North Meets South

Story: North Meets South: When Worlds Collide

Chapter: 20 Our Good, Good Friends

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

Mature Readers only due to sexual situations and graphic sexual content

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Yes, the title is in Russian. Read the chapter and find out why. Наши хорошие, хорошие друзья means "Our Good, Good Friends.”

Our Good, Good Friends

We enjoyed our time at the restaurant, and we found Ivan more of a character than expected. I got the feeling; it wasn't an act. He was a big man, and I'm not just talking about his physical size. He was that, but he had a big personality. That was why he was so popular.

"Okay, Ivan.” I grinned after he devoured his steak and wiped his mouth on the cloth napkin with a look of near satisfaction on his face. "I'm asking. How big are you?”

Ivan chuckled. "About two hundred and three centimeters and I weigh just over one hundred and forty-seven kilograms.”

I hated the metric system. I didn't like the metric system like I didn't like the Cyrillic alphabet. I never used it that much, but I calculated as fast as I could. "That makes you six feet and eight inches about and three hundred and twenty pounds!” I shook my head as I reached the numbers in my head. "That's big.” I marveled, knowing muscle was heavier than fat and he had more muscle than fat. Next to him was his wife, who…and a Southern gentleman would never dream of asking a lady how old she was or how much she weighed. You just didn't do that! My guess was five feet and five or six inches and maybe a hundred and ten to a hundred and twenty pounds. A very drastic difference. He was a handsome man…when he smiled. Hair cut close to the top of his head was dark. I had a feeling when he went into the ring or whatever…his Raging or Raging Russian Bull character was…to scare? All for the show, I suspected. I was going to make it a point to look him up on the web. Russia's version of the United States' WWF, Raw or whatever was probably exciting. The only ones I knew in the United States was The Rock because he was acting now and John Cena. I got to see a portion of his Raging Bull when he hit Lottery Guy. Ivan claimed to have been holding back! Ivan probably could have killed him easily.

"He works out constantly,” Katya said.

Ivan shrugged. "If I don't, I will become fat and flabby.”

"He works out six to eight hours a day,” Katya stressed.

Ivan nodded. "I have an image to keep up.” He said logically and he looked at his wife. "I am sorry, but let us talk a little business now a little, okay?”

Katya smiled and nodded. "Sure.”

"Before we do, that is just…big...” Tony grinned said to Ivan. "That's all.”

I nodded. "A really big man, with a huge personality…” I smiled and said softer, "…and we're finding out…has a really huge heart capable of a lot of love.”

Ivan blushed and lowered his eyes, then looked at me. "The Beetles said it in that song…” he grinned and then said in very accented English, "…love is all we need.”

Tony shook his head taking my hand. "I accused Mitch of wanting to take you both home.” He grinned. "Now, I do.”

I squeezed Tony's hand. "He said I have an affection for Russians, but what I really have a strong affection for is genuinely nice people. Regardless of what country they're from. That's you two.”

Katya smiled. "Maybe we want to take you two home with us.”

"I was told by Sasha, that we…” I looked at Tony, "…homosexuals, weren't thought of well in Russia.”

"The opinion is changing, and more gays are showing themselves in Russia…” Ivan shook his head. "I don't see the problem many people have with it. You and others are everywhere! Love is the best emotion a person could hope to have.” He shook his head again as he disagreed with that philosophy. "I love Katya. How is that wrong?” He leaned over kissing her quickly and waved at Tony and me. "You two are very much in love, which you don't hide. How is this a bad thing!?” He asked incredibly. "It's all good emotion!”

"One day…” Tony nodded, "perhaps the world will understand that.”

"A quick change back to this wonderful translator…” Ivan looked at the translator again. "This is a good investment, Tony. I wish to…diversify my investments.” Ivan said, now his personality was back to seriousness. "I make good money as the Raging Bull, however, just having the money…it should work for me. Right?”

Tony smiled. "I agree.”

"I would like to buy in with this…” Ivan held up the translator, "…wonderful translation device. I would need to know how much is needed…some history on the men who are building and assembling…”

Tony was nodding more. "A good practice, always. I wouldn't take your money without providing a complete history and information before you put in a single ruble.”

I smiled. I didn't often see Tony working directly with clients on business. I know he did, and I knew he had an office. "He's very good at what he does, Ivan. He only makes money if you make money. He's honest and he's proven he can do it.”

Tony smiled at me. "I often have contracts with strangers. I work for them as well, but I promise you, Ivan. We're friends now. I will guard any decision and investment like it was my own.” He waved at the solid evidence in Ivan's hand. "You can see this isn't a…” Tony looked at me and asked in English. "What's the word for scam or conjob?”

"Афера and конжоб,” I replied.

Tony switched back to English astonished I knew these words? "How did you learn all these words!?”

I nodded pointedly. "I said I had trouble with their alphabet, but I can read the Russian newspapers and magazines Sasha gets and books he has. I read!” I said simply. "I have more time now!”

Ivan smiled big again, back to the happy Russian we'd gotten to know and fell in love…friendship wise…with him and Katya. He slapped Tony on the back again, making Tony let out a surprised little grunt and his eyes widen at the power behind the slap. "No, Tony…we are not just friends now! We are good, good friends! I trust you!” Then he grabbed Tony's head and kissed him hard against his temple. "I feel that soon,” Ivan's tone changed, "we will be best friends.” At first, I wasn't sure what that meant.

I glanced at my watch. "Ooh!” I said reaching over to get the ticket. "We sail in an hour and a half!” I smiled. "I'm never late.”

Suddenly we are all in a bit of a hurry to get the bill paid and get back to the Queen Mary. The ship wasn't too far away so we headed back leisurely. Ivan and Tony were busy talking, so I walked with Katya. We'd spoken about Ivan a lot, but not really to her about her.

She laughed at her husband as he was animatedly talking with Tony as we walked slowly. "Ivan needed this vacation very badly.” She told me but took my hand as we walked.

I smiled at her, but I was concerned about what and how she said it. She was hinting there was something… "Is he okay?” I asked looking back at Tony and Ivan as Ivan again was laughing at whatever Tony said. "He seems happy.”

Katya nodded. "Oh, he's fine that way. His time is so demanding and well…” she added reluctantly, "the schedule doesn't allow much time to develop real friendships. Meeting you two just seemed…” she shrugged, "…I agree with Ivan when he said it was something like destiny that was involved for us to meet. It was a very welcomed thing meeting you. He really likes you two.” She leaned in kissing me on the cheek. "I do, too.” There were no sexual overtones or anything like that. She really meant what she said. Who was safer than a gay man as just a close friend?

"He's a nice man. He does have a big heart.” I said smiling. "You're both good people. We really do like both of you.”

"Yes, but those demands and someone always wanting things from him…his manager, the fans, and all because of what he is, not who he is.” She smiled. "Add in the fact you didn't even know who he is only made it nicer for him and me. You were just genuinely nice people that treated us…as just people,” she looked again at Ivan. "That made it so much nicer…especially for Ivan.”

"Who wouldn't?” I smiled. "So, what…other than being the wife of the Raging Bull, do you do? Or is that a job as well?”

She chuckled putting her head against my shoulder briefly. "That is a big job, certainly.” She looked at me. "Some think I should do my own…life, but I try to keep him focused and happy. Not because I'm expected to as his wife and that is my expected place, but I love him, and I want to because I love him.” She looked at me. "Do you understand?”

I nodded. "Absolutely.” I shrugged. "Tony is the main breadwinner for us, and I do all I can to support him. That's wonderful.” I said sincerely.

