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Shelter in the Storm Ch. 02

By: KarennaC



The day after the storm, the cleanup began. Some houses had been flooded; windows were broken; tree limbs and leaves littered the town. The worst damage was to one of the bed and breakfasts; an entire section of its roof had been lost and would need fast repair, since the place was already booked up for the summer season. Fortunately, despite the property damage, no one had been hurt.

As soon as it was declared safe for people to leave the emergency shelter at the high school, Declan returned to his cottage. There was no electricity, but he didn't care. It was better than enduring the shelter any longer. Even if Shane was there.

It astonished Declan that he'd run into his former lover in an emergency shelter, of all places. Six years of separation, and they'd found each other again. He was equally astonished by his reaction to seeing Shane. It had seemed like no time at all had passed; they talked as easily as ever. And clearly time hadn't diminished the attraction between them, as evidenced by their lovemaking in the basement of the high school. 

But even Shane wasn't enough to keep Declan at the shelter any longer than necessary. He had always hated crowds, and the shelter had been filled to overflowing. The noise had been too much for him. Having no electricity was a small price to pay. 

The morning of the second day after the storm, Declan awoke to bright sunlight and the sounds of cleaning and construction outside. He got up and looked out the window at the blue sky. It was a perfect day for painting. He got his things together and left the cottage without bothering to shower or change. Showering would have been miserable without electricity to heat the water, and the shorts and T-shirt he'd worn to bed were acceptable to wear outdoors. 

Many of the nearby trees had been almost stripped by the high winds. The bare limbs against the sky appealed to Declan. He set up his easel in a corner of the yard and was preparing his paint when he heard someone call, "Declan! Good morning!"

Declan turned to see Shane hurrying across the lawn. "What are you doing here?" he asked.

"You don't sound too happy to see me," Shane said. "Did I do something wrong?"

Only brought more confusion to Declan's life than he'd felt in years. "No, of course not," he said. "I just woke up, and I'm surprised to see you. I thought you'd be working."

"I took a few days off. My place is kind of a mess; some windows got broken, and there's debris all over the yard. And some in the house. Besides, I can't shower until the power comes back, and I don't think my coworkers want to smell me."

"You could have showered at the shelter, couldn't you?"

"Sure, if I'd wanted to wait in line forever. Everyone's trying to shower there, even the people who've gone home. I don't mind having some time off from work. Cleaning up is going to take a few days, since I don't have anyone to help me."

Declan wanted to spend his day painting and recovering from being at the shelter. He wanted to be alone. But Shane was clearly hinting for his help with the cleanup, and Declan didn't have the heart to turn him down. Besides, spending time with Shane wouldn't be exactly unpleasant. "I can help if you'd like," he said.

"Are you sure you don't mind?" Shane said.

"I'm sure. Just let me put this stuff away."

"I don't want to interrupt your painting. I know how much you hate that."

Though that had never stopped him before. Countless times when they'd been together, Declan had been in the middle of a painting when Shane had started conversations with him. He had never seemed to grasp that Declan needed to concentrate on his art, and he'd usually gotten annoyed if Declan tried to ignore him. But after six years, maybe Shane had changed.

"You aren't interrupting," Declan said. "I hadn't started yet. I can paint later. The branches will still be there."

"Okay." Shane smiled. "Help would be great. I was actually on the way to the glass place to see about new windows, and decided to stop by and see how you're doing. You didn't tell me you were leaving the shelter yesterday."

"Sorry. I just wanted to get out of there."

"I understand. I know you hate being around that many people. That's why I wanted to make sure you're okay." He looked around. "You don't seem to have had much damage here."

"No, fortunately. The person I'm renting from is hard to get hold of." Declan took down his easel. "Here, carry this for me, please."

"Sure."

Shane took the easel. Declan picked up the rest of his supplies and led Shane into the cottage. "Nice place," Shane said.

"It's not bad," Declan agreed. "For a week of painting and relaxing, it'll do."

"Are you still leaving at the end of the week?" Shane sounded disappointed. "The other night, you said you might stay till the end of the summer."

"I might, if I can find somewhere to stay. This cottage is already rented out for the next few weeks, so I have to leave Saturday afternoon."

"You could stay with me. My house has two bedrooms, so there wouldn't be any pressure on you." He touched Declan's shoulder. "I'd like you to stay, Declan. I know we've been apart for a long time, but I'd like to try again."

Declan wasn't sure what to say. He still had feelings for Shane, there was no question about that. Strong feelings. But did he want to get involved with him again? "We can talk about it," he said finally. "It's only Thursday; as long as I'm out of the cottage by five o'clock Saturday, I'm all set. There's time to decide." Not that two days was enough time to make that big a decision. He and Shane had lived together for years, but now Declan was used to living alone. He wasn't sure he could adjust to living with someone again. And even if he and Shane agreed that he was just staying at Shane's house for the rest of the summer, there would be hopes and expectations on both sides, ones that it might be better not to meet.

"There's plenty of time," Shane agreed. "Meanwhile, are you going to change before we go to the glass place?"

Declan looked down at his shorts and T-shirt. "Change? What's wrong with what I'm wearing?"

Shane laughed. "You never were much on fashion. Okay, come on, then."

It took them a while at the glass shop to arrange to have new windows made, but finally they were told that someone would be at Shane's the next day. "That was needlessly annoying," Shane said as they went back to his pickup truck. "I know there's a lot of storm damage around, but all they had to say was they'd make an appointment. They didn't have to argue so much."

"Neither did you," Declan pointed out. "I thought you were going to leap across the counter and throttle the guy."

"I thought about it," Shane admitted. "Okay. Have you had anything to eat this morning?"

"Not yet." Declan's stomach rumbled; he hadn't realized until then that he was hungry. "I couldn't have cooked anything if I'd wanted to; the stove's electric. And I guess I'm going to have to throw out all the stuff in the fridge. I just went shopping Monday."

"Yeah, it stinks. I'm going to have to get rid of a bunch of stuff too, but there's no point in buying any more until the power's back on. I called the power company this morning and got a recording saying it could be on as early as this afternoon or as late as Monday, depending on how damaged the lines are."

"Nothing like being definite."

They got into the truck, and Declan took his favorite position, slumped down in the passenger seat with his feet on the dash. "Aren't you a little old to sit like that?" Shane teased.

"I'm thirty-five. Not quite ancient," Declan replied. "And this is comfortable."

"Yeah, but you're getting dirt on my dashboard."

"I'll wipe it off."

Shane laughed. "Some things never change. You always used to say that, and you never wiped off the dirt."

"Maybe I wanted to leave my mark."

"Believe me, you did."

Shane drove back through town, avoiding the fallen branches and other debris that the public works department hadn't yet removed from the streets. "It's a nice place," he said. "When Frank and I moved here, I thought it would be too quiet. I was used to the city. But I've really liked living here."

"Which I assume is why you stayed after Frank left," Declan said.

"Yeah. Kind of funny, really. He was the one who wanted to move here, but I was the one who wanted to stay."

"That is interesting. Why did he want to move here in the first place?"

"His family used to come here summers, and he liked the place. We bought the house from one of his uncles; we got it for a song, because no one else in the family wanted it after his grandparents passed away."

"But Frank didn't want to keep the house when you and he separated?"

"Like I said, he didn't want to stay here. And the house was in my name; I'm the one who made the down payment and paid most of the mortgage. You know what, let's change the subject, okay? I don't want to talk about Frank anymore. He and I split up a year ago, and I haven't even heard from him since. I want to talk about you and me."

That was a conversation Declan didn't want to have. Not yet. The night at the shelter, he and Shane had talked about getting together again, about the feelings for each other that had never completely gone away. But that had come partly from their surprise at seeing each other again. Now Declan was having second thoughts. He still loved Shane; he'd known that for six years. But was that enough to make things work between them again?

"What needs to be done at your house?" Declan asked.

Shane sighed. "If you don't want to talk about us, all you have to do is say so. I guess I'm going to have to put up some boards over the broken windows for now, until they show up to fix them, and I want to clear the yard as much as possible. And of course there's broken glass all over the place inside, and some other mess. I just left the shelter this morning; I haven't done anything at home yet."

"It isn't that I don't want to talk about us," Declan said. "It's that I don't know what to say yet."

"Maybe we don't need to say anything." Shane rested his hand on Declan's thigh. "I think we said a lot the other night, with and without words. Making love to you felt as right as it always has. We still belong together, Declan. We never should have been apart."

"But we have been apart. For a long time. We can't pretend six years don't exist."

"I'm not asking you to. I'm asking for another chance. We can start from scratch if that's what you want, but after the other night, I don't think we need to."

They turned onto a dirt road that led over a slight hill. When they crested the hill, Declan caught his breath. Ahead of them was a weatherbeaten house; the grey boards almost sparkled in the sunlight. Beyond the house, the ocean stretched to the horizon. "It's beautiful!" Declan exclaimed.

"Something you could paint." Shane drove up in front of the house and shut off the truck. "It's a great place, but lonely sometimes. Especially in the winter; the closest houses are summer people."

"I'd love that. No one around, peace and quiet..."

"You always did like that. You and I are such opposites. Sometimes I wonder what kept us together for ten years."

"We made things work. The differences didn't matter."

"And we could make them work again."

Shane leaned toward Declan and placed his hand gently on the side of Declan's face. Against his better judgment, Declan met Shane's lips with his own. For a few minutes, they were lost in their kiss.

Shane broke it. "Inside. Cleaning can wait. Right now, I need you."

"Shane, I'm not sure that's a good idea."

"Declan, please." Keeping his hand against Declan's cheek, Shane slid the other hand up Declan's thigh. "The other night was amazing. We were always good together, and that hasn't changed. I want you, Declan."

Declan felt his body responding to Shane's touch. He wanted Shane too, but despite their time together at the shelter, it felt now like making love would be going too far, too soon. "Let's go inside," he said. "And talk about it."

"You talk too much," Shane grumbled.

Declan grinned. "And you're always horny. But that doesn't mean we're going to fuck today."

"I can talk you into it."

"We'll see."

They got out of the truck and went inside. The place was more of a mess than Declan had expected; after the windows had broken, apparently the wind had scattered papers and other things around. "I definitely have some work ahead of me," Shane said. 

"Better get started, then."

Declan bent to pick up a piece of paper, and Shane took advantage by caressing his ass. "Good position for you," Shane said.

"Very funny." Declan stood up and looked around for a trash can. "Where should I put this?"

"Down." Shane's arms went around him. "Forget about cleaning. Think about us. Think about how good I make you feel. I love you, Declan."

"You do make me feel good." The bulge in the front of Declan's shorts proved that. "But if you're serious about trying to make it work again, we can't rush things, Shane. You're right; the other night was great. I've missed you more than I realized. But that doesn't mean we can just-"

Shane cut him off with a kiss. Their tongues came together, and one of Shane's hands roamed below Declan's waist, finding the hardness there. Declan gasped into Shane's mouth at the touch. 

Before the night at the shelter, Declan hadn't been with anyone in nearly a year. He'd lost himself in his art and his job, and had given up on finding a partner. He'd thought he hadn't missed sex at all, but since being with Shane again, his body seemed to want and expect more. He ran his hands down Shane's back, over his ass. Shane rubbed Declan's cock through his shorts, and Declan moaned. "Does that feel good?" Shane asked.

"You know it does."

"Then let me make you feel better."

Shane knelt in front of Declan and pulled his shorts down, revealing Declan's cock. Shane grasped it in one hand and licked the tip. "Do you want me to suck you, baby?" he asked.

Declan's second thoughts warred with his desire to feel Shane's mouth on him. The desire won. "Yes," he said softly. "Yes, I want that."

Shane's mouth engulfed Declan's cock. He sucked, sliding his mouth up and down Declan's shaft until Declan wanted to explode. "God, Shane, that feels amazing!" he said. "I'm going to come!"

Shane glanced up, a gleam in his eye, and sucked harder. Declan felt his balls tighten and said again, "Shane, I'm coming!"

When they'd been together before, Shane had never allowed Declan to come in his mouth, though he'd filled Declan's mouth plenty of times. But now, Shane continued sucking until Declan felt himself erupt. "Oh, god, Shane!"

When Declan's orgasm ended, Shane licked his cockhead clean and stood, grinning. "Bet you never thought I'd do that, huh?"

"I guess six years can change things," Declan said. "That was incredible. Can I return the favor?"

"Not right now. We've got some cleaning up to do." Shane bent and pulled Declan's shorts back up. "I'll take your returned favor later. Let's get to work."

"Things really have changed." During their relationship, Shane had never done anything without reciprocity.

"One thing hasn't." Shane kissed Declan's lips. "I love you. Now come on, let's get some of this stuff cleaned up so we can take a break and finish what we just started."

"I just finished," Declan pointed out. "And I love you too."

"I was hoping you'd say that." Shane went to a nearby closet and took out a broom. "Here. We'll start with cleaning the bedroom." He winked and went upstairs.

Shelter in the Storm Ch. 03



Friday morning, Declan woke once again to the sounds of cleaning. But unlike the day before, these sounds came from inside the house. He opened his eyes and looked around the room. It took him a moment to place himself; this wasn't the cottage he'd rented for the week. Then he remembered he'd spent the night with Shane.

It was a mistake. Maybe. Declan couldn't decide. He and Shane had been lovers for ten years before separating six years earlier. Shane had moved away to take a new job; Declan, happily ensconced as a university art instructor, had refused to accompany him. They'd kept in touch, but by all appearances Shane had moved on, finding a new lover with whom he'd gone so far as to buy a house.

This summer, Declan had rented a cottage in a seaside town for a week of painting and relaxation. Every year, he tried to spend at least a day or two somewhere quiet, working on the landscapes that earned his living nowadays. He hadn't realized that the town where he was staying was where Shane lived; Shane's letters came with the return address of his workplace. But when the storm had come three days earlier, heavy winds and rain that caused the evacuation of most of the town, Declan and Shane had found each other at the local high school, which was used as an emergency shelter. And they had discovered there that their feelings for each other were as strong as ever, despite their years apart.

Which was why spending the night with Shane might have been a mistake. Shane had made it clear that he wanted to get back together with Declan. Declan wasn't averse to the idea, but he thought Shane was pushing things a bit too far by asking him to move in when the cottage rental ended on Saturday. It had been too long since he and Shane had separated; Declan was used to living alone, and he wasn't ready to move in with Shane again. But spending the night with Shane might have given Shane the wrong impression.

Declan got out of bed and pulled on the shorts and T-shirt he'd been wearing since two nights before. He desperately needed a shower; the electricity had gone out during the storm, and with no way to heat water he hadn't been able to take a shower since returning to the cottage two days before. And he hadn't been willing to take a shower at the shelter. A glance at the electric clock radio on the nightstand showed that the power was back on now, so Declan headed in the direction of the cleaning noises to ask Shane if he could use the shower. 

