Nicks Talent

Chapter 3

Ok here is a new chapter of Nick's Talent, enjoy. Check also my website for more stories at www.timsfunplace.com. If you want to send me an e-mail use noway16@hotmail.com

Oh, no! Not that one, I thought. When I'd showed Tom my stuff, I'd told him that he could sell all of them except the one of Francis.

"You know the one I'm talking about, right, Nick?"

"Yea."

"Let's go see it together."

He took me off to the side of the gallery I'd been avoiding. I opened my eyes as we reached it and I looked into those most beautiful eyes I'd ever seen. Although it was just a drawing, they'd been almost real to me. It was as if he was right there in front of me. I felt my knees starting to buckle and I started to shake.

"Let's sit down," Nick said now.

He pushed me down onto one of the benches in the middle of the room. But still we were facing Francis.

"You must love him a lot," was the next thing he said.

"I do."

"Does he love you?"

"Yea, I guess," I said.

"Good. I know you probably don't want to sell this one but I had to ask as it is one of the most beautiful drawn men I have ever seen. I can hardly imagine that the real Francis is better looking."

"Oh, but he is," I rushed to add ... which caused him to turn and smile at me.

"I'm not sure what is going on between you. Just make sure that you never forget he loves you, and make sure you trust him."

"I don't know what to think," I said softly.

"Don't worry. There will always be doubts but, if you can draw something like this, then I think your love is strong enough to survive just about anything."

"Maybe," I said.

"So I have two questions for you. One is, I really want to buy this one, so I'll leave an offer behind with Tom and I hope you'll consider it seriously. The other is I want to hire you to draw a picture for me."

"You want me to draw you?"

"Hmmm ... no. I want you to draw a friend of mine, a special friend."

"Oh, OK. Someone you love, too?" I said now, a bit bolder.

"Let's say that he means a lot to me and I want to make sure that I have a clear remembrance of him. So will you think about it?"

"I will. I'm quite busy at the moment but I might be able to do it in a few weeks."

"Hmmmm ... I'm not sure a few weeks will do, Nick. I'd hoped I could persuade you to fly back with me to Orlando tomorrow or the day after."

"Oh, I'm not sure I can arrange that. I thought you lived down here."

"No, I don't. I'd pay for the flight, of course, and put you up while you worked."

"Well, I think Tom wanted me to stay here for a few days to answer questions and stuff."

"I think Tom will be OK with your absence, Nick. I don't think he'd mind if you went with me."

"I don't know, Nick. I can't just drop everything at once."

"Think about it, will you? It would mean a lot to me. I'll give you a ring tomorrow so we might perhaps be able to get together and discuss it again, OK?"

"Yea . . . that's fine with me."

"Thanks, Nick. That's all I can ask for now. Just think about it. It would really mean a lot to me. If this doesn't work, though, I'll understand."

"I'll consider it."

"I'll leave my offer with Tom. I'd better be going for now," he added. He looked over towards Francis's image with a sad smile.

Now that was strange, I thought. I looked up again at Francis's face. What do you think I should do? I can paint a picture in a few days, so time wasn't a real problem. I could go next weekend; I'd just miss a few days of school.

I stood up, wondering if Randy was there so I could ask him about Nick. But, for the next half hour, I was constantly interrupted by lots of people who wanted to comment on my work. In the end I got away with the excuse I had to go to the toilet.

I ended up back at the reception area of the gallery where most of my friends were now gathered.

"Hey! There's our famous artist!" Andrew said.

I blushed. I accepted many congratulations. "You're big now, Nick. Your works are all people are talking about ... and I don't mean us but I mean others as well," Alexei said.

"You know he's right, Nick," Tom said as he stepped closer. "I think I've gotten offers on most of your pieces tonight. I think we'll turn several down as I think we can do better. But your entry into the art world is one that people won't soon forget. Especially the pictures of David, Kathy and the baby together and the portrait of Francis. Those are making a real strong impression."

"Speaking of Francis ... where is he, Nick?" Steve asked.

