Adult-FanFiction.org : Celebrity

Last Swim	By : jai Category: Individual Celebrities > Athlete/Sports Misc Views: 8134 -:- 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.

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February 27, 2006 Sydney, Australia

Michael waited for Ian to park the car and then unbuckled. He reached in the backseat and grabbed their bags and caps. “So, we’re eating here and then taking the ferry over to the Quay?”

“Yes, the ferry runs under the Harbour Bridge and we’ll walk to the Gardens from the Quay.” They got out and hoisted their bags, putting on their caps and sunglasses while Ian led the way to the restaurant. “I think you’ll like this place, they have a good buffet.”

“Ah, you know the way to my heart.” Michael gripped Ian’s hand and swung their arms.

“I could hardly march you through the city on an empty stomach. You sure you don’t mind having breakfast with Dave?”

“No, he’s your manager. Why would I mind, unless you’re making me sit at another table?”

“Don’t be silly. We’re just going to be talking business; it will be boring for you.”

“It’s a buffet; do you think I’ll notice?”

“Good point. What was I thinking?”

“Really. You’ve just now trained me to talk to you during dinner. Don’t expect miracles.”

“You aren’t that bad, you don’t talk because your mouth is full which is very mannerly of you.” Ian led them up the short flight of stairs to the Novotel Hotel and nodded hello to the doorman. “The restaurant is down this way, love.”

“Cool.”

As they approached the entrance, Ian spotted Dave pacing in corridor and muttering into his cell phone. Ian’s mobile rang and Dave looked up and hung up his phone. “Oh, there you are.”

Ian looked at his watch. “We’re not late, are we? I thought we were meeting at half past nine and it’s only ten after.”

“You’re not late; I just wanted to warn you that Annette Petty is in there. Do you want to dine elsewhere?”

Ian shrugged. “Do you think she’ll cause a problem? We can just walk by, say hello and sit down. She’s hardly going to attack us.”

“No, but she’s pretty sneaky.”

“So? We’re here to eat, she’s here to eat. It’s a free country.” Ian stopped and looked at Michael. “That sounded quite American of me, didn’t it?”

“It did. So Annette Perry is a reporter?”

“She’s the host of a chat show and she’d kill me to get Ian on the show.” Dave answered.

“So I’ll be polite but not committal, Ian makes his own decisions. Blah blah.”

“Very good. Dave, do you already have a table?”

“Yes, I got here earlier so I could eat first and talk while you eat. I thought it would save us some time and let you get on your way quicker.”

“That’s awfully thoughtful of you.” Ian removed his cap and sunglasses, fluffing his hair in a nearby mirror. Michael merely removed his own accessories and ran a hand through his own hair. Ian tutted and began to fluff Michael’s hair when Michael ducked away.

“Ian, I swear to God that if you lick your fingers and try to get my hair to lay flat you’ll never see me again.”

“I was fluffing. You’ve got hat head.”

“I was wearing a hat; it’s expected. Unlike some people, I don’t have some kind of weird force field around my head that prevents it.” Michael cast a suspicious look at Ian’s hair.

“Guys, are you coming in?” Dave gave them an odd look and nodded towards the restaurant entry, where the hostess was waiting for them. Michael took Ian’s hand and they walked behind Dave, smiling at the hostess who nodded back.

Dave led them by a table of six and stopped to say hello to the blonde at the head of the table. Michael smiled pleasantly and dipped his head while Ian greeted her.

“Annette, good to see you again.”

“Ian, I heard you were back in town. You’ve simply got to stop by for the show while you’re here.”

“Unfortunately we won’t be in town long enough. I don’t believe you’ve met Michael, have you? Michael, this is Annette Perry, the hostess of “Live at Five” here in Sydney. Annette, this is my partner Michael Phelps.”

Michael carefully shook her hand, which was weighted down with rings. “Nice to meet you, Ms. Perry.”

“Oh, please. Call me Annette, everyone does. My, you’re quite the catch aren’t you?” Annette ran her eyes down Michael’s body and he resisted the urge to step back.

“We’ve got a meeting to get to, so please excuse us.” Ian said levelly while slipping a hand around Michael’s waist and urging him forward. They found their table and sat down, Ian keeping an eye on Michael.

“Are you okay?” He asked quietly.

“Yeah, I just don’t like the way she looked at me, she’s got lizard eyes.”

