The usual disclaimers apply.
Note: The stories of Paul and David are each a sequel to the previous. If you haven't read Beginnings, Part I, read it first, as there will be parts of this story that won't make a whole lot of sense without some of the background information found in Part I. --Harlequin
Of Beauty and Light
--by Harlequin
(Templer_032537@TarrNet.Com)
Part II
Halloween and Thanksgiving had come and gone. We had celebrated both holidays, but it was Christmas that we both were focusing on with almost childish anticipation. This would be our first Christmas together.
I had asked David what he had done for Christmas last year, "Not much. Went out and got some stereo stuff and stopped at a take-out place for something to eat. By myself. Pretty miserable, actually."
"Yeah, I know what you mean," and I did. I had made it a point to get a tree and spent an evening decorating it. I had decided early on that under no circumstances did I want to spend the holiday alone. For many reasons.
I'd called a friend and we'd made arrangements to have Christmas dinner together. I'd spent several evenings for almost a week cooking and baking and getting things ready.
Christmas morning I was up at dawn and put the turkey and dressing in the oven. Everything was pretty much done.
Around ten o'clock, my friend called saying that he was unable to make it. Something had come up. I asked if there was anything I could do in a desperate attempt to salvage the day. He said no, that he was sorry and that he had to go and "click," that was the end of that. The big day slid down the tube, me with it. I ate some of the "wonderful meal" and left the table and started drinking with a vengeance. By ten that night, I was oblivious and finally passed out. When I came to, it was around ten or eleven the next day and I still had the planned-for meal to clean up and spent most of the day hauling trash, nursing a rip-roaring headache and a case of red-black anger. I decided then and there I'd celebrate no more holidays with or without "friends." And so, I added one more grievance to my growing list of resentments that I hugged to myself like a hated but necessary garment.
Then I met David and slowly my life began to change. I began to trust again. I began to smile and laugh. And then I fell in love with him.
Our life together and the love we shared for each other since those first shaky beginnings had deepened and had grown into something at once beautiful, bright and sunny. It was all those things and light and laughter. It was as multifaceted as a rare jewel and infinitely more valuable. I had been given another chance. My attitude, while not the sunny trusting one of David's was, nevertheless, a vast improvement over what it once had been. I was looking forward to Christmas with an anticipation that I had not experienced since my childhood.
But what to get for David? The question was driving me nuts and occupied my every thought. I knew that he would cherish whatever I gave him. But it was for him and I loved him. It just had to be something really special. But I couldn't think of anything and time was running out. I kept returning to the thought of something made just for him. But what?
I remembered that I needed to go to the market and I got my coat and slammed out the back door. On my way home, I was detoured off my regular route onto a secondary one. I was driving along when I suddenly realized what I'd just passed. I pulled into a parking lot and turned around and went back. I pulled into the small parking area of Bonito's Custom Made Jewelry. It was just a hunch, but maybe. Maybe.
I walked inside and the shop was empty. I walked up to the counter, found a bell and rang it.
"Be with you in a second," said a voice from the back.
I looked at the display case of rings, bracelets, and sundry items. I wasn't too impressed with what I saw and was wondering how I could gracefully extricate myself when around the corner came a man I judged to be in his late thirties. He was blond, slim with blue eyes, good looks and a smile.
"Sorry, I was working in back. Didn't expect anyone this late in the day."
"Well, I just drove by on my way home from the store and I saw your sign about custom jewelry. But frankly what you have in the cases doesn't look as though it's custom made."
"Oh, no. That's just factory stuff. I get more business for that than the custom work."
"Is your boss around?" not wanting to deal with a clerk.
He looked at me with a rather surprised look on his face. "I am the boss and I'm right here."
Oh, great, Paul, stick your foot in your mouth. Add an arm and leg, too, you idiot.
"I'm sorry. The sign said Bonito's. I assumed he probably is Hispanic and, well, I obviously made a mistake," I finished lamely.
He laughed, "Oh, now I understand. Yes, Bonito. Mr. Bonito is Hispanic and yes, I used to work for him. I made all the custom jewelry. Then he became ill and offered to sell the business to me and I bought it. And now, what can I do for you?"
"I am looking for a custom piece of jewelry for a friend. At least I think I am -- haven't quite made up my mind but thought this might be a possibility when I drove by."
"This is for a lady?"
"No, a man."
"I see. Anything particular in mind?"
"Well, no, I was hoping maybe you could suggest something or help me get some ideas."
"Well, I have several albums of photographs of my work. Perhaps there would be something there that might suggest an idea to you. Let me get them -- well, better yet, why don't you just come on back and I won't have to lug them out here. You don't mind?"
"No, that'd be fine," as I followed him into the back room.
"Here, have a seat," pulling out a chair in front of a deal table. "The albums are right there," pointing to a stacked set of albums. He pulled up another chair and sat beside me as I began looking at the photos, explaining something about each.
His work was excellent. Some pieces were Southwestern in design, some American Indian with turquoise and garnet, some oriental with different types of jade worked into and around the design. All was done in an understated style and quite beautiful.
I turned to him, "These pieces are really beautiful. I'm impressed with all of them. It also makes my choice that much more difficult."
"Oh, well, thank you. Now, let's see if I can make your choice easier. What's your friend's name?"
"David."
"Tell me about David."
So, I told him about David, trying to stick to essential facts, looks, height, weight, coloring, etc., but obviously, some of my feelings must have slipped in.
He looked at me a moment as if trying to make up his mind, then gently, "you are lovers?"
I turned with a look on my face belaying my feelings about invaded privacy when he put a hand on my shoulder, saying, "It's okay, I'm gay, also. But aside from that, it helps me do a better job if I know something about how each feels toward the other. You and David are in love?"
"Oh, yes, very much." I turned a page, started to say something and stopped. On the page was a light silver chain with a fairly small tear-shaped medallion. On the medallion, etched in bas relief, was the face of a woman, the details fine and exact. At the top of the medallion where it attached to the chain was set a small stone that looked like a garnet. Overall, it was rather small in size but its smallness only emphasized the beauty and appeal of the piece. While it was simple in design, the execution was at once graceful, light and exquisite.
Instantly, I knew. "I found it," I exclaimed. "I found it. This is it." I was so excited.
"Let me see, let me see" catching some of my excitement and leaning forward to get a better look at what I was pointing to.
"Oh, yes, that's one of the best pieces I've done. You have a good eye."
"But how did you get her picture on the medallion?"
"Basically, it's etched on. I use a close-up photograph to start with and reduce it to the size I need for etching and . . . Well, it's kind of a professional secret."
"But could you do that with a photo of David?"
"Yes, of course. Let me take a closer look at that for a minute. I got an idea."
