Christmas Visitor

The Christmas Visitor

By

Christos Kastellanos

Chapter Three

Previously in chapter two:

Both of them were spent when Michael turned Sean away and then pulled his back against him, throwing his leg and arm across Sean. Michael purred softly and drifted off to sleep, while Sean lay there, thinking.

"I love you Michael," he whispered at a breath's softness and then he too allowed sleep to overtake him.

Michael's eyes flew open.

Now chapter three:

Sean woke the next morning and Michael was gone. He rolled over to the pillow that Michael's head had rested on and hugged it to him, inhaling the scent of the man that had stolen his heart.

He sprang from the bed when he heard the sound of voices coming from down stairs. He had company, but who, he wondered as he gathered up his clothes and moved to the door. He had just reached for it when the door flew open and there stood Michael, smiling.

"Mr. Reynolds is downstairs with his bags," Michael informed him.

"Who...he's got what?" he asked, and then heard the sound of the man's feet as he climbed the stairs.

Sean threw on his pants, pulled a tee shirt he found on the floor over his head, and had just finished zipping his jeans when Reynolds arrived at the door.

"Well now, it's about time that you got up," he snapped, eyeing Sean's appearance. "I thought that was your room," he asked after noticing that Sean was in the room that Sean had said was going to be Michael's.

"Ah..." Sean began to say.

"He insisted that I take his room sir, he said it was larger and sunnier," Michael quickly said, interrupting Sean.

"How hospitable of you, Connolly," he said. "Now where would you like me to sleep," he asked as if Sean had already planned on him as a guest.

`How about outside in the snow, you self-centered bastard,' he thought but said, "I have a guest room right next door sir."

"Here sir, allow me to show you to your room," Michael said, glancing at Sean and seeing a seething glare in his eyes.

Sean hurried across the hall to his bedroom and grabbed a change of clothes before heading to his private bath and a shower. He had just stepped into the shower when he heard the bathroom door open, and into the shower stepped a naked Michael.

"I didn't have time to shower so why not kill two birds with one stone, eh?" he asked as he grabbed the shampoo from Sean and began to wash Sean's hair.

"Where is Reynolds," Sean asked, enjoying how Michael's finger felt in his hair.

"He said that he was tired and would like a nap," Michael said as he rinsed the shampoo from Sean's hair. "I didn't know what to do with him and he acted like you knew that he would be coming," he informed Sean.

"I bet he and his wife had another fight and he decided to come here instead of sticking it out with her in Montreal," Sean said and Michael could sense the anger in his voice. "Depending on how long he is staying, this means that you and I cannot sleep together," Sean said, turning to gauge Michael's reaction.

Michael simply shrugged his shoulders and continued washing Sean.

`Well if he thinks that I am sneaking off so that he can get in a quick fuck, he can think again,' Sean thought, hurt and pissed off by Michael's response.

"That's tonight doll, we have right now," Michael said as he turned Sean around, soaped up his cock and thrust it into Sean's ass.

Sean braced himself against the shower wall while Michael pummeled his cock hard, fast and deep into Sean's sheath. Sean knew that he should be angry, but the moment he felt Michael's cock enter him, that fire once again began to rage within him.

Michael laid over Sean's back and he nibbled softly on his ear as his cock pounded Sean's ass. Sean could feel each thrust as Michael's cock rubbed his love nut, urging Sean to the edge.

"I'm cumming... fuck me Michael... harder, deeper," he moaned, pushing back against each thrust as his cock spewed his seed.

Michael's hands grabbed, bit into Sean's hips as he thrust harder and deeper into Sean, thrusting one last time and holding, spewing his own seed into Sean's ass.

"Oh fuck baby boy, I am addicted to that ass of yours," Michael said as he thrusts once again became aggressive.

"Excuse me Michael," they heard Mr. Reynolds say from the other side of the bathroom door. "I can't find Sean and I would like another blanket," he said.

Michael looked down into Sean's eyes questioningly. "Closet at the end of the hall," Sean whispered and Michael called out to Reynolds, repeating what Sean had just said.

"Thank you son," Reynolds and when they heard the bedroom door close, they both exhaled.

"I am either going to kill him or myself before this fucking holiday is over," Sean said, turning off the water and stepping from the shower.

"Come here baby boy," Michael said as he pulled a towel clad Sean to him.

He kissed Sean tenderly, passionately, and when he finished his kiss, Sean was gasping.

