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The Sweet Life	By : jai Category: Individual Celebrities > Athlete/Sports Misc Views: 8241 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. I do not know the people written about in this fanfiction. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 21
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- 23
May 28, 2010 New York, NY

Michael pulled himself out of the warm up pool and headed for the competition pool, pausing to look at the city skyline across the East River. The Aquatic Center was located in Brooklyn but it had only been a ten minutes by ferry from the Olympic Village.

So far they’d toured a typical athletes’ apartment, the dining and exercise facilities, and the Sky Lounge, the private athlete’s area that had games, televisions, computers and just about any other form of entertainment a person could wish for including a disco.

“Love, are you okay?”

Michael turned to Ian, “Oh. Yeah, just thinking. This is a great venue.”

“Ah. It is very nice but you’ll cool down if you’re not careful.”

“Right. Shall we hit the pool? I’m interested to see how if feels.”

“After you.” Ian said, waving his hand.

Four hours later, they were heading back to Manhattan, their PR duties behind them for the weekend although Michael had a photo shoot on Sunday that Ian was tagging along for while Pieter and Grant did the tourist thing.

“Ian, where are we having dinner tonight?” Grant asked as their limo traveled back to Manhattan.

“Per Se but not until seven. It’s a beautiful afternoon, anyone want to take a walk in Central Park to work up our appetites?”

“Actually I need to get to Books of Wonder on 18th Street then to FAO Schwartz.” Michael said, looking at his watch. “

Grant’s head snapped around. “A book store? I’ll go with you!”

“It’s a children’s bookstore, Grant so you might not find it very interesting.”

“Hm.” Ian said rubbing his chin. “I suspect that this has something to do with Chloe. What are you getting?”

“The entire Lemony Snicket series. Autographed. And no that’s not what Chloe asked for; it’s one of her Christmas presents.”

“Michael, it’s May and you’re already Christmas shopping? You have nerve calling Ian overly organized.” Pieter commented.

“Really! And I thought we weren’t going to get extravagant with Chloe’s presents?” Ian said accusingly.

“I’m not. It’s a big expenditure up front but she’s getting the first three books for Christmas, the next three for her birthday and so forth. They’re great stories so I hope they’re one of the things she’ll give to her kids.”

“Aw. That’s so sweet. I can just imagine you guys in your matching cardigans sitting by the fire reading to your grandkids.” Grant mused with a smile. “And as that could happen in ten or fifteen years, you both have a good chance of still having hair. Ow! Hey, that hurt.”

Ian put his hand back in his lap with a smile of his own. “If you’re going to be a smart ass, you shouldn’t sit so close.”

&&

Michael waited patiently in line behind a woman who was too busy talking on her cell phone to pay attention to the sales clerk. Finally he was at the counter and shared a look with the clerk.

“Welcome to Books of Wonder, what can I help you with today?”

“Hi, my name is Michael Phelps and I called on Tuesday about the Lemony Snicket books.”

“Ah, I’m glad you made it in. I’m Carol, we spoke on the phone. Did you want them gift wrapped?”

“No thanks, I’ll wrap them later.” Michael pulled out his credit card and handed it over. The clerk took it absently then did a double take at Michael’s picture on the card.

“I guess that’s kind of handy, huh?”

“No one ever seems to ask for ID, that’s for sure.”

She ran the card and handed Michael the sales slip which he signed and handed back, taking the large bag of books in exchange. The clerk held the pen back out with a piece of paper.

“Mr. Phelps, would you mind giving me an autograph? My daughter’s a big fan.”

“Oh, sure. What’s your daughter’s name?”

“Evangeline. She’s fourteen.”

Michael signed the paper after writing a short note and handed it back with a smile. “Here you go. Thanks for holding the books for me.” He turned to leave and almost ran into Ian standing behind him with a couple of books of his own.

“Are those for Chloe?”

Ian looked down and shook his head. “Um no. Wizard of Oz. Mum’s favorite. I thought I’d give it to her for Christmas so she can read it to Xander.”

“Xander?”

“Or Spike. Spike Thorpe.”

Shaking his head, Michael walked out of the store to find Pieter leaning against the building and munching on a pretzel.

“Where did you get that and don’t let Ian see you eat it.”

“Oh, there’s a mixed message. Why can’t I eat?”

“Because we’re having the chef’s tasting menu tonight and its nine courses.”

“Ah.” Pieter nodded his understanding then holding out the pretzel with a smirk. “Do you want the rest?”

“God, yes. I’m starving.” Michael said, reaching out for it.

“No so fast. What does Chloe want you to buy?”

Michael looked at the pretzel then back at the store. 3D Puzzle of the Sydney Opera House. It’s for Ian’s birthday. Well, she wants to help him put it together but it’s for his study.”

Pieter handed the pretzel over along with the little tub of mustard, “She’s such a great kid, isn’t she?”

Michael ate quickly, keeping one eye on the door and had just cleaned up and disposed of the evidence when Ian and Grant came out, both with large bags of their own.

“That doesn’t look like the Wizard of Oz, Ian.”

