Eros

EROS by Marin Giustinian

Eros was the Greek god of love, or more precisely, of passionate desire. Without warning, he selects his targets and forcefully strikes at their hearts, bringing confusion and irrepressible feelings or, in the words of Hesiod, he 'loosens the limbs and frees the mind'. Eros is most often represented in Greek art as a carefree and beautiful youth, with piercing eyes and an enigmatic smile.

Rhodes, Greece, Nowadays

Prologue

After having made his fortune in Canada and divorced from his third wife, Dimitri Spyros retired back to his home town, Rhodes, on the Greek island of the same name. He had the old family mansion restored and his very elegant Nova Scotian schooner shipped over. The schooner's name was Eros. She was the envy of many, and often photographed, either under sail or moored in Mandraki Harbour.

The only child Dimitri knew about was his daughter named Helen. After high school, she was admitted to study philosophy at the English University of Cambridge. She fell pregnant after a party. In fact, it was a drunken night of wild sex. Helen was enraptured by a gorgeous, unknown foreign student that happened to be among the revellers. Her future motherhood didn't upset Dimitri too much. He long suspected that he had unknown sons or daughters out there somewhere.

Helen bore a son they named Jeremy Spyros. Dimitri paid the expenses for a nursemaid to take care of Jeremy while Helen finished her PhD. When Jeremy was three, Helen met a very successful barrister, Harold Cavendish. He was eighteen years older than she, divorced, without children, and owner of an elegant townhouse in Islington.

As a child and even more so as a teen, Jeremy was stunningly beautiful. As he grew, he became a hopeless misfit for his stepfather and a genius for his mother and grandfather. His major interests were reading and sailing. A 'serious' career' was never even thought of.

When Jeremy was eleven, his grandfather retired and moved back to Rhodes. All of Jeremy's holidays were spent with his 'Daddy Dimitri'. They sailed Eros together, often with one or another of his grandfather's offbeat friends. Dimitri often held cocktail or poker parties with his generally eccentric expat buddies, mostly British and American.

The story

Dimitri Skyros was a chain smoker and an excessive drinker. That killed him. On the morning of June 12, 2019, he was found dead in his bed, victim of a massive heart attack. Helen and Jeremy flew to Rhodes for the funeral. Jeremy was devastated. After the ceremony, they were requested to attend the reading of the will three days later. Jeremy went down to the Mandraki, stepped aboard Eros, and wept. Staying in the mansion without Daddy Dimitri was something close to torture for him.

At the reading of the will, it was stipulated that a small part of Dimitri's financial assets were bequeathed to his faithful house staff, Thea and Jason. Helen received the mansion with everything in it along with Dimitri's Mercedes roadster. Jeremy was bequeathed Eros, the ownership of the mooring berth, and a trust fund for his basic living expenses and upkeep of Eros. Helen decided to sell everything she could and donate the rest to charity. As for Jeremy, he had no idea of what he was going to do with his unique yacht.

Before leaving for London, Jeremy asked Jason to take care of Eros until he returned. He had finished his bachelor's in English Literature but was still undecided about his future and even more so concerning his new status as the owner of a classic sailing yacht.

During the flight back, Jeremy thought about his grandfather. He felt not only love, but also a strong understanding of Dimitri, his fantasy, his freedom of thought and action, his adventurous life in business ventures as well as in his everyday love of life. For Jeremy, 'Daddy Dimitri' was a man of sun, fun, and daring temerity. Jeremy's stepfather was excessively boring and a terrible snob. His mother was loving and understanding, but blindly in love with her stuffy old husband.

Jeremy's mind was both bleak and stormy. Looking out the window, he imagined hearing his Daddy Dimitri whisper in his soul, "Go and do your thing now, boy! Fuck the rest. You've now got money, you're smart, you're beautiful, and remember, you've only got one life, so enjoy it."

Helen noticed the tear that was pearling in the corner of her bereaved son's eye. She pulled him close, and softly told him, "You'll get over it, dear..."

"Yes, Mum, I know I'll get over it. I'm just wondering how."

"Think about what your grandfather would expect of you."

With a nervous laugh, Jeremy quipped back, "That's exactly what I'm afraid of, Mum!"

Helen simply returned a puzzled smile. Jeremy looked back out the window. Sunlight glittered on the sea and the islands passing beneath him. Suddenly, his decision was made. He would become a day charter captain in the Aegean aboard Eros.

London, June 21, 2019

Being a former sea cadet, Jeremy filed for and received his international skipper licence. He spent time choosing among his personal belongings what he wanted to sell or give away. Anything that he couldn't fit aboard Eros had to go.

June 26, 2019

Jeremy called Jason to have him air out Eros, check the linens, and have her fuel and fresh water supply filled. He was coming to live aboard.

June 28, 2019

Jeremy kissed his mother good-bye, passed security, and boarded the British Airways direct flight back to Rhodes. Jason and Thea were happy to greet him at the airport and accompany him to Eros. She was in perfect shape. Even the brass was polished. Jeremy was more than happy. He felt a joy he had never yet known. He didn't know how to name it. Was it expectation, freedom, serenity? He didn't ponder the question more than that and went to pay his respects to the Harbour Master, Christos Gravas.

