Date: Wed, 18 Aug 1999 09:21:40 +1200 From: nivision@manawatu.gen.nz Subject: Gay Devotion Chapter 5 Gay Devotion Chapter five Andy reported to the Dean's office as soon as he arrived at the University next morning. He was immediately ushered into the Dean. "Thank you for coming so quickly Andrew", said the Dean. "I have been asked by the National Opera to help them with a problem. Their current production is Rigolleto which they know is our opera study for this term. Their lead tenor has bronchitis and the understudy has broken his leg, so we have been asked if we can help by providing a substitute. So how do you feel about taking the role of the Duke of Mantua?" Andy could not believe what he was hearing. His feelings were mixed. He was scared by the magnitude of the task, thrilled by the opportunity, uncertain that he could be ready in time, confused by the prospect of sacrificing study and possible unforeseen problems. "Can I give you my answer tomorrow?" he replied. The Dean hesitated. "Would you be prepared to have the producer call on you and discuss it with you?" asked the Dean anxiously. "Sure tonight, at my home. Thank you for considering me," said Andy as he stood. All day Andy felt ambivalent about agreeing to the request. He wanted to accept for it was an extraordinary opportunity but then it seemed like an impossible task, he could never be ready. He really did not know what to do by the time he was waiting in the car for Mark to arrive after lectures. He was no sooner seated when Andy, in an unstoppable flood, told him about the Dean's request and his indecision. "What am I to do?" he asked. "What should I do? I want to and yet I don't. What do you think I should do?" "Wait until we have heard from the producer. Now quieten down, relax, and we will see if it is possible for you to accept. Just don't worry." It was impossible for Andy not to worry. He continued to talk about it and could hardly eat his dinner as he considered all the possible difficulties. When the doorbell rang, he jumped up and rushed to open the door. The visitor introduced himself as Mario Elliott, the producer of the opera. Andy took him into the sitting room where he introduced Mark. After thanking Andy for at least considering the request, Mario answered his questions about the practicalities of his receiving sufficient preparation time and rehearsals. He was told that it would be intensive but that he would be given every assistance. Mario then said that he had been told that Questa o quella was the course exercise and asked if he could hear it. They went into the music room where Mark sat at the piano, opened the score and played the introduction. Andy gave a performance like the one that had awarded him an A+ grade. Mario's look of surprise then delight was followed by an enthusiasm that indicated that he was now determined to get Andy's agreement. He turned to Mark. "You are a very good accompanist Would you help him with the other arias and recitatives that he will have?" Mark said he would. "Then come with him to rehearsals so that you get a feel for the production. It will mean every night this week. The first performance is on Saturday." He sighed. "Andy I am sure you could do it. Wont you help us out of a very difficult situation?" Andy looked at Mark. "Could we manage it?" "I feel sure we can if we work at really hard. I'm prepared to try." "There is no need to spend time on the aria I heard to night, it is excellent. If the others are as good as that, we will have no problems," said Mario So Andy agreed to take the part. Mario asked them to be at the Opera House at 6.30 next evening and left soon after thanking them profusely. "Well we might as well begin right away," said Mark as he again sat at the piano. Again and again they practised his arias until he was familiar with the words and music. It was midnight before they decided it was enough. They arrived early at the opera house and were introduced to the cast which warmly welcomed them. Andy's first rehearsal went slowly for there were many interruptions as he was guided through his acting, movements and other directions, which the cast patiently endured. But Andy quickly absorbed his role and was soon demonstrating that he was good. The applause that followed his Questa o quella stopped the rehearsal. It portended his likely success with the role. The Duke's duets with Gilda showed that they needed more practise, and a time was arranged with the soprano for this. They worked hard at it during the week, taking time only to attend lectures. At each night's rehearsal Andy's performance continued to improve until he showed that he had fully mastered the role of the lecherous Duke. "How do you do it?" asked Mark as he drove home. "I have always dreamed of being the great seducer of handsome men, so I am acting out the role and it is working." Andy laughed. "It's a good thing they can't read my mind." Among the chorus there was one man who Mark found very attractive. He was blond, tall and well built. When ever he looked at him, he found his eyes on himself. During one of the many breaks this guy sat down beside him. "You are a student at Victoria?" he asked. When Mark confirmed this he continued. "I thought I had seen you there. Also at the Gay Students Club. I am a member, my name is Tony Simpson." "Mark Turner ", he