T I T L E
          LEARNING THE ART OF LIVING
F A N D O M
          Hewligan (Foolproof/The First To Go)
P A I R I N G
          Larry Yeager/Peter Cole
R A T I NG
          NC-17
W O R D   C O U N T
          23,833 words
S U M M A R Y
Unsure of his job and himself, Larry goes on vacation to think about the direction he wants his life to take and to find distraction. Frustrated after a few rejections, he tries a phone sex line. Peter is not only male, but surprises him in other ways, not the least of which is wanting to meet Larry in person. As his vacation with Peter passes by, Larry realizes that instead of a simple flirt, he might have found exactly the direction in life he needed.

W A R N I N G S
(highlight to read) phone sex, working for a phone sex line, masturbating to porn (f solo, f/f), masturbating to thoughts of het sex, use of sex toys, homophobia

N O T E S
Many thanks to my wonderful betas bluespirit_star and mezzo_cammin for their corrections and very helpful notes! Spoilers - All of what happened to Larry in Foolproof.


~*~

"No, thank you." She smiled at him, but it looked vaguely embarrassed, with a touch of pity.

Larry watched as she got up, her red bikini top standing out on her fair skin, a nicely patterned, semi-transparent fabric draped around her waist. She didn't even look back, probably trying to put some distance between them in case he was one of those people who couldn't take a hint.

He could take a hint. He had taken the hint. From her and two women before her. He'd arrived less than three hours ago and already regretted taking this vacation. He had no idea what he'd been thinking.

Actually, that wasn't true. Larry paid for his drink and got up, deciding to go for a walk. He'd look less pathetic that way than when he kept sipping on his drink at the bar alone.

It had sounded like a great idea. After repeated interviews with his management and the police, he'd been able to convince them that he hadn't done anything wrong, other than being stupid enough to fall for a woman who'd taken him home and spent what was probably the most amazing night of his life with him—without realizing that her only reason for doing so was to keep him away from his office that night.

They had neither fired nor charged him with anything, but after the press jumped onto the story, reactions of his co-workers ranged from pity to humiliating jokes. There was also the remaining doubt about whether he had given Sandi his number code, entranced by her feminine wiles.

He hadn't exactly been the most popular guy in the company, but he'd never felt like a pariah before, the person that walked into a room only to have everyone stop talking. He'd been ready to throw in the towel and quit, but instead he'd decided to take a vacation and think it over. His travel agent had suggested a beach near San Francisco for a bit of sun and distraction, and at that point he'd only cared that it was far away from his co-workers, other acquaintances and the local newspapers that wouldn't stop printing articles about the case.

He'd felt good, getting out of the taxi and watching scantily clad beautiful women walk by, but after freshening up and changing into a more casual shirt and beige pants, it soon became clear that as so often happened, he'd be relegated to simply watching those women.

Larry tried not to think of the night with Sandi. He didn't consider himself bad looking and he was intelligent and rich, but an absolutely gorgeous stranger throwing herself at him in that way should have made him suspicious. Instead, he'd fallen hook, line and sinker when she'd wanted to spend the night with him and proceeded to blow, rub and fuck him out of his mind, all the while telling him that she usually didn't do this, and that there was just something about him that made her feel so close to him.

It was bad enough that he'd fallen for her. He took pride in his quick thinking and analytical mind, but what was worse than having been duped by what was essentially a con artist, was that he still remembered that night fondly and some part of him longed to have that back, not just the sex, but feeling wanted like that, being liked like that. His brain seemed to be unable to communicate to his libido and heart that none of that night had been real. Well, except the things Sandi had done with her hands and her tongue and her—

Oh God, there he went again. This needed to stop.

After his three unsuccessful attempts to forget about Sandi with a nice one-night-stand here in Reynard Beach, Larry was ready to give up for the day. He'd pull himself together tomorrow and make the best of this vacation, but today, he'd go for the kind of distraction that he knew would work.

He didn't have his computer with him, plus he wasn't sure the hotel offered the kind of broadband access necessary for the webcam sites he preferred, but his room had a DVD player and he recalled seeing a sex shop on the ride to the hotel, so a nice movie or two would have to do. Since it wasn't far—and he didn't want to ask a taxi to take him to the sex shop—he decided to walk there.

Larry preferred to order his porn via the internet, but a thousand miles from home there was no chance that he'd run into anyone who knew him, so he swallowed the embarrassment and went in.

The sex shop looked pretty bright and open, and he didn't seem to be the only tourist inside. He walked straight to the videos, browsing through the selection and picking out a few. There were solo videos with women getting themselves off for his viewing pleasure and though it lacked the interactive component that he got when he called in to a webcam site, the women certainly looked tempting. There was also some lesbian sex, and two women at once wasn't a bad idea either.

What he did skip was anyone who reminded him of Sandi, and also the usual porn. Right now, looking at those guys with their big cocks just made him feel inadequate. He didn't usually have that problem and tended to enjoy the guys in the movies as part of the whole performance. Today, though, he wanted to avoid anything that reminded him that he'd likely never get a woman like Sandi who wasn't after his money or something else, because they could get someone who looked like those guys.

In the end he went for one disc of each. A nice redhead by herself and a brunette and a redhead going at it. He didn't even blush when he paid. He felt slightly better when he stepped out of the shop. At least, he was going to have a nice relaxing evening. It didn't even bother him when a guy outside handed him a bright yellow flyer.

For a good time, call 555-8657988!

Larry just slipped the flyer in his discreet bag with the DVDs. Now he even had a back-up plan if he did want a bit of interaction on top of the visuals.

He left the bag in his room and had dinner in the hotel restaurant. None of the women paid any attention to him, but he didn't let it get to him, thinking of a nice long jerk-off session in his room.

After dinner, he locked himself in his room and unbuttoned his shirt and pants. He got out of his shoes, started the film and sat down on the bed, one hand on the remote control, the other slipping to his dick.

He wanted to take his time and just cupped his dick through his briefs at first, watching as the star slowly undressed and rubbed herself.

Her skin was pale. She had large but not absurdly huge breasts with nice rosy nipples. Larry's dick hardened in his briefs as she kneaded her breasts. Her mouth was half-open in lust, and she was kneeling on a bed, legs stretched apart to reveal half-transparent panties.

Larry watched her play with her breasts and make breathy sounds. The camera traveled from her breasts, down her flat stomach to her panties and what was hidden beneath. When the camera moved back up, Larry really wished he could tell her to undress.

He decided to fast-forward until she did, lightly rubbing his dick. She got out of her panties and began to rub her neatly trimmed pussy. Larry pushed down his own briefs and took his dick in his hands.

She began to moan more loudly on screen, but Larry found it hard to get into it. He pushed off the pants completely along with his briefs, hoping it was just the restriction that distracted him, but as he let his hand run up and down his growing erection, he realized that it was her.

With the webcams he liked to watch, the women concentrated on him, trying to get him off. This was like watching someone masturbate, or rather being invited to do so, because there was no doubt that she put on a show, but still it didn't feel like it was about him.

He fast-forwarded a bit until she was close to coming. Larry liked listening to women come or pretending to do so—he wasn't delusional enough to think it was real. And hearing her being so vocal was a turn-on, making his erection grow from half-mast to full. But in the end it wasn't enough to get him off.

There was another scene, which seemed to involve a dildo, but Larry decided to give the lesbians a try.

They were pretty hot, no doubt about it, but even as Larry watched them kiss and touch, he felt like a voyeur, almost like he was ntruding. He knew that this was ridiculous since the whole point of this bit of porn was for others to watch and get off on it. But it didn't feel right to him. He wasn't part of what they were doing.

His mind drifted off to the night with Sandi. Without really wanting to, he sped up the movement of his hand on his dick, jerking himself off more quickly, remembering how she'd ridden him, calling out his name as if he was the greatest thing that had ever happened to her.

Larry came, hating himself just a little bit for getting off on that memory of her. He wiped himself with a tissue and switched off the DVD.

This was pathetic. It was half-past eight, he was on vacation, and he couldn't even masturbate in a way that was really satisfying. He thought of Sandi again, of that night that all others would have to compare to and could only fail.

Larry took a deep breath. He decided to get dressed and go for a walk. He could use the fresh air and he needed to get this vacation and his whole life in perspective.

~~

It was warm outside. He walked out onto the beach. The sun was just setting and for a moment Larry forgot about everything else and only enjoyed how breathtaking it looked. The colors that painted the whole sky orange red became deeper and darker. At least his trip here hadn't been a complete waste of time.

As the last of the light disappeared and the artificial light of the beach took over, Larry continued his walk. It hadn't been just the amazing sex that had made the night with Sandi so unforgettable. He could get off by himself, or with the visual and auditory aid of one of the webcam women.

But Sandi had given him a glimpse into more. Being with her had been easy. Every wish that she'd whispered into his ear, every offer she'd made had been fulfilled an instant later. His previous relationships had never been like that. He'd always struggled with his girlfriends' expectations. He'd wanted to make them happy, but he had never quite figured out how to do it. And at the same time he'd felt that they couldn't make him happy either.

The best relationship he'd ever had had been in university with a fellow student. Linda had been a bit of a hippie, wearing her hair as long as her skirts were. They could spend hours talking about nothing in particular and back then he hadn't felt the weight of expectations that had made subsequent relationships more difficult.

Linda had wanted to go to Europe after getting her degree, while Larry had found a job. They'd split as friends, and while Larry had no regrets and didn't wish they'd done things differently, he sometimes longed to have that again. Once he'd started at his high-paying job, people started to see him in a different way.

Money was a blessing, of course, and he was well aware that he could count himself lucky, but sometimes he'd felt that the women he'd met had never quite seen beyond the status that his job and wealth afforded him. It wasn't even just them. He had expectations as well. He wanted his girlfriend and possible future wife to be smart and pretty. He needed to be able to bring her to official functions, but at the same time some part of him had wished for someone who'd be carefree enough to spontaneously start a food fight when they were cooking.

None of the women he'd dated had been like that though. He'd always felt that something was missing in his relationships even though he'd never been able to say what exactly. With Sandi everything had felt just right. And then it had turned out to be a lie, and Larry's insecurity about relationships had returned full force.

He didn't want to wallow in self-pity. He was nice, intelligent, had money and he'd been told he had a sense of style if he cared to dress up. He was a decent catch. He just wasn't .... Thoughts of Sandi and Linda came back to the forefront of his mind.

He would really do better to forget about Sandi. Nothing she'd made him believe had been real, and there was no point in mourning something that had never existed in the first place. Linda, however, had genuinely liked him. He wanted to believe that the man she'd seen back then was still somewhere inside him. But looking back at his relationships over the years and his most recent failures in even asking a woman out on a drink earlier today made it hard.

It was getting pretty dark, and the night had cooled down enough for him to want to return to his expensive, but lonely hotel room. He couldn't help but wonder if that was going to be his life.

He shook his head and told himself to stop. His life had been pretty great just a month ago. He could get another job. And just because he didn't have a girlfriend didn't have to mean he had no sex. The DVDs hadn't worked out so great for him today, but there were other options. He remembered the flyer with the phone sex line.

Maybe that was what he needed. Someone who'd care about nothing but to get him off. And if she only did it for money, at least it would be an honest deal, unlike Sandi. It would be a perfectly reasonable transaction between adults. Larry entered the hotel, shushing the voice in his head that told him that it was pathetic.

~~

Larry sat down on the bed, setting the telephone nearby along with the flyer with the phone number. He didn't immediately call. If there was one thing that would be more humiliating than having to pay someone to get you off, it was doing so and failing to actually get off.

So he unbuttoned his pants and slid his hand into his briefs, taking his dick in his hand. He slowly started to move up and down, conjuring images of the women on the web that he liked to jerk off to. He really should have thought to bring his laptop, but of course, he hadn't thought he'd need it for this.

Regrettable as the lack of actual images were, Larry had quite a good memory and he could imagine a woman undressing for him, doing what he liked, trying to turn him on. As his dick hardened he sped up the movement of his hand, picturing his fantasy woman touching herself for him.

His dick definitely enjoyed the images, and Larry was grateful that things weren't completely hopeless and he could still get it up without thinking of Sandi, even for the second time in one evening.

For a moment he considered just continuing, but the flyer invited him to call. He could really use a good time right about now. Leaving one hand in his briefs, Larry dialed the number on the flyer.

"What can I do for you?" answered a low, seductive voice. A male low, seductive voice.

The hand on Larry's dick stopped stroking. "This is not happening," he said, mostly to himself. He'd worked on convincing himself that it would be perfectly fine to call a phone sex line on his vacation, that it wasn't a sign of how disastrous the state of his love life was. "This is pathetic. I can't even get a woman to accept a drink from me. I can only get off thinking about a woman who lied to me for literally criminal purposes. And now I'm not just the kind of guy who has to pay for sex, people apparently also think I'm gay." Larry didn't expect any sympathy. He didn't even know why he'd said it aloud. Maybe it just needed to be said. The guy on the phone would hang up now for sure, leaving Larry completely alone in his misery.

Except he didn't. "Hey! There's nothing wrong with being gay," came the voice again, sounding annoyed this time rather than seductive.

Larry was shocked both by the change in voice, the fact that the guy hadn't just hung up and then by the realization that he was right. "I, yes, of course," Larry quickly conceded. "I didn't mean it in that way."

"Uhum," the guy on the phone sound, sounding anything but convinced.

"No, look, I'm not like that. I don't think there's anything wrong with being gay," Larry said. He prided himself in being a tolerant, rational person.

"You just don't want anyone to think that you are," the guy said.

"When it comes to my sex life, yes. Oh God. Is this why I can't find a woman? Do I ping people's gaydar?" Larry thought back to the women complimenting his sense of style. Surely women wouldn't think he was gay just because he dressed well on occasion.

