Winter-CFGaryChristmas For GaryVic WinterTorquere PressCopyright © 200y by Vic WinterErotica/Romance. 10097 words long. First published in torquerepress.com, 2007 enNovelettext/xml

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Christmas For Gary
by Vic Winter
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Erotica/Romance

Torquere Press
www.torquerepress.com

Copyright ©200y by Vic Winter

First published in torquerepress.com, 2007

NOTICE: This work is copyrighted. It is licensed only for use by the original purchaser. Making copies of this work or distributing it to any unauthorized person by any means, including without limit email, floppy disk, file transfer, paper print out, or any other method constitutes a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines or imprisonment.

Gary hadn't been particularly looking forward to spending his break with his gran, but he had to admit, the old girl and her friends knew how to have fun. They did a lot more than he would have expected and they didn't do any of it by halves. And they dragged him along full bore, whether he liked it or not.

Today it was Adventures in Thai Cuisine. Aside from himself, the only other person in the kitchen under forty was a young woman there with her mother, but he was having the best time. Gran and her cronies flirted shamelessly with the chef and his assistant. Somewhat horrified and definitely embarrassed at first, Gary was eventually made to see the light.

“Don't be such a fuddy-duddy,” Martha scolded. “We're just having some fun before we kick off."

“Martha!” He was shocked at her words, though by this time he really ought not have been. His Gran's best friend, Martha dyed her white hair a bright pink and wore far too much make-up, but she was feisty as hell.

“What? We're old, but we're not dead, and that means we know the value of living. You should live a little yourself. Just because you're young doesn't mean you aren't going to kick off, too, sooner or later."

The others cheered her on.

“Here, here, Martha! How does that song go? Live like you were dying."

“Oh, that's Tim McGraw; he's a hot one. I'd like live like I was dying with him."

“Gran!” Gary knew he was as red as a beet, maybe even redder. It was bad enough that the others said stuff like that, but it was somehow worse when it was his dear old gran.

She just squeezed his cheeks and gave him a kiss. “Go on and flirt with Yan, dear. What could it hurt?"

And so Gary did, and he'd be damned if it didn't feel good. Yan, the chef, flirted good-naturedly back at him, just as the man had done with Gran and her friends, and the world didn't end and he didn't die of embarrassment.

In fact the cooking lessons were suddenly more fun, and he found himself laughing more; he was definitely enjoying himself way more.

They were only moderately successful at their attempts to reproduce the Pad Thai, but Debby waved it off when Gary began to lament the fact that they hadn't had more success. “Honey, I didn't come here to make the perfect Pad Thai. I came to have fun, and I certainly call it a success on that front."

“Come on, girls.” Gran was the one who kept them all moving. In face she was usually the one who found all this stuff for them to do as well. She was a real live-wire.

Gary was pretty sure he'd been conned by his family.

"Oh, Gary, it would mean so much to me if you went to see what you could do for her."

"Gary, is it really too much to ask for a couple of weeks of your time to help her out? I'm so worried about her all by herself. She'll need help going shopping for gifts and stuff..."

“How can your mother and I enjoy our cruise if we're worried about her all by herself—she's not as young as she once was, you know."

Gran certainly didn't need any help from him or anyone else.

“We should stop at the Dairy Queen for banana splits and sundaes and Peanut Buster Parfaits. Then we can go straight to the mall. You all brought your gift lists, right? And don't forget we're doing the Santa game the morning of the 24th, so we'll need gifts and lots of paper for that."

“And the charity gifts,” Martha reminded them.

“You ladies are making me tired.” It wasn't the first time he'd said it—they were just so busy and they dragged him along with them willy nilly.

They laughed and Gran patted his knee. “Definitely DQ first. Gary needs a sugar boost."

Several hours later Gary thought he needed a lot more sugar than one Peanut Buster Parfait provided in order to keep up. Granted, he was doing most of the carrying, but just a few hours of shopping and playing packhorse let him know that he was ruefully out of shape.

“How about a coffee break?” he suggested as they passed by the food court. He was relieved when the suggestion was positively received.

They found a place that sold coffee and sweets, Gary indulging in a huge millefeuille and a large coffee with lots of cream and sugar in it. He dug into his pastry, the plastic fork soon proving itself to being far from up to the task of cutting through the layers of pastry. He gave up and attacked it with his fingers, which were soon sticky and covered in both custard and cream.

Once his plate was clean, he happily set about licking his fingers clean as he people-watched. He stopped suddenly, mid-suck, eyes riveted to a tall, gorgeous man. The guy was the color of Gary's coffee and had short buzzed dark hair, loads of muscles and beautiful hands that he used as he talked.

“Oh, he's a cute one, isn't he?” Martha elbowed him in the ribs, speaking loudly.

Gary blushed hard, but nodded. He had, after all, been caught staring, if only by Martha.

“Why don't you go say hi?” she asked.

“He's with people.” Of course even as he said it, the gorgeous hunk waved his friends off.

Martha cackled. “Not anymore, he isn't."

“I can't just go up to him!"

“Why not?"

“I can't.” He'd never been any good at that kind of thing. Especially when it came to the really good-looking guys. It made him all tongue-twisted and he wound up coming off like a dweeb.

“You flirted with Yan."

“That was different."

“Bullshit."

“Martha!” It didn't matter how much time he spent with the ladies, it still shocked him when they swore. “And it isn't the same. Yan was older and he wasn't a gorgeous stud, and I'm pretty sure he was straight."

“And you weren't attracted to him,” she suggested. At his nod, she said, “Ah...” and, thank God, let the subject drop.

Gary went back to cleaning his fingers, and then started on his plate, getting the last bits of sticky sweet off it with his fingers. He watched Tall, Dark and Handsome as he did so. The stud finished his salad and threw away his dishes, stowed his tray and came toward them, obviously headed back toward where he worked, as he didn't have a coat with him.

“Excuse me, young man.” Martha stopped him as he drew level with their table. Gran, Amy, and Debby stopped their chattering and Gary felt himself start to blush, two fingers still in his mouth.

