Date: Mon, 15 Feb 2010 22:53:25 +1000
From: Steve Holder <steve.holder@bigpond.com>
Subject: Ben & Dan Chapter 5

Usual T's & C's apply, ask me if you want to use any or all of these
stories- steve.holder@bigpond.com

Gota give a shout out to Sean Scott Photography
http://www.seanscottphotography.com.au/

Only my favourite place to visit, I love his work and he has the cutest VW
van money boxes!!!

And www.flamesontheriver.com...check the site out, beautiful food and
ROMANTIC!

Sorry to take so long to get number 5 to you all, work, new years etc all
took the valueable time away from me and my "writting time", This one is
bit longer than the others, I tried to make it shorter, but then you miss
out on some of the good stuff.

New Years, Bangs, Beats & the other stuff you don't talk about.

Dan reaches for Alex's phone and speaks to his dad, "Hi, yeah..uh-huh,
ok...yep see ya" Hanging up the phone he hands it back to Alex who is
fiddling with the button on his iPod. "So what did your dad say" I ask,
almost frightened to know if his dad has seen anything. "Nah, he's going to
be visiting friends on Sovereign Island while we're staying at the unit, he
didn't say anything about anything in the garage, having said that, I'm not
about to arouse suspicion by asking either" 3 hrs & 20 mins later we roll
up to the lobby of where we're staying. An apartment overlooking the ocean,
right in the heart of the Gold Coast, very very nice.

The place is classy, like you see in the movies. You roll up out front,
someone opens the door for you, takes your luggage, we don't need to lift a
finger. "What do we want to do for lunch?" Dan replies from the bedroom,
Walking back in from the balcony Alex walks back from the kitchen on his
phone, talking excitedly something about being there in 5 mins "OK I'm outa
here, car's picking me up out front" yelling out as he walks up to the door
"Be good be safe, ring us when you're ready to be picked up" Dan calls
walking into the kitchen.

"You hungry baby?" Dan's looking at me over the breakfast bar, "Nah, not
hungry so much, I wanna save it up for dinner tonight, the place over the
road looks pretty special" Walking around from the other side of the
kitchen Dan walks up behind me and winds his arms around my waist, nestling
his chin into the crook of my neck. "wadda ya feel like doing, walk? pool?
blowjob?" Looking out of the corner of my eye at him "YOU are a dirty dirty
boy" That smirk that always gets me, "why don't we grab towels and go check
the pool out, I haven't been here before I wanna see what's here"
unraveling myself from him I walk into the bedroom and retrieve the towels
laid out on the bed (they take your luggage up, but don't unpack, is that
unusual?) "you got your sunglasses baby?" I yell grabbing mine from the
bedside table I walk back out to the lounge room.

Throwing the towel at Dan I grab the apartment keys and we both head out to
the lift "oh did we need a phone incase?" Dan pats his pockets "I have
mine, its all good" as the lift arrives, hitting the "G" button we descend
down to the reception area and walk through to the pool area.

WOW, this was beautiful, pale non slip tiles lots of big wooden recliner
lounges, big cream umbrella's it's Mediterranean theme for sure. Towels,
keys, glasses on one of the chairs, shirt off and dive into the
water..feeling the coolness against my skin, as I surface Dan swims over to
me "It's nice isn't it" Dan's hair wet and scruffy, just like he's fresh
from the shower, his freckled muscular shoulders sitting just above the
surface of the water.

I swim over to him, if there wasn't some woman sunning herself on a lounge
nearby I'd kiss him, playfully splash him and then dive back underwater,
letting the games begin. Instead he swims over to me, oblivious to his
surroundings, and wraps his arms around my shoulders.

"I'm so glad we got away, I feel so much better" he's had a fair bit of
grief the last few days, it'd do him just as much good as it would me
escaping work and the pitfalls it invites.

"you know if it was dark out, and none of the lights on, we could come down
here, it's something I haven't done yet" seductively whispering into his
ear as we swim around in circles, he splashes me and swims away, grinning
clearly his mind has hit the gutter, again. We'd been in the pool about an
hour, and, as the sun started to set we decided to back upstairs and get
ready, As we walk past to retrieve our towels I notice Dan's mobile
flashing "message babe" throwing him the phone "it's Axe, he's guna call us
tomorrow he's drinking". Perfect, we get the place allll to ourselves.

Showering upstairs we dress casual, the restaurant I had in mind was
classy, high end, at the same time neither of us are dress pants people
unless its a suit, and these days I wear them as little as possible. Dan's
never been a suit and tie person either, but the boy has dress sense and
well, anything looks good on him much to my disgust (kidding)

dark jeans, short sleeve shirt over here are the orders of the day.

Flames on the River, in Surfers Paradise was where we ended up the food was
perfect, the wine was a good selection, I loved the ambience the view over
the water, and the bright lights of Surfers in the background. It wasn't
noisy, just the hushed tones of music quiet enough so we could talk, most
of the time the subject was about Alex, Dan's dad, our friends, I didn't
think it was the right time to bring up what happened the last few days
with his family, mood killers were not on the menu, crŠme Brule was
though, it was perfect.

An hand on my shoulder startled me as I turned around, Karl, Dan's dad
standing there "How's my boys tonight, nice place isn't it" Dan Looking up
at his dad with a look of neither surprise or displeasure "stalking us
again, huh?" Chuckling Karl fires back with "I could say the same, I come
here every weekend I'm down here the lobster is the best on the coast." I
can feel my mobile buzzing in my pocket, quickly reaching in for it I check
the number, it's not a number I recognize, it's a local number. It's odd,
no one knows, well no one here apart from present company knows where we
are, excusing myself from the table.

"Ben Henrickson" I answer, listening to the caller I realize it isn't a
joke what I'm hearing, I think this is something that Dan and I need to
deal with quickly, closing the call off I quickly walk back to the table
and sit next to Dan. "Honey we need to get going if we're going to catch a
late movie" Dan looks at me like I've spoken Dutch. I know that look on his
face, he think I'm barking mad. "we want to go and see Avatar?" He's got
this one raised eyebrow look at the moment, poor baby can't work out what's
going on. "Karl why don't you drop over tomorrow morning, we'll go have
breakfast downstairs" Karl looks as confused as Dan does at the moment, the
'I Dunno what's going look" staring back as we pay the bill and hustle out
the door to the car.

Unlocking the car and climbing in the barrage of questions start "Since
when have you called me...Honey" wrinkling his nose up. Reversing the car
out of the space and gunning it out onto the road, "OK now I'm getting
scared, please, tell me what's going on, please baby" The next intersection
is red lights as we come to a stop. "Alex has been arrested". If it wasn't
for the surrounding sounds of the engine and traffic I don't think I could
hear Dan breathing, I could feel him tense up though, it was like a volcano
about to erupt.