I handed him the album. He looked at it for a moment then handed it back. "You know, what I would suggest is that since you and David are in love, put two medallions on it, one of you and one of David and then put a different stone in each. I was looking at the photograph to see if the chain would support two medallions and still look attractive and it will. What do you think about that?"
The thought hadn't occurred to me but I liked the idea better the more I thought of it. "I like it, it's a really good idea."
"Good. Then I'll need a close-up photo of each of you and I'm going to need them no later than tomorrow. Can you get them for me? I take it, this is a Christmas present?"
"Yes, and we've got several albums, stuffed with photos of ourselves from various trips and whatnot."
"Okay, why don't you bring two or three of the albums tomorrow. That way, I can look through them and get the best pictures for my needs. I'll make reductions, return your photos and you can take it all back with you. Shouldn't take more than a hour to do."
"Okay, sounds good. What time do you open?"
"Eight a.m."
"I'll be here at eight sharp," and started putting on my coat.
"Good enough. Wait a second and I'll walk out with you, it's past closing time." He turned off lights, locked doors and we went out the front. There weren't any cars parked close other than mine and I wondered if he was hoofing it or catching a bus.
"Do you need a lift?" I offered.
"No, I live up above. But thanks, anyway."
I hadn't noticed before that this was a two-story building. And with that, we said goodnight and I headed for home, getting there in time to make supper before David arrived.
The next morning, right after David left, I headed for the jewelry shop, getting there just as the owner was coming down the steps from his apartment.
"Good morning," he smiled. "You beat me to work."
"I was afraid it would take me longer to get here than it did."
"By the way, my name is Lawrence, Larry for short."
"I'm Paul," as he unlocked the door and we went inside. "Here are the albums," as I deposited three heavy albums on the counter.
"Let's take these to the back and we can spread things out."
He started with the first album, pulling photos out here and there. "Nice looking."
"What? Oh, you mean David. Yes, he is."
"Both of you. You must make a smashing couple on the dance floor."
"We don't go out much. Movies now and then. We eat out occasionally. But for the most part, we're pretty much content at home."
"Wish I weren't alone, especially with the holidays coming up. Okay, I think that will do it. I'll reduce these down and have them back to you in about an hour."
"I've got some other stuff to do, so I'll be back in an hour or so," as I started toward the door with the albums under my arms. I headed for the car, dumped the albums in the back and headed for a shop on the other side of town that I had originally considered and rejected. But now, since I'd already made my decision about David's gift, this other place would do nicely for what I had in mind.
I pulled up in front of Max's Leather Goods a few minutes later. I went in and over to the racks with the jackets and coats, looking for one in particular. Found it. A pale tan, very soft suede outer coat, simply done and very elegant. A small Southwestern design worked into the leather just below the left lapel was the only ornamentation. The pale suede would be a nice contrast to David's auburn hair. He needed something to wear when we went out. I found David's size and started toward the counter when I noticed a display of handmade gloves. Sure enough, there was a pair exactly matching the coat I'd selected. And again, I started for the check-out counter, and this time I made it without another financial sidestep. I got back to the jewelers, picked up the photos that Larry had reduced and made it home with time to spare before David's twelve o'clock phone call.
Now that the pressure was off, at least for David's gift, I could think of other things.
The Christmas tree. David had asked me the other night when we were going to get a tree and I'd said something about right before Christmas. I think he would liked to have gotten it right then but just said "Oh."
I went over and checked the calendar to see what our evenings looked like for the rest of the week. Tonight was free and the rest of the evenings I would need to be baking. Tonight it would have to be unless David was going to work out back in the shop. I wondered idly what it was that he was working on. He said it was something from the job site that he didn't have time to complete. I offered to help and too quickly was turned down. That and the fact that he had a kind of funny look on his face when he said it. Then I felt guilty for having doubted him. I had found out many times in the past, he was as honest and straight-forward as any person I had met and I didn't have any call to doubt him. But the memory of that conversation kept returning.
I had just put the finishing touches to supper when I heard beep, beep, as David drove down the drive and into the garage.
I counted mentally, one, two, three, four, five, and . . . Slam, the back door, "I'm starving. Also, I'm home," as David rounded the hallway corner and came into the kitchen, smiles, sunlight and love.
I met him halfway as he came into the kitchen, "Hi, what'd you bring me today?"
"Well," with a big smile on his puss, "Just me."
"That's the best thing to bring home," as we stood wrapped together, making out in front of the refrigerator.
"You miss me?"
"Yes, and somebody else has missed me, too" as I felt him pushing against me.
"He's really missed you."
We finally broke apart. "C'mon, just enough time to get showered before supper. Man, I've been wanting to see you naked all day long."
"You gonna undress me?"
"Count on it. Then I'm going to give somebody the biggest hottest kiss he's ever gotten."
"Oh, all right, let's go," as he grabbed me by the hand and we started towards the stairs.
"Are you going to be working in the shop after supper?" as I passed him the vegetables.
David looked at me for a moment, rather guardedly, I thought, "No, why?"
"What do you say we get things cleaned up here and go get a tree and trim it?"
David's whole face lit up, "Yeah, let's do it. Where are we going to put it?"
"Well, I was thinking in the front room, across from the sofa. You think it'd look okay there?"
"You bet. We could always see it when we are on the sofa without any clothes on."
"I'll bet you'd even like to decorate it naked, too," I smiled at the visualization.
"Sure, why not?"
"Well, you never can tell what might happen. I might accidentally get hold of the wrong ornament to put on the tree. I have enough trouble keeping my hands off of 'em as it is."
David snorted, "My ornaments are not for hanging on a tree, I'll have you know. You can put your hands on 'em anytime you want, though. You gotta admit, it'd be one heck of a conversation piece."
"Most looked-at tree in town."
"Speaking of ornaments -- and not mine, either -- we'll have to buy some. And lights, too."
"No, we won't," I said. "When I moved in last year, I brought three boxes of Christmas decorations with me. They're up in the attic. I have ornaments my mom gave me and ones that I've bought over the years, plus lights and everything else."
"You did? That's neat. I bet some of the ones your mom gave you are old; aren't they?"
"Yeah, there are some, even, that her mom gave her. She said she could remember them when she was a little girl."
"Gosh, there must be two or three generations there," David said.
"Uh-huh. Shouldn't have to buy a thing," but I was thinking that David would get a kick out of his own personal ornament and I decided I'd swing by the Christmas shop and see if I could find something for him that he could put on the tree before Christmas.
"Well, c'mon, let's get this kitchen cleaned up and get a tree."
"We'll need to take my van," David said, "it's got tie-downs on top. Be easier to bring the tree home than if we tried to use your car."
"Oh, good idea." I loaded the dishwasher while David was clearing the table. "Okay, that does it. Let's get outta here and get that tree."