“Yes, ma'am?” Oh, his voice was deep with just a hint of gravel to it. Nice.

“My friend here thinks you're hot."

Swallowing his groan, Gary yanked his fingers out of his mouth and wiped them nervously on his pants leg, wishing he were anywhere else.

The guy looked over at him and gave him a once over before turning back to Martha. “You'll have to tell him he's not so bad himself."

Gary felt his jaw drop. Him? Gorgeous and Studly thought he wasn't bad? Maybe the guy needed glasses.

Martha laughed and nodded. “He is cute, but it doesn't mean nearly as much coming from a bunch of old ladies as it does from a young stud like yourself."

Gary couldn't decide if he was more embarrassed or amazed at Martha.

“Well thank you, ma'am.” The guy smiled and Gary felt his prick give a little jerk. Mr. Gorgeous became even more so when he smiled. “Do you think it would be okay if I said hi to him?"

Gary stood before Martha could answer and held out his hand. “Hi, I'm Gary."

“Nice to meet you, Gary. I'm Troy.” One big, beautiful hand swallowed his up, Troy's skin warm and callused.

Gary smiled and tried not to be too disappointed when their hands parted—it wasn't like they could spend the whole day standing in the food court of the mall, holding hands. “So ... um ... you headed back to work?” Oh great, make the guy think you can't wait to get rid of him.

Troy nodded, though. “Yeah. I work at the Golden Gym. You should come by sometime, let me show you the equipment. I'm a personal trainer with the gym and I could show you around, set you up with a good routine."

It was tempting, but a little voice in the back of Gary's head said that he was going to be so out of place there. “I don't know ... I'm helping my Gran out by playing chauffeur and pack mule and stuff for her and her friends."

Troy didn't even hesitate. “Bring them with you."

“You mean to the gym?"

“I sure do."

“Oh. I.” He floundered, unsure of what to say.

“We'd love to go to the gym.” Gran beamed up at Troy. “Will we get some personal training time, too?"

Gary's eyes widened. His Gran was flirting with his guy. Or at least a guy who might be his guy.

Troy just laughed, though. “I will indeed. Why don't you all come by tomorrow morning? I'll set aside some time for all of you.” The last was spoken directly to him, Troy's eyes a warm, dark brown.

“We'd love to,” answered his Gran. “We can be at the gym tomorrow at ten. That'll give us enough time to go home and get changed before we're due at the Home for caroling."

“Ten tomorrow would work well for us,” murmured Gary. “How does it work for you?"

“It works. If I'm not free I'll find someone to cover me.” Troy grabbed his hand again and gave it a squeeze. Then he waved at the ladies as he went, jogging off toward the Golden Gym at the far end of the mall.

Gary sat slowly, a little stunned by what had just happened.

Martha cackled merrily and patted his knee. “You'd best be taking us all home now so you can start your primping."

“I do not primp!"

“Honey, for that man you should take it up!"

* * * *

Gary didn't primp, but he did excuse himself from the ladies so he could go to Athletes’ World and pick up some new work-out clothes. He avoided the tight shorts and sleeveless t-shirts like what Troy had been wearing. He knew he'd suffer by comparison. Instead, he got a flowery pair of blue surfing shorts and a plain blue t-shirt that didn't hug his body. It wasn't like he was fat or anything, but being a teacher was a fairly sedentary job and he had a bit of a belly and definite love handles. He also picked up a new pair of trainers which matched the rest of the new outfit.

As he stood in front of the mirror moussing and playing with his light brown hair until it had the perfect just out of bed look to it, and checked himself out in his new duds, he had to admit that maybe he was primping just a little.

“Gary! Come on, honey, we need to get a move on or we'll be late."

“Coming, Gran!"

He didn't look too bad, if he did say so himself. He slipped on his glasses and shook his head as he was instantly once again the professor. He couldn't really see properly without them, though, and he was too chicken to get Lasik surgery done, so he was stuck wearing them.

He and Gran met up with Martha, Amy, Debby and Mabel in the lobby of the Golden Gym. The old girls looked great in their workout clothes and not one of them looked the least bit self-conscious about being there with all the young, fit bodies around.

Gary had just decided to take a leaf out of their book when Troy met them in the lobby and suddenly he was self-conscious and shy again. The man was just such a stud, top to bottom.

Troy wore a tight grey t-shirt today, with black shorts, and Gary knew he wasn't the only one checking the man out. He ignored the fact that his Gran and the others were looking as much as anyone. It just meant that he had good taste, right? Or that the old gals were shameless. Probably a good dose of both.

Troy welcomed them all, stopping in front of Gary, a pleased grin on his face. “Hey. Glad you could make it, Gary."

Gary nodded like one of those silly bobble head dolls. “Yeah, me, too.” He rolled his eyes at himself. So suave.

“Okay, if everyone can follow me, I'll get you all started. If you like the place, we've got a great senior discount.” Troy looked the ladies over. “Though I'm not sure everyone here would qualify for that as you do need to be over sixty."

The ladies all giggled and Troy shot him a wink. Gary grinned at the man. A stud, and sweet as hell to humor his Gran and her cronies like that. Troy just kept getting better and better.

Forty-five minutes later Gary was singing a different tune. He'd hardly seen much of Troy at all. Every ten minutes or so, Troy would show up and move Gary to a new machine, tell him to do reps and then take off to help one, or all, of the ladies.

Gary couldn't help thinking, that maybe after seeing him again, Troy'd decided he was a dud and this was the man's way of letting him down easy.

Gary did one last set of shoulder curls, noticing, now that the adrenaline of seeing Troy again was most assuredly gone, that he was beginning to ache: his shoulders, his arms, even his legs were protesting a little—enough to tell him he'd pushed himself a little too hard. He'd been trying to show off for Troy, which would have worked better if Troy had actually been around.

