Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2024 03:20:47 +0000 (UTC)
From: Joseph Klimczak <at3unit3@yahoo.com>
Subject: The Tales of Sol 72C

The Tales of Sol 72B
By Joe at3unit3@yahoo.com

This is a fictional story it is not intended to imply that any members of
the Backstreet Boys, Nsync, or 98 Degrees are gay, or any of the other
celebrities mentioned are homosexuals. If you are not old enough to read
these stories do yourself a favor and don't get caught. The same goes for
those people whose countries have these sites made illegal. And for
everyone else enjoy

Captain Planet and related characters were created by R.E Turner and
copyrighted by AOL Time Warner Company and Trademark by TBS Productions

Babylon 5 and all related characters and props were created by Michael
Straczynski and copyrighted by Warner Bros.

Star Trek and all related characters created by Gene Roddenberry.
Copyright Paramount

Transformers and all related characters, and props are trademarked by
Hasbro Inc. Copyright Rhino Home Videos and AOL Time Warner Entertainment
CO

He-Man, She-Ra, related characters, and props are trademarked by Filmation
1980s

Buffy, the Vampire Slayer, Angel, and all related characters created by
Joss Whedon.  Copyright 20th Century Fox.

Batman, and all related characters created by Bob Kane. Copyright DC Comics
and Warner Bros.

X-MEN and all related characters were created by Stan Lee. Copyright Marvel
Comics and 20th Century Fox.

To those who've been reading Tales of Sol. I want you to know that while
there is sex in this story. That is not is sole purpose and yes I do hope
the sex sense makes you all hard and gets you off.

Sol is an adaption from my childhood favorite show Captain Planet and the
Planeteers, The cartoon showed us that the world can be a better place if
we took a few moments to care for it.

Tales of Sol is meant to express hope.

It also shows how music can have an impact in our lives. While I don't know
if my favorite bands 98 Degrees, Backstreet Boys, or Nsync have ever read
this. They saw me through some of the hardest moments of my life and
offered in their own way hope. To them, I say thank you.

I dedicate the Tales of Sol to all of my brothers and sisters of the US
Armed Service past, present, and future.

I like to thank my friends whom I had the privilege of showing these
chapters with. They helped with editing and inspiration,

John Rivera, Albert-Russ Alan Rivera-Odum, Derbe.D. Hunte Yvette Ortiz
Samuel Diaz Jr for all their help in Making The Tales of Sol an enjoyable
story to write.

And I have a few other names starting with the beginner of this universe.

James is the author of Tales of a Real Dark Knight. I still hope to
reconnect with you dear friend and all the rest of this series.

Blake the author of Tales of a New Phoenix

Jeremi author of the Tales of Young Mutants

I am adding a few more remarks. I have entered into the 21st century of AI
editing, I have been using various AI programs to help with grammar checks,
clarity, and improvements to my story.

This story was edited with the help of GPT Workspace, Grammarly, Microsoft
Copilot, and Quillbot AI software.

AI Use Disclosure: I used GPT Workspace to generate some text for my story,
Grammarly to check my grammar and spelling, Microsoft Copilot to write some
code snippets, and Quillbot to paraphrase some sentences. I verified the
accuracy and originality of the AI-generated content and cited the sources
that I used for reference.

References:

GPT Workspace. (2024, January 9). Version 1.0. [AI tool]. GPT Workspace
Inc. https://gptworkspace.com/

Grammarly. (2024, January 9). Version 5.6. [AI tool]. Grammarly
Inc. https://www.grammarly.com/

Microsoft Copilot. (2024, January 9). Version 2.3. [AI tool]. Microsoft
Corporation. https://copilot.github.com/

Quillbot. (2024, January 9). Version 4.2. [AI tool]. Quillbot
Inc. https://quillbot.com/

The Tales of Sol 72C

Hawaiian Get Away



Back onshore, Sol was now recharging in the Crystal Matrix and I was Mike
once again.

 I lingered just long enough to bask in the crowd's murmurs of awe and
gratitude, their voices a collective testament to Sol's timely
intervention. With a sense of satisfaction in my heart, I made my way to
the hotel.

