North Meets South

Story: North Meets South: When World's Collide

Chapter: 8 The Honeymoon

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

Mature Readers only due to sexual situations and graphic sexual content

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Tony and Mitch are now "married." They go on a honeymoon to their ancestral homes and have a wonderful time together.

The Honeymoon

Time change and long travel time we got up shortly before noon. Neither of us wanted to spend our honeymoon in the room. Well, we would love to do that, but we spent a lot of money to get here and both of us wanted to tour Scotland. There would always be later. We were married for life. We were only in Scotland for a few days. We got up, showered, and got our things together to see Edinburgh. It would be nice weather wise, but we needed to be prepared. Jeans and pullover shirts with a jacket for each of us for when it got late.

Knowing Tony, he liked a meal where you were served. No buffets. We came to the hotel's Pompadour Restaurant and I made myself not look at the prices. They were in pounds, so it would make no real sense to me anyway. I knew the pound was more than the dollar, but I refused to look. Perhaps I should have studied Scottish food while preparing to come here. Tony got the pheasant and I got the venison. Of course, it was very good.

"I really didn't book any tour of any sort. I figured if we saw one we wanted to take, we can book it here." Tony told me. "I think maybe this afternoon we can just look around town. We can go to Loch Ness and the Highlands tomorrow. What do you think?"

I nodded. "Sounds good." I grinned, "But we need to be back by seven tonight. I would like to see the Royal Edinburgh's Military Tattoo one day. Be warned. There will be a lot of bagpipes tonight."

Tony shook his head with a smile. "I don't dislike it, baby. It's just...different. The pipers at the wedding were great."

I nodded at him. "I admit, you didn't cringe like you did the first time."

He shook his head again. "Let's get the car."

"I've got the camera." I nodded. "We need to take pictures. I'll be sending these by email later. We need to get postcards."

"Postcards?" Tony asked.

"We need to send them to both our parents and your sisters." I nodded. "It's another rule." I grinned.

Tony sighed. "Another rule. So why take pictures?" Tony asked.

"The postcards are just a thing I do. We're some place nice and it's a chronicle of where we've been. We have too many cousins, aunts, and uncles to cover them all." I explained. "That's why I created a group on my email address. I download these pictures and send, it goes to all of them."

"Smart man." Tony nodded. "We need to stop at the Concierge's Desk. We'll need local currency."

That done we went to where he had told us where our rented car was. A Mini-Cooper! Then we hit the street.

Charleston prided itself on being an old city. It was, but this was much older. There were modern parts to the city, but old Edinburgh was old. I was glad Tony was driving. He did just fine. We drove to the old parts of Edinburgh. Then we spotted some shops, so he parked and we walked. Who needs an antique shop when the store itself was an antique? Gay tolerance was increasing, no one really seemed to notice or care that we were very obviously together. Tony again had his arm around my shoulder and I rested my hand in his far back pocket as we walked. There were a few stares, but no one reacted adversely. There was a store that specialized in family Crests and Clans. I was amazed at all the different patterns and crests they had there. It was a very old store and going inside, it had a smell that just said, old. A unique smell of wool and wood polish. I found a plaque of the MacKenzie Family crest and got that for Dad. That's MacKenzie, M.a.c., not M.c. I even found a large bag with our family pattern for Mom to use as a purse. Tony grinned when he saw the rosaries that were definitely Scottish with the Thistle and crucifix. The cross was Scottish...or Gaelic...or Celtic...whatever! He got one for each his mother and father. They even had lots of sweaters, made in Scotland from their Shetland wool! We had to get a couple.

We took pictures. A lot of pictures. Of the town, where we were, with him featured in a few and me in some others. A few we got someone, usually a street vendor or store owner to take a picture of us to send.

Then Tony stopped suddenly and checked his watch. "It's High Tea Time."

"Then let's do it." I grinned as he led me to a pub. "In a pub?"

He shrugged. "Why not? Besides, it's time for dinner."

"I'm somewhat still on Eastern Standard Time. It's lunchtime."

"We'll eat," Tony growled.

This was a pub. Not a bar like in the United States, but still they served ales and beer.

The tea was forgotten, we got the pint instead. We were in Scotland! I had my first Belhaven Beer. Warm, of course. It was okay, but I wasn't a drinker. There I had my first Haggis. I was a farm boy, eating the stomach of anything didn't bother me, but I had to have one here in Scotland just to say I did. Haggis and Potato Pie! Tony grimaced when I ordered it, but his opinion changed when it arrived. He had the Balmoral Chicken. Wimp. I loved his look when I told him the chicken was stuffed with haggis. It wasn't long before he put his fork over and took some of mine.

Everyone was friendly. Staff and customers. We were delighted when a young man, who accidentally bumped Tony when passing heard Tony's dismissal of the cultural blunder after the man apologized.

"American, huh?" The dark haired man smiled with that Scottish accent. "What part are you from?"

Tony smiled. "I'm from New York City. He's from Asheville, North Carolina."

The man smiled wider. "You came here on holiday?"

"Honeymoon actually," Tony answered. "We got married last Saturday."

The man wasn't bothered or concerned about us being gay. He nodded. "So why here?"

"I'm a McKenzie. I wanted to see where my family came from," I answered.

The man brightened. "My grandmother is a MacKenzie! I guess that makes us cousins!!"

Tony smiled. "We can always use more cousins." He chuckled waggling his eyebrows at me.

I nodded. "I guess we are. Mitch McKenzie." I held my hand out.

"Sean MacDougel." The man shook mine. "Well...I don't want to interrupt your dinner. Enjoy your stay!"

After he'd left, I shook my head. "I guess we're not the predators everyone fears in the South."

Tony shook his head. "We never were." Then he looked at his watch. "We got to go back to the hotel. If we're changing for the Edinburgh Castle thing..."

Thank god for credit cards. Whether it be dollars, pounds, or Euros it paid what was necessary. We just told the bank it was going to happen and no problem.

Getting back to the hotel, we entered our suite. I was surprised when there was a basket on our table. Walking toward it, I looked at the contents.

"Ooh, champagne, caviar, crackers..." Tony grinned touching each item.

I chuckled. "Bath beads, lotions, soaps..." I grinned. "...massage oils. It's a honeymoon basket."

Tony wrapped his arms around me. "We are on our honeymoon, so it's appropriate."

I looked at the clock. "We've got an hour and a half to get ready and get there." I pulled his shirttail out. "We have a little time."

He grinned at me, kissing me gently. "We do." He reasoned and pointed out the window. "The castle's right there." He grinned. "You want to cause me to make some noise?"

"I love to," I answered kissing him.

The big military tattoo wouldn't be until August and happens once a year, but there was a smaller show every week and concerts throughout the year. We just happened to be there the night there was a show of another kind. These were going to be college students tonight. Learning to play the pipe and drums and to perform using them before they could participate in the big gathering, so they practiced now.

They were good. As always, the drums, the pipes played sent that swell of pride into me. It was in the blood if you felt it. They were good.

The next day we drove to Loch Ness taking a scenic route, avoiding highways when we could and toured where Nessie was supposed to live. Never saw him or her. I did get a few T-Shirts with various comments on them about Nessie. Everything from "I Believe in Nessie" with Nessie on it, to "Cannot Sleep, Nessie will eat me." There were others. For Nick, David, Michael, Chuck...well you get it. A lot of shirts.

"We're not taking them back on the plane." Tony groused as he dropped the stack of shirts in the trunk. "We'll mail them back to us and deliver by mail, trips...whatever."

I chuckled. "They will cost us if we put them on the plane."

He grunted with a nod. That put us right in the area where the McKenzies came from.

It didn't take long to travel to the area of Ross-shire. Stopping for a picture along the route to take pictures, it took a few hours. We stopped at scenic look over the countryside. It was beautiful. Scotland was green this time of year and it was breathtaking. My problem was I had no town or city to start from. Feeling frustration, I became sullen. Tony picked up on it immediately.

