North Meets South

Story: North Meets South: When World's Collide

Chapter: 10 The Cruise

Author: Eric McQueen (mcqueen.richarderic@gmail.com)

Mature Readers only due to sexual situations and graphic sexual content

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Mitch and Tony go on a cruise, make new discoveries and new friends.

We watched the city get smaller in the distance and the vast water ahead. This was a very exciting time for me. I will admit that being onboard this ship was like nothing I had expected. One, because everything was just...well, it was like it was almost overkilled to make us enjoy it. Service was almost instant. The ship seemed to be...what it was. To enjoy and make sure everything was not just fine, but great! Wow! That was the business, I learned. I was a cruise virgin on my first cruise. Naturally, I was surprised. This was a ship right now, served gay men. Seeing men holding hands, kissing or just with arms around each other without worrying who would be offended if they saw us was very liberating. Other than a couple of female crew members, as in servers...and most of them were cleaning up and I mean only a couple. As in two. There were no other females in the serving area. Most of the servers were male. I would find that about ninety-five percent of the servers were male on the entire ship. I saw one crewperson that was female, but she was a part of the nautical crew.

I looked at Tony. "Not that I object, but there doesn't seem to be women." I pointed out. "You can't tell me all these men are gay."

Tony looked at the men serving. "Maybe they are, maybe they're not. They are here for one thing."

My eyebrows rose. "And that would be?"

He rubbed his fingers together. "Money. History alone has proven that gay men tip better than any other demographic. That's saying nothing against anyone, but we have a tendency to pay more for good service. The fact that they are nice looking men and charming...and don't mind that occasionally will get felt up by our less self-restricting gay men who don't see it as wrong." He shrugged. "The servers see it as fair compensation."

I frowned. "But that's treating them as objects!"

Tony nodded. "That's what they are." He sighed. "This ship is Dutch. From what I've observed, most of the waiters, servers, and bartenders are from Eastern Europe, Russia, Ukraine, and those others. The passengers here now often save for months, even years to go on a trip where they are smiled at by a handsome man who knows he's being smiled at because he is a handsome man. They pay to be pampered and treated for a week or two like we're kings. These men serving know that and are willing to do that. For the money."

"Isn't that prostitution?" I asked.

Tony gave a shrugging nod. "Sort of, but what's wrong with that? We want a nice trip. They need money. We exchange money for a nice trip. They smile at our jokes and treat us like kings for that reason. It's a fair exchange. What's wrong with that?"

I thought a moment and then shrugged. "Nothing I guess." Then I pulled Tony into a kiss. "This is my first time. Be gentle."

Tony grinned. "Until you ask for something less gentle, you got it." Then he looked at the setting sun, then at his watch. "We haven't even seen our stateroom. We have an eight o'clock seating for dinner. We might want to change."

I nodded and looked for somewhere to put my glass down. Tony grinned taking the glass and putting it down on a nearby table and left it.

"It's taken care of." Tony reminded and put his arm around me leading me toward the elevators.

Okay, I've used the word often, but our language only has so many words to say the same thing. Our stateroom was a suite! It was huge!! Tony opened the door and I gasped. We walked into the dining area in the suite. To the left was a living room and door to a full bathroom. Before us was a balcony deck with a Jacuzzi, two deck chairs. Then walking in further there was a king sized bed to the right and dressers, another access the balcony with a small table to dine on and two more deck lounges. Another full bathroom with a full garden tub and separated shower. All the pictures I'd seen of ship cabins, staterooms or whatever were cramped. Some in which we would have to squeeze past each other to get by each other, not that that was a problem if we did rub against each other, but this was....spacious!

"Well?" Tony asked hoping I was happy.

"It's beautiful!" I marveled at how splendid the furnishings and just the elegant way it was decorated.

Tony smiled. "It's one of two biggest and best like it onboard." He pointed out of the suite. "The other's on the other side of the ship, same deck."

My old habits were surfacing, but I squelched that voice that worried about the cost of everything. Like Tony kept reminding me. The money was there and was being used. It was our money and Tony was good at what he did and made the money well.

In the bedroom, our luggage was waiting. Then I felt my stomach let me know we had skipped lunch. We were busy!

I went to the luggage. "We'll unpack later. It's almost eight. We'd better change."

Tony came out ready for dinner. I grinned as he got closer. He was a handsome guy!

"Planning for something to happen tonight, are we?" I asked as he put his arms around me and I got that scent off of him. He wore that cologne I loved.

He nodded. "Yes, I am." He kissed me. "Every night for the rest of our lives." Then shrugged, "And occasional afternoon, morning...."

I chuckled. "Come on, lover boy." I took his hand and led him to the door. "I'll have a boner all night."

"Good."

Now, being an Elite passenger meant we were in the center of the dining room. Again, I'd seen pictures of the dining room, but this was again, over the top. I found myself looking as a hotel manager. The carpet was red patterned, better for hiding any stains, but I doubted they allowed one to stay long. The chairs were red, the tables elegantly set on white table clothes and fine china. Menus to look over in every place on every table. It was two floors with a center lighted sculpture that went from floor to the ceiling up the two floors. A center staircase took people from the first floor to the second with the second floor which had more tables. I was still staring as we were seated at our table. We had three other couples to share our table.

We rose as a couple came to sit. They were Scott and Glenn who were in their late fifties or early sixties. Then another, Seth and Eric who were in their forties. John and Ian were like we were in their thirties. Tony was right. This wasn't a party ship and none of these men were dressed in jeans or casually. They looked professional and mature. The couple I found the most interesting were Scott and Glenn...not that the others weren't interesting, but they were celebrating thirty-five years together. Thirty-five years!! Eric and Seth had been together for sixteen years. John and Ian had only recently gotten together.

"So, let's start this," Scott grinned after we said who we all were. "I'm a lawyer. Glenn owns a furniture store chain. What do all of you do?"

The conversation was pretty easy. We found out Scott and Glenn had met while working at a resort their junior year of college and became friends. Returned the next year to the same resort where they became roommates and fell in love that summer. They lived in Rhode Island.

Eric was a writer who had been published and met Seth who was a politician and advocate for gay rights. They were even married having gone to Toronto and married there but lived in Philadelphia.

Ian and John were not yet living together. Ian in Atlanta and John in Los Angeles. How would this work out? That was why they were here, we were told, to see if it was worth one moving to the other.

All were nice looking men and the only ones a little heavy was Scott, but not fat, just reaching the age that men sometimes just spread. Eric loved to eat but was watched by Seth, but Seth didn't hound him about it. I got the feeling there were health issues involved. Eric wasn't fat either but could be if not careful. Eric didn't care. Whatever had caused the health problem scared him enough he no longer cared, but enjoyed life and part of that was good food! When he wrote, he snacked, but he was on vacation and wasn't paying that much attention!

"Okay, gentlemen." An accented voice said. We all looked up at our waiter...and yes, he was a handsome man. Bronze to brown hair and he had a Russian appearance. Eastern European men had a look. Don't argue with me. I would almost bet he had military in his background. He was in his thirties and paid attention to his body which was in great shape. A lean body and had great chest was under his shirt. He'd do well with tips! "My name is Sasha. I'll be serving you on this voyage."