"Don't worry. To me you sound like just another oh so open-minded heterosexual, who's tolerant of gays as long as it's not their sons and daughters or—"

"That is not true," Larry insisted. "I was happy when they legalized same-sex marriage and I think it's stupid to have to wait another two years."

There was a moment of silence. "Where are you from?"

"Toronto," Larry said. "I really didn't mean it that way. I was just .... I had a very, very bad couple of weeks, and I came down here to get laid, but I had to resort to watching porn, which I didn't even enjoy all that much. And then it turns out that the guy who was handing out these flyers must have thought I was gay and it just .... You know what? You're right. It shouldn't bother me at all. And I'm sorry. I'm not .... I hope that I'm not homophobic and that I have never and will never again do something that would prove otherwise."

"You know, actually it pisses me off when people just assume I'm heterosexual, so I get how you felt. You just sounded very defensive," the guy said, sounding much more understanding now.

"And I was, so you weren't out of line to call me on what I said," Larry said.

"I've heard much worse, believe me. I've told them not to use those flyers, but I guess they didn't remember to tell people not to distribute them except in gay bars. Honestly, those guys who hand out the flyers only want to distribute them as quickly as possible, so I doubt he actually thought about whether you were gay or not," the guy said almost consolingly.

Larry wondered about that. "Are you trying to make me feel better?" he asked.

"Did I?" the guy asked.

"I'm not sure, really. But I have to say this conversation has been the most interesting part of my vacation so far."

"You're welcome," the guy said easily. "It's been the most interesting part of my day, too."

"Yes, I imagine it's different. I guess not many heterosexuals call by accident and keep talking," Larry mused.

"Well, that depends on what you mean by accident. Some guys use phone sex as a safe way to indulge in their gay fantasies."

"Hmm, yes, I imagine some would." He himself saw phone sex, with or without web cams, as a safe way to involve others in his sex life for money. He'd never gone to a prostitute and had never been tempted by it.

"Have you ever thought about it?" the guy asked, voice slightly playful.

Larry almost said no without thinking. Despite his lack of success in relationships with women, he considered himself heterosexual. But given his earlier reaction, he wanted to make sure that he wasn't once again being defensive.

He'd been pretty awkward as a teenager, and the idea of sex with another person had been more likely to make him nervous than turn him on. At university he'd concentrated on work, but of course he'd had thoughts of sex and he'd enjoyed being with Linda.

Thinking of those nights in bed when he'd masturbated, he now recalled a certain curiosity about gay sex. He'd felt it was natural and being with Linda had confirmed to him that despite recognizing that men could be attractive, he wanted to be with a woman. He didn't recall having fantasies after that, even though he still thought of some men as attractive. But now as then, it seemed like a natural thing to him. Women had no problem appreciating the looks of other women without being lesbians.

"A long time ago, yes," Larry told the guy truthfully.

"What did you imagine?" the guy asked. Larry noted that his voice was getting deeper again.

"Are you trying to seduce me?" he asked the guy, having to grin at the thought. This was getting surreal.

"Is it working?" the guy asked, definitely seductive.

Larry had to snort.

"If you don't want to, that's okay, but since you called and all, I just thought I'd offer something worth your money," the guy said.

Larry didn't think too much about how long he'd spent on the phone so far for 1.69 US$ per minute. He could afford it. And he hadn't lied when he'd said that this conversation had been the most interesting part of his vacation so far. This would make it even more memorable.

He took hold of his neglected dick again. "I suppose we could see how it goes," Larry said, flushing a bit at the thought of engaging in gay phone sex.

"Are you naked?" the guy asked, voice low again.

"No," Larry said. "But I've unbuttoned my pants and have one hand on my dick."

"You're not hard yet, though?"

"No, but I think it's getting into it," Larry said. He started stroking himself.

"What are you imagining?" the guy asked.

"Uhm. Nothing, really," he said truthfully. "I haven't done this before with a guy."

"Well, it's not all that different than with a woman," the guy said. "Imagine I'm there with you."

"Wait a second," Larry said. He pushed the flyer aside, moved the phone to the night stand and pushed off his shoes before lying on the bed. "Okay, I've lain down on the bed."

"Imagine me at the end of the bed, smiling down at you," the guy said.

Larry did, looking up at the imaginary person. He imagined a good-looking guy, the kind that he'd seen on the beach earlier. Muscled but not too buff, handsome face, brown hair, bare chest, wearing only swim trunks over muscular thighs. He was almost a bit too good-looking, but this was a fantasy after all. "Okay," Larry said, sounding a bit breathless.

"Am I naked?" the guy asked, amusement in his voice.

"Not yet. You're wearing swim trunks. But nothing else."

"Well, I hope I'm looking good," the guy said.

"Yeah," Larry said, stroking his hardening shaft a bit faster. "Wait. Should I get out of my pants?"

"Let me do it," the guy said.

"So you have telekinetic powers?" Larry couldn't help asking.

"I promise I only use my powers for good," the guy answered.

Larry had to smile. "How are you going to undress me?"

"First I'll crawl onto the bed, between your legs," the guy said.

Larry widened his stance, giving his fantasy guy more space. It tightened the pants around his hand, stilling it, but he was hoping he wouldn't be wearing them for too long anyway. He imagined the guy crawling closer, looking a bit predatory.

"Then I'll put my hands left and right of you and lean in close," the guy said.

Larry took a deeper breath. His hand squeezed his dick in anticipation.

"I'm moving closer but not enough to touch your lips with mine," the guy said, voice velvety.

A kiss. Larry wasn't sure he'd been expecting that. His previous phone sex experiences didn't involve a lot of kissing. At least not on the mouth. But then he was being seduced here.

"I'm waiting for you to close the distance," the guy said.

"Oh, you want me to ..." Larry stumbled out.

"You don't have to," the guy said. "If you want me to take charge, I can."

And fuck, this shouldn't turn him on so much. "No, I ..." Letting the guy take charge sounded more tempting than Larry would have thought, but he did want to participate. He just hadn't been sure that this was how they were going to do this. "I can do my part. Well, as long as I know what I'm doing," he added ruefully.

"You'll do great," the guy said, and Larry believed him.

"Okay, let's get back to .... You were leaning in close."

"Yes. My mouth is close to yours, my lips are parted, and I'm only waiting for you," the guy breathed.

"I'm looking at you and putting my hand on your arm. I run it up to your shoulder, to your neck."

"I can't wait to feel your lips on mine," the guy said.

"Neither can I. I close the distance between us, slowly." Larry imagined the kiss, a tentative press of lips on lips.

"I'm putting my hands on your face to deepen the kiss," the guy said.

Larry simply said, "Yes," picturing it.

"I want to touch more of you. What are you wearing?" the guy asked.

"Short-sleeved white shirt, beige pants, my briefs, which are getting pretty tight, and my socks. I've pushed off the shoes earlier. Oh, and my glasses," Larry told him.

"How much do you see without them?" the guy asked.

"Not enough to get in every detail," Larry answered. 'And I want to,' he left unsaid, even if it was just a fantasy.

"Then we'll leave them on. But I want to feel you. I keep kissing you, small kisses and long ones, deep ones. My hands run down your neck to the top button of your shirt. I kiss down your neck, where my hand went down before. For every button that I open, I kiss the new bit of skin I've exposed."

"Oh God," Larry said. He pulled his hand from his dick and started unbuttoning his shirt, touching his skin where his fantasy guy's mouth would be.

"I'm taking my time. Let me know when I'm done," the guy said.

Larry undid one button after another, imagining the fantasy guy's head moving down as he kissed Larry's chest. "I'm putting my hand in your hair," Larry said.

"I want to kiss you again. I keep unbuttoning the rest of your shirt, but my mouth is back on yours. I'm opening up for you."

"I'm pushing my tongue into your mouth," Larry said, finishing the last of his buttons. "I'm done. Are you getting me out of my shirt?"

"Let me enjoy the kiss for a moment," the guy said, staying silent for a few seconds in which Larry imagined them making out. "Now I'm parting your shirt," the guy continued. "But I'm not getting you out of it yet. I cup your face, then move my hand down your chest and stomach to your pants to check how hard you are."

"Pretty hard," Larry said. "Haven't touched myself while you kissed me."

"That's good," the guy said. "Let's give you some space. I'm putting my hands on the waistband of your pants and pull."

"Just the pants or the briefs too?" Larry asked.

"Both. I want to see you," the guy said.

"Okay," Larry said, trying to push off his pants with one hand. "One second." He tried to balance the phone between his head and shoulder, at the same time lifting his hips, but of course, the phone fell down. He quickly wriggled out of his pants and briefs, pushing them all the way off and dropping them to the ground. He hastily picked up the phone again. "I'm back. And naked. Well, apart from the socks and my shirt."

The guy snorted. "Do you want to keep on your socks?"

"No, I'll just ..." Larry removed them one by one, flinging them on the ground on top of his other clothes. "Okay, they're off. Do you want me to remove the shirt now?"

"No, I kind of like the idea of you wearing nothing but the shirt. Let me take a look at you," the guy said.

Larry felt a bit self-conscious, even if it was only an imaginary set of eyes checking him out. He was eating healthily and keeping in shape, but he did have a desk job and he was aware that he didn't compare to the fantasy guy he'd conjured up for this.

"Are your legs still spread for me?" the guy asked.

Larry moved them a bit further apart. "They are."

"I'm reaching out now and taking your dick in my hand," the guy said.

Larry took himself in hand.

"I'm beginning to stroke you, getting a good feel of your cock. I enjoy how it gets hard in my hand," the guy said.

Larry stroked himself, imagining a different hand touching him. The fantasy guy in his mind concentrated on his cock, using firm strokes to bring Larry to full hardness. He moaned.

"Yes. Let me hear you. How hard are you? Still just 'pretty hard'?" the guy asked.

"No," Larry said, breathing heavily. "Faster please," he said, speeding up his movement.

"Okay," the guy said. "I can do fast. Fast and hard. Do you like it?"

"Yes," Larry panted, jerking himself off. He imagined the guy really working his cock.

"But don't come yet," the guy interrupted him.

"Why not?" Larry said, continuing the quick up and down of his hand on his dick.

"I want you to come in my mouth," the guy said.

Larry groaned, hips lifting up, phone slipping from his hand as he imagined thrusting into his fantasy guy's mouth. "Oh God, oh God." The idea of pushing into his tight, wet mouth pushed him over the edge. He came all over his hand, chest and stomach.

Still trembling from the intense orgasm, Larry lay on the bed, completely boneless, panting. As soon as he felt that he could move again, he picked up the phone. "That was ..."

"You liked it?" the guy asked.

"Oh, yes," Larry said, still catching his breath.

"I'm glad you did," the guy said.

"Best part of my vacation," Larry said. "And of my life lately," he realized with a sigh. "God, I'm pathetic. Not that— I mean I appreciate what you did and .... I'm just in a bad place right now."

"Do you want to talk about it?" the guy asked.

Larry wondered. Did he want to talk about his problems with a stranger for 1.69 US$ a minute? Unfortunately he didn't have anyone else who'd listen. "I think so," he said, not saying anything more, though. He wasn't quite sure how to begin.

"Did she rob you? The woman who lied to you?" the guy asked, sounding actually concerned.

Larry vaguely recalled mentioning that in his self-pitying rant. "No. Well, not exactly. It's a bit complicated. Her job was to make sure that I wouldn't be in my office that night. And she did it perfectly." Larry couldn't keep the bitterness from his voice. Though he felt slightly better, now that he'd come quite spectacularly without thinking of her.

"Did you get into trouble?" the guy asked.

"I didn't do anything wrong other than falling for a beautiful woman. We're still not quite sure how they got my code, but even those that think I was weak enough to tell her, aren't pressing charges. But as you can imagine, everyone at the office keeps making jokes. I've been thinking about leaving the company, but I wanted to give it some thought."

"So you went on vacation," the guy said.

"Yes," Larry confirmed. "The travel agent said it would be lovely. Beautiful women and scenery. He made it sound like I'd have to fight off the women. I usually give such things more thought ..."

"But you just wanted to get away," the guy concluded for him.

"Yes," Larry admitted.

"Do you like your job?" the guy asked.

Larry hesitated for a moment. "If you mean the work that I do, yes, I enjoy that."

"Then I say screw the others," the guy said. "They'll find someone else to tease in no time. Just ignore them and it will stop being entertaining for them."

Larry hadn't quite looked at it like that. He'd been too intent on watching like a hawk when the next attack would come. And he'd just been sick and tired of being reminded of what had happened. It was mostly that he hated himself for falling for Sandi. "You're right. It shouldn't be about them. Though ignoring it won't be easy. Nothing they say can make me feel as stupid as the fact that I didn't see through her lies."

"This wasn't the first time she did this, right?"

"No," Larry said. "I think the police said she does this for him all the time."

"Then she's a professional. She didn't ask you for that ... code it was, right? You didn't actually give her any information. You didn't let her rob your house. Those things might have been stupid, but why should you be suspicious about having sex with someone. If someone comes up to me and wants to have sex, I don't question them, I only think, 'Do I want them or not?' You did what any normal guy would do. Honestly, if you question the motives of everyone who sleeps with you, then that's kind of paranoid, don't you think?"

"Uhm." Larry thought about this. He'd never really considered how he should have reacted. But the guy was right. He'd been attracted to Sandi. Why should he have rejected her advances? The self-pitying side of him would say that he should have known that a woman like her wouldn't want him, but he'd had girlfriends, and while it hadn't lasted with any of them, they'd genuinely wanted to be with him. Sandi had faked everything they'd had in common, but if it had been true, it wouldn't have been unthinkable for her to like him enough to sleep with him that night. And why should he have turned her down then? "You might be right," Larry admitted. He wasn't quite ready to just accept what had happened as bad luck, but he was beginning to realize that the whole thing had put a much greater damper on his self-confidence than it should.

