10 comments/ 28693 views/ 23 favorites Christmas: Past, Present and Future By: Pelaam As he walked along the town's main street, Caelin stopped to look at the display in the men's' clothes shop. It still looked out of place to see fake Christmas snow, a tree and bright baubles next to t-shirts and shorts, but that was New Zealand. Its topsy-turvy seasons had been the reason for his coming here. Christmas this year was going to be the worst he had ever known and those to come were bleak and empty. His eyes alighted on a shirt so similar to one he had bought Wayne that the memory of why he was in New Zealand flooded into his brain. **** "You want me to move out? Separate after fifteen years?" Caelin was stunned to hear Wayne's proclamation and struggled to make sure he had comprehended the hurtful words. "I need freedom, freshness," Wayne announced. His hands flew in the dramatic way that Caelin knew meant he was uncomfortable with the topic matter and was subconsciously waving it away. "I've grown stale, confined, claustrophobic," the other man continued, now pacing up and down, looking anywhere but at the man who had shared his life and home for so long. That made Caelin angry although, as always, he hid the emotion from his lover. 'I can't stand confrontation, love. I'm an artist. Negativity will destroy my creativity. You understand that don't you?' Caelin could repeat it word-for-word like a Tibetan mantra and even now it over-rode his own needs. Wayne had been am immensely successful artist, there was no denying that. But over the last three years or so, instead of creating, Wayne had preferred to party. Champagne and A-listers, out till the early hours and sleeping all day. He had done a couple of paintings in that time, but Caelin had felt they sold because of Wayne's celebrity status rather than being good pieces of art. "So you want me out. Are we still in a relationship or is that over, too?" Caelin could not stop the bitter tone and took a step back as Wayne rounded on him, face red. "How can I still see you? Did you just *hear* yourself? I need tranquillity and understanding. You never understood me or what I needed." Caelin stared at Wayne's broad back. As his eyes traversed the body he knew so well, he could see the imperfections. Wayne's dark tresses had some silver glinting through; he was due his hair treatment again. His once toned body now had love-handles and his face had almost permanently red cheeks. Despite which, Caelin loved him and had thought himself loved in return. He preferred to be a stay-at-home lover. Partying was not his forte, nor was making small talk with strangers. He had always believed Wayne when the older man had claimed that the younger men he was so often photographed with were just after the publicity. A cold seed of doubt took root in his stomach. Have I been so blind, so foolish? he asked himself. "I'll pack an overnight case," Caelin said, his voice soft, defeated. "I take it I can come back for other stuff?" "I'll be going on a skiing trip with Armand next week," Wayne announced airily. "You can come back for stuff then." Armand. Bright, beautiful, fake-blond, fake tan, perfectly crafted white teeth. He had been on Wayne's arm on the last few parties the artist had attended. A tentative enquiry from Caelin about their relationship had Wayne shrieking about lack of trust and Caelin had slept alone for three nights. "Fine," Caelin whispered, defeated. A part of him thought he should try and fight to keep Wayne, part of him was too numb to try. He also knew the older man well enough to know that any argument now would just result in the artist flying into a rage that Caelin had no energy to deal with. This would be a miserable Christmas. **** Caelin had finally been determined that he would not allow himself to be drowned by the waves of sorrow. He knew he could not stay and look at Christmas trees and decorations and adverts for huge family gatherings knowing he would be alone. Instead he went to a travel agency. New Zealand. Christmas there would be summertime, the agent enthused. Sunny days, sea, sand. Perfect getaway. Caelin had bought his ticket immediately. How could you resist summer in winter and tags to places such as; 'City of sails', 'A place like no other' and 'The windy city'? **** His chosen town was small. Most of the shops were along a single main street with additional stores in a mall. It suited Caelin just fine and the locals were so friendly he could hardly believe it. He would find people chatting to him as if he was a friend not a visitor. Then he had seen the shirt in the shop window. So similar to one he had bought Wayne and it had rocked him to his core. "Are you ok?" A concerned voice made Caelin turn. He blinked at the young man who hovered anxiously, a hand on Caelin's shoulder as if to ground him. "Fine," he lied. His voice cracked as if to emphasise the lie and he felt the tears burn his eyes. "Come this way," the young man continued, as if Caelin had not spoken. "My name's Blake. I work in the coffee shop over there. Looks like you need a good, hot coffee inside you." Before Caelin knew it, he had been ensconced in a seat in a corner of the shop, away from any curious eyes. A flat white coffee was placed in front of him along with a slice of decadent-looking chocolate cake. "Some people can't stand sugar in their coffee, but it's good when