"What's wrong, honey?" He asked me.

I closed my eyes feeling angry. "When we go to Italy. You will take me to the town your grandfather came from, right?"

He nodded. "You know that. Even the house where three or four generations of Delveccios were born and lived."

I waved at the countryside. "I don't even know what village my ancestor came from, or even which McKenzie he was!"

Tony frowned. "Why not?"

"Because they didn't think it was important!" I said through gritted teeth. "The family goes back to the eighteenth century in America. Pre-revolution. Like most Scottish families, ours in particular, we were very prolific. A lot of sons and daughters. Meaning there were lots of McKenzies. What's worse is they had no imagination."

He frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Do you know how many Carls, Roberts, Jameses, Earls and all the others there are? Each one of them all had Carls, Roberts, Jameses and Earls and others." I scratched through my hair. "My grandfather Carl is the son of Thomas, who is the son of Robert...this is in their Bible." Then I laughed. "But which one!?"

Tony nodded as he put his arm around my shoulder. "Perhaps because my family arrived more recently...our connection with Italy is fresher." He shook his head. "Okay, so you don't know what village, but you are Scottish!" He pointed to me. "You are a McKenzie!" Then he waved to the countryside that I pointed to. "Because you know that, you know this is where you came from! I hate to break it to you, but you might be descended from kings, queens, knights, geniuses....but you're also descended from thieves, rapists, and murderers. We all are."

I frowned at him. "That's supposed to make me feel better?"

He chuckled. "Sure, you and I are in the same boat." He said putting his arms around me. "I love the McKenzies, they gave me you and I love this McKenzie in particular." He kissed me gently. "You're better off than a friend I had in high school."

"Why?"

"He was a dumpster baby," Tony confessed. "Born and dumped like garbage. They never found his mother or father; he has no idea what ethnicity he is." He shrugged. "He was biracial but one thing is known, he was born to some woman who didn't think to keep him was a good idea, for whatever reason."

I cringed. "That's a shame. Not the biracial part, but being dumped not knowing." I clarified. "Ted was..."

Tony was nodding and said. "...biracial." ...with me. "You told me," Tony grumbled. "He also had a great ass."

I chuckled and let my hand drift down to his ass. "None is better than yours."

Tony smiled at that.

I sighed sadly. "There's a difference between me and your school friend." I pointed out. "He doesn't know because no one knew and told him who he was. We don't know because the ones that knew didn't think it was important. It was forgotten."

Tony shrugged. "And David, Michael, Chuck, and all your other cousins are in that boat."

I nodded. "It's just a crime," I said. "Scottish culture is all about clans, family and knowing their history. To let it be forgotten because you don't see it as important...that is a crime!."

Tony nodded. "I bet all those McKenzie ghosts are giving him hell now." He chuckled. Then he pointed. "Isn't that the family castle?"

I nodded with a smile. "That's Castle Leod. The MacKenzie Castle." I grinned taking his hand.

"So, it's part of you."

"There is another in Ireland," I said to him as we headed to the car.

He looked surprised. "How many castles did you need?" Then he stopped. "If there were McKenzies in Ireland, you could be Irish."

"That we were told," I chuckled. "How many castles does the Delveccios have?"

Looked at me with the you've got to be kidding look. "We have a house to visit." He griped.

I chuckled. "The McKenzies are all related, closer than most people if we trace the genealogy. Even the Irish ones. This one's bigger. Do you want to see it?"

Tony shrugged. "That is why we're here."

I brought him in for a kiss, a slow kiss of passion and love. "That's one reason. Loving each other is the other reason."

Trips are so much nicer when you're with people you like. It's even better with someone you love. We were having a great time. The day was ending so we headed back to the hotel. There I asked for the computer to use and directed to the guest area where there were several. I logged in the email server and sent the pictures we'd taken and then went up to the suite. Tony had gone ahead while I was sending the pictures. I entered the suite and heard the water running, but it wasn't the shower. I peered in to see Tony testing the water and adding some of those bath beads with candles lit around the tub and the sink. I smiled as he was turning with his smile directed at me.

"Planning a seduction?" I asked.

Tony rose walking over. "Oh yes. I most definitely am." He grinned kissing me gently.

"No need to entice me much." I smiled returning the kiss. Then I saw the bottle of champagne in an ice bucket and two glasses on the edge of the tub. "I'm already seduced."

Tony kissed me. "So am I." He said pulling my shirt over my head, then went back to kissing me.

Tony was right when he said Italian men were romantic. Tony most certainly was. Soft music he found played, lights dimmed as we relaxed in the hot water and the sweet fragrance of those bath beads filling the air. The candlelight soft adding gentle mood. No one of us was the husband, no one of us was the wife. No one was needed at the reigns and in control, it just naturally flowed. The tub was made to fit two and we did just fine.

Nestled against him, my back to his chest we sipped the champagne. "This has been a great trip so far, Tony," I said softly. "What do you think?"

He chuckled. I was rubbing off on him, but Melissa said he'd always been obnoxious himself, maybe that's why we get along so well. His tone switched as he said dourly. "It's been okay, I guess. Things have definitely improved after Rome took over for the better."

I sat up looking at him. "Took over?"

"We conquered most of Britannia back during the time of Caesars," Tony said calmly as if I knew this, which I knew Rome had invaded England then.

I knew he was kidding, but this was going to be interesting. "Not highlanders, you didn't. You even had to build a wall in England to help keep us out!" My eyes narrowed, "And what sort of wall was that anyway? Not much of a barrier. Not enough to keep us out!"

Tony grinned with a shrug and then he smiled at me. "Well, there's one Italian that conquered a Highlander. I got you, don't I?" He chuckled. "All I have to do is shake my ass in front you and you can't keep your hands off me!"

I chuckled. "Do you really want to test that theory?"

He kissed me. "I know I can't keep my hands off you." He began kissing me more passionately. "I don't want to."

"Me neither," I shook my head as I returned the kiss with equal passion. "I love you."

Tony grinned. "I know. I love you."

Slipping my arms around him I pulled him closer. "I know."

We toured more of Scotland. Returning to the Highlands to see more of this beautiful country. The Irish pride themselves on the green of Ireland. Scotland was pretty damned green in late spring, too. The mountain areas were inspiring. I'd have to go to Ireland one day to compare it for myself. We went to Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Inverness. Thank god we had GPS. I'd have been lost without that. The mountains here were newer, sharper than those in North Carolina. Back home they were rounded and older. Why my ancestor chose Derby escapes me.

I saw a bunch of cows in the highlands. I knew the cows we had back home, but these...well....these long-haired cows...I had heard of them, but I had to see one up close. I asked Tony to stop as I greeted one on the side of the road. She was behind a stone wall, no fence, but a wall. It was a cow who was not shy at all. My decision was tolerated by Tony who didn't seem to want to really meet her. Of course, I had to take a picture of her. I couldn't wait to see the image to my father and grandfather to find out what they thought.

Soon it was Saturday night and our last night in Edinburgh. I heard Tony on the phone as I was getting dressed for dinner. Yes, it was going to be more formal than we'd been since we arrived. Not suit and tie formal, but more formal than going to a pub or even the hotel's great restaurant.

"....is that going to be a problem for you to have a gay couple?" I heard Tony ask. Then he nodded, not that the other person on the phone could see him. "Great. We'll be there in half an hour." He hung up and stood, surprised to see me standing close. "I didn't hear you."

I was intrigued by his reaction. "Is there a concern I should know about?" Why would he ask if someone had a problem with a gay couple? So far everyone has been nice about it.

He smiled, shaking his head. "Not one." He shrugged. "You know Italians now. Our worry is just part of being Italian. I was just making sure of something. I want this to be special, for both of us. I want to make wonderful memories of our honeymoon. Memories that will last our whole lives."