“It’s from all the plastic surgery. They say she’s in her fifties but she only claims to be thirty eight.” Dave said while looking through some paperwork. “Why don’t you guys go help yourselves at the buffet and I’ll order your drinks. What would you like?”

“Coffee for me with a glass of water. Michael?”

“Milk, orange juice and water, Dave, if you’re sure you don’t mind.”

“Not a problem, go on.”

Ian and Michael found the stack of plates and began walking down the buffet line, returning to the table with full plates after a few minutes. Dave waited for them to get comfortable before starting to go over the paperwork.

Michael found it a little hard to eat as everyone in the place seemed to be watching them but as Ian didn’t seem to notice, he shrugged it off and began eating. He finished his first plate and then paused, waiting for a good moment to interrupt Ian and Dave.

“Uh, Ian? Does buffet mean the same thing here as it does in the States?”

“Huh?”

“Is it a one time only thing or can you get another plate?”

“That would be a rather cruel thing, having all that food sitting out and only allowing one trip. No, it means refills. That’s why I brought you here so you’d get enough to eat.”

“You’re a king among men. Want me to get you another muffin?”

“Thanks, love.” Ian leaned over and absently kissed Michael’s cheek while reading over a report. “Did I bring my glasses?”

“They’re in the inside pocket of your bag.” Michael got up and went over to buffet, hoping that there were pancakes left.

“Hey Ian?”

Ian looked up at Dave while looking for his glasses. “Yes?”

“Do you realize you you two are like old marrieds?”

“Dave, that’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me.”

Dave sat back and played with his pen. “I’ll be honest and say that I thought you were loony a few months back but it’s really changed you hasn’t it?”

“What? Moving to the States?”

“No, falling in love. You’re different; I can’t put my finger on what’s different but you are.”

“I’m happy, maybe that’s what you’re seeing.” Ian shrugged and put on his glasses before picking the report up again.

At the buffet, Michael was trying to decide if he could fit one more pancake on his plate or if that would be pushing it when Annette interrupted him.

“So are you enjoying your visit, Michael?” She asked as she came up beside him, followed by one of her tablemates.

“I’ve always enjoyed Australia; it’s a very welcoming country.” Michael picked up another pancake and added a blueberry muffin for Ian. He lifted his plate with a motion of his shoulders and said, “Don’t want this to get cold,’ before turning around to return to the table.

He slid into his seat and handed over the muffin while muttering, “Barracuda closing in at ten o’clock.”

“Ian, I was just telling Carol that about your American university. What is it called again?” Annette strode over and gestured to her companion with a helpless laugh. “I can never remember the name of it.”

“It’s the University of Michigan, Annette.”

“That’s near Colorado, isn’t it?”

“No, actually it’s quite far from Colorado.”

Annette laughed again airily. “Oh, I can’t keep American geography straight, all those states. It’s so confusing, don’t you think? Michael, you’re from Michigan aren’t you?” Annette put her hand on Ian’s shoulder to lean between the two men and look at Michael and missed the narrowing of Michael’s eyes. Dave, however, sat back and held his breath.

“No, ma’am. I’m from Maryland.”

“That’s near Atlanta, isn’t it? And Michael, please call me Annette, I don’t mind.”

“I’m sorry ma’am but my mother always taught me to respect my elders and it wouldn’t be right, calling you by your first name. We don’t know each other.” Michael’s tone was polite but firm, his face guileless except for the expression in his eyes as they flicked towards Annette’s hand. “And Maryland is near Washington, D.C., ma’am.”

Annette’s expression soured momentarily before she pasted a smile back on her face, “Well, I’m you your mother’s rules wouldn’t apply to me; I’m barely out of my thirties. And I can be such a good person to get to know, as I’m sure Ian and Dave can tell you.”

Michael blinked. “I’m sorry; I don’t know what you’re implying.” He leaned forward and looked at Ian and then across at Dave. “Excuse me for a moment.” He stood, stepped to the right and started to walk away before turning back.

He leaned towards Annette and said quietly, “Ma’am, you have a little something in your teeth. Maybe lettuce or spinach; just thought you’d want to know.” Michael gestured at his own mouth and smiled graciously. “It was awfully nice meeting you, ma’am.”

Michael strode off towards the buffet, leaving Annette to clap a hand over her mouth and turn away towards the bathroom without even saying goodbye. Ian picked up his coffee cup and met Dave’s incredulous look with a serene smile.

“I did just see that, didn’t I?” Dave asked.

“See what? I thought Michael was very polite under the circumstances.”

“Did she really have something in her teeth?”