At the reception, ID in hand, I was smoothly checked in and escorted to my
room by a particularly charming local bellboy of Hawaiian descent, his
allure not lost on me. A playful thought crossed my mind--if circumstances
were different, he'd have certainly caught more than just my attention. But
devotion held me true.

"Ah well, what can I say? A guy can still appreciate a view, can't he? I am
gay, so sue me." I mused to myself, accepting my room key and heading
upstairs for some well-deserved rest after a night of superhuman feats.

As the suite door clicked open, the bellboy's professional courtesy sparked
a flight of fantasy in my mind. Nevertheless, I kept it strictly business,
thanking him with a generous cash tip for his assistance. My mind then
shifted back to the pressing tasks ahead.

Once settled, I swiftly unpacked my laptop and brought it to life, letting
it recharge while I worked. The backlog of messages, emails, and reports
was addressed briskly--an evening of digital housekeeping that cleared the
slate for the morning.

With the business side of things managed and my laptop now humming as it
refueled, I sought out Brian, drawn by the inextricable connection between
us. I left my hotel room and went in search for my Imzadi I navigated
through the hallway, finally entering his room to find him bathed in the
serene silver light of the moon. It highlighted his profile, casting an
ethereal glow that rendered him akin to a figure in a painting--utterly
captivating.

I approached, eager to collapse into the circle of his arms. "Hi, sweetie,"
I whispered, my voice laden with affection.

But Brian, playful and cheeky, raised a hand to stay my advance. "There's a
toll for the privilege," he said, his grin hinting at the price of
admission.

Taken aback by the unanticipated barrier, my brow arched
inquisitively. "Oh?"

His coy voice accompanied a smirk. "Yeah, so pay up."

Offering a dramatic flourish, I jousted in jest. "How much dost thou
require, milord?" The words carried a playful but horrible `Old English'
accent.

Brian's response came with a familiar quirk in his head. "Just a kiss," he
stated simply.

Heart buoyed by love, I leaned forward. "Oh, is that all?" I chirped before
engulfing him in a tender, laughter-edged embrace.

As our kisses deepened, Brian sighed contentedly, "Yes, that's all."

Plunging back into the parody, I jested, "Then thou shalt have abundant
kisses, milord," laying waste to the proper use of 'Old English,' all the
while showering him with affection.

Brian teased me through his sarcasm. "Thou could use a lesson in ancient
dialects."

But before he could summon another witty quip, I sealed his lips with mine,
my hands tracing the contours of his frame. Thus, quelled were any attempts
at verbal sparring. Not that either of us harbored any real objections; we
had found bliss in closeness and the quiet communication of touch.

Our foreheads resting together cocooned in our shared space on the chair,
we soaked in the nearness. It was Brian who broke the silence first with a
caring lift of his hand to my chin and our blue eyes locked on to each
other. "How did it go?" His question about the rescue operation followed a
quiet moment to recollect our breaths, punctuating our interlaced fingers'
tender, undulating rhythm, and whispering affections.

"Not bad at all; just dealing with rescuing an entire cruise liner and a
leaky oil tanker. Pretty standard stuff, really. Hawaii could do without
its beaches turning into a petroleum slip 'n slide," I joked lightly,
punctuating with a reciprocal kiss.

"Mike, watching Sol in action--saving people, ships, and the planet--it's
just incredible," Brian said, his voice imbued with admiration. "I'm really
proud of you."

Feeling a warm glow from his praise, I replied, "It brings me joy to do my
bit to keep our world pristine and welcoming for everyone here."

"But there's more, Mike," Brian continued a note of enthusiasm in his
voice. "Your alter ego made quite the splash with the locals when you
soared off earlier."

As if to underscore Sol's expanding influence, Brian shared the taxi story,
relaying how the cabbie had been educated about Sol's heroics by an
impromptu performance from Nick. It was a grounding moment to learn of the
positive impact Sol had across different states--Pennsylvania, New Jersey,
New York, and now, Hawaii--a comprehensive list for any superhero's
résumé.