I smiled at him. "How can they not be? We're together." He looked great. The dark sweater under his sports coat and slacks, his jet black hair in soft waves. We'd been married so long; I knew it would curl when left alone and got too long. For now, he looked amazing. It almost made me wish we were staying in. He was handsome and damned sexy! Who would cheat on this man? Certainly not me. We had plenty of time for that coming, so why concern myself with that?

Tony nodded. "We certainly are together." He came to me. He was wearing that cologne I loved. Damn!

We didn't take the car; he had hired a driver and a limousine.

"You don't have to keep doing this." I pointed to the car.

He shook his head. "That's not true." He smiled. "I do."

We rode for a few minutes to this...castle? It sort of looked like one, but there were few cars. The driver opened our doors and we went in. There was a man to greet us at the entrance.

"Delveccio and McKenzie," Tony said to the man.

The man bowed slightly. "If you'll follow me, please gentlemen."

"No pictures," Tony said to me quietly as we followed.

"No camera." I replied equally as quiet.

I don't know how he found out about this place. We'd made the honeymoon plans together, but I had no idea where we were. We were taken to a private dining room. I mean, no other tables were in this room but our table. The table was elegantly set with all those things. Crystal, china and many knives and forks on a white table cloth. I was a country boy, but I knew how to do this. Start at the outside and work your way in for each course. Mom taught me that. The table was before a fireplace that was lit and burning well. Music played softly. It was a beautiful room. The host pulled a chair out, that was something you did for a lady. I knew full well neither Tony or I were ladies, but I shrugged and sat down.

The host bowed again to us. "Gentlemen, your waiter will be in shortly. Enjoy your evening." Then he left the room, closing the door behind him.

"Tony!" I said to him. "I'm sorry, but...." I waved at the room. "...this looks very, very expensive!"

Tony laughed. "Because it is very, very expensive. Memories? Remember me saying that? Are you going to forget this?"

I looked at the cloth napkin in that little round napkin ring that held napkins. I shook my head. "Not unless a head injury is involved."

Tony shook his head. "I'm doing well." He said simply. "I am now making money again, and I found that one person God created me to be with. If I want to share with you some of the fruits of what I've done, I should be allowed to." Then he reached over taking my hand. "I love you, Mitch. I enjoy doing things like this for you. If you're happy, I will be, too." He shrugged. "So, I'm going overboard, let me do this. I don't want you just happy, I want to wow you."

What could I say, but... "Wow."

He laughed lightly. "I think because this doesn't really impress you that much, makes me want to do it even more."

"I'm impressed!" I said quickly. "Very impressed, okay? Happy now?" I brought his hand to my lips. "You just don't have to try so hard. I married you because I love you. Not this." I waved at the room.

Tony nodded. "I know that." He assured me. "You love me. Not this or the money. I'm going to do this, so just enjoy it."

I nodded. "I will," I said smiling at my husband. "No more bug eyes when you do something like this. I promise." I swore squeezing his hand, "But do not ever get to the point where business becomes everything," I warned. "I want you. Not some workaholic millionaire."

Tony nodded with a chuckle. "Before it was all about making money and making my parents proud. I have a sense of freedom with you, though. If you feel I am becoming all business...you can stop me, I have no doubt. I will never lose sight of you or us."

When the waiter came in with the menu, he poured wine and water. I saw things on that menu I knew what they were, but never thought I'd be eating them and of course, they had a Scottish twist on them. I said I wasn't a big drinker, but I admit this wine was pretty damned good!

They had the Scottish version of American Southern Steak and Taters. (You have to say that right to truly understand.) This was a thirty-five day aged rib-eye, grilled bone marrow, and béarnaise sauce! What the hell? Heritage potatoes chipped. It was damned, damned good!! Tony had the lobster. A whole lobster! We did share each other's dishes. No bibs in sight, but they'd bring one if asked, I was sure. Tony didn't make a mess. There was this odd, shaped thing, like a knife with a small, hard ball end, but then he used to break the shell. He showed me he'd used the thing before by using it with confidence.

No one rushed us. Tony told me we had the room that night, no one was waiting for our table. It was after we ate Tony took my hand again.

"Dance with me?" He said quietly.

The music was soothing and quiet. Then dance with this wasn't gyrating wildly or even a waltz.

"I'll gladly dance with you," I said quietly, nodding.

The feelings I had that night, being held by him, being loved by him made the world outside just vanish. He smelled good, he felt good and I never wanted this evening to end. We danced close, slow and I had no concept of time passing. I just enjoyed being with the one person most important to me. As he made me feel I was that person most important to him.

Too quickly, the night had to come to close. We took the limo back to the hotel. Seeing the woman that checked us in at the desk the night we arrived looked up as we walked in his arm around me, mine around him and all she did was smile at what she saw. Love.

Then the next day began. Breakfast was brought up by room service as we packed. Our next stop was Italy. We had a flight scheduled for late morning, so we hurried to make sure we got everything packed.

"Naturalmente, si non hanno usato italiano recentemente, ma non hai dimenticato, sono sicuro. Se dovessimo tornare a parlare esclusivamente in questo momento?" Tony smiled as he asked me if we should speak Italian exclusively since I hadn't spoken it recently.

I chuckled. "No, non ho dimenticato. Possiamo farlo, se ti piace." I assured I hadn't forgotten, but we could do that if he wanted.

(The rest was all in Italian)

"Just be aware, as it is in America. Accents will be different there. Like yours and mine. Or even different like Australia, England or New Zealand is from America." Tony said. "It's Italian, but will sound different enough to confuse you."

The truth was, Tony was more excited by this part more than he wanted to let on. I grinned as he was getting things ready for the bellmen to come and get our luggage. He was moving a little too quickly to just be getting ready to go.

"You have an accent?" I said grinning. "I don't hear one."

Tony turned looking at me surprised, knowing how many times I made fun of his saying "dawgs" or "gawd" for dog and god. "Kawfee" for coffee. Then he saw my face and grinned. "Well, yes..." he scratched behind his ear a little embarrassed. "I guess I'm a little anxious for you to see Italy."

I nodded. "I love one Italian a whole bunch. I'm sure I'll fall in love with Italy." I said hugging Tony.

He sighed. "I know you will." Then he looked mockingly cautious. "And no falling in love with any other Italians!"

I chuckled but went with it. "Aw, Tony."

He held up a finger. "Mine is the only crotch you'll sniff. Say it."

I chuckled as he kissed me. "Yours is the only one I want to sniff."

"Okay then." Then he grinned at me, kissing me again. "I love you."

I nodded. "You keep telling me."

He shrugged. "I don't want you to forget." Then there was a knock at our door for the bellmen to get our luggage.

We checked out of the hotel and then I watched Edinburgh recede as we headed to the airport.

"We're off to Italy!" Tony said not like a man of thirty-eight years, but more like a six year old excited to be going to Disneyworld! Here was an Italian coming home to visit.

I smiled at him saying mockingly passive as you would to that child going to Disneyworld. "That's right, Tony." He didn't even make a comment back!

The flight time from Scotland was only three to five hours to Rome. Depending on any delays or other mishaps that is. This time I let Tony sit by the window. I insisted.

We took off leaving my ancestral home behind and headed to Tony's ancestral home. No meal on this short trip, but got drinks! No time for Tony and I to rejoin The Mile High Club. We'd do that on the way back to New York. From that moment on, we spoke nothing but Italian. The more I used it, the easier it became. I was told that when I dreamed in Italian, I would have the language enough to be fluent. I hadn't gotten there yet. Soon the pilot announced we were landing at the Leonardo Da Vinci Airport in both English and Italian. The Da Vinci airport was west of Rome.

When we landed, we quickly got off and again, we didn't have to wait for our luggage there either, the hotel was sending transportation. The hotel was getting our luggage. Then we took the ride to the hotel.

"We're staying at the Waldorf again," I said as Tony looked around as we rode.

He nodded. "Yep."

"Just curious as to why that hotel chain?"

He shrugged. "I'm a Club Member. We have one in Manhattan, too. There are perks with memberships, so why not?"