Jeremy was greeted at the harbour office with open arms. "We all miss your grandfather!" exclaimed Christos when Jeremy came in. Jeremy explained that he was going to live aboard Eros and that he needed to find a crew mate to sail with him on an extended cruise all the way to the Sporades. Christos suggested he inquire at the Sailors Mission where there was a big turnover of young fellows seeking jobs at sea.

That evening, Jeremy dined in the restaurant he had known every summer since the age of eleven. It was owned and run by a gentleman called Yannis. This would be his regular table. There too, he received a very special welcome.

Once back aboard, a pang of grief hit him again but as he touched the teak glowing in the lamplight of the cabin, listened to the laughter of passing strollers in the night, Jeremy felt that his grandfather's spirit still lingered there. He again imagined that Dimitri was whispering in his heart, "Everything's going to be great. Relax and make it happen. You're fine and you know I love you, boy. It's time for Eros to live other adventures than ours! So be happy and sleep tight!"

Laying in bed, memories galore flooded back. The most vivid one was when he was fifteen. He had enjoyed an 'almost' love affair with Rick, an American lad his age. His family's yacht was moored in the Mandraki next to Eros. Rick's parents would often go with friends and spend afternoons at a private beach or gamble in the casino. Jeremy would join Rick aboard their yacht, share a wank and a kiss in his cabin. After, they would go hang around town a while before Jeremy returned to his grandfather's mansion. Jeremy even invited Rick to come have dinner and sleep over with him.

That was when 'Daddy Dimitri' told Jeremy, "I see how close you and your gorgeous American friend are. You have good taste! He's got a certain class and quite a lot of sex appeal for his age. I want you to know, Son, that all men have their gay side. At least we Greeks admit it. You're half Greek, so..."

Nothing more was said. Dimitri winked and caressed his grandson's velvet cheek. Jeremy hugged him and that was it. When the American yacht sailed away, Jeremy didn't weep. He was simply glad that what had happened had happened.

He then thought about his love life later on. As a student, he had worked part-time as a fashion model for Tom Smith. With the other models, he had many opportunities to indulge in recreational sex, never committing himself to anyone, never seeking to dominate nor being dominated. He was out for naked fun and simple enjoyment of light, superficial sex with the most beautiful girls or boys that fell under his charm.

He uttered to himself, "That was so futile... but I did have fun!"

He fell asleep with a faint smile on his lips.

Jeremy felt at home in his new home, Eros. He barely felt the need to personalise the interior. His Macbook Air, connected to the amplifier aboard, diffused his favourite music. He took his time to completely inspect and clean out every nook aboard, even the bilge. He took care of anything that needed attention and little by little there was a new atmosphere inside.

Helen came to handle the sale of the mansion. She congratulated Jeremy about the state of Eros and asked him if he didn't want the roadster. Jeremy said no. So she gave it to Jason. After the sale, Helen insisted that Jeremy have a good cut of the money. It was obvious that she didn't need the cash and wanted to spoil her son as much as she could. Jeremy was momentarily and moderately a rather well-to-do young man. He could almost feel his grandfather patting his back. God, did he miss his Daddy Dimitri!

When Jeremy arrived at the Sailors Mission, he was welcomed by a very kind gentleman, Nikos Callas. When he said he was the grandson of Dimitri Skyros, Nikos's face lit up and said, "Dimitri Skyros was a great friend of the mission. We all miss him. I'm sure you do too, young man..."

Jeremy nodded, then he briefly explained his need of a young English speaking crew mate for an extended cruise up to the Sporades with frequent stopovers in the islands on the way. He planned to be gone for at least three months.

"Let me see who's here now and could fit your needs for a minimum of three months."

Nikos looked a long moment at his vintage computer's screen, then finally said, "Listen, I have a young fellow with a Lithuanian passport from Southampton. The lad's barely eighteen. He goes by the name of Anton Ivanov. Nice boy. He was a cabin boy aboard the Kassandra, a super yacht undergoing repairs here. The passenger attendants were put out of work. He says he doesn't want to return to the UK... I wonder why... Anyhow, I'll ask him if your offer interests him and promise to call you at the latest this evening or tomorrow morning. Give me your phone number and the name of your boat. Is Eros still moored in the Mandraki?"

Jeremy gave Nikos his card and replied, "Still by the windmills."

"I see. Do you need anything else?"

"No, I just want to make a contribution to your mission."

"Gladly! Every cent counts. Your grandfather always gave us his contribution each year. Oh, by the way, please let me know if Anton gives you satisfaction. He's rather special..."

"I shall, and thank you again. Good day, Mr. Callas."

"Good day, Mr. Skyros"

At nine the following morning, Jeremy's phone rang. It was Nikos calling, "Mr. Skyros, I've spoken with the lad I told you about. He's very interested. Can I send him over now?"

