Date: Sun, 8 Aug 2021 21:31:34 +0200 From: Marin Giustinian Subject: For Real In the following story, all of the characters are totally fictive and the setting is real. For whomever it would be illegal, immoral or prohibited for any other reason whatsoever to read a story about love between two young men is kindly requested to refrain from continuing. A free picture album illustrating this story (pdf) is available upon request at . Please remember to help Nifty stay online by sending your contributions. This being said, I hope you enjoy the tale. ---------- FOR REAL by Marin Giustinian ---------- Venice, Italy, Tuesday, April 12, 2016 It was one of those chilly spring mornings in Venice when Paolo, Valerio Zanon's colleague, came rushing into the changing room, exclaiming, "Ciao Vali, I've got some good information for you!". Both boys worked in the Squero Buranello, a traditional boatyard on the north side of the Venetian island of Burano. Paolo was a perky nineteen year old fellow from Dolo, having recently moved in with his Venetian gentleman, lover, and yachtsman, Patrizio Loredan. "What news?" inquired Valerio, zipping up his coveralls. "You said you needed cash to finish paying for your new jib sail. Well, here it comes. Last night, a girl in my LGBTQ group told me that Giorgio Brassi, you know, the film director, was looking for two very good looking young guys to enact a gay love scene in his upcoming film and I thought you'd be interested. I told her I didn't have time but I know a guy who's a living Adonis who could certainly do the job like a superstar. I was talking about you, of course!" Valerio laughed and replied, "I'm no actor, Paolo!" "This kind of acting you can do! The sequence is supposed to be a dream-like flashback of the moment when the two central characters of the film, now mature men, finally let themselves fall in love together. She said the scene would last three, maybe four minutes at the most. There's no text. The guys just have to be beautiful, act natural, and enjoy each other. Also, they should have no problems about gay kissing and stuff. That's all. She said it's not porn, no full nudity, but it had to be, as she said, 'homoerotic'. Simple as that, and it's paid €190 for only one day's work. That's all I know." Valerio pondered the idea for a second or two. He did need the extra cash in order to finish refurbishing his boat. The amount was almost what he needed, so he said, "Why not? Could be fun... Do I just show up?" "The audition is scheduled at the Giudecca Art District on Friday, April 22, 3:00 PM and the shoot is the next day. You have to send in an email with your name, birthday, and contacts, joining two recent pictures: a full body shot and a portrait. If you want, I can take the pictures here and text them to you now. That's all. You'll see, it's just that easy...!" "Okay," replied Valerio, "how do I look?" "Beautiful as usual, dimwit!" ---------- Valerio was twenty, almost twenty-one, but like many young Venetians, he still lived with his family, sharing a room with his older brother, Mauro. They got along well, however he was beginning to feel cramped in their relatively small house over the family pharmacy on Burano Island. His father had suffered a mild stroke four years ago and no longer was able to go sailing like he used to do with his sons. They owned a vintage, eight metre racing sailboat that had been in the family since 1957. She bore the name, Zefiro, after the Greek god of the wind. Her rakish elegance was rather well known and coveted in Venetian waters. Mauro didn't want the boat, so when Valerio turned eighteen, his father 'gave' her to him. He was now the official owner, and that meant that he had to handle her upkeep by himself. Valerio accepted the challenge since he had just been hired in the boatyard and was earning a small, but sufficient income. Valerio thrived on challenge. He took her out to sail alone at least once a month, whatever the weather. He was a very physical young man. His body was his best companion; graceful yet powerful, enhancing his natural charm. While enjoying a moderately fulfilling sex life, he carefully avoided getting involved in any steady relationship, much to the displeasure of many a young lady. In spite of Valerio's lack of experience in both acting and sharing homosexual pleasures, the challenge of trying out for the job excited him, making him finally quite glad that Paolo had talked him into it. ---------- Florian Conte saw the announcement concerning the audition on the bulletin board in his theatre course. He figured it would be a useful experience for him to try out for the job. Florian was a native of Vicenza. His mother owned a group of fitness centres throughout the Province. His father had been a successful chartered accountant. He and his mistress were killed when his plane crashed in Austria. When Florian finished high school he went to live in Venice where he could study acting on a professional level. With the money his father had left, he bought for himself a modest attic loft