Then I noticed some waiters come down the stairs and stop. Then a musical fanfare blared, almost too loud, but the hum of many conversations stopped as the lights sort of dimmed and floodlights focused on these waiters. A note sounded and they all began.

"One singular sensation, every little step he takes." They sang. Yes, sang! This was live. The sound of many male voices blending in a not so polished way only added to the charm. Then the lights came up a little. Then some of the other waiters on the first level, including Sasha joined the next line. They didn't dance exactly, but their moments were choreographed and done together. "One thrilling combination, every move that he makes." Then the lights came up more and another unified move. All the waiters on the second level joined the others. "One smile and suddenly nobody else will do." Then the orchestration was on full as they all sang. "You know you'll never be lonely with you know who." Now they all moved as one!

Tony smiled at me taking my hand. Then looked back as they sang more.

"One moment in his presence and you'll forget the rest, for the man is second best to none, son. Ooh! Sigh! Give him your attention, do I really have to mention he's the one? He walks into a room and you know he's uncommonly rare, very unique!" They sang the whole damned song! You know Chorus Line! The only thing changed were the pronouns. He was said instead of she, man instead of girl. It was great!! And every guy who was a passenger here knew it too and sang with them. Including me!

After it was over, Tony chuckled looking at my face. Show tunes were my tell, remember? I was smiling in delight. Tony shrugged squeezing my hand. "It's a ship full of gay men, what'd you expect?"

I shrugged. "No one could expect this! It was great!!"

Sasha turned back after the song and huffed a little to catch his breath, then smiled. "Now. Welcome aboard the Oosterdam. We'll be together this whole trip, if there's anything needed, tell me. Let's start with drinks if needed."

Then I noticed Tony motion to Sasha, who came over and bent down as Tony whispered to him. Then Sasha smiled, nodded, and walked to someone else serving. They weren't all waiters, I realized. We had people bring drinks, people to keep glasses full, bring slices of bread, rolls, and the food. Like I said, overkill. We were paying for it, so why not?

I looked at Tony's attempt to be casual about what was going on that he whispered to Sasha. I shook my head. "I'm not asking."

Tony nodded. "Thank you. You'll find out soon enough."

Scott chuckled. "You seem to know he's being sneaky."

I nodded. "I do indeed." I shrugged. "He likes doing it to me. Besides, it is so obvious."

There were things on the menu I knew, may have tried once, or wanted to but never did. I'd had escargot before...once. Now it was an appetizer. There was a steak, but it was delicious! No steak and taters here! The cake was chocolate, but not just chocolate cake, I was eating chocolate ambrosia! That's when Sasha came out with a bottle. He took my wine glass and poured me and Tony a glass.

Tony grinned. "Remember this?" He showed me the bottle.

My eyes grew. "Belle Roma!?" I smiled at the bottle taking it.

"I think there's a story here," Eric chuckled sitting forward.

I nodded. "Of course, there is. A year ago, this coming Sunday, Tony and I exchanged vows and went on a honeymoon. We went to Rome. I'm not a big drinker and would just assume lick a two by four than drink most wines. We had this wine there. I really liked it. I was told they were rare outside of Rome."

"They are," Tony nodded. "I made sure we have a couple of bottles here. I had them shipped for that reason."

Then Scott lightly punched Glenn. "Why aren't you romantic like that?"

"We're on the damned boat, honey." Glenn groused but was smiling. "That isn't romantic?" He kissed Scott. Then looked at us. "So, how'd you two meet? Your accents are clearly different so you're from very different parts of the United States. You, Mitch, are getting your master's degree and manage a hotel and Tony does investments and the stock market."

We told the story as we shared the wine with our new friends.

"Is this my surprise?" I asked Tony about the wine.

He shrugged a nod again. "Part of it. There will be more."

What more? I wondered.

When we got back to the suite as soon as he closed the door behind us, I smiled at the towel elephant on our turned down bed. One of many animal sculptures we would get. Then I turned to grab Tony and pushing him down on the bed and kissed him deeply, hungrily.

Tony chuckled when I broke off a little. "I think you're happy," Tony said.

I nodded as I straddled him. "I'm very happy, Tony."

He grinned at that. "That's what I always want to do."

"I love you, Tony," I said unbuttoning my shirt. "I don't know how I deserved having you in my life, but I've been so happy with you in my life for the last two years. I never want this to end."

Tony brought his arms around me. "By doing these things...if I make you happy, I'm happy. I love you, Mitch. Thank you for marrying me."

I smiled nodding. "I am impressed."

Tony now smiled even wider. "Yes! I did it!! Good for me!" He shouted in triumph. He pulled me down closer kissing me. "I promise I'll never stop trying. Make love to me?"

"I've wanted to all night!"

The sun came in bright through our windows when I finally woke up. Tony was in his normal place, right behind me. That bed was so comfortable, I hated to get out of it, but nature was calling. I slipped out and did what I needed to do, then came back to find Tony resting on his elbow smiling at me.

"Sorry. Had to go." I said slipping back in beside him.

He groaned. "Now, I gotta go too." He got up and did what he needed to. I looked out the window at the water beyond. This was a dream. A very delightful dream I didn't want to end.

"We're at sea two days, so no hurries," Tony said sliding in with me again. "We're going to the St. Maarten first. Nothing urgent yet. We can laze by the pool, shop, go work out, get massages...whatever you want."

I smiled at him. "I'm not good idle."

Tony looked surprised. "Who says you have to be idle? There are thousands of things to do." He grinned. "We'll get breakfast..." he kissed me, "....in a minute."

I chuckled knowing what he meant. "A minute? That's all? Are you that hungry?"

He shrugged. "Maybe a minute or two more." He grinned and kissed me harder and his hands were going over me.

It was more like an hour, but I didn't mind. I wasn't the one that would be hungry. I was wrong. I found out once we started eating! Dressed casually, I mean he had on shorts, designer of course and shirt with an overshirt worn loose over it. Different shades of blue, but his favorite color. I had on different shades of green, basically the same setup. He was saying I was between a Fall and Winter. What the hell was he talking about? I'd heard of your skin color and hair determined what color was best to wear, but I never understood this season thing. Tony did. Another rule of mine, most things I wore was solid colors. We both had canvas shoes, not that I worried, but there was a dress code when you ate in the dining room. Tony would never go to the Lido Deck for a meal where there was no such code, but it was a buffet. Again, we ate in the dining room that was much less congested at this time. They only had the first floor set for breakfast and no assigned seating. They had every sort of biscuit, croissant, muffin, scone or whatever you could think of. Every kind of bacon, pancakes, waffles, omelet, or crape. Eggs Benedict! I'd never had it before, so I figured why not?

"If I keep eating like this they'll have to roll me off the ship." I chuckled looking at the menu.

Tony chuckled. "You and me both."

Then a new face appeared. Also, nice looking, but a younger man in his twenties, but he spoke...clearly from Eastern Europe. "What can I get you, gentlemen?"

I pointed at Tony and said it as Tony spoke. "Coffee."

That puzzled our waiter. "For both of you?"

"Him first. It'll be safer for all aboard if you do." I said Tony glare at me, but I wasn't looking directly at him.

