The story below is a work of fiction and contains erotic and/or sexually explicit behavior between consenting males. If you find this type of writing offensive, or if you are underage and it is illegal to view it, please do not read further, but exit now.
The author reserves all copyright privileges. This work may not be reproduced, except for personal use, without permission of the author, and many not be linked to any pay sites.
Chapter Two
Jason decided to go out on deck to go for a stroll before going to bed. Jason's favorite place on a ship is at the stern. You can see the wake made by the powerful Azipod propulsion units which move Sojourn along at almost 20 knots. There was a private crew area which was down a few decks close to the wake. It was a great spot and there wouldn't be anybody there at this time of night.
So Jason stood at the rail, lost in his thoughts. He could stay like this for hours. But, not tonight. He decided to go back to his cabin and read a few chapters before going to sleep. When he turned he saw someone sitting in the corner. Feet on the rail, not moving. He went over to make sure a crew member had not fallen asleep when he realized it was Rick. His heart leapt. He could finally say thanks and with any luck get a smile.
Rick jumped. He really jumped. Jason scared him senseless. He almost couldn't breath. Rick was very embarrassed about his reaction and blushed. Jason's felt so bad. He introduced himself to Rick and told him thanks for the way he handled things earlier. Still blushing, maybe even blushing a bit more, Rick did smile. Only a little. But it was a smile.
Jason asked if he could join him and told Rick that this was one of his favorite spots. Rick said it was his too and that he would like some company. What started out as strained small talk turned into 4 hours of constant chatter. Rick was from Destin in Northwest Florida. He has 24 years old and had always loved the sea. His Dad and Mom had recently passed away in a tragic car accident. He didn't have any siblings and so he decided to go to see and "see the world". He had worked in a hotel bar in Destin so he had experience that the cruise line liked. He had a cabin down on A deck which he shared with a guy named Felipe. Rick didn't like him much. Felipe wasn't very friendly too him, he snored, left clothes and wet towels around, and would leave the TV and lights on all night if he could. Felipe also had a thing for pictures of nude women which he posted on the mirrors and walls. Rick really hated being in that cabin with Felipe. Since Rick wasn't an officer, he didn't have full run of the ship like Jason did so this part of the ship had become a refuge for Rick.
Jason's heart went out to Rick. He was a gorgeous and smart guy who had experienced a tragic loss. He was stuck in a cabin with a guy he didn't like. And damned that Southern accent was so sweet.
Jason mentioned to Rick that he liked to run and swim and spend time on the beach. Rick said he liked those things as well but didn't know where to go.
The next day Sojourn would be in St Thomas so Jason suggested they meet by the gangway at 9am. Jason would take him to some of his favorite places if Rick wanted to go. Jason got the one thing he had wanted. A smile. A big smile. Jason was happy.
Chapter Three
The next morning, at 9am, Rick was there. Jason hadn't ever seen Rick in full light and his knees went weak. Rick was more than gorgeous. Whatever is more than gorgeous - Rick was that. He was 5'9", blonde hair, hazel eyes, and cute dimples. He was dressed in a white t-shirt and khaki cargo shorts. The t-shirt was clinging to Rick's stomach and you could clearly see a 6 pack underneath. But those legs. Wow. Muscular with a covering of hair. Jason almost couldn't breath. When Rick saw Jason and smiled, Jason really thought he was going to faint.
They found a taxi and went to Magen's Bay for a swim. The beach was fairly crowded so after a swim they decided to go into Charlotte Amalie for a light lunch. They then explored the many shops of St Thomas. Rick loved watches and had always wanted a nice watch. He told Jason that he was going to save up and by himself a watch. He found one that he liked and figured that in 2 months he would come back. They left the shopping area and decided to jog back to Sojourn which was docked about 2 miles from town. Jason was a good runner with good stamina but looking at Rick's legs he worried he would lag behind. The 13 years difference in their ages would also be a factor. Rick saw Jason looking at him and said, "Hey old man, don't worry. I won't leave you behind". That was all it took and Jason sprinted away.
Rick couldn't believe what a nice day he was having. The night before he was wondering how he was going to make it to the end of his 6 month contract. He was 2 weeks into the 6 months and he thought he was going to die. He was miserable in his cabin. Felipe was a nightmare. Then Jason came along and suddenly things seemed bearable. And Jason was so handsome. Or was he cute? Or was he beautiful? Rick couldn't decide. He was grateful to Jason for showing him St Thomas and being kind to him. He worried what Jason would think if he knew that he was attracted to him. Being gay on a cruise ship is not very easy. Rick figured that Jason was taking pity on him and was being nice. He didn't want to ruin the great day or the budding friendship by telling Jason he was gay. Besides, Jason had just sprinted away from him and Rick was going to catch him!!!