Shane was in the kitchen in nothing but a pair of boxers, sweeping the floor. Declan didn't speak for a moment, admiring Shane's body. The physical attraction between them definitely hadn't dissipated. After a moment, Shane turned and saw him. "Good morning," he said. "Did you sleep all right?"

"Yes," Declan replied. "For some reason, I was tired last night."

Shane grinned. "Yeah, I can't imagine why. It was good to have you here, Declan. It felt right waking up beside you."

"Which doesn't mean it will happen every morning. Do you mind if I use your shower?"

"No problem. I already took one; the hot water's working fine."

"When did the power come back on, do you know?"

"It was on when I got up. Good thing; I need to do some vacuuming to make sure we got all the broken glass yesterday."

"I'll help after I shower."

Shane scrutinized Declan's clothes. "Showering isn't going to do you much good if you have to wear those things. I'll bring you some of my clothes."

"All right. Thank you. Where can I find a towel?"

"Linen cupboard right inside the bathroom. Be careful turning on the shower; it takes a few minutes for the hot water to come up, but when it does, it's scalding."

"Thanks for the warning."

Declan went into the bathroom, turned on the water, and stripped off his shorts and shirt. While he waited for the water to warm up, he located a towel, soap, and shampoo. When he finally stepped into the shower, the water was warmer than he generally liked, but not unpleasantly so. It felt good on his skin.

Usually, Declan took his showers as quickly as possible, not wanting to waste valuable painting time. But today, because he had gone so long without one, he lingered, making sure every last bit of sweat and grime was washed from his body.

He was rinsing his hair for the second time when he heard the bathroom door open. Expecting Shane to put the clothes down and leave the room, Declan was surprised when the shower door slid open and Shane, naked, got in beside him. "I thought you already took your shower," Declan said.

"You can never be too clean." Shane wrapped his arms around Declan. "Besides, showering's more fun with company."

He pressed his lips against Declan's in a sweet kiss that quickly grew passionate. Declan's cock stiffened, and he felt Shane's hard shaft against him. Shane's hands moved down Declan's back to his ass, which he caressed. "I want you," Shane said hoarsely.

"Didn't you get enough last night?" Declan teased.

"I can never get enough of you." 

Declan took Shane's cock in his hand. "This certainly seems to need some attention."

"Then give it some."

Declan knelt and licked Shane's shaft before plunging his mouth down on it. "God, Declan!" Shane cried. "That's so fucking good!"

After only a minute or two before Shane said, "Stop. Don't make me come yet."

Standing, Declan said, "When do you want to come?"

"When I'm inside you." Shane took a small bottle from the shelf built along the back wall of the shower. "Waterproof lube," he said. "Bend over, baby."

Declan bent, facing away from the stream of water. He felt Shane's fingers probing his asshole, spreading the lube but also slipping inside. Declan relaxed, allowing Shane's fingers entry, preparing himself for Shane's cock.

When he felt Shane's dick pressing against his ass, Declan took a deep breath and relaxed further. Slowly, Shane eased inside. "You feel so good," Shane whispered.

"So do you," Declan said. "Fuck me."

Shane obliged, thrusting gently at first, but soon picking up the pace. "God, I can't believe I left this for a job!" he exclaimed. "Declan, you're so good, baby. I love fucking you. I love you!"

"I love you too," Declan said. Even in the heat of the moment, he had to wonder if he meant it.

Soon Declan felt his balls tighten, his cock twitch, and knew he was about to come. At the same moment, Shane gave a last hard thrust. "I'm coming, baby!" he cried.

"I'm almost there," Declan replied.

But Shane was already over the edge. He reached around and grasped Declan's cock, stroking it up and down until finally Declan's orgasm burst over him. Declan moaned as his come spilled over Shane's hand and against the shower wall.

Shane slipped out of Declan and angled the showerhead toward the wall. "Clean up time," he said.

"Good thing we're already in the shower."

Shane kissed his shoulder. "Yep. Showers can be a lot of fun. I remember you not wanting to try this before."

"I didn't know what I was missing, apparently."

Shane picked up the soap and washed off his cock, then handed the soap to Declan, who cleaned himself again. "Sorry to sneak up on you," Shane said. "I couldn't resist."

"I don't see where I was complaining," Declan replied.

Shane shut off the water and they got out of the shower. After they dressed, Shane brought Declan back to the kitchen and handed him a cup of coffee. "I hope it's still warm," he said. "I didn't intend to get distracted when I poured it."

Declan took a sip. "It's fine."

"So tomorrow's your last day in the cottage," Shane said.

"Yes, it is."

"Have you decided what you're going to do?"

Hoping Shane wouldn't push him, Declan said, "I'm working on it."

"You don't have much time," Shane pointed out.

"I know." It wasn't as difficult a decision as Declan was letting on. There was nothing at home for him at this time of year; during the summers, he didn't instruct, preferring to spend his time traveling and painting. The trip to this seaside town was the only travel he'd planned for this summer, and he could paint as easily here as at home, if he could manage not to be too distracted by Shane. The town was attractive and pleasant, and it would be a good place to pass the rest of the summer. Declan just wasn't sure he should stay with Shane.

"You know we're good together," Shane said.

"I also know I'll make my own decision in my own time. I have until tomorrow afternoon to decide where and if I'm staying. I have to be out of the cottage by five tomorrow, but there are other places around here to stay."

"Like here." Shane sat down. "Why are you making this so hard, Declan? We still love each other. I told you that's why Frank left, because he knew I hadn't let go of you yet. And I know you still love me. I don't believe in coincidences. It's no accident that you picked this town to visit or that we ran into each other at the shelter the other night."

"I agree. But it's been six years, Shane. You said you were willing to start over from the beginning, and I think that's what we need to do. At the beginning, couples don't usually move in together."

"I'm not talking about moving in as a couple yet. I'm talking about you staying here in the spare bedroom."

"You and I both know that isn't where I'd be, not for long. I don't dispute anything you've said, Shane. I do still love you, and I think we've established that I'm still attracted to you. That's why I think it's a bad idea if I moved here right now."

"That doesn't make any sense."

"Because it isn't what you want to hear. We still have strong feelings for each other, and the physical attraction is still pretty intense. We could say all we wanted that I was just staying here in the spare room because my rental on the cottage was up, but the feelings and attraction would take over, and we'd end up getting too close too soon."

"How can we be too close? We were together for ten years, Declan. You know me better than anyone. Frank never even tried to get as close to me as you did."

Declan sighed. He had known Shane wouldn't make this easy, but he hadn't realized how hard it would be. Shane wasn't listening to anything he said; he was arguing with every word. This was one thing Declan hadn't missed about Shane. All of their arguments had been this way, and had usually ended with Declan walking away for a while until Shane calmed down enough to hear him.

"Are you going to say anything?" Shane snapped.

"No." Declan stood. "Thank you for the coffee and the clothes. I'll wash them and get them back to you later today. If you want to work things out with me, a good place to start would be listening to my concerns about getting back together and not arguing and acting like I'm being unreasonable. Until we get to that point, I don't see any reason to continue the conversation."

"So what are you going to do, take off like you always do?"

"This is why I think we shouldn't live together yet. Maybe not at all. And yes, I'm taking off. You know where to find me if you want to have a logical discussion about this." 

Declan walked out onto the steps and stared at the ocean for a moment. When Shane didn't come after him, he started up the dirt driveway to the main road.

From Shane's house to the cottage was several miles, but Declan didn't mind. He enjoyed long walks; they both calmed and invigorated him. Along the way, he saw several things which gave him ideas for paintings. That made it worthwhile and gave Declan something to think about other than Shane.

When he finally reached the cottage, Declan was tired enough that he decided to lie down and nap. After he changed out of Shane's clothes. Those he folded carefully and set on the stand by the front door so he would remember to take them with to Shane at some point, though he wasn't sure he wanted to walk all that way again. Then he went into the bedroom and lay down. Within moments, he was asleep.

When he woke up, the sun had noticeably shifted, and the clock revealed that he'd been sleeping for over two hours. Despite that, there was still plenty of time left in the day for the painting that Shane had interrupted the day before. Declan hadn't planned to spend the night with Shane; he hadn't even planned to stay into the afternoon. But Shane, as usual, had manipulated him into doing what he wanted instead of what Declan himself had intended.

Manipulated wasn't the right word, though. To Declan, that implied some maliciousness, and there was nothing malicious about Shane. Shane was open and definite about what he wanted, and merely expected everyone else to go along with it. He was so nice about it that most people did just that. Shane was charming, no question, and he drew people to him in a way that had always amazed Declan.

And had always kept Shane in his mind. Damn it, this wasn't the time to think nice thoughts about the man. Declan was supposed to be mad at him. After all, if Shane hadn't been so pushy about Declan moving into his house, they wouldn't have gotten into that argument, and Declan wouldn't have had to walk miles to get back to the cottage. It was just like Shane to try to get his way by talking and pushing, instead of giving Declan time to think things over. Shane always acted on the spur of the moment; Declan thought things through and moved carefully. One of many differences between them. But despite all the differences, they'd worked well together.

That line of thought was getting him nowhere. To shut off his brain, Declan gathered his paints and supplies and headed out to the yard to paint a picture of the bare tree he'd meant to paint the day before. Today, unlike the day before, there were faint white clouds in the sky, but they didn't diminish the stark contrast of bare branches against the bright blue June sky. 

Declan set up his easel and prepared his paints. He set a canvas in place and for the next while lost himself in creating a perfect image of the tree and sky. 

When the painting was finally finished, the sun had moved further west and a cool breeze was coming in from the sea. Declan shivered slightly in his T-shirt as he packed up his supplies. He took the canvas inside first and set it safely against the kitchen wall. When he went back outside to get the rest of his supplies, Shane was leaning against the tree.

At first, Declan ignored him and gathered his things together. Then he asked, "What are you doing here?"

"Wanted to make sure you made it back all right," Shane replied. "Do you know it's six miles from my house to here?"

"I knew it was a long walk."

"I came to apologize." Shane tried to take Declan's easel from him, and Declan let him. Together they walked across the yard. "I know you like to take things slowly. But god, Declan, can't you understand how amazing it is to have found you again? I'm not a patient person, you know that. Now that you're here, I don't want to wait anymore to be with you again."

"I'm all too aware that you aren't patient." Declan opened the cottage door and held it for Shane, then followed him inside. "We can be together, Shane. Hell, we've been together three or four times in the past few days."

"For once, I'm not talking about sex."

"I know. Shane, I just can't get my mind around the idea of living with you again. Not yet. Give me time, okay? I know you aren't patient, but aren't I worth waiting for?"

"Yes, you definitely are." Shane set down the easel and touched Declan's cheek. "Okay. I'll wait. But where are you going to stay after tomorrow?"

"There are a couple bed and breakfasts in town."

"There are three, but one's missing part of its roof right now. And the other two are probably booked full."

"Money talks, and thanks to my art sales, I have plenty of that. I won't have any trouble finding a room."

"If you do have trouble, will you consider coming to my house? At least until you find something else?"

"If I move into your house, it will be to stay. But that's something we can talk about another time. Right now, I'm counting on finding a bed and breakfast room, which means I'd better make some calls."

"Better do something else first. Put down those paints."

Declan set down his supplies, and Shane put his arms around him. "I love you, Declan," Shane said. 

"I love you too."

"I'll wait. On two conditions."

Against his better judgment, Declan asked, "What conditions?"

"First, we spend time together. Dinner, talking in my living room, whatever. I don't care. I don't even care if we don't make love, though I'd kind of like to keep doing that."

"Done," Declan said. "And I agree with you about making love."

Shane grinned. "Good. And the other condition? Don't make me wait too long."

"How long is too long?" Declan asked.

"I don't know. We'll play it by ear." Shane bit Declan's earlobe. "Go make your calls."



Shelter in the Storm Ch. 04



Declan spent Saturday packing. Not that he had much to pack. He'd arrived at the rented cottage the previous Sunday, and the storm that had caused the evacuation of most of the town had hit on Tuesday. Some of Declan's things were still in suitcases; he'd unpacked his art supplies first thing, but had gotten distracted by painting before he'd gotten much else out. 

The rental was up on the cottage today, but Declan had managed to find a room at one of the town's bed and breakfasts. Since the place had been full, it had cost him almost double the regular price, but his artwork brought enough income for him to afford it. He'd managed to barter the cost down from what the owners had originally wanted by promising them two free paintings. Even in this out of the way town, the name Declan Morrissey was worth something.

Declan loaded his things into his car for the short drive to the bed and breakfast, then called the cottage's owner to let her know he was ready to leave. She had to inspect the place before the next renters arrived the following morning. "Leave me a note with your address, and I'll send the deposit check," she told him.

"Actually, I'll still be in town," Declan replied. "I'm staying at The Pines. If you could just give me a call when the check's ready, I can come get it."

"No problem. Wish I'd known you wanted to stay; I could have arranged something for you."

"It was a rather unexpected decision."

"What changed your mind?"

"I ran into an old friend the night of the storm."

"Oh, nice. So you decided to stay and reconnect?"

"Something like that." Declan didn't want to go into too much detail. Not knowing how open-minded the woman might be, he wasn't sure he should tell her that he'd encountered his former lover. Especially since that lover was another man.

"Well, good luck with it, and I'll call you after I do the inspection," the woman said. "I assume there was no storm damage."

"Just some small branches and leaves down in the yard."

"Did you take care of them?"

"I didn't know I'd be expected to."

"You should have either cleaned it up or contacted me. I'll see how it looks, but that might mean you get less back of your deposit."

Keeping up the grounds of the cottage hadn't been mentioned in the agreement Declan had signed, but he didn't attempt to argue. He was sure the woman would do whatever she could to avoid having to return his entire five hundred dollar security deposit. "That's fine," he said. "I'll be waiting to hear from you." He flipped his cell shut and put it in his pocket.

With some regret, Declan drove the few blocks from the cottage to the bed and breakfast. The cottage was beside the shore, with ocean views that had truly inspired him, and he'd been alone there. The bed and breakfast had ocean views only from the third floor rooms, which were all taken, and he would be sharing the building with several other people. At least he would have a room to himself. But after years of not having to share space with anyone, he wasn't sure just one room to himself would be enough.

He checked into the B&B and started carting his things up to the small second-floor room they'd given him. There wasn't enough space for everything he had with him; some of it would have to remain in his car trunk. Hopefully the B&B would be a temporary thing.

If it wasn't for Shane, he wouldn't have even been there. Shane, the first man he'd loved. The only man he'd loved, if he was honest. He and Shane had met when they were nineteen, during their second year of college, and they'd been together for ten years. Then a job offer had prompted Shane to move. Declan had refused to go with him, and Shane had seemingly moved on, starting a new relationship and even buying a house with his new lover. A house here, in the town Declan had unknowingly chosen for his week's vacation. 