“Okay,” Troy's voice caught his attention and he wandered over toward where the ladies were gathering around his stud. “You've all done really well today and I think it would be fantastic if you joined the gym. We've got a pool here as well and we offer aqua cardio as well as the more general aqua-fitness. Staying fit is really important.” Turning to him, Troy addressed the next bit straight at him. “Do you think you could stay a bit longer? I could give you a lift home if the one of the ladies was your ride."

“Well, Gran and I came together..."

“Oh, Martha will drive me home—as long as my car's safe in the lot until Gary comes home."

“It'll be perfectly safe, I promise.” Troy aimed that amazing smile at her and Gary felt his previous ire melt a little in the man's presence.

The ladies finally headed for the change rooms, so at last it was just him and Troy. Well, him and Troy and a bunch of strangers working on the machines.

“What great old birds."

“Yeah, they are.” He wasn't here to talk about them, though.

“You want to come to the office? I can write you up a routine, stuff you can do at home as well—to supplement your weight training and aerobic workouts here."

“Uh. Okay, sure.” Gary followed Troy through the gym, admiring the man's tight buttocks as they went. Man, you could bounce a quarter off them. Though why you'd want to do that when there were so many other possibilities...

Gary sure hoped that Troy meant “work out routine” like other men meant “etchings".

Much to his disappointment, the office meant an office, shared by several other people, and work out routine meant exactly that.

“This seems rather ambitious,” he pointed out as Troy started ticking off most of the boxes in a pre-set list.

“Look at it as something to work toward."

Gary looked dubiously at the paper Troy handed over. Damn, there were a lot of exercises ticked off on the list.

“If you don't want to..."

Gary looked at Troy and nodded. Honestly was the best policy, right? “To be truthful, I came today because you invited me and the old ladies were right—I do think you're hot."

“So you're not interested in working out at all?"

“Oh, I know I could stand to lose a few pounds, especially through the middle, but I'm not obsessive about it or anything like that. Not that you are,” he added hurriedly. “Although you look like you are. I mean that body...” He snapped his mouth closed and offered a weak smile.

Troy's lips twitched and then the man was laughing at him, teeth bright white against the milk chocolate skin. Gary figured he probably should be upset about being laughed at, but God, just looking at Troy, at that amazing smile made it hard for him to be anything but smitten.

“It is important to me. I think being in shape should be important to everyone, but I know that not everyone's ready for a protracted daily routine.” Troy grabbed another exercise sheet list and ticked off a half dozen items that were listed under the “no equipment needed” column, and then he took yet another one and checked another ten items or so. “Try doing this at home two or three days a week, and this one here is for when you come into the gym. I think you'll find it gets to be addictive. Working out releases all kinds of endorphins and it feels awesome, whether you work out for an hour or just twenty minutes."

“Do you have short term gym memberships? I don't really want to dish out for a year if I'm not going to use it. Plus I'm only nearby while I'm staying with my Gran. I'll be back on the other side of the city once school starts again.” There, that was nice and professional and honest and he'd managed to get it all out without stammering or saying anything stupid. Go him.

“I can do you one better.” Troy handed him a month's free pass. “You can always join a Golden Gym closer to home after Christmas."

“Okay, cool. Thanks."

“Out of excuses?” Troy's dark brown eyes twinkled at him.

Gary couldn't help laughing. “Yeah, I guess I am. I'm never going to look like you, though. Even if I did become obsessive about it."

“Good. I'm not the least bit my type."

“Oh.” He met Troy's eyes and stared into them. He wasn't the type who dated a lot or picked guys up, but even he could see the interest there. “I am,” he said softly, Troy's look making him bold.

“You are."

“Cool.” It was. It was awesome. He cleared his throat. “And you. You're, well, my type."

“Good. Does that mean you'll come have lunch with me?"

Gary nodded eagerly. “Yeah, it does."

“That's great.” Gary was definitely already in love with Troy's smile. It just lit his whole face up and looked fantastic. It made him feel good, too, having it aimed at him. “I'll meet you up front in fifteen minutes?"

“Yeah that's ... oh. I didn't bring a change of clothes,” he admitted. He hadn't been expecting to be invited for lunch.

Troy laughed again and tossed him a white t-shirt with “Golden Gym” embossed on it. “There—you can be fresh on top, at least."

“Thanks. I'll hit the showers and get rid of the worst of the work out sweat.” He was inordinately pleased that Troy hadn't used the opportunity to back out of the lunch. Not that the guy would have—he had made the offer in the first place, after all.

Stop being so hard on yourself and have a good time. That was either Gran or Martha's voice in his head, and he had to admit it was good advice. But those ladies needed to get out of his brain now because he was going on a date with a real hot stud, and he thought it would be best if he handled it himself.

* * * *

Gary was waiting out in front of the Golden Gym in just over twenty minutes, trying to look relaxed, like he went out on dates with gorgeous men all the time. He had a feeling he just looked nervous.

He forgot about how he looked, though, as soon as he saw Troy coming out the door. Forget lunch, he could just stand here and drool for an hour or so, maybe more. But he didn't have to do that, because they were going to lunch, so he shook himself and returned Troy's smile.

Troy's hand landed against the small of his back as they walked, warm and good, it felt even better when they got in line at the Japanese Experience and Troy started rubbing little circles against his lower back. It might be noisy and busy there in the foot court, but Gary finally got to feel what it was like being the center of Troy's attention. He liked it. He wanted to try it with just the two of them, though. He wanted that a lot.

They got their meals and started looking for somewhere to sit. A couple of people called out to Troy, but Troy only waved at them before suggesting a able for two that had opened up in the back corner. Gary nodded and they made their way over to sit across from each other. If he was a braver man, Gary knew he'd be playing footsie with Troy under cover of the table. As it was, he settled for being happy he didn't have Martha's voice in his head telling him to go for it.

The food was typical food court fare, but the company elevated the meal to a whole new level. Those chocolate brown eyes were focused on him, Troy's smile making him feel like the luckiest guy in the mall. He probably was.

“How long have you been a trainer?” he asked, nibbling on the top of a bean sprout.