She smiled. "I was training to become a nurse before I got with Ivan. Those plans were sort of sidelined.”

"Do I say I'm sorry?” I asked carefully. "Do you regret that?”

Katya smiled and shook her head. "No, don't be sorry. I'm fine with it.” She smiled as she was remembering something. "Ivan and I have been together for almost eighteen years!”

I smiled at hearing that. "Wow, that's great. You're still very much in love. I can see it.”

She chuckled. "When we first met, he knocked me down.” She explained further. "I was finishing school…money was hard to come by for expenses as the Soviet Union broke up. I was looking for a job to help make expenses.”

I nodded. "Sasha told me a little about that. Ivan knocked you down?”

She laughed. "Oh, yes…he was nearly as big then as he is now and well…he bumped into me and knocked me down.” But she was smiling fondly at the memory. "He was a brick wall even then!”

"Love at first sight?” I grinned.

She shook her head. "Oh, no…not for me.” She laughed again. "But it was for him, he says. He found out my name and where I lived, and he pursued me relentlessly for about three months! I was scared at first, thinking he was a stalker or something, but he proved to be nice and finally, I consented to go out with him and then…it just happened. He was rare for me. A really nice, gentle and kind man.” She looked at me. "What about you and Tony?”

I told her about the not giving up the pew at church when we first met and some of the highlights making her laugh.

She hugged me again. "It seems like it was meant to be for both you and Tony as it was for me and Ivan!” She smiled again. "He was so handsome and so…thoughtful…we've been together ever since our first date.” Katya got a little sad a little. "I don't know if you…” she sighed. "We tried to start a family. We even were expecting about two years ago.” She sniffed and wiped her face.

Here it comes, I thought. Since she was telling me this, she may tell me more. "Don't, if it's painful,” I said to tell her she didn't have to.

"It's fine.” She smiled weakly. "I'm telling a friend.” She took a deep breath. "I was almost twenty weeks in the pregnancy and…I miscarried.”

"That's halfway through. I am so sorry.” I said. "I think you two would be great parents.”

She smiled again and laughed a little. "I know we will be.” Then she brightened. "That was another reason we came on this trip. We're trying again.”

"That's great!” I smiled. "I know you'll be a terrific mother.” I looked back at Ivan. "He'll be a great father.” I could imagine him with a small baby. "A little girl would never be able to date, but…”

Katya laughed at that.

We walked back on the ship, were logged back aboard as Katya and I were still together as Tony and Ivan were still talking. When we got into the elegant area where we could take the elevators to our cabins. Katya kissed me on the cheek and hugged me, then did the same with Tony.

"It was a great evening.” She said smiling at us. "I know we'll have others as this voyage is still ongoing.”

"Katya?” Ivan asked concerned there might be something wrong. It was in his voice. "It's not even ten yet. Are you okay?”

Katya nodded. "I'm fine. I'm not tired or sick, but I'd like to go to our cabin.” She said simply. She put her arm around Ivan's arm. "Stay and talk more with Tony or Mitch as long as you want.” Pulling him down the few inches and we saw her bring Ivan's left earlobe in her mouth as she began working her charms on Ivan, who's eyes widened a little and then let out some sounds as there were sensations shooting through him where I think his eyes would roll back in his head if she kept up. "It's up to you.” She smiled kissing him lightly and ran her hand over his cheek and then turned to go.

Suddenly, Ivan said loud. "Katya!” He turned to us quickly. "Well, it was a great evening!” He was suddenly in a hurry. "We'll do it again!” He almost was going to run after her, but now…his face took on a softer, more personal and sincere look as he walked over to Tony and me and brought us into a hug together. "My true, dear…good and now, best friends.” Now I got it. His tone was…it wasn't just a greeting, or something said when meeting or parting. He now felt we were his becoming good friends. True friends; becoming best friends. "We are. I truly feel we are.”

Tony's arm went around me but included Ivan. "We really are.” We watched as Ivan brought Katya to him as they walked toward the elevators. "Katya has him wrapped around her little finger,” Tony said to me.

I chuckled. "Of course, she does.” I agreed, "But what I also know. She really loves him, and he most assuredly loves and adores her!” I turned to Tony. "She knows what she wants. Ivan.” I grinned kissing Tony. "You know what I want.”

"You've got me wrapped around your finger,” Tony said quietly.

I smiled. "As you have with me. You know what I want from you right now.” I said pulling him toward the elevators to go to our cabin.

"Anything I have, you have it.” He said as I also led him to the elevators.

We arrived in Fremantle. I grinned at what I saw out our glass doors and the city. While there were no skyscrapers or anything, it was a city. It didn't have the feel of a beach community, I didn't see many buildings over five or six stories.

"I'm sure we'll find something here you'd like,” I said to Tony as he came up behind me to see out, too.

Tony looked at me wanting to be fair, I could see it in his face. "I don't really mind your fascination with nature, you know? I mostly joke around with you about that.”

I kissed him. "I know that.”

"Isn't there a koala or kangaroo to see? I'm more than happy to do that with you.”

I nodded. "I know, but we did all that nature stuff in New Zealand, now we're in Australia. We'll do this…more city-like touring. It's your turn.”

"Okay.” Tony shrugged a nod with a smile.

We showered and dressed, then went for Tony's kawfee and breakfast. Then we went into Freemantle. It had…an almost New Orleans type of feel; even in an appearance on one street, there was a building there that looked just like it on Bourbon Street! There were many artisans here from musicians to artwork. Paintings and sculptures were available to purchase, but soon we found what truly was almost Heaven on Earth for Tony. There were designers for clothes here! Not the Armani or Boss or whomever, this was a selection of locally designed, unique articles of clothing and I knew Tony wanted to go. I didn't even have to ask him; I took him to a few stores. Then we made another delightful discovery on Wray Avenue and South Terrace…the Cappuccino Strip! I feared for only a second that Tony wouldn't leave if he had their coffee. He really was in Heaven on Earth now or viewed it as the Second Coming of Jesus Himself! He began grinning at the unique design stores, now he was smiling with delight as he began to decide which kawfee he was getting! I admit, the coffee was good, it rivaled Sir Samuels. We sat together enjoying our coffees and eating something quickly at a sidewalk table covered with an umbrella to shade us from the direct sunlight. It was summer here.

"I invited Ivan to Charleston.” Tony grinned, suddenly told me.

"You were worried I was going to be the one wanting to take them home?” I asked sipping my latte.

"Well…” he said looking sheepish, "he is a very busy man. He might not have the time.” Tony shrugged, "…and there's no telling about the future for me…” His tone told me what he was afraid of.

I sat forward. "Listen to me,” I said gently, but firmly making him look me in the eye. "No one knows the future. We could go down in a plane crash going home! I was in a car accident that could have killed me New Years' Eve. I survived. You were in those towers when the planes hit. No one knows what's going to happen.” I reached over and took his hand but emphasized each of the following words. "You do not throw in the towel!”

Tony chuckled and nodded. "Sorry.”

I brought him over and kissed him. "Don't be sorry,” I said. "We promised to be honest and talk about what we feel about this. I know it plays on your mind. It does with me.”

Tony nodded. "I know there will be treatments…chemo and radiation. I'll get sick during those treatments.”

"There are new treatments coming out all the time,” I said. "If it's pre-cancer, it might not be that bad. If it is…we'll just deal with it.” I bumped our foreheads together gently. "I'm in this with you. I'm not going away.” I kept his hand and sat back. "Depending on how intensely you go through this…you said you still want to keep working and going forward with our plans.”