After Shane had left, Declan had thrown himself into teaching and painting. Other than a few dates, he'd put his personal life on hold. He and Shane had kept in touch, though since Shane's letters were mailed from the nearby city where he worked, Declan had never been sure exactly where Shane lived. Declan didn't want to admit it, even to himself, but he had never really let go of Shane. And when he'd seen Shane at the emergency shelter the night of the storm, he'd known that they would try again.

Shane hadn't gotten over Declan either, apparently. He'd said that his feelings for Declan were one of the main reasons he and his new lover had split up after five years together. If Declan had believed in fate, he would have said that fate had brought him to this town and caused the storm so that he could find Shane again. But he didn't believe that. Or so he told himself.

By the time he got his things arranged as well as he could, his stomach was growling. It was mid-afternoon, too late for lunch and too early for supper, but he hadn't eaten at all that day. He went down to the desk and asked, "Where would you recommend eating?"

"There's a nice diner a couple streets over," the man at the desk replied. "Got good food, good portion sizes. Ours is better, of course, but we only serve breakfast. I'd recommend them for other meals. You can also pick up some things at the grocery store; just label it. We have a fridge, a microwave, and a hot plate for guests' use."

"Thank you, I might do that," Declan replied. "I'm not sure yet how long I'll be staying, and eating out could get expensive."

"As long as you're willing to pay our rates, you can stay as long as you like. Sorry we have to charge you so much, but we had to bump someone to give you a room, and we had to refund them half again what they'd paid."

"I understand. Don't worry, money isn't a problem." Though it would be if he hadn't sold any pieces lately. He made a mental note to go to the local library on Monday; surely they would have an Internet connection so he could check his emails and get an update from the gallery that sold most of his work.

"Yes, we've heard of you. My wife did a little research when you offered us your paintings. We'd actually like to talk to you about commissioning you to do some work; if you're interested, we might be able to let you stay free for a while."

"I don't do commissions, but thank you," Declan said. "I'll be back later; I really need to get something to eat."

"Of course. Let us know if you need anything."

Declan walked out the door. He needed peace and quiet, nothing more. Declan was proud of his artwork, but he hated discussing it with others. There were always too many questions and comments, too many people asking whether he'd paint something for them. Or paint them. This was why Declan worked with a gallery; they could handle all the questions, and as long as Declan sent them new work on a regular basis and showed up once in a while for openings, he didn't have to interact with anyone. 

His cell rang. Expecting it to be the cottage owner, Declan was surprised to see an unfamiliar local number. He almost didn't answer, then realized it might be Shane and flipped open the phone. "Hello?"

"Hi, it's me." Shane. "Where are you? I just went by the cottage, but your car's gone."

"I've already moved over to the bed and breakfast," Declan replied. "I'm walking to some diner that's hopefully where I was told it is so I can have something to eat."

"I know the place you mean," Shane said. "I'll meet you there, if that's okay."

"Sure, I don't mind the company."

When Declan turned the corner to the street where the diner was, he saw Shane's pickup at the curb. Shane jumped out and hurried over to him. "There you are. I was hoping they'd given you good enough directions."

"It isn't that big a town," Declan pointed out. "I couldn't get very lost, even if I tried."

"Good point." Shane touched Declan's arm, the closest they'd ever allowed themselves to affection in public. "Come on, I'll buy you some lunch. Or supper, as the case may be."

They walked into the diner together. Other than a brief glance from the waitress at the counter, no one seemed to notice them. They sat at a back booth and Shane handed Declan the lone menu that stood against the wall. "I already know what I want," Shane said. "I eat here once or twice a week."

"Good food?" Declan said.

"And good prices. Frank used to bring me here. I think I like it better than he did."

"Do me a favor. If we're starting over, don't mention Frank."

"Done. Sorry." Shane tapped the menu. "If you have trouble choosing, I recommend the bacon burger and fries. Their burgers are unbelievable."

"Good to know. I'm vegetarian."

Shane raised an eyebrow. "Vegetarian? When did that happen?"

"About three years ago. I was in the hospital for a while, intestinal problems. The doctors told me to cut out red meat. I stopped eating red meat, then decided to go all the way and give up all meat. It works well for me."

"Well, I've noticed there's one kind of meat you still eat," Shane teased.

"Very funny." Declan studied the menu. "Breakfast all day, huh? Good; that means I can have eggs and homefries."

"Their homefries are as good as their burgers," Shane said. "So you're all moved out of the cottage?"

"Yes, as of a couple hours ago. I don't have the best room in the bed and breakfast, but I'm lucky to have gotten anything at all. At least there's room to set up the easel."

"You still could come to my place. You know that."

"I do know. But I'm more comfortable at the bed and breakfast for now. You know why."

"Yes, and I get the whole taking things slow idea, though it still seems strange to me." Shane played with the fork on the table. "We still love each other. We made love the first night we ran into each other here. But you won't move in with me."

"It's different." Though Declan couldn't explain how. "I'm used to living on my own, Shane. It's been too long since we lived together. If we're going to argue and end up not being able to work things out, I'd rather have it happen when I'm staying somewhere other than in your house."

The waitress came to the table with two glasses of water, which she set in front of them before taking their order. After she was gone, Shane said, "Why are you so sure we won't be able to work things out?"

"I'm not sure we won't. I'm just not sure we will. Six years is a long time, and we've both changed."

"Ten years is a long time," Shane countered. "We were together for ten years, and we never would have been apart if I hadn't chosen that job over you. Or if you hadn't chosen your job over me, depending on how you want to look at it."

"We both made choices that didn't involve each other," Declan said.

Shane laughed. "Very diplomatic of you. All right, so we both made choices. My point is, if we'd made different choices, we would have stayed together. I don't think anything else would have broken us up."

"If we made those choices, then maybe it was time for us to be apart."

"Okay, that's a downer."

"I'm playing devil's advocate. If we loved each other so much and were so good together, why did we let our careers split us?"

"You're asking a question I can't answer. I really don't know, Declan. It was a mistake, I know that. I've never stopped thinking about you. And I couldn't believe it when I saw you in the emergency shelter the other night. I wish you would just move in with me. We both know that's what will end up happening."

"No, we don't both know that. That's my point."

"Okay, let's change the subject. What are your plans after we eat?"

"To avoid my room as long as possible."

"That bad, huh?"

"Like I said, I'm used to being alone. It's going to be strange living in a small room in an inn with other people around. I rarely even stay in hotels, and when I do, I get a suite."

"Big spender," Shane teased. "It's strange to think of you as such a famous artist. Things have definitely changed since we were together."

"Yes, they have. Which was the point I was making a minute ago."

Shane rolled his eyes. "Caught myself, didn't I? Okay, fine. The point I want to make is, if you're planning to avoid your room how about spending the rest of the afternoon with me? I know a cove near here that you'd love to see. Great place for painting; I'll even take you back to the B and B to get your supplies."

"Sounds good."

Later, Shane drove them to a town several miles away. Although it was a warm June day, there were few cars in the parking lot, and when Shane led Declan down the path to the cove, the place was nearly deserted. "This is beautiful," Declan said.

"Told you." Shane set down Declan's easel, which he'd carried from the truck. "And there's a nice, hidden little cave over here."

"I won't ask how you know about that."

"Exploring alone one day. Come check it out."

As soon as they were in the cave, Shane put his arms around Declan and kissed him, a deep, passionate kiss. "Are you nuts?" Declan asked. "There are people out there, you know."

"Exactly. Out there. Not in here." Shane rubbed the front of Declan's shorts. "I want you, and this is a perfect place as far as I'm concerned."

"You're going to fuck me in a cave where anyone could see us."

"Yep." Shane tugged Declan's shorts down. "I've thought a lot of times about bringing you here. Now that you're here, I'm taking advantage of it."

He knelt and took Declan's cock in his mouth. Declan closed his eyes and moaned as Shane's tongue worked his cockhead. "That feels so good!"

Shane looked up at him and grinned as best he could around Declan's cock. Then he returned to licking and sucking. Declan relaxed, enjoying the sensation and trying to forget about the possibility of someone discovering them. It didn't matter if someone saw. Right then, all that mattered was Shane and what he was doing.

It wasn't long before Declan felt his balls tighten. "Shane, I'm coming!" he warned.

Shane nodded and sucked harder, sliding his lips up and down Declan's shaft until finally Declan cried out as he came in Shane's mouth. Shane swallowed and smiled. "Very good," he said. "Care to return the favor, or should I just fuck you?"

Declan replied by kneeling beside Shane and undoing his pants. Shane stood and pushed his pants down. Declan wrapped his lips around Shane's shaft and sucked. "Mmm, you're so good at this!" Shane said. "I love feeling your mouth on me!"

Declan licked up and down Shane's shaft, the way he knew Shane liked, and was rewarded with a moan. Moments later, Shane's warm cum filled his mouth. "Declan, damn, that was incredible!" Shane exclaimed.

"Glad you liked it." Declan stood. "So what are your plans for this little cave we've found?"

"Hmm." Shane looked around. "You know, you're right. Maybe this is a bit too public. How about we pack your easel and stuff back in the truck and head for my place?"

"I can come back here and paint another time while you're at work." Declan kissed Shane's lips. "Okay, let's go."

On the way to Shane's, looking out the truck window, Declan made a decision. He did love Shane. He wasn't ready to move in with him yet, but he knew that was what he eventually wanted. First thing Monday, he would go home and turn in his resignation to the university where he taught. He didn't belong there anymore. He belonged with Shane. 



Shelter in the Storm Ch. 05



Declan and Shane spent the weekend together, sometimes driving around the town so Declan could become more familiar with it, sometimes talking as Declan painted. Much of the time in Shane's bed.

Sunday night, Declan returned to his bed and breakfast room. He hadn't been there since Saturday morning, but the owner made no comment. With the amount of money Declan was paying for the room, the owner probably didn't care if he was there or not. 

Declan hadn't told Shane about the decision he'd made. Since the night they'd found each other at the emergency shelter during a huge storm, Shane had been trying to talk Declan into staying in town. More than that, Shane wanted Declan to move in with him, to pick up the ten-year relationship they'd shared. But that relationship had ended six years earlier, and Declan wasn't very confident about it working out again. 

Despite that, he'd decided he would remain in the seaside town where he'd originally planned to spend only a week. If things didn't work out with Shane, it would be easy enough to avoid him. The town was beautiful, a perfect setting for the paintings Declan did for a living. The position he'd held at the university near his home, teaching art, was something he'd held onto because he enjoyed it, but it was a job he didn't need. Quitting would give him more time to paint.

But he hadn't told Shane that. Shane had high expectations; he was certain that everything would work out and he and Declan would end up together again. If he knew that Declan was planning to stay, he would see that as a sign that Declan agreed with him. Declan wanted to take things slowly as they rebuilt their relationship. Shane didn't agree; he was determined to have Declan move into his house, and would probably push that idea harder when he found out Declan was moving to town.

So Monday morning, Declan packed up a few things, leaving the rest in his room, and hit the road. He would probably be gone overnight; the college town where he lived and worked was a bit too far to make the round trip comfortably in one day. Shane would be working; he might wonder where Declan was that night, but he had Declan's cell number. If Shane called, Declan would tell him what he'd decided. Until then, it was better to leave quietly and plan on talking to Shane when he returned.

The trip was almost four hours, including the time Declan spent at rest stops buying coffee. He didn't often take long drives; on the few occasions that he'd had to take trips for work or to visit galleries that were showing his artwork, he'd either flown or been driven. The drive made him more tired than he would have expected, though some of the tiredness was probably due to lack of sleep over the weekend. Sleeping hadn't been tops on his and Shane's list of priorities.

The first place Declan went was the university. Although it was summer, he knew the head of his department would be in her office. Many of the instructors stayed on for the summer term; they liked the money. Sure enough, when Declan walked into the art department's building, most of the office doors were open. 

His head of department was at his desk, doing paperwork. She looked up before Declan had a chance to knock on the open door. "Declan. I'm surprised to see you; I thought you'd still be off on your vacation."

"Technically, I am, but I needed to talk to you."

She gestured toward an empty chair. "Have a seat. Nothing's wrong, I hope."

"Not wrong, exactly." Declan sat down. "I've given this quite a bit of thought. I'm afraid I won't be returning for the fall semester."

"I see. Is this temporary, or are you resigning?"

"I'm resigning. I've enjoyed teaching here, but my art sales are picking up, and I feel I need to devote more time to painting."

"That's understandable. To be honest, most of us are surprised you've stayed this long. Have you written your letter of resignation yet?"

"No. I haven't had access to a computer, and I wanted to talk to you first."

"I appreciate that. Your office is unlocked, I think; they've been doing some cleaning around here this week. Why don't you go write your letter and bring it to me when you're done? And then you can get anything that you need to out of the office. I'm sorry to see you go, Declan, but as I said, I understand."

"Thank you."

Declan went into the small, stuffy room that he'd used as an office since the day the university had hired him. He could have moved to a larger space, especially after his artwork began selling and his name became well known, but he'd gotten used to his office and hadn't wanted to move, even though this room was smothering.

The resignation letter took him very little time to write. He didn't have much to say. Once the letter was printed, he took it back to his department head. "Thank you," she said. "Are you going to pack up today?"

"Yes, I'm going back to the town where I spent last week. I think I'll be moving there."

She raised an eyebrow. "That was sudden."

"Not very. As I said, I've been thinking about it. The town is very peaceful, and there's plenty around there to paint." And Shane was there, but Declan didn't feel that was any of her business. He hadn't gone out of his way to hide his sexuality at work, but neither had he been open about it, and now wasn't the time to bring it up.

"Sounds very nice." The woman put his letter in the paper stacker beside her and smiled. "I'll present it at the next meeting. Good luck to you, Declan. Thank you for the time you've put in here."

"You're welcome, and thank you for allowing me to instruct here. If the university needs anything from me to ease the transition for the next instructor, please contact me; my number's on the letter."

"I'll keep that in mind, but to be honest, they've been looking to cut a position. You never would have been eliminated, but since you're leaving, they might do away with your position and save other people's jobs."

"That's logical. Where might I find some boxes? There's more in my office to pack than I realized."

"Ask around the hall. That's the best I can do for you, I'm afraid. Or see if you can find a custodian."

After asking all of his colleagues who were currently in their offices, and unable to find a custodian, Declan finally resorted to carrying his belongings from his office to his car by hand. It took several trips, and by the end of it, Declan was sweating from the June heat. But at least he had everything that was his. With the last load crammed into the back seat of his car, he went back inside and took a final look around.

His colleagues were gathered in the hall outside the department head's office. "Sorry to see you go, Declan," several of them said. Although Declan had kept to himself for the most part, he'd been well-liked and respected.

