We Hold These Truths to be Self-Evident - 3. Quite Contrary

“And then he started reciting the Declaration of Independence.” Marcus had Mary doubled over in laughter once more.

Joshua watched his boyfriend interact with his older sister from the kitchen. It was almost as if they had known each other their entire lives, rather than having met only an hour before. The old, in-control Joshua would have felt threatened, knowing he was the butt of the joke, but he wasn’t as insecure now that he wasn’t trying so hard to hide who he was.

He picked up the charcuterie board and counted the seventeen steps to the coffee table. He set the tray down.

“To be fair, I was having a complete mental breakdown. I didn’t ask to be haunted by dead revolutionaries, you know.” Joshua’s smile was genuine as he sat down next to Marcus, grabbing his hand.

Mary watched her brother as he in turn stared lovingly at the young man who had clearly set him free. She couldn’t believe how close the two appeared. She had only learned of Marcus’ existence that morning. They acted like they had been together forever, but she knew now that they had met a short three months prior.

“Josh-y…” Mary’s love was evident in her tone.

A grin began to grow on Marcus’ face until it threatened to split him in two. Joshua saw it clearly since he couldn’t seem to take his eyes off the young man.

“No, no, no,” he said as he read the thought forming in his boyfriend’s mind. “Mary is the only person who can get away with calling me that, and it's only because older sisters always get their way.”

Joshua and Marcus stared at each other a moment longer before breaking into laughter. They turned in time to see Mary wipe a tear from her cheek.

“I’m so proud of you bro. And so happy.” Mary decided to leave the new tears where they were.

“I was so certain you would hate me, Mare.” Marcus gripped Joshua’s hand tightly. The last several months had left him feeling raw but hopeful. He was thrilled with how the evening had gone thus far.

“I remember when mom and dad brought you home from the hospital. I loved you even then, but more like one of my dolls. Eight years is a big gap, I guess. I’m so sorry I didn’t work harder to be there for you growing up.” The siblings looked into each other’s eyes. It made Mary incredibly sad to know how much unnecessary anguish her brother had suffered. “He’s a keeper you know. If you don’t make a go of it, I’ll go after him myself.”

Joshua couldn’t help himself. He was suddenly across the room, lifting his older sister to her feet, and wrapping his arms around her. Marcus, who remained where he was, wiped a tear of his own from his cheek. He was happy for Joshua but also jealous. His own coming out had not been met with anything resembling support or love.

Pulling away, Joshua looked intently at Mary. He had panicked when she had called earlier that morning. He and Marcus were somewhat engaged when his phone rang. He assumed it was an automated alert from work and answered without looking at the caller ID. He could still remember the moment he answered.

“Hey, where are you going? I’m not done with you.”

Then the pause.

“Hello?”

“Hey bro, sounds like I’m interrupting. Who’s the lucky guy?”

Joshua thought he was going to die.

"Uh, hey Mare… Ah... Fuck!”

There was another pause as Joshua frantically searched for a believable explanation other than the truth.

“Joshua, I love you. I am coming down after work. I can tell we need to talk.”

She had hung up abruptly and Joshua spent the day feeling like an inmate on death row. By the time she had finally arrived, Joshua was nearing another complete mental breakdown. He was slow to answer the door, so she had just let herself in, carrying a bouquet of yellow roses and a bottle of champaign.

Where is he?”

And that had been it. His sister wasn’t angry or disgusted. If anything, she seemed excited. Joshua was still in shock.

“Thank you, sis. I’ve been a wreck all day. I’m surprised Marcus hasn’t run away yet.” Marcus snorted as he drew alongside Joshua.

“I would never leave you, babe. I’d have to get a job.” The joke broke the emotional heaviness that had fallen over the conversation, at least for the siblings.

At the mention of jobs, Joshua and Mary began to update each other on their work. Marcus took the opportunity to let his mind wander.

While he had been joking, he realized there was a lot of truth in his statement. He had met Joshua his first evening back in Springfield after a challenging year of law school. He had been planning to spend another summer working construction and living with his best friend Tom. Instead, many of his boxes still sat where he’d left them in Tom’s spare bedroom.

After an intense and unbelievable weekend together, Marcus returned to Springfield to settle in. He and Joshua talked on the phone every night that week. On Friday, they had the date they had joked about, and Marcus showed him around the bar where they had met. He did, in fact escort him to the restroom, but neither felt the need to linger after using the room for its intended function. Again, the weekend was spent at Joshua’s house.

