15 comments/ 31334 views/ 39 favorites Beau et le Bete By: Pelaam Pelaam© July 2009, A re-telling of Beauty and the Beast inspired by loves_sg1 * "Ethan?" At the sound of the female voice one of the three men sitting waiting looked up. "Ethan Jacob?" "That's me," Ethan said with an easy smile. "I'm Emma O'Connor. I'll be taking you around before you have your induction." She checked out the young man and was certain he was doing his own subtle survey. He was only a few inches taller than her with auburn hair tied back in a ponytail. His smile was easy and his eyes an oceanic blue. There was nothing mesmerising about his face, although Emma did like his smile. However, what were most noticeable were the stick he used in his right hand and his limping gait. Emma could not remember being told Ethan was recovering from an accident. "How long ago?" she asked indicating his leg, expecting a date of an accident. "Birth," Ethan replied evenly. He smiled at the shocked look. "Oh, I'm sorry," Emma said quickly. "It's okay," Ethan assured. "I'm used to it. Most people think I was in an accident and that I'm only using the cane temporarily. I've had multiple operations on it and this is as best I'll ever be. It doesn't interfere too much." "I'm glad," Emma said honestly. "I'll just show you the office," she glanced at her watch. "Then I need to get you to the Education Centre." They moved through a door into an open-plan office and turned left through a second door. "This is payroll," Emma said. She smiled at the faces that turned upwards to regard the newest member of staff with varying degrees of curiosity. She heard a slight intake of breath and glanced over to where Ethan's eyes had travelled. "Who's he?" Ethan asked. A lone male stood in an office, currently engaged in deep conversation so the younger man was only able to see half of his face. He was tall, muscular with short-cut honey-blond hair. Very nice. "That's the Boss, Marcus Ellerman, also known as Beau and Bête." "Bow and bet?" Ethan echoed, his face a mask of puzzlement. Giggling, Emma spelt out the French words. "Beauty and Beast," she concluded. Ethan stared at the other man. On the day of his interview he had been told that one of the interviewees had unexpectedly called in sick, but a substitute had been brought in. He had not met his prospective boss. "Him? Beast? No way. Put him and me side by side and you have beau and bête." "That's externals, Ethan," Emma whispered. "Marcus has 'dated' a lot of the girls in the hospital, but although it's champagne and roses on the night, it's also wham, bam and thank you ma'am. The good time he gives ensures some girls are willing to go with him more than once, but he's a good-time guy only. They hope they can change him, but he stays the same. A couple of my friends have been out with him and they said it was like being in bed with a mechanical bull. Plenty of action but no emotion." Ethan could not stop the snort of laughter. He sobered instantly as intense blue eyes focused on him with laser-like heat. The guy was sex-on-legs and, regrettably, straight-as-a-die. Ethan gave a mental sigh. What was it they said about the good ones being taken or straight? "I'd best get you to the Education Centre, Ethan," Emma said. She hoped Marcus had not heard anything. She would hate to have started Ethan off on the wrong foot with Marcus. The man was difficult and exacting, but fair. "Emma, if you please," Marcus' voice halted her before she could usher Ethan away. "You must be Ethan. I'm Marcus Ellerman, the Department Manager." He had seen the interview notes and was happy enough with the choice of Ethan. However, he was not sure what possessed him to get so close so quick. Ethan took a couple of seconds to balance himself and extended his right hand. "That's right. Good to meet you." Marcus' eyes flickered from their co-joined hands to the smaller man's face and back again in a heartbeat. He looked to see if there was any indication that the handshake had produced the same frisson in Ethan as it had him. However, the other man simply regarded him with the same inscrutable, smoky-blue orbs. "You, too. We'll meet formally after your induction. I hope you enjoy working here." "Thanks." Emma frowned and then shrugged; for a second she had seen something in Marcus' eyes. "Okay, Ethan, let's go." **** It had been a month since starting his new job and Ethan was celebrating in style. The club he was in was gay and extremely exclusive. You had to be personally known and recommended and then could still be black-balled from membership. He gave a sound of contentment as he was swayed gently. Energetic dancing was out of the question, but a slow dance in a partner's arms was more than an acceptable substitute, especially when you felt safe and comfortable in the embrace. "You're so hedonistic." An amused voice reached Ethan's ears and he smiled against the chest before him. "I don't hear you complaining," he retorted good-naturedly. "I'm an absolute martyr," the voice laughingly replied. "In that case, oh martyr, you can get us the next round of drinks," Ethan laughed back. "Slave driver," came the half-muttered retort that had Ethan laughing harder. "Get over it, Darren," Ethan said, playfully slapping at his dance-partner's arm. He watched the older man amble away with affectionate eyes and began to ease his way towards some comfortable chairs. The Club had several rooms for its patrons. The room he was currently in played an eclectic mix of music; old and modern popular music that had people dancing. The bar was another room across the hall with seating and pool tables for those who sought to remain and talk there. There were a couple of other rooms, one with a large book selection and another with a gigantic plasma screen that displayed sports channels. There was even a small restaurant. All of it in luxurious surroundings, the best of everything, it was like temporarily stepping into another world. Then Ethan blinked disbelievingly. Emerging into view, looking every inch a fish out of water, was Marcus. The older man was walking around, a half-full glass of red wine in his hand and, to Ethan's eyes, exuding an invisible wall distancing himself from what went on around him. The younger man shook his head. He would never have suspected that Marcus would even know of this club, much less be a member. He was sure of that deduction as several men nodded at Marcus, clearly used to his presence. With a reassuring smile, Ethan headed over to the older man. "Marcus," Ethan began, reaching out a hand in greeting. "Don't touch me." The words were hissed from between lips that barely moved. Ethan blinked for a second or two, not believing he had heard correctly. However, the look of almost blind panic in Marcus' eyes had Ethan slowly lower his hand. However before he could