"No problem. I'm aboard"

"By the way, Anton told me he was a former sea cadet and had experience in sailing."

"Excellent reference! I'm expecting him, and thank you again."

Half an hour later, Jeremy heard a knock on the aft deck. He came out in the cockpit. Standing on the quay, smiling at him was the most unbelievably beautiful human he had ever seen.

"Anton Ivanov?"

"Yes, Sir"

"Please come aboard."

Anton's apparition hit Jeremy like a strike of lightning. He ushered the young man into the cabin. Anton looked totally at ease.

"I like your boat a lot, Sir. She's extremely elegant and must be fast under sail. I like how simple she is inside too. You are very fortunate to own her."

"Yes, I am. Coffee? Tea?"

Anton's presence made Jeremy's heart beat stronger. It surprised him.

"Tea, please, Sir. Thank you."

While Anton looked around, Jeremy took a good look at the lad. There was something both smooth and wild about him. He was eighteen but looked sixteen. He was rather pale, but if he worked inside the yacht, he wasn't often in the sun. He was wearing a casual pair of tight jeans and a grey hoodie. Simple good taste. Jeremy liked that. His medium long hair was rather blondish and his complexion totally unblemished. Jeremy liked Anton's moist smile. He also noticed Anton's hands. The nails were trimmed and clean, his fingers, long and slim. He was becoming all over and well proportioned, about five feet ten. For Jeremy, Anton was an icon of an angel -- but beyond his looks, there was something more... something he felt, but didn't know how to describe.

"Have a seat."

As Anton passed close by and sat, Jeremy said, "That's a nice scent you have on."

The lad slightly blushed and replied, never lowering his bluish-grey eyes, "I'm glad you like it, Sir. It's a fragrance I bought during a stopover in Venice. It's called Dara. I wanted to make a good impression."

"You've succeeded. Sugar? Cream?"

"Neither, thank you," replied Anton, softly with that certain smile.

Not only Anton's presence unsettled him, but more than that, Jeremy was a bit ill at ease playing the role of the employer hiring an employee. Hearing a fellow only five years younger than himself calling him 'Sir' was something annoying for him.

"Uh... Well let's talk about the job offer. What did the director tell you about it?" asked Jeremy, sitting down facing Anton.

"He said you required a crew mate for three months starting in a week. You planned to sail north to other islands."

"That's right. I'm looking for an adequate, unspoiled island in order to set up a day charter business with Eros."

"That's quite interesting, Sir," replied Anton with a sincere tone in his voice.

In fact, to Jeremy's ears, Anton's voice sounded like music.

"Mr. Callas said you were a former sea cadet in Southampton?"

"Yes, I was, from the age of ten to sixteen."

"I was a sea cadet myself. Are you familiar with this kind of a boat?"

"Not yet, Sir. I've never sailed on a two masted schooner, but I've sailed on a gaff pilot cutter. I don't think I'd have problems adapting."

"Very well," mumbled Jeremy, charmed even more by Anton.

Anton took the initiative to talk about money.

"Mr. Callas said that the work was all expenses paid, but didn't say how much you're paying, Sir." "I'm offering a flat £2500 in cash, all expenses paid as you know, for the three months. I will insure you but I cannot declare you as a regular seaman, therefore, no pay slip."

Anton looked at his hands on the table, and then replied "I'm tired of being a simple errand boy for the arrogant clients on charter yachts. I accept your offer. I suppose you want to try me out under sail."

"Yes, we'll sail over to Simi, spend the night there and return. For this, no pay."

"That's normal."

"When we're back, we'll both decide if we want to continue together or not."

"Very well, Sir. When do we leave for Simi?"

"Tomorrow if you want."

"What time?"

"10:00 AM. Will that do?"

"Yes, Sir"

"Fine. Now we have that settled. Could you tell me a bit more about yourself?"

"Willingly, Sir, I am the second born of four brothers. My parents are Russian but like many, they were born and raised in Klaipeda, Lithuania, a ship building port city. In the Soviet Union, many Russians, like my grandparents moved to Lithuania, but when the Soviet Union was dismantled, we Russo-Lithuanians were ill treated. My father worked in the biggest shipyard in Klaipeda. He found work in Southampton and we immigrated there when I was three. I was in English schools from the age of four and left high school when I turned sixteen."

"May I ask why?"

"Of course, Sir. I never participated in sports, I was never involved in girls, I preferred reading and sailing. I had a good mate in the sea cadets, my only friend, in fact. He moved to Canada when we were fourteen. In school, I enjoyed studying but hated being bullied all the time because of my effeminate looks."

"I understand. And for a first impression, do you think we can live together aboard Eros for three months?"

"For me, I'm sure I can, Sir. You are a very pleasant person. I like the way you talk, move, and respect me. I shall try to be a good seaman topside and an agreeable companion underside."

Jeremy appreciated the well stated reply Anton gave. He sounded sincere.

"I have a good first impression of you as well, Anton. See you tomorrow at ten."

"Count on me, Sir. Shall I bring my seabag?"

Jeremy thought an instant, smiled and replied, "Yes, you may."

