Date: Tue, 17 Jul 2007 21:46:26 +0000
From: Steve Thomas <stevethomas535@hotmail.com>
Subject: Ben's Fantasy - ch. 38

This is a work of pure fiction, but based on the author's feelings,
beliefs, and in some cases, experience.  Come to think of it -- it might
not be very pure either! There may be graphic sexual encounters at times
between men, so if this offends you, you are invited to retreat.  If you
are too young or it is otherwise illegal for you to be reading this kind
if story, shame on you for reading it - - please stop here.  If not, - -
ENJOY!

 Cast of characters:

 Ben Hastings -- That's me!

Bill "Bubba" Hastings -- My Dad

Veronica Hastings -- My Mom.

Reyna -- My Best Friend

Ranj Kumar-- Another friend

Jared -- A football whore.

Rex Majors -- Ranj's roommate.

Everett Majors - Rex's younger brother

Mick and Mack Majors - The twins

Kirby and Wyatt -- the youngest Majors

Etienne Croissant -- Salesman

Alan Randall -- Dad's friend

Al Randall -- Alan's son.

From Chapter 37:

I removed the bracelet and said, "Save this Ranj.  Save it for someone
who can do it justice."  I handed it to him.  He stared past me a
moment, his eyes again swimming, and he looked into my eyes, also full,
and said, "I'll always love you, Ben.  Always."

"Me too, Ranj.  Me too."  I said and I walked slowly into the house.

I went in to the house.  Ev was back home, all smiles, with Red by his
side.  They and Al were all dressed to go to the beach.  I said, "I'll
be right out."  I went to my bedroom, closed the door and changed into
my surfer shorts.  I passed my bed on my way to the door.  I threw myself
on to it and buried my face in the pillow and silently screamed out my
agony into my pillow.

As I waited for Al to pull his mom's big car out of our garage, I saw
something shiny under a plant in our neighbors flower bed.  I walked over
and it was my bracelet.  I picked up and smelled it -- hoping to catch
one last sniff of -- but -- there was no smell.  I slipped it in to one
of my pockets.

On the way to the beach, with Ev and Red in the back seat lost in each
other's eyes, Al said, "You did the right thing, Ben."  I hunched down
low in the seat and started to weep silently.  Al rubbed my arm in
sympathy.  "In two days, we'll do everything we can to help you forget,
bro.  Right now that's the most important thing in my life!"

Chapter 38

There were times that morning that -- like Ranj -- I wanted one of those
big waves to take me under and drown me.  But surprisingly, as the day
wore on, I felt better already.  Ranj was a big part of my life for a
small time.  I will always carry his memory close to my heart.  But I
kept remembering, "You did the right thing, Ben," that my new best
friend told me.  I MADE myself believe it, by repeating it to myself over
and over.

In the afternoon, Everett came home with us.  He tried to go back to
work, but they said they didn't want him back there until his wounds
were at least not quite so unsightly.  He could have probably threatened
some kind of government action -- because no doctor told anyone he could
not work.

But he was happy spending some extra time with us.  So he told them
instead that for the time being, he was quitting.  They liked him enough
that they told him that as soon as he knows his schedule at college, to
come back and they would work him into the schedule if he wanted.

As we drove home from the beach, Mia was securely fastened into the
seatbelt in the front seat, and I am sure she and Al were wishing that
huge center console was there separating them, as they held hands over
it, and Al drove with his left hand.

Ev and I sat in the back seat, and Al had put on some dreamy music --
instead of the rock that he usually listened to -- because Mia fell
asleep, leaned over and lying on top of their clasped hands.  I was awake
and talking low to Al, because Everett was also asleep -- his head on my
lap.  His face was to the front and his hand was between my legs.

As people do as they are sleeping -- especially in a car, his sleep was
jerky.  And every time he jerked, his hand jabbed up to my groin -- but
just enough that I felt it.  I patted and petted his head.  I of course
was hard as a rock.  Then I felt something wet on my leg.  Ev was
drooling on me!  I smiled and ignored it, but it was mildly amusing.

Then he turned over and his nose was on top of my crotch.  He wiggled and
snuggled it in and breathed a hot breath into my shorts.  I felt the
familiar pulse as I pushed out some precum.  It didn't matter, because
my pants were all stained up from the salt water and my crotch was still
wet anyway.  He mumbled something, I'm not sure what, then snuggled his
face into my crotch again.  I wondered if he was dreaming about Red.

I like Red.  But I am a little worried about his initial statements
regarding liking older men.  Everett is a younger -- well, barely a man
-- if that.  Everett's head may be screwed up from the treatment he
received at his fathers hands for a long time -- maybe for life.  I know
Mom and Dad don't approve of him staying that one night with Red.  But
he is eighteen now.

