left no doubt in Brad's mind where her loyalties lay.
Brad walked into the lounge feeling uneasy, the conversation he’d just had with Shirley left him in no doubt that he could have his work cut out winning over Alex’s parents. The lounge itself was a warm and welcoming room, with soft touches and a log fire, one of the few in the street, wood crackled and gave a warmth that only a log fire can bring. A table set for 5 people was on one side of the room. A cream colored sofa and 2 chairs surrounded the fire, family photos hung on the wall, the wall paper was of a flowery design, blue, gold and smaller red and yellow flowers stood out on a white background. A cabinet filled with various nicnacs was on one wall and opposite was a brown unit with books and trophies on it, a green Axminster carpet was on the floor, that also had a flowery design on it. And there was a TV in one corner near the window that looked out onto the street.
The tree was a real one. Decked out in a dazzling array of baubles, fairy lights and an angel on top. A stack of opened presents sat under it, Brad didn’t look at them too much, he didn’t want to seem like he was prying.
The room was filled with chatter, there was the voice of a woman who was speaking. Brad looked around as he entered the room, Doug was seated in an armchair, his ankle in plaster and his foot on a foot stool. A small table held a hot mug of tea. On the sofa was Alex and sat next to him was an older lady who Brad had never met before.
Alex stood, smiling. “Hi Brad. This is my nan. Lucia. My Dads mum, she’s spending the day with us. Nan, this is the man I told you about, our neighbour Brad.”
“No need to shout. I may be old but I’m not completely deaf, though I might be if you keep shouting like you do”. She said with a twinkle in her eye.
Brad looked at the Lady. Her hair was pure white, her face wrinkled with age but her dark eyes. Still held a vestige of youth and still had twinkle in them.
“Pleased to meet you Lucia, that’s a nice name, Merry Christmas”. Brad looked at her, she had the same eyes as Alex and his dad.
“Thankyou and a Merry Christmas to you. My name is Spanish, my Parents came over to England during the Spanish civil war in the 1930s. I came along in 1944. My Father worked on the trawlers in Fleetwood all his life. It was hard but honest work. And Mother worked in the munitions factory here in town. That was until I was born.”
Alex seated himself on the floor. Lucia invited Brad to sit next to her. Doug looked on in amusement at his mother.
“Thanks again for yesterday Brad, fancy a whiskey?” Asked Doug. “What about you mum, fancy a Sherry?”
Brad let Lucia speak first. “No thanks love I will have a little wine with Christmas Lunch, though a cup of tea would be lovely.”
“I’d love a whiskey, Doug thanks.”
“Alex, would you do the honours please I would but I’m a little tied. and I’ll have another brew as well please. In that cabinet there is my best Malt, give Brad one of them a generous measure as well.”
Alex got up and got Brad a whiskey making sure to give him a good measure. Then he disappeared into the kitchen to make the brews for Doug and his Nan.
“So.” Began Brad, looking at Doug. “How long will you be off work for?”
“6 weeks or so. Which is a pain but it is what it is. We might use the time to go and visit my sister Marge in St Helens for a day or two in the new year.”
“I remember her being born. She was a big baby, the pain was unbelievable, I vowed never to have another one, I didn’t either, now Doug here was as good as gold when he was young, not like Marge. She was an absolute tear away.”
Alex appeared carrying 2 brews with Shirley behind him. Alex gave his Dad and Nan their respective brews and then put another log on the fire then sat down on the floor, near Brad. Shirley sat at the table.
“Lunch will be in half an hour. I hope everyone is ok with Carrot and Coriander soup with warm crusty bread, then Roast Turkey and all the trimmings then Christmas Pudding and Brandy Sauce. Lucia made the starter, it looks delicious.”
Everyone agreed that it all sounded lovely. “So tell us. What did you get for Christmas Brad? I’m sorry we didn’t get you anything but we didn’t have the time.”
“Oh that’s ok Shirley, that’s quite understandable. Just to be invited here today is enough honestly. I got a grooming set off my mum and dad, and a new set of gym wear and a gym bag off my sister and brother in law. As well as that I received the wonderful news that Jen, my sister is expecting a baby due in June, I’m going to be an uncle.”
