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. |
August 26, 2009 off the coast of Maine
Ian felt something touch his nose and irritably rubbed it away. It was much too early in the morning for him and he snuggled back into his pillow. A moment later he felt the bed dip next to him and he reached out to pull Michael towards him.
He was vaguely aware that something didn’t feel quite right but as he was half asleep, it took a while for the voices in the room to sink in.
“-are you doing in bed with Ian, Pieter?”
“I was just trying to wake him up so I could talk to him and he grabbed me.”
“A likely story. Have you tried moving away?”
“The man has a grip like a gorilla which is surprising when you consider how scrawny his arms are. I’ve always known he was some kind of freak.”
“Well you’d better try a little harder or Michael will follow through on those threats.”
Ian realized he was in bed with Pieter van den Hoogenband and Grant was somewhere near by. He sat up in a panic at the mention of Michael pulling his arms away from Pieter and stared around looking for his fiancé.
“Pieter, what are you doing here?”
“I came in to wake you up for breakfast and then you pulled me in bed with you.”
“Michael threatened you?” Ian asked, still wasn’t quite caught up with the situation.
“Yes, he said as I was the one who kept you up all night with worry I was the one who must board the deer in his cavern.”
Grant and Ian looked at each other and then looked at Pieter in confusion.
“What? That’s what he said.”
“Pieter, was it ‘beard the lion in his den’?” Grant asked gently with an amused look on his face.
Pieter made a motion with his hands and shoulders that Ian had never been able to interpret; it could mean ‘whatever’ or ‘there’s a crocodile behind you’. There was no way to tell but it was very European.
“You English with your phrases. They’re both animals in holes.”
Ian shook his head to clear it and tried again. “What are you doing here?”
“Ian, we’re here to eat breakfast with. M. Michael asked if Pieter would wake you for the previously stated reason. Your butler had just arrived with the food when we got here.”
Ian sprang out of bed. “And you left Michael alone with it?” Unmindful of his unclothed state, Ian strode out through the living area and out to the balcony.
Michael who was discussing something with Philip looked up in surprise. “Uh, Ian. We have guests and we’re outside.”
Ian glanced suspiciously at the seemingly undisturbed plates on the table. His gaze swept around and rested upon Philip who looked quite amused under his calm expression.
“Good morning, Mr. Thorpe. Are you ready for breakfast?”
“Philip, why don’t we talk later? I’m sure you’ve got other things you need to get to and we can serve ourselves.” Michael said looking at Ian is if his fiancé had gone bonkers.
Philip nodded and excused himself with a slight grin, as Grant and Pieter came out on the deck. Grant handed Ian a robe and sat down with a chuckle.
“Ian, although we’ve all seen it before there’s no need to flaunt yourself.”
Ian blushed a bit and pulled the robe on with a pout. He’d not only been woken up in the rudest possible manner, he’d exposed himself to the world.
Pieter slipped in a seat next Grant’s with a worried look. “Were you really up all night because you were worried about me?”
Ian sat down and shot a disgruntled look at Michael. “No, I was up all night because I’m marrying a sex maniac.”
Michael reached out and patted Ian’s hand. “He was really worried but I did my best to take his mind off things. He was much calmer by the time we fell asleep, so what did you do to get him upset again?”
“He got into to bed with me!” Ian said accusingly.
“It wasn’t like that Michael.” Pieter rushed to explain. “I was trying to wake him up and he just grabbed me.”
“He is kind of grabby so it’s okay, Pieter.”
“Hey! Grabby? I am not grabby!” Ian said.
Grant nodded, “You really are Ian. I remember one night when you fell asleep holding my shoe. You wouldn’t let go no matter what I did.”
“Aw, that’s so cute. Why did he have your shoe?” Michael asked.
“I have no idea. I went to the bathroom and came back to find him holding it.” Grant shrugged.
“If you all are done casting aspersions on my character may I have some coffee?” Ian asked plaintively.
“Of course baby.” Michael got up to get the coffee pot and after pouring for Ian, Grant and Pieter he started serving the various breakfast foods.
Ian was on his second cup of coffee and halfway through the meal before his brain woke up completely.
“So, when did you two start dating and what happened with Minouche?” Ian asked as he looked between Pieter and Grant.
“Minouche moved out three months after we were married, it just wasn’t working out. I didn’t want to say anything to anyone, how can I explain this? She and I had been together for so long but we never should have gotten married.”
“Oh, Pieter. I’m so sorry to hear that.” Ian said sympathetically as Michael echoed him.
“Well, I didn’t even tell my parents for a month; I just kept working on getting my internship completed.”