Tony nodded. "Nothing changes.”

I grinned. "Inviting Ivan and Katya is a good thing. We even made future plans to sail on the Queen Mary again. That shows we're pressing forward planning for a future.” Then I thought a change of subject was needed. "So, what did you and Ivan discuss at such length last night?”

Tony chuckled. "He really is a smart man.” He said appreciatively. "He understands that he's making good money now, but he also understands that money should be put to work for the future.”

I gave a shrugging nod. "That's good.” I smiled. "I don't think it's a secret…so I'll tell you…Katya and Ivan are trying to start a family. A good financial background would secure the future for the family.”

Tony chuckled. "He told me.” He nodded. "We didn't just talk investments. I think she had things well in hand for the baby making last night getting up back to their cabin.”

I grinned. "Don't take this the wrong way…Ivan's a handsome guy, but he's so…BIG! He'd crush her!”

Tony laughed harder. "He told me a lot more than I asked about…let's just say…she spends a lot of time…on top.” He waggled his eyebrows at me.

Gay or straight, guys love sex and more than willing to talk to other guys about it. Often it was just bragging about their great sexual encounter and how good they were which often were exaggerations or lies, but… I had a little of my father's views on talking about it so openly, but we all have sex or want to! Why not talk about it? Ivan was doing it, too and he was a friend, right?

I frowned a little. "We were together about three hours!? How'd that subject come up?”

Tony shrugged but grinned. "It just did.”

"And what did you tell him about us?” I sort of demanded.

"That you also liked to be on top and top me.” Tony smiled and hurried on. "It was all good. I didn't give any descriptions or anything. I simply told him you were very passionate. I didn't tell him about your thing about my pheromones in my pubic hair or like that, but I also said I liked when you and I did very much.”

"That's more than I tell David!” I groaned. "When he asked me, I didn't even tell him if you were circumcised or not. I was thinking you were talking about investments, stock options and like that.”

"We did, but you and Katya were getting pretty chummy and well…” Tony said smiling, not ashamed of anything. "We just got around to it after he told me about this cruise and why. It was Ivan!”

I grimaced realizing… "I'm as bad as Dad.” I shook my head. "You're right. We have sex, so why shouldn't we talk about it?”

"That's right.” Tony looked at me cautiously. "You're not mad at me, are you?”

I smiled and shook my head. "Surprised, that's all. Alan would bug me for details. I just didn't talk about us. It's fine. It's fine.” I smiled. "It's not like you told the whole ship, just Ivan.”

"The McKenzies are uneasy with what we all do. Mostly what we do.” Tony between us. "Ivan is not a McKenzie!” Tony nodded. "He told me Katya was an animal sometimes. He said she was a wildcat sometimes.” He grinned again. "I told Ivan, you were often an animal often, as well.” He leaned in kissing me…again…the kiss was pretty intense, and we didn't care one bit if we offended anyone who saw us do it. They weren't involved with the kiss! "I told him I liked that.” Tony practically growled.

I stood up quickly. "We need to go back to the ship! Right now!” I nearly drug him back to the ship as Tony chuckled.

We had a great afternoon! While Tony was napping, I pulled out our computer and did a web search. At last, I found the website that had the Russian celebrity wrestlers on it. It didn't take long for me to find the Raging Russian Bull! He was the draw for this sport…show…whatever. I was never really into the pro-wrestling shows or even the sport. The only thing to catch my eye was the men in skimpy outfits showing most of their physique. This site showed the elaborate ring and wrestlers in action. Great costumes and there were confrontations broadcasted. Seeing Ivan as the Raging Bull…well, he was a raging bull. I'd seen Ivan at the pool, and I knew he was very muscular, but here…he must have pumped up his muscles right before, he was even bigger! There was even a scene where his angry face was distorted in rage and…I kid you not…the advertisement said who he was as the bull and I promise you, there was steam or smoke coming out of his nose and as he literally roared! A Raging Bull! I was having such a good time watching it; I didn't even notice that Tony was now looking over my shoulder.

"We saw that a little the day Lottery Guy assaulted Katya.” He said smiling at the image as Ivan roared again and Ivan telling another wrestler…his opponent, he was going down! "If Lottery Guy had seen this before…”

"I bet Lottery Guy has a criminal record,” I said. "He was clearly unbalanced and not smart.” I waved at the screen. "Ivan is pretty terrifying here.” I closed the computer. "We got to know and befriended Ivan. Not any raging bull.”

Tony kissed me. "That is why he's our friend. We see him as a human being.” He grinned. "Alik will be insane when he hears the Raging Bull might come to our house.” He chuckled. "I was going to see if Ivan would want to invest in the future restaurant for Sasha with us. He needs to meet Sasha.”

"I think Alik, and Sasha will have a hard time going to bed that when we tell them.”

I was very pleased that we were getting to know Ivan and Katya. I really liked both of them. Ivan was a big personality. I chuckled at some of the antics I saw Ivan do as The Raging Bull with his…opponents. Some were nearly as big as Ivan. Most the cheers I heard coming from fans were for Ivan. He had children that loved him, and I could see some of the younger fans in the audience in the background.

"We're in Busselton tomorrow,” Tony said kneeling over kissing my neck as he wrapped his arms around me from behind. "They have all that…natural stuff here you like so much.” He chuckled.

I looked at Tony smiling. "And I'm sure there's a store to shop in.”

Tony shook his head. "No, tomorrow, we do what you want to do.” He shrugged. "There's a great Underwater Observatory.” He suggested.

I realized we were having a sort of contest. Both of us wanted to give the other what we knew they wanted. I gave a grudging nod. "Yes, but do you want to just look at some fish? I don't think so.” I asked, knowing better. "There are a vast number of vineyards in Busselton. I know there's a tour of many of those. You might find a great wine to rival Bella Roma.”

Tony stood up as his eyes widened. "Better than Italian wine!?” He shook his head looking at little offended but was grinning. "That's not possible.” He said simply pulling me up and brought me to the couch. "There are some great whale watching and other things available.”

I nodded as he put his arms around me as he proceeded to get even closer. "Well, there is the Margret River Winery and Scenery Tour where we can do both.” I chuckled as he was nodding, but not really listening as his lips traced my jaw lightly going back to my ear sending sensations through me.

"There are Humpbacks and Southern Right Whales to see…” Tony continued softly, his deep voice rumbling in my ear gently and then sat up a little suddenly. "Humpbacks I know thanks mostly due to Star Trek's fourth movie…what's a Southern Right Whale?” He asked thinking a moment as I saw the glimmer of humor in his eyes. "Am I to assume there is a Northern Left Whale?” He smiled and returned to what he was doing as his hands traveled over me.

I turned to get to a better angle and began to kiss him more directly. I loved what he was doing and for a moment, I felt sorrow. Don't get me wrong. I had changed…my perspective had changed. He loved me. He was here and healthy right now. No, I didn't care about the money or the stateroom, but he was here…now…loving me. The horrible thought that it could end had never occurred to me. Not really. Pulling him back I had him over me. "I know we just made love, Tony…not long ago, but I need you.”

Tony nodded. "I need you, too.” He smiled. "We might miss dinner.”

I shook my head. "I'm sure they won't run out of food. We can order in. We don't have to go anywhere tomorrow.” I said. "I just want you.”

Tony stretched out over me. "You have all of me.”

I clung to him more than I needed to. Losing him was not an option I was willing to consider. I was going to hold on to him as long as I could.