And they probably don't want to rock his boat too much.  Dad will talk
to him sometime -- of that I am sure.  But he has to be allowed to choose
his own course -- just as I do.  I'm 21 now, but I am sure that Mom and
Dad will continue to advise me on things that they see as destructive in
my life.  I hope they do!  But I am pretty confident that they will only
offer advice -- and not insist I take it.  It's just the way they are.

Before we left, my dad told me, "Your mother and I have complete trust
in your judgment, Son, but if you need us for anything, it doesn't cost
a dime to dial my cell phone.  You know that you can call any time --
right?"

"Yes, Dad.  Thanks."

"Please keep a close eye on Everett.  I know he thinks he's in love
with this -- um -- Red is it?  Yeah, and he may feel like he has a lot of
freedom being away for the first time from home.  At his age, I'm sure
he's plenty, um -- you know!"

"Did you mean horny dad?"  I said with a smirk.  "Don't worry, I'll
keep a close eye on him -- er, them."

"He IS 18 now and -- well, in the eyes of the law -- a man.  So you can
only be an advisor to him.  If you try to be anything else, he might do
something just to spite you."

"I know dad.  Thanks for the advice."

"And of course, I wish there were someone to watch over you too.  But --
well -- just use good judgment son.  I know you too are hurting -- from
Ranj."

"I'll be okay, Dad.  Really.  I am a lot better than I was 2 days ago.
And a LOT better than Ranj probably is."

"We really do trust you, Ben.  Have a great time with your friends!"

"Thanks, Dad."

In the morning we leave for Maui.  I had a hard time sleeping, and when I
did get to sleep, I dreamt a strange dream.  Well, it my usual
juxtaposition of characters in my dreams.  What I was surprised at was
that even Red got into my embrace a couple times.  Well, he IS a cute
guy.  He looked and acted the part of the all-American boy -- well except
for one minor detail - -

The 5 hour flight was uneventful.  It was a morning flight, so we all
were awake and alert.  I can't remember what we talked about.  Al and I
were sitting opposite Everett and Red -- in first class.  They were as
animated as Al and I were.  Before we knew it we were at the Kahului
Airport, and renting our convertibles.  Both Red and Al decided that we
needed separate cars. We had identical Mustangs, except theirs was white
and ours was bright yellow.

We followed them as Red drove to his parents' condo.  I should have
guessed it was not in the low-rent district.  Their condo was what was
called a 2-bedroom lockout.  It was actually two separate units,
connected by a common entry.  One was a 1-bedroom apartment and the other
was a fully equipped studio apartment, both super luxurious with
whirlpool baths and separate showers, as well as complete kitchen, dining
room s and washer/dryers.

That gave Ev and Red the complete privacy I'm sure they wanted.  I for
one was almost relieved.  I called

Dad and explained it to him and he told me to have a good time.  He said
he would call Ev and talk to him.

We arrived in Maui at 3:30 PM, so there was just time to check in to the
condo and go out to dinner.  I brought money, but Al told me that this
was his treat and he would not take any flack in the matter.  Well, at
least he was treating me.  Red was doing the same with Everett.  The
payoff for Al was that we would get to know each other a lot better.  And
we can only guess what the payoff for Red is.

We went to a Mexican restaurant that night.  Not exactly what I thought
we'd be eating our first night in Hawaii.  "Why don't you guys come
over to our place tonight and we'll hang out for awhile -- unless
you're too tired."  Red challenged us.

"Great!"  Said Al.  "have you ever played the game, Apples to
Apples?"

"Nope."  We all said.

"Good!  I brought it along.  I play it with my mom and dad very often on
Monday nights."

"Monday nights?"

"Yeah, it's always family night at our house on Monday nights."

"Kewl!" Said Red.

In Apples to Apples, you had to guess what the others were thinking --
and you usually were wrong -- but it was fun and sometimes extremely
funny.

This condo was run like a hotel, so Red called room service and asked for
some snacks and drinks be brought to our place.  A very cute Hawaiian guy
appeared at our door in about 30 minutes.  I couldn't help him eyeing Al
-- up and down.  I was wishing it was I that he was eying!  After he
delivered the stuff, Red walked him back to the door and then tipped him.

Red offered us all a beer.  We all said "No thanks."

"I want some of those native Hawaiian juices," said Al, "since you
deemed to take us to a Mexican restaurant our first night here."

"How about some Mai Tais?  They have Hawaiian fruit juices in them!"
Said Red.

"I got drunk once too many times -- and the last time was a few weeks
ago.  I don't care for anyone to see me in that state ever again."
Said Al.

Red looked crestfallen.  "You mean I'm gonna have to drink all this
crap myself??!!"  He cried.  "If I'd known that I'd have ordered
something better!  Haha!"  He called and told room service to bring us a
variety of juices.

The same boy showed up -- well, actually he looked older than a boy.
"What's your name, Sweetie?"  Said Red.