Sunday night, Joshua surprised Marcus with an open invitation and a key. His car was now in the garage and his clothes were in the closet; They had been for most of the summer. Rather than working, since Joshua insisted on paying for everything he needed, Marcus had managed to complete three of his seven remaining classes online. He’d had time while Joshua ran his business during the week.

Marcus was still shocked with the turn his life had taken. Joshua had been a complete surprise from the moment Marcus had approached him in the Springfield bar. They had crashed into each other, drawn together by intense emotional need and physical desire. Their relationship had been both the best and hardest of his life by far.

He had learned a lot about himself as they were both forced to deal with their own demons, some of which they hadn’t known existed. Still, they hadn’t made any commitments or long-term plans. He was returning to school in two weeks and couldn’t help but wonder what the future held. A part of him knew the relationship couldn’t last. That voice constantly warned him not to get in too deep.

But he was already in too deep. No one had ever known him so intimately, and he had never known anyone else as completely as he now knew Joshua. There were many moments that should have driven them different directions, but each had shown a willingness to fight for the other. He felt confused, knowing life was stacked against them but realizing how badly he wanted to beat the odds.

Dinner at Mario’s the previous night had been perfect. They had sat in a crowded restaurant as a couple. Joshua remained present and charmingly engaged.

Watching Joshua worry about Mary’s visit, however, had shown he wasn’t yet fully comfortable in his own skin. He didn’t know if Joshua would ever be ready to commit to any man, let alone one ten years his junior. He thought about the few temporary flings he had experienced. They had been fun, but empty. Joshua was nothing like those guys. Maybe it was foolish, but Marcus realized he had found something he desperately wanted. He would wait for Joshua, fight for him if he had to. He too had made his choice.

. . .

“I need to get going. It’s three hours back to Chicago, and I need to be to work at some point tomorrow morning.” Mary bent to retrieve her purse.

“Stay here tonight. You haven’t even eaten. If you really need to work tomorrow, you can leave early and get to your office after rush hour.” Joshua didn’t need to say that six hours of driving was too many on top of a full workday.

After a short pause, Mary returned to the couch and reached for an olive.

“Alright, I’ll leave in the morning. Now Marcus, what do you plan to do with your law degree? Joshua said you’re going to try to graduate in December?”

. . .

Mary stepped out of the beautiful guest room still trying to shake the sleep from her brain. She loved her little brother’s house and was glad to have finally seen it in person, even if she had to invite herself. The lights were on, set low in the kitchen. She found Joshua sitting at the island with a laptop and mug. He looked relaxed which made her happy.

“There’s fresh coffee in the pot. I can make you eggs. Otherwise, there’s bread for toast or Marcus’ Cocoa Pebbles.” Joshua smirked as he named the last option.

“He’s good, you know.” Mary found a mug in the cupboard and filled it.

“You have no idea.” Joshua closed his computer.

Mary looked over her shoulder and raised an eyebrow, comically. Joshua laughed.

“Well yes, that too, but that isn’t what I meant. I think he saved me Mare. Perhaps in the most literal sense.” Joshua looked away, unable to hold Mary’s gaze.

“Are you are saying what I think you are saying, Joshua?” Mary’s tone had grown soft and serious.

Joshua didn’t look at his sister but nodded.

“Joshua, please look at me.” She was suddenly next to him.

He slowly turned.

“I see you, brother. All of you. And you know what? I love everything that I see. I always have, and now that I know the real you better, I love you even more.” She hadn’t hugged him in ages, but she did now.

“And if you ever attempt to leave this earth before your time, I will kick your ass.” Mary’s voice was soft and kind, but Joshua was pretty sure that his sister’s words had been a promise.

He had largely avoided his sister for over a decade, and now she knew his deepest secrets. As Mary pulled away, he was suddenly saddened by the time he had wasted. She was proving to be an amazing person. He realized that with her words and her hugs, his life would have been a lot less lonely.

He quickly dried his eyes as she put the milk back in the fridge.

Mary placed a large bowl of cereal in the spot next to him and sat.

“What did mom and dad say when you told them you were coming here to meet my boyfriend?” He wasn’t sure he was ready to hear about his parents’ reactions.

“I don’t really talk to mom, and your life isn’t really any of their business, anyway. Not to mention, I didn’t know anything about Marcus or your relationship when I left. You didn’t exactly give me any details.” She ate several mouthfuls of the sugary treat. “I haven’t had Cocoa Pebbles in years! I don’t think I could love that kid of yours anymore if I tried.”