Brad took a sip of his whiskey,burning his throat as it went down making him wince slightly.
“That’s wonderful news Brad, your mum and dad must be thrilled. Is it their 1st grandchild?” Asked Shirley.
“Yes they're thrilled, as am I. They’ve been trying for ages. Jen was worried she was running out of time, she’s 30 now.”
“30s no age I remember your cousin Dorothy, had her only child at 35. Give her my best won’t you?” said Lucia looking at Brad”.
As they chatted away, nobody noticed that Shirley had left to finish off the Christmas dinner. Brad, Alex,Doug and Lucia talked Brad took another Whiskey while the rest didn’t partake in any alcohol. When asked, Alex told Brad that he was driving Lucia home but would have a drink later.
Shirley walked back into the room carrying a Soup Tureen, it was all white with a gold rim, and had been given to her by her Mother, Brad found out later.
“Dinner is served, said Shirley.” mimicking a posh accent. “Fetch the crusty bread, please Alex”. Alex stood and did as he was asked, meanwhile Brad helped Lucia to her feet, she hobbled to the table with the aid of a walking stick. Then he helped Doug to his feet. Doug thanked him as had Lucia.
They all sat at the table, it was a squeeze but nobody really cared, they were all looking forward to the meal that had been prepared. Alex by now had returned with the crusty bread. So they dug into the starter.
“Hmm, this is really nice Lucia, thankyou.” Complimented Brad.
“It’s an old recipe, with a secret ingredient that only I know, and I will pass it onto Shirley here when the time is right and not before.”
The rest of the starter was consumed without much chatter, the only sound was the clink of spoons on crockery. Which was of the same white design with a gold rim as the Tureen. Brad and Alex helped Shirley clear the pots away then helped her fetch the main course through. Piping hot platters of Roast Potatoes, a bowl of Mashed Potatoes, Roast Vegetables, Brussel Sprouts a gravy boat full to the brim of gravy, Stuffing, cranberry sauce and finally Alex brought in the all important Roast Turkey. Which Shirley carved onto a separate serving plate. The table was groaning with the appetising feast.
They all helped themselves to as much food as they wanted. Brad didn’t want to seem greedy so didn’t take too much, neither did Lucia or Shirley, though Doug and Alex filled their plates. Then they all had some wine apart from Alex who stuck to water as he was taking Lucia home later.
They all clinked glasses, with a chorus of Merry Christmas being said by all. Then tucked into the feast in relative silence, apart from the odd hmm, or this is lovely, really nice.
“You’re an amazing cook Shirley.” said Brad.
“Thankyou, is your mum a good cook Brad?”
“Yes she’s a good cook and very much a traditionalist, meat and 2 veg type of meals, stews and hotpots that kind of thing.”
“How about you, do you cook Brad? " asked Shirley, eating her meal in dainty bites.
“I get by. Nothing fancy, I try to eat healthy and keep myself fit.”
“I’ve been teaching Alex to cook for years. I started to teach him before he went to uni. I believe it’s important to be able to cook a healthy meal, rather than all that instant processed food people cook nowadays.”
“I enjoy cooking, I like to eat good food so I try to make good food as well.” Said Alex proudly. “And like Brad I like to keep myself fit like Brad, healthy mind and body, all that kind of thing you know.” Alex looked at Brad in a certain way that didn’t go unnoticed by Brad. In response Brad smiled back at him.
Lucia joined in. “My late mother would turn in her grave if she saw what people ate nowadays. During the war we all had very little to eat, father had an allotment, though it was difficult to get the seed, so he kept seed from the vegetables he grew, that was on top of the trawler work he did and for a time he was a part time fireman. Well that’s what my parents told me anyway.People don’t know their born nowadays.”
“Would anyone like any more?” Asked Shirley. Doug declined as did Lucia. “
Help yourself to more”. Shirley said to Brad.”
“Go on lad there’s plenty left.” Said Doug.
“Thankyou” replied a slightly embarrassed Brad. He helped himself to 2nd helpings as did Alex.
“These Roast Potatoes are really nice Shirley.”