you've had a shock, that's why I've given you the cake. Sit and take all the time you need. I'll pop back and see how you're doing in a few." Caelin stared at the drink, cake and the small packet of handkerchiefs that had been placed before him. He had no more chance of stopping the tears than Canute did the flow of the sea. But once they were finished he did feel better. He was not going to let the memory spoil his well-earned vacation. He took a sip of the coffee. It was still warm and as good as had been promised. He even managed some of the cake. "Awesome!" Blake's comment had Caelin smiling as the young barista took the empty cup and mostly-empty plate away. Another coffee appeared. "I can't really," Caelin protested, but Blake was determinedly insistent. "Just chill, man. There's no reason to rush. It's not full-on at this time of day. You here on holiday or visiting family?" "A getaway from it all. But sometimes you can't get away from your memories." Caelin smiled again, a melancholy movement of his lips at Blake's nod and knowing look. "I'm sorry, man. But you don't want it to ruin the time you're here. It's nearly Christmas. What have you got lined up?" "Nothing," Caelin found himself admitting. He had thought in eat in the Hotel. He abruptly realised he had spoken the words aloud at the vehement denial from Blake. "No way, man. No way are you coming all this way to spend a lonely Christmas. Some friends and I will be heading to the beach for the day. Barbeque, beer, wine, music. Do you surf?" "What? No, no I don't surf," Caelin said, shaking his head. "No problem, someone needs to keep an eye on the barbie. You free tomorrow?" "Um, yes," Caelin confessed. It seemed impossible to do anything but be honest with the young man. "Cool. I finish here at 4.00pm. Come meet me here and we can swing round to where I live, meet the guys have a couple of beers. By the time Christmas comes round you'll be like one of the gang. Got your cellphone?" Caelin meekly let Blake add his number to his phone. "If you don't have plans tonight feel free to ring. No point being alone if you don't feel like it." Caelin almost felt drained by Blake's energy and enthusiasm. He surreptitiously watched the barista. He was constantly in motion; serving, cleaning, checking the chiller or the coffee machine. The black trousers hugged long, lean legs and encased a tight butt. The blond hair was bleached and gelled into spikes and when Caelin got caught staring, the brown eyes twinkled with humour. **** With shaking hands, Caelin had dialled Blake's number from the safety of his Hotel. He had intended to suggest a drink in one of the town's bars, but instead was invited to Blake's house to have dinner and a drink with Blake and his roomies. So here he was. Suddenly he felt apprehensive. He was not afraid in the sense that he was doing anything dangerous by accepting the invitation to go to a houseful of strangers. Rather it was a sense of foreboding that he was doing something stupid for a man of his age. He would easily be the oldest and an offer made out of sympathy may be regretted when actually taken up. He was dithering in the driveway, part of him urging a move forward, the other a swift retreat. "Hey, glad you came. I'll be down in a sec." There was no turning back now. Blake's voice had been accompanied by an energetic wave from an upstairs window. Caelin swallowed. When he had come on this holiday he had promised himself no looking back. As the front door opened, he took a deep, fortifying breath and stepped inside. "I brought some beer," Caelin said handing the twelve-pack to Blake. "It was the least I could do." "Cool, man. Come through, meet the guys." "Hey, everyone, this is Caelin. Caelin, this is Johann who works at the hospital, Ranjit who's a chef in one of the Indian Restaurants in town and Manu who works in the council but is also a member of our local football team." Caelin's eyes followed Blake's hand as he indicated his flatmates. He could not imagine four more different men. As he was settled with a beer in his hand he found himself chatting easily. Johann was South African and a physiotherapist. Ranjit's family owned a restaurant in another town, but he had studied, like Blake, in the college in town. But whereas Blake had left his home town to work first in Auckland and then Wellington and had now returned, Ranjit was comfortable and content to remain where he was. Manu was quietly spoken but never seemed stuck for an anecdote to fit in with the conversation revolving around his many and varied family members. Dinner was served at a large table and, from the comfortable way the men acted, Caelin was certain it was a regular occurrence. There was homemade garlic bread, hummus and guacamole, a large freshly-made lasagne and a huge salad. At the end of the meal they gathered around the TV to watch a replay of an All Blacks match. Although a couple of them already knew the result, everyone was equally enthusiastic in cheering the team on and groaning sympathetically when they lost the ball. The evening flew past in a whirl of good food and even better company. Caelin did not even notice the time flying past as he became so involved in the game. It was with a start he realised it was already midnight. "I have to go," he said. "I'll need a taxi." "No worries," Blake said. "But you can stay here if you want." "I don't want to