Kasper's Den

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+{Kasper's Den}+

Part 1

[By Emri]

"He's only 18! That's too young. Niles wants older... straight-acting muscle guys. He'll stand-out too much," one producer said as he eyed me from behind his clipboard.

"It's perfect. We need variety! The audience will expect it. You got too many older gym bitches. They're going to connect to their favorite. If they don't find it, they'll lose interest. He'll be the outlier and attract the guys who want to see themselves amongst the contestants." The main producer nodded his head with a knowing smile.

"See themselves in him? He's too small... not muscular enough. His features are too.. pretty, effeminate. And that long hair... I don't know, Jim," the third producer said. I noted he had a big beer gut and a stain on his t-shirt. I pulled my shoulder-length hair back into a little bun so it was out of my face. His look of disdain softened when he saw it up.

"He's perfect! They'll remember their high school dreams. Those big, green doe eyes and innocent face, clear skin... good hair, reddish-blond. I know what sells! Kasper will sell. I'm naming him `episode seven,' maybe eight. He'll hang in there while the bigger guys fight it out. A little haircut and better wardrobe... He's perfect, Michael!" Jim, the main producer, said to my friend.

"Wait till you see his yoga routine. He's crazy flexible. I already wrote a scene where he goes on a yoga date with Niles. They'll eat it up!" Michael beamed from the corner of the room. He had begged me to try out for his first solo production.

It was a struggling, cable network that needed a bachelor knock-off show for gays. Michael had been my oldest brother's friend growing up. When I came out, he kind of adopted me and helped me navigate my family's unease.

This show was supposed to be different, the schtick was that the audience got to vote each week online. They not only voted for which four contestants to protect that week, but they would also vote to inflict punishments (suggested by the producers so it wasn't too sadistic) on the contestants they most hated. In order to stay, those contestants would have to endure the punishments. It was a weird concept, and I didn't think it would last, but I needed the money.

I wasn't going to try out, but I'd recently become homeless. Oh I had a home and a family. I could go back there at any time so long as I agreed to work for my father's business and start taking classes towards a degree. I could cut my hair and stay in every night. The thought of fixing sewer lines and sitting in classes just wasn't for me.

It's not that my father was harsh, he'd just run out of patience with my bad choices. I've always been kind of a handful. My latest bad choice landed me in the local jail where he happily let me sleep for the night before coming to help. It was a misunderstanding and I got caught up in a drug sweep for being at the wrong party at the wrong time. I didn't even know there were drugs going around.

I didn't have anything on me or in me so the charges were dropped once I got to talk with the district attorney and showed a clean blood sample. When I made it home though, my parents had an ultimatum. Things got heated and Michael's couch was open to me. Michael begged me to audition for casting on his new project. He had a shoestring budget and a big dream.

"Well the whole thing is a fake set. There are four reality shows filming, different countries, languages, cultures. Most of our show is ok to be shot at night, so we got the cheap rate on the fancy house," Michael explained as our plane took off from Los Angeles.

"But why Africa? That's so... far." I rubbed my sore ears. They were popping from the pressure.

"South Africa offered crazy incentives to film there. We're the only show filming in English there so they offered us a great package. They have dorms for the contestants to sleep in, but you'll have to pretend for the show that you're sleeping in the big house. We get the house for five hours each day so we have to really rush the scenes." Michael explained.

"And what other shows are filming there?" I asked.

"Well there's a business-entrepreneur show with Arabs, another one with Persians, and an Indian show that is part Bollywood musical and part dating show with straight people. It's pretty much a rip-off of my show, but with added talent shows with their music. Indian shows have to have a dance and song montage." Michael laughed.

"They paid me for the development of the dating portion though and each week I get to re-sell our scripts so they can use them but with straight storylines instead of gay. This is really going to put me on the map!" Michael was so excited. He had worked so hard on this and producing shows was all he ever wanted to do.

"So I stay in a dorm with Americans? Do I get my own bed or are they bunks?" I realized I should have asked these questions before committing.

"You know you can stay with me a little in the producer's suite, but yeah it's bunks. I tried to block off enough for our guys... but until more get voted off, it's going to be tight." Michael had that look in his eyes like bad news was coming.

"Where am I sleeping?" I asked knowing I had little choice as the plane barrelled over the California desert.

"Well you were kind of a last minute addition since we got approved for an extra episode," Michael started. "But um... I think you'll be ok. You'll have a bed alone. I promise!"

I rolled my eyes. Michael fired up his laptop and got to work on a script. I popped in my earbuds and played a game on my phone.

I fell asleep somewhere over the Atlantic. It was pitch-black outside and they had the cabin lights turned off. Michael was still working on a script while he finished his beer. Luckily, the plane seat had a phone charger so my music kept me entertained.

I woke up as we were starting to descend into Johannesburg. I looked out the window to see the blazing sun over rugged hills covered in brown grass. I expected to see giraffes and lions, but the scenery soon gave way to wide boulevards and shopping centers, sprawling suburbs and green golf courses. I scarfed down the sandwich Michael had gotten me from the stewardess. We followed along a black-topped highway crawling with commuters, but then quickly diverted east to touchdown on a runway.

+++

"Kasper Adam Lane, you come home right now! This is insane! Why do you do this shit?" My dad's voice said when I called him. I connected to the airport wifi while Michael was waiting for our bus. We had to take a bus to Durban and then a car would take us to the filming compound.

"I told you, dad. I'm in Africa for a tv show. It pays a thousand bucks for every episode I'm on and it goes up by five hundred each week I stick around! It will be good money for when I come back. I'm trying to contribute like you wanted." I tried to make it sound less dumb.

"Of all the stupid things you've done, Kasper... Africa? Are you fucking kidding me? You'll get yourself killed. You're too dumb to survive on your own. You come home!" Dad was pissed.

To be fair though, I'd done a lot of stupid things. My brothers were the smart ones, the athletic alphas; the ones who brought home trophies and good grades. I was the last born though, the unwanted surprise. It's why my dad had named me after some character in a video game series he was obsessed with as a teenager. They didn't expect much from me.

I'd always been the troubled one, the kid for whom they dreaded getting notices for parent conferences. It was never good news. I wasn't good at much. I was a series of disappointments highlighted by growing my hair out and the fact that I didn't like girls.

