Date: Thu, 15 Dec 2011 18:09:21 -0500 (EST)
From: tmabare@aol.com
Subject: The Captain of My Dreams - Part 1

This story is a work of fiction.  The events in this story are fictional.
The characters in this story do not exist, any resemblance to real people
is purely coincidental.  This story contains erotic and/or sexually
explicit activities between consenting adults.  If you are under age, find
this type of work offensive, or it is illegal for you to view this, do not
read it.

The Captain of My Dreams -- Part 1
By tmabare
Copyright 2011

Outside of Savannah, GA

The drive seemed longer than it had in the past.  The traffic today was
probably just heavier than usual.  It had been almost a year since Ted had
last been to Savannah, the city that was his getaway, a place to visit
friends and family.  One of his cousins, John, and his wife had moved to
Savannah after college and was now a well respected psychiatrist.

This was the first vacation Ted had taken in a little over a year. He had
allowed the demands of his job and teaching had kept him so busy that he
hadn't even thought about slowing down.  Had it not been for John inviting
him to visit, he probably would have kept right on working.  As he drove
east off of I-95, he began to daydream about the last trip he had made to
Savannah.  It was the last trip he and Phillip had taken together before
their breakup.  The pain was still as raw as if it happened yesterday.

His cell phone's ringing brought him back to the present, the caller ID
showing the last person he wanted to talk to. "Hello, Stephanie."

"Mr. Jackson, you left the office without signing the contract for the
upgrades to the server farm.  The IT department has been hounding me all
morning.  I know you are on vacation, but they say this can't wait for you
to come back."

"Stephanie, the work isn't going to start for four weeks.  The vendor
already has a verbal from me to order the parts, and they know that I won't
be back in the office for two weeks.  I spoke to the President of the
company and he is more than happy to wait for me to get back to sign the
contract.  Now, please tell Peterson in IT that if he doesn't stop
harassing my assistant I will send him back to the mail room where he
started during his summers in high school."

"Thank you, sir.  I tried to explain that you wouldn't just leave without
taking care of things.  You know how they are, I was afraid that if I
didn't call you I would suddenly find myself without computers for some
unknown reason.  Enjoy your vacation, I will see you in two weeks."

"Goodbye, Stephanie.  Please forget my cell phone number."  He wanted to
switch his phone off, but that just wasn't like him.  Too many
responsibilities to be able to just go off the grid for a few days, or was
it that all the distractions kept him from thinking too much about the
past.

The rest of the drive to Savannah was uneventful, and by the time he pulled
into John's driveway he had finally allowed himself to relax.

Getting out of the car he saw the side door to the house open and out came
the twins as fast as their legs could carry them.  "Uncle Teddy!"  The two
little four year olds threw themselves at him as he picked them up into his
arms.

"I've missed you guys.  Look how big you are getting."  It had been too
long since he had seen them last.  Talking to them on Skype every weekend
had kept him in touch, but that was not the same as being able to touch
them.

Mark and Dylan snuggled their faces into both sides of Ted's neck and were
holding with all the strength they could manage.  It was then that Ted
noticed John and Laura standing in the open doorway.  He walked towards
them watching them smile as he got nearer.

John was the first to speak, "I don't think they are ever that happy to see
me when I get home."

"We see you all the time Dad."  The boys said in almost perfect unison.

"Come on boys, Ted has had a long drive.  Let's get his stuff in the house
and then we have a long time to spend with him on this trip."

Ted gently placed the boys back on the ground and hugged John and Laura as
the boys began talking at what seemed to be light speed.  Even though they
talked so often, it was as if they wanted to tell Ted everything he had
missed in the last year.  They were right with him as the bags were
retrieved from the car and placed into the guest room.  Ted sat on the
floor in the twin's playroom and kept talking to them until they finally
got too tired and were put down for their naps.

Moving to the table in the kitchen he was finally able to talk to John and
Laura.  "I forgot how much energy the two of them have.  I thought I was
going to need a nap before they did."

"Ted they've missed you so much.  They talk about you all the time."  There
was concern in Laura's voice.  "They ask about Phillip too. We have tried
to explain to them, but I'm not sure they really understand.  I just wanted
to warn you that they may ask you.  Just so you aren't caught off guard."