“I have no idea but then she wasn’t shoving her face at me so maybe she did.”

Michael came back and sat down; setting the extra butter and syrup he’d gotten on the table. He hummed happily and picked up his fork and knife, “These pancakes look really good. Ian, did you want to try some?”

“No thanks, love. Dave wants to know if Annette really had something in her teeth.”

“Yeah, it was kind of gross too but I’m eating here.” Michael motioned towards his plate.

Ian patted Michael’s leg. “Sorry, won’t mention it again. Dave’s gotten my power of attorney done so we can stop at the Lands office and register it while we’re out.”

“Oh, okay. Dave, did Tim send you a copy of mine?”

“Yes. It will work here too so I’ve enclosed an original of yours with Ian’s to register here. Better safe than sorry.”

“That’s for sure. Thanks, Dave. I hope you and Tim worked out a billing arrangement for this since you’ve been working for both of us.”

“No worries, we’re meeting next week in Las Vegas and we’ll settle up then.”

Ian swallowed a bit of muffin. “Las Vegas?”

“Yes, there’s a convention we’re both attending.”

“Would that be the managers with troublesome clients convention?” Michael asked.

“Yes, Tim and I got finally got enough points this year.”

“Gee, I wonder how that happened.” Michael put his fork down and pushed away the empty plate. “Those were very good pancakes; thank you for suggesting we have breakfast here, Ian.”

“You’re welcome, Michael. Dave, did we cover everything?”

“Yes, I think so. Here are your documents,’t f’t forget to stop at the Lands office.” Dave handed over an envelope that Ian took and stowed in his backpack.

“Did they bring the bill?” Michael asked as he pulled out his wallet.

“It’s here; do you have American or Aussie dollars?”

“My bank back home gave me a good exchange rate so I’ve got plenty of cash that’ll work here. What’s the damage?”

Ian opened the folder and showed it to Michael who pulled out seventy five dollars. “Does that cover the tip?”

“Yes, you’ve done well young Jedi. Dave if we don’t see you before we leave, have a good trip.” Ian shook his hand and Michael echoed the gesture.

“Have a good visit guys.”

&&

“Does the ferry run all day?”

“Every fifteen or twenty minutes I think. I haven’t taken it in a while.”

“Have you taken it ever?”

“Maybe when I was a child. But I’m really looking forward to knocking about like a tourist.”

“Hey, is that the Aquarium?”

“Yes, did you want to go there?”

“Maybe on the next trip when the weather’s not so great. It’s too nice out to spend it inside.”

“It’s a date. That’s the Maritime Museum up ahead, where we’re catching the ferry.”

“This is so cool, I barely got out of the Village at the Olympics and didn’t really get a chance to sight see on my last trip.”

“Ah, the trip of avoidance.”

“What was up with that?”

“You scared me.”

“I scared you?”

“Yeah, and not in the pool either. I was afraid that you’d show up and I’d start acting all funny around you.” Ian grinned ruefully.

“Oh. You know, you never did tell me about when you saw me the first time.”

“God, it’s rather embarrassing. It was at the Olympics, here.”

“And? That’s the first time I saw you too, I think. You brushed by me in the dressing room, oh that’s a good memory. I almost offered to help you change.”

“You did?” Ian stopped and laughed a little, “Then I don’t feel so bad. I was in the training pool and heard someone laughing, I turned around and there you were across the pool. The sun had just broken through the clouds and it’s like you were glowing, standing there in the sunlight.”

“Aw, Ian. That’s so sweet.” Michael tipped his head and their mouths met for a moment before Michael pulled back. “But wasn’t the training pool indoors?”

Ian thought about it. “It can’t be. You were glowing, I distinctly remember glowing.”

Michael tugged on Ian’s hand to get them moving again. “Maybe I’m radioactive.”

They walked silently for a moment and Ian nodded his head. “It has a roof?”

“I think it does.”

“Hm. You know Grant and Pieter think I’ve been in love with you since then.”

“They do?”

“Yep.”

“So what happened?”

“After I saw you? I asked who you were; of course I’d heard of you but you looked different in person. To be honest I was a little distressed. You were fifteen and male, of all things.”

“You were only seventeen.”

“I know but I was still clinging to the idea that I wasn’t attracted to guys. Hell, I was still denying it two years later.”

“So what changed your mind?”

“After I denied it, I wondered why everyone kept asking me if I was. Was it the jewelry designing, my astounding fashion sense? I began to figure out that maybe I’d been lying to myself all along and the revolving door of women was a form of overcompensation.”

