Memory

MEMORY by Andrej Koymasky (C) 2008 written on December 6, 1992 translated by the author English text kindly revised by Baruch

USUAL DISCLAIMER

"MEMORY" is a gay story, with some parts containing graphic scenes of sex between males. So, if in your land, religion, family, opinion and so on this is not good for you, it will be better not to read this story. But if you really want, or because YOU don't care, or because you think you really want to read it, please be my welcomed guest.

Five - Tiny bubbles in a pond

The following morning Gilberto awakened Nicola by gently shaking him. The exhausted young man wearily opened his eyes.

"Your finally aroused, my friend."

"Good morning. What time is it?"

"Almost nine o'clock. Celine knocked at the door saying breakfast was ready, she awaits us in the kitchen."

"Go ahead I'll join you soon. I need a minute to freshen up."

"Alright."

The man arose, put on his grey silk robe and left.

Getting up, Nicola sported a visible hard-on under his pyjamas. Therefore, after stripping, he put on his "tight whites" and jeans which camouflaged his engorged member. Then, he joined the others.

"Did you sleep well?"

"Yes, Celine, thank you."

"Excuse me, I'm going to the bathroom..." Gilberto said.

As soon as he left, Celine asked, "Were you too crowded?"

"No, it was fine."

"Nicola, I wanted to thank you for caring for my friend. I love him dearly and am happy he found a buddy, especially in his time of need."

"I, too, am glad I met him, and am his mate."

Absorbed in deep thought, Celine toyed with her spoon, as she stirred her coffee cup, after which stated, "I don't know if he will ever recover his mind.... However, he has no skeletons in his closet."

The young man smiled, before remarking, "We discussed it at length. I assured him ghosts didn't scare me, only real people... In any case, I'm delighted."

Nodding almost vigorously in agreement, Celine declared, "It's true, at times, real people are capable of being dangerous, such as Silvia. Keep her far away from him, if you are able to."

"In reality, he can't stand her."

"Thank God! It seems, even without his memory, our friend is keenly aware of what's good and bad for him." She became silent for a while, before resuming, "The quality I admire most about you is your refusal to pry into his life. You didn't ask a single question!"

"To me, Gilberto is not the person he started as, but whom he became. If one day he regains his past, he will tell me what he deems suitable... I think it's fair this way."

Celine nodded, as their friend returned.

"Sweetie, is the razor in the bathroom mine, or does another man in your life exist?" he jokingly asked.

"No, you are the only one! Of course, it's yours. What do you think, I use it to shave my legs?"

All three laughed.

Then, they left for a day of sightseeing, lunched at the Croix Rousse and supped in the Vieux Lyon. Back home, they chatted, after which the three retired for the night.

"Do you like Celine?" Gilberto asked him.

"Yes, very much. And, you?"

"Indeed.... I feel as if I knew her forever, despite not remembering anything!"

"You didn't question her about your past..."

"If she feels the need, she will tell me. I trust her judgment."

"Yes, I do, too."

"Lyon's a nice city, don't you think?"

"I agree. "

"Will we visit Celine, again?"

"Certainly!"

Feeling the warmth of Gilberto's body aroused Nicola. While they chatted, the young dude often furtively glanced with admiration at his companion's face from the side. He was especially drawn to the man's sensual full red lips.

"Who knows why Celine didn't marry? She remains pretty..." Gilberto declared.

"Ask her!"

"No, she will tell me if she wants. This morning she said I am the only male in her life... But, she also indicated our relationship was platonic..."

"Do you feel attracted to her?" Nicola inquired with baited breath.

"No, not physically, although she is a beautiful woman. However, I am drawn by her personality. She would make a great sister." Gilberto quietly answered.

Nicola gleefully resumed inhaling. He slowly slipped into a peaceful sleep, until his friend's voice drew him back to the present.

"Nicola..."

"Eh!"

"I woke you."

"No... not really."

"I'm sorry."

"What did you want to tell me?"

"Nothing special. Simply, I'm stoked, both with Celine and with you here near me!"