"What the fuck"... yep he exploded, "What do you mean arrested, fuck, why,
which police station is he at" starting to calm down "Dad is guna flip"
nope not so calm, "How the fuck did he get arrested" calming down now "Did
they say what he was arrested for" ok slowly getting him back to
normal...Round 2 "Fuck, this means court, oh Christ" he's not so
calm. "Baby, please calm down, grabbing his hand, he jerks it away "NO, I
cant be calm, I'll kill him". "DAN, listen", he looks over to me, he's mad,
really mad. "All I know is that he got arrested, the policeman on the other
end of the phone wants to talk to us when we get there, now, you can come
in with me or stay in the car, I'm only offering.

"Like fuck I'm going to stay in the car" I can understand why he's angry,
everything has been on top of him the last few days. And he's looking after
Karl's son. He does love him and tries to be a big brother/ role model, I
mean at Alex's age I got into all sorts of shit, not exactly getting
arrested, but I came close a few times. Arriving at the police station I
park around the side of the building "before you go in, baby I know this'll
be hard, but please, try to calm down. If not for Alex, for me I'll see
what I can do from my end". He lets out a sigh and looks over as he undoes
his seat belt "I could kill a cigarette about now" letting out a slight
laugh "tell ya what, get through this and I'll buy a pack.

Locking the car we walk up the steps and buzz the night call button. A
young constable opens the glass door and beckons us in, "Ben Henrickson,
this is my partner Dan Halsteed, we're here to collect Alex Roesch". The
young constable gets us to wait, now probably isn't the right time to say
how good this guy looked, short hair, clean shaven, his trousers clinging
to his legs, stretching across his muscular ass, the shirt about a size too
small for his upper body, he looks like he's a gym junkie I mean Dan and I
both go to the gym, and we're defined but this is a different ballpark he's
even got that swagger too.

The door to interview room 2 opens and a plain clothes policeman ushers us
into the room. Exchanging pleasantries we sit at a table, Dan and I on one
side Detective Sharnhoff on the other."Mr. Roesch was bought into the
station at approximately 9:45pm, 2 other accomplices were apprehended in
the same vicinity. The reason I wanted to talk to you was that this is a
sensitive nature" looking both of us directly head on "the place is
renowned for perverts, junkies, loiterers. Not the sort of people that Alex
needs to be around" Nodding my head I look at Dan no expression at all,
none.

"So what exactly has he been arrested for? I was told that he HAS been
arrested, what are the charges?" I ask, the detective flicks through his
notes "Seems that Constable Hallows detained him on the scene" "Hallows", I
stop him short, "Yes Constable Hallows" looking back at the notes "seems he
detained him at the scene of Justins Park on the Gold Coast Highway" flick
a page and reading on "suspicious circumstances it says here" Flicking a
glance to Dan and then back to Sharnhoff "so there's no actual evidence
that he did anything" I ask.

"Circumstantial evidence, there's no witness, I think he needs to be
released, now" Dan starts to speak up, glaring at the detective, "for some
reason this Hallows has tried to pin something on Alex, I know for a fact
that he wouldn't dare do out in the open, I know this" Dan's voice is laced
with venom & anger. Yet the surface, cool calm & cold.

"I'd like to have him released if there's no charges or anything to hold
him here" I ask, truth be told on the surface there didn't seem to be
anything to hold him, I think getting Axe's side of the story might go some
way of clearing up the confusion.

Half an hour later, a very sullen and sorry looking Alex appears through
the glass doors into the reception area. backpack slung over his
shoulder. Detective Sharnhoff handing me the release papers that Dan and I
signed for his release. "Before you go, there's a Nathan Whitefelt
apparently he wants to talk to you" I look over to Alex who has his head
down "Axe, is that the same one from home?" he nods,

"can I talk to him?" I ask Sharnhoff.

"Let me see what I can do" he replies before walking off. Sitting in
reception, all 3 of us silent, shortly after, Sharnhoff pokes his head
around the doorway of interview room 2, "Ben" he beckons with his fingers,
Dan looks over to me apprehensively "I'll explain shortly" before walking
into Room 2. Sitting in front of me is my 18 yr old nephew, Nathan.

"Should I be surprised that you're here in the middle of this" I ask,
Staring ahead at my oldest nephew "I suppose this would explain why you
weren't with the rest of us at our place Christmas eve" Nathan
unfortunately decided to pick his own path in life, He moved out of home 18
mths ago, under bad circumstances. Last time I saw him he was still had
some puppy fat on him, he's still 6'2, but now, 90kg's, all muscle from
surfing every morning and working as a labourer, sun bleached long hair
from plenty of outdoor work, tattoo's on both shoulders and eyebrow stud
(from what I saw that's all he had) still in the clothes he was picked up
in.

"How do you know Alex?" he asked, "he's Dan's little brother" I reply "so
have you called anyone yet, to come bail you out?" his cold grey looking
back at me "I've tried but no one is answering my calls" nodding my head
"You want to tell me what happened, why Alex is is in all this?" Part of me
feels duty bound by family to help him out, part of me is mixed, not
knowing why, but should he be taught a lesson? I mean would this help
bailing him out, and it's not like he's had a bad childhood, "we went to
Justins Park to hang out, there's a group that practice with fire juggling,
and well he hadn't ever seen it so I took him".

"So what you're friends? where did you meet?" pressing on for more info "We
were in High School together, same classes, same shit" he said starting to
sound irritated, "so where does the toilet block come into it?" Nathan's
head jerk upwards, a nasty scowl plastered over his face "Am I supposed to
piss anywhere else? I had to use the toilet, this guy was in there and he
wanted a blow job, shit, you wouldn't get it" he trailed off "Try me, I
might surprise you" I commented back "I did some stupid things at your age,
staring at him "what's happened with this 3rd guy" Nathan looks over at the
reflective glass on the wall "His parents came and got him a while ago" his
attention focused on a spot on the table.

Exhaling loudly I gather my thoughts "OK, you got all your gear? clothes
and whatever?" Silently Nathan nods, "OK, come with us I don't think here's
a good place for you to be, come back to the apartment, shower, eat, sleep,
tomorrow we'll talk further I take it your mother has no idea?" moving out
of the chair his quick reply "No, she doesn't know, I moved out so I could
have my own life" Truth be told since she found out all those years ago
that I was gay, she didn't flinch one bit, more than anything she was
supportive, handy when there's issues, she confided in me that she thought
Nathan was going to be gay, just the things a mother sees that others
don't.

Climbing into the car, we all buckle up silently and get back out on the
road, being the first to break the silence "Have you boys eaten anything
yet?" Both of the pretty much at the same time answer "Nooo"

a quick roll through the burger drive through then a service station for
cigarettes and we head back to the apartment. The lift ride was silent,
although the food didn't smell to bad. Entering the apartment, Dan runs to
the bedroom and slams the door. Both the boys look at each other, Alex
quietly whispers "Have we done something wrong?" Looking at him as I set
the bag of food on the bench, I look over at the both of them "I don't
know, what I do know is that he was worried that you'd got yourself hurt,
eat, I'll go sort it out you want plates?" both of them shake their heads.