"Thanks Michael, now I do have to go to work and get dinner plans going for Christmas dinner tomorrow," Sean said and left Michael once he was dressed.

"Aw Connolly, what smells so delicious," Reynolds said when he entered the kitchen and found Sean slaving away at the stove.

"Irish stew sir," he said and then reeled around, glaring at his boss. "Could you please use my first name while you are a guest in my house sir?" he asked adamantly.

"I'm sorry if I have offended you, but I am accustomed to calling people by their last names," he said with a voice that reeked of arrogance.

"Then let me ask you, would you be offended if I referred to you as simply Reynolds?" Sean asked and he took a step back when he saw his boss's expression.

"Very well then...Sean, I shall remember to refer to you as such," he coldly said, turned and stormed out of the kitchen.

Michael stepped from the pantry and applauded, as he walked over to Sean.

"Now was that so hard?" he asked.

"Yes it was, but it felt good even though I may be fired once I return to work after the holiday," Sean said.

"Well if you do or don't, its about time that you stood up for yourself," Michael said.

"Stood up for myself mister... you have no idea how badly I want to..."

"What time is dinner by the way," Reynolds asked, sticking his head back into the kitchen.

"Five sharp," he shouted and turned back to the stove. "Now if you gentlemen do not mind, I am very busy here and must concentrate on what I am doing."

Michael wanted to say something, but he felt it better to wait. He, along with Reynolds, left Sean to his cooking.

"A tad rude today, wouldn't you say," Reynolds asked Michael.

"Wouldn't you be the same way if you had a guest dropped into your lap for the holidays and then have your employer show up, unannounced and expect to be entertained as well," Michael asked, his hands on his hips as if ready to pop the man at any minute.

"Did either of you get any sleep last night, because you both seem rather touchy today," Reynolds snapped and hurried up to his room.

Michael turned and was about to go into the living room when the doorbell rang.

"Oh God please don't let it be another guest for Sean," he prayed as he opened up the door and found a good looking man standing there.

"Who the fuck are you," Robert asked as he stepped into the foyer. "And where is my Sean?" he added rudely.

"Ah, the infamous Robert," Michael said with a smirk on is face. "I'm Michael and..."

"What the fuck are you doing here," Sean asked, entering the foyer and drying his hands with a hand towel.

"Sweetheart...I have reconsidered our relationship and decided it was best that we work out our differences," he announced, taking a stunned Sean into his arms and kissing him.

Michael mouthed that he would be upstairs when his eyes met Sean's. Sean pushed Robert away and slapped his face hard, leaving a full hand print embedded on his cheek.

"Just like that I am supposed to forgive you for cheating on me, dumping me two days before Christmas and then welcome you back with open arms? Its not going to happen Robby boy. So take your luggage, your sorry fucking ass and leave," Sean said.

"Oh come on honey, you can't mean that after all that we had together?"

"I do mean it and now goodbye Robert," Sean said, opening the front door and stepping back to allow Robert room to leave.

"Why Sean, is it because of that Neanderthal upstairs, huh?" Robert asked.

"That man is a Marine and he's my guest for Christmas. Not that I need to explain anything to you, but he is this year's contest winner. Now if you will excuse me, leave," he said and to emphasize his point, Sean grabbed Robert's suitcase and tossed it out into the snow.

Robert huffed once and then hurried through the door, which Sean slammed closed. Again, Michael was applauding as he descended the stairs.

"Do you always make it a habit to listen in on other people's conversations," Sean snapped and turned, walking heatedly back to the kitchen.

"He loves me," Michael said with a grin and followed him, and as soon as he stepped into the kitchen, Sean turned on him.

"Don't, don't you dare say one fucking word to me mister. I may have to entertain you, but damn if I have to let you fuck me also. Just make sure your clothes are out of the room and placed in my room until Reynolds is gone," he said staring at Michael.

"No problem sir...no problem at all," Michael saluted Sean, turned and left Sean standing there about to cry.

"Why me, why did I have to fall in love with another man that is only out to satisfy his own needs," he asked after sinking down on to a kitchen chair.

It was Christmas Eve day and Sean still had to buy gifts. He had already gotten gifts for Jason and Carl, but now he had to buy them for Michael and begrudgingly for Mr. Reynolds. To make matters worse, it was already after twelve and he knew that the stores would be closing by six.

"I'm off to the mall to finish up my Christmas shopping," he announced to Michael and Mr. Reynolds.

"May I go with you, I need to get a few things also," Michael asked.