overlooking the bridge of the Turchette in the Dorsoduro district of Venice. His mother had agreed to pay his living expenses as long as he was studying and without work. He was a loner and preferred to keep to himself rather than waste his time partying, flirting, looking for fun like most students do. He wasn't aloof. He was simply circumspect concerning those with whom he could connect, permitting no one in his life who might potentially 'bother' him. Also he was motivated to audition for the gay love scene because he was totally virgin, never having dared indulge in anything sexual, neither with another fellow in the private boys school he attended as a teen, nor later with one of the very willing young ladies in his theatre course. ---------- Florian slightly panicked when he learned that he was selected. At the end of the e-mail he read, "If the perspective of portraying homoerotic acts is contrary to your convictions -- and/or abilities -- you are not required to come, however you must notify us of your refusal as soon as possible." Florian hesitated. He wondered if he should call his mother to ask her opinion, then he said to himself, this was HIS business and not his mother's. He tried to keep in mind that he was grown and didn't need her approval to live his own experiences. He mumbled to himself, "Whatever happens, I doubt it'll change my life anyway..." Little did he know. ---------- Paolo congratulated Valerio with a man-hug saying that he knew he would be chosen. Valerio had no idea of what he was getting involved in. He just told his parents that he might have found a job as an extra in a film. There's nothing special about that in Venice. For him, all that mattered was the money and frolicking for a day with a good looking guy seemed like a pleasant way to earn it. ---------- The six young men who had been chosen showed up for the audition. With their photos and name list in hand, Giorgio Brassi sized up each one and then spoke, "Boys, please be seated." Giorgio explained that the probable title of the film would be 'Lenzuola' (bed sheets). It was about an elderly gay couple. The scene they were trying out for was going to be a dream-like flashback of the first time they surrendered to each other back in the early Seventies. "To be clear, as you've been warned, you must be as realistic as possible kissing, groping, discovering each other physically, sexually. Nothing pornographic... but almost! Now how many of you are openly gay?" Four of them raised their hand. "Are any of you already together as a couple?" Two raised their hand. "Lovers?" "Yes, Sir," replied one of the two. "Very well... It's impossible for you to portray discovery. You can leave." The couple looked terribly offended, stood and flounced out of the room like two wet setting hens. "Now do any of you already know each other?" The four others looked at each other and shook their heads. "If that's the case, I'm going to pair you up. Mario and Valerio, stand up together side by side... Valerio go back to your seat. Luca, go stand beside Mario. Okay. Now Valerio and Florian, stand side by side. Excellent, if I understand, neither of you said you were gay." Valerio spoke up, "I'm mostly straight, but when I was fourteen, my older brother said he wanted to train himself in kissing with me... he was sixteen and had just begun going out with girls. We made out some. Twice, when he came home from a date, all worked up and frustrated, we wanked each other, he for relief, and for me, it was fun, made me feel important for him." "That's cute... And you?" inquired Giorgio, looking at Florian. "Other than occasional masturbation, I've never had sex of any kind, Sir." "Fantastic! And how did you both hear about the audition?" Florian replied, "It was announced on the bulletin board of my drama course." "So, you want to be an actor?" "Yes, Sir." "And you, Valerio?" "I work in a boatyard, Sir. One of my colleagues had heard about the audition in his gay pride group and told me I should try out. I've never done any acting, but I could use the money... and it sounded like fun..." "I like that attitude. So, Valerio and Florian, go and wait in the lobby lounge. I'll have my assistant call you when I'm ready for you. I'll try out Mario and Luca first." ---------- Once by themselves in the lobby, Valerio looked straight into Florian's eyes and exclaimed, "I can't believe you've never had sex. How is it possible? You're way too good looking to still be a virgin..." "I'm just not interested. Girls get on my nerves. However, there are some boys that arouse me... I just hope I won't be too awkward for you," replied Florian blushing, adding, "I'm trying out for the job because I'm in need of experience, not only for film acting but also for... you know... the rest..." "So I have the privilege to be your first... your first... whatever! At least for the try out. I'm glad it's with you. You're really beautiful, delicate, with your pale, soft looking skin, and deep blue eyes... I was hoping I'd get paired up with you and not with those