It suddenly got very quiet. I guess most knew. "Come here; I'll tell you," Jordan whispered as he and Steve withdrew from the group.

"You OK?" David asked.

"Yea, I just had an encounter with that picture and that was bad enough. I'm not sure what I'll do when I see Francis for real, though, David."

"Just remember ... he loves you."

"Yea that's what Nick, a friend of Randy's, told me a moment ago, too. By the way, do you know where Randy is?"

"He should still be around. We're all leaving in about 30 minutes for the hotel so ...

Oh, now I remember ... I saw him stepping outside with a guy about 15 minutes ago."

"Hmmmm ... our height, well built, blond hair?"

"Yea, that's him," he replied.

"Oh, OK. Will you see if Randy is still outside and, if you find him, ask him if he would come around to talk with me."

"OK, will do. Are you alright, Nick?"

"Yea, go on ahead. If he can't talk to me now, then maybe later tonight in the hotel. I suppose I'm going with you?"

"Oh, yea. We're going to have a small party later on."

He walked off to see if Randy was outside. I looked around to see where Dad and Kathy were. Before I could reach them, though, I was cornered by Tyler.

"So, you're the hotshot now, aren't you?" he said, a bit flustered.

"What do you mean, Tyler?"

"Well, you've made it now. Everyone is talking about your work ... they hardly see what Nicole or I have done."

"It can't be that bad."

"Well, I know your kind. You just want to take the world over. I just want to tell you that I'm onto you. Just one more mistake and I'll get you for it. Fucking faggot."

With that he walked off. Wow, I thought. Where did that come from? I was shocked that he'd been so hostile ... and in public, too. I looked around but saw that probably no one had heard him. Although he was an asshole, there was nothing I could do or would do about it now. I'd learned to leave hings be that I couldn't change.

I walked over to the bar to get another drink when Tom came back again. "I heard you'll be going soon so I thought we could walk back to the office."

"OK. I think I'll be here another ten minutes or so."

"That will be enough time to bring you up to date. I just wanted to show you the offers I'd received so you can think about them."

When we reached the office, Nicole was just about to leave. "Great evening, wasn't it, Nick?"

After Tyler's behaviour I'd been afraid that Nicole would be mad at me for doing so well, too.

"Yea, very good," I replied cautiously.

"Don't be shy, Nick. You were great. I think your work will be talked about for quite some time. But then, I don't mind. It's really good and you deserve the praise. If you can, could we have dinner some time, just to talk. I'd love to get to know you a bit better as I think we could maybe do something together."

"That sounds like a good plan, Nicole. That might just work. Maybe you could invite Tyler as well."

"Never!" she said firmly. Before I could respond, she spat out, "That asshole! If I had a choice, his art would never be shown with mine again. And if you want to work with him, Nick, then just forget about me."

"No, Nicole. Don't worry, I'm in full agreement with you there."

Ahhh, Nicole ... I think we need to talk about this as I had no idea you felt like that."

"That might be a good idea. After tonight, I've totally changed my mind," she said to Tom. Turning to me, she added, "OK. I'd better leave you to it. I'm sure Tom has some great news for you." Nicole walked back to the reception area.

"She did well too then, I guess?" I asked.

"Yes, she's sold about five pieces already."

"Tyler none, I guess," I added.

"Exactly. I think he's really pissed off, but I didn't think he'd make any remarks to you about it."

"Oh, believe me, he did."

"Well, we'll look into that tomorrow ... now, about the offers. I have ten envelopes here for you Nick. I think they are bids for four or five of your pieces, so just open them and let's see what the bids are."

I was startled by the figures in the first eight but I got used to seeing large figures on pieces of paper. Then I got to the last two.

"These are from two of my big clients, Nick. One you talked with, Nick. The other just told me he admired your work."

I opened the first one. It was an offer for the picture of David, Kathy and the baby. It was an offer for $25,000.

"Is this serious, Tom?"

"Yes, it is."

"Well, I won't sell it. It was done for David and Kathy."