'Nothing special', he said, but Nicola felt that the last words were more than 'special'.

"Being next to you makes me happy!" he echoed, feeling happy.

Withdrawing his right arm from under the blanket, Gilberto caressed his mate's silky hair.

Nicola felt a quiver run through him. It had been a simple gesture of friendship, but he experienced all the warmth and affection it conveyed, leaving him with feelings of serenity satisfaction.

Although he desired to reciprocate, he feared what his own reaction would be if he did so. Instead, he fell asleep with tension but incredibly happy, while his buddy's fingers continued to toy with his hair.

The next day they toured the beautiful Gothic cathedral, the adjoining Manecanterie and the Silk and the Guimet museums. In the evening, Celine showed them the illustrations she worked on professionally. Each appeared beautiful, fresh and full of life.

Noticing how fascinated Nicola seemed with one of her pastel drawings portraying two adjacent sparrows tenderly squatting on a branch, the artist gave it to him.

"Please add a dedication on the back." Nicola asked.

Nodding, Celine took pen and ink, thought for a moment, after which she wrote,

"...sur la mEme branche, prEts ˆ chanter la vie... Celine ˆ Nicolas, le 12 de Mai 1989".

Nicola thanked her with a kiss on the cheek. Then, they went to bed.

Nicola had stopped jerking before retiring, because it failed to control his hard-ons.

Repeating his actions of the previous night, Gilberto again slipped his fingers through his buddy's hair, gently twirling it while immersed in deep reflection. They conversed until sleep overtook them.

During the night, Nicola again woke up. He observed his dozing partner lying on his side, facing him, with his arms leaning astride Nicola's chest. He gazed lewdly at his unconscious friend, noting how he snoozed with a serene expression on his handsome face.

The aroused young man felt a sharp desire to fondle his idol, to push the man's hand down so it would touch his rigid ramrod and to kiss him on his lips. Instead, he slowly turned to face away from the lusted after friend and attempted to relieve his throbbing cock by pushing it into the underlying mattress. After what seemed like hours, he drifted off into unconsciousness.

A few days later, they departed for home, promising Celine they planned a return visit in August. On the way back, Gilberto was in high spirits.

"I didn't reconnect with my past, but I've created a great present. I don't know if in my previous life I ever felt so good!" Then, looking at his travelling companion with a broad frank smile, he added, "It's been great, right?"

"Yes, very much so. Mainly, because you're so happy."

"Is my happiness so important to you?"

"Sure. Didn't you know?"

"Yes, I did."

Returning home, Gilberto returned to work. Meanwhile Nicola spent his mornings at the university, and his afternoons at his friend's apartment, awaiting his return.

By now, he went to his folk's home almost only to sleep. His parents, but mainly his mother, were happy he spent so much time with a person of substance.

"At the end of the semester, after you receive your grades, the director will find a good job for you. He owes you, because of all you have done and are doing."

"Mom, please!" her son groused.

"What's wrong with it? You are accomplished in your studies, you are smart, and you are owed at least some gratitude! You spend more and treat him better than a son! Also, even though, he doesn't need you any more, you constantly keep him company!"

"But, he still has amnesia..." Nicola felt he had to justify himself.

"Ah, yes, poor man. And you assist by staying with him. But, I say, even though you have asked nothing of him, it would be rude if he did not try to compensate you in some significant way!"

Nicola decided it was futile to answer back, so he steered their conversation to other matters.

One evening, at the time of departure, Gilberto remarked, "I miss the nights we spent at Celine's, when we fell asleep talking together. Don't you?"

"Yes, of course!" the younger dude answered, observing him, as he tried to understand if Gilberto sent him a message.

But, the man gazed with his usual unfathomable eyes.

"Anyway, it's good you are here when I return home..."

"Problems at work?"

"No, not really, only those continual glances, spying to see if I remember, If I'm starting to recover my memory. Almost as if each of them wanted to be the first who could say 'Yes, while he spoke to me his amnesia disappeared!' It's as if they expected a reward... At times, their unceasing staring into my eyes waiting for a signal, is intolerable..."