replied., "yes, Andy and I are members. "Andy has an incredible voice. He is a great choice for the Duke's role and has created quite a stir among the cast. I would like to meet him." "Here he comes," said Mark as Andy approached. He introduced Tony who suddenly became very shy. Andy's easy manner encouraged Tony to talk about the production and the enthusiasm of the cast. At each of the rehearsals Tony would spend time with Mark during breaks. The Wednesday rehearsal included the final fitting of the costumes. They were gorgeous. The men wore tights, each leg a different colour and doublets with slashed sleeves of brilliant contrasting colours. They wore a codpiece and Mark noticed that Tony's hardly covered his genitals for he was so well endowed. The women's gowns were glorious, sparkling with jewels and with sweeping trains. The final rehearsal was in full costume. Andy looked magnificent in ruffles, lace, velvet and ermine. Tights and doublet enhanced his physique and youthful good looks. Many of the women and some of the men in the cast were very much attracted by him. Andy was given extra coaching by Mario at the beginning and end of each rehearsal until he was satisfied that he had mastered his role. Mark, during practises at home, would remind him of the action. By Saturday, Mark was satisfied that Andy was ready. There was a lot of interest among the staff and students of the music department as well as among the members of the Gay Students Club in Andy's appearance in Rigolleto and many managed to get seats for the opening night. Paul and Peter said they would also be present. Mark sat with Ralph, Aaron, Jerry and Julia. He was tense and anxious but made sure that it did not show when he visited Andy in his dressing room. He reassured him that he would be success and that everyone was feeling the same. He gave him a quick kiss and an encouraging squeeze of his shoulder. The auditorium was packed and the hum of voices faded as the overture began. The curtain slowly lifted to the applause of the audience as it revealed the opulent court of the Duke of Mantua. Mark held his breath as Andy began Questa o quella His voice was clear, confident and full of convincing meaning firmly demonstrating the heartless character of the Duke. Mark was impressed as he saw Andy totally absorbed by the role. So was the audience as the shouts of appreciation and strong applause followed. Andy sustained his convincing presentation throughout the first two Acts before the interval. Mark hurried back to his dressing room. It was crowded by the other principals and Mario congratulating him. Mario was overjoyed. "Keep it up Andy, you are a natural Duke. Sing and be wicked, how can any girl resist you?" "Or any boy?" added Rigolleto with a grin. Andy's smile conveyed his delight. "Here comes that boy," he replied as Mark entered. "God I am proud of you," blurted Mark. "Keep it up, you are fine, just fine." "Bring your friends to the opening night stage supper'" said Mario. "Much of his success is due to you.. I'm sure they will want to congratulate Andy too." The final Act was just as good. Andy seemed to find no problems with the difficult quartet Bella figlia dell'amore, and when he sang the famous La donna e mobile, the audience erupted. He had to repeat it. As the curtain descended at the end of the opera, the applause was deafening. As each of the principals appeared they received enthusiastic acknowledgment but it was when Andy appeared at the end that the audience stood, shouted, stamped and roared their appreciation. He looked confused, clearly overwhelmed, tears streamed down his face. Each of the principals hugged him and Gilda kissed him. Mario and the conductor hugged him. Again and again they were called back to acknowledge the continuing applause. Bouquets of flowers were given to each of them. Supper was a noisy occasion with every one excited by the success of the production. Mark noticed the Dean, saw Peter and Paul talking to several of the cast and then he saw Leonardo. He went over to him. "Well what do you think of Andy now?" he asked him. "Magnific, what a superb voice, he was terrific. His papa and mama will be so proud. What a night, never to be forgotten." He held Mark's head between his hands and kissed him on each cheek. "Give those to Andy from me." Mark promised to deliver. They returned to Kowhai Crescent with Aaron and Jerry in the BMW. Everyone was delighted with the success of the evening and were on a high. Mark noticed that Andy was very quiet. "You look exhausted." "I am, I only want my bed. Can I leave it to you to show Aaron and Jerry to their room?" "Sure." Andy offered them a drink as soon as they got home but it was declined. "Well is it to be separate rooms or are you sleeping together?" asked Mark. Aaron looked at Jerry. "Well what is it to be?" he asked him grinning at him. "Do you want a cuddle tonight or do I have to join Mark and Andy?" "As I need help getting in and out of bed I suppose I will have to suffer your snores and restlessness," Jerry replied. "Listen to him, he should complain. I'm prepared to suffer but are you?" "I guess so," Jerry replied with a grin. Andy pushed Jerry into the bedroom and Mark joined Andy. He was already fast asleep. Mark could not sleep; he relived every moment that Andy was on the stage. His heart filled with pride and