cause problems..." Caelin started, but four men had become a whirlwind of activity. He stared as the settee was pulled out into a bed and sheets, pillow and blankets appeared from various sources. "Well that was subtle. Not." Caelin looked around and realised as the bedding had been passed over the other men had also been wishing him a good night. He felt a blush stain his cheeks. "Would you like a night cap? This is good stuff. I keep if for special guests." Caelin nodded mutely. Blake's voice had dropped into a husky rasp and the dimmed lighting seemed to have made him taller and broader. He accepted the glass and sat at Blake's side on the made up bed. They clinked their glasses in a salute and they sipped their drinks. Caelin was not normally a scotch drinker, but this was rich and smooth. "It is good," he agreed. "'Gentleman Jack'," Blake purred. Caelian watched as the younger man took another swallow. His eyes were riveted to the motion of Blake's Adam's apple. At such close quarter he could see the dark stubble on Blake's cheeks, chin and down his throat. "You are attracted to me, Caelian, aren't you?" Blake's question was accompanied by the younger man turning and his eyes seemed to devour Caelin. "Very much," Caelin confessed. "I want to meet you again. Alone. Tomorrow? I know it's Christmas Eve. But I don't do one night stands and I don't bed on the first date. I'm really attracted to you, Caelin, but I don't want to take you to my bed with someone else's memory still in your mind. Will you spend the day with me?" "Yes," Caelin husked. He appreciated Blake's honesty. It would have been very easy to simply have sex and try to exorcise Wayne, but that would be unfair. He suddenly became aware of Blake's heat and musk as the distance between them became mere millimetres. His eyes closed as even they vanished. Blake's lips were warm, dry and soft. The pressure was gentle and Caelin relaxed into the kiss. A broad hand cupped the nape of his neck and he moaned as he felt a thumb stroke across his skin. The parting of his lips let Blake's tongue slide inside his mouth. It licked over his gums, across his cheeks and sinuously entwined with his own. Caelin was panting by the time they broke apart. They kissed in between sipping their drinks, their hands never straying below their waists. "I have to go," Blake whispered, his breath caressing Caelin's cheek. "I don't want to ruin this. Sleep well, I'll see you in the morning and we can sort things from there." "Goodnight, Blake," Caelin husked. **** Caelin spent a relaxed afternoon with Blake, the younger man showing him where they would set up their BBQ on the beach. They had a quiet meal together and a few drinks. Blake accepted Caelin's invitation to his room and they shared a bottle of wine. As the wine was drunk, they stretched out on his bed. Kissing became necking and Caelin moaned softly as his shirt was spread open and a hot mouth sucked at a defenceless nipple. He slid his hands under Blake's t-shirt to find the other man's nubs and tease them into diamond-hard buds. He did not resist as he was pulled lower on the bed and Blake eased himself effortless between his legs which spread wantonly to cradle him. Each of Blake's kisses seemed to stoke a furnace within Caelin. He whimpered as a hand palmed the throbbing flesh still imprisoned behind his denim cut-offs. "Promised myself I wouldn't go too far, too fast." Blake's voice was rough with passion and Caelin bucked as the younger man's hand squeezed ay his shaft. "Can't stop myself, Caelin. Got to see you come. You want me to touch you?" "Yes please please, yes," Caelin begged. His voice became ragged panting as Blake's hand unsnapped his cut-offs and pulled down the zipper. "You. Let me touch you," he blurted. With what appeared to be the slightest of movements, Blake's hard, hot length was against his own. Caelin heard a whine of need and want and dimly realised he had made the sound. A large hand caught both eager organs and began to stroke. Hot lips, sharp teeth and soothing tongue kissed nipped or licked his face, neck, collarbone and nipples until Caelin was overwhelmed with sensation. The need to come was a fire in his veins and his hips pumped frantically to get the last infinitesimal stimulation needed. His climax shimmered just beyond his reach and then he froze before convulsing, his orgasm so powerful his vision dimmed to grey in its aftermath. "That was incredible, babe." Caelin peeled open his eyes to look at Blake. The younger man was smiling at him and Caelin felt the tears prick at his eyes. He could scarcely believe this beautiful man was praising him. He dropped a kiss into the bleached hair as Blake nuzzled happily against his neck. "Thank you," he whispered. "Ok if I rest here a while?" Blake's voice was drowsy and Caelin's arms tightened around the long, lean body. "As long as you want," he said. **** Caelin had lost all track of time. He had swum, played volleyball, eaten, rested, played cricket and been drinking. Daylight had faded into darkness and as it did, bonfires were lit and music played. He had then danced, discreetly, close to Blake. He was stunned to realise that it was actually beginning to get lighter once more. It was rapidly approaching dawn. "Come on, baby. This way." Feeling Blake's hand slide into his, Caelin let the younger man lead him away from few still dancing and