Thankyou, I roast them with goose fat. It cooks at a higher temperature than other fats so they are crispier on the outside, and tastes better than oil or lard.”
Only the Christmas Pudding was left, Alex put some more wood on the fire, the house was warm and snug, Shirley got up and with the help of Alex and Brad helped her take away what was left of the food, put it away in plastic tubs and put some food in more tubs for Brad and Lucia to take away with them. Which Brad thanked Shirley for.
The Christmas pudding, which is a mix of mixed dried fruit, beef suet, flour, sugar, eggs, milk, zest of Orange, lemons, spices, Brandy and a tiny bit of salt. All mixed together on stir it Sunday, which is the last Sunday before advent, then each member of the family takes a turn stirring it clockwise and putting in a coin for good luck, then put in a pudding bowl and steamed for hours before storing in a cool dry place to mature. Then whoever finds the coin on Christmas Day, gets to keep the coin, and so it’s said gets good luck.
Shirley proudly told Brad she had made it herself, along with the help of her family. Now it had been steaming for 2 hours to heat it up and was now ready. She quickly made the Brandy sauce, which is simply butter, plain flour, milk, brandy and caster sugar. Made into a sauce and served with the pudding. She dished it up into waiting bowls and took them through to the living room where Doug and Lucia were waiting patiently.
“Oh this is so nice love.” Said Doug to his wife.
“Thankyou my love.” Replied Shirley.
“You’ve outdone yourself this year Shirley”. Lucia said.
“Brad bit into something hard. He pulled out a 20p piece from his mouth with his fingers.
“I’ve found the good luck coin.” Said Brad, he put it onto the table for everyone to see. “ This pudding is really nice by the way, Shirley.”
Everyone congratulated Brad on his luck. “It looks like I’m going to have a lucky year.” Brad said in excitement.
The meal was rounded off by tea and coffee. By which time it was nearly 3pm and time for the king’s speech. They gathered round the tv. Alex turned it on. Shirley had brought over 2 dining table chairs for Alex and herself to sit on. Doug sat in his favourite armchair with his food up and Lucia and Brad sat on the sofa. As the king spoke about the past year, eyes became heavy, Doug, Shirley and Lucia were soon asleep, leaving only Brad and Alex watching.
“Had a good day Brad?” Asked Alex quietly.
“Wonderful. You’re mum is a really good cook. And it’s good to see some of the old traditions being kept alive. A shop bought pudding is cheaper than home made but you can’t beat a home made one, I’m glad I came.”
“I’m glad you came, Brad. I don’t know what I would have done yesterday without your help.”
“I did nothing really, I was glad to help.”
“You gave sound advice, you kept me calm, I will be forever grateful.”
They held hands as they watched the end of the king’s speech and the final credits rolled over the national anthem.
As the others came to from their naps, Alex offered to wash up. Brad offered to help. Shirley resisted the offer but Brad insisted saying that she had done all the cooking so she relented. Alex and Brad went through to tackle the small mountain of dirty dishes. Some of the dishes had already been washed by Shirley whilst she had been waiting for dishes to complete cooking.
Brad rolled up his sleeves and filled the sink with water and soap, while Alex put away the pots that had been already washed by Shirley. Then Brad started to wash.
“Do you wash up often?” Asked Brad.
“Nearly every night. If dad doesn’t do it then I do.”
“You love your family don’t you?”
“Yes I’m very close to them. I’m an only child, I think they tried for another but it simply wasn’t to be. So subsequently they loved me all the more.”
“Do you wish you’d had a brother or sister?”
“That’s tough to answer. You love your sister right? I’ve never had a brother or sister. I’ve never or will never know that special bond there is between brothers and sisters. But I’ve had more love than any son could wish for. Would that love be any less if I’d had a brother or sister? I suppose my parents would have loved us both equally. So to be honest I don’t know the answer. I have what I have and I couldn’t have asked for more. They supported me when I came out. They supported my choice of university. I’ve been lucky.”