When Anton left the boat, Jeremy felt a sudden absence. Anton lingered on his mind. The lightning he felt the first time he saw the lad had burnt its trace in Jeremy. There was something about Anton that impressed, even intrigued Jeremy. Was it only his looks? Not really, there was something deeper, something mystical.

Whatever, Jeremy was really happy to know that Anton was coming back the next day. It was a strange new feeling for him. Was he feeling an attachment for someone? As the question dawned, Jeremy shrugged and mumbled to himself, "And so what if I am!"

Jeremy busied himself with a few odd jobs aboard. After lunch, he noticed that he didn't have a bedroll for Anton's berth.

He decided to go into town and buy one for his sailorboy. He thought that a good sleeping bag that could be unzipped and opened would make a good cover too. Passing in front of a perfume shop, he smiled, hesitated, then entered. He asked if they had a fragrance called Dara. The saleslady smiled and replied that she had never heard of it. Too bad.

He then went to shop for groceries for their trip. He found some extra sandwich meats, canned stew, spaghetti sauce, a sack of tangerines, extra eggs for breakfast, and finished with several bottles of wine, both white and red, as well as a bottle of Jameson, his favourite whiskey.

That evening he returned to dine at Yannis's tavern and turned in early.

Anton arrived at ten on the dot. He looked great in his sailor's smock and sock cap with his seabag slung over his shoulder. He was beaming. Jeremy had already prepared the sails and warmed up the motor.

"How do you feel this morning, Anton?"

"I'm good, Sir."

"Let's get one thing settled. From now on, you can leave out the 'Sir' and just call me Jeremy. Okay? We'll be in close quarters and might as well be less formal. Do you agree?"

"It's going to be strange for me, but why not!"

"Good. Now go put your bag on the watch berth and come back up to cast off."

Anton moved on the deck like he had done the job for years. They eased out of the Mandraki, and hoisted the sails. The morning breeze was steady, perfect sailing weather. Jeremy cut off the motor and swung a bit downwind. The sails immediately billowed. Anton flipped the sheet around the winch and stiffened the foresail. Eros heeled a bit starboard and began to split the wavelets as if she were laughing. Jeremy was beaming at the tiller; Anton smiled and disappeared into the cabin. Several minutes later, he reappeared in the cockpit with two mugs and a thermos full of fresh coffee.

"That's great, Anton. Brilliant initiative!" exclaimed Jeremy watching Anton pour him a cupful.

"It's only natural for a sailorboy to make coffee for his captain!"

"I'm beginning to like you a lot, sailorboy!" replied Jeremy.

"And I'm liking my captain even more!" quipped back Anton with a heart melting smile as he poured his own cup.

They were well underway, clipping along at close to six knots. Wind hummed in the riggings, from time to time, the spray of a wave slapped the bow dampening the deck.

Jeremy shouted, "Port tack!"

Anton swiftly stood ready to release the sheets of the jib and foresail. Jeremy pushed the tiller, Eros gently swerved. The sails shivered. Anton released the sheets and grabbed the port sheet in hand. The sails then fainted, and a second later they swung across. Anton swiftly tightened the jib, then the foresail with the winch and secured them on their cleats. Eros picked up speed. The manoeuvre was perfectly well done.

"Anton, come back here and take over. I want you to get the feel of the tiller."

Anton held the tiller, vibrating as if alive, in his hand. Jeremy said, "Steady as she goes," and went a bit forward to take a photo of his extremely proud crew mate.

Simi was drawing close. Since the wind was steady, Jeremy said, "We're going to Tilos... I know a secluded cove there where we'll be better at anchor instead of the port of Simi."

"As you like! I'm happy to go wherever wills the wind!" stated Anton.

Jeremy headed due west on a broad reach. Anton adjusted his sheets. Eros leaned a bit more and picked up speed. They were flying, clipping through the swell. Eros hummed, her wake was gurgling, almost giggling. Jeremy and Anton exchanged an appreciative smile and shook hands. They were happy as swallows on wing.

"I suppose you're hungry, Anton."

"Happiness makes me hungry!"

"There's sliced meat and tomatoes in the galley," instructed Jeremy.

"And to drink?"

"There's beer in the fridge."

They enjoyed an excellent lunch on deck and took turns at the tiller. Around about five thirty the breeze began to slacken. Jeremy pointed at the cape of Tilos and announced, "Our cove is just behind."

They rounded the cape. Jeremy started the motor. Anton lowered and furled the sails. They eased up not too far from a small, sandy beach and weighed anchor. Eros was suspended in space, floating in water clear as air.

"What a day, Anton! You were great," complimented Jeremy as he hung the swim ladder on the gunwale.

"You were too, Jeremy. Thank you!"

"Don't you think it's time for a dip before happy hour?"

"I don't have swimwear, Jeremy."

"All I wear is sunscreen, mate!" quipped back Jeremy, disappearing in the cabin. He returned, nude with a bottle of lotion in hand.

"Get naked, Anton. I'll take care of your back."