The first lot was picked over and didn't have much left. We went to the second lot and while there were some possible selections, the prices were astronomical. When I looked at the price tag on the one that David had found and shook my head, David's face fell, somewhere down in the region of his shorts. We got in the car and drove off.
"C'mon, my heart, don't give up," as David drove down the street not saying anything. "There's another place I know about and I just have a feeling about this place. Take a right at the next corner."
"You do?" The monument of gloom beside me brightened up at my last remark, but not much. "I sure hope so."
I kept wondering why this was so terribly important to David until I remembered our conversation about Christmas at the home. They had an ancient artificial tree with only a string of fake popcorn strung around it. It was kept in one of the small side rooms and no one was allowed inside. While there were a variety of gifts of food and toys and clothing, they never seemed to make it under the tree and I suspected the staff got to them first and that was the last of it. David and all the other kids there had been cheated, as they had been cheated of so many things in the past.
I turned toward him, "David, we will get a tree and we will get it tonight. I've never let you down. Now you, quit your glooming all over the place and just trust me. We will get a tree."
David brightened up at that, almost his old self. "Oh, I hope so. It's just that we never . . ."
"I know, I know," I reached across and touched his face. "We'll get a tree."
We pulled into a parking space and walked across the street into the third lot of the evening. I said, "Why don't we split up and look. Holler if you find something that looks right."
David took off and I started looking and checking prices, wandering from one row to the next. There weren't many people about. Mainly, I thought because of the poor location. This was not a main street and there simply was not that much drive-by trade. The trees however, were of excellent quality.
"Hey, Paul. Over here." David was practically jumping up and down with excitement.
"You found one, did you?" I asked, beginning to catch some of his excitement.
"Yeah, over here. It's just what we want. C'mon, Paul, hurry up."
"All right, I'm coming," and hurried up.
And it was a beautiful tree. It was over in the corner, pushed behind another tree, the right height and perfectly shaped with no defects. I looked at the price tag and was surprised to find that it was less expensive than I had anticipated.
"Let me go pay the guy and we can load it on the van," as I started in the direction of the front of the lot.
"I already paid for it," David said, with a sheepish look on his face.
"Well, aren't you Mr. Slyboots." I looked at him for a moment, then, "The first one got away from you but not this one; right?"
"Yep," with a big grin.
"It's a gorgeous tree. Well, let's load it up and head for home."
We were halfway home when David spoke up. "I was afraid you wouldn't like it and I had already went and paid for it."
"Why wouldn't I? Your sense of taste is as good as mine. Better in some things."
"Yeah, you're right," he said. "I picked you; didn't I?"
"You sure did. Lucky me." I reached across and put my hand on his leg.
"Hey, watch the hand," David said.
"I thought you liked me touching you," I said, somewhat puzzled.
"I absolutely love it when you touch me. Anywhere. But you get me so turned on I can't think straight. You keep that up and we're liable to end up in the next state."
"Well, how about us getting all wrapped around each other in bed later on?"
"Oh, damn," and I looked over at him wondering what the matter was. "Uh, I got a problem."
"What?" thinking that something serious was wrong.
He took his hand off the steering wheel, looked straight at me and pointed between his legs.
I looked and then started laughing. "Wow, David. You better move the seat back a couple of notches or it's going to get caught in the steering wheel. I can see the headlines now, 'Man's Thing Turns Up, Man Misses Turn.' "
"Oh, very funny. You will pay The Price for that."
"That's a promise, I hope?"
"Definitely. Besides, you hurt his feelings."
"Yeah? Well, I bet he would accept a kiss in apology," trying to keep a straight face.
"Oh, both of us would," he looked over and smiled.
We did eventually get home, got the tree in the house, propped it against a wall, and I headed for the attic for the decorations while David went to the garage for a tree stand that I had bought earlier.
We got the tree put up and positioned and started decorating it. We worked for about an hour, talking, laughing, teasing each other, occasionally groping each other, and having a good time and enjoying ourselves.
I stood back, surveying the overall appearance. It looked good so far, but we were only halfway done.
"How about a sandwich?" I asked David as he was putting a miniature basket back among some branches. I would have to remember that place, I thought to myself.
"Hmmmm, actually, I could use a kiss and a good feelie and yes, definitely a sandwich."
"Oh, well, I can certainly whistle up the first two requests right now," and did.
"Ooohh, yeah, that was good. You know something?" he asked.
"Let me guess: You're starving and you would like a sandwich."
"A sandwich?" a stricken look on his face.
"Oh, all right, two sandwiches," I groused. "But that's going to cost you."
"Well, c'mere, I'll pay. I walked into his arms.
"Ohhh, man. You want three sandwiches?"
"No, two will do," with a superior smile. "But I'm going to do things to you later."
"Big ones," he said as I started toward the kitchen.
"It sure is," thinking of something else.
"Sandwiches, you ass!"
I don't know why spreading mayonnaise on a slice of bread reminded me but it did. I forgot to make arrangements with Larry about when I could pick up David's present and pay him. I decided I'd run down first thing in the morning. I could call, of course, but there was something else I wanted to ask him in person.
I started to leave the kitchen with the sandwiches then stopped and got milk for David. No sense making two trips.
We sat down, ate, admired the tree (I admired David), then continued with the decorations, finishing about an hour later.
And, yes. He did.
The next morning after breakfast, I gave David his lunch, kissed him good bye and got the kitchen cleaned up. I went upstairs, took a quick shower, and was at the jewelers by eight thirty.
I walked in the door and Larry looked up from behind the cash register.
"Hi. Something wrong? Didn't expect to see you today."
"You wouldn't have except I forgot to make arrangements as to when to pick up David's gift and to pay for it."
"Oh, I would have called you and let you know it was ready."
"You don't have my phone number and you don't know my last name, either."
He thought for a moment, "Wow, I screwed up on that one. Well, let's get a ticket made out and work out the price. But I warn you, custom jewelry is not cheap."
"I'm not worried about the price," I said, then thought about what I had said. "Should I be worried about the price?" beginning to be worried about the price.
"Oh, well, if you are into real estate, I'm sure we can work out something."
I looked at his deadpan expression. What if I couldn't afford this after all the hunting and so little time left.
He laughed, "Couldn't resist that. You'll be able to afford it."
"Just what I need, comedy at eight-thirty in the morning."
"Right. Come on back, I'll get you a cup of coffee."
"Is there going to be a charge for that?"
"It's free to people in love. Here, fill this out," handing me a ticket and coffee, "I'll figure the bill."
We both got busy and finished about the same time. He wrote the total on the ticket and handed it back to me.
You sure you can afford this? I can break it up in payments if that'd be easier for you."
"Nope, won't be necessary," as I wrote out the check and handed it to him.