Brad passed a clean plate to Alex, then said. “Me and Jen used to fight like cat and dog, not physically you understand but we argued a lot.” Brad gave a little laugh. “We used to drive our parents nuts with our constant arguing. Then when I was 17, Smithy had left to go into the army. Jen was there for me. It felt like I had lost my right hand. We had been together all our lives every day virtually. By that time Jen had left to go to uni herself. But she rang me everyday. She was there when I needed her. Just like I am for her. If she argues with John her husband it’s me she rings, we're close. She doesn’t ring mum or dad, it's me. I’m so glad she’s pregnant. She’s asked us if we want to go down and stay with her for a long weekend in the New Year.”
“She did?” Alex turned and looked at Brad wiping his hands on the t towel. “Why, what did you tell her?”
“I told her we had grown close. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Oh you did, did you.” Alex took a step closer to Brad. “So we’ve got close have we?” Alex stood closer still, almost touching Brad. He was that close. “How close?”
“This close.” Replied Brad. He wrapped his arms around Alex and pulled him into a searing kiss.
They parted, and looked into each other's eyes. “Wow that’s close.” Said Alex with a smile.
Washing up completed, they went back into the sitting room. Some like it hot, playing on the tv. Brad's eyes felt heavy, he slowly nodded off, while the rest watched the film. Alex looked at Brad as he slept. Now that is a sight I could get used to, he thought. He looks so peaceful, so handsome. Shirley caught his eye as he looked at Brad. She just smiled at Alex, watching him fall in love with their neighbour.
The final credits rolled, as Brad was opening his eyes. He stretched. “Oh sorry did I nod off ?”
“Oh that’s ok Brad,”said Shirley. “We don’t mind”.
“Well, I don’t know about anyone else but I’m parched. I could do with a brew. Anyone else want one?” Asked Doug.
“I’m fine,”said Lucia. “In fact I think I’m ready for off.” Alex helped her stand up.
“I’ll get your coat Nan”. Alex stood and left the room.
“And I’ll make brews," said Shirley. “You fancy one Brad?”
“Erm no thanks I think I’ll head home as well.” Brad stood.
Alex returned with Lucia’s coat and helped her on with it.
“Well it’s been lovely”. Lucia kissed everyone in turn even Doug stood up to kiss his mum.
As she slowly made her way to the door, she turned. “Well I’ll be off. And I think that You and Brad will make a lovely couple”.
Alex and Brad were both embarrassed, and blushing, Alex asked. “How did you know that Nan?”
“I’ve got eyes, Alex. I used to look at your grandfather like that. Come on.” She
started walking to Alex’s car.
Doug and Shirley stood at the door. Brad stood on the doorstep.
As Alex was helping Lucia into the car. Brad turned and said thanks for everything. I had a great time. Much better than being on my own”. He kissed Shirley and shook Doug’s hand.
“Don’t be a stranger Brad, especially now that you and Alex are an item”.
Brad blushed again. “I wouldn’t go that far. It’s early days. But I hope you're right.”
“A Mothers intuition is never wrong”. Said a smiling Doug.
The engine of Alex’s car starting up made the turn around. A chorus of byes sounded as Alex drove away.
“Well I’m off. Thanks again”. Brad waved as he walked back to his house.
Brad took out one of his roll ups, put it in his mouth, lit it and walked the short distance back to his home, waving at Alex’s car as it disappeared into the distance.
Brad closed the front door behind him. And walked into the kitchen to put the heating on. “Well that went better than expected”. Brad said to himself. Smoking his roll up.
Later that evening Brad was scrolling through social media. He’d found nothing on tv he fancied and had changed into a dressing gown not expecting any visitors. A knock at the door made him jump.
“Coming”, He shouted. Opening the door. He found Alex standing there.
“Oh hello again beautiful.”
“Hi handsome. I thought I’d pop round to see if our new closeness could get any closer.”
Alex stepped in and they shared a kiss. “ Come through, fancy a brew?”
“Ta”.
Alex stood by Brad's shelving unit. Looking at his books and CDs. He picked up a book at random. As Brad was walking back through with 2 cuppas. He handed one to Alex.
“Do you read Alex?” Alex put his brew down next to Brads on a little table.
“Not much. I should read more”. He looked at the book in his hand. What’s this one about?” He handed the book to Brad.
