Copyright 2001. Disclaimer:
a) The following story is a work of fiction, and the rights of this series belong to its author.
b) If you are breaking one or more of your local laws by reading about same-sex pairings, don't read any further! And,
c) Hope this note finds you well, and that you are continuing to enjoy this series and its companion series, Jase-n-Zach, found in the Relationships section. Thanks to all who have written, and who continue to write in support of this story and others like it-I regret that I don't have more to offer, but perhaps in time I will. As always, feel free to write-I am usually able to get right back to you, or you could try looking for me online on MSN messenger under the screen name 'brightlite52'.
Bright Lite d:P
Chapter 5. Are You Coming?
I stared at my reef tank, a self-contained underwater world only a few feet long and a few feet high, but while my eyes were occupied, my thoughts were really about Chris. The more I saw him, the more I liked him, and found myself remembering little things from his visits. The way he laughed so easily, or the way his hair curled in the front; even the easy way he'd made friends with Jase and Zach. The only problem was, I didn't have a clue what to do about it.
Gram interrupted my reverie with a knock at my door. "Eric, are you still up?"
"Yeah, Grandma-hang on a sec." I pulled on my shorts and opened the door.
"Were you studying. . .?" Her voice trailed off as she peered around me at the woeful condition of my cluttered room.
I grimaced, expecting her to deliver her usual lecture on the Importance of Picking Up After One's Self, but she didn't; it was with surprising restraint that Gram simply put her arms around me and told me what she'd been telling me most nights for as long as I could remember.
"Goodnight, sweetheart, grandma loves you."
With a soft kiss and a rose-scented hug, she was gone. I closed the door and went back to my vigil, drawn to the only light in the room like a helpless moth, where I watched as Pisces moved in and out of the rocks, his one large claw waving defensively as he searched for food or maybe shelter. I wondered idly if he realized how small his world was. Was he happy with his life?
Peering into cracks in the reef and feeling his way along, Pisces looked perfectly content, especially when the searches revealed some tidbit of food to eat. Maybe that was the key-regardless what your limits were, if you were happy within them, they might as well not exist.
I grinned at my reflection, doubting that this philosophy could be as easy to apply as it was to say. Was I happy? I could feel one part of me slowly getting there, and probably from thinking about Chris. I turned off the light over the tank and left my shorts in a heap next to the bed where I lay down and pretended it was his hand gripping me, his hand gently touching and exploring my body. It didn't take long for the fantasy or the actions to have their intended results, and the orgasm was intensely satisfying. My toes curled, my back arched, and my breath came in short gasps as I felt warm drops hit my chest and shoulder.
For the millionth time, I found myself wishing that I could experience that moment with someone else, maybe someone like Chris. Would he make love to me? Hold me afterward and let me do the same for him? I wiped off the remains of my fantasy and curled up against my pillow with a sigh.
That week, I got a surprise when the object of my dreams showed up at one of my tables, a grin on his face and a large duffel bag at his feet.
"Hey Eric, rumor has it you're hanging out with me after work today."
My eyebrows went up. "It does?"
"Yes, and I have everything we need right here." He bent down and patted the bag he'd brought.
"I've got homework, so I can't stay out too late. . .what did you have in mind?"
"Forget homework-you should take the night off from studying for once, and come with me." He pulled a book out of the bag and settled back in the chair, his legs spread wide as he made himself comfortable.
"I'll think about it. Can I get you anything while you wait?" I tossed my towel over one shoulder and nudged the bag with my foot, looking for any clues as to what Chris had planned. I really wanted to go, but I didn't want to give in without a clue.
He thought for a second. "How about a pink lemonade with lots of ice?"
"Um. . .did you say pink?"
It still embarrasses me, but in seventh grade a jerk named Mike pointed out to the rest of my classmates that if I actually liked the pink lemonade I brought with my lunch, I must be gay. It was humiliating, and I never took one to school again.
"It's only a drink."
He winked and blew me a pretend kiss while I watched in fascination. "And if anyone has a problem with that, they can go fly a kite." I wished I had been so sure of myself in junior high, and decided humor was the best way to change subject.
"Ok, pink it is. And don't think you're going to pay for it with that kiss, either."