“I found other stuff.” Ian leaned forward and licked across the corner of Michael’s mouth, surprising his companions with such an unusual display of public affection. “Where’d you get the pretzel?”

“What pretzel?” Michael asked, trying to look innocent.

“The pretzel you ate with the mustard.”

“Oh, um. It was left over from lunch?”

“Right. It’s food so you’re lying.”

“I’m starving!”

“We just ate lunch two hours ago.”

“Gentlemen, our car is waiting and surely you can continue this conversation in there?” Grant, the voice of reason, said as he opened the car door.

They got in the backseat and Michael told the driver to head for the next destination. Ian griped until he realized they were going to a toy store.

“So, now I get to find out what Chloe wanted?”

“Nope. You and Pieter are going to make yourselves scarce while Grant and I shop.”

“You’re not going to tell me what she wants?”

“No. It’s not a gift for her; it’s a gift she’s buying for someone.”

“For me?” Ian asked eagerly.

“I’m not saying.” Michael said, looking out the window.

“But if it’s for me, you could tell me.” Ian moved a little closer and stroked a hand down Michael’s thigh. “Please?”

“That never works, Ian so give it up. I promised Chloe.”

Sitting back with a sour look, Ian sighed. “It works for everything else I want.”

“It’s different for presents; learn to live with that fact.”

&&

Inside the huge toy store, Pieter took Ian by the arm and dragged him away despite his protests. Grant made sure to stick his tongue out at Ian as they separated, Michael heading up the escalator.

“So what is the big secret?”

“Chloe wanted me to pick up her birthday present for Ian. You swear on your Speedos that you aren’t going to tell Ian, right?”

“No I won’t tell but I do get to torture him with the fact that I know and he doesn’t. That’s enough for me.”

“Oh torture him all you want. He’s so bad when it comes to presents. You know he went out and looked in the box in the garage. Luckily that was only the decoy box.”

“Decoy box?”

“Yeah. He’s horrible with presents; haven’t you noticed? I can’t even put his presents out before Christmas because he can’t rest until he knows what’s in it. Hence the decoy boxes. I’ve got four so far.”

“Hang on; these decoy boxes all have presents in them?”

“Well sure but they’re not his real present.”

“So Ian’s getting four presents this year before he gets his ‘real’ present. Boy, does he have you conned.”

“No, I’m conning him. The decoy presents are things I would just give him if he wasn’t such a big baby about presents.”

“You guys are so weird. How many floors does this place have by the way? We’ve been going up escalator after escalator.”

Michael paused and looked around. “We’re on four so this is the right one. They promised they had them in stock.” He took a left at a huge stuff polar bear

“What?”

“You’ll see.” Michael wound his way through the aisles and ended up at the puzzles and games sections, going towards the back and finding the box he was looking for right away. “Here it is.”

Grant took the box, a 3-D jigsaw puzzle of the Sydney Opera House. “Hey, this is really cool. Do they have another? Dad would love this.”

“They’ve got two more but you’ll have to get yours gift wrapped here so Ian doesn’t know what it is.” Michael said over his shoulder as he picked up two other puzzles, one of the Eiffel Tower and another of various Manhattan landmarks.

“She wanted those too?”

“Nah, these are for her and Ian to work on this summer. No gift wrap necessary for these and now let’s pay for these, get them wrapped and head for the baby section.”

“Baby section?”

“Yeah, they have a really cool bunny that I want to get for the baby.”

&&

On another floor of the store, Ian was standing in front of the fantasy play house and looking over the brochure. For a mere forty thousand dollars, the store would commission a true to scale playhouse that replicated any house the buyer desired.

“Michael’s going to kill you.” Pieter said as he stood next to Ian.

“We each have our own money that we’re allowed to spend anyway we like so no he’s not.”

“He’s going to kill you anyway for spoiling Chloe like this.”

“You think it’s too much?”

“It’s more than some people spend on a car, Ian. How about a dollhouse?”

“But it’s so pretty and she’s have so much fun in it.”

“Michael’s still going to kill you.”

“Michael’s going to kill Ian over what?” Michael asked coming up behind them.

Pieter pointed at the house while Ian swiftly hid the brochure behind his back. “Nothing, love. Are you finished with your shopping?”

Grant snatched the brochure and flipped it open, whistling when he caught sight of the price tag. “Good lord, who spends forty grand on a child’s anything?”

Pieter pointed at Ian and Michael stared at him. “You didn’t! Ian, tell me you didn’t just spend forty grand on a playhouse.”

“Of course I didn’t!”

“But he was going to,” Pieter said helpfully.

“I was not. I was only yanking Pieter’s chain.”

“Uh huh. Chloe doesn’t need a playhouse that cost more than one of our cars.”

“But look,” Ian said as he snatched the brochure back and showed it to Michael. “They can make a version of our house with electricity and running water. We’d just have to send them the information.”

“Fine but does she need it or do you want her to have one?”

Ian looked down and put the brochure back. “I guess I want her to have it.”

“And there’s nothing wrong with that but don’t do it on the spur of the moment. How long does it take to get one?”