other..." Valerio was going to say 'poofs', but changed his mind and said "with those other fellows." "Thanks. I just hope you don't mind pretending that you love me," laughed Florian. "That's not a problem! My problem is that I'm scared to death about playacting so... so I guess I'll just have to do what they ask us to do as if it's for real." "If you're afraid of acting, why did you come?" "It's a challenge for me. I like challenges, and I need the money to finish overhauling my boat. I prefer sailing to working in the boatyard, and if I find the right partner, I'll resign and use my boat for day charter... Who knows... maybe someday. Also, I've never spent a day making out with a good looking guy. It sounded like fun..." "I hope it will be fun!" stated Florian, then looking again at Valerio, he added, "By the way, I think you're hot looking too." Valerio actually blushed. Then they waited in silence, looking out the window at the ships passing by in the wide, deepwater canal. Several minutes later, the assistant came in and said, "It's up to you two now! Good luck!" ---------- They were ushered onto the set. There was a pile of sheets strewn on the floor. The lighting was harsh. The cameramen were joking together. The costume lady came over and gave them each a pair of trousers with suspenders. As they were changing, Giorgio came back and asked, "Are you two ready?" "I guess so," replied Florian. Valerio nodded with a weak smile on his face. Giorgio kindly advised, "Don't stress. I'll direct you. The sequence, as you read, is a flashback scene situated fifty years back. It portrays the moment when the two lovers were young employees in the laundry of a luxury hotel. You'll be sorting the towels, pillow cases, sheets, and stuff like that. It's in the heat of the summer. You are alone and know that the overseer has left for the day. Do you get the atmosphere?" Valerio and Florian nodded. "There'll be three sequence-shots: In the first shot you begin to cavort, teasing each other, falling, play-wrestling in a pile of linens. This action ends up with you kissing, first a little peck, then you get serious about it. In the second shot, you'll be making out, groping crotches and struggling to undress each other, testing each other to see how far the game goes. In the third shot, after having stripped off each other's shirt, you'll unbutton each other's trousers enough to reach in and begin kissing as you wank each other. You don't actually show your genitals. The action is understood by the movements of your arms, the looks of ravishment on your faces, your ragged breathing, etc. Do you get the picture?" Valerio smiled at Florian. Then they both nodded. "Tomorrow, each sequence-shot must be improvised several times for different camera angles and atmospheres for the editing. The lighting will be a lot more sexy. I'll even have a slight steam effect to suggest the washing machines and the heat. So are you ready to give me some good sexy action?" Valerio and Florian glanced at each other again, smiled and nodded. "Okay. Now let's have you two start off with just some boyish play-wrestling, falling on the floor, and take it from there: remember the order, body to body roughhouse, then a furtive kiss, then making out, stripping off your shirts, unbuttoning each other's trousers. Then you slip your hands inside the trousers and begin wanking. This part must be borderline with gay porn, but not overdone. Understand? Be generous but sedate with your facial expressions. You can moan and gasp as much as you want, up to an impending orgasm together. Act it, don't go for it for real. Keep in mind that each sequence has to be filmed several times so you can't loose your pressure, so to speak. Now relax. For this first run-through, I'll keep quiet. Do as you feel; let happen what may, but keep in mind the sequence. Cameras, are you ready?" "Ready!" "Now get into the light and have fun, boys!" The assistant put the clapboard in front of the camera. Giorgio simply said, "Motor," the clapboard clacked, then he said, "Action!" ---------- Valerio tackled Florian and began tickling him. Surprised, Florian struggled, laughing like mad, trying to stand. He succeeded to free himself and stood back. Valerio grabbed him again, making them both collapse in the sheets. Florian offered less resistance. Valerio rolled on top of him, pinning his wrists on the ground. There was a moment of immobility as their eyes locked. Valerio slowly lowered his head. Florian didn't turn his face away. Their lips met, at first furtively, then Florian lifted his head. Valerio released Florian's arms. Florian grabbed Valerio's head and returned the kiss. They began to make out with increasing fervour. Florian took the initiative to tug on Valerio's shirt. Valerio began to unbutton Florian's trousers. Then in very slow motion, Valerio began kissing Florian in the nape of his neck, then pulling up his shirt, he tongued his nipple. Florian groped Valerio's crotch. They rolled over and over ridding themselves of their shirts, unbuttoning each