"Huh?"  He said -- are you guys -- um - - I mean - "

"Yeah, we're gay -- all of us except the big guy at the far side of the
table."

"That's okay we can convert him!"  the guy retorted.

"What's your name, hon?"  Said Red.  "We may as well get to know each
other."

"I'm Frank."

"Well, I'm Red, and this here is my sweet boyfriend, Everett, over
there is the ever so beautiful Ben, and that one is the (ugh!) straight
one -- Al.  That's even more butch sounding than Frank!  Where did a
cute Hawaiian hunk like you pick up a name like that?"

"I like my name.  Among my friends, I'm the only one with less than 5
syllables to my name.  People remember it.  I like that part too!"

Then he looked past Al and seemed to drink me in, like I was a jug of
lemonade -- or maybe of pineapple juice!  I felt my cheeks burning.  This
time Al got up and walked him to the door, whispering something to him
and Frank grinned widely when he place whatever tip it was in his hand.

As our game progressed, I was almost wishing we were all drinking beer.
Red was increasingly getting giddier and giddier and laughing a lot more
and louder than the rest of us.  Sometime after midnight (it was 3:00 AM
back in California -- and we were all affected by jet lag) Al yawned and
said, "I dunno about the rest of you, but I'm ready for the sack!"

"Yeah, I dunno how we let these boys keep us up thish long!"  Slurred
Red.

Red then walked into the bedroom -- which could be seen from the dining
table where we were playing -- and he flopped down on the bed and seemed
to be dead to the world.  "I guess we'll see you sometime tomorrow
morning."  Said Everett, looking back almost sadly toward the bedroom.

"Yeah -- or afternoon!" Said Al.  "We're not on any schedule here!
G'night!"

When we got to our room, there was a king sized bed and a sofa bed.  Al
schlepped out of all his clothes and threw back the covers on the bed.
Then he hopped up and went to the thermostat and turned it to colder.  We
hadn't thought about turning it down earlier and it was pretty toasty in
our room.   He lay there, hands under his head and closed his eyes.  His
limp dick lay out like a piece of freshly scaled fish.

I got into my suitcase and put my stuff in the drawers and then put on my
sleep pants, turned out the light, and lay down on the sofa bed.
"We'll take turns sleeping on the sofa, Dude!"  He said.

"No, it's okay.  I don't mind - "

"Would you just shut the fuck up?"  He said.  "We'll trade off! And
if you're afraid of my cooties -- you can sleep on the other side of the
bed from where I slept tonight!  G'night!"

"Night."  I said.  With Al there, naked on his bed, I really felt my
juices going ape.  I wanted to wank so bad.  To make it worse, he didn't
seem to care that the moon shown brightly through the window on him.   It
was easy to see his package and a little dimmer, his face.  I waited
until I was sure he was asleep and quietly and slowly stroked myself to
the finish.  I too slept outside my sheets, and from experience knew that
my spunk would be dry by morning.

I was awake as soon as the sun peeked in around the room darkening shade
that was next to me.  Al was still lying on his back, drenched in the sun
-- and soundly asleep.  I turned away from the light and easily went back
to sleep.

"Hey Dude.  Ben!  You gonna sleep all day?  Wo!  You better go take care
of that thing before it explodes.  Wo  Wo Wo!  You musta had some sweet
dreams last night!"

I was wide awake instantly and looked down to see that my boner was
protruding very nicely from the fly in my sleep shorts, and they were
spotted with very white cum stains - and not only that, it was obvious
that the little treasure trail from my belly button was crusted with the
stuff too.  I felt my cheeks and ears get hot.

"Hey, don't worry, Dude -- we all do it!"

I ran to the bathroom and closed the door, saying, "Sorry!"

I peed, then cleaned myself up and then came back out naked -- which was
exactly how he was too.  I avoided looking at him.  "Hey, dude!"  he
said.  "Look, it's really no big deal, I mean -- even if you had a good
time doing whackin' yer lolly, I wouldn't care.  It's not as if I
don't!"  He saw the look on my face and added, "Aha!  You DID whack
it, Didn't you?  Good, now we know it's legal in our room!  Haha.  Now
you can't say anything when you hear my bedsprings squeaking!"

I'm sure he was just trying to make me feel better -- and to some extent
it worked.  But I was still extremely embarrassed.  I mean my best friend
-- saw me at my -- well -- it was not comfortable, that's for sure!

I said, "Do you want the shower first, or - "

"No, go ahead on Dude!  I'll just flip on the tube and see what's
going on in the world."

I got some underwear out of my drawer and went to the bathroom.  As soon
as I was enjoying a nice hot shower, Al came in and walked past to the
toilet room.  I thought I may have heard some moaning before he flushed
the toilet.  I wondered if he did that for my benefit.