“And you know I stopped in to see Pieter back in November; it was pretty obvious that Minouche was no longer there.” Grant said.
“I begged Grant not to tell anyone. I was still trying to figure out what to say.”
“But I called him every week to make sure he was okay, he was working so many hours at the hospital.”
“Before we knew it, we were talking to each other every day.” Pieter put his hand on Grant’s arm and squeezed. “He saved my mind.”
“I finally flew up to see him in March. I spent the flight telling myself that I couldn’t be feeling all of these things. Until I saw him waiting for me at the airport.” Grant said, staring into Pieter’s eyes.
“I was shocked when Grant confessed how he was feeling but we’d become so close during our phone calls. He was very gentle with me and gave me time to think about it. I was so silly. It was only after he left that I realized how he’d filled my life.”
“I was a little heartbroken on the plane but there was a message from Pieter when I got home.”
“I told him that I loved him and apologized for being so thick. He was back in Geldrop two days later.” Pieter smiled and leaned towards Grant. “You were so brave, beminde. Coming all that way for me.”
“You said you loved me, everything else could be worked out.” Grant leaned in and his lips met Pieter’s.
Michael, who had been listening to their friends and monitoring Ian, suddenly stood up. “Would you two excuse us for a moment? I just realized we need to check something in the bedroom for the wedding.”
Michael manhandled Ian up and off the balcony, through the living area and into the bedroom; shutting the door behind them.
“What’s wrong?”
“It’s all rather sweet but…”
“Are you upset because they’re your friends and they’ve been keeping this from you?”
“No.” Ian flopped onto the bed and Michael sat down next to him.
“Are you mad because we’re not the only openly gay couple in swimming anymore?”
“Don’t be ridiculous.”
“You’re not shocked that either one of them is with a man because, well, we both know that’s nothing new for them so what’s wrong? Why do you look so sad?
“It’s silly.”
“If it’s how you feel, it’s not silly but notice I brought you in here so I’ll be the only one who knows.”
Ian pulled a pillow over his face and mumbled something that Michael didn’t catch. Michael bent down and peeked under the pillow and Ian mumbled again. Patting his stomach, Michael sat up.
“Don’t worry baby, I’ll take cof tof this.”
Michael went back out onto the balcony and sat down, clearing his throat when it became apparent that Grant and Pieter were not going to stop kissing each other just because he was back.
“I want you two to promise me one thing. When you fight, and you will fight, don’t try to get Ian to take sides.”
“What? We would never do such a thing.” Pieter exclaimed.
“Is that why he looked so upset?” Grant asked.
“Yes, you’re both his friends and he doesn’t ever want to have to chose between you.”
“That’s why we weren’t going to tell anyone until we finalized our plans.”
“What plans?” Ian asked from the doorway.
“Pieter has been accepted to the residency program at Temple University.” Grant announced proudly.
“In Philadelphia?” Michael asked, astonished.
“Yes. I applied to eight American programs and was offered several positions but with Grant working in New York, Temple was the closest school to him.”
Ian turned to Grant. “You’re moving to New York?”
“Actually I’ll only be spending a few days a week in New York. I’ve gotten a position with the Australian Consulate but I’ll also be traveling down to Washington DC twice a month. The rest of the time I will be telecommuting from Philadelphia.”
“Doing what?”
“I’m writing my doctoral thesis on Australian commerce in the United States; the position is through my university so I can gather my research.”
Ian sat down, thoroughly bowled over. “You’re both moving to Philadelphia?”
“Yes. We know it’s a lot to take in but we hope you don’t mind.” Grant said, looking at Ian with concern.
“Mind?” Ian shook his head and smiled slowly. “No, I don’t mind. This is fabulous news. Have you found a place to live? Michael and I have plenty of room if you need a place to stay while you look. This is fabulous!” Ian bounced a little in his sea
“Y
“You’re not putting us on? You really don’t mind? What about you, Michael?”
“No, no this is great Pieter. It’ll be really cool having friends in town and of course you can stay with us.” Michael leaned forward with a smile of his own. “We’ve sort of had a hard time making friends in Philly.” Michael paused with a frown. “I’m not sure why but it’ll be great having you there.”
&&&
Pieter and Grant disappeared into their now shared suite after breakfast leaving Ian and Michael alone to discuss the situation.
Ian, after he got over the shock, was enthusiastic about having Pieter and Grant living near by. Michael was also excited but was a little more suspicious over the coincidence. Not that he thought Grant or Pieter had ulterior motives but he wondered about it.
