Date: Mon, 25 Apr 2005 00:12:14 -0500 From: Jason Leigh Subject: Up Close and Personal- Chapter 8 The story is fiction. It isn't based on any real characters, events, places and situations. There is no relationship between the names used and that of any real person. CHAPTER 8 Shane sighed with contentment when his lover's moist tongue licked the back of his neck. He raised his head slightly off the pillow and whispered, "That feels so good." The wet tongue licked his cheek and a tingle traveled down his spine with every touch of the moist tongue. He felt himself getting harder with every lick and he let out an involuntary shiver when he felt a nuzzling in his ear. He opened his eyes slowly and murmured, "Now this is something I could get used to." Missing the warmth of his lover's body next to his, he leaned back to embrace him, but he felt nothing. Suddenly there was a brush of wiry hair on his cheek. Actually it felt more like fur. He was startled when he heard the sound of heavy panting. What the fuck was that? He scrambled off the bed as fast as he could and whirled around in fright. She lay on the bed where Leo should've been. Her head was down on her front paws and her brown eyes stared longingly at him. "Jasmine!" She skittered off the bed happily when she heard her name and came to lie at his feet. "Bad dog," he scolded as he scooped her up and looked around the room, wondering how she got in. He heard the shower running and although the door was closed, a sliver of light still shone from beneath. He took a step toward the door, and then shook his head and sat on the bed. He looked down at Jasmine and blushed when he recollected that only moments ago, he'd been turned on by her ministrations. "You've got the honor of being the only female who can still turn me on," he whispered. He looked out the window and stared at the orange blue skies of dawn. It was still so early but he had to be at work soon. He felt Jasmine clamoring in his arms so he let her go. He fell back against the bed and squinted at the clock on the nightstand. It was early but he had to be at work soon. Looking at the rumpled sheets, he stretched out his hand and ran his fingers through the folds and turns as memories of the night before flooded back to him; he remembered every kiss, every moan, every lick, every bite, every thrust, everything. He was nervous. Beyond that door was the man he was in love with. While he was relieved that Leo hadn't ditched him this time; he was uneasy about what lay ahead. The dating scene was actually new to Shane. He'd been with Drew for so long that he'd forgotten the awkwardness that always occurred the morning after. What exactly did one say to a person you'd just fucked? Uh, thanks? That was great? Want to do it again sometime? Shit! He looked at the bed and briefly considered crawling back under the sheets. He could deal with loneliness, but he wasn't sure how to handle Leo. So they'd fucked. Big deal. Granted, Leo was a great fuck. No, scratch that. He was the best fuck he'd ever had. Okay, so it was a big fucking deal. Suddenly he wished that he could back track to the moment he'd kissed and dragged him into his apartment. He certainly couldn't blame Leo for that. It'd been all his doing. The jarring ring of the phone suddenly interrupted Shane's thoughts. He sat up and looked at it while debating whether or not to answer. He reached for the phone and had already hit the talk button when he glanced at the caller ID. He sighed, "Hello?" "Hey, did I wake you?" "No. Not really," he sighed. "How're you doing?" "Uh, good." "Good." Shane sighed again. "What's wrong?" "Nothing." "You keep sighing. Are you alright?" "You tell me what's wrong, Drew." "Huh?" "It's six o'clock in the morning, you just woke me up and you're asking if I'm alright?" "You said you weren't sleeping." "Well I should be." "But you're awake now, so can we please have a civil conversation?" There was uncomfortable silence until Shane broke it by saying, "What do you want?" "I ... ah ... I miss you." More silence. "I said I miss you." "I heard you." "Is that all you've got to say." Shane couldn't prevent the sarcastic tone that crept into his voice "You miss me?" "That's what I said." "Are you kidding me? You walk out on me for the second time in three months and you want me to believe you miss me? What the hell is this? Fuck with Shane's feelings Day? Well let me tell you, Drew, you're definitely gunning for 1st place." "Don't make this about me. It's your fault I left. You made it clear that you'd rather be with someone else." "I never said that." "So what do you call crying out someone else's name when we're making love?" Shane didn't know how to answer that question, so he remained silent. "I didn't call to rehash the past. I just want to tell you that I miss you." "Then you should be here," whispered Shane. "Do you want me to?" He went silent again. "I didn't think so. I don't think we're ready for that either." Shane finally gave in, "I miss you too." "I've been trying to reach you but you're not returning my calls. I don't understand what's going on? Are you avoiding me? I left you a bunch of messages and you never even called back. I know we're not together anymore, but I thought we could