I half expected the door to the bedroom to be locked, and a great drama
about to unfold, the angry lover, the confused other lover (sounds like a
bad rap song I know) walking into the bedroom I hear sobbing from the
bathroom. I'm in the shit by the sounds of it (another bad song title, no
pattern trust me) In the bathroom Dan's curled up in a ball, clothes and
all on the floor of the shower. This breaks my heart, opening the shower
door, his arms covering his face "baby, don't sit in there, c'mon come up"
my hand reaching out for his hand and pulling him up from the shower floor.

"What brought this on all of a sudden? You mad with me or something?" I
ask, I'm seriously not used to this, "I'm sorry babe, I had a meltdown the
last few days have taken their toll" between snuffles "no I'm not mad at
you, more than anything I wouldn't have handled it without you" with him
getting ready to sit on the bed, I jump in behind him and both of us
clothed snuggle into each other "you know, no matter what I'll always do
what I can to help" wiping a tear away from his cheek.

"So you sure your ok? You know I am allowed to be worried about you,
there's 2 boys out there that are probably wondering what's going on in
here" A weak laugh escapes his mouth, "poor Axe, I just didn't know what to
say to him, I mean, it sounded like he was at a beat with Nathan, I don't
know if I'm ready to deal with that" His voice was starting to hit an
octave higher "Calm baby, calm, Shhhh, it's ok" we sound like parents,
Jesus, I'm not child friendly I have sharp corners, and toxic to taste LOL

Walking out of the bedroom there's a dim light coming from the kitchen, and
the flickering of the TV, the boys are still wide awake and watching some
old movie and talking "watcha watchin" I ask, both of them jump, startled
by my voice. Alex scrambling off the floor, leaving Nathan "How's Dan?, his
eyes looking over my shoulder as Dan walks around the corner "Dan's fine,
Dan's also wanting to know the full story, but Dan needs a cigarette first"
grabbing the pack and the lighter off the bench, pulling the sliding door
open and walking out onto the balcony.

"It's chilly out here, I love it though the smell of the ocean, the sound
of the waves, the moonlight shadow" Dan's dragging on a cigarette as he
talks "these taste foul now, but god they feel good".

Sparking one up myself, I'd love to come here all the time, this just feels
so comfortable. Exhaling as I look out to sea, the distant glow of the
lights, the stars in the sky twinkling, Dan's warm body pressed up against
mine arms entwined, holding each other close, sharing a private secret.

Stabbing the remains of the cigarette out in the ashtray, straightens up
waits for me to finish, when both of us are ready we step through the
doorway into the living area, "I think we all need to sleep, I think the
explanations can wait till tomorrow, Don't stay up too late boys" both of
us ambling towards the bedroom. Flopping onto the bed Dan exhales and
stares up at the ceiling his legs hanging over the edge of the bed. I drop
to my knees and crawl over to him.

Running my hands up his legs from shin to thigh, I feel him shiver with
lust "MMMMMMM that feels good baby" he whispers, my hands sliding up to his
hips he grabs them with both his hands slipping them past the muscular
ridges of his abdomen taking his shirt with them, my face resting in his
crotch his fat hard on concealed under the denim of his jeans, his
breathing becoming more ragged. Stretching my arms up to his pecs, his hard
nipples poking up underneath his shirt, my mouth hovering over his his
groin just underneath his navel.

"Please" the only word he moans, my hands release from his and slide back
down to his belt buckle, his thick meaty hardness jumping to to my
touch. Undoing the belt buckle, the button and unzipping his fly I slide
his them down his tightly muscled thighs, his cock rears up in a graceful
arc and lands with a soft plop on his belly, the trickle of precum oozing
out of his piss slit as it lands.

As I stand up, pulling my shirt over my shoulders throwing it on the floor,
Dan leans up sitting on the bed "Allow me baby" his voice low and husky,
lust ridden as he undoes my belt, the button on my jeans undone making the
waist loose enough to shimmy out of them an 8 inch thick bulge in my grey
boxer briefs, a dark spot of pre cum soaking into the fabric. Dan's mouth
hovering over the stretched material, his eyes meet mine as his mouth
closed my covered dick, the feel of his breath and sensation of his wet
lips mixing with the precum, the heat intense matching the passion in his
movements.

For some reason I love holding the back of Dan's head while he gives me
head, not forcefully, I mean I don't want to hurt him no matter how intense
our love is. So resting my hands on the back of his head while his tongue
darts under the head of my cock gently urging him to pick up speed, his
hollow grunting as his mouth wraps around my hard cock gagging as it his
the back of his throat, his hands clamping down on my thighs as his head
pistons up and down on my cock.

His mouth suddenly releases and starts to lick and suck on my balls, like
an eager dog with a new toy his licks and sucks all the way back to the
crack of my ass. His hands squeezing my thighs urging me to part them
further so his tongue can explore further. "God this feels fucking awesome"
I moan, it did, his wet slippery tongue against my sensitive skin his
fingers massaging my thighs while my leg muscles stretch and contract,
trying to keep balance while I'm being bombarded by my boy and his licking
and slurping, my hard dick slapping him on the side of his head and cheek.

"You keep doing that I'm guna cum in your ear baby" I huskily reply

"Lets take this to the shower, huh?" "OK" comes his reply before getting up
off the bed and following me to the shower. Adjusting the warmth of the
shower and stepping, Dan follows me and immediately starts kissing me, his
tongue chasing mine, his lips moulding them to mine, his body pressed up
against mine in the shower recess. My arms around his shoulders, his arms
around my waist, our cocks rubbing up against each other, the precum from
both of us smearing both our bellies.

Showering as quickly as we can, we towel off and head back to to the bed,
so far I haven't had a chance to test out how comfortable it is, it looks
so soft. Although, a running commentary on the bed wouldn't be so bad if it
wasn't for Dan posing on the bed, naked and sporting a hard on, the patch
of trimmed chest and abdomen hair leading down to a thick patch of dark
pubic hair and those balls, a beautiful big pair of hairless balls just
begging to be drained, as it was that thick juicy cock of his begging for
attention.

Climbing onto the bed with the towel still wrapped around my waist, Dan
scurries over and starts to kiss me, whispering in my ear "Fuck me, fuck me
hard on the balcony" Fuck yeah, "You're forgetting that Axe and Nathan are
in the lounge? How are you going to walk past them looking like this?"
giving his cock a gentle teasing squeeze, his head rolling back, a sexy
sensual "Ahhh" escaping his mouth. Getting off the bed, and walking over to
the curtains facing the bed he slides them apart and opens the sliding
door, the sound of the ocean and the traffic flooding the bedroom as he
walks outside.