say anything further Darren was back. He was aware of the bigger man at his shoulder. "Marcus," Darren's voice sounded brittle, almost glacial. "Ethan, are you alright? Is he bothering you?" Ethan forced a smile, hoping it looked more genuine than it felt. "My mistake. I thought I knew this person, clearly I was wrong." Ethan knew he would not get away with the lie for long, but it least it would get him away from Marcus. Out of the corner of his eye he saw the other man pale as if the words actually hurt. Against all his natural empathic tendencies, however, Ethan could not help feeling slightly pleased that his words had affected Marcus in a similar way to him. "Take me into the lounge?" he asked. "My leg's beginning to ache, I need a seat." "My fault for keeping you dancing so long," Darren groaned. "Let me help." Darren's concern and contriteness made Ethan feel shards of guilt for playing on his disability. However, he simply smiled as Darren adroitly balanced their drinks in one hand and used his other as a support for the younger man. Ethan was distantly relieved neither of them spared another word for, or even glance at, Marcus as they moved away, leaving him standing like a statue, as if detached from all that surrounded him. "What was that about?" Darren demanded once he had seated Ethan comfortably. "That was my boss," Ethan said his voice surprisingly calm. "It seems he didn't want me to acknowledge I knew him." "I've seen him here before. He seems to know a few of the members," Darren growled. "I can get him barred for a few months if you'd like." "No. I don't come that often. It's the first time I've seen him here. I'd have remembered if I'd seen a hunk like him before. I used to think his nickname a bit cruel, but the pretty wrapper hides a bitter centre." "What nickname?" asked Darren, sipping at his drink. "Beau et bête, beauty and beast." "Seems fitting then," Warren rejoined. "Let's forget about him and enjoy the rest of the evening. I know you'll turn into Cinderella if I keep you out too late." The remark forced Ethan to focus back on his friend. However, his mind could not help but replay the look in Marcus' eyes and wonder about the older man's strange reaction. **** Ethan lay in bed, one hand pinching a nipple, the other rolling his sac, squeezing together and apart the ovals it contained, letting his arousal build slowly. He had been inexplicably tense since returning from The Club. He had taken a leisurely shower and gone to bed. After lying awake, unable to relax and sleep, he had decided on another course of action. One of his collection of adult DVDs played in the background, sound muted as he did not need to hear the unrealistic groans. He glanced at it occasionally, trying to take his mind off what he knew was the cause of his tension. Marcus. It had hurt to be so brusquely spoken to, to be looked at the way Marcus had. Yet Ethan found the older man's face appearing again and again as he worked his body. That confused Ethan. The man was undeniably handsome. He pictured how Marcus might look naked, aroused, smiling, his face open and relaxed. The man was over six feet tall, powerful and sleek and Ethan imagined Marcus looming over him. He envisioned large hands skimming over his skin, the sensual mouth capturing and suckling at a nipple while his hand continued its rhythmic movements. He pictured what Marcus would look like, flushed with arousal, panting as he reached his pinnacle and, as his dream-lover came, Ethan's orgasm erupted. Pulse after pulse of semen pooled on his stomach as he moaned and writhed. He lay panting harshly and reached for the hand towel to clean himself. Post-orgasmic lethargy rolled over him in waves and Ethan switched his television off. With a sigh that was part completion, part confusion, Ethan's eyes closed. **** Nothing seemed out of place at work. Marcus greeted Ethan as if they had never had the encounter in The Club. However, Ethan was able to see that there were shadows in Marcus' eyes as if the bigger man was afraid that Ethan would mention where they had met. It both hurt and angered him that Marcus would behave in such a way. He would never 'out' anyone. If they chose not to publically reveal their sexual preferences, then that was their choice and no one else's. There was nothing to say and Ethan simply nodded coolly at the bigger man. Beau et bête, the nickname had never seemed so apt; a pretty exterior hiding a dark centre. Ethan's distaste must have briefly reflected in his expressive eyes as he saw Marcus gaze falter. However he steeled himself against his own innate tendencies. Marcus had made his choice and now he had to deal with its outcome. Wordlessly Ethan moved away, not trusting himself to speak and not sure what he could say anyway. Anything he said at that moment would be wooden or trite. Perhaps with time would come forgiveness, but for now he would simply keep a good distance between Marcus and himself. **** Biting back a sigh, Ethan found himself sharing a lift with Marcus. Things were still tense between them when no one else was there to act as a buffer. Then, to add insult to injury, the lift froze. Ethan growled an expletive, not wanting either an awkward silence or stilted small-talk. However, as he turned to glance at the bigger man he was shocked to see Marcus' face was ashen and his breathing was shallow, panting breaths. The older man looked on the verge of a panic attack. "Marcus, Marcus, look at me," Ethan said, keeping his voice low and calm. "I'm going to let them know we're stuck and they'll release us in a few minutes. Just sit down and take some deep breaths. I can't help much if you faint. Quickly Ethan raised the alarm and advised who was stuck and where. He then turned his attention to Marcus. Fortunately the bigger man had sat, before he had fallen in Ethan's opinion, and was now shivering. Ethan could empathise with the fear of claustrophobia. For him a series of hospital rooms had made him feel that his world was just that narrow. However, he had fought back where he knew others were not able. With care, he eased down to join Marcus. "How long?" Marcus forced the words from barely parted lips. If the irrational fear was not bad enough, that there was a witness to his weakness only added more misery. Marcus kept himself under rigid self control. In everything. That was why no one suspected he was anything less than ultra-straight despite his desire for men that had endured since he was fifteen years old. Almost a quarter of a century later he had still never touched or kissed another man. "Not long," Ethan shrugged. "Wanna talk? Take you mind off where we are?" "About what?" Marcus asked in clipped tones. "Life, the universe, everything," Ethan said. "Doesn't matter, just talk; I'll listen." "'M sorry," Marcus muttered, his fists clenching