I was out and toweling off when he came in again.  "Mind of I shave?

"Not at all."  I said, turning away from him.  I finished drying and
put on my underwear, and looked back as I was leaving to see his very
tight butt protruding as he leaned close to the mirror to see his face.
His flaccid meat was laid out on the counter, because he was half on top
of it to see to his shave.  Our eyes met and he grinned.  I of course
turned red and left the bathroom.

When he came out of the bathroom, still naked, he said, "Ben -- if it
bothers you, I can put something on.  I just like to go naked when I
can.  But maybe that's too -- um - "

" -- arousing?" I said.  "You are a very sexy guy.  I guess I can get
used to it, but yeah, it kinda gets to me -- obviously!"  I said as I
readjusted myself for about the fifth time.

"Well, if you did it too, we'd be on the same page, at least."  He
said.

"No -- we wouldn't."  I made myself laugh.  "'Cuz I'd have a
continual boner -- and -- and -- you wouldn't!"

Actually that kind of makes me feel good.  I mean -- that I turn you on.
Is it true that all gay guys crave to get into a straight dude's
pants."

"No!"

"Really -- `cuz it was another gay friend that told me that."

"No, it's not just any straight guy -- only that hot ones!"  I joked.

"OH!  Heh!  I guess -- Haha -- well, Alrighty then!  Thanks -- I
guess!"

"Are we going surfing today?"

"Dunno.  Maybe.  We have two weeks, so there's no rush.  This days half
over already."  He said, getting a pair of shorts out.  He put them on
and I felt a little regretful - - and silly.

KNOCK KNOCK!

He opened the door and both Ev and Red were standing there.  Ev looked
ready to conquer the world.  Red looked beat to hell.

"Damn, Ev!  What did you do to that poor boy last night?  You look
whipped, Red!"  Said Al.

"I feel worse than that!  Why didn't you stop me from drinking so many
beers?"

"You're a big boy, Red!"

"Don't worry; I'LL make sure THAT doesn't happen again on this
trip!"  Said Everett.

"Yeah, I wasn't much good to this boy last night!"  moaned Red.  "So
-- I'll bet you two had some wild sex last night!" He sneered.  His
answer was an uplifted middle finger from Al.

"Oho!  Is that an invitation?  But -- I respect guys that keep their sex
life to themselves!"  Said Red.  "But I wouldn't mind a little porn
right now -- it might take some of the extra blood that is pounding away
at my temples!"

In an attempt to change the subject, Al said, "All Righty then!  Anyone
interested in some breakfast?  What do they have in that cabana out there
by the pool, Red?"

"I couldn't even THINK about eating right now -- but all they'll have
now is lunch stuff."

"I'm hungry enough to eat a horse!"  Said Everett!

"Yeah, especially since  I didn't give you a chance to eat my donkey
last night!"

So much for the effort to change the subject.

"What's it take to get your mind outa your crotch, Dude?"  Said Al,
disgustedly.

"Hey, I'm a sexual being -- what can I say?"

Ignoring that -- in another effort to steer the conversation in another
direction, Al said, "What kind of food do they have at the cabana?  And
don't even tell me about their polish dogs!"  Al smiled at his own
weary wit.

"They have a dynamite Monte Cristo sandwich."

"What's that?"  Asked Everett.

"I'd describe it, but I might puke!"  said Red.

"It's like a club sandwich deep fried in French toast."  Said Al.  Red
ran for the bathroom holding his mouth.

"Ew!"  I said.

"OOoo!  Sounds great!"  Said Everett.

"Actually it can be if they do it right."  Said Al.  Then he hollered
toward the bathroom, Hey, We're heading down to the cabana. When you're
finished in there, you can lie down out here."  As we headed for the
door, Al added, laughing, "Use the bed!  Ben has to sleep there
tonight!"

When we got out the door, Everett said, "What?  Ben has to -- What?
Those beds're awesome!  Why would -- I mean, I'd -- wait a minute!  Are
you guys actually sleeping in separate beds?  Why??!!  It's a king sized
bed!  And it's the most awesome bed I've ever slept on!  You guys are
crazy!"

"I just don't want Al molesting me!"  I said.  That earned ME Al's
middle finger.

"I TOLD you -- I THOUGHT you were a girl!"  He said, laughing.

"Woo-Hoo!"  Said Everett, laughing.  "Sounds like things are heating
up in your room!"

"Okay, enough about -- about -- just shut up!"  Said Al.  "I prefer
sleeping with a girl."  He looked at me daring me to say anything.  I
didn't.

"That's because you've never been done by a guy!"

"Thank GOD we're at the cabana!  Let's just go in and eat!"  Al said,
trying hard not to be rude, but obviously tired of the current
conversation.