Now, normally I wouldn't be prone to taking a risk like this, I mean
there's high rise apartments either side of where we are, and at the level
we're on, there's still people awake and trust me you can see right into
their places as well. Wether they're paying attention to a naked guy
leaning over the balcony I don't know, the only light at the moment in our
room is from the ensuite bathroom, it's not bright but it would be enough
for a trained eye to make out shapes.

He turns around grabbing his cock and giving it a slow, sexy pull. God this
is turning me on, I cant believe it. That naughty grin as we meet eye to
eye, his tongue licking his lips, his free hand rubbing across his chest
tweaking his nipple as he goes. I can't take any more of this as I sprint
off the bed flinging the towel as I move colliding into him on the balcony,
another heavy kissing session, only this time a little noisier, moans,
groans panting, huffing, puffing. His voice whispering into my ear "make me
cum baby, make me blow my load over the railing" his steel hard rod
grinding into my abdomen, more precut mixing with my skin and pubic hair.

I spin him around so his chest is resting over the railing, my thumbs trace
a line down to the crack of his ass, separating those tight globes as my
tongue goes in for the kill. His voice alternates from gruff to a
whimpering moan, while I slick his tight hairy hole up. Licking a line from
ass to shoulder, I grab his waist and line my cock up with his wet hole,
feeling the head of my cock push past the first ring his body shaking with
excitement. Hearing him puff and pant my cock slowly slides further and
further into his tight ass, the muscles resisting as I push relentlessly,
his loud whispers of "Fuck yeah baby, fuck me" urging me on. Feeling his
ass clamp around my cock, his rocking movements meeting mine as as we smash
our bodies together.

All this grunting and filthy talk has me ready to blow, pulling out of him
and quickly flipping him around to face me I balance his back on the
railing, wrap his legs around my waist and with the movement that would
make the national fucking athletics proud, drove my cock back into his ass,
his head falling back an a low guttural moan escapes his mouth. Grabbing
his hips as he levers himself against the balcony rail, riding my cock, his
ass wrapped around it squeezing it, milking it as he moves, his muscles
tight, like a full on workout at the gym.

"Fuck, FUCK baby I'm guna shoot" his excited rambling along with lots of
other excited noises, higher and higher in pitch, I feel his body tense up
as he unloads gush after gush of thick white goo up his chest,

feeling his ass clench up as he orgasms is too much for me as I unload 5, 6
loads of my own creamy goo into that tight crevice, my own whimpers and
groans making as much noise as him. Letting his legs slide down to the
tiled floor my cock slips out of his ass with soft slap, "AHHH LEG CRAMP
LEG CRAMP" he nearly drops to the ground in pain.

Picking him up under the shoulders his arms automatically wrap around my
shoulders, carrying him to the bed, I lie him on his belly and massage his
calf muscles his groans of appreciation muffled from the pillow, "That feel
better baby?" his head nods, "I still have jelly legs though" giggling as
he talks wiggling his toes "UH, bathroom" rushing in and slamming the
door. Laying back on the bed, I have a moment of reflection, so far it's
been 24hrs on holidays, there's still New Years to deal with THEN I have to
organize Dan's birthday, it' in 2 weeks time too. Hearing the toilet flush,
the taps make their noise and then the door opens the light goes out, Dan
walks over to flops onto the bed.

I know I keep saying this but after everything, seeing Dan naked, the light
olive skin, the hair, even after a heavy nights sleep still looks perfect
wether it be on his head or around his cock, the thick arms, the shoulders
all muscular, his legs, bulges and muscles with dark hair dusted from groin
to ankle. Subconsciously I smirk to myself that no matter what, he's smokin
hot regardless "What are you grinning at" he asks.

"Oh I dunno, a hot sexy guy naked in my bedroom that I love very much"
Rolling over onto my side in a mock seductive pose and patting the bed next
to me, sliding back under the sheet, we drift off to sleep, the sounds of
the of waves crashing on the shore a romantic lullaby.

Next morning both of us roused at the same time, the sun making a warm
alarm clock. I snuggle into Dan, the feeling of his arms around me and mine
around him as we lay there silently listening to ocean, the traffic. This
was the holiday I was expecting, last night felt like it was just a dream,
a bad dream. "Fuck, I gota piss" I say urgently diving out of bed, and
running into the bathroom. A giggle from the bed along with "Gee I don't
need to ask what you meant by that" It's Dan's turn to look seductive the
sheet draped just so covering his cock, the outline underneath it showing
his hardness.

"You want coffee baby? he asks from the bedroom, as I walk out to grab a
pair of shorts to wear from the bedroom to the kitchen. Dan walks out 1st,
not 5 seconds later he's running back into the bedroom all excited "Ben,
come look at this quick!" he grabs my hand and practically drags me out to
the lounge room. Snuggled up on the floor is my nephew Nathan with his arms
around Alex's waist, his head nestled on Alex's belly, both of them sound
asleep the TV still on, but the volume turned down low.

"I wonder how Axe is guna explain this?" I whisper into Dan's ear, he looks
back at me "Mmhmm, Nathan looks comfortable" quietly speaking into my
ear. Unfortunately it was the intercom that shattered the tranquility,
startling both of us and waking the 2 boys on the lounge room floor. "C'mon
up" before replacing the handset. We didn't get to see if there was any
suspicious eye contact as there was a mad rush for the bedroom to get
dressed at least properly, A knock at the door signaled Karl's arrival
"Morning boys, who's ready for breakfast?" almost too happily.

Dan & I make an appearance, Karl sitting at the breakfast bar, keys in hand
"I thought you might like a surprise for breakfast, my treat". Breakfast
was a short drive away at a place called The Bluff, in Burleigh Heads,
again on the ocean front, a Mecca for surfers, tourists and those wanting
somewhere nice to eat. Over breakfast Karl informs us that going to
Germany, Fellbach in particular for a Mercedes club group meet in about 2
weeks time. I have an idea for Dan's birthday, getting a chance to run it
past Karl is going to be difficult though.

Pulling Alex aside I get him to distract Dan long enough to talk to Karl
about what my plans are about. Everything in place we all climb back into
Karl's GL500 and head back to the apartment. Dan had never seen the Sean
Scott gallery in the arcade next to where we ate, so to hear what he
thought about the prints, he loved it. I love it too, the prints in the
bedroom that Alex was sleeping was where I got them, truth be told I'd love
to get another 1 or 2 for around the house.

The next few days we relaxed, swam, went for a moonlight walk long the
beach, hand in hand letting the cool water wash over our feet as we walked,
we saw more of Nathan the next few days as well, seems our baby Axe and him
grew close, again. We didn't broach the issue of what was going on, both of
us figured that when the time was right he'd come and tell us. Dan's fears
of Nathan becoming a bad influence were shot down in flames when they had
an argument over Nathan getting another tattoo, it was cute an 18 year old
married couple, you'd swear it was a pubescent version of the Kramdens "To
the moon Alice, to the MOON".