love for the guy. He looked at him as he slept, he was so beautiful, so important to him, so much a part of his life. He leant over, kissed his lips and then his chest, breathing in deeply his aroma. He snuggled down under the blankets, found Andy's hand and held it as he too slept. Mark awoke to find Andy embracing him, his head against his. He kissed his cheek. "This is my best reward for all your effort over the past week," Andy said. "There is no need for a reward, it is your love that is my reward. Knowing we mean so much to each other is more important." Andy gently stroked the hair on Mark's chest. "You are so beautiful," he said. "How fortunate I am to have met you." Mark turned and drew him close. I never want us to part, I love you so much, life would be impossible without you." For sometime they lay in each other's arms. Then the peace was shattered as Aaron stormed in. "He is a monster, he raped me," he shouted. "I don't believe it," said Mark. You are more than capable of looking after yourself. I bet it was you who turned Jerry on. I would think you will be the first guy with whom he has had sex like yours and you got what you deserve." Aaron grinned. "How did you guess?" "I've been the recipient, remember. I gave you a similar ballocking." "Now I come to think of it, you were terrific. Jerry, here I come, I'm not finished yet," Aaron shouted as he disappeared. Andy sat up. "It is going to be a busy day. Friends will probably be phoning and calling to talk about last night, so shall we shower?" Mark and Andy were at breakfast when Jerry and Aaron appeared. They were on a high, teasing each other after having enjoyed good sex. "I bet you are no longer a virgin Jerry," said Mark grinning. "Aaron is very persuasive." "There was not much persuading, he was ready to get his rocks off.," said Aaron. I could hardly stand the pace, I am exhausted." "A likely tale," said Andy. "He's got the stamina of a stallion on heat." The phone interrupted him. It was Paul congratulating Andy on his performance. "You were quite a sensation. Everyone I spoke to was surprised by the beauty of your voice and great acting ability. We have booked seats for your parents for Monday's performance." This was the first of many similar calls which interrupted their morning. Jerry had brought several of his compositions with him for Mark and Andy's opinion. They liked most of them and made suggestions from time to time on how they thought they could be improved. Jerry tried the suggestions with them and made many changes. Jerry was very much enjoying himself with Aaron. They did not have the constraints that they felt at home and their high jinks were quite uninhibited. It was obvious that they were fond of each other. They were in no hurry to be driven home by Andy at the end of the day. As soon as the morning paper on Monday was delivered, Andy found the review of the opera. The headlines read - National Opera's Triumph. A New Star Discovered. There followed a rave review. Andy's performance was given a lot of space reporting: Amazing find with an outstanding voice - brilliant upper register - convincing acting inspiring great response from other principals. He was the star of the production promising a great opera career and a leading New Zealand tenor. As Andy was reading the review to Mark, the phone rang. It was Paul congratulating him on being given such a favourable review. He also asked him whether he would be meeting his parents at the airport that morning. When Andy said that he was, Paul told him he would visit soon after they arrived home. Andy left for the airport to meet the flight from Sydney at 10. He took the morning paper with him. Mark was practising a Chopin etude when he looked up to see a tall grey haired man standing in the doorway. He walked over to Mark with his hand outstretched. "I'm Philip Turner, Andrew's father. I know all about you and I am delighted that at last I can meet you." Mark rose from the piano and came towards him. Instead of shaking Mark's hand, Philip embraced him. "You are very much a member of this family. You have done so much for Andrew and I know that he loves you very much. We would like to also." A handsome woman entered. "This is Celia, Andrew's mother." Her warm smile was returned by Mark.. She also embraced him and kissed his cheek. "It's wonderful meeting you. Andrew never seems to stop talking about you." Mark went with them into the sitting room. Andy was overjoyed by the arrival of his parents and his incessant chatter made it difficult for others to talk. "Quiet love," said Mark as he turned to Philip. "I hope you had an enjoyable flight. I suppose you have heard about Andy's wonderful performance Saturday night?" "Oh yes, and read the review," said Celia. "We are so proud of him." "Did he tell you that Paul is taking you both to tonight's performance." The surprised look on their faces provided the answer. "Paul will be here shortly," said Andy, "he has much to tell you." As soon as Paul arrived, Mark returned to the music room and Chopin. He joined them again for lunch after which he and Andy attended lectures. Many of the students and staff had attended the opera and were thrilled by Andy's success. He received many congratulations. It was not easy concentrating on the lectures. Mark drove Andy to the opera house to arrive at 6.30 