"Thanks, that will help pay off some of the bills. Oh, and Ill have this ready for you around three p.m. Christmas Eve day. I'm going to close at three-thirty so be sure and get here before then."
"That will be fine. Now, there is another thing I want to ask you. You said yesterday that you wished you weren't alone especially with the holidays coming up."
"Oh, well, that kind of slipped out. Envy, I guess. I shouldn't have said it."
"Well, this is our first Christmas together. David and I both have had some really ugly ones in the past, so when you made that remark, it had special meaning to me and I know it would to David. Anyway, what I was thinking about is David and I have several days off from work. We had planned on laying down during the early evening for three or four hours, then getting up, grab a sandwich and go to midnight Mass. Then we were going to come home and eat, I'll have all kinds of food and then open presents and have a few drinks and listen to music, and talk until all hours of the morning. That sort of thing and we would really like for you to join us. We don't want you to be alone. I know you would be welcome at Church. Unless you have plans." And I finally stopped, rather embarrassed at the long explanation.
"Oh, it sounds great. I'd love to and I accept before you change your mind. I didn't have any plans, just going to fix supper and watch some videos. Now what do you want me to bring?"
"Just yourself. Why don't you show up around eleven o'clock. You've got the address and phone number on the ticket in case you need to get in touch. And now, I got to get going. Do you know where that little Christmas Shop is? I've been by there any number of times but never paid attention to the streets."
He directed me to the right intersection and I took off in that direction thinking that I needed to get something for Larry for Christmas, also.
I suddenly realized that the Christmas spirit that had been absent in my life these past several years was now back and I was beginning to feel the excitement, the joy and awe and the mystery that I had envied in the past on so many of the people's faces.
I pulled into the Christmas shop and managed to get what I wanted. I would give the ornaments to both of them before we left for Christmas Mass.
Now, what to get Larry that both David and I could give to him and how was I going to explain this to David truthfully without telling too much and spilling the beans? One thing at a time, Paul, I thought. So I went in search of a gift for Larry and found it, back again at Max's Leather Goods. I remembered the belt Larry was wearing and it looked of excellent quality but long ago had passed the point of no return. After considerable searching, I found a belt that was excellent quality and workmanship. It had a cheap buckle on it so I went looking further and found what I wanted in the form of a silver and needlepoint turquoise, handmade by the Zunis.
And with a sense of relief, I could now concentrate on David and preparations for Christmas. I stopped at the house, picked up our suits and headed on down the street and dropped them off at the cleaners with arrangements to pick them up tomorrow afternoon.
I came back home remembered something I'd meant to tell Larry and called the shop. He answered and I said, "Larry, this Church is an older one and the congregation is rather conservative, so it's a suit and tie affair."
"Oh, well, I was going to wear one anyway, so no problem."
"Okay, I'll see you at the shop tomorrow at three, then."
After that I started baking nut breads, cookies and pies. And of course, the trick would be in keeping David's sticky little fingers out of them until Christmas eve. Then I ran out of time and started supper.
Christmas Eve morning started out to the sound of the alarm clock ringing; I looked at it and briefly hated it. David was still asleep and rolled onto his back as I removed myself from the spoon of our usual sleeping position. I pulled the covers back, reached over and gave him a very low-down kiss. I smiled, thinking that I wasn't the only one that was awake. He smiled but I had to crawl out.
I started breakfast and heard David's feet hit the floor. The coffee finished and I poured a cup, set breakfast aside momentarily and went upstairs. I walked into the bathroom and gave David his first cup of coffee as he came dripping out of the shower.
"Wow, you're naked," I said.
"Yeah," with a dirty laugh, "Ain't it great?"
"It sure is. You too," and gave him a kiss and started to leave. He put his arms around me and kissed me slowly, deeply. We stood together like that looking into each other's eyes, the love we felt for each other taking on a new dimension as we watched the desire building in each other's eyes. I felt his hand moving up and down my back, and further down, then moving slowly around to the front of my body, grasping me through the cloth of the bathrobe that I had on, feeling the swelling that had already taken place and undoing the cord around the robe and opening it. I felt his body moving against mine and the heat and swollen hardness of him as his groin pressed and slowly rubbed against mine.
"Oh, Paul, you turn me on so much," in a growling, throaty whisper, his tongue touching my ear.
"You know what you do to me," I managed to gasp. "Oh, David."
"You like it when I do it to you?"
"I like anything you do to me, David."
"And I like doing it to you."
He picked me up in his arms. And then I was on the bed and he was above me his body just barely above mine slowly rubbing against me, his green eyes glittering with the pleasure he was feeling, creating waves of pleasure and unbearable desire as he kept kissing me and touching me all over with his tongue, moving slowly down my body, lower and lower and suddenly I felt myself engulfed in his mouth, the heated wetness washing me, scalding me with an intense pleasure that kept building, building, building to a screaming need. "David, oh, please, now. I need you so much."
I felt the weight of his body coming down on top of mine, his smiling face directly above mine, coming down for a lingering kiss and the green of his eyes gazing into my own. It was about to happen and I knew it and I was delirious with desire and excitement in the knowing. I felt my legs being spread and gradually I began raising and bending and finally wrapping my legs around his chest, my hand in his hair, then on his face, gazing into the depths of his eyes as he began again kissing me, probing deeply into my mouth. The wanting and need intense.
Suddenly, the hard-soft heat of his body as it pushed gently against me and I felt myself relaxing and opening to him and then the entrance, hot, immense, filling and engorging me as he kept entering and entering and entering. The slow scalding thrust of his body seeming to last forever. I was about to lose consciousness from the intensity that I was experiencing as he filled me so full and I cried aloud. I felt him thrust deeply into me and then again and again driving me further and further into the nether regions of an orgiastic pleasure I had never before experienced.
"Paul?" he gasped.
"Yes, David. Oh, yes, now."
And I felt his body go rigid as his arms wrapped around and held me in a vice grip, his body deeply within mine suddenly swelling to greater dimensions and he thrust even deeper. And suddenly, the hot release of his seed was within me as my own exploded from my body, wetting and slicking us both with our lovemaking.
And deeply inside me, "I love you so much. I don't know the words to tell you how much."
"I know, I love you the same way."
And oh, the anguish of loss as diminished, he slowly withdrew.
Aftermath and we lay in each other's arms and kissed and whispered the secret and cherished words of love that would never be shared with anyone else but always remembered.
Meanwhile, back in the kitchen, a very shaky me attempted to finish up breakfast and continue with my list.
"Oh, if I had my drathers," as David plunked himself down as we looked at each other, the knowing in our eyes as we began breakfast.
"I think we just did."
"That was so fantastic." Almost a whisper as David looked at me, "This could get to be a real habit, you know?"
"I hope so. Oh."