"I'm sure I am. Look at the way things really are. She didn't get away with this. You, on the other hand, still have a job you enjoy, and you're on vacation at a nice place with beautiful women and other great scenery," the guy said.

"You really are one of those the glass is half full people, right?" Larry asked, a small smile making its way on his face.

"There's no point in whining so much about what you don't have that you're forgetting about what you do have," the guy said. "Not that you were whining. You had some really shitty things happening to you, and it's understandable that you're not happy about it. Just don't let it get to you. You're on vacation. Have fun!"

Larry had to laugh. "You're right. And it's very nice here, even if I should have known that the beach is not my thing."

"You're on the beach? Which one?" the guy asked, sounding interested.

"Reynard Beach," Larry answered.

"But that's awesome! Damn, I miss the beach. Surfing, swimming, sun bathing. What's not to love?" the guy said. And suddenly he even sounded more Californian to Larry's ears.

"To me, all of that actually. It's not that I don't like nice weather, but I get sunburned very quickly and I can't surf."

"Use sunscreen and get under an umbrella. And you didn't say you can't swim," the guy pointed out.

"No, I didn't. I can."

"Well, then you've got a plan," the guy said.

"Yes. Yes, I do," Larry said, realizing that it was true. He felt a lot better about the prospect of waking up the next day. "Thank you," he said sincerely. "For ... you know."

"The sex," the guy said with amusement in his voice.

"Yes," Larry said, running his free hand through the mess on his chest. He'd have to take a shower soon. "And for listening."

"You're welcome," the guy said.

Time to hang up, Larry realized. He didn't want to. "Uhm. Listen. Is there ... is there a way to get you again? I mean when I call this number? If I want to be seduced again in a day or two?" He didn't know why he felt so nervous about asking. It wasn't as if they were dating. He'd paid the guy for every minute on the phone. But it still felt personal.

"Not really. Sorry," the guy said. And he did sound as if he regretted it. "And I'm not always on. Actually, I'm mostly doing this in the afternoon. I just had time this evening."

"I understand. I wasn't—"

"No, I appreciate it. I enjoyed talking to you too," the guy said. Larry couldn't help thinking that for 1.69 $US he had no reason not to. But then the guy said, "Most other guys just want to pant obscenities or want me to do it. And I'm fine with that, don't get me wrong. It's just nice to feel like you're a person talking to another person."

"Yes," Larry said. He got that. He looked at the discarded DVDs. He really got that. "I'm Larry," he said suddenly.

"Peter," the guy on the phone said.

"I guess I should let you continue now, Peter."

"Yeah. Actually, I think I'll sign off now. End the day on a high note and all that. And I still have to finish this painting."

"You paint?" Larry asked.

"Uhm, yes," the guy—Peter—said. "We do personalized images in different styles. You send in a photo, and we paint you as a pin-up or a historical figure, that sort of thing. We have different images and styles to choose from. I also do my own art but that doesn't quite pay the rent so far, so right now I paint for money and the phone sex goes quite well with that, because mostly I can do both at the same time. It adds up to quite a nice hourly income and gives me time to work on my own things."

"Sounds like a good way to balance paycheck and vocation," Larry said. It also sounded pretty intriguing. He was glad that Peter had given him that little glimpse into his life.

Peter didn't say anything for a moment. "Have a great vacation, Larry," he eventually said, more seriously than Larry would have expected of him.

"I will," Larry said, feeling like he was making a promise. "Good luck with the painting, Peter." When nothing else came, he hung up.

~~

Larry tried to be more positive the next day and to actually enjoy his vacation. He wasn't the kind of guy who always saw the upside in everything, the way he suspected Peter might. But he wasn't a pessimist either. He was a realist. He judged things by their practicality, and it was plain and simply the best decision not to wallow in self-pity and too high expectations.

The morning after he'd called Peter, Larry had a nice breakfast on the terrace of the hotel restaurant. The weather was really beautiful, and after going to his room again to put on a generous amount of sunscreen, he went outside to take a walk.

There were a lot of people sunbathing, and Larry enjoyed the eye candy, making sure not to stare. He didn't want to be one of those creepy guys, plus he wasn't planning on trying to pick someone up. If someone gave him a signal, that was another thing, but unlike yesterday he wasn't going to force it.

He did check out guys too. He didn't have second thoughts about his gay fantasy sex of last night. In fact, he felt a little thrill go through him as he remembered it. He'd never had a problem with considering some guys attractive. Now that he was here at Reynard Beach, which was pretty gay friendly, he was willing to take that attraction as more than just an observation. It felt natural, actually, and while relationships had been problematic for Larry, he'd never questioned his sexual tastes. He didn't necessarily want to hook up with a guy, but he felt free to look. In particular, he couldn't help wonder if Peter looked like any of the guys on display here. He'd sounded like he knew this beach. The idea that any of the guys here could be the one he'd had phone sex with last night was exciting.

Although Larry knew that none of them were Peter. He recalled that Peter had envied him being here. He knew that he shouldn't think about Peter too much. He sounded like he could be any of the good looking guys here, but that didn't mean reality was the same. Larry was aware that his fantasy guy had been just that, a fantasy, except for the voice.

That voice that could be deep and sexy or a drawl or annoyed or surprisingly sincere. Larry thought about calling the number again that afternoon since Peter had mentioned that he was mostly on in the afternoons. But he'd promised him to try to enjoy himself, and while the phone sex with Peter had been very enjoyable, it was also the kind of thing that Larry could do at home.

He went to the town center instead, checking out what little in terms of sightseeing Reynard Beach had to offer. It wasn't much but it was different from Toronto, and Larry enjoyed simply seeing someplace else before he had to delve back into the daily grind.

He ate dinner in a very nice restaurant and even talked to the chef for a bit. When he got back to the hotel, he felt quite satisfied with the day and much more relaxed than he'd been the day before. Well, before the sex. Because that second time on the phone with Peter had left him light as a feather.

Larry went to bed early, not bothering with the DVDs this time. Instead, he started to stroke himself thinking about his fantasy image of Peter, what they'd done and what Peter had wanted to do with him next.

Larry came, spurting into an imaginary mouth.

~~

Larry held out for two and a half more days after that. He wanted to make the best of his vacation as he'd promised Peter. On the third day after he'd called Peter, he actually had a nice chat with a woman, who'd smiled at him as he walked by. To his surprise she even joined him for lunch.

He had a nice time talking to her. He didn't try anything else though, sensing that she wasn't a one-night-stand kind of person, and that was fine with him. She left that afternoon to return home and Larry went out to watch a movie in the Open Air theater that was not far from the beach and then have dinner in the most expensive restaurant in town.

It turned out that despite the price it wasn't the best, but Larry continued to go through the list of places that were recommended to him. Good food was like good sex. It stimulated not just all your senses, but also your mind.

He did think of Peter every night when he masturbated. He tried to imagine his web cam encounters, but the voice in his head would suddenly get deeper, and Larry automatically adjusted his imaginary partner to look like his fantasy guy.

On the fourth day, when Larry found himself in his room again in the afternoon, he finally broke down and decided to call the phone sex line again.

Six times he failed, getting three different guys, the first of which was starting to get annoyed when he got Larry the second time. "For 1.69$ you don't get to pick and choose," the guy had said, and Larry quickly hung up when it looked like he was going to start with the sex.

The seventh time—Larry had considered giving up, but couldn't bring himself not to try again—the deep and sexy "What can I do for you?" sounded familiar.

Larry remained silent, realizing that he hadn't thought in advance of what to say, and that what he'd done was kind of embarrassing, even if Peter would find it flattering. Larry hoped he'd find it flattering and not creepy.

"There's no need to be shy," Peter said invitingly. God, it felt good to hear his voice.

"Hey Peter," Larry managed to bring out.

"Larry," Peter said, sounding more normal again and also pleasantly surprised. So was Larry. He hadn't thought Peter would remember him without prompting.

"Yes," he simply said.

"How often did you have to try to get me?" Peter asked, a teasing note in his voice.

"Seven, including this one," Larry said.

"That's pretty flattering. I should tell my boss. Or actually not, since we're not supposed to talk to people. Did the others give you a hard time?" Peter asked.

"One guy didn't seem too happy. But can I ask? Why are you not supposed to talk to people? You're paid by the minute right? Isn't anything that gets them to stay on the phone good?" Larry had to ask.

"Theoretically yes. But if people talk to you it gets more personal and that can be problematic. It's more difficult for us, and we've had problems in the past with customers who ... well, they got jealous and then insulting, a few times even threatening. So now, if you want to talk, you have to take one of the more expensive numbers that will also get you to the specific person you want. For the basic service, you'll have to make do with whoever is on the line."

"Ah, okay. And you decided to do the basic service," Larry said.

"For a number of reasons, yes. With those customers that need a friend and not just a jerk off fantasy, you have to concentrate a lot more, and it gets hard to paint at the same time. Plus, I'd have to be available for an agreed upon schedule, and I prefer being flexible."

"I understand. Though what we're doing now and what we did the last time is talking," Larry pointed out.

Peter didn't say anything for a moment. Then he said impishly, "I like you."

Larry snorted. "I annoyed you with my homophobic rant."

"Well, yes, but you took it back, which is something which happens ... never, and that alone makes you worth talking to. And then it turns out you're a nice guy, who's never acted on his fantasies of being with another guy. Since I actually believe you, that was both sweet and something of a turn on."

"You don't believe others who tell you?" Larry asked.

"Not the 'Oh, I never do this, but please let me fuck your mouth hard' types. And honestly, I don't think all that much about it usually," Peter said.

"Usually," Larry repeated, pleased by the implication. He knew that Peter could be doing this with everyone who called but he sounded genuine enough, and despite his experience with Sandi, Larry didn't want to become too cynical.

"Uhum," Peter said in agreement, voice getting a bit deeper again. "So how are you doing? Having fun at the beach?"

"I'm not sure about the fun at the beach, but I had a much better time the last days. Saw a bit of the town. Went out to eat, and, yes, went to the beach a bit. So ... thank you, for pointing out it could be this way even if I don't meet a woman. Which I actually did. We had lunch together. Nothing more than that but it was nice."

"See, I knew it. Did you go swimming?" Peter asked.

"No," Larry admitted after a moment. Absurdly, he didn't want to disappoint Peter.

"Aww, Larry," Peter said, drawing out his name. "You've got a perfect beach out there. I honestly envy you. I miss the beach. It's just not the same here in Tahoe."

"Uhm. Should you be telling me where you live?" Larry asked, considering what Peter had told him before about people becoming threatening. Not that Larry planned to.

"What are you going to do? Knock on the door of every Peter in Tahoe? Plus, I trust you not to be that kind of guy. You don't strike me as a stalker."

"Despite the seven tries," Larry said wryly.

"Hey, I'm a great listener. I don't blame you one bit! So, any man catch your fancy?" Peter asked, sounding curious.

You, Larry thought but didn't say. He really didn't want to challenge Peter's impression that he wasn't a stalker, or difficult. Plus, it wasn't like Larry had fallen in love with him or anything. That would be ridiculous. "Not really," Larry decided to say. "There are quite a few good-looking guys, and yes, I looked, but I hadn't thought about actually ..." he trailed off, hoping Peter would get what he was saying.

"But on the phone?" Peter asked.

"Yes," Larry admitted. He had thought about that a lot.

"You want to do it again?" Peter asked. His deeper, more seductive voice was back.

"Yes," Larry said, swallowing.

"Can I tell you about my fantasy? What I'd like to do to you?" Peter asked.

"Yes," Larry breathed. His pants were already getting tight.

"Are you still dressed?" Peter asked, voice sounding still deep, but more commanding than seductive now. It turned Larry on.

"Yes," he said.

"Not for long," Peter said. "I'm quickly getting you out of your clothes, stripping you as fast as I can. No kissing today. Not yet. When I start, I don't want to stop until I feel you inside me. Go!"

Larry scrambled to obey. He didn't even try to balance the phone this time, setting it down to strip as quickly as he could, imagining Peter ripping the clothes from his body. He nearly tripped getting out of his pants with his shoes still on until he managed to get everything off, sending it flying through the room.

He hastily picked up the phone again, once he was done. "Okay," he said, out of breath, both from stripping and anticipation.

"I'm pushing you down on the bed, pinning you with my naked body, my hands on your wrists and then I'm kissing you hard," Peter said, sounding a little breathless himself, though still in control.

Larry moaned and let himself fall backwards on the bed. He imagined Peter on top of him, pinning him down, taking possession of his mouth. "Oh God," he said. This was unbelievably hot.

"I'm moving aside enough to tweak one of your nipples. Are you sensitive there?" Peter asked.

"A bit," Larry said, playing with his left nipple.

"I'm kissing along your jaw, down your neck. I'm pushing into you with my body. I'm getting hard. Can you feel it?" Peter said, panting.

"Yeah," Larry said, putting his flat hand on his hard dick, trying to simulate the pressure of another body.

"How hard are you?" Peter asked.

"Hard. Not close to coming yet, but getting there."

"Oh, you will, but not yet. Not until you're inside me," Peter told him.

Larry groaned again, thinking of sliding into his tight ass.

"Do you want that?" Peter asked.

"Yes," Larry breathed.

"I can't hear you," Peter said.

"Yes," Larry said louder. "I want to fuck you."

"I need to kiss you first," Peter said, and Larry imagined their mouths crashing together in a wild, wet kiss. "I'm going to prep myself now. Hold on a second."

Larry imagined Peter getting out lube and pushing a finger into himself. He could hear Peter's labored breathing, even little moans. God, he was good.

"This has to be enough," Peter said, sounding impatient.

For a second, Larry had to smile at the thought. How could you be impatient for something that wasn't going to happen? Or was the impatience simply also fake? But Larry didn't want to ruin his own fantasy. He concentrated on what Peter would have him do next.

"I'm straddling your thighs now and taking your dick in my hand. I'm stroking you, carefully, because I don't want you to come."

