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"Dad?" Rex said, from where lay, flopped across the bed. He'd taken off his winter coat but, otherwise, he hadn't moved since he and his father had come home and saw Jak and Keith in one another's arms. Steve wondered at his youngest son's uncharacteristic silence, but decided to shower and let the young man work through whatever was bothering him. Steve turned out the bathroom light and plopped down onto a chair, as he finished drying his hair. "Hmm?" "About Jak and Keith . . ." "What about them?" Steve set the towel aside and studied his son, who'd propped himself up on his elbows and was watching his father. "Why were they just standing around, holding onto one another and not doing anything? I'd have thought, if they were naked, they'd wanna have sex, or something; not sway back and forth to some sort'a clunky music. And . . . candles? I don't get it. Is that sort'a thing . . . normal? It doesn't seem like some Jak would do." Steve's grin matured into a relieved laugh. "Thank you, Rex! You have just demonstrated to me that you are not the all-seeing and all-understanding person you sometimes seem to be. I often get downright intimidated, listening to your analysis of things . . . because you're so often right on the money. You've just demonstrated to me that you are still a young man, with much to learn." "Huh?" Rex rolled onto his side and propped himself up, studying his father. Steve leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "Rex, Jak and Keith are in love." "Yeah, I know that." "You know it, but you don't know what it means." Rex kicked off his shoes and sat cross-legged on the bed. He gave his father a quizzical look, as the older man continued. "Love is made up of waaaay more things than having sex, or holding hands, or whatever. Right now, since you're becoming aware of your own sexuality, and because of how young you are, you are tending to see love as having sex. That's a part of being in love . . . a small part. Many people who are deeply in love have very little sex with their partner, if any." "Huh? Are you sure?" "Jak and Keith are cementing their bond on many levels. To them, as to most people who are in love, the merest glance, or touch, can speak volumes about what they feel for one another. Some people give one another candy, or flowers, or something like that. Tonight, Jak and Keith were using soft music and candles to . . . set the mood. They are immersing themselves in the romance of their relationship. They don't have to be talking . . . out loud . . . to be learning about one another." "Something like ESP?" Steve laughed. "Something like that. You and I have experienced many of the same things, since your mother moved away. Both of us feel better . . . feel loved . . . when we're holding one another. There's some sort of unspoken conversation going on between us. The same is true of Jak and Keith. They feel many things when they're holding one another. The clunky music was merely an excuse to be close. "The music, the dark room, lit only by flickering candles, and many more things, are all part of the romance they're experiencing as their relationship develops. They're showing one another how deeply they care for each other. They're saying, 'I love you,' by their actions as well as their words." "Is that why they always seem to want to be touching one another, and look at each other with stupid grins on their faces?" "Yes, that's some of it," Steve laughed. "It'd probably be best for you not to roll your eyes in exasperation, or anything, when they're doing that sort of thing. Right now, they're just starting their relationship. After a while, when they're more . . . secure, in what they feel, the stupid grins, and all, will fade some." Rex gave his father an incredulous look. "Does that mean when you find a guy, I'm going to have to go through this with you? I mean, don't you outgrow it, or something?" "No, a person never outgrows the need to be loved, or held, or told how much they are loved. So . . . whenever I'm lucky enough to become serious about someone, I expect you will have to put up with my stupid grins, just as I will . . . happily . . . put up with yours, when you meet the right person. "Rex, don't think of what Jak and Keith are doing, or how they are behaving, as stupid. Think of how pleased you are they've found one another, that they are happy, and how you n'I can look forward to the day when we're experiencing the same things they're feeling." "This is all something I'll understand when I'm older?" "Yes, and, when you meet someone special. You already understand some of it, on a gut level. That's why you want to hang out with me, or sleep at my side, or have fun together. You love me, just as I love you, but our love is different from what we'll experience with someone else. It's not greater or lesser, only different. "Since you say you're attracted to older guys, they'll most likely have more experience in this sort of thing than you." Steve paused, then frowned. "Exactly how much older than you would a guy have to be to be of interest?" "Oh, I don't know. I haven't thought about it. Someone your age or younger, I'd guess. Probably younger, since I'm not looking for a father." He grinned. "I already have the greatest one of those a guy could ask for. Jak's too young, and, since I don't need another father, you're too old. "Sorry," Rex concluded. "For what? Even if I wasn't your father, I already know I'm too old for you. In my