"I'm sorry to be going," he said. "But it's time to move on, I'm afraid." 

"Good luck with everything," someone else said.

"Thank you."

He shook hands with each of them, turned down offers of drinks or dinner, and went back to his car. It was easier than he'd expected to leave this place. Six years earlier, the teaching position had been what had held him back from going with Shane when Shane left to take a new job. But now, Declan didn't even have any second thoughts. He was doing the right thing. There was no way to tell how it would end up, but he knew he was doing the right thing.

He drove to his apartment on the other side of town. The place was small; with the amount he earned from his artwork, he could have rented or bought something much larger. But this apartment had memories for him; it was where he and Shane had lived. Even though the memories had driven him crazy sometimes, Declan had never considered living anywhere else. Sometimes the memories had been comforting.

Declan let himself into the apartment. Since he hadn't been there in over a week, it was stifling; he opened every window before sitting down to listen to the messages that had been left on his answering machine. Mostly telemarketers, though there were two calls from his gallery that he would have to return. He debated calling the landlord, but decided to wait. He'd already paid the entire summer's rent; he could use the place to store everything that hadn't fit into the bed and breakfast room, as well as what he'd salvaged from his office, until he was settled in his new town. Four hours was a long trip to get things from storage, but at least he wouldn't have to cart everything around in his car for the rest of the summer.

Leaving the windows open, he went out to the car and started bringing things in. He would have to spend part of the night sorting through everything he owned, determining what he would need for the rest of the summer and what could be left behind for now, but the first order of business was to empty his car. He was in the middle of his third trip when his cell phone rang.

Declan managed to make it into the apartment and drop his armload onto the floor before the phone stopped ringing. He flipped it open and said, "Hello?"

"Where are you?" It was Shane's voice.

"Home," Declan replied. "I had some things to take care of."

"Home? I thought you were staying here the rest of the summer?"

"I am. As I said, I had some things here to take care of. I do still have an apartment here, you know."

"You didn't tell me you were going."

"I wasn't aware that I had to. You're working today, aren't you?"

"Yes. I thought maybe we could go out to dinner after I get done for the day, but apparently not if you're that far away."

"If I'd known you had plans, I would have let you know mine."

Shane took the dig. "Okay, I should have said something to you last night about going to dinner. But I didn't really think of it till today. It was going to be kind of a spur of the moment thing. I should have remembered you don't do spur of the moment." 

"Sometimes I do," Declan said. "But sometimes I need to know things in advance. I would have liked to have gone out to dinner with you tonight, but since, as you say, I'm too far away, maybe we could put it off till tomorrow."

"Tomorrow night I have a meeting." Shane sighed. "It's okay. We'll find some time. It's hard during the week; I work a lot. But we'll think of something. So you are coming back tomorrow?"

"As far as I know."

"Why did you go back there?"

"I had my reasons." 

"You aren't going to tell me, are you."

"Not right now." Declan heard a sound in the hall and looked out to see two of his neighbors staring in at the mess on his floor. The stuff he'd brought in so far. The problem was, he hadn't brought everything in yet, and he'd left his car wide open. In this area, that might mean not all his things were still in the car. "Look, Shane, I have to get going. I'm in the middle of something. You can call me later if you want."

"What are you in the middle of?"

"I have to go." 

Declan flipped the phone shut and put it back in his pocket, then forced a smile at his neighbors. "Sorry about the mess. I'm in a bit of transition at the moment."

"So are the kids outside," one of the neighbors said. "You need to be more careful about what you leave lying around."

"We shooed them off, but no guarantees that they didn't come back," the other said. "It's that kind of neighborhood."

"Yes, I know," Declan said. "Thank you for talking to them. I guess I'd better get back to work."

The neighbors continued to their apartment, and Declan went back to work. His car didn't appear to have been disturbed, fortunately; at least, he couldn't detect anything missing, though he'd had so much in there that it was hard to tell. He didn't take any more breaks from carrying things inside, despite the heat, his hunger and thirst, and the ringing of his cell phone. 

When he was finally done, Declan collapsed onto his bed and took the cell out of his pocket. Shane had called twice before apparently giving up; he hadn't left a voice mail. Declan sighed and tossed the phone onto his nightstand. Shane was probably ticked off; he would have to call him later. But right now, he was too tired to do anything but close his eyes.

He was awakened by knocking on the door. He grabbed his cell phone and checked the time. It had been three hours since he'd fallen asleep; he hadn't meant to sleep that long. Declan dragged himself off the bed and went to the door. "Who is it?" he called.

"Me."

Stunned, Declan opened the door. "Shane? What are you doing here?"

"I came to find out what's going on." Shane stepped inside and closed the door behind him. "I left about an hour after we talked. I had everything done for the day, plus my boss adores me, so there was no problem."

"You drove all the way here to find out why I'm here?"

"Yep." Shane looked around. "You haven't changed much about this place since I left. Why not?"

"I never had the time. I was always working or painting or going to openings." And he hadn't wanted to change anything. "So why are you here? What's this really about?"

"It's about worrying that you won't come back," Shane said. "It's about wondering why you had to come back here so suddenly that you didn't tell me."

"I'm coming back. I told you I am. You know, this is getting more than a little stalkerish of you."

"Stalkerish?" Shane repeated.

"You call me up, ask where I am and when I'm coming back, and then follow me here? Kind of creepy, Shane."

"When you put it like that, yeah, it is. I'm sorry. I don't want to lose you again, but you're right, I'm overreacting. I'll back off."

He started for the door. "Where are you going?" Declan asked.

"I wouldn't want to scare you off by being a stalker."

"Shane, pouting isn't attractive. You just said I'm right."

"You are. That's why I'm leaving."

"You don't have to leave. As long as you're here, we might as well go out for that dinner you mentioned on the phone."

"Will you tell me why you came back here first?"

"To resign from my job and clean out my office."

Shane stared at him. "You did what?"

"I resigned. I'm no longer an art instructor, just an artist. And at the end of August, I'll be coming back here again to close up this place. I'm holding onto it through the summer because it's already paid for."

"Then you've decided to move?"

"I'll be staying in your town. Whether or not I'll be staying with you hasn't been determined yet. But I know I still love you, and I know that that means I belong near you, at least, if not with you."

Shane put his arms around Declan and kissed him, tongues meeting. Declan felt his cock harden. "I love you," Shane said. "I'm so glad you're staying."

"Show me how glad," Declan said.

They moved to the bed, the same one where they'd spent ten years' worth of nights together. Declan had had to replace the mattress when springs had come out of place, but the frame was the same, and so was the headboard that he and Shane had spent a day struggling to build from a sketch Declan had made. "Nice bed," Shane said.

"It's served well," Declan replied.

"We could bring it to my place. I'd rather have this than the one I have now."

"We'll see how the summer goes."

They kissed again, and Shane's hands roamed Declan's body, stopping at his cock. Together they pulled down Declan's shorts, and Shane wrapped his hand around Declan's shaft. "I want you," he whispered.

"Likewise," Declan said.

Still stroking Declan's cock, Shane stood and unfastened his pants. "Help me get these off," he said.

Declan reached for Shane and tugged on his pants and boxers until they puddled on the floor at Shane's feet. With Shane's cock revealed, Declan took it in his mouth. "That's it, baby," Shane said. "Get it all wet. Get it ready to fuck your sweet ass."

Declan did so, sucking and licking until Shane said, "Stop, Declan. I'm going to come, and I don't want it in your mouth."

Declan pulled away. "Neither do I."

"Then turn over."

Turning onto his stomach, Declan positioned himself so Shane could easily reach his asshole. Shane carefully slid a wet finger into Declan, then added another. "Does it feel good, baby?" he asked.

"Yes," Declan sighed. "But something else would feel better."

"Just getting you ready." Shane bent and rimmed Declan's asshole for a moment, adding to the wetness, then placed his cock at Declan's entrance. "Okay?"

"Fuck me," Declan replied.

Shane eased his cock slowly into Declan's ass. When it was fully in, Declan moved against it. "Feels good, huh?" Shane asked.

"God, yes."

Shane thrust slowly in and out, then faster. "God, Declan, I love this. I love you!"

"I love you too." Declan reached beneath himself and stroked his cock. "Make me come, Shane."

"Mmm, yes!" 

After several minutes, Declan felt his orgasm build, and knew by Shane's breath and moans that he was close as well. "Come in me! Come in me when I come!"

"Oh, yeah, baby!" Shane said. He fucked Declan harder, then cried out, "God, Declan, I'm coming!"

"So am I!"

Shane came first, grunting as he unloaded into Declan's ass. A moment later, Declan came, covering the blanket. "Guess I'll need to do some laundry," he said.

"Bring it back home with you tomorrow." Shane stretched out on the bed beside him. "You can use my washer and dryer while I'm at work."

"Yeah, that will work. Get up." 

Declan pulled the blanket out from under Shane, though Shane didn't get off the bed. Then Declan lay down again and said, "So where do you want to go for dinner?"

"Order delivery," Shane replied. "I'm too tired to go out. And that way, we'll have more time to celebrate your decision to stay with me."



Shelter in the Storm Ch. 06



Early the next morning, Shane and Declan got ready to go home. It was strange to Declan to think of the seaside town where Shane lived as home, but since he'd made the decision to move there permanently, how else could he think of it? 

It was much earlier than Declan would have chosen to wake up on his own, but Shane had to be to work by nine thirty at the latest, and the drive to the city where he worked would take about four hours from Declan's now former apartment. "Only for you would I get out of bed before seven," Declan told Shane on the way to the parking lot. "And I'd only be out of bed at seven on a day I had to teach."

"You won't be teaching anymore, though," Shane said. "So I guess that means you'll sleep till noon from now on, huh?"

"That will depend on whether I have a good reason to wake up earlier."

At Declan's car, Shane gave him a hug and a quick peck on the lips. "What are you going to do all day?" he asked.

"After the insanely long drive, you mean? Take a nap," Declan replied.

"Yeah, that's it, rub it in," Shane said. "While I'm slaving over a hot desk, you'll be sound asleep."

"Yes, I will."

Shane took a keyring out of his pocket and held it out. "In case it's too loud at the bed and breakfast for you to sleep, you can hang out at my house while I'm working."

Declan wasn't sure taking the key was a good idea, given the arguments he and Shane had had over the past few days about moving in together. Then again, using Shane's house as a quiet place to sleep wasn't the same thing as moving in, and hopefully wouldn't give Shane the idea that Declan had decided he would move in. "I'm sure the bed and breakfast will be fine," Declan said.

"On a summer day? Quiet doesn't happen in that town on a summer day. Declan there are no expectations here, all right? I'm just trying to do you a favor. You wanted to do some painting up by my house, didn't you? I had this set of keys made for you on the way up here yesterday. I know you aren't planning to move in with me yet, but there's no reason you can't borrow my place while I'm at work."

Declan took the keys. "All right. Thank you. I'll probably go to the bed and breakfast first, though. I might actually manage to sleep there."

"Okay. I'll call you at my lunch break and see where you've ended up." Shane glanced around to make sure no one was watching, then kissed Declan again, more than a peck this time. "Drive safe. Maybe we can see each other tonight when I get out of work. I'll make dinner for you."

"Sounds good. Safe travel."

Declan got into his car and headed for the interstate. Shortly after he got on the highway, Shane's car passed him with a honk of the horn. Declan shook his head. Shane always had driven too fast.

Declan drove sedately, just over the posted speed limit. He wasn't in any hurry to get back to the bed and breakfast he'd moved into three days earlier. He hadn't spent much time there during those three days. He'd been with Shane all weekend, and then had left the previous morning to resign and clean out his office at the university. Declan didn't like staying in places with other people; if it had been possible, he would have rented another cottage like the one he'd had for the first week of his vacation. He'd intended that to be the only week, and the cottage had been rented to someone else for the following week. His searching had uncovered no other cottages for rent in town, though he might have found one if he'd gone elsewhere. But the whole point had been to stay near Shane.

The depth of his feelings for Shane surprised Declan. Even frightened him a little. They'd fallen in love years earlier, but after six years apart, Declan would have thought those feelings would have faded. But when he and Shane had run into each other a week earlier, it had been obvious that their feelings for each other hadn't changed.

One week. That was all it had been since the monster storm that had caused most of the town to evacuate to the high school. That was where he and Shane had found each other. It felt like much longer. In the time since, he and Shane had talked about rebuilding their relationship, about starting over. Although he still had some doubts, after thinking carefully, Declan had decided that he wanted to be with Shane. 

When he got back to town, the sky was clear and sunny. His stomach was growling. Unsure how late the B&B served breakfast, he went there first. "Were you away overnight?" the owner asked.

"I had some business to take care of at home," Declan replied.

"We'd appreciate it in the future if you'd let us know if you're going to be gone," the owner said. "It gives us a more accurate count for breakfast."

For the amount they were charging him for the room, Declan felt he should have been able to come and go as he pleased. But he smiled pleasantly and said, "Of course. I apologize for any inconvenience. By the way, what are your breakfast hours?"

"Seven to nine during the week; eight to ten on weekends. You've missed today's, but there might be leftovers if you're hungry."

"That would be good, thank you."

The owner went into the kitchen and returned with a cold blueberry muffin and a plate of equally cold scrambled eggs. "Best I can do for you," he said. "There's a microwave in there if you'd like to heat them up."

"Thanks."

Heating the food didn't improve the taste any, and Declan made a mental note not to have any future meals at the bed and breakfast. If this was indicative of what they usually served, Declan had to wonder how they stayed in business.

After he ate, Declan left his plate in the kitchen sink and went to his room. Everything was as he'd left it, to his relief; he hadn't been sure whether he'd be able to trust the owners and other guests while he was gone. He lay down on the bed and closed his eyes, sure he would fall asleep immediately.

He probably would have if a group of loud voices hadn't chosen that moment to start talking outside his door. Declan pulled the pillow over his ears, but it made no difference. Of course, at ten in the morning, people would be up and about. But couldn't they be quieter about it or find somewhere else to talk?

The conversation in the hall dragged on, much to Declan's annoyance. They seemed to be talking about where to go for lunch, which would have been a more logical conversation outside the bed and breakfast than outside his door. He wanted to open the door and tell them to quiet down, but he didn't hold out much hope that that would be effective. It was a good thing Shane had given him the keys to his house.

Declan got up and pulled together his painting supplies, along with a change of clothes so he could shower at Shane's. When he opened the door, the five people outside jumped. "I hope we didn't disturb you," a man said.

"Actually, you did," Declan replied. "But I'm leaving for the day."

"Sorry," the man said.

"We're allowed to talk," a woman snapped. "What do we have to be sorry for?"

"Of course you're allowed to talk," Declan agreed. "It's just my misfortune that you chose to talk outside my door. Excuse me, please." He started trying to get out the door and into the narrow hallway with his easel and other supplies.

