Jon smiled and moved Luke's hand to his chest and put his own on top. He loved the feeling of Luke's arms around him. A great sense of peace, contentment and comfort came over him, and soon they were both asleep.

The Inn - Chapter 6

The alarm went off at 6:00. Luke disentangled himself from Jon and silenced it, then resumed his position. He felt very comfortable waking up with Jon beside him. It gave him a good feeling, like this is how it should be.

Jon stirred. He was facing away from Luke but could feel his body pressed against him. He smiled, thinking of the events of the previous day and night.

"Good morning," said Luke and he kissed the back of Jon's neck.

"Mmm," Jon muttered. He wanted to stay like this forever.

Luke kissed him again. "We're expecting company. We'd better get up."

"Not yet. Just a few more minutes."

Luke moved away from Jon a little and studied his back. Even as relaxed as Jon was, Luke could clearly see each muscle in his shoulders and back. He ran his fingertips softly up and down Jon's spine.

"You have perfect skin. Not so much as a mole."

"Mmm."

Luke rested his cheek in the middle of Jon's back, then slid his head until he could kiss the small of his back.

"Jeez, what's that? Sandpaper? It feels damn sexy, though."

Luke gave Jon a slap on his ass as he got out of bed. "Come on, we need to get moving."

Jon rolled over and looked at Luke standing before him. He thought it impossible, but Luke looked hotter than ever. "How can anyone look so good at this hour?" he thought to himself.

Jon reluctantly climbed out of bed and embraced Luke. "I want to wake up like this every morning."

Luke gave him a quick kiss. "Me, too."

They went into the bathroom, pissed, and brushed their teeth. Luke turned the shower on and adjusted the temperature. He stepped into the shower and Jon followed. They stood under the spray and started lathering each other. They began pawing, groping and fondling, kissing almost the entire time. It wasn't long before they both climaxed and had to lather up again. They rinsed off and stepped onto the bathmat. Luke pulled a large towel from the rack and they dried themselves off. Standing in front of the sink they each lathered their faces and shaved.

Jon looked at Luke in the mirror. "Cripes! You just shaved and it still looks like you have a five o'clock shadow."

"I know. Sometimes I'll shave again at night, if I'm going out. It's a pain in the ass."

"Well, it's a sexy pain in the ass. I love the way it looks."

The two finished in the bathroom and returned to the bedroom. Luke opened the closet and withdrew two pairs of jeans. He thought for a moment and selected a tan khaki shirt he knew would look good on Jon. It was tapered and would show off his body.

"How about this?" Luke asked as he held up the shirt.

"That's good. I always liked that shirt on you."

Luke turned back to the closet and started to take out a shirt for himself.

"Wait, why don't you wear this one?"

Jon selected a bright blue dress shirt that had shinier blue vertical stripes, but in the same color. "I love the way it makes your eyes even more intense."

Luke smiled and put on the shirt, rolling the cuffs up to mid forearm. When they had finished dressing they headed to the kitchen. Luke started the coffee and Jon looked in the freezer.

"There's four cinnamon rolls left, should I take them out?"

"Sure, that'll be good. Put 'em on a plate in the microwave."

The coffee maker beeped and Luke poured two cups. He took them into the living room and set them on the coffee table. They sat down to wait for Paul and Joe.

Jon asked, "Are you still okay with everything? With us, I mean?"

"Sure I am, why wouldn't I be? I'm thrilled, actually." He smiled at Jon.

"I don't know. I guess I just still can't believe we're here like this. That I spent the night with you and made love to you."

"Well, you did, and you did. And I wouldn't change a thing. You know, Jon, we've known each other for a year now and I think we know each other pretty well. Especially after the last couple of days. I've thought about this before, but now I'm certain of it. I want to tell you something, but I don't want to scare you or have you freak."

"What is it?"

Luke looked at Jon, searching his eyes. He took his hand and held it.

"Tell me, come on."

"Jon, I love you. I really, truly love you."

Jon gulped. "Oh, Jesus. I never thought those words could be so beautiful. I love you, too, Luke. You're practically all I think about."

Jon leaned forward and they embraced, kissing passionately. He was so happy he could hardly stand it. Both of them were quickly as hard as rocks.