and unclenching. "This isn't your fault," Ethan said, glancing at the rigid figure of the muscular man. "The Club," Marcus clarified. "I behaved badly. Sorry. You were unexpected. I've never touched..." "Never touched what?" Ethan asked genuinely puzzled. "Never knowingly touched another gay man." "You're kidding," Ethan gasped. "My family belonged to a tight-knit, religious community. It was not an acceptable lifestyle. We were very wealthy and my father had designs on my being an Army Officer. So I joined as a Cadet, worked my way to Captain. I never felt able to let anyone know I was attracted to men, so I bedded women when I had to." "When the need got too great?" Ethan queried. "When it looked too suspicious if I didn't," Marcus replied. "Then it just seemed to snowball. It was easier to appear that I was a footloose Casanova. No one suspected I was attracted to men and it didn't seem suspicious that I hadn't married." "So, even now, when you date the women here, it's not because you actually want..." "I don't want or enjoy," Marcus said, a tear sliding down his cheek. "I just don't know how to do anything else. You saw how I reacted to you. It's ingrained. I know I have a bad reputation," he added on a sigh. "I know some women see me as a challenge; others think I'm cold and heartless. I feel so lonely sometimes," Marcus said, his voice full of anguish. "It's a learned response," Ethan murmured. "True it's ingrained, but it can be unlearnt. You would just have to really trust the person you were with." "How could I try and find a lover when I haven't even touched a man before?" Marcus husked. "Maybe you need a surrogate to begin with," Ethan reasoned. "Someone who was willing to be only as intimate with you as you felt comfortable with until you had enough confidence to actually date." "Are you suggesting I see some kind of sex shrink?" Marcus growled. "Look, tell you what," the younger man said. "If you want to move on, give yourself a chance to enjoy intimacy, we'll have this conversation somewhere else. I'm no danger to you, you're bigger, stronger, you'll be in charge. If, as we talk, you want to put your hand on mine or on my shoulder we can go from there." "You're kidding," Marcus said, his eyes widening. "You would do that. For me?" "I'm willing to let you become used to touching another guy, maybe kiss. Once you realise there's nothing to fear, you'll want someone you really care about and who cares for you. Trust me." "Coming from you, they're scary words," Marcus muttered. The laugh that engendered made him scowl, but the sight of Ethan sitting so relaxed, eyes crinkled from laughter, legs slightly parted, had the scowl instantly vanish. Marcus could not stop his eyes staring at the younger man's crotch and he licked his lips. The jerk of the elevator coming to life had him on his feet instantly. "Help me up, Marcus," Ethan said, his voice soft and sultry. Reaching down, Marcus eased the younger man to stand, his heart hammering as Ethan leant close, his head on Marcus' shoulder. Before he could react to the intimacy the doors opened to a small crowd, including a no-nonsense Sister and Doctor that Marcus recognised from Emergency. "Thank goodness Marcus was there to look after me," Ethan said, easing his way from the older man's side. "Here, sit down," the Doctor insisted, urging Ethan to a waiting wheelchair. "Are you ok, Marcus?" he asked, glancing back to where the bigger man stood just outside of the elevator doors. "I'm fine," Marcus said. He stared at Ethan not sure what to do. "I think I'm ok," Ethan said. "Perhaps you could take me home, Marcus? Once the Doc here gives me the all-clear." "Um, sure. Sure," Marcus suddenly felt the world tilt the way it had in the elevator when it had stopped. What was he getting into? Yet at the warm look in Ethan's eyes, he felt as if he had just passed a test. "I think that's a good idea. Take care of him, Marcus." The crowd melted away, leaving Ethan in the wheelchair and Marcus still unmoving. "If you wheel me to the car park, we can get going, Marcus," Ethan prompted. As the older man obeyed, Ethan could not help but wonder what he had got himself into. **** Ethan looked around at Marcus' apartment. It was smaller than he imagined for the older man. Given his Lothario reputation, Ethan had expected something far more grandiose and geared to seduction. Instead the door opened to a small hallway for coats and storage and then into a large airy living and dining space. A plasma screen TV was in the corner next to French windows that opened onto a balcony. A hi-fi system in the other corner with speakers set high on the walls. A large, red settee faced the windows, with a smaller matching couch at a right angle to the larger. A coffee table was in front of the seats. The space between the living room and kitchen was separated by a dining table and chairs. The table had a red cloth covering it on which was set a vase of fresh flowers. There was a doorway to the right of the kitchen off a hallway which Ethan surmised led to the bathroom. There were a set of stairs to the left of the room which led to a mezzanine floor. Glancing up the younger man could see that was Marcus' bedroom. He was surprised at the flutter in his stomach at the thought of being so close to the older man's bed. "Now what?" Marcus demanded, nerves making him terse. "Do you have beer?" Ethan asked. "No. I don't like beer. I have white wine chilling in the fridge or red." "White," Ethan said as he sat on the large settee. He tried to compose himself as Marcus bustled in his kitchen fixing the drinks. He reminded himself this was a no-strings encounter. All he needed to do was spend enough time with the skittish man to get him used to the idea that he could touch other men, be relaxed with them enough to seek out company and then Ethan would be on his way. It sounded easy. So why are you so nervous? A niggling voice asked. He pushed it aside as Marcus returned with a glass of wine for each of them. Marcus sat next to him, but the few inches of space might as well have been a chasm. Ethan could almost feel the frigid air. Beau et le Bete "May I look through your music collection?" he asked, catching sight of the stack of discs. "Sure," Marcus said, his tones still clipped. Ethan took a healthy swig of the chilled wine. He was sure it would be a good quality wine, but he was so nervous he barely tasted it. He had an idea to get things moving and hoped it would work. He prayed silently for the music he wanted. With a silent sigh of relief he found something suitable. He put it to play and slow, soft music began to permeate the air. Turning to Marcus, Ethan held out a hand. "Dance with me," he said quietly. He stood, arm outstretched for what felt like an eternity before Marcus slowly stood. "I can't move very well," Ethan