the many now sleeping. "Where're we going?" he asked. "To a little place I scouted out and left some essentials." The mysterious reply created a heated coil in Caelin's lower belly. Although they had been drinking, Caelin knew that, compared to the others around them, he and Blake had consumed the beer quite sparsely. He was experiencing a pleasant buzz, but knew exactly what was going on. He felt himself hardening as they rounded a small bluff and out of sight of the remaining revellers. A shudder ran through Caelin's body as Blake crouched to pull a black bin bag from a crevice in the rock invisible to the older man's eyes. Instead his gaze was drawn inexorably to the shadowy crevice of Blake's body as the board shorts hung low on slim hips. Caelin licked his lips as Blake stood up. There were two bags in his hands. He gave the bulkier to Caelin. "Just over here." The cliff was concave, affording a niche just big enough for two, hidden from open sight. Caelin watched as Blake set his bag down and then delved into the one he held. A plastic sheet was spread out and then a large duvet. From the smaller bag there was a bottle of champagne and plastic glasses. With a wolfish grin, Blake stepped out of his shorts and then the skimpy swim-briefs he wore. "Let me see you." His voice was a hoarse rasp and Caelin hurried to lose his t-shirt and Bermudas, hesitating only briefly before shedding his own swim-briefs. The older man let himself be lowered onto the duvet and then beneath it. Blake straddled Caelin's lap. The older man looked up at him and then Blake's warm lips were brushing softly against his. "You're beautiful," Blake whispered against his mouth. "You're perfect. He was a fool for not holding onto you tightly and for letting you go." A low groan erupted from Caelin's chest as the younger man's mouth melded against his. Caelin could feel the solid erection showing him just how beautiful he was and how much Blake wanted him. To the older man Blake was perfection and Caelin suddenly felt very lacking. Wayne's hurtful behaviour came back to him as well as his own doubts. "Blake, I don't think..." Blake's lips were back on his, silencing his fear with hot, gentle kisses. Slowly, Blake moved up and down on Caelin's lap, creating a delicious friction. It was heavenly, it was divine. Blake's mouth covered his every time Caelin tried to speak until all he could do was moan softly as an agile tongue delved deeply, teasing, exploring. One hand gently cupped his face as Blake adjusted his position to claim Caelin's mouth. The older man's hands grasped at the naked back of the man astride him. Caelin was equally afraid of Blake continuing or stopping, but the touches and soft sounds of appreciation were overcoming his hesitancy. As the need to breathe became overwhelming, they broke apart. As Caelin panted, Blake's mouth continued its erotic assault, finding new places to amorously assail; ears, nose and neck all falling before the younger man's conquering lips. As the soft lips continued to caress Caelin's face, Blake's fingers teased his nubs and the older man arched, electricity shooting through him. Blake's hands continued their gentle exploration, moving downward slowly against Caelin's skin, down to begging, dripping flesh. With a whimper Caelin tried to spread his legs but Blake's position preventing him. With a quick motion, the younger man moved to kneel between now spread limbs, his fingers teasing up and down Caelin's sensitive inner thighs. Christmas: Past, Present and Future Then lips and tongue were moving where hands had touched and it took just moments for Caelin to be writhing and moaning. Blake's broad hands gripped tightly to his hips, pinning him to their makeshift bed. Groans spilt from Caelin's lips as his younger lover slowly meandered down his body, licking and nipping, until he reached the evidence of his physical need. Without word or hesitation Blake swallowed him whole. Caelin cried Blake's name as his lover's tongue pressed insistently along his hard, heated length. The agile muscle teased beneath the engorged head causing Caelin to try and buck into the wet, warm cavern. Moaning and raking his hands through Blake's hair, Caelin knew he could not hold out much longer. An increase in suction and a finger pressing hard against his perineum and Caelin was lost in waves of pleasure. He lay boneless, enveloped in a sea of sensual pleasure as the sounds of the ocean teased at the periphery of his physical awareness. As his heavy-lidded eyes opened to regard his lover, Caelin found his right leg over Blake's shoulder, a packet of lube and a condom on his chest. He moaned softly at the sensation of Blake's fingers moving inside him, stretching him. He could see the younger man smiling tenderly. "Welcome back, lover." The deep purr caused Caelin's breath to quicken once more. The teasing fingers were brushing over his sweet spot, making the sounds of the ocean fade in favour of stars dancing behind Caelin's closed eyes. He felt himself begin to harden once more. He could not remember when he had last come twice. He gave a sound of denial as Blake withdrew his fingers. Then the sound became one of relief when he felt something larger at his stretched entrance. "Caelin. So tight, babe, so hot." Blake's voice was a deep growl as Caelin felt him pushing in centimetre by centimetre. In reply he leant up to