"I thought you might say that. I told him that I thought it was private ... so he might have bid a little higher in the hopes of encouraging you to sell it."

"Can you explain why it's not for sale?"

"I think he'll understand."

"This one is Nick's?" I asked.

"Yea, I told him that you weren't planning on selling that one, Nick, but he insisted."

"Can you tell me a bit about him?"

"I'm not sure. What did he tell you?"

"He only said he'd made an offer ... and he also invited me to come over to his place to do a drawing for him."

"Wow, your first commission!"

"Well, he wants me to come over this week. I told him I might be busy here ... and then there's school."

"Oh, you must go! This is too good an experience to miss, Nick."

"I don't know. He said he wanted me to draw someone he loves and wants a permanent memorial for the future."

"Oh!" Tom said and his smile disappeared from his face.

"What's wrong, Tom?"

"I ... well, I'm not sure if I should tell you this. I think you need to ask Nick yourself. Ask him why he wants you to do it this week. I think you should do it but he needs to tell the reason. I can't. It's his story."

"Oh, OK ... but I can trust him?"

"Yea. He's been a client for quite some time. I had the honour to receive the commission to choose ten pieces of art to decorate one of his houses a year or two ago. I've known him quite some time now."

"OK. Well, let's see what he thinks will change my mind on selling the piece."

There was a note in the envelope. I just sat there and read it.

Nick,

I don't think it's a coincidence we have the same name. I think it has to be. When Tom told me tonight that I could bid on every piece except that one, I knew it meant more to you than any usual picture. I saw the look in the eyes of the person you painted and knew he meant a lot to you but, even more, you were able to capture in the picture the fact that he loves you and is important for you, too. I just had to try to buy it. I hope we can talk tomorrow as I hope you'll accept my job offer, too. Enclosed you will find a cheque for the drawing. I left the amount empty. I think you know what it is worth to you. I'd ask you to fill that in yourself ... although I'd be insulted if it was not the most expensive piece I've ever bought from Tom. You need to ask him what my top price has been."

I looked at Tom. "So ... what is he offering?" he asked. I kept silent and said nothing.

"Come on, Nick. What is he willing to pay?"

"What is the most expensive piece of art you've ever sold to him?" I asked.

"Oh, that," he said as he smiled. "Let me see. That must have been about a year ago ... for a painting ... I think he bought that one for $185,000."

"No, he can't have ... now I definitely can't sell it."

"What is he offering, Nick?"

I gave him the blank cheque.

"What's this? The amount is blank," he exclaimed, mystified.

"He wants me to fill in the blank with a number larger than the amount you told me a moment ago. He'll be insulted if I put in less, but he said he would offer anything I would ask."

"Damn! He must want this for real, Nick. I can see his reasoning ... but still."

"Well ... I won't sell it for any amount he might offer."

"Just think about it, Nick. You can always draw another picture of Francis."

He was right about that: his image was imprinted on my brain forever and, although I'd never made a copy of the picture before, there was a good chance that I could. And, with the way things were going, it was even a bit to painful to look at it.

"I'll think about it. Would you please ask Nick what he wants to discuss first tomorrow."

"Good. I think you need to ask him, OK?"

"Sure. Can I leave these down here? I'll give you an answer regarding the bids before my meeting with the journalists tomorrow ... is that soon enough?"

"Yea ... that's fine."

Still a bit dazzled by it all, I walked back to the reception area.

"So, how did it go?" I heard several people ask as I walked in.

"Good," I answered but I didn't give them any details. "When are we going to leave?" I asked, trying to deflect attention.

"I think the bus is here so, if everyone is ready, I think we can go now."

We got everything arranged and walked to the bus. Just before we reached it, dad came over beside me.

"Are you OK, Nick? You look a bit preoccupied at the moment."

"Yea, I'm fine. Do you think we could have a chat later on? There are a few things that I want to talk with you about."

"Any time. Just let me know when."

"Maybe while everyone is checking in. Susan can do that for you guys. I might feel more up for a party after we talk."