He laughed, and as I went to get his drink I had to remind myself that there was still plenty I didn't know about Chris, including whether or not he might be gay. It was frustrating not to know-especially since he was casually insisting I go with him on what felt like a date. Why couldn't I just ask? Tell him I liked him, and see what happened? Normal people wouldn't have this problem, and I watched enviously as I saw a young couple kissing at a nearby table.
At closing, Zach gave us a cooler and steered me towards the door. If I had been wondering before, I was now totally baffled-this meant I would probably be gone long enough to eat dinner, and that Chris had talked about his plans with the guys. Geez, I was probably the only person here who didn't know what was going on. Zach met my puzzled expression with a satisfied smile, explaining only that he'd call the house and let Gram know, and not to worry, just have a good time. He was still standing at the door when I looked back, making little shooing motions with both hands.
"So??"
The question hung in the air after we started walking. I was dying to figure this out, but Chris just put one finger to his lips as we headed down the street with our luggage. By the time we turned in at the marina, both items were starting to get heavy; it was with a sigh of relief on my part that Chris stopped and pointed out one of the many boats tied up at the docks.
"Thought you might like to take her for a spin-it's my dad's boat, but he lets me use it all the time. He's not able to go with me much, so I decided to invite you, especially since Zach told me you'd never been on a boat before."
"Zach told you that?"
I was suddenly wondering what else might have been said. I didn't really believe that Zach would have talked about my sexual orientation with Chris, and I knew I hadn't, so I was still mentally scratching my head at the connection. If Zach wanted me to hang out with Chris, then. . .maybe he thought there were possibilities there. On the other hand, besides a certain attentiveness on Chris's part, there weren't any obvious signs regarding his preferences.
He laughed, probably at the questioning look on my face. "What he didn't tell me is whether or not you could swim-can you?"
I rolled my eyes. "Chris-I'm able to do more than just lay on the beach. Of course I can swim."
He snorted. "Good, 'cause it's on the schedule. Hop on board."
I passed him the cooler, wondering how I was going to swim without trunks, and also wondering if I could get away with doing it in my underwear. Chris ducked into the cabin, which looked like it could be cozy for two; just past that was a forward deck big enough to lay out and tan. I looked behind me at the built-in seating around back of the boat, and at the captain's chair and controls next to the cabin. Only one thing missing.
"Where's the toilet?"
He smiled. "Just point it over the side and aim away from the boat."
"Very funny. I didn't go before I left, and I'll never last the trip."
"I'm dead serious-look, if it will make you feel any better, I'll do it first, once we get out on the bay." He grinned. "I like showing off for the mermaids. Makes 'em blush."
I'll probably be the one blushing, I thought and gave him a nervous grin. The oversized gym bag joined the cooler below decks, and as I passed it to him I couldn't help wondering what he would look like out of his clothes. He moved both items to the front of the cabin, his back to me and his shorts stretched tight as he bent over and pushed the baggage into place. I resisted a sudden urge to come up against him from behind, putting my hands into his pockets, hugging him tightly and kissing the back of his neck.
After backing away from the dock, we made a quick stop at the marina for gas and headed south down the main channel towards the pier. The wind off the bay was warm, so I copied Chris by peeling off my shirt and tucking it into the back of my pants. I wished I had shorts on, but having been dragged here straight from work, my dockers would have to do. I felt vaguely anxious about tomorrow's calculus assignment, but the anxiety was more than overcome by my excitement at being here alone on the boat with Chris. My homework could wait, in fact, it felt like my whole life could wait as I stood next to him and took in the sight of his bare chest.
"This is the life, isn't it?" Chris had to yell over the noise of the engine, and I nodded my head vigorously in reply, reaching out to steady myself on his shoulder as he cut the boat in a couple of sharp turns. His skin was smooth and warm to the touch, and I pulled my hand back reluctantly when we settled into a straight course. With nothing but open water in front of us, we sailed past rows of condominiums and let the point drop away behind us.
