Date: Fri, 17 Sep 1999 09:13:07 +1200
From: nivision@manawatu.gen.nz
Subject: Testing Times - Replacement 3

Testing Times Part 3

Roger was relieved when the morning's vocal tuition and stage deportment
class ended. His tenor voice had begun to feel the strain. Roger felt
pleased with his progress, especially when his tutor commented several
times on his overall improvement in score reading.

As he headed down the front steps, he turned to see Tai running to catch
him. "I've been looking for you. Can you spare a minute? I've been
wondering whether you would like to join a group to make music and perform
at a restaurant. With my guitar accompanying your songs, we'd be a
hit. Aaron is keen to be included. He's good on guitar, and flute which he
is studying at the conservatorium."

Roger was surprised by the request but could see that Tai was very
enthusiastic and anxious for his agreement. "I'm not sure that I'm that
good. Who will write the arrangements."

"I will, I'm taking composition and score arrangement along with guitar."

"Before we make any final decision I think we should get together for a
trial and discuss what you have in mind and whether we really are a
suitable ensemble."

"Fair enough, how about tomorrow afternoon at my place?"

Roger agreed. As Tai left him, Roger wondered what they would be like
performing as a trio. Roger thought further about Tai's invitation as he
drove home. He enjoyed singing in the choral society and with the gay
choir, but he seldom got any opportunity to sing as a soloist. He preferred
classical to popular music, but Tai's idea would provide opportunity for a
new direction.

When he told Philip about the invitation, Philip expressed some
surprise. "Popular music is hardly your forte; do you really want fame and
fortune in bars of that ilk?"

"With an artist like Tai, it'll be quality music which can only help my
performance experience. I think I'll give it a trial."

Roger phoned Tai to confirm the appointment. With Philip, Grant, and Mike
who was again with them for the weekend, they discussed suitable songs for
restaurant audiences. Roger was surprised that both teenagers recommended
popular ballads and famous show stoppers. With their help, Roger had some
preferences when he arrived at Tai's flat. Tai took Roger into the lounge
where he found Aaron had already arrived. Aaron was another tenor who sang
with Roger in both choirs. In no time, Tai produced several pieces he had
arranged for voice and guitar.

"Aaron told me that you have a very good tenor voice. I have adapted these
in what I think is a suitable key. Aaron has tried them. In fact I'm
wondering whether we could also include some solo items for you?"

"Aaron and I both sing tenor. If he's agreeable, I'd like to sing with
him."

Aaron was enthusiastic at the prospect and both agreed that they would sing
suitable songs together as duets.

"First will you try this number?" Tai handed Roger the score of 'He's so
beautiful' set to the familiar Cavatina. Tai's introduction on his guitar
reflected his classical training. It opened with the plaintive melody
echoed in the accompaniment and enclosed in rich harmonies. Roger caught
the mood and his beautiful voice blended wonderfully with the
guitar. Impressed, he became increasingly excited by Tai's arrangements.

Aaron provided a flute obligato for several pieces and joined Tai with his
guitar for others. Tai and Aaron, delighted with the rehearsal, lavished
praise on Roger's performance.

"I reckon we'll be sensational at the restaurant. How about it Roger? Will
you join if I can persuade the manager to engage us for next Saturday?"

Roger, equally thrilled with the result, agreed and asked, "Can we manage a
couple of rehearsals during the week?" When Tai said he had some free
nights, they arranged to rehearse again.

Philip and the boys, intrigued by Roger's new venture, promised to be among
the diners on Saturday evening. Philip, unbeknown to Roger, phoned Rupert
to tell him. Rupert, surprised to hear Roger sang popular music, and on
hearing about Tai's guitar skills and Aaron's participation, promised to be
there. Rupert was intrigued at the prospect of hearing Roger sing lighter
songs.

Late Monday evening Tai phoned to confirm that the manager of the
restaurant had agreed to feature the group on Saturday. The next day Philip
let it be known at the factory and the staff were soon arranging groups of
diners. At their rehearsal, Tai told Roger bookings were heavy.