"How rude," sniffed the woman.

"I'm sorry you feel that way," Declan said. "From my perspective, I politely asked you to move aside so I can get out of my room. You're being rude by blocking my door."

"Just get out of his way, Doreen," the man said.

The woman moved. As Declan went down the hall, he heard her mutter something about reporting him to the owners. Not that it would do her any good, but he almost hoped she did; then he could retaliate by complaining about the noise and his door being blocked.

"Heading out again?" the owner asked when Declan passed the front desk.

"Looking for a quiet place to nap," Declan replied.

"What's wrong with your room?"

"Nothing. It's just the middle of the day, and people are awake and making noise. My friend who lives here in town offered me use of his house while he's working. It's a nice setting for painting as well as very quiet and out of the way, so I'll kill two birds with one stone, as it were."

"If you have a friend around here, why are you staying here and not with him?"

"Personal reasons." Reasons that were none of the owner's business, though he seemed to think everything was his business. "I may or may not be back tonight, but either way, I won't need breakfast tomorrow."

"Seems an awful waste of money to keep this room if you aren't going to use it."

"It's my money to waste. And since I'm paying you twice what you normally charge, I wouldn't think you'd complain. Have a nice day."

On the drive from the bed and breakfast to Shane's, Declan managed to calm down somewhat. It was absolutely ridiculous that he had been treated the way he had, not only by the other guests but by the owner of the bed and breakfast. If it wasn't for the fact that there were no vacant rooms anywhere else around, Declan would have decided not to stay. But the only available room he knew about was the spare bedroom at Shane's. 

When Declan drove over the hill in Shane's driveway and saw the sparkling blue ocean before him, the last of his irritation left him. It was a beautiful view, one that made him feel more at peace than almost any other place he'd been in his life. He stopped in front of Shane's house, the only one around, and got his stuff out of the car. Once he had everything inside, he went into the spare bedroom, lay down, and fell immediately asleep.

His cell phone woke him. When he looked at it, he was astonished to see that he'd been sleeping for two hours. He answered the phone. "Shane?"

"Hi," Shane said. "Did I wake you?"

"Yes, but it's all right. I've been sleeping long enough."

"My place or the B and B?"

"Your place. There was too much going on at the bed and breakfast. It may be an acceptable place to sleep at night, but not during the day."

"Well, you don't have to sleep there during the day. At night, either, for that matter. But that's your choice. I don't want to argue about it again."

"Neither do I. Are you at lunch now?"

"If you call eating with one hand while inputting computer codes with the other 'at lunch,' I am."

"Eating with one hand and inputting codes with the other. How are you holding the phone?"

"With my foot."

Declan laughed. "A talented man, you are."

"Wait till I get home and I'll show you how talented," Shane replied. "You'll still be there when I get there, right?"

"I'm planning to be. You offered me food."

"Yes, I did. I should have known better; now I'll never get rid of you. I'll be home around five thirty. Meanwhile, make yourself at home. Are you going to do some painting?"

"Most likely. It's beautiful out here."

"It's a great spot. I thank goodness every day that Frank didn't want that house when he and I split. Oops, sorry, I said I wouldn't mention Frank anymore."

"It's okay." Though Declan preferred not to be reminded of the man Shane had lived with for five years after he'd left Declan. "I'll let you go so you don't have to juggle quite as much. See you when you get here."

"See you then."

Declan hung up. He showered and changed into the clothes he'd brought, then took his easel outside and spent the afternoon painting. Involved in his art, he paid no attention to the passing of time, and was startled when Shane's car pulled up in front of the house. "Take your time," Shane called. "I'm going to go change."

"I'll be there in a minute," Declan replied, pleasantly surprised that Shane didn't seem inclined to interrupt him.

Shane went into the house, and Declan returned to his painting. Once he was satisfied with what he'd done so far, and felt that he could finish it without having the scene in front of him, he packed up and went inside. Shane was in the kitchen. "You didn't have to stop," he said.

"I was done," Declan replied. "What's for supper?"

"Pizza." Shane looked sheepish. "I forgot to go grocery shopping. Happens once in a while. But the local pizza shop prepares much better meals than I do, and they deliver."

"Pizza's fine as long as there's no meat on it," Declan said.

"No meat. I remembered. Green peppers and mushrooms. I hope you still like those."

"I do."

It was only a few minutes before the pizza arrived. Shane paid the delivery person and brought the box into the living room. "It's still hot," he said. "Do you want to eat or wait a bit?"

"We can wait. And maybe while we wait, you can show me how talented you are."

"I guess I could." 

Shane's lips met Declan's. Their tongues came together, entwining, and their hands explored each other. "I love you," Shane said hoarsely. "If you knew how good it felt to see you here when I got home tonight..."

"Don't push it," Declan said. "I love you too. Let's leave it at that."

"All right." Shane cupped Declan's ass. "But I don't think I want to leave it."

"Then what do you want to do?"

"Come into the bedroom."

Declan followed Shane. In Shane's room, they shed their clothes quickly. Declan felt like he hadn't been with Shane in days, though they'd made love just the night before at his old apartment. Shane knelt and took Declan's cock in his mouth. "Mmm, that feels good!" Declan said. 

Shane's mouth did its work on Declan's shaft, and his hand went to Declan's ass. When a finger penetrated his asshole, Declan shuddered. He loved Shane's touch; the sex between them was as good as ever.

Soon, Declan felt his balls tighten, and his orgasm hit. "Fuck, Shane!" he shouted.

Shane released his cock with a grin. "Liked that, did you?"

"Just a bit."

"Do you believe I'm talented now?"

"Yes, I do, but I could use more proof."

"Then get on the bed."

Declan lay on his back. It was a position he and Shane hadn't often used, but he enjoyed being able to look into Shane's eyes as they fucked. Shane lubed his cock and Declan's asshole, then slowly pushed into him. "Is that good, baby?" he asked.

"That's incredible," Declan moaned.

Shane fucked him slowly at first, but picked up speed. "Fuck, I love fucking your ass!" he said. "Declan, you're so fucking good!"

"So are you," Declan said.

For long moments, Shane fucked him hard. Declan felt the pleasure build. Then Shane cried out, "Fuck, I'm coming!"

He pushed hard into Declan's ass and groaned as he released his cum. Then he pulled out and collapsed onto the bed. "You didn't come," he said to Declan.

"I came in your mouth," Declan pointed out. "It's fine. You can just pay me back after we eat."

"Definitely after. I need to rebuild my strength." Shane kissed his cheek. "So you couldn't stand to stay at the bed and breakfast today?"

"Rude guests, a nosy owner, and horrid food," Declan said. "Not my idea of a fun place to be."

"You could come here. You know that."

"I know. I'm thinking about it." Declan had thought about it quite a bit that afternoon. The peace and quiet at Shane's was just what he needed; he wouldn't be able to tolerate the bed and breakfast much longer.

"Take your time to think," Shane said. "The room's yours whenever you decide." He stood and stretched. "I don't know about you, but I'm starved now. And the pizza's probably cold. Let's go eat."

"I'll be right there." 

Shane left the room. Declan looked around it. Could he see himself living here? Definitely. Was he ready to live with Shane again? Not really. But he was running out of options.



Shelter in the Storm Ch. 07



For the rest of the week, Declan's days were the same. Most mornings, he woke at Shane's and showered there before going back to the bed and breakfast. After an hour or two there, he tired of the noise or decided he wanted to paint, and returned to Shane's.

Declan had to admit he was being illogical. It made no sense to hold onto the bed and breakfast room when he was hardly ever there. The expense wasn't worth it. But it allowed him the illusion of waiting to move in with Shane. He might have been spending nearly all his time at Shane's house, but he wasn't living there as long as he had the room.

Friday afternoon, the bed and breakfast owner stopped Declan on his way out to go back to Shane's. "How long is this going to go on?"

"I'm not sure what you mean," Declan said.

"You're almost never here. You show up for a little while, then disappear again. I'm not sure you've slept here since you've been here. I don't understand why you insist on keeping a room you don't use."

"With all due respect, as long as I pay the rate you've required I don't see where it's your concern whether I use the room or not."

"I could give that room to someone else," the owner said. "I've gotten plenty of calls from people looking for rooms around here, and I have to keep turning them away."

"Are any of these people willing to pay twice your standard rate?" Declan asked. 

"As a matter of fact, some of them are. And they'd be here, not gone all hours. It's poor advertising for my place that a guest as well-known as you refuses to actually be here."

"I doubt I'm that well-known to most of your clientele. I'm an artist, not an actor or other celebrity."

"That isn't the point. It's clear that you don't like it here. You've complained about the noise, and you spend all your time with that friend of yours you say lives here in town. I kind of have to wonder just what kind of friend he is."

It hit Declan then what the man's problem really was. His complaints about whether Declan was using the room were just a cover for his real issue. If it wasn't for his assumptions about Declan, it probably wouldn't have mattered if Declan was there every night or not at all, as long as he paid for the room. "Your problem with me is that you believe I'm gay?" he said.

"That's exactly what I believe," the owner replied. "You've mentioned that your friend is male. I have guy friends, but I don't spend near as much time with them as you do with this guy. I can't do anything about what you do behind closed doors, but I don't want it in my home. My wife and I live here, you know. I have to protect her and our other guests."

"I don't do anything in your home. As you've noted, I'm rarely here." It had been a long time since Declan had encountered such blatant prejudice and ignorance, and he wasn't certain how to respond to it. "And what is it you feel you need to protect them from?"

"You're here enough that who knows what you might be bringing in, even if you aren't doing anything here."

Declan felt his temper rise. "Ah, I see. Everyone knows homosexuality is contagious, is that it? Or perhaps in your mind all homosexual are disease-ridden fags. You needn't worry. You're far more likely to catch a disease from one of the guests I'm sure you're screwing behind your wife's back than from me." Declan had no basis for saying this, but the guilty look on the man's face let him know he'd struck a nerve. "I'll be leaving, regardless. I'd prefer not to remain in a place run by an ignorant bigot." 

Some other guests had come downstairs and were watching the conversation with great interest. The owner frantically signaled Declan to be quiet, but Declan was on a roll. Although he normally let people's negative comments roll right over him, he'd never tolerated prejudice. "Don't worry," he told the owner. "I'll be out within an hour. That should give you plenty of time to fumigate the gayness from my room before you allow another guest to use it. You can expect a complaint to be filed against you for discrimination."

"I didn't discriminate!" the owner protested. "I've let you stay here, haven't I?"

"Yes, but you've just told me that you would like me to leave, and you made it quite clear that you're making that request because of my sexual orientation. That's discrimination. My lawyer will contact you."

Declan pushed his way past the other guests and went back up to his room, where he quickly gathered the belongings he'd brought there. He started bringing things down to his car. On his first trip outside, one of the other guests stopped him and said, "I was hoping to get a chance to talk to you. Did he really tell you to leave because you're gay?"

"Not in so many words, but that was the implication," Declan replied. "I took several of his statements to be discriminatory."

"What I heard sounded discriminatory," the man agreed. "My friends and I've decided to stay elsewhere. You aren't the only gay man staying here; you're just the only one he's ranted at."

"Thanks for the support." Declan wasn't sure what else to say.

"Not a problem."

Declan finished moving his things to the car and went inside one last time to leave his key at the front desk. "Who the hell do you think you are?" the owner demanded.

"Declan Morrissey, last time I checked," Declan said.

"I've lost four guests because of you!"

"No, you've lost four guests because of your own prejudice. Have a nice day."

Declan turned to leave. "I'll sue you!" the owner threatened.

"Then I'll see you in court." Declan walked out.

When he arrived at Shane's, he sat in the car for a moment debating whether to bring his things inside. With nowhere else to go, he would obviously move in with Shane. But even though Shane had said over and over that he wanted Declan to live with him, Declan didn't want to take it for granted.

He left most of his belongings in the car and took out just his art supplies. He didn't feel any need to disturb Shane at work to inform him of what had happened; Shane had called every day during his lunch break, and the news could wait till then. Declan carried his easel and paints down past the house to the rocky beach, where he set up and began to paint.

By the time his cell phone rang, Declan had completed half of his painting and was sweating profusely. The day was turning out warmer than he'd expected; he wouldn't be able to stay outside much longer. He took his cell out of his pocket and answered it. "Hello, Shane."

"Hi," Shane replied. "Are you painting?"

"Yes, but I was about to stop and move inside. It's getting hot out here."

"Did I show you how to work the air conditioning?"

"No, but I'm sure I can figure it out. How was your morning?"

"Long and boring, as usual. But it's Friday, which is always a good thing. How was yours?"

"I was informed that since I'm gay, I must be spreading disease at the bed and breakfast, and I was asked to leave."

"You're joking!"

"Unfortunately, I'm quite serious. Once I get inside, I'll put in a call to my lawyer."

"Meanwhile, you have nowhere to stay."

"Essentially."

"Then you'll be moving in?"

"Yes."

"Woohoo!" Shane laughed. "Sorry, had to do that. That's fine. Glad you finally made the decision. Maybe this weekend, we can go back to your apartment and get some of your stuff. Meanwhile, just make yourself at home."

"We'll see about going to the apartment," Declan said.

"We can talk about it when I get home. Anyway, make yourself comfortable, okay? If you want to move things around, go for it. Maybe you could find a corner of the living room to set up as a studio for yourself. Or you could use the guest room for that."

"We'll see," Declan said again. "Right now, I still have to get my paints inside before they melt in this heat."

"Okay, okay. I'm getting too far ahead again. I'll talk to you later, okay?"

"Okay."

Shane hung up. Declan put away his phone and carried his easel and supplies into the house. After turning on the air conditioning, he walked around the house, poking into closets and corners and trying to decide where to put his art supplies and other belongings. If it was his choice, how would he arrange the place? Although Shane had given him permission to rearrange things as he wanted, Declan wasn't comfortable changing much in someone else's house. Granted, it was his house now as well, at least as far as Shane seemed concerned, but it would take him a while to get used to thinking of it that way. He'd lived in the same apartment since he and Shane had first moved in together, fifteen years earlier, and it would take time to adjust to living somewhere else.

He started bringing things in from his car, but wasn't sure where to put any of it. There wasn't even a place for his clothes; the bureau and closet in the guest room were nearly as full as Shane's.

By the time Shane got home from work, though, Declan had managed to find a semblance of order. His suitcases, still unpacked, were on the guest room bed. He had cleared the best-lit corner of the living room for his easel and art supplies. Some of his other things were still in his car; others were in the middle of the guest room. "You haven't done much," Shane said.

"I've done what I could," Declan replied. 

"I expected you to rearrange at least some of the furniture."

"It's your house."

"Yours, too, and I said you could move things around. Are you going to use the guest room or mine?"