added as Marcus stood beside him. "Just put your hands on my shoulders and sway. Close your eyes if you need to and just focus on the music." Eyes closed, Marcus reached to lay his hands on thin shoulders. For a minute or two he stood immobile, feeling the slight sway of the other body. He remembered all the women he had danced with. That had been easy enough. Because you always knew you were safe. A voice mocked him. He thought of the dangers he had faced in his past. He refused to be afraid of a small, scrap of a man. Almost roughly he pulled Ethan closer and began to sway them both. Awkwardly Marcus put his arms around Ethan as if he thought the smaller man might break. But the longer he held Ethan the more the awkwardness faded. He lost count of the songs and became distantly aware of the arms around his waist. He relaxed a little more, absently rubbing the thin back in slow circles. It took a minute for each man to realise the music had stopped and they were still swaying together. "Sorry, you must be stiff," Marcus said gruffly, releasing Ethan. A silent sigh of regret was swallowed by Ethan. He had enjoyed the warm, strong, dependable arms wrapped around his shoulders, pressing him to the older man's broad, solid chest. "Just give me a minute or two to rest my leg and I'll get going," Ethan said, keen to put some distance between them. "Stay." The word was past Marcus' lips before he could censure it. "I'll buy take-out and call you a taxi later." Warring emotions struggled in Ethan's breast. This was not a date, it was not going to lead anywhere except to Marcus moving out of his life, but if he refused the older man might never free himself of his insecurities. Ethan knew he would be the loser, no matter what he chose to do. "Ok. Take-out works for me. But I have to be home early," he added. "Sure," Marcus gave a flash of his smile. "I'll put another disc on. You can have your drink and check out the menus." **** Ethan did not go back to Marcus' apartment for a couple of days and then they just repeated the dancing. He was pleased to see the older man was more comfortable with the closeness, although it took a couple of minutes again before he relaxed. However, it showed distinct promise. The third time as they swayed together, Ethan felt it was time to up the ante. "Maybe we could try a kiss?" he suggested. "Kissing, Ethan?" Marcus asked, his tone reflecting his surprise. The bigger man's voice sounded strangled even to his own ears. "Yes, kissing. You are familiar with the concept, aren't you?" Ethan smiled, trying to put the bigger man at ease. Marcus' anxious face was tantalisingly close and it took all Ethan's willpower not to give into temptation to make the first move. This had to be at Marcus' pace. In truth, Marcus had been told on more occasions than he cared to remember how good he was at kissing. Yet each and every time had been an act, a sham, a deception designed to hide his true self. This time the kiss would take on a whole new significance. He would be making himself vulnerable, admitting that it was a man he wanted in his arms, in his bed. The idea sent a bolt of lust through his veins and he hid his shock as his cock began to swell. He shifted a little, turning his body so that Ethan would not be frightened off. He kept one arm around the younger man's shoulders and moved the other hand to the nape of Ethan's neck. "You ready, Marcus?" Ethan asked, trying to relax the older man. It took the younger man by surprise as Marcus leaned down, put his lips on his and kissed him. It was brief and over almost before Ethan had time to register it had happened. He blinked as the sight of the other man's mouth hovering mere millimetres from his, so close he was sure he could feel Marcus's breath on his lips. There seemed to be a dazed look in Ethan's eyes and that gave Marcus a surge of confidence. He had succeeded in making Ethan speechless by his action. He bent to the task again. He lingered, exploring, keeping the kiss close-mouthed and gentle. Then his tongue slipped past his lips to acquaint itself with the outline of Ethan's mouth, the feel of his skin, the fullness of his bottom lip. With a start Ethan came to the realisation that Marcus instinctively knew exactly how to vary the pressure to keep his nerves tingling. He pressed firmly with his mouth only to pull away again, just barely brushing his lips against Ethan's with soft, almost flirting, little touches. Ethan did not resist as he was manoeuvred to the settee and the two men sat. He felt Marcus press him back against the sofa cushions gently, trying not to put too much of his weight on him as the kiss continued. The older man's tongue darted out and flicked questioningly along the seam of Ethan's lips. Without conscious thought, Ethan opened his mouth, tilting his head back to signal his submission and the slick organ surged forward. It explored Ethan's mouth with the same intensity that it had his lips and Ethan fought not to moan and melt into the amorous siege. The two men parted and each looked anxiously at the other, both relaxing and smiling simultaneously. "Well that went well," Ethan said, trying for flippancy. He could not allow himself to become any more attracted to the older man. He was not Marcus' lover. "I don't think you're going to have any problems, Marcus. You just needed the confidence." "What are you saying?" Marcus asked, his face in a worried scowl. "You had no problems kissing me," Ethan said patiently. "You've danced, talked, held my hand. I think you're going to be just fine." "You can't leave me now," Marcus said, his voice anxious. "I'm not ready. I'm not." "Ok, ok," Ethan soothed, his hand instinctively straying to Marcus' bare arm to stroke the muscles beneath the warm skin. "We can still do this. I just don't want to overstay my welcome." "You won't," Marcus said, his voice tinged with relief. He leaned forward and pressed a chaste kiss to Ethan's cheek. "I'll get us some wine. There's an international rugby game on in half an hour. I thought we could watch it." "You said you didn't like rugby," Ethan said, his head cocking to one side as he regarded the now standing older man. "You do," Marcus threw carelessly over his shoulder as he headed to his kitchen. **** "What if my date wants to do more than kiss?" Marcus asked as he passed Ethan a glass of chilled wine. "I mean, I've seen naked men before but that's been in barracks or shower rooms. I've never...you know...been naked except in front of women." "You'd need to feel comfortable enough to undress," Ethan said. He took a large gulp of the wine. The thought of a naked, erect Marcus made his mouth go dry and his cock twitch excitedly. "Just remember you do only what you're comfortable with." "I'm not sure I could do it," Marcus said, shaking his head. "I'd feel so vulnerable." "Do