Larry took his dick in hand, not putting on too much pressure.

"I'm going to lube you up," Peter said.

Larry got his own lube from the night stand. He'd put it there before he'd called. He quickly squirted some on his hand and spread it over his erection, until it slid easily in his hand. "I'm ready," he said.

"Yes," Peter said. "I'm lifting up. I'm spreading myself with one hand, while the other holds you in place. I'm above you now. I can feel the head of your cock at my entrance. I'm pushing down."

Larry bit his lip, simulating the intrusion with his free hand.

"Oh, fuck!" Peter said with feeling. "You're inside me now. I keep pushing down. I want you deeper. I want you ..." He panted hard, making noises that were a mixture of moans and whimpers. "More, more. Oh yes. I've got you fully inside me now."

Larry held himself tightly now, imagining Peter on top and around of him. He could hardly breathe.

"Give me a second. I need to get used to this. Should have stretched myself more. But god, this is good," Peter said, and boy, he sounded like he really meant it.

Larry held still, the urge to start thrusting strong, but he held on, imagining Peter's face with closed eyes and an open mouth. "I'm cupping your face," Larry said without thinking.

Peter hesitated for a second. "I'm turning into it. I'm kissing your palm. I'm leaning forward to kiss you."

"I'm meeting you halfway," Larry said, lifting his upper body a bit to kiss an imaginary mouth.

"And now I'm going to ride you," Peter said after a moment. "I'm starting slow, letting you slip out almost completely before moving back down, taking in your whole cock. You're amazing."

"So are you," Larry said, moving his hand up and down his cock at a maddeningly slow speed.

"I'm moving faster. I want to feel you. Up and down. Up and down. I ..." Peter groaned.

"I'm thrusting up into you. God, you're so tight. I'm fucking you. I have my hands on your ass and I'm fucking you," Larry said, lifting his hips to thrust into his moving hand.

"Yes," Peter said. "Yes, yes, yes! Please touch my dick. Please, Larry."

"I'm touching your dick. I'm jerking you off hard."

"And I'm riding you hard. Hard and fast. I'm so close."

"Me too," Larry panted, his hand whipping up and down on his cock, hips still moving. "I'm going to ..."

"Not yet. Please. Just a bit ..." Then Peter groaned loudly, and Larry erupted over his hand on his chest and stomach, coming with a long drawn out moan.

After catching his breath a bit, he said, "Wow, that was amazing."

"Tell me about it," Peter said, panting.

"You ...?" Larry wasn't sure Peter was implying what he thought he was implying.

"Yeah," Peter said, still breathing heavily. "Just give me a minute. That was great."

Larry was suddenly taken aback. "You don't have to lie to me," he said. He'd wanted the perfect sex fantasy, but he didn't need Peter to lie to him now that it was over.

Peter didn't answer for a long moment. "I'm not," he eventually said. "Listen, the other day when you called me, I didn't do anything then. And I usually don't. I told you that I paint while I do this. I have a head set. But today .... This was my fantasy. I got into it. And I could feel how much you enjoyed it. And that made it even hotter. You don't have to believe me." But he wanted to be believed Larry could tell.

"I do. I just didn't expect it," Larry said.

"I know. And you shouldn't. You normally won't get it. And I'm betting there are guys who'd lie about it, but I'm not one of those guys. I just felt like it, and I knew you'd enjoy it."

"I really did. Thank you. Not just for that, but for ... trusting me I guess. And for what you told me the last time. To enjoy myself. It was good advice."

"I'm really just envious," Peter said. "It's been ages since I've been at the beach. Actually, I'm thinking I should take a few days off. I think I've earned it."

"Oh," Larry said, unable to hide his disappointment.

"What?" Peter asked.

"Nothing," Larry said. "It's just .... It was amazing with you and I would have liked to call you again. But I'm sure you deserve a vacation. I hope you have a great time."

"I'm sure I will. But just because I'm not here doesn't mean we can't do this again. You know what? If you give me your number, I'm gonna give you a call tomorrow night, okay?" Peter said.

Larry didn't know what to say. "Are you serious?" he eventually asked.

"I wouldn't have said it if I wasn't," Peter answered.

"Are you allowed to do that?" Larry asked.

"Of course not," Peter said, apparently not troubled in the least by the fact. "But what my boss doesn't know .... He keeps threatening to fire me but never does anyway."

"Okay," Larry said, still not sure he could believe this. He gave Peter the number of his hotel room.

"Got it, thanks. I'm not sure I'm gonna make it. I still have to pack, find a cheap hotel, that sort of thing."

"No, sure. I'd understand—"

"I'll really try," Peter said earnestly.

"Yes," Larry said. He wanted to believe him. "Good luck with packing and everything."

"Thanks. Phone sex tomorrow," Peter promised.

I hope, Larry thought. What he said was, "Goodbye."

"Bye, Larry," Peter said and hung up.

~~

Larry was nervous the rest of the evening and the next day. He tried to tell himself that it wasn't going to happen. He didn't even think that Peter had lied deliberately. But it was entirely possible that once he was at the beach, meeting good-looking guys or just enjoying the water, he would simply forget about Larry and the promise to call him. And that would be okay. Peter deserved a fun vacation, and Larry was sure that, unlike himself, Peter would have no problem enjoying himself here.

Despite trying to keep expectations low, Larry had an early dinner the next day and went to his room. He tried to kill some time, taking a shower, reading in a business journal he'd brought along on the flight, and pretending not to stare at the phone every other minute.

It would be a few hours still until he could say for sure that Peter wouldn't call. It was going to drive him crazy.

Larry was on his third attempt to read an article about emerging markets when the phone rang. He stilled, then put the magazine on the night stand and took a deep breath. Then he quickly picked up the phone.

"Hello?"

"Larry?" Peter asked.

"You called," Larry said, not hiding his surprise.

"I said I would," Peter said, as if he didn't know why Larry had doubted him. Maybe he really didn't.

"You said you'd try," Larry pointed out. "And I would have understood if you hadn't made it. This is your vacation after all. I'm sure you have better things to do than have phone sex with a stranger. Like real sex."

"First, you're not a stranger. Second, who says I can't have both?" Peter said, sounding flirty.

"Oh, you ..." Larry stopped himself. Of course, Peter had had sex on the day he arrived. Even if he was only average looking, he was outgoing and positive and self-confident in a way that Larry wasn't. Not to mention he had a really sexy voice if he tried.

"Yeah. I had sex with a pretty hot woman before lunch," Peter said, sounding dismissive about it. "I had lunch with her, but she was ... well, I don't want to be insulting. She was nice, but just not very bright. And there's only so much giggling I can take. But I went surfing this afternoon, which was great. And I was looking forward to calling you."

Larry didn't know what to say. Given their first conversation, he'd thought Peter was gay, not just "gay for pay". Plus, his fantasy the day before ...

"Larry?" Peter asked, sounding a bit worried.

"Sorry. I just hadn't expected you to ... with a woman," Larry admitted.

"Oh. Yeah. No, I'm bisexual. Equal opportunity player. Is that a problem?" Peter asked.

"No," Larry said immediately. "Of course not. Why would it be?"

"Well, didn't want you think I was just faking it yesterday. I didn't lie to you."

"Yes, I know," Larry said. He did know. "I just ... as I said, I didn't expect it."

"That's okay. There're still way too many people who can't grasp the fact that you might be equally into men and women. I'm glad you're not one of them."

"No, I ... I guess I'm even one of them. Not them, I meant, those that can't understand, but those that are like that, both into men and women." Larry cringed at his stumbled words.

Peter laughed. "I get it, Larry. So, what are you wearing right now?"

"Navy pants. Light blue shirt with mid-length sleeves. It's pretty warm here."

"Yes, I know," Peter said. Then he hesitated for a moment. "What do your eyes look like?"

"Blue. I'm wearing glasses most of the time."

"You mentioned that. Are you wearing them now?" Peter asked.

"Yes. But I can take them off," Larry offered.

"No, don't," Peter said. "What does your hair look like?"

"Light brown. Short. Very ordinary."

"I could run my hands through it," Peter said with a little sigh.

"I'd like that," Larry said, imagining the intimate touch, how close Peter would stand.

"What does your body— I mean ..." Peter trailed off.

"You want to know if I'm fat? Why else would I be calling phone sex lines, right?" Larry said bitterly.

"I was just wondering. I'm sorry. It's none of my business," Peter said, sounding contrite.

"I have an okay body," Larry said. "I work all day sitting, and I guess you can see that. I'm a bit soft in the middle, but I walk to work and stay healthy. I've been told I have a great ass," he couldn't help adding. "And before you ask, I'm no Adonis to look at, but I've been told I'm cute and I myself would say I'm on the better looking end of average looking."

"Okay," Peter said.

"Satisfied?" Larry asked.

"Not yet, but hopefully soon," Peter said eagerly.

Larry blinked. "What?"

"I want to meet you," Peter said. "I really want to be fucked today and since you're cute and have a great ass .... Unless you don't want to. I mean .... I'm sorry. You said you'd never been with a guy. I guess you wouldn't want me to be your first. I shouldn't have—"

"It's not that," Larry interrupted him. His heart was beating a bit faster now. "You really want ... with me?"

"Yes," Peter said without hesitation.

"I never have been with a guy, but ... well, you took my fantasies a big step further, so I can imagine ... doing that with you," Larry said, trying to slow down the beating of his heart. When he'd gone on vacation to get laid, he'd never in a million years thought it would be with a guy. But now he was more than excited. He thought of the fantasy sex he'd had the last two times with an imaginary Peter.

"That's great," Peter said.

As Larry thought of his fantasy guy, he realized he had no idea what Peter really looked like. And though he wished he could say otherwise, he wasn't completely indifferent to it. "Uhm. At the risk of sounding shallow, I don't even know what you look like."

"I asked you too, so if it's shallow we both are. It's a deal then. I promise you won't regret it."

"What do you mean?" Larry asked.

"I'm not sure at which end of the spectrum I am, but it's the good looking one. Seriously, I jog and swim. I'm tall, short dark brown hair, and I've been told I'm hot. I'm not saying I'm an Adonis and I'm not a bodybuilder if that's what you're into, but I'm easy on the eye and I don't think you'll be disappointed. So, what's your room number?"

"You don't even know which hotel I'm in," Larry pointed out. He still couldn't believe how fast this went. He was this close to having sex with another guy.

"Actually, I do. Palm Beach Resort, right? And I'm not stalking you, but I did look up the number of the hotel just to see where you were. It's a great place," Peter said, sounding a bit nervous now.

Larry didn't quite know what to say. He hadn't expected Peter to remember him, let alone care enough to look him up. He still felt things were going a bit too fast for him. He at least wanted to see the guy first, before agreeing to sleep with him. "Let's meet at the bar, okay?"

"Okay. I'll be there in ten minutes," Peter said.

"See you then," Larry said.

~~

Larry was at the bar five minutes later. He'd taken a few calming breaths after the call, then checked himself in the mirror, considering changing until he remembered he'd already told Peter what he was wearing.

He ordered a drink, just to have something to do until Peter arrived. Larry didn't doubt it this time. He'd sounded urgent enough. Larry still couldn't quite believe this was happening to him. Especially not if Peter was as good-looking as he said he was.

Larry sipped on his drink, trying not to stare at the second hand of the clock above the bar. Peter had mentioned he'd needed a cheap hotel. All those directly at the beach were more expensive. It might be longer than ten minutes.

In the end it was only eight.

"Larry?" Peter's familiar voice came from behind him.

Larry swallowed and turned around. Peter looked ... nothing like his fantasy. Where his fantasy guy had been square faced with a strong chin, Peter had a narrow face. He hadn't been wrong though. He was good looking. He was hot. Not as muscled as his fantasy, actually more on the skinny side, at least as far as his hips were concerned, but he still filled out his jeans nicely. His shirt was unbuttoned at the top and chest hair was peaking out, another difference to his fantasy, but not a bad one. In fact there was nothing bad at all about the difference. Peter looked much more real than Larry's fantasy and that made it so much better.

Peter smirked at him. "Like what you see?" he asked.

Larry dragged his gaze down and up once again, settling on his face. "Very much so," he said. Then it occurred to him, that he hadn't really paid attention to Peter's reaction. "What about you?"

"Well, get up and let me take a real look," he leaned in close so that nobody but Larry could hear, "at your ass."

Larry flushed. But he did as he was told getting up and turning around. The bartender grinned at him. Larry quickly paid her. Then he turned back around, only to find Peter very close in his personal space.

"Need more time to think about it?" Peter rasped.

"No," Larry said. "Let's go."

~~

They walked to his room quickly, exchanging heated glances as they went. Larry couldn't remember having anticipated sex like this. He hadn't even felt like this with Sandi.

The moment they got into the room, Peter pushed him against the door, closing it in the process. Larry took a deep breath. He'd never known that it would turn him on so much to be with someone who was as strong as he was, someone who could push him out of his comfort zone.

Peter looked at him for a long moment and then kissed him.

Oh God. Larry melted into the kiss. This was amazing. He wrapped his arms around Peter and kissed back with all he had.

Peter opened up his mouth and deepened the kiss. His hands were on Larry's hips, and now they slid up and began to work his shirt out of his pants. It was really happening. He was having sex. With a guy.

When Peter began to unbutton his shirt, Larry had to pull away. He wasn't afraid. He trusted Peter. But he still felt he needed to remind him that he'd never done this before. "This will be my first time," he said.

"Yes, I know. I'm going to make sure you love it," Peter said. "What do you want to do? What don't you want to do? I'm fine with anything. Just let me know." He slid his arms around Larry, pulling him away from the door, closer to Peter's body.

"I haven't given this much thought," Larry admit it.

"Didn't give you much of a warning, did I?" Peter said with a grin.

"No, you didn't," Larry said. He leaned forward to kiss Peter again.