"Then, why not ask for a transfer? With a fresh environment, new colleagues... the problem would cease, don't you think?"

"Yes, but I would lose your company. Who knows where they might move me! Anyway, it has to be far from here. The nearest branch is in Novara, where I came from. No, I rather endure this situation than lose your friendship. Your companionship more than compensates for all the unpleasantness, trust me. Also, when you are studying in the living room I can see you through the open door, and feel your presence. I love to look at you engrossed in your work. I take delight in your calling after you pass a test or get a grade. I know I'm the first you tell, even before your mother!"

"How can you know it ?" Nicola asked, surprised.

"Because the last time you took an exam, your mom phoned surprised she hadn't heard from you. I explained you weren't finished. The moment I hung up you came on the line!"

"You never told me she keeps in touch with you. Does she do it often?"

"No, only once. Why?"

"Nothing." Nicola said. For a moment, he feared what she could have said to him.

August came, and the two paid a two week return visit to Celine's as promised. The woman welcomed them with open arms and set them up in the same room.

Seeing the ancient bed gave Nicola the same quiver of pleasure and anticipation, as well as fear, he had on their original stay.

They spent their first day talking about a thousand things.

What Nicola most appreciated about Celine was the genuine care she gave in listening, the depth of her reflections and comments and the balance of her opinions. But above all her so bright and attentive eyes.

When they withdrew to their room, Gilberto said, "Nicola, would it bother you if I chucked my pyjamas? It's so hot, here."

Although the young man's heart gave a sudden leap, he calmly answered, "Of course not! I think I... I, too, won't wear any."

However, he immediately questioned his decision. What to do about his unavoidable erections? Well, he reasoned, even if his partner noticed his hard-ons, he couldn't know their cause. However, he needed to find a way to hide his throbbing member.

He went to the bathroom first, returned clothed, so he could undress while his buddy was absent. Then, he quickly slipped under the sheet, pulling the latter up to ensure it covered his groin, He noted his "tight whites" were keeping his rigid member pressed against crotch, and the bed covering masked all the traces of his aroused state.

Gilberto reappeared, carrying his discarded clothes in a bundle while only wearing his briefs. As the man placed his garments on a chair next to the bed, Nicola gazed at him. The banker's looked sound, mature, with little hair, not really overdeveloped but defined, in short, hot. His jocks, which had an opening in front, hide his soft prick and balls making it hard to guess their shape. But, if the man got an erection, his observer thought, feeling his own dick push under his undies, the detailed outline of his tool would be revealed!

Gilberto slipped into the bed, before switching off the light.

"So, here we are." the man said sighing softly.

"Happy?" Nicola asked, looking at him.

Gilberto turned his head towards his friend, "Sure thing, and you?"

"Yes..."

Being close, they could look at each other effortlessly. They lay on their backs, barely touching at the shoulders. And, yet, this contact was sufficient to give Nicola both pleasure and torment.

Staring at his friend, Gilberto pensively remarked, "Do you know you have a striking face!"

"Yours, also." the boy answered, moved.

"Especially your eyes. I never looked at you so closely. Lucky is the girl who ensnares you." he concluded with a smile.

Nicola wanted to tell him, "Be assured there will never be a woman!" However, he didn't dare, instead he turned his head, gaping at the ceiling's mysterious shadows.

"What are you pondering?" The man asked.

"Looking at the ceiling's shadows." Nicola lied.

"Yes." Gilberto said turning his head to look at them, "I remember when I was a boy I fantasized, looking at fleeting images the shadows created on the bedroom ceiling , before falling asleep."

At the words "I remember" Nicola's heart skipped a beat.

Shocked, he looked carefully, waiting for some reaction to surface in his mate's face while holding his breath. But, the man appeared absolutely oblivious to his just-said remark. He continued quietly gazing into space.

"What are you thinking about, now?" Nicola whispered, almost afraid to disturb the musings of the man or his recollections.