"Please don't feel that you need to buy me something, I really would rather you saved your money, Michael."

"It's my money and I'll spend it as I wish now may I go also?" he demanded more than asked.

"Yes, but I'm leaving now," he said and was surprised to see that Michael got up and was ready also.

The drive to the Holyoke Mall was long and silent. Michael wanted to say that he was sorry for upsetting Sean but whenever he tried to talk, Sean simply turned and glared at him.

`Why did I have to fall in love with such a moody guy,' he asked himself.

"Please listen to me, Sean," Michael said as he once again tried to talk to him.

"I'm not really in the mood for conversation, Michael, but go ahead if you feel that you cannot keep quiet," Sean coldly said.

"I'm sorry for everything Sean," he began and Sean's heart began to thaw. "I ruined your vacation by winning this damn contest and more so for having sex with you," he said and Sean turned suddenly and looked at him with tears in his eyes.

"If it hadn't been you than I would be entertaining some other stranger. As for the sex part, as you said, no questions and no involvement," he added and then turned his attention back to his driving.

"Right, no strings attached," Michael muttered and turned also to look out of the window.

"I'm sorry Michael," Sean finally said, feeling guilty about having ruined the spirit of the season. "I have been taking out my frustration on you because of my boss," he said and reached over and gently squeezed Michael's leg. "So why don't you tell me something about you, after all, we have shared sex and I still don't know squat about you," he asked.

"There's really not much to tell you," he began. "I was born and raised in Wyoming, I have two brothers, one of them my identical twin and my parents are both dead, having died in a plane crash," he said and Sean wanted to stop the car and hug him, his heart aching for him.

"A twin, you mean that there are two of you?"

"My brother James is older than me by three minutes, and yes, we are identical in every way, including being gay. He lives in San Diego and he's an architect there," he said, smiling as he remembered his brother. "I also have another brother who is older than us, Jacob or Jake as we called him. He's still in Wyoming and living on my parent's ranch."

"So tell me, why the Marines?"

"I wanted to get out of Wyoming and see the world," he began. "But all I have seen is a tour of duty in first Iraq and then Afghanistan. I'm up for re-enlistment but until recently I was undecided," he said, looking over at Sean.

`You can ask me to be your husband,' Sean mentally said, smiling over at him. "So have you decided yet on what to do?"

"Yes, I'm re-enlisting for another four years," he said and Sean felt his heart stop for the briefest moment.

"You are...I would have thought that you would have been fed up with war, especially after those countries that you have been to."

"I was hoping that... never mind, it really doesn't matter what I was hoping. I will be calling my recruiter the day after Christmas. I will also be leaving then," he said and Sean almost ran off the road with the news.

"So soon, I was under the impression that you would be here until just after the first."

"I was, but I called my brother in California and I am going there for a few days to see him and our oldest brother Jake. You should be overjoyed to hear the news, this way you can salvage most of your vacation and be rid of me."

"Please Michael; don't feel that I want you to go because I was stuck with you. I have enjoyed knowing you and yes, I have enjoyed the sex too," he said and now he wanted to cry.

Thankfully, his exit for the mall was coming up and he put on his directional to exit and turned off. He circled the mall several times before finding a parking space that didn't seem miles away from the stores.

"You go do your thing Sean and I'll meet you back at the car in what, an hour? I have my cell on me, give me your number and I'll call you when I am done and ready to leave," he said to Michael.

"If you wanted my number sweetie, all you had to do was ask," Michael said, hoping to lighten Sean's mood.

"Cute Michael, now just give me your damn number," Sean said with a smile.

"Give me yours first and I'll call you, then you will have mine and I will have yours," Michael reasoned with Sean and he smiled.

"Its 802-555-2974," Sean said and watched as Michael entered the numbers.

Sean's phone rang and he looked down and saw Michael's number. He looked over at him and was about to hang up.

"Well answer it," Michael said as he walked away.

"Hello," Sean said.

"Now we are connected for life through our cells," Michael said into the phone and Sean sighed.

"Great, just what I wanted to be connected with, an oversexed Marine," Sean said into the phone and looked around to see where Michael had disappeared to.

"Call me when you are ready...stud," Michael said and the cell went quiet on Sean's end.

"I love you Michael Fitzgerald," Sean whispered into the phone, knowing that Michael had already hung up.

"Ditto babe," Sean heard and nearly dropped his phone.

"I knew that you didn't hang up...I was testing you," he said and hoping to recover his dignity.

