Sharing - 12. Chapter 11 - What Comes Next

Reporter: We all sat in silence, recovering from the heart wrenching story. I am struck by how forthrightly they shared this most intimate and painful event. I think it is a critical component of how these five gay men operate as a family, as partners, as lovers. They look at each other, touch each other with genuine affection. The pain they have felt on each other’s behalf is still part of their lives, but more so is the love and caring, that is the foundation of their relationship.

“You’ve created much, you’ve survived much. What comes next?”

John: “We’re coming to some important crossroads in our lives. Tim and Sean will be graduating from university. My business, blessedly, is becoming more demanding. Brad’s plan to open his own gym is coming together. And while he hasn’t said anything, at least to me, Mark has something happening inside him, ready to burst out.”

“That was Brad this morning” Mark interjects. “And it did burst out about a ton of cum.”

Brad cuffed Mark affectionately, then kissed him.

“That’s not what I’m talking about.”

Mark: “You’re right, John. I’ve been having this feeling lately, like there’s something I should be doing. I think it started that time we watched Tim’s friend’s baby. Does that make any sense?

Brad: I hate to break it to you, lover, but if you aren’t pregnant by now, with all the stuff Tim, John and I have pumped into you, it ain’t happening.”

Mark: You joke, but I think that’s it. I want a baby.

Tim: You would make a beautiful mother.

Mark: Ha ha, very funny.

John: Like I said, we’re coming to some important crossroads. And as much as I don’t want anything to change, I know it will change. For me, I want to be sure that I keep loving each one of you guys enough to help you with what you need to do next, even if that means giving you up.

Reporter: A tear falls down John’s cheek. The other four men move to him and they embrace, expressing their unusual, though I hope not unique, bond of partners, lovers, family.