“Eight to ten weeks.”

“So you have plenty of time to decide if this is what you really want to do. You know Chloe would be just as happy with something we could build her. There are kits on the internet for that. They’re not as fancy but if you get this for her this year, what would you get for her next year?”

“Why do you always have to be the voice of reason?” Ian asked.

“Well you can be the voice of reason when I try to buy the baby everything on earth.” Michael reached into his bag and pulled out the soft pink sleeping bunny. “See? It’s already started.”

“Oh, that’s so cute! Where did you find that?” Pieter asked, reaching out to stroke the bunny’s ears.

“Don’t worry Pieter; I’ve already got you one.” Grant assured him.

“Really? Thank you beminde!” Pieter said, giving Grant a hug and kiss. “Now, let’s head back to the hotel because Grant and I need to take a nap.”

&&

Since there were still several hours before they had to leave for dinner, the foursome spilt up again. Grant and Pieter took the car back to their hotel, taking all the shopping bags with them while Michael and Ian decided to walk back along 5th Avenue and taking a detour through Central Park.

As they strolled along window shopping, Ian couldn’t help asking, “Are you serious about letting me get the playhouse? I thought you’d say no right off the bat.”

“It’s not up to me, Ian. It’s your money.”

“But she’s your daughter and you don’t approve.”

“No, she’s our daughter,” Michael corrected him. “You’re raising her as much or even more than I am. Yeah, I think it’s excessive and that you’re being impulsive but it’s not my place to say no.”

“So if I turned around right now and went back to place an order, you wouldn’t say a word?”

“Oh I’d say stuff but why are you pushing on this? Was there something you really wanted as a child that you didn’t get and now you’ve got to give it Chloe?”

Ian stopped and dropped Michael’s hand, turning away and crossing his arms over his chest to stare out at the park. Michael, who hadn’t really been worried about the situation was now alarmed and stepped up next to him.

“Did I hit a sore spot?”

“Y-yes. Growing up the one thing I really wanted was a tree fort. Well, I wanted the house from a Swiss Family Robinson but I would have settled for a tree fort but mum and dad didn’t really have the money to buy one and dad didn’t have time to build one.”

Michael put his arms around Ian’s waist and hooked his chin over Ian’s shoulder, not caring that the people rushing by were staring. “So getting this house would make you feel better?”

“Yes. I know it’s silly.”

“It’s not silly babe but that’s what you wanted. Chloe hasn’t said a word about a playhouse; she’d rather have her own computer at this point.”

“Which we’re definitely not getting her. She does just fine on our laptops.”

“See? You can say no to her and it didn’t hurt a bit. Saying no is good for her and who knows, if your parents had gotten you that tree fort you might never have taken up swimming and we’d have never met.” Michael put a quick kiss on Ian’s cheek then put his arm through Ian’s to tug him along.

“In other words, my childhood trauma was to your benefit?”

“And yours too or you’d be some really hot surfie without a brass razoo. Just because we have money, it doesn’t mean we have to throw it all at her. She’s going to go to college some day; we’ll have to save something for that not to mention the other tyke or two we manage to get.”

“Hm. I suppose you’re right.” Ian snugged his arm into Michael’s as they crossed over 59th Street and into the park. “Are there really kits for playhouses?”

“Yep. And there are other playhouses that are probably just as expensive but more kid friendly with slides and swings and climbing walls. That one back there was nice but she’s too active to just sit and play with dolls.”

“All right, you made your point. I just never expected to act this way, you know. I’m going to be a complete sap when Chandler is born.”

“Chandler?”

“Or Monica. Since you object to the ‘Buffy’ names, I’m moving on to ‘Friends’.”

“Uh no, as Ross would say.”

“Okay then. You don’t let me have any fun.” Ian said, sticking his lip out.

“You keep pouting and I’ll show you fun, right in the lobby.” Michael leered.

“Ooh, tell me more.”

&&

After an exquisite dinner, they stood on the sidewalk on front of the restaurant and started walking the eleven blocks back to the hotel. It was almost ten but the city was still buzzing with activity and they seriously needed to work off the food.

“I didn’t think I’d like it but that was really good.” Michael said, his steps matching with Ian’s as they strode briskly.

“It was wonderful. Especially the duck and I don’t like duck.” Pieter said from Ian’s other side.

“And I don’t like caviar but on the oysters? It was perfect.” Grant remarked, twining his arm through Pieter’s.

“So this is your collective way of apologizing for teasing me for being a food snob?”

“We never said you were a food snob, Ian.”

“Grant’s right. We called you a snooty foodie. That’s entirely different.”

“Ha ha Pieter. I particularly liked the cheeses at the end. We’ll have to see if Whole Foods has Crowdie.”

“My favorite was the strawberry and chocolate crepes. Those were awesome.” Michael said, licking his lips. “I wonder if there’s a recipe for those somewhere; they didn’t look like they’d be too hard to make and we do have a crepe pan.”

“We have a crepe pan?”

Michael sighed and put his arm around Ian’s waist. “Yes dear. Lenny got it for us as a wedding present.”