I had seen a side of Tony he showed a few times, but now with the pressure gone, he was free to be himself. He shook his head, narrowing one eye. "That would be a good idea." He told the waiter. "Just remember this. If there's a story about a guy who was on a balcony when his husband went into the bathroom and that husband was gone when he came out. I probably threw him overboard." The slight curl in the corner of his mouth told me he was having fun.

I smiled at Tony and grinned at the waiter. "He just talks strong. I can take him."

Tony chuckled. "He's right. He could. Just coffee, please?"

The waiter nodded. "I'll hurry the coffee. Anything else?"

I nodded. "A huge glass of milk and a huge glass of apple juice."

The waiter nodded again. "You got it."

As far as Tony was concerned, he found Nirvana onboard. It was at The Coffee Loft. Premium coffees from around the world! Near the pool! On the dreaded Lido deck. I mean he had to walk into the buffet area. Gad!

I bumped Tony grinning at him, seeing the look of uncertainty on his face. "It's okay, Tony, I'll go with you. I won't let any of those in the buffet contaminate you."

Tony looked at me questioning, then rolled his eyes. "I want coffee." He said with his usual kawfee.

When we got there Tony ordered his espresso/coffee thing in a HUGE cup. He took it from the young man in his twenties behind the counter. "You'll be my second best friend on this trip." He swore to the man getting his precious coffee.

I just grunted. "Swearing love to a man you just met? Maybe I'll go find Sasha. He can be my second best friend." I moved to walk away.

Tony grinned grabbing me from getting away and throwing his arm around me. "You know you're my best friend, right?" He kissed me on the temple and we began to walk away, but I stood firm. Then he looked puzzled. "Oh, did you want a coffee?"

"I don't have your addiction, but I might. Did you consider that?" I chuckled shaking my head. "Who are you? I married this Italian New Yorker who was often so serious. I think I caught a glimpse of you a year ago."

Tony shrugged. "I'm relaxed."

I nodded. "I see that." Then I turned to the man behind the counter. "An extra-large iced vanilla latte, with four shots of espresso, please?"

The man behind the counter chuckled back. "You got it."

Tony was like....someone else almost. He was relaxed. I guess the pressure of having not to go somewhere or do something on a schedule was relaxing. With all that caffeine I knew he couldn't sit still. We sat by the pool while we drank our coffees.

I looked about the pool as we relaxed in a lounge chair in the sun. The air was warm, but a steady breeze kept it from being hot. It was so nice to see all these men free to be who they are. Affection between two people was not evil or unnatural. Men were in pairs that were clearly together, in love and didn't care who knew or saw. That was very liberating.

Then I watched Tony get up, pull his outer shirt off and pulled the muscle t-shirt over his head. "While we're here, I might as well get a little tan."

I nodded and was about to do the same thing. "We'll need sunscreen. Maybe a towel."

Tony nodded pointing to a booth near the pool. "Over there."

I got us both towels and sunscreen.

Tony held out his hand. "I'll put some screen on your back. Then you can put some on me."

I handed him the sunscreen. "You know touching me will give you an erection and my touching you will do the same thing to me."

Tony chuckled. "All these guys suffer the same with their partners. You won't be the first." He leaned down kissing me and then looked around. "See? No gasps, no one even noticed. We'll be fine."

I put some on him first and then he had me sit in front of him as he applied the screen to me. I smiled as I felt his hand run over my skin. Of course, I don't have to say it now because you know I love Tony. "Tony."

He paused a moment. "Yes?" Then he started back.

"I know we've just started this trip." I began smiling as he really covered my back too well then moved to my shoulder and arms. "I want to go back to Rome, Scotland and other places I never imagined I'd go. I said I wasn't impressed before other times, but you did on this trip." I didn't have to see his face to know he was smiling. "I like what's happening with you." I turned in the chair to face him. "You know I'm always impressed with you, but tell me we'll do this again."

Tony grinned as he kissed me gently. "I know we will. In fact, I'd love to do something I've never done...with you."

My eyebrows rose when he said that.

"I don't mean a kind of sex, I mean..." Tony chuckled, "...I've never been to Europe on one of those really classy ships. I've always wanted to go on the Queen Mary."

I smiled. "I'm gathering it is possible. I heard it was decommissioned."

"The Queen Mary II is still floating and new. I hear there's no better way to travel the seas. We can go to Europe, the Mediterranean...anywhere. We'll need to plan, we'll need to take time off and more than just two weeks."

I nodded. "That sounds great." Then I looked around. "They don't have gay cruises, do they?"

He chuckled shaking his head. "I've never heard of one, but it is the Queen Mary, so the fact we're on her, they won't say a word." He kissed me again. "I'm glad you're having a good time."

"You certainly are."

Tony nodded. "No pressures, just the sun, relaxation and I'm with my favorite person. I am having a very good time."

We stayed out a few hours. Then I was getting fidgety. I looked over at Tony and frowned.

"I hate this about you," I growled pointing at him.

Tony looked shocked. "What do you hate about me?"

"I can lie in the sun for weeks and maybe I'll get a tan. Mostly, I just turn red then as it fades and then I'll be white again." I pointed at him. "You started out sort of brown, now you're even browner!! In just a few hours! How is that fair?"

Tony looked down at himself and chuckled, "I'm sorry, Sweetie. I didn't mean to make you jealous." He brightened. "There is a solution."

"There is?"

He chuckled nodding. "There is. The spa here does more than facials and massages. They also can give a tan to someone like you who are...pigmentationally challenged? You want a tan? Then by God, you'll have one."

I frowned. "Not some chemical thing?"

He shrugged. "Well, yes, but I think they guarantee positive results. You can be as brown as you want."

I thought a moment. "I don't want it to be rapid. I'd like it to look natural."

Tony got up. "You can do it gradually. When we go home you'll look like you've been on vacation in the tropics."

"How long will it last?"

He shrugged. "We'll find out." Then he hugged me. "We're Elite Guests, it's a perk. We just have to ask for it."

We went to the spa. The man there assured me he could do it several days, ending the last time just before we departed and it would last for weeks. So, I agreed and had the first tanning thing while Tony got a facial.

I grinned at my reflection once it was done. I had gotten browner. Rubbing my finger over my face, it didn't smear! Tony grinned behind me as he looked at me.

"When we get back, you'll be browner than I will be," Tony said happily.

These days were so blissful. The freedom we had onboard was intoxicating. Or new friends at our dinner table did notice I was tanner and even commented. All positive.

We had our formal night. All were dressed to impress other guests. Then we arrived during the night at St. Maarten. We just woke up and we were there! I'd never been to a port of call before. It was clean. On the beach and there were hotels and restaurants, shops, and jewelry stores. Lots and lots of jewelry stores, I mean one right next to another! Packed! What I noted interesting were they were all run by people from India as far as I could see.

"How can they all stay in business!?" I asked Tony.

He shrugged. "They do. Here is duty-free and the prices are supposed to be the best. You'll find high-end watches, clothes....just about anything available here. All duty-free."