other's fly. Florian slipped his hand inside Valerio's underwear and seized his very erect cock. There was an authentic gasp of surpirse. Valerio then rammed his free hand into Florian's trousers and clenched cock himself. They suddenly took their time. Little by little, Valerio instinctively began to hump Florian's fist while stroking him. They kissed. Suddenly, Florian threw his head back and moaned. Giorgio ordered, "Cut! That's great boys. Perfect timing, direct, sensual. You've got the job." They didn't stand, legs entangled, cocks still in hand. They simply smiled at each other, nearly laughing, and slowly pulled their hands out of each other's trousers. Instinctively, they both sniffed their sticky fingers, damp with sweat and precum, and finally stood, readjusting their clothes. Giorgio stood too and said, "Boys, let's take a look at the video. There are a few things I want to point out to you for tomorrow." ---------- Visioning the rushes, Valerio whispered to Florian, "We're really hot! That's so sexy! I can hardly realise that it's me doing that... Cool... It looks like we're doing it for real!" Florian just smiled, almost grinning with satisfaction. They changed back into their jeans, signed the contract, and were told to be back by 9:00 AM, freshly shaved, for complete costuming, hair styling, and make-up before the shooting. ---------- Valerio and Florian took the vaporetto back across the ship canal of the Giudecca, arriving at the stop called 'Zattere'. Getting off the boat, Valerio said, "See you tomorrow. I'm glad we're going to work together. You really kiss well!" "Thanks... Yes, see you tomorrow..." stuttered Florian, blushing over the compliment. Valerio crossed town to Fondamente Nuove to catch his return boat to Burano. He was a bit confused and upset, but exhilarated to be totally smitten by Florian's kiss, the feel of his smooth, hairless skin, his slender fingers fondling his balls. He liked holding his uncut, slightly curved cock too. He wondered if the gorgeous dream-boy reacted to him for real or if he was simply good at playacting. What puzzled him the most was the fact that the question actually tormented him more than it should. Arriving on Burano, he shrugged, mumbling to himself, "Maybe I'll find out tomorrow..." ---------- Florian, too, was a bit dizzy, stunned by Valerio's effect on him. He had never been stirred that deeply before. He could hardly believe that he had made Valerio's perfect cock leak its slippery slick in his fist. He actually had Valerio moaning with pleasure from what he was doing. Also, he was surprised to feel no stress. It felt so natural, easy, and even slightly urgent to kiss, to feel his hand encouraging his own throbbing cock to drool. He was still halfway hard. Once back in his flat, he wanked over and over until he was empty, hoping he wouldn't leave a mess in Valerio's hand, making out with him on camera. ---------- Saturday morning, they found each other in the vaporetto going over to the Giudecca. "How do you feel, Valerio?" "I'm scared to death!" "I must admit, I'm a bit nervous myself." Nothing more was said. When they went into the building, the technical crew was already at work, joking, laughing, adjusting the lighting, setting up the backdrop. Valerio and Florian were immediately ushered into a side room where the costumer outfitted them with a complete change of attire, tighty-whities included. The only things they kept were their shoes. Then the hairdresser took over. She worked on Valerio's head, then Florian's. Valerio joked saying, "I feel like a pedigree dog being groomed for a pet show!" "I guess the best thing for us is to relax and enjoy it," was the lame reply Florian gave as he shrugged. Once their hair was styled, it was makeup lady's turn to go to work. She did Valerio first, saying, "I don't have too much work to do on you two. You're already good looking like you are. I'm just going to highlight your features so that your features come out in lighting." Florian watched as she took over. Valerio didn't move. With a touch of base here, a bit of rouge there, some light eyeliner and a hint of shadow, and the job was done. Valerio was absolutely gorgeous! When he looked at himself in the mirror, he smiled, then turned and said to Florian, "Your turn." The assistant came in and led them on the set where they were cordially greeted by Giorgio. "You two are absolutely perfect!" Giorgio exclaimed, then he turned to the costumer, the hairdresser, and the makeup lady, "Congratulations. Good work!" The beauty crew beamed. "Boys, how do you feel?" inquired Giorgio. "Okay..." mumbled Valerio. "Me too," echoed Florian. "Fine. So this is how we'll proceed. You must stay in the light at all times. There are two cameras working on you at all times plus a sound man with his perch. They can move as they like. They know how to work as a team. Piero here is in charge of the close-ups. Massimo handles the rest. For you two, THEY DO NOT EXIST. Is that clear?" "Yes, Sir," replied Florian. Valerio nodded. "You must NEVER