"OK. Better before than after the party. It's already 9 p. m. and I don't think that I can make it to midnight."

"That'll be good, then. You're going to stay for the weekend?"

"Yep, we all are. I think that David and Kathy are staying until the end of the week, too. So it'll be good to have some family time together."

"Hmmm, I thought David would have to get back to his athletic training."

"Oh, I think he was able to get an adjusted program for this week. We chose a hotel with some training facilities, especially a weight room."

"Damn! Then why ..." I didn't continue my question. Francis's absence was starting to make me angry once again, and I'd promised that he was not going to spoil the evening.

"I don't know, Nick. It's something you'll have to ask him when you see him next time."

"I guess," I sighed.

We got onto the bus, which was full. I managed to chat with Steve and Jordan a bit more. I hadn't had a chance to really talk with them earlier, so it was good to catch up with what had been going on with them.

"I talked with Randy on the bus, Nick," David said as we exited the bus. "He said he'd talk with you about this Nick character later tonight if that was OK with you."

"Fine ... sounds like a plan."

"Can I have your attention, everyone?" Alexei yelled when everyone had left the bus. "We can check in in a moment. I've reserved rooms that are all on the same floor so we can keep in touch easily. Then I want to invite everyone back downstairs in about 30 minutes to toast Nick on the success of his first exhibition ... and I think that, after the response he received, it won't be his last one either."

Cheers erupted. "Come on ... let's find somewhere quiet," Dad said.

"You're not checking in, Nick?" David asked.

"Yes, but Susan is going to take care of it all."

"Oh ... you're OK then?"

"Yea ... stop worrying ... we all should have problems like mine! We can talk later tomorrow or on Sunday, OK?"

"OK ... just don't be late for the party."

"No, we'll be sure to be there, David," Dad added.

"OK ... let's sit down here in the corner." We'd entered the bar and found a quiet spot to ourselves.

"You want to have a drink?"

"No, not for the time being. I'm starting to feel the champagne. I think it's time to slow down a bit."

"Good. As I said before, I'm really proud of you, Nick. You've come a long way and those drawings were very, very impressive. So what was it you wanted to talk about?"

"I don't know, Dad. I feel that it's just all too much all of a sudden. I'm trying to deal with our relationship. I have the pressure of school and now the fact is slowly starting to sink in that I really have a chance of being an artist and do for a living what I love best."

"You think you're good enough to do that? Is that what Tom told you?"

"Tom didn't need to say anything, Dad. It's the message I got from what I'm sure was his 'A' list of clients who were invited. I got so many compliments that I can't remember individual remarks, to be honest."

"Well, that's good then, isn't it? If you think you can make it, you have to go for it. I've always told you to go after your dreams, haven't I?"

"Yea ... but you also made sure that I was certain it was something I could live on."

"Well, you received several offers from your first exhibition, so I don't think that you have to worry about making a living ... and if you don't get any commissions, then you can always do something else and keep it as a hobby."

"Oh, I don't think that I have to worry about commissions, Dad. And I've gotten my first purchase offer already tonight."

"You did? My god, Nick ... that's great! You must have made an ever bigger impression then I thought."

"I think so. I've actually had a few offers that were a bit higher than expected but they're still OK. But the last two were just too much. I got one for the drawing of David and Kathy and the baby for $25,000 ... and then there was a bid from that guy, Nick."

"Who's Nick?"

"The one who offered me a commission to do a portrait for him."

"Ah, he wanted one of your pictures as well?"

"Yea, he made an incredible offer on the drawing of Francis."

"You're thinking of selling it then, Nick?"

"I think he's offering too much, Dad. In addition to the amount he'll pay me to draw his friend."

"Well, he's wealthy and he likes your work."

"I don't know what to do ... he wants me to do it this week. It would interfere with my school work and also with the exhibition ... though Tom has already told me to go ahead and do it."

"Tom knows this client well?"

"Yea, he's helped him to select art for one of his houses and he said he trusted the client completely."

"Well, what is there to worry about? I say go for it. You can always make up any school work afterwards. It's not like it'll take a long time to do the drawing, will it?"