They coaxed me into getting a Montecarlo.  It was the closest thing that
had to breakfast, with the optional syrup offered -- which we all
ordered.  We were about half done when Red walked in and to our table.
He looked at our plates and turned and ran out.  We laughed so hard WE
almost threw up!

"What do you guys wanna do this afternoon?"  asked Al.

"Aren't we gonna surf?"  Asked Everett.

"We have a couple weeks to do that.  And it takes driving some distance
-- I think.  But Red said there's great diving out in front of this
place.  You guys ever done scuba?"

"Not in northern Texas -- no sir!"

"I have done a lot of snorkeling but never scuba."  I added.

"Well -- we can snorkel today.  But by week's end, I'm gonna have both
of you scuba diving."

"Surfing and scuba diving!  I love it!"  Said Everett.  "Any other
surprises?"

"Well, if I told you, they wouldn't be surprises, would they?  No, not
really.  We definitely have to bike down Haleakala.  It's 30 miles all
down hill!"

Red came back and sat down.  "I thought you were gonna lie down?"  Said
Al.

"That was YOUR idea.  I hate missing out on anything."  Said Red,
hoarsely.

"Too late!"  Replied Al.  "We've already planned out the whole two
weeks.  Are you sure you're okay?  Hey, you want a bite?"  He held up a
syrupy fork full of deep fried glop.

"You can't make me run outa here again.  There's nothing left to
chuck!"  Red said, but then he grasped his tummy and bolted for the door
again.

"Matter of fact, let's talk to the concierge after breakfast.  He will
know who to call about the bike ride."  Said Al.  I knew nothing of such
services and stuff.

Red poked his head back in the door and rasped, "I'll be on one of
those sun chairs, drying out, when you're ready."

"Get some water in you -- no matter how bad you feel, we don't want to
be picking you up off the ground because you are dehydrated.  You of all
people should know that!"

After he left, Al said, disgustedly, "A drunk paramedic!  What's that
about?"

"He's a paramedic?"  Said Everett.

"Well, not specifically, but life guards are trained to handle a lot of
things they do and dehydration is one of them at the beach."

"Oh.  Um -- I don't think he's a drunk.  He said that's the first
time he's ever drunk that much."  Said Everrett.

"Well, I hope that's true."  Said Al.  "I've known him for a couple
years, but never off the beach before."  Then he added, "You know
that`s what they all say."

"Huh?"  Said Everett.

"Most drunks say they are not drunks and they can stop any time they
want.  Well, I guess we'll see in the next two weeks."

We got our answer faster than we thought.  After we left the cabana, we
found Red, whose green had turned to a mild yellow -- which was a much
more flattering color for him.  We all headed back to the condo, and
found that Red had put the used dishes from last nights room service
order outside the door to our entry.  On top was the remainder of the 12
pack of beer he'd ordered.

"Givin' yer beer away, Clem?" said Al, in a hillbilly accent.

"I don't think I ever want another beer -- ever!"  Said Red.  "I
still have a pounding head.  I couldn't keep any aspirin down."

"Anything I can do?"  Asked Everett.

"I doubt it."  Said Red.  "You know I hate to miss anything, but I
better just try some more aspirin and lie down."

"I'll rub your head.  My mom has done that for me for years."

"You have headaches?"  I said.

"I used to."

"Why'd they stop?"  asked Al.

"They stopped when My dad stopped fucking my brains out."

"Why's he stop?  Did you threaten him?"  said Al.

"No one threatens my dad.  No, I guess I got too old.  So he started on
my brothers.  And then he got two for the price of one!"

"Sick Bastard!"  Said Al.  "Sorry, Ev, but that's just evil1"

"You don't have to apologize to me.  I'm glad he's in prison!  The
thing that I can't figure out is -- why I still crave it!"

With that he followed Red into the bedroom.  He left the door open.  We
heard, "My mom just stroked my forehead like this."

"Ohhh -- that feels great!  Maybe just a little lighter.  Ohhh yeah!"

It sounded better than it was!

"Hey, we'll have none of that gay crap while I'm in here!"  Laughed
Al.

"C'mere Al."  Said Red weakly.  Both Al and I went into the room.  Red
beckoned Al weakly down to his side, by Everett.  When Al bent down he
said, "Fuck you, straight boy!  This is my room!"  Red surely doesn't
lose his sense of humor -- or timing -- when he feels bad.  We all
roared.

"We'll go down to the concierge while you two make sweet love here, and
see what we can arrange about biking tomorrow."  Said Al, and he grabbed
my hand and pulled me out.

The concierge told us of several companies that would take us up and
we'd ride down in a group.  "No -- I've done that!  No thanks.  Those
tours have children sometimes and old farts -- sorry ma'am -- anyway --
who can't even keep up going down hill!  And their bikes bite!  We want
someone who will just take our bikes up for us."

"Ohh!  Well there is only one company who will do that, but it costs as
much as if they were still touring you."  She said.

