Date: Sat, 30 Sep 2006 07:15:45 -0700 (PDT) From: Puer Amore Subject: Visit from David PT IV VISIT FROM DAVID (PT IV) By Barry pueresamo@yahoo.com Disclaimer: This work is one of fiction. Any resemblance of persons or places mentioned in this story to actual persons or places is only slightly more than coincidence. Copyright 2006 Barry. All Rights Reserved. It was cold and dank as the time approached for David to arrive. Travis had built an inviting fire to stave off the weather and make David's arrival the warm and loving experience of hearth and home that I had hoped for. Travis and I stood side-by-side in front of the fire with an arm around each other while the remaining hand was entrusted with a glass of Wild Turkey Liqueur. This is a blessed Christmas for me, indeed, sweet Travis. Ganymede has brought you to me in time to be safe and warm and loved this Christmas, with me. I'm so blessed. I said. Me too! Travis declared. I'm blessed. I'm with my Barry, in our home, where I know I belong and where I know I'm loved. It's the best Christmas I've ever had. I turned to face him and, looking into his irresistible eyes, declared, Oh God, Travis, I can't ever find the words to do you justice. You are perfect joy incarnate to me. You are in me and I in you. It's a true joy, and one I could never deserve. I love you sweet, sweet Travis. I always feel your love, Barry. He replied. It makes me happy, happier than I've ever been. I will love you forever. MERRY CHRISTMAS! Came a familiar voice from the archway to the foyer. My heart leapt at the sound. It was David, my sweet David, standing there in the archway. I rushed to him, Travis right aside me. David placed his suitcase on the foyer floor and placed his arms out to embrace us both. I melted into his embrace as he kissed me. Then he turned to Travis and asked, OK? Travis smiled. Of Course! Travis replied, to my surprise. David kissed him sweetly on the forehead, saying, Merry Christmas, Travis, I'm so glad to see you and to know that you are safe here with Barry. Me Too! David, Travis replied. It's like a wonderful dream. I'm glad you are here with us; it means so much to Barry...and to me too. Thank you, Travis. David replied. It means as much to me as well. I turned to David and said, I'm sorry sweetheart, I didn't hear you come in. Oh, no bother. He replied. The door was open and I could see the fire burning, so I didn't bother to ring the bell. Travis and I looked at each other and said in unison: Ganymede! David smiled and said: What about Ganymede? You'll understand later, when Travis has a chance to tell you his story about how he came to be here. OK. David replied. David surveyed the room and turning to me, said: The tree is beautiful. Everything is just the same as all our Christmases. This is Wonderful. It's so good to be here. He turned to face Travis and said: Now, with you here, Travis, a whole new dimension is added to the joy of the experience. I'm so glad you're here. Thanks David. Travis replied. That makes me feel even more loved. Travis said. Oh, David replied, you are very much loved here, Travis. Barry loves you immeasurably, and I love you more with each minute I spend with you. This is your home now, as it has been mine for many happy years. I join Barry completely in welcoming you home. Travis smiled from ear to ear and said: Thank you David, I welcome you home too. I built a fire to warm you up, wanna see? Absolutely! David exclaimed, as he followed Travis to the fireplace. It's a lovely fire, Travis, perfect, really. It feels good. Thank you for building it for me. Davis said. No Sweat! Travis declared. I knew you'd like it. Barry says you like to warm up to a nice fire, so I built it for you. That was very considerate of you Travis. I really appreciate it. David replied. You're welcome, Travis replied. I'm glad you like it. I'll bet you're hungry, I blurted. Well, actually, I'm Starvicating! David declared. I laughed. I hadn't heard that old Texas colloquialism since David was a kid. Travis quickly picked up on it and said: Yeah! Me too, I'm starvicating. Well, that just won't do at all. I declared. I'll warm up the car and we'll go over to Trey. I made the usual reservations for us. Maybe Trey, himself, will come out of the kitchen long enough to say hi. Great! In the little private room? David asked. Of course. I replied. Oh, David said, let's take my rental. It's already warmed up and paid for by the production company. OK. I asserted. Dinner was the usual delightful experience that our friend, Trey, had always made it for us. Indeed, at one point, he personally emerged from the kitchen to serve our dessert. I'm sure, too, he was curious that the reservation was for three rather than two. David! Trey exclaimed. It's so good to see you. Merry Christmas, Welcome Home! Then, turning to Travis, Trey continued, Oh my God! Who is this gorgeous young god? Where in Greece did you find him? Trey, I interrupted, allow me to introduce you to Travis. Travis, this is Trey, the world's finest chef and