They made out for a while, more gently than before. "How about we take it to the bed? Will that be okay?" Peter asked.

"Yes," Larry said.

"And just to get it out the way. I always use protection. I'm regularly tested. And I have condoms and lube with me."

"Me too," Larry said. "Well, not so much the regularly tested part. But I was a few years ago. And I haven't had unsafe sex since then."

"Well, that's good then. We have nothing to worry about but having fun," Peter said, giving Larry a slightly predatory look. He took hold of Larry's hand and pulled him towards the bed. "Remember my fantasy yesterday?" he asked.

"Yes," Larry said, vividly remembering the image of being stripped and thrown on the bed, now adjusted with the real Peter doing it.

"We'll not do it quite like that today," Peter said and dropped to his knees in front of Larry.

"Oh God," Larry mumbled.

Peter put his hand on Larry's stomach, where he'd already undone the shirt. His hand was warm and strong. "I love your softness," he said. Then he deliberately moved down until his hand was over Larry's growing erection. "And your hardness," Peter continued.

Larry thrust into Peter's hand.

"You're going to feel so good inside of me. I used a dildo yesterday, but this is going to be so much better."

Larry moaned at the image of Peter on his bed, fucking himself with a dildo while he was on the phone with Larry.

Peter undid the button on Larry's pants and unzipped them, knuckles rubbing against Larry's dick as he did. Once he'd undone the pants, Peter let them drop to the floor and mouthed Larry's dick through his briefs.

Larry groaned and forced himself not to thrust again.

"I need to see you," Peter said, and with one motion freed Larry's erection from its confines. He wasn't fully hard, but hard enough to stand out as if wanting to get close to Peter's mouth, which he definitely did.

Peter took him in his hand, holding him lightly, his thumb rubbing along the underside of his dick. Larry feared that this might be over embarrassingly fast.

But Peter seemed to understand that and moved his hand back down and leaned forward to lightly suck on the head of Larry's cock.

Larry moaned at the touch. Peter didn't try to arouse him too much. He was going slow, keeping it light, licking the head, but staying clear of the most sensitive spots. "You okay?" he asked, looking up at Larry.

Larry was panting and only nodded down at him. "For now. But if you go on, I might not last," he admitted.

"We can't have that," Peter said, giving Larry's cock another suck, before standing up. He pulled Larry close and kissed him, tongue pushing into his mouth.

The thought that he'd just had his cock in that mouth made it even hotter. Peter kept kissing him, finishing off the buttons on Larry's shirt, until he could part the shirt and slide it off Larry's shoulders.

"On the bed," he ordered then.

Larry shuddered and got out of his pants and shoes, struggling so much that Peter laughed. "You did the easy part," Larry pointed out.

Peter dropped down to his knees again and helped him untangle the mess. "I'm not just easy, you know," he said, looking up at Larry, putting a hand on Larry's thigh and moving it up to his hip. He gracefully got up again, pulling Larry close. Rubbing his sensitive dick against Peter's clothes was both exciting and a bit uncomfortable. "I have you naked at last," Peter said.

"And you're still fully clothed," Larry said.

"Not for long. And I want you to watch. But first." Peter took Larry by the hips and turned his back towards the bed before pushing.

Larry fell on the bed, and Peter moved on top of him, kneeling far enough above his body not to squash delicate parts. He kissed Larry again, and Larry pushed himself up from the bed and hooked an arm around Peter's neck to deepen the kiss.

"Move up," Peter whispered between kisses and they made their way further up the bed until Larry was lying in the center, settled comfortably with his head on the pillow. "'re you good?" Peter asked.

"Very," Larry said, hands on Peter's shoulders.

"Then enjoy the show," Peter said, moving back down the bed, planting stray kisses here and there on Larry's chest, stomach, dick and legs. Then he stood up at the end of the bed, like Larry had imagined that first time, except it had been a different face and body and he'd worn something else. This was much better.

Peter unbuttoned his shirt quickly but looked at Larry the whole time. He pulled off his shirt and let it drop to the floor. Then he ran his fingers over his nipples.

"I'll want your hands on me in a moment," he said.

Larry nodded eagerly. He wanted to take his dick in his hand, but he knew that Peter wouldn't want that. He wanted Larry to fuck him.

Peter unbuttoned his jeans and, with a bit more foresight than Larry, pushed off his sneakers before getting out of both pants and boxers in one go. He even removed his socks. Though Larry's full attention was on his dick. The only time he'd seen an erection this close was in the porn he watched. He tried to remember if he'd ever been as turned on by a hard cock as now. He realized that he wasn't sure.

Then Peter turned around, spread his legs and leaned forward. He turned his head and looked back at Larry. "How's this?" he asked seductively.

Larry wasn't sure how anyone could be so self-confident. But it sure as hell worked. He had to force himself not to jump from the bed and just push into that tempting ass. God, he was going to fuck that ass. He fisted his hands on the sheet for a moment. His dick twitched.

Peter straightened, a grin on his face. He leaned down again to get something out of his pants. He walked over to the night stand and placed the condom there. Larry's gaze followed him. He wanted to reach out and touch, but he sensed that Peter would tell him when he should.

The lube was placed at the end of the bed, at which Peter then stood in all his naked glory, looking at Larry. "Ready for that ride?" he asked.

Larry gulped and nodded.

"Well, I'm not yet, so you'll have to hold out a bit longer," Peter teased him. He knelt on the bed, and Larry immediately spread his legs to give him space. He felt exposed, but Peter's gaze was appreciative, before moving to the lube.

He picked it up and squirted a generous amount on his hand before covering two fingers in it. He straightened and moved his legs apart enough to be able to move his hand between them and push both fingers at once into his ass.

Larry watched in fascination. He'd never played with his ass like that, but Peter seemed to enjoy it. He moved a bit, getting his fingers deeper inside. "Maybe I should have done this before I came over," Peter said, sounding a bit strained as he pushed the two fingers in completely.

"No," Larry said. "This is .... I like watching you." He flushed.

"Yeah," Peter said. "I like watching you, too." He let his gaze travel down Larry's body. "Will you touch yourself for me?" Peter asked. "But don't get yourself off!" he warned.

Larry nodded and took his erect cock in his hand. He stroked it slowly, lightly, his eyes not leaving Peter, who in turn kept his eyes on Larry, even as he put more lube on his fingers, three this time.

Peter bit his lip when he entered himself with three fingers. His dick stood up hard and red. Larry suddenly wanted to suck him. But he wasn't sure how well he'd do with that. He didn't want things to get awkward. So he didn't say anything.

"Okay, that has got to be enough," Peter said, pulling his fingers out. He took Larry's feet—Larry could feel the lube—and placed them between his knees. Then he crawled forward until he was towering over Larry.

Larry looked up at him, his breath catching in his throat. Peter just kept watching him, concentrating on his face, the ghost of a smile playing on his lips. Eventually, Larry moved his hands up Peter's sides.

As if that was the cue, Peter leaned down and kissed Larry. At first it was just their mouths touching, but then Peter lowered himself onto Larry, and Larry's whole body shuddered with the sensations. He could feel Peter's hard cock pressing into him, the coarse chest hair, the whole mass of his body, which despite being on the narrow side, was still so different and unmistakably male. He loved it.

He had no idea why he'd never thought about this after university. He'd always been attracted to guys, but he'd never let his mind take it further. What a waste.

Peter thrust against Larry's cock, and Larry forgot all about the past and moaned into Peter's mouth, hands clinging to Peter's back. "You need to be fucking me," Peter whispered harshly into Larry's ear.

"Yes," Larry answered, taking deep breaths.

Peter moved away, and Larry missed the feeling of his body on him. Peter got the condom and quickly rolled it over Larry's erection and lubed him up, trying not to arouse him further. Then he held Larry's cock and like in his fantasy the day before, moved up and over it, the other hand at his back, invisible to Larry, though Larry knew that he was spreading himself. He was spreading himself to take in Larry's cock, and for a moment Larry couldn't breathe and only stared.

Peter's cock stood up, leaving no doubt to how turned on he was too. If not for that, Larry would have known from his heated, hungry look. Peter licked his lips and opened his mouth as he moved down. Then the head of his cock was at Peter's entrance, and Larry had to exhale.

"Ready?" Peter asked, one corner of his mouth quirking up for a moment.

"Ready when you are," Larry answered.

"Oh, I'm ready. I'm more than ready," Peter said. Then he pushed down on to Larry.

His hand didn't even come close to the tightness of this. Peter kept pressing down, and Larry feared he'd never fit in there, but then he slid past the ring of muscles, and Peter kept going and going. Oh God. Oh God. It was so fucking tight and hot and tight.

Larry held his breath again, unable to move a muscle until Peter settled down across his groin, fully impaled on Larry's cock.

"Oh fuck, yeah," Peter said, closing his eyes.

Larry reached out to touch him, hands settling on his thighs. Peter's eyes opened. Then he leaned forward to kiss Larry. Larry squirmed and moaned as this moved Peter around his dick. But he kissed him back, pushing himself up a bit.

Peter took his other hand from his thigh and directed it to his nipple. Larry ran his thumb over and around it, hoping he didn't do it wrong. Since Peter sighed happily, he was probably doing okay.

Peter moved back again, sending another jolt through Larry's body. "Ready for that ride?" Peter asked again.

Larry mentally braced himself and slightly angled his knees. Then he put his hands back on Peter's thighs. "Ready," he said.

Peter started moving slowly, like in his fantasy. Larry moaned at the sensation. When Peter began to speed up, Larry started to join in, pushing into the tight heat. He lifted his hips in counterpoint to Peter's movements, making Peter throw his head back and groan.

He started to fuck himself on Larry, thigh muscles tensing as he worked himself on Larry's cock. Larry pushed up, desperately hanging onto his control as he thrust into that tight ass. Peter's name escaped his lips and he heard himself moan words of encouragement, like, "Yes," and, "God," and, "Harder," and, "So hot!"

"I'm close," Peter said, looking down at him with an open mouth and lust filled eyes.

Without thinking, Larry moved one hand from Peter's thigh to his dick. He needed to feel him at least once.

"Fuck!" Peter said and came. He twitched in Larry's hand and on Larry's cock, spurting come over his hand and stomach.

"Oh God," Larry said. He was so fucking close. He pulled Peter down to kiss him and somehow managed to roll them over, without completely dislodging himself. They nearly fell out of bed, but managed to hold on enough for Larry to start thrusting into Peter.

Peter moved one foot up the back of his calf, "Yeah, come on, Larry."

Larry managed half a dozen more thrusts before he froze and came, body jerking over and in Peter. Then he collapsed on top of him.

He was panting into Peter's chest when he felt a hand on his head, gently stroking him. "I'll ...." Larry said, and pulled out.

"Okay. Can we?" Peter asked.

Larry lifted his head enough to see that Peter was almost squashed into the night stand. "Yes, sorry." He rolled all the way over to the other end of the bed.

Peter moved closer and put a hand over his chest. He looked at Larry. "Good?" he asked with a grin on his face.

"Almost perfect," Larry said, smiling back.

"Only almost?" Peter asked, one eyebrow lifting.

"Well, I didn't want to push you off the bed. I didn't hurt you, did I?" Larry asked, not sure if he'd actually pushed Peter against the night stand.

"Not at all," Peter said, coming even closer and setting his head on Larry's shoulder. He drew circles on Larry's chest. "We should probably clean that up," he said.

Larry moved to get some tissues from the nightstand, cleaning off his own stomach and a bit that had ended up on Peter's. Then he removed the condom, letting it fall to the ground. He didn't want to move away from Peter.

Instead he put his arm around him. "That was amazing. Thank you," he said.

"I could say the same to you," Peter said.

Larry leaned forward and kissed him. They both turned so that they were facing each other, kissing.

They kissed for a long while. Larry didn't really want to think about how much he enjoyed this. He wished it would never stop. They did have to stop eventually though.

"I should probably head back to my own hotel," Peter said, sounding as regretful as Larry felt. "I had a great time though," he said, smiling at Larry.

"You don't have to," Larry said. "Go back to your hotel room," he clarified at Peter's look.

"Are you sure?" Peter asked.

"You don't have to stay," Larry said.

"No, I want to. I just .... I want to," Peter said.

"Then stay," Larry said.

"Okay," Peter said, moving back into Larry's arms.

~~

Larry woke up the next morning, arm lying comfortably across Peter. He remembered last night and his dick twitched against Peter in renewed interest. He leaned forward to kiss him on his cheek.

Peter frowned then turned to him and opened his sleepy eyes. When he saw Larry, he smiled. "Hey."

"Hey," Larry said, pushing a bit against him.

Peter raised his eyebrows and grinned. "Someone's having a good morning," he said.

"Let's make it fantastic," Larry said, happy at the prospect of having another chance to be with Peter.

This time he didn't hold back as much. He rolled on top of Peter and touched and kissed him, moving down his body until he reached his hardening dick. "I'd love to try this," he said, looking up at Peter. "But I have no experience, so ..."

"I'll warn you when I'm close," Peter said.

Larry nodded and opened his mouth. He stuck out his tongue and carefully licked along the shaft before taking the head into his mouth. It tasted vaguely salty and a bit bitter, but it wasn't bad.

The breathy noises Peter started to make only made it better.

Larry began to suck on him, stroking the rest of his dick with his hand. He didn't think that he was very good at it, but he liked the feeling of sucking on a cock, something he'd never thought he'd say of himself.

He listened to Peter, the way his breathing picked up, and how little moans were mingled in with panting.

"Larry," he said every now and then, until it became a more urgent, "Larry! I'm going to come," and Larry managed to pull away and stroke him to completion. When Peter stopped spurting, Larry licked off the drips of come on the head of his dick.

Peter moaned again, and when Larry pulled off, he pushed Larry down on the bed and blew his brains out in less than three minutes, swallowing all that Larry had to give.