"I don't know, Dad. I'm not sure what he wants me to do. I'll see him at some point tomorrow and ask him about the details of the commission so I can make up my mind."

"I think you should go for it, Nick. It's a golden opportunity to do something for a fee and see if you like it. School won't go away but you'll have time for that when you get back."

"I'm a bit surprised that you are encouraging me to do this instead of school, Dad."

He smiled. "Let's say that I have regretted a few decisions in the past myself and I'm afraid that you'll regret it if you don't take this challenge on."

"And then there's Francis, Dad. I'm not sure what to do any more. I feel we're drifting away from each other more and more. We've always been able to talk about anything that bothered us without a big fight or anything, but lately, everything is turning into conflict."

"I know. I talked with David about it and I think that Francis is under a lot of stress and pressure at the moment. I know that part of being a good athlete requires you to be self-centred from time to time, and I think that can be good for a person. But you need to work this out together, OK? That's part of being in a relationship and you'll never forgive yourself if you don't try to work it out."

"I don't know, Dad. It's up to him now, I guess. He knows how I feel."

"No, Nick, it is never up to one party. Don't make the same mistakes I made in the past, OK? Go after him if you really want him to be part of your life. Promise me."

"Mom?" I whispered.

"Yea. Maybe some day I can tell you, Nick, but it still hurts too much. Don't misunderstand me. I love Susan and I have a great time with her but, still, it's not like it used to be with your Mom. So please promise me that you won't let him drive you away, OK?"

"I will ... but I'll need some time, though."

"I can understand that. Just don't wait too long."

"I won't."

"Good. Now let's get to that party in honour of you," he said.

The next few hours went by quickly and I had an awful lot of fun. I chatted with my friends, trying to make sure I spent some time with all of them. I noticed that Randy had stayed out of my way most of the time and, when the last people started off to bed around 2 a.m. or so, I somehow ended up with him and David in one of the corners.

David started off first. "I think it's time for you guys to talk, so I'm going to sleep. Will I see you for breakfast tomorrow morning, Nick? Kathy and I would like to invite you to our suite for room service. I think we need some quality time together to talk."

"Sounds like a plan," I agreed.

He got up and, instead of walking away, he moved closer to me and bent over. He kissed me on the cheek and whispered, "I'm very proud of you, my little brother. You've found your talent for sure now."

As he got up, I could only look at him and smile.

"See you around tomorrow at some point, I guess, Randy," David added.

"Yea. I think you just might! Good night, David."

We both sipped on our drinks. I wasn't sure where to start.

"Hmmm ... you talked with this Nick guy, didn't you?" I finally ventured.

"Yes, just before we left. I've known him for quite some time and it was good to hear how things are going. He invited me over to join him in Orlando for a visit."

"Oh," I said. It seems Nick had been handing out invitations to more people than me.

"I might take him up to his offer as I'm in between shoots again and could do with some sun instead of the cold weather down here."

"So you know him. Can you tell me a bit about him?"

"Hmmm, Nick. You have no idea who he is, do you?"

"He's famous, is he?"

"You can say he is, yes."

"I don't think that I know him."

"Well, it seems none of your friends knew who he was. You must be totally not up to date with music then."

"Oh, is he a musician then?"

"Yea, he has been for quite some time now ... although not as much in the picture now as he used to be."

"What kind of instrument does he play?"

He laughed. "Oh, Nick! There's more to music than instruments; he does vocals."

"Oh, shit! He's not some boy idol, I hope, from some stupid boyband, is he?"

Now he laughed even louder. "No wonder Nick said he liked you! You were totally oblivious as to who he was. That's not something that happens to him very often. He's one of the `Backstreet Boys.' Have you ever heard of them?"

"Yea . . . but I thought they sucked."

"Oh ... they do ... at least, some of them do," Randy said, smiling. "Oh, damn! I shouldn't have said that," he suddenly exclaimed as he realised what he'd just said.

"I'm discreet, Randy, as you know."