“Well, I’m going to venture a guess here. Pieter always intended to do his residency in the States; Grant wants to be near him. If you were going to live in another country, wouldn’t you want to live near your friends? I know I would have been much more nervous about ng tng to here if you hadn’t been from this country. There’s a world of difference between visiting some place and living there.”
&&
By three, many of their guests had left for excursions on shore and the pool desk was relatively deserted. Michael turned over and reached for the sunscreen only to find Ian already holding it and ready to apply it for him. Michael lay back and basked in the attention, knowing that after tonight they’d have too many activities to have much time alone.
He mentioned that to Ian who nodded. “Yes, it is rather odd that we’ll be doing so much but I gather that’s part of the wedding frenzy.”
“I was excited when we got our license in June.”
“Yes, that was exciting in more ways than one.” Ian said, remembering the nights they spent in their suite waiting for their license to be processed.
“I’m glad we did it because now we don’t have to rush around trying to see things.”
Ian finished spreading the lotion over Michael’s back and put the cap back on the tube after spreading some over his own shoulders and legs. He lay back down and naturally reached out to take Michael’s hand.
“Why do you think we haven’t made any friends in Philadelphia?”
Michael turned his head so he could see Ian. “I don’t know. It’s still summer and maybe we’ll meet more people when the fall semester starts. It doesn’t help that we’ve been so busy with the wedding planning and school.”
“Do the neighbors seem a little standoffish to you?”
“They’re not like the folks in Michigan but it’s a different neighborhood, it’ll just take time. Maybe we should join the historical society or the community association. People might just be waiting for us to make the first move.”
“We did get the flyer for the Friends of the Wissahickon that looked interesting. Could it be that they’re a little wary because of the Olympics.”
“There are also the commercials, the magazine articles and the tabloid stories.”
“True. All right, I’ll stop worrying about being a social outcast.”
“Good. Have I thanked you for giving me the week off from training?”
“Why no you haven’t.”
“I’ll have to work on that.”
**
Janet Hamlin, the photographer they hired for the celebration, arrived as the last tour group returned to the ship and she was more than happy to sit down over dinner with them and her three assistants to discuss what kind of shots they wanted.
“You’re getting married on the pool deck?”
“Yes, they’ve come up with a stage type thing to put over the pool for the ceremony and the dancing.” Ian answered.
“It’s Plexiglas so we’ll still be able to see the water.”
“The events crew set it up a couple of weeks ago and took these pictures.” Ian opened his planner. “I think it will look nice at night with the pool light on.”
Janet looked over the photos and agreed. “You’re getting married an hour before sunset. What kind of lighting will there be after dark?”
“White strings of lights on the railings on both decks.” Michael began to explain but Janet waved him off.
“It’s okay. We’ll go up tonight and take a look around. The events people sent me plenty of pictures but I wanted to make sure you haven’t changed anything.”
“No, we’ve kept everything as planned. If it gets colder than expected, the crew is ready to move us down to the Lounge on deck six and seven.”
“That’s fine, Ian. I’ll talk to Marissa about exactly where you’re going to be standing during the ceremony but when are they putting on the pool covering?”
“The crew will close the deck at two on Saturday to start setting things up.”
Janet consulted her notes and looked up at them with a smile. “Well, that’s it. I think you two are going to have a lovely and elegant ceremony.”
“Thanks.” Michael squeezed Ian’s hand with a smile.
&&&
Pieter, Grant, Ian Crocker, Aaron, Michael Klim and several others had conspired to throw a rather unorthodox bachelor party that night. They had gathered up over an hour of film on both Ian and Michael and arranged to have the film professionally edited. They then invited everyone on board to come to the lounge and watch the movie at the Seven Seas Lounge which had a theater sized screen.
Michael and Ian were lured there by Grant and Pieter’s suggestion that they all have dinner down at the restaurant on deck five and asking Michael and Ian to show them the casino and lounges on deck six, including Seven Seas, on the way. It was quite a successful surprise when Pieter and Grant flung open the doors to reveal all their guests waiting for them.
What made the film so special was the amount of time it must have taken to get all material together. What made the whole thing so funny were the voice overs their friends had done explaining the ‘true’ stories behind each film clip.
Ian’s slip off the blocks in the qualifier before Athens, Michael tripping as he stepped onto a podium, a couple of cut scenes from documentary including Michael bonking himself on the head on a kitchen cabinet and Ian’s hunt for the glasses that were sitting on his head. It all became fodder for the mill.
Lenny Krayzelburg, Kieran Perkins and Alexander Popov contributed a reenactment of ‘The Greatest Moment in Swimming History’ with Lenny portraying Michael, Kieran as Ian and Alexander as Pieter all lying on skateboards to simulate swimming in the 200 meter Free during the Athens games. Ian Crocker and Aaron Piersol provided the play by play. Amanda Beard, Natalie Coughlin and Katie Hoff also got involved, helping the ‘swimmers’ make their turns.