We did miss dinner but were satisfied to remain in our stateroom that night. We ended up ordering something brought to us. This trip was taking on another nuance for me. We were concentrating on our relationship and just enjoying being together.

In the morning we woke in bed, having made our way up the stairs the night before to the very comfortable bed.

"We're in Busselton,” Tony told me softly in my ear as a reminder.

I rolled over to face him kissing him gently. "I'm sure it's nice. I heard it has this long jetty…over a mile long to the ship.” Grinning at him and shrugged. "It's just another town, Tony. It's a beach community. We live in one.” My fingers again in his sexy, sleep tossed hair. "We don't have to be anywhere for over a week more. My focus is you.”

Tony gave a long blink and smiled. "Things for us are changing.”

I nodded. "Yes, they are. My priorities have changed.” I propped up on my elbow looking in his eyes. "We said we are going to be honest and talk whenever there is something on our minds about this...thing.”

Tony nodded. "We did. What do you think right now?”

I moved over him. "I'm curious,” I said lightly. "You said when we just got on board, you felt it.” I patted his upper chest. "Do you feel it right now?”

Tony thought a moment. "I feel…” he sought a word, "something.” He held my hand to his chest. "Here.”

I frowned a little. "Did you feel it before Dr. Keogh said there was something there?” I watched his confusion grow a little. "Did you think there could be something before he told you? Did his telling you there was something make it more real and not just the idea?”

"You think he suggested it to me, and I made it more real?” Tony asked as he shrugged. "I don't know.”

I gave a shrugging nod. "I'm just trying to get you to not give up. Don't throw in the towel yet.” I rubbed our noses together gently. "And don't do what Papa did,” I said softly, but firmly. "We didn't wait until it was too late. Please,” I tapped his chest again gently, "do not refuse any treatment. Understand?” I kissed him tenderly. "I don't want to lose you, Tony. Promise we will fight this…whatever…together.”

"We will.” Tony wrapped his arms around me. "I promise.” He smiled at me. "We have a very good marriage. I love you.”

"Yes, we do have a very good marriage.” I agreed, kissing him. "I love you.”

We agreed to leave the ship, but no destination was decided on. No hurrying done, but just us…together. We walked that long jetty and it was the longest one I had ever seen, but we took our time as we arrived in Busselton. There were many people from the ship strolling leisurely through the streets and shopped. I was no longer concerned whether anyone was looking or not. I no longer cared.

We decided to have lunch at The Goose. It was the Goose Bar and Kitchen which was a restaurant right there off the jetty with a covered porch we dined on. A lovely place on the very beach…well, near enough to see and hear it.

"Hello, strangers!” We heard a woman greet us from behind.

Turning we saw the Bensons from our table in the dining room. Both Tony and I rose as they came to us. We were gentlemen!

"No, don't get up,” Bert said grinning as he held his hand out to stop us. He put his arm around his wife. "You two are enjoying this great place to eat. We won't stop you.”

"We're doing the same thing,” Linda said as the host waited to take them to a table. "We just missed you a few nights. I can see everything seems to be fine with you.” She patted my arm. "We just wanted to say hello. Your presence is missed…understood but missed.” She pushed me back gently. "Sit, eat.”

Tony and I did go back to our meal and time together. I took Tony's hand. "We are fine.” I smiled.

Tony smiled leaning over kissing me. "Yes.” He said kissing me again. "We are.”

We got back and went to Sir Samuel's for our favorite coffees. I was thinking I was developing an addiction like Tony's.

"Мои хорошие, лучшие друзья!!!” A deep voice boomed happily saying again my good, best friends.

I chuckled as Tony, and I knew him instantly having not even seen him yet and turned to greet the big Russian and his much smaller wife. "Ivan! Katya! Our good, best friends!” I said in Russian to them as they got closer. Katya shook her head but smiling at her husband. Both carried a few bags of purchases gotten ashore.

"Do you have to be so loud, Ivan?” Katya asked quietly, but smiling still.

"Да.” Ivan replied yes simply as he hugged Tony.

I grinned at Katya as I hugged her. "He is The Raging Bull.”

Katya laughed. "Yes, he is that.”

"My dear friend,” Ivan said grabbing me in a near totally encompassing hug. He was a big man!

"I just said that about who you are because I saw a clip of you last night,” I said to him.

Ivan smiled and I tell you, he even blushed. "Aw, that was just for show.” He said a little sheepishly.

I nodded. "It was! And what a show!” I squeezed a bicep on him. "I know under this tough bull exterior is a real teddy bear.” Again, Russian and English translations did not always make things clear. Ivan looked confused so I told him about the plush toy bear many children had. I had said плюшевый мишка. It took a second when Ivan smiled as he understood. "Oh, yes,” he nodded, "Медвежонок!” "Sorry,” I smiled. "My Russian is not fluent yet.” Ivan shook his head laughing heartily. "Nonsense. You do very well! Almost no accent!” He said throwing his huge arm around me and holding his finger to his lips. "But please, keep this between us, okay? I have a reputation to keep. Tonight, Katya and I have a private dinner. Tomorrow we sail for two days before Adelaide. Perhaps we could get together again for lunch or dinner?” He grabbed Tony pulling him to his other side and kissed him on the temple and then did the same to me. "I really love you two! Please, perhaps we can take in a show or something?”

Tony chuckled as he was being squeezed by Ivan. "Sure. I'd like that.”

I squeezed his arm again knowing they wanted a child. "You don't take…” I frowned, "…what's the word? Performance increasing drug…increase mass? What is it called?”

Tony looked surprised. "That you don't know?”

Ivan looked puzzled again and then his eyes got bigger. "стероиды!” He said the word for steroids. He shook his head. "Absolutely not. No steroids.” I frowned. "I did one year in the beginning. No, this…” he flexed his arm, "is all Ivan! No steroids. We are starting a family and…” then he gulped looking at his wife, "she would kill me if I did.” He said with a little fear.

I looked at Katya who was nodding. "He's right. I certainly would.” She smiled at Ivan.

"My promoter then was a real…” Ivan began.

"мудак?” I asked smiling.

Ivan's eye crinkled as he smiled more. "I was going to say son of a bitch,” Ivan said using сукин сын. "Asshole works, too.” He chuckled. "What else did this Sasha teach you? Do you know…”

"Ivan,” Katya said quickly and softly but was smiling again and shaking her head.

"I was just going to see if Sasha taught him some words,” Ivan said simply and innocently and then leaned closer to me and almost whispered to me. "Never get her angry, she can cuss like a Russian sailor. The kitten becomes a lion!” He even did the growl.

I hugged Katya as I laughed lightly. "No, not sweet Katya.”

"Well, whatever Mitch says to you…” Tony grinned, "listen because he will convince you if you don't.” He rubbed his face where I'd slapped him that one night at his parent's deaths.

I looked at Tony and did what Italians sometimes do and spoke louder. "Because you weren't getting it, so I did what was necessary. You get it now, don't you? You haven't forgotten.”

Tony shook his head laughing. "No, I haven't forgotten.” He said emphatically. He looked at Ivan. "He had to convince me that he loves me.”

Ivan was startled by that as his eyes grew. "That was what you needed convincing of!?” Ivan waved both hands at me while looking at Tony. "A blind man could see that!”

Tony shrugged looking a little helpless.

"It was a tough time for Tony,” I explained going over taking Tony's hand and pressed our foreheads together gently. "He was a little…vulnerable at that time. He just needed reminding.”