"What?" as David looked at me.
"David, I can still feel your seed inside me."
He took a quick breath as he looked at me and the change in his eyes was almost instantaneous. "I want you again."
"Oh, no, we can't, David. You got to go to work and I got things to do. I want to. Oh, I want to, David. But . . . Oh, shit, here, have some bacon," as I passed the plate to him. "You get off at noon, that should help some." Then I remembered.
"Oh, by the way, David, we're having company tonight. I met this guy in one of the shops. Seemed like a nice enough guy. Said he wished he weren't alone for the holidays -- kind of let it slip, I guess. Anyway, we got to talking and I invited him in our behalf. Even bought him a present. David, I hope you don't mind but there wasn't enough time for me to talk with you first."
"No, I don't mind, glad to have him. Actually, there's a guy I met that I was thinking about asking myself, then I never said anything to him. Kind of wished I had. What's this guy's name that I've invited -- we've invited?"
"Lawrence, Larry for short. He's blond, nice looking, in his thirties, pleasant to talk with," and I looked up and caught the look on David's face. He was sitting there with his eyes wide open, his mouth ajar and a coffee cup undecided whether it was going up or down.
"What's the matter?" I said as he put it down.
"Oh, uh, I was just surprised. Sounded like a guy that works for me and I thought at first you'd invited him. He's rather a jerk and I thought how could you have done that, then I realized you were talking about someone else." He very carefully began buttering his toast, which was unusual. I've buttered his toast every day since we've been together.
"Time to haul it," David stood up, came around the table and kissed me goodbye. "Call you at -- oh, no, I won't, I'll be home at noon. Okay, Bye," and out the door he went.
I sat there trying to figure out what was going on. I didn't believe David's little charade and I tried to convince myself that everything was perfectly innocent. Then I didn't believe that and then I started to feel guilty for doubting him Then I got confused, if not already so, and looked at the clock and thought about my list. I'll have to dwell on charades later, I thought, much as I would like to.
I got started with the remaining baking, finishing just as David beep-beeped down the drive.
"I'm home, I'm horny, I'm starved, I'm in love, also gotta piss, but not necessarily in that order," as he rounded the corner and came into the kitchen. He gave me a kiss and walked over to the refrigerator, "I think I'll just have a sandwich for lunch, then I got stuff to do out back." He busied himself at the refrigerator while I wrapped up the cookies and set them aside.
"Oh, cookies," he said as he spied what I was doing.
"Yes, I know, they're your favorites but they're for tonight with company and if you dare to lay a hand on them, I'll take a very dull knife and . . . You understand? We have a meeting of minds here?" as I put my arms around him.
"We don't have any dull knives," and started laughing, "but I won't swipe your cookies, my one. I promise. But is there anything for dessert now?"
"Yeah, the cookies I was going to put in your lunch," as I sat the plate in front of him. "I've got a number of last minute things to do downtown, so I'll be in and out most of the afternoon."
"Suits," as David got up and munched his way out the back door.
I went upstairs, grabbed some stuff and headed out the door.
Larry looked up as I entered, "Boy, your timing is almost perfect. I just this moment finished David's gift."
"Oh, great. But I got a problem. David's home for the afternoon, working out back and he'll be in and out and has a way of noticing everything he's not supposed to. So can I wrap these presents here?"
"Oh, sure. C'mon back."
I went to the back and got the gifts wrapped while Larry was busy out front with last-minute customers. He came back just as I was finishing.
He looked over my shoulder at the boxes and packages. "I got the present for David gift wrapped and ready to go. I'll undo it if you want to look at it."
"No, I'm sure enough about you and your work. I don't need to see it. And mainly, I don't have the time. I've got quite a few things yet to do. I'm out of here," heading towards the door with packages and supplies.
"See you this evening," Larry said, as I went out the door.
I headed for home, stopping along the way at the meat market for the tray of cold cuts I had ordered earlier in the week, then to the dry cleaners and home. As I drove in the driveway, I could see David through the shop window.
I grabbed the presents and made it into the house as quickly as I could, put them under the tree and went out and got the rest of the things.
And of course, David came in to take a break, so he said. To snoop, I thought. And to see what I was up to.
Not finding any cookies or presents in the kitchen, he headed for the front room, "I think I'll go check the Christmas tree. There was a light out the other night," and sauntered off in that direction. I smiled, thinking that he had checked that tree twice a day since we put it up.
Then all of a sudden, this excited voice, "Hey, there's packages under the tree without name tags." He came back into the kitchen, the burned-out light totally forgotten.
"Well, that's for the love of my life."
"Oh, well," all smugness and smiles, "I'm the love of your life."
I smiled at him and put on my best Charlie Chan, "One never knows, David, one just never knows."
He looked at me, somewhat taken aback, "Ohhh, you're absolutely impossible," he threw his hands in the air and stomped out the back door.
I smiled and kept working. At one point, it seemed as though I had every major and minor appliance in operation. The kitchen sounded like a machine shop. But I was almost there. Then FINISHED! Everything was ready for tonight. It only needed to be taken out and set in place.
I took the Pizza from the oven, milk and salad from the refrigerator and called David.
"Sit down and let's eat. We can get a shower afterwards and then go to bed until time for Mass."
"Okay, let me wash my hands," as he stepped over to the sink, "Is that my favorite pizza?"
"Sure is, Mr. Love of my Life. Lots of sausage, just the way you like it."
"Oh," picking up on my slip immediately," and forgetting about his 'favorite' pizza, "then those packages are for me; aren't they?" the excited pleasure and anticipation showing all over his face, as he took the pizza from me and set it on the table.
"Welllll," I said. "It's kind of classified information until Christmas."
I reached across taking both his hands in mine. "Grace," I said.
This time he took more time in saying the prayer and at the end looked up at me and said, "And I also thank you, Lord, for allowing Paul and I to know and love one another. Amen."
"David, that was beautiful."
"Thank you," he said, "pizza?"
"Wow, you mean I get to have some of it, too?"
"Only if you are very, very good."
"Oh, I will, I'll try very hard."
With supper finished, and the kitchen done, we were heading toward the stairs when David put his arms around me and said, "I want to show you something."
We went into the front room, and just under the archway, David said, "Look up." Immediately above me, pinned to the arch was a bunch of mistletoe. "Now," David said, grinning, "You have to kiss the one you love."
"Which one -- I mean, where at?" I said. "Help me out here, Bud."
"C'mere," and whispered something in my ear.
"Oh, splendid, I'd love to," and did.
We started to leave when something caught my attention. Underneath the tree was a new addition, a medium-sized box wrapped in Navy blue paper, no ornaments or ribbons, just a Southwestern design, hand-painted in the upper corner and a small tag attached to the opposite lower corner. I stooped down to look at it more closely.