Brad looked at the title and smiled. “This is one of my favourites. It’s called Jacks war by a guy called Andrew Roberts. He is actually a history Professor from Manchester university. Knows his stuff. It’s very immersive. It’s about a young lad who goes to fight in the trenches in World War One. He and his superior officer fall in love. It’s a sad story. Apparently Netflix are making a film of it”.
“Wow, I know of him. Though I didn’t have any lectures from him. I know his name. He’s a very taciturn guy. Has a younger lover now, so the rumour goes. One of his former students, so I’ve heard. Can I ask you a question?”
“Of course.”
“How did you come to live here all on your own? You’ve lived here all your life haven’t you?”
Brad looked solemn, then sighed. “ Well I suppose it began soon after Smithy’s death. We lived next door to each other. Our families were very close, days out together, holidays together, nights out together, that sort of thing. Then Smithy died”.
“Smithy’s mum, Margery, didn't take it well. She and Tom, Smithy’s dad. Started arguing. She blamed Tom for not stopping him from going into the army. Tom argued that it was Smithy’s choice to make. The arguments got worse. They started arguing about every little thing. My mum and dad were stuck in the middle. Trying not to take sides. Refusing to be drawn into the failing marriage. Then one day Tom woke up to find Margery gone. She’d packed and left in the night. I never found out where she went.”
“They divorced. Tom sold the house. My parents didn’t take it well. They got on well with the new neighbours, but it wasn’t the same. To them the street felt empty. I was no help. I was grieving. It took me a long time to get over it. Thanks to Jen, my sister. I loved him. But never told him. I was too scared. I didn’t want to lose his friendship. So I kept quiet.”
“Anyhow. My Grandparents lived in Fulwood. When my Grandmother died she left the house to my Dad to do as he felt fit. He, like you, was an only child. They decided to live in it. They wanted to put this house up for sale. But I didn’t want to move. I felt that I was betraying Smithy by moving. In the end my parents agreed to sell the house to me. I was 21. They moved and I stayed and have been alone here ever since. Still mourning Smithy.”
“Is that you two in the picture?”
“Yes, that's us. We were 15. That was taken by Tom Smith. Up beacon fell. We were celebrating leaving School”. Brad looked at the photo and smiled, then looked back at Alex.
“He was beautiful”.
“Yes, he was. Beautiful in mind and body. I regret not telling him how I felt. I regret not trying to stop him from going into the army. I won’t make the same mistake again. If I ever meet the man of my dreams. I will tell him I love him every day.”
“Do you think you will meet the man of your dreams one day?”
“I hope so”. Brad said, looking directly at Alex. Alex looked back at him. He wanted to make Brad feel better. He wanted to brighten his future. He knew at that moment after a few days, weeks, months and years of confusion. And fancying Brad from afar. He knew exactly what he wanted. Alex pulled Brad towards him.
He kissed Brad hard. Opening his mouth to let Brad's tongue work its magic, Alex followed suit.
They broke apart and looked into each other's eyes, touching foreheads.
“I want to finish Christmas Day in the most perfect way possible, if you know what I mean.” Said Alex.
“So do I”. Breathed Brad. “Today has been perfect. Being with you and your family has been amazing. You are amazing too. Beautiful, sexy, intelligent and popular with everyone you know. I’m proud to call you a friend.”
Brad clasped Alex’s hand and led him upstairs, leaving their brews behind.
Alex led on Brad's bed, his eyes lidded. Both were now naked. Brad kissed Alex’s mouth, he moved down, kissed his throat, he then marked him, claiming Alex as his own. He licked at his nipples, making Alex moan. He moved further down using his fingers to play with his nipples. As he moved further down to pleasure Alex’s hardness.
Alex’s fingers played with Brad's hair as Brad sucked on Alex’s hardness. Using his tongue on His penis head, Alex quivered. Brad then sucked on Alex’s balls, 1st one then the other, alternating between the two, licking back up his shaft, then swallowing him whole, gaging slightly, as Alex was thicker in girth than normal, sucking on it for a while.