"Whatever Sean, and remember, no strings and no involvement," Michael said sharply, reminding Sean of the words that Sean had said to him on the way down to the mall.

"Gotcha Marine," he said and ended the call. "If only I did have you forever," he added to himself.

Sean went from store to store looking for that one special gift that would tell Michael just how he really felt. He didn't bother considering clothes or colognes, because he didn't know the man's size or what he actually called that sensuous cologne that he did wear that had Sean falling into his arms whenever was near.

He was walking by a jewelry store and that is where it caught his attention, that perfect Michael gift. It was a man's pendant that had a diamond and a sapphire in it, signifying two birthdates and set in two white gold hearts to signify love. It was perfect, his and Michael's birthstones, Sean thought. His was April, the diamond and he remembered Michael saying that his was September, the sapphire. Yes it did seem a bit feminine, but what the fuck, it's not as if Michael would be wearing it around other Marines.

"We have the same thing but in a money clip if you are looking to buy it for a man," the clerk said, seeing how disappointed Sean was.

"I need these same two stones and I need it now," he said.

"Let me see what I can do, sir," he said and walked away to speak with another person.

Sean looked around at the various pieces of jewelry as he waited for the clerk to return.

"My manager says that I can sell you the sample piece, but you do know that it's real gems in the piece and not costume jewelry?" he asked.

"I would hope that they are real for that price," Sean said. "I'll take it and could you wrap it?"

"Certainly sir, give me about ten minutes and I'll have it ready to go for you," he said and again walked away, and so did Sean to go find a place for a drink.

Michael roamed the mall and several times he saw Sean as he walked along looking into store windows. Finally, Michael knew what he wanted for Sean and he hoped that he was not too late to get it.

Christmas morning...

Sean woke up early Christmas morning, excited as a child. He hurried to the bathroom, showered, dressed in his best clothes and rushed downstairs to the tree.

Just as he was rounding the corner and stepping into the living room, he saw Michael hiding a gift beneath the tree. He quickly stepped back and made a sound, not wanting Michael to know that he had caught him.

"Oh you're up," Michael said from the sofa beside the tree.

"You're up early also," Sean said, smiling sheepishly at Michael. "Merry Christmas," he said as he stepped into Michael's arms and Michael pulled Sean tightly against him.

"Merry Christmas baby boy," Michael whispered against Sean's lips and then kissed him passionately.

Sean felt the fire growing again as his body pressed against Michael's. He longed to tell him that he loved him, but he knew that the handsome Marine wanted no strings attached to their affair.

Michael deepened the kiss and his hands cupped Sean's ass as he pulled their groins together and grounded hard against each other, both moaning softly. He had fallen in love with Sean and even though he had thought he heard Sean say, I love you, Sean had also said, no involvement.

They quickly separated when they heard Mr. Reynolds descending the stairs, each sitting in opposite chairs. "Good morning and Merry Christmas boys," Mr. Reynolds said as he entered the living room, laden down with gifts. "Sean, could you give me a hand here," he asked, and Sean sprang to his feet and took some of the gifts from him, setting them down in front of the tree.

"I've made coffee if anyone is interested," Michael said and Sean and Mr. Reynolds both turned to Michael, surprised that he had done so.

"You made coffee, you who claims to burn water?" Sean asked.

"I may not be able to cook, but I do make a great cup of coffee," Michael said and the three headed out to the kitchen, where Michael poured them each a cup.

"To Christmas and friendships," Mr. Reynolds toasted, raising his cup in the air.

"To Christmas and friendships," Sean and Michael said in unison, also raising their cups to the toast.

Sean was going to make breakfast but Mr. Reynolds wanted to do the gifts first, so they grabbed their coffee and headed back to the living room, where Mr. Reynolds took the floor beside the tree.

"To Sean from me," he said as he offered a small box to Sean. "To Michael from me,:" he added and handed another small box to Michael.

"That large box wrapped in red and gold foil paper is for you sir," Sean said and pointing to the box.

They quickly unwrapped their gifts and a loud cry went out from the three.

"You've got to be kidding sir... a promotion and raise," Sean said reading the beautifully scripted paper.

"Sean you deserve it son, because you gave up so much to make this boy's Christmas the best," he said and then took a deep breath. "And also for putting up with me, no one has ever had the balls to put me in my place," he said resting his hand on Sean's shoulder. "I think you will make a great copy editor," he added, smiling warmly at Sean.

"I can't take this sir, you hardly know me and you've made my Christmas the best, well you and Sean have," he said, looking at a check for five-thousand dollars.