"Do you think we have time? It's 7:15," whispered Luke. There was a loud knock on the door.

"That answers that," said Jon as he rose and tried to rearrange himself. Luke stood. They looked at one another and laughed.

Luke asked, "Think they'll notice?"

"I don't care," replied Jon as he walked to the door. He pulled it open to find Joe and Paul. "Morning guys. How are you two?"

"We're here," grumbled Joe. Joe was not a morning person.

Paul said, "Get some coffee in him. He'll be fine."

Luke walked over and greeted them. "Ready to raise some hell today?"

"Whatever," said Joe.

Luke said, "Wow, you really are bitchy this early. No wonder you live alone."

They went into the living room and Luke pulled up a couple of chairs. Then he went into the kitchen. Jon was pouring two more cups of coffee.

"Luke, do you have a large pitcher for the Bloody Marys? I think it will be easier that way."

Luke rummaged in a cabinet and found a beer pitcher. "Here, use this."

"Perfect," said Jon. He half-filled the pitcher with ice, added the vodka and mixer, and stirred. While he was doing that, Luke found four tumblers. He salted the rims and filled them with ice. He speared three olives with a toothpick and dropped them into a tumbler, repeating the process for the other three. He started the microwave, then took the tumblers out and set them on the table. He started back to get the pitcher as Jon walked out with it in hand.

"Either of you guys use cream or sugar?" asked Jon.

"Not for me," replied Paul.

"Me neither," said Joe.

The microwave beeped and Luke retrieved the rolls, grabbing some napkins as he walked back to the living room. Paul and Joe were seated in the chairs. Luke was glad he and Jon could still share the couch. After setting down the pitcher, Jon walked around the table and sat down. Luke joined him a minute later after he filled the tumblers from the pitcher.

Paul said, "Man, these cinnamon rolls are great!" Joe just nodded his approval with his mouth full.

The four were quiet as they ate, only the sounds of fingers being licked breaking the silence. When they'd finished their rolls Jon got up to get more coffee.

"You two sure look chipper this morning, almost like you just got back from a vacation or something," observed Paul.

Luke smiled. "Well, maybe a mini-vacation. We called in sick yesterday because Jon had a 'touch of the flu,' so to speak, after Thursday night. We just bummed around, went into town, had dinner and relaxed.

Joe looked surprised. "Jon has the flu? He looks okay."

Paul gave Joe a condescending look. "You are so pathetic. He had a hangover, Einstein."

"Oh."

"Well, whatever," continued Paul. "You guys just look different somehow, but in a good way. I just can't put my finger on it."

Jon changed the subject. "Let's drink up and hit the road. We don't want to have to jog to the train station."

The four finished off the pitcher and then drained their coffees. They took the dishes into the kitchen and Luke rinsed them off but left them in the sink. He'd put them in the dishwasher later.

Paul said, "You guys should bring jackets. It's usually a lot colder by the lake, you know."

Luke went to the closet and found two jackets. He tossed one to Jon and said, "Let's hit the bricks."

They started off down the street, Jon and Luke in front and Paul and Joe a few yards behind them. Paul was wondering what it was that seemed different with Luke and Jon. He had noticed Jon was wearing one of Luke's shirts, so he must have spent the night. That would be understandable on Thursday night, from what Luke had said. But last night, too? Suddenly it dawned on him. He let out a brief chuckle and smiled. He was happy for Jon, for both of them.

"What's so funny?" asked Joe.

"Oh, nothing."

"Come on, I wanna know."

Paul clipped him on the back of the head. "Never mind. Maybe later."

They arrived at the station about fifteen minutes before the train was due. Paul walked over to the station and peered in the window. There was no ticket agent on duty.

"They're closed, so we'll have to buy our tickets on the train," he announced.

They waited on the platform for their train along with a large group of other people. Jon and Luke were standing just a little bit closer to each other than two guys normally would. Jon knew he was grinning like a fool, but he couldn't help it. Being with Luke, knowing Luke liked being with him, was almost too much of a good thing. He was so proud of his boyfriend. He wanted everyone to see him, to see what a wonderful, good-looking man he was. He didn't know it, but Luke was having pretty much the same thoughts.