opinion, anyone my age would be." He paused. "Sorry, I shouldn't have said that." Rex shrugged. "Just what were you thinking?" he asked, when he saw his father's relieved expression. "Just how old of a guy did you think I would be attracted to?" "You wouldn't believe all the scary scenarios I've envisioned. You are surprisingly mature for a young man your age, yet you tend to move more quickly than I would like . . . at times. That, combined with your age and attraction to older men, causes me to worry how easily it would be for someone to take advantage of you. You are extremely attractive, and seem older than you really are. There are many things you've yet to experience. The next few years will teach you many of those things. I just don't want you to get hurt." Steve swallowed. "You cannot imagine how much I love you, or how much I would hurt if anything should happen to you. All I ask is that you think really hard, before doing something . . . anything . . . with someone, whether they're older or not." "This is something like not accepting rides or candy from strangers, huh?" Steve grinned. "Yeah, something like that." Rex scooted to the edge of the bed and squeezed his father's shoulder. "I'll do my best, Dad. If I have any doubts at all, I promise I'll come to you and talk things through before I do anything . . . just like Jak did when he was offered that job of his." "That's all I can ask." Steve swiped at his eyes, and did his best to laugh. "Now, look at me. I'm so proud of you I'm all watery-eyed." Rex sniffed. "Yeah, me, too." "So . . . since I was talking about the job, down in Florida . . . are you n'I ever gonna get to go and see where Jak works? I'd like t'meet some of the guys. Maybe they would let me put in an application, or do an audition, or something cool. Y'think?" "Perhaps," Steve laughed. "Jak's boss would have to invite us to visit, though. The man is running a business, Rex. He's been understanding by inviting Keith to visit. I personally think he's invited him to come down with Jak to help him get over the mystery of the place. Who knows if it'll work?" "Hmmmm. It could be rough on him, having those other model-guys hanging around, knowing Jak is having sex with them." "Yeah, but Keith's presence also gives Jak a chance to show him off, as the man he loves. The visit could be a disaster, or it could be great for both of them. We'll just have to wait to see how things turn out." "Love's pretty weird, I guess." Steve laughed. "Yes, it is more weird than you can imagine, but, at the same time, it can be pretty wonderful." * * * Jak turned to Keith and grinned as they left the jetway and entered the large airport. 'So warm!' Keith thought. 'I can't wait to get into something more comfortable.' He did his best to return Jak's smile, and appear confident. 'I will have a good time,' he silently chanted. 'I will not be intimidated. The guys I'll meet are just like me.' "Dave!" Jak shouted to a man wearing a bold flower-print shirt, which was loosely tucked into his tan cargo shorts. He was standing with his hands in his pockets, people watching. Before Jak could drop his bag, the handsome man engulfed him in an embrace, which caused Keith to wince at its intensity. 'Oh well,' he thought, as he studied the smiling man with the absolutely flawless complexion, perfect teeth, and grey-blue eyes. 'I guess I'd better get used to looking like something the cat coughed up, if this is the chauffeur.' "Oh, it's good to see you!" Jak said, finally releasing the slender man. "How're you and Levi doing? Have either of you spoken with Pete?" Keith smiled his apology to the passengers who were trying to pass in the crowded terminal, then touched Jak's shoulder, diverting his attention. "Sorry to interrupt, guys, but let's not block the aisle for these folks." "Oh, geez, I'm sorry." Jak nodded his apology to the milling passengers, then reached for Keith and held him close, with an arm around his waist, as they followed Dave toward an area not quite so full of people. "Dave, I'd like you to meet Keith, the guy I've been talking about so much. Keith, this is Dave. He and Levi run the business." "Keith!" Dave said, in a wonderfully soft voice, as he took Keith's hand in a firm grip. "It's great to finally meet you. Jak . . . ahem . . . Soren," he corrected himself, as his eyes sparkled, "has talked about you so much I feel as if I already know you. Welcome, welcome." 'Ah geez,' Keith thought, as he returned the handshake, recalling Rex's words in the steam room. 'Alright, I'm hard. What now?' Instead, he smiled. His stuttering response must not have been too off-the-wall, since neither . . . Soren . . . or Dave, were looking at him as if he'd sprouted a second head. 'Does this man ever go outside, into the sunshine?' he wondered, as Dave turned to lead them to the car. 