Anton did as told. Jeremy began to slather Anton's shoulders with the lotion. Anton shivered as he felt Jeremy's hands on his skin. He held Anton's chest with his free hand and rubbed his back with the other. Anton almost went limp. The sensation was wonderful!

Jeremy rubbed down to Anton's buttocks, making him shiver even more. Then he did the legs. When Jeremy turned Anton around and stepped back, he looked at the lad's perfect, uncut erection and elegant balls, topped with a patch of amber pubic curls glistening with sweat and exclaimed, "You're a splendour, a joy to admire."

Anton didn't know where to put himself...

Jeremy handed the sunscreen to Anton, saying, "Now you can do my back."

It was Jeremy's turn to shiver a bit under Anton's delicate touch. Anton imitated the way Jeremy had done. He massaged Jeremy's back, holding him close with his free hand, the tip of his erection touching from time to time Jeremy's thigh. Once Anton had finished the buttocks, Jeremy turned around. He too was stiff as a hammer handle. Anton dared look at his captain as well, with a shy but obvious smile on his lips.

"That'll do, the sun's really low now!" stated Jeremy. He grabbed Anton's wrist and pulled him to the gunwale. Anton was laughing like mad. Then, "One, two, three!" and they jumped overboard together in a big splash.

Anton immediately swam towards the beach. Jeremy inspected the underside of Eros and then swam after Anton. Once ashore, they both admired Eros at anchor.

"Beautiful," commented Jeremy.

"More than just beautiful. She and you are the best things that ever happened to me, Jeremy. Thank you!"

Jeremy blushed and uttered, opening his arms, "You're good for me too, Anton."

Anton beamed and fell into Jeremy's warm embrace. That elementary, natural act was so full of meaning, overflowing with such bonding energy, that tears brimmed in Anton's eyes. Jeremy too was deeply moved by having dared surrender that way to the grace of that moment.

Two young men, standing naked on a deserted beach, in the middle of nowhere hugged and the angels sang.

Then, breaking the rich silence between them, like school boys they both darted off like mad, running in the shallows, splashing, then diving into the water. They raced to Eros. Arriving exactly at the same time, they laughed, scrambling to see who grabbed the ladder first.

Aboard, Anton inquired, "Where do you keep the towels, Jeremy?"

"Under the sink in the head."

Anton reappeared, tossed a towel to Jeremy, and began to dry himself as well.

"Jeremy, I've got to dress. I feel like I'm roasting."

"I should get dressed myself; too much sun is never good."

"At least, not for me! Maybe once I'm tanned I can live naked!"

"What a dream!" replied Jeremy, then changing subjects, he said, "Anton, listen, before I uncork the wine for an aperitif and then cook us a mountain of spaghetti, could you tell me if I was too bold to hug you like we did on the beach?"

"Not bold enough!" exclaimed Anton laughing.

They ran inside and dressed.

"Anton, you can furl the sails while I prepare the wine, cheese, and crackers."

Jeremy busied himself in the galley, put the water on the gas cooker to heat for the spaghetti, and plopped down on the bench just when Anton came back down. The last rays of the setting sun had cast a golden light inside the cabin. Both hushed. The silence, the shrill of a distant bird and the ripples of the water against the hull were like music.

Jeremy filled their glasses with chilled retsina wine. Anton sat facing Jeremy, took his glass, and leaned forward, lifting it for a toast. Jeremy did the same and as their glasses touched, Anton said, "Long live us!"

Jeremy winked, nodded, and echoed, "Long live us!"

They drank. The wine helped releasing more personal topics of conversation as they devoured the cheese, then later at dinner, the spaghetti.

Anton dared ask Jeremy about his parents, his studies, even his love life. Jeremy did the same. They concluded that they both liked where they came from, but at a distance. They both said they loved good literature, and that they were not necessarily very tempted having a family.

Laughter often filled the cabin. Anton did the dishes. Jeremy unzipped the sleeping bag to make a good deck blanket and tossed it out in the cockpit.

"When you finish, join me for some star gazing and whiskey sipping topside."

Anton dimmed the lights in the cabin and came up. The moonless sky was totally covered with stars. Jeremy was sitting on the cockpit floor, his back on the bench. He patted the space beside him. Anton came and sat close by him. Jeremy spread the duvet over their legs and then poured them each a shot of Jameson.

Anton was shivering a bit. Jeremy pulled him a little bit closer. With Jeremy's arm around his shoulder, Anton melted, his hand laying on Jeremy's thigh. They shared a moment of silence. Then Anton asked Jeremy to tell him about his project of day charter.

"Why do you want to know?"

"Just wondering..." hummed Anton.

"Inheriting my grandfather's yacht was at first a joy, then a burden, then a blessing. On the plane returning to London, I imagined my grandfather telling me to dare live and do what I really wanted to do. Then I realised that I wanted to sail Eros and share the thrill of sailing her with others. I could live comfortably aboard and receive up to eight paying guests on deck and in the rare case of a sudden rain, there's room enough inside for shelter..."

"Sounds like you have it all planned."