"Ted, I'm not sure how you are going to react to this but Phillip still
calls and talks to the boys."  The look on John's face almost made Ted
laugh.

"Don't worry.  He was a part of their lives since they were born.  I think
I would be more upset if he didn't talk to them at all.  There is no reason
that the boys should have to suffer just because we aren't together
anymore."  It was harder than Ted thought possible to not start to cry when
he thought of Phillip playing with the boys and how much they loved him and
he loved them.

John reached out and placed his hand on top of Ted's, "We are throwing a
party tomorrow afternoon.  There are going to be some people from the base
here.  I don't mean to spring this on you, but we weren't sure if you were
actually going to come and we wanted to have one more party before it gets
too cold."

Great, a party, just what he didn't really need right now.  But, it would
give him the opportunity to play with the boys more, and they could be his
excuse for not spending time with the other guests. "No problem, friends or
patients?"

"They are all friends, and people that Laura sings with in the theatre.
There are even some Brits here on an exchange at the base.  No real
patients, but I have been unofficially talking to one of the British
officers.  He is going through a rough spot right now."

"I know you can't tell me anything about it, so I won't even ask."

"Would you like anything to drink or eat? Dinner will be at six tonight."
Laura was walking towards the fridge as she asked.

"Yeah some water would be great."

The rest of the evening went by quickly.  The boys were back full of energy
after their naps and were again the center of Ted's and their parent's
attention.  Ted help the boys eat their dinner and enjoyed the company of
the family.  After dinner, the group retired to the living room, where the
boys tried and finally did defeat the adults bowling on their Wii.

When it was time for bed, Ted carried the two boys up stairs and placed
them in their beds and they were tucked in and kissed goodnight by all
three of the adults.  It was then the adults who hugged in the hall and
went towards their rooms.

After a long hot shower, Ted finally laid down in what had been his
designated room over the years.  Laying there he could remember the last
trip.  The feel of having Phillip in bed with him here, the touch of their
bare skin together, the joy of having Phillip make love to him.  Ted could
feel a single tear run down his face as he fell off to sleep.

***

"I don't love you.  I don't know what I was thinking.  I'm sorry that I
ever gave you the impression that this relationship was what I wanted.  I
have been confused and now I realize that this was all a mistake.  I'm
sorry, but just can't do this anymore."

The tears were streaming down Ted's face as you sat there with Phillip
saying such hurtful things.  He couldn't speak it was just too painful.  He
didn't say anything as Phillip took the last of his bags and left the house
they had shared.

"I hope that someday you can find someone that will love you like you want.
Just remember that you deserve love, and you are worthy of it.  I'm sorry
that I hurt you, but its better now rather than later.  I could never be
happy with you."

With that the door shut and he was gone.

***

Ted woke up crying.  He hadn't had the dream of that day in many months.
It had to be the memories of being here with Phillip that brought it all
flowing back to the surface.  What has he thinking, Phillip was 21 when
they met, while Ted had been 35.  It had always been Ted who was worried
about the age difference and never Phillip, but then at the end he just
couldn't understand.  It had all started just after their final trip to
Savannah.

Ted crawled out of bed and made his way to the bathroom.  Maybe another
warm shower would help him relax.  As he stood under the showerhead he
tried to remember the last time he had even had sex with himself.  Then he
realized that he hadn't even masturbated since Phillip had left. ` Sad that
I don't even want to have sex with myself, let alone anyone else.'

Ted finished his shower and after drying off, he dressed in khaki cargo
shorts and a polo shirt.  It had become his uniform for the times he was
not working.  He made his way down to the kitchen and started to help Laura
and John get ready for their party.

The rest of the morning went by fairly quickly, and it was soon time for
the guests to start arriving.  John asked Ted to man the grill, which was a
great relief to him.  It meant that he wouldn't have to mingle as long as
there was food cooking and it provided a barrier to many people just coming
up and talking to him.  Or at least that was what he hoped.