Philip and the boys arrived at the restaurant to find every table
occupied. Once seated, Philip looked about him. He could see many familiar
faces including Rupert, accompanied by a party of his friends, and several
members of the staff with their partners or small parties. Between courses,
there was much mingling among the diners as they obviously enjoyed a
special social occasion.

Tai and Aaron appeared dressed in loose fitting red satin shirts and body
hugging black trousers. The noise subsided as the diners turned towards the
performer's dais. The programme opened with a selection of Spanish flamenco
dances played as guitar duets and which were very well received. These were
followed by each playing works by Albeniz and Granados that exhibited the
virtuoso skills of the artists. Tai's extraordinary brilliance with the
cadenzas received an enthusiastic ovation.

Then Roger appeared, dressed like the others and opened his bracket of
songs with 'Killing me softly with his song'. The haunting melody, enhanced
by Tai's clever guitar accompaniment, and joined for a few bars by Aaron's
flute obligato left Philip stunned by the sensitive rendition. The applause
was enthusiastic. Roger followed this with 'Feelings', its tango tempo
enhanced by the effective unison of the two guitars. He ended with 'He's so
beautiful', his rendition reflecting the sentiments of many present. As he
sang the opening words "He was beautiful, the moment I saw him the sun was
in my eyes and I will always remember the time we shared", they recalled
precious memories for many of the gays present. When the echoing flute
joined in, the sentiment of the song seemed to be even more poignant. There
was complete silence from the spellbound listeners. The applause, when it
came, seemed it would never end. Philip, like many others, felt Roger was
singing just for him. His moist eyes were evidence of his emotions. Philip
could see that many others were equally moved. The trio was recalled by the
insistent applause demanding an encore. They repeated the last verse.

After a thirty minute break, the group returned to present a selection of
guitar solos and duets. This time Roger sang well known Spanish and Italian
songs. He opened with 'Core 'ngrato', with the passion and intense emotion
effectively conveyed and was well received. Then with Aaron, they sang
together, 'Torna a Surriento', 'Granada', and 'Cielento lindo'. This
delighted the audience. Then Tai and Aaron played classical pieces by
Vivaldi and Ravel followed by solos from Roger, 'Camatino' and
'Mattinata'. Joined by Aaron, they sang together 'Amapolo' and 'O sole
mio'. The applause was deafening as the diners thanked these outstanding
performers. Encores were demanded. This time Roger sang well known numbers
from "Phantom of the Opera" and "Starlight Express". They suited his voice
well. The audience wanted even more encores from them and would not let
them go. Roger whispered to Tai and the familiar introduction to the
serenade from "Don Giovanni" quietened the diners. Roger's tenor voice
soared as the love song expressed a passionate yearning. His voice equally
suited operatic arias. When it ended, the audience was ecstatic and rose to
its feet to express it's appreciation, striking the tables with spoons and
other cutlery. This time, the performers left the dais permanently.

Philip saw Rupert approaching accompanied by a distinguished looking
man. "Weren't they terrific," said Rupert, "what a combination Roger and
Aaron make. Those romantic numbers made me tremble." He remembered his
companion. "Let me introduce Mario Turin." They shook hands as Rupert
continued. "Mario is musical director of City Opera. He wants to meet
Roger."

"Do you think Roger would be interested in joining the City Opera?" Mario
asked Philip. "He has a very good voice and I believe he's worthy of taking
suitable leads in many of our productions."

"I'll tell him about your interest and ask him to contact you."

Mario handed him his business card, and repeated how Roger's performance
impressed him.

Having changed into his regular clothes, but still flushed from the
exhilaration of their success, Roger joined Philip and the
boys. Immediately other diners congratulated him.  Philip part-filled a
glass with a rich Cabernet Sauvignon to accompany Roger's main course, a
tournedos with mushroom sauce, roasted potatoes and a green salad, a plate
that arrived as he took his seat. Together they toasted Roger's success. As
he set down his glass, Philip leant over to Roger and kissed him. "You were
terrific. No wonder I love you."