"Well, I have done a lot of thinking about the project. But there's one problem. To make things perfect, I'd need a partner, a fellow like you to attend to the guests' comfort and second me in the manoeuvres. But I can't pay on a regular basis, sign a contract, pay the extras, etc. I need a partner to work with on a percentage basis... but I'm not sure he would like to live with me aboard, or me with him for that matter. I'll solve that problem once I've found the right place to begin with. At first I thought I'd work out of the Mandraki, but there's too many memories with my grandfather there. Also, there's too much cheap competition for day cruises in the Mandraki. That's why I'm looking for a more satisfactory island to work from."

"I'd like to be your partner, Jeremy."

"What?"

"I said I'd like to be your partner and live with you on Eros. I'm more than qualified for the job, and we do get along well together, don't we?"

"Well... yes... yes we do but..."

"But what?"

"Let's see how we feel about that a little later."

"Why?"

"We've just met. It's not reasonable to commit ourselves just now. Such a decision has to be the result of careful consideration..."

"Do you really believe that?"

Jeremy was struck by the question. He realised that it was something his stepfather would say. It was something you say in 'the other world', the world he despised -- In Daddy Dimitri's world things were... were...

"I don't know, Anton, why I said that... Let's go down, wash up, and turn in and let things happen the way they have to happen. Okay?"

"Okay"

The chill hit them when the duvet was lifted. Jeremy grabbed the glasses with the bottle of Jameson; Anton took the duvet. Together they darted into the cabin. They brushed their teeth at the sink, stripped and sponge bathed each other. Jeremy stated, looking at their semi-erections, "You're right, we really enjoy being together."

"That we do!" laughed Anton.

Without any further discussion, they headed directly to Jeremy's cabin and crawled in the double bed. Anton's hand sought Jeremy's. They turned their faces. The tips of their noses touched. They breathed each other's breath. Anton rolled a bit over towards Jeremy. The tip of his moist cock touched Jeremy's side. Jeremy reached over and caressed Anton's cheek. Anton slid his leg between Jeremy's and their cocks met at the same time they kissed.

Their feverish kisses became vagabond. Writhing, coiled together, they kissed each other's neck, licked tits, nuzzled pits, their legs entangled, their cocks pushing, drooling, seeking each other's flesh.

All reserve had vanished... What was happening had to happen. That's all. The natural sweaty scent of male lust filled the cabin. They grabbed each other's cock and pumped, kneaded, twisted, their mouths locked in a famished kiss.

Anton was the first to gasp, then scream. With his head thrown back, he convulsed as each surge of cum spewed out of his lovely cock. Jeremy grunted, thrusting in Anton's iron grip. Suddenly, he too shot his liquid lightning onto Anton's belly. Panting, spent, immobile, Anton began to giggle. He smeared Jeremy's creamy semen and then licked the palm of his hand. Jeremy too began to giggle. He sucked his own sticky fingers, dripping with Anton's fresh cum. Seconds later, they were both locked in a hug, rocking each other, as waves of gutsy, gleeful laughter filled the cabin.

The silence of the night slowly returned. Still enlaced, Jeremy uttered, "We are young, but our souls are old."

"That's why we're together, Jeremy. We were together long before we met. Now that our flesh has found each other's, our souls are content," whispered Anton.

"Did you know that the instant you saw me?" uttered Jeremy.

"No, but I felt it without understanding."

"When I first saw you yesterday morning, I was dazzled. Your beauty struck me like lightning... but seconds later I was no longer dazzled. Something beyond, behind your looks was glowing and that something glowing was in me too. God, am I glad that we found each other, Anton."

"Is it a beginning, Jeremy?"

"I feel it's the beginning of an old, old story, Anton."

Kissing the nape of Jeremy's neck, Anton whispered, "Are you sleepy?"

"Well... not really..."

That night, both discovered the joys of mutual fellatio, swallowing semen, dozing between delights and finally sleeping in each other's embrace.

Jeremy yawned, opened his eyes, the sun was already hot and high in the summer sky. He slipped out of bed and went topside to piss. Gusty breezes stirred the surface of the glittering waters of the cove. The sound of breakers from the cape could be heard in the hiss of the wind.

"Good morning, matey!" sang Jeremy, kissing Anton's sleepy smile.

"Good morning to you too... I'll be right up."

"Meltem's blowing! We've got to get underway."

"Meltem?"

"That's a very strong north wind that blows here from time to time. It's going to be rough going back."

Now fully awake, Anton sat up, fondled his balls, and crawled out of bed. He too hurried out on deck, squeezing his penis, saying, "Be with you in a second."

They indulged in a copious breakfast, washed up a bit and dressed.

"Take this," stated Jeremy handing Anton his slicker.

"Thanks!"

Then Jeremy slid into Daddy Dimitri's slicker, smiling as he realised the symbolic impact of what he had just done.

Anton prepared the sails; Jeremy warmed up the motor and secured the hatches. Jeremy shouted, "Okay! Weigh anchor, partner!"