“Lenny? Lenny K bought you a crepe pan? Why would he do that?” Pieter asked.

“That’s a crepe pan? He said it was a latke pan just like the one his grandmother used back in the Ukraine.”

“Ian! You bought the latke thing? It’s Lenny for heaven’s sake. Boy, he’s really got you guys believing he’s sweet and innocent, doesn’t he? It’s a copper crepe pan from deBuyer; it retails for two hundred and fifty bucks.”

“Gasp! You looked up the value of a gift? That’s rather crude of you.” Grant said with a smirk.

“I looked it up because it was from Lenny and I’ve learned to never trust a Russian bearing gifts. Especially after that touching story about his grandmother. He did ask you about it at the wedding, didn’t he?”

Ian nodded, looking faintly embarrassed. “Yes. I even told him that I was looking forward to making latkes in it and he gave me his grandmother’s recipe. I thought it was strange that he had it all printed up on a card like that.”

“See how sneaky he is? He set the whole thing up and I’ll bet Aaron and Ian Crocker were in the area somewhere.”

“Sitting at the same table with him. God, I’m such a dupe.” Ian said ruefully.

“It’s not just you, Ian. He’s got everyone fooled.”

&&

Back at the hotel, Michael closed the door of their suite behind him and went in to the kitchen. Ian, who had gone into the bedroom, came out a minute later when he realized Michael wasn’t following him. He was already half undressed and held up his pants with one hand.

“What are you doing?”

“Um. Getting a snack?” Michael said as he turned around and tried to hide the counter he’d been working at.

“A snack? After that meal? You’re joking!”

“Yes I am. Now shoo.” Michael waved his hand but Ian advanced on him anyway, getting a glimpse of a piece of paper and a pen.

“Ooh. What is that? What are you doing?”

“Ian, stop. God, it’s impossible to surprise you isn’t it?”

“But what is it?” Ian tried to reach around Michael but Michael blocked that move with a hip check.

“If I tell you it wouldn’t be a surprise. Go back to the bedroom and I’ll be right there.” Ian tried a pout but Michael just shook his head and leaned in for a quick kiss. “Come on, you’ll get it in the morning. That’s only a few hours, can’t you just wait?”

“Hm. Will you come in and take my mind of off it?” Ian asked as Michael’s mouth nibbled on his jaw line.

“Uh huh. God, I love the way you taste.” Michael murmured, his hands capturing Ian’s waist and delving down to stroke over the front of Ian’s boxer briefs. He shuffled his feet and moved Ian back out of the kitchen and into the living area.

“Where are we going?” Ian thought to ask as he felt his legs hit the front of the couch. He fell back onto the seat and found himself lifting his hips as Michael pulled his pants and underwear down and off.

“Looks like the living room to me.” Michael said, licking and kissing his way down Ian’s now bared chest.

“Oh. Ah. God, what are you doing?”

Michael looked up with a wicked grin, “Getting a snack.” He dropped his head and swallowed Ian’s cock which was certainly taking an interest in the proceedings.

Oh, Michael had certainly not lost his talent for this Ian thought distractedly as he was licked, sucked and generally driven wild. He reached down and ran his fingers through Michael’s hair then rubbed across Michael’s shoulders.

He knew he was babbling but didn’t care as Michael’s finger probed his anus, his finger slicked with a bit of saliva. When Michael’s thumb stroked across his perineum, he arched off the couch and shouted as he came, every bit of semen disappearing into Michael’s mouth.

“Michael, god. You-” Ian tried to talk but let his body speak for him, pulling Michael up to kiss him, their lips meeting. Michael leaned back a few minutes later and stroked Ian’s chest.

“I know baby. Hang on a minute.” Michael got up and went into the bathroom, coming back with the lube, a condom and a couple of towels, his clothes discarded at some point. He also held a bottle of water from the kitchen and handed it to Ian who took it gratefully as he enjoyed the view.

“Aren’t we going to go into the bedroom?” Ian asked as he let Michael arrange him on the couch. He was now lying on his back on one of the towels with a leg slung over the back of the couch.

“When’s the last time we made love on the couch?” Michael replied, as he sat down between Ian’s legs and opened the lube.

Ian hissed a little as one finger breached him and he quickly put down the now empty water bottle. “You’re just trying to distract me from the kitchen.”

“I know,” Michael said as he swung his body around and took his spot between Ian’s legs. “It’s it working?”

“Not quite. I still have this urge to get up and go look. Oh.” Ian said with a bit of sass but stopped talking when Michael gently bit his nipple.

“What about now?”

“It’s fading a little but do something-oh fuck, Michael!” Ian yelled, his arms coming around Michael as Michael’s cock entered him in one strong thrust.

Michael grinned down at him with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “The things I’ll do to keep you from spoiling surprises.” He flexed his hips and Ian stuttered a bit.

“Michael, stop talking and start moving dammit!” Ian demanded once he got his breath back, his legs twining around Michael’s waist.