The guests were quickly arriving and Ted was taking stock of all of the
attendees from his vantage point behind the grill.  John and Laura were
funneling people towards Ted so that he met everyone.  It was during a lull
in the cooking that Ted saw a group of young men walk in that were
obviously the group from the UK.  As they walked from the back door towards
John and Laura, the final member of their group emerged from the house.

Ted felt his heart skip a beat.  The man was 6'2", had blonde hair that was
cut very short, and was extremely attractive.  He was muscular but not too
muscular.  His arms were large and showed great definition, and his torso
made a perfect V to smaller waste and he looked to have muscular legs.  His
Capri pants gave him away as European immediately.  But damn, did he fill
them out perfectly.  There appeared to be something large bulging the
crotch and Ted was staring hoping for sudden x-ray vision.  It was then
that the man turned and Ted saw the scars.  There were scars on the left
side of the young man's face and head.  Even with the scars the man was
still incredibly beautiful.  He looked like he was in his mid twenties, and
Ted was sure it wasn't healthy to let himself think like he suddenly was.
It just felt wrong, but at the same time it was the first time he had had
sexual feeling for anyone since Phillip left.

Watching the group of newly arrived men mingle he found himself trying to
actually figure out a way to talk to them, and especially the young god
with them.  `What the hell am I thinking, just forget about it.  Don't get
hung up on someone you don't even know.' He kept repeating to himself over
and over.

It was Laura who brought him out of his new found mantra, "I see you have
noticed our newest arrivals.  I want you to meet them, come on."  She
reached out and pulled Ted by his arm towards the group.

John was watching as they got closer and stopped talking as Laura and her
reluctant charge approached the group from behind.  "Guys, I want you to
meet my cousin, Ted Jackson."

With that each of the men gave Ted their hand and introduced themselves,
until there was only one person left.  As he extended his hand, Ted was
able to get a much closer look at him.  His eyes were an amazing green, and
there appeared to be only one scar on his face along his jaw line.  Ted
noticed several other scars on the side of the man's head, but they didn't
deduct from his looks, if anything they added to them.

As their hands touched, Ted felt like he had stuck his finger in an
electric socket.  It almost made him jump, as he tried to not outwardly
show the surge he felt.

"Edward Smythe."  His smile was just about as perfect as the rest of him.
His deep voice was amazing, Ted thought he could just listen to him talk
for hours, it was so relaxing.

"Ted Jackson, it's good to meet you."  When Laura squeezed his arm he
realized he was still holding Edward's hand.  He smiled and quickly
released his grip and as the conversation started again he made his way
back towards the grill.

Once back at the grill Ted tried to immerse himself back into cooking.
Several of the times he scanned the crowd he found that Edward was looking
at him.  One of the times Edward even smiled and gave a quick nod.

"He's very attractive isn't he?" Laura's voice startled him.

"Yeah, I think that's an understatement.  I must be losing my mind."

"He's an amazing young man.  I will tell you a little about him, stuff I
know he won't at least right away.  He was injured in Afghanistan, when his
vehicle struck an IED.  His driver was killed instantly and two others were
injured.  He fought off the attack that followed, wounded and while caring
for the injured.  Those scars and the ones you can't see right now are the
visible portion of his injuries.  He is still hurting and thinking that he
should have done more.  Then to top it off, when he got home his wife left
him and took their daughter.  I'm not sure what all happened, but I know he
feels very alone and is still dealing with a bunch of the shit caused by
her and his injuries. "

"That sucks.  Thanks for telling me, and also for letting me know he's
straight, without saying it so bluntly."  Ted heard the disappointment in
his own voice.

"I think he really needs a friend.  Someone he can talk to that isn't in
his unit, and isn't a professional.  I'll be honest here; John was hoping
you'd talk to him.  You know, more than any of us, some of what he is going
through."

"Oh great, what the hell am I?"  His voice was a little louder than he had
planned, and he could feel the anger building in him.  Ted took a deep
breath and tried to regain his composure as he noticed that a large portion
of the assembled guests were looking at him. "I'm sorry La, I'm not sure
what good I'll be.  I am still trying to deal with my own issues, how am I
supposed to help someone else?"

"I honestly think you can help each other.  You just need to give it a
chance, for me?"  Her hand touched his arm, and she put a little pressure
in her grip, "I think you could both use a friend right about now."