Anton cranked the windlass, then suddenly realised that Jeremy had just said, 'partner'. Smiling from ear to ear, Anton shouted back, "Anchor aweigh, partner!"

Anton ran back to Jeremy, manning the tiller and stuttered, "You said 'partner'. Does that mean..."

"That's exactly what I mean, and you answered 'partner' back to me, so I guess that's it."

"Correct! That's it!"

They stood together, shoulder to shoulder, as they motored out of the cove. Just before rounding the cape, Anton hoisted the reduced sails. Breakers were exploding on the rocks; foam was streaking off the whitecaps. Entering the wind, Eros leaned, split the waves with a hissing wake, and headed due east. The partners sat, cuddled together on the tillerman's bench, beaming as they sped into the late morning light.

Six hours later, as the sun began to set, they entered the Mandraki, drenched, exhausted, and elated. As they were tying up, two lads passing by gave them a thumbs up, nodding their admiration. Anton felt like a prince.

They stripped and fell on the bed. Anton whispered, "Let's do it tonight..."

Jeremy perfectly understood what Anton meant and replied, "We'll flip a coin to see who does what first. Okay?"

"It's a deal!" exclaimed Anton. They grabbed each other in a conclusive kiss. Jeremy teasingly tapped Anton's sweet little arse and asked, "Hungry?"

"Famished!" was the immediate reply.

They quickly cleaned up, dressed and went into town. Yannis came over to the table and complimented Jeremy on his handsome guest.

"Yannis, I'm glad to introduce you to Anton, my partner aboard Eros."

"The gods have smiled on you two! I'm sure your grandfather would bless you both! What will it be tonight? Fish or meat?"

Jeremy looked at Anton.

"Meat for me," he replied, with a coy smile.

"Same for me, Yannis."

"I've got a fantastic lamb roast already waiting for you, with potatoes, carrots, bread, olive oil. And for the wine, my young friends, red or white?"

"Red!" replied Jeremy.

"Excellent for blood, and even more," quipped Yannis, winking at the two 'partners'.

The wine instantly appeared on the table with a small platter of nibbles to whet their already voracious appetite.

As they savoured the meal, they discussed their partnership. It was as if everything had been planned in advance. They chose a platter of grapes for dessert. Yannis brought them the bill. Jeremy signed it. Yannis bade them good night. There was a moment of warm silence. Anton whispered, "Are you ready to go flip the coin?"

"More than ready," grinned Jeremy, standing.

The wine had left a purple smile on both their flushed faces as they walked back to the Mandraki holding hand, their jeans moist in anticipation.

Once inside, Jeremy put the bottle of sunscreen beside the berth and dimmed the lamp. Anton put the coin on the other side and slowly began to undress. Nude, they crawled up on the covers and sat cross-legged, face to face.

Their heartbeats hastened, their breathing was heavy. Jeremy reached over, took the coin, and gave it to Anton.

Anton said, "Heads, you come in me; tails, I come in you. Okay?"

"Is the pun intended?"

"Yes!"

Jeremy laughed and said, "Okay, flip!"

The coin spun upwards and then fell between them. Tails. Anton mumbled, "I didn't expect that..."

"Don't worry. I'll help you..."

"Okay, you'll help me!" proclaimed Anton, throwing himself on Jeremy.

They shared a long, deep kiss, rolling enlaced together in the covers. Their foreplay was slow yet intense. At a certain point, Jeremy uttered, turning over, face down, "Open me... with your fingers, your tongue, your love, Anton."

Anton bent over and licked Jeremy's moist cleft. Then instinct overtook. He tongued, then inserted his finger. He tongued some more and inserted two fingers. Jeremy moaned, rediscovering a long forgotten bliss. Anton's cock drooled transparent threads of slick as he brushed Jeremy's hole with the tip of his glans.

"Slather your cock with the sunscreen and go for it, Anton."

Anton squirted the liquid on his throbbing erection, then into Jeremy's anus. He hovered over Jeremy. Jeremy seized Anton's cock between his fingers and directed it to his quivering hole. Anton dared push a little. Jeremy shoved back. Jerermy's anus swallowed Anton's cock to the hilt. Their bodies took over. Anton thrusted. Jeremy pushed back. They began to fuck. Slow at first, then faster and deeper as they moved in sync. Anton's sex danced inside Jeremy. Spinning in a whirlpool of unbelievable bliss, Anton clawed Jeremy's shoulders, kissed the nape of his neck. Their feet rubbed together as Anton fucked Jeremy with the grace of a cat. His rump rolled and hunched, never pounding, his cock coaxing waves of electric ecstasy out of Jeremy's amazed prostate. Their fucking became a frenzy of sweat and saliva.

Like a sudden strike of lightning, lost in a scream, both their cocks spewed, one into space, the other into flesh.

Afterwards, they just laid there, inert, trying to catch their breath. Then Anton caressed Jeremy's cheek and whispered.

"Jeremy? Are you all right?"

"I'm in heaven. That was mind-blasting, Anton... And you?"

"I love you, Jeremy. You led me to know love. I love you. While I was in you, I was lost and born at the same time. I need you in me too..."