On the eve of New Years Eve we decided to order Chinese food, a bottle of
wine, yes we're responsible grown up's, the boys over here are legal to
drink at their age. At about 10 to 12 the mobiles started going off with
SMS messages, from out vantage point we could see the fireworks starting to
go off on the beach, mesmerizing one of the best we've seen in years, the
TV in the background carrying a delay, as it hit the last 3 seconds we both
embraced, kissing as the loudest and most colorful of the fireworks lit up
the sky both of us holding onto this moment.

Out of the corner of my eye I noticed movement in the lounge room, over
Dan's shoulder I could see Alex and Nathan snuggled up on the couch, only
this time it was Alex that was making all the moves, oblivious to our
movements, he gently leans up and kisses Nathan on the lips, a gentle,
romantic movement, Nathan reciprocating the display of affection with his
own sweet tender motive his hands holding both sides of Alex's face like he
was some fragile work of art.

"Don't make any sudden movements baby, but quietly turn around and see what
I'm seeing" I whisper into Dan's ear, he slowly turns around and lets out a
really soft "Awwwwwww" looking into my eyes, "they're so cute, we were like
that you know" snuggling into my shoulder "we really should leave them
alone shouldn't we?" raising my face up to kiss him on the forehead.

Coughing loudly to announce our presence Alex jumps about 4ft off the
lounge, I cant help but chuckle, it's the 3rd time we've scared the poor
kid. "Nath, be careful with Alex, he's jumpy" I comment walking past them
into the kitchen. Grabbing a bottle of water out of the fridge I come face
to face with none other than Nathan, my nephew "Can..can I talk to you for
a minute?" he can't seem to make eye contact, his head down. So much for
bravado of earlier "sure buddy, here or out there" nodding my head to the
balcony, looking over to where Axe and Dan are sitting and talking "here's
ok" he replies.

"So it's you and Axe huh?" I ask, I let Nathan start the conversation again
"I came out to him before anyone else". Nodding I interrupt his speech "do
you love him?" He looks straight over to Axe again, a big smile spreads
across his face, "Yep, I do love him" Dan walks into the kitchen just as he
says that, the smile on his face is a dead giveaway that all is well on
that side of the room as well.

It's then I look him straight in the eyes "You break his heart, I'll break
your legs, I mean it" Nathan now paying serious attention to what I say Dan
breaking the conversation by planting a kiss on my cheek "your such a
romantic aren't you baby" before walking out of the room "I wouldn't dream
of it, I promise" Nathan comments as I drink the rest of my water and dump
the bottle in the bin under the sink "What are you going to do for work?
You coming back home? Saying over my shoulder, knowing full well Nathan's
hearing every word I say still. "I have a job, I work full time, I'm not
just some surfie bum" he says indignantly.

"OK let me rephrase it then, how much do you love your job, given that you
and Alex want to start something? It's going to cost you a fortune to drive
home every weekend" I'm on his side, but the logistics are all wrong, 6 hrs
return trip, and then there's the fuel. I'll bet he still has that old WB
Holden Ute, my mind is distracted by the animated conversation going on in
the lounge room, Dan's giving Alex "the" talk.

Focusing the attention back to Nathan again "you know if you really wanted
to, your dad or even your grandfather would put you in one of the crews
with the projects they're working on at the moment". "what about your work,
isn't there somewhere I can be placed?" he pleads, frowning at him "I wont
say yes until you ask them first, it's respect, Alex works for Karl in his
office, trust me I know what I'm on about."

Dan walks in with empty bottles in his hand, throwing them the same place
as mine "I'm going to bed" looking at my watch "shit its 2 am, I'm going as
well don't stay up too long" Looking over at Nathan "Behave" in a serious
tone. "nite Axe" walking into the bedroom Dan's already under the sheet "do
we really have to go home tomorrow?" Stripping down and crawling into bed,
Dan's routine of snuggling into my side, his head resting on my shoulder
"Had fun did you baby?" a soft "MMMMMM from his lips as he rubs his
stubbled cheek on my chest.

Next morning, the familiar sound of the ocean, waves crashing, seagulls,
lorikeets, and traffic, I have to admit I'm going to miss this place
too. Might have to do something about that. movement behind me, an arm
comes to rest across my torso, the stubble on his chin tickling the back of
my neck, making me squirm "Sit still" I hear this voice behind me, "your
tickling me" trying to squirm away from him and his grip, his grip
intensifies as he holds me down and starts tickling me

"think you're a funny bugger do ya" trying to fight back and zero in on his
sensitive spots, usually the ribs on him gets a reaction, he's trying the
same thing, pillows, sheets flying, the bed head thudding against the wall,
a very pronounced squeal from Dan as tap him on the ribs and just above the
pelvis.

Breathless and immobilized from laughing, both of us try a few more last
ditch attempts at trying to get the last word on where to tickle the other
person. Feeble at best we pull ourselves together and go see where the boys
ended up, from the few hours before we went to bed. No sign of the boys in
the lounge and their bedroom door is open. It was me that found them on one
of the outdoor lounge chairs, blanket wrapped around themselves sound
asleep Nathan's arm protectively covering Alex' shoulders.

"Babe have you got the....." Dan steps up behind me and looks over my
shoulder "that's cute, have they been out there all night?" he looks out of
the corner of his eye for my answer. Shrugging my shoulders "we better get
everything packed before breakfast, I'm guna miss this place" walking into
the bathroom to shower before getting changed, I've got some thinking to
do, I'd love to get a place like this for us to holiday the parents can use
it when they come up..my sister. Dan walks into the bathroom snapping me
out of my thought train "You wanna get breakfast downstairs or on the
road?" thinking for a second, while washing my dick, "downstairs, the boys
can say goodbye to each other".

Stepping out of the shower I can hear the talking in the kitchen, Dan
packing what we were taking with us, the boys talking about next weekend
when Nathan comes to visit. "You're lucky Ben treats you like family, you
know he loves you" a grunt of skepticism from Alex as Dan continues "you
know he's trying to get Nathan a job closer to you, deal with it" Layin
down the law there baby, I think to myself.

Car packed and all of us fed, we all sit silently in the car waiting for
the lights to change before driving to Nathan's to drop him off. It feels
like such a somber mood in the car, Nathan sitting behind me staring ahead,
Alex looking out the side windows, Dan fiddling with the climate
control. Following the directions we stop out the front of Nathans place
"you guys wanna come in for a minute?" Looking over at Alex, my heart melts
I've seen this look on his face before.