As Laura walked away, Ted wanted to just get in the car and drive away.  He
was still fuming, but he couldn't figure out why he was so mad.  It was
then he felt two sets of hands on his legs pulling at his shorts.

"Uncle Teddy, will you play with us?"  Dylan's face was angelic looking up
at him.

"I'm sorry Dylan, but I have to cook."

"Nobody will play with us."  Matthew's voice sounded like he was going to
cry.

"I'll play with you.  Let's let your Uncle keep working." Ted jumped as he
heard the voice with its distinctive tone and accent behind him.  He hadn't
realized that Edward had moved so close to him.

"Thanks Edward."  Ted tried to hide his surprise, but wasn't sure he had.
Edward was close enough that Ted was able to pick up on his smell.  It was
mixture of soap and testosterone, and it was heaven.  No cologne or
anything else to mask the natural, just that little bit of soap smell.  Ted
found himself breathing deeper, and caught a small smile form on Edward's
face.

"What do you two want to play, football?"

"No we like soccer."

Edward smiled and stifled a laugh, "Even better.  You guys know that we
call soccer football where I'm from?"

With that the boys went into overdrive asking questions and talking with
their new friend.  They each grabbed one of Edward's big hands and dragged
him away to the far side of the yard while retrieving a soccer ball.

Ted went back to his grilling, keeping an eye on the boys playing.  It was
the two little ones against the big guy, and Edward was making sure they
had fun.  He seemed to be enjoying himself as much as they were.

By the time the last of the food was cooked, the boys were finally tired
and dragged Edward back from the far side of the yard. "Uncle Teddy, he is
so cool.  Did you see him playing with us?"

"I sure did Dylan. Looks like you two were having fun.  I think it's time
you and Matthew go inside and get cleaned up, we're about to eat."

"Come on lads, I'll go with you." With that Edward picked them up and
carried them off towards the house.

Ted looked down at himself and realized that he needed to clean up a little
before dinner also.  He walked towards the house, following Edward and the
boys, and when he entered the house he could hear the boys steadily talking
to their new friend.

"Mr. Edward, thank you for playing with us."

"You're welcome Matthew.  I had a good time.  We'll have to do it again
soon."

"That would be great! Uncle Phillip used to play with us all the time when
he was around.  But he's gone now, and we really miss him." Dylan's voice
showed the hurt and confusion that he must feel over not seeing the man he
knew as his uncle.

"I'm sorry to hear that.  What happened to him?"

Ted felt the urge to interrupt but at the same time, he didn't want to
intrude into the boys' conversation with Edward.  Deep down he knew this
would also give him the chance to hear just what the twins were feeling.

"Mommy said that he and Uncle Teddy weren't together anymore, so Uncle
Phillip wouldn't be coming to visit us again with Uncle Teddy.  Uncle Teddy
hasn't been here to see us in a long time.  Mommy said that he was really
sad, but that he still loves us."  Dylan's voice was starting to crack, and
Ted watched as Edward hugged them both.

The feelings of guilt rushed over Ted and he suddenly found himself weak in
the knees.  He slowly shrunk onto the ground in the hallway outside of his
room, placing his face in his hands and silently wept.  The tears were
flowing through his fingers and down his arms.

It was the sound of Edward's voice that brought him back, "Lads, go ahead
and head outside.  I'm going to wash up and then I'll be right out."
Edward had placed himself between Ted and the twins, hiding him from their
view.

After the boys had headed down the stairs, Edward turned and knelt down
beside Ted.  "Sorry, mate." was all he said as he placed his hand on Ted's
forearm.

There was that sudden jolt of electricity again, and Ted took a sudden
breath in.  "I'm sorry, you saw me like this.  You'd think that I would be
past this by now.  It just hurt to know that the boys are so upset."

"How long has it been?"

"Last year, just before Christmas."

"My wife left me and took my daughter about the same time.  Since then I
have been alone.  Today's the first time I've allowed myself any real
contact with anyone since then.  Those two little lads made me forget the
pain for a little while at least."