glance at them, whatever the situation. Now, when I say 'cut', you freeze. The script-girl will take a photo. She can help you find the exact position when we start over again. Stay concentrated! You may have to begin a same sequence shoot over and over again. Also, I can call makeup for touch-ups. We'll take a sandwich and coffee break around twelve. I hope we'll finish before 4:00 PM. So, I repeat, DO NOT STOP until I say, 'Cut'. Even if you get carried away, continue! Now get into the light, breathe deeply, and wait until I say, 'Action'." Giorgio had a few words with the cameramen, the light man, and the steam effect crew. When everything was ready, he shouted, "Motor, Action!" Valerio began by tackling Florian. They roughhoused a little before falling on the pile of sheets. "Cut! Let's do that again, with a little laughter. Be happy!" They began again. They were somewhat less stiff. The "Cut" and "One more time" went on with the kissing. When things became hot, hands in trousers, whimpering, wanking each other, they had to do the sequence five times. They stayed hard all that time. Makeup retouched them twice. The cameras stabbed their intimacy. The microphone floated over their heads like a bird of prey. Technicians came and went, stopped to look at the action, even in the most intimate moments they just stared. When Giorgio said "Cut", some of them clapped. Valerio and Florian felt like they were naked, making love in the middle of a crowded airport. They were the centre of everything and at the same time they were supposed to be alone on earth. The tension was palpable. The boys however stayed concentrated as their hormone level rose. They were so involved in each other that little by little nothing else actually mattered, and yet none of what they were living was for real -- or not? They worked non-stop until noon. There was a moment of coaching, encouraging, and swallowing their snacks. Florian gave Valerio a back massage. Then Valerio returned the favour. Giorgio called the crew back on the set and announced that they were now going to do the scene in one long sequence shoot, three times, and then call it a day. Towards the end of the third shooting, Valerio nearly shot off in Florian's fist. He trembled, sweating, his mouth dry. He stroked Florian for real, making him writhe as their open lips drooled together, their tongues dancing in each other's mouth.

"Cut! Wonderful! Great work everybody!" Valerio and Florian were told to go change and wait in the lobby for the production assistant to bring them their cash. At 3:45 PM on the dot, they left, walking out into the daylight as the tepid spring breeze off the water brought them back to reality. They silently strolled shoulder to shoulder to the ferry stop. The physical bond they had created between them was so powerful that they walked in perfect unison. On the boat returning to the Zattere, Valerio invited Florian to have a drink with him at Nico's. Florian had never felt so self-confident as he did then. "I've got a better idea, Valerio. There's a bottle of prosecco in my fridge. I live beside the Turchette Bridge, just a few minutes from here. Why don't you come to my place for a glass or two before I take you to dine with me at Anzolo Rafaele. Please! It's the least I can do to thank you for the great day we've just spent." Valerio beamed, replying, "If you insist..." "I insist!" ---------- Valerio whistled his admiration of the loft. The space was just one large room. The double bed was under a window. There was a bathtub with an overhead shower and a sink against one wall. Closets lined the other wall. The only other door in the loft was for the toilet. Along the wall facing the windows on the street side was the kitchen space. There was a table, two chairs. At the far end there were two other windows with view on the junction of the Rio de le Romite and the Rio del Malpaga, a desk and another chair. A big pile of cushions filled the corner. That was it. Ample daylight enhanced the entire space under a trestle of apparent beams. The wooden floor was waxed, glowing a tender hue of amber. "Your loft is splendid!" exclaimed Valerio, "You must be happy living here." "I'm really fine here... I enjoy the light, the ventilation, and the neighbourhood," replied Florian, popping the cork of the prosecco. He filled the two tall glasses with the bubbly white wine and handed one to Valerio. They toasted, went to lounge together in the cushions, and began talking about the shooting, about how they felt doing it. Valerio started by saying, "I enjoyed all that we did, but I hated doing it with the filming crew breathing down our necks as you drove me to the edge of madness. It was torture when Giorgio shouted, 'Cut' just when we seeded to really go for it." "Me too, Valerio. Around us everything was so cold and indifferent while between us, things couldn't be more intimate, intense even. I never realised how natural it could be enjoying sexy things with another guy... well not with just any guy. You're sort of special." "Thanks. You're