kiss him and felt him slip farther in. His fingers gently traced Blake's stubbled jaw line and he was suddenly struck by the power and grace of the man above him. "I don't want to hurt you," Blake whispered into Caelin's ear, the moist heat sending even more frissons through his already sensitised body. "You won't," Caelin whispered back. "You're so tight." Blake's voice was husky as he was finally buried to the hilt inside Caelin. The older man moaned his approval, locking his legs around the younger man's waist. Blake began to move gently, rocking his hips slowly. Caelin raised his hips to the same tempo, lost in the ancient rhythm. Blake shimmied slightly and Caelin's eyes opened as his lover moved inwards once more. "Blake," he cried softly. "Again." "Look at the ocean, babe." Blake whispered and Caelin obeyed, anything to feel the sensation of Blake's maleness rubbing his sweet spot. "I want you to see how beautiful it is. To remember how beautiful you are, too. I want you to always remember this so that no matter whomever you're with," Blake pushed in deeper and Caelin grasped tightly to him, "You'll always remember me." As Blake thrust forwards again, this time with more passion, Caelin almost clawed at the powerful biceps. The rhythm had intensified, Blake hitting the electrifying nub within Caelin again and again. He tried to focus on his lover's face, but Caelin was unable to stop his head from thrashing back and forth and his body from arching as Blake's hand took possession of his resurgent sex. As Blake's lips mated with his own, Caelin felt his orgasm detonate strongly, moaning his completion into his lover's mouth. He felt Blake's shaft swell inside him and pulse repeatedly into the latex that separated them. Sated and boneless, Caelin watched as Blake licked him clean. The sight caused his satiated shaft to twitch and his younger lover to laugh softly as he looked up. "Again?" he teased. "Come here," Caelin husked. He gave a contented sigh as Blake's lean body stretched over him. For the first time in a very long time he felt contented and replete in the arms of a lover. "Merry Christmas, Caelin." "Merry Christmas, Blake," Caelin replied, capturing sweet lips once more. He knew they could not stay in their private world for much longer. The sun was rising and people, even at that early hour, would start to walk along the beach. But for a few more minutes, Caelin was going to savour everything, commit it to memory to relive the joy again and again when back in the real world. **** Caelin and Blake were inseparable over the next few days and the New Year was upon them almost before he realised a week had passed. There was a New Year's party to attend and then Blake's house was theirs for two days. The look in Blake's glittering eyes had made silent promises that Caelin ached to be fulfilled. They were tired as they returned to Blake's house, but as the younger man ushered Caelin in ahead of him, the large hands fondling his butt told Caelin all he needed to know. He glanced sultrily over his shoulder and laughed as Blake propelled him into the living room. He was pushed into a chair and Blake straddled his legs. Before Caelin knew it they were both naked and hard, dripping for one another, panting harshly with mutual want and desire. Caelin watched as Blake rose from his lap and held out a hand. Slowly Caelin took the offering and allowed himself to be led into Blake's bedroom. As they reached the bed, Blake pushed Caelin down gently. Caelin watched as the younger man straddled his legs before moving down his body tasting him on his way. When he reached his swollen shaft Caelin saw the satisfied smile on Blake's face. He moaned as his lover licked up the aching, heated flesh. As Blake made love to him with hands and mouth, Caelin began to murmur incoherently. Suction and kitten licks, barely-there strokes and powerful pulls, delicate kisses and perfectly weighed nips, Caelin could not be sure what would come next except for the inexorably rising of the heavy orbs in his sac and the need to flood the sinfully talented mouth with his come. Within minutes he was coming hard down Blake's throat and his lover was swallowing everything Caelin gave. As he tried to catch his breath, Caelin saw the smug look on Blake's face. Slowly, deliberately, the younger man lay down and opened his legs for Caelin to lie between. "We've got all night, plenty of time to get you hard again. Why don't you prepare me while we wait?" Caelin's brow furrowed as he looked down at the beautiful young man, laying before him like an exotic, erotic offering for the Gods. "You... you want me to make love to you?" he asked in disbelief. "You must have really been mistreated by your ex-lover." In all the years he had shared with Wayne, the older man had always topped. It had never really mattered to Caelin, he enjoyed bottoming. However, he now wondered if it had been yet another subtle form of control by Wayne. "I'm on the verge of begging here." Caelin couldn't help the smile that lit up his face at Blake's words and wagging eyebrows. He reached for the lube that his lover had left within easy reach and poured a decent amount onto his hand. With shaking fingers, he stroked over Blake's opening. The young man moaned and pushed down. "Put them in Caelin, I want to feel your fingers inside me." Blake's words were so heartfelt that Caelin felt