"Yes, they have that affect on me too.  It was just the pain in Dylan's
voice made me feel I had failed them.  Because of me they lost someone they
love."

"Nonsense, you didn't fail them." To emphasis his point, Edward squeezed
Ted's arm a little tighter.

Ted forced himself off of the floor, "Ok, so I guess we need to get washed
up and head back out there."  He forced himself to smile and placed his
hand over Edward's on his arm, "Thank you, Edward."

"No worries."  His accent seemed to change slightly and sounded more
Australian than English.

"I thought you were British, you sure sounded like an Aussie."

"I grew up in Sydney.  My dad is in the diplomatic corps."

"Nice.  One of the few places left I want to visit, and haven't had time to
get to yet.  We better get going before they send out a search party for
us.  Can we talk more later?  I'd really like the opportunity to get to
know you better."

"Sure, I'd like that."

By the time they made it back outside, everyone was sitting and enjoying
their meals.  There were only a couple seats left, and they happened to be
at the table with John, Laura, and the boys.  The men sat and enjoyed their
food and a good conversation.

"So, Ted, what do you do for a living?"

John was quick to answer before Ted could, "He works in the family
businesses.  You know we have that little construction company and a
consulting firm."  John lightly kicked Ted under the table, to emphasize
his statement.

Ted thought to himself, `Now there is something seriously going on here.
Jackson International could hardly be called a little construction company,
and that was only a small portion of the family run businesses that make up
Jackson Global. `

"Yeah, I'm an accountant with the company, and I teach for one of the
schools."

Edward seemed interested at least, "Sounds fascinating to work for
yourself."

Ted wanted to ask a million questions, but thought he would start with the
easy ones. "So, what about you?  I know you are in the military."

"I'm a Captain in the Household Calvary."

With that John quickly looked at Edward as if to say something and he
received a stern look back from Edward that was not lost on Ted.

Ted thought he should just keep going with the conversation and not
acknowledge what he observed, "Fascinating, I have always loved to watch
the Horse Guards whenever I visit London.  Maybe I have seen you?"

"You very well may have."

As the afternoon moved into evening, some of the guests began to excuse
themselves and leave.  Edward had moved back to talk to the group of
soldiers he was with and Ted was in the twins' sandbox where they were
playing with their trucks.

"You know, your dad and I used to play with trucks just like these when we
were your age."

"Wow, you're old Uncle Teddy."

Ted couldn't help but laugh, "Thank you Matthew.  You are so good for my
ego."

"That's what daddy says too."

"You know Uncle Teddy has some of these trucks that are real size.  We need
to get you to one of the construction sites and let you play on the real
thing."

Matthew dropped his truck and looked at Teddy, "Really?"

"Of course, we'll talk to your dad about it later."

It was then that Ted saw Laura walking up, "Mommy! Mommy!  Look at Uncle
Teddy playing with us!"

"Look at my three little boys playing."  Laura couldn't help but laugh at
Ted hunkered down in the sand box with a large Tonka truck.
"Matthew... Dylan... it's time for bed, you've had a long day.  As for you
Teddy, everyone wants to go inside and get the karaoke machine going.  Are
you gonna come?"

He hadn't sung in front of anyone since Phillip had left.  "I don't know
La, I'm not sure I'll be much fun."

"We're going to break out the alcohol too."

`What the hell', Ted thought to himself.  Maybe getting plastered wouldn't
be so bad.  "Ok, I'm in.  Just promise me you won't let me get in any
trouble."

"Oh, he -- heck no.  I love it when you are little over the limit and
singing.  That's when the real you comes out to play."

"Yeah, that's what I'm afraid of."  Ted got up and walked with Laura and
the boys towards the house.  "I had a little breakdown earlier, and of
course who was there to see it."

"What happened?"

Ted related the scene to Laura, and still wasn't happy with himself.

"Well, it looks like you have already been more of a help to him than you
know.  I'll talk to John about it, if you don't mind.  John told me Edward
hadn't spoken about his wife to anyone so far.  He hasn't told you what
exactly what happened with his wife, but at least he opened the door to
you."

"La, just don't let me make a fool out of myself with him here.  He must
already think I'm a freaking queen for the drama earlier.  I don't wanna
confirm it with any dancing on a table or anything.  Promise me."