“Is that when you met Rene?”

“Who told you about him?”

“Pieter mentioned him when at dinner that night in Lisbon; Rene’s the French Disaster, right?”

“Yes, he was but he was rather charming in the beginning. I wasn’t in love with him, in fact he was rather annoying but he definitely opened my eyes to the possibilities.”

“What does he do and where did you meet?”

“We met right after the Commonwealth Games in 2002. I’d planned to spend a few days in Paris before coming home. He’d been in London on business and he was sitting in next to me on the plane. His family owns a vineyard and hotel in the Loire.”

“How was he annoying?”

“Well, he was very French. It only lasted a couple of months but I got very tired of hearing how much better things were in France compared to anywhere else.”

“Did Pieter meet him?”

“Yes, it didn’t go well; I think they hated each other on sight. Pieter never could tell me why but he was anti-Rene from the beginning.”

“Ah.”

“That’s all you’re going to say?”

“What else is there to say? I can’t be jealous of something that happened before we were together, can I?”

“No, but that’s your only reaction?”

Michael shrugged. “I could tell that our first time together wasn’t your first time so you had to have gotten experience from somewhere. I’m glad one of us knew what we were doing. Besides, you’re not secretly lusting in your heart for Rene, are you?”

“No. I wasn’t lusting in my heart when I was with him either; the lust was elsewhere.”

“Then no problem. Unless you need me to have a jealous fit; then I’d be all over it.”

“Jealous fits are no fun unless they’re sincere.”

“There you go. It wouldn’t be fun; besides if I can put up with your undying crush on James Marsters, I can deal with the French Disaster.”

“I don’t have a crush on James Marsters!”

Michael waved his free hand. “Oh please. You practically drool through every episode he’s in. Not that I blame you, he is very hot.”

“Michael!” Ian came to a dead stop with his mouth hanging open.

“What? I’m tall not blind. Hey, isn’t that the ferry stop?” Michael pointed over Ian’s shoulder.

“I don’t drool,” Ian stated before turning around. “Yes that’s the ferry, shall we?”

“Sure. And it’s okay to admit you find other men, other people attractive. There are plenty of beautiful people out there.”

“All right. So who do you find attractive? Aside from Lindsay Lohan.”

“I was under pressure when I said that. I don’t know. I think the girl who plays Willow is cute and Jude Law is rather a hottie; Hugh Jackman, I think he’s attractive.”

“So short female redheads and tall men with accents.”

“Orrt mrt male redheads and tall women with accents; I’m flexible.” Michael said with a smirk.

“You’re annoying.”

“That too. Don’t you think we should get in line?”

^^
Michael turned in his seat and took another picture of the Harbour Bridge as they passed under it. “Hey babe?”

“Yes?”

“Remind me to buy some postcards to send to mom and grandma, would you? I should probably get some for Jackie too.”

“I’ll remind you. Do you need to get stamps?”

“No, I’ll need to get those too or I’ll end up mailing them from home again.”

“There are several Postshops on Martin Street down from the Lands office so it shouldn’t be a problem. We’re coming up on the Opera House.”

“Oh.” Michael turned back around. “Look at that.”

“Is this your first trip to Sydney dear?” The older woman on the other side of Michael asked.

“No, ma’am. I’ve been here before but never got the chance to look around.”

“You’ve got a lovely day for a tour; I hope you’re planning on taking in the Gardens.”

“Yes, ma’am we are.” The ferry slowed as it approached the Quay and people began to their things, preparing to disembark.

“Be sure to walk up to the Point if you’ve got the time; you’ll get good pictures from there too.”

“Thank you for the tip, ma’am.”

“You’re quite welcome. Have a nice day.” The woman picked up her bags and stood as the boat docked and bumped against the wharf, causing her to stumble slightly. Michael stood up and gently took her elbow to steady her.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes, dear. Thank you for the hand, the new pilot hasn’t quite gotten the hang of docking yet.”

“Do you want help with your bags until we get off the boat?”

“That’s very kind of you. I always worry that I’m going to drop something.” Michael and Ian split her bags between them while Michael assisted her down the gangway.

“Thank you boys. Enjoy your tour.” She shook their hands with a smile.

“Thank you ma’am.”

Ian and Michael watched to make sure she got on her way and then turned to the east.

“So, do we have time to go to the Point?”