"Yeah, yeah -- they still are responsible to insure us and all that --
besides that we take a place in the van -- I know.  Can you get us in to
one of those vans?"

She made a quick call and they said they could.  We went back to our
place and Ev and Red's place was locked.  "I guess they took me
seriously!"  Said Al.  "Perverts!"  He laughed.  We went into our room
and minutes later  Everett came in.

"Hey!"  Said Al,.  "You can't just barge in here.  What if we were
doing something we didn't want you to see?"

"Ha!  Ben WISHES!  What's the plan?"

"The van will pick us up at 2:30 in the morning for the bike ride."

"Nuh-uh!"  Said Everett.  "I KNOW you're jackin' me around!"

"Okay, let's not be using `jacking' and you and me in the same
sentence ever again!" laughed Al.  "No, I'm dead serious.  We're
booked with their sunrise tour.  We'll get up there about 4:30 -- before
sunrise."

"Holy crud!  You ARE serious!  I've never been up at that time in my
life!" Said Everett.

"You may not have ever gotten up at that time, but I know for a fact
that you've BEEN up at that time.  Don't forget - I was THERE when you
came into Bens bed in the middle of the night!"

"Yeah - - and slept the rest of the night!"

"Yeah, well this is the same, except we don't go back to sleep."  Al
grinned.  "Don't give me that look!  I'm not your father!  And I
promise you, you'll like it when we get there.  All we have to do is get
to bed at a decent time tonight."

"Apparently that won't be a problem for my -- um -- flat mate."
Everett said.

"Oh is that what you call it now?"  Said Al.  "Well, you may as well
join him as soon as you feel you can get to sleep.  A coupla hours in the
water, snorkeling will tire you out."

"Way kewl!"  Everett said.  "Just let me leave a note for my - -
partner."

Al charged the equipment rental to our room and we went out in front of
the villas.  The water was perfect -- not too warm and not too cold.  I
was blown away at the wide array of colorful varieties of fishes right
out in front of our place.  After a short explanation from Al, Everett
caught on quickly how to defog his mask and how to clear the snorkel when
he came up.

We swam out about 100 yards very quickly with the fins they gave us.  I
was watching a bunch of green fish with one long red stripe when I felt a
hand squeeze my butt.  I looked and it was Al, and he was pointing at
something.  I looked and there were two fish about 6" long, and kind of
shaped like silver dollars, that were baby blue and pink colored.  I
wouldn't have believed it if I had not seen it.

Another time Al touched my arm and showed me a large sea turtle -- about
24" across.  He went down and hid in a cave when we tried to follow
him.  When we dove deep -- about 12 -- 15 feet -- Everett stayed at the
top and watched us from there.

I had a little trouble following where Al was leading, so he just took my
hand.  We were only using our flippers to propel us anyway.  So Al and I
were swimming, hand in hand.  I doubt he thought anything about it --
certainly not what I was feeling.

All that time under water gave me too much time to think.  The pressure
and flow of the water made it easy to see what was underneath our swim
shorts.  Al's package made a neat ball behind his fly.  Al was always
leading me a little so I was glad he could not see what state I was in.

About two hours after we went in, he told us we should head back into the
beach.  I was thankful that was plenty of time for my boner to subside
before we came out of the water.  We washed off most of the sand under
the showers by the pool.

We went back to the room and first thing Al did was shed his suit, then
picked it up.  We all had quick dry long shorts, so they were dry before
we got up to our place.  Everett went to his own place.  "Dude, I gotta
shower off the sand and salt!"  Said Al.  "My balls and my butt are
crazy itchy."

"Okay."  I said.

"You can come in if you want."  He said.

"No -- it's okay.  I'll wait."

"Hey!  We're both guys!  And the shower is plenty big enough!"

"Yeah.  That's the problem."  I said.  "If you were a girl I
wouldn't have any problem."

"Oh!  Sorry.  It's hard to get used to the idea that my best -- er --
friend is not only gay but - - um - would you rather I don't walk around
naked in front of you?"

"It's okay.  But being in a shower with you -- would be too much."

"Didn't you take showers with all the guys in high school?"

"Yeah.  But when it's just you and me -- it's different."

"I really do turn you on?"  He said, smiling slightly, as if he didn't
quite believe it.

"Hey -- I told you before -- you're good looking and - - you have a
penis.  That's all it takes."

"I just don't get it.  What is the difference from -- I mean - "

"Al -- think of if you were in a shower with a girl you really thought
was sexy and cute.  Wouldn't that get you going?"

"I dunno.  I'd probably be too nervous to pop a woody."

"You -- nervous around girls?  Come on!"

"I would be if I were naked.  I mean look at this little dink!  They'd
laugh!"