sort of special too, you know?" There was a moment of silence before Florian said, "It felt natural doing what we did, you and me." "I wasn't acting..." confessed Valerio. Florian shrugged with a smile, then stated, "After a while I wasn't acting either. That's why I think Giorgio liked our work, but to be honest, the experience of all that confusion has left me wondering if I really want to get involved in acting or not. I'd like to do something closer to reality. Before this experience, I enjoyed the idea of living in a kind of make believe world: theatre, television, movies... But now I want to live in a real world, like you. I'd even love to learn how to sail like you do, risking the weather, being outdoors! Theatres and film studios don't even have windows!" "Florian, you feel real to me! It wasn't make-believe. I enjoyed your body, the wrestling, the kissing, and... and even holding cocks." Florian uttered, "Me too..." "There was so much silent energy glowing between us... Ha! I was going to say flowing, but it came out glowing!" "I was glowing while we made out, Valerio, especially while we pretended to wank each other. To be honest, I felt proud having your cock leak in my fist!" "Me too, Florian... It felt so, you know, so..." "Natural" Florian laughed; Valerio grabbed him and gave his slender neck a big kiss under the ear. Then he exclaimed, almost shouting, "For the love of God, Florian, I think I'm going to explode with lust for you. It's been hard keeping back all I've felt for you all day long! Now I really need you. I can't wait any longer! I want to make love to you for real!" "You'll stay the night?" "For the rest of my life if you want, Florian." "The rest of your life begins now..." replied Florian, pushing Valerio on his back, covering his face with giggling kisses. ---------- They ripped off their clothes, kissing with impatient tongues, and dashed over to the bed. They cuddled together, finally naked, rolling to and fro together, nibbling nipples, licking navels, swallowing at the same time each other's cock, wallowing in the tousled sheets. They kneaded each other's buttocks and bobbed their heads for all they were worth, until they stiffened, writhing and gushing together, whimpering, drinking their precious reward, before collapsing. Their coltish legs entwined, they held each other immobile, breathing in the bitter sweet scent of their moist pits and pubic curls. Their bodies glowed in the pinkish beam of the sunset streaming through the windows onto the disheveled bed. Both were vaguely aware that a new life had just begun. ---------- Stepping out of the tub, Valerio asked, "Can I use your Armani?" "Feel free! I'm flattered that you want to wear the same fragrance as mine." "You make me feel refined!" replied Valerio. "And you make me feel wild!" exclaimed Florian, gabbing Valerio from behind, kissing him in the neck. "We make a fantastic pair, you know!" "There's no doubt about it, and we'll get even more refined and wild after dinner!" "Promise?" asked Valerio turning around in Florian's arms with a coy smile. Florian thought an instant and then whispered, "If you want, I'd like to be your partner and work with you chartering your boat..." "Are you serious?" "I'm very serious. You'll have to teach me. I learn fast! Oh, Valerio, let's try... if I'm not the fellow you need, we'll still be good friends, won't we?" Valerio thought, then replied, "Why not!" "Does that mean you want to try with me?" "Yes." ---------- They dressed, kissed again, and galloped down the staircase heading to Florian's favourite trattoria Campo Anzolo Rafaele. On the way, Valerio called his parents to say he was staying overnight at a friend's and then grabbed Florian's hand as they strode along, smiling like two mischievous angels. As they were devouring their pasta, Valerio asked Florian, "Do you pay a lot of rent for your place?" "I own it." Valerio nearly choked, looking at Florian, wide-eyed. Florian continued, "I was able to buy it with my part of what my father left us. Did I tell you that he was killed when he crashed his plane a few years ago?" "No" "Well, I wish I could say I was sad... but... I wasn't. I can't remember him having ever cuddled me. That's the way he was. Anyhow he left me and my mother a small fortune. My mother said she'd pay my living expenses until I found a steady job. She works hard, making good money on her own with her fitness centres and she likes to spoil me. I like her spoiling me too. How's your family, your father?" "My family's not wealthy, but we get along well. My Dad owns the pharmacy over on Burano. It's been in the family for six generations. My brother, Mauro, will take over. My mum works there too. I share my room with Mauro. He's a love. Sometimes a bit too much, but we get along. We're a very cuddly family, not too traditional. Whatever" Valerio had a tender look in his eye as he continued, "When I told them I didn't want to go to the university, but rather find a job working in a boatyard and maybe later do day-charters with Zefiro, they