owner of this establishment. He's been our friend for many years and now he'll be your friend, as well. Travis extended his hand and said: Glad to meet you Trey, dinner was fabulous, Thank you. I'm honored, replied Trey; I'm so pleased that you enjoyed it. A compliment like that, so obviously heartfelt, is better than applause. Merry Christmas, Trey. I declared. Thanks, as always, for a delightful evening. You're the best. I insisted. Awhhhh, Trey replied. I was waiting for him to blush. No, it's true, don't be modest. You really are. I insisted. Aw, he said, I'm just a fat old faggot who knows a little about cooking. Travis interrupted; Oh, you mustn't ever call yourself that, Trey. No Way! Trey smiled and turning to Travis said: Thank you Travis. It's very kind of you to care about someone you only just met. Travis replied; I used to call myself that too, but Barry has taught me better. Trey turned to me, in astonishment and asked: Where did you find this angel? Ganymede brought him to me, much as he did David. I replied. So, Trey replied, Ganymede has brought you still another beautiful, loving angel huh? He has, indeed. I declared. I'm happy beyond words. I can see why, Trey said. He's a pure delight. Travis, by now, had begun to blush. Trey turned to Travis and said; Travis, since tomorrow is Christmas Day, and it's your first with Barry and David, I'd like to invite you, David and Barry to come again tomorrow as my guests. Travis turned to me for assurance. I nodded. OK! Thanks Trey. Travis said. It'll be my Christmas gift and it would mean a lot to me for you to be here. I'll call Barry tomorrow and set up a time, right after we close tomorrow afternoon. It'll just be us. We'll be here! I interjected, if it's OK with David. David nodded. In the meantime, I'll do some research and determine just what is best to serve an angel. Trey suggested with a smile. I don't care if it's hot dogs! Travis exclaimed with a grin. Oh, I think we can do a little better than that...we'll see. Trey said as he winked at me. I'll let you enjoy your dessert now, and can't wait to see you tomorrow. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT! Trey shouted as he left the room. David and Travis were really having a great time. Teasing and giggling, doing a sword fight with their dessert spoons to see who would get the most of the crème Brule. Wow! I thought, they are really enjoying each other. I'd almost forgotten how playful David could be. I was so pleased to see their joyful interplay. They were really hitting it off, as I had so hoped they would. I had some more serious matters I wanted to discuss with the two of them, but it could wait till we got home, so I sat back and laughed along with the two of them, watching the bond between them forming before my very eyes. I was delighted. It was the best Christmas present I could have ever hoped for. They were so different, yet, so alike: Travis, with his fair skin, light blond hair, including its almost-white highlights, those hypnotic, deep blue eyes, and that lithe swimmer's physique. David; with his olive skin, sandy blond hair, beautiful, magic Hazel eyes, and his Glawsonesque, athletic build. Yet, they had the same quick wit, obvious intelligence, and a love for the therapy that is to be found in laughter. I love them both beyond words, I thought. God, I love them so. It had begun spitting snow as we arrived home. David had pulled one of his corny old Christmas jokes on Travis: Travis, David asked. How many of those present at the Nativity Scene can you name? Well, Travis thought, let's see...Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus...the angel...the shepherd boy.... You left out round John Virgin! David exclaimed. Who? Travis asked...I don't remem.... Sure, you know, David interrupted.... "Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child" David sang. OOOOOH! That was bad. Travis retorted with a grin. They both began laughing again, as David shut off the engine. I hope this snow continues through the night. I said to them both. We almost NEVER have a white Christmas in Dallas. It would be all the more special if we have one tomorrow. The scent of pine welcomed us into the house. Travis' fire had diminished while we were at Trey so he went right to the garage to get more wood. He returned, stoked the fire and added more wood. It couldn't get any better! I exclaimed. The three of us together for Christmas, Travis' warm fire, and the love we have for each other. I'm so grateful. Me too! Exclaimed Travis. I am more happy than I've been in my whole life. Me three! David exclaimed. I can feel the love in my heart even as I can feel the warmth of Travis' fire. It's wonderful. I'm so glad to be here with you. Anyone up for a relaxing visit to the hot tub? I asked. That would be great! David said. The spa is so relaxing. I never get the chance to enjoy one since I've been in Europe. I'll go turn on the heater. It'll take about a half hour for it to come to temperature, so we can chat as we wait. I