Then Brad slowly moved, kissing his way up Alex’s body, paying attention to each and every ab, worshiping his almost perfect skin with feather light kisses, Alex had little in the way of body hair, what there was, was just very light and downy. He licked and nibbled on his nipples again making Alex hiss. He marked him again on the other side of his neck. Brad wanted this to be perfect. He wanted Alex writhing in ecstasy. He just wanted Alex, not as a hookup but as a boyfriend, he realized that now. Then Brad kissed Alex full on the mouth with reckless abandon. Nipping his full lips, his tongue invading Alex’s mouth. Alex opened his mouth for him, submitting to Brad.
“I want to make love to you.” Brad said to Alex in a lustful expression.
“Yes, Alex breathed. Fuck me. Claim me as yours.”
Brad reached into a draw for a condom. Alex stopped him. “No, I trust you. I want to feel you inside me.”
“Are you sure?”
“Have you always used protection?”
“Yes”.
“So have I. I trust you. Make love to me.”
Brad prepared Alex with expert precision. Using all his expertise to make Alex feel pleasure like he’d never known. Slowly he aroused Alex to ever increasing heights. 1 finger, then 2 moving them about inside Alex. Alex’s head moved from side to side. Small moans coming from his mouth. Brad inserted a third, moving it in and out. Slowly at first then with increasing speed until Alex could take no more. His moans, getting louder and more desperate.
Finally Brad lubed up his aching hardness and slowly entered Alex. He’d had many one night stands, but love had always eluded him. In all his years he had never felt like he did at that moment, the way Alex gripped him, his warmth, the way he felt inside. They looked at each other. The look that they shared was one of astonishment. Alex wrapped his legs the small of Brad’s back, grabbed him by the back of his neck and pulled him in for another searing kiss. Then Brad started to move.
Slowly ever so slowly Brad moved inside Alex, pumping in and out. The intensity was overwhelming. The passion they shared was incredible, neither had had anything like this. It was as though they were 2 parts of the same puzzle, once lost but now found. Brad believed in that moment that he would never feel like this for anyone else again. If this was love then he wanted more. He wanted to be addicted to it. He wanted to be addicted to Alex. He thrust harder deeper, Alex’s legs pulling him in deeper than he thought possible. Then he found Alex’s prostate. What Alex felt in that moment was indescribably intense, as an electric shock seemed to go right through him, making him swear.
“More Brad. Deeper, please”.
Brads thrusting became animalistic. An intense need to breed the young man underneath him. Faster, harder, Brad moved by instinct. Thrusting as though his life depended on it. The intensity grew to an even higher plateau, one which neither thought they could ever reach.
As Brad’s thrusts increasingly in tempo, he became more erratic as he neared his climax. Onward he thrust. Covered in perspiration. Reaching the ultimate high of an incredible climax.
“I’m so close”. Brad breathed.
“Cum inside me Brad. I can feel you.”
Alex felt incredible the pressure on his prostate was leading him to the inevitable finale. One he thought he would never achieve. Every single thrust Brad made, brushed against his prostate. They were both so close they could almost reach out and touch it.
“Keep going, I’m so close”. Alex urged.
Brad kept going, moaning in urgency. Thrusting, thrusting. Closer, higher. They stared into the depths of each other's eyes. Looking for each other's souls. Both going deeper than they had ever gone before.
Alex’s moans matched Brads as they moved together, both attempting to reach the same goal. Then Brad moaned even louder, louder than he had ever done before. Then climaxed deep inside Alex. Spurt after spurt going deep inside him.
Alex came hands free soon after, moaning in time with Brad. They locked eyes again. Spent, exhausted but both deliriously happy.
“That was intense, incredible”. Brad breathed at last.
“I have never felt like that with anyone before. It might be a cliche, but that was the best ever.”
They led next to each other, chests heaving for breath as they basked in the afterglow of an intense moving experience for them both.
“I hope we can do that again.” Brad said, looking at Alex.
“That can be arranged, time after time after time. I want to be your boyfriend.” Said Alex
“And I want to be your boyfriend.”
“Merry Christmas boyfriend.” Said Alex.
“Merry Christmas boyfriend.” Agreed Brad.
They held each other, wrapped in each other's arms and the love they had found for each other. Before he dropped off, Brad decided that 1st thing in the morning he was going to delete that Grindr app.
The End.