Two other cruise ships were in port with ours. Ours was the only one with a black hull so it could be seen well. Many men from the ship had come off the ship and were now strolling as we were down the tree-shaded street. St. Maarten's thin streets did have cars occasionally, but mostly we were free to walk like it was a huge open-air mall. I was wanting to find something unique...something crafted in St. Maarten to send to our parents and other family. The streets were crowded, but this was why all these shops were there. We were tourists on vacation and supposed to have extra income to spend and they wanted us to do it there. There were always those standing in front of their shops telling all of us passing by they had the best quality of anything in their shop at good prices. There was one shop that attracted my attention. They did shirts, shorts, bags, sheets...all made of bamboo! I thought how could something made of wood be soft? Well, it was! Then I saw the shirts and bags would change color in the light! What looked black and white, but then in the sunlight and they burst with color! It was great! I had to get a few t-shirts for David, Michael, Nick....okay, everybody! Naming them all would take too long. I got our parents the sheets and pillowcases, not the t-shirts and the sheets did not change color but were soft as Egyptian cotton I was told. Not that I ever touched sheets made of Egyptian cotton. I had to take their word on that. They shipped it to our ship! All was good, until we exited the store.

I spotted Scott and Glenn across the street dealing with a man that clearly was upset about something. He shoved Glenn hard backward, so hard Glenn nearly stumbled over, if Scott hadn't stopped him from falling.

"Stupid, faggot!!" The big man with blondish-red hair accompanied by a blonde woman shouted. Then he was about to charge again. I don't know, my old instincts just kicked in. I was a cop once, remember? The streets were narrow, so I crossed before the man could strike with the fist he had ready.

"Larry!" The woman cried in horror to the man to stop him. "He said he was sorry."

Grabbing the man's fist, old training was still there. I spun Larry around.

"What the...." Larry asked indignantly. He was bigger than me, even bigger than Tony, but I knew what to do.

"I don't know what happened." I said calmly. "Your friend here said Glenn said he was sorry. So why are you going to hit him?"

Larry jerked his fist away. "He was feeling me up!"

Glenn shook his head. "I didn't mean to touch him; it was an accident. I said I was sorry."

"He's a fag!!" Larry claimed like that explained it all.

I smiled with a nod. "No man or woman could resist touching you, I guess." I chuckled and shook my head. "Well, Larry....I suggest you use what's inside your head this time. This isn't back home. I suggest you use your eyes. I won't let you hit my friend. Because if you do, think about what'll happen next."

Larry looked further indignant. "What?" He was about to hit me! This time, I grabbed his hand again, but I knew there was a cluster of nerves if pinched correctly would cause an assailant to drop knives or whatever they were carrying. It would hurt but cause no permanent damage.

"You see? I'm not afraid of you. Now, I'll explain things, using small words." I began calmly as I squeezed the nerves between his thumb and forefinger.

"Ow, ow, ow..." Larry said suddenly lowering on his knees a bit. "You're hurting me."

I nodded. "Yes. I suppose you were just going to tickle Glenn and me with your fist. Now," I said quietly. "Are you listening?"

"Ow!" Larry said again trying to pry my hand from his, but I had my grip tight. Whoever she was with Larry covered her mouth, to keep from...shouting, crying out? I don't know.

"Are you listening?" I repeated.

"Yes!" Larry groaned nodding.

"Good. I suppose you saw that big ship out there with the black hull. Well, Onboard her is about two thousand men...all fags. I know that almost all are here now." I said smiling as I kept the pinch going. "If you hit me, or Glenn here, what will happen next is there will be charges. I'm not sure how this country has laws punishable for assault, but I'm sure they do have them. If you hit Glenn, there will be questions and you may miss a good part of your vacation if you do. Who knows, they could put you in jail a day or two until a court can hear you're case. I can promise, it'll put a damper on your good times. Are you on one of those other ships?"

He wasn't answering me, so I pinched harder. "Yes!!" Larry said in pain.

"You are listening. Good." I said calmly and shrugged. "You may even miss the rest of your cruise if you hit Glenn, but look around." I waved at the many faces on the street. There were many passengers from the Oosterdam here. "There are many fags around you. Now, if I let you go, you're to walk away and let us return to having a nice, relaxing time. I want you to have a good time with your friend and we'll forget this happened. Okay? Because I know some other moves and then we'll both have questions to answer and I'm having a good time with my husband. I don't want to end because of this stupidity. Now, walk away." I said releasing his hand.

Larry stood up more, glaring at me.

"Do you want to challenge me on what I said to you?" I asked Larry firmly moving forward to Larry closer and said very quietly. "As a police officer, I'm trained to deal with the likes of you. Test me, if you want."

Larry looked around at many angry faces, not all of them were the men from our ship. Others were vendors and guests from other ships and hotels. He saw he was outnumbered. "No." He sighed. He took the woman's hand. "Let's go." He said and led her away.

I looked back at Glenn who was still staring wide-eyed. Then he smiled and hugged me tightly.

"My hero!!" Glenn said.

"Wow." Scott nodded hugging me too. "That was amazing. Where'd you learn all that...stuff?"

I chuckled. "It's a nonviolent intervention training I got as a cop."

"You were a cop!?" Glenn marveled. He squeezed my arm at the bicep. "That explains the muscles. I knew they were for more than show." He grinned waggling his eyebrows.

Tony came up and hugged me. "That was almost scary, honey."

I chuckled assuring Tony with a rub on his back. "I'm fine, Tony. It ended with no one really hurt."

"Wait until I tell the guys at our table tonight!" Glenn laughed. "They're going to be spellbound!"

And of course, once back on the ship, Glenn and Scott just kept going on and on about what they'd been through. This was becoming a grander and grander tale the more they told it. Sort of like the story about the fish that got away was always bigger and bigger.

"He never shouted!" Glenn said like it would be hard to be believed. "Not once."

Tony chuckled. "Mitch never shouts, unless he's shouting at me."

I rolled my eyes. "I never shout at you, Tony, unless you shout at me."

Tony shrugged. "I'm Italian." That was always his explanation about why he shouted.

Scott chuckled. "Mitch was badass!" He said firmly. "I'm glad he was on our side."

I grinned at that. I was one of them.

Glenn nodded. "Well, tomorrow we arrive in St. Lucia. Maybe we should go and do something together. Who better to make sure we're safe than a former cop?"

"A cop!?" Eric said in shock.

Then the questions about why I wasn't still a cop and all that. At the end of the discussion, it was decided we would go see Castries. St. Lucia together. Everyone that was there, that is. Ian and John were off somewhere that evening. I got the feeling things were not going so well for them. They almost never spoke with each other and very little with us. I hoped they'd see what it was that attracted them to each other, or there was little hope for them having any future together.

The planned itinerary we had expected changed. As in what I had heard we were going to visit, for reasons of weather or politically we had changed. St. Lucia was unexpected. It was a nice city, but it was mostly to shop. We had a great time with our new friends. We ate at a restaurant in Castries. Our next stop was Barbados. I heard the people of Barbados loved us. Gay men, that is. Tony and I had booked a day at this beach resort. We planned to do nothing but relax, swim in the warm water, and go back. If for no other reason than I had another tanning session. Until I found we could swim with dolphins. We did! It was wonderful. Now Bridgetown, Barbados was shocking to me. It was so clean!! Now, I know they catered a lot to tourism and all those like us, but there was not one scrap of garbage I ever saw. Then we got to the resort and lay out again and played in the water. Then there was Martinique. What was funny here was Tony saw that they offered horseback riding on the beach he insisted we do.