you want to try it with me?" Ethan whispered. He knew he was taking advantage of the older man's insecurities, but the notion that he could see Marcus was making his head spin with desire. Now the idea had been planted nothing less would do. "You know you can trust me. I'll go first." Marcus did not answer. Ethan took the absence of refusal as an affirmative. He sat a little away from Marcus, hoping the small distance would help the older man feel he was safe. He eased the sweat shirt over his head and threw it over onto the smaller settee. He waited a few seconds and then began to unbutton his shirt. One-by-one he worked down the faded red flannel until the garment could be eased from his shoulders. It joined the sweat shirt and again Ethan waited. He kicked off his shoes and bent to remove his socks. He risked a peek at Marcus from behind the veil of hair that now hid his face. The bigger man was leaning forward slightly, his eyes riveted in his direction and Ethan could see a thin sheen of perspiration on the older man's upper lip. Swallowing, Ethan raised his head, focusing his attention on his jeans. He unsnapped them and lowered the zipper. The metallic noise seemed excessively loud in the silence of the room. He then looked at Marcus. At the curt nod, he stood and allowed the denim to fall to the floor and carefully stepped free of it. All he now wore were red, plaid boxers. He held his breath waiting to see how Marcus would react. His body was lean and a smattering of dark hair adorned his chest. Just beneath his navel, a treasure trail pointed the way towards his still covered crotch, but the bulge hinted at the prize hidden. He was aware that his right leg would look thinner and slightly twisted as well as having a myriad of silver lines from his operations. Motion from the older man had him look at Marcus, rather than over the other man's shoulder. He felt his breathing quicken as the figure-hugging navy t-shirt was pulled off to reveal a smooth, sculptured chest. There was no hair, not even a slight dusting but two dusky-pink nipples with small areolae were erect and silently beckoning to be sucked. Ethan was enthralled as Marcus slowly stood, unbuckled his belt and began unbuttoning the chinos he wore. They slithered down his slim hips to reveal snug, black briefs. Ethan hoped he did not salivate visibly as the package still unrevealed indicated that it would be every bit as impressive as the man to whom it belonged. "Boxers." The single word from Marcus' lips startled Ethan from his desire-induced haze. He eased the material over his hips and let them fall to the floor. He was long and lean here, too, his uncut shaft revealing a burgundy-hued head emerging from his foreskin. His eyes riveted on Marcus' hands as the briefs were shoved down powerful thighs. The revealed flesh was longer and thicker as well as being circumcised. The organ was dark pink with a glistening, wine-red tip. It pointed proudly upwards and Ethan wanted to touch, to taste. He shuddered as Marcus came to stand next to him, he could feel the heat pouring off the bigger body. He felt fingers caressing, tracing his face with light touches and a hand tangling in his hair, massaging his scalp. The older man then bent forward, biting at Ethan's throat, making it his territory. He worked his way down Ethan's throat and then back up again. The younger man tilted his head, offering the fragile flesh, silently ceding control and dominance, desperate for Marcus to touch him where he ached and throbbed. A soft sound from Marcus' throat was the only indication he had understood the submission and then Ethan was being pushed back onto the settee Ethan closed his eyes, wanting to savour the sensations without distraction, to remember them in the lonely nights that would surely come. He resisted the temptation to moan as warm, moist breath moved over his chest, mapping the newly discovered topography of Ethan's naked flesh. Then there was a feather-light brush of fingers on his bare skin. It arced through him like a frisson of electricity. The digits skimmed down his chest and across his belly making it quiver. They came tantalising close to where Ethan most wanted them and then slowly worked their way back up again. This time a needy sound did force its way past Ethan's lips, but he was too immersed in sensation to care. The fingers teased around his nipples, moving over his skin in circles. His areolae were pebbled, his buds tight with anticipation and still the fingers remained flirting, getting close, but not quite touching. A soft groan accompanied the fingers finally teasing his nipples, skimming over them very delicately. Then they began pinching them lightly, just enough, careful not to hurt. The erotic torment continued until both nipples were hard and aching. Only then did the hands move lower, they tugged at his treasure trail, played in the dark thatch that surrounded his sex and stroked up and down his trembling inner thighs. He managed not to cry aloud as a finger began tracing the vein down the length of his eager penis. Aware that Marcus had moved closer, Ethan tilted his head and was rewarded with the older man's lips pressing against his. He parted them at an imperious lick and Marcus' tongue slipped inside. Ethan sucked on the slick invader and fingered Marcus' nipples gently. His dick throbbed dangerously as the bigger man growled deep in his chest. Strong fingers rolled and pinched his nipples and Ethan realised he was making sounds he had never heard before. A large hand encircled Ethan's shaft and began to explore him, moving up and down very gently. The kiss continued, deepening and Ethan was mindlessly thrusting into the stroking hand as a demanding tongue thrust rhythmically into his mouth. Reaching for Marcus, Ethan touched him intimately for the first time. The flesh was hot and hard and as he moved his hand, the bigger man trembled. He began to increase his movement, guided by the pace of the hand on his own shaft. Part of him wanted it to go on forever as they kissed, caressed and stroked each other towards oblivion. Marcus tightened his grip on Ethan's dick, pulling harder, more insistently and Ethan bucked helplessly at the sudden onslaught. Desperately he ensured his own hand did not falter and then Marcus was coming. Ethan felt the hot, thick spray of come pulsing wetly against his skin. That tipped him over the edge, his semen mixing with that of the older man in a medley of seed that decorated his belly and chest. As Ethan lay panting in the aftermath, he felt Marcus move away and the loss of the older man's heat left a cold, aching void for Ethan. "Here," he opened his eyes to see a wash cloth and towel in Marcus' outstretched hands. The bigger man had wrapped a bath towel around his waist. "I'll just take a quick shower then the bathroom's yours. Your bedroom's made up so you can crash here." Ethan stared after the retreating form. That he would stay had become an accepted part of their ritual. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Being Marcus' sexual guru was taking a heavy toll on him. He enjoyed what they did, way too much, and hated that it meant nothing to the older man. He gave a mental shrug. As the expression went; he had made his bed and now he had to lie in it, even if it was cold and lonely. **** As the working day drew to a close Ethan was surprised to find Marcus leaving at the same time. The older man normally remaining behind after the staff had left. "I wanted to thank you," Marcus said as he drew alongside Ethan. "For everything you did. You'll be pleased to know I'm going to be seeing someone." The words were like knives in Ethan's heart, but he had always known this day would come. He forced himself to sound happy. "That's great, Marcus. You deserve to be happy." "Have a good weekend." Marcus accelerated from Ethan's side. Ethan stopped and stared. The man Marcus headed for was big, buff, blond and beautiful. He saw Marcus glance almost furtively around and then peck a kiss to a bronzed, smooth cheek. Then they were gone. Ethan continued to stare for long minutes, unable to make his feet move. He should have said something. 'Then what? He would have laughed and still moved on. Deal with it.' Ethan's inner voice chivvied him along, but did nothing to alleviate the ache of the empty place in his heart. With a sigh he finally began to move. **** "I'm not taking 'no' for an answer, Ethan," Darren said. "I've not seen you for weeks. You look like crap. Moping over him isn't going to change things. Either go after him or move on." "Where do you want to go?" Ethan asked with a sigh. "Let's go to The Club. We can eat, drown our sorrows, see who's with whom and then you can come back to my place and we can finish getting really drunk. You have two days to recover, that's the good thing about weekends." Ethan gave a groan. He did not feel like drinking, or eating or going out. However, he knew Darren was right. He had not taken care of himself and he knew it had gone on long enough. "Time to put up or shut up?" he asked, as he stood slowly. "Ok, let me get changed." **** There was a good crowd in The Club as Ethan expected on a Friday night. He let Darren order food and they sat and ate in a companionable silence. As the plates were cleared away, Ethan gave a surprised gasp. The beautiful blond that Marcus was dating was at another table. However, it was not Marcus he was eating with. Ethan did not recognise the other, but it was evident by the closeness of the two men, and the frequent caresses of their fingers, that they were more than friends. "Something wrong?" Darren asked, unable to look behind without being blatantly obvious. "Marcus' boyfriend is here. But I don't see Marcus." Ethan could not believe what he was about to do, but he rose and moved to the couple's table. "Hi, sorry to interrupt you," he apologised with a self-depreciating smile. "I was wondering if Marcus Ellerman would be joining you later?" "I had wondered the same," the blond replied. "I was surprised that he would come without you these past few weeks." "Without me?" Ethan queried. "But I thought... excuse me, but I don't understand. Marcus said he was seeing someone. I saw him with you at the hospital. He kissed you and so I assumed it was you he was dating." "That's what he told me, too, and I assumed it was you. He...lit up...when he spoke about you. We've known him for years and never seen him look so happy. And that kiss, that was the one and only he's ever given me in all the time we've known each other. I have to be honest. I wondered what it was about. Simon was waiting for me outside and Marcus was just walking me out. I'd told him I had an appointment that day. " "Thanks," Ethan said. He moved back to join Darren. "So that's his boyfriend. Very nice, he has good taste," Darren observed. He had turned to watch and was hoping for an explanation as to why the boyfriend was sitting cosily with another man. "No. No he isn't," Ethan said. "He said he thought I was." "What?" Darren asked perplexed. "He's told you he found someone so you don't see him anymore and he's intimating to others that you and he..." "Darren, this isn't my world," Ethan said quietly. "But Marcus comes here regularly. I told him our encounter here was a one-off when I was angry with him. I never got to tell him that I could effectively come whenever I wanted because I have a sponsored membership. However I don't come alone, I tend to only come with you. These aren't men I keep company with. I believe Marcus thought he could safely intimate anything about me here because it would never get back to me. I don't move in these men's circles." "Then why?" "How else to save himself?" Ethan whispered. "I offered to be the one he could trust to let himself know what it was like to be loved by a man and I let him believe that all it was to me was casual sex." "And you think he fell in love with you?" Darren asked. "There had been something between us from the start," Ethan said thoughtfully. "But I never imagined he would ever want me. I wouldn't let myself. Part of me was sorry for him and part was wary of the selfish beast that everyone told me he was. I didn't dare let him think it was more." Beau et le Bete "But it was?" Darren asked quietly. "Not at first," Ethan sighed. "But when we spent evenings together, letting things build slowly," Ethan sighed again. "I sometimes let myself dream that there was more to it." "And maybe Marcus did, too." "Maybe," Ethan nodded. "He won't come to you," Darren ventured. "No. No he won't," Ethan agreed. "So I have to go to him." "It won't be easy," Darren offered. "When has it ever?" Ethan replied. **** It was nearly time for the day to finish and Marcus stared unseeingly at the paperwork before him. His life was empty. He thought of the irony. For years he had bedded women who had hoped for more from him than he could ever have given them. He had never realised just how cruel he had inadvertently been. Now he understood. Now he had experienced the joy of being touched lovingly only to have it nothing more than an empty act. He had stopped seeing Ethan because he had come to want more. It had shocked him when Ethan had permitted him to touch so intimately. But it had been just a casual encounter to the younger man when Marcus ached for something deeper. His hand went mechanically to his phone as it rang. "I have a problem and I need you to come out here to resolve it." The voice was Ethan's and Marcus looked through his office's large window to see the younger man standing at his desk staring back at him with a look that almost seared the older man to his soul. He