Locking the car up, what we stare at would be something along the lines of
a refugee camp...with a carport. It's run down, an old fibro board surf
shack, I mean I know it's going to be costing him a fortune in rent, it
barely passes as livable. Using his shoulder to give the front door an
almighty shove, It's clean inside, the usual clothes around the place, I
cant see any roaches with baseball bats waiting for us so it's a good sign.

"Where's the rest of your furniture" Alex asks, Nathan looks around the
corner from the kitchen while filling a kettle with water "that's it, that
and the bed in my room and my TV" He's upbeat as he talks, I think I'm
chewing on my bottom lip, I catch a look from Dan, our secret wordless
conversation. I don't like the feel of the place, I've seen some shit holes
in my life, but the owner of this place is either stupid or lazy. "Nath
what do you pay per week for this duum.. place?"

"$425 a week" came the quick reply, I think my jaw hit the ground, it's
about $400 per week too much.

Patting my pockets down I look for the cigarettes, sparking one up as I
walk down the path to the car, Dan right behind me, we have this unwritten
code, cigarette is private talk time "Can I have a drag baby" Dan taking
the cigarette out from between my fingers as he has 2 drags on it and hands
it back "What do you wanna do babe?" he asks, another drag on the
cigarette, exhaling "I dunno, it's a hole, Axe'll love it for about 5 mins
and then he'll start booking rooms" I chuckle.

Stamping my cigarette out "I have an idea" kissing Dan on the mouth "C'mon
see if they like this plan" Walking back inside both the boys are standing
in the lounge, Alex's head on Nathan's chest "I've got ashtrays you can
smoke in here if you want" clearing a pair jocks and shorts off the lounge
I sit down, Dan next to me, there's just enough room on this lounge to fit
the both of us, Nathan handing me my coffee, black this time, I think the
milk had gone sour. "Dan and I have an idea, I want to run it past you."
his face changes expression all at once "Really? like what" he asks with
suspicion.

Outlining my plan and idea both the boys break into a smile, looking at
each other. "The rest of the plan involves getting your car from here to
there" Picking the look on Dan's face out of the corner of my eye, it's met
with his approval as well "It's out of rego, the motor's fucked and I've
been walking to work or getting a lift with one of the other guys." Looking
down at the carpet, I can see stains, like, haven't vacuumed in years
stains. If my sister saw this she would loose her shit big time.

Rinsing my mug in the sink, we say our goodbyes and walk out to the car,
Nathan very quietly sidles up to me, knowing what his situation money wise
is, I knew he'd be asking for a "loan" slinging him some cash to get his
rent sorted for the week, we climb into the car. That beaming smile is back
on his face. No iPod this time, no introverted body language this time like
the trip down here. Dan pipes up as we drive out of the traffic and onto
the highway "Axe, you happy with this plan?" he leans forward from the back
and sticks his head between the front seats "fuck yeah, I cant thank you
guys enough"

"just remember, while Nath is staying with us, there's work nights and then
weekends, I don't care about the phone calls but I can't have him tired and
slacking off at work, I still have to sell it to Alicia, wether she'll be
happy or not will be another thing" waiting for his reaction, Dan
interjects "you still have to tell dad as well, that's your thing to do,
and trust me don't leave it too long" Letting him absorb the instructions
he leans back in his seat.

The trip home was uneventful, and in a strange way I was happy to be home,
unloading the car unpacking the luggage, I figure the laundry can wait at
least, Dan and I are both tired, Alex on the other hand is far from sleepy,
his mobile phone was going mad after about an hour on the road, you can
guess it was Nathan, god forbid we be privy to what amount of love they
have for each other. He's asked us for his support in officially coming out
to Karl.

With Alex finally kicked out we have the house all to ourselves, the
surprise for Dan's birthday sitting in my inbox. Sitting at my office desk,
I'm printing off the paperwork, with regards to what I plan to surprise the
love of my life with. "BABYYYYY Watcha doin" my sexy ass boy walks into the
office just as I'm printing the last page of what I need to print off,
sitting his ass against the edge of the desk he now has my full attention,
he's walked in wearing a pair of my boxer briefs, the pale blue AussieBum
pair that I love, that cling to his hips, mould to his ass and fit his
beautiful cock just right. Tight enough that you can see the outline of the
head the thick shaft and hug his balls. They looks soo much better on him
than they do me. "fuck baby, you look soo hot" I moan, my cock now hard as
a rock in my shorts making me squirm as I try to adjust to ease my
discomfort.

Minimizing my screen so he doesn't see what I'm doing, I look up into his
eyes, those dark brown pools, long lashes. Grabbing both his hands he steps
over my legs to straddle..well my calves I guess you could say, leaning
down to kiss me, my hand brushes the side of his face sliding my chair back
I stand up to face him assuming the position, my arms over his shoulders
his arms around my waist "you know I love you so much baby" I whisper in
his ear. This gives Dan the shivers "wow if I hada known I'd get that
reaction I wouldn't say it so much". "I love hearing you say it" he
responds "It makes me feel..I dunno...sexy".

I smile hearing him say that, it's so cute catching him out on a shy
moment. "C'mon you, lets go to bed, I got an early start tomorrow". Single
file, my hands wrapped around his waist we stumble and nearly trip over
each other on the way to the bed "I love being in my own bed" watching Dan
stretch like a cat "it feels so nice" he settles in next to me. Turning the
light off and rolling over to spoon with Dan we drift off to sleep.

Next morning at 6:45am I crawl out of bed and head for the bathroom, piss
first, shower second, car trip to Karl's to collect Alex third. Walking
back out to the bedroom after the shower a towel wrapped around my waist I
grab my jeans from yesterday and a pair of jocks, Dan rolls over "I don't
feel well baby" he groans, leaning over my hand feels his forehead "your
all clammy, stay in bed I'll see you when I get home" finishing with a t
shirt and a pair of Timberland boots. Kissing him on the forehead and a
quiet "love you" I grab the keys and walk out to the garage.

Rolling up to Karl's, Alex is already waiting out front. Walking around to
the front passenger side of the Range Rover he realizes Dan isn't with me
"Where's Dan, you two have a late one last night?" his grin kills off any
sense of seriousness. "he's in bed not feeling to well 24hr bug or
something" The conversation was animated to say the least Alex chatting
away about what their plans, where they want to go, what they want to
do. He kept up the conversation until we pulled up in the driveway of
Nathan's place. The place hadn't changed, still looking like it was when we
left yesterday morning. Nathan obviously heard the car, he came running out
the front door and waited while Alex unbuckled his seatbelt and opened the
door, the public display of affection took me by surprise given that a few
hours ago they weren't telling anyone or showing anyone how they felt about
each other.

"I missed you" in between kisses from Nathan and "missed you too" from Alex
they finally detach and we all walk into the house. I couldn't help but
notice the lack of furniture since we were last here, "where's the lounge,
and the table" looking around the corner into the kitchen "and the chairs"
looking at Nathan "actually, where is everything you want to take with
you?". Throwing 2 soft bags and Alex bringing out a box from the bedroom to
the lounge room Nathan walks out of the bedroom.