"You want to ride a horse," I said to Tony to be sure I heard him correctly. "On the beach."

Tony nodded. "Sure. Why not?"

I looked at him uncertainly. "Because a horse is basically a farm animal and you're not that comfortable with farm animals."

Tony frowned. "We have horses in New York City."

I nodded. "Yes. You do. How many horses have you ridden in New York City?"

"Two," Tony growled. "I do okay with farm animals. Your cow back on the farm loves me."

I grinned remembering our family's very gentle cow. "Mrs. Edna!? Of course, she loves you, she loves everybody. She's the sweetest cow I know...and I've known a lot of cows."

Tony nodded. "Why the name Mrs. Edna again?"

I chuckled. "Because when she chews her cud she reminds me of my third-grade teacher Mrs. Edna. Having the sweet cow love you is not the same a riding a horse. I just want to have a good time and you not to get hurt."

Tony shrugged. "It's a horse. How am I getting hurt?"

"There are plenty of ways. They can kick, bite...the possibilities are nearly endless." I said back. "Sure, I'd love to go. Now tomorrow is our anniversary, so be careful. I want you to be there whole at any celebration."

Tony waved my concern off. "Yeah, yeah."

When we arrived at where we were picking up the horses, I was familiar with horses. It was clear Tony was not. I watched Tony try to relate to the horse he was given, a sweet mare that was about as docile as I'd ever seen. I chuckled as he got near her and turned his nose up.

"Don't they give these things a bath?" Tony asked.

I bit my tongue to keep from laughing. "I know they must, but she's a horse, honey. It will smell like a horse."

The handler was watching, too, not so convinced giving Tony the horse was a good idea. She frowned as she whispered to me. "Has your husband ever been on a horse?"

I shrugged. "He said he's ridden twice, but that was before me."

The handler watched as I absently petted the horse I had around his nose and up his neck. "You're okay with them."

I nodded. "I was raised around cows, horses, chickens and all that. He's a city boy." I watched as he looked at the stirrups and was about to put the wrong foot up, which if he did, he'd be facing backward in the saddle. "The other foot, honey," I said quietly.

He looked down and then nodded. "Oh, yeah." I was relieved when he managed to mount her properly. "There. Ya see?"

I smiled as I nodded. "I see."

"Bebe is a very gentle animal." The handler said more to assure me than Tony, but Tony, too. "She's not very spirited and will go and stop with the slightest nudge. They both know the path you'll be taking."

I nodded again. I touched her arm. "It's okay. I'll be with him. At worst, we'll walk them back."

Tony turned indignant in protest. "Hey!"

I waved at Tony. "That was more to reassure Miss Candy here. I know you've got it." I said but looked back at the handler. "She'll be fine," I whispered to her, but I did the motion pointing at myself the with two fingers to my eyes and pointed at Tony telling her I'd watch him which of course Tony didn't see. The woman smiled and nodded.

"Okay," I said mounting my horse. "Let's go." I stirred my horse toward the door and was heading toward the beach. With no real urging, Bebe followed. I watched as Tony rode not that gracefully.

After a mile or so, I was enjoying the ride on the beach, but I was in constant vigil of Tony. He'd gotten better but was still not that comfortable.

"Why, Tony?" I asked, "And please tell me the truth."

He looked slightly offended. "I always tell you the truth." Then he saw me looking at him.

"The whole truth." I clarified. "Why ride today? This really isn't what you want to do. So, explain to me why it was so important today."

He sighed. "You have done so much for me. It was just for me! I mean, you've changed how you dress, for me. You've changed how you live, for me. You've learned a new language, for me. You've done so much and fit so well in my life..." he shrugged. "I just wanted to do something to show I can fit in your life, too. If by riding a horse every now and then proves that to you, I'll do it."

I slowed my horse down to get beside Tony. "That's the nicest thing anyone's ever done for me." I smiled at him. "You don't have to change for me, Tony. I love you. The fact you're willing to do it says a lot about you." I kissed him gently. "I have to admit, I doubted you could do it, but you're doing well!" I pointed to the horse. "She's not uncomfortable and you're staying in the saddle." I ran fingers in his hair. "I love you as you are. I love you even more for proving you're willing. I don't need to change anything you don't want to."

Tony nodded with a smile. "Good." Then he looked at me a little guilty. "Because I'll be needing your help later."

I inched away a little to see him clearly. "Oh? Why?"

He stood a little in the saddle. "I'm feeling it now. I'll have a sore ass; I just know it."

I laughed, hugging him. "I'll massage it, whatever you need. Even kiss it to make it better." I looked at the surf and felt the breeze. "But this is romantic."

Tony nodded looking at the surroundings. "I thought it would be." He kissed me. "I love you."

I kissed him back. "I know." Putting my forehead against his. "We'll ride a little more, then go back so you can recover."

Tony nodded. "That sounds good."

We did ride on, but I could feel my horse wanted to do more. "Baby, I'm going to get him to run. I'll be right back."

Tony frowned. "I can't do that. I don't think Bebe has it in her anyway." He waved and dismounted. "But you go. Enjoy." He smiled.

"Okay, let's go!" I took the reins. "Yah!" I said touching my horse's sides gently and he took off like a shot! It was glorious! Wind in my hair as we rode through the shallow surf. My horse was enjoying it and so was I. But too soon I turned him back around and raced back to Tony. Tony had dismounted. He and Bebe were getting better acquainted as she kept nudging Tony. "I think she likes you."

Tony looked at the horse smiling at her and nodded. "She's growing on me."

That night we came down for dinner. Tony was holding his back as we approached the table. We both knew the pain was lower, but he couldn't hold his ass.

Seth stood as we approached. "Are you okay, Tony?"

"What happened?" Eric asked as Tony eased into his chair gently.

I took Tony's hand. "He's just a little saddle-sore."

"Saddle-sore?" Glenn chuckled. "He rode a horse!?"

Scott grinned. "I gather that's something unusual for him." He chuckled. "So, why?"

I nodded. "He did just fine," I said smiling at Tony. "I am a farm boy, he was raised in New York City and he did it so he could say he loved me."

Scott hit Glenn lightly. "Now that's romantic! He's willing to put up with pain to say he loves Mitch!"

"What pain have you had to prove your love to me?" Glenn shot back.

"Your mother!" Scott declared and said to us. "Ten years of pain!"

Which Glenn nodded with a grin. "Yeah, she hated Scott when they first met."

"Absolutely hated!" Scott repeated to emphasize. "She just knew I made her precious little boy gay!" Glenn nodded with a chuckle. "When he was the one that first kissed me! If anything, he made me gay!" He kissed Glenn on the cheek. "It was a good kiss, but I tell her...Gladys, you had to know he was gay before. I'll give you three reasons. Liza Minnelli, Ethel Merman, and Barbara Streisand. He had everything they ever made!"