"Yea, yea ... I know ... but still, I should have kept my mouth shut."

"So ... you know him well then?"

"Yea, pretty well ... I think for some seven or eight years now."

"Did he say anything about me?"

"What do you think? According to him, you were the high point of that exhibition. He was especially interested in your relationship with the guy in that painting."

"Oh!"

"No ... come on, Nick. There's no reason to be jealous ... he has a boyfriend, too. I think he just wanted to know how you were able to capture on paper the feelings and emotions you have for him."

"Ah, well ... he wanted me to do a painting for him or a drawing, I'm not sure which ... but he wants me to do it quickly, too."

"Yes ... that's what he told me. I'm pretty sure that's why he invited me to visit him ... I think he hoped you'd come along."

"Did he tell you he made an offer on the drawing as well?"

"No, he didn't say anything about that."

"Hmmm ... well, he did ... and a quite generous one at that. I'm not sure what to do about it, though."

"Ahhh ... so you sold at least one of your works ... isn't that what you wanted?"

"Yea ... well, to be honest, I received ten offers in total."

"Wow!!! They really must have liked your work ... that's an impressive first showing, Nick."

"Yea, I know. So do you know who he wants me to draw?"

"Hmmm ... I might ... but I think it's something you need to ask him about yourself ... if you're proceeding with the portrait, that is."

"Oh!" I said, a bit disappointed by the lack of information.

"It's his tale to reveal, Nick. I can't go into his personal life. I just hope you give his proposition fair consideration. I can tell you that I'd be more than happy to go with you ... that his request is honest and valid ... and that you can trust him."

"But can't I do this later? During spring break ... or maybe later?"

"Sorry but he has his reasons to timetable it so soon, Nick."

"Oh ... OK. Well, I'll think about it."

"Meet him for lunch tomorrow. I'm sure he'll tell you more when you're together."

"Thanks, Randy! You're a good friend. Would you really go with me to visit him?"

"Of course. As I said before, it'd be fun to spend time with the two of you."

"I'll be working though."

"Oh, I think you'll have a good time ... and I love to see others work."

"Yea, yea! Well, it's bedtime for me, I think." I went up to my room. I felt alone as I lay myself on the bed. It was almost 3 a. m. and, although I'd been up for a long time, I was still energised. Now that I was alone, I felt overwhelmed by what had happened. I didn't know what I'd do tomorrow with Nick. If I'd been home, at least I could have looked some information up on the internet to get an idea what he'd done. I looked at the clock again 10 minutes later. I saw that it was too late to call Francis.

[At the gym with Francis]

I'd pushed myself hard for another hour; then I thought, it was time to quit. I could feel that my muscles had been pushed beyond their limits and were starting to hurt. I walked out of the gym into the hall, then into the locker room. I got my towel and walked back into the hall. I looked towards the door and saw it was ajar. That's odd, I thought, and walked over to close and lock it. I took the key with me, opened the door to the sauna, and walked inside.

Nice, I thought, as the superheated air rising from the wet stones caressed my skin, slowly warming me and making me sweat. Oh, Nick, I thought ... I miss you so much, but I hope that you understand. This is what I need to do. I can't fail you and disappoint you.

[Back in Nick's bedroom]

Then there was Francis. How was it possible that, all of a sudden, my life had become so complicated? I'd hoped he would phone but there were no messages on my mobile. I guess I hadn't missed the ring of his call, because he hadn't called. Once again I was disappointed by that. I was saddened and a bit upset again. I could go back and support Francis in his sport ... I could choose a school nearby ... then, at least, we could be together. But I knew that Francis would probably send me back. The evening we said goodbye that summer after graduation, we agreed that our love was strong ... strong enough to allow each of us time to develop our talents ... to go for our individual goals as well as be together. We knew that that was what each of us wanted for the other ... to become good at what we liked to do best. But now ... almost a year and a half later ... it had proven not to be so easy. Was our love not as strong as we'd thought? I ...