Basking in the peace of each other's embrace, our quiet interlude was
suddenly shattered by insistent knocking. "How do they always manage to
interrupt like that?" I grumbled in feigned irritation.

"Go away!" Brian called out, both of us wishing for a little more privacy.

AJ's playful retort came from the other side of the door. "But we have
plans!"

"You can entertain yourself because we're occupied right now," I called
back, annoyance feigning in my voice against AJ's feigned sorrow.

AJ didn't skip a beat, playfully whining, "I wanna watch though."

I pulled Brian in closer, claiming my territory. "I've already claimed
Brian," I teased, much to Brian's chagrin and mild embarrassment. my love
was absolutely beautiful, blushing. I could see it in his sexy profile the
attempts to think of something to say to AJ and me to stop us from
continuing.

"But Brian promised!" AJ persisted, playing along with the banter.

After a soft growl only Brian could hear, I reluctantly stood from the
comfort of Brian's lap to confront AJ.

With mock annoyance, I opened the door. "What do you want, really?"

With a Cheshire-like grin. "Just to give you guys shit," AJ confessed,
still smiling.

As if all his sins were forgiven, I opened the door wide and gestured for
him to enter. "Well, then, come on in," I invited, already resigned to the
invasion of our privacy.

AJ entered, Before the invitation could even be settled, Nick put his hand
up, preventing the door from closing, making a grand entrance the little
bastard barged in. Followed closely by Kevin and Howie. I was taken back to
a thought I had back in New York about Brian and I hosting a gathering of
the group, and it looks like that idea has manifested itself here in
Hawaii. Much to my dismay.

The look on Brian's face showed the same thoughts I had. "Now see what
you've started?" Brian said with a chuckle, everyone finding amusement in
AJ's successful mission to draw us all together.

"Well, they are family, after all," I rationalized, watching the array of
expressions that flickered across the faces of those closest to me,
emotionally archiving the moment.

The look on all of their faces was a Kodak moment, and I mentally recorded
it.

Brian, ever-observant, broke the collective silence. "You have a knack for
finding just the right words, Mike," he remarked, his tone touched by
emotion as he dabbed at his eye.

With a nod, I conceded, "It's my gift."

Howie sought to shift the mood, his practicality surfacing amid the
sentiment. "Touching as this is, let's not forget--we have a concert in a
few hours."

Kevin, more aware of the itinerary, was quick with a correction. "Actually,
we've still got a couple of days until showtime."

Howie theatrically massaged his eyes, feigning exhaustion. "C'mon, give me
some slack. After a flight that long, who wouldn't be wrangling with a bout
of jetlag?"

Nick, shifting the focus, questioned, "Any ideas for what's on the agenda,
then?"

Kevin, taking the reins, laid out the evening's plan with
resolve. "Considering we're all likely jetlagged, I went ahead and booked
us dinner reservations at the hotel for tonight."

"Great, when are we going to do that?" Nick's well-timed question couldn't
have been more apt, as his stomach punctuated the conversation with a
well-timed growl, eliciting laughter from everyone.

As the chuckles subsided, Kevin assured him, "Soon, Nick, soon." With the
group in better spirits, we prepared for a night of unwinding and dining--a
welcome dose of normalcy after the day's extraordinary events.

Leaving the rest to their business-oriented discussions, I took the chance
to step out onto the balcony, craving solitude. It was an inviting escape
to simply breathe and take in the genuine essence of Hawaii, uninterrupted
by the day's heroics.

Approaching the balcony railing, I settled my elbows against the cool
metal, allowing myself a moment to take in the beauty before me. The warmth
of the night air, bearing just the hint of moisture typical of island
climates, embraced me. The refreshing scent of the ocean breeze wafted
over, reenergizing and soothing in equal measure. My sharpened hearing
picked up the symphony of waves breaking upon the shore, accompanied by the
occasional call of seagulls--all reminiscent of my days aboard the USS Carl
Vinson.