The coup de grace was when all the contributors got on stage and serenaded them (badly) with an a capella rendition of the ‘Friends’ theme especially for Michael, who was as famous for hating both the song and the show as Ian was for loving them.
The party then moved to the Compass Rose restaurant which their friends had thoughtfully decorated with stuffed animals in the form of kangaroos and crabs. The hors d’oeuvres consisted of vegemite on toast, mini crab cakes, Tim-Tams and Berger Cookies and only wines from Australia and Maryland were served to complete the theme.
Ian and Michael were beyond touched by the planning, time and expense their friends must gone through. After they searched out and thanked each one, Lenny handed them a copy of the videotape and Amanda informed them that all the stuffed animals would be donated to the Cape Breton Regional Hospital in their names.
“I’m not sure if the kids will understand why they’re getting all these crabs and kangaroos but the hospital was thrilled when we called them.”
Michael hugged the woman he’d wasted so much time disliking. “Thanks Amanda. That was really thoughtful of you guys; this whole thing has just blown us away.”
“Well you guys really made it hard when you said you didn’t want gifts.” Amanda grinned and poked him in the shoulder. “You left us no choice.”
&&
August 29, 2009 off the coast of Sydney, Nova Scotia
Ian glanced nervously at the clock and bit his lip. He and Michael were due on the pool deck in twenty minutes and he was suddenly beset with anxiety. Was he really ready for this? Would marriage ruin things for them?
He shook his head; he was being silly. He could not have imagined loving Michael more than he had four years ago when he packed his bags and moved a half a world away from his home. But their love was ever evolving and seemed to grow every day. He was ready.
“Baby, are you okay?”
Ian turned and smiled softly at the man he would marry in just a few moments. “I’m fine love. Just deep thoughts.”
“Oh. You look great.” Michael smiled and took in Ian’s loose silk shirt and linen pants in a rich cream color with khaki deck shoes and then frowned. “I forgot to pack my shoes and nothing else looks right.”
Ian looked down at Michael’s bare feet and then swept up Michael’s body. Their outfits where similar in color and style but didn’t match exactly. “You look great too. And I have a solution.” Ian kicked off his own shoes and nudged them out of the way. “See?”
Michael stepped forward and embraced Ian. “I knew you’d know what to do.” Michael brushed his lips across Ian’s and confessed, “I’m kind of nervous.”
“Me too.” Ian said, leaning his forehead against Michael’s and taking both of Michael’s hands in his. They stood quietly just staring into each other’s eyes both relaxing and gaining peace from the other’s presence.
Ten minutes later there was a knock at the door and they walked together to answer it. The ship’s captain was on the other side, ready to lead the men to the lounge on deck eleven.
Gr Whi Whitney and Hilary were waiting for them in the lounge, talking quietly. Michael’s sisters looked lovely in their sleeves A-line dresses in blue hydrangea while Grant was dressed in a tan pants with a summer blue silk shirt. After everyone admired each other and the cream rose boutonnières were pinned to ael ael and Ian’s shirts, Captain Gwynne cleared his throat.
“Well, gentlemen are you ready?”
Ian and Michael exchanged a look while nodding.
“Good. If you’ll hand your rings to your best person we’ll get this show on the road.”
They reluctantly began to remove their rings and Ian paused with a glance at Grant. “Suddenly I’m unsure of my choice for my best man.”
“Come on, mate! I promise not to ‘accidentally’ lose your ring between here and the pool deck.” Grant swore and crossed his heart.
Michael reached over and gently removed Ian’s ring and turned to Grant. “I trust you, Grant.” He placed the ring in Grant’s hand. “And I know where to find you.”
“Ooh. All right, Michael. I’ll be good.”
“See that you are.” Michael extended his hand to Ian who removed Michael’s ring and handed it to Whitney without a word.
“That’s nice. Don’t say a word to her, I’m hurt.” Grant exclaimed.
“If I lose this ring, Michael will kill whatever is left when mom gets done with me.” Whitney slipped the ring on her thumb and closed her hand around it, picking up her bouquet of cream roses, blue hydrangea and freesia.
“Can we get this show on the road?” Hilary asked as she moved toward the door.
“Yep. Is Iona ready?”
“Yes, she’s waiting at the foot of the stairs with her basket. She looks adorable in her little dress; I’m glad you guys changed your mind.”
“She didn’t really give us a choice.” Michael said with a grin as he took Ian’s hand. “We’re ready.”