The train arrived and the four climbed aboard. Paul glanced both ways, then turned to the right. The others followed. The train was already crowded, but they were able to find two double seats. Jon and Luke sat, and Paul pushed the back of the seat in front of them forward to reverse it. He and Joe sat facing their friends. Shortly the train began to move. They would have one stop, then it was clear sailing the rest of the way to Union Station.

"Where should be go first?" asked Joe.

Paul answered, "The Michigan Avenue bridge, upper deck. That's the best place to watch them dye the river."

"What do they do? Just dump barrels of the stuff off the bridge?"

"No, a bunch of boats run back and forth on the river, spilling the dye and mixing it up. It's pretty cool. But we'll have to hurry, they start doing it way before the parade and it's somewhat of a hike from the station. We could take the subway."

"Let's walk. I want to see everything. How long does the parade last?" asked Joe.

"Forever," answered Luke. "At least three hours. But I don't really care how much of it we see. We can just do whatever we feel like doing."

Joe was getting excited. He seldom got the chance to get in to Chicago. "Hey, do you guys think we can go to the top of the Sears Tower? I've never done that."

Jon said, "Sure, if you want. I wouldn't mind it myself. But we'll do it on the way back. It's close by Union Station."

"Great!"

Paul smiled at Joe. He could be just like a kid at times. Suddenly the windows turned black and Joe looked concerned.

"Don't worry, Joe, we're pulling into the station. It's under ground," Paul explained.

When the train finally stopped the four stood. They waited as people passed, then followed the throng off the train, through the station and up to street level. They walked east to Wacker Drive, then headed north. When they got to the river they headed east again to Michigan Avenue and walked onto the bridge. The boats had just started dispersing the dye.

"Oh, cool!" Joe exclaimed.

As the boats continued traversing the water, the river turned an incredible emerald-green. They were all impressed, and continued to watch the spectacle for another fifteen minutes.

"You guys ready for some beer?" suggested Luke. They all were, so Luke said, "Let's go to the 'Billy Goat.' We're practically standing on it."

The Billy Goat was packed but they were able to get served quickly. They had to stand with their beers, but they entertained themselves people-watching and examining the memorabilia that decorated the venerable Chicago landmark. They got a second round of beers and then decided they'd better slow down. It was almost noon, so they finished their drinks and headed toward Columbus Drive to see the parade.

The men watched the parade for almost an hour. Jon said, "You guys had about enough?"

"I think so. At least I have," said Paul.

The other two agreed and they started walking.

"Where are we goin'?" asked Paul.

"I don't know," replied Luke. "Let's just walk until we find a bar. It's about time for more beer. That was the objective, wasn't it?"

Eventually they found a place that was playing Irish music and had a rather boisterous crowd. Amazingly, they were able to find a table. A waitress took their orders and returned shortly with their beers. Four young women were seated at the table to Paul's right. He noticed that they kept talking quietly to each other, and looking toward the guys. Never one to miss an opportunity, the next time they looked Paul raised his glass, smiled and said, "Happy St. Paddy's Day, ladies."

They smiled and did the same, then resumed their private chat. Paul could hear giggles and the four women continued to steal glances at the guys. The waitress passed by and Jon ordered another round. The women did also. The guys talked about the parade and how they dyed the river. No one could see, but Luke had his hand on Jon's leg. That made Jon extremely happy. He desperately wanted to lean over and kiss his love.

Two hours and quite a few beers later they were still at the table, as were the women. It was obvious no one was feeling any pain. One of the women, a very attractive brunette, stood and walked over to their table. She put her arm around Joe and leaned against him. Paul thought Joe was going to faint.

"I'm Jeanette. These are my friends, Angie, Paula and Cindy." Each girl nodded and smiled as she was introduced. They guys introduced themselves. "You know," Jeanette continued, "we think you are four of the cutest guys we've seen. Are you all from around here?"

The guys smiled and returned the compliment. "No, not really, we're from the 'burbs," Paul explained. "We came for the parade."

Jeanette took a couple of unsteady steps over to Jon. "You're adorable," she smiled at him. Jon blushed slightly and smiled, then turned to Luke.