"Nonsense son, you're young and heaven knows that you won't get rich on a Marine's salary. If you look in the box, you'll also see an offer for employment if you ever decide to put that writing talent to good use," he said and Michael pulled out a folded letter.

It assured him of a job at the Culinary Digest if he should ever want one. Michael was at a loss for words as he looked at Mr. Reynolds.

"I truly appreciate it sir, but I just re-enlisted for another four years," he said and Sean's demeanor saddened, of all the words that could ruin his Christmas, those were them.

Sean got up and hurried from the room, saying that he needed another cup of coffee. Michael knew that what he had said had hurt him, but after all, they had agreed that there would be no strings, no involvement between them.

"I'll be right back sir, but while I am gone, please open that gift wrapped in the Santa paper. It's from me sir," he said and then hurried to the kitchen, finding Sean staring out of the window.

When Sean heard him, he quickly wiped his eyes with the back of his hands and hurried over to the coffee pot, being careful to avoid Michael's eyes.

"Are you alright, Sean," Michael asked, stepping up behind him.

"Of course I'm alright, why wouldn't I be," Sean said, turning and giving Michael a forced smile. "Here, let me warm that for you," he added and topped of Michael's cup with fresh coffee. "We had better get back in there before the old man sends out a search party," Sean said, easing by Michael and scurrying back into the living room.

Mr. Reynolds had tried on a beautiful full leather coat, and he turned and smiled at Michael, who had followed Sean back into the room.

"I love it, Michael, but you shouldn't have, this kind of coat must have set you back a fortune," he said running his hands over the glove soft leather and bring his arm to his nose to absorb its aroma. "I love the smell of good quality leather, thank you so much, Michael."

"My pleasure sir," Michael said and sat down on the chair, easing his gift for Sean out of sight of the others.

But Sean saw the gesture and eased his gift for Michael back into his pocket. Instead they each offered the other the other gifts that they had bought, keeping their personal gift secret.

A lot of cows must have surrendered their lives because Michael had gotten Sean a full length leather coat and so did Sean, for Michael, his matching identically the one that Michael had gotten him.

"Won't we look like the three musketeers," Mr. Reynolds said as the three stood, wearing their coats.

"All for one and one for all," Michael said, but his heart was aching to tell Sean that he loved him.

With gifts finally opened and the scraps cleaned away, Sean left the two to go make the Christmas breakfast. He had prepared, stuffed and set the Christmas goose to cooking the night before so he could have a bit of leisure time Christmas morning.

"Damn that goose sure smell delectable," Mr. Reynolds said as he stepped into the kitchen.

"Where's Michael, I have the pancakes cooking," he said, looking around for Michael and sighing when he did not see him.

"He ran up to his room for a moment to... ah, here he is," Michael stepped into the kitchen with barely a smile on his face.

Sean could see in Michael's eyes that something was bothering him, for Michael's eyes mirrored his own. He set the pancakes on the table, along with warm maple syrup and slipped momentarily from the room.

Sean hurried to the living room, grabbed the small box that he had intended to give Michael, and hurried upstairs to Michael's bedroom. He pulled Michael's travel bag down and stuffed the gift under some clothes that Michael had left in the bag. He almost cried when he thought about the card that he had attached to the gift.

"I guess it won't matter now, he's re-enlisted so he's gone for four more years," he whispered, turned and left the room, walking slowly back down the stairs and to the kitchen.

Breakfast was no sooner done and the dishes cleaned and put away, then Jason and Carl came over. Both men carried gifts and they stomped their feet after coming into the foyer, stomping off the fresh snow that had fallen overnight.

They shouted Merry Christmas to all, but even so, they could sense that something was not right between Sean and Michael. Even though Sean and Michael smiled warmly and greeted them just as warmly, Jason and Carl knew that those smiles were being forced.

Sean received a state of the art knife set from Jason and Carl, while Michael got an authentic New England coat and match hat, and they all laughed when he tried them on.

"Eh'a, you look right at home now son, in that coat and hat," Jason said patting Michael on the back.

"These go with them, mukluks to keep your feet toasty warm," Carl said as he handed another box to Michael.

"Thanks guys, but how did you know my size," Michael asked and Carl gave him a sheepish look.

"I snuck upstairs while you and Sean were out, yesterday and took a look at your clothes for the size," he confessed and gave Michael a warm hug.

"So now I know who rifled through my underwear drawer," he whispered against Carl's ear and causing the man to blush profusely.