“Forever. Seriously—I hired on right out of high school. Hell, I used to train the jocks, help them hit goal weights and stuff.” Troy shrugged, and flashed him that amazing smile again. “Guess you could say I'm a hooked."

“There's worse things to be hooked on."

“You better believe it. Of course there are better things, too.” Troy smiled at him, eyes intent.

Gary found himself blushing, and he ducked his head. He really did suck at the flirting thing; he didn't get a whole lot of opportunities to actually do it. And flirting with that chef the other day so didn't count. “When do you need to go back?” he asked.

“Trying to get rid of me already?"

“What? No! Oh, no. It's not that at all...” the words faded as he realized Troy was chuckling. His cheeks heated up again, his grin somewhat sheepish. “You're a teaser."

Leaning forward, Troy nodded. “I am, but I always deliver in the end."

Oh, God, he was going to be permanently red-cheeked the way Troy kept teasing.

“I need to get back soon, actually. Say you'll go out with me on a proper date."

He didn't hesitate with his answer—he wanted Troy to know he meant it. “I'll go out with you on a proper date."

“Excellent. Tomorrow night? Dinner and a movie?"

“Sure, that sounds great.” He had a date. An honest to goodness dinner and a movie date. It sounded better than great—it sounded awesome.

“I have to work until six, but I could meet you at the gym at 6:30?"

“Yeah, that would work.” It would work just fine. Of course Troy could have suggested just about any time and any where and Gary would have made it work. “I'll see you tomorrow night, then."

“Yeah.” Troy leaned across the table and pressed a kiss to the side of his mouth. “Until tomorrow.” Then he got up, bussed his tray and headed back down the mall to the gym.

Gary watched him go until he rounded a corner and disappeared. Then he grinned into his plate. He had a date tomorrow night. Gran would be so proud. And then she and her cronies were probably going to want all the gory details...

* * * *

Gary might have spent the next day letting his nerves over his upcoming date with Troy get the better of him, but Gran and the ladies had other plans that didn't include him stressing about it.

They spent the better part of the morning buying cookie-baking supplies, arguing good-naturedly over whether a recipe calling for shortening meant actual shortening, or if butter, margarine or oil would do the job just as well. Gary was sure they'd bought way too much stuff. Either that or they'd be spending the next two weeks doing nothing but baking cookies and he knew the ladies well enough by now to know that they were far too busy to spend all that time baking. Come to think of it, baking cookies was hardly their style. It was far too ... traditional.

He had to tease them about it when they set to baking cookies after lunch, turning Gran's kitchen into a disaster area—flour and sugar and chocolate chips everywhere, including all over the ladies. “Since when do you guys go for the traditional grandmother thing?"

“Shut your mouth.” Martha popped his arm with her wooden spoon.

“Ow!” He rubbed his arm. “What was that for."

“Not all of us are grandmothers, and even your gran would rather not have that word bandied about like that, I imagine. Besides, everyone likes a home-baked cookie."

Gary bit his lower lip to keep from chortling. “Everyone does?"

“Yes. And if they don't, they have the manners not to say so. And what are you giggling at?"

“I just never expected to see you guys baking cookies. Although based on how much of the ingredients are all over you and the counters instead of in the bowls...” He ducked the next hit of the spoon, but managed to walk right into Gran's swat on his butt.

“Behave, Gary. These are my friends, and we're all your elders."

“Hey! If I called any one of you my ‘elder', I'd be in for an even worse beating."

She chuckled. “You do have a point, my dear.” She patted him on the cheek. “Now wash up the measuring cups and mixing bowls like a good boy and we'll start on the next batch.

By the time they were done, he needed a shower to get the icing sugar out of his hair.

* * * *

Troy looked even better in a dress shirt and slacks than he did in his gym clothes. He was kind and fun to be around. He had great taste in food and even better taste in movies. During their date, Gary found out he volunteered for the Boys and Girls Club, that he loved to read a weird mix of science fiction and the classics. He was funny, he was smart. He was perfect.

To be honest, it was weirding Gary out.

Good looking guys like Troy fell into three categories: jerks, taken, or so not interested in Gary. Troy clearly wasn't a jerk; he was in fact the anti-jerk. And apparently he wasn't taken. Gary had specifically asked and Troy hadn't sidestepped the question at all, he was footloose and fancy free. Which of course begged the question why such a good-looking, smart, funny stud wasn't taken. Troy had shrugged and said he just hadn't met the right guy, that most of his first dates were also his last dates.

And Troy was interested in Gary. He'd said so. More than once. And hell, here they were coming out of the theatre holding hands after having watched a really great Indie film. And instead of ending the date, Troy was asking to prolong it.

“So how about it, Gary—somewhere for coffee, maybe my place?"

“Um ... yeah, okay, sure.” Gary nodded, too and gave himself a mental slap for answering yes in like four different ways, like he'd been scared Troy would take “yeah” to mean something else.

“Are you sure?” Troy's eyes danced and Gary rolled his own.

“I'm sure. Let's go."

He'd driven from the gym, so it was his car they took to Troy's place, the man giving him directions as they went, the conversation staying light and easy as Gary drove. He was very grateful for that; Troy was distracting enough just sitting there, and knowing what they were going to be doing...

He stopped himself before he could get too far into any kind of fantasies. Maybe Troy just meant for them to have some coffee and continue their discussions. God knew, the man was easy to talk to when Gary forgot that the guy was gorgeous and out with him.

It didn't take that long to get to Troy's place—he had the top floor of a duplex in an older neighborhood. There whole street was lit up like a giant Christmas tree, almost every house boasting lights and Santas or reindeer or snowmen on their lawns. Troy's place was also lit up.

“It's on a timer.” Troy unlocked the front door and headed up the stairs, Gary following. “That way it doesn't matter if I'm home or if I fall asleep before I turn them off for the night."

“Cool."