"I have a secret to tell you," said Philip to Roger, while looking at the
others and indicating he expected their silence. "It'll keep until we are
in bed tonight."

Grant and Mike were clearly enjoying the prospect of the surprise and
delight in store for Roger when they heard of future performance
opportunities. The restaurant manager appeared at their table. "Roger you
were terrific tonight. With Tai and Aaron you put on a wonderful show. The
music was great, the voices and musicians of top quality. The diners have
all said that it was the best performance in town. I'm already getting
repeat bookings, so I am hoping you will all again perform next Saturday."

"If the others agree, I'd like to," Roger replied, somewhat breathlessly.

"They have. I look forward to billing you again. Thank you, for a night to
remember."

Roger looked tired, so when Philip suggested that it was time to go, the
others agreed. As they drove home, Mike and Grant kept up endless comments
about the evening and especially the show. Thrilled by Roger's success,
they recalled particular highlights of the performance. This left Roger in
no doubt they had very much enjoyed it.  Roger said very little as he
listened to their praise and delight.

When they entered the house, Philip embraced Roger. "You were
wonderful. You sang beautifully, I felt you were singing only for me - a
love song meant only for me."

"I was. I had to think of you to convey the feelings expressed in 'He was
beautiful' with real meaning."

Philip hugged him "Do I mean so much to you? I am truly fortunate to be
loved so much."

Roger, visibly tired, headed to bed and immediately snuggled into
Philip. Soon Roger sank into a deep sleep. Philip remembered he had not
told him about Mario's interest but felt the morning would be a better time
to discuss it.

Philip awoke to find Grant standing beside the bed. Seeing Philip was
awake, Grant slipped in beside him. "Mike is still asleep and I want to
greet Mario Lanza, our artist par excellence. Wasn't he wonderful last
night?"

His warm body pressed against Philip, his head lay on his shoulder and his
arm encircled his chest. Roger opened his eyes, on seeing Grant he said,
"So we have a Cuckoo in the nest!"

"It came to greet the Nightingale, that sweet melodious bird."

"From here, it looks like the ugly duckling is getting all the cuddles."

"What do you mean ugly? To me he's a swan, one so lovely his beauty
dazzles."

Philip laughed and hugged Grant. Roger placed his head on Philip's other
shoulder, laid his arm across his chest, and let his hand stroke Grant's
chest.

"A very cosy menage a trois. Is there room for this frigid midget with a
rigid digit?" Mike stood at the end of the bed.

"If the digit is not frigid, he's welcome to seek warmth in my embrace,"
said Roger turning onto his back and opening his arms. Mike, encouraged by
the open invitation slid, quickly under the blankets to join Roger in a
cuddle.

The four shared memories of the previous evening as they caressed each
other. Roger felt Mike's hand fondling his cock and balls, gentle pulling,
light fingering and hesitant touching, his hand cupping his balls before
rolling them between his fingers. Roger found it enjoyable, exciting and
yet relaxing. Roger turned and pressed his body against Mike's warm firm
flesh. He felt his cock swelling until, hard and rigid, it pressed against
Mike's equally swollen cock. Roger opened his legs so that Mike's cock
slipped between them. Then he squeezed it tightly as he contracted his
thigh muscles. Mike gasped, gripped Roger's cock tightly and began to pump
it. Roger felt his orgasm blossoming. He squeezed Mike's cock even tighter,
masturbating it with his thighs, as he pressed his body hard against
him. With a long groan, he came, he felt ejaculation following ejaculation
as his tense body pushed hard against Mike, crotch into crotch. Mike yelled
as he exploded and Roger felt spurt after spurt and cum flowing over his
legs. Roger hugged Mike, found his mouth and kissed him passionately. Mike
broke away.

"So the sweet bird can sing other songs equally well!"

"When there's harmony in the duet only the best music is possible."