This was all the encouragement Jeanette's friends needed. They rose and surrounded the guys. It was as if each was staking her claim. They all chatted for the next ten minutes. Paul seemed to be enjoying himself and even Joe appeared to relax as he talked to Cindy.

After what seemed like forever to Jon, Jeanette said, "We have to get going, but it was nice meeting you guys. Maybe we'll see you again."

They all said goodbye and Paula gave Paul a hug. The four of them proceeded to weave their way through the crowd toward the entrance.

Jon said with just a touch of sarcasm, "Friendly, weren't they?"

Joe said, "I thought they were nice. I kinda liked them. Too bad we'll never see them again."

Paul had a mischievous smile. "Maybe, maybe not. But I got a phone number."

"How'd you do that?" asked Joe.

"Paula slipped it in my pocket when she hugged me. What can I tell you? It happens to me all the time. It's a curse."

There was a collective groan and Luke said, "We should be on our way, too. We have some serious walking to do."

The four finished the last of their beers and worked their way through the crowd, eventually making it to the sidewalk. They headed south to the station.

"Look, there's the Sears Tower!" exclaimed Joe. They were still about six blocks away.

"Oh, God, I was hoping he'd forgotten about it," moaned Paul.

"What? You don't wanna go?" asked Joe with a hurt expression.

"No, it's fine. I was just kidding."

They continued walking with Joe in the lead. It was obvious he was very excited about their upcoming adventure. When they arrived, Joe turned toward the entrance.

"Keep walking, Joe," Luke yelled. "We have to go in on the other side, on Jackson."

Joe looked around, a little confused. Then he saw the street sign that read "Jackson Blvd." and headed for it. The others followed.

They entered the building and Joe went to the ticket counter. He bought four tickets and went back to rejoin the group. They waited in line. They were finally able to board the elevator and as it began its ascent Joe momentarily lost his balance and leaned into Jon. Jon put his hand on Joe's shoulder to steady him.

"Wow, I didn't know any elevators went this fast!" Joe exclaimed.

Their ears popped a few times as they rocketed up. Soon they felt the elevator slow and the doors opened onto the Skydeck. The men exited and were awed by the view.

"I'll bet you can see where we live from here!" said Joe.

"You can," answered Luke. "You can even see Wisconsin and Michigan, too."

"This is too cool," opined Paul. Even he was taken with the vista. Jon and Luke wandered off and wound up standing side by side close to a window, quietly gazing at the city below. Paul looked around, spotted his friends and smiled.

They continued to enjoy the views for about 30 minutes and decided to start heading back. All the walking, beer and excitement of the day was taking its toll on the men. They walked back to Union Station and checked the schedule. The next train that would take them to their destination wouldn't leave for almost an hour. After purchasing their tickets, Jon suggested they get something to eat. Up to now, the cinnamon rolls were the only thing they'd eaten all day. Spotting a deli, they entered and ordered cheeseburgers, fries and Cokes.

"I'll get both of these," Paul said to the cashier, indicating his and Joe's trays. He looked at Joe. "You paid for the tickets to the Skydeck."

"Thanks, Paul," Joe said. It made him happy Paul had thought to do that.

They found a booth and sat, Jon and Luke on one side and Paul and Joe on the other. Jon playfully squeezed Luke's thigh just above the knee. Luke jumped a little and smiled. Paul gave them a knowing look. Joe was too busy devouring his cheeseburger to notice anything.

All the food was finished in record time. The guys sat and bullshitted until it was time to board the train. The ride back would be long; the train made every stop on the route. When it arrived at their stop, they got off and quickly found a cab. Luckily it was a van, so they had plenty of room.

"You guys want to kick back at my place for a while?" asked Luke.

"That sounds good," said Joe and Paul agreed. Paul noticed Jon didn't respond. He decided the question wasn't directed at him; it was a given Jon was going there.

When they arrived Jon paid the cabbie and they went inside, resuming the same seats they'd used that morning. Luke got four cans of beer and set them on the coffee table, then sat on the couch next to Jon. Paul was slouched down in his chair, his hands locked behind his head.

"Well?..." Paul queried.

