I'd grown up shy because my parents split up when I was very young and being an only child left me without siblings to share experiences with.
I went through lower school without a focus on learning, merely getting by with no real purpose.
I did improve somewhat with dad having given my mother custody and her urging me to make the most if my school years so that I could improve my prospects. "After all, I'm a single parent and can't support you." Was a saying drilled into me with regularity.
At home, mum had met an American guy and a relationship developed which culminated with her saying she was going to emigrate with him when I was 19.
I had a decision to make whether to accompany her or stay in the UK. Scott had always seen me as a burden and made it clear that he wasn't keen on the idea of me cramping his style so I opted to remain here.
Selling the small family home left little equity after the bank took their cut and mum cleared her debts so I had a few weeks to find somewhere to live.
Whilst sifting through the local paper's property section in the coffee shop, Mark who'd been at school with me walked in. He bought a coffee, smiled in acknowledgement and sat down.
I'd not seen him since we left school and after catching up, I recounted my predicament and that I had about 10 days left to find lodgings.
"I had to move out too. My sexuality had always caused friction between my parents so we had a family conference, I suggested moving out and they said they'd help with a deposit and help me financially." Mark advised.
"Where are you staying? I'm not finding it easy to find a place?" I asked.
"One of my older gay friends introduced me to his landlord. It's a boarding house." He advised.
"That was fortunate. I hope I can find somewhere soon." I said.
"I can ask Len if he can help out. He is homosexual and only rents to gay men via personal introductions. Let me know if you're interested, I'm sure you'll fit in if you are flexible. Don't think that I was unaware that you liked cock at school. It's true that we sense other gays" Ian said, winking whilst writing down his mobile number.
He was right but I never admitted it to anybody before.
Walking home and over the next few days, I pondered on the encounter with Mark. With 4 days left and feeling anxious, I considered calling him when we bumped into each other outside the post office.
"How's the flat hunting going, have you found somewhere to live?" Ian asked.
"Nothing yet, my budget is limited and I haven't found anywhere I could contemplate living. As a last resort, I'll check into a cheap hotel once mum vacates." I said.
"Have you thought of what I mentioned last time? If you're content with living in the house with 6 other gays and can convince Len, my pal Alan is moving out in 3 weeks. I can introduce you." Mark said.
"Thanks. I'm looking at a place at 7 this evening and if that doesn't work out, I'll call you tomorrow." I replied.
I was on the phone to him before 8. The house was a hovel and the flat was unliveable.
"Hi Mark, I know I said tomorrow and hope it's not too soon. Can I meet with your landlord?" I asked straight away.
He paused and then asked. "Can you come over now? We're sitting here and I've just been singing your praises."
"Yes, if it's OK." I replied.
"OK, meet me on the corner of Dukes Avenue and I'll escort you back here." Ian said.
"I'm nearly there now as I was heading back home." I said, without hesitation. I didn't expect that speed but thought, why wait as I hung up.
5 minutes later, I reached Dukes Avenue and could see Mark approaching from the opposite direction smiling.
I smiled too and said "Hi, thanks for doing this."
"That's not a problem, you're welcome. Just so we get our stories straight, I've told him that we were at school together and that we'd had a one night stand a few weeks ago when I took the liberty of saying you'd come onto me and I ended up fucking you at your mum's place." He said.
"Oh, that's quite specific but OK, I'm sure that I can convince him." I responded.
"I also said that you need to have a place before Alan moves out and asked if you could stay on the couch or in my room in the meantime." He added.
"Wow, what did he say?" I asked.
"He was really excited with the prospect of having a 'bottom' in the house. He has plans and said he'd sort something out once he meets you." He replied.
In another 5 minutes, we'd walked up Prince Andrew's Street and reached number 11.
"Here we are." He said as he put his hand on my waist. "It's for effect to strengthen the impression I gave that you were submissive." He whispered.
Inside, the front door opened into a big open plan area. Len offered his hand and said. "Welcome, Mark has told me about you and he wasn't wrong. I think you'll fit in well here with all the strong men"
Another man was sitting in an armchair and one approached from a door at the rear. All of them were considerably older than me.
"Alan here is the person whose room you will have once he leaves us. "Mark indicated at the seated man who rose and offered his hand. He was well over 6 feet tall as I had to look up to his face.
"You can move in tonight and share that sweet derriere." He joked. Looking closer, he was well into his 40s.