'How old is he, anyway? He barely looks old enough to shave, yet he walks with a level of confidence, almost bordering on a swagger. Of course, I would too, if my pants hugged my butt cheeks like his does. Jak says the man's in his early to mid-twenties. It sure doesn't look it though.' Dave smiled, as he studied the two men who were now walking alongside, noting their winter clothes. "Let me guess. It was snowing when you left. You're both dressed as if you just arrived from the North Pole. Waaaay too many clothes," he added, singling out Keith for a brilliant smile, brilliant enough to make Keith's breath catch. "I'm glad you could make it down during Spring Break,' he continued, shifting position to walk between Jak and Keith. He studied the blond for a moment. "Tell me . . . how is it possible for you to have such an awesome tan if you live in snow country?" Jak laughed. "That's not a tan. He's that way . . . all over." Dave barked a laugh. "Must be nice!" He lowered his voice. "Don't mind us. Jak n'I are just trying to put you at ease." He rested an arm over Keith's shoulders. "It might help if you started breathing," he grinned, and gave Keith an encouraging pat on the back. He removed his arm and glanced from Keith to Jak, as they left the terminal and stepped into the Florida . . . humidity. Keith stopped to remove his coat. "Okay. I'm ready to strip. If it's this hot now, what's it like in the frippin' summer?" "Stripping s'okay by me," Dave laughed, flicking a glance at Jak, who was watching Keith with an appearance akin to that of a proud father, "but some of the tourists might frown on a handsome, naked man, crossing the parking lot. Keith waved a hand near his face. "I never thought I'd say this, but let's hurry up and get someplace cool." "I'm to take you guys by the hotel, so you can register, and change into something summery. Levi wants me to drop you off at the house so he can get acquainted, while I go pick up the other guys. They all got in last night." He turned to Jak. "Daniel, Cody, and Ron, are visiting. "I'm going to ask Daniel to be your tour guide, Keith. You'll like him. He's easy-going and fun to be around. He's not the sort to intimidate anyone." 'Unless you have to sit on that weapon he carries between his legs,' Jak thought to himself. "You'll know him by his Southern drawl," he added, aloud, "and his trademark baseball cap with a big letter D on the front." Keith slipped into the back seat of the car and sighed with relief as Dave turned on the air conditioner. "Um . . . won't he be . . . um, working?" "Sure, but when he is, Soren here will be able to show you around, or I will have the pleasure, if all the guys are involved in a photo shoot, or something." Keith looked from Dave to Jak, who grinned encouragingly. "Oh, okay. Whatever you guys say. I'm here to have some fun. I don't want to get in the way." He suddenly stopped. "Hey, I just thought! You've got an ocean here . . . someplace. I've never been to an ocean before." Less than a half hour later, Jak, Keith, and Dave were heading up to the hotel room. Dave suggested he wait in the lobby, but Jak insisted he come along. "You can hang out in the room just as easily as sit in the lobby, and that way you can fill me in on anything new, while we get changed." "Sure, come on up," Keith added, when Dave gave him an uncertain look. "Y'don't need to treat me like I'm some sort'a shrinking violet," he laughed. "I've got'a admit, meeting everyone n'all, is going to be a bit of a challenge, but I can handle it. The thing I'm going to have the most trouble with is calling the handsome guy, Soren." "I answer to almost anything," Jak laughed, as he slipped the key card into the slot and pushed the door open. "Tell me about it," Keith smiled, drawing a guffaw from Dave, and an exasperated look from Jak, who swatted Keith on the seat of the pants. "If you're gonna swat him," Dave called, as he closed the room's door, "Do it like you mean it!" "That's what I keep telling him, but, in case you haven't already learned . . . he's a bit of a wimp." "Yeow! He had me fooled," Dave laughed, already liking the blond man who was unselfconsciously stripping off his winter clothes. "Yeah, well, he can be macho, too," Keith grinned, dancing away from Jak's grasp. "Thanks." "If he tries hard enough," Keith added, as an afterthought. He stepped out of his slacks, then bent over and began rummaging around in his bag, and didn't see Dave's raised-brow expression, nor Jak's smug smile, as Keith turned his jockstrap-clad butt in their direction. "Okay," he turned back, with fists on his hips. "What should I wear? I've got some shorts, some underwear, or some jeans, and slacks. Oh yeah, I've also got a swimsuit, which . . . Soren . . . picked out. It hardly qualifies as something wearable, it's so small. Hell, I got embarrassed when I tried the frippin' thing on. And, I was alone." "Barely covered the goods," Jak smiled, as he stepped free of his slacks. Dave openly stared at the blond. "Umm, I can imagine. The . . . um . . . strap barely covers the . . . goods, if you don't mind my saying." "Hey! I'm covered!" Keith said, looking down at himself. "Barely," Jak added, in a dry tone, then turned to Dave. "The man likes to show off his perfect butt." "Much to this viewer's appreciation," Dave added. 'It's amazing how relaxed Jak is, and damn if he's not right. Keith is Soren. The guy just doesn't have a clue how stunning he is.' "I've always been told it was my best asset," Keith laughed, looking over his shoulder, as if he could see his butt. "That's what I tell him," Jak added, as he began pulling on a pair of shorts. "C'mon, lover, cover up the goods, or Dave and I are going to have to attack you and have our way with you." Keith straightened, and grinned at both men. "And . . . that's a bad thing?" "I think I'd opt for the shorts," Dave hastened to add, liking the man more by the minute. "But, I sure would like to see you in your swimsuit sometime. Soren's got great taste, y'know . . . in swimsuits, and . . . in men," he added, drawing another smug grin from Jak, and a radiant smile from Keith. Keith pulled on his shorts, slipped on a lime green Polo, and