He lay on the bed, panting, while Peter rested his head on his thigh. It was wonderfully intimate. He didn't want to give it up, even though he knew he'd have to very soon.

"We could shower together," he suggested.

"I don't think I can get it up again so fast," Peter said.

Larry laughed. Peter lifted his head and smiled widely at him. Larry picked up his glasses to be able to see it better.

"It's me," Peter said.

"I had hoped so," Larry said with a smile. "So, shower without sex?"

"Let me just answer nature's call first. Unless you want to watch that?" Peter asked.

"No, I'll be fine. I'll just pick out what to wear while you're ... 'answering nature's call'."

The shower was playful and intimate, even sensual, but apart from touching a lot and washing each other's hair, they didn't start anything. Sadly, Larry didn't think he could get it up again either so soon.

As they dressed, Larry kept looking at Peter, trying to think of ways to ask him to stay a bit longer. "Breakfast here is really good," he said.

"Uhm, yeah," Peter said, avoiding his gaze. He put on his socks and sneakers.

"They have a great selection of just about anything you'd want," Larry said hopefully.

"I'm sure they do. They also have a price tag that's about my food budget for two or three whole days, so I'm afraid I'm gonna have to pass," Peter said.

There was an awkward silence. "I could pay for you."

"I know," Peter said, finally looking at him. "But I don't want that. I don't want you to think that I only ... came here because you're rich. I came here because I wanted to meet you and have sex with you, and I really enjoyed it, but the night's over and Cinderella's carriage morphs back into a pumpkin, and I should head back to my thirty dollar a night hotel."

Larry stared at him. "Wait. In that scenario, I'm the prince?"

Peter glared at him, until a smile tugged on his face. It turned wider until they both had to grin. "You know what I mean," Peter said.

"Yes, I do," Larry said. "But I'd really love to have breakfast with you and I have the money. Do it for me."

"Okay," Peter said.

~~

Over breakfast, Peter talked about Reynard Beach. He'd been here a couple of times and even knew a bit about the history, especially of the commercial art being done at the pier, which was quite interesting, and which Larry hadn't given much thought to before.

As breakfast drew to a close, Larry tried once again to think of a way to keep Peter from going. In the end though, it was Peter who said, "We could go check out the pier after breakfast. I could show you the places I told you about."

He asked it lightly, but Larry could see that he knew what he was really asking. Was this going to be more than a one-night-stand? Would they extend it to a whole vacation flirtation? Larry could only answer, "I'd love to."

~~

Peter only teased him a bit about the amount of sunscreen Larry put on. Larry had done a quick walk across the pier a few days ago, but seeing it through Peter's eyes was a whole different experience. Peter commented on who of the artists offering their services were good and who was not so good. He pointed out particular corners between the old buildings or little moments between people to Larry and why they might make a good painting.

Larry didn't understand a lot about art, but he could hear Peter's passion in it and that alone made it worthwhile.

Peter treated him to a light lunch of sandwiches after the ample breakfast they had.

"See, we're even now," Larry said, but Peter only gave him a look and bit into his sandwich.

Peter wanted to go for a swim in the afternoon, and while he looked at Larry with something like puppy dog eyes, he didn't outright ask Larry to join him. Which was Larry's luck, because he didn't think he could have resisted. Instead he took a seat in the shade and leafed through a book about local art that he'd bought at the pier.

Every now and then he'd look up and try to see if he could still spot Peter in the water. It was pretty full, but he was swimming straight ahead of Larry and once he even looked back and gave a little wave before swimming on.

Larry was getting a bit drowsy from the sun, even if he wasn't lying directly in it, when he saw Peter coming out of the water. He had a surfer's body and the swim trunks that he'd picked up from his hotel room after lunch hung precariously low, almost teasing him with the idea that they were this close to slipping down completely.

Suddenly Larry's view of a dripping wet Peter was obstructed by a shapely body in a hot pink bikini. When the body stopped, Larry's heart began to beat faster. Of course, it had been stupid to assume that nobody else would notice his hot .... Well, not his at all really, he had to admit sadly.

The woman moved her hips and flung back her brown hair. Even from this distance, Larry could see what she wanted. He swallowed and prepared himself for Peter to come over and tell him goodbye and thank you. Or maybe to just wave and count on the fact that Larry would understand.

It wasn't as if they were dating.

Peter did move to the side and looked over to Larry. Then he pointed at him and gave the woman a quick smile. She looked over to Larry and back. Then she nodded, and Peter jogged over to him, while she continued on her way.

Peter dropped down on the towel next to Larry, lying on his stomach. "Still reading?" he asked, smiling up at Larry.

Larry didn't say anything for a moment. "You ... don't have to do that," he said. "It's your vacation, and you deserve to have a good time."

Peter frowned in confusion, then looked where the woman continued to walk away. He turned back to Larry, the frown gone. "I am having a good time," he said emphatically. Then he pushed up on his arms and leaned closer. "Is this okay? In public?"

Larry nodded. He had no intention of hiding this new side of his sexual identity, having done so without knowing for far too long.

Peter leaned in and kissed him. When the kiss deepened, Peter pulled back and whispered into his ear, "Let's take it to your room before I do things that could get us arrested."

Larry smiled and started packing his things.

~~

After an amazing round of slow, toe-curling sex, Larry persuaded Peter to let him pay for dinner in a nice restaurant, the next on his list.

Peter eventually relented and he enjoyed the food. Much more so than Larry.

"It's okay," he said, trying to be generous.

"You don't like it?" Peter asked.

"All of it is missing just this much to be perfect. It's a bit frustrating frankly," Larry admitted.

"You're a real gourmet, huh?" Peter asked.

"I know what I like. And I do cook myself. Not very often, because it's a lot of work for just one person, but every now and then on weekends I treat myself to something special," Larry explained.

"I'd love to try it," Peter said.

"I'm afraid it will be difficult to arrange here," Larry said wistfully. He would have loved to cook for Peter.

"Yeah," Peter said. "Too bad."

They walked back to the hotel instead of taking a taxi, since the night was mild and the sky cloudless. Peter asked him about Toronto and Larry talked about it a bit.

When they got back to Larry's room, Peter checked out his porn DVDs. "This doesn't look so bad," he commented.

"I never said it was," Larry answered. "You were just much better."

"That goes without saying," Peter said with a grin. "Do you mind if we take a look?" he asked, lifting up the one with the lesbians.

"No," Larry said, nodding at him to go ahead, while he undid his shoes and got out of his socks for good measure. No nearly stumbling over himself tonight.

Peter popped in the disc and started it. They both settled down on the bed and started watching. "They're nice," Peter said.

"Uhum," was Larry's only answer as he started kissing Peter's neck.

Peter started undressing him, gaze wandering between the screen and Larry, while Larry only had eyes for Peter. "You really think I'm hotter than them," Peter said, voice holding a bit of wonder.

"Much hotter," Larry said, kissing down Peter's chest.

"So are you," Peter said, turning his attention completely to Larry.

They left the DVD running though and every now and then Peter would comment on how much or little Larry sounded like them, until Larry started making exaggerated sex noises and Peter joined in. They collapsed laughing, taking several minutes to calm down only to start again every time someone moaned on the screen.

Eventually they switched off the DVD.

"I like it much more when you make real noises," Peter said, leaning down to kiss Larry.

After that the moans and gasps and whimpers were real, even though they did laugh now and then. Larry couldn't remember ever having laughed so much during sex.

They lay together afterwards, Larry cuddled with his back to Peter's chest and Peter's arms around him. Peter kissed his temple.

"I should probably show up in my hotel tonight," he said.

Larry didn't say anything for a moment. They'd had this conversation a few times by now. But then, he'd always won. "You don't have to," he said. "I'm paying by the room. I could tell them you're staying with me."

"I can afford my own room, even if it's a crappy one," Peter said.

"I know. I'm just saying I've paid for this, so it doesn't cost me anything if you'd wanted to stay. I can understand if you'd rather keep yours, though. But you'll be back?" he asked hopefully.

"Are you sure you want me around for the rest of your vacation?" Peter asked.

Larry turned around in his arms, until he could look directly at Peter. "There's nothing I want more," he said.

A small smile formed on Peter's lips. "Then I guess I should cancel my room and get my stuff."

Larry didn't look forward to moving out of Peter's arms, but he did look forward to not having to be afraid anymore that any moment might be the last. He'd have three more days with Peter.

~~

It was embarrassing how much Larry missed Peter during the short time it took him to check out of his old hotel and check into the new one.

That night, with Peter's clothes in the wardrobe next to his, with Peter's arms around him, he felt better than he had in a long time.

~~

Larry woke up late the next morning. Peter was in the shower, probably singing, though Larry couldn't identify the song or any melody really.

He got out of bed and stretched and was ready to join Peter, when he found a picture on the desk. A portrait of him, drawn with pencil on the hotel stationary.

Larry had never had a portrait drawn of him, but he doubted that anyone else could make him look so good. Not that Peter had changed his face or anything. It just looked .... Larry wondered if this was what Peter saw when he looked at him.

He realized that the shower had stopped. Peter was coming out of the bathroom, towel hanging around his hips as precariously as his trunks did. "Ah, you're awake. Did I tire you out so much last night?"

"Maybe," Larry said with a smile. Then he lifted the up the portrait. "You're good," he said.

"Thank you," Peter said. "Just a little gift in return."

Something on the portrait caught Larry's eye. "You signed it. With your full name."

"Yes," Peter said. "I also gave it to the receptionist when I checked in. And you've had your chance to murder me in my sleep," he added with a teasing smile.

Larry smiled back. "My name's Larry Yeager. Lawrence," he said.

"I know," Peter said. "Actually, I know your whole address. It was on the shipping label of your magazine subscription. I needed something to draw on ...." He trailed off, smiling apologetically.

"It's okay," Larry said. If Peter decided to show up on his doorstep, it wouldn't exactly be unwelcome. But he refused to think beyond the next few days.

~~

They went to a local art gallery after breakfast.

Once again, Peter explained about the different artists and paintings and Larry listened eagerly. It was after almost two hours that he suddenly realized why he enjoyed this so much.

He'd gone to galleries and museums with friends and women he'd dated before. But those that had wanted to teach him something had always made him feel inferior. With Peter it wasn't like that at all.

It was like he was sharing this world with Larry, and he was both excited and exciting as he did.

They had a light lunch in a café. Peter paid, saying that even though he hadn't gotten back all his money for the hotel room, it was still something.

After lunch, they took a walk and headed back to the beach. They were still in the process of setting things up when a woman came to hit on Peter. He politely told her that he was there with someone, smiling at Larry. Larry's heart skipped a beat. She left, and Peter came closer.

Larry was surprised he wasn't making a mad dash for the water. Instead, he stared at Larry with an impish grin, making it hard for him to read. "What?"

"Nothing," Peter said. "I just like watching you."

Larry gave him a look.

"Noooo, not the death glare," Peter said, lifting his hands in defense.

Larry had to laugh. "Didn't you want to swim?" he asked.

"You sure you don't want to join me?" Peter asked.

"I can't help that you keep pointing out interesting books to me," Larry said, lifting the art book he'd bought at the gallery.

"So if I hide this, you'll swim with me?" Peter asked.

Larry didn't like the direction this was taking, so he said, "No, now go!"

Peter pouted, but then kissed Larry and went off to swim.

Larry watched him with a smile.

Half an hour later, Peter was back, planting a big wet kiss on Larry.

"You're dripping all over the book!"

"Spoilsport," Peter said. He lay down on the towel next to Larry, but far away enough to be in the sun.

Larry tried to keep reading, but he couldn't help looking over at Peter's glistening body, though he was drying up fast. Peter had his eyes closed, but grinned.

"What's so funny," Larry asked.

"I can feel you staring at me," Peter said, not opening his eyes.

Larry wanted to deny it but since they both knew it was true, he only huffed. Peter's grin widened.

Suddenly a shadow appeared across his body.

"Hey," a seductive female voice said.

Larry looked away. He supposed he should be used to this by now. At least, he didn't doubt what Peter's answer would be. He heard Peter doing his "I'm with someone" routine, and looked up to return the smile he knew Peter would be giving him.

What he didn't expect though was the woman giving him a once over and turning back to Peter haughtily. "No, seriously," she said. "We could have a great time."

"No, seriously, we couldn't," Peter said emphatically, giving her a dark look.

"There's nothing he can give you that I can't," she said with a distasteful look at Larry. "I have a strap-on."

Peter got up, shouting at her, "You have no fucking clue how little you could give me of what he gives me! Go fuck yourself with your strap-on."

Larry could hear an "Ouch" and some murmuring from around them as she turned with a withering glare at Larry. "What a bitch," someone said, but Larry was more interested in Peter.

He hadn't known him for long, but he'd never seen him loud or angry and had thought that nothing could put a damper on his good spirits. Apparently he'd been wrong.

"I'm sorry," Peter said, seeing his astonished look. "I just .... I hate it when people look at me and think they know exactly who I am. I have no problem with one-night-stands, but I'm the one who gets to decide. And I want to be with you. This is the best fucking vacation I've ever had."

Larry was too stunned to say anything.

"I think I need to cool off a bit," Peter said.

Before Larry could say something, he was off, running towards the water. But Larry knew that he couldn't leave him like that. He followed him. Not running, but walking in quick strides, slowly catching up with Peter when he stopped in the water, submerging himself for a moment before doing it again.

Larry was finally next to him when Peter's head shot out of the water once more.

"You're swimming," he said, surprised when he saw Larry.

"Well, not exactly," Larry said. They were close enough to the shore to stand.

"But you've left the safety of dry land for me," Peter said with a smile.

"Yes, I did," Larry said seriously. "Thank you," he added, leaning forward to kiss Peter.

Peter returned the kiss, pulling Larry close.

"You okay?" Larry asked when Peter let him go.