"Anton, I have to lose myself in you too," uttered Jeremy, yawning, "but right now, I'm totally spent. Let's get some sleep. I promise, with the dawn, I'll fuck you as long and as deep as I can. I need it really bad also."

"Oh, yesssss...with the dawn..." yawned Anton.

The night wind sang in the riggings as they kissed. They shared a contented sigh and fell together deep asleep.

As the day was breaking, Jeremy gently caressed Anton's thigh, kissed his luscious moist lips. Nothing was said. Anton smiled. Jeremy delicately kneaded and slid his hand into Anton's cleft. His fingers found the precious opening. Anton hummed as Jeremy massaged the tight, twitching hole.

Laying on his back, his legs sprawled, Anton gave Jeremy space. Time trembled. Jeremy knelt. He draped Anton's legs over his shoulders and began to open Anton. He licked, fingered, and tongued him. Anton began to moan, to whimper, to slightly move, on the verge of going wild, shivering from the need to be fucked. Jeremy ate him, then nibbled his balls, tormenting his tits with the tip of his fingers. Jeremy's leaking cock brushed Anton's arse as he leaned in a kiss. Anton's need was crucial. He grabbed his buttocks and pulled them apart. He couldn't stand it a second more. Jeremy jacked his cock with lotion and lifted Anton's rump by the hipbones. With his drooling glans kissing Anton's pulsing hole, Jeremy pushed. Anton's sphincter willingly yielded. Anton's burning flesh sucked Jeremy deep inside. They writhed, rocked, clawing. They drooled, biting lips and ear lobes. Wide-eyed, Anton moaned, whimpered, giggled, then clenching Jeremy with his legs around the waist, he rolled him over, never disconnecting, and rode him. Jeremy bucked and fucked as Anton bounced, ground, and strangled the cock inside him with his deepest, intimate muscles.

Thus, they surfed on the waves of a god-given bliss, known to males alone.

Jeremy quaked and trembled, his mouth agape. Their fucking accelerated. Anton became wild. They wept in ecstasy as Anton made Jeremy's cock stir his entrails. They irradiated waves of orgasmic energy. Drops of sweat gleamed on Anton's chest, streamed from his pits, fell from his face like dying stars on Jeremy's face. Jeremy's lips snarled, his nostrils flared, and then like distant thunder rolling in, a howl surged from the depths of his surrender, his semen pumping into Anton, gush after gush. Anton arched, snarling, screaming in the blast of a blinding orgasm, his cum streaming into the air, falling on Jeremy's panting chest, his lips, his hair.

They collapsed, both panting, attempting to return from that instant of oblivion. Jeremy's spent cock slipped out of Anton as he rolled over on his side. Then without warning, they grabbed each other, tickling, laughing, slobbering on each other with their hungry kisses, licking each other's salty skin. They were young and in love, crazy and alive. The world was theirs to cherish and tame. Their combined energies were like the Meltem -- indomitible, powerful, and pure.

As Anton sang in the shower, Jeremy's mind wandered as in a dream, his fingers idly playing with Anton's semen puddled in his navel. He distinctly heard his Daddy Dimitri laughing. He stretched.

"Time to get out of bed, lover man. The shower's yours; I'm going to make us a breakfast to remember!"

"Can I borrow some of your Dara!"

"My pleasure! Coffee or tea?"

"What are you having?"

"Tea"

"Tea for two please!"

Anton giggled, listening to Jeremy sing off tune in the shower.

That was how their story began.

Epilogue

They sailed, avoiding the regular tourist circuits, seeking their ideal home port. They ended up in the Sporades. They chose Skopelos. Jeremy put his mooring space in the Mandraki up for rent.

In November, Helen came for a visit. She totally fell under Anton's unique charm, saying that he was a blessing for her son.

They enjoyed the atmosphere, the beauty of the surrounding islands, the natural marine park as well. They obtained the authorisations necessary for day charter, and a perfect mooring space along the harbour sidewalk. They put their flyers in the tourist office, the better hotels and restaurants in town and their posters in the airport, and at the ferry landing. They built a sandwich board sign to put on the quay at the foot of Eros. They were ready for their first clients at the end of March.

Covid 19! All plans went astray.

They found refuge at anchor in Planitis Bay on the practically uninhabited, wooded island of Kyra Panagia. They began to live on their own and enjoy it. They fished, baked their bread, drew their water from the well. The two other inhabitants were two monks living in their ancient monastery. Anton and Jeremy helped out in the monestary garden and the monks gave them some of their vegetables. Later on, they invited each other for dinner and tried some conversation, the monks with their broken English and the horrible Greek that Jeremy and Anton dared speaking. It was hilarious.

Later when other yachts came to anchor, they helped the holiday makers respect the island. When they sailed over to Alonnisos Island to do a little shopping, enjoy a meal at the tavern, chat with new friends. They even considered doing a little day charter, later on... if they felt like it.

They lived in a kind of 'out-of-this-world' way on their little island with the monks and were perfectly happy. That's why they're still there.