On an impulse, I climbed forward past the cabin to the bow railing, and sat with my legs over the edge watching the waves pass by. It was a real thrill, and I couldn't resist putting both hands in the air and letting out a yell. This was going well until the wake from a passing boat hit the hull and the spray from it caught me squarely in the face; I ducked, blinking and wiping at my eyes, while retreating to the safety of the rear. Exposed to the breeze, the water was chilling me and I shivered as I wiped my chest with my shirt. Chris just laughed and pointed out that my nipples were rock hard.
"They're cold!" I rubbed them vigorously, which only made things worse. "Besides, yours would be too." I grabbed at one of his while he attempted to fight me off and steer at the same time. Before long, his had perked up too, and I smiled at his expression as he clutched one arm protectively across his chest.
"Don't play with my nipples-I might enjoy it, and then what would you do?"
I could think of several things, but wisely kept my mouth closed. I still had to go to the bathroom, and Chris hadn't showed any sign of slowing down yet. We were headed towards a series of low islands that dotted the open expanse of the bay, and he pointed towards one. "That's where we're headed."
"The closer the better, I really gotta go." I grabbed myself and held on to get the point across.
In maybe a minute, he pulled up and slowed the boat to a stop, looking carefully over the side. "You have to watch for the sandbars, they can stick the boat if you're not careful. Here, take this and cast it off the front, then tie us up." He passed me the anchor, which I carried to the front and obligingly heaved over the side, then ran the loose end of the rope around the tie-down on the deck. When I got back, Chris had his back to me and was leaning over the side.
"It's easy, just lean out so you don't drip in the boat." He nodded back over his shoulder as I heard his stream hit the water. "Use the corner over there, and you're all set." Drat. From the angle he stood at, I couldn't see anything, just his shadow as he cheerfully peed into the ocean.
It was a nice afternoon-other than the sounds of waves lapping against the hull and the twin waterfalls coming from the boat, it was quite peaceful out here. I zipped up, and Chris did the same while I was still looking towards the horizon.
"Ready for a swim?"
"Didn't bring trunks, Chris." I pointed at my pants and laughed. "If I'd known I was going with you this afternoon, wouldn't have worn slacks, either."
"I told you I brought everything we'd need-follow me."
He went below deck with me in tow, and I wondered if he was planning on changing in front of me. He didn't seem very shy so far, but I was dying for a glimpse of him naked and this might be my only chance. He rooted around in the bag he'd brought and fished out a skimpy low-cut pair of swim trunks that looked like they'd barely cover one cheek, much less the front, and passed them to me for inspection. I held them dubiously between a thumb and forefinger as he started to laugh.
"You've GOT to be kidding, Chris, I might as well be naked."
"It's an option." He grinned and ducked his head when I shot them back at him like a rubber band.
He rummaged around again, and this time pulled out two pairs of regular boxer-style trunks and handed me the black pair. "These are my favorites, but I'll let you wear them today-black's more your color, anyway." He stood up and went for his belt, while I looked on in anticipation. He was going to do it. The cabin suddenly felt a lot smaller.
"C'mon, what are you waiting for?" He had his fingers on his fly and zipped it down. I followed suit, trying to give the appearance of keeping my eyes above his waist as he hooked his thumbs into his waistband, and in one motion, yanked them to his ankles and stepped out of them.
"What do you think?" He was standing there naked in front of me, looking for the right leg of his swimsuit, and I cleared my throat, trying to think of something suitable to say with my hands frozen in the act of pulling down my trousers. I took a deep breath and tried to be nonchalant while continuing to strip.
"I don't know, Chris, I've never been asked to compliment a guy on his penis before. Um, it's nice, I guess?"
"Not that, wise-ass, I meant the trip so far." He whistled softly through his teeth as I pulled down my jockeys. "But, if one of us deserves that compliment, it would have to be you. How do you get that to fit in there?"
I blushed and stepped quickly into my trunks while he compared sizes and pointed out minor differences. I felt like turning around to get away from the scrutiny, but didn't want to hear his opinion of my backside, too.
"I'm having a great time. I just wish you'd look at something else."
He grinned and pulled up his trunks . "Oh lighten up. I'm not going to jump your bones. But, you never know. . ."
With that last remark, he ducked around me and out the open hatchway and off the back of the boat, pausing on the edge just long enough to choose a landing spot. When I stepped up to the edge, he had surfaced, and was shaking the water out of his hair and waving at me to jump in.