Memories of time spent on the carrier's catwalk, ensconced in the rhythm of
the sea, came flooding back. I recalled the formidable vessel responding to
the ocean's dance--a constant ebb and flow that lent a sense of continuity
amidst the uncertainty. Those moments, framed by the vast, endless blue,
ranked among the experiences I held dear. The recollections of conflicts
and the weight of wartime, however, were memories I bore less fondly.

My gaze shifted from the ocean to the land, where I noticed an eerie red
glow on the horizon that caught my attention. Enhancing my vision, I
focused on the unsettling yet mesmerizing sight of Kilauea. The volcano,
steeped in legend and the fury of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire,
showcased its tempestuous core through the ejection of lava and plumes of
steam.

Lost in the spectacle, I found myself contemplating the primordial struggle
between Earth's foundational entities: fire and stone. It was a dynamic
interplay, a testament to our planet's ever-evolving landscape, shaping
both history and the course of the future. Even as humanity sought to
comprehend such forces, their true majesty and power remained boundless,
inspiring awe and respect for the natural world that persists beyond our
brief dominion.

"What'ya you looking at?" AJ's voice sliced through the quiet, startling me
enough that I nearly leaped from my reverie. I closed my eyes to readjust
to normal vision.

"Jesus, AJ!" I exclaimed, opening my eyes and regaining my bearings. I
turned to find AJ McLean, his unmistakable psychedelic cowboy hat perched
atop his head, casually joining me on the balcony.

"How in the Hell, did you manage to sneak up like that?" I demanded, still
recovering from the surprise of his silent approach.

A smirk danced on AJ's lips as he quipped, "Just call me Mr. Lightfoot."

I steadied my breathing, and my hand finally fell from where it clutched my
chest. Calm once more, I answered his initial question, "I was looking at
Mount Kilauea, now that my heart has decided to stop racing."

AJ's eyes widened with intrigue as he sidled up to the railing, peering
into the distance where I gestured. He caught a glimpse of the fiery
display marking the earth's canvas and expressed his incredulity. "You can
see the volcano from here?"

"Of course, but it's the Earth that enhances my vision," I explained,
letting him in on the secret of my heightened abilities.

His reasoning kicked in, skeptical. "Yeah, but that volcano is miles away
from this hotel," he remarked, his hand waving towards the red hue that
blushed the horizon line.

I couldn't help but smile, both at the wonder in his voice and at the
realization of just how extraordinary the things I took for granted could
be. I confirmed AJ's curiosity with a deep, resonant note in my voice:
"Sometimes, miles aren't as far as they seem; with Earth's help, I can see
much more than the obvious, indeed far beyond the ordinary."

Sharing with AJ a small slice of the extraordinary perspectives granted to
me through my connection with the planet.

 AJ's concern crept into the conversation, referencing a past
heart-stopping incident. "The last time you were on a balcony, you gave us
quite the scare, leaping off into the night, all to save a dog," he
recounted, a mix of humor and lingering anxiety coloring his tone. "But I
have to admit, watching you catapult back up with the help of that
flagpole--that was something else."

I chuckled softly, appreciating his recount of the memory. "Rest assured, I
have no intention of making a dramatic exit tonight, not without a really
good reason."

AJ nodded, half-jokingly imagining a scenario that might compel my heroic
instincts. "Like if there was another ship in distress, eh? I could see you
diving off for that."

I gazed out again, reflecting on the serenity of the moment. "This is one
of the rare times when I'm not on a rescue run," I shared, cherishing the
peaceful interlude.

Apologies bubbled forth from AJ, realizing perhaps he'd intruded. "Sorry,
Mike, I should've figured you were just enjoying the view," he said.

AJ's heartfelt concern wasn't lost on me. His edgy exterior belied his
inner warmth and compassion. "Part of the reason I'm out here is to give
you all some room for band matters," I admitted.

AJ, ever the affirming brother, wouldn't have it any other way. "Mike,
you're family to us. You're part of the band's orbit now. Our business is
yours too."

I couldn't help but let out a genuine laugh, amused by the notion, "But I'm
not actually a Backstreet Boy."