"I gotta go, dad. I'll call you when I get the chance. I'm with Michael. I'll be ok... love you," I said and hung up before he could protest. I walked out of range for the wifi so my phone went silent. I shoved it into my pocket and followed Michael onto the bus, onto the next adventure.

+++

We pulled up to the compound around dinnertime. I'd lost track of what time it was back home. I just wanted another sandwich, a shower, a sleeping place. I stumbled behind Michael with my bag as he led me through the compound's security and inquired about his producers suite.

His "suite" turned out to be a small, dank bedroom in the dorms. It was private, but just big enough for a small twin bed and desk. He had a closet would just barely hold his bag. The bathroom and communal shower was down the hall. He looked at me with a frustrated sigh. This wasn't what the brochure had promised.

I shouldn't have laughed though. This was the producer's suite and I was just a contestant. Michael helped me find the Dorm-Master, that was his title, so I could find my bunk. The other shows had already started filming, so the rows of small rooms were pretty packed. I followed the dorm-master, a friendly older guy with a giant set of keys on his belt, down a long hallway with doors.

A few of the doors were open to small rooms with old carpet and two sets of bunk beds stacked against opposing walls. Random men from all parts of the world were lounging, leaning, playing games, talking, and napping in their small beds. I raised a few eyebrows as I hugged my pillow and followed him down the hall. He'd pause occasionally to look in on a room and yell at someone in a foreign language.

I felt like it was my first day in either high school or prison.

Near the end of one hallway, he finally found what he was looking for. There was one empty top bunk in a room that already looked full with clothes hanging over the doorway and a small window looking out to the dark night. None of the other prisoners... campers... contestants were in the room right then, but I was obviously intruding on a group's space. He nodded to the top bunk and then showed me the two empty drawers that would be for my clothes. He picked a stack of shirts out of one of the drawers and placed it on the nearest bed.

The room smelled foreign; like unidentifiable spices and unclaimed gym gear. I nodded to him as he said something in his language and handed me a key to the room. He left me to unpack my things. This was not what I had in mind when Michael told me about the fabulous show he was filming. I pictured a swanky resort and comfortable bed. This was a twin-sized mattress pad on an old, metal frame. There was a "Welcome bag" on the bed that held thin sheets, a blanket, pillow, and towel.

I made the bed and then went down to grab a quick shower. Luckily, the communal bathroom had shower stalls with curtains. I pulled my hair up into a ponytail and took a quick shower. I guessed it must have been dinner time because everyone was out for the evening. I would have time to explore, but right now my body needed fresh clothes and a bed.

When I made it back to the room, the other guys had returned from dinner. There were four Arab looking guys and two guys who must have been with the Bollywood show. None of them were speaking English, and I noticed my bag had been tossed atop my bed.

I walked in wearing a pair of pajama shorts. The Indian guys ignored me, but the Arab guys looked me up and down, noting my smooth, pale chest covered in a light dusting of freckles from the summer sun.

"Uh... hi. I'm up there," I said and pointed up to my bunk. The Arab guys stopped talking and moved out of my way. I hung the towel on a hook next to my bed. There were other towels on hooks so I assumed that was the custom.

As I climbed up, they resumed their conversation and burst into laughter. I didn't look back. The two Indian guys were settled into the top bunk opposite mine. I watched as one shuffled a deck of cards, but I looked away when my interest was met with a glare. I could tell I wasn't going to make friends here, at least not until some of the American gays got eliminated and I could change rooms.

"What your name is," a deep monotone voice commanded as a handsome brown face popped up next to my mattress. He had black, spiky hair and caramel brown eyes.

"Kasper..." I stammered. "Kasper... Lane." I slid back against the wall and braced myself as though he were ready to attack... he wasn't.

"I am Taj," He said and his lips spread into a smile. "May I join you?"

I nodded and he put his hands flat against my bedspread. He pushed himself up like a gymnast and I noted the impressive bulge of muscles pushing the limits of his tight, gray tanktop.

"You are Englishman. No?" He asked.

"American... Californian," I nodded and tore my eyes from his intense gaze. I was trying not to do anything stupid with a hot guy in my bed. He was fucking gorgeous and that accent wasn't helping matters.

"Ah lovely! Palm trees and surfboards. You are with the show for the homosexuals?" He asked with interest, not surprise.

"I guess so," I said as though I didn't know what I'd tried out for.

"Yes, that will not show in my country," Taj laughed. "But I have met the homosexuals in my travels to Europe. Is so strange. You are not man, but also not woman." He reached and pushed back my hair like it added a layer of complexity he couldn't understand.

"No, I'm a man." I laughed.

"I do not mean offense. They tell us your kind will be here and we can take this as time to learn. Most of us want to be in international business so it is important to see how rest of world lives. Sometimes Arabian cultures can be center of our own world," Taj stretched his leg out towards me and put his hand to my shoulder.

"Oh. That's good, I guess," I said and yawned.

"You are tired, dear friend. I let you sleep. I am below you for sleep. If you need anything or have problems with my people here, I will help. I am here to be success. It means a different life for me and my future wife. She is waiting for me in Riyadh. I will succeed," Taj showed a resilient grin. He hopped off of my bed and shooed his friends out. He stretched and I caught the gold waistband of his underwear. Of course he was straight. Just my luck. I groaned inwardly.

I looked over to see the Indian guys still playing their game. One looked over at me with annoyance. He didn't appreciate being studied. He had a handsome face and toned body like a darker version of a football player I drooled over in high school. He was here for the dating show so I guess he was straight to. I was swimming in cock and all out of reach.

Taj turned off the overhead lights and the Indian guys protested in their language. He told them in English with a harsh tone that it was time for bed. It was obvious that Taj ruled our roost, they didn't respond. There was still a side table lamp glowing, but it wouldn't bother me. I'd grown up in a house with loud brothers and was used to a certain din of noise when I laid down at night. I looked to see Taj give me a happy wink. I crawled under the bedspread and quickly fell asleep.