"Yeah," he said. "It wasn't really her. It's people like her. People who judge me by how I look and what I do. You never do that. You never tell me I'm wasting my life. You never even make me feel that you think it."

Larry was beginning to understand what was upsetting Peter. He couldn't really say anything though, except reiterating what he thought. "You're doing what you love and paying the rent. That's what I call sensible."

Peter smiled. "And that's what I love about you." He leaned forward to kiss Larry. After a while he asked, "You want to get out of the water?" with a teasing smile.

"Yes, please," Larry said.

Peter snorted.

"Let me treat you to the best restaurant I've found here," Larry asked.

Peter looked at him, then nodded.

The pleased noises that Peter made during dinner were as satisfying to Larry as the food itself.

When Peter said, "I'll pay the next time," Larry only nodded.

They went to a movie afterwards, sneaking kisses every now and then.

Back in their room they had sex and though Larry loved every second of it, he couldn't help a certain melancholy at the thought of how soon it would be over.

~~

They didn't have breakfast at the hotel the next day. Instead, Peter dragged him out of bed far too early, and after a quick shower together, suggested they take a little trip.

"It'll be breakfast with a spectacular view," Peter insisted.

Larry thought to himself that sitting opposite of Peter would be all the spectacular view that he needed. They took the bus to a remote part of town and then started the trail up a little hill. Larry looked ahead skeptically.

"It's a fifteen minute walk," Peter said. "Thirty if we really take our time." He stepped closer to Larry and took his hands. "You're gonna like it." He leaned forward and kissed Larry.

Larry kissed back, sliding his arms around Peter. So far he had liked everything that Peter had shown him. He had no reason to believe he'd be disappointed now. He pulled away and looked at his watch ostentatiously. "Fifteen minutes?" he asked.

"Let's say twenty-five and take it slow," Peter suggested, hand slipping into Larry's.

When they started walking, hand in hand, it seemed like the most natural thing in the world to Larry.

They did take their time. Larry wasn't even a bit out of breath even though the last five hundred meters were pretty steep. The result, however, he had to agree with Peter, was worth it.

The viewing platform on top of the hill offered a beautiful view of the town and the beach. They sat down on one of the benches. Peter got out the sandwiches and water bottles he'd bought earlier, and they started eating, enjoying watching the little dots of people and cars going about their business beneath them.

"The beach is still pretty empty," Peter pointed out.

"I wouldn't call it empty exactly," Larry said. "And I'm still not going to swim," he added with a smile.

Peter looked at him with a pout. "Where did you learn to swim? On dry land?"

Larry snorted. "I like pools just fine. I just prefer to avoid the danger of stepping on sharp things with my bare feet."

"Oh," Peter said, eyes lighting up. "The hotel has a pool."

"I know. But you prefer the ocean, don't you?"

"Well, I can swim in a pool any time at home, so when I'm at the beach, I take that chance, but if I have to choose between swimming in the ocean and swimming with you, I'll take you any day." He looked at Larry with big hopeful eyes.

"Is that your impression of a puppy?" Larry asked, smirking.

"Is it working?" Peter asked.

Larry snorted. "Okay, we can go swim in the pool."

"Yes!" Peter said, making a little victory fist.

Larry leaned forward to kiss him again. Peter melted into the kiss, and they stayed like that for a while before heading back to the hotel.

On their way back down the hill, holding hands again, an elderly couple looked at them disapprovingly. Larry faltered in his steps, but Peter just squeezed his hand and pulled him along.

Larry wondered what it would be like to be on the receiving end of discrimination. Theoretically, he knew about it, of course, but he wondered if it was something that you got used to and just shrugged off at some point. Peter didn't seem to be too bothered by the elderly couple.

Larry decided not to ask him, though. He figured this was something he'd have to experience himself. Since Reynard Beach was pretty gay friendly, there'd been a fair share of gay couples on the beach, being openly affectionate. He had no idea how Tahoe would be in comparison, or Toronto for that matter, which would be his real concern in the future. If he would have a boyfriend at some point. There was no telling whether he'd have more success attracting a male partner than being with a woman. And Larry already feared that one big hurdle might be that they'd have to live up to Peter, with his open, caring nature, love for life, and unselfconscious sex appeal.

He shook that thought aside, though. He still had almost two days with Peter and didn't want to think about anything that might or might not happen in the future. He wanted to enjoy the time with him that he had.

Peter was almost giddy to get Larry in the water. He splashed water at him and didn't keep his hands to himself more than was required to keep above water. He didn't even try to dunk him, after Larry had warned that he really, seriously hated that. He also tried not to let the groping get out of hand.

"For now," Peter added with a grin. "Wanna swim a few lengths with me?"

Larry declined and kissed Peter before getting out of the water. Settling in a deck chair, he watched as Peter made his way to the lanes for serious swimmers. He vaguely recalled that Peter had said he swam, but it was still a bit of a surprise to see him slice through the water as if he was flying through it.

Larry could feel his arm getting tired just watching but Peter made it seem completely effortless. It was quite a bit later that Peter moved to the edge of the pool and lifted himself out of it. Larry watched him admiringly, gratified to see Peter look for him and smile when he spotted him.

"Ready for lunch?" Peter asked when he sat down on the deck chair, leaning over Larry to drip all over him. "My treat."

"I hope it will be dryer than this," Larry said, wiping away the drops, but Peter only laughed, plastered his whole upper body on Larry's and kissed him.

~~

They ate lunch at a diner not far from the Open Air theater Larry had visited a few days before.

"It's not even half-bad," Larry conceded, after taking a few bites of the chicken wings.

Peter laughed. "And all that for under fifteen bucks."

Larry couldn't help snorting.

They continued to eat, playing footsie under the table. Larry couldn't remember when he'd last felt so ... young. Young and free, as if the whole world belonged to him. He looked at Peter who ate some fries with his hands, smiling at him. It reminded Larry of Linda, of her openness, of her unconditional affection. Life had been so simple back then. He'd thought he'd lost that with the demands of a "grown-up" life.

But sitting here with Peter he realized that it wasn't age or a job, but that he himself had somehow let that happen. Because right now, right here, everything seemed so very simple. He wanted to be with Peter, Peter wanted to be with him.

For two more nights, his brain reminded him, but he didn't want to think about that now.

They finished up lunch, and after Peter had paid he ran his foot up Larry's calf. "What do you want to do now?" he asked in his low, seductive voice.

Larry didn't even think about it. "I want you to fuck me," he said, with more self-confidence than he would have imagined a few days ago. He did feel himself flush, though.

Peter seemed surprised for a moment, but then he began nodding. "Yeah," he said, swallowing. "We can do that." Then he was quickly standing up and taking Larry's hand. "We're taking a taxi," he said urgently.

They sat in the taxi, holding hands, and Larry was almost surprised that Peter didn't start ravishing him on the spot. He seemed impatient enough, fidgeting in his seat as if even the few minutes back to the hotel were far too long.

Larry was strangely relaxed. He had thought about it the last couple of days, what Peter would feel like pressed inside of him. He'd only ever played a bit with his own ass, but nothing had ever been inside there for purposes of pleasure other than the tip of Peter's tongue when he'd rimmed Larry their second night together as a part of the foreplay.

Larry felt like he should be more nervous, but with his hand in Peter's as they arrived at the hotel, Larry only knew that he trusted him completely.

Peter quickly threw some money at the driver and pulled Larry out of the taxi, almost running back to their room.

"Impatient, huh?" Larry couldn't help tease in the elevator.

"You have no idea," Peter said heatedly.

They quickly made it to their room. Once inside, Larry expected Peter to basically jump him, but instead, Peter cupped his face and looked at him almost reverently. To see Peter look at him like that took Larry's breath away, and he closed his eyes for a moment only to feel Peter's mouth close on his.

Peter didn't ask or say anything. Larry had expected him to ask if he was sure or give reassurances that he would be careful, but Peter only gently tugged on his hand and led him to bed.

He knows, Larry realized. He was sure that he wanted it, and Peter knew that as well as he knew that Larry trusted him.

Peter took his time, worshipping—Larry couldn't call it anything else—Larry's body with his lips and hands and tongue. He was uncharacteristically quiet through it all, but Larry still felt his enjoyment and encouragement in every look, every smile and every time Peter moved up his body to kiss him, softly, gently.

Larry was completely relaxed by the time Peter pushed his finger inside him. After tensing instinctively against the intrusion, he took a deep breath and relaxed his muscles, letting Peter push in deeper. He stroked Larry's hard cock at the same time, making sure that he stayed aroused.

One finger became two became three. It was an amazingly tight fit, but Peter used a ridiculous amount of lube and was patient enough that eventually Larry no longer felt stretched to his limits.

Peter took the tip of his cock in his mouth, sucking on it as he stretched Larry even more, moving his finger inside him. He pulled and pushed, deeper and deeper until he hit something that made Larry's hips jerk up.

"God!"

Peter moved his head up and grinned at him. "Wait until it's my dick moving here," he said, brushing past the spot with the tips of his fingers.

Larry squirmed, wanting both more and to get away because it was too intense. He could only pant harshly in answer.

"I think you're ready," Peter said, slowing pulling out his fingers.

Larry whimpered at the loss. He nodded, even though Peter's statement hadn't been a question exactly. He watched avidly as Peter rolled on a condom and put more lube on his dick. That was going to be inside of him in a moment. Larry couldn't wait, but at the same time he felt a bit nervous because Peter's dick was certainly bigger than three fingers.

Peter pushed back Larry's thighs and leaned forward to kiss him again. "This is going to be amazing," he whispered when he pulled back. Larry only looked at him, moving up once more for a kiss. He had no words that were adequate enough for what he expected.

Peter positioned himself at Larry's entrance, giving Larry time to take another deep breath and then consciously relax, before he pushed in. Larry expected some pain, but to his surprise he only felt stretched almost to his limits.

"Breathe," Peter reminded him.

Larry did, gulping in air, even as Peter continued to push into him, pulling back only a bit before thrusting back in and going deeper and deeper.

"Oh God," Larry said when he felt Peter fully inside. He remembered to breathe without Peter's reminder this time, panting loudly.

Peter held still, the tension of his body as he held back almost invisible. He looked down at Larry, his expression intense, a smile playing on his face.

Larry reached out to touch his face.

"You're amazing," Peter said and then closed his eyes.

Larry let his fingers wander to his lips. Peter smiled and opened his eyes. Then he started thrusting.

He was slow at first, allowing Larry to get accustomed to his size, but gradually he picked up speed and pushed in deeper.

As his body grew used to it, Larry began feeling things beyond how huge Peter's cock felt inside of him. He remembered the spot Peter had found before at the same time that Peter changed the angle of his thrusts.

Larry groaned loudly. Peter looked down at him, a satisfied smile on his lips. He kept pushing into Larry at the same angle, hitting that spot over and over with the head of his cock.

Larry moaned and spasmed beneath him, Peter's movements sending shocks of pleasure through him. He hadn't known his body was capable of feeling this kind of pleasure. "Please," he begged, unsure of what exactly he needed, but certain that Peter would give it to him.

Peter increased the pace of his thrusts even more, fucking him with all he had. Moans of pleasure escaped his lips. "Larry!"

Larry was incapable of coherent speech at this point. His whole body shook with every deep thrust of Peter's cock, another wave of pleasure rolling through him.

Peter pushed him further and further, until Larry couldn't hold on any longer. His dick erupted, shooting load after load of come between them even as he groaned loudly.

Peter fucked him through his orgasm, getting in one, two, three more thrusts before he froze and came himself. He collapsed on to Larry, and Larry squirmed, his dick feeling far too sensitive for any touching.

"Sorry," Peter said, pulling out and rolling off of Larry.

They both lay panting, but Larry managed to gather enough energy to move closer to him and put his arm around Peter. "You were right. It was amazing," he said, still breathing heavily.

Peter only pulled him closer and kissed him again. They kissed deeply for a bit, then Peter abruptly pulled away and said, "I should—" not even looking at Larry. He got out of bed and disappeared into the bathroom.

Larry wasn't sure if everything was all right. The sex had certainly been pretty fantastic. Thankfully, Peter came back out a moment later. He had removed the condom and cleaned himself up and now carried a towel that was damp on one end.

Larry watched as Peter sat down next to him and started cleaning up the mess on his chest and stomach. He didn't look at Larry as he did so, and Larry asked, "Is everything okay?"

Peter glanced up at him and gave him a quick smile. "Sure," he said, but his gaze was already back on Larry's chest and his smile fading.

When Peter was done, he went back into the bathroom. He came out after a moment and smiled at Larry, though something seemed off.

Larry didn't know what to ask other than 'Is everything okay?' Peter was always so open. He'd never tried to hide something from Larry, except when he'd been so angry at that woman that didn't take no for an answer.

"Can I ... Can I draw you?" Peter asked, uncharacteristically hesitant.

"You already have," Larry pointed out.

That earned him a little eye roll. "Will you pose for me?" Peter clarified, sounding hopeful again.

"How do you want me?" Larry asked in return.

Peter just looked at him for along moment, then he came over the bed and began to arrange the covers, so that they were draped around Larry's waist. Larry was turned sideways so that he could watch Peter. "Are you comfortable like that?" Peter asked.

"I'd be more comfortable if you were here with me," Larry couldn't help saying. He still hadn't completely come down from his orgasm high.

Peter smiled and slipped under the cover next to him. "You're right," he said, cuddling into Larry's waiting arms. "I'd just like to draw a portrait of you. Something to take home with me," he said wistfully.

It occurred to Larry that Peter's shifting mood could be what he had felt last night and occasionally during the day: The knowledge that they'd have to part the day after tomorrow. His chest constricted for a moment at the thought that Peter, as funny and easy as he made everything seem, also saw this as more than a vacation flirtation.