"It's perfect, not a lot of chop today. You can just lie on your back and float." And so we did, watching the gulls swing overhead and the much heavier pelicans that skimmed low over the water before coming to rest in the bushes that covered on the tiny islet. Once and awhile Chris or I would talk briefly, but for the most part we were content to float in silence. I was mulling over his comments in the cabin, and thinking about what I'd seen when he'd dropped his shorts-he might have been doing the same, but there was no indication. After an maybe hour of swimming around and holding onto the dive platform off the back of the boat, we got out and toweled off. This time, Chris didn't make any personal comments, and I relaxed while we rinsed each other off with the freshwater hand shower the boat was equipped with. He also handed out fresh changes of clothing, which I accepted gratefully, feeling almost like his twin; the more I thought about it, the more it seemed as though Chris really cared about me, especially if he was willing to share his clothing.
We broke out the cooler, and proceeded to share the meal that Zach had packed for us. There was a large throw to sit on that came out of that apparently bottomless bag Chris had packed for the trip, so we took that and our sandwiches to the front deck to eat. I was pretty hungry, and enjoying every minute of this trip; Chris seemed genuinely happy to share it with me, and in spite of a few awkward moments (or maybe on account of them), we'd gotten a little closer. The best part so far had been seeing him totally buck-ass naked, even if he had turned it around on me. I played the scene over again in my head as we sat together watching the sun going down with our backs propped up against the slanted front windows of the cabin.
"I wish I could do this every night."
"Yeah, I know what you mean." Chris looked thoughtful when he said this last part and drew his knees up to his chest. I turned on my side to face him.
"How about next week?"
"Sure, you're always welcome to join me-I just wish you had more free time, Eric."
"I know I'm busy, but I have to be." I sighed, and rolled onto my back. "I'd be more than happy to hang out with you whenever you want, but I've got a lot going on between school and work. Seriously, though-why me, Chris? I'm still not sure how I got singled out for all this attention. . .not that I mind, really."
He laid back as well, putting his arms behind his neck as he stared upwards.
"Well, if you haven't guessed already. . .I kind of like you."
"You kind of like me?"
The impact of this statement was like being told I had just won the lottery, or discovering I had super powers. It was too good to be true, and it took my breath away as the words sank in. The fact he had to return to college in a month was the first coherent thought that popped into my head, and it left me feeling empty inside. Even if we started something here, I knew there was no way I'd be able to go with him.
Chris sat up and looked down at me. "Yeah, I liked you the first time I saw you, but never expected to see you again-you were so sad, and I wanted find out what could make such a handsome guy so unhappy. If I could have, I would have stopped and given you a hug. I couldn't stop thinking about you after I saw you that day." He grinned.
"I even turned around and went back an extra time just to see if you were still there-trying to get up the nerve to say something. My legs were so sore from the extra couple of miles, that I didn't go skating again for a week."
I thought back to that day when he passed me on the sidewalk, when I needed someone just like him in my life and things had seemed so lost. It could have been anyone, I suddenly realized; just how many people had passed me that day? But-only one had turned back to see if I was ok. I could feel my eyes sting as tears started to form. Since then, I had come out of the closet, gained two great friends, and was only beginning to be ready for a relationship with a guy like Chris. And now he was here. Chris looked at me expectantly.
"I wondered if you were gay, too, the way you got all nervous around me when we met and acted alternately shy and macho-I thought it was really sweet, and I've been waiting for the right time talk." He was quiet for a moment as the sun lit up the sky in brilliant shades of pink and orange in contrast to the oncoming twilight as it sank lower in the sky.
"Eric-please-don't cry."
"I'm ok." I sniffed and rubbed at my eyes. "I just don't know what to say."
"How do you feel about me?" Chris was fiddling with a corner of the throw while he looked at me, and seemed almost worried. "Unless I'm very mistaken, you like me too, don't you?"
"You're not mistaken." I continued wiping my eyes as I thought how hard life could be, how tough the decisions were it forced you into making.
"Chris, it's just-now you're here, we've found each other, and soon you'll be back at school."
Chris was quiet again as he looked out across the bay. Maybe it hadn't occurred to him, but it was the one thing about our relationship I wished I could change. I could have dealt with his departure a lot better if he hadn't told me how he felt about me.