Chuckling a little, Michael flexed his hips again, his arms going under Ian’s shoulder’s so he had better leverage. The flexing became all out thrusts when Ian’s lips found Michael’s earlobe and they both stopped joking around. Ian’s renewed erection was trapped between their bodies and the friction was driving him crazy.

“Ian, god. Are you-?” Michael asked desperately, his control slipping away from him.

“Yes, oh. Yes. Fuck. God. Michael, oh. Yes. Please.” Ian wasn’t sure what he was saying, the delicious sensations where surging through him and when Michael gave one last thrust with a little twist that hit his prostate perfectly, he was coming again.

Michael’s orgasm followed a few moments later, his eyes fluttering as he collapsed onto Ian with a groan. “God, baby.”

“Ssh. It’s okay, I’ve got you.” Ian said, his hands rubbing soothingly over Michael’s back. Michael’s lips found his and they kissed leisurely for several long minutes before Ian started giggling.

Michael lifted his head with a frown. “What?”

“Hee! Curtains open. We’re exhibitionists!” Ian said, the laughter riffling through him as he nodded towards the windows off to the left. Michael turned his head and giggled himself although he was a little mortified.

“Do you think anyone saw us?”

“Well, they’d have to be blind to miss it if they were looking. Now you get to go up and close the curtains.”

“What? Why me?”

“Because this was your idea and they’ve already seen you in all your glory; it’s a beautiful glory and they’re very lucky to see it. Besides, I’m shy.” Ian said, demurely casting his eyes down.

Michael snorted and hauled himself up, belatedly picking up one of the towels to cover his groin and crossing over to pull the curtain cord. “Geeze. Sorry baby.”

“For what?”

“I meant to close them.”

Ian shrugged and reached out to take Michael’s towel to clean up his chest and stomach. “They probably couldn’t make out our faces enough to identify us and we weren’t doing anything illicit.”

Michael disappeared into the bathroom and came back sans condom but holding the complimentary robes the hotel provided. Now that they weren’t moving, the air conditioning was a bit chilly. He snagged two more bottles of water and set them down on the coffee table.

“Well, I hope they enjoyed the show.” Michael said philosophically as he handed one of the robes to Ian and put the other on.

Ian stood and put the robe on before capturing Michael’s hand and pulling him over to snuggle on the couch. “We’re probably very picturesque.”

“Probably.” Michael agreed, resolving to put his embarrassment aside.

They sat quietly for a while, sipping at their water when Ian sighed and lifted his head. “Would you ever consider posing for naughty pictures?”

“You mean nude?”

“Yes. Nude but tastefully artistic.” Ian confirmed as he laid his head back down on Michael’s shoulder.

Michael considered the question carefully, “Well, maybe but it would depend on the photographer and setting. I’d feel much better if it was both of us. Why are you asking?”

“Your photo shoot tomorrow is with Bruce Weber and I love the other stuff he’s done with you. I’m not talking about photos for publication; I want one just for me.”

“If I’m posing nude, you’re doing it too. It wouldn’t be fair for you to have a naked picture of me unless I got one of you.”

“I could live with that. We’d have to get a lock box so Chloe can’t find them but we could ask Bruce tomorrow.”

“That can be your job. You’re better at negotiating than I am.”

“Hm. Do you think Chloe’s okay?”

“She sounded like she was having fun when we talked to her earlier and it’s too late to call.”

“But what if someone forgot to turn on her night light and she’s too scared to get out of bed and turn it on herself.”

“She’s probably conked out on the couch. Mom and the sisters were going to play poker tonight and let her stay up late.”

Ian fussed with the tie of Michael’s robe, “I guess she’s having fun then.”

“Babe, she’s missing us just as much as we miss her.”

“I know but I wish she was with us.”

“We’ll be home on Monday, Ian.”

“You think I’m being ridiculous, don’t you?” Ian asked, looking up at Michael.

“No, I never think you’re ridiculous. I think you’re just having separation anxiety.”

“I suppose. But you’re not doing it.”

“You didn’t see me when I went to San Diego. I talked Miles’ ear off because I missed you all so much. And I guess I’m okay with having a little time away from Chloe because you’re here. I love Chloe but I love you too.”

“And I love you. Do you resent that I spend so much time with her?”

“I do get a little jealous sometimes of both of you. You guys get to spend a lot of time together but I just keep reminding myself that I won’t always be in a time crunch. I’m glad she’s really bonded to you and to Grant and Pieter though.”

“She’s bonded to you too Michael. You’re the one she wants when she’s hurt or scared. I may have been there when she skinned her knee but you’re the only one who was allowed to help her take the bandage off. And you’re the only man for me. You know this isn’t going to get any easier with a baby.”

“But I won’t have competing and the travel anymore.”

“Are you going to get a job when you graduate or will you become a house husband like me?”

“Um. That’s something I wanted to talk to you about actually. What do you think of opening a facility for kids that have survived cancer or other kinds of illnesses? There are lots of camps for kids when they’re sick but once they’re well, they’re expected to just pop back into their lives and go on.”