"There's 1 more box in the bedroom and that's it" dusting his hands off,

walking into the bedroom there's a box under the window, picking it up and
bringing it straight out to the back of the car, the 2 boys in tow throwing
everything in the back of the back and slamming the tailgate.

"you sure that's all you're bringing with you, what about the Ute?"

"sold it, keeping the money for something else" he replies. Cant argue with
that I suppose.

Back home the 3 of us unload the car quickly, Nathan settling into the
spare room, I go in and check on Dan, he looks so peaceful sleeping, he
still looks pale but I don't want to check anything and risk waking him up,
so I let him sleep. In the office checking emails and arranging the rest of
Dan's birthday present from me. The boys knock and come into the office
"Can we get a lift over to my place, we can come back over later". Driving
them back over to Karl's I let them know that I'm getting Thai for dinner,
neither Dan nor myself feel like cooking dinner tonight.

Dropping them off I head back, home walking into the house I hear the TV
on, Dan awake sitting on the lounge, still in my jocks from when he was in
bed with a blanket wrapped around him. "How you feeling baby?" I ask
feeling his forehead still a bit clammy "MMMMMM little bit better" he
mumbles. Automatically I go for the paracetomol and a glass of water for
him and sit them on the coffee table before sitting down my self, Dan
wriggling over and resting his head in my lap, looking up into my eyes "how
did the boys go?"

Looking back down at him "good, some boxes and soft bags and he's here with
us". Stroking the top of his head "Sorry I couldn't come with you babe, but
I wouldn't have been much help". Looking down at my sick man on the lounge,
feeling him burrow his head in my lap to get comfortable it doesn't feel
erotic or dirty it feels, comforting almost soothing. Watching him change
the channel on the TV to some cooking show, the one with the really cute
chef on it that does amazing things with potato's today. "You don't mind if
I watch this babe" his almost timid voice "Baby, you watch what ever you
want" rubbing his head delicately "But, I have to go get some stuff done in
the office, you guna be ok? I'll get the food organized shortly, the boys
are coming back to eat with us" gently lifting his head off my lap and
kissing his forehead I walk into the back into the office.

Ahh email confirmed! The email confirming my, well our reservation, tour
and flights are all done. I'll worry about the car hire later. Checking the
online news, I flicked through MSN, one article caught my eye about a
policeman caught caught soliciting in a public toilet block, on the Gold
Coast it seems. Reading further, the article says a 34 year old officer was
detained pending further investigation. Laughing out loud, I hear Dan from
the lounge room "What's funny" Moving out of my chair to poke my head
around the door "Nathan was telling the truth apparently" tilting his head
back to face me his eyes slowly closing to cover the sudden movement "truth
about what babe?"

"Hang on" I yell from the office, printing off the itinerary and putting it
somewhere safe (away from snoopers).

Walking out of the office the intercom buzzer goes off, that'll be Axe and
Nathan. Buzzing them in I go to join Dan on the lounge, "the boys are here"
I tell him as I sit on the lounge, straight away Dan's head is back on my
lap. Hearing the boys walk up the front steps "Shit, I better go get
dressed" struggling off the lounge he tries his best to walk with the
blanket over his shoulders in a dramatic fashion, the bedroom door shuts as
the front door opens and 2 very jovial boys walk in Alex looks over "Dan?"
as I point to the bedroom "changing". While I have a chance I drag them out
to the covered area outside and let them in on my plans for his birthday.

We finish just in time as Dan walks down from the bedroom, shorts, singlet
barefoot, still looks pale though I hope some food in him might lift his
spirits, handing the boys the menu for the Thai Takeout they decide what to
order along with what we want, my poor baby isn't that hungry but at least
I got some spring rolls for him and his favorite rice dish, adding the
delivery charge they'll be here in 25 mins.

"Boys pick a movie, while we wait for the food". Getting up get coke and
water out of the fridge, 2 panadol for Dan as well, if only to help him
feel better, the boys in the meantime picked out a Gerard Butler film, a
unanimous agreement there, he's hot.

By the time the movie was 1/3 the way through the food had arrived and we
pretty much resembled animals at the zoo around feeding time. Eating while
we watched the movie, the boys sprawled out on the floor in front of the
TV, Dan leaving his plate on the coffee table with mine, he stretches out
on the lounge like before, a soft sigh from his mouth as he snuggles in
again.

By the time the movie was over, Dan was asleep on my lap, Alex was asleep
next to Nathan and Nathan was starting to snore. "OK It's midnight and
Nathan is starting work tomorrow, BED" both of the boys stirred and headed
off to Nathans room, Dan mumbles something about bed and I help him to his
feet and steer him to the bedroom. Watching him strip off and crawl into
bed, I join him, his body snug against mine, and again, within seconds he
was asleep.

Next morning I wake up, like normal, like any other day. Dan asleep on his
side against me, 1 arm tucked up underneath the pillow, the other over the
side of the mattress. The occasional light snore permeating the silence,
his dragon tattoo looking like it was breathing. I hope he's feeling
better, feeling sick isn't anyone's idea of fun. As he rolls over his eyes
open, a sleepy smile and a "good morning" as he rolls over and snuggles
against my chest. "Feeling better baby" I ask feeling his hand idly play
with my chest hair.

"MMMMM I feel alot better" he replies, "thank you for looking after me
yesterday" snuggling in just that little bit more. "I don't think I would
be much of a boyfriend if I couldn't look after you while your sick"
looking down at him with a grin. "what have you got planned for today
baby?" I ask, a minutes pause while he thinks about his answer "I better
get my shit organized for Uni, we go back in 3 weeks and check in with Karl
to see if there's anything to do at the workshop while he's overseas"
Wrapping my arms around his shoulders while we talk "that reminds me, what
do you want to do for your birthday, it's coming up soon". Covering his
face with his arm "Don't remind me, I'm going to be 34, I don't want
anything much this year, don't go all out please babe"

Playing the pouting card "not even something from the Ducati
Collection?". Giving my nipple a playful flick "I'm pretty good on that at
the moment, the jacket was awesome for Christmas" rolling off me and
padding into the bathroom hearing the splash of water as he has his morning
piss, flushing the toilet and washing his hands he's back in bed snuggling
up to me like before.

"How about being spoiled for the day then dinner somewhere nice, then I
dunno we do something just us, something that you want to do" looking at me
"you have this already planned, I know you too well" he looks up suddenly
"Don't know what you're talking about" trying not to grin, "I only asked
seeing as it's your birthday, it's your day you know" trying to fake being
wounded". Looking over at the clock beside the bed "Shit, it's 7, I better
shower and get Nathan motivated".