His voice was soft as he responded to the question. "I realize that, but I had to say something before it was too late. I know Boston's not exactly next door to Tampa, but it's not the end of the world, either. I can deal with that, if you can, and who knows-maybe that will change. Are you willing to give it a chance?"
"Maybe, I don't know. I really like you, you know? It's not fair, and so much has changed for me, so fast." I managed a half-laugh. "I even got to see you naked."
"I bet it wasn't half the thrill as seeing you naked was to me, Eric. I can't wait to check it out again, maybe a little closer up."
"Might put your eye out."
"I think I'll manage."
The sun was almost gone as we moved closer to each other. He lay back, offering me a shoulder, which I gladly took; the space just below his collarbone fit the back of my head just the way I imagined it would, and my view rose and fell with his breathing. He draped a free arm across my chest and I held his other hand with mine, twining our fingers in and around each other.
"How do we do this?" I asked the question very softly, wondering if he was as ready for this moment as I was.
"Slow, maybe? If you want, I can show you a few things."
"Yeah." I didn't know where to start, but I was almost painfully hard.
Chris took me by the hand, and we made our way back to the cabin with our belongings in tow, where it turned out the seats could be converted into a neat little bed, curved to the shape of the hull, and just large enough for two. Drawing the curtains closed, he did the same to the door, lifting the upper hatch so that it unfolded and the lower half dropped down into place. It was dark, but suddenly there was light as he stretched out and switched on a small reading lamp over the head of the bed.
"C'mere." He smiled, reaching out to brush my back with his hand. "How's this for intimate?"
I sat on the edge of the bed next to him with my legs over the edge and my heart in my throat. I was about to have my first experience with another guy, and was almost shaking from the excitement. He lay half facing me with one leg up in the air and the other straight out and touching mine. He pressed gently, and the sensation gave me goosebumps.
Chris hooked a finger in one of the loops on the back of my shorts. "Are you coming?"
I turned around and tried to fit myself next to him, but in these tight quarters I hit my head on the way down and recovered only to find myself lying on his chest and awkwardly facing him from only a few inches away. I propped myself back up on my elbows.
Another beautiful smile, his green eyes squinting with concern as he rubbed my head gently. "Careful, handsome, this isn't supposed to hurt."
"Ow. No-I really didn't mean to do that. . ."
Chris brought his face up and pressed his lips to mine, silencing me and taking my mind off my injury. He sank back, and I followed, sliding one arm under his back and relaxing against his chest for support while I kissed his lips again and we searched for a rhythm. It was part lead, part follow, but before I knew it I was breathing through his mouth and sliding my tongue against his. One of his hands slid down my back and tucked itself under the waistband of my shorts.
My body shifted of its own accord, one leg sliding between his and spreading them, trying to touch as much of his body as was possible with my own. Before long, we had progressed to nuzzling each other's necks, working our hips in slow motion while we searched out the sensitive areas I never realized I had, like the one at the corner of my neck and shoulder. Every time he found it, I gasped and pressed my body into his. His hand reached lower, this time as far as the base of my spine, and the start of the cleft between my cheeks. It was too much stimulation, so I pulled away for a moment to catch my breath and regain control.
Chris put a hand on my chest, feeling my heart race, then placed my hand on his own.
"Pretty amazing, don't you think?"
I panted. "Yeah. . .I almost. . .I think I almost came a minute ago."
"And with your clothes still on."
"Yeah." I smiled stupidly at him. "Imagine that."
He sat up, pulling his shirt off, then went for mine. With his tongue, he traced lazy circles across my chest, stopping at each nipple and flicking it, softly at first, and then hard as he sucked and gently nibbled. His hand was at my waist; I felt the button give and the rough slide of the zipper as he searched inside for its hardness. When he found it, I pushed back against his palm, trying to increase the sensation of flannel rubbing along the head and shaft, as the boxers alternately bunched and slid. My hand reached out to his waist, fumbling at his shorts, and he paused just long enough to undo them for me. While he worked me, I found the tip of his penis and began a massage with my fingertips. The material was becoming slick, and it made it easy to find that little ridge just under the tip and concentrate the friction where he'd feel it the most. Pretty quick, he was pulling away, and gasping himself as he grabbed my hand and collapsed beside me with a quick kiss.