Ian sat up and looked at Michael. “Sometimes they can’t even run or play because they’re so weak. You want to use a pool to help them rebuild their strength. David’s brother Michael had a horrible time after he got out of the hospital. Michael love, that’s brill.”

“Hey, it’s not just my idea. Pieter and I were talking about it a couple of weeks ago after he was on the oncology floor. What do the kids and the parents do once they’re well but not healthy yet? It would have to be a day camp or a weekend thing because we want kids to be able to spend time with their families. It was just one of those ideas and I’ve been thinking about it ever since.”

“It’s a great idea anyway and worthy of thought.” Ian said, his brain already whirling away.

“Well I’d appreciate it if you would. You’re good at looking at things from all the angles. Pieter hasn’t mentioned it since we talked about it but we could bring it up to them.”

“We can do that tomorrow at breakfast. What time are we supposed to meet them?”

“At nine I think. Are you ready for bed?”

“Yes. This is comfy but you need your beauty sleep.”

&&

At six forty five the next morning, Michael got out of bed and after a visit to the bathroom came back in and nudged Ian. He nudged him again a minute later and kept nudging until Ian’s eyes cracked open.

“Whaz time iz it?”

“Almost seven babe. It’s time to get up, we have an appointment.”

“Pointment?”

“Yes, babe. Come on, get up.”

Michael chivvied Ian onto his feet and through a trip to the bathroom before helping Ian put his sweats, flip flops and adding a baseball cap because Ian had a horrible case of bed head.

“Where are we going like this?”

“You’ll see.” Michael took his hand and led him out of their room and into the elevator. Ian leaned against Michael still too sleepily to question all this moving about.

“Coffee?”

“In a minute.” Michael said as the elevator doors slid open lobby to the hotel’s luxury spa. Michael gently guided Ian out of the car and into the lush quiet. The receptionist nodded at them and got up to open the door to

“Good morning, Mr. Phelps. They’ll be ready for you in ten minutes.”

“Thanks, Bettina.”

Michael pulled Ian into a locker room and turned on the eight nozzle shower before helping Ian get undressed and undressing himself. Ian definitely woke up when the water hit him, sputtering a little when one of the sprays hit him in the face.

“Michael?”

“Hey, good morning lover.”

“Where are we?”

“The spa. We’re schedule for massages, body treatments, facials, manicures and pedicures followed by breakfast back in our suite prepared by one of the chef’s from downstairs.”

“This was the surprise?”

“Uh huh. What do you think?”

“I think you’re the best ever! They said the spa was booked when I called.”

Michael smiled smugly. “I know, I told them to say that. Grant and Pieter have it booked after breakfast so get washed up over there, we don’t want to waste any of our time.”

&&

Strolling back to their room a couple of hours later, Ian was feeling so relaxed he could hardly stand it; he’d been buffed, polished and pampered within an inch of his life

“That was a magnificent idea, love. We haven’t had a spa day in ages.”

“I know and I’m seriously considering getting one of those sea salt scrubs before I compete the next time, I feel like I’ve shaved down.”

“You can test that theory out when we go back to the pool this afternoon.” Ian said, as Michael stopped in front of Grant and Pieter’s door and knocked. “Oh, are we having breakfast in their suite?”

“Yeah, because we’ll be getting dressed afterwards and they’re heading upstairs. It’ll give the staff time to clean up.”

Pieter opened the door with a smile. “Good morning my friends. Come in, we’ve got coffee and breakfast will be ready in a moment. How was it?”

“Fantastic. Pieter, you’ve got to try the Shiatsu.” Ian said as they filed into the living area where Grant was already seated.

“Oh, I fully intend to. Grant, stop hogging the coffee.”

“There’s a whole pot right here Pieter. You two look very relaxed and shiny.” Grant said, pouring Ian a cup while Michael poured himself some milk.

“I had the sea salt scrub and Ian had the Essential Body Melt.”

“Is that the one with the juniper oil and the scalp massage?” Pieter asked.

“There was also a foot massage.”

“Excuse me, gentlemen but breakfast is ready.” The white clad woman said as she emerged from the kitchen. “May I serve now?”

“Oh, yes please.”

The meal of smoked salmon and spinach omelets, seasonal fruits and the best biscuits Michael had ever eaten, or so he said as he claimed the last in the basket and his fourth of the meal, was relaxed and filled with laughter as they teased and taunted each other.

Letting Michael go ahead, Ian stopped to compliment the chef while Grant and Pieter headed to the spa.

“Ma’am, can I ask how you get your biscuits that fluffy but dense? Mine always turn out like bricks.”

“You’re probably working the dough too much. If you have time, I’m going down to make a batch now.”

“Thank you! I’ll just tell my husband where I’m going and I’ll be right back.” Ian said before he dashed down the hall. He knocked on the door and rushed right by Michael and into the bedroom.

“Baby, what’s the hurry?”

“Anne Lee is going to show me how to make those biscuits!” Ian grabbed a pair of undies and his jeans, stripping off the sweat pants and dressing quickly.

“Ooh. So you’re going to get a peek into a restaurant kitchen?” Michael asked amused at how excited Ian was.