+++

I woke up to Taj and another Arab guy rubbing towels over their wet, naked skin. I quickly closed my eyes to not arouse suspicion, but cracked one open to take in the beautiful dark orbs of his furry ass. He rubbed the towel over his stomach and turned so I could see his fat, flaccid cock. I was already hard with my usual morning wood, and the sight of him had me desperate to touch my cock. I had to lay there pretending to sleep until he finished dressing.

He pulled on dress pants and a button-up shirt. His show must have demanded a suit. I had nowhere to be until after lunch when we could begin filming. They seemed to be in a hurry, but when his friend ran off, Taj turned to look at me. He crept close and I closed my eyes tightly. I felt his hand pull my bedspread up over my bare chest. He patted my shoulder and whispered something in his language. I melted at his touch.

I pulled on jeans and a t-shirt when he left. The show would dress me so I didn't need to worry about what I wore. It was a cool morning in the dorms so I dressed warmly and went out to explore a little. I found a badge in my welcome bag and clipped it to my shirt.

Outside the dorms were a few other buildings around a large, tiled courtyard. South Africa looked much like southern California, but everything was just a little off. The trees had different shapes and colors. There was a tropical humidity in the air, very different from the normally dry climate of LA.

I walked over to the cafeteria area to get some breakfast. I had a few hours before I needed to check in for my show. It was packed with people who looked like they were part of the Indian show. It was a long wait for the buffet, but they had a side station with some fruit, bread, and coffee. I grabbed a hot tea, half a croissant, and a bowl of melons. They had to-go trays so I put it together and waved my badge at the security guy, but he didn't seem to care.

Outside of the cafeteria hut I saw a little pathway that led down the hill to a clearing in the woods with a few empty tables. I put in my earbuds and played some music as I headed down. I sat at a table that had a view of the beach from a narrow breach in the thick forest. Emerald waves crashed against the white sands of the Indian Ocean. It was weird to see the ocean on the right side. The Pacific was always on the left... at least from California's perspective.

I had just popped a wedge of cantaloupe past my lips when I saw a head coming up the path from the beach. His black hair waved in the wind as his hand pushed it back from his handsome, golden face. With each bounce I could see a few more inches of his perfection as he bounded up the steps towards the small, peaceful clearing.

He made it to the top without noticing me sitting back in the shade. His tall, lean frame of golden brown skin over toned, tight muscles glistened in the sun from under a slim white tank top. He turned in triumph and looked back out towards the water as a small pair of red workout shorts clung to his perfectly bubbled ass.

I couldn't tell if he was here for the Arab show or the gay show. He looked lighter, like a mix of white and Arab. He definitely didn't look gay, but then the show casting had said they wanted hot muscle guys. He also looked younger, about my age with the lankiness of youth giving way to the chiseled muscles of manhood. I was supposed to be the token younger guy on the dating show so it was unlikely I'd film with him. I still prayed he was on my show so I could at least spend a few hours each day ogling him on the set.

I mindlessly popped another wedge of melon through my lips as I daydreamed before I raised my eyes from his shorts enough to notice he had turned back towards me and noticed my appreciative gaze. A curious smile crossed his lips as I quickly lowered my eyes to my tray of food. I heard his footsteps get close while I pretended to study the small croissant I'd selected.

I thought he was moving on from me, but then he stopped and I watched a muscled brown hand with a light dusting of black hair reach for my tray and take a piece of melon.

"May I?" a deep, interested voice asked. I raised my eyes up his hand, past a toned bicep with a small pink scar in its center, to a clean-shaven face with a broad smile of pillowy pink lips and perfect white teeth.

"Uh... yeah... Sorry, man. I was zoned out there... didn't even see you there," I lied. I pulled out my earbuds and turned off my music.

"Right," he laughed and took a chunk of melon from me. I watched as he put it to his pursed lips and sucked it in cooly. He winked one of his big brown eyes at me as he chewed on it happily.

"Not bad. Tastes like it's sat out a while though. We have better food at the hotel. Your accent is American. I've seen a few of you around. With the gay show, right? We had to kick a few out of the resort's pool last night. Rude guys, very disrespectful. They claimed to have accidentally wandered in from the filming compound," The guy said in perfect English as he slid in across from me at the table.

"Oh... um is this the resort? I didn't know there was a resort. We just got in last night. I didn't mean to trespass," I said and looked around like I'd missed an off limits sign somewhere.

"No, this is the filming compound. The resort is up the beach a little. We've been here all week. My father invested in one of the reality shows filming here so we're down checking on it to make sure it's legit. Not the gay men one, the Arab business one. It's to win an internship with my father's company. We thought it would be a good way to promote tourism in the kingdom," he said and reached for another piece of melon.

"Here." I slid my tray towards him and took a sip of my hot tea. It was stronger than I expected, and I turned my head to the side to cough.

"Are you alright?" he said and reached over to pat my shoulder. He squeezed my shoulder with a firm grip and then reached down to unclip my badge.

"Kasper Lane. What kind of name is that? Danish? Action hero?" He asked with a chuckle as he studied the badge. I shook my head.

"It's from a video game, Kasper's Quest. Some old one my dad liked to play in high school. Nothing really special about it," I admitted.

"It's cute... It fits you. I'm Amir. It means prince, or a person who gives orders," he said and offered his hand. It raised his thin tank top just enough to perfectly frame a smooth, defined pec and pointed brown nipple. I reached to shake his firm, assertive grip. I was instantly stirring in my shorts. I took another sip of my tea to cover my nerves.

"You do seem princely... kicking commoners out of your resort," I laughed.

"I wouldn't kick you out. They were drunk though and loud. The resort has some families so it just wasn't proper behavior. I don't think you'd be like that. Though you might get kicked out for getting melon in the pool," Amir laughed and picked off a small chunk that had fallen onto my shirt. He lifted it towards my lips and pushed it through.

A speaker in the distance rambled on with a cast call for "End of the Rainbow." That was the name Michael had chosen for the show. I looked at Amir and sighed. I wasn't ready to go, but Michael would be pissed if I blew off the wardrobe and stylist people.

"That's me... I guess I have to go. You can finish the breakfast if you want," I pushed the croissant towards him and started to get up. Amir reached over though and put his hand on mine.

"Wait. Um... why don't you meet me for dinner tonight? The food here is rubbish. I can order us something better... please?" Amir's playful smile had evaporated at seeing my quick exit. I got that sudden ping in my chest that told me he liked me back.