looked a bit surprised. Then they told me to do as I want, so I did it. But with you in my life, my dreams are becoming reality!" "Listen, Valerio, you own the boat. By the way, what's her name?" "Zefiro" "Listen, I own the flat. If I become your partner chartering Zefiro, the least I can to do is to ask you to move in with me. Would you like that?" Valerio said nothing. He simply took a sip of his wine then replied, "Yes. I want to live and work with you Florian. But, like you said, if it doesn't work, we'll still be friends, won't we?" "We'll make it work, Valerio!" Florian smiled, looking deep into Valerio's eyes. Valerio nodded. The deal was sealed. ---------- Holding hands, they walked back to Florian's loft. It was a pastel evening. The air was like velvet. They stopped on the bridge of the Avogaria. A pale-warm breeze rippled the mirror of the canal. Florian squeezed Valerio's hand and uttered, "I want to make love for real, all the way..." "Do you mean..." Florian hushed Valerio with a hand on his mouth, saying, "Yes, Valerio, that's exactly what I mean." "They say it hurts..." "You'll be gentle... I want you to take me, take me like you've done with a girl." "You must promise to be gentle and take me too..." "I promise." ---------- As soon as the door was locked, clothes flew again everywhere. Florian put the cruet of olive oil and a wad of paper napkins on the night table, lit a candle, and turned off the light. Standing by the bed, a moonbeam flowed onto Florian's silken skin making it glow under Valerio's caress. Falling on the bed, Valerio covered Florian with kisses, licking his pits, his navel, nibbling his balls. Florian slowly writhed, humming, relishing the unprecedented sensations. Valerio slid lower, coaxing Florian to lift his buttocks, exposing his sweet hairless anus. Valerio's tongue worked miracles, driving Florian mad with lust. With one, then two slender fingers, he relaxed Florian's sphincter, discovering the firm prostate just inside. Florian moaned, his anal ring twitched and opened as Valerio anointed it with oil. Slathering his own drooling cock, he lifted Florian's knees to his shoulders, placing the tip of his leaking glans on the tiny, wet hole. He leaned forward. Their lips met. Florian gasped, then smiled feeling Valerio's cock slowly climb inside him. Love flowed from one to the other as their flesh radiated in successive waves. The rising tide of Valerio's impending orgasm drove him on and on, climbing higher and higher. Instinct made Florian's anus strangle Valerio's cock. He rolled his rump, pushing into Valerio's thrusts. He clawed Valerio's buttocks, tossed his head back and forth, surrendering to the lava hot rush of pleasure rising from within. He screamed, experiencing his first anal orgasm, while Valerio spewed, howling, thrusting his exploding cock into the very core of Florian's quivering flesh. Clenching each other, they both collapsed, spent, catching their breath. Valerio slowly slid off of Florian's sweat drenched body as his slippery cock eased out. "Good God, good God, good God!" whispered Florian, "Dare I say I love you, Valerio?" Valerio's eyes gleamed as he turned over, seized Florian's cock, and replied, "Only if you prove it!" Florian's tongue was just as deft as Valerio's. He took his time preparing Valerio's virgin anus, experiencing the generous joy of giving his lover the discovery of new delights. He too anointed his cock. Valerio was impatient. He needed Florian to fill him. He pushed Florian over on his back and straddled him. Then he positioned Florian's cock on his hole and sat. Florian grunted, bucked, and began to furiously fuck. Valerio rocked himself to and fro on Florian's erection. With unbelievable fortitude, Florian pounded Valerio. His nostrils dilated as his cock pushed deeper, harder, stronger into Valerio. Both beamed, their bodies in sweat, their cheeks burning a deep hue of crimson, they lost control, became aggressive, went wild. They laughed as they fell over on one side. Valerio threw a leg over Florian's rump, forcing him deeper in. Florian grinned, snarled, panted, growled, riding on the riptide of an imminent orgasm. Then like a strike of lightning, they both screamed. Valerio's cock jerked and throbbed as it drooled a dribble of residual cum, his anus quaking in the thralls of a prostatic climax. His anus choked the loving cock spewing inside him, flooding his entrails with seemingly ceaseless volleys of seething semen. Both were on the brink of oblivion, blasted, overwhelmed, awestruck in bliss, then silence. Florian clung to Valerio for dear life. "I love you, Valerio, my wonderful, loving Valerio. I love you, love you, love you!" repeated Florian over and over as he rocked Valerio in his arms. Returning to his senses, Valerio echoed, "I love you too, Florian, my precious, adorable Florian, my one and only miracle boy..." Florian's spent cock slid out as he turned and stretched on his back, arching with all his might. Valerio rolled over and teased one of Florian's tits, whispering in his ear, "Let's