plopped down on the edge of the bed, next to Dave, while Jak wandered out onto the balcony to call his father and tell him he and Keith had arrived safely. "Thanks for making me feel comfortable," Keith smiled. "I'm nervous as all get-out. Meeting you has helped." "You don't appear nervous." "Yeah, well," Keith shrugged, wearing a crooked grin. "Don't be intimidated, Keith. The guys you'll be meeting are no different from you. Jak told me, a couple times, how he thought you'd be a great model. I agree. I'm not recruiting you; only letting you know that no one . . . no one . . . you meet should . . ." "Make me feel like something the cat coughed up?" Keith grinned. When Dave smiled and nodded, Keith continued. "I've got to tell you, that's exactly how I felt, back at the airport, when I met you. Jak's talking about you all the time, telling me how great you are. He's right. It's easy to tell, you're a sweetheart." Dave opened and closed his mouth, as if unable to speak. He swallowed, and gave Keith a tremulous smile. "Uh . . . ah . . ." "Are you okay?" Dave jerked a nod. "Yeah." He swallowed again. "Not too much has happened in the past couple months to make me feel very good about myself." He briefly squeezed Keith's hand. "Thanks. Um . . . ah . . . well, just . . . thanks." * * * Dave drove off to pick up the other models, as Jak held the courtyard gate open for Keith, who passed wide-eyed from the lushly landscaped exterior of the home into the simplicity of a vast emerald green lawn, a shimmering swimming pool . . . and an enormous dog, which was charging toward them from the other side of the yard. "Whoa!" Jak laughed, nearly knocked off his feet by the enthusiasm of the large animal's greeting. "Keith, this is Hector," he said, when he'd recovered. "Throw a Frisbee for him to catch and you'll be his friend for life. If you don't throw a Frisbee, he'll bite off your . . . leg," Jak teased, as the dog sniffed at Keith's crotch. Jak did his best not to laugh, as Keith covered his groin with his hand, and glanced around, searching for a Frisbee. Both men looked up as an athletic man with dark curly hair and a mischievous smile approached. He held out his arms and embraced Jak. "You must be Keith," he said, a few moments later. He grasped the blond's hand in a firm grip. "I'm so glad you were able to join . . . Soren, for a few days, during school break. He speaks so highly of you, it's wonderful to have a chance to meet. I'm Levi." "The brains behind this outfit," Jak added, as Levi gestured toward a shaded porch, but not before telling Hector to go lie down in the shade. Keith watched, amazed, as the dog instantly obeyed. "How do you do that? I'd like to try out your secrets to control my sister." Keith pointed to the ground and spoke in a stern voice. "Down, Sharon. Sit . . . Stay! I love it! She's a fourteen year-old, whose hormones have kicked into overdrive," he explained. "You should have seen . . . Soren's brother, Rex . . . trying to stay out of her clutches." Levi glanced from the dog to Keith, his eyes sparkling, as he smiled. "It's all in the training." "Yeah, well, I guess no one's trained m'sister. I can't blame her, though; Rex is as sexy as his older brother. It was the first time she'd seen him. She was sort'a swept away, just like I was when I met Jak. Oops . . . Soren. Sorry. I'll try to do better. This two-name-thing gets confusing." "You'll get the hang of it," Levi laughed. 'So this is where all the great looking men come to live,' Keith thought, thinking of the crowds of handsome men he'd seen since his arrival. Jak took his hand and they followed Levi into the shade where some iced drinks waited. 'And, as if they don't already have enough handsome guys already living here, Levi imports others, from all over the country, to join him and Dave. There's something not quite fair about that.' "Tell me about yourself, Keith. Soren's told me . . . on many occasions . . ." he said, in a dry tone, flicking a glance in Jak's direction, "how wonderful you are, but I'm always interested in what a person has to say about himself." Keith took a sip of the tangy lime-green drink, giving him a moment to order his thoughts. "Well, I'm twenty. I'm a college student, majoring in business." "He's at the top of his class, on a full tuition scholarship," Jak added. "Yes . . . well," Keith murmured. "I've always known I was gay. I've had a couple passing infatuations, during high school. I thought one of them was serious. The guy was confident it wasn't." He bowed his head in remembered pain, then looked up and smiled, crookedly. "I never loved anyone, other than my family, of course, until I met Jak." He tenderly smiled, as Jak reached for his hand, and linked fingers. "I figured my feelings out while he was still lying on the parking lot." Levi's brows rose, asking for an explanation. "I slipped on the ice," Jak explained. "He heard me yelp." "It was more of a high pitched squeal, if I recall," Keith interrupted. "It was a yelp. Of surprise." "Hmmmm," Keith murmured, glancing toward Levi with a twinkle in his eyes. "What drew you to Jak, other than the . . . yelp?" "His vulnerability." Levi noticed Jak's brows rise. "I was close-by when he fell," Keith explained. "When I heard him . . . yelp, I rushed over, and there he was, sort'a knocked out, or something. He looked so helpless, lying there, next to a wreck of a car . . ." "Hey!" "With his groceries scattered around him, wearing a jacket, when he should have been in a heavy coat. The