"About us!" Gilberto simply answered.

"And... what?"

"It is great sharing these relaxing moments before we fall sleep, especially with you."

"Especially with me?"

"For sure! A true friend, one who understands and accepts."

Gilberto moved, turning to face his companion, breaking their body contact.

"Are you dozy?"

"Not yet. But I'll drowse off when I least expect it."

"Neither am I. Today, while you went to buy the postcards there on Place Bellecour, Celine told me you are remarkable, exceptional. It's true, I answered. 'I have been three fold lucky he materialized right there at the moment of the accident!'." Gilberto said and became silent.

"Three fold?" Nicola asked, curious.

"Yes. One, you saved my life by calling immediately for help. Two, you watched over me by my bedside at the hospital when I was unconscious. Three, we became best pals."

Again, they became silent then Gilberto added in an amused tone, "And, the nutty woman quipped 'Good, let's wait for number four!'. She's always such a wit!"

Nicola felt his heart pound, as he ruminated about Celine, who, on the contrary, should have guessed something, about him, not his pal. In fact, a little earlier, his buddy said "Lucky the girl..." Evidently, Gilberto is straight. But, she had to understand, guess or sense, in some mysterious way, what he felt for the older man. And, she could have decided, with those words, to warn the man. Nicola wished to state, "Don't worry, Celine, I will never embarrass our friend with my desires..." But he knew he couldn't tell her so.

In low voices, the two chatted on about this and that, until both fell asleep.

Anyway, the day after Nicola studied Celine; she remained as delightful and charming as usual. She showed no sign of changing her attitude towards him.

Once, while Gilberto paid a restaurant cashier, Nicola asked her, "Do you believe he continues to need my friendship?"

The woman looked at him askance, "What a question! One always requires a mate, doesn't he?"

"But..." Nicola insisted, "he's almost twice my age. It would appear more logical if..."

"Are you tired of being his buddy?" Celine asked knitting her forehead.

"No, not at all!"

"How come you're asking this ridicules question? It's evident you fit very well together, and that is marvelous."

"So, you don't see anything... odd in our relationship?" the youth at last dared asking.

"Odd? Come on! On the contrary, it's wonderful. I never saw him so relaxed, not even in his best moments before the accident."

"Yesterday night, while we were in bed, he experienced a flashback..." Nicola, somewhat relieved, then said.

"Really? Good! Tell me... no, on another occasion, he's coming..."

So, Celine had nothing against him.

When the man returned, she suggested, "What do you think of going to the Foire? There are games, caravans..."

The guys agreed, amusedly.

When they arrived, they milled around for a while, until Celine stated, "Look there's a ferris wheel. Let's go on it!"

After purchasing tickets, as they were about to go on it, Celine pushed Nicola inside one of the carts, then sat next to him.

Turning towards Gilberto, she remarked, "Sorry, but you have to ride in another car. I want to have this handsome devil to myself for a while!"

The man nodded, smiling again. In fact each compartment only had space for two. After a while, the units started to rise and, as they did, Celine asked Nicola to describe Gilberto's recollections.

"Nothing special. We lay in bed staring at the shadows on the ceiling. He asked me what I had been staring at. 'At the shadows', I replied. So he, too, gazed at them and, suddenly, blurted out 'I remember when I was a boy I liked glancing at them and fantasizing before falling asleep'. That's all. "

"You didn't ask him anything? Was that his only remark?"

"No. He acted unaware of what transpired. I didn't want to force him... Should I have?"

"Absolutely not! Not pressing him was the correct approach. Having flashes is a good sign."

"But, just so, an almost unconscious gleam, then nothing else?"

"He probably felt at ease, relaxed. Nothing troubled him, therefore a bit of memory surfaced similar to an isolated bubble floating up to the surface in a tranquil pond. If the body of water had been disturbed, the tiny drop wouldn't have been noticed. Anyway, it's a great sign."

"And... what should I do?"

"Nothing. Simply be there. If he talks, listen, don't rush him. Pushing might cause him to forget, again."