He brushed off my laughter with serious undertones lacing his words. "Sure,
you're not up on stage belting out tunes with us, but you've become key to
keeping us safe and cheerful. For all intents and purposes, Mike, you're
one of us. Accepted and integral to the brotherhood," AJ stated firmly,
"Plus, you love Brian so much that more than anything makes you one of us,"
adamant about cementing my place within their circle. His conviction only
cemented the bond--a belonging beyond titles or labels.

Acknowledging the truth in AJ's words, I shared a bit more of my personal
experience. "That's true. I also saw it as a chance to really see Hawaii
again. Last time I was here, I was in service; then, when duty called upon
arrival, there was no time to appreciate the view." I gestured toward the
scenic panorama that sprawled before us.

AJ removed his hat, a signal that he was here to stay a while, and
positioned it on a nearby chair before joining me at the railing. "There's
something about just kicking back and letting the troubles go for a while,"
he agreed.

We both paused, taking a moment to truly absorb the gifts the island
offered. Sharing time with AJ like this was rare. I had fond memories of
our previous escapades through New York, but there was something extra
special about sharing the calm serenity of island life with him.

AJ's voice lowered to a soft murmur, almost blending into the ocean's
whispers, when he asked, "Mike, what does it feel like...that connection
with the Earth? Being her champion?"

I faced him, searching for words that would adequately convey the depth of
my bond. "Imagine every feeling of joy and love, tangible and
enveloping. It's this endless embrace you never want to leave, filled with
vigor, courage, compassion, and insight. The essence is everything, and
it's also the living spirit of the planet." I tried to encapsulate the
profound connection.

"Man, that's deep, Mike," AJ replied, his usual bravado giving way to a
moment of reflection.

"And yet, it barely scratches the surface," I remarked, feeling how limited
words were to describe the Earth.

"Is the Earth... actually alive?" AJ's curiosity was piqued.

"Just as much as you and me," I affirmed, stretching out my palm. On cue, a
seagull landed gently upon it. AJ's eyes widened in amazement.

"That was incredible, Mike!" he gasped, his voice a mix of wonder and
disbelief. With a slight gesture, I encouraged the gull to return to its
natural habitat.

AJ, though still trying to process the display, shared a candid thought: "I
don't think I'll ever get my head around you calling this planet 'The
Mother'." His admission was sincere, a testament to the myriad ways we each
understand and relate to the world around us.

"It was a bit strange at first, feeling her presence and hearing her
voice," I confessed, recalling the early days when Earth first revealed
herself to me. "But you should understand that the Earth is always
communicating--always--and those signals are why I could do what I did
today."

AJ, keen with intrigue, challenged me, almost playfully, "Show me
something."

I couldn't hold back a chuckle. "What, the seagull trick wasn't enough for
you?" I teased, knowing full well how the simplicity of the gesture with
the gull had sparked his curiosity.

Admiringly, he clarified, "That was definitely cool. But I get the feeling
you call upon creatures without a second thought."

Grinning at AJ's curiosity, I decided to indulge his request for a more
explicit demonstration of Earth's communication methods. I looked out
across the night sky, considering AJ's request. The natural world was
constantly speaking--the wind through the leaves, roots stretching into the
soil, waves meeting the shoreline--these were Earth's languages. As Sol, I
could feel the pulse of life around me--the interconnected web of existence
that bound every living thing.

With a deep breath, I closed my eyes and reached out with my senses,
seeking to demonstrate to AJ the depth of my connection. My focus settled
on the plants growing nearby--a collection of hibiscus flowers basking
under the moon. Slowly, almost imperceptibly at first, they began to
release their fragrance more potently, a sweet and heady aroma that filled
the air around us.

I opened my eyes, a slight smile on my lips. "Feel that? The Earth is
alive, responding to us, even now, in the simplest of ways."

AJ inhaled the scented air, his expression changing from skeptical to
awestruck. "That's... that's incredible, Mike! I can actually smell it."

"It's just one of the ways she speaks," I said, casting a glance back to
the glowing red of Kilauea in the distance. "And sometimes, she's more
direct, like with the ocean and the volcano."