when his dresser and make up artists were waiting for him. Paul called for Celia and Philip. The House Full sigh was up when they arrived. Mark was given a seat at the rear of one of the boxes. He searched the Audience and eventually saw Andy's parents with Paul. The cast were much more confident on the second night and Mark noticed fewer mistakes. Again the audience thrilled to Andy's arias and demanded encores of La donna e mobile. At the interval Mark had found his parents and suggested that they might like to visit Andy in his dressing room at the end of the performance. They agreed. At the final curtain, the applause was similar to that on the first night with many curtain recalls and Andy being given rapturous acknowledge of his performance. He was removing his make-up when Mark ushered his parents into his dressing room. Andy was delighted to see them. His mother rushed over and hugged him, unconcerned that make-up was soiling her dress. "You were wonderful. I have never before appreciated what a magnificent voice you have." His father was equally excited but at a loss for words But his pride was clear in his manner. "Much is due to Mark, he made me work at it. Second best is not possible with him." He laughed. "How did you like the show?" "It was magnificent", said Philip, better than many I have seen overseas. I think you were terrific." He squeezed Andy's arm and Celia kissed him again as they left. Mark helped Andy to dress and they were soon on their way home. Andy had warned Mark that his parents entertained a lot when they were home. They were mostly the other directors and top management of his Company. Sometimes he was expected to be present and he wondered if Mark would care to help him. He saw these events as a duty rather than an enjoyable occasions. The first of these was a dinner party on the Thursday. Three directors with their wives were present. It proved to be quite enjoyable as Mark and Andy served drinks and were included in the conversations. They had been to the opera and wanted to relive the experience with Andy. One of the more vociferous wives insisted that Andy sing La donna e mobile and on learning that Mark was his accompanist, wanted him to play something. He chose a Chopin waltz. She wanted another, a mazurka. Over dinner she told Mark that she was a member of the programme committee of the Chamber Music Society that organised public performances. Then she asked him whether he and Andy would give a recital at one of the monthly concerts. Mark promised to discuss her request with Andy. She gave him her card emphasising that she expected to hear from him soon. Mark told Andy about the request as they lay in bed that night. "Probably they will want the songs of Schubert, Mahler and German Lieder, difficult and demanding. "And they will expect you too to make a contribution", said Andy. I am not that good, I need some lessons from a good piano teacher", said Mark, "and that I can't afford, let alone find the time." Andy sat up. "Look I know that you are an independent bastard but you have been a great help to me and I want to give you something in return. Dad thinks it is an excellent idea and agrees. We would like to meet the expenses of your further training. More and more you are my accompanist and assist me to prepare for recitals and that has been a great help. Please accept our offer, after all you are my partner and you are family." Mark sat up, hugged Andy. "That would be wonderful, ok, I accept. I very much appreciate your help. I am thinking I am going to have to switch to a music degree." "Would you ?" asked Andy delighted, "it would be wonderful if we can study together." It was late before they stopped talking about the implications of Mark's decision. Next morning Mark thanked Philip for his generous offer "You are helping us as much as you are helping yourself," he replied "You are likely to be very much a part of Andrew's career. I understand that you both have been asked to contribute to the Chamber Music Society's programme." When Mark told him about the Director's wife's request, he laughed "Yes she is a very persuasive woman but could be helpful providing you both with good opportunities. Make the most of her help but don't let her take control, she will want to." The Wednesday and Friday performances were again a great success. Mark delivered and collected Andy each night ,spending the interval in the varsity library. On Friday evening when he arrived, he found Tony talking to Andy in his dressing room. They left together knowing that there would be a number of fans waiting at the stage door for Andy's autograph. There were more than usual when they emerged and Andy was busy satisfying the persistent ones. Mark heard the noise of approaching drunks. He looked up when one of them yelled at them. "There are the bloody poofters, screaming queens, arty farty pansies, take that." Mark saw him raise an arm holding a bottle and as he threw it, he stood in front of Andy. It crashed on to his head and shattered. Mark fell unconscious on to the pavement with blood pouring from a gash. A couple of the fans gave chase while another with a cell phone called the police and an ambulance. Tony and Andy carried Mark indoors and tried to stem the blood pouring from a deep gash on his scalp. The police arrived quickly to find that the bottle