"Read the tag," David said.
I looked at the printing on the tag: 'To the One Most Dear to Me. From David, Christmas, 1998.'
I looked at David, ready to surrender all cookies, "Am I the one most dear to you?"
David gave me a grin, his green eyes dancing with revenge, "One never knows, Paul, one just never knows."
After showers we got in bed. David was laying on his back and I scooted up close to him sitting up in Indian fashion and started touching and smoothing back his hair, still damp from the shower, tracing the contours and features of his face. All the while, he kept looking up at me, the love in his eyes so apparent. He reached up and began touching my face. I leaned forward, kissed him and for a moment, held his face in my hands and then leaned back and began singing a melody from one of the popular groups we both liked. I ran out of words but kept humming the melody and began touching him again -- he enjoyed it so much.
And then, suddenly without much warning, it happened. I first noticed it while I was singing to him. The expression in his eyes began to change, as though his mind were in some far away place, almost a looking inward. His eyes didn't change shape, open wider but there was a change that took place deep inside, an opening, a changing. I was singing to him but at the same time I began to feel myself being drawn and coming closer to him, yet I hadn't moved, but nevertheless, I was moving closer. Then suddenly, a soft flash -- in the room, in my mind? I don't know. I momentarily blacked out, at least I think I did. When I again became aware of my surroundings, they had changed. David and I were together, we were distinct, but we were together. We were one? I don't know, I think so. We were drifting, moving, shapes were forming in another place, drifting by and then the process repeated itself. And then the colors started, a kaleidoscope of every shape and color and intensity, surrounding us, floating by us, radiating, pulsating. Never had I seen anything like it and my heart almost burst from the intense beauty of it as we moved through it.
And then it stopped and darkness and then gradually light, soft, warm, golden light that grew and became brighter and we had stopped moving. David was sitting beside me and we were holding hands. We were in a field. There was green grass growing around us, on a knoll above us was a beautiful willow tree with golden fruit suspended from the branches. The air was permeated with the smell of some incense and all around us was the overpowering feeling of peace, of love, of warmth. It was a place of beauty and light. There was singing in the distance. I think it was me, but I wasn't singing, I was with David. We were one, joined together by our hands but deeply joined together in so many other ways in that wondrous of places.
The song ended and it was if a door gently closed somewhere and we separated. I felt anguish, loss and wonder. And suddenly we were back in our bed.
David looked at me, took a breath, "Oh, Paul, Paul, that was beautiful. I was somewhere else and you were with me and it was so beautiful. We were so happy. It was so peaceful. Oh, why did we have to leave?" He looked at me and tears were running down his face.
I held him, kissed his eyes, his tears, "I don't know," I whispered to him, "I don't know."
The emotional overload had taken its toll and we were both exhausted. He snugged into the curve of my body as I lay beside him. He turned back, "I love you so much," and was almost instantly asleep.
I lay there thinking about what had happened, the memories flooding through my mind. Suddenly my face was wet with tears. I didn't know why.
We slept.
The alarm rang and we got up, the memory of what had happened still with us.
The doorbell rang as we were going downstairs.
"Why don't you get the door, David, that'll be Larry," as I headed for the kitchen.
I heard David opening the door, and some conversation going on between them. I finished what I was doing and started for the front room just in time to hear Larry speaking quietly, ". . . yes, but does he know yet?"
"No," David said, "not yet."
I couldn't go back into the kitchen without running the risk of their hearing me and wondering whether I had heard and how much. I composed my face as best I could and headed for the front room. What was David supposed to tell me?
"Merry Christmas, we're glad you could come."
"Oh, I'm so glad to be here. Merry Christmas. I got stuff in the car. Let me go get it," and headed for the door. "I'll be right back," as the door closed behind him.
"Seems like a nice enough guy," David said as I put a tray of hors d'ouvres on an end table.
"Yes, he is," I said, still wondering about 'does he know yet?'
Larry banged on the door and a nervous? David jumped up and opened the door to an armload of packages. "It's me in case you're wondering," said one of the packages. "Take me to your Christmas tree."
"Man, didn't think they'd be that heavy," he said, straightening up, red in the face. "A little something for both of you."
"Larry, you didn't have to bring anything, just yourself."
"Oh, I'm sure glad he did. Lots of presents," as David helped him place the packages beneath the tree, carefully scrutinizing each name tag.
"And I bet you're hoping they're all for you; right, David?"
David smiled, "Of course. Paul, do we have to wait until after church?"
"We have to wait until after Mass, yes," I said and David's face dropped, "Oh."
"Here, David, have some cookies or nut bread. I have a feeling you're starving," as I handed him the tray.
"Oh, these are my favorites. You must have read my mind," taking a handful and passing the tray to Larry.
"Clairvoyant," I smiled at him.
We started working on drinks, sandwiches, talking all the while. I remembered the ornaments, excused myself and returned, "David, I forgot. I do have something for you -- actually two things -- that you get to open before Mass," handing him the ornament. I handed one to Larry, "and this is for you, Larry."
"Thank you," Larry said. David tore off the wrapping paper, "Alll Riiighht! Oh, neat, an ornament for the tree. Thanks, Paul. Is it mine?"
"Yes, it's yours, for the tree. Why?"
"Well, because after Christmas is over, I'm going to take this to the office and put it on my desk. Then, next Christmas, I'll bring it home and put it back on the tree."
Larry looked at him for a moment, "Oh, good idea, David. I'll do the same. I'll put mine above my workbench. Then I'll always be reminded of the happy time I had with you and Paul. Besides, maybe I'll get invited again."
I smiled at him, "You might. Never can tell."
David looked at me, "I should have got one for you," and I could see from the look on his face how awful he felt about it.
"David," I said, "Don't worry about it. You didn't know about the custom and I just barely remembered it myself at the last minute. And besides, I have all these ornaments on the tree that my mom gave to me. You get me an ornament next Christmas and we'll call it square. Deal?"
"Deal," with a smile. "Oh, you said two things."
"You're right. I have a story to read to you. It's a story about Christmas -- actually, it's a poem. I don't think you have heard it. Larry probably has but I think he might enjoy hearing it again."
"I'm sure I will," Larry said, as he settled back into his chair.
"Paul, can I . . ." looking at me sitting on the couch.
"Sure," I said. "Hop up."
David popped off his shoes and lay on the couch with his head in my lap. I reached down and touched his face, "Are you ready and comfortable?"
"Yep."
And in my best, quiet, and mysterious voice, I began:
'Twas the night
before Christmas,
when all through the
house
Not a creature was
stirring; not even a mouse;
The stockings were
hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St.
Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were
nestled all snug in their beds, . . .
And I felt David's hand touching my face. Warm, gentle . . . I looked down into the green depths of his eyes and saw the love that was there and my heart practically broke in two for what I felt for this gentle, loving man. My eyes filled.