"Yeah?" I felt my face burn with blushing as an uncontrollable smile spread across it. "I'd like that."

"Take this card. It will get you into the resort and up to the penthouse suites. I'll get another one. Top floor suite marked `Hamad.' It's my family name. I have the production schedule so I'll know when your break is," he said and fished a shiny gold card from his pocket. It felt like real gold. My heart leapt as he pressed it into my palm.

"Sure thing! I'll be there!" I skipped off and turned to see him take my tray of food to the nearest trashcan. He probably had a private chef up there.

+++

The rest of the morning was a lot of waiting amongst a sea of bitchy muscle daddies. It was a throng of middle-aged white guys except for one latino and one black guy. Everyone looked like action stars, but talked like mean girls. It was a back and forth of verbal cuts and jibes like they were old enemies or best friends. It felt comfortable to be back in a room of guys like some of my friends back home.

Everyone seemed to know each other and mentioned clubs in Miami. I guessed I was the only Californian. Since I didn't fit in with their look, it was assumed I was part of the crew and everyone ignored me. I really was a last minute addition.

One guy came and took my measurements and then an hour later I argued with the hair guys who wanted to bleach my already light hair. They trimmed the ends of it and used a light coloring. They pulled it back in a low ponytail and added a small red ribbon that made me look like a young fighter from the revolutionary war.

Wardrobe wasn't much better. The first guy dressed me in this red polo tucked into khakis that looked like a school uniform/ target employee. It made me look like a helpful child. I raised an eyebrow at him and he just shrugged as though he didn't know what to do with me. The main guy came and they argued over me in french.

The main guy stripped me down completely, ignoring my protestations. He handed me a pair of designer label red briefs that had a thick waistband. He pulled up a pair of white jogger pants that hung just below the waistband of the briefs and then put a black t-shirt over me that had a red stripe across the chest to match the briefs. The shirt clung tight to my chest. I kind of liked the look. It added a hint of definition to my scrawny frame.

"Oui Oui! This is good!" The man said proudly, but then pulled at my hair. He undid the colonial era ponytail and mussed it up. The hair crew yelled at him from across the room, but he shot them the finger and went on. He drew my hair back into a loose knot and secured it with one of those clips you use to hold together a stack of papers. It was a style I would have labeled "Carefree industrial." I looked pretty hot.

I got a fresh pair of white tennis shoes with red stripes and I was off towards the set. They were doing cover photos for promotions and the opening sequence. I'd helped Michael with some modeling shoots before so I knew how to take direction. Those had been for local products and clothes, but this time the product was me.

He had me get in some questionable positions. I kept up with him, but slightly protested when he had me straddling the diving board with my pants slid down and looking back at the camera so my ass was on full display. He smiled like he was surprised I'd let him get that far.

I got a quick break then and pulled my pants up. The line of ready muscle daddies behind me were eying me with new interest. I was cleaned up and now it was apparent that I was their competition and not production help. I ignored their glares as my stomach rumbled. It needed lunch.

After a quick sandwich, I had to film some opening scenes of me mingling with the guys. Michael had written me ridiculous lines. I was supposed to be a young troublemaker. I had to say things like "Fuck off, grandpa," and tell one guy, "Sorry, man. I'm not in to expired meat!"

I wasn't entirely comfortable with that, but I did my best. I kept apologizing to the guys when the cameras cut, but they now saw me as a prime target. I was sure I'd have a drink or two thrown at me on the show.

I was in the middle of one of the scenes where I didn't have a line when I saw Amir walk in. He was dressed up this time, a tight pink button-up shirt tucked into nice black pants with shiny black dress shoes. His hair was slicked back with gel and he looked like a realtor. I was just hanging around in the background so I suddenly piped up with "I have to piss!" I got a few awkward glares and the director waved me out of the scene.

I made my way over to Amir. He was with an older man who must have been his father. The father was a big Arab man with muscles and an expensive suit. He noted my words with disdain and said something to Amir who glared at me to echo his father's distaste.

"Hi! I didn't expect to see you here!" I said to them and noted Amir's eyes studied me with the same interest he'd held this morning.

"We are investors," he said a haughty glare. "We go where we please."

"No, I just... I was going to head over when we finish up," I said and smiled dumbly. He was so handsome, so different from the guys I normally hung with. He looked so grown up in his dress clothes.

His father kept his eyes on me with that judgemental look of distaste. He leaned towards Amir and said something in his language. Amir answered back and looked at me with confusion. The disdain in his eyes was gone. He was interested, but looked conflicted. His father disapproved of me. I could feel it radiate off of him and my heart sank.

"I don't know you. Go back to your show, little gay... they are calling you," Amir said with cold detachment as though he was trying to convince his father he'd truly never seen me before.

I looked back towards the show and Michael was motioning for me to come back. They were on a break, but he waved me with a flash of urgent anger. I turned back to Amir and his dad.

"You are ok, little one? You look upset? My son hurts you?" Amir's father suddenly seemed to care. He looked between us, searching for the truth.

"I don't know him, father! I didn't do anything. I swear! I don't know you!" Amir asserted again, but looked at me with a flash of guilt. He really was ashamed of me. I should have known better.

"Fine... Guess I was mistaken... I don't know you either... I thought you were a nice guy. I was wrong," I said. I felt tears pushing at my eyes. Of course a guy like that wouldn't be interested in me. I lingered for just a second as our eyes locked.

"Apologize. You've upset him," the father said to Amir. He believed me. He looked at me with genuine care as though his son regularly hurt boys like me.

"Wait... I upset you. I apologize. Where did we meet?," Amir said as though he'd had a sudden change of heart. As our eyes stayed locked I saw the look of interest return. He swallowed hard and gave a quick glance back to his father. I used the pause to make my escape. He clearly wanted to talk to me but knew his father didn't approve. I didn't want to be his secret. It was a shitty thing to do.

I went back to the show without looking back. I felt the room card he'd given me in my pocket. I'd find a way to get it back to him. I was pissed, hurt, sad, horny. I went through my scene with a vengeance. I didn't need to play like I was an angry, disrespectful kid anymore. I had my motivation. I delivered Michael's lines and even tossed a tray of cookies one of the guys had baked. They wanted a troubled kid. I gave it to them.