“Yep. Well, they were great biscuits and you’ll certain appreciate it if I can make them.” A t-shirt was found and pulled on then Ian gave his hair a fluffing.

“That is true. Have fun and don’t forget to be back by noon.”

Grabbing a room key and shoving his feet into his shoes, Ian stopped and gave Michael a quick kiss. “Love you!”

&&

Ian just made it back to the room, chattering over his adventures in the kitchen that not only included learning the proper biscuit procedure but also several other insider tips from the staff.

He took the clean clothes that Michael threw him and showered off the flour and other ingredients that he’d somehow accumulated and appeared before Michael with a big grin on his face.

“I’m ready!”

“Good. So you had a good time?” Michael asked as they left the room and got into the elevator.

“It was great. Jean George was there and complimented me on my knife technique. Then he showed me how to debone a duck. If there’s time before we leave tomorrow, they said I could come back and Mario would give me a quick lesson on the Thai herb sauce.”

“We’ll make time. We really don’t have anything planned tomorrow except getting on the train.”

“I thought we were doing touristy stuff?”

“We can do that the next time we’re here. How many times will you get that kind of invitation?”

“Thank you, love!” Ian said giving him a quick hug as the elevator doors opened. The crowd of people stared at them and Ian laughed a little. “Oh this is quite a trend.”

Michael laughed too and waved his hand as they slipped out. “Don’t worry folks, we’re newlyweds.”

In the car, Michael got out his cell phone and handed it to Ian. “Go on and call Chloe. I talked to her earlier and she’s waiting for you to tell her all about the biscuits.”

&&

“Uh, Bruce do you have a moment?”

The man looked up from his notebook, “What’s up?”

“Michael and I were wondering if we could hire you to do some photographs for us.”

“For you? Like what? I’m sure your kid is cute but I don’t do child photography.”

“Nothing like that. In fact, these are photos we’ll be letting Chloe see anytime soon.”

“Ah.” Bruce’s face lightened as he realized what Ian was talking about. “Nudes.”

“Yes. We’re not going to look like this forever.”

“I gotcha. I’m free at four and I’ll make you a deal. If they turn out well and there’s a photo or two you’ll let me use in my portfolio, it’ll be no charge. If not, it’s five hundred an hour for the film and studio.” He paused when Ian started to protest. “No, it’s not my usual rate but consider it a wedding present.”

“Done and thank you.”

&&

Once again in the car, Michael fretted a little on the way to Bruce’s studio. “Do you think we should have shaved?”

“I did- oh, you don’t mean shave our faces. No, because this is what we look like more often then not.”

“But I look more cut when I’m shaved.” Michael jiggled his leg nervously.

“Stop worrying about it. These are for us and I love the way you look fur or no fur.”

&&

They were surprised to see a full staff on hand to do makeup, hair and lighting but Bruce assured them that the crowd would be leaving once things were set up so they put themselves in the hands of the experts.

A half hour later, the studio was empty aside from Bruce and one assistant and it was time to take off the swim suits they’d worn to protect their modesty while they were being lit.

“Okay guys, drop the suits and let’s get started.”

Ian gulped, suddenly a little shy. Michael on the other hand, whipped his off with abandon and jumped back on the bed, rolling around in the sheets.

“God, this feels good. Bruce, what’s the thread count on these?”

“Over a thousand I think. Michael, Ian’s looking a bit unsure. Why don’t you see if you can entice him to get in with you?”

Michael rolled over to the side of the bed Ian was standing at and sat up. “Have you changed your mind?”

“Um. No. I just-”

Michael ran a finger down Ian’s abs with a saucy grin, “Ian, don’t make me come out there and get you.”

Snorting, Ian pushed the suit down and stepped out of it, putting one knee up on the bed. “You and what army?”

&&

“Whoa. That’s hot, guys. Keep it up.” Bruce exclaimed as he took another camera from his assistant. Ian and Michael were standing in front of a white backdrop; Michael was facing the camera with Ian facing him, his hip and leg covering Michael’s groin.

“Ian, tilt your head down a little – no, not so much. Right there. Michael, spread your fingers a little; let me see your ring but don’t cover the tattoo. Awesome. Now, look into each other’s eyes. Great. A little kiss. Very nice. Okay, guys that’s it.”

The assistant, Jules, came over and handed them two large towels with a smile before disappearing with the cameras and film.

“Guys, great job. I’ll have the contact prints for you in a couple of weeks and I’ll give you a call.”

“Thanks Bruce, this was pretty painless.” Michael said with a grin, shaking the photographer’s hand.

“You’re welcome, Michael, Ian. I’ve got a dinner engagement so I’ve got to rush. Jules will show you out and lock up.” He shook their hands and disappeared with a wave.

“Ian, did you really change your mind there for a minute?” Michael asked as they got dressed.

“I did for a brief moment then I was distracted by your romp in the sheets. When you commit to something, you commit don’t you?”

“Yep, that’s why you’re going to be stuck with me for a long long time.”

&&

Pieter and Grant thought it was hysterical when they found out how Michael and Ian spent their afternoon and spent several minutes teasing them good-naturedly before turning their attention to other matters.