his spent organ begin to harden again. He took his time to open Blake properly. He had no intention of hurting this beautiful, generous young man in the same way that he had been hurt in the past; hurried, barely there preparation because it was a chore not a pleasure. Two fingers carefully followed the cautious single digit and only when Blake was begging did Caelin inset three. He soon found the spot to have the younger man writhe and groaned at the wanton display of Blake enjoying the finger-work. "Now, Caelin, please now. I want to feel you. I want to feel your cock inside me." Blake spread his legs wide open and Caelin groaned with a mix of want and desire. He slid on the condom and coated his now aching shaft generously. He slid into Blake just as the young man had asked and felt elated as Blake moaned wantonly. "Oh yes. Tilt your hips a little. Oh yeah, oh right there, keep doing... oh, Caelin." Caelin's breathing was already erratic from the sounds of passion and pleasure that spilt from Blake's lips as he pushed in and out of his lover's body. He felt Blake surround him like delicious, hot, slick vice. "Oh yeah," Blake kept chanting. "Just like that, Caelin, I need this, want this." Caelin placed his arms either side of Blake's head looking down into the dark depths of espresso eyes. He began thrusting deep, making sure to tilt his hips to hit the special place inside Blake that made him cry out. "You feel so good," Caelin whispered. The younger man pushed down to meet Caelin's every thrust, impaling himself a little more and the older man felt more pleasure at the knowledge that he was pleasing Blake. He knew he would not last too long. Blake looked and felt too good for him to draw it out as much as he would have truly liked. His hand came round to grasp the neglected, leaking shaft and his lover cried out, thrusting desperately into Caelin's hand. "Oh, Caelin, I'm going to come. Have to come, lover, please." To Caelin's joy, Blake exploded over his pumping hand and his inner muscles clenched tightly around Caelin to draw out the older man's pleasure. He cried his completion into Blake's neck. Both men came hard as they held one another. Their ragged breathing the only sound as their overheated bodies recovered from their shared passion. Carefully, Caelin withdrew from his lover, disposing of the condom before laving the skin of his satiated mate to drink every drop of his seed. Caelin smiled tenderly as Blake opened his arms in invitation and he snuggled into him. As Blake slept contentedly, Caelin lay awake practically all night. He took in every inch of his lover, every exquisite nuance. He wanted to commit everything about the beautiful man in his arms to memory before he had to relinquish him and return home. It was hard to think of the UK as home. Caelin felt as if he was home when in Blake's arms. **** A couple of days later, the morning dawned warm, dry and subdued. Caelin had brought his cases to Blake's house and would be travelling to the airport with Blake and Johann. They drove, almost in silence, to the small regional strip and Caelin watched as Blake excused himself to disappear into the rest rooms. "You made a big impression on him, Caelin." Johann's voice was soft next to his ear. "Same here," he confessed. The irony was not lost on him that he felt the imminent loss of Blake more deeply than he had Wayne. The sight of Blake's reddened eyes on the younger man's return had tears burn in his own. "I had the best Christmas ever, man." Blake's voice cracked and Caelin wanted to grab hold of him and run away. "Me, too. I'll miss you." "You, too. Sorry, promised I wouldn't do this." Caelin could feel the wetness on his shoulder as Blake pulled him into a hug. He jumped as the call for his plane was made. "I'll call. I promise," he vowed. He looked back as s he reached the plane and he could make out the two figures, one leaning, one supportive, both waving. He waved back and then ascended the stairs. He was grateful his seat was right at the back of the small plane. The air steward nodded her understanding as he shook his head at her approach. At that moment he felt his heart was breaking. **** Staring around his living room Caelin felt as if the colour had drained from his life. Outside it was cold, grey and wet. There were no trees, no grass or flowers to brighten his life. More importantly, there was no human dynamo. He had called Blake each day of the three he had been home. Except it did not feel like home. A persistent ringing at his doorbell had him amble listlessly towards the door. "About time you got home. Where have you been? I've had to come three times now. It's really inconvenient to travel out this far from the city." The tirade from Wayne left Caelin speechless as the older man marched straight past him. "Wayne?" he said questioningly. "I want you to move back in." Caelin stared open-jawed at the statement. "You want..." he began. "You heard." he words were said testily. "It's not the same at the house without you." "Armand?" Caelin queried softly. "It's not the same." Wayne's words were accompanied by a dramatic wave of his arms. "Not the same thing at all. The man has more stuff in his bathroom than the beauty counters. Of course, neither of you are as intelligent as me, but even you could hold a decent conversation. All he talks about is fashion, hair, face creams. Anyway, I