"That was brilliant! I knew you could do it, Kasper!" Michael praised when we wrapped. It was still early, and the sun was just beginning to set behind the hills.

"Thanks... I'm going to grab some dinner." I stormed off and headed back towards wardrobe. The guys were gone so I didn't return the clothes. I just grabbed my old stuff and headed back towards the dorms. I was still furious about Amir and a little heartbroken that I'd so quickly felt something for him when he so clearly didn't deserve it.

I didn't know what I was going to do, but I needed to forget about Amir and his stupid father. I made it all the way back to the dorm when I noticed Taj sitting at a picnic table in a lit patio area. He was reading a book and listening to something with those big headphones DJ's wear.

"Hey man!" I said when I got close to him. His head snapped up and his face lit with a smile.

"Kasper, my friend! How fortunate. I study the English. See?" Taj lifted one side of a textbook to show the cover. I laughed. He was such a boyscout. Here he was, this hot hunk in his prime a thousand miles from his girlfriend and of course he was studying and being faithful.

He was only focused on getting back to her and providing a better life. He was doing everything he could to make a life for the future he desired. Here I was heartbroken over an Arab guy who had barely smiled at me and thought I was garbage. My priorities were fucked.

"Can I help?" I offered. He instantly lit up and his chest puffed with excitement.

"Ah! Yes, Kasper! Yes please!" Taj rocked back and forth with excitement as he pushed his book to the right and slid over to make room. He took off his headphones and I heard a soft female voice reciting English phrases.

"Irregular verbs," I said as I read his textbook page. "Yeah I can do this, sit/sat, fall/fell, break/broke... Easy stuff."

I spent the next hour lost in English with Taj. I loved the way his eyes lit up when I got him to understand something. I never realized how fucked up my language was. It had no sense, crazy rules, and a million exceptions. Taj looked at me like I hung the moon. He was so handsome, yet it was strange. I had this big, hunky straight dude just eating out of my hand as he hung on every word, pronunciation, explanation. I probably could have leaned down to his lap and sucked him off if I wanted. He was captivated.

But I didn't. He was so beautifully vulnerable and lapped up anything I offered him. But his motivation wasn't me... It was a girl back home, a chance to rise from the struggle and provide for her. I'd never taught anyone anything before. It was a humbling responsibility.

"I uh... I gotta go. I need to fix something," I said suddenly when I realized what I needed to do. I needed to stand up to Amir. He didn't get to treat me like that. I realized it when I saw the look in Taj's eyes as he understood my explanations. I deserved better.

"You are ok, Kasper? You are upset?" He asked.

"I'm good! Thank you, Taj! You're the best!" I said and leaned into his chest. He slid his arms around me and kissed my forehead.

"You too, Kasper. You are special boy. Do not be out too late. We work in the morning, ok? You are young and need sleep!" He said as I wormed out of his arms and tore off towards the resort.

I found the path that led up to it just past the cafeteria where I'd met Amir that morning. He had seemed so nice and I looked at the picnic table as anger bubbled inside me. He was so handsome, tall... dark... handsome. How could I have fallen for it? I pushed past and followed the signs up to the Zimbali Rock resort.

The night air hit me with a chill when I got up to the empty guard's booth. I walked right through and saw a large, modern hotel with glass balconies and white stone lit with tribal patterns. It looked beautiful and peaceful with just the sound of crashing waves behind it.

It wasn't until I made it inside the hotel and went towards the elevators that a guard stopped me. I showed him the card Amir had given me. He nodded towards an elevator and then followed me inside. He punched a button on it and then left to go back to his post. I fumbled with the card as the elevator rumbled upwards. I wanted to throw the card at Amir, tell him he wouldn't have to worry about hiding me anymore, and then leave. I didn't care how much money he had, he couldn't treat people like that.

I made it up to his floor and found their suite. It had their name printed inside a card holder by the door in gold script. I knocked on the door and looked around at the wide hallway decorated with tribal art and an enormous bouquet of colorful flowers arranged atop a wide circular table.

"Kasper! You are very late. I should punish you. I waited and the dinner is cold, but come inside and eat!" Amir proclaimed happily when he opened the door. His face was lit up with a wide grin as he took me in.

"I came to yell at you..." I said softly as I took in his handsome eyes. He had on a tight grey t-shirt with a deep v-neck that showed his smooth, muscled chest with just a few sprouts of hair. His hair was combed back, but still a wavy black mess of curls. His eyes looked me up and down as he wagged his eyebrows. He was gorgeous, I felt my stomach flutter.

"You look so nice, Kasper. You dressed up for me?" He said, ignoring my words. He reached and took my hand, interlacing his fingers with mine. His grip felt warm, safe. It ebbed my angry mood. I forgot why I was upset.

"The show... dressed me..." I faltered in my anger as he pulled me inside. He had that way of staring into my eyes that made me feel fluttery, like someone of note thought I was worthwhile. His touch sent a rush of happiness through me. He squeezed my hand and I felt so safe, so at home with him. My head started to swim and I lost all traces of anger.

"You look amazing! Wow!" Amir exclaimed as he closed the door behind us. He slid a hand around my back and pulled me in to kiss me on each cheek.

"You... too," I stammered and forgot my words. "I uh... You look so good. You were so... so mean to me today." I fumbled through my half-hearted, angry speech.

"I was? I apologize. I insulted your melon? I will never do it again, sweet Kasper," Amir laughed as though he had no idea what had transpired that afternoon. "My parents are in their room resting, but we have food in my room. Come and eat." He pulled me through the living room to a bedroom with huge windows that overlooked the dark night.

"Nice place," I said as I followed him. He laced his fingers between mine and pulled me over to a small table set up with covered dishes and two wine glasses filled with something dark.

"I ordered you some American food and iced tea. It's melted though. I can call for fresh if you want. My family already ate dinner. They are in their room for the night so you won't meet them... but I waited for you," Amir said. It reminded me that I was something he was ashamed of. Of course he would keep his parents away from me. What an asshole. I felt my anger rising again.