Troy grinned as he unlocked the door at the top of the stairs. “It probably seems like a crazy thing to worry about, but I tell you, the neighbors here are nazis when it comes to the Christmas lights. You don't get them up by mid-December and have them lit every night you get a ‘visit'.” Tony shuddered dramatically, making Gary laugh. “Oh, no, don't laugh. I'm not kidding here. These people are relentless in their quest for perfect street lighthood."

Gary couldn't help it, he continued to snicker as Troy held the door open for him.. “I think I might know what you mean. I have, after all, been hanging out with a bunch of lovely, but very opinionated, ladies."

“Somehow I can't see your blue-haired gang getting all worked up over Christmas lights."

“No, but they've got their hot buttons. Hell, we probably all do."

The door closed behind Troy and it was his turn to chuckle. “Hot buttons, huh? I'd like to find a few of yours."

Gary felt his cheeks heat, and he licked his lips as he looked up at Troy. “Yeah, I'd like you to find some of them, too."

“We're on the same page, then.” Troy moved into his space and walked him back up against the door.

“Uh-huh.” Gary slid his hands up along Troy's chest, squeezing the firm pecs before curling his hands around Troy's shoulders, just holding on.

Troy's smile came closer and closer, and then their lips pressed together. Gary'd never kissed anyone while smiling before and their teeth clacked together, their lips getting smashed. It was awkward and funny, and then suddenly they weren't smiling anymore and it turned sweet, just right as Troy's thick lips slid across his own, gentle and hot.

His eyes closed and he held on to Troy's shoulders, letting the kiss wash over him. Their lips clung together and then parted, and then came together again, each kiss lingering a little longer than the last. The place was quiet except for the sound of their breathing, and the little smacking noise their lips made each time a kiss ended.

Gary thought he could do this for the rest of the night—just this. It was warm and intimate and it made him feel good all the way to his toes, which curled just a little as Troy's tongue swept across his lips. He gasped, his prick taking full notice at the touch of tongue, beginning to fill and press against his zipper.

Stroking Troy's muscles, Gary leaned more heavily against the door, and Troy's body followed the silent invitation, resting along his, all those muscles and the hard bump that was pressing against Gary's lower belly felt like the really good start to something hot and heavy.

Troy's hand came up, fingers petting his cheek and the caress had Gary opening and closing his hands on Troy's shoulders. Troy's other hand wrapped around his hip, holding onto Gary. It felt good. It felt very much like Troy wanted him here, very much. Which was good because Gary sure wanted to be here, to be kissing Troy, losing himself in it, not even caring if it was leading somewhere else. Okay, so his cock cared, but his brain was just taking what was currently on offer and enjoying every last moment of it.

Something rubbed up against Gary's leg and made a strange crying noise, almost like a baby. Startled, Gary gave an embarrassingly girly scream and jumped about a foot off the ground—or he would have if Troy hadn't been holding him against the door.

“What was that?” he asked, voice more squeak than anything else.

“Bobby. My cat."

“You have a cat? Named Bobby?” Gary blinked a couple of times, trying to make the words make sense, trying to clear the kiss-induced fog that had him wrapped up and loopy. He looked down, green eyes in a grey and white tabby cat glaring up at him. It meowed at him again. “What's it want?"

“She probably just wants some attention."

Troy backed off and it was all Gary could do not to whimper at the loss of all those warm muscles pressed up against him. Bending, Troy picked up the cat, which immediately began emitting a low rumbling purr. “Yeah, that was all you wanted, wasn't it, Bobby? I'll stick her in the kitchen. I might as well get us something to drink while I'm in there."

“Sure.” Gary trailed along behind Troy. “Why's her name Bobby if she's a she?"

Troy shrugged. “It suits her."

Well, Gary could hardly argue with that.

The kitchen was on the back left hand side of the apartment. Square-shaped, it was big enough for all the usual appliances, a bit of countertop space and a small card table sized table with two chairs. It was neat and tidy, almost spotless except for the mat on the floor beneath the cat foot and cat water. A few pieces of kibble that had fallen out of the kitty bowl was the only mess in an otherwise immaculate kitchen.

“You order out a lot?” Gary asked, taking in the clear countertops and empty dish rack.

Troy gave him a puzzled look. “No. Why?"

“It's just so clean in here. It doesn't look like anyone cooks in here."

“I do most of my own cooking, actually. That way I know what goes in it.” Troy gave him a wink. “All part of being a health freak."

“Hey, I never called you a freak."

“You were thinking it, though.” God, Troy's eyes were something when they twinkled like that, full of humor and teasing.

“Well ... yeah, maybe."

Troy chuckled and grabbed him around the waist, tugging him up against all those muscles. “You like the results of my health freakery, though, don't you?"

“I do. I do.” He pressed closer, rubbing a little, and sliding his hands up along Troy's arms. “I like the way you feel pressed up close.” It was easy to admit when Troy's cock was pushing eagerly against his belly.

“I was getting you a drink,” murmured Troy, lips touching his, tongue sliding out to get in on the action.

“You were.” He looped his arms around Troy's neck and opened his mouth, inviting Troy in.

“Meow!"

“We were going to lock Bobby in the kitchen, too, so we could do what we're going to do without an audience."

“We were.” He was starting to sound like a broken record, but the truth was that Troy shorted his brain out.

It was Troy who broke the kiss, arms dropping away. He went to the fridge and pulled out a couple bottles of water, tossing one at Gary. He managed not to embarrass himself, catching the bottle before it could go flying across the floor.

Troy cheered, coming back and looping an arm around his waist. “Come on, let's get out of here while Bobby's still checking out her food."

As they left the kitchen, Troy pulled the door closed. “So. Back to the living room, or would you like to see my bedroom?"

“Would it be too slutty if I said bedroom?"

Troy slowly shook his head and started them across the hall to the half-shut door. “No sluttier than me making the offer."

“Cool.” He grinned, looking around as Troy led him through the door into the man's bedroom.

The walls were painted a dark blue, gold-framed pictures covering the walls. Some were of Troy himself—they were all males in various states of undress, some flexing, some at rest. It was a beautiful study of the male body. Troy's bed was round and sat in the middle of the room, covered in teal blue sheets and a matching comforter.