still be friends ..." "Drew, let's cut the crap okay? You left me, for what must be the millionth fucking time. It hurts. I didn't take your calls because I had no reason to. We can't be friends and act like there never was anything between us. I don't need another friend." "And I don't want a friend either. I just want you." "You always say that." "And I mean it." "Why did you really call?" asked Shane in an effort to change the subject. "How's Jasmine?" "Fuck you," he replied. Drew laughed, "Okay, do you want go to dinner sometime?" "No." "Lunch?" "No." "Drinks?" "Didn't you hear what I just said? I can't do that friendship thing." "I heard you," Drew replied. "But I'm not asking you as a friend." It took Shane a few moments to realize the implications of that statement, "You're asking me on a date?" "That's about right." "I ... I ...oh shit ... I don't think it's a good idea..." "Fine, let's do coffee." Shane replied slowly, "Okay." "Today?" "What? No!" "You do know what today is, don't you?" Shane thought hard, "You birthday isn't till December ... " "It's our 3rd anniversary." "Oh ... But we met in June." "Today's the first time we ..." he didn't finish his sentence. "Fucked?" guessed Shane. "I guess that's a way to put it." "I'm sorry. I forgot." "I know." "I guess I could do coffee today," replied Shane very reluctantly. "You don't have to. I just thought today would be the perfect day to ..." "I said I'll do it," Shane interjected. "You don't sound too excited." "I am." "I'm not rushing you, am I? You do want to start over?" "I guess." "Don't do me any favors." "I'm not. Look, lets talk some more and we'll see where it goes from there." "Fine. We could go to Casablanca since it's near your studio. Does eleven sound good?" "Uh... let's make it twelve ... no, one o'clock ... no twelve." "You're not going to back out on me, are you?" asked Drew accusingly. "No, I'm not." "Great. I guess I'll see you at twelve." "Yeah." "Shane, I lov..." "Don't ... Don't say it." There was another long moment of uncomfortable silence. "I've got to go, Drew." "Okay." Shane hung up. He closed his eyes and wondered what the fuck he'd gotten himself into. There was silence and he realized that the sounds of running water in the shower were no more. He got off the bed and made his way to the bathroom door slowly, listening for sounds but he heard nothing. Suddenly, he heard Leo's voice. He hadn't realized that he was holding his breath until he let it out slowly. "No, Paul. I said there's no fucking way I'm gonna do that." Shane knew that he shouldn't be listening. It was a private conversation between Leo and his manager. He should walk away ... "Paul, listen to me ... I said no. You're my fucking manager; you're supposed to look out for me. No, you're not ..." There was a long silence making Shane wonder if the conversation was over and then... "Shit. That's less than fifty percent ... I ... shit, Paul. I don't know." Silence again. "No. That's it. Tell them I said no ... Well, fuck you Paul but I think I know what's in my best interest ... No, I don't need time think about it... Yes, I'm thinking about the other guys and I guess they're just gonna have to deal with it." A pause and then, "Well, screw the other guys; I am the fucking band." He realized that the sounds seemed to be getting closer and closer so he returned to the bed as fast as he could. Just in time for the bathroom door to swing open. Shane shut his eyes tight while pretending to be asleep. If he was confused before, he didn't think there was a word to describe how he felt right now. The men in his life never ceased to surprise him. He stole a glance at the bathroom and saw nothing but a cloud of steam at first. Then he saw him holding a cell phone to his ear and talking softly into it. Shane could make out droplets of water clinging to the ends of the long dark strands and finally dripping down to his skin. He admired the great view of Leo's broad shoulders that tapered down to his lean waist and he felt a sudden urge to rip off the towel wrapped around Leo and lick him dry. He shut his eyes quickly to reduce the urge. He heard a click and footsteps approaching him. The bed dipped slightly and then he heard nothing. Then a drop of water fell on his lower lip. His eyes shot open and he stared into the teasing brown eyes of Leo whose face was inches from his. He took in a deep breath and inhaled the cool scent of water and soap. His tongue darted out to lick the droplet on his lip and Leo's gaze moved down abruptly. His eyes which had been teasing only moments ago suddenly grew darker with desire. He brushed the pad of his index finger against Shane's moist lip. Then he did it again and again. Until Shane parted his lips and took in the finger. Sucking on it slowly and then deliberately letting it slip in and out. In and out. There was silence except for the soft slurping sound of Shane's sucking. Leo's breathing became labored as he watched. He pulled out his finger gently and cupped Shane's cheek, and then he kissed him softly and pulled back. He pushed away the silk sheet that was a barrier between their bodies, and moved until his body covered Shane's completely. He pressed down against him, reveling in the heat that emanated from his lover's warm skin. Shane leaned forward and slid his arms across Leo's waist, finally giving in to his urge by tugging off the towel and throwing it on the floor. His fingers moved over Leo's spine, sliding back and forth across his moist skin. He skimmed his lips lightly across Leo's jaw and then came to rest on his lips, moaning softly when Leo's tongue teased his mouth open and drew breath out of him. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he realized that there was no urgency in what they were doing. He liked the slow teasing way they were able to express their needs to each other. Even without words, he knew exactly what Leo wanted, and as they kissed gently, he realized that Leo wanted to take it up a notch, so he spread his thighs as he felt Leo nudging him with his knee. Leo quickly settled between them and slid his erect cock in between Shane's cheeks. He grasped Shane's waist tightly and lifted him several inches off the bed and Shane held on to his shoulders and wrapped his legs around him. His grip slid down to Shane's butt and he pulled his cheeks apart and pushed up against him. Shane moaned at the pressure he felt against his throbbing hole. He tried to push down but Leo held him still, squeezing his cheeks tighter but only rubbing his cock head against Shane's entrance. His lips pressed against Shane's lips roughly. Pushing his tongue into Shane's open mouth as Shane sucked on it. He moved one hand up to the back of Shane's head pulling him deeper while the other hand still grasped Shane's butt. His breathing was ragged and shallow. He was denying both of them the pleasure they craved, but he still resisted the urge to rush their lovemaking. He had no idea when next they would do this again, if ever. Shane's body was a mass of sensations and emotions; he was quivering, shivering and whimpering, all at the same time. He couldn't even string words together, "Ah... Ah... Ah." Leo pulled Shane down on his erection but held him still when last than an inch had gone in. He could feel the moist lubricant that still coated his lover's hole, so he pulled out again and moved his hips in a circular motion around the puckered hole. His cock head rubbed against Shane's skin, leaving a trail of precum in its path. Shane let out a loud groan of frustration, so Leo stopped at his entrance one final time, inserting his tongue back in between Shane's lips and then he surged forward. He filled Shane completely. And then stopped. Shane gasped out loud and Leo covered his mouth with kisses, moaning into him. He held his lover; not moving an inch as Shane's ring gripped him tight and his cock pulsed inside him. Shane fingers were stiff against his shoulders; drawing him closer but pushing him away at the same time. Wanting him to stop but unable to resist the undeniable flames of pleasure he was experiencing. Leo slid out slowly and then Shane bucked downward, pulling him back in. Shane's hole gripped him so tight and it felt warm and smooth in there. They moved together so that they found a slow steady rhythm; long, deep, strokes that satisfied them. He reached forward and grasped Shane's cock which lay hard and leaking between them. He stroked it in tune to their thrusts and then let go when he felt that Shane was close to the edge. He pushed in deep and paused, wanting to see his lover's reaction as he pushed on his prostrate. Shane threw his head back and let out little gasps of pleasure that were being forced out of him. He clutched Leo harder and wished he could communicate to him that he wanted, no needed the release. Right now. He opened his eyes which were cloudy with passion and stared at Leo. He understood that Leo needed this; this total control over him, and he gave it to him willingly, but he also sensed something else in the way Leo was prolonging their lovemaking and he didn't think he liked it. Leo slid out of Shane one more time. Studying him closely, he was inwardly thrilled that he could do this to him. He was the one who always lost control when he was with Shane, and he liked seeing the tables turned. He sped up his thrusts and dragged both of them over the edge, finally giving them both what they'd been after. In between loud groans and moans, Shane's cock lurched and began releasing long strings of cum. Leo grasped his waist roughly, holding him still as Shane's ring tightened around his cock and caused it explode. They shook as they released, clinging to each other and never wanting to let go. Leo had been supporting Shane's weight and as their spasms subsided, he laid him back down carefully so that he wouldn't separate their bodies. They were both slick with sweat and Shane's cum which had splattered on them. Their breathing slowed down and Leo raised his head to look Shane. Shane's lips curved into a slow smile. He opened his mouth to say something, but Leo covered it gently with his. When Leo released him, he said lazily, "Good Morning." Leo laid his head back on Shane's chest, listening to the thumping sounds of his lover's heart beat. Shane lifted his hand and ran it through Leo's wet hair. It smelled like sweat, shampoo... and Leo. He sighed and asked the one question he really didn't want to ask. "Is this goodbye?" Leo raised