first thing I noticed were his hands. I love hands." He glanced at Jak, and tightened his fingers. "I had no idea what these hands could do to a person." He paused. "Ahem . . . yes, well. I'd best not go there, right now. "He was only lying there a couple of seconds, until he sort'a shook his head and sat up. Then, I was drawn to his eyes. I've never seen eyes so blue, and his lips; oh, and his voice." "Y'make me sound like a pretty hot package," Jak teased. "And all of that was before I saw him nekkid!" Keith laughed, and squirmed. "Which didn't happen, until the second time he came back home, in fact . . . for my birthday. He was so shy on the day we met. It was sort'a like I was the first guy he'd ever met." "I would not have thought of him as ever being shy," Levi mused, as Keith smiled, and Jak bowed his head and blushed. "He's a romantic. I love that. He loves holding hands, and tender kisses, and long showers, where we do a lot of hugging, n'stuff." "You were telling me about you," Levi grinned. "That's what I'm doing. Since we've met, Jak and I have become something like a single person. He's part of me. I never could have imagined how deeply I could care for someone, until I met him, nor did I have any idea what it feels like to be loved, in the way he loves me." He blinked. "I'm a pretty lucky guy." "Oh, baby," Jak murmured, leaning close and drawing Keith to him for a kiss, which surprised Levi by its tenderness, and made his breath catch as he thought of Pete, and how much he missed him. "So . . . um, Soren," Levi cleared his throat, and spoke in a rough voice. "How's your father doing?" He turned to Keith. "Soren has a wonderfully understanding father," he explained. "You've met?" Keith's grin and response of, "Oh yes," caused Levi to pause and study him. Before he could pursue things further, the sound of a car door slamming announced the arrival of the other models. * * * Ron and Daniel piled out of the car, anxious to greet Soren, and his partner, as well as take part in the traditional welcome back barbecue. On the way from the hotel, Dave told the three men about Levi inviting Soren's boyfriend to visit during his college Spring Break. As he'd hoped, Daniel offered to show Keith around. Cody, on the other hand, suddenly became quiet. "Y'doing okay?" Dave asked, resting a friendly arm over the younger man's shoulders, as they approached the courtyard gate, and the sound of laughter, beyond. "Yeah, okay," was the mumbled answer. Dave halted. "Cody, please . . . don't do this to yourself. You're aware of Soren's feelings. He values your friendship, just as he does everyone else's, including Levi's and mine, but he's in love with only one man. Nothing you or anyone else does is going to change that. Give his boyfriend a chance, and I'm sure the two of you can be friends. I've only just met him, but Keith's a great guy. "Both Soren and Keith want to be your friend. Don't go in there expecting Soren to sweep you off your feet with words of love. You and I know it's not going to happen. Give both of 'em, and yourself, a chance, okay?" he asked, giving Cody's shoulder an encouraging squeeze. "Yeah. I'll do my best." He turned to Dave, an unaccustomed smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Thank you for your little pep talk. It sure would be easier if Boyd was here. I feel like I'm able to be a better person, whenever he's around. I miss him. He sort'a holds me together, or something." Dave bowed his head. "I understand what you're saying. I feel the same way about Pete. Has anyone told you that he left us, to go home and tend the family business?" Cody quickly looked up. "No! Do the other guys know? Aw, that sucks. I'm sorry." He wrapped Dave in a caring embrace, surprised by how natural it felt to be offering solace, and how wonderful it was to experience Dave's response. They stood like that for a few moments before Dave grinned in embarrassment, and gently pulled away. "Sorry . . . I'm still not used to him not being around. I get a little emotional. So . . ." he straightened, trying to act cheerful. "Are we ready to head in? Levi's going to wonder where we are." "Lead on! And, thank you." Cody gave Dave's hand a brief squeeze, then walked at his side. Beyond the gate, he could hear the sounds of laughter and Hector excitedly barking. "Sounds like the party's already started," he added, doing his best to grin. * * * Levi looked up, as the courtyard gate swung open, admitting two men, both of whom waved, as they jogged to where he, Soren, and Keith now stood. 'From Jak's descriptions, the blond must be Ron, and the guy with the baseball cap must be Daniel.' Keith smiled to himself, releasing a relieved breath. 'Great looking guys, but not the gods I was half expecting. What would I think of them, though, if they were naked?' "Hey, guys!" Jak shouted, greeting both men with a quick kiss and hug, before turning and holding out a hand for Keith to join him. Guys, I'd like you to meet my partner, Keith Massey. Levi's invited him down for a few days, during Spring Break, to meet everyone and catch a little sunshine . . . something we, in the frozen North, haven't enjoyed since shortly after writing was invented." The guys laughed, as they each gave Keith a quick hug. 'Hugging these two is different from holding Jak,' Keith thought, in the instant after they'd separated. Ron's . . . wiry, while being hugged by Daniel is a lot like being hugged by Rex. He's a boy in a young man's body. Nice, but neither can compare with Jak. When he so much as touches me, I get weak-kneed. When he hugs me, I melt. 