Philip laughed as he said to Grant, "Our musicians seem to make music
beautifully; do you think we are also as well tuned?"

"I know we are. Your flute is already tuned for a good blow."

He disappeared under the blankets and immediately Philip felt a warm
wetness engulf his cock. He pulled Grant's legs over his head so that he
could take his cock into his mouth. Philip's lips gripped it tightly as he
slowly pumped its length, pulling the foreskin, sucking it and rolling it
with his tongue. His tongue pushed between the foreskin and the head,
circling the corona, causing Grant to press his cock deep into his
throat. Philip pushed the foreskin back and wiped the head again and
again. Grant did the same and he felt waves of intense sensations sweep
through him. He arched his back then lifted his pelvis. Every nerve in his
body was alive. He sucked on Grant's cock more strongly, his cheeks
pumping, his mouth flooded with saliva. Grant thrashed across his
body. Philip's legs held Grant's head in a vice so that he had difficulty
pumping with his mouth. Philip felt the pressure of a growing orgasm. It
welled up to explode. He opened his mouth to shout just as Grant
exploded. Cum flooded his mouth, spurted over his face and chest. His hands
clasped Grant's bottom as he forced his cock back into his mouth and
continued to suck the ejaculating fountain, swallowing again and
again. Exhausted, with chests heaving, they lay with their mouths
continuing to suck wilting cocks. Philip felt his cock suddenly grow and
exploded again. He felt Grant press his cock deeper and he also climaxed
again filling Philip's mouth with cum. Then again he climaxed. Grant
released Philip's cock as he raised his body on his arms and pressed his
cock into Philip's mouth, pumping it. He yelled as he came again, withdrew
his cock and cum spurted over Philip's face and chest. This performance had
excited Mike who was now on his knees flogging his cock, his body arched
back, his cock pointed at Philip.  He shouted as a strong stream of cum hit
Philip's face, then Grant's body. He continued to ejaculate, his cream a
never ending flood. Roger was astonished when he saw Philip and Grant
spattered with so much cum.

Roger grabbed Grant and pulled him on top of him. His was still ejaculating
as he hugged him. "You young bucks seem to have a never ending supply of
cum, this is mine." His mouth engulfed Mike's cock and he milked the
remaining drops as the ejaculations slowly subsided.

Roger looked over to see Grant and Philip in each other's arms, Grant
licking his own cum from Philip's face. "Your cum tastes sweeter than
mine", he said.

"No way. You seem to have a huge reservoir of the most delicious
nectar. Apart from Roger's, it's the most delicious that I've ever
tasted. Man, where does it all come from?"

"It only flows ceaselessly for those who are special," Grant replied.

"Mike and I can last all day, with ten minutes rests and periodic
nourishment."

Roger hooted with laughter, slapped his bare backside and said to Philip.

"These guys are sexual athletes. I bet they're always in training."

Grant winked at Mike. "That's right, on the hour every hour."

"Can you believe such boasting. At your age I could only manage four times
a day", said Philip.

"Well I could manage six," Roger replied, "when I've company."

"That means they haven't done their dash for the day," said Mike.

He moved over to Philip, kissed him and took his cock into his mouth. Grant
did the same to Roger. Philip gasped as he felt the extraordinary
sensations Mike was causing, He was certainly skilled at oral
stimulation. Very quickly Philip had a raging penis and he was pumping
Mike's mouth. The intensities of the sensations were sending him into
ecstasies. He began to buck and thrash the bed with his legs and bucking
pelvis. Mike hung on, wrapped his arms around his bottom and together they
bounced around the bed. Soon the bed was a mass of arms, legs and torsos
over, under, across and entwined. Roger roared as he came, fucking Grant's
face. Philip screamed as he ejaculated, flooding Mike's mouth, spilling cum
over his face and chest. The boys pulled off and vigorously masturbated
themselves, shooting streams of cum over Philip and Roger. They flopped
onto each other and used the slippery cum to slide over each other's
torsos. Gasping, Philip grabbed Grant's hair and thrust his tongue into his
mouth.