realised his hand was trembling as he put the receiver back into the cradle. He went out of his office, aware of the stares as he walked towards Ethan. "You needed me for something?" Marcus asked, licking at his lips nervously. Despite having an advantage in height and build, he could feel Ethan radiating strength. "I want everyone in the room to hear me so that there are plenty of witnesses, Marcus," Ethan purred. "Witnesses to what?" came the husked enquiry. "To me telling you that I love you." For a few seconds there was utter silence and then Emma gave a delighted cheer and began clapping. Everyone else quickly joined in. "I love you, Marcus," Ethan repeated, smiling at the bemused look. "Let's go home," he added, slipping his hand under the older man's elbow and guiding his from the room. **** Somewhere during the journey home, Marcus' confidence began to wane. Despite Ethan's words in front of everyone, Marcus could not truly believe the younger man was in love with him. As they entered his home and made their way to his bedroom, the older man became more and more convinced that in some way Ethan was just using him. Almost in a trance of indecisiveness, Marcus allowed himself to be denuded and stretched out on his bed. Ethan smiled, leanen in closer and kissed him passionately. Marcus squirmed beneath the smaller man's weight. "You love me, you want me," Ethan husked. "But you don't love me," Marcus retorted. "Stop playing games with me." "I'm not playing games," Ethan assured him. "I love you and I want you, Marcus. I want more than just sex." Marcus swallowed hard. Lies," he tried to persist. In a way it would be easier if it were lies. He could just push Ethan away as he had all those who had been in his bed before. But if the words were true...He stared as Ethan peeled off his briefs and returned naked to the bed. "I see that I will need to prove myself to you," Ethan rasped. Marcus involuntarily licked his lips at the sight of the smaller man's body hard and flushed with arousal. "This won't solve anything." Marcus tried to deny what was happening between them, even though he was equally hard and yearning for Ethan's touch. His body was reacting powerfully to the proximity of the younger man. He snatched at the blankets trying to hide his arousal. Ethan carefully and meticulously pried the blankets away from Marcus' body and kicked them awkwardly to the floor. "What do you want from me?" Marcus whispered in a raw tone. It was easier not to believe, but he was increasingly desperate to think that perhaps, just perhaps, for the first time in his life, he could love and be loved in return. "To show you I love you," Ethan purred in a dark, sultry tone. "Lie back and let me show you." He spread Marcus' legs, enjoying the sight of his lover's naked body. He tenderly petted the older man, letting his love and desire shine from his eyes. Leaning forward, he pressed kisses on the broad, smooth chest. "I love you, I want you, and I will keep telling you till you believe me." Staring into Marcus' eyes he breathed the words into the older man's mouth and then kissed him breathless. "Believe me, I love you." Ethan locked gazes with Marcus as he licked a trail down to his lover's groin. His tongue touched the leaking head of Marcus' erection and he eagerly lapped at the pre-ejaculate. "Ethan," Marcus moaned and bucked. Ethan was slowly taking in every inch of his throbbing dick, licking and sucking enthusiastically. The younger man's grin was truly wicked, but Marcus could see the delight and enjoyment as Ethan's mouth worked his flesh. Realisation set in. Ethan had always made love to him, he had been too self-centred to notice or care at first and then too blind. He did not intend to waste another precious second."Want you inside me." "Yes." Ethan groaned. He shuffled awkwardly between Marcus' legs and teased the entrance to Marcus' body with his tongue. Licking diligently, he darted little jabs with his agile muscle, until his determination paid out and he slipped inside Marcus' tight heat. Marcus' body trembled as the tip of Ethan's tongue pushed inside him. "Yes, please, Ethan, please," he begged shamelessly. "Tell me you love me." He needed to hear those words Ethan grinned, pulled back and blew softly at the tip of Marcus' engorged flesh. The older man bucked and mewled his need. "I love you, Marcus. I want you." His grin widened as Marcus rummaged in the drawer and pushed lube at him. "Please." Marcus opened his eyes and stared at Ethan's hands as the other man coated his straining flesh with lubricant. 'He is going to take me, claim me, make me his'. The thought made Marcus' cock throb with need. He spread his legs wide, hitching his hips upwards. It was a little more difficult to make love this way. However, Ethan wanted to see Marcus as he pleasured his lover, wanted to see the older man as he reached his climax with Ethan buried balls-deep inside him. Marcus' needy whimpers brought him from his reverie and he pressed against his lover's opening, stretching, pushing deeper. "Inside," he husked. He thrust forwards until his sac slapped against Marcus' flesh. He held still, relishing the feel of tight, virginal walls rippling their welcome and letting his lover adjust to the new sensation. Barely able to breath, Marcus stared at Ethan, only now realising the smaller man was fully inside him. 'His, I'm his.' The realisation swept like a tsunami throughout Marcus body. He felt energised and alive in a way he had never known before. "Touch yourself," Ethan rasped. It was too much for him to be able to stroke the bigger man in this position. Marcus closed his eyes and concentrated on feeling Ethan inside him as he stroked his hard flesh. He moaned and shuddered as Ethan's thrusts and his own hand urged him towards completion. "Coming," Marcus groaned. "Come with me, Ethan, please." Ethan gasped when Marcus' inner muscles contracted around him and he stopped thrusting, allowing his lover to savour his orgasm. Warm come spread between them and he dropped his head onto Marcus' breast. The contractions were more than he could resist. Unable to keep back any longer, Ethan released his orgasm, his semen bathing the still spasming channel, claiming Marcus as his own. Slowly Ethan's head lifted from his chest. Locking eyes with Ethan, Marcus saw the truth. "You do love me," Marcus panted, Ethan's sex was shrinking and slipped from his body, but contrast he was still half-hard. He stared into Ethan's face, relishing the look on the younger man's face. "We made love." "Yes, we did," Ethan grinned, panting softly. "Do you believe me now when I say I love you?" "Yes," Marcus smiled. "Say it again?" "I love you," Ethan said, grinning brilliantly. He gave a gasp as he was rolled onto his back. "I love you," Marcus husked. "Now I want to make you mine." The