have to go to the States for three weeks. There's a gallery highlighting some of my work and I'm going to the opening and then on a short publicity tour." "Alone?" Caelin could not censure the word. "Well of course not," Wayne said, his voice now petulant. "I don't want to travel alone. Armand is going with me and while we're away you can move back home so you're settled when I return. Everything will be as it should." A hard kiss was pressed against Caelin's lips. Before he could reply Wayne was gone. He stared towards the door, his arms hugging himself. Everything as it should be. Home. Caelin's eyes moved to the suitcase at his bedroom door. **** "I swear, Caelin, if you're going to look like that every time you look in this window we'll cross before we get to this shop." The voice was soft and the large hand warm as it cupped his elbow, guiding him away from the display. He looked into the eyes of the man he loved and smiled. "Just remembering how I came to be here and how lucky I am," he murmured. "No, babe. How lucky I am. If you've done shopping I can take you home and *show* you how lucky I am." Blake's purr never failed to have Caelin hardening instantly and with an impatient sound he turned to head to their car, grinning at the sound of Blake's laughter. **** Their house was on the outskirts of town, set in a decent section of land and well fenced. After Wayne's visit, Caelin had been as a man possessed. He had rung every hairdresser in Blake's hometown and been overjoyed to find one not only looking for staff, but a partner in the business. Caelin had immediately got his solicitor in action to sell his own successful hairdressing business, sending prayers of thanks that he had kept his qualifications up to date. He had also put his apartment up for sale and recruited assistance from a company that organised everything for immigration. All the while he had rung or e-mailed Blake, keeping the younger man updated every inch of the way. Six months after seeing Wayne that fateful day, Caelin had moved permanently to New Zealand. He had then submitted his documentation for residency and just two weeks ago he and Blake had robustly celebrated his residence verification. They now had their own home, their own business and Blake was a student hairdresser. It was home. It was paradise. Laughter interspersed with kisses as they bustled into the house, each man trying to denude the other first. They kept on their boxers as they opened their back door. Joyous barking instantly greeted them as their two black Labrador dogs bounded from their kennel. As Blake fussed with them, Caelin looked at their garden. They had decorated a couple of trees with lights, although it would be late into the evening before it would be dark enough to see them. They had also built an arbour in which to relax. It had three walls, the base reached to knee high and it had the same dimensions as a king-sized bed. A brightly coloured mattress sat on the base and, when they had guests, it would be adorned with cushions. "Let me show you how lucky." Blake's words and a large hand capturing his pulled Caelin from his reverie. "I love you," he said, tugging the younger man into his arms for a slow, deep kiss. "Love you, too." Caelin spared a quick glance back at their 'boys'. The dogs were happily chewing the treats Blake had snagged on their way through the kitchen. They had been extensively trained not to climb on the arbour and disturb Blake and him. He grinned and began to hurry, his lover's laughter only spurring him to run. His boxers were tossed to join Blake's as he crawled towards to younger man. Tender kisses became more insistent, tongues duelling in a war already won. Caelin did not resist as he was pushed onto his back as Blake took his place between the older man's spread thighs. "Blake," Caelin moaned as his lover's head sank down, his tongue surging forward. The agile muscle licked his chest hungrily, pulling tightened teats into his mouth. Caelin whimpered and arched upwards, hands wrapping around Blake's back. Blake moaned, biting down gently on the small nubs, grinning delightedly at the nipple that was adorned by the ring he had bought. He pulled carefully at the loop threaded through the taut flesh in his mouth. His deft fingers teased at whichever nipple was bereft of his mouth relishing the increasingly impassioned cries from the older man. "Caelin, you are so beautiful," Blake murmured against his lover's chest. Sliding up the older man's body, he melded his lips with Caelin's, his tongue advancing and retreating as Caelin met and matched the motions. "Blake," Caelin sighed. He pressed towards Blake's hot, hungry mouth, his fingers caressing Blake's head, trailing through the shorter hair, across the back of his lover's neck. His arms reached to pull him closer as their tongues tangled and danced. He mourned the loss of Blake's lips only briefly as he realised their intended destination. He gasped as he felt the warm wetness of Blake's tongue caressing his aching flesh, strong hands holding him as he tried to arch upwards, groaning in pleasure. "Oh yes, please," he whispered as Blake's mouth slid over and down, tongue licking, teasing, stroking his now throbbing hardness. "Yes," he whispered, his fingers reaching to caress his lover's head tenderly as his sac was licked and then each oval sucked into his lover's voracious