There was an event coming from Kilauea that was about to happen that would
further AJ's understanding.

 Taking his hand, I steered his gaze toward the moonlit beach, where the
dim shapes of night swimmers could be discerned amongst the waves.

"What do you notice when you look out towards the ocean?" I prompted,
knowing that AJ's answer would lead to a broader understanding of my
connection with the Earth.

"People enjoying a nighttime swim," he responded, stating the obvious scene
before him.

"Right. Now, focus on that part of the beach there." I guided his attention
to a deserted section of the shore, only faintly illuminated by the distant
glow of streetlights and the moon above.

His curiosity was piqued; he observed the empty stretch of sand. "Why
aren't there any birds there?" AJ wondered aloud, his instincts sensing
that something was amiss.

"Just wait and watch," I murmured, my voice barely rising above the sound
of the sea.

In moments, a section of the beach grew unnaturally red as molten lava
breached the surface and began spilling into the ocean. The intense heat
clashed with the cool water, and a plume of steam billowed upwards,
revealing a striking force of nature.

AJ's intrigue deepened. "So you're saying the birds knew this was going to
happen?"

"Absolutely. The Earth granted them that special sense," I
clarified. "She's endowed all her creatures with certain instincts--an
innate capacity to detect and respond to changes. While it's not
infallible, she imbued us with these instincts because she cares deeply for
all her children."

His thoughts then drifted to a more somber topic. "But what about when
disaster strikes, like an eruption from Kilauea?" he gestured to the
slumbering giant not far from us.

Reflecting on the intersections of human error and natural calamity, I
shared with AJ my thoughts. "Some tragedies are indeed brought on by our
own doing--our tendency to overlook the Earth's signals, relying too much
on our inventions, stubbornness, or sheer overconfidence." I sighed, the
weight of past experiences coloring my voice.

I transported us back to a memory of a sermon that had left an impression
on me: "A town is flooding, and the locals are ordered to evacuate. A
police officer tells a man, 'I'm here to save you,' but the man insists,
'God will save me,' and the officer leaves as the waters rise." As I
recounted the story, AJ listened with undivided attention.

"The waters grow deeper, and a firefighter in a boat comes knocking,
offering rescue, yet the man again refuses," I went on, mimicking the
profound lesson within the tale. "'God will save me,' he repeats."

AJ observed the ocean's rhythm, and the story evidently resonated with
him. "Eventually, a helicopter hovers above as the floodwaters reach the
roof; even then, the man refuses the dropped line, asserting his faith will
be his salvation," I continued.

From the corner of my eye, I saw AJ nodding, understanding the metaphor
unraveling. "And when the man, tragically lost to the flood, confronts God,
he asks why he wasn't saved," I said, turning back to the sea.

With a knowing snort, AJ interjected, "And what did God say?"

"God replied, 'I sent you a cop, a firefighter, and a helicopter,'" I
recounted, reinforcing the narrative's gravitas.

AJ exhaled, a sense of realization setting in. "As humans, we often fail to
recognize when God--or the Earth, in this context--communicates through
others, right?" he reflected, piercing to the core of the sermon's message.

Nodding in agreement, I pondered the bigger picture. "Some of those losses
are a part of the natural order that maintains balance among us and all of
Earth's creatures," I stated somberly.

"Humanity, unfortunately, tends to believe it stands apart from nature and
that somehow it can be mastered," I added, my gaze still fixed on the
distant horizon.

AJ listened closely, digesting the implications. "Consider all the
avoidable catastrophes if only we heeded nature's warnings instead of
clinging to arrogance," I suggested, a subtle plea for mindfulness lying
within my words.

"Fair enough. We do have a tendency to assume we're invulnerable," AJ
conceded, the truth of our conversation lingering heavily between us.

AJ leaned on the railing, letting the reality of our conversation sink
in. "I guess being Earth's champion isn't just about the heroics, huh?"

"It's about understanding and appreciating everything she offers," I
responded, content that AJ was beginning to grasp the bigger picture. "It's
about ensuring her voice isn't silenced."