Captain Gwynne nodded and put his hat on to slip down the back way and cue the string trio who were providing music for the ceremony.
Down on the pool deck, the cellist caught the signal and the trio began the processional. A crewperson nodded to Iona, who began to walk up the aisle with her tiny bouquet. Hilary exited the door above and walked down the stairs followed by Grant escorting Whitney.
Their guests rose as the music changed and everyone turned to the stairs. Ian and Michael walked down together, holding hands. They stopped to greet their own parents and then crossed to greet their almost in-laws before retaking each other’s hands and stepping up on the Plexiglas and joining their wedding party.
Mrs. Holladay, a justice of the peace from Sydney stood between them and as they’d practiced, they turned to look at each other and clasped their left hands.
“Family and Friends, we’re here today to celebrate the union of Ian and Michael and to honor their commitment. Today, Ian and Michael proclaim their love to the world and we rejoice with and for them.
“In marriage, we give ourselves freely and generously into the hands of the one we love, and in doing so, each of us receives the love and trust of the other as our most precious gift. But even as that gift is shared by two people who are in love, it also touches the friends and family members who in various ways support and contribute to the relationship. All of you are Michael and Ian’s community, and each of you has played some part in bringing them to this moment. This is why gathering as a community is such an important part of a wedding ceremony. Because Michael and Ian are now taking a new form as a married couple, and in this form, they become part of their community in a new way.” Mrs. Holladay closed her book and looked at Ian.
“I Ian take you Michael to be my spouse. I promise above all else to live in truth with you and to communicate fully and fearlessly. I give you my hand and my heart as a sanctuary of warmth and peace and pledge my love, devotion, faith and honor as I join my life with yours.” Ian choked up a little on the last words and struggled to finish.
Michael smiled and tightened his hand in Ian’s before clearing his throat and repeating the vows.
“I Michael take you Ian to be my spouse. I promise above all else to live in truth with you and to communicate fully and fearlessly. I give you my hand and my heart as a sanctuary of warmth and peace and pledge my love, devotion, faith and honor as I join my life with yours.” Michael thought for a moment he would faint especially when he heard his mom sniffling behind him but the look in Ian’s eyes pulled him through.
Mrs. Holladay gestured to Grant and Whitney who both stepped forward with the rings. She made sure both men had their rings securely in hand before continuing.
“For thousands of years lovers have exchanged rings as a token of their vows. These bands are made precious by our wearing of them. Your rings say that even in your uniqueness you have chosen to be bound together. Let these rings also be a sign that love has substance as well as soul, a present as well as a past, and that, despite its occasional sorrows, love is a circle of happiness, wonder, and delight.
“Michael please place Ian’s ring on his finger and repeat after me. ‘Just as this circle is without end, my love for you is eternal/ Just as it is made of indestructible substance/ my commitment to you will never fail/ With this ring I take you to be my most trusted confidante and partner for life.’”
Ian grinned as he felt the metal circle slid back where it belonged and then took Michael’s ring, ready for Mrs. Holladay to continue.
“Ian please place Michael’s ring on his finger and repeat after me. ‘Just as this circle is without end, my love for you is eternal/ Just as it is made of indestructible substance/ my commitment to you will never fail/ With this ring I take you to be my most trusted confidante and partner for life.’”
“Ian and Michael, although I'm officiating here today, it is not truly in my power to sanctify, legitimize or bless your relationship in any way,
because the two of you have already done that in your hearts.
So, by joining hands right now and looking into each other's eyes,
let it be known that you are joined, body and soul in this lifetime,
and that this bond is sacred and eternal. And now that you have stood before me and exchanged these rings and these vows, and have agreed to be married according to the laws of the province of Nova Scotia it gives me gives me great pleasure to pronounce that you are now wed.”
Every guest stood and began to clap as Ian and Michael moved together and kissed each other as they each put an arm around the other’s waist. Only Grant’s not so subtle jab into Ian’s back caused them to pull back and realize that they weren’t alone.
Michael hid his face in Ian’s neck, “I love you baby.” Michael whispered.
“I love you too.” Ian whispered back.
“How soon can we ditch these people and go back to our suite?”
“At least three hours.”
“Damn. I guess that s yos you’ll just have to wait to see my new thong, huh?” Michael licked Ian’s neck so quickly that no one saw him do it and pulled away with a cheeky grin.
“Michael!” Ian said, equally shocked and titillated.
Michael only winked and pulled Ian’s hand so they could step down to the pool deck and mingle with their guests. Despite being asked several times, Ian would not tell anyone just what Michael had said at the end of the ceremony.
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