There were words to describe both cities we'd stayed in and both countries. In Edinburgh and Scotland, the word I use was old. Here in Italy, the word was ancient! The hotel was located on the inner circle of a beltway of highway around the city of Rome. We were on the western side of Rome, between what they referred to as Municipio XV, or fifteen if you don't read Roman numerals, and Municipio XII, or twelve on the west side of the Tiber River, just north from Vatican City. Speaking Italian was not hard, but I had to read things slowly like billboards and signs. The key to use with Italian was, every vowel was pronounced. Like calzones. It wasn't pronounced with the E being silent. It was cal zo ne, with the E pronounced. Reading I had to say the word in my mind to get some of the words. I saw the sign for Vatican City and saw the distance to there. Again, translating kilometers to miles was time-consuming a little bit. I longed for when I could see the kilometers and just know how long it would take.

"We're near the Pope!" I said to Tony who was smiling as we rode.

"Yep." Tony nodded.

"Should we pop in to say hello?"

Tony just looked at me with another are you kidding looks. "He may not even be in Rome."

I shrugged, loving he was this happy. "He's not my Pope, so..." I took Tony's hand which he took readily. "This will be a good visit, I can tell."

Tony chuckled. "I'm just happy we're here." He admitted. "Now I get to show you where I came from."

I pulled him to me and kissed him. "I can see you as a Roman Soldier or Centurion. In that armor and that tunic with the shield, sword, and helmet."

Tony laughed at that. "You can?"

"Sure," I nodded. "Think of all those people coming together, hundreds and thousands that ended up making you. There had to be many soldiers and centurions to make you."

He chuckled placing his forehead next to mine. "Maybe we can find a Roman Soldier's uniform for me to wear."

I smiled. "Why would I want that?" I asked, knowing what he was saying, but wanted him to say it.

"I had you in the kilt, perhaps you can have me as the soldier." He shrugged.

"You mean I had you in my kilt. Now you want me wearing the soldier's uniform."

"Does it matter?" Tony grinned.

We pulled into the hotel's drive and...well, it was huge! Not tall, but spread out through several buildings, but it was a few stories tall. It was much, much bigger than the hotel in Edinburgh. I saw the fountain out front as we entered the circular drive and up to the entrance that read Rome Cavalieri. It was a modern hotel on the outside. Then we went inside. Again, the word here was also huge! The entrance lobby was just big! I had to look to find the front desk.

We approached the man at the desk.

"Welcome to the Rome Cavalieri. You need to check in?"

Tony was right, there was a little different accent here, but I got it.

"Yes, Anthony Delveccio and Mitch McKenzie," Tony told him.

The man typed quickly on the computer. Then looked up with a smile. "You have a planetarium suite." He said, again with sincerity. "I will have your luggage sent up when they unload it. Marco will escort you up." He pointed to a bellman behind us that seemed to just appear behind us. "I also read this is your honeymoon. Congratulations, gentlemen. Be sure to let us know if there's anything else we can do for you during your stay."

I nodded. "This is a beautiful hotel," I said in Italian. "I'm sure this will be phenomenal."

The man behind the desk smiled, whether it was because I could speak Italian or my accent, he grinned with a nod.

I had said I wouldn't balk at what I knew was expensive, but when we walked into our suite. Like Tony was fond of saying. I must have looked like I had seven eyes! I was floored!! It was again...well...there's no other word! It was huge!! The difference here was this was another word...posh! There's no other word to use. Okay, there is the word opulent, too. A half bath in the living area...like we'd have guests...and a big bathroom with the big Jacuzzi tub and separate shower, a huge bedroom with a huge bed. A living room, a terrace on the same floor and upstairs. Yes. Upstairs led up to a rooftop area with this huge outdoor space with a Jacuzzi, a wood deck, and a dining area both covered under a roof and one under the sun. The view of downtown Rome was spectacular.

This hotel made Edinburgh seem like a cheap roadside motel in comparison.

Tony looked at me hesitantly. "Say it."

We'd been together a while, and try as I might, he could read me. "I promised you I wouldn't."

He nodded. "Your body is saying it."

I sighed and lowered my head. "I am who I am," I said looking over the city.

"You hate it."

I turned quickly, almost angry. "No!" I brought him to me. "I do not hate this!" I said firmly. "This is amazing. No one could hate this. I'm just a simple man." I explained. "Honey, we had a gorgeous wedding. I would have been happy marrying you in our backfield. You know that. I married you!" I said again. "The problem is mine, not about you or any of this. I love you. Just don't ever forget that." I shrugged. "Just give me time to...adjust."

Tony nodded with a smile. "I'll give you anything and everything I can." He assured kissing me. "Welcome to Italy."

I hugged him to me. "You'd better be good at what you do." I groused, the old me surfacing. How could it not? "I know you are good, but we're gonna be paying for this a while. So, make more."

He laughed at me. "It's worth every penny. Which we will gladly pay."

It was mid-afternoon when Tony suggested we walk around the city near us.

The streets here were different only in how they were constructed was...they were rounded. There were curves but rounded. I was glad we weren't driving. Not that I would have had trouble, but...well, I had no idea what side of the road was the correct one. Who had the right of way? I thought Charleston was big on one-way streets, but this part of the world had a lot, too.

I took the camera just in case. There would be many pictures I was sure. Tony had no problem with being gay or letting others guess about us. His arm around me as always as we strolled by different storefronts and cafés. This part of Rome was pretty.

Tony was telling me all the places he wanted me to see. The Colosseum, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, St. Peter's...

I laughed as he went on and on. "We're only here a week." I reminded.

He shrugged. "Then we'll just have to come back!"

"And what about Rieti?"

He smiled. "We'll get there, I promise, but remember, granddad was born here, in Rome. Now great-granddad was born and raised in Rieti."

I nodded. "I know."

He shrugged. "I figure that tomorrow we can see more of Rome, then perhaps the day after that we can go to Rieti. I insist we go to Milan."

I looked at him curiously. "Why Milan?"

"You said it's my tell." Tony chided. "You think I can come to Italy and not go back to the States without some new outfit!? Milan is the Mecca for those of us that want to look nice. It's the fashion capital!"

"But Milan's in northern Italy."

He shrugged. "We'll take a train!" Then he bumped me with his hip. "And that new outfit includes you!"

What happened to my jeans and t-shirts? Maybe they have those in Milan, too. I'd have to see.

We ended up at a café. The Caffe Portofino. We had pizza! My first real Italian made, authentic Italian pizza! It was very good. Did it have a choice? We were in Italy!

We finally made it back to the hotel. The sun had long since set and it had been a busy day. I woke in Scotland, but we going to sleep in Italy, naturally, I was tired.

I grinned again as I spotted the basket, the champagne, and assorted gift items in a basket on the dining table of our suite.

"Another honeymoon basket. You'll have me converted to a drinker if this keeps up." I grinned holding the bottle of champagne up.

Tony gathered me in his arms. "Moderation. That's the key. I don't think that will be a problem for you." He gave me a kiss that was familiar, hungry, and consuming as his hands traveled over me. "We'll make love."

I nodded. "We always do." I pulled his shirttail out and my hands went up into his shirt to that wonderful chest and hair there.

We did make love. Me to him, he to me.

I woke with the sun coming in our terrace windows. Tony was again in his usual place, spooned behind me, his left arm wrapped around me as he snored lightly. Taking his hand, I brought it up to my face. The ring I'd given him when we married was also where it should be. Then his snoring stopped and his hand moved to close on mine.

"Good morning, my gorgeous husband." He said softly.

"I didn't mean to wake you, baby," I said rolling over to face him.

"We've got a lot to see, but nowhere we have to be at any particular time," Tony said, "But I need to wake up sometime."

"So where are we going and how are we getting there?"

He smiled. "Well, for this, I rented a motorcycle."

My eyes widened. "A motorcycle!?"

"Well, it's more than a scooter, but not quite a full motorcycle. It'll be easier to get around town."