"I've slept in your room every night this week," Declan pointed out. "I'll most likely continue to do so. But I'd like to keep the guest room available. At times, I just need to be alone."

"I remember that," Shane said. "That's fine. I can move the clothes from the guest room down to the basement. It's all stuff that either I don't wear anymore or that Frank left behind."

"Why did he leave it behind?" And why had Shane held onto it?

"Who knows? He left fairly suddenly. I'd seen it coming, but I hadn't expected it as quickly as it happened. I left for work one morning and when I came home, he was gone. I kept the clothes in case he ever wanted them back, but I'd think after all this time, he's done with them."

"I would think. It's unfortunate that he left that way."

Shane shrugged. "Stuff happens. It was for the best; we'd been fighting for quite a while. He knew how I still felt about you, which was part of the problem, but there were other issues too. You know what; let's not talk about this anymore. Frank's in the past; you're here now."

"Yes, I am, and that's why you need to help me move things out of the guest room."

They spent the evening getting Declan settled. By the end of the night, everything he'd brought with him was put away, and he'd made a few changes to the living room and guest room, so he felt more comfortable with the place. "It needed to be done," Shane said. "I haven't changed things in quite a while."

"Sometimes change is good," Declan said.

"And sometimes it isn't. Like the job change I made six years ago that split us up."

"That's over with now. As you said, I'm here now."

"Yes, you are."

Shane embraced Declan, and the men kissed. "Should we go to the bedroom?" Shane asked.

"It's your bedroom," Declan replied.

"Stop that. Come on."

They went into the bedroom and shed their clothes between kisses. When they were naked, Declan knelt and took Shane's cock into his mouth. "On the bed," Shane said. "I want to suck you while you suck me."

They lay together on the bed in a sixty-nine, each sucking the other's cock. Declan loved the feeling of Shane's cock in his mouth; it was almost as arousing as Shane's mouth on Declan's own cock. Shane slowly slid a finger into Declan's ass, and Declan felt his balls tighten. At the same time, he felt Shane's cock twitch and knew Shane was close to coming.

Within seconds, Shane's cum filled Declan's mouth. Declan swallowed and pulled his cock out of Shane's mouth. "What are you doing?" Shane asked. 

"I want to fuck you."

"That doesn't happen often."

"No, but it's going to happen tonight."

Shane grinned. "Do you hear me complaining?"

He got the bottle of lube from his nightstand and handed it to Declan. Declan lubed his cock and Shane's asshole, and slowly eased in. "Does that feel okay?" he asked.

"It feels amazing!" Shane said. "It's been a long time."

"Glad you like it."

Declan thrust harder into Shane. He knew it wouldn't take long for him to come, and it was only a short time before the tightness of Shane's ass brought him over the brink. "Fuck!" Shane said. "Declan, are you coming?"

"Yes," Declan moaned.

"Good, because so am I!"

Declan emptied his balls into Shane's ass as Shane's cum spurted over the bedsheet. Declan pulled out and rolled away from Shane. "This time, you get the wet spot."

"Very funny." Shane got off the bed. "Get up so I can change the sheet."

They cleaned up the bed and themselves, then lay down together. "I'm glad you're here, Declan," Shane said.

"So am I," Declan replied.

"Good night."

"Good night."

* * *

The next morning, Declan woke to the sound of running footsteps. He went out to the living room and found Shane jogging in place. "Did I wake you?" Shane asked.

"Yes," Declan replied. "What are you doing?"

"Exercising," Shane said. "I do it every day, but during the week I exercise at work. They give us a break for it."

"You didn't exercise last Sunday when I was here."

"No, I waited till you went back to the bed and breakfast. But I figured that we're going to get stuff from your apartment today, so I wanted to get this done sooner."

"I wasn't aware we'd decided to go to my apartment today."

"Well, we'd talked about it," Shane said. "I guess we hadn't really decided, but aren't there some things you'll want here? I figured we could bring stuff here this weekend and then in a week or two, we can go back for the things you'll need to put in storage."

"Slow down," Declan said. "I'm not planning to clear out the apartment until the end of summer. My rent is paid through August, so there's no need to move everything out yet."

"You're still afraid we won't work out, aren't you."

"Yes."

"You were afraid of that when we moved in together fifteen years ago."

"And we didn't work out. It took nine years for us not to work out, but we didn't."

"Nine years, Declan. And we would have stayed together if I hadn't been so stubborn about that job, and if you hadn't been so stubborn about yours."

"You don't know that we would have stayed together. And the fact is, we didn't. It's been six years since I've lived with anyone, and to be honest, I'm not sure I can anymore. That's why I'm keeping my apartment for the summer."

"So you'll have a place to run to."

"Essentially, yes."

"Declan, I'll do everything I can to make this easier for you. I want you to be happy here; I want us to be happy together. But that's going to be hard if you're determined that it isn't going to work. We have to meet halfway, just like we always did."

"I've gotten out of that habit." And Declan didn't hold out much hope of that changing; he'd become set in his ways since Shane had left.

"Well, it would help if you could get back into the habit. But take your time. We'll both need time to adjust. Do you want this to work, though?"

"Yes."

"Then it will. Are we going back to get some of your stuff today?"

"I think I'd rather stay here this weekend and try to get used to the place. And right now, I'm going to try to get some more sleep."

"Okay. I'll be done in a few minutes."

"Take your time."

Declan went back to Shane's room and lay down. Although he tried to sleep, the steady thudding of Shane's feet prevented it. Which just gave Declan an opportunity to think about how uncertain he was that things would work out.



Shelter in the Storm Ch. 08



Lightning flashed over the water. Declan watched intently, composing a painting in his mind. The color of the clouds, the shape of the lightning bolts, their vividness against the darkness. The door opened, but Declan paid no attention until Shane said, "Quite a storm."

"Yes, it is," Declan said. "I love storms like this, as long as it doesn't mean being evacuated again."

"They only evacuate if there's a risk of flooding," Shane said. "This is just a standard thunderstorm, even if it did mean it took me half an hour longer than usual to get home from work."

"Why so long?"

"Some people seem to think that rain means slow down, and some people were goggling at the lightning."

"It is beautiful." Declan turned back to the window. "So wild and primitive. I wish my paintings could do it justice."

"I can give you wild and primitive."

Declan laughed. "Everything's sexual with you, isn't it."

"What can I say? The electricity in these storms charges me up." Shane slipped his arm around Declan's waist. "How long have you been watching this?"

"Since it began," Declan replied.

"Can you leave it for a while?" Shane kissed Declan's neck. "I can think of something I'd rather do than watching a storm."

"You want to make our own thunder?" Declan teased.

"Yes, I do."

"I think I can leave this for that."

Declan followed Shane into the bedroom and watched as Shane skinned out of the suit he'd worn to work. "Much more comfortable," Shane said, standing in just his boxers.

"You look comfortable." Declan nodded toward Shane's hard cock, which poked out the front of his boxers. "And horny."

"Very horny." Shane put his arms around Declan and they kissed deeply. "I've been thinking about this all day," Shane said. "I love you."

"I love you too."

Shane maneuvered Declan onto the bed. They lay side by side, tongues exploring each other's mouths as their hands explored each other's bodies. The lights flickered and went out, but neither man noticed; they were too involved with each other.

Shane slowly undressed Declan, kissing each part of his body as it was revealed, then took off his own boxers. "I want you," he said, stroking Declan's cock.

"I figured that out," Declan said.

"Wise ass." Shane swatted Declan's ass. "Do you want me?"

"Yes."

"Tell me."

"I want you to fuck me."

Shane grinned. "I was hoping you'd say that."

He picked up the bottle of lube that they kept on the nightstand and lubed his cock and Declan's asshole. Declan got onto his hands and knees, and Shane slowly eased into his ass. "Does that feel good, baby?" Shane asked.

"Yes."

"Good."

He thrust slowly in and out of Declan's ass. Declan moaned; he loved the feeling of Shane's cock. No matter what problems they'd had in the past, their sex had always been amazing. 

Soon Shane said, "God, Declan, this feels so good. I'm coming!"

"Then come," Declan said. "I'm close."

Shane thrust again and groaned, then pulled out. Declan stroked his own cock until he was about to come, then told Shane, "Open your mouth."

Shane closed his mouth over Declan's cock, and Declan came. Shane swallowed and grinned. "Tastes good."

"Glad you enjoyed it," Declan said. 

Shane lay down and pulled Declan against him. "I always enjoy it. So do you, I hope."

"Yes, I do."

They lay there together for a little while, until Declan thought Shane had fallen asleep. He got off the bed and Shane said, "Where are you going?"

"A quick shower, then back to the living room. I want to watch the lightning."

"I'll go with you."

They showered together but without touching each other, then put on shorts and T-shirts and went out to the living room, where they sat together on the couch. "It's nice here," Declan said. "Nice and peaceful."

"Yes, it is." Shane hesitated. "I called Frank today."

"What? Why?"

"All his stuff that we cleaned out of the guest room. It's past time to get rid of it, but I didn't want to just throw it out without giving him a chance to come get it."

"What did he say?"

"He's coming over to pick it up. He said he'd be here tonight, but with this storm..."

There was a knock on the door. "Apparently the storm doesn't bother him," Declan said.

"Are you going to be okay with him being here?" Shane asked. "I could just take the stuff out to him."

"And make him stand in the rain? No, it's okay."

Shane got up and opened the door. Frank was a short man, shorter than Declan, and slightly chubby. He looked nothing like Declan had expected. "Is now a good time?" Frank asked.

"Yeah, it's fine," Shane said. "Come in."

Frank stepped inside. His smile faltered when he saw Declan. "Hi, I'm Frank Thornton."

"Declan Morrissey." Declan wasn't quite sure how to act toward the man who had been Shane's lover after Shane and Declan had separated six years earlier. "It's nice to meet you. Shane's mentioned you."

"I've heard a few things from him about you as well." From Frank's tone, he wasn't pleased with what he'd heard. "Sorry to interrupt your evening, but Shane told me to come get some things I left here last year."

"I'm not sure why you didn't come get them sooner," Shane said. "It's mostly clothes. You must have needed them."

"Not really. I had too many clothes. Remember how you always used to complain about me taking up too much closet space?"

"Yes, and you always used to make the same complaint about me." Shane gave Declan an uneasy glance. "Everything's in the cellar, Frank. I'll help you carry it out."

Declan stood. "So will I."

"I think Shane and I can manage," Frank said. "There can't be that much."

"Just let me find a flashlight." Shane hurried to the kitchen.

"So you're the famous Declan," Frank said. "For most of the time he and I were together, you were pretty much all Shane talked about, you know. Made it pretty hard to be with him."

"He told me," Declan replied.

"You aren't what I expected."

"Nor are you."

Shane returned with a flashlight. "Okay, let's get everything before the storm gets worse. I hope you parked close to the door. Declan, you don't have to help. Frank's right; he and I can manage."

Declan didn't answer. Shane and Frank went to the basement, and after a moment, Declan heard laughter. The jealousy this aroused in him surprised him. Shane hadn't said or done anything to indicate that he might still be interested in Frank, and Frank seemed more annoyed than pleased to see Shane. There was no reason to be jealous.

After a few minutes, Shane and Frank came upstairs carrying bags of Frank's clothes. They were both smiling. Declan looked away. "Got everything?" he asked.

"We'll have to make another trip," Shane replied.

"I offered to help."

"I know. We've got it covered, don't worry." Shane set down a bag so he could open the front door, and he and Frank went outside.

They came back in laughing and dripping rain, and went back to the basement. When they came back upstairs, Declan was standing at the picture window, looking out at the ocean. He didn't acknowledge Shane or Frank, just listened as they went back outside. When the front door closed again, he turned to see Shane alone. "Everything out now?" Declan asked.

"Yes, including Frank." Shane sat on the couch. "Why did you have to act like that?"

"Like what? I was civil."

"You were civil in a 'get the hell out of my house' way. Frank thinks you don't like him."

"I don't particularly. He doesn't like me either, for that matter, because in his mind I broke you and him up."

"I'm sure he doesn't think that." He looked at Declan, who stared back, saying nothing. Finally Shane sighed. "All right, he probably does think that. But he and I are friends now. I like having friends. Are you going to have a problem with it?"

"With you being friends with your ex-lover? Why would I have a problem with that?" The sarcasm in his voice made Declan wince. There was the jealousy again, the jealousy he had no need to feel. He and Shane were together; there wasn't any reason to worry about anyone coming between them. "Sorry, Shane. It was an awkward situation, that's all. No, of course I don't have a problem with you being friends with Frank."

"Good. It doesn't mean I'm going to spend much time with him, you know. It just means we're on speaking terms again. No worries, I'm not going to invite him for dinner or anything."

"Good to know. If you do, wait till I'm on tour or something."

Shane laughed. "I'll make sure I do that. Wait, tour? Do you have one planned?"

"I heard from my manager today. There are a handful of galleries in New York that want to exhibit my work. I have to go home- back to the city next week to go over which paintings will go to which gallery, and I'll have to make an appearance at each opening. I'll be gone about two weeks when that happens. They wanted longer, but I told them I can't be away from home that long."

"Wow." Shane shook his head. "You just got here, and you're leaving?"

"For two weeks," Declan repeated. "You knew I go to gallery openings and such, Shane. We've talked about it."

"Yes, but I didn't know it would happen quite this soon."

"Neither did I."

"Come here, please."

Declan sat beside Shane, and Shane put his arm around him. "Two weeks is a long time," Shane said. 

"We were apart for six years," Declan pointed out. "We can survive two weeks. It won't be happening right away, anyway. Probably not till fall; these shows are usually planned weeks or months in advance. So don't start worrying about it yet. The only time I'm going to be away soon is next week when I go to meet with my manager, and that will only be overnight."

"Overnight isn't as bad, though my bed will feel empty. I'm used to you being there."

"I know. So am I. But one night isn't much."

"No, it isn't." Shane snuggled against Declan. "So missing out on one night of sleep tonight won't bother you much?"

"And why would I miss out on sleep?"

Shane ran his hand up Declan's thigh. "You know why."

"Again?"

"Yes, again. I told you, thunderstorms make me horny. And so do you."

And so did seeing his former lover, Declan thought but didn't say. He knew some people were energized during thunderstorms, so he didn't doubt that the storm was responsible for some of Shane's horniness. But he was sure seeing Frank had contributed as well, and that made the jealousy surge again.

They didn't bother with the bedroom this time. Shane lifted his head and pressed his lips against Declan's. Their tongues swirled together and for several seconds their mouths were the only part of their bodies that touched. Then Shane pulled Declan against him and held him tightly. "I love you, Declan."

"I love you too." 

"I still can't believe we're together again. We belong together."