“It’s quite a walk but we can if you’d like. I was thinking we’d take the trackless train tour and then wander around. There’s a road that goes out near the point, we could always drive over later. It’s beautiful in the evening too.”

“Well, let’s see what the train brings and we’ll see.”

“The train starts on the other side of the Opera House so you want to head that way?”

“Um, I just thought of something. Can we bus or cab down to the Lands office first and get that out of the way?”

Ian bopped himself on the head. “I’m glad you’re around, I totally forgot. The Explorer runs right down Macquarie Street and if I’m not mistaken, we can also take it out to the Point. Come on, there’s a stop down the road.”

&&&

By seven thirty, Michael and Ian were tired but happy. After stopping in the Lands office, they’d taken the bus out the Point then walked over to the Opera House; catching the train tour into the Gardens before setting off to find anything that caught their eyes in the garden including the rare Wollemi Pine.

Their afternoon wound down at the Queen Victoria Building, wandering through the shops and having a late lunch at the Tea Room before heading back towards Darling Harbour.

“Do you want to catch the monorail back to the car?”

“Yes, my legs are tired. We really did a lot of walking today.”

“Mine too. Now I wish the house had a Jacuzzi tub.”

“We can still take baths, just not together.”

“No, that tub’s not big enough. Tell you what, we can fill the tub and soak our feet.”

“Deal.”

&&

Michael spent the ride back looking through the postcards and sorting them into different groups.

“How many of those did you get?”

“Well, I figured we’d send a group to mom, grandma and Jackie, a couple to Whitney and Hilary and one or two to Joanne and Alan, Frank and some of our friends from school.”

“You know everyone at university will probably see us before they see those cards, don’t you?”

“It’s the thought that counts, Mr. I Write Thank You Notes for Birthday Cards.”

“Just don’t forget to send one to Val and Natalie.”

“I won’t. They’re getting the Bushland Walk one, Val will appreciate it.”

“Yes she will but you really shouldn’t encourage her. Are you sending any to Ryan’s family?”

“I have a couple picked out for his mom but I’ll have to get her address. Or do you think that’s inappropriate?”

“Just don’t send her the Bushland one; I don’t think she’ll get the joke.”

“Probably not.”

^^
They arrived home by eight thirty and Ian went straight to the bathroom and drew a bath while Michael fixed them a snack. Ian pulled a couple of pillows from the guest room and set them on the wide edge of the tub and then he took a quick shower.

Michael showed up with a plate of cheeses, crackers, chocolate and fruit along with a wine bottle, a pitcher of ice water and two glasses while Ian was drying off and pulling on his robe.

“Here, open the wine and I’ll wash off.” He handed Ian the corkscrew and tossed off his clothes.

“Do you want wine or water?”

“A half glass of wine then I’ll switch.”

“All right. Do you mind if I start soaking?”

“Go right ahead.”

Ian gingerly sat down with their glasses and eased his feet into the hot water. “Oh, this is fantastic.”

“I’ll bet. Do you have any Epsom salts?”

“There might be some in the cupboard.”

Michael dried off and went over to the cupboard. “You do have some but they’re the fancy bath kind.”

“Doesn’t matter, I think they were part of a gift basket. Pour them in.”

Michael pulled on his robe and brought the bottle over. “You want me to throw it all in?”

“Yes, I’ll never use them.”

Michael emptied the bottle into the water and put the plate of food and the water pitcher on the counter closest to the tub. He sat down and swung his feet over, slowly sinking his feet into the water. “Ah, that’s nice.”

Ian handed him a pillow and he leaned back. “That’s even better. Here, let me get the plate and I’ll put it down between us.”

After they had everything arranged, they sat sipping their wine and feeding each other bits of food, talking about their day. Once the plate was empty, Michael poured them both some water and moved the plate to the counter, snuggling up to Ian.

“It was a great day, wasn’t it?”

“Yes, it was.”

“What’s the plan for tomorrow?”

“We’re swimming around nine and meeting Grant around four but the rest of the day is free. What did you have in mind?”

“Nothing, I think it’ll be nice to just stay here and hang out.”

“We can use the down time, I still have some studying to do. You want to go to the beach on Wednesday?”

“Sounds good.” Michael yawned. “Oh, I’m more tired than I thought.”

Ian yawned too, “I think we’re both still a little jet lagged. Want to head on to bed?”

“Yeah, let me just take the dishes back to the kitchen and I’ll join you in a few.”

They met in bed cud curled around each other under the sheets, falling asleep before they could even wish each other a good night.
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