"And helmets."

He chuckled nodding and confirmed. "And helmets."

I looked at the tableside clock. "We'd better get dressed then." I began to get up.

"Wait!" Tony grinned pulling me back. "First, some morning love." He kissed me passionately, bringing my hand down under the covers to his morning erection.

I caressed his firm erection as his hand came to my own erection. "Okay." I chuckled. "I suppose we have the time." I kissed him back with equal passion.

Breakfast consumed in our room. Breakfast was breakfast, no matter what country you were in. Italians liked sweet stuff for breakfast. Pastries and espresso, espresso was a must for Tony. There was also this egg and sausage thing that was baked like a casserole brought in a pan. It was really good.

Showered and changed, we got the scooter. When I saw it, I couldn't help but smile. It was non-threatening. Smaller than a Harley or Honda, but bigger than a moped.

"Do you want to drive?" Tony asked handing me a helmet.

I chuckled. "I'm fine riding behind you. I'll play the part of biker bitch this time."

He smiled. "You're no bitch. Not mine. If anything, I'm your bitch. Three out of four love making times, you make love to me." He kissed me as he put the helmet on.

"Sweet talker." I chuckled as I kissed him back, then put my own helmet on as he started it up. Getting on behind him, my arms went around his waist. It was natural.

"Hang on," Tony said as he got ready to go.

"I will even if we're not moving," I said back. He had a great back. Hell, he had great everything. Yeah, I was in love.

We began our tour around Rome at the Colosseum in Rome. Now that hadn't meant that much to me until I was there. When you see it up close, knowing how old it was, you get a new perspective. There were emperors that came here. Gladiators and combat. Of course, there were a lot of innocents killed for sport there, but despite the crumbling ruins, it was the structure that made me feel a lot smaller.

Then we went to the Spanish Steps. This was...well...these stone steps led up to this church, Trinita dei Monti. Below was this fountain that to me resembled a boat in shape, a fountain in the fountain, sort of...with these stone faces of the sun and there were many people there and the steps went from Piazza Spagna and Piazza Trinita. Most were tourists like we were. There were old buildings on both sides. The poet Keats died there in a house on a corner, but I don't remember which corner. I wasn't big into poetry. Don't be offended if you are. I'm just not.

They loved their fountains in Rome. Then we went to the Trevi Fountain. Tony began searching his pockets.

"You're looking for?" I asked.

"Coins." He said smiling. "I came prepared. We've gotta toss three coins in, both you and me." He said digging a few coins out. "Throw it over your right shoulder." He instructed demonstrating what I needed to do.

"Do I make a wish?"

Tony grinned. "You can, but it's a rule." He smiled kissing me. "I know how important rules are to you."

I shook my head, turned, kissed the coins and tossed it over my shoulder. "Wasn't this because of that movie?"

"Three coins the Fountain." Tony nodded. "The tradition was there before the movie. That movie just made the tradition famous. That's part of it. Do you know why?"

I shook my head.

Tony grinned wider. "Well, first...it will almost guarantee we'll come back to Rome. The second is to bring new romance, the third is for marriage." He said as his arms came around me.

"Then we're wasting two coins." I laughed kissing him. "We have romance now and we are married."

"New romance can't hurt and our marriage is still not legal yet," Tony pointed out.

"So, the third coin will help make our marriage legal?"

He shrugged kissing me. "It might help. but we will come back, don't you think?"

I nodded. "I know we will."

In most ways, things were....well, how do I say this? Scotland was nice, it had things there that was easy to be proud of, but there were things there that were hundreds of years old. Italy, especially in Rome, they had things much older. Thousands of years old.

"Excuse us..." a young man said to us in broken Italian. He was holding the hand of another young man. Both blond. "Please help us." He was looking in a book for that read English to Italian Translations.

I grinned at him. "Relax. We speak English."

The man's eyes grew. "You're Americans!?"

"Born and raised," Tony said smiling.

The other man marveled at that. "Wow, you guys were so busy talking in Italian. We assumed you were both Italians!"

"When you weren't kissing, that is," The first man grinned. "Not that we minded watching."

I grinned at Tony. "He thought I was Italian."

Tony moved his mouth closer to my ear. "È biondo." He whispered to me telling me he was blonde as if that explains his natural confusion.

I grinned at Tony. "È un problema perché era nato che. Egli non può farne a meno." I said the man was born that way, he couldn't help it.

Then Tony looked at me grinning. "I say you are Italian!" He claimed. "You married me! If for no other reason. You speak like an Italian and married to Italian. You are Italian!"

The first man's eyes changed to one of delight. "You're married?"

Tony nodded. "The Saturday before last. We're on our honeymoon."

"Awesome!" The second man said happily. "I'm Roger, my boyfriend is Kyle."

"We saw you guys kissing and all..." Kyle said smiling. "We weren't sure who to ask, but seeing as you're both gay...could you take a picture of us? Here in front of the fountain?"

I shook my head. "Only if you do something for us."

"Sure, I guess," Roger said.

"You have to do the same for us."

Roger smiled. "Absolutely!"

That wasn't bad. We took their pictures, they took ours. We found out they were from California. Naturally. Visiting after graduating and used their graduation money to tour Europe and were staying in a hostel here. Both aspiring to become actors. Again, naturally. All was good until.

"I've never been with a Daddy before," Kyle said looking at me.

My eyes grew. "A Daddy? You mean me."

"Sure. You're hot." Kyle said as Tony came up. "So is he!"

I shook my head and turned to Tony. "He's never been with a Daddy, he says."

Tony's eyes grew. "Me?"

I shook my head. "No, me."

"What!?" Tony balked.

"How old are you two?" I asked.

"I'm twenty-two, he's twenty-three," Kyle said. "I meant it nicely. You're both hot."

Tony shook his head. "You were doing so well..." Tony frowned. "Well, sex is not happening with us for two reasons." He told them. "First, I do have a son almost your age in college, but Mitch is not old."

I looked irritated at Tony. "You're not old!"

Tony grinned at me. "He's not anyway. Neither of us cheat...not even together."

Roger hit Kyle. "You tried to pick them up!?" He frowned. "What? Are we cruising the boulevard!?"

The sad thing was, I found it very funny. "Guys!" I said stopping them. "As much as I'm offended. Not really, only about the old thing. We..." I pulled Tony closer by the front of his shirt, "...are married. We took a vow...forsaking all others...."

"...until the end of time itself. Before God and everyone!" Tony said happily.

I nodded. "That includes you." Then I leaned closer to them. "Besides, he's an animal in bed." I saw their eyes widen. "I know you couldn't handle him."

"He's insatiable!" Tony added hugging me from behind me.

"Just think about this," I said. "Since I've been around so much longer than you have," I groused. "Think of yourselves. You don't want to go around all your life picking up strangers."

"You're not strangers now." Kyle objected.

"Sure, we are," Tony said. "Do you know who I've been with other than Mitch?"

"Or who I've been with other than Tony?" I asked.

They shook their heads.

"Then we're strangers," I said. "There's nothing like being with someone you love. I love Tony."

Tony grinned. "I love Mitch. There's no one else we want to be with."

I shook their hands. "Look, guys. Be safe. Enjoy your trip. We need to get back to ours." Then I went back to Italian. "Let's go, baby."

"Right behind you," Tony said as we walked away.

We ended our tour at Vatican City. Okay, so we weren't entirely welcome as gay men here, but no one threw us out, but Tony didn't let his arm drop. In fact, he tightened his arm around me when we saw a few priests and nuns look at us.

Tony did his thing, as in went in said his prayer and lit some candles. Then he got something for his mother and father to take home. By then it was after sunset, so we went back to the hotel.

But to eat in the hotel's restaurant we both had to wear jackets. Even without the dress code, we would have. So, we showered and got dressed appropriately.

In the restaurant, which by the way, way over the top for me, but I just smiled and pressed on. La Pergola. When I get back home, we're having barbeque damn it! At least a hamburger. That was fine dining for me. It was good!