He nodded.

At that moment, Gilberto turned back merrily waving which they returned in kind.

After exiting the ride, they went on to a target-shooting stand.

Nicola proposed, "Why don't you try, Gilberto? If you hit the centre, we win a picture of the three of us."

The man asked for a rifle and shouldered it.

"I'm unsure I can do it. I don't know if I ever used one!"

Taking aim, he fired.

"Missed!" he laughed, looking at his friends.

"You have four more tries..." Celine quipped.

Again aiming, he shot. This time, he hit bulls-eye. Then, he repeated thrice more in rapid succession, without moving a millimetre. Twice, he succeeded.

The concessionaire remarked, "Three pictures with five shots! You're a champion, Sir. If you would be so kind as to wait five minutes, the photos will be ready."

The two friends enthusiastically greeted him.

Gilberto remained still, keeping the rifle at his shoulder, only releasing it when the operator took it by the barrel.

He wore a strange expression.

Worried, Nicola asked, "What's up? Aren't you feeling well?"

"No..." the man murmured looking at the target with three holes, which the operator handed him, "I'm fine, but... I recall at fifteen, with my Dad... he hit the centre."

"And, then?" Celine whispered.

"Afterwards... I don't know. It occurred as quick as a flash... following, which... I recollect nothing! Oh, yes, the picture. However, that's it! I have no clue where we were... Simply, this... I was in my mid teens, Dad hit bulls-eye, and we got a photo."

"Good!" Celine said. "Anyway, it's a fine memory. While Nicola waits for the images, would you please buy me a candy ribbon dots?"

"Like children eat?" the man joked.

"Sure! And I want a pink one, strawberry flavour. I'm a girl, right?"

Nicola admired the skill with which she had diverted Gilberto's attention from the memories. He returned a little later with the three pictures.

Taking them, Gilberto looked, after which he showed them to Celine. "Not bad. We came out nice, especially you!"

"Very good, there is one for each." she answered distributing them.

They walked, joked, and ate at one of the food stands, before returning home.

Later, when in bed, Gilberto suddenly remarked, "It's odd, last night the shadows, this afternoon the picture. The flickering images... I was eight years old. The photo with Dad occurred at fifteen. Therefore, it follows the next flashback should be around twenty-two!"

His mate's remark surprised Nicola. He now knew his pal was not only aware of the previous day's memory, but he also had reflected on it.

He asked, "How do you feel, having recollected?"

"How? I don't know, normal. Tranquil, I mean." Looking at Nicola, he continued, "I'm not scared, if it was what you were suggesting. Let it be anything..."

Nodding, Nicola saw his friend's eyes were at peace.

"It's our first picture together!" Gilberto smiled, after which he added, "It has been a great day, right?"

"You bet!"

"You looked handsome in your white tee shirt and tight jeans. Yes, you were hot!"

"Come on!" Nicola blushed.

"Yes, yes! And you weren't even aware of the glances the girls were giving you... How they looked, literally undressing you with their eyes. This is why I became aware you are such a stud. I followed their glances' direction, and, at once, I thought 'They are correct!'."

Nicola squirmed on the bed, feeling embarrassed not only because of the man's words but also his warm voice. Both again awakened in him the desire for the manly and sexy man who lay, almost naked, inches from him.

Gilberto tenderly ruffled his buddy's hair, staring, he asked, "Does it bother you I said you are attractive?"

"No... not at all."

Gilberto snickered, but without malice, adding, "The girls noticed you at once... on the contrary, it took me several months to become aware."

"Well... we are two men." Nicola nervously remarked with uncertainty.

"What's the matter? Beauty is anyway beauty ." Gilberto quietly reasoned.

Then, they switched topics, before finally dropping off to sleep.

CONTINUES IN CHAPTER 6

In my home page I've put some more of my stories. If someone wants to read them, the URL is

http://andrejkoymasky.com

If you want to send me feed-back, or desire to help revising my English translations, so that I can put on-line more of my stories in English please e-mail at

andrej@andrejkoymasky.com