"What?" asked Luke, a little too innocently.

"Are you guys going to tell us, or do we have to drag it out of you?"

Joe looked at Paul. "What? What did I miss?"

"A lot of things, Joe. You know, sometimes I think you're from another planet."

"Come on, Paul, don't pick on Joe," chided Jon.

"Joe, even Helen Keller could see from a mile away that these guys are in love."

"They are? With who?"

"With each other, you idiot!" Paul shouted in exasperation.

Joe looked back and forth between Luke and Jon as he pondered this information. His face broke into a big smile and he said, "Wow! That's great! When did this all happen?"

Jon answered, "Well, truthfully, it probably happened almost a year ago, but it took until yesterday for us to get it together."

Paul said, "Well, all I can say is thank God. I don't know how much longer I could take it with you, Jon."

"Oh, come on. I wasn't that bad."

"The hell you weren't. Maybe it was just because I knew how you felt, but every time I saw you look at Luke I could see the longing in your eyes. I really felt bad for you."

Luke turned to Jon. "You looked at me that way? I'm touched." Jon punched him in the shoulder.

Jon turned to Joe. "So are you okay with this, Joe? You're not freaking out or gonna go postal or anything?"

"Oh hell no. My college roommate was gay. He's a great guy--we still keep in touch. And I know a couple of other gay guys. I'm cool with it."

Paul looked at Joe in disbelief. "YOU went to COLLEGE?"

"Yes, Mr. Smartass. I have a degree in Chemistry."

"Wonders never cease."

Joe turned his attention back to Luke and Jon. "So are you guys gonna have a wedding or a ceremony or something? Are you gonna move in together?"

"Whoa," said Luke. "It's only been a day. We haven't talked about any of that stuff. But you guys will be the first to know."

Paul stood up. "Guys, this is great! I can't tell you how happy I am for both of you." He walked around the table and gave each a hug and pat on the back. Joe went over and did the same, congratulating both of them.

They sat back down and Paul looked at Joe. "Joe, are you crying?"

"No," replied Joe emphatically.

"It sure looks like you're about to."

"I'm just happy for them. So I get a little emotional sometimes."

Jon said, "What is this? Pick on Joe Day? Leave the guy alone, for chrissakes."

"It's okay," said Joe. "If he ever stopped, I'd think he didn't love me any more."

"That will never happen, honey." Paul leaned over and kissed Joe on the forehead. Everyone had a good laugh and Joe blushed slightly. He pushed Paul away.

"Get away from me. You smell like beer."

"And you don't?"

The four sat and talked for a while longer, then Joe and Paul decided to go home. It had been a long day and they were tired. Jon offered to drive them but they said they'd walk. They said their goodbyes, hugged again, and set off for home.

"So what do you think about those two?" Paul asked as they walked.

"I think it's great. I'm just surprised I never picked up on anything. I mean Luke used to be with Molly, so I assumed he was straight, if I thought about it at all. And I never had any reason to think Jon might be gay. Did you?"

"Not at first, but I noticed how he reacted the first time he saw Luke with Molly. I wasn't sure what was wrong, but I was concerned. So I followed him home and we talked. He told me how he felt and swore me to secrecy."

"He just told you, straight out?"

"Well, no. He was pretty fucked up emotionally, and after some prodding he finally opened up. Admitted he was in love with Luke, but that it was an impossible situation. I guess this blows that idea out of the water."

"I guess. But in a good way. So how did you know? I mean today, how did you know they became a couple?"

"I could see it in their faces. The way they interacted all day. And didn't you notice Jon was wearing one of Luke's shirts? That meant he probably spent the night. Why else would he do that when he lives so close?"

"You missed your calling. You shoulda been a detective. I don't pick up on subtle stuff like that."

"We all have our talents."

Jon and Luke cleared off the table and put the cans in the recycling. Luke loaded the dishes from breakfast into the dishwasher and started it.

Luke yawned. "That was a fun day today. I had a good time."

"Me too. We must have walked ten miles. I'm exhausted."

"But what about my lessons? Is my favorite teacher too tired for some tutoring?"

"Never."

They practiced for the next two hours before falling asleep in each other's arms.

# # #

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