“So Ian, where are we eating tonight?” Grant asked.

“I don’t know. Michael, you said you’d take care of reservations for tonight.”

“Ah, so I did. We need to leave at seven thirty so let’s get dressed and get going.”

“But where are we going?”

“It’s another surprise. Wear sports coats and ties.”

Once they got downstairs, Michael said they didn’t need a cab and started walking south which gave Ian plenty of opportunities to try and guess where they were going but he caught his breathe when Michael turned onto 55th Street with Grant and Pieter trailing slightly behind.

“You didn’t!”

“I didn’t what?”

“We have reservations for Sugiyama? Tell me we have reservations for Sugiyama!”

“We do. You said you ate there years ago and you’ve always wanted to go back.”

“Michael, I told you that when we were first dating. You remembered?” Ian asked.

“Of course I did.” Michael said, sliding his hand around Ian’s waist. “Haven’t you figured it out yet?”

“Figured what out? This isn’t one of our anniversaries, is it? I have all of those written down.” Ian asked anxiously.

“Well, it’s not one technically. Five years ago today you told your parents you were in love with me and you wanted to move to the States, therefore I decided that today should be ‘Ian Day’ from here on out.”

“So the spa, my favorite breakfast food, the photos and now dinner are all for me?”

“I didn’t plan on the photos but that’s what you wanted to do; not that I didn’t enjoy it. And here we are for dinner; shall we go up?”

“Yes and thank you.” Ian leaned in and kissed Michael, slowly and with feeling.

Smiling and ignoring Grant and Pieter’s cat calls, “Hey, we’ve got one more stop after this so don’t thank me yet.”

“I can’t wait to see what you’ve got planned yet but for now, let’s eat.”

&&

After another excellent dining experience, they left the restaurant and walked back towards the hotel.

“I really love this town,” Ian commented. “Where else in the world could you walk to so many great restaurants?”

“Now that’s something that I expected from Michael.” Grant said his hand in Pieter’s.

“Why? I love to eat but Ian loves great food. Do you want to live here some day?”

“I’d love to live here but maybe after the kids are old enough to appreciate it. Right now, Philadelphia is a good choice for us.”

As they approached the hotel, Michael told Grant and Pieter to go on and that he and Ian would see them in the morning then he tugged Ian off towards the park.

“Michael, the park is too dangerous to walk in at night.”

“I know that and that’s not where we’re going. Ah, I think that’s our ride.” Michael said pulling Ian towards one of the horse drawn carriages.

“Hi, are you Paul?”

“Yes sir, I am and you must be Mr. Phelps and Mr. Thorpe. Do you need a hand getting in?”

“Nope, we’ve got it. Come on Ian.”

“Michael, this is-”

“I know, it’s sloppy romantic mushy stuff but it’s one of the few things you’ve never done here.” Michael hopped in and helped Ian up then sat down next to him. “We’re ready to go, Paul.”

“Okay, Mr. Phelps. Champagne’s in the seat across from you.”

“Thanks!”

Michael handed the bottle to Ian and let him open it, holding the glasses at the ready. Paul waited until the glasses were full before shaking the reigns and urging the horse forward.

“I was going to say that it is sloppy romantic mushy stuff and I love you for it. What are we drinking to?”

“Happy Ian Day. I love you more today than I did yesterday and I’ll love you more tomorrow.”

“Thank you my only love.” They drank their champagne and snuggled in the seat, exchanging kisses and endearments for the forty minute ride that took them past several Central Park landmarks before the carriage pulled up in front of Trump Tower.

Ian got out and helped Michael down then Michael turned and passed an envelope up to Paul.

“Thanks for working late tonight, Paul. It was a great ride.”

“You’re welcome Mr. Phelps. Enjoy the rest of your visit and have a good night.”

In the elevator, Ian hooked his fingers around Michael’s and leaned against him with a sigh. “This was the perfect day, thank you love.”

“You’re welcome baby.”

Back in their room, Michael undressed Ian slowly then took his own clothes off and joined Ian on the bed. “I have one more present for you.”

Ian stroked Michael’s cock with a grin, “I know and it’s one I really like.”

“Oh you’re going to get that but here.” Michael reached into the nightstand and pulled out a small jewelry box.

“Michael, this is too much.”

“Hush. You’re worth it so open it.”

Ian opened the box to find a gold ring with the letters ‘IMC’ engraved on the band with small jewels in between. Ian made out an opal, a moonstone and an amethyst. “Ian, Michael and Chloe?”

“Yep. And there’s room for the baby too. But look inside.”

Ian did so, turning the ring to catch the light. “What is that?”

“That’s an engraving of your last EKG because you’re the heartbeat of our family.”

“Oh, Michael. It’s perfect.” Ian said, giving Michael the ring and holding out his right hand. Michael slipped on Ian’s finger and kissed him.

“I love you Ian.”

“I love you too Michael. Thank you for my wonderful day.”

“You’re welcome, thank you for my wonderful life.”

**
Next up: Paris.
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The Sweet Life