thrower had been caught. They were taking statements when the ambulance arrived. Andy insisted that he accompany Mark to the hospital. It proved to, be a deep gash requiring stitches, and because there was a possibility of delayed concussion, Mark was admitted. Andy stayed with him until he was again conscious, promising to return the next morning. Philip and Celia were quite upset when they heard what had happened. A report of the assault was in the morning paper and this gave the opera and Andy more publicity. He often wondered whether the ovation he received following the final performance on the Saturday night was due to audience sympathy or his contribution. Mark was discharged next morning and was brought home by Andy and his parents who were anxious about Mark's progress. No sooner had they arrived home when the phone rang. Philip answered it to find Mark's father calling. He had just read about the assault in the paper. Philip gave him a full account of the attack and of Mark's progress, telling him that they had just brought him home. He called Mark to the phone. He was able to reassure his father that he was fast recovering in spite of his sore head. He promised to visit again soon. After Mark had spoken to his mother, he handed the phone back to Philip. He invited Mark's family to lunch the following Saturday. As there were no seats available, Philip and Celia shared a box with Mark at the final performance. At the stage supper at the end, it was Mark who received most of the attention. He looked a wreck with a large dressing on top of his head. Andy would not leave him, seeming to want to protect him from any further damage. It was a special occasion with everyone in high spirits, delighted by the success of the opera season. Several of the cast asked Andy to join the Company but he was non committal. He saw his father talking to Mario. Celia was arranging the many bouquets that Andy had received during the many curtain calls on the final night, when he and Mark came down to breakfast. Philip was having his breakfast while reading the morning paper. He folded it and put it aside. "Mario thinks you should attend the London Opera School. If you do, I will keep the London apartment. I have no intentions for making decisions for you, but it would help your singing career immensely. Also Mark might like to continue his studies at the London Royal School of Music. Think about it." "I would like to finish my Bachelor of Music Degree first," Andy replied. "Also Mark is considering switching, majoring in Performance like me. That will take us two more years." "Now that is a good idea, after all you are only 18 and you have known each other for such a short time, but do keep my offer in mind." Philip rose from the table and went into his study. Mark as usual spent a couple of hours accompanying Andy with his practise after which he worked on piano pieces. He was practising a Beethoven sonata when Philip came in and drew up a chair beside him. "It is clear to Celia and me that you and Andrew are very much a couple in love and feel strongly about each other. You have contributed immensely to Andrew's training and encouraged his efforts to achieve his goals. What's more, what you did on Friday night confirmed how important he is to you. We admire you greatly and strongly feel that you are an important part of this family. We would like to provide you with the same independence that we have given to Andrew. We would like you to accept a monthly allowance of $1000, it will be paid automatically into your bank account." Mark was at a loss how to reply. "You are right, we do love each other very much and working with Andy is one of my ways of showing it.. I don't want payment. I try to share costs with him, which is difficult, for he never thinks that I want to show that I don't want to sponge off him. I admit I don't want to feel obligated, but it is not easy." "I appreciate that, and we don't want you to feel obligated either. Your allowance we can easily afford us. What is more important is that it will provide you with some independence from Andrew and any embarrassment from his generosity." Mark was silent as Philip waited. "Well thank you. I feel better about accepting your generosity now that I know how you feel about me. I do appreciate your generosity." Philip stood and hugged him. "You really are a special kind of guy. Andrew is very fortunate to have such a friend, no lover. Celia and I really are delighted that you are a part of our family." Mark's feelings were mixed as he thought about Philip's generosity. He wondered how Andy would receive the news. He found him cleaning his car and asked him if he knew about his fathers intentions. Andrew told him that it had been discussed with his mother and himself and they thoroughly agreed with him. "To some extent it makes you and I financially independent, and truly, I do want that. I should be paying you for accompanying me at recitals but I know that you will refuse. Dad's proposal is a much better idea." "Now I can take you out to dinner." said Mark. "You may have to, Philip and Celia are going overseas again in two weeks time, but they will be home for Christmas." He returned to polishing his car. He looked up "I am glad your folk are coming to dinner on Saturday. I want them to meet my parents. Also I hope they will