"And that's what I meant when I told Brian--the Earth is speaking all the
time; all we have to do is stop and listen," I concluded, turning back to
him, hoping that my insights would instill a greater sense of regard for
the world we all share.

AJ's humor brought a welcome levity to the heavy conversation. "Interesting
stuff, but the main reason I'm here is to save Nick's shoes from becoming
dinner," he quipped with an easy laugh.

Grinning, I played along. "Let's go before that happens, then," I said,
ready to head back inside.

On a parting note, I leaned over to take AJ's hat, infusing it with the
wisdom of our earlier discussion. I added, "Just remember, it's not only
God the Father we look to for guidance--He's entrusted us with the Earth,
and she's here to help us too." After placing AJ's hat back on his head in
a friendly gesture, he reciprocated with a smile and a tip of the hat in
understanding.

Once the six of us were together again, we collectively moved toward the
hotel's restaurant, our prior conversations quietly settling into the
background.

As we got seated, Brian--intuitively grasping the flow of
conversation--asked, "So what were you guys talking about? It looked deep."

AJ kept it light, knowing our talk ventured into serious territory. "Oh,
just our favorite topic," he deflected.

Nick threw a curious glance at us. "Which is?" he prodded.

Meanwhile, I reached out to Brian under the table, a silent, affectionate
gesture stirring a smile from him.

"We were talking about Mount Kilauea," I clarified, responding to Nick
while still connecting with Brian, whose reaction was a mix of warmth and
slight shyness.

Kevin, attentive as ever, caught on to Brian's change in demeanor. "Are you
okay there, Brian?"

Shrugging off the attention, Brian tried to smooth over his blushing. "It's
nothing really, Kev," he insisted.

Howie, puzzled, looked for clarity. ""And that is your favorite subject. Is
the volcano something you're into?"

"Seems it was the topic of the night," AJ said lightly, skillfully steering
the conversation.

I leaned in towards Brian, whispering intimately, "You know you're my
number one subject."

Brian's quiet retort was playful, yet tinged with affection. "I'd better
be, after all that's happened."

I feigned innocence: "You jumped to the wrong conclusion; that is not my
fault."

The table fell into easy chatter and laughter, the momentary tension
dissipating as we settled in for a meal together. Our bond and camaraderie
were palpable in this shared space.

Amid lighthearted chatter and laughter, the waiter approached our table,
ready to take our orders. We engaged him with friendly banter, a natural
part of the evening's rhythm. Once our meals were served, conversation
flowed effortlessly, and we all shared stories and jokes, the camaraderie
at our table never dipping.

During one of the exchanges, a subtle tremor passed through the floor, just
enough to nudge my senses. I dismissed it initially, considering the
volcanic activity of Kilauea, though I was confident that an eruption was
not imminent.

As time slipped by and the evening gradient deepened into night, Kevin,
ever the voice of reason, suggested it was a good time to call it a
night. Howie's generous gesture of leaving a sizeable tip was a tough act
to follow, but it left a warm impression on the staff as we made our way
out of the restaurant.

Back in our suite, Brian and I took a moment to reconcile the day's earlier
embarrassment and the high spirits that had colored our flight to
Hawaii. Within the privacy of our room, we found our own sanctuary. The
deep love we shared unfolded between us with a passion intensified by our
journey together, drawing us closer until exhaustion tenderly overtook us.

To be continued

And this is where I end this chapter. Hawaii is going to be more than just
a fun and excitement of tropical paradise. Guardian is going to find out
that there is no such thing as a day off when it comes to protecting the
Backstreet Boys and the Planet.

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Please tell me what you think at3unit3@yahoo.com

All comments are welcome

I also recommend the following stories it was because of them I got into
writing in the first place.

"Tales of a Real Dark Knight" by authorjames

"Marvel Knights" also by authorjames

 "Tales of the New Phoenix" by Blake

"Tales of a Superhero Band" by Leo

"Tales of a Young Mutant" by Jeremi

"Tales of a Thunder God" by Tony Justiss