"Damn, and here I was hoping that you would do that little striptease again
like last year."  The smirk that Laura had gave away her joke.

"Ok, I was plastered last time, but I know I didn't drop trou.  Did I?"

"Remind me to show the video to everyone."

"Oh, hell no. I'm leaving."  Ted took a step towards the gate to the
driveway, before Laura grabbed his arm.  With that they both broke out
laughing.

`Finally,' Laura thought to herself, `a real laugh.  Edward is a miracle
worker.'

As they reached the door to the house, Ted turn to her, "I'm gonna go and
get some of this dirt off me.  I'll be down in a few minutes."

"Ok, we are gonna get started."

While Ted was upstairs he could hear the party already going below.  The
first voice he heard was of course Laura's.  She had always loved to sing,
and since their move to Savannah she had taken up musical theatre in her
spare time.  It was her outlet from work and the kids.  Ted decided to take
a quick shower before he headed down.

When he got out of the shower, he heard a voice singing that was absolutely
incredible.  The song was Josh Turner's, I Wouldn't Be a Man, and it was
sung with such feeling that it touched Ted.  By the time he was dressed and
down stairs there was already a new person singing and he couldn't tell who
had sung so beautifully.

As Ted walked towards the back of the room, Laura handed him a drink.
"What is this?"

"John made it.  All I know is that is a double."

Ted took a huge drink, and about spit it back out. "Good God, is there
anything in here besides vodka?"

John walked by just as the question was asked, "Shit no, why dilute it?"
He kept walking while laughing.

"La, your husband is trying to get me drunk."

"You're right, but don't worry. Oh, by the way, if he tries to take
advantage of you, please let him.  I need a damn night off from the sex
fiend."  With that they both burst out laughing.  They watched as John
handed Edward another large glass, "My, my, I don't think you're the only
one he's plying with alcohol."

The look on Edward's face when he took a sip from his made the two of them
laugh again.  The laughing got Edward's attention, and he smiled as Ted
raised his glass to him from across the room.

After the first drink was downed, Ted finally felt himself let go of some
of his inhibitions and walked to take the microphone from the last singer.
After looking over the list of songs he just couldn't chose so he enlisted
Laura's help.  "What the hell, surprise me," then a little quieter he
added, "just nothing too flaming."

When the music started, Ted found himself singing Bon Jovi's, Wanted Dead
or Alive.  He thought to himself, `What a fucking perfect song choice.'

During the song, he tried to not look at Edward too much, but he kept
finding himself going back to those green eyes.  Each time Edward was
looking back with a smile on his face that seemed to get bigger as the song
went on.  When he was done there was the same applause all the singers
received.

Ted moved back to where he had been standing with Laura, and was joined
shortly by Edward and John.  Edward was carrying two drinks and handed one
to Ted. "John said you needed another drink.  I made this one for you."

"Thanks Edward," Ted smiled as he spoke it and then took a drink.  The urge
to choke was even more than the last time. "Fuck Me!  You're just as bad as
he is." Ted said it as he pointed his thumb at John.

Edward and John had large grins on their faces and high fived each other.
"I warned you Edward, he is a whiney drunk. And Ted, I'm sure Edward
doesn't take requests."

The only answer Ted had was to give John the middle finger.

"Come on mate.  Drink up."  The grin on Edward's face made Ted hotter than
he was with just the alcohol.

After scanning the room, Ted noticed that the other soldiers that had come
with Edward to the party were now gone. "Did your friends leave you?"

"Yeah, they had to be back early.  I have some leave coming, so I am going
to stay and enjoy myself.  John was nice enough to offer me a place to stay
off of the base for a little while."

Ted had an urge to take another large drink, "Great."

"Edward, let's get some food, and some more drinks.  It looks like Ted is
getting low, again." John walked off with Edward in tow.

As they walked off, Ted turned to Laura who had a surprised look on her
face. "What the fuck was that about?"

"I was about to ask the same thing.  I'm going to kill your husband
tonight, just so you know."