Tony looked extremely happy after we ordered. "We can go to Rieti tomorrow if you like."

I took his hand. "I'm game. Thank you, Tony."

He looked confused. "You're thanking me for what?"

"This has been an unbelievable time. The whole thing. Scotland, now here in beautiful Italy. Rome!" I said. "You've been patient with my neuroses about spending money."

Tony grinned taking my hand to his lips. "You said it yourself. You are what you are." Then he leaned and kissed me. "I love who you are. Don't change."

I smiled running my fingers in his hair. "You can make bank on that one. I love you, Tony."

After dinner, Tony and I went back to our suite. As it was a warm night he suggested we sit on the upper floor, on our private balcony, patio...whatever you call it. The city was nothing short of spectacular at night. There was a magical charm about Rome with the lights shining in the night.

I loved that Tony was happy. He was never shy about affection, but he was very affectionate now as he rested his head against mine. We stood looking over the view and as he was a couple of inches taller, he was behind me at the moment, his arms around me as we shared this wonder before us.

"I'll be right back," Tony whispered in my ear. "Don't move."

I nodded as he went away leaving me alone. He came back a few minutes later. In his hands were towels and two full champagne glasses. Chuckling, I looked at him. "Planning to get wet, are we?"

He nodded. "I am." He pointed to the Jacuzzi. "No point in wasting that." Then he shrugged. "Any excuse I can think of to get you naked." He turned the Jacuzzi on and the jets began to work, stirring the water and heating it up.

"That goes both ways." I smiled as I removed my jacket.

He walked over slipping his arms around me. "I love you, Mitch."

No matter how long we'd been together and no matter how many times he's said it to me, I still loved to hear it. "I love you, too, Tony."

Then I felt his hands come up my back as he pulled me closer as he kissed me. This time, again, no hurry was felt. We had time. I felt my shirt being pulled out. He was nowhere near old as seen by those two young blond men at the fountain. He worked hard to keep himself in shape, spending time in our gym religiously as did I. No other image could arouse me as he did. The rest of our clothing was removed and we slipped into water that was heating quickly, the jets doing their work. We toasted our lives, this trip and guaranteed we'd be happy together and of course, we made love.

The next morning started again with the sun coming through our curtains, but I woke up alone. Perhaps his absence woke me. Then I heard the toilet flush and he came back. I grinned as I saw a naked Tony come back, smiling at me as he slid back in bed. Looking at the clock, it was only after eight in the morning.

"I rented a vehicle today. Feel like seeing where the Delveccios came from?" He asked, his arms coming around me as they were supposed to be.

"I can't wait," I smiled as he kissed me. Then I grinned. "A vehicle? No motorcycle?"

He chuckled. "That little motorcycle was great for zipping around town and weaving through traffic. You saw how traffic can get here, but I figured you'd freak if I did it going to Rieti. This way you'll feel more secure."

I nodded. "Thanks."

"Be warned, I'm not taking the highway. This isn't a road like in the United States." Tony said in warning. "The road will take us through a few towns."

"That's great, I get to see more of the real Italy."

He nodded. "That you will." Then he grinned. "An accident can be very....delaying. I've done it before."

I groaned. "That's why you're the one driving all the time. I have no idea how to get around."

Tony smiled. "You'd learn if you had to. You're smart."

By ten o'clock we were at the desk to get the vehicle. I grinned again when I saw what he'd gotten. A red Renault Captur that was sporty, small, and an SUV complete with GPS, though Tony knew the way unless there was an obstacle to avoid. Which he could navigate around if necessary. The GPS just would give him alternatives if needed.

The ride was about three hours with plenty of views like a postcard or painting. I took several pictures on the way. I was pleased when I saw Rieti. The main part, where the village began was on a hill and spread out over the surrounding countryside as the village and town grew. It was said to become a village nearly a thousand years before Christ was even born. Yep, here's that word again. Ancient. It made sense to have the village start here as the natural rise of land allowed the people to see a potential enemy before he arrived and if they had to, defend themselves better. There was a river near the town. There had been a lake that the ancient Romans drained. The lake that was made by the Velino River. That drained land the lake had been was where the Delveccios had a lush farm. Farms were up my alley. Tony may have been grown as a city boy, but he came from farmers! No wonder I loved him!

He took me by the church that his great-grandfather was married in. After his future wife accepted the mailed proposal, that is. St. Rufo. Rieti wasn't a big city. There were about 50,000 that called it home now. We only had a week in Italy, so no time to waste. We weren't hurried. The whole city, town or whatever you call it was a postcard image. Which again, I took picture after picture. There was a highway, but I was glad Tony decided on this route. My cousins, other family members, and friends were going to be overwhelmed with the photos. Thank god for the Internet. It saved on having pictures made and reproduced for those masses.

Then we traveled out of the city/town/village to where the Delveccios had their history. He pulled to a stop on the road by a large farmhouse. Around was lush green fields and growth. No other structures in sight, but I frowned at what I saw.

"Tony," I began looking at the red brick stucco style sided house. "There's something wrong here. This picture is just seems wrong."

He looked at me puzzled. "It is? What's wrong with it?"

"You've shown me many homes and farms on the way to get here, but this house..." I pointed to the house, "...looks almost modern."

Tony laughed at me and then shrugged. "Well, I suppose it is. It's only about three hundred years old."

I looked at Tony smiling. "Only."

He nodded. "There are a lot of earthquakes here. The main house was destroyed in about..." he thought. "...the turn of the eighteenth century."

I nodded. "My ancestors hadn't even gotten to the United States yet back then." I shook my head. "That considered recent, huh?"

Tony laughed. "Yesterday practically in Italian history." He pointed to the house. "That siding was added since I've been here last. There was probably another smaller earthquake."

I rolled my eyes. "I'm taking my life in my hands being here then?"

Tony grinned as he kissed me. "You are indeed." Then he looked back at the house. "And it's owned by a descendant of the Delveccio family now, but inherited by a daughter to daughter, so the name has changed."

"They wouldn't know you." I nodded.

He shook his head. "Maybe by name. There are still Delveccios in Rieti, but we're spread out now."

I shrugged. "Just like the McKenzies."

Then he brightened. "How about some lunch?"

That was a complete change of subject. I looked at my watch. "It's almost dinner time!"

"So, we'll eat dinner then." He shrugged and put the car in gear and drove back to Rieti. We ended at this restaurant, Ristorante Coccio. Again, we had a pizza.

"Pardon my ignorance, but was pizza created here? Italy, I mean...I heard it was a thing created by Americans." I said.

He sat up quickly, his eyes widened in horror. "What!?"

"By Italians! They were Italians in New York, of course!" I said hurriedly but seeing the humor in Tony's eyes as much as he made it seem he was angry or irritated.

He shook his head. "There has been pizza in Italy for a thousand years!" Then he smiled, and he gave a shrugging nod. "There have been changes, but still, we Italians had it for centuries and centuries."

I nodded again. "Okay. Well, Scottish culture claim to fame is haggis." I shrugged. "Which wasn't bad. In fact, I liked it. Pizza is a great one to claim. Too bad you can't really claim pasta."

Tony's fork hit the plate as he dropped it looking at me like I had seven eyes again. (That was a saying he loved and used. Seven eyes.) "We can so claim pasta! And its macaroni and you know that!"

I grinned and shook my head. "Oh, come now. If Marco Polo hadn't brought noodles back from Asia, there'd be no spaghetti."

He shook his head looking more horrified. "That's blasphemy!" He almost shouted firmly. Then he narrowed his gaze. "My ancestors are spinning in their graves to hear you say that. I can hear them now telling me to cut you off. You're driftwood!"

I chuckled, seeing his face. "Okay, but I get half of everything. We are married." I shrugged.