"I don't need convincing now.” Tony smiled at me.

Ivan nodded looking at Katya. "Yes.” He walked over bringing Katya to him. He turned and brightened remembering why they had come here. "Coffee, anyone?”

We got our desired coffees as we sat and visited a while. Tony and I sat together, but he didn't let go of my hand. Looking at him, I smiled and squeezed his hand. "I love you. Tony.”

He nodded and leaned in kissing me. "I know you do.”

Tony and I did dress for dinner that night. It wasn't a formal night, but we did dress a little formal. We did it just because. Arriving at our table, we were greeted by the other familiar faces we'd come to know. Louise and Ben smiled and even rose as we got to the table. "Well…” he said grandly. "I'm sure all is well with the two of you. It's written all over your faces.” Tony nodded as we sat. "Very well.” "We had…some things that came up…” I began to explain our absence. "No.” Rene chuckled holding his hands up to stop me. "No need to explain. You came with the other. Not with us.” His French accent heard but spoke English well. I nodded smiling at them. "We did miss you, but…we did come here together.”

We did leave the table to go out on the deck. Again, we agreed to talk about what was on our minds about this possible illness Tony might have. He had something, but we didn't know what that was yet. It was a warm night and there was a cool breeze that kept it from being too warm and the ship was not a party ship, so it was quiet as we strolled on deck. "I will say this, Tony.” I began pressing more against him. "I don't want to ruin the mood, but…when I was in that accident almost a year ago…when I was in danger of dying,” I began, "and our time together was in question. Now, with whatever is going on in you now…I have changed.” I smiled at him. "I realize we don't have the luxury of thinking we will always be together.” I saw him look a little wary and I raised my hand. "No…let me finish.” I grinned kissing him gently. "I love that we are together…now. I'm enjoying that fact more.” I shrugged. "As I said, we've been worrying about the ride and we don't have the saddle, but we have calmed down. We've been taking the fact we will be together for granted…at least I was. I'm not doing that now.” Tony smiled bringing me into a heartfelt embrace. "No, I'm not taking us for granted either now.” He said squeezing me tighter in the hug. "You are so important to me.” "I know. You are to me, as well.” Rubbing his back and stepped back a little bringing my hands up to cup his face. "I love you, Tony. I cherish our time together.” Tony chuckled lightly. "So, do I.” I felt Tony's arm got tighter around me as I felt his lips pressed against my head. "I'm having a really good time, Baby.” The smile on my face was genuine. The truth was, we didn't know what would happen. We didn't know anything except there was…something. We weren't jumping to any conclusions, but it was making us appreciate our time together. I knew I could no longer take it for granted. "Me, too.” We did go to the G32 where we danced together. We had a great evening which we took back to our stateroom and naturally made love a few times.

We had Ivan's and Katya's email addresses and phone numbers. With the added Wi-Fi we could send them messages even though we were on the same ship, the same deck, and a few staterooms apart we might not see each other. The Queen Mary was a big ship! Tony jumped and let out a slight yelp when he got the vibration from his pocket. It hadn't really gone off much while we were onboard as Tony had used the computer in our stateroom to do…business and stuff. He looked to see the voicemail indicator. Seeing who it was from, he grinned. "Ivan.” He told me. "My good and dear friends!” Ivan's boisterous greeting began happily. "We could meet? Plan for today or tomorrow? We will be at Sir Samuel's at 3 pm. Meet us there if you like. We will plan? Yes? I would send a text, but I'm not sure what you would get. My phone sends texts, but it's in Russian. This is easier. You send a reply, will it be in English? Let us know!” Tony smiled, chuckling lightly as we listened. "It's just a shame he's not a happier man.” He shook his head. I nodded with a chuckle. "We should all be as unhappy as he is.” Tony called back but handed me his phone to leave the message, saying I spoke Russian better than he did. "Besides, he likes you better.” He grinned. I looked at Tony, knowing he was teasing me. "Oh, yes, I spent that whole evening at the Black Hide in Brisbane and monopolized all the conversations with Ivan,” I growled. "Poor Katya and I were just forgotten.” Tony nodded. "Yes, you were both forgotten.” He said mockingly dour and then said simply. "It was business!” I nodded. "Right. It was business. He and Katya's, yours and my sexual positions were business.” I grumbled with a smile. Tony blushed a little. "Well, there were other things we talked about.” He said sheepishly.

We met Ivan and Katya at Sir Samuel's and had our beloved coffees and went to the conversation area that looked out over the water as we sailed. "This trip was a great idea.” Ivan sighed contently. "Other than that incident with Katya and that horrid man, it's all been nice.” He smiled at Katya leaning in kissing her gently. Katya chuckled. "He's so relaxed.” She put her arm through his arm and rested her head against his large shoulder. My eyebrows danced a little. "I guess you're glad he knocked you down now.” Ivan's eyes grew. "She told you about that!?” He said…embarrassed? "It was an accident!” I chuckled. "Suuure it was.” I said drinking my latte. "You are way up there,” I said raising my hand high overhead, "and she was way down here. You just didn't see her.” I chuckled again. "I think you did it on purpose.” Ivan grinned. "Accident or on purpose, it worked.” He squeezed Katya gently. I swear I practically saw little hearts in the air like little bubbles. "How did you two meet?” "I wouldn't let him in my seat at church.” Tony smiled. "He asked me to move over in the…” he thought of the word in Russian and looked at me and I shrugged, "that long seat in churches and I said no.” "But he invited me to sit next to him,” I said happily. "And I've been together ever since.” "Our…” Tony looked at me and asked in English. "Pew I understand but do you know the word for courtship?” I had to think. I'd only seen it a couple of times. Those seldom words like pew were hard to remember. "Oh! Ухаживания!” Tony nodded. "Right. Our courtship was only a few days.” I grinned and said in English. "The word you wanted was Пью, I believe.” Looking at Ivan and Katya and said in Russian. "That's the word for pew, right?” "It is.” Katya nodded. Tony shook his head and looked at me. "How do you remember all these words!?” He turned to Ivan and Katya. "He learned…” he looked at me. "Italian?” He asked in English. I told him итальянский. "See!? He knows how to say it! He learned Italian in just a few months!” I chuckled. "I was motivated!” I said again but said Я был мотивирован! "Now, the Russian alphabet was hard!” I waved my hand helplessly at the nearly impossible task. "That wonderful system we watch TV at home picks up Russian Stations, too! The increase in the rate wasn't due to Showtime or the Playboy Channel. I watch it with Sasha now!” Katya smiled at hearing that. "Really? What do you watch?” I nodded at her. "Well, Sasha loves Let Them Speak. I watch it with him.” I said using the title Пусть говорят. "Dmitry Borisov has some pretty controversial subjects on it.” Katya sat forward more. "He does! He had one not long ago about homosexuals. The observer Nikolay Troitsky…his blog…” I nodded my head quickly. "Yes!! I saw that! All because of what he saw at the Berlin Pride Parade and feared that kind of filth and was coming to Russia because of the increased freedom and democracy!” Katya was agreeing. "He wanted a powerful bomb to only kill gays!?” She said as it was hard for anyone to believe. Tony shook his head. "See!?” He pointed to me but looked at Ivan. "This is why he speaks Russian so well. I've never even heard of that show!” I shrugged. "I have time now.” I chuckled. "Sasha taught me more how to cuss in Russian seeing that one.” I grinned. "Your problem is you just don't use it enough.” Ivan chuckled. "That explains why he has the accent, and you don't.” "Oh, but I did!” I smiled. "Even Alik thought it was funny.” I took Tony's hand. "And Tony has an accent in English, too.” Tony looked mockingly offended. "I do not. You do.” I nodded and pointed to his cup of coffee. "Say what that is in English.” "Kawfee.” Tony said simply. "Coffee,” I said looking at Ivan and Katya as if the difference was audible obviously. "There's my evidence.” Ivan and Katya looked at each other and shook their heads. "It sounds like the same word to me.” Ivan shrugged. "The people of Moscow sound the same as those from Georgian Mountains?” I asked. Katya shook her head. "No, they don't.” Tony grunted. "The only Georgia I know is the Southern state next to ours.” "There are many accents from Vladivostok and Khabarovsk. Plus, you have those from Ukraine that speak Russian with a decided accent difference.” Ivan nodded. "There are different stresses on the syllables and vowel pronunciation.” He smiled at me. "I guess Sasha taught you pronunciation from Moscow. You sound like you come from there.” "There are dialects and mostly it's East versus West,” Katya said simply. "You lost me with what you're talking about,” Tony growled. "I guess I need to watch those shows, too.” "Learning English!” Ivan said exasperated, stressing the difficulty and switched to English. "Is not easy as cake.” I saw the glimmer in his eye when he said that in very Russian accented English. "Ivan.” Katya grinned and switched to English. "No easy as piece of pie.” Tony looked confused and then laughed nodding and said in English. "That's easy as pie and piece of cake.” Ivan smiled grandly. "Is it?” He asked in Russian. I laughed, too. "Так и есть.” I said it is. Tony groaned shaking his head. "Now, we're in trouble, Mitch.” I was laughing at what Ivan and Katya had done on purpose. "We are?” "I really like these two.” Tony smiled. "Now, I want to take them home.” Ivan laughed heartily in almost a booming laugh. "We want to take you home with us…to Russia.” He raised a meaty fist. "I will protect you. No one would dare to bother my friends!” He shook the fist and continued firmly. "You and Mitch, Sasha and your cousin! No one!” "We'd be safe at least with the Raging Russian Bull!” I chuckled and looked at Katya. "And his lovely wife.” "We are coming in January to America. We can stay a week.” Ivan said changing the subject. "If that is okay?” Tony nodded. "We have the room.” "We'd love to have you,” I added and looked at Tony. "I think we should wait and tell Alik until Ivan and Katya arrive.” I grinned. "It will be a surprise. You know how he always asked about what we brought him when we come back.” I waved at Ivan. "We bring them!” "We'll have a very excited little Russian!” Tony squeezed my hand.