his head in surprise. "Why you think...?" "I felt it when we made love." Leo returned to the comfortable sound of Shane's beating heart. He drew circles around the Shane's left nipple and then finally answered, "I've gotta go back to Los Angeles today. I wouldn't if I didn't have to..." "It's okay. I understand." "I still want to see you but I go on tour next week. I won't be in New York anytime soon." He felt Shane's heartbeat speed up, so he continued quickly, "Come with me." Shane didn't think he heard correctly, "What?" "I said, come with me." This was what he'd been waiting for; an offer from Leo that would extend their relationship. So why wasn't he jumping at it. "I can't." "Why?" "Work." "I don't think I've ever seen your show," said Leo. "You should." "I don't watch television." Shane had been stroking Leo's hair, but he paused when he heard that. "I'll make an exception in this case," Leo added quickly. Shane resumed his caresses. "What's it called?" he asked. "Up close and Personal." "How often do you tape new episodes?" "Three times a week," he replied. "How many have you taped this week?" Shane sighed, "I know what you're getting at. I just don't think it would be a very good idea. Let's take things slowly." "You don't have to come now. But I'd love to see you." He looked up into Shane's eyes, "I mean it." He slid up Shane's chest and kissed his shoulder and then his neck. He took the soft skin in between his teeth and sucked on it gently. "Don't leave a mark," murmured Shane. "I've got a live show later today." Leo grinned evilly and continued sucking. Whispering against Shane's skin, he said, "Tell me you'll come to LA." Shane shivered involuntarily because of the sensations Leo was causing in him. He said reluctantly, "Don't push me. If I change my mind, I'll let you know." Leo pulled back and responded, "It's okay to let yourself go, Shane. Stop holding back. I can feel it. Tell me what's going on?" Shane sighed and thought to himself, well my boyfriend just called and there might be a chance that I'll get back with him. I don't want to screw it up by chasing you to LA like a lovesick puppy. He blinked and forced a smile, "There's nothing wrong. What time are you leaving?" Leo smiled, "Smooth change of topic. While we're at it, I've got a question." Shane's blue eyes widened in surprise as he wondered what Leo wanted to ask. Did he overhear the call from Drew? Did he hear him listening to his conversation with Paul? "You've got a lot of CDs out there," Leo began and he waved his hand towards the leaving room. "I noticed you had a lot Celine Dion CDs." Crap! Shane thought. Of all the things in his apartment, Leo had to notice his CDs. It made sense since he was a musician, but still... He'd endured enough jokes from Jenny as a result of his taste in music; he didn't think he could stand another person laughing at him. "They're not mine," he blurted out quickly. "Oh. Whose are they?" Shit! Now he'd have to admit that someone else lived here. "Uhh... they're for a friend." Now, Leo looked very amused. "So what kind of music do you like?" he asked. Shane thought quickly, what kind of music did Leo sing? "Rock," he replied. "What kind of rock?" "Uh, what do you mean?" "There're a bunch of different types of rock; heavy metal, punk, alternative, classic, folk, goth ... which do you like?" Shane knew he was busted so he asked instead, "Why do you want to know?" Leo shrugged, "Because... you changed the topic and I want to know everything about you." He sighed. He knew next to nothing about rock music. "So...?" Light bulb! Shane smiled and replied, "I like your type of rock." Leo grinned, "So what's your favorite album?" "Uhh..." "First, second or third album?" Shane remembered he'd read somewhere, maybe Rolling Stone, that Leo's most recent album was very good. "I like the third," he said. Leo leaned forward and pressed his lips against Shane's. Then he pulled back and laughed, "There is no third album. I've released only two." Shane blushed, "You tricked me." "You lied to me," replied Leo. Shane said nothing. "I don't know why you'd feel that you have to hide anything from me... I admit that you've got terrible taste in music..." Shane smiled, "She's a really good singer." "It's nothing but manufactured clichéd crap." "Wow, thanks." "But I love that you love it." "You do?" "It's different," Leo said. "And I've still got time to refine your taste." He ran his fingers through the dried cum on Shane's chest and added softly, "Don't lie to me again. I don't like it." Shane nodded. He got off the bed and made his way to the bathroom. He paused at the door and glanced at Leo, "Aren't you coming?" Leo exhaled in relief, "Thought you'd never ask." I apologize to all those who wrote to me. I always intended to continue this story but life kind of interrupted my writing. I think I stopped replying emails in February so I'm really sorry if yours was one of those. This is the first part of a really long chapter that I still haven't completed. I hope to post the other parts soon. No promises. Please write if you've got a comment on anything in this chapter... or anything else. I'd really love to know. And I swear, I've started replying emails now. Scout's honor. jayse@mindless.com