Damn! There was no way I was going to be able to get to sleep. I looked around the room and found it empty. I was truly on my own. David was with Kathy ... Dad was with Susan ... James was with Alexei ... Andrew with Peter ... and I was almost certain that Randy had been able to hook up with some good friend for the night ... maybe not for sex but to keep each other company. And here I was, all alone, feeling confused. I saw the book by the side of the bed and decided I would read a bit ... but not here in the room.

I went downstairs to the reception area. I asked for a glass of wine and curled up in a corner in the lounge where some lamps overhung the comfortable chairs in pools of light so you could read.

I sat down, opened the book and started to read. As soon as I'd read a few pages, I felt more relaxed and at ease with myself, lost in the story of Frodo and his companions.

"Hey! What are you doing down here?" a familiar voice brought me back to the real world again.

"Hi, Alexei!" I said as I looked up to confirm who it was. "I couldn't sleep and the room was lonely ... so I thought I'd come down here, have a drink, and read a bit."

"You know it's 5 a. m., don't you?"

"Oh, no! I came down here just after 3, I think."

"Well, it is an absorbing story ... but, after tonight, I thought you'd have been very tired."

"Yea ... me, too! I guess the room just got to me ... that with all the other things to think about."

"You wanna talk, then?"

"No, I think I've done enough talking, Alexei, and it's not getting me anywhere. Maybe all my thinking has just gotten me a lot deeper into the morass I feel I'm sinking into."

"Well, you might think about going back to bed then."

"No, I don't think I can handle being there alone now either."

"You'll get back together for sure, Nick. Your love is too strong, just as ours is. I know it feels lonely when you're alone and with all those miles between you."

"I know. Strangely enough, it's not the sex that I miss, you know, Alexei. It's just the feeling of someone there beside you ... someone to hold ... to feel his body heat under the covers ... to cuddle and feel wanted ... safe and loved. Strange, isn't it?"

"Oh, no ... I don't think so, Nick. I think that's a big part of being together ... spending time together. The trust and love that you feel, just being intimate, even if you don't have sex ... is enormously important, I think."

"Maybe ... but I still don't think I like being alone."

"I thought you had meetings tomorrow. I think you need to try to sleep some."

"I will. I'll read a bit more and then we'll see."

I saw him walk away as I started to read my book again but, after a few steps, he turned around again ... now standing about five metres from me.

"No ... come on, Nick ... you need to sleep."

"Later, Alexei. I'm not going up there now."

"You don't have to ... come with me."

I looked up at him.

"None of that ... now, come along with me. Come on."

I stood up and started to walk along side him. As we got close to his room, he whispered, "Now, stay silent. I don't want a grumpy James all day and that will happen if he wakes up. Get undressed and get into the bed with us, OK?"

I looked at him and he gave me a reassuring smile. I couldn't answer him as he pushed me into their room at that point.

I looked around. I saw that James was lying in the bed, face down in the middle of the bed. I saw that Alexei had started to undress himself.

He waved to me to follow. I slowly started to undress. When I had pulled off my jeans, I looked up ... Alexei was standing in his boxers. I had briefs on. He moved his hand, now pointing onto the bed. When I got close to him, I thought I saw that his dick was a bit bigger than normal. He pushed me into the bed.

"Look at me!" he said. I laid with my back to James.

James started to move and I felt his hand moving over my side, coming to rest on my chest. Alexei smiled and now positioned himself in front of me. I laid still, almost afraid to touch him.

He got up, looked at me, smiled and said softly, "You can touch me. Don't worry about that."

I felt Alexei move closer to me ... now trying to relax a bit, I felt our legs touching. An electric bolt went through me and I thought, oh ... this is a bad idea! How would I be able to sleep like this? My dick had gone hard and I felt too horny to sleep now.

But when I heard James's breath on my neck and Alexei's body warm beside me, his heart beating at a steady rhythm ... I slowly dozed off as well.

Well hope you enjoyed this chapter, more to follow soon. Check also my website for more stories at www.timsfunplace.com. If you want to send me an e-mail use noway16@hotmail.com