"Yes, we do." Declan wondered at Shane's behavior. While Shane never hesitated to talk about his feelings, he wasn't generally like this. It only reinforced Declan's belief that seeing Frank again had stirred something in Shane, something that Shane was trying to deny.

There was no point speaking to Shane about it, though. It would only start an argument, something Declan preferred to avoid. So he silently allowed Shane's hand to find his cock, silently let that hand slip inside his shorts to grasp his shaft. He responded by running his hand over Shane's broad chest. "I love you," Shane whispered again.

"I love you too."

"Lift up."

Declan raised himself from the couch cushion and Shane pulled down his shorts. His mouth found Declan's cock and sucked hard, and his finger penetrated Declan's ass. Usually stimulation like this would bring Declan to orgasm within seconds, but this time he was too preoccupied with thoughts of Shane and Frank. After a few minutes, Shane looked up at him. "Did I wear you out earlier?"

"I guess I'm just tired," Declan replied. "Don't worry about it. Sometimes it doesn't happen."

"It always happens." 

Shane renewed his efforts, sliding his mouth up and down Declan's shaft as though fucking it, until Declan finally managed to relax and let himself come. Shane smiled with satisfaction. "Very good," he said.

"Your turn?" Declan offered.

"Not in your mouth. I want to be inside you again."

"Then get the lube. I'm not in the mood to try it dry."

"Fair enough."

Shane went to the bedroom and was back a second later. "Bend over the couch," he told Declan. He applied the lube and slid into Declan's asshole, not slowly this time, though he held back enough to give Declan time to open to him. It was a hard fuck, nothing gentle about it, and Declan had to wonder whether it was he or Frank who was in Shane's mind as they fucked. 

Shane gave no warning before he came, just grunted and released himself into Declan's ass. He pulled out and collapsed onto the couch. "That was good. I love you."

"I love you too," Declan replied, but this time it was an automatic response.

"Come here," Shane said.

Declan sat down and Shane put his arms around him. For a few minutes, they sat and watched the storm. Finally Shane said, "When are you going to your meeting?"

"Monday. I'll be back Tuesday."

"I'll miss you."

"I'm sure Frank would keep you company."

"Don't start." But there was no anger in Shane's voice, no emotion at all. "I don't want Shane. I want you, and only you."

"All right. I'm sorry I said it."

"It's okay. There's nothing between Frank and me anymore."

"All right." Who was Shane trying to convince, Declan or himself?

"I love you," Shane said yet again.

"I love you too."

They sat together, holding each other, watching the storm. And Declan tried to convince himself that nothing had changed.



Shelter in the Storm Ch. 09



Early Monday morning, Declan dragged himself out of bed. He rarely rose this early, but with a four-hour trip ahead of him, he didn't have much choice. 

He stumbled into the kitchen. Shane was already there. "Coffee?" he offered, holding out a cup.

"Please." Declan sat at the table, and Shane set the cup in front of him. "Thank you. I hope this wakes me up enough to drive."

"I hope so too," Shane said. "It wouldn't be good if you drove off the road."

"Yeah. Thanks for the positive thought." Declan took a sip of the coffee. His mouth twisted. "Good lord, this is strong enough to fuel my car!"

"I wanted to be sure you were wide awake." Shane massaged Declan's shoulders. "I was hoping we could spend a little quality time together before you leave."

"So in other words, I got out of bed so we could get back in?"

"Pretty much, unless you'd rather not."

"I didn't say I'd rather not."

"Good."

Declan took another drink of the horrible coffee and stood. "Maybe we shouldn't bother with the bed. I might fall asleep again."

"Well, we don't have to," Shane said. "We have a shower, and there's a perfectly good table here."

"And we both need showers." Declan put his arms around Shane and kissed him on the lips. He would only be gone for the night; why did he feel like it would be much longer before he saw Shane again? "I want you," he whispered.

"I woke up thinking about fucking you," Shane replied. "I almost woke you, but I wanted you to have your sleep."

"Well, I'm awake now, so have what you want."

"I want your mouth. And I want you inside me."

Declan was surprised; usually Shane preferred to do the penetrating. But he knelt and tugged Shane's boxers down to his knees. Free of its restraint, Shane's cock stood hard, a drop of precum already glistening at its tip. Declan licked it, then slid his mouth down over Shane's shaft. "Oh, god, Declan, that's amazing!" Shane said.

As he continued to lick and suck, Declan fondled Shane's balls. Shane's moans and gasps were ample indication of how much he enjoyed it. Within moments, Declan had a mouthful of cum, which he swallowed. "I take it you liked that," he said.

"I definitely liked it." Shane pulled Declan to his feet. "Now I want you to fuck me. Here or in the shower, I don't care, but I want to feel your cock in my ass."

He sounded almost desperate, which concerned Declan. What was wrong? Shane had been hornier than usual for days now, ever since the visit from his former lover, but this was more than usual. "Wherever you want to do it," he told Shane.

Shane bent over the chair Declan had been sitting in. "Here."

"Let me get the lube." Declan went into the bedroom and came back with a bottle of lube. He coated his cock and Shane's asshole with it and eased in, going slowly to give Shane time to adjust. "Does that feel okay?"

"That feels incredible. Don't be slow, Declan, I don't want it slow today."

"All right."

Declan started fucking Shane harder. Shane pushed back against Declan's cock, encouraging him to go faster. Declan obliged. At this pace, he wouldn't be able to last long, but that didn't seem to matter to Shane. "Shane, I'm going to come," Declan said after a couple minutes.

"Good. I want to feel your cum in my ass."

Declan felt his balls tighten, and moaned as his cum shot into Shane. He pulled out and sat down again to catch his breath. "Was that fast enough for you?" 

"That was great." Shane kissed him. "I'm going to miss you tonight."

"I'll miss you too." Declan glanced at the clock on the microwave. "Shit, I'm going to be late! I have to shower and get out of here."

"Sorry," Shane said. "I didn't mean to make you late."

"I contributed," Declan pointed out. "It's all right."

He showered and dressed quickly. Shane kissed him goodbye at the door. "I love you, Declan. See you tomorrow."

"I love you too," Declan said. 

Fortunately, traffic was light for most of Declan's trip. He did get stuck in some rush hour traffic, but still was able to reach his manager's office only fifteen minutes later than scheduled. Celia, his manager, was waiting at the door. "You're late," she said.

"Apologies," Declan replied. "Traffic."

"I hope you'll try to be on time for your openings. There are some very influential people who are planning to attend. You could end up making quite a bit from these three galleries."

"Good to hear." Though Declan didn't really care about the money. 

"It will be good, if you're on time. Come in."

He followed Celia inside and spent the next several hours going through thumbnail prints of his art pieces, trying to determine which paintings would go to which gallery. It was mind-numbingly boring to Declan; this was one of his least favorite parts of being an artist. It was enough to make him wish he'd never taken painting beyond the hobby phase. He would have been content to let Celia and her staff handle all the business minutiae, but Celia didn't work that way. She insisted on her clients being involved in everything.

Midafternoon, Celia finally said, "Okay, I think we're done. Let's go get something to eat."

Declan looked at the clock and was surprised to see that it was only three thirty. He'd planned on spending the night in his apartment nearby, the apartment that Shane had tried to persuade him to give up, but if his meal with Celia ended early enough, he might be able to drive back to Shane's that night after all. Although Declan liked being alone, he was getting used to living with Shane again and didn't want to spend the night alone.

Celia took him to a new Thai restaurant a few blocks away. "So how are things going for you?" she asked. "You left your job at the university, right?"

"Yes, I did. I've moved."

"You told me. I can't picture you living out in the middle of nowhere, though I suppose it makes sense. What are you planning to do now?"

"I'm not going to teach anymore. I'm going to devote my time to painting. That's where the income is; I don't need to teach."

"You're definitely making enough to live on. I thought your move was only temporary, though. Have you decided to stay?"

"I haven't decided yet, but it's likely that I'll stay." At least so far, things were going well enough with Shane that Declan wasn't thinking about leaving.

"Will you still be willing to travel for openings?"

"Of course. That's part of my work as an artist." Though Declan hated thinking of what he did as work. He wished he didn't have to attend the interminable openings, which were all the same. People who believed they understood his art better than he did himself, trying to get him to agree with their interpretations. He painted landscapes primarily; what was there to interpret?

"Good to hear," Celia said. "Your paintings are becoming very popular, Declan, and part of what's driving that popularity is your willingness to interact with the public, to attend these openings and make your face as well-known as your art."

Celia continued talking, but Declan tuned her out. He wasn't interested in discussing how well-known his face was or how much people enjoyed talking to him. He just wanted to finish his meal and leave.

Finally Celia signaled for the check, which she paid. "Are you staying in the city tonight, Declan?" she asked. "It's quite a drive back to your little seaside paradise, isn't it?"

"It is, but I think I'll go home anyway," Declan replied. "It's still early, and I can always stop for coffee if I get tired. My apartment's been closed up and would probably be too hot to sleep in."

"Well, have a safe trip."

"Thank you."

As he headed down the highway, Declan considered calling Shane to let him know he was coming home. But Shane was big on spontaneity; maybe it would be fun to surprise him.

It was dark by the time Declan turned onto the dirt road that led to Shane's house. When he went over the hill that revealed the house and the ocean beyond it, he was surprised to see an unfamiliar car in front of the house. Who had Shane invited over? It didn't take long for Declan to realize the answer. It had to be Frank, Shane's former lover. The one Shane had lived with after he and Declan had split six years earlier.

Declan parked beside the car and went inside. The lights were off, but the TV gave enough light that he could clearly see the two men kissing on the couch.

Numbness filled him. He should have been angry, but he felt nothing, not even surprise. When Frank had shown up a few nights earlier to pick up some things he'd left behind when he'd moved out, Declan had sensed that things weren't completely resolved between Frank and Shane. Shane's sexual aggression had proved that, in Declan's mind. 

Declan flipped on the light. Startled, the other men jumped apart. "Don't stop on my account," Declan said. "I'm just going to get my things and leave."

Shane got up. "Declan, wait, please. It's not-"

"If you say it's not what it looks like, I may vomit. Get out of my way, Shane."

"Declan, come on."

Declan pushed past him and went into the spare room. Although he slept with Shane in the master bedroom, Shane's belongings took up so much space that Declan had to use the closet and bureau in the guest room. He yanked a suitcase out of the closet and started filling it. 

"Declan, come on, stop it," Shane said from the doorway. 

"You obviously didn't plan on missing me as much as you claimed." Declan looked at the clothes hanging in the closet, trying to decide what he might need. "I'm not one of those 'oh well, he cheated, I'll stick around' kind of people. You were kissing another man. I'm leaving."

"He was kissing me, and it was only a kiss. I didn't cheat on you."

"Your definition of cheating is different from mine." He heard the front door close. "Better go catch him so you don't end up sleeping alone."

"I told him to leave. Do you really think I wanted him to do that?"

"You certainly didn't seem to mind." Declan crammed a few more things into his suitcase and closed it. "I should have stayed in the city, apparently. Then you'd have had time for your little rendezvous."

"Okay, I did invite Frank over," Shane admitted. "But not for that. Not for anything. There's a game on; we're both baseball fans, and I thought it would be fun to watch the game together. He had other ideas."

"You were kissing him. Your arms were around him. I'm leaving."

"You can't drive back to the city tonight."

"No, but I can find a motel room somewhere around here." Declan picked up the suitcase and went to the door. Shane stayed where he was. "Move."

"We need to talk about this, Declan. You can't just-"

"Move, Shane."

Shane stepped out of the way. "We need to talk," he repeated. "Please."

"Talk to Frank. I don't want to hear it." He left.

Declan drove aimlessly until he spotted a small motel with a "Vacancy" sign, not an easy find in this area in the middle of summer. The one room they had left was at the far end of the motel and had a broken screen in the window, but it was better than staying with Shane. 

How could Shane have done this? He'd insisted he had no feelings anymore for Frank; the reason he and Frank had broken up was that Shane had never gotten over Declan. Now that they were back together, how could Shane cheat with Frank? It didn't matter that all they had done was kiss. Who knew what might have happened if Declan hadn't come back when he had?

Declan didn't often watch TV, but to keep himself company he turned on the small set on top of the bureau. Supposedly the motel had cable, but only twelve channels came in. Declan found a movie that appeared to be tolerable and left it on while he sat on the bed to think. He'd been so angry and in such a hurry to get away from Shane that he hadn't thought to take his art supplies, even though he normally took them everywhere he went. So there was nothing for him to do to keep his mind occupied.

His cell rang. Declan ignored it; it was sure to be Shane. The ringing stopped but started again after a second. Shane was nothing if not determined. Irritated, Declan answered. "What?"

"Why can't we talk about this?" Shane asked.

"What's to talk about? You invited your ex-lover to your house while I was away and somehow your lips accidentally ended up glued to his. Clearly you don't let go of lovers easily; you fucked up your relationship with Frank because you weren't over me, and now you've fucked up our relationship because you aren't over him."

"I hope I haven't fucked up our relationship," Shane said quietly. "Declan, you know I love you. I didn't love Frank, not really, and he knew it. We were together because we were interested in the same things and the sex was good."

"Thanks. I needed to hear that."

"Sorry."

"So you would have had good sex with him if I hadn't come home?"

"No! Declan, listen. I didn't plan on anything happening. I thought Frank understood that he and I were just friends now. We were watching the game, and next thing I knew, he kissed me. That was when you walked in."

"And the lights were off because?"

"Because we'd gotten into the game and were too lazy to get up and turn the lights on. And sometimes I watch TV with the lights off. You know that. Declan, you're making something out of this that isn't even there. Please. Come home."

"No." Declan closed his eyes for a moment; he was close to tears. "Do you have any concept of how much it hurt to see that, Shane? I left the city and drove four hours home to surprise you, and I walked in to find you with another man. Whether or not you planned on anything happening, something did, and I have to think about what I'm going to do next."

"It was a kiss. Nothing more. I know you're hurt, and I'm sorry, but you're overreacting."

"That right there proves that I've done the right thing by walking out. I'll be by tomorrow while you're at work to get the rest of my things." Declan hung up.

* * *

The next morning, Declan took himself out to a quiet breakfast in a nearby diner, then drove to Shane's house. It was late enough that Shane should have been at work, but Shane's car was still beside the house. Declan almost turned around and drove away, but he wanted his art supplies and other things. He parked in front of the house and went in.

Shane was sitting in the living room. Most of Declan's belongings were in boxes around him. "I figured if you were serious about leaving, I'd make it easier for you," Shane said. "But I wish you wouldn't leave, Declan. You're misunderstanding what happened. I don't have feelings for Frank. You're the one I love, and if that hasn't changed after sixteen years, it isn't about to now."

"I wish you'd told me you were inviting him over," Declan said. "You didn't, and to me that feels dishonest."

"You're right. I should have told you."