“It's nice,” he said, looking around, eyes finding a dresser, a full length mirror on the back of the half open closet door.

“Come sit on my bed."

“Said the spider to the fly.” Gary very much felt like he was caught in Troy's web. He didn't mind, though. Not at all.

Troy shivered. “Spiders and flies aren't exactly conducive to the mood here."

“You're not afraid of bugs."

“I'm not?"

“No. You're ... you have all these muscles—you're a big tough guy!” Troy was teasing him.

“I'm a big tough guy who gets the creepy crawlies from creepy crawlies."

Gary laughed at the face Troy was making.

Shaking his head, Troy grabbed him close, silencing his laughter with a kiss. It worked pretty well, too, Gary looped his arms around Troy's neck and kissed back. Their lips merged and separated and merged and separated in kiss after kiss. Finally Troy's tongue teased between his lips and Gary's mouth opened on a soft, happy sigh.

Sweeping in, Troy deepened the kiss, tongue sliding against Gary's own. He opened even wider, and touched Troy's tongue with his, then slid them together, moaning as that sent warmth all through him.

He'd kissed before. Hell, he'd done a bit everything, hand jobs, sucking, being sucked, even fucking, but Troy was kissing him like it wasn't something that you did to get to the next step, Troy was kissing him like he could do this forever, like the kisses themselves were the point. Gary liked this point a whole lot.

He wasn't sure when exactly they'd moved from standing next to Troy's bed to sitting on it, but suddenly they were moving from sitting to lying, stretching out together with their legs hanging off the end.

Troy's kisses still lingered softly on his mouth, only now the man's hands were sliding over his body, stroking his side and rubbing his belly. It had Gary moaning, pressing closer and returning the touches as best he could manage. And he managed quite well, thank you very much. It certainly wasn't a hardship, touching those lovely muscles, sliding his fingers beneath Troy's shirt so he could touch skin.

Troy's skin was warm and soft over hard muscles; Gary moaned as he got the shirt right off, the scent of Troy's skin rising into the air, making his cock go harder. He was more interested in the what was coming next now, and it seemed Troy was, too, Gary's own shirt coming off over his head, Troy not even bothering with the buttons.

Troy's fingers slid over his skin, plucking at one of his nipples, and then the other. Gary gasped—he hadn't realized how sensitive those could be. It had always been all about his cock, or his ass. Of course each touch to his nipples went straight to his prick, making it jerk, making his balls ache with need.

Groaning, he returned the touches, playing with the dark little nipples on Troy's chest. He had to let one hand run down to slide over Troy's abs, the six pack smooth and rippling beneath his fingertips.

They played for awhile, still kissing, fingers exploring and stroking. Troy didn't seem the least bit put out by Gary's love handles, or his lack of highly toned and defined muscles. Gary on the other hand, was very turned on by all the toned and defined muscles on Troy and he happily explored and felt Troy up. His hips shifted, moving so he could rub idly against Troy's thigh. The zipper of his pants bit into his flesh, but that just seemed to make it better. Not that he was into pain, but the tiny bite made a nice contrast to the pleasure and the dull ache of being trapped within the stiff denim.

“What do you say we lose the pants?” Troy's fingers stopped at his waistband, teasing and dipping into his jeans.

“God, yes.” He reached for Troy's pants, all but ripping the button out of its hole. He was a little more careful with the zipper, though, seeing as Troy seemed to be about as hard as he was and he didn't want to hurt the swollen prick. As focused as he was on getting Troy's pants open, he almost missed it when Troy got him naked.

He couldn't miss the warm hand that wrapped around his cock, though, now could he? No, he most certainly couldn't. And God, it felt good. So much better than his own hand.

“What do you want, Gary? You want just this?” Big and warm, that hand kept moving, jacking him so nice and slowly, making him melt like the only bone he had in his body was the one Troy was tugging on. “Or do you want me to suck you? Or fuck you?"

He jerked at Troy's words. Did Troy really expect him to choose?

“Is that a yes, please, Troy, I want it all?"

He met Troy's eyes, kissed that smile and nodded. Yeah, he wanted it all. He wanted to fuck and suck and right this minute all he wanted was for Troy not to stop what he was doing. He didn't want to be the only one feeling this, though, so he reached into Troy's pants and wrapped his hand around a long, thick cock. Groaning at the feeling of that heat against his palm, he started moving, tugging on Troy's cock, matching Troy's movements.

He met Troy's eyes, met the smile in them with one of his own. Their foreheads pressed together, lips and tongues meeting and parting, their hands moving up and down over hot velvet flesh. Gasps left him, his hips jerking as his balls drew up against his body. He was going to come soon, really soon, but it was okay because Troy was, too. He could see it in the brown eyes.

Then Troy's eyes closed, cock pulsing in Gary's hand, spraying come between them. Gary cried out, hips bucking as he came, too, shooting up over Troy's hand.

He panted, trying to catch his breath, and still holding tight to Troy's prick. Troy kept holding him, too as they both slowly softened. Moaning happily, he pressed against Troy, burying his face in the long neck and just breathing Troy in.

They cuddled like that for awhile, until Gary shivered, skin beginning to goosepimple.

“You want to stay?” Troy asked. “I make a mean muesli."

Oh, he wanted to stay. Gary very much wanted to stay. And he really didn't want to be the guy who left right after making out. “I want to, but I can't."

“You sure?” Troy's hand was warm as it slid over his arm, touching him, tugging him closer again.

“Gran's expecting me to be home when she gets up in the morning. I'm sorry.” He felt like a heel, plus he really wanted to stay curled up with Troy, but if he was going he really ought to head out right away.

“Maybe next time you could tell her you're staying over so she won't worry."

Warmth flooded through him, and Gary nodded. “Yeah, that sounds like a plan."

Troy's lips twitched. “And thank you for not assuming I was easy."

* * * *

“So.” Gran watched him as the waitress set down a plate of eggs, bacon, home fries and toast in front of him, and the lumberjack special down in front her.