"Not yet." He lay back next to me, eyes closed, our half-open shorts tangled around our legs and the rumpled material of our underwear exposed. His stomach was firm, and slightly concave as it heaved, trembling from a near-climax; I touched its softness with my fingers and stroked the trail of hair that started just below the navel and disappeared into his boxers. Even if Chris had to leave, I would remember this night for the rest of my life. Maybe things would work out after all.
After another few moments, Chris rolled onto his side and laid his arm across me, hugging me at the waist while we kissed.
"How am I doing so far?" He went for my ear, breathing softly and nuzzling it with the tip of his nose.
"Perfect," I replied, more shivers going down my spine and all the way to my toes.
"The best part's still to come. . ."
Chris slid down, taking up a position between my legs, where he paused long enough to kneel and tug my shorts off. I had to help him by lifting my hips and raising my legs, but it didn't take long before they hit the floor. He stood up and pulled his off as well, then with a little strip-teasing motion he worked his boxers down and slowly off until he was completely naked with his shaft standing rigidly at attention. It was like seeing a painting come to life, the curves of his body outlined and casting sharp-edged shadows on the walls. He was stretched over because of the low ceiling, with both arms up and holding on to the overhead side rails; one knee was on the bed next to mine, and against the hollow of his throat his St. Christopher medal swung from a golden chain. Small, and glittering in the dim light, its tiny symbol was familiar and comforting icon watching over us both.
He bent over and kissed me again, then worked his way back down my chest and across my belly until he came at last to my waist. His tongue poked through the fly on my boxers, startling me with its gliding warmth; before I knew it, he had pulled down the front and grasped the hard erection within, drawing the end into his mouth while stroking it up and down.
"Oh God, Chris-oh God-please don't stop!"
I writhed underneath him on the bed, connected to him through the steady motion of his hand and the wholly new, unbelievably exciting, swirling sensation on the head of it from his lips and tongue. It was almost too much, and then it became so much more.
Starting as a spreading warmth and tingling pressure in my groin, the waves of impending release tightened the muscles in my lower back and calves, causing my hips to strain off the bed as Chris brought me to a climax that made a pale shadow of all the ones I'd ever had before. My eyes were tightly closed, my head turned stiffly to one side as I knotted the throw underneath me between my fingers and hoarsely moaned Chris's name; every muscle straining as I unloaded against his flickering, teasing tongue and the matching rhythm from his fist. Chris caught me, finally, at the end, lowering me gently to the bed with one arm under my back. The only motion left was the slow up and down of his fist on my shaft, and the warmth and pressure of being held in his mouth continued until the last of the pulses came to an end.
Chris finally raised his head, breathing almost as heavily as me, his trembling body pressed against my leg and hair tickling my stomach as he softly kissed the tip of my shaft and then my belly button before sagging on top of me and hugging my sides with his arms. I rubbed his shoulders and biceps soothingly, my only thoughts of him and what we'd just shared.
"Chris?" I spoke his name into the stillness.
His reply was a slight moan against my belly as he stirred and kissed me before looking up. Raising his head, his whole face took on a smile as he saw what I'm sure was a matching expression on my face, all my cares and needs having been forgotten in an instant. When I pulled him up from the cramped position he'd assumed and hugged myself to his side, I discovered he was still rock hard, his own release having been forgotten in the process of taking care of mine. I rubbed my body against his, but instead of letting me take care of him, he pulled my leg over his lap instead, holding it there while he brought my hand back to his chest and tugged the edges of the throw over us both.
"You don't have to do anything, Eric-just let me relax with you for a while.
I know it sounds stupid, but I want tonight to be about you."
"You sure?" I pulled back slightly so I could see his face.
"Yeah, I'm sure. I already know what the first time feels like on the receiving end, now I know what it feels like on the giving end."
I snorted into his side. "If you're saying 'it's better to give than to receive', I hope you plan on sticking around long enough to let me figure that out for myself."
He pulled me closer, his scent and body surrounding me as he pressed his lips into my hair and twined his legs with mine.
"You can count on it."