I was avoiding looking but - - I looked.  I had never considered him
little.  But in comparison -- well, to me -- he wasn't all that large.
And, I also reasoned -- I wasn't sporting anything more than the
wrinkled nub that I came out of the water with.  In this shape they
looked pretty much the same.

I dropped my shorts and then picked them up and carried them with me to
the shower.  It was large enough for three to be in it and had two shower
heads mounted right next to each other, and a large seat at the far end.
I still avoided watching him bathe.  As soon as he soaped up his wash
cloth he threw me the soap.  Ever try to catch a slippery bar of soap?  I
dropped it and bent over to pick it up!

"Whoo-ee!  You do have a nice bod, Ben!  If I were gay, I'm sure I'd
be all over that!  Did you think that room service dude was -- um -- to
your liking?"

"Who?" I pretended I didn't know who he was referring to.

"The guy that brought our snacks last night."

"Oh.  Him.  Not really."  I lied.  "He seemed to be mostly interested
in you."

"He did, didn't he?"  Al said, almost pleased.  "But -- would you be
interested in -- something with him?"

"I don't quite know what you're asking me.  I dunno.  Al, you're my
best friend.  I think I don't want to lie to you.  I have been giving it
some thought."

"What?"  He said.

"Sleeping around."

"Oh!"  He said, looking quite surprised.

"Don't look so surprised!"  I said, "Not all gays are promiscuous."

"Ohhhhhh!  Nooooo!  Ben!  That wasn't my thought at all!  If anything,
I was surprised that you would even think about sleeping around."

"Well -- I'm not! I mean -- I -- haven't decided -- quite.  I haven't
done anything yet, but - "

"You haven't done ANYTHING?!  I thought you said - "

"I mean - I have never had sex with anyone -- well, except for a couple
girls -- but that doesn't seem so -- um -- bad -- or something -- anyone
that I didn't -- care for."

"Oh.  Well -- for what it's worth -- I don't think I'd want to have
sex with anyone I didn't care for."

"I meant care deeply for, Al!  But anyway, I've been thinking that -- I
don't know if I'll find someone that I want to -- um -- be a partner --
I mean like a forever partner -- any time soon.  I can't -- I mean -- I
don't -- Crap!"

"What're you trying to say?"

"Would it be so bad to sleep around a little until that time?"

"A lot of people do it.  I -- think -- as your best friend -- if I knew
you were doing that -- I'd worry.  I mean -- I know they say anyone can
gets AIDS, but it's almost never anyone straight -- unless he's been
fucking with a fag -- oops sorry -- gay guy."

"I know.  I'd be careful.  I'm more worried about things like genital
herpes and stuff.  You can get that even with a condom."

Al started to rinse out his wash cloth, when he said, OOO~!  Aaahhch!
Hey, will you -- um -- wash my back -- Dude?  It itches so bad, I know
there must be sand and salt still there.  I'll do you too."

I grinned.  "You'll do me huh?"

"Shut up!"  He said and handed me his soapy wash cloth.  I steadied
myself on his shoulder and scrubbed his back -- especially the middle
part I knew he couldn't reach.  As I was kind of both scrubbing and
massaging, he looked into my eyes.  I saw a love there that surprised
me.  I felt my face getting red and my ears tingling.  There was some
stubborn sand in his butt crack and so without thinking, my hand swiped
down then up his crack.  His eyes widened to pie shape.

"Oh -- sorry!  I'm sorry, Al, I didn't mean - "  I turned away from
him, not able to look him in the face.  "Please, Al, I didn't -- mean I
wasn't - "

"Just give me the wash cloth!" he said, firmly.  I couldn't tell if
there was any anger.  Then I felt the wash cloth on my back.  He washed
all of it and also my butt, returning my favor of a swipe up the ass
crack.

"That did surprise me," he said, "but it was kinda -- nice.  It made
me remember when my mom used to bathe me.  Thanks!"  He rinsed off and
stepped out and grabbed a towel.

I felt like I wanted to crawl down the drain hole.  I quickly rinsed off
under the shower, washing my face off, so he couldn't see my tears.  I
was still sure I had screwed up everything.  When I turned off the water
he threw me a towel over the shower door and walked out to the other
room.   I toweled off and since I had no shorts on there, I had to also
walk out.  I wrapped the towel around me.

He was bending over with his back to me, peering into his drawer.  His
tight butt was amazing.  He chose some boxer shorts and put them on.  He
has the perfect vee form.  His waist is a neat 32 -- just like mine, but
from there it goes up to a 42 chest, whereas mine is no more than a 38.
And his hips are narrower than mine, with an obviously rock solid ass.

All of which he covered up with a pair of clean, knee-length shorts.  He
didn't bother to cover his six pack, as he headed for the door.  He saw
my still horrified expression.