Gary felt himself coloring under her look. He knew exactly what she wanted to know, but that didn't mean he had to make it easy for her. He gave her his best innocent look as he picked up his fork and shoved some home fries into his mouth.

“So, didn't the date work out?"

“Huh?” Gary blinked at his Gran. Whatever he'd been expecting, that wasn't it.

“You came home last night—you didn't sleep over."

“Well, no, but that's because I didn't want to worry you..."

She snorted. “Gary, honey, I might be an old lady, but I know that most dates these days end in mutual ... explosions.” Gary felt his cheeks go red at her words. “If you hadn't been home this morning, I would have known where you were."

“Oh."

“So you did get laid."

“Gran!” Was he ever going to stop being surprised at the things that came out of her mouth? Probably not. He chuckled and shook his head. “Yes, Gran, I did get laid.” Man, his cheeks were going to set the place on fire soon.

“Good boy. You needed it."

“Gran!"

She chortled. “And he seems like a nice boy."

“He's a very nice man.” Gary was sure that his smile was one of those really goofy ones, but he couldn't help himself. He was halfway to falling for Troy and it made him sappy and goofy and that was just who he was.

“He's a studmuffin."

Go him for not calling out “Gran” in that shocked tone again. “Yeah, that, too,” he said instead.

She started eating her heart attack on a plate, smug little smile on her lips, eyes dancing merrily at him.

“Next time I'll stay over,” he murmured, shoving a forkful of eggs into his mouth.

* * * *

Christmas Eve found Gary moping. Almost two weeks since he'd had his first date with Troy and there had not been a repeat.

Oh, they'd talked on the phone and he'd gone to the gym a couple of times, but between their schedules, they hadn't managed an actual second date. Instead, Gary'd escorted his Gran to this party and on that shopping spree. They'd made more cookies, and passed them out at the old age home. They'd wrapped more presents than he could count and he had a half dozen paper cuts to prove it, too. He'd been busy; Troy had been busy. But they hadn't gotten busy together.

Gary sat in the car, watching the snow start to fall, just like in a picture book. He was waiting for Gran—they'd just dropped Martha off and Gran had gone with her to make sure she got in all right. He tried to muster up a smile as she came back, but it was obvious she saw right through him.

“You're missing your young man."

Well, he couldn't deny that, now could he? So he didn't even try. “I am."

“Is he at the gym now?"

“I guess? I don't know, Gran. He didn't say what time he finished today.” His Gran rolled her eyes at him. He rolled his right back. “I'm not a mind reader, you know."

“You were talking to him just yesterday, why didn't you ask him?"

“Because we were talking about other stuff."

Now one of her eyebrows went up. “Other stuff?"

“Yes, Gran. And yes, it's exactly what you're thinking.” There was no point in trying to hide it. He blushed, but he was smiling, too. Maybe they hadn't been able to get together in person, but he'd whacked off before going to bed with Troy's voice in his ear more than once in the last two weeks.

“Good. So let's stop by the mall and see if he has anywhere to be for Christmas."

“Why?” What was she up to?

“Well, so if he's alone we can take him in, of course!"

He blinked over at her. “You want him to spend Christmas with us?"

“I do."

“Really?” He couldn't believe it; he couldn't think of anyone he'd rather spend the holiday with.

“Really. Gary, honey, I want you to be happy. And if you're going to be stuck babysitting your old gran, then the least I can do is make sure you also get to spend that time with the handsome studmuffin you're trying to date."

“You're not old, Gran.” He wasn't just blowing sunshine up her skirt, either; he really meant it. She and Martha and the ladies they hung out with were so young at heart it was amazing they didn't need diapers. Wait. That was probably not the metaphor he wanted to go with.

She petted his knee, interrupting his rather disturbing thoughts. “Thank you, honey. Flattery will get you in bed with your young man, me with my earplugs in, my sleeping mask firmly on..."

Blushing harder than ever at her words, but smart enough not to protest, he leaned over to kiss her cheek. “You're the best, Gran."

“I know."

* * * *

The evening of Christmas Eve found Gary no longer moping. Instead he was pouting and hiding his face, blushing harder than ever as Gran broke out the baby pictures and regaled Troy with one naked-butted Gary after another. Thank God, he was dressed in pictures where he was older than two. Of course, the hair down to his waist that he'd sported as a teenager was almost as embarrassing.

Troy laughed and teased him, tugging him in close for a quick peck, but then kept him right there, pressed up close, for the rest of the evening. Gary decided it was a pretty good place to be, so he didn't complain or try to move away. In fact it was a warm, comfy place to be and as they watched the Sound of Music—a family tradition as much as the photos had been—Gary found himself dozing off.

Gran singing “Climb Every Mountain” at the top of her lungs took care of that, bringing him back to consciousness with a jolt. Troy had joined in, and not only could he carry a tune, but his voice was a nice baritone. Gary concentrated on that and tried to ignore the wavery high notes that his Gran screeched with all the passion of the tone deaf.

When the movie was over, Gran yawned and proclaimed it her bedtime. “I'm going to brush my teeth and change into my nightie and then I'm going to put in my earplugs and put on my sleeping mask. You boys have fun."

Gary groaned, but Troy only chuckled. “We will."

“Oh! Wait, you need to open one of your gifts tonight."

“Me?” Troy asked as she placed a large book-shaped package in his hands.

“Yes. For you. I want to know you're able to properly take care of my grandson."

“Well thank you, that's really nice of you."

Gran smiled and nodded “Gary's happiness is all the thanks I need."

Gary beamed over at her. That was the nicest thing to say and he still beaming like some fool when Troy tore the wrapping off what was obviously a book. The man made a choked sound and the dark cheeks actually got darker; Troy was blushing.

“What could—” the words died on his lips and he blushed himself. Hard. “Gran, this is ... it's ... I...” It was no good, he was speechless.

“It's the gay kama sutra,” muttered Troy. Then he repeated it, a little louder this time.

“Yes. It is.” Gary nodded, looking at the book in Troy's hands like it was going to suddenly spring to life and launch itself at him.

