When does a story end? When its author says so When the reader has gotten everything they wanted? When is there nothing left to tell?
This story ends six months after we got home from our trip to Glasgow. We'd just been to Berlin for holiday. A week of pubs, clubs and sightseeing. No threesomes, no swinging, just a relaxing time where any sexual encounters were in our own room after hours.
"Glad to be home?" I asked.
"Yeah! It's just what we needed but it'll be good to get home". Matt held my hand as he replied.
We were now an item. We were taking it slow. It was all still a bit weird. Matt needed to move out of his family home, nevermind gradually working out what being in a relationship with a guy meant. His parents found out about me, met me and were initially unsure about me. I think maybe they still are.
I had to work out what being in any relationship meant. My parents were great. They had an inkling of something between us anyway.
We both had to work out what sex with each other meant, with other people, and how we both felt about each other.
And yet, it was all quite easy. Matt was relaxed and trusted me. I was relaxed and trusted him. Matt's hole became gradually more relaxed too and he was enjoying discovering his bottom side. I was enjoying shagging fewer people, although we have stayed in an open relationship and we're free to explore other options.
We had another day off work so we went for a nice drive out into the countryside. That night we went out with a few friends. They now knew Matt well. We occasionally saw Claire out and about in town and we were friendly and civil. Meeting her had maybe been that impetus for me and Matt to take things to a next level, and we were grateful for that.
We got home for an early night before getting ready for work the next day. I sat down for another day working from home after Matt had left early for a house removal job.
I occasionally reflected on what might have been: what if Matt had gone for a piss in Mrs Barnstable's flat instead of mine? What if I'd come on strong in our first encounter and he'd run for the hills?
But this is my story and this is how my ifs played out, and this - for now - is how they end.
After weeks and months of distinguishing between love and lust, I was in love with this fantastic man. I didn't have huge expectations of what the future held but for now, we were happy and having a gay old time.
Then the doorbell rang... and I knew that nothing would match the moment when Matt walked through my door.
I let Mrs Barnstable answer it instead.
THE END
Thank you so much to everyone that has read this story, whether you've followed from the beginning or whether you've read it all in one blast, or whether you've just dipped in and out.
If you would like the whole book in one readable form, it's available here.
Full book here:
US link.
UK link.
Thanks for the encouragement and kind words throughout. It's been really good fun.