Glenn nodded. "That was before Cher became big with gay men and practically every gay man wanted to be her." He explained. "Now Mom loves him. Even bypasses me to speak with him on the phone!"

By now we were all laughing at them.

"My parents weren't happy when I brought Tony home." I grinned at Tony who was shaking his head. "They warmed up to him."

"My family was fine with Mitch. Except for Papa at first." Tony said with a smile. "He was just being protective and he quickly warmed up to him." He kissed me. "Who wouldn't?"

I looked at Seth and Eric. Neither of them was very happy. "I guess not all stories are happy ones."

Seth shook his head. "They're not. If my father could, he'd kill Eric. If Grandpa hadn't made me the beneficiary of his will, giving me his part of the vineyard, we wouldn't have been able to come here."

Eric shrugged. "I have no parents alive, so that is moot."

I nodded with a sad smile. "I'm sorry, to both of you." Then I looked around. "Where are Ian and John? I've not seen them in nearly a week."

Eric shrugged. "They're still alive. I saw Ian by the pool. Alone."

Tony frowned, shaking his head. "I didn't see a lot of love there in the first place."

"Relationships can be difficult," I said. "They should be based on more than sex."

"They don't have to be," Seth stressed his firm agreement. "A simple thing like talking makes a world of difference." Eric was nodding as he took Seth's hand.

"And trust," I agreed taking Tony's hand.

"And honesty," Tony said kissing me, this time on the lips. Then he looked at the other two couples. "Just a reminder, you'll be without us here tomorrow night."

Eric smiled with a nod. "Right, it's your anniversary tomorrow. Congratulations." He held a glass. "Wait!" He saw Sasha. "Can we get a bottle of champagne, please?"

Sasha smiled with a nod. "Of course."

"You can't toast with wine," Eric grumbled with a smile. "It's a rule."

Tony groaned letting his head fall back. "Not you too with the rules."

Eric shrugged. "Rules keep us from chaos."

The next day we were in St. Thomas. It was good, but Tony was a little distracted. We sat on a beach. I finally looked at Tony.

"You already said I do. Our fathers gave us away." I said lightly to him.

That seemed to catch him off guard. "What?" Then he nodded. "I'm sorry. I just want tonight to be special."

"If will be." I nodded. "If you're here."

He smiled. "I will be. And am. You mean everything to me. I want it to be magical."

"How can it not be?"

That night we dressed for dinner. I was told to dress up, so I did. Tony was smiling, but he was still dressed very well and he was damned handsome! He finally came to me. Off of him, I could smell he had done the whole cologne, body wash, and shampoo thing.

"You ready?" Tony asked kissing me.

I smiled taking his hand. "Let's go. Though we may have to come back. With you smelling so good, I may need to ravage you."

"You can do that later. I promise." He had to lead me, for I didn't know where we were going. We went down to the level of the dining room. Then he took me through the dining room full of men and conversations going on to a private room where Tony knocked. The door opened immediately by Sasha who bowed slightly and motioned for us to enter. He was dressed in nice slacks and a shirt was often worn by men in tuxedos, not his usual as a waiter garb out in the dining area. Stepping in the room, there was one table set, very elegantly but the lights were low and candles added just a little more light. There was soft music playing in the background.

"Gentlemen, I will be your sole waiter for the beginning of the night," Sasha said. "If you'll take your seats." He motioned to the table with only two chairs. "We'll start with any drink you prefer."

Sitting, I was smiling at the whole room. The hum of conversations from the dining room was now silent and we were alone. The moonlit view of the water from the large windows was so relaxing. It added a romantic feel to the whole situation. Tony smiled as drinks were poured. Then a few minutes later, Tony held his hand out. "Do me the honor of dancing with me?"

"You don't even have to ask." I smiled taking his hand. We stood up and arms went to familiar positions from the many times we'd danced and hugged. We knew each other very well. "Tony, this has been the greatest trip I've ever been on."

Tony smiled. "For me, too." He took a slight breath. "You asked me several times; am I rich?" He chuckled. "Now I can answer that question honestly. We are both very rich men. Not because of money, but we both have that one person that loves us more than anybody else could. I am a rich man because you agreed to spend all of time with me."

It was said so sincerely. I couldn't help but miss a breath. "You're an amazing human being, Tony. Words that are said, as I love you, is a mere reminder, not a revelation anymore.

We danced a while, then sat to begin our meal. The courses came out and being a new convert, I smiled as my new favorite, escargot was presented. So, it's snails. They were good! My delight was when the second course came out. I was never asked if I wanted it. When Sasha put the plate he uncovered in front of me. I just shook my head smiling.

"Haggis!?" I grinned at Tony. "You had them make haggis?"

Tony nodded with a grin. "t's been a year since you had it. You liked it, didn't you?" I nodded. Tony smiled and said. "I would have had it brought here from Scotland, but import laws and restrictions. Fortunately, there are amazing chefs here that can make anything."

I chuckled. "Italian wine, Scottish food....what else?"

Tony smiled. "You'll see."

There were other great dishes provided and I loved it all. Then suddenly, the lights came up. The door opened and Sasha brought in a cake on a cart. With him were Scott, Glenn, Eric, and Seth. The cake was a bit familiar for it was our wedding cake! The top portion of the cake that was reserved for the couple to share at their one year anniversary.

"Now with this, I did break some laws," Tony confessed, but he smiled. "To which I will gladly pay any fine. If it is against any law to import this cake overseas, I'm guilty. It's worth it."

"Happy anniversary!" The others said in unison.

Then I looked at the wedding cake topper. There on top were to two grooms, one in the black tux, the other in the kilt and the one in black had his hand up the kilt on his soon-to-be husband's ass. I laughed when I saw them.

Champagne was poured and passed around. I insisted that Sasha was included in the toast. Then he insisted he make the toast.

"To the happy couple," Sasha said happily. "May your love indeed be eternal. Za na-va-brá-tchnyh." He grinned. "That's Russian, of course. To the newlyweds."

Tony and I chuckled. "Of course." We both said as glasses were clinked and we all drank to our health.

Now things were really getting lively. The guys were happy for us and enjoying some of our wedding cake.

Sasha walked over; it was after midnight. "Will you need anything else?" You could tell he was finished for the evening.

Tony shook his head. "You've been great." Then as Sasha nodded and turned to leave. "Sasha, wait."

Sasha turned around at that.

"I don't know if there are rules about being friends with passengers. Do you have an early day tomorrow?" Tony asked.

Sasha shook his head. "I start work in twelve hours, so no. There are some rules about being with guests. Why?"

Tony smiled. "If you want to, sit and join us as a friend. Mitch and I both like you. Have another drink or two. If you want, as a friend."

Sasha smiled at that reaching up and pulling his bowtie loose. "I can not just join guests at a party, but I was asked by Tony..."

"And me," I grinned.

"It's their party," Sasha nodded and looked at the others. "You all heard them."

"We heard, Sasha." Scott chuckled.

"It would be honor to be counted as a friend." And he went to the table with the alcohol and poured a drink. "I'd be happy to join you."

"Wow, this is fresh!" Eric said eating a second piece of cake. "My sister offered me some of hers and let's just say, it lost some of its pizazz in the freezer."