“It is,” Gran agreed.

“You bought my boyfriend gay porn for Christmas?” Really, she was a hip, fun, young at heart old lady, but this was too much, even for her.

“That's art, not porn. And don't look at me like that or I'll think The Joy of Gay Sex was the wrong choice for you and then there won't be anything but socks under the tree for you."

“Gran..."

Chuckling, she pulled herself out of her chair. “I thought you'd stopped being shocked by the things I said."

He shook his head. “I tried. I obviously failed; though, in my defense, you brought out the big guns in the shock department when you bought Troy that gift."

“I'm just trying to help the two of you along.” She kissed his cheeks, and then patted Troy on the shoulder. And he should have guessed what was coming when she winked at them. “Have fun."

He buried his face in his hands and groaned. “Oh, God. I can't believe she did that."

Troy chuckled, hand landing on the back of his neck, massaging gently. “She's a great old bird, Gary. She really is. And the scary thing is, I think she did buy this thinking she'd nudge us along."

Gary shook his head. “I don't know what to say."

“Say you'll look at the book with me and then when we're all nice and horny you'll make love with me, even though we're in your grandmother's house."

He stared at Troy for a minute, and then he nodded. Why not? Gran had made it clear she'd be tuning out and not able to hear them if they made any noise. In fact she'd practically written him an engraved invitation to have sex in her home. “Yeah, I can do that."

They didn't actually look through the book, because Troy started kissing him, and it was just as good this time as it had been after their date. The kisses warmed him through, Troy's lips soft and agile, tongue dancing in his mouth and teasing his own back into Troy's mouth.

Then Troy began to undress him, mouth sliding over his skin as it was bared, making him gasp and moan even though he'd promised himself he'd be quiet as a church mouse.

It was impossible to be quiet, though, with Troy's lips wrapped around one nipple, and then the other, the gentle tugs going straight to his cock, making it jerk.

Troy pushed him back onto the bed and he went easily, legs spreading wantonly as soon as Troy tugged off his pants. His cock sprang free and he moaned at the sensation of air around his overheated skin. It wasn't cool air for long, because Troy pounced, surprising a shout out of Gary as Troy's lips wrapped around him, sucking firmly.

Gary pushed his hand into his mouth, moaning and groaning around it as Troy's mouth and tongue worked sheer magic on his cock. He'd been blown before, sure, but no one had ever made him feel as good as Troy did. The man all but worshiped his prick, tongue lapping and flicking at his skin, mouth working him hard.

Hands dropping to Troy's head, Gary tried not to hold the man down and hump his face, but when Troy started humming, making him vibrate all over the place, Gary grabbed hold of whatever parts of Troy he could and humped away. Troy wasn't complaining, or trying to get away so Gary let go and did what felt right, humping until his balls released and he shot down Troy's throat.

He lay there all melted, boneless and unable to do more than lie there and moan softly. Chuckling, Troy kissed a trail up his body. “You liked that."

“God, did I. You can do it again. Anytime you want.” He cupped Troy's cheek, pulled the man in closer for a kiss, their lips lingering so nicely against each other. “Mmm ... your turn.” But Troy shook his head.

“Nah.” Troy tugged him in close, getting them all cuddled up together. “I sort of came when you did."

“Sort of came? How do you sort of come? Is that like being a little bit pregnant?"

“Butthead,” accused Troy.

“Yep. That's me. And all kidding aside, I'm pretty darn pleased I made you come just by letting you suck me into oblivion."

Troy nuzzled his cheek. “It's nice how that works, isn't it?"

“Yeah actually, it is."

He closed his eyes, enjoying the nuzzles and little kisses they shared, loving that they could cuddle together all night long, and then do it all over again tomorrow night. Most of all he loved that Troy was as into doing that as he was.

It didn't matter what else was under that Christmas tree in his gran's living room, Gary already had the best present a boy could ask for. And he wasn't returning his.

* * * *

Gary squinted, trying to get better visibility out of the front, but the snowflakes landed on the windshield as quickly as the wipers could swish it away and he was starting to get a headache from the slow, careful drive.

“We could still turn around,” murmured Troy. “Spend Christmas just the two of us."

Snorting, Gary shot his lover a look. “I know you've met my gran."

“I have."

“Then you know that we can't do that to her. She's probably got some great sex toy under the tree for you or something and is just dying to watch you blush under that dark skin when you open it. Besides, she's partly—a huge part—responsible for us getting together and making it stick. We need to make it to her place."

“I know.” One of Troy's hands landed on the back of his neck, massaging. “I just don't want you stressing too much—it's been a rough year for you."

It had been, Gary couldn't deny that. The kids were harder to teach every year—it was just as rewarding, maybe even more so, but it was a huge struggle sometimes just to get the kids to pay attention, let alone do all their homework. He shook his head. He was on vacation. He was driving with his lover to visit his gran. Lots of good things.

They finally pulled up at his gran's place, several cars already there.

“Uh-oh, are we going to be crashing a party?"

Gary laughed as he recognized the plates on the one car belonging to Martha. “Yeah, I think maybe we are. You ready to go in there? They may look like old ladies, but there isn't an old one in the bunch."

“I know. Man, I hope we're like them when we get older. Can't you just see us? Ninety years young and taking a class about painting erotic portraits or something crazy like that."

“Yeah, I can see us doing that.” And he could see that not only were they going to be old together, but that Troy was committed to it.

They grabbed the presents out of the trunk and headed up the walk. Martha was at the door to let them in and she immediately began to flirt shameless with his stud. Some things never changed.

And some things did. Gary glanced at the simple band of Celtic knot work on his ring finger and then took in the matching one on Troy's hand. The right things.

Gran came up as Martha dragged the presents off to the tree and gave him a hug. “Merry Christmas, honey."

“Thanks, Gran. You, too."

Troy looked over at him and mouthed “I love you."

Yeah, he knew. And because of that, he could face whatever tricks Gran had hidden under the tree.

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