stay with us sometimes." "So am I. I would like you to feel that you are one of my family." Andy put a grubby hand under his chin and kissed him. "I think I am already, the way your mum made me feel at home." "What snogging again?" said Philip as he came through the garage door. "You are to come in for lunch." Excited anticipation caused Mark to frequently watch for the arrival of his family on Saturday morning. As the Toyota Corolla pulled into the drive, he announced their arrival to the others and rushed to the front door. He opened his mother's door as soon as the car stopped and hugged her as she stepped out. He did the same to his Dad and Luke, wondering about the absence of Susan. Celia and Philip warmly welcomed each of them, followed by Andy. They were taken into the sitting room where Mark took their coats and offered them a comfort stop. Very quickly the warm welcome and friendliness of Celia and Philip had Mark's family completely relaxed, with his parents inviting them to use their names Ruth and John. Andy had brought in coffee and was quick to reassure them that Mark had now fully recovered from his injury. Celia was full of praise for Mark's brave act, followed by Philip's appreciation. John and Philip learned that they had both been in the airforce during the war years and were soon sharing experiences. Celia kept asking Ruth about Mark's earlier years. "I knew you were likely to want to know more about Mark so I brought a few photographs with me," said Ruth as she took a small photograph album from her bag. Celia was delighted and carefully examined each photograph, asking many questions. She looked at Ruth. "Mark is a wonderful boy, we are very fond of him. Andrew is in love with him." She stopped uncertain how to proceed. "I have to tell you this, Andrew is gay." She waited for Ruth's reaction. "Oh I know, so is Mark. We thought he might be and Andrew persuaded Mark to tell us when they spent a weekend with us. I know that they are very much in love. The whole family has accepted the relationship. We consider Andrew to be one of our family." "We believe we have acquired another son," said Celia. "He has made such a difference to Andrew, encouraging his studies and in particular, his singing. Now they are even being asked to give recitals. It is so wonderful. We are delighted they are partners, sharing everything and supporting each other." Ruth took a photograph album from a sideboard drawer and handed it to Ruth. "This will show you what Andrew was like over the years." When Andy saw his parents so involved, he suggested to Luke that he might like to se the gym. Luke was quite envious when he saw the equipment and the pool. "You might like a swim after lunch," said Andy. Luke did not hesitate to accept. During lunch the parents continued to exchange accounts of Mark and Andrew's past including embarrassing occasions with Luke elaborating with details which Mark hoped had been forgotten. Andy thoroughly enjoyed Mark's embarrassment planning to remind him on appropriate occasions. "We are often overseas," said Philip, "but Ruth and I hope that you and your family will visit Andrew and Mark, stay over and always feel welcome." "We hope Luke will stay when his school rugby team plays Wellington Boys College next month, Said Andy. "Thank you Andrew," said John, "I can see he wants to." After lunch while the others continued getting to know each other, Mark, Andy and Luke went for the promised swim. Luke did not hesitate to strip. Mark was surprised to see how well endowed he was. A thick bush surrounded his genitals. A low hung scrotum was filled by large balls mounted by a long slender cock. Chest hair was beginning to sprout but not as widely dispersed as his own. Andy and Mark also stripped and followed Luke into the water. With strong strokes, Luke swam many lengths of the pool before resting beside Mark and Andy. "You both need a lot more exercise, you have too much flab," he said to Mark slapping his stomach. "Careful, remember I am your big brother and can still keep you in your place." "Not without Andy's help," he said with a grin. Mark made a grab for him but Luke was too quick and dived between his legs. He surfaced. "A nice one, does it get plenty of exercise?" he said to Andy. "Don't be cheeky," said Mark. "Yes it does. Your brother never lets it rest," Andy replied well aware that he was referring to his cock. "How about yours?" "Sure, lots of hand jobs, although it's girls that give me the hots. I've still to find that special one. There is no hurry." "Ever had a blow job?" asked Andy. "Only from a mate, they are great. Why, are you making an offer?" he asked with a grin. Andy looked at Mark who shrugged. "He doesn't appeal to me, but I have no objections if you want to help this poor frustrated oversexed brother." "Listen to whose talking. I bet the two of you can't get enough, fucking all night." "Not yet", said Mark looking anxiously at Andy, who only grinned "You will have to wait until you visit," Andy replied. It was late afternoon before they left on the return journey. Mark's family promised to visit again when Celia and Philip had returned from overseas. They also said that they expected Andrew to make their home his when they were away. To be continued. The author Stewart Ransom invites comments. E-mail address: nivision@manawatu.gen.nz