Showering, I cast my mind back to the day when we 1st met, fast forward to
now and things seem just so perfect, I'm hoping that my surprise for his
birthday isn't overboard, I hope he looks past the 'cost' factor, at least
with this one I can use the company to write the bulk of it off, R&D,
product testing and all that.

As I step out of the shower, Dan walks in to the bathroom, boxer's, t shirt
still looking like he just woke up. "go back to bed if you want baby, have
a late lie in, I'll bring the boy home for lunch, you & Axe go do
something" kissing him behind the ear before walking into the bedroom to
get changed.

Dress jeans again, boots and a button down shirt for a quick trip to the
office to show Nathan the ropes of what he's going to do, get his details
for payroll and get him to fill out some forms for employment
records. Knowing what his background is I got him some work on one of the
bigger sites that we're managing. When you own a share in a family owned
construction company it comes in handy when you can pull some strings. It
didn't help however that as much as my sister was keen to have him back in
the brood, my brother in law wasn't too quick to jump at the idea about
putting him in a work crew.

In the kitchen I was surprised to see Nathan and Alex doing the coffee &
toast, Nathan already dressed and ready to go. Grabbing a slice of toast
covered in peanut butter I munch a corner of that while I pour a black
coffee into my favorite mug. "What I want you to do is go through invoices,
arrange what needs to be paid, bring it to me and I'll reconcile it to get
paid, there's a few projects that I need them divided into" speaking to
Nathan as between sips.

Dropping my empty mug into the sink, kissing Dan goodbye and grabbing the
keys to the WRX, Nathan and I drive over to the office, on the way there he
talks about what's happening with him and Alex, it's cute and the change is
remarkable, from a sullen withdrawn attitude riddled kid to an almost
180degree change. Wether it's Alex or not I don't care, Dan likes to think
that it's a role model thing, something that I'll happily debate like I've
said before.

Dropping Nathan at the HR office for his paperwork to be filled out, I walk
around and catch up with everyone. Office gossip with and about
everyone. I've known most of these people for over 8 years. I've only ever
had to dismiss one employee over the time I've been looking after it, that
was a story all on its own. after about an hour I introduce him to the
people in accounts payable department. I figure its somewhere that isn't a
risk for Nathan to be. The 2 other girls that are there drag me aside and
ask all sorts of questions about Nathan, who he is, where he came from is
he single? I can only chuckle until it's Lucinda that beckons me into her
office for a quick talk.

I can confide in her, she's in her 50's, still pretty after all these years
and somewhat of a mother figure in that department. Telling her the story
about Nathan and how he came to be here she sits her glasses on her desk
and shakes her head "Another of your pet rescues is it my love?" she
asks. Smiling and looking back at her "you know me too well, and well we
look after family don't we" She nods, flicking a page in her journal
excusing myself to leave she stands and walks around her desk, hugging me
as I'm about to leave "give Dan a hug for me" as I walk out the door.

Back at home the house is all quiet, Dan must've taken Alex and the Merc,
whatever they were doing. Me being alone I walk in and get everything
organized for Friday. Giving us just over a week between now and Dan's
birthday. I'm buzzing about this, I cant wait to go. Hearing the door slam
and happy voices it can only mean that the boys are home "Where are you
babe" Dan yells from the foyer of the house before poking his head around
the corner of the office. "I have some news", looking sullen, he walks
around to my side of the desk and leans against the desk facing me "what's
wrong?" he asks, "I have to go away on a business trip, for about 10 days"
waiting for reaction. "Well, when are you going, are you going to be back
for my birthday?" Now he makes a big deal about it. Grimacing I look back
at him, "I don't think so baby" puffin his chest out to hide the hurt "oh,
oh ok maybe I can take the boys out somewhere instead".

"Nuh, I don't want you to do that, I'd feel bad" handing the envelope to
him "what's this?" looking at me, "your birthday present, it's not much but
I couldn't decide what to get you" trying not to smirk and keep the charade
going, wrinkling his nose as he shakes the envelope "cash? You got me cash
for my birthday?" he looks back at me "Just open the thing baby, trust me"
standing up to hug him, opening the letter his eyes widen, re-reading it
for the second time "FUCK OFF Noo" tears rolling down his cheeks "Baby this
is too much, I cant, noo" burrowing into my chest "I have to go and see one
of our suppliers and I though that way I can expense it, and see some
sights, flick to the 3rd page" releasing his arms from my waist he rests
the documents on my chest flicking to page 3 "OH FUCK OFF" poetic isn't he.

Alex walks into the office to see what the raised voices were about, "you
guys having an argument or is this just foreplay" looking at the both of
us. "I got my birthday present from Ben" unable to hide the smile or the
excitement in his voice. Thrusting the wad of papers at him Alex flicks
reads the 1st page "OH GET FUCKED" he squeals, obviously this version of
excitement runs in the family. "All 3 places?" he asks

I nod, "you're going to stay here while we're away and Nathan's living here
I guess Axe?"

After lunch I was feeling mellow I spose you could say, so sitting on the
outdoor lounge and chilling till I had to go get Nathan was the order of
the day, I could tell Dan was excited, I mean after all it's not everyday
he gets a birthday present of this magnitude. I guess I was concerned that
it was a bit over the top. It's not something I took lightly I know there's
those that would say that I'm buying him love. ON the outside I suppose t
would look like that. But then the flip side is knowing that he's going to
have a buy year this year with Uni, and study and not getting time draw a
breath. To me it was a good start to the year, the look on his face was
just utter magic.

"Baby,you want a drink or anything?" Dan calls from the kitchen "Water,
thanks babe" looking behind me over the top of the chair. "URGH you two,
baby & babe its sick" Alex in mock disgust. Until now I hadn't really seen
it "And Nathan knows how you got Axe, Axe?" looking over at him with a
smirk "SHUTUP, both of you" by now Dan was sitting on the lounge next to me
with a bottle of water in his hand, Alex retreating after his indignant
comment.

The next few days flew by, literally. Arranging the boys and what needed to
be done, doing some food shopping for them so they had food. The night
before both of us had really bad headaches, wether it was the stress or the
excitement of what's happening I don't know, needless to say paracetomol
was thy friend. along with alot of temple massages and cold face cloths to
kill the pain. The last thing I wanted was both of us sick at the start of
the adventure.

I don't think either of us slept that night, the night before we left. We
had to be at the airport at 6am, the boys were driving us. I don't think
either of them slept the whole night either. As we arrived at check in, the
luggage the soft bags the noise the announcement of what was going where I
that's when it really hit the both of us. After a coffee and a quick bite
to eat we heard the announcement. Walking down the corridor to the ticket
check Dan couldn't help but squeeze my hand.

I'm still stunned baby, Italy" Looking back at that magic face full of
suspense and happiness, I couldn't help but add the last part to that
sentence "Germany and Paris, we'll always have Paris"

To Be Continued.