"Yeah well you don't want them finding out about me so I'll be quiet. I'll be your secret," I said as he pulled me towards the table.

"What do you mean? We won't disturb them! They are in for the night. Nothing to worry about," Amir said happily. He'd sneaked me in quietly to his room without them seeing. He really was hiding me. I started to get angry all over again... but that hot chest and perfect ass. Half of me was furious, but the other half just really wanted to suck him off. He was gorgeous.

"Look... I'm not even hungry. I just came here to... well it's not important," I started.

"To what? Of course it's important. You are here! This is important! I'm glad you came," Amir said with a look of confusion.

"You're hot, dude. And... you obviously like me. I clearly like you. Why don't we just get down to business and then I'll sneak out quietly and no one has to know," I offered. I'd lost my resolve and the horny part of me was taking over.

"You only want to..." Amir started and a look of disappointment fell over his face as he awakened to what I was saying.

"Suck your dick. Or whatever you wanted to do. Just... let's not pretend we need to have a date here or that you like me for more than sex. You're hot. So fucking hot. I seriously spent all day thinking about what it would be like. So let's just get down to it... ok? No need to pretend," I offered a smile and put a hand on his chest.

"Ok Kasper... whatever you want," Amir said though he didn't sound excited. He let go of my hand and I realized he'd been holding it the whole time.

He reached down and pulled at the button on his jeans as I dropped to my knees. He pulled at the flap, and I looked up at him, rubbing my chin against his bulge. I reached forward with my teeth and bit at the golden zipper. I pulled it down with my teeth as his hand came to rest on my head. He pushed back the loose wisps of my hair as I looked up at him. There was sadness in his eyes.

"This is what you want? Just my cock?" he whispered like he was sad and confused that I wouldn't put up the charade of us developing into something more than a quick fuck.

I nodded and rubbed my chin against his fly. I felt his cock thicken up. I put my hands on the back of his thighs and rubbed up to his ass. I buried my nose between the teeth of his zipper and rubbed it against his silky briefs as I inhaled his musk. He was clean, but had the normal boy funk of sweat and a hint of piss that had escaped his attempts to shake out the last time he'd urinated.

"Fuck, Kasper. You're so cute. Handsome little guy," He praised as he reached a hand down to cup my cheek.

"You too... I'm sorry this couldn't be more," I said as I felt his cock harden under my attention. The rigid snake crept along the side of his thigh, hugged by his briefs.

"Me too... but this is all you want? I thought you were different. But this is what you want from me?" Amir asked as he pushed his thumb through my lips. I sucked on it eagerly while I brushed my cheek along the outline of his cock. My hands gripped his ass. It was two perfectly muscled globes trapped in expensive jeans.

I nodded in response. I swore to myself that this is all it would be. Amir swallowed hard, but nodded with me. I slid a hand around and pulled at the waist of his jeans. As I opened them I got a nice look at his silky green briefs. They were slightly transparent. As I pushed down his jeans, I got a full view of his perfect cock. I rubbed my nose along the outline of his shaft, inhaling the thick musk of male perfection.

I pulled at his briefs to free his cock. It was too big to be held prisoner like that. His cock popped out. It was thick and perfect, darker than the rest of him, but with a light brown head. His shaft was just slightly thicker than my own, but the tip was a fat bulb. Like a small peach punctuated with a flared piss slit, it loomed in front of me as tasty as any one I'd seen before.

I couldn't help myself, I dove on it and lodged the bulbous head between my lips. I bobbed on it, slurping along the shaft as the head pushed back towards my throat. It tasted salty, like he hadn't planned on getting off with me. But what else could he want me for? Was he really going to drag it out and make me think he wanted more?

I got upset again and decided to give him the blowjob of his life. I wanted him to think about it, remember the guy he didn't give a chance to because he just wanted a quick fuck. I slurped, bobbed, sucked, gagged. I reached up and gripped the shaft with one hand, pumping it as I sucked him in.

"Fuck, Kasper... Oh fuck that's good!" Amir praised and rubbed my hair. I pushed his cock back to my throat until his pubic hair tickled my nose. He was sweaty, and I gagged a little but pushed until my nose touched his skin.

"Ohhh yeah! Oh fuck that's fuck!" Amir groaned as his hand gripped the back of my head. His fingers pushed down through my hair and he gripped the knot of hair to take over. He started to pull me back and then push my head back down on his cock.

"Mmmm" I mumbled with pleasure as he took control. He pulled my hair back so my neck arched and I looked up at him with a mouth full of his treasure.

"Beautiful eyes, Kasper. You feel so good on my cock," Amir noted weakly. I nodded and he held me back for a second with our eyes locked. He pushed me back down on his cock and buried the tip in my throat.

"Ahhhhh! Ohhh," he called as he started to piston-fuck my throat with his cock. I squeezed and massaged his ass cheeks as he face-fucked me. He sped up and started to ram me as he forced his eyes to stay open. He looked down at me, squinting as a rush of pleasure swept him.

He rammed me quickly three times and then pulled out slowly with a loud groan.

"Get naked for me. I want to see your body," Amir panted as he pushed me off his cock.

"No," I gasped as I fought for air. I felt my heart pounding in my head. I knew if I stayed too long I'd fall for him and get hurt when he pushed me out and claimed he didn't know me. I needed to finish him up and head back to the dorm.

"What the fuck, Kasper? I can suck you too... I wanna see your cock," Amir said with confused anger.

"Let's just keep this simple. Ok? You don't have to play with mine. There's no reason to pretend here," I said and stuck my tongue out to get back to his cock. He kept a tight grip on my hair though and wagged his cock a few inches away from my lips.

"Fine," Amir relented. He pushed my head back down on his cock and I slurped the underside of his veiny brown shaft with my tongue. There's something about having your mouth stuffed with a full man. It feels so primal to suck a hot guy, submit on my knees under his hand. I wanted his juice, his pleasure. I'd never done a revenge blowjob. It didn't feel as bad as I thought it would.

"Fuck, Kasper," Amir hissed as he forced me back onto his cock with fury. He started to piston-fuck my mouth like no one ever had. His slimy, salty cock stretched my lips, my jaw. I gagged each time he pushed too far, but he didn't relent. He knew what this was.