Both guys jogged along settling into a good pace. Jason knew that Rick could leave him behind but Rick was right at his side. They were a stunning pair as the jogged along the harbor. There were yachts in the harbor and a water plane was taking off on a sightseeing trip. The guys were whistled at many times causing Rick to blush and Jason to smile. They were getting close to the ships when Jason stopped. He just stood looking at Sojourn and the other ships that were docked in a single file. Rick thought he saw a tear in Jason's eye and also a look of immense pride. Rick asked Jason what he was thinking. Jason just said, "she is so beautiful". Rick wondered how a piece of steel could be beautiful and wondered if he would ever feel that way about Sojourn. So Rick took off and Jason started calling him a brat and took off after him. Soon they were back at Sojourn. Jason had to be at work at 2pm so he only had time for a quick goodbye, a shower, his day whites, and he would be at his post. Just in time.
Rick realized that Jason had to hurry but couldn't help feeling that the day had ended too soon. How could he already feel an emptiness? He then realized that they had not discussed meeting again. Rick figured that today had been a "one off" but a fantastic one that he would cherish. So, he went back to his cabin to find Felipe in the room, TV on, sitting in his underwear, towel on the floor, rubbing his crotch while looking at a girlie magazine. The high of the good day was quickly fading.
Rick's assignments meant he worked the Champagne Bar from 4pm-8pm, dinner break, then the Disco from 10pm until 2am. On days at sea he also worked the pool bar from 12noon until 2pm.
Jason's day went by slowly. In the mail for the crew there were 3 letters for Rick, all from the same address in Destin. As Jason directed the mail to Rick's cabin, he reflected about that day with Rick. He really enjoyed his company. Besides the incredible outer beauty, Rick was a great guy. One of those charming Southern boys that have hearts as big as Texas. He wished he hadn't been so rushed at the end of their time together. But he would stop by the Disco after his shift ended and set up a time with Rick for tomorrow. Sojourn would be in St Maarten so they could have another day like today.
When Jason arrived in the Disco, it was really hopping. It seems like the fun from the Kon Tiki shore excursion had come onboard. Drinking all day and drinking all night seemed to be what these people wanted. Jason ordered a Diet Coke and was starting to look for Rick when 3 women came up and started flirting with him. The uniform magnet again. Jason tried to discourage them in the nicest way possible but they weren't having any of it. They pulled Jason out on to the dance floor. Rick came from the stock room to see Jason dancing with 3 young beautiful women. He seemed to be enjoying it immensely and Rick felt his heart sink. Well, there is the answer to the gay question. Oh well, Rick thought, at least I had a good day.
Jason had to get away. He looked for Rick and couldn't find him. Jason was so frustrated with the evening. First the clingy women and now, no Rick. He scribbled something on a napkin and asked one of the waiters to be sure he gave it to Rick. He hurried out and headed for the crew deck area at the aft. He was hoping to find Rick there. He wasn't. So, he went back to his cabin and held out little hope that the note would make it to Rick.
After a restless night, Jason awoke, showered, and went to the gangway. It was 8:55am. He waited until 9:15 and gave up and went ashore. He was walking towards town when he was bumped by a jogger. He started to say something when he realized it was Rick! Rick gave him the piece of paper and said, "sorry I am late. Felipe strikes again. So, old man, care to race?" Jason beamed and set out with Rick. You can't really jog that far in Phillipsburg, St Maarten. Jason asked Rick if he felt like a swim. They agreed, found a taxi, and headed for Orient Beach on the French side of the island. When they arrived, Jason thought it was a good idea to mention that the nude beach was to the right and the regular beach was to the left. Rick blushed and veered left. Oh well, so much for getting a peek.
They had a great swim and the sun was warm and felt great on their bodies. Jason had a great look at Rick's body. Was it a 6 pack or perhaps an 8 pack? While his legs were hairy (the way Jason liked them) his chest was less so. He had a light dusting on his chest. As you approached his navel the hair started again. An incredibly sexy treasure trail led down to below the waistband of his swimming trunks. As far as to what was inside there, he couldn't tell. Rick was wearing a baggy swimsuit. Damn. Jason chastised himself for thinking lewd thoughts. He didn't think Rick was gay or that he would appreciate an older man looking at him that way.
Little did Jason know, but a similar review was happening right next to him.
Rick looked over Jason's body. He saw a smooth chest, the start of a 6 pack, a treasure trail leading to an impressive mound in Jason's trunks. He stared at it and felt himself stir and he started to get hard. He thought he might have been caught when he saw Jason looking at him. Rick blushed, jumped up and ran for the water. Perhaps the cool water would make his woody go down.
Just like the day before, things had to end too early. Jason had to be at work at 2pm and they made a mad dash back to Sojourn. Jason was actually a few minutes late and got a stern look from Peter. He really needed to make sure this didn't happen again.
Over the next few weeks, things had settled into a routine. Jason and Rick had become great friends. On port days they went jogging and swimming and they were always racing back to Sojourn so Jason could be back in time. On sea days they would grab a few minutes on the private crew deck in the stern. It was a comfortable routine but they both wanted more. Neither did anything to move it along. Rick wasn't "allowed" up in Jason's area and Felipe was always around making life hell down in Rick's cabin. Plus, they had not discussed anything about relationships or sex. How could 2 guys spend 4 weeks and not discuss sex? Strange. Very strange.