Joshua winced. Mary noticed.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that how it sounded. Marcus is not a kid. Seriously, Joshua. I love him a lot, and not just because he likes Cocoa Pebbles. He set you free, and saved your life, and he’s hot as fuck.” Joshua couldn’t help but to laugh.

“He is, isn’t he?” He grew quiet, chewing on his bottom lip as Mary shoveled another spoon full of sugar into her mouth.

“You only do that when you want to say something but don’t think you should. Spit it out bro before you make yourself bleed.” Mary took another bite.

“I want to propose. Do you think I’m crazy?” Joshua suddenly felt very small as he looked shyly for his big sister’s approval.

Mary took several more bites before responding. When she did, her question caught Joshua completely off guard.

“What would you do if Marcus died?” Mary’s voice was compassionate but firm.

Joshua became visibly upset, and Mary quickly expanded the question.

“I know it is an unfair question, but please think about it. I work with grieving people all the time at the Cooperative. You can tell a lot about a relationship by a person’s reaction to its end. How would you react?”

Joshua’s anger was replaced by a profound sadness as he allowed Mary’s question to seep into his soul. They were both silent, the cereal and coffee momentarily forgotten.

“I’d be unbearably sad, and probably a little mad. I just found him. I need him, Mary.” He wiped his tears away on the sleeve of his robe.

“That’s how you would feel, but what would you do?” She gently placed her hand on top of his while he pondered. He seriously considered the question before responding.

“I’d cry a lot, but I’d keep going, I guess. I’d stay busy and try to make him proud.” Joshua’s moist eyes met Mary’s as they let his words echo through their minds.

“No Joshua, you’re not crazy. You’re in love.” She reached up and used her own sleeve to wipe away the newest round of tears.

“And Cocoa Pebbles suck when they get soggy,” she added as she pushed the bowl away.

. . .

It was still early. Joshua was grateful that his sister’s visit had gone so well. It was a relief to be accepted by at least one member of his family. He was grateful also for Mary’s early departure. He found Marcus exactly where he had left him. There was something incredibly erotic about finding his boyfriend, naked and sleeping soundly in his king-sized bed.

The summer had brought out immense and intense emotions, many of them almost unendurably painful for both Joshua and Marcus. It had also been very educational in a fun and hands-on way. Joshua had not been naive thanks to uncountable hours on the internet. The mechanics of gay sex were known to him, but he had been almost overwhelmed by the nuance and subtlety of making love.

Joshua carefully pulled the sheets away. He marveled at the emerging form of Marcus’ body, now much firmer than it had been when they met. His body shuddered as the cool air licked his skin.

Joshua giggled; It was something he only did in the bedroom. He sat on the bed and ran spread fingers through Marcus’ dark, medium length hair, gently massaging his scalp.

“Mmmmm…orning babe.” Marcus wasn’t completely awake.

Joshua drew his index finger over the soft, clear skin of Marcus’ forehead, dragging it playfully down the ridge of his nose before tracing the raised lines of his soft lips. Leaning down, Joshua wrapped his own lips around Marcus’ prominent Adam’s apple and began to hum. It was a trick he had discovered accidently, but one he quickly learned could drive Marcus insane.

“Mmmmm, Joshy!” The use of Mary’s nickname couldn’t go unpunished. Joshua forced his finger into Marcus’ mouth like a tongue depressor. He repositioned his head and gently bit into the flesh at the base of his lover’s neck.

“Fwu-uck,” The word wrapped around Joshua’s probing finger.

Nibbling his way downward over Marcus’ shaved chest. He nipped playfully at first one rubbery, fleshy nipple and then the other. His hand and mouth traded places. Marcus and Joshua both moaned as their lips melted together.

The sound Joshua’s phone ringing made them both jump.

“Fuck.” Joshua pulled his body up and away with no small amount of regret.

“It’s Mary… Hey Mare, are you okay?” Even Marcus could hear the laughter through the phone.

“I hope I’m not interrupting anything.” Mary didn’t sound sincere in the least. “Just wanted to remind you that I love you! Both of you! Bye-ee!”

Joshua pulled the phone from his ear and stared at the home screen in disbelief. Marcus started to laugh.

“Was I just cock blocked by your sister?” Joshua couldn’t help but laugh as well.

“I think that means she likes you.”

Joshua fired off a quick text: U R mean. Love U 2. Seriously though, thx. Your trip meant a lot.

His phone dinged almost immediately.

I know. Love you bro! Always.