His fingers gripped my hair and pulled it tight. He held me still while his cock mercilessly pushed my throat to capacity. He kept forcing in and out of me four times and then pulling my neck back so I had to look up at him as the fat tip rested on my lips. He stared down at me with a mix of desire and confusion.

"Why are the pretty ones so crazy?" Amir smirked as he caught his breath and smiled down at me. A bead of sweat dropped off his chin and landed between my eyes. I let it slide down into my right eye. The salt burned a little, but I didn't wipe it. He sighed in resigned lust, shook his head and then forced his cock back towards my throat.

"I'm going to... ahhh fuck!" Amir cried out and pulled his cock from my mouth. He let go of my hair and reached for his shaft. Gripping it, he gave it a few solid pumps and then hot white globs shot out and landed on my cheek. I stuck my tongue out and lapped at it as he shot. I opened my lips wide to drink him in.

"Fuck, Kasper.... So fucking handsome... so crazy," Amir laughed as his body twisted and shook. He shot out a few more thick ropes of his seed. Like a carnival game, I moved my head left and right to catch them. I didn't even have time to swallow as he groaned and fisted his meat to give up all he had.

"Uhhhh," he let out one last low growl as he fisted two soft globs out. His fast wanking flung them to my chin. I licked at them eagerly. I swallowed his seed and stayed on my knees while he recovered. He kept his eyes fastened on me as he caught his breath and his sated cock began to soften.

"Fuck you're good at that," Amir praised. He reached down and cupped my cheek with his palm. He rubbed his thumb over my clean lips and I lipped at it. He leaned down and pursed his lips, wanting to kiss me. I turned my head though, tore it away from his grip.

"No," I whispered. I got up and went into his little bathroom to borrow some mouthwash. I swished it around and then lowered my head to the basin to spit. When I came back up, he was there behind me.

"What the hell is wrong with you? You come here, act all upset with me and then just want to suck my dick without a word. You sure know how to confuse a guy. I thought we were getting along. I thought you liked me," Amir said to my reflection in the mirror. Our eyes locked and he slid his arms around me from behind. One hand rubbed down to my cock. It was rock hard, trapped in the jogging pants that did nothing to conceal it. He squeezed it and I felt a drop of precum escape into my briefs.

"You didn't seem to know me when your dad was around. That really fucking hurt. I may not be some fabulously wealthy Arab guy, but... fuck you for thinking I don't even deserve to know you," I fumed. I pushed out of his arms and started towards the bedroom door to make my exit.

"Wait, what? What the fuck? You never even met my dad!" Amir yelled with a sudden flash of anger. I felt my face redden and knew I needed to get out of there. I'm not good with big showdowns. I can yell for maybe thirty seconds and then I just cry. I know. It's not a masculine thing to do. I'm just a soft cock little queer. Well fuck you for judging me too.

"Oh and here's your key. Don't worry. I wasn't going to keep it." I fished it out of my pocket and threw it at him. He flinched as it sailed past his ear.

"Kasper please! I don't know what you're talking about!" Amir was irate, confused, and looking at me like I was a complete loon.

I shook my head and turned to leave when I ran smack into a sweaty, muscled chest. The dude smelled ripe and his arms went around me to hold me against his chest.

"Woah, dude," the voice said cheerily. He nudged me back and then I caught sight of his face. He was the spitting image of Amir, but dressed in a sweat-soaked tank top and running shorts. He had a little towel in his right hand and the left one reached a finger to poke at my chest.

"It's you!" He said. "This is the cute guy I met on the set. He's kind of crazy though. He upset father."

"He's very crazy!" Amir agreed.

"I... uh... Oh shit! There's two of you... I thought he was you, but... so you didn't reject me! He did," I said as I turned towards Amir with realization.

"Oh!" Amir awakened to his own realization. "You thought Ali was me and he was being rude by not knowing you in front of our father! Oh Shit, Kasper. I'm so sorry! You must have been really upset by that. Oh that sucks, dude. Come here," Amir rambled.

"I'm so sorry," I whispered as I went to his chest. "I thought you were ashamed of me when your father was around."

"Fuck no. What is there to be ashamed of? You're perfect," Amir said. He pulled me into his embrace. He slid his hand down my tummy and gave the outline of my cock a hard squeeze.

"We're twins. I guess he never saw us together," Ali noted.

"What is going on?" Their father appeared at the door with a sleepy blonde man beside him. Their father had his arm around the smaller, blonde man. They were in pajamas and both looked like they could be modeling them. Amir released me and looked embarrassed that we'd been caught together in his room.

"This is Kasper," Amir said and did some movements with his hand. "Kasper, these are my parents."

"Why is he aroused? What is going on in here? Amir's father pointed towards my crotch. I realized I was rock hard from just minutes ago swallowing his seed without being able to release yet.

"We were just hanging out," Amir lied.

"Why is there a boy in your room. It's late and... wait this is the boy from this afternoon who said he knew Ali! This is who you invited to eat dinner tonight? The boy who never showed." Their father was piecing things together on his own.

"He thought I was Amir. They know each other I guess," Ali offered.

"Uhhh... I'm..." I looked to Amir for help. I moved away from him and looked around the room like there was something to save me.

"Yes, but... uh he just," Amir had nothing. He reached for me with a sad look.

"I'm sorry." I looked between them. "I'm so sorry sir," I said to their father. I darted past them.

"Wait, son." The father said as I pushed past him. He caught my arm and I looked up at him helplessly. He was so tall and strong. His eyes looked kind and gentle. I'd never been so embarrassed in my life.

The blonde man said nothing. He was moving his hands like sign language to Amir. Amir was motioning back with his own signs. Their father watched and used signs of his own with his one free hand.

"Your dad is right," The father said as though they'd all decided something. "Let's sit and talk this out. I didn't mean to startle you, little one," he said to me.

"Don't go, Kasper," Amir said. They were all so sweet. The father had referred to the blonde guy as the boys' dad. They must be a couple. The two men held onto each other as though they were inseparable. It looked like a nice little family and I suddenly felt anxiety coming on at what I'd done. I felt so ashamed. I knew I would cry if I stayed a minute longer.

