Date: Sat, 30 Sep 2006 07:17:47 -0700 (PDT) From: Puer Amore <pueresamo@yahoo.com> Subject: Visit from David PT VI VISIT FROM DAVID (PT VI) By Barry pueresamo@yahoo.com Disclaimer: This work is one of fiction. Any resemblance of persons or places mentioned in this story to actual persons or places is only slightly more than coincidence. Copyright 2006 Barry. All Rights Reserved. When I finally opened my eyes in the morning, Travis was in his usual position, as had become our custom. David, who had cuddled up to me all night, as was his habit, was on his side and propped up on one elbow. He had been watching Travis and me sleeping. David moved close to my ear and whispered as low as he could into my ear: You know what he's doing don't you...he's listening to your heart beat. I nodded slowly in the affirmative, knowing I could not speak or even whisper my response, as it would be amplified and pumped right into Travis' ear. David understood. Once more he whispered into my ear: It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. God! How he loves you. I smiled and nodded once more. I'm so happy he's here. David continued to whisper. He's an angel, he must be. I nodded, still again. David moved to kiss me sweetly on the lips. He moved again to my ear and whispered: I'm going to put on some coffee, you'll like it, I brought it from Italy. Would you like some? Once more I nodded slowly. David slowly, and quietly, got out of bed, retrieved his robe from the Master Bathroom and left the room to prepare some coffee. I continued to lie there contemplating how very blessed I was. I silently thanked everyone from God, to Ganymede for the two precious angels that had been entrusted to me. I'm the most blessed man in the world, I thought. Domine non sum dignus, I remembered from my youth. Lord I am not worthy that I should be entrusted with two of your perfect angels. I began to detect the aroma of coffee. Even the aroma was delicious. Travis must have begun to smell it, as well, as I felt him stir and say: What smells so good? David is preparing some special coffee for us. He brought it with him from Italy. I answered. Just then, David came through the door with a tray bearing three cups of this delicious elixir. Seeing Travis was now awake he shouted: MERRY CHRISTMAS, my sweet ones! Merry Christmas, David! Travis and I said in unison. I looked into David's clear Hazel eyes and he looked back into mine. I raised a hand to cue him to place his cheek into its palm. He knew this cue and complied. Merry Christmas, David. I said softly and lovingly. I'm so glad you're home. I am as well. David replied. I could tell from his tone of voice that there was more he wanted to say. It was his "sad", "please ask me" tone. I remembered it from his youth. What is it David? I asked. You know you can tell me anything. What's the matter sweetheart? Oh, it's silly, really. David replied. Tell me anyway. I love the silly. I begged. Well, David began, sometimes I feel like Hugh Grant's character in Maurice. I'm so busy chasing career and stature that I am forsaking the one I love the most in order to achieve the things I care for the least. I'd much prefer to be here with you and Travis, than enduring the rigors of my career in some silly country where the people bathe once a year, whether they need to or not. David, my darling, I answered, Travis and I would welcome you home with open arms any time you so desire. Wouldn't we Travis? I asked. Of Course! Travis replied. This is home, David. Always! Travis concluded. I don't doubt that, David replied. It just seems that years are beginning to slip away so quickly. Tell me about it, I chuckled. You're still considering that position here in the U.S., aren't you, sweetheart? I asked. Of Course! David exclaimed. But, I need another year of tenure before I'll be considered for it. I don't think I can stand it for another year in that Prima Donna Palace. David declared. I understand, sweetie. It's the catch 22 we've discussed before. The tenure you acquire there counts for two or three times the same experience here. But...it hurts to be away from home. I understand. I really do. It's hard, Barry, Really hard. David said. Last night, cuddled up to you, I slept like I was in the arms of God, himself. I felt safe and secure next to my Barry. I haven't slept so soundly since I left for Europe. Me too, Travis injected. I've never slept like I do when I'm with Barry. It's amazing. I know, said David. I watched you sleeping on his breast this morning. It was about the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. It was another sign of how much you love him and trust him. It's beautiful, Travis. I'm happy for you. I don't think the greatest artist could capture that scene and do justice to it in any painting or statue. The peace and serenity on your face was indescribable. Hell, Barry, he said, as he turned to me. I'm twenty seven years old already. It doesn't seem possible. My sweet, sweet, David. I replied. You know it comes with the territory. You're a prodigy. It was obvious, even when you were a kid that you are a prodigy. Yes you're 27 years old, but most persons, even the really talented ones, don't accomplish what you have till they're 47 years old, if then. You know all that. You're the most accomplished and recognized young composer / conductor in the world. Naturally, the pressure is going to be maximized. I reminded him. At the same time, none of it is worthwhile, sweetie, if it makes you miserable. I continued. You may have more control over the situation than you think, however. I suggested. How? David asked. Well, think about it. I said. It's you the audiences are clamoring for; The Company doesn't want to risk losing you. You bring them market, box office. Perhaps they would agree to allow you to break up the coming year with some month long breaks, so you can come home more frequently. Then Travis and I can cuddle with you all night long for weeks at a time. God, that would be wonderful! David exclaimed. Well, it can't hurt to try. I said. If they say no, then we'll consider other alternatives. I'd be enormously surprised if they deny you, though. They'd have to be monumentally stupid to do so. You really think so, Barry? David asked. Sure, I replied. They don't want to risk losing you. They just assume you haven't figured that out yet. Well, they're right, I guess. I hadn't figured it out. David said with a smile. Thank you Barry. You're a genius. I love you. David said. Well, I don't know about the genius part, but I never doubt that my David loves me. I replied. Just remember, sweet David. I said. You are NOT a prisoner at that damned place. If they get snotty and unreasonable and cause you to take a walk, it is them upon whom the embarrassment and blame will fall, not you. They will have chased away the "prodigy"; the most accomplished and recognized talent in the world. Right? I asked. I never thought of it like that! David exclaimed. Sure! I repeated. Your duty continues to be avoiding any kind of conceit or snotty-ness yourself. I've never been concerned with that, of course, because it's simply not in your nature. What would become of me without you, Barry? David asked. Or me too? Travis added. The real question, sweet angels, is what would I do without you two? I retorted. I would lose my desire to live if I should lose you two. I can't bear the thought of it. I advised. So...Let's NOT think about it. David said. Cause it's never going to happen. Is it Travis? NO WAY! Travis declared. I'm going to make us all some breakfast RIGHT NOW! David declared as he ran out of the room, and toward the kitchen. Travis turned to me and said: I see how much you love him, and he's as wonderful as you told me he was, and I love him too. I knew you would, sweetie, I replied. I love you beyond words, sweet Travis.