"Do you know what I was thinking while I was at that meeting yesterday? I was thinking that I hoped it would end early enough that I could come back to you. I didn't want to spend the night in the city because I wanted to be with you. You screwed that up."

"Yes, I did." Shane reached to touch Declan's face, but stopped himself. "You don't often tell me how you feel."

"No, but you should know. You should understand how hurt I am, because of how much I love you." Declan turned away. "I don't remember bringing this much stuff here."

"It's all yours. Do you want help bringing it out to your car? Or is it even going to fit?"

"It won't all fit. And I don't know where I'll put it."

"Where did you stay last night?"

"Some fleabag motel a few miles from here. Same place I'll likely stay tonight."

"Declan, do you really want to leave me? After we've found each other again, do you really want to throw it away because of one mistake that I didn't even make?"

Declan studied the boxes to keep from looking at Shane. Was Shane right? Was he overreacting? Could he forget what he'd seen when he'd come home the night before? "I'm taking my art supplies," he said. "I'm going to spend another night or two at the motel. You're going to tell Frank that you won't see him again, as a friend or as anything else, because whatever your intention might be, it's clear he has other plans."

"You'll come back?"

"I have to think about it more."

Shane nodded. "All right. And by the way, I told Frank when I threw him out last night that I don't want to see him again."

"Glad to hear it." Declan pulled his easel and paints out of the piles. "I'm leaving now. I'll call you tonight if I want to talk."

"Take your time," Shane said. "Just remember, I love you."

"I love you too." Carrying his art materials, Declan walked out. 



Shelter in the Storm Ch. 10



The only thing worse than being stuck in a motel was being stuck in a motel when it was raining too hard to go outside.

Declan looked out the window at the grey sky over the dingy building he'd been staying in for the past three days, since the night he'd come home and found Shane and Frank kissing. Sometimes he thought he'd overreacted by leaving, but if he couldn't trust Shane, how could he stay with him?

Behind Declan, his easel and paints waited for inspiration to strike. Since the night he'd come to the motel, Declan had tried to lose himself in his art, as he so often did. But he'd been unable to come up with a scene from his mind, and with the rainy weather of the past few days he'd been unable to go out to find anything to paint. He'd spent most of his time sitting in the motel room ignoring the TV and thinking about Shane.

Shane hadn't called, which surprised Declan. He'd thought that his lover would make at least one attempt to convince him to come back. But it seemed Shane was giving him the time and space he needed to make the decision on his own. Either that or Shane had already moved on.

It was Thursday. One day until the weekend. Shane would have time off and might be able to sit down with Declan and talk this through. It bothered Declan more than he wanted to admit that Shane had invited Frank over that night, and that he hadn't told Declan about it. That felt dishonest; more than that, it hurt. Declan had planned to be gone for only one night; why couldn't Shane have stood being alone that long? Declan didn't often admit to his feelings, but he loved Shane and couldn't stand the thought of Shane with anyone else now that they were together again.

Declan's cell phone rang. He picked it up from the nightstand, hoping to see Shane's number even though he knew Shane was at work. Disappointed, he recognized the number of his landlord in the city he'd lived in until the vacation he'd taken had led to his finding Shane. "Hello?" he said, sounding more irritated than he'd intended.

"Hello, Declan? This is Arthur Forrestt."

"Yes, I recognized your number." Declan sat on the edge of the bed. "What can I do for you, Mr. Forrestt? I assume there's no problem with my rent, since I paid you through the summer."

"Yes, you did, but I've had interest in the apartment and was wondering if you've made any decisions about whether you'll be returning at the end of the summer? I'm more than happy to keep the place available for you, of course, but if you think you won't be coming back, I was wondering if you could have the place ready for me to rent in a couple weeks? Of course I'd refund the rent you've paid."

Why were people so impatient? The owner of the bed and breakfast where Declan had stayed for a few days before moving in with Shane had also pushed Declan to leave so he could rent the room to someone else, though that had turned out to be more about Declan's sexual orientation than any great desire to rent the room. Declan's lawyer was working on that case and hoping for a settlement, since the man had admitted in front of witnesses that he was essentially throwing Declan out for being gay. That of course wasn't the case with the apartment, but Forrestt had granted Declan the summer to make a decision about whether to return. Why couldn't he wait?

"I don't know what my status is right now, Mr. Forrestt," Declan said. "Things are in a bit of flux at the moment. I'll have to get back to you."

"Of course, take your time," Forrestt said. "You can still have the rest of the summer if you need. The apartment will rent easily whenever you move out, if you do. I was just wondering because I have someone ready to take occupancy at the first of July, and I thought I'd make you the offer. Like I said, I'll give you back July's and August's rent, plus of course your security deposit. That would be a nice sum for you to start in your new place."

"It isn't about the money." Declan earned more than enough from sales of his artwork; money wasn't anything he needed to be concerned about. "I'll get back to you."

"Okay." Forrestt sounded disappointed. "Talk to you soon. Have a good day."

Declan hung up the phone and went back to the window. How could he decide whether to stay or return to his apartment when he couldn't even decide whether to forgive Shane? 

* * *

Later that afternoon, Declan finally decided he'd had enough of the motel room and ventured out into the rain. He had no particular destination in mind; he thought about going to Shane's to see how the rain looked on the ocean water, but he couldn't quite bring himself to go there. Instead he drove around the area looking for any scenic spot, any place that might be worth painting. Nothing struck him. Nothing even remotely interested him.

He was on his way to find a place to eat when his phone rang again. This time, Shane's number showed on the phone's screen. Declan almost decided not to answer, but just before his voice mail would have picked up, he flipped open the phone and said, "Hello?"

"Declan Morrissey, please." It was an unfamiliar voice, a woman.

How had she gotten Shane's phone? "This is he," Declan said.

"Mr. Morrissey, my name is Gretchen Kirk. I'm a nurse at Memorial Hospital. We found your number in Shane Everett's phone as an ICE number."

Declan's stomach clenched. "Is Shane all right?"

"He's been in an accident. He was unconscious when they brought him in. I believe he's awake now, but he's disoriented and we're planning to keep him for observation overnight. The doctor doesn't think there are any broken bones, but Mr. Everett's being taken to X-ray just in case. He's confused but he's been asking for you."

"I'm not familiar with the area. Please give me directions to the hospital, and I'll be right there."

The nurse gave him directions, and Declan turned the car around and headed for the nearby city. 

By the time he arrived, Shane had been moved from the emergency department to a shared room on the second floor. The other bed in the room was empty. Shane's eyes were closed when Declan came in, but he said, "I don't want any more damn tests, and I don't have any more blood for you to steal."

"That's fine," Declan said. 

Shane's eyes flew open. "Declan? What are you doing here?"

"They found my number in your cell and called me." Declan pulled a chair over to Shane's bed and sat down. "What happened?"

"I can't remember." Shane rubbed his head. "Guess I got knocked around a little. They found a couple lumps and some cuts on my head." He held up his hand, which was wrapped in gauze. "And other places. They told me the car was totaled."

"I'm glad you weren't hurt worse," Declan said.

"Thanks. Hopefully someone will tell me what happened. I was driving home from work listening to some music, just got on the highway, and that's the last thing I remember until I woke up in the ER."

"It might come back to you."

"Yeah. Sometimes things do." Shane looked away. "So why'd you come?"

"Because they called me and I wanted to be sure you were all right."

"I'm fine. You can go now."

"I'm not leaving, Shane."

"Why not? You're pretty good at it, at least lately."

"Shane, I'm not here to fight with you," Declan said. "I do care about you. You know that. It hurt when I found you with Frank, but that doesn't mean I hate you."

"You did a pretty good imitation of hating me the other night, then."

"I was hurt," Declan repeated. "Look, we don't have to discuss this now. You're injured; you should be resting. I'm here, and I'm staying until they tell me visiting hours are over and throw me out."

"They're probably going to send me home tomorrow, unless they find something really wrong with me. They think I have a concussion, but that and the cuts and bumps are all they've found. I'm waiting for them to talk to me about the X-rays."

"I'll wait with you."

"I'm not sure I want you to. You think it hurt you when you found Frank at the house? It hurt me just as much when you accused me of cheating and decided to walk out. Maybe that's a sign that we're better off apart."

"You don't believe that any more than I do."

"I don't know what to believe."

"Good afternoon." A doctor entered the room. "Shane, do you remember seeing me downstairs?"

"Yes, Doctor Hayworth," Shane replied. "The only thing I don't remember is the accident. Otherwise, I'm fine, and I'd like to go home."

"You know we have to keep you overnight," the doctor said. "It's standard procedure with head injuries. You definitely have a concussion, and we need to keep an eye on you for a while." He turned to Declan. "Are you a member of Shane's family?"

"I'm..." Declan trailed off, unsure how to define himself. "I'm a close friend."

"He's my partner," Shane said. "He can hear whatever you have to tell me. Any broken bones or anything, according to the X-rays?"

"Everything looks fine," the doctor said. "You're very lucky. From the way the EMTs described that crash, you could have been hurt much, much worse. Your car was pinned between an SUV and the guardrail, and they had to cut you out of it."

"Don't remember any of that. What caused the accident, does anyone know?"

"I don't know. I'm sure the police will be in touch. You'll have to do insurance paperwork and so on to get your car repaired or replaced. But you're going to be fine, from what the X-rays and tests show. You'll be able to go home in the morning, unless some complication shows up overnight."

"Good to know. Thank you."

"You're welcome. Do you need anything?"

"Something to eat would be good."

"I'll see what we can do."

The doctor left the room. "So there you have it," Shane said. "I'm fine. You can go now."

"I'll have to go soon, since visiting hours will be over, but I'll be back tomorrow," Declan said. "You're going to need a ride home."

"I'll manage. I don't need your pity, Declan."

"It isn't pity." Declan took Shane's hand. "I've been thinking a lot the past few days. I haven't really had anything else to do. I was wrong. You were wrong to bring Frank to the house, but I was wrong to react the way I did. I should have talked it out with you instead of taking off. I'd like to come back."

"I don't know if I want you to. I understand what you felt like when you saw Frank kissing me, but you didn't even give me a chance to explain. I love you, Declan, but if you're going to be that jealous, I don't know if I can be with you."

"All right." Declan stood. "Think about it overnight. I'll come drive you home when they release you tomorrow anyway, and we can talk on the way."

"Okay. Declan?"

"Yes?"

"Thanks for coming."

"You're welcome." Declan left.

* * *

Late the next morning, he received a call from Shane. "They're shipping me out. Are you still willing to drive me home?"

"Of course," Declan said. "It's going to take me a while to get there, though."

"That's okay. They're still getting my instructions ready. See you when you get here."

An hour and a half later, when Declan arrived at the hospital, Shane was dressed and sitting on the edge of his bed. A nurse stood nearby. "I'm good to go," Shane told Declan. "I think they're glad to get rid of me."

"No, you're one of the nice patients," the nurse said. "We're just glad to see you've recovered so quickly."

"We'll see how well I've recovered when I start fighting with the insurance company about getting a new car," Shane said. He stood up and grimaced. "I'm a little stiff, but otherwise fine," he explained.

"Good to hear," Declan said.

They went down to Declan's car. Shane sat in the passenger seat and closed his eyes. "It's impossible to sleep in that place. They kept waking me up every couple hours."

"Well, you can sleep on the way home," Declan said.

"No, we're going to talk on the way home. What are your plans, Declan? If you want to come back to me, that's fine, but if you're going to hold Frank against me for the rest of our lives..."

"No, I'm not." Declan drove out of the parking lot. "As I said, I've had abundant time to think the past few days. You're right. I should have talked it out with you. You said Frank was there to watch a game with you?"

"Yes, and that's the only reason he was supposed to be there. The kiss happened, but not because I wanted it to. And like I said, it was one kiss. Not something to repeat, and not something that would have led to anything else. I don't know what I can say to get you to believe that, Declan."

"I do believe it." Declan hesitated. "I know how I feel about you, Shane, and I know that you feel the same way."

"I love you."

"And I love you. We found each other again in the most unbelievable way, and that should have showed me that we're meant to be together. We need to talk about things; I shouldn't get so angry without finding out the whole story. I want to come back."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

Shane nodded. "All right. I want you back. I've missed you the past few nights."

"Likewise."

When they arrived at Shane's house, Shane took a moment to stretch before going inside. "I could use a massage," he said.

"I'd be happy to oblige," Declan replied.

Shane grinned. "And if it goes beyond a massage?"

"So be it."

They went into the bedroom. Shane lay on his stomach, and Declan started gently massaging his back. "Feels good," Shane said. "Harder."

"You like it hard, huh?" Declan teased.

"You know it."

After several minutes, Shane turned onto his back. His cock bulged at the front of his pants. "Looks like you have something else that wants a massage," Declan said.

"Looks like I'm not the only one," Shane replied. He caressed Declan's shaft. "I'd like to see this."

"Of course." 

Declan stood and stripped. Without getting up, Shane wriggled out of his pants. Declan stroked Shane's cock. "Are you feeling up to this?"

"I think I'm definitely up."

Declan laughed. "I'd say so."

He positioned himself to take Shane's cock into his mouth while Shane sucked Declan's. For several minutes, they pleasured each other with their mouths and hands, until Declan felt himself nearing orgasm and pulled back. "I don't want to come yet," he said.

"I want to come inside you," Shane replied. "Is that okay?"

"If you think you can handle it. You said you were feeling a little stiff."

"Right now, my dick's the only thing that's stiff. Give me the lube."

Declan reached over to the nightstand for the bottle of lube that Shane kept there, and handed the bottle to Shane. He shivered as Shane dripped the cold lube onto his asshole, then moaned as Shane's cock began to penetrate him. "I missed this," Shane said.

"It's only been a few days."

"A few days too long." Shane entered him fully. "Can you tell me you didn't miss it?"

"I missed it." Declan gasped. "God, Shane, that feels good!"

"Yes, it does." Shane thrust hard. "I love you, Declan."

"I love you too."

"No more leaving?"

"No more leaving."

"Good."

Shane fucked him harder, until Declan was no longer able to hold back. "Shane, I'm coming!"

"I'm right behind you."

Declan laughed. "Yes, you are."

"Hold it for a minute, Declan. I want to taste it." Shane groaned as he emptied himself into Declan's ass. "Oh, fuck!" He pulled out. "Give me your cock."

Declan turned to him, and Shane started sucking his cock. After only a few seconds, Declan felt himself erupt into Shane's mouth. "God!"

Shane released Declan's cock. "No, just Shane." He lay down and held out his arms. "Come here."

Declan lay beside him and they held each other. "I'm sorry, Declan," Shane said. "Sorry about everything."

"So am I," Declan said. "It doesn't matter now. It's all right; we're together."

"Forever, I hope." Shane kissed his cheek. "Welcome home, Declan."