All the planning, we met at the Verandah to share an elegant meal. I grinned when Ivan and Katya arrived at our table. They were a handsome couple. She had on a gown of deep blue and her hair up on one side. Ivan wore a dark tuxedo; his beard was even trimmed and looked every bit the gentleman. A big gentleman, but a gentleman. "I didn't know they made a tuxedo that big!” I grinned as I hugged Ivan. Katya chuckled as she hugged me next. "We have to have them made for him.” She explained and rubbed Ivan on the arm. "He looks very handsome in it.” Tony and I did enjoy our dinner together with Ivan and Katya. These few days we both became very attached to them. Each couple respected the other couple's privacy, but we did spend time together. We even took in a show at the Royal Court Theatre. We shared a nightcap and vowed to see each other again. We had a few more days to go.

The next morning was very nice. I was again awakened as I felt someone stir next to me. There was no guessing about who it was. I grinned as I felt lips come to my neck and felt his hand go over me lightly in a caress. "Good morning,” Tony said softly. I rolled gently over kissing him more directly, but deeply and my usual way increasing the consumption of him as the passion grew even in that early hour…which could have been any hour. We had nowhere to be at any particular time. "It is a very good morning.” Tony chuckled kissing back tenderly and his voice rumbled deeply. "Marry me, Mitch.” I looked back at him a little uncertain. "We are married, Tony.” Tony nodded. "Yes, we are, but I mean legally.” "We did all we could to be legal,” I said. "They only allow it now in Massachusetts for now.” Tony nodded. "We can go to Massachusetts on the way home.” "It isn't legal in South Carolina.” I pointed out. Tony smiled. "It will be soon…you see that, right? When that happens, we'll already be married.” He shrugged and then he looked seriously. "I'm not planning to die, Mitch.” He sighed. "We don't know what this is yet. I am not giving up, but I think we need to cover ourselves as legally as possible.” His voice broke a second, so he cleared his throat. "I nearly lost you once.” He nodded, knowing what I was thinking. "Yes, I am your husband. You are my husband. I just…” he struggled with it, "want to be sure we are covered. The power of attorney makes sure, but…” "I get it.” I nodded. "Most states have a waiting period.” "Some do,” Tony said. "If it's a day or two…or three…we just enjoy Boston a while. Marry and then come home.” He rolled us so he was on top of me. "When it does become legal in the rest of the United States, we'll already be married.” He grinned. "I think marrying in any state after that would be legal.” He sighed. "We are on the insurance policies as beneficiaries. The will we have has each of us, by name who gets what. There may be some tax issues waived because we will be married.” He kissed me. "I'm Italian. Worry and all that. If this is cancer, it may take a few years until…” I kissed him quickly to stop what he was going to say and didn't want to hear it. "Fine.” I nodded. "I'll marry you…again.” I rolled us so I was on top, "But we deal with this together.” I shook my finger at him. "You don't give in.” Tony shook his head. "We…don't give up.” "Never.”

I had been so…preoccupied with Tony, so, it was when we went out to lay by the pool Tony suddenly looked at me. "You haven't been to the Spa this week!” Tony said. I chuckled as I lay on the lounge. "Aw, come on, Tony. That was just cosmetic. A spray on tan?” I shrugged. "Some more important things were happening. It…just slipped my mind. It wasn't important.” Tony shook his head. "No! You're going.” He didn't even wait but grabbed my hand and I was being dragged to the Canyon Ranch Spa. "You come back darker than me. That's a rule.” "Since when?” I laughed. "Since now!” Tony growled and pointed at me as we walked. "You would have before, and you will now. Nothing changes.” He declared. "Okay.” I chuckled. As I didn't have a set appointment, there was a slight wait before the attendant got to me, but one more time, I got the sprayed on chemicals. Got in the booth and it was…whatever had been sprayed on me with the lights there to set. Tony was sipping on a drink he'd been brought while I was being treated. He looked up as I came out and grinned holding his arm out beside mine. "There…” he grinned kissing me, "that's better. You are almost there.” I kissed him. "I love you, Tony.” That beautiful smile became softer on his face. "I know. I love you.” "I know.”

We did again go to the table we shared with the others that evening. Our friends again greeted us with the absence of Linda and Bert Benson. No surprise there, they were on their honeymoon. The conversations were pleasant, but we were different now, at least for me. It seemed to be different for Tony as well. We enjoyed our friends like we always did, but…we were calmer. I can't describe it better. We still laughed and joked, but the feeling was just different. For me. I was more aware of Tony. Why did it take something like this unknown to make me aware of him?

The next day I woke alone in bed. The sun was barely up. I didn't hear anything from the bathroom. Sitting up I could hear some tapping on the keyboard of the computer downstairs. I was curious. Tony did business on the computer, but…this early? I know, time zones and all that, but those trends with the global market did change quickly, but Tony didn't do too much of the fast trade…things. He guided his clients and us on more solid, long-term investing. Getting up I walked downstairs. I chuckled to myself seeing Tony hadn't bothered to put anything on. I looked down at myself. I hadn't either. I saw the screen and I saw the airline we were taking from LAX to go to Charleston. Only he was making changes.