last words were in a low growl that sent frissons through Ethan's hitherto sated body. He could see Marcus still semi-aroused and he ached to fell the hard flesh buried inside him. "I want that," he whispered, spreading his legs, giving himself freely to the bigger man. "Mmm. So good," Marcus murmured as he buried his face in Ethan's hair, breathing in the younger man's scent. With a moan of encouragement, Ethan gave control to Marcus. The older man kissed, touched and explored his body. Every time he touched him, Ethan was certain Marcus was learning his reactions until he knew all Ethan's secrets, every last sweet spot and hot button. He stroked, caressed and played with Ethan's willing body until the younger man was begging him to go ahead, immediately, to take him right that minute, now, now, now. Despite Ethan's pleas Marcus did not rush. He was as careful with the younger man as a connoisseur would be with a priceless piece of ancient crystal. As if Ethan were precious, breakable and he had to care for and protect him when being touched. He teased, stroked and played with his lover, pressing a single finger into tight heat, relishing the groan and the hitch of slender hips. He meticulously began stretching and lubricating his mate deep inside. He massaged the electric place inside Ethan that he now knew from personal experience would send hot, powerful waves of pleasure surging through the smaller body. He never stopped kissing; thoroughly exploring the younger man's mouth as he tenderly opened the eager body. By the time Marcus finally entered Ethan he was practically reduced to begging. His focus had narrowed to the ache in his resurgent cock and the empty, slick place between his cheeks where he desperately needed Marcus. With a chant of 'Yes, yes, yes' in his mind, Ethan felt his lover push slowly, gently against his entrance. His mate was cautious, letting him get used to the sensation of being so fully filled, pressing forward inch-by-inch, until Marcus was completely inside and looking down at Ethan with a look of such love and awe it took the younger man's breath away. "I'm inside you," Marcus whispered. "Yes," Ethan murmured back, stroking the older man's face. "Now make love with me." In response to the softly spoken words Marcus began to move. It was a barely there undulation of hips at first. He let the rhythm gradually build until he was thrusting inside the younger man in long, smooth, deep strokes. There was a tingling connection within Ethan and he wondered if Marcus felt it too. He looked into the older man's eyes to see love and desire blazing in their depths. Although this was not the first time Ethan had loved, it was the first that he had felt an almost profound sense of belonging. He opened himself to Marcus, taking him inside welcoming him into his body and soul. He was sure the older man was now an inseparable part of him. Looking down, Marcus was certain he could see that the younger man could feel the same sensation of rightness at their being together, making love, each sharing a part of his body to become as one entity. It was a powerful feeling that almost threatened to consume Marcus with its intensity. Instead he focused harder on loving his mate. His hips angled to the perfect degree to sweep across Ethan's sweet spot. A primal surge of elation thundered through his veins as Ethan's body arched and writhed. This one single act meant more to him than all of those that preceded it. He had never felt such a deep connection, desire or love for another person before. He began to move faster, his hips snapping at a furious pace. He wanted Ethan to come and he wanted to come in Ethan, to fill the slick, hot channel with his seed and complete his claiming. He leaned down, sucking at the younger man's throat, knowing he would leave a mark, needing to leave a bruise, wanting to look at it and know just how it got there. The younger man was moaning continually and Marcus burrowed a hand to begin stroking the swollen shaft to an impassioned cry of his name. With Marcus' name on his lips, Ethan came first, his seed pulsing wetly between them as Marcus milked the throbbing shaft. At the strong contractions around his already primed cock, Marcus quickly followed with a shout of Ethan's name. Despite his earlier climax, his semen jetted into his lover in powerful surges. It felt as if he was filling the smaller man with his love and soul as his body continued to thrust in the slick sheath even after his sac was fully depleted. "I love you," Marcus panted, pressing his lips against the damp skin if Ethan's throat. He could feel the thundering rhythm of his lover's still-racing heart. "Love you, too. So much," Ethan vowed. He stroked the sweat-sheened skin of Marcus' back, loathe to separate their bodies, keeping his inner muscled clamped as tightly as possible to prolong their connection. "I never dreamt how it could be," Marcus whispered from the sanctuary of his lover's neck. He knew he could trust this man with any of his insecurities and never run the risk of being mocked or regarded as weak. "I can promise you this, Marcus," Ethan replied. "It's never felt like that for me." Ethan had a smile ready as the older man lifted his head to search the younger man's eyes. "Thank you for seeing beyond the beast," Marcus husked. "To me you're beautiful inside and out. But I have no objections to you unleashing the beast in bed now and again," Ethan said, pulling the older man down to ravish his mouth. He gave a groan of disappointment as the flesh within him finally slid free. "You're beauty and always will be," Marcus said, framing Ethan's face with his hands. "Always." "Thank you, love," Ethan husked. "Now, how about we share a shower, order in some take-out and have an early night?" he added with a wink. The laugh from his lover sent his heart soaring. "Sounds great," Marcus enthused. "You do realise that by tomorrow the whole of the hospital will know we're lovers?" "Good. That'll save me having to beat off anyone showing an interest in you with a stick. I have one and I know how to use it," Ethan declared as they stood and clasped each other's hand. "If my reputation isn't enough to keep them away from you, I'll borrow your stick," Marcus growled, carefully enfolding his lover in a tight hug and nuzzling at his neck. A small part of him was nervous about work, about people knowing the truth of his sexuality, but the greater was overjoyed at Ethan's possessiveness. He felt as if he could do anything with Ethan at his side. His lover turned on the shower, nodded as he achieved the desired temperature and vanished behind the curtain. He reappeared a couple of seconds later to beckon sultrily. Marcus gave a feral smile. He had never made love in a shower. Perhaps now was the time to try. With a laugh of pure joy, Marcus pounced.