"Please," I whispered and he let me go. I ran out of their suite and then jumped in the elevator. Luckily it was a willing accomplice in my getaway. I ran out of the hotel and almost the whole way back to the dorms before I stopped to catch my breath and curse at myself. My dad was right. I really was a fuck-up.

I calmed myself on a cool rock under the moonlit sky. I looked up at the stars and suddenly missed home. What was I doing here? Why didn't I listen to my dad and get back on a plane for Los Angeles? I pulled my knees up into my chest and hugged them while I thought.

I walked slowly back to my dorm. I needed to shower. Taj was in the room talking to a guy I didn't recognize. He immediately stopped when he caught sight of me.

"Kasper, what is wrong? You are hurt?" He asked. He came and hugged me, lifted me up off the ground an inch as he held me in his cage of muscles.

"I did it," a voice said from behind us. I turned to see Amir standing in the doorway of my little, overcrowded dorm room. He looked so out of place down here with us commoners.

"What you did to him?" Taj demanded. He set me down and I saw his chest puff up in anger. Amir backed up a step.

They argued briefly in Arabic then. I had no idea what they were saying, but Amir held his hands up in a defensive position as he explained. Taj raised a hand as he shouted. He waved it in the air above his head to punctuate his syllables. It looked like two Arab guys I'd seen arguing over a parking space on a street in LA once. Finally, Taj stopped talking as Amir pleaded his case.

"Talk to him, he not hurt you, Kasper," Taj said as he turned back to me. "Five minute only, it is soon your time for bed." He spoke like a parent to me. He put a hand to my shoulder and squeezed it before guiding me towards Amir. I followed him outside and we perched on a picnic table in the moonlight.

"He's pretty protective of you," Amir noted when we sat.

"I didn't know you had a twin. I acted like a total idiot. Your parents think I'm garbage." I pulled my knees up against my chest and rested my chin on them.

"No, not at all. We all put together what happened. It was a misunderstanding. I should have told you I have a twin. They want to meet you tomorrow and... we can forget about all this, just start over." Amir assured. He reached for me and put his arm around my back. He hugged me into his side.

"I thought he was you and you were embarrassed about me being on the gay show and... but then I saw your dads. You have two dads?" I asked. I turned my face to his shoulder. His cologne was intoxicating, a light but masculine scent. I inhaled him and then raised my eyes to meet his. He smiled at me warmly.

"I have two dads. They don't care that I like boys. It is normal for us. But yes my father is a little uneasy with the men on your show. They are so crass. We're not used to that," Amir admitted.

"They're just regular American gays. I guess it's a bit much if you're not used to it," I laughed thinking about some of my friends back home. "That's so cool you have two dads, and one is deaf?"

"Yes. He is from California like you. He came to our kingdom many years ago and fell in love with father. My parents are the best. You will love them... if you give them a chance. You'll give them a chance, Kasper?" Amir asked. He looked at me and widened his eyes with pouty lips.

"Of course." I nodded. He leaned into me and rubbed his nose against mine. It was wider and stronger than mine. I pursed my lips and kissed him.

"You should get to bed before your protector comes to beat me up. He was angry with me, but I am glad you have someone to look out for you. You certainly need it," Amir said and nodded his head.

"Why?" I asked. I'd always taken care of myself... well as best as I could.

"Because if you give blowjobs to everyone who offends you then I will need someone to keep an eye on you. It is a very bad habit. I hope I can break you of it," Amir laughed.

"Yeah... I've been trying to cut back. But I'm good at it, right?" I laughed.

"Too good. You must be one angry boy." Amir kissed me again before walking me back to my room. Taj was waiting for us. He was stretched out on his bed with a book, but his eyes snapped up when he saw us.

"Go to shower, is bedtime. Your friend leave now," Taj said as he turned a page.

"Guess it's time to go," Amir laughed quietly, not wanting to anger Taj. "Meet me for breakfast."

"I will. Good night," I said and we paused awkwardly, both wanting a kiss. Amir made the first move. He leaned towards me and put his hand behind my head. He rubbed his fingers up through my hair and pulled me in. Our lips met in a light wrestle. He quickly pulled back since we knew Taj was watching.

"Bed! Time!" Taj growled. Amir and I exchanged laughs and pressed our foreheads together.

Amir left, backing away slowly so we could take last looks at each other.

+++

"You are all right, Kasper?" Taj asked when I came back from the shower in my pajamas. I put the clothes in a pile to take back to wardrobe the next day.

"Come lie with me. Tell me of the night," Taj patted the bed beside him and I slid in under his protective arm. He hugged me against his chest and asked me to tell him about it.

"I'm ok. It was a stupid misunderstanding. Everything's cool." I said and rambled on about what had happened. I left out the part about the blowjob I'd given Amir. He probably wouldn't need to hear about that.

"The Hamad family! Is where I want to work! The show offers the chance to go there and be part of it. They are worth millions, Kasper," Taj said.

"Really? They seems cool," I said.

"Please be careful, Kasper. The rich boys take what they want. They have different rules. You don't know of this world. Your country has laws and fairness. We hear about America, land of the free home of braid." Taj was about to start singing the national anthem.

"Brave, Home of the brave," I corrected. "We have guys like that in LA too. But they were all so sweet to me. They seem like nice people."

"I hope is true. But you are just a boy. You are too young to be away from family.

You need someone look after you. I know this world," Taj hugged me protectively.

"You'll protect me?" I asked with a hint of joking. But something inside me tugged towards his dominant tone, his protective hold.

"I will. Now go up to sleep. The Indians will be in soon. They film late. I make sure they not too noisy. Hopefully people kick off from shows soon so we have more room in dorms. We can stay together. You sleep in silence. So peaceful," Taj noted. He'd noticed my sleep. My heart pinged.

He kissed my forehead and then patted my bottom as I got up to climb to my bunk. He got up to turn off the lights and I slid in under my blanket. I fell asleep thinking about Amir and Taj. I hoped I wouldn't fall hopelessly in love with every Arab guy I connected with here. So far I was two for two.

+++

Author's Note: This series goes with the Emerson & Lincoln series. 15 years after Lincoln's Pride Ch. 1 and 23 years after Emerson & The Lion Ch. 1. I know it confused people the last time I did this. So hopefully stating it will help.

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