There is, in any loving relationship, an ebb and tide, and it was during these private, gentle and intimate moments with David that our love for each other was at its strongest. And it was with some difficulty that I finished:
. . . But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
'Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!'
My hand, seemingly, had snuck down during my reading and was gently stroking David's face. I leaned down and kissed him. I put the book aside and glanced over at Larry to see him looking out the window with tears running down his face.
David looked up at me, "Oh, I liked that, Paul, thank you."
"You're welcome, smiles. Time for church," as I got up and handed Larry a Kleenex.
"Thanks," he said.
We arrived back at the house and headed for the kitchen. I looked at David, "Hey, chum, you hungry, starving or both?"
"Oh, yeah, let's eat."
Larry laughed, "Oh, me too, David. I think the people in the pew ahead of me could hear my stomach growling."
"That's what that noise was." I laughed. "You know, it sounded just like an old refrigerator with compressor problems."
"Well, gee, thanks," Larry said. "My tum is not dangerous, it just gets hostile when there's nothing there for it to munch on."
"Well, we don't want any hostilities around here," as I started getting food out of my various hiding places. "Here put this on the table, and this, and this," as I took dishes, plates, trays, bowls, whatever, all laden with food and handed them to David and Larry. The table was soon covered.
"What's that?" David asked, pointing to a dish I'd taken from the refrigerator.
"Oh, I bet you've never had that. It's a dessert. It's cheesecake."
"Is it good?" David asked, looking at me.
"It's fantastic," Larry said. "You will love it. I can hardly wait to taste it."
"I just have a feeling that it is soon to be one of your favorites," as I smiled at David.
We sat down, said Grace and began. Conversation came to a halt, except for monosyllabic ooohs and aaahs as mouths were filled and hunger pangs assuaged. Conversation did eventually resume and we began laughing, talking, and joking. But the food was half demolished and the three of us were in happy agony as we sat at the table and shared our happiness on our first Christmas together.
David could stand it no longer, "It's time to open presents," and stood up.
"You're right," I said, "Let's see if there is something under that tree for you."
I heard something muttered under his breath like, "There darned well better be, by gosh," as we trooped into the front room.
"Let me do the honors," I said. "There are some packages there that only I know about."
I picked up a largish rectangular box and handed it to David, "This is from me to you, David, I hope you like."
"Oh, I know I will, thank you," and sat with the box on his lap and did . . . nothing.
"What's the matter?" I asked.
"Nothing," David said, "It's just so neat holding this, knowing it's mine, not knowing what's inside, just imagining and --"
"Oh, will you open it!" Larry and I both said.
"Well, okay. Jeez." David opened it, carefully lifting off the lid and tissue. "Oh," he said, then, "Oh, Paul, it's so nice," as he lifted the suede jacket from its nest of tissue. "It's so soft," running his hands across the front of the jacket.
"Try it on," Larry said.
David took off his suit coat and put on the jacket. It fit perfectly.
"Go take a look in the mirror and see what you think."
David went to the mirror, looked at himself, turning every which way.
"See a good looking guy there?" I said.
"Yeah, me. Has a nice looking jacket, too. Paul, thank you," he said sitting down.
"You're welcome, but there is something else in that box," I said.
"There is?" and started digging through the tissue, "Oh, gloves. I need gloves. Oh, this is really great."
I looked at David. It was time.
"David," I said, giving him the gift from the jewelry shop, "This is my first gift to you, the love of my life."
Larry came to full attention, eager to find out if David would like the gift.
David unwrapped the small box, lifted the lid, removed the top layer of tissue and peeked inside. He didn't say anything for a moment, then, "What is it?"
"It's a chain," Larry said, "to be worn around your neck. Take it out and look at it."
David removed it, holding the chain in his hands, running the chain through his fingers, feeling the texture and weight of it. The medallions got turned face down as David was fingering it. He picked up one of the medallions and turned it over and stopped, and looked, going completely still. Then he looked at me, then back at the medallion, then back at me again, "Paul, this is you, it's you, Paul, it's a picture of you, look at it." I got up and sat beside him, "I know. Look at the other medallion, David." He did, then after a moment, "It's me. It's you and me," he whispered, looking at both. "It's us together, Paul. Oh, I love it," and put his arms around me and hugged me tightly and whispered in my ear, "I love it, and I love you, Paul. Thank you."
I glanced up and realized that Larry had witnessed this entire interplay between David and I. He was looking straight at us, eyes brimming. I nodded and he smiled, I smiled in return.
"Why don't you try it on," I suggested.
"I will," as David started taking off clothes, and finally, bare chested, he sat down on the sofa and put the chain around his neck, the medallions coming to a gleaming rest in the dark hair of his chest.
"How does it feel?" Larry asked. "Sometimes people complain that they feel uncomfortable."
"No," David said. "It belongs here."
Then David stopped, got up and retrieved the package that I had admired earlier, the Navy blue one. "This is for you, Paul, it's the only thing I have for you. I couldn't find anything else that I liked well enough to give you. I hope you like it."
"I will like it, David," I said.
I looked at the box, wondering what David had given me, hating to open it and destroy the hand-painted design on the paper. I carefully started removing the wrapping.
Inside was an ordinary cardboard box proclaiming in bold letters the quality of some company's canned peas. I laid the wrapping paper carefully aside and opened the top of the box. Inside were several layers of different colored tissue. Beneath that was what appeared to be another box wrapped in green felt. I lifted it out and put it on the coffee table in front of us. I glanced up and David and Larry were watching me, mentally debating what my reaction was going to be.
I removed the felt, revealing a box about seventeen inches in length and approximately ten inches in width. A wondrous box, made of wood glowing up at me. The wood was a type I'd never seen. It was light with small dark streaks and dots throughout. It glowed in such a way that it seemed to be alive. The lid was so finely fashioned that the seam could hardly be detected were it not for the small brass fittings for the lid.
On top of the lid was an inlay in bas relief of a different wood depicting the jungle scene from a painting that David and I had admired of the lion lying down with the lamb. It was done in color, the delineation and details minute and exquisite. The colors were so vivid that the effect was almost three dimensional.
A small silver strip was inlaid at the bottom of the illustration and the biblical quotation, "And the Lion Shall Lie Down With the Lamb," engraved on it.
David could hardly contain himself, "Open the lid, Paul."
I looked at him and smiled, "Is something going to jump out?"
"Just open it, please," he pleaded.
I opened the lid and I was totally unprepared for what happened next. The strains of You Are So Beautiful came pouring out, filling my mind, the room, seemingly everywhere. Never had I heard a music box equal to this. I sat there looking at it, listening, thinking of David. The bass notes were mellow, clear, resonating and I could almost feel their vibrations in my body. The middle register was clear, strong, perfectly in balance. The treble notes had the clear, crystal clarity of cold water set to sound, pure, rising majestically above the other two registers. The overall sound was indescribable and beautiful.