Tony chuckled. "Did she have it vacuum-sealed and frozen?"

Scott smiled. "Interesting color choice." He motioned to the rainbow colors.

"It was obviously on purpose," I said.

Eric chuckled. "I'd have to say no about the sealing and freezing. Freeze, yes. Sealed, no."

Then Seth looked at the cake closer. Not the cake, but the topper. "Look! He's wearing a badge! How'd he get one so small?"

"Icing," Tony said absently.

I looked a little closer and smiled at Tony. "I see that wasn't the only thing added. The last time I saw them, the one that was you, Tony, wasn't smiling quite so big as he is now."

Tony chuckled. "Little Tony is very happy expressing his affection."

Glenn gave a knowing smile. "I bet the real little Tony is often very happy expressing affection and looking forward to more happy expressions in a few hours!"

"He's not that little," I said to which Tony blushed.

Sasha was drinking with us and seemed very comfortable with our whole party. Let's just say, his command of English was sort of fading the more he drank.

"Sasha," I said to the smiling Russian. "We're not excluding you and I hope our conversation isn't bothering you. All this suggestive talk."

Sasha looked surprised. "Why would it? I hear worse." The accent was getting thicker.

"All this about male sex and things like that," I said.

He shrugged. "Sex is sex. Love is love. I am..." he thought a moment. "...what is word? Bisexual."

I grinned realizing a part of him was like us. "You are?"

He nodded. "I have many....friends I have sex with in past...men and womens." He said as his English broke more. "Is why I like work here on this ship. I have some when in military, there the conversations were same and sometimes much, much worse."

Tony looked with a smile touching Sasha's shoulder as if the Russian might need help sitting up soon. "Are you okay?"

Sasha nodded. "I am...getting...pianyl," he said a word in Russian, "...what is word...drunk."

Seth chuckled. "Can you do that? I mean here. Now? I mean you're not dead drunk, but feeling...pleasant?"

"Very pleasant." Sasha nodded. "Priyatny. I am here...tonight. My time. I'm yours tonight. Tony hire me....then invite me. I'm good!"

"I knew you were in the military," I said. "You have that look." Then I looked at him. "Is there anyone special in your life now?"

Sasha shook his head. "Not for year. I had girlfriends, a special girlfriend once. We have five-year-old son. I had boyfriend three times, but no one now. I have not much time off when working."

Glenn came over to Sasha. "Well, I know a nice man like yourself won't be alone long." He said hugging Sasha, which Sasha returned. Then Scott did the same.

We all ended up either hugging Sasha.

"Just don't drink too much," I warned. "Sleep when drunk is not a good sleep." Tony looked at me surprised. "What? I've been that drunk before. Only once. It's been a while, but I remember."

Tony nodded with a grin and looked at Sasha. "You'll be back at our table tomorrow, right?"

"Absolutely." Sasha nodded, but it was more Russian sounding than before. "You guys have become my favorite passengers." We all looked at him not sure if this was because it was his job and he was just saying that. Sasha may be getting drunk, but he saw the looks. "I swear. You are. You must all swear to come back. I send message if I change ships. You have to see me. Yes?" Then he looked at everyone. "I mean everyone!"

Eric nodded. "We will, Comrade."

Sasha shook his head chuckling. "Cold war is over. Just Sasha is best now. The USSR...done. I'm just Russian now." As he was well over six feet, when he hugged us again, but it was two at a time! "I love you all."

"We love you, too." I chuckled and the whispered to Tony. "He gets a big, big tip."

Tony laughed nodding. "Yeah, I knew he was a nice guy."

The next day was at sea. Then again, Tony and I were in no hurry to go anywhere. When we got back to our suite. Tony was kissing me as we entered to room. I felt something brush my head and was a little startled. Turning on the light. As always, we had another towel sculpted animal. This time, he was a monkey hanging from a hanger. How did they do that? Keep them in place!?

"He's really cute!" I thought something. "You know? I've never seen our steward."

Tony nodded. "That's what she's paid to be. Unseen."

"She?" I questioned. "You mean a real she?"

"As you said about Rev. Pat, I haven't looked at the plumbing, but yes, a real she." Tony chuckled.

"Whatever the gender, our steward was good. The place is always spotless." Then I thought a second. "I wonder how she felt working among all these gay men?"

Tony shrugged. "Probably she felt lucky to be working." He kissed me. "Now, there's something we haven't done here." He walked toward our balcony and then went outside. I heard the Jacuzzi come on.

I grinned. "Are we doing it with or without clothes?"

Tony grinned. "We don't need clothes. We're at sea. Unless there is someone with high powered binoculars or a telescope equipped with night vision. We'll be safe." Then he tilted his head. "Have you never considered a nude beach?"

I shook my head. "Never. Not that I'm...well, yes, I guess I am ashamed of being naked. Not with you obviously."

"Obviously." Tony nodded smiling.

Then I realized what he'd said. "Wait a minute! You've been to a nude beach, haven't you?"

He actually blushed. "Well, yeah..." he scratched his ear like he did when he was a little embarrassed. "That was a while back in my slutty days." Then he looked at me. "It really is sort of liberating. I mean, you feel more self-conscious in a suit when no one else is."

I chuckled as I watched him squirm, then walked closer to him. "I guess I'm a prude, but I just can't. Not yet." I kissed him passionately. "I like to see you naked. I like you naked with me, but if we did it in public and I would probably get an erection..."

He nodded chuckling. "Guys do that." He shrugged. "Erections in public there become not something shocking or surprising."

"Maybe one day," I grinned pulling him toward the balcony. "But I'm good here." I pushed his jacket off. "You look hot in that."

He smiled. "Hot as in appearance or like I need to cool off?"

I shrugged. "Either, neither....both. Use both or pick one."

Every now and then, he still gets this insecure thing going. "I'll be forty soon."

I nodded. "I hope you do." Then I saw the doubt on his face. "Tony, is that a problem for you?"

He shrugged. "My youth is passing by. I suppose I'm hearing the tick of the clock."

"Ticking of the clock is going to happen whether we're aware of it or not. Many guys....in fact, most guys look better after forty!" I said honestly. "I mean well into their fifties and sixties! Scott and Glenn are still attractive. Your Papa is in his seventies, he's still a very handsome man." I stopped. "Do you worry I won't find you attractive anymore?"

Here it was, the insecurity. He shrugged again. "It is possible."

"No, it is not!!" I shouted firmly, shocking Tony. I guess you didn't have to Italian to shout. "I love you! Not your money and not your looks!" Then I bowed a little because it was partly a lie, I was attracted by his looks. "Okay, I fell for your looks, but you are more than that. Believe me when I say I have been sexually aroused by many men well over forty and fifty. You will never be unattractive! Not only to me but also with everyone you meet. You're charming! No one can resist you."

"Yes, they can." Tony smiled sadly.

I wondered who had rejected him to affect him so. We had a lifetime for me to find out.

Tony then smiled putting his arms around me. "You think Papa is attractive?"

I nodded. "He is." I grinned. "It's sort of a glimpse of our future." Then I glared at Tony. "You can't say I'll look good too because you've seen my father!"