'I can do this,' he thought, with growing confidence, thinking of how much he'd been dreading meeting Jak's . . . coworkers. "Hi! It's great to finally meet some of the guys . . . Soren works with." Before he could say more, Dave, and a slightly built, very handsome man, with light-colored bedroom eyes and auburn-hair, approached. "Cody!" Jak smiled, giving him a kiss and hug, no different from the ones he'd given the other two men. "I was telling Ron and Daniel how great it is to see you guys again. How 'ya been?" 'Oh geez,' was Keith's first thought. 'Why doesn't Jak see what this guy's feeling? At the least, he idolizes Jak, but, more likely, he thinks he's in love.' "I've been good. Thanks," Cody answered, in a beautiful voice, as a light pink colored his cheeks. Jak stepped next to Keith and wrapped an arm around his waist. 'Maybe Jak does see what Cody feels, and this is his response.' "I'd like you to meet Keith, my parter. Like I told the other guys, Levi and Dave have invited him down to spend a few days." Nearby, Levi motioned the others to talk, and not stare at Cody's reaction to Soren and Keith. "It's nice to meet you, Cody," Keith said, shaking the quiet man's hand, surprised by the firm grip, and the darkening flush of pink on his cheeks. 'Damn, but he's handsome!' "Um . . ." Cody looked from left to right, as if searching for something to say. "Um . . . I heard Soren say something about you guys coming from the frozen North," he began, hesitated, then stopped, unsure how to continue. Keith stepped closer, gesturing Cody to a nearby table, as the other men's conversation hiccoughed to a start, and everyone began industriously helping Levi set things up for the barbecue. "Boy, do we! I'm sick of ice, wind, and snow." Keith spoke as he and Cody sat at a table, in the shade of a large palm. "From your tan, I'm betting you're from someplace way warmer than I'm used to." He grinned, at the slight nod and shy, tentative smile. "Um . . . Soren, tells me you've been working down here longer than anyone else. You must be a popular guy." "I know his real name. It's pretty dumb for us to be calling him something else." Keith grinned. "Yeah, I agree, but, those are the rules, and I don't like going around breaking rules, especially since Levi's been kind enough to invite me to spend the next week, visiting. So, Soren it is. Besides, the name is sort'a growing on me. "I've thought that maybe I should have a macho name to go with my macho personality. Something like . . . Hank. What'cha think?" Cody grinned. "Hey, don't you think I'm macho enough to be named Hank?" "You're half-crazy, you know," Cody observed, amusement coloring his voice. "Then you caught me at my best. There's no telling how crazy I'll be tomorrow. Sanity comes and goes in my family. So . . . how 'ya like the name, Hank?" "I like Keith better." 'Yeah, well, I guess I do, too. I'll remember how you neatly avoided commenting on my macho-ness." "You're being nice to me," Cody said, as if such a thing was unheard of. Keith turned serious, appalled at the thought that so few people had been nice to Cody that he'd mention it when someone was. "Of course I am! You're one of Soren's friends, just like the other guys are. Even though I've just met, I've heard so much about you all, I feel as if you're all friends." He lowered his voice. "Isn't everyone nice to you?" He made a show of examining the tentatively smiling man. "I don't see anything about you which might scare someone away." "Soren was nice to me, too. He's a wonderful guy. I like him a lot." Keith smiled, as he heard Jak's voice, in the distance. "Yeah, so do I. He's pretty easy to like, isn't he?" Levi and Jak watched, from across the courtyard, as Cody appeared to relax. "Keith is a remarkable man, indeed, to so quickly be able to bring Cody out of his shell." He turned to Jak, who was standing next to him, watching the two men at the table. "How do you think he'll be, whenever you're working? His comments about you, before the guys showed up, about had me in tears." "Now that he's met the guys, I think he'll do okay, especially since Daniel's going to have him away from the house, seeing the city, or whatever. The idea of meeting everyone was rough for him, though. He'd imagined everyone to be some sort of guy he'd never be able to compete with. It might be a turn-on for him, though, to watch one of the photo shoots. That might lessen the mystique even further. If he'd agree to it, maybe he could be in a few pics, with me and the rest of the guys." "Do you know if he's ever watched one of your vids?" "He's been afraid to, thinking there would be no way he'd be able to compare with whomever I would be with. Even after meeting everyone, I'm not sure he'll want to. He accepts what I do for a living. He secretly wishes I was doing something else, but will never bitch n'moan or insist I become something I'm not." Jak grinned. "I wish you'd be able to see him when we're having sex." Levi smiled, as his brows rose. "You'd do your best to snap him up, as another model. He goes from tender and loving, to passionate and demanding, in the blink of an eye, and . . ." Jak sheepishly smiled, "He brings out the true Jak Rollins . . . a romantic, who loves candlelight and soft music." "The man who was blushing, a short while ago?" Jak grinned, and looked away. "Yeah, him." Both Cody and Keith looked up as someone shouted their names. "I think