Roger replaced Grant who hugged him tight. "Geez, was that an orgy! Where
do these two get all the energy, they're incredible."

"I'll need nourishment if this is to continue," said Roger as got out of
bed and headed for the bathroom.

"And I," said Philip as he followed him.

The boys followed. They all stood around the toilet as their golden streams
mingled.

"Do you think the shower will hold us all?" asked Mike.

"Like peas in a pod," replied Grant, "come on, I love lathering beautiful
backsides."

They all managed to fit into the shower, even though there was little room
to lather each other. Much giggling, prodding and pulling took place as
they washed the cum off each other. Flesh rubbed against flesh. Soon all
had full erection with which they prodded each other. Philip felt a hand on
his, pumping it vigorously, and to his surprise he felt himself
climaxing. He shot and Mike made it known someone had cum over his
backside. Immediately he felt a hand spreading the cum and a finger
entering his arse hole. "It's to lubricate your glory hole," said Grant as
he forced his finger in and began to finger fuck him. "I'm going to shoot,"
said Mike and Roger felt a jet hit his stomach. Already excited by all this
flesh rubbing against his cock, Roger also ejaculated with a long loud
moan. "You beauty", he yelled as he came.

Naked, they sat around the table at breakfast.

"I vaguely remember you saying something about a secret last night," said
Roger to Philip.

"A secret?" Philip looked puzzled. Then he remembered. "Of course, the
secret. Last night Rupert brought Mario Turin over.  He wants you for
alternative motives," he said teasingly.

"He's gay?" asked Roger. "No way. I've enough sex with you lot."

"Not everyone wants your gorgeous body. He wants your voice. Mario is the
Musical Director of City Opera and thinks that you are wasted as a cabaret
artist.. The Mozart serenade clinched it."

"Really?  Wow! Now that would be something. Image my singing opera."

Philip left the table and returned with a business card. Handing it to
Roger he said, "He wants you to phone him. There is no better time than now
while he still remembers your golden voice."

Roger dialled the number and, while he waited for it to connect, nervously
played with his cock. Mike stood and waved his cock at him causing him to
giggle. Quickly he recovered when Mario answered. It was arranged that he
would visit Mario that afternoon.

"I've always wanted to sing in opera," said Roger as he returned to the
table. "I've a lot to learn if I'm accepted This could be an exciting
start. I guess I will have add acting to my courses. I'll need your
encouragement." He leant over Philip and kissed him.

"You can count on it," said Philip. "When I see you in those leading roles,
I'll be thinking but it's me who fucks his beautiful arse."

The boys hooted and Roger grinned. "And you always will my love."

The phone never ceased ringing all morning. It was either friends of Rupert
or factory staff who had been at the restaurant. The calls were all for
Roger, telling him how much they had enjoyed the show and especially his
singing. Roger, embarrassed by all the adulation, appreciated the calls.

While Roger talked on the phone, Philip inspected the sheets. There were
many were many sticky and starched patches. Philip put them in the wash. He
checked those on Grant's bed. Because there were many starched patches,
recording frequent lusty sex, he included them. Philip suggested to Mike
and Grant they spend some time on homework while he attended to the
household chores. Grant wanted to help but he persuaded him that his school
work much be given priority. In the afternoon Roger visited Mario.

Mario welcomed him and invited him to take a seat in a large studio, the
chair facing the window. Through the window Roger could see a large lawn
bordered by colourful beds of annuals. Mario certainly loved being
surrounded by beauty. Mario took a seat facing him. He asked Roger many
questions about his musical training, his experience singing with choirs
and as a soloist, as well as about his progress at the
conservatorium. Mario became very impressed when he heard Roger had been a
principal when the choral society performed Mozart's Requiem in D Minor.

Mario then went to the grand piano and selected the score of a Mozart
aria. He began to play the opening bars of a well-known aria from "The
Marriage of Figaro" which Roger had never sung before. He gave it his best,
wishing there had been time to first read it through.