"Yes. He brought back noodles." Tony stated. "We made macaroni! They had noodles. We made the macaroni. We perfected and made noodles into macaroni." He shook his head. "Do you want to leave Italy alive? You say that to any Italian here or anywhere in the world and I won't guarantee it. In fact, I seriously doubt you'd survive." Then he pointed to me. "I'm tempted to not doing the surprise I have for you when we get back to the hotel."

"Surprise?" I grinned.

"Yeah." Tony griped folding his arms over his chest. "I thought you would like it, but now..." He was really not angry at all, but gay men loved drama. We get the love of drama at birth, I think.

I shrugged, not phased at all. "Since you told me, I'm interested, but if I don't get what I never knew about, how can I miss it?"

Tony frowned. "I just can't get your goat, can I?"

I grinned happily munching on another piece of pizza. "Nope." I reached over and took his hand. "I can get yours apparently."

He grunted with a nod. "Apparently."

The day was coming to a close. We headed back to Rome. This time, taking the highway. It was less scenic, but it was quicker.

When we got to the suite. He stopped us at the entrance.

"Stay there," Tony commanded me which I merely saluted in reply. "Or sit and watch TV, but no coming in until I call you, got it?" He said that I saluted again with a nod and he walked into the bedroom and I lost sight of him.

I chuckled and did as I was instructed. Correction, as I was ordered to do.

Italian television was interesting, it was a test of my knowledge of the language. I also noted as we went around, I was the odd one here. I was a pale Anglo Saxon. Let me explain. There were all kinds of people that called Italy home. There were Southern Italians and Northern Italians. Southern Italians were of Mediterranean descent. Like Tony, they were darker with the black hair. Then there were the northern Italians, which and really, they were German. Even their Italian homes up there looked more German in style. Tony's family was more....midways in heritage. Tony took on that darker pigmentation of that Mediterranean heritage. Understand, he was not like an African dark in color. The best word was a white man with a good tan. Even that wasn't quite right, but it was the best I could come up with. He had that sexy black hair and brown eyes, handsome as hell. I even got interested in a program as I waited. A rerun of Star Trek!! It was Next Generation, but I chuckled to hear Jean Luc Picard spouting Italian. Riker right back. I loved the Ferengi spoke Italian! That was hilarious.

It was quite a few minutes before I heard.

"Okay." Tony's voice said. "You can come in now."

Grinning, I turned the TV off and walked back to our bedroom. When I turned at the door...and I'm using it again, there are words, but...I was stunned! Before me stood a Roman Centurion! He wore the shiny, bronze, metallic breastplate. He had that little leather thing around his waist that came in brown vertical strips down the front of his tunic below the breastplate...and be honest, it was like a kilt, I couldn't wait to see what was beneath the tunic part. The deep red cape! Yeah, I knew what he had without clothes, of course, but this was...different! He held the round shield famous for Roman soldiers, he had the helmet on with that red brush-like thing on top, the sword in his other hand, which was covered with that leather covering to protect his wrists and sandals. He was a Roman Centurion!

He held the sword and shield out so I could see him better. "Ta da!!"

I could see him in my mind what he'd look like in the past, but now...he was even sexy in this!! It could have been thousands of years in the past, but he was here, right now!

He looked at me. "How do I look?"

I walked toward him, my hand going to his metal chest plate covered chest. "You are one handsome, sexy man, Tony," I said honestly. "I don't think if I were straight I'd have said no to you if you wanted me."

Tony smiled when I said that. "Then you like it?"

I nodded. "Very much."

He nodded. "Well, if I were really a soldier, you couldn't say no, could you?" He chuckled.

I circled him slowly taking it all in. Then ended in front of him. "I won't say no to you." Taking his head gently and pulling him by his chin strap brought him closer. "Only this time. I want you to make love to me."

He smiled wider. "That's the aim." Then he looked at me backing an inch. "That doesn't mean you won't make love to me, right?"

I brought him in for a kiss that was deep and full of desire. "Try and stop me, Soldier." I moved back an inch. "God, you are truly Italian," I said pulling my shirt over my head. "I love you, Tony."

He smiled softer. "I love you, too, Mitch." He brought me to him, the sword and shield dropped with the "clank" as his arms came around me and then his hand came down and unzipped my pants.

While he did that, my hand slid under his tunic. I grinned. He had nothing underneath as I stroked his erect cock. I didn't need his pheromones to arouse me, my pants were already uncomfortable now! He slid them down and I was fully erect. I unfastened his chin strap and removed his helmet. I unfastened his breastplate which also fell with a "clank" and then that leather waist strip thing fell next, I slid the tunic up and his erection showed he was more than ready. "I'm yours," I whispered to him.

He nodded as he continued to undress me. "As I am yours." He said moving us back to the bed. Then he brought us back where he was on top of me. The lube was by the bed which he applied to himself. "Never forget. We belong together. Our love will never stop." He said lowering over me, his face coming down my chest to take me in his mouth. It didn't take long before my cum shot in him, which he took, not wasting a bit. Then rolled me over, applied some lube and took me from behind. The rhythm began slowly and it wasn't long before I felt him cum in me. Then he straddled me, bathing my cock with lube he lowered himself on my again leaking cock. His hands coming over my chest as I entered him as he lowered and he moved slowly, making himself groan softly. "So good." He said in that hoarse whisper. "So very good." He worked a little while, I'd already cum once, but soon, I felt the sensations again and shot in him. He kept going and he was still erect and came again on my stomach and chest. "My lover, my partner, my husband...my very soul." Tony said kissing me again deeply. "I love you."

I was loving that afterglow thing after we'd made love. Tony had been so passionate. Sex had never been a problem between the two of us and often it was pretty good. Occasionally your eyes would roll back it was so good. Only three or four times had it been explosive like last night! After a few hours...yes, hours we finally had to get some sleep. Tired, but not really sleepy, I laid there. Tony was resting his head on my chest as I played with his soft hair.

"Why is your hair so soft?" I asked quietly.

He chuckled. "It just is."

I gave a lock a little tug which got me a little yelp from Tony. "I've seen other Italian's hair. It's coarse, so why is yours not?"

He looked at me smiling. "That extremely expensive shampoo you won't use, that's why."

I reached up to touch my hair.

"Oh, no," Tony said quickly pulling my hand down. "You don't need it. Yours is soft already. That's the Scotsman in you." Then he scooted up higher. "Mitch, you know my past. I've loved before..."

I saw his face, he was being very sincere, but I was going to stop him. "Tony..."

"Let me finish," He said calmly. "I've had sex with many people, but I can say, I've never been in love...until I met you."

I smiled as he said that. "Of course." I nodded. "We were made to be together." I saw his confused look. "Tony, I really can smell you. I've never gotten that from anyone else. It's strong like it was made to make me fall in love with you. I wasn't kidding when I said, that first day, that Sunday, only seeing you and I knew, not even having spoken, I knew you were going to be important to me."

Tony smiled as I said that and added. "Know, when I saw your face as you asked me to move. I did, too." He laughed a little. "Then when you told everyone there about losing the war and get over it. I was hooked." Then he grinned. "Do you know, I haven't been taking my medications anymore?"

I smiled wider hearing that. "I noticed I didn't see the bottles, yes."

He shook his head. "No nightmares, no losing myself in images, hearing it over and over in my head. I'm happy." He kissed me gently. "I can honestly say, that's because of you." He sighed. "I will admit it. I am trying to impress you with all this..." he saw my objection coming, "...I know, I know. You don't need to be impressed, you're happy with me the way I am." He smiled, "I never tried with anyone else." He shrugged. "Not with Jean or Luke. Jean was just...a friend that got in trouble with me. People after that would like me or didn't I didn't really care." He grimaced a little. "That's callous, isn't it?"

I gave a grudging nod. "Yes."

"I wanted to impress my parents," He admitted. "I will say I enjoy pissing your Aunt Mary off."

I laughed at that. "So, why did you keep saying you weren't rich?"

He looked surprised. "Because it was pissing you off! I didn't want to lose you."

I smiled. "I was not pissed off."