maw. More licking followed and then more suckling, delicate nibbling, slowly, sensuously, his lover moved over ever more sensitised flesh. Caelin cried Blake's name as the capable hands joined in the erotic melange, strong fingers rubbing, stroking, milking his erection as he gasped and writhed. His younger lover knew his body so well, could play it like a master, drawing the ecstasy out or hurtling Caelin to a short, incendiary climax. Caelin could feel the sexual tension building in him He could feel the fire and heat of imminent release blazing in his blood, coursing through his veins, setting his soul alight. He cried out, torn between wanting it to last and desperate to reach his peak. "Come, babe," Blake groaned, He slid his hands under Caelin's thrusting hips. "Come for me. Want you to come." He sucked the throbbing, engorged shaft, swallowing it deeply. His fingers stroked across the tight entrance to Caelin's body. He pushed just the tip of one digit into the tight rosebud pinning the older man with his other arm. He grunted as Caelin tried to arch and then hot, creamy seed pulsed deep into Blake's eager throat. He swallowed everything his lover could offer, fingers stroking the older man's sac to ensure nothing was left behind. Only when certain Caelin had no more to give did Blake finally relinquish his prize. "Beautiful, Caelin," Blake groaned huskily. His mate was limp and unresisting as Blake arranged Caelin as he willed. He pushed his lover's thighs apart. He buried his face between them to find the hidden entrance his sought. He licked hungrily at the tight bud, thrusting his tongue against the furled flesh till it ceded and granted him entry. He moaned as his tongue plunged into the hot channel again and again. Christmas: Past, Present and Future Finally he pressed a single finger inside the still-tight passage. Snagging their lube, he thoroughly coated two before plunging them deep inside, searching for the special spot that would drive Caelin wild with desire. His lover reacted as he wanted, thrashing and moaning as Blake prepared him. It was becoming impossible for Blake to continue to resist taking his lover. His own flesh was hard and burgundy-hued with suppressed need. He pushed up against the glistening, pulsating portal, teasing them both for a final few seconds and then plunged deeply inside his mate. "Yes," Caelin cried, pushing down, impaling himself on Blake's long, hot length. Blake groaned as he was fully immersed in tight, slick heat, the walls rippling their welcome as his shaft made itself at home in Caelin's sweet depths. "Caelin, babe, so hot, lover, love to see you like this." He dropped his head to kiss the sensual lips mouthing his name. His tongue plundered the willing mouth as his hips began to increase in speed. He growled his approval wordlessly as Caelin's legs wrapped around him. He changed his angle, driving forcefully inside his mate, pounding the sweet spot that had Caelin helpless in his pleasure. He burrowed a hand between them. His grin was feral as he found resurgent flesh and began a merciless pumping to match the tempo of his hips. Caelin was beyond thought, beyond words. He teetered on the edge of the abyss, his release just a hair's breadth away from him. He arched his neck to bite at Blake's prominent Adam's apple and heard Blake shout his name. Hot juices flooded him as his lover's orgasm erupted. The sensation of being filled with Blake's living essence tipped Caelin over. He spiralled into freefall, the scant few drops of his semen disproportionate to the intensity of the pleasure searing through him. Blake groaned as the last of his orgasm spilled into Caelin before collapsing onto the older man beneath him, cradling him. "Told you I'd show you how lucky I was," he panted harshly into Caelin's ear. "Not half as lucky as I am, love." Caelin replied, pulling Blake to mate their mouths, the kisses gentle to express the depth of love he felt. He knew he was home, here, in the circle of Blake's arms. They nestled comfortably together, the warmth of the afternoon making cover unnecessary. They twined sensually together, trading slow, sweet, lazy kisses until soft whining intruded. Raising their heads in tandem, they saw two sets of large, soulful eyes gazing at them. "Your boys want you," Blake grinned as he relinquished his lover. "Why are they *my* boys when they want something and *your* boys when they are sleeping?" Caelin questioned, tilting his head as he sat up. "Because, like me, it's you they want?" Blake replied, trying for an innocent look. "Sweet-talker," Caelin laughed, aiming a cushion at his still reclining lover, to delighted barks from the dogs. "Get that gorgeous backside up and covered and we can take a walk on the beach." As Caelin stood, he was wrapped in Blake's arms. "You are the best present I could have asked for," Blake husked against Caelin's neck. "I love you so much and I'm looking forward to creating our own Christmas traditions." "I love you, too," Caelin whispered. "You are the most unexpected and treasured gift I could ever have received." He dashed at an errant tear. "Let's get these boys tired and we can sit out and have some champagne to start celebrating early. He smiled as Blake kept a proprietary arm around his waist and their boys bounced around them. His Christmas would be full of joy and those to come were filled with promise.