drink, rest up some, and go for another round. What do you think?" "I think that's a good idea, a damn good idea, Valerio," purred, Florian, fondling Valerio's balls with infinite tenderness. ---------- While the new day dawned, they slowly enjoyed drinking of each other again. Just as they shivered, gushing into each other mouths, the Sunday morning bells of Venice began to ring, filling the spring light air with music of praise. "They're ringing for us," murmured Valerio, turning around, to nibble Florian's ear, "What do you want to do today?" inquired Valerio pulling Florian over on him. "Stay in bed with you and fuck all day long!" "Wow!" "And when we're completely exhausted, we could go back to Anzolo Rafael, eat a huge platter of fried fish, come back, and I'll massage you until we can start over again." "Tomorrow's a national holiday. In the afternoon, we can go to Burano, come out to my parents and go see Zefiro." "Excellent planning! Tuesday I can drop out of school and devote myself completely to you." "And I can hand in my resignation, sail Zefiro to the Giudecca and prepare her for charter sevice in our spare time out of bed! Are you ready for breakfast?" "Again, already?" grinned Florian. Valerio laughed, straddling Florian. "I mean eating pastry, drinking fruit juice, and savouring a steaming cappuccino and not just drinking each other again. We'll take a shower, get dressed and go out to greet the day, build up our energy, and return for an exhausting day in bed!" "And you have to call your mother!" reminded Florian, pulling Valerio into a long wet kiss. ---------- The following day, Florian went with Valerio to meet his family and to explain their project of chartering Zefiro together -- and live together, in love, as well. Valerio's father said that he couldn't forbid them to do as they felt and wished them good luck. Mauro gave them both a long, strong hug, and his mother made them promise to come for dinner at least once a week. ---------- The following days, Florian prepared the flat for his partner. Valerio sailed Zefiro to the far side of the Giudecca where he could moor for free in the Rio Morto. Florian came over to help him carry his belongings. ---------- They added up their personal savings together which amounted to €5820 in common. That would keep them fed until their charter business started working. ---------- Florian and Valerio went to Vicenza and talked with Signora Anna Conte. She congratulated them and said she could continue helping them financially until their business got into full swing. Then she said, "Valerio, come here and let me give you a motherly hug! Welcome into the family." Valerio, melted in Anna's arms as Florian just stood there beaming. ---------- Valerio called Paolo asking him to help them find a better mooring for their charters. Paolo said he'd talk with his companion about it. ---------- Valerio and Florian learned to know each other by sharing simple things. They bought their food and cooked together. They bathed and groomed each other. Valerio taught Florian how to sail Zefiro. Their lovemaking was sometimes delicately refined, other times, wild, almost acrobatic. This happened every night and sometimes at daybreak too. They didn't agree on everything, but little by little their understanding of each other deepened as well as their love. Without ever questioning why they were in love, they let love simply happen -- because it was the nature of love to accomplish their destiny. ---------- Paolo's companion, Patrizio Loredan, invited them to meet at the 'Compagnia della Vela', the very elegant sailing club on San Giorgio Maggiore Island. Patrizio's family was a founding member of the club and as such, he enjoyed permanent membership. He signed them in as his guests and gave them his spare mooring space, asking in return that they contribute ten percent of their profits to his foundation for gay homeless boys. Valerio was dumbfounded. He stuttered, trying to express his gratitude, adding that San Giorgio Maggiore was the perfect departure point for their charters. Florian could hardly believe that this extremely distinguished and generous gentleman was Paolo's companion. "I wish you the best, my young friends. Feel free to drop in for a visit whenever you can. I admire your spirit, your determination and power of initiative... as well as the evident bonds of love you share. Now we must leave you! We have guests arriving this evening, See you soon, I hope!" The boys gave his Excellency, Count Patrizio Loredan, a gigantic hug. Paolo gave them both a kiss. Valerio and Florian waved as Loredan's powerboat sped away, returning to their island residence on Torcello. Valerio looked at Florian and asked "Is all this for real?" "Yes, it is. It's really for real..." They walked to the ferry stop, hand in hand. "Want to celebrate?" asked Florian. "First in bed and then with an expensive fish dinner at Montin's!" "That's exactly what I had in mind." "For real?" Florian laughed and shouted "Of course, blockhead! For fucking real!" ----------