"I just may let you.  I don't know what the hell he is thinking."  She then
got a small grin on her face, "That's not true, I think I do know what he
is thinking, but he better not fucking try it."

"What do you think he is doing?" There was evident fear in Ted's voice.

"Don't worry sweetie.  Why don't we get another song for you."

With Ted in tow, Laura moved back to the front of the room and started
flipping through songs.  Ted was too busy watching Edward and John to pay
much attention to what Laura was selecting.  When she was done she looked
at Ted and smiled.

"Ok, do you trust me?"

"Hell no."  Ted was silent for a second and then started again, "Why not,
what the hell do I have to lose anyway."

"That's the spirit."

Ted walked to the front of the room and took the mic as the applause for
the last singer was getting quieter.  He stood there looking at the screen
and waited for the music to start; when it did he almost threw the
microphone at Laura.

"I'll get you for this!"

Laura just smiled and walked back towards John and Edward.  When Ted looked
at Edward he had a big grin again and was starting to laugh, he obviously
knew the music.

Ted found himself belting out Reba's version of Fancy.  By the end of the
song that second drink was in full force and whatever anger he had was
gone.  Edward and Laura had moved towards the front and it looked like he
was selecting a song.  Ted couldn't wait to hear his voice singing.

When he started singing, Ted knew instantly that Edward's had been the
voice he heard earlier while getting out of the shower.  Now Edward was
singing Johnny Cash's Ring of Fire.  Ted was spellbound, such an incredible
singing voice coming out of that beautiful man.

Laura leaned closer, "Close your mouth honey, you're about to start
drooling."

Ted lightly hit Laura on her shoulder. "Holy shit, do you believe that
voice?  He looks like a damn Greek god, and he has the voice of an angel."

"It's almost as good as yours."

"No way, he is so much better than me."

"Trust me, he was just as impressed with your voice, as you seem to be with
his."

As the song ended, Ted was clapping louder than everyone else.  Edward made
his way over to him, and took another drink from John.  He leaned towards
Ted, "I think John is trying to get us gassed."

"I think you're right mate."  With that both men started to laugh.  Ted
couldn't remember the last time he was this comfortable and relax.

The night continued with both men singing more songs.  In between their
songs, Edward had taken up a position right next to Ted.  Not so close as
to touch, but definitely closer than a stranger would stand next to
another.  The close proximity was driving Ted wild.  As they talked, Ted
took every opportunity to touch Edward, by placing a hand on his arm or
shoulder, to make a point while they talked.  Edward never once flinched or
moved away.

As the guests started leaving, it was finally just John, Laura, Edward and
Ted sitting in the living room.  Their conversation continued about the
night's activities and Ted could feel himself getting more and more sleepy.
He tried to put his thoughts into a cohesive sentence. "I...  need to...
bed."

Edward was the first to answer, "To bed who?"  His voice less slurred than
Ted's but his eyes were bloodshot and all could tell he was buzzed well
beyond his normal reserved self.

"Alright boys, it's time for bed.  John, Edward you both need to help Teddy
up the stairs and get him in bed." Laura was always the voice of reason,
and thankfully she had stopped at a single drink earlier in the night.

"Oooh, a threesome, I... don't do those...  Johnny... La said for
you... get me in bed.  She... wanted... night off from you." As soon as he
said it, Ted could feel himself blush, adding to the others' laughter from
his statement.

John pulled Ted from the couch, and led him towards the stairs.  At the
foot of the stairs, Ted almost fell over taking the first step, but
suddenly found he was being lifted completely off of the ground, and was
thrown over Edward's shoulder.  He was looking directly at Edward's ass as
he was being carried up the stairs.

"La, have you seen this ass?  It is fan-fucking-tastic...  I bet you could
bounce a quarter off of this thing."  Ted reached out and groped the ass
that was directly in front of his face.  This caused him to blush even
deeper. "Oh, holy shit... did I just say that out loud? Oh fuck! Did I just
grab your ass?"

"You sure did mate." Laughing the whole time, Edward used his free hand to
give a light smack to Ted's ass, "watch it with the hands, I would hate to
drop you on your head."

The smack made Ted giggle, and the last thing he remembered was Edward
putting him on the bed in Ted's room.