He nodded. "You were so! You saw my car and immediately had a reaction. I feared you won't give me another look if I said I had money."

"So, you lied to me," I said evenly.

He shook his head. "I did not!" He thought a second. "By terms in New York, I am not rich. I'm getting back to that now, but I would be considered comfortable by New York standards. In South Carolina, I am." Then he looked at me seriously. "Why does it bother you that I have money?"

Now it was my turn to explain it. "I was raised by a very conservative man." I chuckled. "Scottish people are often considered frugal. That was a trait Dad carried. Like, he would see two shirts for sale. One is five dollars, the other in ten. He doesn't look at the quality of stitching or the fabric. He stops at the price and would buy the five dollar shirt not worrying that he'll have to replace it in a few months, versus a few years with the ten dollar shirt." I laughed thinking of things my father had done. "He refused to buy a Cadillac because of what people would think he was flaunting it. You saw our house. It was warm in winter and cool in summer, but as far as how it looked...that wasn't a consideration."

Tony nodded resting on his elbow as he looked down at me. "It is comfortable."

"When I took you to my house that first time, I was worried you would reject me because of where I lived, but you stayed." I ran fingers in his hair. "Why is that?"

Tony smiled. "Because you presented me with a person that didn't care. You are what you are. You didn't try to impress me. I found that very sexy." Then he got closer, kissing me. "You have never changed. I wanted to know you." He chuckled. "You were refreshing. Genuine. I was interested in seconds of meeting. I was falling in love that afternoon. I knew I was loving you by Tuesday." Then he became serious. "I wasn't joking when I told you I was a slut." He said sadly.

I frowned. "Tony..."

He grinned. "There you go again, let me finish." He resumed his more serious look. "For several years after Jean and I broke up..." he shrugged, "...even before we did, I didn't care who I was with. There were dozens of men, most I never bothered to even get a name. They were nice looking and that was all that mattered. Be it the guy at the end of a bar, or even in a grocery store. We just...did it. My heart was never in it." He couldn't look me in the eye when he confessed this. "Then the attack on September 11th forced me to look at my life and what I was doing." Then he looked at me. "I saw I had nothing and no one in my life." Then he chuckled. "So, when I came to Charleston, I vowed to myself I wasn't going to do the same thing ever. Then...there you were!" He looked intently in my eyes. "The sweetest, kindest man I never expected to meet. I told you the truth and you didn't run away. You loved me."

I nodded. "That was easy to do. You're a good man, Tony. I feel honored that you love me." I wrapped my arms around him. "I still am dealing with the idea that you married me. It's unbelievable. You chose me." I chuckled. "I proposed to you first by Bubba on the way to meet my crazy family. You said yes, but then, you propose to me. On a magical night on a carriage ride through Central Park on a snowy night! You gave me a ring! That was so romantic." I held up my right hand. "I'm just dealing with the incredible idea. All the guys in the world and you chose me." I kissed him gently. "You're an amazing man, Tony. I adore you."

He smiled. "You see?" He grinned. "You don't just love me, you adore me!" He shook his head. "I've never been adored before. How can I help but love you?"

Then I looked at the pile of clothes on the floor. "Now, about that Roman soldier's uniform." I grinned. "It's real!"

He nodded. "Of course, it's real. We're in Rome!" Then he shook his head. "The hotel had connections and I got one through them. I told you being a member of their club had perks." He ran a hand over my chest. "We're going to Milan in the morning. Our train leaves at 9:30, so we might want to sleep some."

"As long as you're here."

The morning came again and we got up and ate breakfast and went to the train station. It would take about three hours to get there. The train was this red, an almost bullet shaped thing. We left on time. I had never traveled by train before, so I was pleased at the comfortable seats and accommodations. We did have a stop in Bologna and Vernoa, but we arrived in Milan about 1:30 pm. Our departure time was also nine o'clock. We had a few hours.

Milan was a nice city. It had to be. This was, at least according to Tony, the place to go to buy fashion. You wouldn't buy a thing if it wasn't clean, pretty and nice. He took me to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This was supposed to be a mall. One of the oldest malls in the world! Mall? HA! It looked more like a church inside to me. Elegant. Glass covered walks that looked like you walked through a town, only covered by the glass roof. That's because it was! We headed to the Ristorante Galleria for lunch. Then we hit the stores! I was amazed at them. This wasn't an outlet! Nowhere near it! These were high-end clothiers. Tony loved to look. I hated shopping, remember? I comforted myself telling myself I wasn't holding a purse while my wife was shopping. Tony was having a grand time. To my joy, I found they did have plenty of jeans and t-shirts. That wasn't enough. No, I had to have a suit. Tony insisted. It was nice, but really? Me? I didn't give him a hard time about it. I hate trying things on. I didn't have to. This man measured me and Tony then got things he knew would fit. I could try them on if I wanted to, but I shook my head. "I trust you." I did wonder why Tony needed his inseam measured twice. He didn't grow and I saw him write it down. If he tried a third time, I was going to stop him.

After nearly five hours! Tony was hungry again, thank god. We again ate at a nice restaurant, then took the train back to Rome.

We entered our suite again and I was glad to be back. It was exhausting all this shopping. This was one of the few nights we collapsed in bed and didn't make love. We were too tired.

In the morning Tony woke me gently. "I hope this has been a good week."

I frowned. "How could be otherwise? You were with me." Then I pulled him close to me. "I will confess. This was a better week. Italy is wonderful."

He smiled. "Scotland was nice, too."

I nodded. "It was nice, but this was much better. You know it."

"So, what do you want to do these last two nights here?"

I looked surprised at him. "No plans?" I grinned as he shook his head. "Well, then..." I said pulling him into a kiss, "...I say we stay here. It's a great suite and we really haven't spent that much time at the hotel. We can take it easy. Make love. Just enjoy being together."

He kissed me gently. "I'd like that."

I nodded. "We can do whatever you want. If you want to we can walk about town more, but no hurry." He smiled as he kissed me deeply. We made up for not making love the night before.

We had neglected working out the past two weeks and there was a fitness center, so we went there. Then Tony said he'd be right back and vanished a few minutes. I was beginning to get concerned but relaxed when I saw him come back.

"Tomorrow we have a spa date."

"Spa?" I asked.

He nodded. "The whole works. Skin peels, detoxification, massages, facials...all of it."

"I see," I said uncertain of what to expect.

"You'll love it," Tony said kissing me quickly. "Let's go swimming!" He said taking my hand and almost dragged me behind to the indoor pool.

"We don't have suits!" I stated as we went.

"They sell them!"

"No speedos!" I growled.

Spending time with Tony was always great. We shared space willingly. We learned things about each other almost daily. It was at dinner that night I noticed again something the caught my eye.

As we ate, I noticed Tony wince a little as he swallowed. Then he went on.

"Is there something I should know?" I asked him. "You've done it before. Sometimes I see you swallow and it looks like it hurts."

He smiled and shook his head. "It's nothing."

I frowned. "I don't care if you merely have a hangnail. I'm not some girly flower that needs protecting. Is there something I should know?"

He sighed. "I have achalasia." He shrugged. "It's just something I inherited from Dad. He has it too. Sometimes whatever I eat, my throat doesn't relax to swallow. I've had it since birth. It's no big deal."

I nodded. "Now was that so hard?" I grinned taking his hand. "Now, I won't react to it."

"Well, it's not a hangnail." He chuckled.

We did have the spa treatment the next day. I was looking very uneasy until the women and men were actually doing all...that. The facial, the body wrap thing...it was nice. The massage was very relaxing.

Our flight was at six in the morning. We retired early and then at 3 am we got up, packed, and checked out.

Tony and I sat in our seats as the plane got ready to take us back to the United States.

"The honeymoon isn't over," Tony said to me. "It's just beginning."

I nodded. "We're coming back to Rome."

He smiled. "I'm glad you enjoyed it. I certainly did."

I kissed him. "I love you."