As the final notes faded, Mario turned to him. "Good. It's new to you,
yes?" Roger nodded. " Not bad, it shows promise. You have a fine voice and
I'd like you to understudy our leading tenor. How about it? Of course you
should continue at the conservatorium and take the opera classes. Then I
think we could offer you some good roles."

Roger could not believe his ears. His wildest dreams were coming true. He
stifled his excitement and tried to calmly accept Mario's invitation.

"Shall we drink to your success in opera?" asked Mario as he was leaving
the room.

Roger looked about the studio with its high-quality furnishings and
expensive fittings. He noticed several small sculptures, naked male
figures, several Greek classics as well as Michelangelo's David on a
pedestal. Several of the paintings were of men, two of them nudes. A member
of the family, he thought. Mario entered carrying a tray on which was a
bottle of wine, glasses and an assortment of canap‚s.

"Rupert tells me you have a partner. I believe I met him last night. You're
fortunate. He's very handsome."

"That's right, we've been together for more than a year. We are very much
in love."

"How fortunate you are. My partner of many years died six months ago and I
am still trying to recover from his passing. We were together ten wonderful
years."

"I am sorry. I'd be devastated if Philip left me. He's my whole world."

Now that Mario had confirmed he was gay, Roger felt that he could be more
open. "I guess you miss him most in bed? It's there you can share your love
most."

"That's right. Since he died I have been celibate, but not for much
longer. Masturbating alone can never take the place of your lover sharing
your bed."

"I hope Rupert will invite you to one of his musical afternoons with his
many gay friends where you may meet someone who might attract you."

"Would you be there?"

"Philip and I often go and we would be pleased to take you with us."

Looking rather forlorn, Mario rose from the piano stool. Roger approached
him and hugged him. "Thank you for your invitation to join City Opera. When
should I attend?"

"We rehearse in St. Mark's hall on Wednesday evenings. Come along at
7.30. You can sing with the chorus while understudying the principal
tenor. Then you'll always feel you are part of the show."

Roger thought was an excellent idea and promised to be at the next
rehearsal.

When the excited Roger returned home he hugged Philip enthusiastically and
told him about the offer and the wonderful opportunity to take leading
parts in opera performances. He danced about the room singing a few bars of
'La Donne Mobile'. The boys, distracted by the jubilation, came in to find
the cause. Their congratulations joined Philips.

The phone rang. Rupert wanted to speak to Roger. He congratulated him on
his excellent performance at the restaurant, saying how much he had enjoyed
it. Roger told him he was indebted to him for bringing Mario to the
restaurant, and told him about his meeting with Mario that afternoon. "How
well do you know him?" Roger asked Rupert.

"Not well. I was introduced to him recently by a friend and I suggested to
him he might like to dine with me. When I heard you were performing, I felt
sure it would add to the enjoyment of the evening."

Roger told him about Mario's recent bereavement and suggested they might
bring him along to one of his musical afternoons. Rupert agreed
wholeheartedly and suggested the following Sunday He said he would call
Mario and extend an invitation, telling him that Roger would be contacting
him.

When Roger told Philip about Rupert's invitation, he expressed
delight. Roger described Mario's studio and its sculptures and told them
about the loss of his partner.

"He needs friends at a time like this. Invite him for a meal," said
Philip. "He's one of the family and no doubt seeks like minded companions."

"Is he well hung?" asked Mike.

"How should I know. I didn't get into his pants. Not yet anyway."

No sooner had Roger arrived at work next day, when a number of the staff
either dropped into the department or phoned him to tell him how much they
enjoyed his performance. His fame had spread throughout the plant. When he
told them he would be performing again the following Saturday, many said
that they would be there.

That evening Rupert phoned Philip to tell him that Mario had accepted his
invitation to his musical afternoon next Sunday. Would he and Roger bring
Mario with them?  Philip agreed and promised to take care of the
arrangements.

To be continued