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