"Guilty handsome, but I just had to see what kind of underwear you wore," Carl whispered back and again he blushed.

"All you had to do was ask me, and I would have been happy to drop the drawers and show you," he said, causing Carl to step back quickly, fanning himself with his hands.

Jason laughed for he had an idea what had caused the commotion, causing all the others to laugh as well.

"A bit of the Nelly type wouldn't you say," Mr. Reynolds whispered into Michael's ear.

Michael didn't respond verbally, but turned and gave the man a hard, cold glare before giving Carl another hug and brief kiss on the lips.

"Oh great, now he's never going to wash those lips," Jason said, throwing his hands up into the air and causing everyone to laugh once again.

The day went by quickly, and Michael and Sean did their best to avoid being alone with one another, something that Carl and Jason were quick to pick up on. Carl volunteered to help with the clean up, while Jason took Mr. Reynolds and Michael into the living room for drinks.

"Ok mister, I want to know what the fuck is going on between you and that handsome Marine," Carl snapped once he was alone with Sean in the kitchen.

"Nothing is going on and nothing will ever be going on, because Michael has re-enlisted for another four years," Sean said, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill from his eyes.

"Oh sweetie, I'm so sorry," Carl said, pulling Sean into his arms and hugging him. "Sometimes things are just not meant to be," he added, "and I guess that you and Michael are just one of those things."

"That's the problem Carl, I am in love with him, but Michael has said right along, no strings and no involvement," he confided to Carl and then let the tears fall, no longer trying to hold them back, and burying his face in the crook of Carl's neck.

"Like I said, if its meant to be it'll work out," Carl said, brushing away Sean's tears.

Sean woke up early and had a nice warm breakfast waiting when Michael and Mr. Reynolds came downstairs. He forced a smile to his face, but Michael knew it was forced.

"My plane is leaving at eleven-twenty," he announced, causing Sean to turn away from him.

"Are you heading out to California to see your brothers," Sean asked, without turning to look at Michael.

"No, I have decided to head directly back to base and sign my enlistment papers tomorrow," he said, walking over to where Sean stood, turning him to face him.

"Give me a reason to stay," Michael said.

"If you don't have one already, then what could I possibly say that could change mister no strings?" Sean asked, looking directly into his eyes.

"Right Sean, no strings and no involvement," he softly said, turned and sat back down at the table. "You're flying home today sir, could I catch a ride to the airport with you," he asked Mr. Reynolds.

"Of course you can, Michael. It would be my pleasure to take you," he happily said.

"Mr. Reynolds, if you are returning to New York, could I hitch a ride back with you on the company plane?" Sean asked, shocking both Mr. Reynolds and Michael.

"What about your vacation?"

"I'll take it some other time," he said adamantly, turned and went upstairs to pack his luggage.

"I can't help feeling that you both are making a tactical error here," he said when he had turned his attention back to Michael.

"It's his life and his decision," Michael said coolly, leaving the man standing there alone when he walked into the living room.

In the living room he retrieved his special gift that he had gotten Sean and stowed it in is pocket. Sean returned downstairs a half hour later with his two suitcases and a carry on bag. Michael and Mr. Reynolds were already loading their bags into the car's trunk.

"I'll meet you both at the airport, I have to return my rental car to Hertz Rental," Sean said, placing his own luggage into Mr. Reynolds car's trunk, and then driving off before Michael could ask to ride with him.

At the airport, Michael stood stoically at the terminal waiting for Sean to arrive. His face showed the hurt and sadness that he was feeling when Sean finally arrived.

"So this is it then, goodbye," Michael said as he fought the urge to take Sean in his arms and confess that he loved him, regardless of the fact that they had agreed to no strings with their time together. He did not though.

"Good luck and make sure you stay safe, Michael," Sean said, extending his hand out to Michael. "It was a pleasure knowing you," he added, as he too fought that same urge as Michael.

Regardless of the fact that they were in public, Michael pulled Sean to him, hugged him fiercely and then left him standing there. "Once you are on the plane, look in your carry-on. I placed a gift that I forgot to give you yesterday he said in turning, and then stepped through the metal detector as was gone... forever.

To be continued...

The next chapter will be the last one for this story. I know that you that are following my story must want to kill me write now, but don't. I can assure you that life has a way of making right, the wrongs. We may not always get what we want, but we will want what we get.

Please send your comments to: christoskastellanos@yahoo.com

thank you, Christos.