"Would I be bothering you to ask if you're changing the flight to Boston?” I asked as I reached to bottom floor.

Tony looked up and smiled at me. "No!” He rose greeting me with a nice kiss. "You agreed. You sort of have to go to Boston, too.”

"We sail another eight or nine days,” I said shrugging as he turned and sat again at the desk.

Tony gave a shrugging nod. "You know me.” He said helplessly. "I don't go anywhere without a plan. Planning ahead with reservations and confirmed flights…”

I chuckled putting my arms around him from behind, kissing the top of his head. "I don't either. I made advance reservation at the Ellerbe Springs Bed and Breakfast a month early.”

Tony nodded chuckling. "Is that why we always get the Eleonore Roosevelt Suite?”

"That's right, but have you ever seen it crowded?” I chuckled. "I just don't like taking chances.”

Tony grinned. "No, not really. Besides, the more advanced, the greater the chances we get the best room.” Tony said logically. "I've booked at a great hotel in Boston. The Omni Parker House. It's near where we need to be.” He hit the confirm icon. "I got us a suite there.” He turned giving me a look like he was expecting something. He shook his head. "You're not questioning that?”

"Nope. Are you finished with this?” I asked pointing to the computer.

"Sure.”

I pulled him up kissing him as he rose. "When this unknown happened with you. I became aware of our mortality. My brush with death, you're…” I patted his chest, "whatever…I don't care about some things anymore. My ridiculous worry about spending money…it doesn't matter to me now.” I chuckled. "My tiny side of the closet is catching up with your side. I will still be me, but…you had us sign those Powers of Attorney pretty quickly after we got together. You plan ahead.”

Tony gave a shrug and nod. "It's what I do.” He grinned wrapping his arms around me. "As I said before…this could be nothing.” He rubbed his chest. "But cancer is in my family. Kathy was right, too. It's not so much if I will get it, but when. With treatment, even if it is cancer…I could live quite a few years.”

It hurt to hear, but he was right. I nodded. "Yes, you could. You and I will do all we can to make sure you do.” I brought him into a longer kiss, probing his lips more. "I'm also not worried about offending anyone now. You and I will be married. Legally.”

"In Massachusetts.” Tony laughed.

"You said…when it becomes legal in South Carolina we'll already be married.” I pointed out. "In fact, I am going to make it a point to kiss you in the middle of King and Calhoun Streets back in Charleston. Any accidents, as a result, is their faults, not ours.”

Tony looked startled. "We could be shot!”

"Really?” I asked dourly. "With what we've gone through…you think I care what some rednecks in Charleston could think!?” I shook my head. "I am not ashamed of loving you. I'm proud you married me. I'm not hiding us anymore. We didn't in New York, Rome, or Edinburgh. We don't even hide it in Derby, North Carolina! I'm not concerned about what anyone thinks anymore. I love you, Tony!”

Tony's smile grew. "Okay. I guess we'll be out everywhere! I love you, Mitch.”

We had another day at sea, and we really didn't leave the stateroom. We had coffee and breakfast delivered to our suite. We did venture out about lunchtime strolling on the deck with no destination. We just talked. This was the Queen Mary 2. There was a difference on this ship than the Oosterdam from where we were followed by Sasha. The Oosterdam was not a party ship. Everyone on this great ship was on vacation, sure, but other than that one man who won his way on the Queen Mary where he clearly didn't belong and would never fit in. The whole feeling was more…subdued. There were children on board, but they were children. They would sometimes run to a destination and even squeal as kids did, but mostly it was calm and tranquil.

"I thought we could pop in and see Kathy and Al on the way home,” Tony suggested out of the blue.

"Sure.” I nodded. "You carry your work with you, and I don't have a job…”

Tony looked at me surprised and frowned. "Not that I care,” Tony said quickly. "I know you're doing some work for causes, but if you wanted to return to work…”

I laughed wrapping my arm tighter around his middle as we walked together. "Tony…” I shook my head. "There are millions in our account.” I gave a slight shake of the head at that thought. "I never thought it would be on a bank account with my name on it, but it is. That concept was hard to sink in my head.” I smiled. "I like to work. I work when I need to.” I shrugged. "It's sort of nice to realize it's not to keep a roof over my head anymore. That was a hard one to accept, but I have, and I knew you work hard to earn that.” I turned then looked at Tony as we strolled. "Will we be back by Thanksgiving?”

Tony nodded with a chuckle. "Yes, the day before. There is a waiting period of three days in Massachusetts. We marry, go visit Kathy and Al, then go to Charleston.”

"I guess I need to reserve the Elenore Roosevelt Suite again.”

We got to Sir Samuel's for our coffees again at about three o'clock and saw the same large figure again. Apparently, the big Russian and we had the same desire for caffeine at this time. He was alone speaking to the attendant there.

"Large coffee…” he said in heavily accented English holding his hands far apart and frowned, "…is strong.” He thought of the word.

I walked up and put my hand on his large back. "Вы хотите, чтобы ваш обычный большой эспрессо?” I asked with a chuckle at him.

Ivan turned with an instant, delighted smile. "My dear friend!!” He stated happily and hugged me. "Yes! Katya took the translator while she was shopping. My large espresso! Yes.”

I nodded to the attendant. "My friend here wants a large Egyptian Coffee and Double Espresso, iced.” I looked at Ivan. "Вы хотите взбитые сливки на вершине, не так ли?” I asked if he wanted the whipped cream.

"Yes!” Ivan nodded happily. "I was going to add that wonderful coffee and chocolate drizzle on the top.”

I grinned. "I got it,” I told that to the attendant.

Ivan looked and smiled grandly at Tony. "Tony!! My dear friend!” He hugged Tony giving a light swinging back and forth movement for them. "That translator is great…when I have it.” He chuckled. "I am interested in that addition that can scan and read English and display it in Russian!”

Tony nodded. "It's being worked on now. Once they begin testing, you will get one…” he looked at Ivan's empty hands, "or two.”

"Everyone that sees it wants one.” Ivan pointed out. "Yes, this will be huge! They ask me if is available with other languages.” He shrugged. "I say, I don't know. I imagine there are. Russian to English is not easy, but there is the translator, so? It would be foolish not to!”

Tony nodded. "That's why Mitch and I are investing in it.” He looked at my not surprised look. Translating from Russian to English, there were words that don't have the same meaning. He frowned. "We need a computer…” he switched to English and asked me, "memory?”

I shrugged and thought. "Память компьютера?”

Ivan nodded understanding. "I see.”

"To include languages…and several languages takes a good bit of memory to...” Tony frowned again and asked me in English. "Process?”

I chuckled. "Процесс.”

Tony gave a shrug. "How do you…” he shook his head. "Nevermind.” He went back to Russian. "Need a big computer brain!” Then he looked at me. "You are fluent in Russian!” He said in declaration.

I chuckled but shook my head as I took Tony's coffee from the attendant. "No, not yet. You're fluent when you think in that language. When you have dreams in a language…I do in Italian and I've had dreams with Russian in it, but I'm not quite fluent as I would like. I still miss words, as I did with teddy bear.” I handed Tony his big coffee. "Like this. I think coffee…” I grinned at Tony, "or kawfee for you,” Tony rolled his eyes, "but it's also кофе in Russian and caffè in Italian. I don't have to translate them anymore. I know what this is all those languages. It's all three and I know what it is in all three without going to English. Words like pew and other technical terms, I still do.”