they're wanting to put us to work peeling potatoes, or something," Keith mumbled. "As long as I don't have to mow the lawn, I'm happy. We don't have many lawns up North," he said, in a dry voice. "Polar bears make such a mess of 'em." "You're kidding, right?" Cody laughed. "Polar bears?" "Hey, I love it!" Keith said, resting an arm over Cody's shoulders, as they joined the other men. "I made you laugh! And . . . you're right. I've only seen a Polar Bear at the zoo." He leaned closer. "What sort'a work are we expected to do?" "Oh . . . newcomers are usually assigned to wash the windows, and stuff like that," Cody answered, with a mischievous smile, which surprised everyone watching. "No! You're joking! Wash windows? F'real?" Keith asked, his voice carrying to the others, who were now smiling in amazement, at Cody's carefree laughter. "It's either that or mow the lawn," he said, then joined the other guys, as they laughed and joked. "Whew! That was rough," Keith murmured, as he stepped close to Jak, welcoming the strength of his partner's arm around his waist. "You were absolutely wonderful," Jak murmured. "I've never heard him laugh." "I was describing trying to get into that swimsuit you insisted I buy." "Oh, didn't I tell you? No one wear's swimsuits, around here." "You're serious?" he asked. "We're gonna get naked?" "Sounds good t'me." Ron's shouted response made Keith realize how loud he'd been. "Same here," Daniel added, without looking up, as he set plates on the table. Cody spoke, from where he stood, watching Dave tend the grill, and feeling part of the group for the first time. "Me, too. Naked's good." "Keep your clothes on, at least until you've had dinner," Dave shouted, turning from the grill. "We don't want Keith to think we're all a bunch of exhibitionists, or something." "Wouldn't bother me any," Keith said, in a nonchalant voice, as he picked up a stalk of celery from a nearby vegetable tray, biting into it with a snap. When he looked up and saw everyone watching him, he added, "I'll feel right at home." He nonchalantly pointed to Jak with the green stalk. "Soren's one of those no-clothes sort'a guys, y'know. I'm used to it." When he saw Jak looking at him in amazement, he winked, then turned to everyone. "Celery anyone?" * * * Jak held Keith close, as they leaned on the darkened hotel room balcony and watched the fireworks in the distance. "What you were able to do today, with Cody, was amazing." Keith scooted closer and linked fingers with his partner, as they leaned on the hotel room balcony, both men reveling in the night's warmth. "How I was able to keep from freaking as I met all those guys, then had to strip naked in front of 'em, as we hung around the pool, was more amazing. Somehow, in my wildest imaginings, I never expected I'd be naked with those guys." "You handled that beautifully, too." "Yeah, well, it's a good thing no one wanted to have an erection contest. Daniel's dick was . . . enormous . . . and he wasn't even hard! Sheesh! I was so nervous I don't think anything would be able to get me hard . . . including you. And that's saying something." He shook his head in amazement. "Everyone's so casual about being naked! I guess it shouldn't surprise me, but, geez, I'm sort'a in culture shock, or something." "Now that you've met the guys, do you feel better about yourself? Can you finally believe it when I tell you that you are no different from them? You could very easily be one of them . . . a model, I mean." "Um . . . no thanks." Keith leaned his head on Jak's shoulder. "I'm a one-person sort'a guy. Since I love you, I don't think I could have sex with someone else, even if it was only part of a job. That doesn't mean there's anything wrong with you, because you're able to do that . . . only that we're different. Now . . . having sex with you in front of other people . . . like with your Dad and Rex . . . that was cool." "Did you notice all the covert looks as you stripped-off, then jumped in the pool?" Jak turned, looking puzzled, as the corners of his lips quirked. "Were you trying to make the biggest splash ever known, on purpose?" he asked, kissing Keith's cheek. "No, but," he grinned, "but, I was feeling so good, 'cause I was handling everything okay. The guys were accepting me as just another guy. I can't tell you, Jak, how good it feels to not have a single one of the things I was fearing, happen. "I know. You've been telling me all along that I was imagining things, but. . ." Keith shook his head in amazement. "Thank you for sticking with me and not throwing up your arms in disgust at all my insecurities." He nuzzled Jak's neck. "You're the reason I was able to survive today. "It was so frippin' cool to be lounging around the pool with all the guys, naked as the day we were born, and to see Ron and Daniel kissing Cody, as the three of 'em rolled around on one of those big mattress-things. That was cool. I was the lucky guy, though," Keith continued. "I was the one being kissed by you." Jak tightened his embrace. "I enjoyed watching Levi and Dave get friendly. They've both been having a rough time of it, since Pete left. It was nice to see them more relaxed around one another." "Is this pool-thing a normal part of every one of your trips? I mean, hanging around naked n'all?" "No, not normal, though none of the guys I've met are the least bit shy about being naked around each other. Seeing Levi and Dave lounge around naked, though, that is unheard of. Until today, I've never seen Levi and Dave naked, in