Larry and David were both watching me, trying to judge my reaction.
I took a deep breath, "It's so beautiful. I've never heard anything like this. David, thank you. Truly, this is beautiful. I don't know what to say."
David smiled, "I think you just said it, Paul."
I could only nod.
David turned to Larry, "Can we tell him?"
Larry smiled, "You need to open the lid completely, Paul."
"Oh, I was so focused on the sound of this, I got sidetracked."
"I know, we were, too."
I opened the lid, thinking "We?" Then I understood. Inside, the music box was divided in half. The Swiss movement was covered with a beveled glass allowing one to watch the movement as the melody played. The other half, extending almost the full width of the box, that only Larry could have done, was an inlay of silver depicting the scene on the outside of the box. Along the edge of the inlay was an engraved, detailed and intricate filigree. The scene on the inside of the border was a duplicate of the outside but more detailed and intricate. On the bottom was the inscription: "To Paul. You Are Beautiful. Love, David. Christmas, 1998."
I turned to David, wrapped my arms round him and whispered, "I love it, David, it is beautiful. I love you. Thank you."
David's face was radiant, "You like it? You really like it?"
"I love it, David. It's beautiful. Thank you for giving it to me."
"You're welcome," David said. "Larry helped me. He did the silver work on the inside. But I made the case."
Larry said, "And the art work on the outside. I've never seen quality like that. And also, David, it was your idea about the music box in the first place. And you also told me you literally scoured the country trying to find that wood for it."
Larry turned to me, "I've never done any work on music boxes before. I had some catalogs tucked away and when David suggested it, I looked in the catalogs and found this company -- I knew it was going to have to be the best one I could find -- in Switzerland. We got on the phone and told them what we had and what we wanted to end up with. This guy about broke his tail telling me all this stuff that had to be done and then decided it was hopeless to try to do it over a phone and so then he started faxing all these directions and instructions for the right kind of wood and placement and so forth. Boy, you can't imagine the different woods that go inside that box, and the different kinds of lacquers that have to be applied in order for it to have the resonating qualities that it has. Putting the movement in was easy by comparison and the silver work was pretty easy, too, once David finally made up his mind. Boy, what a pain he was. In the shop every day wanting to know how it was coming along and how much longer, and is it going to be done in time. Then he changed his mind at the last minute. I was about ready to kick him in his cute little bottom."
"You think my bottom is cute?" with a big grin. "I wasn't a pain, I was only giving you some artistic guidance. You needed it."
"Artistic guid--. I needed it?!" Larry's voice went up a couple of octaves, "Oh, brother, from a maker of boxes, I get advice."
"Anyway," as Larry's voice gradually cycled back down to normal, "when you came walking in the shop, I about freaked out. I recognized you immediately from David's description of you and then when you described David, I knew for sure. And I had a heck of a time trying to not say anything that would tip either of you off about the other. I finally told David to call me about progress reports rather than coming in all the time and that it was causing me to get behind in my work. It wasn't, but I was afraid you would run into each other and would that ever let the cat out of the bag."
"I'm really glad you invited me; otherwise, I wouldn't know how the two of you liked the gifts. I'd probably be having one nervous breakdown after another."
"Oh," I said, "that's what you two were talking about earlier, that bit about 'have you told him?' "
"You weren't supposed to have heard that," David said. "I was going to tell you that I'd already met Larry but then I'd have to explain how and why, so I just shut up."
"It's been bugging me most of the evening. Well, no harm done. All mysteries are now solved," I said.
David was looking at the tree, "Not quite. There's still presents under the tree."
"All right, David," giving him a hug, "you get to do the honors this time." Then, I just had to say it, "Perhaps we should save these for Christmas next year, David."
"You can't be serious," giving me one of his flat, green-eyed glares.
The rest of the presents were distributed, a huge box of CDs to David and I. David gave Larry a set of engraver's tools and I gave him the belt. And then the presents were gone and we sat surveying the debacle of wrapping paper and empty boxes.
"Well, c'mon, guys, let's get this mess cleaned up," I went and got trash bags and we got busy. I made some coffee and sliced more of the cheesecake and took it into the front room.
"David, you look like you're on the verge of starving again. Would you like some cheesecake?" handing him a large wedge.
"Oh, yes, I was just going to mention it," seeming to somehow get a bite in his mouth before he had the plate firmly in his hands. "Oh, Paul, this is really good," as I handed a piece to Larry and passed coffee around.
I put my hand on his shoulder and smiled down at him, "I'll bet it's going to be one of your favorites; right?"
"How did you know that?" he asked as Larry and I smiled at each other.
"Oh, I know special things about people and cheesecakes," I said.
After that, we sat around talking and laughing. We talked about our plans for the future, where we hoped to be this time next year, what we hoped to accomplish, who we hoped to be with. Larry got to talking about himself and the things that had happened to him, the problems that he had had in relationships. We felt a common bond toward him; he with us. We were comfortable with each other. And I sat thinking about the many things that had taken place this Christmas and wondered if other people around the world were having similar thoughts.
I noticed it was getting light outside. Dawn was close at hand. I looked over at Larry and realized that somewhere during my reverie, he had leaned back and went to sleep; and David, as I looked at him, was not far behind.
I got up and touched Larry on the shoulder, "Hey, best friend, time for bed."
"Huh? What? Oh, sorry, I went to sleep," straightening up in the chair, wiping his eyes. "Let me get my coat and I'll be on my way."
"No, stay with us tonight -- today, actually. You can use the guest room upstairs. There's pajamas in the bottom of the chest of drawers if you use 'em. If you get up before us, help yourself to anything to eat in the kitchen."
"Don't use pajamas," he said. "Don't know whether I'll even get my clothes off before I fall asleep again," as he headed for the stairs. "See you later, good night, it was a wonderful Christmas, thank you."
"C'mon, bud, time to get you in your pajamas and into bed with you."
"Paul, you know I don't wear pajamas."
"Don't I ever. C'mon, you," and we went upstairs.
David and I got undressed and into bed. I moved up against him, his body moving into my curve and my arm going over and holding his hand.
"Merry Christmas, Paul. It was the nicest Christmas I ever had."
"Merry Christmas, David, it was for me, too. I love you."
"Me, too," he mumbled and was gone.
The house became quiet.
We slept.
Okay, guys, what do you think of this one? I got a lot of email from Beginnings and really appreciated the kind words and the words of encouragement. Let me hear from you. Templer_032537@TarrNet.Com and ICQ 8754081. -- Harlequin, November 7, 1999.