Ivan laughed heartily. Really, I didn't think he knew how to laugh any other way. "I get it!” He looked at Tony and raised a finger. "But!! I think it more lucrative, Tony!! You have to have discs with the programs to load. They want a new language, the buy more!” He spread his hands out saying it was obvious. "It is more profit!”

I got my latte. "Spoken like a true businessman.”

"Supply and demand,” Tony said simply. "It will be what they demand and what we can supply.” He shrugged.

Ivan nodded. "For a price.” He smiled a little deviously. "I think those in Moscow would love to have it. Government officials would enjoy not struggling with languages from other countries.”

"The Kremlin.” I grinned.

"Of course.” Ivan nodded. "It is not just the Kremlin. The Federal Assembly and Parliament are spread across Moscow. St. Petersburg is another major city with many government offices there. We have many parties, but the President and Prime Minister deal with many from other officials from many countries who may or may not have a good understanding of Russian. They have translators and programs there to assist, but this will help one on one. The President is the dominant power, but…international understanding takes an understanding of language.” Ivan drank some of his espresso. "That translator and the program could make things easier. It would also eliminate possible…misunderstandings.”

Tony nodded. "It would. Someone like me who isn't as fluent might miss words or not understand all words spoken. Don't they have things there to interrupt?”

"Yes, but to keep a small device with you that does the job, be it one man to another or one man to a group, if they all have this translator…which is easy to use and portable like that one is. It's better!”

Tony nodded again. "The group that designed the program and…” he looked at me again and said in English. "Do I ask if you know algorisms?”

I grinned at Tony. "Don't hate me if I do, but its Алгорисмс.”

"Of course, you do.” Tony rolled his eyes and blew a frustrated breath. "What he said. The algorisms are pretty complicated. The more languages and the more algorisms needed. That's why they are looking for the bigger…computer brain to hold it all.”

Ivan laughed again, hitting Tony in the back again with a little more force than he realized making Tony almost grunt. "Do not worry, Tony! You do very well!! If we could just deal with that accent.”

"Am I interrupting?” We heard Katya ask as she came up with her purchases. She stood on tiptoe to kiss Ivan who even bent down a little and it was still a stretch. She looked at his coffee and then Tony and mine. "So, no coffee for me?” She asked a little testily, but her eyes said she was teasing.

"I didn't know when you'd be back!” Ivan defended. "You had the translator. If our dear good friends hadn't rescued me, I wouldn't have mine!” He grinned at me. "Just like that first time with the extra starch.”

I grinned and patted his beefy arm. "That was fated.”

Ivan nodded seriously. "I believe it was.” He looked at Tony and then me. It was much more quietly as Ivan said. "I mean what I say. You two are truly becoming very dear friends to me and Katya. I hope we become old, best and dear friends.”

Tony's arm went around me. "I hope so.” The way he said it to me spoke volumes.

We agreed to see Adelaide with Ivan and Katya. As Deon Girard said…or was it her husband Rene? Anyway, I had come on the ship with Tony. Ivan and Katya came on the ship together. We knew who was important.

Tony was awake as we lay together after we'd enjoyed each other…thinking.

"Turn it down.” I chuckled telling him quietly.

"Huh?” Tony asked, distracted from his thoughts. He smiled at me. "Sorry. I was just thinking.”

Scooting up I kissed him gently. "I saw that and practically heard you think. It didn't look distressed. Can I find out what it was about?”

Tony gave a sheepish look and nodded with a smile. "Ivan was right,” Tony said. "They used that translator when they shopped.” He chuckled. "According to Ivan, every time they used it, whoever was serving them wanted one.”

"Right,” I said propping on my elbow looking down at him waiting for more.

Tony shrugged. "Well, just like governments need a translator, a ship like these needs one, too.” He waved a hand stating the obvious. "Most of the passengers speak English, most ships have personnel that can speak them…when you can find them, but occasionally, couples like Ivan and Katya come onboard that don't.”

"You want to sell something like our translators to the Queen Mary?”

Tony rolled his eyes and shook his head. "Well…one day, but the thing is the memory and processer need to be bigger to do that.” Then I saw his face light up. "Or do they?”

"You said so.”

Tony nodded. "Yes, it does, but…what if the ship had the language program loaded onboard?” He turned quickly facing me smiling more and said excitedly. "With the Wi-Fi connections, the device only has to link with the ship's computer. The languages selection is done individually. That requires memory and processors.” His eyes got a look that told me he was thinking again. "They would have to carry a handheld device like what we used and what we gave Ivan and Katya, but the device is linked to that processor would be elsewhere on the ship. It could even work while the passengers are off ship shopping or whatever.”

"But to use it worldwide…”

Tony nodded knowing what I was going to say. "Yes, we need a bigger computer that can be accessed by satellite. There are cellphone towers everywhere now. The individual devices would need connections by those towers from wherever, but the processor would be in one or two places.”

"Internet speeds and data transfers would be by whatever service used, but not on a ship like this.” I nodded.

"We'll be on the ground floor with this,” Tony said happily as he rolled us over so he was on top looking down on me. "I did sink a good portion of our money in this. The guys designing the program are a group of students and just wanted to make a fast buck. They did!” He grinned. "It is our company, Mitch.”

"Our company,” I repeated.

Tony nodded and gave a shrug. "Our software, but if Ivan puts in money with us, we can buy into the hardware part, too. This is a beginning for us. If we do this…Ivan and Katya will be our friends forever!”

"Oh, you really want Ivan.” I chuckled.

Tony looked surprised as his head went back slightly. "What?” He then grinned and nodded bending down kissing me gently. "And you don't? You love that big Russian!” I was about to protest, and Tony nodded knowing what I'd say. "And Katya, I know.” He kissed me lightly. "You know I only have a thing for Southern Mountain raised country boys.”

"And I have a thing for city raised Italians from New York.”

Then he was back on the translator again. "The program will be improved. With the scanning technology is being added…like when we are at the restaurants…Ivan and Katya had to ask us what was said on the menus! With the scanning abilities added, Ivan can scan the menu and see what's written…in Russian!” He said excitedly.

I couldn't help it. His excitement about this warmed my heart. My arms went around him tighter. "Hi, Tony!”

Again, Tony's head went back slightly. "What?”

I pulled his head down into another, longer kiss. "With everything that's on our minds…you're coming back again.”

Tony bowed his head slightly and chuckled. "Yes, well…”

I pushed his head up and looking in his eyes and said seriously. "I know…Tony. It is scary. For you. It's scary for me. I can't lose you. I won't lose you. I won't survive if you go.”

Tony smiled, but a tear formed in the corner of his eye. "I know. I do know how you feel. When,” his voice broke slightly, "Belle hit you and we…I didn't know if you'd survive…” he shook his head, "I knew I would die if I lost you.”

I nodded. "But I didn't die. You don't either!” I pointed at him shaking my finger in his face. "You fight this whatever.”

"If you're with me, I'll do better.” He smiled. "But we don't tell anyone what the doctor finds until we have to. Hopefully, it will be something they can take care of and we won't have to tell anything.” He nodded again. Yes, we were married, so he could almost read my mind as I could almost read his. "I know…Sasha and David…you will need support. Tell them, but no one else.” He sighed and then shook his finger in my face. "Especially, not Nick.”

"I won't.” I grinned bringing him in for a deeper kiss. "I love you.”

Tony smiled returning the kiss. "I know you do. I love you.”

I nodded. "I know.”