anything like a sexual situation. Both he and Levi are lookers aren't they? I wonder why Dave isn't still doing vids. He's awesome." "I was surprised all the guys only kissed, and rolled around. I figured they'd be wanting to have sex. Did they stop themselves because of me?" Jak laughed. "No, the guys don't usually have sex with one another, outside of their vids, especially when two of them are scheduled to appear in a vid tomorrow." He thought a moment. "At least, I don't think they have sex. I don't hang around 'em, especially since we're at different hotels. I figure we're all at different hotels just to keep that sort'a thing from happening." "Different hotels? Sounds like a lot of trouble to go to, to keep the guys apart. I mean, if they wanna have sex with someone, they'll find a way, whether it's with one of the other models, or someone else." Jak shrugged. "Like I've told you, I don't really know what goes on with the other guys." "If I wasn't with you tonight, would you have been part of all the kissing n'stuff?" "I guess so. Like I said, though, this is the first time something like this has happened . . . at least the kissing and rolling around part." Jak studied the naked man, next to him. "Were you bothered by me kissing the guys when they showed up?" Keith thought a moment. "Ummmm, not as much as I thought I might be. It was sort'a weird, watching you, feeling Dave and Levi's eyes on me." "Their eyes?" "Yep, I could feel 'em . . . four little hot spots, on my back, wondering if I was going to freak, or something. I'm proud of how far I've come since meeting you. The thing which helps, though, is knowing that after you finish kissing them, or . . . working . . . with them, you're going to be going home with me. I'll bet they're jealous as all get-out." Jak drew his partner to him, tenderly wrapping him in an embrace. "Oh baby, I love you so much, I . . . I can't tell 'ya." "Baby?" Keith murmured, feeling warmth suffuse him, at the name, as Jak nuzzled his neck. "You called me that earlier, back at the house." "Hmmmm. Does the word bother you?" Keith held his lover tightly and rested his head on Jak's shoulder, as they stood on the hotel room balcony, overlooking the city below. "No . . . not a bit." * * * Keith returned Ron's hug. "You treat him well, y'hear?" he mumbled, around a tight throat. "If he's returned to me with any broken pieces, or anything, I'll know who to blame." Keith made an impatient, dismissive gesture. "I'm sorry, I'm not making sense. That sounded like a threat. It wasn't." He took a shuddering breath. "This is sort'a hard on me, y'know? Being here, like this. I figured it would be . . . but . . ." "I'm sorry," Ron began. "No. Don't be. You've not done anything wrong. Neither has . . . Soren, so there's nothing to be sorry for. Okay?" he asked, staring Ron down until he got an acknowledging nod. "You're a lucky man," Ron murmured. "They don't come any nicer than . . . Soren. I'm also thinking he's awfully lucky, too, to be in love with you." Keith grinned crookedly, willing himself not to give in to his roiling emotions. "I know how lucky I am. I'd better go, though, otherwise I'll start crying, or something, and I don't want to do that." He did his best to laugh. "I won't tell you to have a good time, though." Ron smiled. "Understood." He watched, in silence, as Keith took a few steps, paused, wiped his eyes, straightened his shoulders, then waved to Daniel, who was waiting for him across the lawn. Daniel acknowledged the wave. "Y'doin' okay?" he asked, as Keith approached. The blond man sniffed and tried to smile. "Yeah, pretty good. I knew this would be rough, and, to be truthful, it's actually not as bad as I imagined. I'm glad . . . Soren's not hanging about, though, asking how I'm doing. I don't think I could handle that. We'd both end up feeling rotten." "I imagine this is difficult on him, too," Daniel said. He gestured to some shady chairs. "I won't touch you, and tell you things will turn out okay. If you're anything like me, whenever I'm on the edge, like you, being held by someone who cares, would push me over, and I'd be crying like a baby, f'sure. So . . . here . . . a gift," Daniel said, handing Keith a baseball cap, twin to his own, only emblazoned with a big letter K. I hope we can be good friends." Keith examined the cap, as one of his eyes overflowed. "Thanks, Daniel. This is great." He swiped at his eye, slipped on the cap, then gave Daniel a quick kiss on the cheek. "Now, if the tour guide is ready, the tourist is all set to head out and see the world . . . or at least the city . . . or whatever it is you would like to show me. I've got my camera, so be prepared to be in lots of pics." "Pics are great. Since I'm wearing clothes, though, no one's gonna recognize me." "Then, they'll have a chance to learn you're just as cute, dressed, as you are undressed." Daniel's eyes widened slightly, as Keith continued. "Are we gonna see the ocean? I mean, can I step in the water n'all?" Daniel burst out laughing. "We can do whatever you like. Soren's likely to be in a couple photo shoots during the next few days, so the two of us will have plenty of time to see the sights and play in the ocean. Sound good?" he asked, turning a mischievous glance in Keith's direction, as they headed toward the driveway where Levi's red sports car was waiting. "Cody and Ron are all jealous, y'know?" "Huh? Why?" "Because I get to escort the cute guy around town."
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