Not that Larry did. He'd never once expected this to go beyond the duration of his stay here. He still didn't. But he'd be lying to himself if he didn't admit that he wanted it to be more, that he wished he'd never have to give this up.

It was impossible, of course, but that was the nature of so many wishes.

He cupped Peter's face and pulled him into a kiss.

~~

Peter drew him lying on the bed, the covers draped around his waist. Larry didn't even feel self-conscious. It was fascinating to watch Peter work. His hand flew over the paper and his gaze would wander between what he'd drawn and Larry, eyes so sharp that Larry felt as if Peter could see right into him.

After a while, his body was getting stiff. "We should take a break," Peter said when he noticed.

"That would be great. Thank you," Larry said, moving back onto his back and stretching himself. When he saw Peter coming over to him, he asked, "Can I see what you have so far?"

Peter smiled and turned to retrieve the large drawing block from the desk. He handed it to Larry and settled down on the bed next to him.

"That's really good," Larry said, once again amazed by how Peter had captured him.

Peter looked over his shoulder and kissed it. "Just drawing what I'm seeing," he said.

Larry turned his face to kiss him. The kiss deepened, and Larry managed to put the block aside safely, before things got heated again.

~~

Peter had to drag him into the shower after they'd exchanged blow jobs, because Larry was so tired. "You could draw me sleeping," he suggested, half leaning against the shower wall as Peter scrubbed his back.

"No wasting precious time on sleep," Peter said.

Larry's body disagreed, but he loved the sentiment and turned around to kiss Peter.

After the shower they made their way to the hotel restaurant. Larry had a bit of a hard time sitting. As he squirmed to find the best position, he couldn't help the flush on his face as he remembered why his ass was making sitting a bit uncomfortable.

Peter looked a bit worried, but at Larry's shy smile, grinned back.

The food was relatively good. Peter talked about one of his art projects, about the interaction of man and nature, and Larry found himself wishing he could see the images that Peter evoked with his words. "Will you have an exhibition once you're done?" he asked.

"Well," Peter began. "Of course, I'd like to see them in a gallery, but that's not exactly easy. I've been thinking about other places I could ask. Maybe there are some non-profit places that would display them for a while. It wouldn't be a real exhibition of course, but—"

"But people could see them. That sounds like a great idea," Larry finished for him.

Peter beamed at him.

"You could .... You could let me know when you're done. Maybe I could check it out," Larry added, trying to sound casual.

Peter smile faded.

"Only if you happen to remember," Larry quickly said. "Do you want more wine? I could order us another bottle."

"I'd love for you to see them," Peter said sincerely.

Larry smiled. He wasn't sure why he'd even asked. What would be the point in some vague promise that they might at some point see each other again? To see him and his art, Larry realized. To learn that bit more about him. Peter was unlike anyone else he'd ever met. Even if he'd only visit as an old acquaintance, it would be nice to see something that obviously meant a lot to Peter.

They continued to eat. "I've done a bit of work for businesses, but the art they commissioned just didn't feel like it was mine," Peter said, almost carefully.

"Well, I suppose it isn't really. Not when you do it for them and with them in mind," Larry said.

"I've heard people say that it shouldn't matter. That my vision shouldn't be compromised by that," Peter said.

"I'm no artist, but what might come closest is when I cook. I always try to keep the people in mind that I cook for, even if I know nothing about their tastes."

Peter nodded. "Yes, I think that's similar. I mean ... if it worked like that I would just draw for myself and put up my junk for sale. Maybe it's because of those portraits. I think I mentioned them, drawing someone as a historical figure or the like?"

Larry nodded.

"It's not really very artistic and it's certainly not my vision, but it's doing something for a customer and that's what they love about it. And ... I'm not saying I'm putting my heart and soul into each and every one of these pictures. I don't. But whenever I send something off, it's with the knowledge that I've done what I can to make that person happy about what they bought. I never rush things through half-finished. They deserve more."

"Is it the same for your, uh, phone customers?" Larry couldn't help asking. He remembered how Peter had told him that he painted while he was working on the phone.

"Most of them aren't very demanding," Peter said. Then he grinned at Larry.

"Unlike me," Larry guessed.

"You were unlike anyone ever," Peter said, grin softening into a smile. "In just about every way."

"You too," Larry said, smiling back.

They finished eating. Peter let Larry pay and suggested going for a walk. The sun was about to set and turned the sky a mesmerizing mix of violet and orange. They stopped to watch its progress every now and then. Peter's hand had found his as soon as they'd left the restaurant, and it never let go as they made their way along the beach.

As the sun set, they settled down in the sand, shoulders touching.

"This was the best vacation I've ever had," Larry said quietly.

"It's not yet over," Peter said. After a long moment, he added, "When do you have to leave?"

"In two days. Quite early though. I should pack tomorrow night," Larry said. "You can stay until later though. Or did you— When were you going to go home?"

"The day after tomorrow is fine," Peter said. "I don't want to stay without you," he added.

Larry turned to him. "I wish I didn't have to go," he admitted, leaning forward.

"So do I," Peter said, meeting Larry's lips in a kiss.

They deepened the kiss, wrapping their arms around each other.

"I'm getting visions of Hollywood classics," Larry said, when they pulled back to catch their breath.

Peter chuckled, leaning his forehead against Larry's. "If we have sex here, we'll be arrested."

"Then how about we head back to where no one will disturb or arrest us?"

~~

Larry was insatiable when it came to Peter. They'd had sex every day, sometimes more than once, but it didn't make him want Peter any less now. He'd never wanted anyone the way he wanted Peter. He couldn't remember when he last had this much sex, but it still wasn't enough. It had never been like this before. Not even with Sandi, who'd completely worn him out. He'd just let it happen back then, lain back and enjoyed what she was giving to him.

With Peter he felt a hunger for skin and touch. Every kiss, every moan just made him want more. And it didn't seem different for Peter. He was almost desperate in his need to map every bit of skin of Larry's body with his mouth or hands. The climax when it came was explosive and brain-melting. Coming down was like literally floating down from a higher sphere to which Peter had catapulted him.

Peter cleaned them up and then lay back down next to Larry, turning on his side to watch him. Larry moved to face him. They just looked at each other for a while, their breaths slowly calming.

Peter was beautiful. Inside and out. Larry had had pretty girlfriends before. But like all the other relationships he'd had something had fundamentally been wrong. It had all been a compromise, a give and take of mostly silent negotiations, until they'd come to a point where compromise was no longer possible. It wasn't like that at all with Peter.

And it wasn't that they agreed on everything. Larry was much more picky in his tastes of food, and where Peter felt at home in the water, Larry only could be dragged there for a short while. But unlike with his previous relationships the middle ground they found never felt like Larry was giving something up. When they'd been at the gallery it was obvious that Peter took away things from it that Larry couldn't, but he'd still made Larry a part of it. When Peter swam out in the ocean, Larry didn't feel the need to catch up. He didn't feel excluded. It was simply part of their differences, and for some reason, the differences with Peter didn't matter.

Larry didn't know why he felt this way. Maybe it was because when they were together, he felt like he was really with Peter more than in any other relationship he'd ever had.

He just looked at Peter for a moment. He wasn't sure how to read Peter's look. There was contentment, but he didn't look completely happy, not the way he'd been the first few days. The idea that Peter would miss this as much as Larry would touched something deep inside him.

"What do you see when you look at me?" Peter asked quietly.

Larry wasn't sure what Peter meant. He wasn't sure he had words that could adequately describe what he saw in Peter. But he tried. "I see someone who loves life. I see someone who is inspired and who inspires," Larry said.

Peter reached out to clasp his hand together with Larry's. "Do you want to know what I see when I look at you?" Before Larry could answer, he continued. "A true heart."

Larry wasn't sure he understood what Peter meant. He'd never considered himself a particularly feeling person. If anything, he was probably a bit too unemotional and dry. But even if he didn't quite understand Peter's sentiment, he could see that it meant a lot to him, that it was special to him and that alone made it special to Larry too.

He pulled Peter close, and they cuddled together before he took off his glasses and drifted off to sleep.

~~

Larry woke up the next morning, finding Peter next to him with his large drawing block on his crossed legs.

"Another memory?" Larry asked.

Something flickered in Peter's eyes. "Not exactly," he said, putting away the block. Then he smiled widely at Larry.

Larry was glad to see that he seemed so happy, even though this was their last day together. He was trying to do the same. He was trying to make the most of the time they still had. There'd be more than enough time for sadness later.

"Let's take a shower and then head out," Peter said, holding out his hand.

Larry took it and let Peter drag him into the bathroom.

~~

During breakfast Peter was very chatty. Not that he had been quiet before, but this morning he asked all kinds of questions about Toronto.

"It's not cold all year round, is it?" he asked at one point, biting into a piece of toast.

"Toronto is only a little over 300 km from Detroit and mostly east of it, I might add. When you think of Detroit, do you think of snow all year round?"

"I don't really think of Detroit all that often," Peter said with a grin.

Larry threw a piece of toast at him. Peter brought the child out in him. Among other things.

"So what you're saying is there are occasional bouts of sun to be found?"

"Yes. Usually in summer," Larry said dryly. Then, after a moment of hesitation, he added, "Why? Do you want to visit me?"

"Who knows," Peter said evasively, preparing his next piece of toast.

Larry didn't press it.

~~

They took a blanket with them and walked along the beach, settling down on a spot a bit further away from the water. Larry wondered if Peter didn't want to go swimming, but Peter only took him in his arms and started kissing him.

They lay on the beach, making out for what felt like hours. It was as if they had all the time in the world.

Larry loved to imagine it. Lazy mornings in bed, cooking for Peter after work and on weekends. Watching him paint, posing for him. Reading while Peter was swimming. Taking walks in the evenings. Going to bed together. And waking up together again.

It was painfully easy to imagine it. For a moment Larry could feel it almost like a physical hurt. He pulled Peter closer, hands fisting in his shirt as he tried to keep his feelings under control. He wanted that life so badly.

He thought of his job and his life in Toronto and suddenly wondered what was keeping him there. He'd wanted to give up his job just a week ago anyway. And there wasn't any other reason to stay.

"What's Tahoe like?" he asked abruptly.

"Why do you want to know?" Peter asked.

"I bet it's warmer than Toronto," he said. "I know that I said I wanted to keep my job, but I was thinking ..."

"Tahoe isn't a financial Mecca exactly," Peter said, smiling.

"I don't ... care," Larry admitted. He wasn't sure if Peter understood what he was saying. He didn't know if Peter would even want what he wanted. "It is .... It could be a possibility."

Peter looked at him, searching his eyes, as if he didn't quite believe Larry was serious.

Larry couldn't believe it himself. He wasn't the kind of guy who did something like this. He wasn't the kind of guy who'd up and leave his old life behind for someone he'd known for less than a week. And yet ...

"You want to move to Tahoe," Peter said.

Larry dropped his gaze, but then faced Peter again, looking him straight in the eye. "I want to be with you." It was as simple as that. The last few days with Peter had been perfection. Despite the women who'd come on to Peter, the disapproving looks of the old couple and the few disagreements that they'd had about who should pay, the time he'd spent with Peter felt to Larry like he'd finally lived.

Not that he'd been dead before. But so much of his life had been little more than going through the motions. He liked his job and doing it well, but the rest of the time he was just functioning. It was like he was completely disconnected from the people around him. With Peter he felt like he was someone. Someone who mattered, someone who couldn't just be replaced by another person who paid his bills, took out the trash and didn't cross a red stop light.

Peter had chosen to spend his vacation with Larry, even though he could have been with any number of other people. He'd wanted Larry and nobody else. And Larry wanted him. They'd never really talked about it, but Larry was perceptive enough to understand that some people didn't react too well to what Peter did for a living. They looked down on it and by extension on him. They didn't take him seriously. They probably dismissed his personal work because of the commercial work he did, and since he had phone sex with men for money, they thought he was only good for other meaningless sex.

Larry didn't know that for sure, but he thought of Peter's reaction to the woman who'd dismissed his rejection as if he couldn't possibly know what he wanted, who he wanted. But he did know, and he wanted Larry, and to Larry that was amazing. It was a gift, just as the glimpses into art that Peter had given him had been a gift, or the way he could make Larry want to try new things without pushing too hard. Those were the things that mattered to Larry, that made him care about Peter. What he did for a living was just that. It didn't change the person Peter was into anything less.

It certainly didn't make Larry want him any less. And it didn't make him want to be with Peter any less. If Peter would allow him to be a part of his life, Larry would be happy. He'd find a job somehow. But the way he felt when he was with Peter was nothing that he could easily replace. And now that he realized there was an option to keep it, giving up his job and apartment seemed like an insignificant risk. The real question was if Peter felt the same.

Larry waited for a reaction. His heart beat loudly in his chest. With every second that ticked by he became more certain that as much as Peter liked him, this was too much. Any moment now he would bring Larry back down to earth.

"I'm sorry," he said, and Larry tried not to be crushed by it. "But if you moved to Tahoe, we'd have a problem, because I had kind of planned on checking out Toronto. I hear they have sun there in summer."

Larry blinked. And stared. "You want ..."

Peter moved until he lay on top of Larry, looking down at him. "I love you," he said quietly.

Larry gasped out loud. Even in his wildest fantasies he wouldn't have expected that.

Peter said, "I know that we've only known each other for a week, but—"

"I know," Larry said. "I know. I love you too." The words slipped past his lips more easily than ever before. It was as natural as walking down the beach holding hands with him, or sharing a sandwich with him or listening to him explain a certain style in a painting. It was true. "I love you," he repeated, realizing that he'd never before in his life really meant those words.

Peter's face lit up in a wide smile. Larry reached up and cupped his face, his own lips curving up to reflect the happiness he saw on Peter's face. He pulled him down into a kiss.

They kissed slowly, deeply, taking all the time in the world as they tasted each other. There was less than a day until his flight left and his vacation would be over.

But his real life had only just begun.



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