"Dude!  Don't worry about it.  So you touched my ass!  So I got even!
Get over it!  You've probably wanted to do that since day one.  And - -
it didn't hurt a bit.  It felt -- um -- great, really!  Let's not make
it a habit, but I did appreciate your back scrub.  You've got great
hands.  I may ask for some more of that one of these nights after a long
hard day in the surf.  And -- I have pretty good hands myself.

"But we'll maybe have to make some boundaries as to how far down we can
go -- huh?  If you really got excited when I returned your -- um -- favor
-- then don't make any big f-ing deal about that.  I just thought you
might like to know how it felt.  It felt -- good -- but -- just -- maybe
-  not coming from a dude!  Okay?"

"Yeah, I gotcha."  I said.  I'm sor - "

"No -- stop!  No need for apologies.  We got that out of our systems.
Now -- I'm going to go talk to the concierge once again and find out
where a nice restaurant is that serves Hawaiian food.  You get dressed
and I'll be back."

"What do you wear to a nice restaurant?"  I asked.

"Heh.  Basically what we've been wearing since we got here.  If we
dress up any more than that, they'll either know we're tourist or
they'll thing we work for the restaurant!"  He gave me one of his wide
grins and closed the door.

I felt like I wanted to throw up.  I had gotten lost in his eyes -- and
well -- almost screwed everything up.
Tears began to flow again, but hey were more tears of relief that he
didn't knock me down -- or out -- or something.  I took several deep
breaths and willed the sickness to go away.  He said no to worry about
it.  So I will believe him.

Easier said than done.

I put on a similar pair of shorts as he had on and a nicer than usual
Hawaiian shirt.  When he came back, he shook his head.  "No -- a tee
shirt is best -- again -- the tourist thing."

We left and knocked softly on Ev's and Red's door.  Ev came to the
door.  It was completely dark inside.  "We're driving up the coast to
Wailuku for dinner."  Whispered Al.  You guys rest up for tomorrow
morning.

When we pulled in to the restaurant there was someone there to park our
car and I still wondered if maybe we were underdressed.  When we got in,
I could see what he meant.  The "tourists" -- with the Hawaiian shirts
-- stuck out as if they had flashing lights announcing them.  They were
all over 60!  Anyone younger than that had on basically what we did.
There were even quite a few tank tops and wife beater shirts.

The dinner was excellent.  I let him order for me -- I had no idea what
mahi mahi  was.  But it tasted great -- maybe a little like tuna -- but
better -- much better the way they fixed it with lemon and butter.  He
ordered crème brûlée for our dessert.  I didn't know what that was
either.  I also didn't know anything could almost have orgasmically good
flavor and texture.

When we were finished, and they brought our car back, Al drove to a place
he knew about.  "This is the most amazing place to watch the sunset!"
He said.  He was right.  There were just enough clouds that the sun was
reflected off them and the water in a perfect way.  In front of us were
the islands of Molokai and Lanai.  I had to remind myself not to get too
relaxed and feeling too romantic.  I didn't want any repeats of my
earlier faux pas.

"I've been here with girls before."  He said, his eyes closing
slightly.  The sun was racing behind the horizon.

"Yeah?"  I said.  Was it -- er -- romantic?"

"Oh hell yes!  Girls get off on that stuff!"  He winked at me.  "I
just think it's awesome!"

It was dark now and so we went home.  We got dressed for bed -- which
meant I put on my sleep shorts (yeah the stained ones!)  and he of course
didn't put anything on.  I started to pull out the sofa bed..

"What the hell are you doing?"

"I -- I mean I thought -- after this afternoon -- I mean in the shower
and every - "

"Get the hell over here!"

I pushed the sofa back down and put out the light, and tried not to
remember what my last sight was before it went dark.  He punched in the
lobby.  "Please wake us up at 2:00 AM -- both rooms.  Oh -- okay I'll
call them.  Thanks."

"G'night Ben."

"G'night."

"Ben?"

"Yeah?"

"Today was -- awesome.  Don't worry about a thing!"

"'Kay."  I said weakly.

"Are we best friends?"

"Yeah -- if it's okay with you."

"Good.  Just don't sweat it.  G'night, best friend."  I could hear
his grin.  I marveled that he was so lonely before we met.

"G'night Al -- um -- best friend."  I could even hear the grin on my
own face.

We both turned over and just before I slipped into my dream, he sounded
like an echo: "I never had a best friend before.  I think I'm gonna
like it.  I already do!  Thanks for being honest with me and -- sharing
with me.  Maybe before the week is out I can do the same with you."

"M-hm."  I said, before drifting off into a dream about what he may
have meant by that last statement.

I think He whispered, one more time, "G'night," as he touched my naked
arm, then turned away from me.

Notes:  Could Al be the one?  What is it that Al is afraid to share with
Ben?  As always, comments welcome.  Please write to Steve at
stevethomas535@hotmail.com, and please put "Ben" on the subject line.
Thanks and love, Steve