Tony smiled as I turned him around walked him backward pushing his jacket off. "Why can't I? He's a nice looking man."

"It's another rule!" I smiled seeing his eyes roll again.

"If I didn't know better, you and Eric twins! Rules. You're like...the same person!" Tony declared. "I swear!"

"Well, rule or not, people feel the need to reciprocate when hearing that kind of compliment. I'd rather you didn't."

"Okay, well...I think on both sides of your family we're safe. Your uncles are nice looking men on your mother's side and your father's side. Good genes. Your cousins are nice looking. It's going to be fine." Then he got a glint in his eyes. "Tell me honestly, those guys up on deck we see...almost everything at the pool. You said you thought all of them were nice looking."

I began unbuttoning his shirt. "Pretty much they all are. There were a few that I knew if they didn't have money they probably worked harder on other assets to find a partner, which they did, but every guy has their strong points which help. The human male is attractive! We're the same species, of course, we'll think they're attractive, despite what people say about a male attracted to another male. This male is very attracted to you."

"And that guy Larry?" Tony asked.

"He was ugly because he was so nasty inside. That bled out by his attitude." I said back. "Besides, he was so close to blond...poor man."

Tony nodded with a chuckle. "Oh, I see." He grinned. "I know you like Sasha."

I stopped. "What?"

Tony gave a shrugging nod. "He's a nice, good looking man. I know your tastes now. If there was no me and he made a pass at you, you'd give in. You know you would." He shrugged. "That's nothing to be ashamed of, it just is. He's attractive."

I nodded. "He is. He has a great chest and ass, but I like yours better." I said pulling Tony into a hard kiss. "Enough about others. I'm with you, Numbnuts. If the clock you hear tells you time is running out, let's not waste any more time talking nonsense." His shirt off, my hands made their well-traveled way up his chest pulling the warm body closer as his arms came around me pulling my clothes loose and then off as we kissed with full desire and love. The natural smell he gave off, accented by his cologne again worked its magic. Let's just say the sky was beginning to get lighter with the morning when we fell into a very blissful, contented sleep. We'd leave the invisible Steward a nice tip knowing what she'd find when she came later that day.

Another day at sea, I had another tanning session and I looked at my reflection favorably. The stuff was doing its job. I had a tan at last!

The man that had been doing this wonderful job smiled at me. "Just one more and you'll be perfect." The man smiled. "At least for a few weeks, but you can come back and have another." He said simply.

"You're still here." I grinned.

"I will." The man nodded.

Tony smiled coming up behind me. "I told you. You're browner than I am!" He held his arm next to mine and I was indeed browner.

"Yours is from the sun," I said sourly.

"Who cares!?" Tony chuckled. "You're tan! Complete with tan lines! It looks natural. That's what you wanted!"

The man who had done it smiled. "I told him he didn't have to have tan lines, but he insisted."

I jerked my head at Tony. "Only he gets to see any tan line."

We spent the afternoon in the shopping arcade and just strolling the ship. There was a lot to do onboard. Then spent the afternoon by the pool. Then I spotted John. Without Ian. I walked over to him.

"Are you okay?" I asked John.

He looked up momentarily confused but then smiled once he recognized me. "Sure." He said a little sadly. "I guess you know Ian and I broke up." Then he chuckled equally sad. "If we were ever together."

That hurt. It really did. I sat in the vacant chair next to him. "I'm sorry it didn't work out."

John shrugged. "Better to know than move thousands of miles and find out then."

I nodded. "True. What are the two of you doing?" I held my hand up. "Not that it's any of my business, but you're sharing a cabin."

He nodded. "We're only sharing the space. I get up and find something to do. He gets up and does what he wants. We're good. No argument or yelling, it just wasn't happening."

"So, no hope?"

John shook his head. "For us being a couple? No. There's always going to be someone else." He shrugged. "That was what this whole trip was to find out if we had more than just a physical attraction."

I nodded. "Well, good luck," I said standing.

John smiled taking my hand before I left stopping me. "Thanks for caring."

"I think everyone needs love. I know there's someone out there for you. And Ian."

Tony and I returned to our usual table that evening. The guys all smiled at us as we sat.

Eric chuckled. "I know you two had a good night."

Tony put a look of not understanding the statement. "What do you mean?"

Seth chuckled. "It's a good thing you're this investment guy. If you were an actor you'd be poor, you can't fake looks well."

"Well, gentlemen..." Sasha came over with a big smile. "We're together again."

"Hey, Sasha!" I greeted our new friend. "Did you sleep okay? Any hangover?"

Sasha looked shocked. He was good at faking looks. "I'm Russian! We don't have hangovers." Then he smiled even bigger. "It was a great party. Thank you for including me."

"We'll stay in touch," Tony said. "I promise. We'll give you our email and numbers, you give us what you have. If you're ever in Charleston or even in the United States, let us know. You'll be welcome any time."

"Thank you," Sasha said and then pointed at me. "Escargot again?"

"What else?" I shrugged. "I've tried other appetizers, but I always include the escargot." I smiled at Tony. "I've probably gained ten pounds on this trip! I'll have to diet when we get back."

Scott held his fingers up in the form of a cross like you've seen people warding off vampires when they didn't have a cross handy. "Back, back you vile, evil demon called reality! We're still on vacation!"

"We are." I laughed, "but what Tony told Sasha goes for you guys as well. We'll keep in touch. Agreed?"

"Absolutely!" They all agreed.

"There's a show in the Main Stage Theater," Glenn said. "A comedy show. Shall we all go?" And the comedian was hilarious! Very off colored jokes about gay life. Not just suggestive, sometimes he just came out and said it bluntly. We all loved it because it was all true!

We were in the Bahamas the next day. It was nice, but even the best beach is still just a beach. We toured Half Moon Bay and looked again for things to bring home or send to family. Our next stop was Key West. The trip had some changes due to weather problems. Key West wouldn't mind an unscheduled stop. Weather was important if you wanted to have a nice trip. Tony had told me once. Vacations and guests were great, but like fish you kept more than a few days, it starts to stink after a while. That was a little gem from his Mama. A very wise woman.

Our last night, we, Sasha and all our new friends shared our information and swore to each other we'd stay connected.

As the evening was coming to an end that last dinner. The lights again dimmed, then brightened a little as the waiters, including Sasha began to sing their song.

"...and now, the end is near, I face the final curtain." Sasha turned to us, but I don't think that was what he had to do, he wanted to. "My friends, I'll say it clear, I'll state my case of which I'm certain. I've lived a life that's full, I've traveled each and every highway. And more, much more that this we did it our way." It was short, but you could see in Sasha's eyes he meant it. No offense Frank Sinatra, I know it's your song, but tonight, it was ours. Pictures were taken with everyone. Hugs were given and goodbyes said. It was all....well...we're gay! Of course, there were tears!! Even Sasha was crying! Was it just because this was his job? I don't think so, but if it was, he was good at it!!! I know he made good money on this trip.

That night as we lay in bed that last night, I kissed Tony. "This has been the best trip I've ever had."

Tony nodded. "For me, too." He held his finger up to stop me. "This won't be our last. Each one we'll make better and better. I promise." He said kissing me again.