suggested. David, would you play bartender, while I fire up the spa? I asked. Sure, he said, the usual, all around? He asked. Sure! Travis responded. We gathered around Travis' fire as we waited for the spa to come to temperature. Listen, you two, I began, I want to have a brief chat about something rather serious. OK, David and Travis answered, almost in unison. If anything should happen to me...I started. Oh Barry! David injected. You mustn't think of such a thing, especially at Christmas. On the contrary, I said, I must think about it, especially while I have the two of you here. The love I have for each of you compels me to think about it. It won't take long, and, afterward, we won't need to talk about it any more. Our friend, Paul...I started. Paul, the attorney? David asked. Yes, I answered. Paul is putting together a revocable trust to protect Travis if anything should happen to me...pretty much identical to the trust I set up for you, sweet David. Now, then, I continued, here's what I want the two of you to give some thought to. If you both agree to it, I'd like to make David the trustee of this trust. Paul would remain legal counsel, of course, and I the primary trustee and administrator. If I should die or become incapacitated, my responsibilities would transfer to you, David, if you are willing. I can't think of anyone whom I could trust to care for my sweet Travis as I trust you, David. You don't need to answer now; you can both take some time to think it over. What's to think about? David asked rhetorically. Of Course, I'd be honored to serve in that capacity, if Travis will accept me into that role, and of course, I'd do my very best to care for him as I believe you would in every case, Barry. You know I would! David exclaimed. Yes, I know you would, David. Travis, like you, is more precious to me than my life, and my love for him compels me to protect him in every way. I understand completely, David responded. I would protect him with my very life. I would never allow any harm to come to him...same as you have always done for me. I know how much you love and care for Travis, It's Obvious! I love him too. At first, because I know how much you love him, but even already, I'm developing more and more love for him because he engenders it in me, DON'T WORRY, I'll take care of him. If he'll have me, that is. Travis, I said, please think about this. I know it's a novel consideration for a young man of your age, but I want you to be comfortable with my decision, especially since it is you whom would be affected by it. Well...Travis said...I trust you completely, Barry. If you choose David, that's OK with me. Plus, he loves me, you heard him say so yourself...so I say YES! Do it! NOW! David injected. Can we get off this morose subject...IT'S CHRISTMAS! We stripped in the anteroom, adjacent to the pool, with the outside door leading to the pool. Oh, it's good you're circumcised, David. Travis said. Yes, David replied. I've always been grateful for that favor. I'm even more appreciative of my circumcision after reading Barry's recent article on the topic. Barry has been my only partner, so I've never had to worry, but still, it's good to know that I'm 70% less likely to contract HIV should I ever fall in a moment of weakness. David turned to me and said: Speaking of HIV, I'd like to take a few moments to visit Bryan and Sam while I'm here. It could be my last opportunity to spend a little time with Bryan. Of course, I said with a nod. Who's Bryan and Sam? Travis inquired. They are friends of ours. Bryan is in what appears to be the final stage of Kaposi Sarcoma, which is a type of cancer that those with HIV/ AIDS contract. It's nearly always fatal. He's in Hospice care. Sammy, his lover, stays at his side. They have been lovers for many years. Sam will, likely, be by himself pretty soon. It will be devastating for him. We'll do what we can to assure him we all love him and that we're here for him. That's sad. Travis said. You're circumcised too, Travis! David exclaimed, to change the subject. Yes, Travis responded. I don't have to worry though. I belong to Barry...ALL of me, so I won't be doing anything with anyone else. Wonderful! David exclaimed. Turning to me, David said: I think Travis would break any Orchidometer I've ever seen. Yes, I agreed. He's already off the chart...must be at least 28 or 29. Orchi-what? Travis inquired. Orchidometer, I responded. It's a chart that doctors use to measure the size of one's testicles against those represented on the chart. It gives the doctor an idea just how far one has advanced into puberty. Your testicles, as we have discussed before, are quite large and would probably exceed the chart, Travis. That's good, huh? Travis asked. Oh Yeah! David injected. That's very good. The water was at 106 Degrees F. Perfect! I declared, as I switched on the Jacuzzi pump. The steam was rising from the spa as we scampered the few feet to the spa. Ahhhhhhhh was the collective sigh from the three of us as we slowly lowered ourselves into the water.